Mr. President, when Utah's pioneers first arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, they had almost nothing. They had no reservoirs, no pipelines, no pumps, no Federal grants, and no municipal bonds. Their most sophisticated earth-moving equipment ate hay. What they did have was a problem. There was not enough water where they needed it, so they moved it. Even before Brigham Young entered the valley in July of 1847, members of the advance company diverted City Creek to soften the dry ground and irrigate crops. Within a year, thousands of acres were under irrigation.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+32$549K raised
John Curtis
Senator · Utah · Republican
John Curtis
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
As you mentioned, this was a unique codel--the first, as I understand it, since the war began to actually go just a few miles away from the front. We were told about stories where they would actually put a black bag over people's heads as they took them into these underground bunkers so they wouldn't be able to identify where they were later on for the Russians. They spared us that indignity and actually put us in vans with curtains that were 360 degrees as we drove into these facilities.
Mr. President, tomorrow, Utahns will celebrate Pioneer Day, which commemorates the arrival of the first company of Latter-day Saint pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. For many outside Utah, Pioneer Day may seem a little unique and a strange local observance, but the values it commemorates are profoundly American and can resonate with all of us. We recognize not only a historic journey but the enduring pioneer spirit that helped shape the American West and continues to shape our country today.
Biography
John Curtis began his public service as the mayor of Provo, Utah, focusing on community-driven solutions. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Utah's 3rd district in 2017, he prioritizes public lands management, clean energy innovation, and responsible fiscal policy. Curtis authored bipartisan legislation to improve wildfire mitigation and serves as chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus, elevating environmental discussions within his party. He approaches his role with a pragmatic, collaborative style, aiming to balance Utah’s economic growth with stewardship of its natural resources.
Education
- B.S. in Business Management, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT1985
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2025–PresentSenator from Utah. 1 term.
U.S. Representative
2017–2025Represented Utah's 3rd congressional district for 4 terms.
Mayor of Provo, Utah
2010–2017Served as the 44th mayor of Provo, focusing on economic development, downtown revitalization, and environmental and recreation initiatives.
Chief Operating Officer, Action Target
2000–2010Served as COO of the Provo-based company Action Target, a manufacturer of shooting range equipment.
Employee, Citizen Watch Company
Worked for the Citizen Watch Company prior to joining Action Target.
Employee, OC Tanner
Worked for OC Tanner, a company specializing in employee recognition products and services.
Policy Focus
Public Lands and Natural Resources15%
International Affairs14%
Science, Technology, Communications10%
Energy10%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from John Curtis's record in Congress.
Clean Energy Leadership
Co-founded the Conservative Climate Caucus to promote conservative solutions for addressing climate change.
Public Lands Management
Sponsored the Emery County Public Land Management Act, protecting wilderness and expanding recreation in Utah.
COVID-19 Relief Support
Supported and helped secure federal COVID-19 relief funding for Utah small businesses and healthcare providers.
Opioid Crisis Response
Introduced and passed legislation to improve access to opioid addiction treatment in rural communities.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
- Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
- Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
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