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… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today announced his co-sponsorship of H.R. 3779, the Andrew Larochelle God, Family, and Country Act of 2007. The legislation would codify a policy allowing inclusion of religious references on flag certificates for flags flown over the U.S. Capitol.    “I was dismayed to learn about a policy of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol that prohibits the… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson testified today before the House Agriculture Committee regarding disaster conditions in Idaho and their impacts on agriculture. "Idaho’s agricultural producers are facing significant trials due to catastrophic fires and severe drought," Simpson said. "This summer was too hot and too dry for too long. I have seen barley fields in Idaho that appeared… Read more »

In a letter to the House Appropriations Committee, Idaho Congressmen Mike Simpson (R-ID), Greg Walden (R-OR), and Sanford Bishop (D-GA) led the effort to ask Chairman David Obey (D-WN) to approve a variety of disaster assistance measures to assist states impacted by the devastating drought and catastrophic wildfires. The coalition includes more than 40 members of Congress from both sides… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson released the following statement regarding Senator Larry Craig’s decision today:   “Sen. Craig’s announcement gives the people of Idaho some certainty for the next 15 months. I remain convinced this delegation will continue to effectively represent Idaho as we turn our focus to more pressing matters.”     Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson joined Members of Congress in cosponsoring legislation to honor the National Guard. H.Res. 542 expresses the unconditional support of the House of Representatives for the members of the National Guard. The National Guard is the United States oldest component of the Armed Forces and one of the nation's longest enduring institutions.  The men and women who… Read more »

In September, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson requested the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to not reduce Boise City’s funding under a grant program geared toward housing improvements, economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and other community development activities. Last week, Congressman Simpson was notified that the funds will continue to be allocated to the… Read more »

Congressman Mike Simpson announced that he is an original cosponsor of the Charlie Norwood CLEAR Act of 2007 today. This legislation is designed to implement an efficient system of identifying and removing violent criminal illegal immigrants, while denying specific federal funding to American "Sanctuary Cities" that protect them.    The Charlie Norwood CLEAR Act of 2007 (H.R. 3494)… Read more »

In a letter to the House Appropriations Committee, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today asked his colleagues to approve a variety of disaster assistance measures to assist the State of Idaho and those Idahoans impacted by the devastating drought and catastrophic wildfires. Simpson is seeking the assistance through upcoming disaster supplemental legislation expected before Congress this… Read more »

Congressman Simpson today asked Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter to remove his name from the list of potential replacements for U.S. Senator Larry Craig. His statement follows:   “After careful deliberation, Kathy and I have determined that my reasons for rejecting a run at an open Senate seat remain as strong today as they were three weeks ago, and I have asked Gov. Otter to remove me from his… Read more »