Orrin Hatch
Orrin Grant Hatch was an American attorney, politician, and hymnwriter who served as a United States senator from Utah across four decades of public life.
Born on March 22, 1934, in Homestead, Hatch was educated at Baldwin High School before going on to Brigham Young University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He entered the Senate in 1977 and served until 2019, a tenure of 42 years that made him the longest-serving Republican U.S. senator in history until Chuck Grassley surpassed that record in 2023. Over the course of his career he also held the occupations of jurist and cleric, alongside his legal and legislative work. He was an anti-abortion activist throughout his public life. Among the honors he received were the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for United States Senators. He died on April 23, 2022, in Salt Lake City.
Beyond the Senate chamber, Hatch's range of occupations — attorney, jurist, cleric, hymnwriter — reflected a life that moved between law, faith, and creative expression. His work as a hymnwriter placed him in a tradition that extended beyond the political arena, marking a dimension of his identity that ran alongside his decades in public service.
Quotes by Orrin Hatch
Orrin Hatch's insights on:
As your Senator, I always fought the fight for those who could not fight for themselves, and I believe the results speak for themselves.
If we could get the corporate tax rate down to, let's say, a maximum of 25 percent, it would be a sea change for this country. It would be great.
I've talked to Mitt Romney. He's not going to run for this seat. I would be glad for him if he would.
To be blunt, we need to remove the administrative barriers preventing legitimate research into medical marijuana, which is why I've decided to roll out the MEDS Act.
I'm for helping the poor, always have been. And I don't think they should be bereft of healthcare.
Unfortunately, the liberal philosophy has created millions of people that way who believe everything they are or ever hope to be depends upon the federal government rather than the opportunities that this great country grants them.
I come from the poor people, and I have been here working my whole stinkin' career for people who don't have a chance, and I really resent anybody that says I'm doing it for the rich. Give me a break.
I may be leaving the Senate, but the next chapter in my public service is just beginning.