Recently in Washington

On Tuesday, the House passed H.R. 5053, the Preventing IRS Abuse and Protection Free Speech Act, by a vote of 240-182. This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the information that a tax-exempt organization must report about its donors on its annual information return.   On Friday, the House passed H.R. 5293, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017, by a vote of 282-138. This legislation provides $575.8 billion in total discretionary budget authority for the Department of Defense for FY 2017. The bill provides $517.3 billion for the Department of Defense base budget and $58.63 billion for the Overseas Contingency Operations account to support the Global War on Terrorism.  Congressman Simpson supported both bills.

Important Idaho Provisions Advanced in House Interior Bill

Simpson champions important western policy provisions in Interior Appropriations bill

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported the House Interior and Environment Appropriations bill for FY17 during the House Appropriations Committee consideration. Included in the legislation are policies important to western states and critical funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), a vital program in the west that ensures communities are adequately compensated for the lack of tax revenue due to the presence of federal land.

“Every county in Idaho depends on the federal government meeting its obligations through Payments in Lieu of Taxes,” said Simpson.  “PILT is essentially the government’s property tax on the federal land it owns, and it needs to be paid fully and on time.  I’m pleased that full funding was included in this bill, and I am also committed to fulfilling the promises made to public lands counties in the long-term and will continue working to provide permanent certainty for Idaho’s counties.”

Simpson, who is vice-chair of the subcommittee, also supported language that would prevent a future listing of the sage-grouse while prohibiting any changes to resource management plans that are inconsistent with state management plans. The language also prohibits the withdrawal of mineral rights in sage-grouse focal areas.

“The decision not to list the sage-grouse as an endangered species last September was a victory for western states,” said Simpson. “However, I remain concerned about the impacts of the BLM’s resource management plans and the consequences they will have on Idaho. This language ensures that state voices are a part of sage-grouse management and conservation efforts.”

The Interior bill also includes a number of provisions championed by Simpson that benefit Idaho, including:

-Full funding for wildfire suppression at the ten-year average of $3.9 billion for the Department of Interior and the Forest Service;

-Language preventing the EPA from dramatically expanding its jurisdiction over state and local water under the Clean Water Act by changing the definition of “navigable waters”;

-Language that directs the Fish and Wildlife Service to reissue two final rules removing recovered wolves in Wyoming and in the Western Great Lakes from the endangered species list;

 -Language prohibiting the EPA from moving forward with economically harmful proposals to regulate greenhouse gases from stationary sources;

-Language that prohibits a ban on recreational shooting and hunting on federal and public lands.

Congressman Simpson also offered an amendment that prohibits the Bureau of Land Management from implementing their proposed “Planning 2.0” regulation until the agency provides additional time for public comment. The amendment was agreed to by a voice vote. You can view Congressman Simpson speaking on the amendment here.

The bill, which passed by a vote of 31-18, now heads to the floor for further consideration.

Simpson Votes Against Costly Energy Regulations and Tax Hikes

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of two resolutions which voice the House of Representatives disapproval for two of President Obama’s proposed energy initiatives. The first, H.Con.Res. 89, would express the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the United States economy. The second, H.Con.Res. 112, would express the sense of Congress opposing the President’s proposed $10 tax on every barrel of oil. Both passed the House.

“The President continues to double down on regulations and tax hikes that would be harmful to our economy,” said Simpson. “Whether it is the unrealistic cap and trade system or raising taxes on energy sources Americans use every day, these policies drive up costs in nearly every aspect of our lives. The resolutions considered today send a message to the President that these policies are bad for our economy.”

The President’s fiscal year 2017 budget request proposed a $10.25 tax increase on every barrel of oil. Public reports estimate that consumers could see a 25 cent increase per gallon of gasoline if this proposal were enacted.

“Instead of the President’s initiatives, I support using technology, incentives, and innovation to move our economy to sustainable, independent energy sources.  That means we need to look at an all of the above energy strategy and approach it in a common sense, thoughtful way.  Unfortunately, burdensome regulations and tax hikes don’t accomplish that.”

H.Con.Res. 89 and H.Con.Res. 112 both passed by bipartisan votes of 237-163 and 253-144.

The House also recently voted on legislation that responds to states and local agencies concerned with implementing ozone standards. Congressman Simpson supported passage of H.R. 4775, the Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2016, which would set reasonable implementation dates for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ozone standards. Under current EPA standards, states would be forced to comply with two separate standards which would leave 33 states and 241 counties in violation of the standards. H.R. 4775 gives states until 2025 to comply. The bill passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 234-177.

Simpson Supports Bill to Fund A-10s and Troops

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson applauded passage of H.R. 5293, the Fiscal Year (FY) 17 Defense Appropriations bill.  This legislation funds the Department of Defense, and fulfills the constitutional responsibility of Congress to provide for the common defense.

“I am very pleased this bill recognizes the importance and invaluable contribution of the A-10 to the armed forces,” said Simpson. “The airmen from the Idaho Air National Guard are using the unique capabilities of the A-10 Thunderbolt II in close air support missions in the fight against ISIS in Syria.  It is essential we continue support our men and women in combat and this bill provides for the necessary tools to accomplish their mission at home and abroad.”

