As you all know, this year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—America’s semiquincentennial.

We recognize some of the most consequential moments in human history: A citizens’ army of patriots winning their independence from the greatest empire of the 18th century. And while accomplishing that military miracle, they forged diverse peoples, interests, and cultures into a unified experiment in democracy. Guided by Providence, the cause of those patriots prevailed, and the American experiment thrives even 250 years later.

I’ve long thought about how I can best honor this occasion as Utah’s United States Senator, and earlier this month shared my plans to embark on a 250-mile trek, starting near the northernmost part of our state and ending in my hometown of Provo, Utah, at the Stadium of Fire on the Fourth of July.

Well, today is Day 1 of that walk! And I’ve already enjoyed walking through local communities, taking in the beautiful landscapes, and reflecting on the distinctly American values that are enshrined in our founding documents and that sustained Utah’s pioneer settlers: faith, liberty, happiness, magnanimity, prudence, family, sacrifice, and fortitude—among others.

We get so caught up in day-to-day politics that sometimes we fail to stop and recognize just what is foundational to the strength of our republic. These and other virtues exhibited in our nation’s founding are what have carried our experiment in democracy for 250 years. And they are integral to maintaining our strength for the next 250 years.

I hope you will follow along with me throughout this journey to also reflect more deeply upon the meaning of these values in our history and in your own life.

Earlier this month, Senator Curtis published an opinion piece in the Deseret News announcing his plans to walk 250 continuous miles in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. In the piece, Senator Curtis outlines how he is using the walk to highlight the values enshrined in the United States’ founding documents—the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution—and those exhibited by Utah’s pioneer settlers.



Full piece by Senator Curtis here.



Senator Curtis kicked off Day 1 of his 250-mile walk with a behind-the-scenes look at his morning preparations. He began near Bear Lake in Dingle, Idaho—the birthplace of his mother and a place deeply rooted in his family’s pioneer heritage.





Before beginning his 250-mile walk, Senator Curtis shared a look at how he prepared for the journey—including several 30-mile trial walks and the lessons he learned along the way.





Senator Curtis joined KSL NewsRadio’s Inside Sources to discuss his walk and some of the values he is highlighting along the way.

Senator Curtis shared the following message as wildfires rage across the state:

“Amid categorically extreme wildfires raging right now in Utah and across the West, I'm grateful for the first responders working around the clock to protect lives, homes, and our public lands. We can all do our part by following local fire restrictions, staying alert, and supporting those on the front lines.”

For the most up-to-date wildfire information, visit Utah Fire Info.



As we're seeing right now in Utah, dry brush and other debris in our forests serve as hazardous fuel for wildfires. Senators Curtis, Kelly (D-AZ), Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Luján (D-NM), and Schiff (D-CA) introduced the Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance Act, bipartisan legislation to help communities and forest managers remove byproducts of forest thinning operations that counterintuitively increase wildfire risk.  



Prescribed burns are one of the many ways wildland firefighters put their lives on the line to prevent wildfires and manage our lands. Senator Curtis cosponsored the Wildland Firefighter Hazard Pay Correction Act, bipartisan legislation to provide hazard pay to wildland firefighters and smokejumpers for prescribed burns and training jumps, ensuring these brave first responders are recognized with fair compensation.





Utah’s firefighters shouldn’t have to worry that the gear designed to keep them safe could expose them to harmful chemicals. Senators Curtis, Heinrich (D-NM), Fischer (R-NE), and Welch (D-VT) introduced the Protecting Firefighters and Advancing State-of-the-Art (PFAS) Alternatives Act, legislation to support the development of next-generation, PFAS-free protective gear to better protect firefighters from the dangers of their work.



Senator Curtis issued the following statement regarding the Senate’s passage of the bipartisan, bicameral 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act:

“For decades, owning a home has been a core part of the American Dream, yet housing affordability has become one of the most difficult financial challenges that families face today. And with Utah being one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, our state is experiencing a serious supply crunch, which further puts homeownership out of reach.

“But today, the Senate took a significant step toward delivering meaningful relief for those families by passing the ROAD to Housing Act. This legislation advances practical, commonsense solutions to increase housing supply and expand access to affordable housing and financing opportunities for families, making the dream of homeownership more attainable and the pressures of renting less burdensome.

“Despite all the noise we see, passing this major piece of legislation demonstrates that bicameral cooperation and bipartisanship are alive in Congress and that we are working to address the issues the American people care about most.

