Utah's delegation applauds

WASHINGTON — With an eye toward future generations of Americans — and perhaps his legacy — President Bush unveiled an ambitious agenda for reform on America's domestic and foreign policy front.

And it was a message welcomed by Utah's congressional delegation.

"I think it is very indicative of this president and how he takes on major issues," said Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah. "He is looking at the big picture for America, an America that is functioning for our kids."

"President Bush's speech was just as bold as he is," said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. "He is a man who means what he says and says what he means — and he said a lot tonight. I hope my colleagues in Congress heard him because he can help us find solutions to some of America's most difficult problems."

Hatch said Bush laid out the broad framework of his agenda, and he is leaving it to Congress to fill in the details.

"He is a tough negotiator, but he listens to Congress and doesn't lose sight of the overall goal," said Hatch, who added he has his own ideas on how to improve on Bush's ideas.

Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, said he can get behind the president's reform measures because "his prescription of the overall problem and solutions are right on."

Bennett praised the speech because it was not a "laundry list" of issues intended to appeal to special interests. Instead, he "stressed serious reforms at home and freedom abroad."

"This is a time of bold new ideas at home and abroad," Bennett said, "and America is equal to the challenge domestically and abroad."

Bush's biggest challenge will be reforming Social Security, the decades-old security net for older Americans that has been untouchable on Capitol Hill.

Democrats took to the airwaves Wednesday to denounce any reforms to Social Security, hours before Bush outlined his plan for personal savings accounts for those 55 and younger to boost their returns come retirement time.

It is a message that resonate with baby boomers and those younger, like Bishop.

"It is easy to wait, but it is gutsy to do something before it is a problem," Bishop said. "That's what makes this president endearing to the American people."

Bush made the argument that Social Security, when it was started, had 16 contributors to every recipient. It is now down to 3 to 1 and soon to drop to 2 to 1. By the year 2027, it will take $200 billion to keep the system afloat, he said.

"The longer we wait, the more exacerbated the problem will be," Bishop said. "If we don't do something, we are looking at cutting benefits or raising taxes."

Rep. Jim Matheson, Utah's only Democrat in the delegation, was discouraged by the fact that Republicans stood and roundly applauded but Democrats sat immovable.