WASHINGTON— Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which repeals President Biden’s overreaching Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulations. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson – Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee – authored language to prevent and block the Biden administration’s flawed definition of the WOTUS term under the Clean Water Act.  

“I have long fought against the expansive WOTUS overreach,” said Rep. Simpson. “The Biden administration’s burdensome WOTUS rule is unfairly and unconstitutionally aimed at farm families, small businesses, and property owners nationwide. Fortunately, the United States Supreme Court delivered a resounding victory for Idahoan’s property rights in the Sackett v. EPA decision.   

“Idaho’s agriculture community and landowners deserve better than President Biden’s misguided efforts. I’m proud to stand up for rural America, and I will never stop fighting against unnecessary government regulations.”  

Rep. Simpson was an original cosponsor of H.J. Res. 27, a joint resolution that would have nullified the recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) rule revising the definition of WOTUS. H.J. Res. 27 passed in the House and Senate but was later vetoed by President Biden. The joint resolution failed to garner the 2/3 vote necessary to override the veto.   

Rep. Simpson has expressed concern about regulatory overreach by the EPA and has taken action to stop the expansive overreach since the Obama administration. Most recently, Rep. Simpson questioned EPA Administrator Michael Regan on the regulatory uncertainty the Biden administration has created.   

The administration’s proposal to expand the definition of WOTUS pushes federal regulation into waters currently managed by the states, including irrigation canals, ponds, drainage ditches, and water tanks. Rep. Simpson’s language is part of the Fiscal Year 2024 funding package for the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Related Agencies.   

This funding package will advance to the Senate for further consideration.