From Deseret News archives:

Sen. Bob Bennett answers Deseret Morning News questionnaire

U.S. Senate

Published: Monday, Oct. 18, 2004 8:15 p.m. MDT
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I have been working with the members of the Utah delegation, regardless of party, to carry Utah's story to the highest officials in the Air Force and the entire Defense Department and will continue to do so. I've also worked with my colleagues in the Senate to make sure they understand the level of excellence that has been achieved at Hill. As the DoD has identified its priorities for Hill, I've worked with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to provide necessary resources to strengthen and modernize Hill's infrastructure.

Additionally, it appears that in the next round of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission, much more emphasis will be placed on dual-use and multi-use of our facilities by various services. I expect many realignments of missions and operations. With this in mind, I am pro-actively touting Hill as the ideal location for many new missions, including depot work for the new Air Force fighters, the F-22 and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

13. Wilderness has become the black hole of Utah/federal politics. While a few state inholdings have been traded out for other federal lands which can now be developed, what will you do to move the wilderness issue forward?

I would like to see progress made on the wilderness debate and will maintain my open-door policy wherein I talk to all those on all sides of this issue. During the first 10 years of my service in the Senate, there had not been a real interest in pursuing a resolution to the question of wilderness; however, in recent years, I have sensed a growing desire to find one.

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This issue can be resolved, but only if everyone deals in good faith. Though there have been those in the past who have been unwilling to come to the table, I'm encouraged by signs that some parties have opened a dialogue to discuss a solution. I hope this exchange will continue and see results in my next term. It's time for all of us to stop yelling at each other and start working together to get things done.

14. Do you favor or oppose No Child Left Behind? If you don't favor it, would you support plain repeal, or short of that how can it be fixed?

I voted against No Child Left Behind and would consider amendments to it that would decrease the heavy federal hand on state education. Since such amendments are not likely to pass, I have been working with the U.S. Department of Education to identify areas of flexibility for the state. My office has been a liaison between the Department and the State Board of Education. I have worked to get additional funding for specific Utah needs related to this new law and will continue working with the state office and educators in Utah to identify and address problems that need attention.

15. There is no federal term limit law for the U.S. Senate. Are you willing to say now that you will limit your own terms? If so, how long before you would retire and not seek re-election?

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