Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson announces the addition of a congressional fellow, a new hire, and several promotions within his Washington, D.C., staff.

Dr. Peter D. Friedman is on sabbatical from the University of Massachusetts and is currently serving as a Congressional Fellow in Simpson’s office. Friedman is the Chairman of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he has been a faculty member since September 2002. Friedman was also a nuclear submarine officer in the United States Navy where he served on two nuclear submarines, including the Engineering Department Head aboard the USS Hyman G. Rickover and a mechanical engineering professor at the United States Naval Academy. He received his BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology and his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University.  

“Pete’s resume speaks for itself,” said Simpson. “It is a privilege to have him join our team this year and the people of Idaho will benefit from his experience. His interest in advancing a science-based, forward-looking energy policy makes him an excellent fit to handle issues pertaining to energy, defense, and homeland security,”

Simpson also hired Solara Linehan to be his new Legislative Assistant. She will oversee policy issues related to finance and banking, foreign affairs, agriculture, veterans’ affairs, judiciary, telecommunications, and government reform.

Linehan has deep Idaho roots and is part of a fifth-generation family farm. She received her BS from Lewis-Clark State and continued her education at Georgetown University where she obtained her graduate certificate in International Business Management. Before joining the Simpson office, Linehan worked for then-Idaho Congressman C.L. “Butch” Otter, and most recently served as an associate at Deloitte.

“Solara’s knowledge and experience in agriculture are exceptional and her educational background in business will be an asset as she moves forward handling these important issues,” said Simpson. “I am happy to welcome her to the Simpson team.”

MJ Henshaw is adding Legislative Correspondent to her duties as a staff assistant. Henshaw joined the Simpson office over a year ago and works tirelessly to ensure constituents needs are met. She attended Utah State University where she received her BS in Journalism. Before joining the Simpson team, Henshaw held an internship in Congressman Zach Wamp’s office and served Idahoans while working in Senator Criag’s office.   

“Handling constituent services is a very important job for a congressional office and MJ performs this task with great skill and talent,” said Simpson. “I am thrilled to expand her duties to include legislative issues in order to better serve Idaho constituents.”

Nathan Greene was promoted to Senior Legislative Assistant and will oversee issues pertaining to the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, as well as the Budget Committee, both of which Congressman Simpson is a member.

“For several years, Nate has superbly served Idahoans,” said Simpson. “I’m confident that his knowledge and experience will continue to pay off as he advances to new challenges within our office. Both the House Budget Committee and the LHHS Appropriations Subcommittee have enormous tasks ahead, and I’m pleased that Nate is eager to address these important issues.”