To tee up my high, let me first start with my low this week. China has spent decades building a strategic advantage in critical mineral production and processing. These minerals are essential for all kinds of things—including our defense systems, advanced technologies, computer chips, and more. Today, the PRC supplies about 90% of the world’s rare earths, thus commanding the supply chain.

And over the past year especially, China has demonstrated a clear willingness to weaponize its dominance as a coercive tool—threatening our economic and national security.

The high, however, shows how Utah is playing a key role in bringing these capabilities back to America. Today, I joined an event announcing a new processing facility for one of these critical minerals—antimony—right here in Cedar City! This facility is both a testament to Utah’s preeminent capabilities and a decisive step toward securing a safe and reliable critical mineral supply chain.

Another high was passing a resolution to withhold senators' pay during a government shutdown. This is only fair, and something I’ve long fought for and practiced in Washington.

Have a great weekend.

Small businesses are the backbone of Utah’s economy, representing 99% of all companies in our state. Senator Curtis hosted small businesses, entrepreneurs, federal agencies, and industry leaders for a Small Business Expo at Davis Technical College in Kaysville. Conversations focused on advancing research and development, technological innovation, and commercialization for our state’s business community.





Senators Curtis, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), and Shaheen (D-NH), SFRC Ranking Member, released a statement welcoming the approval by Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan (LY) of a supplementary defense budget that will strengthen Taiwan’s deterrence capabilities against growing Chinese aggression. The vote follows a visit to Taipei by the senators five weeks ago, in which they met with LY leaders and urged support for the package.

Also, prior to the summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Senator Curtis joined two bipartisan letters. The first urged President Trump to formally notify Congress of $14 billion in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. The second, sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, affirmed congressional support for the Taiwan Relations Act and asserted that there should be no unilateral changes or new U.S. declaratory policies regarding Taiwan.



Full story by Robert Jimison here.

From prolonged heat to freezing winter conditions, extreme weather can threaten access to safe, reliable drinking water for communities across Utah and the West. Senators Curtis and Rosen (D-NV) introduced a bill to help protect drinking water infrastructure in the event of extreme heat or cold. The bipartisan Protecting America’s Drinking Water from Extreme Temperatures Act would make extreme temperatures an eligible condition for public water systems to apply for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Midsize and Large Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program.



Members of Congress should not get paid if they can’t fulfill their most basic duties to keep the government open. Senator Curtis helped pass a resolution to withhold senators' pay during a government shutdown.



Full story by Cami Mondeaux here.



The successful Artemis II mission testifies to the courage, innovation, and leadership that define the American spirit. Senator Curtis, member of the Senate Commerce Committee, met with the Artemis II crew and discussed the next chapter of American spaceflight and discovery.

Senator Curtis released the following statement in honor of National Police Week:

“During National Police Week, we honor the men and women in law enforcement who protect our families and communities each day. We also remember the brave officers who gave their lives in the line of duty—including Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada from Tremonton—and the families who carry that sacrifice with them every day.”

America’s alliances in the Indo-Pacific are strategic investments in peace, stability, and deterrence. A strong and consistent American presence in Asia helps prevent conflict before it starts and protects both our economic and national security interests. Coming off their bipartisan delegation to the region earlier this year, Senators Curtis and Shaheen penned an opinion piece in The Economist outlining how important America’s commitments in the Indo-Pacific are for deterring broader conflict.



Full opinion piece here.

The Chinese Communist Party has demonstrated a clear willingness to weaponize our reliance on China for critical minerals as a coercive tool—putting our economic and national security at risk. Senator Curtis joined an event in Cedar City announcing the opening of a new antimony processing facility right here in Utah, which is both a testament to our state’s preeminent capabilities and an important, exciting step toward securing a safe and reliable critical mineral supply chain.





Senator Curtis met with Utah Chamber leadership to discuss the state’s business environment and priorities and to share an update on his work in Washington. 





Senator Curtis met with Davis County elected officials and staff to share an update from D.C. and hear what issues they’re facing.





Senator Curtis enjoyed welcoming Chamber West and the Brigham City Chamber to the Library of Congress, where they had the opportunity to view special Utah exhibits and reflect on the history and legacy of the great state.

Federal tax-exempt applications can be difficult to navigate, especially when organizations receive little explanation from the IRS. One constituent spent years trying to secure the correct tax-exempt status before turning to Senator Curtis’ office for help. With the support of our casework team, they were finally able to identify the issue and determine the right path forward. With their permission, we’re sharing their story to show how our office can help cut through confusion and get the answers you need.



If you can't get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, our office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need. While we cannot guarantee you a favorable outcome, we will do our best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem.

John Curtis Asks FTC Chair About 'Predatory Practices' Within The Timeshare Industry (Forbes)

US senators urge Trump to advance US$14 billion Taiwan arms sale (Taiwan News)

Honeycomb Energy Center Ribbon Cutting (Iron County Today)

Senators urge Trump to announce Taiwan arms sale ahead of visit to China (Washington Examiner)

US Taiwan policy will be watched closely during Trump's China visit (ABC)

Sen. Curtis wants more answers on $1 billion price tag for White House ballroom security (Deseret News)

Curtis highlights Utah’s nuclear leadership, calls for local empowerment (Utah Policy)

Curtis hosts Small Business Expo in Utah (Utah Policy)

curtis.senate.gov

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