Utah is in a record drought, with several areas in the state experiencing “severe,” “extreme,” and even “exceptional” drought levels. And while we have many pressing problems as a country and as a state, water rises to the top.

My high this week is that the Environment and Public Works Committee approved several of my water quality and drought control projects for communities in Utah, including funding and resources for impacted communities like Centerville, Ephraim, and Moab. Scroll down to learn more.

For my low—last week I spent time at Lake Powell for a few briefings on how lower water levels are affecting recreation and access. I also met with Hanksville Mayor Pei and other local leaders on the impact this is having on the local economy.

Small businesses in the region are feeling the effects of a false narrative that Lake Powell is no longer accessible. The reality is much different. Access conditions continue to change with water levels, but the lake remains open.

If you've been wondering whether it's still worth making the trip this summer, my answer is yes. Plan ahead, check conditions before you go, and enjoy one of the most remarkable places in the American West. Scroll down to learn more about lake levels and access.

Have a great weekend.

Senator Curtis shared the following statement mourning the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham:

“Lindsey Graham leaves behind a legacy of devoted service to our nation and South Carolina. More than just one of the most influential leaders in Washington, Lindsey was among the strongest defenders of America and its values across the world.

As a new member of the Senate, I will always be grateful for the kindness he showed me. He went out of his way to make me feel welcome and valued, treating me as though I had been there for years. That generosity of spirit spoke volumes about the kind of person he was. His impact is felt deeply by me and our colleagues in the Senate, and his influence will surely continue for generations.

I am stunned and saddened by his loss. Sue and I offer our prayers for his family, his staff, and the people of South Carolina as they mourn this tremendous loss.”





Senator Curtis, member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, secured Committee approval of several water quality and drought control projects for communities in Utah amid severe and extreme drought conditions throughout the state. Measures passed by the Committee include a flood risk management study for Moab and funding for water infrastructure in both Centerville and Ephraim.





As long as Vladimir Putin’s war machine is funded by countries willing to buy Russian oil and gas, the war in Ukraine will continue. Senator Curtis, member of the Foreign Relations Committee, cosponsored the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Originally championed by the late Senator Graham (R-SC), the bill is led by Senators Blumenthal (D-CT) and Darline Graham (R-SC) and is supported by more than 60 other senators.



Full story by Jennifer Hansler, Morgan Rimmer, Manu Raju, and Alison Main here. 



Senator John Curtis, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, led a hearing examining the Trump Administration’s National Security Strategy and its renewed focus on the Western Hemisphere as a cornerstone of American national security. The hearing—which included Ambassador Michael Kozak, State Department Senior Bureau Official for Western Hemisphere Affairs, as the witness—examined the State Department’s efforts to strengthen regional partnerships, counter authoritarian influence, and promote stability throughout the Americas. The Senator’s questioning focused on objectives to counter China’s growing influence across Latin America and reinforce American leadership in the region.




No foreign government should be able to threaten or silence people on American soil. Senators Curtis and Schiff (D-CA) introduced the Stop Transnational Repression Act, bipartisan legislation to curb transnational repression threats and violence by nations against individuals outside their borders. The bill creates the first federal definition for these crimes and institutes enhanced criminal penalties.



Full story by Michael Martina here. 



Following a briefing provided by federal, state, and local officials on the state of the Juab County wildfires, Senator Curtis praised the coordinated response that helped protect nearby communities. In a video statement, Curtis renewed his call for the Senate to pass his bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act, legislation to modernize forest management and reduce catastrophic wildfire risk.





At a time when too many young men feel lonely and isolated, we should be creating more opportunities to mentor, volunteer, and connect to a great purpose. Senators Curtis and Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Building Community in America Act, bipartisan legislation to expand service participation among underrepresented populations, with a focus on men, in mentoring, coaching, youth development, and community-building activities.



