Senator John Curtis, who has represented Utah’s 3rd district in the U.S. Congress since 2017, recently used his social media platform to address issues ranging from international human rights to domestic legislative reforms.
On February 9, 2026, Curtis commented on the sentencing of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai by stating, “After dismantling democracy and imposing authoritarian rule in Hong Kong, the sentencing of Jimmy Lai is yet another reminder of the true nature of the Chinese Communist Party. Given Mr. Lai’s age and declining health, this punishment is effectively a death sentence for the act https://t.co/SciYT01v00”.
The following day, February 10, Curtis shifted focus to U.S. infrastructure policy. He wrote about efforts to modernize federal permitting processes: “Outdated permitting systems slow down projects, frustrate communities, and make it harder for agencies to do their jobs.
Legislation I introduced with @SenBooker and our colleagues will bring federal environmental reviews into the 21st century without weakening standards ↓”. In a subsequent post on the same day he added: “Our bill has broad support. Here is what they are saying: https://t.co/MDGzywNm3V”.
Curtis’s remarks come amid ongoing concerns over human rights in Hong Kong and persistent calls within Congress to streamline bureaucratic procedures for infrastructure development. His comments reflect both his engagement with international affairs—specifically regarding China’s actions in Hong Kong—and his involvement in bipartisan legislative initiatives at home.
Born in Salt Lake City in 1960 and currently residing in Provo, Curtis graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1985. He succeeded Jason Chaffetz as representative for Utah’s 3rd district nearly a decade ago.
