Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson joined his Republican colleagues early this morning in supporting H.R. 1, legislation that cuts federal spending by over $100 billion for the remainder of the current fiscal year.  The House debated this legislation under an open process for the past four days, during which nearly 600 amendments were offered.

“This continuing resolution is the largest spending reduction in our nation’s history,” said Simpson. “These cuts and the open process under which they were considered represent a turning point for our nation, as Congress begins to respond to the concerns of the American people about the size of government and the growing national deficit. Cutting spending by over $100 billion is a huge step in the right direction, but it is only the first step, and Republicans are committed to doing what it takes to reduce federal spending, balance our budget, and get our economy growing again.”

As Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, Simpson reduced funding for the agencies under his jurisdiction by over 14%--including a 30% reduction in funding for the Environmental Protection Agency.  The continuing resolution also included a number of provisions to limit EPA’s regulatory authority, including provisions to prohibit EPA from using funds to impose job-killing regulations over greenhouse gases and to usurp state authority over water.  Simpson also added a provision to the bill to prevent the Department of the Interior from enacting its new “Wild Lands” policy, as well as a provision overturning a court decision last summer to put wolves back on the endangered species list.

H.R. 1 was passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 235 - 189.