Crucially, the bill provides funding for the A-10 Thunderbolt II, which currently operates at Gowen Field in Boise, and is essential to the mission there.  The House-passed FY17 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) contained language preventing the retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

The bill also provides for a 2.1% pay raise for over 1.3 million active-duty and 830,000 Guard and Reserve troops.

H.R. 5293 passed the House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 282-138.

Simpson Releases First Mile Tracker Board for Idaho STEP Challenge, People Can Still Join

Over 380 people have enrolled in the STEP Challenge and 205 have provided their miles so far.

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson released the first Mile Tracker Board for the Idaho STEP Challenge where he is virtually walking from Washington, D.C.  Currently Simpson’s virtual location en route is 98 miles and is just outside of Westminster, MD. 

Westminster is home to the Bear Branch Nature Center and the Hashawha Environmental Center that feature several interactive exhibits on local plants and animals, a youth environmental education center, and more than five miles of multi-use hiking and running trails spread across 320 acres.

The Idaho STEP Challenge was created by Simpson as a way to encourage residents to get fit and healthy using data captured on a wearable activity tracker or pedometer. Individuals wishing to participate can still register on Simpson’s website, and then keep pace with the Congressman while he walks across America. The challenge is expected to last approximately 14 months, and cover nearly 3,000 miles.

Simpson has lost nearly 70 pounds using an activity tracker to monitor his daily steps. “I am thrilled so many people have agreed to join the Idaho STEP Challenge,” said Simpson. “I have been approached by dozens of individuals who have shared their stories with me and I can’t wait to see how many of us complete this goal.”

Similar to a virtual race, residents can participate using their own activity tracker or pedometer to track the steps they accumulate through regular fitness or exercise routines. Each participant will report their weekly progress on Simpson’s website. The route begins at the U.S. Capitol Building, and takes participants through several iconic American cities, national parks, and spacious heartlands, eventually ending on the steps of the Idaho State Capital Building. So far, more than 380 people have signed up with over 200 reporting their total miles walked since June 1^st.

Frequent challenge updates, fun facts about the towns and cities along the route, links to healthy recipes, tips on getting in your weekly steps, and other information will be posted to Simpson’s Facebook and Twitter feeds, and labeled with a #hikewithMike hashtag.

Constituents that complete the challenge will be invited to meet Simpson in Boise, Idaho next year for a walk and healthy reception. Participants will also have the opportunity to purchase a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol Building in recognition of their achievement.

The Idaho STEP Challenge is a non-partisan, non-political interactive event open to the public.

Committee Schedule

Wednesday

At 10:00 a.m., the House Appropriations Committee will meet to markup the Fiscal Year 2017 House Homeland Security Appropriations bill.

Thursday

At 10:30am, the Fiscal Year 2017 House State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill will be marked up in subcommittee. 

Floor Schedule

MONDAY, JUNE 20TH
On Monday the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. in pro forma session. No votes are expected in the House.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21ST
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. 5525 - End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Austin Scott / Energy and Commerce Committee)

2) H.R. 4369 - To authorize the use of passenger facility charges at an airport previously associated with the airport at which the charges are collected (Sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

3) H.R. 5388 - Support for Rapid Innovation Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. John Ratcliffe / Homeland Security Committee)

4) H.R. 5389 - Leveraging Emerging Technologies Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. John Ratcliffe / Homeland Security Committee)

5) S. 2133 - Fraud Reduction and Data Analytics Act of 2015 (Sponsored by Sen. Thomas R. Carper / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

6) H.R. 4902 - To amend title 5, United States Code, to expand law enforcement availability pay to employees of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations (Sponsored by Rep. Will Hurd / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

7) H.R. 2395 - Inspector General Empowerment Act of 2016, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

8) H.R. 4639 - Thoroughly Investigating Retaliation Against Whistleblowers Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Rod Blum / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

9) H.R. 4372 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 15 Rochester Street, Bergen, New York, as the Barry G. Miller Post Office (Sponsored by Rep. Chris Collins / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

10) H.R. 2607 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7802 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights, New York, as the "Jeanne and Jules Manford Post Office Building" (Sponsored by Rep. Joe Crowley / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

11) H.R. 4010 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 522 North Central Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona, as the "Ed Pastor Post Office". (Sponsored by Rep. Ruben Gallego / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

12) H.R. 4777 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1301 Alabama Avenue in Selma, Alabama as the "Amelia Boynton Robinson Post Office Building" (Sponsored by Rep. Terri Sewell / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

13) H.R. 4925 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 229 West Main Cross Street, in Findlay, Ohio, as the "Michael Garver Oxley Memorial Post Office Building" (Sponsored by Rep. Bob Latta / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

14) H.R. 4960 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 525 N Broadway in Aurora, Illinois, as the "Kenneth M. Christy Post Office Building" (Sponsored by Rep. Bill Foster / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

