“It is obvious that physicians and dentists are not financial institutions and therefore do not present the same level of risk as financial institutions in cases of identity theft. The definition of creditor under the Red Flags Rule is overly broad and encompasses far too many businesses that should not be included. Many providers are considered creditors because they don’t require full payment at the time of service—instead they bill the insurance company first, and then they bill the patient the remainder of the bill. This system should not be treated the same as a loan with a bank,” said Congressman Simpson. “Health care is expensive enough; we don’t need to create needless regulations that will only increase costs even more.” Read more »

“Families have been left guessing on the ever-changing rules when attempting to make plans for the future of their businesses. We believe that clear policy direction is needed to ensure that farmers and ranchers around the nation are able to make sound planning decisions for the future.” Read more »

As the end of the 2010 tax year gets nearer, we are rapidly approaching a traffic jam of expiring tax provisions, uncertainty about the AMT, and a sluggish economy.  Congress has a lot of work to do in the coming months, as I believe that the hard work of balancing our budget will require us to do the hard work of fundamental tax reform.  In the meantime, however, Congress must act… Read more »

“In Idaho, we know firsthand the value that public lands bring to our way of life,” said Simpson. “Hunting, fishing, and backpacking are activities that promote a healthy and active lifestyle and provide opportunities for families to spend time together. What is more, those who live and recreate on public lands are great stewards of the land, and I believe ensuring that people continue to have the opportunity to recreate in our national forests benefits both communities and our forests.” Read more »

“Time and time again, Congress has supported Yucca Mountain as the only option for a long–term nuclear storage site, and it has repeatedly and overwhelmingly rejected attempts to shut down the program,” said Simpson. “The American taxpayer has spent over $8 billion studying Yucca Mountain and is liable for billions more for breach of contract. During a time of record budget deficits, it is unconscionable that the NRC Chairman and DOE would waste billions of dollars of taxpayer money with no return on the investment.” Read more »

Sadly, today’s vote to extend unemployment insurance through February 2011 was nothing more than political posturing on the part of the outgoing Democrat majority. The bill is unpaid for and would have added $12 billion directly to the national debt while vast reserves of stimulus money still sits unused. By bringing the bill under a rule that prohibits debate or amendments and requires a 2/3 vote for passage, the Democrats knew it would not pass. Read more »

United States Congressmen Mike Simpson, Doc Hastings, and Paul Ryan sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Jeffrey Zients requesting a review of the decision taken by Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman Gregory Jaczko to shut down the review of the Department of Energy’s application for Yucca Mountain. Chairman Jaczko acted unilaterally to discontinue… Read more »

“During a time when the national debt is nearly $14 trillion, this is unacceptable and the American people are demanding a stop to federal spending,” said Simpson. “This legislation is the first step toward reducing the deficit. It is vital that we pass this bill as soon as possible.” Read more »

Today is Veterans Day, a day to honor American’s Veterans. Thank you for your service, for your patriotism, and for your sacrifice. God Bless You and God Bless America. Read more »

“The NRC has long maintained a reputation as an independent, apolitical regulatory and oversight body,” said Simpson. “It is unthinkable that its leadership would choose to play partisan politics by shutting down the Yucca Mountain license application in an effort to help one candidate in his election.” Read more »