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Chaffetz Attacks IRS, EPA During Speech to Utah Legislature

Whittney Evans
File: Congressman Jason Chaffetz

Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz had very few nice things to say about the federal government in his speech to the Utah Legislature today.

Speaking to the Utah House of Representatives, Congressman Jason Chaffetz said he’s still trying to make good on his promise to get rid of the U.S. Department of Education. But, he also called on legislators to do their part by not excepting any of their money.

“And I know the first inclination, the gut reaction, is take all the money we can get," he says. "But let’s also understand the cost of that money and I think that discussion is still an open one.”

Chaffetz also had harsh words for the director of the FBI, the IRS, and most of all the Environmental Protection Agency.

“This is one of the worst run agencies on the face of the planet," he says. "They are not doing their jobs. It’s an embarrassment.”

He was especially critical of how the EPA handled the current water contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan.

But Chaffetz’s speech wasn’t completely negative. He also said he supports Utah’s efforts to sue the federal government over public lands, and is working to pass legislation that allows state’s to choose how they’d handle online sales tax.

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