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 »
President Obama canceled all public White House tours effective Saturday, March 9, 2013 until further notice due to staffing reductions resulting from sequestration. House Speaker John Boehner announced yesterday that the United States Capitol Building, while receiving the same sequester, will continue welcoming visitors for public tours. If you are visiting Washington and would like a Capitol tour please visit my website at /constituentservices/washingtondc.htm to schedule one. Read More »
Idaho’s Territorial Sesquicentennial ---------------- SPEECH OF HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON OF IDAHO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 4, 2013 Mr. Speaker: On this day in 1863, 150 years ago, President Abraham Lincoln signed a congressional act creating the Idaho Territory. Twenty-seven years later, part of that territory would become the 43rd State, the State of Idaho. The Idaho Territory was initially much larger than the borders of Idaho today; it included most of what would later become Montana and Wyoming. The territory, to be governed by William H. Wallace, an old friend of Lincoln’s, w... Read More »
Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is a cosponsor of H.J.Res.2, which proposes a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Offered by Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), the legislation would require a 3/5 vote of both the House and the Senate to allow spending to exceed receipts for that fiscal year, require 3/5 vote to increase the debt limit, direct the President to submit a balanced budget annually, and prohibit any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each chamber by roll call vote. It waives these provisions when a declaratio... Read More »
Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson released the following statement after the Obama administration unveiled a set of new gun proposals, including 23 separate executive orders. “I haven’t yet had a chance to fully review the many executive orders President Obama signed today, but I have long been concerned about the use of executive orders to push forward proposals that should be considered in Congress,” said Congressman Mike Simpson. “I will take time over the coming days to fully review each of the executive orders and consider them with the Constitution and the concerns of my ... Read More »
“Idaho’s abundance of parks, forests, and public lands makes our state a wonderful place in which to live, work, and play. As a life-long Idahoan, an appreciation for Idaho’s wild areas is in my blood. I spent my childhood years at Redfish Lake, hiking in the Sawtooth National Forest, and camping in Island Park. These places hold the memories of my childhood, but they are just as significant to me today. They provide beauty and space that lets me breathe and find rest when I need it. “My experience with the wild areas of Idaho is no different than that of most Idahoans. Idahoans live here beca... Read More »
