Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today opposed H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009. This bill does away with the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, which has been providing subsidized loans to students for more than 40 years and has over 2,000 lenders participating. Instead, it shifts all student loans to the taxpayer financed, government-run Direct Loan program, resulting in the loss of an estimated 35,000 to 50,000 jobs in the student lending industry. “Th... Read more

The first full week of May is National Teacher Appreciation Week and Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored H.Res. 374 that ‘recognizes the roles and contributions of America’s teachers to building and enhancing our Nation’s civic, cultural, and economic well-being.’ "Teachers play a critical role in shaping our future as they touch the lives of children everyday. They inspire, encourage, motivate, and educate the next generation," said Simpson. "I applaud their efforts and thank them for th... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today urged House negotiators on the tax extenders legislation to include a four-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act in any final bill. Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Larry Craig have secured inclusion of the reauthorization in the Senate version of the bill. Simpson’s letter stressed the importance of this funding to rural schools and communities. "As you may know, the decline in timber harvesting in the Pacific Nor... Read more

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 United States has offered educational assistance to returning veterans. In the 1940s, the first G.I. Bill helped tra... Read more

In today’s rapidly changing and increasingly competitive world, Americans must constantly look for ways to make our country stronger. For decades, we have been the world’s clear superpower. Suddenly, countries such as China, India and Russia are emerging as major players on the global economic scene, forcing us to sit up and take notice. We are not guaranteed our status as a world leader—we must earn it. While our position as the world leader is based on many contributing factors, there is one c... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson met with Director Jim Nussle of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) today to urge the White House's cooperation in reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, which expired in 2006, provided an alternative source of education funding for communities whose tax receipts have significantly decreased due to restrictions placed on harvesting timber on federal lands. Ida... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson joined fellow House members in announcing the introduction of H.R. 2946, the State and Local Education Flexibility Act of 2007. Simpson is an original co-sponsor of the bipartisan bill that is sponsored by Nebraska Congressman Lee Terry. “No Child Left Behind needs to be flexible. What may work in New York City may not work in Declo, Idaho,” said Simpson. “I’ve been successful in working with the Administration and Members of Congress to make common-sense improveme... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has secured funding for several Idaho projects in the House Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill and the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Bill. “All of these projects are worthwhile and will greatly benefit Idahoans,” said Simpson. “I’m especially pleased with the funding for Madison and Teton County Hospitals. Both of these facilities provide quality care to enormous regions that are growing rapidly. I’m hopeful this additional fund... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson announced his co-sponsorship of two important pieces of legislation that will provide resources for school improvements and help school districts retain qualified teachers. The America’s Better Classroom Act (H.R. 2470) and the Teacher Tax Credit Act of 2007 (H.R. 2287) are both enjoying bipartisan support. The Teacher Tax Credit Act of 2007 would provide a non-refundable tax credit to teachers and principals who work at school-wide Title I eligible schools. The le... 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 science education as well as Congress’ commitment to America’s future in these areas. “It’s easy for most of... Read more