Recently in Washington

Last week the House passed H.R. 1206, the No Hires for the Delinquent IRS Act, by a vote of 254-170. H.R. 1206 would prohibit IRS hiring until the Treasury secretary has determined that no agency employees are "seriously delinquent" on their taxes.  Also on Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 4885, the IRS Oversight While Eliminating Spending (OWES) Act of 2016, by a vote of 245-179. This legislation would require user fees collected by the IRS to be deposited into the Treasury's general fund. 

On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 4890 by a vote of 260-158. This legislation would bar IRS employees from receiving bonuses until the Treasury secretary implements a customer service strategy.  Also on Thursday, the House passed H.R. 3724, the Ensuring Integrity in the IRS Workforce Act of 2015, by a vote of 345-78.  H.R. 3724 would prohibit the IRS from rehiring any individual that was previously employed by the IRS but was removed for misconduct or whose employment was terminated for cause.

Simpson Protects INL in Energy Bill

House Energy and Water Chairman reverses cuts to Nuclear Energy research and development, increases INL funding

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson announced that the Fiscal Year 2017 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill reverses proposed cuts to Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy, and cleanup activities in Idaho. Simpson is Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, which passed the bill through the full House Appropriations Committee, and had the lead role in deciding funding for all Department of Energy programs.

“The FY17 Energy and Water bill provides strong funding for the Office of Nuclear Energy and the essential work at the Idaho National Laboratory,” said Chairman Simpson.  “Every day, world renowned researchers at the INL work to promote and ensure our nation’s energy security, and this bill will provide them with the resources they need to continue their cutting edge work.  With increasing international competition, it is critical that the U.S. remain at the forefront of nuclear research and development, and I am proud that this bill will help maintain that leadership.” 

The FY 2017 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill sets funding for the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy at $1.01 billion, an increase of $25.4 million above fiscal year 2016 and $17.7 million above the President’s request.  Nuclear energy research and development programs that receive funding within the overall $1.01 billion allocation include:

-The Idaho Facilities Management account, which covers infrastructure maintenance and improvement at INL, is funded at $240 million – a $19.5 million increase over last year and the President’s request.

-INL’s Safeguards and Security Program is funded at $129.3 million – an increase of $3.1 million over fiscal year 2016.

-The Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies program is funded at $121.4 million – an increase of $9.8 million above fiscal year 2016 and $31.9 million above the President’s request. 

-Small Modular Reactor Licensing Support Programs are funded at $96.6 million.   This fully funds NuScale Power’s Small Modular Reactor which is proposed for construction in Idaho.

-The Light Water Reactor Sustainability program, which is managed by INL and promotes the continued safe operation of America’s existing nuclear reactors, is funded at $40 million.

-The Reactor Concepts Research, Development, and Demonstration account is funded at $140 million – an increase of $31.2 million above the President’s request. Within the overall $140 million level for this account, $33 million is allocated to fuel qualification for the High Temperature Gas Reactor.

-Within the Fuel Cycle Research and Development program, the Advanced Fuels program is funded at $62.1 million, $2 million above fiscal year 2016; and Used Nuclear Fuel Disposition research and development is funded at $61.1 million, $23.8 million below fiscal year 2016.

-Within the Office of Naval Reactors, the bill includes $75.1 million for the operation of the Advanced Test Reactor. 

-Within the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, the bill includes $12 million for the development of an Electric Grid Test Bed program to enhance existing full-scale electric grid testing capabilities like those at Idaho National Laboratory.

The bill also provides $390 million for cleanup activities associated with the Idaho Cleanup Project and the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project co-located on the Idaho desert with INL.  The funding level is $20 million above the President’s request and will allow the significant cleanup activities currently underway to continue. The bill also includes an additional $4 million for the National Spent Fuel Program, putting the unique expertise of INL to work in order to provide solutions for managing the Department of Energy’s inventories of spent nuclear fuel. 

Despite the Obama Administration’s unilateral decision to disregard the federal government’s legal requirement to take responsibility for civilian spent nuclear fuel, the bill contains funding to support the continued adjudication of the Yucca Mountain license application, ensuring the federal government will meet its commitments to Idaho and other states and dispose of used nuclear fuel.

Overall, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill provides $37.4 billion for the functions of the Department of Energy, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation and a number of independent agencies, including direction for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Bonneville Power Administration.

