This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz warned legislators that the nation's financial trajectory is unsustainable and that the country remains at risk of cyberattack.
Chaffetz warned that the national debt continues to grow, with interest on the debt up to $700 million a day. It is crucial, he said, that the United States reform its growing entitlement programs, but he was not optimistic, given the current climate in Congress.
The congressman told senators that senior Defense Department officials have warned that the number of computer attacks against the United States and its critical systems is growing.
"This country continues to be under attack," he said. "I cannot stress enough how serious this situation is."
Chaffetz told the state House that he worries politics could put Hill Air Force Base unfairly at risk as Congress looks for ways to cut the budget.
"It really is a national treasure and asset," he said — especially with its Utah Test and Training Range in the west desert.