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 I will only support this if the entire law is repealed and every American is exempted from its mandates.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 »

The FY 2014 Energy and Water Appropriations bill is currently under consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives. Many amendments are being offered, including Amendment #1 by Representative James Moran (D-VA). This amendment would alter the language in the bill that protects the authority of states by preventing the Army Corps of Engineers from expanding its regulation to include intrastate bodies of water under the Clean Water Act for any reason other than drinking water uses. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson spoke on the House Floor against the amendment and encouraged colleagues to vote... Read More »

“Velma Morrison was a pillar for Idaho and will be sorely missed. Her activism and love for theater, music and dance are abundantly apparent around the Treasure Valley and our communities are better because of her. Kathy and I send our condolences to the family and feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to have known such an amazing woman.” Read More »

The Stolen Valor Act of 2005 made it a crime for anyone to falsely claim to have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor or any other decoration or medal authorized by Congress for our Armed Forces. However, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that the law went too far and ruled that simply lying about one’s military service and accomplishments qualifies as protected speech under the Constitution. H.R. 258 resolves the constitutional issues by punishing those who fraudulently claim to be the recipient of valorous military decorations and awards, or to have served in combat, with the intent... Read More »

“Today is National Teacher Appreciation Day, so take the time to thank a teacher for their hard work, dedication and ability to change lives. I would personally like to thank Mr. Hager for first making me interested in politics!” Read More »

Kathy and my thoughts and prayers are with families impacted by this terrible act that occurred today in Boston. Watching the reports, I am once again reminded of the American spirit seeing citizens and first responders run toward danger to help out where they could. Read More »