Recently in Idaho 

Last week the House passed H.R. 4785, the Rural Energy Savings Program Act.  This legislation would have created a new federal program to provide low-interest loans for energy efficient projects in rural areas.  Because of his concern that this program duplicates existing federal energy programs and would cost about $5 BILLION over five years, Congressman Simpson could not support H.R. 4785.

Simpson Calls for a “Clean” Continuing Resolution
Congressman Mike Simpson last week joined Republican Appropriation Committee Members in sending a letter to Chairman David Obey calling for any Continuing Resolution (CR) legislation to be "clean," that is, free of any extraneous spending or policy provisions. Because Congress has failed to pass a single appropriations bill this year, a CR will be necessary to continue government operations past the end of the fiscal year, which expires on September 30th.

"We have serious and growing concerns about the process and composition of any potential CR… At a time of extreme spending and political fatigue, it is simply unacceptable to use a must-pass CR as a legislative vehicle for more wasteful federal spending or completing an array of unfinished political business before the election,” the Republican Members wrote.

“It is becoming very clear that Congressional Democrats are planning to use the CR as a way to approve even more unnecessary and extraneous spending and to implement policies that lack the support of Congress and the American people,” said Simpson. “Just like every American family must create a budget and then keep to it, Congress has a responsibility to pass its own spending plans and not force through additional spending that isn’t accounted for as part of the process. This letter makes it clear that Republicans will not support these efforts.”

The letter also stated, “We want to make our position abundantly clear: we will not support efforts to pass a CR that contains any unnecessary spending or legislative provisions unrelated to maintaining government operations.  We respectfully request that you fashion a CR true to the purpose of temporarily continuing the activities of government at the absolute minimum level necessary until we finish our work on the fiscal year 2011 spending bills.”

The full text of the letter is on Simpson’s website at https://simpson.house.gov/UploadedFiles/0910_001.pdf

Simpson Signs Discharge Petition for H.R. 5141
Legislation would repeal 1099 Requirements for Small Business under Democrat Health Plan
Congressman Mike Simpson joined over 70 of his republican colleagues in signing a discharge petition for H.R. 5141, the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act. Representative Daniel Lungren (R-CA) introduced H.R. 5141 on April 26, 2010.  This legislation would repeal the expansion of information reporting requirements for payments of $600 or more to corporations included as part of HR 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 

“This requirement must be repealed,” said Simpson. “During these difficult economic times, we should not be creating new unnecessary, expensive and burdensome regulations on small businesses that they cannot afford. We should repeal this provision and instead focus on promoting measures that would encourage small businesses to grow and create jobs.”

The Internal Revenue Service’s own National Taxpayer Advocate highlighted several problems with this requirement in a recent report:
--“[t]he new reporting burden, particularly as it falls on small businesses, may turn out to be disproportionate as compared with any resulting improvement in tax compliance."
--"[s]mall businesses may have to acquire new software or pay for additional accounting services, incurring additional costs.”
--“In our view, it is highly likely that the IRS will improperly assess penalties that it must abate later, after great expenditure of taxpayer and IRS time and effort.”
--“[s]mall businesses that lack the capacity to track customer purchases may lose customers, leaving the economy with more large national vendors and less local competition.”

The National Federation of Independent Business says this provision will have a “direct negative impact on small businesses.”  In a statement, they noted the increased costs and burdens resulting from this 1099 provision, which was created without any input or discussion from the small business community.
 
When a majority of Members of Congress sign the Discharge Petition for H.R. 5141, it will force House Leadership to bring the bill to the floor for a vote.

Rehberg, Simpson, Boyd, Ehlers, and Minnick Praise Passage of Resolution Honoring Backcountry Airstrips
Congressmen Denny Rehberg (MT-AL), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Allen Boyd (FL-02), Vernon Ehlers (MI-03), and Walt Minnick (ID-01) last week announced the House passage of their resolution in the House of Representatives supporting recreational aviation and backcountry airstrips on America’s public lands.

“Aviation has become as important to the modern West as horses were to the early explorers, trappers and prospectors,” said Congressman Rehberg, a member of the House General Aviation Caucus.  “There are too many benefits to backcountry strips to list them all.  They enable search and rescue, fire management, research, disaster relief and wildlife management.  In the event of mechanical problems or inclement weather, they serve as emergency landing sites when larger airports are out of reach.  They allow public access to some of the most beautiful, remote federal lands in America—regardless of one’s physical ability—and they serve as efficient access points for tourists, who in turn contribute to local economies and small businesses.  I'm pleased that we were able to get this done.”

“For some people, the only way to get to some of the most beautiful places in Idaho is by plane—in fact, in the summer one of the busiest airports in our state is a backcountry airstrip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River,” said Congressman Simpson, who is Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment.  “I’m pleased that Congress has recognized the value of these backcountry airstrips and the importance of recreational aviation in America.”

