“Right now we have serious issues with drug and weapons trafficking across the southern border of the United States, which lead to crime problems in our own country and instability in Mexico, making it imperative we tackle the dangerous and growing problem of border security,” wrote Simpson. “Keeping drug dealers, human traffickers, and criminals, like the one who murdered Mr. Krentz, out of our country requires the cooperation of multiple federal agencies.” Read more »

Congressman Mike Simpson today came out in strong opposition to H.R. 5088, America’s Commitment to Clean Water Act. This legislation cedes authority over all waters in the United States to the federal government, including water currently regulated by states, and makes it subject to regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Water Act. Read more »

“On Tax Day this year, many Americans are struggling to make ends meet and facing difficult economic realities that make their tax burdens feel even heavier,” said Simpson. “Providing families and businesses with permanent tax relief is the best way to jump-start our economy and put us on the path toward long-term financial security.” Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is advocating for continued access to recreation on public land, sending a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar regarding the use of the Antiquities Act. The letter followed up to a recent hearing by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment where Simpson addressed concern that was raised over a Department of Interior internal planning document that identified 17 potential sites for new or expanded national monument designation in the western United States under the Antiquities Act. Read more »

“I strongly believe the democrats’ healthcare bill is the wrong direction our nation and may well be unconstitutional,” said Simpson. “I believe the best thing we could do is repeal the bill in its entirety and start over by passing smaller bills that enjoy bipartisan support and focus on bringing down costs for American healthcare consumers.” Read more »

“As I have said before, this bill will ultimately damage the health care system in the United States, not to mention adding another $2 to 3 trillion to our national debt,” said Simpson. “It is unfortunate that Congress didn’t act in a bipartisan fashion to pass commonsense reforms that would have actually brought down the cost of health care for our citizens.” Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson questioned the Department of Energy on nuclear energy and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) as part of the Department’s FY2011 Budget Request. Assistant Secretary of Nuclear Energy Pete Miller testified before the Energy and Water Subcommittee, of which Congressman Simpson is a member. Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson questioned Energy Secretary Steven Chu on DOE’s commitment to abide by the Idaho Settlement Agreement during an Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee hearing today. Read more »

“There is no doubt that this legislation will be challenged in court,” said Simpson. “Beyond the question of its legality, this bill will ultimately damage the health care system in the United States while adding another $2 to 3 trillion to our national debt. At this time, I encourage all Idahoans to support Governor Otter in his effort to challenge its constitutionality in court.” Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is an original cosponsor of legislation that would provide a reasonable, long-term solution for fees paid by owners of cabins on Forest Service land. H.R. 4888, the Cabin Fee Act of 2010, would replace the existing flawed appraisal system for determining fees and establish a tiered yearly fee structure based on current appraisals and tied to inflation to eliminate t... Read more »