The Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, H.R. 2702 has been reintroduced to the U.S. House of Representatives. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is a cosponsor of this legislation that improves educational benefits to all members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, including activated reservists and National Guard.  Since World War II the… Read more »

Idaho’s Congressional Delegation today praised final passage of a public lands bill that includes language to expand the borders of the Minidoka National Internment Site.  The legislation, S. 2739, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008, passed the U.S. House of Representatives following approval earlier this month in the U.S. Senate.  The legislative language, included in a land… Read more »

The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 3734, the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area Act. The legislation will rename the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, to the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.  “Morley Nelson was an ardent advocate for the protection of the nation's birds of prey,” said… Read more »

The U.S. House of Representatives is taking preventative measures to protect student loans and is aiming to increase unsubsidized Stafford Loan annual limit by $2,000. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported this important legislation to help stabilize student loans while the market is extremely variable. H.R. 5715, the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008 is a… Read more »

“These days it doesn't seem that there are many things Republicans and Democrats agree on. However, some issues transcend party politics and become regional matters, such as funding to our public lands counties. Western states like Nevada, Utah, and Idaho have a disproportionate amount of federal land. Approximately two out of every three acres in Idaho is owned by the federal government.… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored H.Con.Res. 323, expressing Congressional support for the goals and ideals of National Health Care Decisions Day on April 16. This resolution encourages all Americans to take the time to discuss these important medical decisions with their loved ones. "Many people think about what their last medical wishes would be, but few take the necessary… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is an original cosponsor of the Federal Sunset Act of 2008 (H.R. 5794). This bill would cut wasteful federal spending by creating a bi-partisan commission to hold agencies accountable for performance. The legislation would establish a twelve year sunset date for every federal agency; at which time they would be up for a top to bottom assessment on their… Read more »

"Like most Americans, taxes are on my mind today. We never really enjoy paying taxes, but the tax burden placed on American families and businesses is especially heavy when we face increased health care costs, rising prices for energy and groceries, and economic uncertainty. Americans work more than four months a year just to pay their tax bills. In fact, the average American family pays… Read more »

Idaho Senator Larry Craig and Idaho Representative Mike Simpson today said passage of a Senate public lands legislative package will strengthen activities and missions at three Idaho lands and historic sites.  The package which passed the Senate by a 91 to 4 vote incorporated three pieces of legislation introduced last year by Idaho’s Congressional delegation and reported to the full… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today announced a $10,000 grant has been awarded to the Wood River Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program to assist rural businesses. The funding, provided through the USDA Rural Development, will aid agricultural entrepreneurs in market research and project development for value-added products.  “Agriculture remains the backbone of… Read more »