“Backcountry airstrips are a valued part of Idaho’s rugged heritage and provide vital access to the most remote parts of our state,” Congressman Minnick said.  “I have been fortunate to have flown into many of these airstrips in Idaho’s backcountry and I want future generations of Idahoans to enjoy them as well.”

“Backcountry airstrips are a big part of life for many Americans, and should be protected,” said Congressman Ehlers. “They serve as access to beautiful backcountry wilderness areas that would otherwise be unreachable by other means, allowing people to hike and camp. More importantly, it provides access for firefighters, land managers, and other workers. Some are concerned about noise problems, but backcountry airstrips, and the small planes using them, are much quieter than alternatives such as helicopters and highways in dense wilderness areas.”

"As a pilot, I understand the important role backcountry airstrips play to rural communities, aviation enthusiasts and tourists across the country," said Congressman Boyd, co-chair of the House General Aviation Caucus.  "I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with my colleagues to honor the role backcountry airstrips play to our national heritage."

Backcountry airstrips are often targeted for closure by powerful special interest groups or simply neglected by bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.  Yet, they are a part of life for many Americans.  In addition to search and rescue, fire management, research, disaster relief and wildlife management, they also provide access to some of the most beautiful, remote federal lands in America—regardless of one’s physical ability to otherwise enjoy the backcountry.  For pilots, in the event of mechanical problems or inclement weather, they serve as emergency landing sites when larger airports are out of reach.  Finally, backcountry airstrips serve as efficient access points for tourists, who in turn contribute to local economies and small businesses.

“Backcountry airstrips connect vast tracks of wilderness with the rest of the nation. They are vital to emergency rescue, land management, and firefighting operations, and they often provide the only means of access to some of the nation’s most beautiful public lands,” said Craig Fuller, President of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.  “They deserve our protection, and AOPA is pleased that members of Congress recognize the value of keeping them open to the benefit of all Americans.”

“The Recreational Aviation Foundation expresses our deepest appreciation to Congressman Rehberg and his colleagues for their leadership and strong support on this important resolution,” said John McKenna, President of the RAF.  “This recognition will help protect the airstrips that provide safe havens for pilots in emergency situations, as well as provide public benefits such as a means for search and rescue and firefighting.  The Congressman's efforts in protecting recreational airstrips will also ensure increased opportunities for all Americans to access our wild and beautiful country.”  McKenna lives and works in Bozeman, Montana, the headquarters of the national non-profit organization.

Committee Update:

On Wednesday at 2:00 p.m., the House Budget Committee will hold a hearing entitled, “Budgeting for Education:  The Role of Perkins Loans.”

House Legislative Business This Week

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
On Monday, the House will meet at 2:30 p.m. for pro forma session. No votes are expected in the House.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2010
On Tuesday, no votes are expected in the House, which is a change to the previously announced schedule.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2010 AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Wednesday the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for legislative business with votes postponed until 6:00 p.m.

On Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business. On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.

