Well, I have big highs and lows this week! If you were following the news, you know that last night the Senate held a "vote-a-rama." So, the high is that we actually passed what's the forerunner of the reconciliation package to do exactly what Americans asked us to do in the election—secure the border, strengthen our military, and unleash American energy. That's a major high.

The low is that the "vote-a-rama" took us until 4:30 in the morning. I climbed into bed at 5 a.m. this morning, and I’m going on just a few minutes of sleep today.

I hope you all have a great weekend

During an Environment and Public Works Committee hearing, Senator Curtis underscored the urgent need for permitting reform to unlock energy development in Utah and across the nation. While speaking with expert witnesses, Curtis highlighted how Utah is leading the way in clean energy with initiatives that expand geothermal, nuclear, and hydrogen development. 







Full story by Eva Terry here.



On Wednesday, Senator Curtis shared the following statement regarding negotiations on Russia's war in Ukraine:

"President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people have stood admirably against an unprovoked invasion. I want an end to this war just as much as President Trump does, but it must end on terms that bring lasting stability and peace. That means ensuring Vladimir Putin does not walk away with a victory. 

"Ukraine is a sovereign nation defending itself against aggression. That is the reality. The United States should always pursue strategies that promote freedom and security, and I am eager to see where President Trump’s efforts lead. I have learned not to speculate on his negotiating tactics, but I do know that any long-term peace must come from strength, not concession."



Senator Curtis also helped confirmed several of President Trump's nominees this week, including Howard Lutnick as Secretary of Commerce, Kelly Loeffler as Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and Kash Patel as FBI Director. 

Early Friday morning, Senate Republicans passed a resolution to secure the border, strengthen the military, and unleash America’s energy potential. As part of this process, Senators went through what’s known as a ‘vote-a-rama’—a marathon of votes that ran from Thursday evening to 5 a.m. Friday. Before the ‘vote-a-rama’ started, Senator Curtis laid out how this unusual process works:

Over the weekend, Senator Curtis spent time in northern Utah engaging with military leaders, industry executives, and local officials to highlight the state’s role in national defense and build collaborative relationships with key Utah stakeholders. 




At Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Senator Curtis met with Airmen and civilian personnel to see firsthand their engineering and logistics mission that is ensuring our national security and advancing our strategic deterrence. 




At Northrop Grumman's Roy Innovation Center, Senator Curtis received a briefing on the Sentinel program, which is replacing existing deterrence systems.




Senator Curtis received a tour from Weber State University President Brad Mortensen and other leaders on the sustainability work WSU is championing at the Noorda Engineering, Applied Science, and Technology Building.




Senator Curtis had productive discussions with officials from Weber County and Davis County on how all levels of government can work together to tackle Utah priorities like cost of living, transportation, and water.




During a visit of the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Senator Curtis heard from patients and met with hospital staff.



In Washington, Senator Curtis met with Utah Governor and First Lady Cox to discuss key Utah priorities—combating federal overreach in public lands, addressing water scarcity, and preparing to host the Olympics.

‘New’ F-35 Assembled from Two Wrecked Jets Makes Its First Flight (Air and Space Forces Magazine)

The Air Force’s first-ever effort to stitch two damaged F-35s into a single stealth fighter is nearing its final stages, with successful functional check flights now complete.

Dubbed the “Franken-bird,” the aircraft made its inaugural flight Jan. 16, a spokesperson for the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, told Air & Space Forces Magazine. The fighter is now at Lockheed Martin’s assembly plant at Fort Worth, Texas, for additional tests before it returns to combat status.

There, the aircraft will also undergo final work on the section just behind its nose, which currently has only anti-corrosion primer, to apply low-observable materials.


Read the full story by Unshin Lee Harpley and David Roza here.

Curtis-backed bill pursuing $200 billion in COVID fraud advances (Iron County Today)

Curtis tours Hill Air Force Base (Utah Policy)

How will nuclear energy get to Utah? Experts discuss paths and pitfalls (KSL)

Utah Sen. John Curtis on how to streamline federal regulations on American energy (Deseret News)

John Curtis, Mike Lee vote to confirm Kash Patel as FBI director (Gephardt Daily)

Some Utah Republicans push back against Trump labeling Ukraine’s president a ‘dictator’ (KSL)

Utah senators support federal workforce reduction efforts amid layoffs (KSL)

curtis.senate.gov