15) H.R. 5028 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10721 E Jefferson Ave in Detroit, Michigan, as the "Mary Eleanora McCoy Post Office Building" (Sponsored by Rep. Brenda Lawrence / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

16) H.R. 4590 - Fiscal Year 2016 Department of Veterans Affairs Seismic Safety and Construction Authorization Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Miller / Veterans Affairs Committee)

17) H.R. 5317 - To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs health care center in Center Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, as the "Abie Abraham VA Clinic" (Sponsored by Rep. Mike Kelly / Veterans Affairs Committee)

18) H.R. 3936 - VET Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Ryan Costello / Veterans Affairs Committee)

19) H.R. 5170 - Social Impact Partnerships to Pay for Results Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Todd Young / Ways and Means Committee)

20) H.R. 5447 - Small Business Health Care Relief Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Charles Boustany / Ways and Means Committee)

21) H.R. 5452 - Native American Health Savings Improvement Act (Sponsored by Rep. John Moolenaar / Ways and Means Committee)

22) H.R. 5456 - Family First Prevention Services Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan / Ways and Means Committee)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22ND AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

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.

Consideration of the Veto Message on 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. Phil Roe / Education and the Workforce Committee)

H.R. 5485 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Ander Crenshaw / Appropriations Committee)

H.R. 1270 - Restoring Access to Medication Act of 2015, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Lynn Jenkins / Ways and Means Committee)

H.R. 4768 - Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2016 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. John Ratcliffe / Judiciary Committee)

Possible Consideration of Conference Report on H.R. 4974 – Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act / H.R. 5243 – Zika Response Appropriations Act

In the News

Simpson: All aboard my ‘Hike with Mike’ regimen

By: Rob Hotakainen, Idaho Statesman, June 2, 2016

On Wednesday, Rep. Mike Simpson kicked off his virtual walk from Washington to Boise 300 people so far have signed up to walk the equivalent of 2,963 miles The Idaho congressman has lost 72 pounds since November 2014, and he wants good results for you

At 55, Brian Whitlock is like millions of Americans, getting far too little exercise. But he’s ready to do something about it, pledging to walk 2,963 miles in the next 12 to 15 months.

“It’s something new,” said Whitlock, president of the Idaho Hospital Association in Boise. “I tend to get engrossed in my work, and 12 hours later it’s time to go home and you forget to fit in exercise.”

Whitlock is among the more than 300 people who signed up to join Idaho Republican Rep. Mike Simpson on a virtual cross-country walk aimed at helping them get physically fit. Most plan to walk at least 5 miles, or roughly 10,000 steps each day, charting their progress on a website that will show them moving on a trail from the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington to the Idaho Capitol in Boise.

Simpson, 65, of Idaho Falls, officially kicked off his “Hike With Mike” challenge on Wednesday, declaring himself “ready as I’ll ever be” having lost 72 pounds since November 2014. He now weighs 203 pounds and is aiming to get down to 190.

“The most difficult part about it is finding the time to do it,” Simpson said.

“I’m going to be in California and then on a plane all day Friday, so it’s going to be tough for me to get my 10,000 steps. But I’ll get them in.”

Whitlock, who lives in Meridian, said he bought a Garmin fitness tracker to monitor steps, calling the device “a great motivational tool.” He said his strategy over the next year will be to wake up earlier.

“If I can get up 30 minutes earlier in the day and get some steps in and finish the day with steps, I think I can meet my goal,” he said. “There are those of us out there that just need a little bit of motivation and sometimes that can be in the form of a challenge.”

Malia Collins, 45, of Boise, said she signed up after seeing newspaper photographs of a trimmed-down Simpson last week.

“The dramatic difference within that year was inspiring — and the way he did it with walking,” said Collins, who teaches English at the College of Western Idaho. “As soon as I signed up, I got an armband. And I’ve lined up hikes every day this week, so I’m starting today.”

Collins said she hopes that accepting the fitness challenge will get her outside during the winter months, when she’s less inclined to exercise. And she’s making plans to pressure her parents to take up walking with her when she visits in Hawaii this summer.

“My hope is that I can corral my dad into coming,” Collins said. “And it’s something I want to share with my kids, as well.”

Corey Surber, 47, state advocacy director for Trinity Health, the national affiliate health care organization for the Boise-based Saint Alphonsus Health System, said she decided to join the challenge after losing 40 pounds when she started walking every evening as a way to deal with stress. Now she helps coordinate a weekly fitness walk/run in Boise that draws an average of 60 to 80 people every week, called Meet Me Monday.

“I really do believe in what we’re doing because it’s worked for me,” Surber said. “For me, personally, I don’t enjoy going into a gym and sitting at a machine and looking at a wall or looking at a mirror. I want to be outside. I will never be a runner, but long-distance walking, I can do that.”

Simpson, a ninth-term congressman and former dentist, said he’s telling those who sign up that the event is not a race, only a challenge to see whether people can complete the course. Some participants are teaming up with a partner so they can participate without walking the entire 2,963 miles.

Simpson’s plans will include an attempt to climb 11,815 feet to the top of Idaho’s Castle Peak in late August, though he’s not sure he can make it.