Congressman Simpson voted today for H.R. 627, the Credit Card Holder’s Bill of Rights Act of 2009. H.R. 627 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 357-70. “Credit cards have, for better or worse, changed the way American families manage their finances, and today approximately half of the population own credit cards,” Simpson said. “I believe that consumers must acquire and use credit car... Read more »

Today is Financial Literacy Day on Capitol Hill, but Congressman Mike Simpson would like to see awareness on this issue continue throughout the year. “Financial literacy allows individuals to make sound financial decisions, provide for their own economic security, and meet goals like obtaining a college education, starting a small business, or owning a home,” Simpson said. The current economic env... Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is a cosponsor of H.R. 2083, the Border Sovereignty and Protection Act. This legislation will strengthen the security along the U.S.-Mexico border to better prevent the smuggling of weapons and narcotics. “We live in a global community, but that doesn’t mean we have open borders,” said Simpson. “We must be able to secure our borders for the safety of all Americans. I... Read more »

Today, Idahoans are gathering all over the state to demonstrate their frustration and discontent with our current tax system as well as the out-of-control growth of government spending. Idaho Congressman Simpson shares these concerns and is pleased that these Idahoans are making sure that their representatives in government hear their message. “I strongly support the concept of these “Tea Parties”... Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is pleased that an exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) will be on display in rural Idaho. Simpson is the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment that oversees funding for the Smithsonian Institution. “Between Fences,” an exhibition from the Museum on Main Street, a partnership of the S... Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, in a meeting with Energy Secretary Steven Chu yesterday, stressed the importance of nuclear energy to our nation’s economic growth and pushed for more information on an alternative plan to Yucca Mountain. Simpson met with Secretary Chu as part of a 4-member delegation representing the nation’s four large nuclear cleanup sites. “Secretary Chu is very engaging and ver... Read more »

“This week, I will submit a list of Idaho-based projects to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration in Fiscal Year 2010. I am keenly aware that these project, or earmark, requests are seen by some as an example of wasteful federal spending and I understand fully that too many federal projects are indeed wasteful. “I decided to write and publish this column in an effort to share with t... Read more »

The methamphetamine epidemic has led to a growing need for costly dental care. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson joined House colleagues in introducing bi-partisan legislation, H.R. 1671, the Meth Mouth Prevention and Community Recovery Act, that will aid providers in combating this pandemic. "The only chance we have to combat meth is through education," said Simpson. "This bill will fund local, scho... Read more »

When the House of Representatives passed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009, Congressman Mike Simpson’s bill to rename the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area was included. Also in the bill is Simpson’s legislation that transfers four federally-owned parcels of land in the Auger Falls area for the creation of a community park and recreation area. Once th... Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today voted in favor of H.R. 1404, the Federal Land Assistance, Management, and Enhancement Act (FLAME Act). Simpson, who is Ranking Member of the House Interior and Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, is an original cosponsor to the legislation that boosts funding for catastrophic wildfires. H.R. 1404 also would create a designated source of funding for catastrop... Read more »