Suspensions (39 Bills):
1) H.R. 4347 - Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act (Sponsored by Rep. Boren / Natural Resources Committee)
2) H.R. 5811 - To amend the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act (Sponsored by Rep. Reyes / Natural Resources Committee)
3) H.R. 4195 - To authorize the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs (Sponsored by Rep. Farr / Natural Resources Committee)
4) H.R. 5494 - To direct the Director of the National Park Service and the Secretary of the Interior to transfer certain properties to the District of Columbia (Sponsored by Del. Norton / Natural Resources Committee)
5) H.R. 5152 - Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Adjustment Act (Sponsored by Rep. Gingrey / Natural Resources Committee)
6) H.R. 5194 - Mt. Andrea Lawrence Designation Act (Sponsored by Rep. McKeon / Natural Resources Committee)
7) H.Con.Res. 294 - 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway (Sponsored by Rep. Perriello / Natural Resources Committee)
8) H.Res. 1503 - Expressing support for National Estuaries Day (Sponsored by Rep. Castor / Natural Resources Committee)
9) H.Res. 1508 - Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of John James Audubon (Sponsored by Rep. Whitfield / Natural Resources Committee)
10) Senate Amendment to H.R. 1454 - Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act (Sponsored by Rep. Brown (SC) / Natural Resources Committee)
11) H.R. 3470 - Nationally Enhancing the Wellbeing of Babies through Outreach and Research Now Act (Sponsored by Rep. Cohen / Energy and Commerce Committee)
12) H.R. 5756 - Training and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide Act (Sponsored by Rep. Doyle / Energy and Commerce Committee)
13) H.R. 2923 - Combat Methamphetamine Enhancement Act (Sponsored by Rep. Gordon / Energy and Commerce Committee)
14) H.R. 3199 - Emergency Medic Transition (EMT) Act (Sponsored by Rep. Harman / Energy and Commerce Committee)
15) H.R. 5809 - Safe Drug Disposal Act (Sponsored by Rep. Inslee / Energy and Commerce Committee)
16) H.R. 1745 - Family Health Care Accessibility Act (Sponsored by Rep. Tim Murphy / Energy and Commerce Committee)
17) H.R. 5710 - National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Reauthorization Act (Sponsored by Rep. Whitfield / Energy and Commerce Committee)
18) S.2781 - Rosa's Law (Sponsored by Sen. Mikulski / Energy and Commerce Committee)
19) H.R. __ - Renewing the Authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to Approve Demonstration Projects Designed to Test Innovative Strategies in State Child Welfare Programs (Sponsored by Rep. McDermott / Ways and Means Committee)
20) S. 1674 - Improving Access to Clinical Trials Act (Sponsored by Sen. Wyden / Ways and Means Committee)
21) H.R. 6130 - Strengthening Medicare Anti-Fraud Measures Act (Sponsored by Rep. Stark / Ways and Means Committee)
22) H.Res. 1560 - Supporting the increased understanding of, and interest in, computer science and computing careers (Sponsored by Rep. Ehlers / Education and Labor Committee)
23) H.Res. 1582 - Honoring and saluting Americans for the Arts (Sponsored by Rep. Slaughter / Education and Labor Committee)
24) H.Res. 1545 - "National Postdoc Appreciation Week" Designation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Stearns / Education and Labor Committee)
25) S. 1055 - A bill to grant the congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army (Sponsored by Sen. Boxer / Financial Services Committee)
26) S. 846 - To award a congressional gold medal to Dr. Muhammad Yunus (Sponsored by Sen. Durbin / Financial Services Committee)
27) H.R. 3421 - Medical Debt Relief Act (Sponsored by Rep. Kilroy / Financial Services Committee)
28) H.R. 2853 - All-American Flag Act (Sponsored by Rep. Braley / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
29) H.R. 3960 - Residential and Commuter Toll Fairness Act (Sponsored by Rep. McMahon / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
30) H.R. 5591 - The "Ray Daves Air Traffic Control Tower" Designation Act (Sponsored by Rep. McMorris Rodgers / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
31) H.R. 4387 - "Winston E. Arnow Federal Building" Designation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Miller (FL) / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
32) H.R. 4714 - National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act (Sponsored by Rep. Oberstar / Transportation and Infrastructure Committe)
33) H.R. 3427 - State Ethics Law Protection Act (Sponsored by Rep. Quigley / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
34) H.R. 6008 - CLEAN Act (Sponsored by Rep. Schauer / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
35) Senate Amendment to H.R. 1517 - To allow certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees to be converted to a permanent appointment in the competitive service (Sponsored by Rep. Engel / Homeland Security Committee)
36) H.Res. 1618 - Urging the Federal Government, States, localities, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, and the people of the United States to observe National Preparedness Month (Sponsored by Rep. Thompson (MS) / Homeland Security Committee)
37) H.R. 5264 - Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act (Sponsored by Rep. Conyers / Judiciary Committee)
38) H.R. 5932 - Organized Retail Theft Investigation and Prosecution Act (Sponsored by Rep. Scott (VA) / Judiciary Committee)
39) H.R. 5231 - Drug Trafficking Safe Harbor Elimination Act (Sponsored by Rep. Smith (TX) / Judiciary Committee)

Further Action on the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5297 - Small Business Lending Fund Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Frank / Financial Services Committee)

In the News

Simpson’s War on the EPA
By David Sparks, “Today’s Idaho Ag News,” September 15, 2010; http://www.aginfo.net/index.cfm/event/report/id/Todays-Idaho-Ag-News-17335

Simpson vs. the EPA. How many rounds can they go. Presumably, the EPA was invented to protect the environment and that is something that all of us in the ag community can understand and appreciate. The catch is, like so many things in politics and agencies…who’s running the asylum? Protecting the environment is a must…it’s noble…but we lose credibility when we take things too far. Here’s Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho with whom I had a conversation recently.

 “We had several amendments to try and prevent the EPA from regulating a lot of the things that we’re afraid they’re stepping into such as the green house gas emissions. They have said their endangerment findings allow them to do that but they’re trying to force congress into passing a cap and trade bill. Manure management systems. We have prevented them from regulating those in the past and weren’t able to get that amendment adopted this year.
 
“The milk spill. Dairies that have containers larger than 1320 gallons, because dairy milk has oil in it, they are trying to regulate that so that they have to have an oil spill plan. It’s a little different when you are spilling millions of gallons of oil into the gulf of Mexico vs. a dairy farmer with a moderately sized dairy herd with a 1320 gallon tank so we’re trying to prevent them from regulating that.”