Representative Mike Simpson

The Simpson Standard

March 17th, 2024

Dear [salutation],

ICYMI: The bipartisan reauthorization of the Action for Dental Health Act PASSED the House. This reauthorization is an essential step in continuing to address barriers to oral health care services that still exist, like tackling the oral health workforce issues and reducing the number of adults and children living with untreated dental diseases.

As a longtime member and former Chairman of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, I am pleased to secure critical funding for the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Last week, I proudly voted in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which includes this funding.

This legislation also preserves funding for America's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, and includes funding for several Idaho agriculture priorities. Read more in Simpson's Ag Corner below!

Action for Dental Health Act PASSES House

Originally passed and signed into law in 2018, this bipartisan reauthorization will continue support to organizations that provide oral health care to underserved populations, especially seniors and children living in rural communities, through Fiscal Year 2028.

As a former dentist in Blackfoot, Idaho, I know that the more we can provide patients with an early diagnosis, the better off our patients and our health care system will be.

You can listen to my full floor speech below.

Action for Dental Health Act Floor Speech

Securing INL Funding

From innovations in nuclear research and integrated energy systems to security solutions that protect our critical infrastructure, the INL makes significant contributions for our country. Supporting the INL has always been one of my top priorities, and I am pleased to see continued support for this Lab in Congress.

Highlights of this bill include:

Full funding for the Spent Fuel Handling Recapitalization Project at the Naval Reactors Facility on INL land.
$326 million for the INL’s Facilities Operations and Maintenance (IFM) account.
$478.205 million in defense environmental cleanup and $11.5M in non-defense environmental cleanup for the Idaho Cleanup Project.
Funding to facilitate a domestic supply chain of advanced TRISO and High-Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU).
Funding for a variety of advanced reactor construction and demonstrations.

Simpson's Ag Corner

Idaho’s history, economy, and culture are deeply tied to agriculture. 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.

Championing Idaho Ag Priorities