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As Utah and other Western states face increasingly challenging fire seasons, we need to ensure our dedicated firefighters have the support they deserve. Senator Curtis cosponsored the Support Our Firefighters Act, bipartisan legislation to provide federal wildland firefighters dedicated rest and recuperation leave following extended deployments to major wildfire incidents. The bill aims to improve workforce well-being, reduce burnout, and help agencies retain the experienced personnel required to respond to increasingly complex wildfire threats.
Unless real action is taken in Washington, Social Security benefits will be cut by 22% in a matter of years. Politicians on both sides of the aisle aren't being honest with the American people when they promise "not to touch" entitlement programs. If we address these challenges now rather than later, we can preserve these programs for future generations. Referencing a new report released by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Senator Curtis raised his Fiscal Commission Act, which would create a bipartisan, bicameral fiscal commission tasked with finding legislative solutions to help stabilize entitlement program funds and decrease the national debt.
Full analysis by CRFB here.
The surge in abusive and threatening content directed at public officials is deeply concerning, particularly in light of recent events. Following a report released by the Center for Countering Digital Hate that found violent threats against members of Congress increased after Meta rolled back moderation policies, Senator Curtis raised his Algorithm Accountability Act. This legislation would modernize online protections and hold social media companies accountable for harms caused by content pushed by their algorithmic feeds.
Full story by Cami Mondeaux here.
For years, bad actors have frivolously litigated the firearms industry in ways that unnecessarily strain our court system and undermine Americans’ Second Amendment rights. Senator Curtis joined Senator Cornyn (R-TX), along with 14 of their Senate Republican colleagues, in introducing the Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts (SHOT) Act, which would strengthen the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to provide enhanced protections to the firearms industry from frivolous lawsuits brought by anti-gun bad actors.
Upper Basin states share a strong interest in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Colorado River. Senators Curtis; Lee (R-UT), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; Barrasso (R-WY), Majority Whip; and Lummis (R-WY) joined Utah Governor Cox and Wyoming Governor Gordon for a meeting on Colorado River negotiations. They discussed the future of the Colorado River Basin and the long-term management of critical water resources, including Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Lake Powell.
Senator Curtis cosponsored the CLOSE THE GAP Act, legislation to streamline the permitting process for broadband infrastructure on federal land and accelerate deployment in rural and underserved communities. The bill would require federal land management agencies to issue new regulations to simplify broadband applications, expand online application tracking through the FAST Act Permitting Dashboard, and establish online portals for Standard Form-299 submissions. It would also expand categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act and limit duplicative environmental and historic preservation reviews for certain broadband projects on federal land.
On Monday, Utah agreed to a management plan for the San Rafael Swell, wherein the state will provide services to ensure the Swell remains accessible, safe, and well cared for—for generations to come.
The agreement has been years in the making, since Senator Curtis’ Emery County Public Land Management Act passed in 2019, and marks an important step toward bringing state and federal partners together in the shared stewardship of the Swell.
Full story by Eva Terry here.
Senator Curtis shared the following message in honor of National Trails Day:
“Utah’s trails connect us to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and remind us of our responsibility to be good stewards of the places we enjoy. Happy National Trails Day, Utah!”
Senator Curtis met with a delegation of young Taiwanese political leaders visiting Washington through the American Council of Young Political Leaders. Having developed a deep appreciation for Taiwan’s people, history, and culture during his time living there when he was about their age, he enjoyed the chance to speak with the delegation in Mandarin and hear their perspectives on leadership, public service, and the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.
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