Recreation doesn't need to jeopardize the safety of helicopter pilots who transport patients, fight wildfires, and support search and rescue missions. Senators Curtis and Merkley (D-OR) introduced the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation that would direct the Federal Aviation Administration to address urgent aviation safety issues by reviewing and updating existing safeguards for temporary obstructions in the low-altitude airspace, such as slacklines.

Congress has a constitutional responsibility to weigh in on matters of war. Senator Curtis joined KSL’s Daniel Woodruff for an interview on the latest developments in Iran.

Senator Curtis released the following statement after the Trump Administration modified the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments:

“President Trump’s executive action restores a more balanced approach to managing Utah’s public lands and shows a willingness by this Administration to listen to the state of Utah. While today’s announcement is an important step in the right direction and a more appropriate interpretation of the Antiquities Act, the responsibility remains with Congress to do what executive orders cannot: bring stakeholders together, work through disagreements, and enact lasting solutions. This approach worked in Emery County, which serves as a strong example to build on.”

The U.S. Department of State will host two passport acceptance fairs in Utah on Saturday, July 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The fairs will be held at Utah Tech University in St. George and Utah Valley University in Orem.

Utahns applying for their first passport or renewing a previous passport can receive in-person assistance. Appointments are required and can be scheduled through the Department of State’s passport event registration page here.

Applicants should bring proof of U.S. citizenship, a government-issued photo ID, a passport photo, a completed application and payment.

Senator Curtis visited Lake Powell to see firsthand how lower water levels are affecting recreation and access. While the lake is lower than in recent years, it remains open, and families can still enjoy boating, camping and other summer activities. The National Park Service is working to keep at least one launch ramp open on each side of the lake, including preparing additional access at Bullfrog.

During his visit, Senator Curtis also met with local leaders and business owners in Hanksville, where businesses are feeling the effects of misconceptions that Lake Powell is no longer accessible. Visitors traveling to the lake are encouraged to support the small businesses that have served generations of Lake Powell families.

Before traveling, check the National Park Service website for the latest information on water levels, launch ramps and access conditions.





Every Utahn should have the opportunity to plan and save for the future. Senator Curtis met with Utah State Treasurer Marlo Oaks to discuss retirement plan coverage and how state and federal efforts can work together to expand access to retirement savings.





Senator Curtis met with the Utah Direct Selling Coalition to discuss their priorities and the role direct selling companies play in supporting jobs, manufacturing, suppliers, and global exports.





Senator Curtis met with young leaders from the Utah FFA Association to hear about how they are building skills in agriculture, business, science, and service through agricultural education.





Senator Curtis shared the following statement on the appointment of Jon Anderson, Ph.D., to be the next president of Utah Valley University:

“Congratulations to Jon Anderson on his appointment as the next president of Utah Valley University! UVU plays a vital role in preparing Utah’s workforce and expanding opportunities for students from every background. I look forward to seeing Dr. Anderson build on the strong foundation laid by President Astrid Tuminez and wish him every success at this important time for the University.”

Accessing military records is often a critical step in securing the VA benefits veterans have earned. One Utah veteran had spent years filing disability claims that were repeatedly denied because essential military records remained sealed. After the veteran reached out to Senator Curtis’ office, our casework team helped obtain the records needed to support their pending claims. With their permission, we’re sharing their story to highlight how our office helps veterans navigate the federal system and access the benefits they deserve.



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.

'A true American Patriot': President, Utah lawmakers mourn passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham (KSL)

Curtis renews insider trading crackdown after White House teleprompter operator profits from Trump speeches (Deseret News)

Curtis visits wildfire site, urges passage of Fix Our Forests Act (Utah Policy)

Sen. Curtis says Congress needs to weigh in after Trump restarts military operations in Iran (Deseret News)

Curtis calls for countering China’s influence in Western Hemisphere (Utah Policy)

Senator John Curtis Urges Passage Of ‘Fix Our Forests’ Bill (Basin Now)

One of Utah’s biggest environmental cleanups is nearly finished (The Salt Lake Tribune)

Curtis secures committee approval of water projects for Utah amid intense drought (Utah Policy)

curtis.senate.gov

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