Representative Mike Simpson

The Simpson Standard

July 14th, 2024

Dear [salutation],

First and foremost, Kathy and I thank God that President Trump is safe after last night's horrifying assassination attempt. We are grateful to the Secret Service and law enforcement who selflessly threw themselves in harm’s way to protect the President. Political violence is fundamentally un-American and completely unacceptable. Yesterday was tragic for our nation, but it must also be a moment of unity to get our country back on track.

It was a busy week back in DC, and the House Committee on Appropriations is not slowing down! We continue to move America-first funding bills through regular order by advancing all 12 Appropriations bills through Committee.

COMMITTEE SCORECARD UPDATE: 12 out of 12!

That said, the House Committee on Appropriations voted to advance my Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. As a strong, vocal opponent of the Lava Ridge Wind Project, I am proud to announce that this bill BLOCKS the final Environmental Impact Statement for this out-of-touch project. I am pleased we are one step closer to getting this bill across the finish line.

The House also passed several critical pieces of legislation protecting consumer choice, requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, and blocking the Biden administration's recent final Title IX rule. Check out more on my legislation update below!

FY25 Interior & Environment Bill Advances

The FY25 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Act helps reduce energy costs, protects American jobs, and ensures that we can continue access to our public lands to recreate, hunt, and develop on our natural resources.

While reining in unnecessary spending, this bill also directs funding where it is needed most. This includes fully funding the PILT program, making great strides to address critical needs across Indian Country, and permanently fixes wildland firefighter pay.

Blocking the Lava Ridge Wind Project

Last month’s final Environment Impact Statement for the Lava Ridge Wind Project was a slap in the face to Idahoans. Despite numerous concerns voiced by Congress and the Magic Valley, the Biden administration and the Bureau of Land Management continue to ignore Idahoans and ram through renewable energy projects that lack local support.

From the beginning, I have made it clear that the Lava Ridge Wind Project is out-of-touch and has no place in our state. As Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee—which has jurisdiction over the BLM—I remain committed to fighting with the people of Idaho in opposition to this project.

Blocking Lava Ridge

Legislation Update

In addition to advancing our 12 Appropriations bills through Committee, the House voted to protect American citizens' right to vote, stand up against President Biden's burdensome regulations, and stop the Biden administration's radical Title IX rule, to name a few.

This week, the House passed the:

✅ Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act - a bill that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

✅ Refrigerator Freedom Act & Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards (SUDS) Act - two bills that oppose the radical bans that are part of President Biden's anti-energy agenda.

✅ H.J. Res. 165 - a resolution that would protect women and girls by stopping the Biden admin’s disastrous rewrite of Title IX.