Power on Capitol Hill: A look at the Utah delegation's committee assignments

In terms of Senate seniority, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, is second only to Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who took office two years before Hatch. Hatch began his work in the Senate on Jan. 3, 1977, and now serves as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Finance. Seniority provides senators with preferential treatment in matters such as committee assignments, which was a point used during Hatch's reelection efforts.

Among other things, the Senate Finance Committee is concerned with matters related to taxation and other revenue measures, bonded debt of the United States, reciprocal trade agreements, transportation of dutiable goods, general revenue sharing and health programs including Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and national social security.

Hatch also serves on the Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastrucuture; the Subcomittee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth; the Subcommittee on Health Care; the Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness; the Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions and Family Policy and the Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight.

>> Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 12, 2011, during the committee's hearing with as oil company executives.