Representative Mike Simpson

The Simpson Standard

September 1st, 2024

Dear [salutation],

Happy Sunday, September 1st! America is the greatest country in the history of the world, thanks to generations of hardworking men and women who have shaped our nation. Tomorrow, we honor their invaluable contributions, which have strengthened our communities across Idaho and nationwide. Wishing you all a Happy Labor Day!

This week, I joined my House and Senate Appropriations colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack regarding failures under its Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), which have inflicted a dire food shortage crisis on our nation’s Tribes. You can read more about this letter below.

Senators Crapo, Risch, and I announced our upcoming senior center outreach dates, which will begin THIS WEEK. Throughout September and October, there will be senior center outreach opportunities in Rupert, Wendell, Buhl, Gooding, Jerome, Hagerman, Burley, Eden, Filer, Fairfield, Shoshone, Hailey, Albion, and Kimberly, Idaho. For senior center outreach, district staff from our offices will travel throughout Idaho and meet with constituents at senior centers to answer questions and address specific needs. Also, if you live in Idaho's Second District and need help with a federal agency but are not a senior, there is more information below on how my office can help YOU.

Appropriators Demand Answers on Tribal Food Distribution Shortages

The food storage crisis inflicted upon our nation's Tribes is alarming and completely unacceptable. The federal government must uphold its trust and treaty obligations to Tribes, and this situation must be resolved immediately.

I was proud to join Chairman Cole and my House and Senate Appropriations colleagues in demanding answers from USDA Secretary Vilsack regarding failures under its Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. Highlights of the letter are available below, and the full letter is available here.

Senior Center Outreach

Senior center outreach is a wonderful opportunity to expand accessibility to seniors across the state. Not all of my constituents can leave their homes and connect with staff from my district offices, which is why Senators Crapo and Risch and I are bringing these services directly to them.

You can find more information on the locations and times of the events here.

Need Help with a Federal Agency?

Do you need help working with a federal agency? My office can assist you in dealing with the IRS, navigating social security claims, or receiving answers from the VA.

We are here to help you cut through the red tape from the federal government and get the answers you need.

For more information, please call my office 208-734-7219 or visit my website here.