My week was filled with plenty of highs being with Utahns and state and local leaders to talk housing affordability, transportation infrastructure and growth, and water and drought. My high, though, was convening a group of experts—including state elected officials, water specialists, researchers, conservation leaders, and members of Utah’s technology sector—for a roundtable discussion on bold, long-term solutions to strengthen Utah’s water supply and protect the Great Salt Lake. We explored ideas ranging from desalination and interstate water infrastructure to expanded cloud seeding and improved forest management.

My low, of course, is the water situation we have right now in Utah—drought and low lake levels pose a number of challenges in sustaining our way of life. But Utahns have never been afraid to think creatively, and preserving the Great Salt Lake will require that same spirit of innovation and collaboration. I’m determined to be a strong voice at the federal level and look forward to furthering efforts to save the lake.

Have a great weekend, and stay cool!

A rich part of Utah’s heritage is our ingenuity and determination to solve societal challenges, particularly when it comes to water, and protecting the Great Salt Lake is no exception. Senator Curtis convened a group of experts—including state elected officials, water specialists, researchers, conservation leaders, and members of Utah’s technology sector—for a roundtable discussion on bold, long-term solutions to strengthen Utah’s water supply and protect the Great Salt Lake.





On top of nationwide affordability pressures, Utahns are also facing the effects of rapid growth. While beneficial to our economy, growth can worsen traffic and lead to overcrowding. Senator Curtis, member of the Commerce and Environment and Public Works committees, joined leaders from the Wasatch Front Regional Council, Utah Transit Authority, Salt Lake City, Mountainland Association of Governments, and others to discuss proactive solutions to tackle these issues.



The conversation focused on policy developments that would strengthen Utah’s transportation network, expand affordable housing opportunities near transit hubs, and prepare the state’s infrastructure for continued growth and major upcoming events, including the Salt Lake Temple open house in 2027 and the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.



The group met at WFRC’s offices before visiting the North Temple FrontRunner station, where participants discussed the FrontRunner 2X project and Senator Curtis’ bipartisan PATH Act and Build HUBS Act.



Full story by Emily Walker here. 



Senator Curtis hosted a virtual town hall, answering questions submitted by Utahns from across the state. The conversation covered a wide range of issues, including public lands, the national debt, AI data centers, Social Security, water, housing affordability, energy, Iran, and Congress’ role in checking executive power.

If you weren’t able to join the conversation live, you can watch the full town hall recording here.

The United States should not have to depend on foreign adversaries for the minerals that power our economy, support our national defense, and underpin modern technology. Utah and states across the West have the resources, workers, and expertise to produce more of these materials here at home. Senators Curtis and Daines (R-MT) introduced the Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act, legislation to strengthen America’s domestic critical mineral supply chains by expanding and improving the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit under Section 45X of the Internal Revenue Code.



Full story by Leah Bowers here. 



Utah desperately needs more housing, and the Postal Service needs new sources of revenue. Senators Curtis and Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the Delivering Americans Affordable Homes Act, bipartisan legislation to address the shortage of affordable housing and funding shortfalls at the United States Postal Service. Amid record-breaking housing costs, the senators’ new bill would allow local communities to lease Postal Service property rights for new affordable housing construction. At the same time, this legislation protects against the sale of Postal Service assets, supports the rehabilitation and new construction of Postal facilities, and eases the Postal Service’s critical financial constraints.



Full story by Megan Banta here.



In Utah, we cherish freedom and live by our values of hard work, family, and service. Senator Curtis celebrated Utah’s ranking as the #1 overall best state in the Advancing American Freedom Foundation’s Independence Index!





Behind every wildfire are brave men and women who embody the very best of public service: courage, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our communities, often at great personal risk. Senators Curtis, Bennet (D-CO), Lee (R-UT), and Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring all those who serve on the front lines of wildland firefighting efforts in the United States.

Senator Curtis also shared the following statement honoring firefighters Christopher Andersen and Miles Elliott, who lost their lives while helping fight the Widemouth 2 Fire:

“Forest fires can carry an unjust and unimaginable toll. My heart is with the families, friends, and fellow firefighters mourning the devastating loss of Christopher Andersen and Miles Elliott—two remarkably heroic Americans.”



Fully story by Emily Walker here.

The U.S. national debt surpassed $40 trillion this week. To put that number in perspective, that’s more than $113,000 for every man, woman, and child in this country. It far exceeds our entire GDP. Washington’s reckless spending problem is immoral—it unfairly leaves our children and grandchildren to foot the bill—but it also is making our economic stability extremely fragile. The more we add to our debt, the greater the threat of disaster in the event of an economic shock. We should all be alarmed. Congress needs to rally behind solutions to get our fiscal house in order. A good start is Senator Curtis’ Fiscal Commission Act.



Full story by Sam Goldfarb and Matt Grossman here.



As wildfires rage across the American West, urgency is building in Congress to better manage our lands to prevent more catastrophic fires. Senator Curtis’ Fix Our Forests Act would lead to healthier forests and safer communities, and just needs a Senate vote to get across the finish line.



Full story by Cami Mondeaux here. 

Senator Curtis joined South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey and Herriman Mayor Lorin Palmer at a Salt Lake Bees game to celebrate and recognize the sacrifices made by Utah’s first responders during “First Responders Night.”

Federal tax refunds can become frustrating when months pass without answers or a clear explanation for the delay. One constituent faced exactly that situation after a hold was placed on a significant refund with no explanation from the IRS. With the support of our casework team, the hold was identified and released, allowing the refund to finally be issued. With their permission, we’re sharing their story to show how our office can help constituents get answers and resolve difficult issues with federal agencies.



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 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.

Poll finds 6 in 10 Utah voters back Sen. Curtis migrant visa bill (Deseret News)

Wildland firefighting bill gains steam as smoke reaches Congress (Roll Call)

Sen. John Curtis proposes alternative state route to U.S. visas for incoming foreign workers (Cache Valley Daily)

John Curtis says he remembers Vietnam when thinking about Iran (Deseret News)

‘It wasn’t a little war’: John Curtis warns Iran war mistakes resemble Vietnam (Salt Lake Tribune)

John Curtis: Congress Must Use Tax Policy To Reduce The Regulatory And Economic Burden On Farmers (Forbes)

Utah leaders honor the lives of fallen firefighters (KSL)

curtis.senate.gov

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