Both conservative and liberal legal scholars have made arguments for and against the constitutionality of this legislation, and the Senate bill provides for expedited judicial review in the event of an appropriate legal challenge. It is the job of the courts to consider such cases. But it is the job of Congress to legislate on important policy issues once the constitutional ground is sufficiently firm. Considering all the relevant factors shows that this standard is more than met for this legislation.

This legislation would give Utah the fourth House seat we deserve and years of seniority before the next census and redistricting process would be complete. I remind those who insist that process will necessarily give Utah a fourth (the News says even a fifth) seat that we thought so after the last census. However, the extra seat is not guaranteed — some other states are already claiming it. So this legislation would not jump the representation gun; it would correct an injustice.

I agree with the News that this issue must be addressed "in the proper way — on its merits." Doing so requires putting all the pieces together. The Constitution does not prevent accomplishing by legislation the goal of America's founders that Americans, including in Utah and the District, be properly represented in Congress.

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Orrin G. Hatch is Utah's senior senator and a former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.