Federal Legislation Delivers Big Wins for Idaho Agriculture By Congressman Mike Simpson Washington, D.C. – “Idaho’s history of agriculture excellence is critical to our economy, accounting for 20% the state’s gross state product. With over 25,000 farms and ranches and 185 different commodities, it isn’t just Idaho that we are feeding – it is the world. “No doubt that ideal climate conditions, irrigation systems, and generations of family farmers are responsible for this agriculture dominance. Ho... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today applauded the House passage of H.R. 1625, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, which included monumental benefits for Idaho and Western States. “This is a comprehensive and responsible package that contains so many important provisions for Idaho and Western States,” said Simpson. “It is the product of this past year’s worth of thoughtful deliberation and line-by-line analysis of every program in the federal budget. Funding our government through short t... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson applauded inclusion of a fire borrowing fix and forestry reforms in the Omnibus Appropriations bill. Simpson has long championed a fix to fire borrowing having authored the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act which would treat wildfires like other natural disasters. The Omnibus includes the core principles of this bill by addressing the rising cost of fire suppression and a budget mechanism to provide parity with other natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and torna... Read more

A group of eight senators and two representatives introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill that will use revenues from energy production on federal lands to help pay for the over $11 billion maintenance backlog at our national parks. The senators – U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Angus King (I-Maine), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) Joe Manchin (D- W.Va.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Representatives Mike Simpson (R... Read more

Last night, the House overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan Action for Dental Health Act (H.R. 2422), co-authored by Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust Chair, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL), and Congressman and dentist Mike Simpson (R-ID). It received 387 yes votes. This legislation targets crucial federal dollars to organizations that provide oral health care to underserved populations, especially seniors, children and those living in rural and urban communities. Without spending ad... Read more

The Idaho Congressional Delegation today announced its 2018 Service Academy Days across Idaho. Each Service Academy Day session offers students, parents, and counselors the opportunity to meet with liaisons, cadets, and midshipmen from each of the nation’s respective service academies and provides an opportunity for questions. Staff from Idaho’s four Congressional delegation offices will be on hand to answer questions about the application process for students who are seeking a nomination to ou... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson released the following statement after the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 4134 by unanimous consent. The bill would name the White Clouds Wilderness after former Idaho Governor and Secretary of the Interior, Cecil D. Andrus. “I am very grateful to Chairman Bishop and the Committee for passing legislation to honor the late Governor Andrus,” said Simpson. “Governor Andrus meant so much, to so many in Idaho. So do the White Clouds. It is only fitting th... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following statement after President Trump’s State of the Union. “In today’s divided political climate it may seem difficult to find consensus. However, it is undisputable that the American economy is strong and on the rise. President Trump signed into law the largest tax reform policy in more than three decades and the results have been overwhelming. Businesses all over the world are investing and reinvesting in America, and families are keeping more of ... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee Chairman, issued the following statement addressing the recent announcement of House Appropriations Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen’s retirement. “Rodney is an incredible legislator and a close friend who I will miss very much. It has been an honor to serve with him and as a member of his committees these many years. Under Chairman Frelinghuysen’s leadership and dedication, the House Appropriations Committee has com... Read more

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson invites high school students across the second congressional district to enter the 2018 High School Congressional Art Competition. This annual competition encourages Idaho's aspiring student artists to showcase their talents to the public, while recognizing their achievements alongside hundreds of other students and members of Congress from across the country. School administrators and art instructors across the state received entry forms, and a list of rules and g... Read more