“From water projects across the nation to critical energy research and national security, the Energy and Water bill has a wide reach,” Chairman Simpson said.  “This is a responsible bill that supports U.S. national security, safety, and economic competitiveness by balancing critical priorities within tight budget caps,” said Chairman Simpson.  “It prioritizes the maintenance and safety of our nuclear weapons stockpile, while also making strategic investments in infrastructure projects and energy research that will help grow the U.S. economy.”

The bill is expected to be considered on the floor of the House of Representatives in the coming weeks. The complete Committee Report can be found at:  http://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/hrpt-114-hr-fy2017-energywater.pdf

Simpson Slams EPA Use of Taxpayer Funds

Joins 145 Members of Congress in sending a letter to EPA expressing concern over federally funded advocacy campaign

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson joined a bipartisan group of Members of Congress in sending a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) top official expressing extreme concerns with the use of federal funding for advocacy and lobbying efforts.  EPA funds were recently linked to an advocacy project in Washington State.

“As an Idahoan I fully expect to have differences with the EPA regarding policy,” said Simpson. “But one thing that we should always agree on is the law and these advocacy campaigns clearly violate appropriate uses of federal resources. I will continue to use my seat in Congress to rein in the EPA whether it is overreaching regulations, or in this case improper use of taxpayer funds.”

Federal law prohibits appropriations for the use of publicity or propaganda purposes not approved by Congress. This new revelation comes on the heels of a December 2015 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that found EPA committed violations on advocacy campaigns supporting the agencies Waters of the United States regulation.

The cosigners of the letter also signaled their support for Senators Jim Inhofe and Pat Robert’s efforts requesting an EPA Office of Inspector General Report official audit and investigation into advocacy efforts and grant management. The full letter can be viewed here.

Floor Schedule

MONDAY, APRIL 25TH
On Monday, the House will meet in pro forma session at 11:30 a.m. No votes are expected.

TUESDAY, APRIL 26TH
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 4096 - Investor Clarity and Bank Parity Act (Sponsored by Rep. Michael Capuano / Financial Services Committee)

2) H.R. 5019 - Fair Access to Investor Research Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. French Hill / Financial Services Committee)

3) H.R. 2901 - Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act (Sponsored by Rep. Dennis Ross / Financial Services Committee)

4) H.R. 223 - Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. David Joyce / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

5) H.R. 3030 - Baudette Coast Guard Housing Conveyance Act (Sponsored by Rep. Collin Peterson / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

6) House Amendment to S. 1523 - To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize the National Estuary Program, and for other purposes, as amended (Sponsored by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

7) H.R. 1684 - Foreign Spill Protection Act of 2016, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Carlos Curbelo / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

8) H.R. 4820 - Combating Terrorist Recruitment Act of 2016, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Chuck Fleismann / Homeland Security Committee)

9) H.R. 4698 - Securing Aviation from Foreign Entry Points and Guarding Airports Through Enhanced Security Act of 2016, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. John Katko / Homeland Security Committee)

10) H.R. 3583 - PREPARE Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Martha McSally / Homeland Security Committee)

11) H.R. 2615 - Virgin Islands of the United States Centennial Commission Act (Sponsored by Rep. Stacey Plaskett / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

12) H.R. 2908 - National Bison Legacy Act (Sponsored by Rep. Lacy Clay / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

13) H.R. 4359 - Administrative Leave Reform Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

14) H.R. 4360 - Official Personnel File Enhancement Act (Sponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

15) Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1493 - Protect and Preserve Cultural Property Act (Sponsored by Rep. Elliot Engel / Foreign Affairs Committee)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27TH
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 4923 - American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Brady / Ways and Means Committee)

2) H.R. 4240 - No Fly for Foreign Fighters Act (Sponsored by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee / Judiciary Committee)

3) H.R. 699 - Email Privacy Act (Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Yoder / Judiciary Committee)

4) S. 1890 - Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch / Judiciary Committee)

H.R. 4498 - HALOS Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Steve Chabot / Financial Services Committee)

THURSDAY, APRIL 28TH AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m.

H.R. 4901 - SOAR Reauthorization Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

H.J. Res. 88 - Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to the definition of the term "Fiduciary" (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. David Roe / Education and Workforce Committee)