The House of Representatives today passed the conference report to H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported this legislation which fulfills Congress’ constitutional responsibility to provide for the common defense in addition to authorizing many important programs that support our military, including a pay increase and benefits to military members and their families. “The overwhelmingly support of the conference repor... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following on the news that former Congressman Orval Hansen passed away on Thursday evening. “Kathy and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Hansen,” said Simpson. “He saw the potential that existed in our state for world class nuclear energy research and because of that vision, Idaho National Laboratory is a respected leader in energy research. We are greatly indebted to Congressman Hansen for his service to Idaho and our nation.” Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of legislation that would advance effective forest management and address the issue of fire-borrowing. H.R. 2936, the Resilient Federal Forests Act would promote collaborative forest management, reduce frivolous litigation, and modernize the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. Included in the package is Congressman Simpson’s bipartisan H.R. 1483, the Litigation Relief for Forest Management Projects Act which would reverse a dis... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson released the following statement in response to the Department of the Interior’s announcement that they will take public comments in an effort to improve the current Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land use plans. “Today’s announcement from the Department of the Interior regarding BLM’s sage-grouse management plans is welcome news in Idaho,” said Congressman Simpson. “Secretary Zinke and his team should be applauded for taking this important step which is needed to... Read more

On Thursday, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported passage of full year fiscal year 2018 funding. While a continuing resolution funds the government until December 2017, full year appropriations must still be passed for the remainder of the fiscal year. The bill was passed by a vote of 211-198 and includes legislation previously passed by the House including Chairman Simpson’s Energy and Water bill which has critical funding for Idaho National Laboratory. “Today’s legislation is an important ... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued this statement on the news that former Governor and Secretary of the Interior Cecil Andrus died Thursday. “Idaho and our nation have lost a truly great statesman and conservationist today. Kathy and I send our prayers and thoughts to his family for their loss. Governor Andrus will rightly be remembered as a legend in the conservation field. It was fitting that he cut his political teeth protecting Castle Peak as I think they both have a lot in common. They a... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson and National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Francis Collins, toured Boise State University and discussed the important research being conducted on campus. Dr. Collins had the chance to meet with BSU faculty and students to discuss the future of biomedical research and the role NIH plays in helping institutions like Boise State advance lifesaving research. “I am grateful that Dr. Collins took time out of his busy schedule to visit Boise,” said Congressman S... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following statement regarding the Forest Service announcement to begin a trail from Redfish Lake to Stanley, ID. “Building a Redfish to Stanley Trail was an important piece in the Boulder-White Clouds compromise. I am pleased that individuals and families with children of all ages will be able to safely hike and bike from Redfish Lake to Stanley where they will be able to enjoy the stores, restaurants and bakery. This is a great development for recreatio... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today praised the passage of H.R. 3219, the Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018. The Make America Secure Appropriations Act includes four individual appropriations bills - Defense, Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction/Veterans Affairs, as well as fully funding the President’s request for the border wall – for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. H.R. 3218 is a national security appropriations bill which prioritizes funds for our troops, vetera... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported passage of the fiscal year 2018 House Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, which contains many important provisions to Idaho. Congressman Simpson has continually advocated for essential funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and wildfire suppression and prevention, which are included in this year’s bill. “The Interior Appropriations bill is arguably the most important piece of legislation for the western United States,” said Congressman Simp... Read more