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Senator Orrin Hatch, a Republican from Utah and chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
Hatch highlighted what he deemed some of his most significant achievements in Congress: playing a role “in the creation of the modern generic drug industry, the passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, and the confirmation of every current member of the United States Supreme Court.” He also mentioned the passage of the GOP tax law among those moments.
On Tuesday, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump was “very sad” to see Hatch leave and is thankful for his “massive effort” toward passing the tax legislation. The White House has not determined whether Trump will campaign for the eventual Republican candidate, she added.
Former Massachusetts Gov. and GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney was considering running for Hatch’s seat if the senator retired, according to reports. Romney has strongly criticized Trump and could prove another irritant to the president if elected.
Romney lives in Utah and is popular in the state. He will be 71 at the time of this year’s midterm elections.
In a statement Tuesday, Romney thanked Hatch but did not address whether he plans to run for the seat.
“Senator Hatch has represented the interests of Utah with distinction and honor,” he said in a Facebook post.
After Congress’ passage of the tax plan in December, Hatch praised Trump’s first year in office.
“Mr. President, I have to say that you’re living up to everything I thought you would,” he said at a White House event. “You’re one heck of a leader, and we’re all benefiting from it.”
Hatch joined the Senate in 1977. Only Sen. Patrick Leah, D-Vt., has served longer among current members.
