Orrin Hatch

Orrin Hatch, born on March 22, 1934, was a prominent American attorney and politician who made a significant mark in the United States Senate, representing Utah from 1977 to 2019. His remarkable forty-two-year tenure established him as the longest-serving Republican senator in history, a record that stood until surpassed by Chuck Grassley in 2023.

Throughout his career, Hatch held several influential positions, including chairing the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions from 1981 to 1987. He also led the Senate Judiciary Committee during two separate terms, from 1995 to 2001 and again from 2003 to 2005. His leadership extended to the Senate Finance Committee, where he served from 2015 to 2019, playing a pivotal role in the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

On January 3, 2015, Hatch was appointed president pro tempore of the Senate, a position that underscored his seniority and influence within the legislative body. His dedication to public service and his advocacy for various causes, including his strong anti-abortion stance, marked him as a notable figure in American politics.