Over nearly four decades of public service, Senator Orrin Hatch established himself as a leading conservative voice in the United States Senate. As the upper chamber’s most senior Republican, he served as President Pro Tempore and as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. In this capacity, he fought to create jobs and strengthen the economy by repealing and replacing Obamacare, reforming the tax code, and opening up overseas markets to American exports.
As a long-time member and former Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Hatch also fought to check judicial activism and protect our liberties. He was instrumental in confirming conservative judges to the federal bench and played an indispensable role in confirming Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito as well as scores of district and circuit court judges.
One of Senator Hatch’s particularly noteworthy achievements on the Judiciary Committee is the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993—a bill he co-authored with the late Senator Ted Kennedy. This landmark legislation prohibits substantial government burdens on the free exercise of religion, allowing all Americans to live, work, and worship in accordance with their beliefs.
In addition to protecting our individual liberties, Senator Hatch was on the front lines of legislative battles to protect our free-market economy and system of limited government under the Constitution. His reputation as a statesman and his record of fiscal responsibility earned him the nickname “Mr. Balanced Budget” from President Reagan.
By virtually all measures, Senator Hatch was among the most effective and consequential legislators in history. Since he first came to Congress in 1977, no legislator alive today has authored more bills that have become law than Senator Hatch.
Of all Senator Hatch’s achievements, he is proudest of his family, and he credits the love of his wife and children as the key to his success. He and Elaine have been married for more than fifty years. Together, they are the parents of six children, twenty-three grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren.
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Address by Senator Orrin Hatch
2015 National Lawyers Convention
The Mayflower Hotel1127 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Address by Orrin Hatch
2014 National Lawyers Convention
The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel1127 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
![Opening Remarks and Keynote Address by Senator Orrin Hatch [Archive Collection]](https://fedsoc.org/img/default-event-photo-3.jpg)
Opening Remarks and Keynote Address by Senator Orrin Hatch [Archive Collection]
1991 Annual Lawyers Convention
The Mayflower Hotel1127 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
![Panel IV: What the Constitution Means by Executive Power [Archive Collection]](https://fedsoc.org/img/default-event-photo-5.jpg)
Panel IV: What the Constitution Means by Executive Power [Archive Collection]
Foreign Affairs and the Constitution
Grand Hyatt Hotel1000 H St NW
Washington, DC 20001
Panel II: Methods of Statutory Construction [Archive Collection]
First Annual National Lawyers Convention
The Mayflower Hotel1127 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
Necessary & Proper Episode 76: 2015 Address by Senator Orrin Hatch
Recently we were saddened to hear of the passing of Senator Orrin Hatch. In his...
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The Federalist Society Lawyers Division: The First Ten Years (1986-1996) [Archive Collection]
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For the 1996 National Lawyers Convention, the Federalist Society released a retrospective on the first...
![Click to play: Panel IV: What the Constitution Means by Executive Power [Archive Collection]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/QGtE9FKD8RY/mqdefault.jpg)
Panel IV: What the Constitution Means by Executive Power [Archive Collection]
Foreign Affairs and the Constitution
On November 6-7, 1987, The Federalist Society held a symposium at the Grand Hyatt Hotel...
Panel IV: What the Constitution Means by Executive Power [Archive Collection]
Foreign Affairs and the Constitution
On November 6-7, 1987, The Federalist Society held a symposium at the Grand Hyatt Hotel...
![Click to play: Opening Remarks and Keynote Address by Senator Orrin Hatch [Archive Collection]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/rabkGc76sTo/mqdefault.jpg)
Opening Remarks and Keynote Address by Senator Orrin Hatch [Archive Collection]
1991 Annual Lawyers Convention
On September 13-14, 1991, the Federalist Society held its Fifth Annual National Lawyers Convention on...