Idaho Senator Larry Craig and Congressman Mike Simpson sent a letter today to Secretary Michael Leavitt requesting an expedited release of funds for the Special Olympic 2009 World Winter Games to be held in Idaho.   Typically host sites for the Games are named four years in advance. However, the original 2009 host, Sarajevo, was unable to fulfill its obligation. The Special Olympics… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported legislation to provide tax relief to 23 million Americans who were slated to be subject to the Alterative Minimum Tax (AMT) this year. H.R. 3996, which provides temporary relief from the AMT for one year, was passed by the House of Representatives with a vote of 352-64 late Wednesday.   “The AMT is one of the worst provisions in our tax code,… Read more »

Idaho Senator Larry Craig and Congressman Mike Simpson today praised the bi-partisan work of the Senate and House of Representatives in passing a final spending package that delivers on many critical priorities for the State of Idaho and provides $70 billion in funding for the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. President Bush has indicated he will sign the legislation into law. “This bill is… Read more »

Idaho Senator Larry Craig and Congressman Mike Simpson, both members of their respective Appropriations Committees, announced the inclusion of several Idaho-specific projects in the Fiscal Year 2008 year-end spending package. Craig commented approvingly, "Idaho will be a better place because of these projects.  Strong transportation infrastructure and a clean, livable environment are… Read more »

Idaho Senator Larry Craig and Congressman Mike Simpson today highlighted dozens of important agriculture, research, infrastructure, and economic development projects that will be headed to Idaho as part of a year-end spending package being finalized in Washington, DC. “I’m pleased with the assistance our ag producers will get to mitigate natural disasters and combat pests like the Potato… Read more »

Idaho Senator Larry Craig and Congressman Mike Simpson announced today that the House and Senate have agreed on the final version of legislation to fund most federal government agencies for fiscal year 2008. In the bill, many Idaho healthcare and education issues were addressed.   “Education and healthcare help form the foundation of a strong community and a thriving state,” said… Read more »

Idaho Senator Larry Craig and Congressman Mike Simpson announced today that the House and Senate have agreed to a final funding amount of $7.5 million for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho on the final version of legislation funding most agencies of the federal government for fiscal year 2008.   “I am very pleased that Members of both parties recognize how… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is pleased to announce the following men and women as official nominees to the United States military academies.   “It is an honor to nominate Idaho students to the Military Academies,” said Simpson. “I am always impressed by the quality and character of our youth in Idaho. Each person is a fine example of what our state has to offer. They are bright,… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson joined colleagues today by requesting House leadership pass legislation to preserve rural health care access to high quality health care services. Members of the House Rural Health Care Coalition, of which Simpson is a member, requested leadership to act on this issue before Congress adjourns for the year.   The letter specifically requests to extend the… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted today to override a Presidential Veto concerning the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations conference Report. This legislation contained funding for several Idaho projects including money for the International Special Olympics and the Boise Detox Center. In order to override a Presidential veto, a two-thirds majority is… Read more »