Mr. President, American voters deserve to have an election system that they can trust. Fair, safe, secure elections are a key hallmark of any society's ability to be able to claim the status of democratic self-rule. If you don't have safe, secure, independent, reliable elections, you have a widespread set of problems that will cascade and ultimately constrain liberty. Americans intuitively understand this. But at the moment, our elections are far less secure than they should be. Why? Well, because so much of it operates on the honor system. Now, an honor system is great.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+32$1.7M raised
Mike Lee
Senator · Utah · Republican
Mike Lee
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Madam President, earlier today, I joined Senators Capito, Heinrich, and Whitehouse in introducing comprehensive, bipartisan permitting reform. That agreement is the product of many, many months of negotiations and years of work to address a problem Congress has talked about for far too long: It takes too much time and too much money to build things in this country, and that problem is becoming more urgent by the day. America's energy needs are growing rapidly. We need more energy, and we need it now. That means producing more energy.
Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I appreciate the insight offered by my friend and colleague, the distinguished senior Senator of the State of California. He is someone I enjoy working with on multiple committees. He is a brilliant scholar and statesman, and I appreciate his arguments today. Now, I want to point out what we didn't hear in his argument. At no point do we have any effort to address the merits of this legislation, the merits of voter ID laws. Instead, what we have heard from Senate Democrats so far this year on this issue has been: This isn't necessary.
Biography
Mike Lee, a former appellate attorney, was elected as U.S. Senator for Utah in 2010. He has become a prominent advocate for limited government, constitutional law, and fiscal restraint. Lee played a key role in sponsoring the First Step Act, a major criminal justice reform bill, and serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights. Known for his rigorous approach to legislation and focus on individual liberties, Lee represents Utah by emphasizing transparency and principled governance.
Education
- J.D., Brigham Young University, Provo, UT1997
- B.S., Brigham Young University, Provo, UT1994
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2011–PresentSenator from Utah. 3 terms.
General Counsel, Office of the Governor of Utah
2005–2006Served as general counsel to Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. in the Utah governor's office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Utah
2002–2005Worked as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah.
Law Clerk to Associate Justice Samuel Alito, U.S. Supreme Court
Clerked for Justice Samuel Alito after his appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Law Clerk to Judge Samuel Alito, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Served as a law clerk to Judge Samuel Alito on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
Law Clerk, U.S. District Court for the District of Utah
Began his legal career clerking for the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah.
Policy Focus
Transportation and Public Works4%
Health2%
Public Lands and Natural Resources2%
Government Operations and Politics2%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Mike Lee's record in Congress.
Criminal Justice Reform
Co-sponsored the First Step Act, which reformed federal sentencing laws and expanded rehabilitation programs.
Balanced Budget Advocacy
Introduced a constitutional amendment proposal requiring the federal government to balance its budget annually.
Public Lands Legislation
Sponsored the OPEN Act to increase transparency and local input in federal land management decisions.
Antitrust and Big Tech Oversight
Led Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearings on competition and antitrust issues involving major technology companies.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesChairman
- Senate Committee on the Judiciary
- Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
- Senate Committee on the Budget
Sen. Mike Lee FAQ
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