The following is a statement from Congressman Mike Simpson concerning the recent death of Idaho Visionary, J.R. Simplot.  “We all know the name J.R. Simplot. He was a good corporate citizen who continuously gave back to our communities. His contributions to our state exceed well beyond pioneering the frozen technology that made French Fries possible. Our entire country benefited from… Read more »

“Looking for someone to blame for the high cost of gasoline?  It shouldn’t be hard to find as there is plenty of blame to go around.  Addressing this problem requires a commitment to achieving a long-term energy solution, something both Republicans and Democrats have been unwilling to make.  As a result, Americans are faced with record high gas prices and uncertainty in the… Read more »

“America, now more than ever, needs a secure and stable domestic food supply – one that is supplied by American farmers, working in American fields, employing American workers, and supporting American communities.” – Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson The House of Representatives today passed the final version of comprehensive legislation to guide U.S. agriculture policy over the next… 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… Read more »

Idaho’s Congressional Delegation today praised final passage of a public lands bill that includes language to expand the borders of the Minidoka National Internment Site.  The legislation, S. 2739, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008, passed the U.S. House of Representatives following approval earlier this month in the U.S. Senate.  The legislative language, included in a land… Read more »

The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 3734, the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area Act. The legislation will rename the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, to the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.  “Morley Nelson was an ardent advocate for the protection of the nation's birds of prey,” said… Read more »

The U.S. House of Representatives is taking preventative measures to protect student loans and is aiming to increase unsubsidized Stafford Loan annual limit by $2,000. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported this important legislation to help stabilize student loans while the market is extremely variable. H.R. 5715, the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008 is a… Read more »

“These days it doesn't seem that there are many things Republicans and Democrats agree on. However, some issues transcend party politics and become regional matters, such as funding to our public lands counties. Western states like Nevada, Utah, and Idaho have a disproportionate amount of federal land. Approximately two out of every three acres in Idaho is owned by the federal government.… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored H.Con.Res. 323, expressing Congressional support for the goals and ideals of National Health Care Decisions Day on April 16. This resolution encourages all Americans to take the time to discuss these important medical decisions with their loved ones. "Many people think about what their last medical wishes would be, but few take the necessary… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is an original cosponsor of the Federal Sunset Act of 2008 (H.R. 5794). This bill would cut wasteful federal spending by creating a bi-partisan commission to hold agencies accountable for performance. The legislation would establish a twelve year sunset date for every federal agency; at which time they would be up for a top to bottom assessment on their… Read more »