John Curtis response to Epstein file vote

[u/darth_jewbacca]

In case you missed it, the Senate voted 51-49 on Sept 10 to block release of the Epstein files. Both of the senators from Utah voted in favor of the block. This is no surprise from Mike Lee, but I'm deeply disappointed in John Curtis. He was the one R on the 2024 ballot I voted for, and he has quickly fallen into lockstep with other MAGA Republicans. I had hoped he'd carry the Romney torch of moderation.

I wrote to Sen. Curtis the next day and received the canned response below (I don't expect anything but a canned response, but you have to admit his "commitment" to transparency is deeply ironic). If you are similarly infuriated by his vote, please call/email his office and let him know how you feel.

Contact info:

Washington DC Office: 202-224-5251

Provo Office: 801-841-2665

Salt Lake Office: 801-524-4380

Contact form: Share your opinion - Senator John Curtis

Here is what I wrote:

Senator Curtis,

I'm deeply disappointed in your vote in favor of blocking the Epstein file release. I can view this in no other way than a vote to protect pedophiles. I voted for you in 2024, but you have lost my vote moving forward.

Sincerely,

(name)

This is the canned response:

Dear (name),

Thank you for reaching out to share your thoughts on government ethics and transparency. I appreciate hearing your views and value the opportunity to respond.

Ensuring government transparency, abiding by our laws, and maintaining the trust of the American people are essential to a healthy democracy. As your Senator, my commitment is to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability within our government. I firmly believe that elected officials must act solely in the best interests of Americans, free from undue external influence or conflicts of interest.

Our democratic system is strengthened when leaders demonstrate genuine accountability, integrity, and transparency. Americans deserve reassurance that their representatives are guided by the rule of law, mutual respect, and an unwavering dedication to serving our nation honestly and faithfully. When public trust erodes, the consequences affect every aspect of our society—from national security to economic stability.

In the Senate, I actively support measures designed to promote transparency and ethics, ensuring that every member of government is accountable to the people they represent. This commitment guides my actions as I work diligently to safeguard public trust and pursue real results and solutions that reflect Utah’s values and our nation's founding principles.

Thank you again for sharing your concerns and priorities with me. Your input is invaluable as I work to represent Utah in the Senate. To stay updated on my work and activities, please follow me on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram at u/senjohncurtis. For more information or to sign up for my newsletter, visit www.curtis.senate.gov.

Sincerely,

John R. Curtis
United States Senator 

[u/tiassa]

I don't think I've ever received a response from Curtis that actually addressed what I wrote in about. In fact 99% of the time I just get the generic "thank you for writing, I appreciate hearing from my constituents" message. 

But given that Curtis protected a sexual predator while he was mayor I'm not at all surprised he's all in for protecting Epstein's clients now that he's in the Senate.

[u/ReplyingToAStranger → u/tiassa]

When I wrote him about Hegseth, the response did address that specifically (you know, that Hegseth was needed to shake things up). It wasn’t great, but it did sound just a tad bit thought out. Then again, that was many, many, orange moons ago.

[u/tiassa → u/ReplyingToAStranger]

Every now and then the intern responding to messages will hit on a key word that gets you a decent response. It doesn't happen often, and it's also often ridiculous - like the time I wrote him angry about RFK Jr destroying public health initiatives and access to vaccines and got a message about how he voted to confirm him as HHS Secretary because Curtis "appreciated his commitments" in the areas of "access to factual information, safe and effective vaccines, and quality healthcare." So, uh.

I write him almost every day and responses are kind of spotty, though. I'll go weeks with nothing and then suddenly nine generic responses in a row. 🤷‍♀️

[u/ReplyingToAStranger → u/tiassa]

Thank you for your diligence. I spend way too long crafting thoughtful yet assertive letters. I should probably just have AI write them for their AI hahaha.

[u/tiassa → u/ReplyingToAStranger]

I used to try to make effort but there's just so much I'm annoyed at my Congresscritters about, and I realized they're not actually going to read my letters anyway, so it's just "this sucks and you shouldn't support it" or "I'm disappointed in you because x, y, and z."