Resolutions honoring Idaho potatoes, growers and the Idaho Potato Commission are being introduced in the U.S. Congress by Idaho’s Congressional Delegation.  The resolutions designate May 2007 as “Idaho Potato Month” and recognize the 70th Anniversary of the Idaho Potato Commission. “The Idaho potato ‘brand’ is recognized throughout the world for its high quality and is an identifying… Read more »

Congressman Mike Simpson joined his colleagues last night in opposing the majority’s attempt to co-opt command-and-control authority in Iraq. H.R. 1591, the Iraq Supplemental Funding Conference Report passed the house by a vote of 218-208.  H.R. 1591 includes an inflexible timeline for bringing troops home, regardless of the situation on the ground in Iraq. It also ties the hands of… Read more »

Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of H.R. 1332, the Small Business Lending Improvement Act today. The bill allows the Small Business Administration to continue the 7(a) loan program without the use of appropriations. "Small Businesses employ half of all private sector employees, and pay more than 45 percent of the United States payroll, in a sense they are the backbone of our… Read more »

Congressman Mike Simpson demonstrated his strong support for education, teachers and Idaho Schools when he joined colleagues in passing two important pieces of education legislation today. H.R. 362, 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds, Science and Math Scholarship Act and H.R. 363, the Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act, both demonstrate the importance of math and… Read more »

Idaho Congressmen Mike Simpson and Bill Sali voted in favor of H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) last night. H.R. 1495 would streamline the delivery of water transportation projects and permits, increase recreational opportunities in Idaho, and make important repairs to agricultural and flood control infrastructure in Idaho. Navigation improvement is particularly… Read more »

The Idaho Congressional Delegation welcomed today’s announcement by Secretary of Agriculture Johanns that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be providing $10.78 million to help eradicate potato cyst nematode (PCN) in Idaho.   A year ago, PCN was discovered in tare soil originating from some eastern Idaho fields.  Tare soil is the dirt that is attached to the potato when it comes out… Read more »

Congressman Mike Simpson announced that his office is now accepting Service Academy Applications today. The applications for the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy are due on October 31, 2007.   “Academy nominations give Idaho’s finest students the opportunity to serve their country, receive an elite college… Read more »

Congressman Mike Simpson introduced the Children’s Dental Health Improvement Act of 2007, H.R. 1781 this week. The bill will improve coverage of dental services and improve access to dentists trained in children’s dentistry. Children ranging from 5 to 17 years of age are five times more likely to not have proper dental care than children who experience asthma and seven times greater… Read more »

Congressman Mike Simpson joined his colleagues today opposing the majority’s attempt to co-opt command-and-control authority in Iraq. H.R. 1591, the Iraq Supplemental Funding legislation passed the house by a vote of 218-212.  H.R. 1591 has many projects attached that have nothing to do with funding our troops in Iraq, including $400 million to extend by one year the Secure Rural… Read more »

Congressman Mike Simpson opposed the House Democrat’s budget proposal that was considered by the House Budget Committee late last night.  The proposal increases federal spending by $24 billion and raises taxes to pay for the increase.  “The voters were very clear in November—they want less spending and more fiscal responsibility.  Based on this budget, however, it looks like… Read more »