Hello, Utah! I’ve got a special ‘highs and lows’ for you this week.

You’ll see in the video linked below, I’ve joined Senator Hickenlooper (D-CO) to share a major high that we’re celebrating: introducing the Fix Our Forests Act with Senators Sheehy (R-MT) and Padilla (D-CA). Our bill addresses the serious wildfire risks that we’re seeing across all of the American West. From 2023 to 2024, wildfires in Utah doubled—and across the country, they’ve increased even more than that. So, introducing this comprehensive, bipartisan legislation is a real high for us. Because Utah and Colorado are neighboring states, I’m sure we will be joining forces to solve more problems facing the West and our country.

Now, for the low. Senator Hickenlooper and I share a couple of characteristics—including having both served as mayor. We both agree that being a mayor was the best job ever, so our low is that we’re no longer mayors!

With that said, it remains an honor to serve you all in the Senate. I hope you have a great weekend!

Utah and the American West are on the front lines of a growing wildfire crisis—and the longer we wait, the more acres will burn, and more families will be impacted. After months of bipartisan cooperation and consensus-building, Senator Curtis joined Senators Hickenlooper (D-CO), Sheehy (R-MT), and Padilla (D-CA) in introducing the Fix Our Forests Act, bipartisan legislation to combat catastrophic wildfires, restore forest ecosystems, and make federal forest management more efficient and responsive. The comprehensive bill reflects months of bipartisan negotiations to best accelerate and improve forest management practices, streamline environmental reviews, and strengthen partnerships between federal agencies, states, tribes, and private stakeholders.

Full story by Alixel Cabrera here. 

Utah stands out when it comes to transportation—not just because of its investment in roads, bridges, and transit, but because its towns, cities, and counties actually work together. When Senator Curtis was Mayor of Provo, Utah was recognized as the only state where every planning group agreed on a single project—an uncommon level of cooperation that helps the state get things done.

With continued growth and the 2034 Olympics on the horizon, that collaboration will be more important than ever. It was front and center in Monday’s conversation with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Utah Transit Authority leaders as they rode the FrontRunner and discussed what’s next for Utah’s transportation future.

Full story by Jeremy Tombs here. 

Utah’s environmental challenges require thoughtful solutions that include input from local communities. Senator Curtis hosted U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin in Utah. During meetings with state and community leaders, they covered a wide range of priorities aiming to protect the environment while growing the economy—including permitting reform and reducing emissions.

Mia Love was many things—a trailblazer, public servant, mother, and friend. But to Senator Curtis, she will always be remembered as a principled voice for Utah—a voice for fiscal responsibility, opportunity, and the enduring values of family, faith, and freedom. Her story inspired a generation, and her example will continue to guide us. She is deeply missed. Over the weekend, Senator Curtis saw the Senate unanimously pass his resolution honoring her life and legacy.



The Moab Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) site has undergone extensive remediation over two decades, and it’s time to prepare for what comes next. Senator Curtis and Representative Kennedy (R-UT)—along with Senator Lee (R-UT) and Representatives Owens (R-UT), Maloy (R-UT), and Moore (R-UT)—introduced the Moab UMTRA Project Transition Act, legislation to authorize the transfer of the UMTRA site to Grand County upon the completion of cleanup and remediation. This bill reflects years of cooperative effort among local leaders, the community, and federal agencies, all working toward a shared goal: restoring and returning this land to the people of Grand County.



Full story by Moab Sun News here. 



Since their takeover in 2020, the Chinese Communist Party has turned Hong Kong into a hub for illicit finance, helping our adversaries sidestep U.S. sanctions and finance their malign actions worldwide. America cannot allow bad actors to exploit Hong Kong’s financial system to undermine our security, evade our laws, and fuel conflicts against our allies. Senators Curtis and Merkley (D-OR) introduced the Stop Corrupt Communist Party (CCP) Money Laundering Act, bipartisan legislation to scrutinize Hong Kong’s role in facilitating illicit financial activity and evasions of U.S. export controls and sanctions. This bill holds Hong Kong accountable for its role in enabling criminal activities that benefit adversarial nations, including Russia, Iran, and the Chinese Communist Party.

For decades, University of Utah’s Research Park has quietly delivered the kind of innovation, jobs, and medical breakthroughs that make Utah proud. Senators Curtis and Lee (R-UT) introduced the University of Utah Research Park Act, legislation to protect and preserve the University’s nearly 600-acre Research Park. This bill ensures that the federal government honors its commitments so the University can keep building a future worthy of its past.

Senator Curtis released the following statement on U.S. tariff policy:

“China is not a good-faith trade partner, and Americans are well aware of its nefarious practices that go against international trade agreements and Western values. Their use of Uyghur forced labor, theft of U.S. intellectual property, and the vulnerabilities our reliance on China poses to our national security should not be tolerated.

“There is broad support for stronger action to hold China accountable. Tariffs on China are not only expected; they are warranted. But the case for tariffs on other countries should be evaluated based on our shared interests and the merits of their trade policies. American small businesses need predictable and fair trade policies.

“Moving forward, we must stay strong on China and take an overall thoughtful approach to trade that strengthens our economy, protects small businesses, helps families, and safeguards our national security.”

Full story by Cami Mondeaux here.

Too often in Washington, we’re tempted to swing a sledgehammer instead of using a scalpel. When it comes to energy tax credits, we must resist that urge. We need an all-of-the-above approach to energy policy that supports domestic manufacturing, lowers utility bills—especially for rural America—and gives businesses the certainty they need to invest and grow. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Thune (R-SD), Senators Curtis, Murkowski (R-AK), Tillis (R-NC), and Moran (R-KS) expressed their support for maintaining a stable and predictable tax framework in the interest of promoting domestic energy development. We can fix what’s broken without breaking what’s working. If we want to build a stronger economy and keep energy innovation here at home, stability and predictability must be part of the equation.

Full story by Cami Mondeaux here.

Senator Curtis met with Ridgeline High School students from Cache County who were competing at the national We the People civics competition in Washington, D.C.

Banks play an important role in supporting Utah’s families, businesses, and communities. Senator Curtis met with the Utah Bankers Association to hear firsthand the work they’re doing to support economic opportunity across our state.





College athletics play an important role in building community, character, and opportunity for students across Utah. Senator Curtis met with University of Utah leaders to discuss the school’s athletics program.

All aboard! Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s ride on Utah’s Frontrunner (Deseret News)

Public transit a GOP issue, Trump’s transportation secretary says, praises Utah for ‘doing it well’ (Salt Lake Tribune)

Transportation secretary: Utah, feds must invest in transit to support growth, prepare for Olympics (Daily Herald)

Curtis, Kennedy lead Utah Delegation in bill to transfer Moab UMTRA site (Utah Business)

Curtis, Merkley introduce bill to address money laundering, sanctions violations in Hong Kong (Utah Policy)

Curtis joins bipartisan bill to reduce wildfire risks in the West after years of devastating blazes (Utah News Dispatch)

curtis.senate.gov