Congratulations to Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry on his confirmation. Secretary Perry will face a number of critical issues including maintaining our nuclear deterrent, overseeing the national lab system as they push the bounds of scientific research and development, and meeting our commitments to states on nuclear cleanup. As Chairman of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, I look forward to working with Secretary Perry to promote national security, pursue a truly all-of-the-above energy policy, and enhance American competitiveness. Read More »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following statement today regarding the President's Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Request. “It should come as no surprise to anyone that President Obama’s fiscal year 2015 budget completely ignores hard fought spending caps he agreed to just months ago. Our nation is on a path for financial ruin, and this budget does not take the problem seriously,” said Congressman Mike Simpson. “House Republicans have lead the fight to reduce the discretionary budget for four straight years – the first time that has happened since the 1950’s. Regrettably, the President’s b... Read More »

Congressman Mike Simpson supported the Protecting Taxpayers from Intrusive IRS Requests Act, which passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday. The bill provides important safeguards for taxpayers such as barring the IRS from asking questions regarding religious, political, or social beliefs. Read more details on the bill here: http://www.gop.gov/bill/113/2/hr2531 Read More »

“Let me be clear, I am going to continue to support the position of our Republican Caucus in the ongoing shutdown dispute,” said Congressman Mike Simpson. “Having said that, similar to Senator Rand Paul, I could support a very short-term clean CR, perhaps one or two weeks, while we continue to negotiate on a longer-term bill that addresses priorities we believe are important.” Read More »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following statement today regarding the passing of former Secretary of State Pete Cenarrusa. “Pete Cenarrusa displayed a relentless commitment to working on behalf of Idahoans and we have a better state because of his leadership. Personally, I’m extremely thankful for the guidance I received from Pete over the years. Kathy and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Freda, their family and friends as we all mourn his passing. He will be sorely missed.” Read More »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson praised the passage of H. Res. 354, by the House and Senate this week; legislation that will address the impending closure of the Federal Helium Reserve in early October by allowing it to continue supplying helium while also reforming our nation’s helium policy. "Thousands of high-tech manufacturing jobs in the United States depend on a reliable supply of helium,” Simpson said. “Micron Technology, which is based in my district, is a large semiconductor manufacturer and a global leader in computer memory technology, and they depend on helium for their manufacturin... Read More »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule yesterday which would establish federal regulatory jurisdiction over non-navigable streams, wetlands and other water resources. Currently, non-navigable waters are regulated by the states. “Like many people who have watched this issue carefully, I’m very concerned about this proposed rule. Most farmers and ranchers I talk to are scared to death about the possibility that the Environmental Protection ... Read More »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson joins fellow Members of Congress in signing a letter to the President of the United States regarding the use of military force in Syria. Members are requesting President Obama seek congressional authorization before ordering the use of U.S. military force. “I am very concerned about the consequences of engaging U.S. assets in another foreign conflict and believe the White House should consult with Congress before taking any action in Syria,” Simpson said. The letter was sent to the President today and reads as follows: Dear Mr. President, We strongly urge you to ... Read More »

“I do not support giving myself or other Members of Congress or staff a special break or exemption from Obamacare. I will only support this if the entire law is repealed and every American is exempted from its mandates. My staff and I are required by law to move onto the Obamacare exchanges next year, and I won’t support efforts to reverse that portion of the law,” said Simpson. For more information: http://www.factcheck.org/2013/05/congress-and-an-exemption-from-obamacare/ Read More »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today released the following statement regarding House passage of H.R. 2642, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. The bill passed with a final vote of 216-208. "The certainty a farm bill provides to Idaho's farmers and rural communities is critical to the economy of our state," said Simpson. "I am encouraged by today's developments and hopeful that Congress has taken a step toward more certainty for farmers and greater savings for taxpayers. I hope the House and Senate can reconcile their two versions quickly and put a new farm bill pla... Read More »