Orrin Hatch: At the heart of the debates surrounding US policy.

During his more than 40 years serving in the U.S. Senate, he was considered a tough but powerful figure on Capitol Hill, frequently becoming the focal point of controversies.

Senator Orrin Hatch, representing the US state of Utah. Photo: AP

A hardline figure in the Republican party.

When Senator Orrin Hatch announced his retirement plans on January 2nd, David Axelrol – a veteran CNN commentator and former senior advisor to former U.S. President Barack Obama – was among the first to thank Orrin Hatch for his contributions to America.

Although they weren't close friends, either personally or professionally, David Axelrol still cherishes and is grateful to Orrin Hatch for an unexpected phone call he made more than seven years ago.

At that time, David Axelrod was the chief strategist for many of former President Barack Obama's important campaigns, including the campaign for the ObamaCare healthcare bill.

This bill faced considerable controversy and encountered significant difficulties in gaining consensus in Congress. Immediately, Obama's senior advisor became the target of criticism in the media, being judged as incompetent.

“I read your story in the newspaper this morning, and I just wanted to call and tell you never to let those bad guys get you down” – Orrin Hatch’s words of encouragement became the driving force behind David Axelrod’s success and also perfectly captured Orrin Hatch’s unmistakable style as a Senator.

He was willing to confront his opponents and relentlessly pursue his goals, even though those goals weren't always well-received by the American public.

In the heated debates between the Democratic and Republican parties, Orrin Hatch is always found at the forefront and is considered one of the most hardline figures in the Republican party.

The focal point of the controversies.

Orrin Hatch was born in Pennsylvania and graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in history in 1959 and from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1962.

He practiced law for a long time in Pennsylvania and Utah before running for the Utah Senate as a Republican candidate in 1976.

In his very first election, he defeated then-veteran Utah Senator Frank Moss, who had served three consecutive terms. Since then, no one has been able to dislodge Orrin Hatch from his position, as he was re-elected consecutively in 1982, 1988, 1994, 2000, 2006, and 2012.

US President Donald Trump congratulated Orrin Hatch on his "great political career." Photo: AP

Orrin Hatch has had a fantastic and incredible career.

US President Donald Trump

Over time, Orrin Hatch became one of the most prominent conservatives in the U.S. Senate.

As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee—a powerful position—Orrin Hatch left his mark on a series of important government decisions, such as supporting the passage of the Medicare for Children program, which provided health insurance to approximately 10 million children nationwide; passing the Americans with Disabilities Act—prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities; passing the Patriot Act on counterterrorism; and establishing the U.S. Trade Promotion Agency…

But alongside programs that garnered widespread public support in the United States, he also faced considerable criticism for pushing through controversial decisions, such as shrinking by 90% the area of ​​Bears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Parks in Utah, which house monuments that had stood for thousands of years.

This decision has drawn strong reactions from environmental activists who argue it goes against constitutional provisions and legal documents on environmental protection.

Another significant legacy of Orrin Hatch is the Corporate Governance Act (GOP) recently passed by the US Congress at the end of December. This is the largest tax reform bill in the US in the past 30 years, considered the biggest victory for US President Donald Trump since taking office.

Not only was Orrin Hatch one of the key figures involved in drafting the bill, but he also tirelessly campaigned to get it through the House and Senate, despite arguments that the tax reform bill would benefit the wealthy and could lead to a larger budget deficit.

But Orrin Hatch explained that the tax bill could benefit many businesses considered "the roots of the economy," and that the American economy cannot be strong without solid roots.

Orrin Hatch played a major role in the Trump administration's largest tax reform bill in the US in 30 years. (Image: Internet)

Despite being at the center of many heated controversies in American politics, Orrin Hatch, with seven terms in office, is still considered one of the most powerful and influential figures in American politics.

For his activism, Orrin Hatch was recently named "Utah's Face of the Year 2017" by Tribune magazine. This title is a significant recognition as Orrin Hatch prepares to conclude his political career at the end of this year.

At 83 years old, with 41 years serving in the Senate, perhaps it's time for him to retire, leaving behind a political career that few can surpass.