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Rep. Simpson Champions Idaho Agriculture Priorities

Washington, March 13, 2024

WASHINGTON—Last week, the United States House of Representatives passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of this legislation. This package includes the Agriculture, Rural Development Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This bill preserves funding for America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, and includes funding for several Idaho agriculture priorities. This bipartisan package of six annual spending bills will adhere to the Fiscal Responsibility Act discretionary spending limits and January’s topline spending agreement. 

“Idaho’s history, economy, and culture are deeply tied to agriculture,” said Rep. Simpson. “Agriculture represents 20% of Idaho’s economy, and I consider it my duty to champion important Idaho priorities to ensure our state’s farmers and ranchers can thrive now and in the future. I was proud to fight for these priorities in this bill. I will continue to use my role on the House Appropriations Committee to stand up for Idaho and American agriculture.” 

Highlights of Idaho priorities included in the bill: 

  • Protects the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho.
  • Includes funding for important agricultural research programs for commodities such as wheat, barley, potatoes, and alfalfa.
  • Includes funding for the Shelly Firth Fire Station.
  • Includes funding for the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (CAFE) site in Rupert, Idaho

The first set of final Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills contains the following bills:

  • Agriculture, Rural Development Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. 
  • Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. 
  • Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies. 
  • Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. 
  • Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. 
  • Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. 

The measure was approved in the House with a vote of 339-85 and approved in the Senate with a vote of 75-22.