I am writing to respond to the comments of former Governor Cecil Andrus and the Idaho Statesman’s editorial board regarding the recent agreement between the State of Idaho and the Department of Energy (DOE) over future shipments of very small quantities of spent nuclear fuel for research purposes. While I have a great deal of respect for the former Governor, I am disappointed in his opposition to this sensible agreement and even more disappointed that he is using outdated and unfounded arguments to oppose it. The former Governor’s distrust of the Department of Energy is well earned, but is in ... Read More »
Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following statement concerning the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and members of her staff today in Tucson, AZ. “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic attack on Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, and the citizens attending her Town Hall. Gabrielle is a dedicated public servant to the people of her district and Arizona. Kathy and my thoughts and prayers are with the family of all who were harmed in this violent attack.” Read More »
As the end of the 2010 tax year gets nearer, we are rapidly approaching a traffic jam of expiring tax provisions, uncertainty about the AMT, and a sluggish economy. Congress has a lot of work to do in the coming months, as I believe that the hard work of balancing our budget will require us to do the hard work of fundamental tax reform. In the meantime, however, Congress must act swiftly to prevent the huge tax increases looming over American families from crashing down on them on January first. Although no clear path forward on the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts was agreed to during today’s the meeti... Read More »
Sadly, today’s vote to extend unemployment insurance through February 2011 was nothing more than political posturing on the part of the outgoing Democrat majority. The bill is unpaid for and would have added $12 billion directly to the national debt while vast reserves of stimulus money still sits unused. By bringing the bill under a rule that prohibits debate or amendments and requires a 2/3 vote for passage, the Democrats knew it would not pass. Because of these heavy handed techniques, almost every Republican opposed the bill, as did several Democrats, and it failed easily. If Democrats wou... Read More »
Today is Veterans Day, a day to honor American’s Veterans. Thank you for your service, for your patriotism, and for your sacrifice. God Bless You and God Bless America. Read More »
Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to refrain from increasing the regulatory burden on rural and agricultural communities. Simpson recently joined colleagues in expressing concern to EPA Administrator Jackson about efforts to increase regulation of dust, which would have an enormous impact on farms and other resource-based industries in the West. The EPA recently published its latest proposal for regulating particulate matter under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, including dust that is kicked up by livestock or results from corn being combi... Read More »
Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following statement following his vote against H.R. 3081, the Appropriations Continuing Resolution, which will fund the government from the start of the fiscal year, Oct. 1, 2010 thru Dec. 3, 2010. The House of Representatives passed the resolution late last night with a final vote of 228-194. “I cannot support any piece of legislation that locks in place for the next fiscal year the unsustainable spending levels of the past fiscal year,” said Simpson, a member of the House Budget Committee. “Virtually everyone in America knows that Congress has to cut... Read More »
Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today joined his colleagues in sending a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson opposing efforts to ban the use of lead in fishing products. The letter, signed by 77 Members of Congress, accompanies a letter from leading hunting, fishing, and conservation organizations pointing out that there is no scientific basis to warrant a ban on traditional fishing equipment. “There is simply no data to support a ban on traditional fishing tackle and no reason for the EPA to restrict people’s ability to take advantage of the great fishing oppor... Read More »
The Democrats’ health care bill claims to help small businesses provide health insurance to their employees, but this chart clearly shows that it does not. As the chart shows, the requirements to qualify for the tax credit are so confusing that they are almost impossible to decipher. The requirements are so restrictive that, to qualify, many small businesses would have to lay off employees first. This provision does little to help small businesses pay for the cost of providing health insurance for their workers. Instead of passing health reform that does little to make healthcare more affordab... Read More »
Yesterday, I opposed the health care reconciliation bill that came before the House Budget Committee. Last night’s late-night markup was the very first step in the health care reconciliation process, which will allow Senate Democrats to pass the bill with only 51 votes, rather than 60. Unfortunately, it was not a forum for any minority views to be included, but rather it was just one more ceremonial step that needed to be taken before Speaker Pelosi could ram the health care bill through Congress. The bill that the Committee marked-up was really a “Trojan horse” that provided nothing more than... Read More »
