In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns have been arising across the globe. Some Americans discovered themselves trapped overseas with no flights again to the U.S. They wanted help and key figures stepped ahead to assist me and my workforce on the National Security Council. 

One of these officers was Utah’s senior senator, Mike Lee.

Before I grew to become America’s nationwide safety advisor, I used to be the highest hostage negotiator on the State Department. I do know that getting Americans dwelling safely from tight spots abroad is likely one of the most tough and necessary duties of our authorities. 

I all the time had a accomplice in these circumstances in Mike, particularly when the residents hailed from Utah.

Whether it was a pure catastrophe, pandemic or malign exercise by a rogue authorities, Mike was on the case. The Americans is likely to be missionaries serving overseas, households on trip or stranded enterprise individuals — it didn’t matter, all of them had an advocate in Mike. 

He met with international governments and inspired U.S. officers and businesses to behave. He didn’t cease till our individuals have been dwelling. In a number of circumstances, the senator and I labored collectively to deliver missionaries safely again to the U.S. Mike doesn’t get a lot credit score for this work on behalf of Utahns as a result of he doesn’t search publicity. This angle units him aside from most politicians in Washington.

One of probably the most underrated abilities in Washington is the power to get the fitting counsel to the fitting individuals on the proper time. While I used to be nationwide safety advisor, I may rely on Mike’s sensible counsel once I wanted it. And so may the president.

I referred to as upon Mike actually because he was all the time keen to speak by means of concepts and produce his Utah-style, easy and well-reasoned evaluation to the desk. His devoted research of the Constitution and dedication to conservative household values inform his views and, in the end, his choices. He is the uncommon politician who disregards polls and cares little about scoring partisan political factors. Commonsense conservatism and doing the fitting factor drive Mike as a legislator.

Because he’s type, doesn’t search the limelight and has a demonstrated file of integrity, Mike has constructed relationships of belief with colleagues throughout the political spectrum. He has a repute on either side of the aisle for being real, beneficiant and humorous. Those relationships enable him to get issues achieved on a bipartisan foundation. And bipartisan options to our nationwide safety and home challenges is one thing we want extra of in Washington. 

In addition to his advocacy for constituents, Mike is one heck of a legislator. 

He led Republican efforts to cross the First STEP Act, the most important legal justice reform regulation in many years. He continues to work with Democrat senators like Bernie Sanders and Chris Murphy to deliver conflict powers again to Congress the place the Constitution says they belong. He has additionally labored with Democrats to develop the tax deductions for charitable giving. This is a matter of specific significance to Utahns, probably the most beneficiant individuals in America. His proposed laws covers household go away proposals, border safety, non secular liberty, army and veterans points, and each necessary points in between. 

As a part-time resident of Utah, I’m very happy that Mike is my senator. More importantly, I’m honored to be his buddy. Mike is a contented warrior for the conservative trigger.  He all the time places his constituents first. Mike is a sensible and sought-after adviser in Congress and the chief department. He is nice American. Accordingly, I wholeheartedly endorse Mike for reelection. 

Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien (ret.) served because the 28^th U.S. nationwide safety advisor.