WASHINGTON— Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson released an op-ed regarding his 2024 outlook.  

Starting 2024 on the Right Foot 

By Rep. Mike Simpson         

The full op-ed is available below.       

The beginning of a new year provides an opportunity to reflect on the previous year, build on accomplishments, and set goals for what’s to come. In Congress - and for myself - the same mentality applies. 

In 2023, House Republicans delivered on our commonsense, conservative agenda. We promised to pass legislation that creates a strong economy, a safe nation, a future built on freedom, and an accountable government. Our Republican conference plans to build on this agenda in 2024 and work tirelessly to get our nation back on track.  

The media and some of my colleagues from across the aisle tried their hardest to make Republicans look divided and weak last year – shocker, right? Frankly, the difference in opinion that the American people witnessed in 2023 was democracy in action. 

House Republicans have remained united when it counts. Whether it is combating President Biden’s self-inflicted border crisis, reducing unnecessary government spending, or supporting our nation’s men and women in uniform, our focus has been on delivering results for all Americans.    

Throughout my time in Congress, I have never seen an administration neglect and mishandle the southern border like the Biden administration has. President Biden’s open-border policies have created an unprecedented crisis, and instead of reversing course, this administration continues to shatter records. There have been more than 6.7 million illegal border crossings since President Biden stepped into the Oval Office. Not only is this number a national security crisis, it is also a humanitarian crisis. 

The crisis at our nation’s southern border is getting worse, not better. That’s why House Republicans passed H.R.2 – the Secure the Border Act. This legislation is the strongest border security package since 1996 with two fundamental goals: secure the border and combat illegal immigration. Specifically, this bill provides comprehensive solutions that build on initiatives led by former President Trump, including forcing the Biden Administration to restart construction of the border wall, providing retention bonuses and hiring additional Border Patrol Agents, ending catch and release by reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” program, and protecting unaccompanied children from human trafficking.  

As a senior appropriator, one of my biggest priorities is addressing the current debt crisis. Our nation is more than $34 trillion in debt – the highest debt burden in United States history. There’s no doubt that this number is unsustainable, and if we do not address it soon, our children and grandchildren will be left footing the bill. 

After years of unrestrained, reckless spending by Democrats, my Republican colleagues and I worked to restore fiscal responsibility by passing the largest deficit reduction bill in history. We also are focused on returning to regular order in Washington by passing single-subject appropriations bills - how our appropriations process is meant to work.  

For over two decades, I have proudly worked for our men and women in uniform and those who have served this nation. Standing with our veterans and supporting our troops has always been one of my top priorities in Congress.  

Fortunately, House Republicans are united in keeping America’s promise to its veterans. Last year, my Republican colleagues and I voted to fully fund veterans’ health care programs, benefits, and other critical Department of Veterans Affairs programs. We also passed legislation – that is now law – providing the highest pay raise for service members in over twenty years. Idaho’s Second District is home to Gowen Field and Mountain Home Air Force base, hosting thousands of our servicemembers. I will always proudly support them and work to provide the resources they need.  

The American people put their trust in their elected representatives, and it is our job to take their priorities into account and pass legislation that gets our nation back on track. Representing the people of Idaho’s Second Congressional District is a responsibility I take very seriously, and I encourage my constituents to reach out with any questions or concerns they may have.

Feel free to contact me through my website: simpson.house.gov – I look forward to hearing from you, and may 2024 be the best year yet!