Idaho Congressman Simpson is pleased the Mexican government published its final rule allowing the importation of fresh potatoes from the United States.  “Since the Market Access Agreement was signed by the U.S. and Mexico in 2003, I have consistently urged the USTR, USDA and White House to sustain efforts encouraging Mexico to meet its commitment and allow full market access for… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Simpson is the Republican lead on a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack expressing disapproval of the USDA decision to continue the exclusion of potatoes in the final WIC rule.  Today 67 bipartisan members of Congress signed Simpson’s letter expressing disappointment with the Obama Administration’s disregard for the very clear direction from Congress to… Read more »

 Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today cosponsored legislation to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from releasing personal data on livestock producers to the public.  The bill responds to an incident last year in which EPA released personal data, including names, telephone numbers, and email addresses, on a number of agricultural operations when responding to a… Read more »

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its final rule today excluding fresh, white potatoes from the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson plans to use every available tool in order to reverse the ban of potatoes in the program. “I am deeply disappointed in the USDA’s decision to ignore legislation that directed the agency… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today supported passage of the conference report for H.R. 2642, the Agricultural Act of 2014, known as the Farm Bill.  The conference report, which authorizes agriculture programs for five years, passed the House by a vote of 251-166.  The Agricultural Act of 2014 significantly reduces and reforms farm policy spending and food stamp expenditures,… Read more »

“Earlier this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released more than 1,236 pages of new regulations governing the growing, harvesting, packing and holding of fresh produce.  While it is of utmost importance to preserve the safety of the U.S. food supply, I am concerned about the scientific necessity of this rule and the economic impact that it would have on growers in… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule yesterday which would establish federal regulatory jurisdiction over non-navigable streams, wetlands and other water resources.  Currently, non-navigable waters are regulated by the… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today released the following statement regarding House passage of H.R. 2642, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013. The bill passed with a final vote of 216-208. "The certainty a farm bill provides to Idaho's farmers and rural communities is critical to the economy of our state," said Simpson. "I am encouraged by today's… Read more »

Amendment was offered to House Energy and Water Appropriations bill currently under consideration Read more »

H.R. 876 would authorize and permit existing historical water diversions in Idaho wilderness areas, allowing for repair and maintenance Read more »