“I have been proud to support this effort and will continue working to influence and advance practical solutions that lower costs for families and keep the American Dream a reality.”



Companies operating under the guise of federally regulated financial markets need to play by the rules. Senators Curtis and Schiff (D-CA) sent a letter to Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Michael S. Selig requesting answers following recent reports that prediction market operator Polymarket used deceptive marketing tactics to promote gambling-style products to U.S. audiences. In their letter, the senators argue that the alleged conduct underscores growing concerns that prediction markets are functioning more like gambling than legitimate financial instruments.



Full story by Katherine Long, Neil Mehta and Caitlin Ostroff here.



As AI-generated content becomes more refined and realistic, people deserve to know whether what they’re seeing is created by a human or generated by artificial intelligence. Senators Curtis, Schatz (D-HI), and Warner (D-VA) introduced the AI Labeling Act, bipartisan legislation to provide transparency on digital content generated by artificial intelligence. The bill would help ensure people know when they are viewing AI-made content or interacting with an AI chatbot by requiring clear labels and disclosures.



Parents deserve confidence that AI tools are not exposing their children to harmful content, fostering unhealthy emotional dependence, or exploiting their personal information. Senators Curtis and Schiff (D-CA) introduced the Safeguarding AI Features to Ensure Kids’ Informed Digital Safety (SAFE KIDS) Act, bipartisan legislation to protect children from the risks and harms associated with the use of artificial intelligence chatbots.



Full story by Kelsey Brugger here.



As online advertising becomes increasingly targeted and sophisticated, we need commonsense protections that keep gambling promotions away from our youth. Senator Curtis cosponsored bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Britt (R-AL) and Blumenthal (D-CT) to combat the rapid and concerning rise in youth gambling. The Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement (GAME) Act would prohibit social media companies and other advertising websites from targeting minors with sports betting through online advertising.

Senator Curtis met with 47G, Utah’s aerospace and defense industry group, to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the industry and the important role Utah plays in strengthening America’s defense capabilities. Continued American leadership through the 21st century is going to be secured by our innovative industries and a strong defense industrial base.





Reliable water infrastructure is essential to the health, growth, and long-term success of Utah communities. Senator Curtis met with leaders from Jordan Valley Water and Kearns Improvement District to discuss the Great Salt Lake, drought, PFAS, and how we can ensure Utah is prepared for continued growth.





Utah Tech University is helping drive innovation and opportunity in southern Utah. Senator Curtis met with Henrie Walton, Utah Tech’s Chief of Staff, to discuss federal issues affecting Utah Tech and higher education institutions across the state.

One Utah constituent found themselves caught between an insurance company and the Small Business Administration, with months of delays and no clear path forward. After reaching out to Senator Curtis’ office, our casework team helped restore communication and bring the matter to a successful resolution. With their permission, we’re sharing their story to show how our office helps constituents break through federal roadblocks and get results.



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.

As catastrophic wildfires rage across Utah and the American West, we’re seeing in real time the effect that outdated wildfire policies are having on our ability to mitigate and manage fires. During a roundtable discussion with leaders from public utility company Edison International, Senator Curtis talked through his Fix Our Forests Act, bipartisan legislation with overwhelming support to modernize policies and effectively address our 21st-century wildfire challenges. 

As Utahns head outdoors this season, Senator Curtis has launched a new Utah Water Recreation and Access page to help families, boaters, anglers, and visitors plan ahead before traveling to the state’s most popular lakes and reservoirs.

Before your next lake trip, visit curtis.senate.gov/utah-recreational-lake-conditions for a one-stop shop for the latest available information.

Senators Unveil Bipartisan Bill to Protect Kids From AI Chatbots (Bloomberg Law)

Senators unveil bipartisan bill to safeguard children from AI chatbots (Washington Examiner)

Utah Senator John Curtis to walk 250 miles to celebrate America's 250th Birthday (ABC4)

Utah’s biggest solar farm begins operation in Emery County (Deseret News)

Senator Curtis FIRE SMART Act Aims To Help Rural Areas (Basin Now)

Voices: Great Salt Lake is testing a new Republican approach to conservation (The Salt Lake Tribune)

Kids are talking to AI more than ever. Sen. John Curtis wants rules to ensure their safety (Deseret News)

As wildfires ravage Utah, Sen. Curtis sponsors legislation to strengthen wildfire readiness, secure hazard pay for wildland firefighters (Castle Country Radio)

Lawmakers call for investigation into Polymarket over fake advertisements (Washington Examiner)

curtis.senate.gov

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