Press Releases

CURTIS, KENNEDY LEAD UTAH DELEGATION IN BILL TO TRANSFER MOAB UMTRA SITE

Senator Curtis and Representative Kennedy —along with Senator Lee and Representatives Owens, Maloy, and Moore —today introduced the Moab UMTRA Project Transition Act, legislation to authorize the transfer of the Moab Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action site to Grand County upon the completion of cleanup and remediation. The proposed transfer will allow the community to chart the long-term future of the site once it is deemed safe for reuse by the Department of Energy and other regulatory agencies. Continue Reading

CURTIS HIGHLIGHTS UTAH TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES, PUSHES TO CUT FEDERAL RED TAPE IN HEARING WITH TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY

During an Environment and Public Works Committee hearing today, Senator Curtis advocated for key Utah priorities to be included in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill. During his exchange with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Duffy, Senator Curtis stressed the urgency of expanding the FrontRunner commuter rail system ahead of projected population growth in Utah and the 2034 Winter Olympics. He also raised concerns with burdensome federal regulations—noting how they raise project costs by 30%—and offered Utah as a lead agency model to allow for more efficient timelines. The Senator concluded by urging reinvestment of Highway Trust Fund dollars into Utah’s off-road trail systems. Continue Reading

CURTIS, GRAHAM, BLUMENTHAL, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE HARD-HITTING RUSSIA SANCTIONS

Senator Curtis joined Senators Graham and Blumenthal, and 47 of their colleagues, in introducing primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. These sanctions would be imposed if Russia refuses to engage in good faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Ukraine or initiates another effort, including military invasion, that undermines the sovereignty of Ukraine after peace is negotiated. The legislation would also impose a 500% tariff on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products. Continue Reading

CURTIS, COLLEAGUES REINTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT TAIWAN’S INTERNATIONAL STANDING, COUNTER CCP ECONOMIC COERCION

Senator Curtis, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today joined Senators Van Hollen and Kim in introducing the Taiwan Allies Fund Act—bipartisan, bicameral legislation to support Taiwan’s international standing and counter the People’s Republic of China’s efforts to diplomatically isolate Taiwan on the global stage. The bill authorizes $40 million annually to assist countries that maintain or strengthen relations with Taiwan, have faced coercion or pressure from the PRC due to those relations, and lack sufficient capacity to resist that pressure without additional support. This funding aligns with the Trump Administration’s priority to ensure any U.S. funding abroad is directly tied to America’s safety, strength, and prosperity. Continue Reading

CURTIS, SCHATZ INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO REMOVE BARRIERS AND BOOST TRIBAL ACCESS TO FEDERAL ENERGY RESOURCES

U.S. Senators Curtis and Schatz introduced the Tribal Energy Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation to expand Tribal access to federal energy programs by removing unnecessary barriers and making technical fixes. It also allows Tribes to directly apply for and manage energy and grid resilience resources without needing to pass funds through utility providers. Continue Reading

CURTIS, KELLY INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY IN ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS

Senators Curtis and Kelly today introduced the Studying NEPA’s Impact on Projects Act, bipartisan legislation to improve transparency and accountability in the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The bill requires the Council on Environmental Quality to publish an annual report detailing the impact of NEPA environmental reviews and related litigation. It provides Congress and the public with a clear picture of how NEPA affects project timelines, costs, and legal challenges—allowing for more informed policy debates and potential future reforms to the environmental review process. Continue Reading

CURTIS CHAIRS HEARING ON CHINA’S INFLUENCE, TAIWAN’S ALLIES IN WESTERN HEMISPHERE

Senator Curtis—Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues—today held a hearing on the People’s Republic of China’s influence and Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Western Hemisphere. The panel witnesses included Dr. Ellis, Senior Associate, America’s Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies; and Samantha Custer, Director of Policy Analysis, AidData Global Research Institute at the College of William and Mary. Continue Reading

CURTIS, LEE INTRODUCE BILL TO ADVANCE BONNEVILLE SHORELINE TRAIL DEVELOPMENT

U.S. Senators Curtis and Lee today introduced the Bonneville Shoreline Trail Feasibility Study Act, legislation to conduct a feasibility study to evaluate whether the Bonneville Shoreline Trail qualifies to become a National Scenic Trail or another designation under the National Trails System. The study marks the first formal step to unlocking statutory authorities for preservation, maintenance, and public access under the designation. Continue Reading

CURTIS RANKED AMONG MOST EFFECTIVE LAWMAKERS IN THE 118TH CONGRESS

The Center for Effective Lawmaking has released its Legislative Effectiveness Scores for the 118th Congress, ranking Senator Curtis among the top five most effective Republican lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives during his final term in that body. Continue Reading

CURTIS HIGHLIGHTS UTAH’S TIES TO ISRAEL, RAISES NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS IN PANAMA

During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the nominations of Reed Rubinstein to be Legal Adviser of the Department of State, Mike Huckabee to be Ambassador to the State of Israel, and Kevin Cabrera to be Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, Senator Curtis today emphasized Utah’s enduring connection to Israel—culturally, spiritually, and diplomatically—drawing from his own experience living in a kibbutz as a young student at Brigham Young University and witnessing firsthand the signing of the 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty. The Senator also questioned Mr. Cabrera on Panama’s recent move to divest from China’s Belt and Road Initiative and to address Beijing’s growing influence in the region. Continue Reading