Simpson Issues Statement on Court Decision Upholding Wolf Delisting Language
Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following statement last week regarding the decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to affirm the district court’s decision to uphold legislation barring judicial review of the delisting of wolves in Idaho and Montana.
 
“I’m pleased to see the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals uphold my wolf delisting language.  Continued efforts to put wolves back on the endangered species list simply don’t hold up in light of the robust wolf populations in Idaho and the effective state management plans in place in Idaho and Montana.  This case has made it clear that those who persist in trying to manage wildlife through the courts, in spite of all scientific evidence that this species has recovered, no longer have a defensible position.  Now that this case is settled, the state can continue to move forward in implementing a long-term solution to wolf management that serves the best interests of Idahoans and those whose true goal is a sustainable wolf population in the Rocky Mountain west.”
 
Congressman Simpson, who chairs the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, included language in the FY2011 Continuing Resolution directing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reissue its decision to delist wolves in Idaho and Montana.  Simpson’s language prevented the decision from being overturned by the courts, as it was in 2010.

Committee Schedule

Tuesday
At 9:30 a.m., Chairman Simpson will hold a House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the FY13 budget request for the Smithsonian.  Secretary of the Smithsonian Wayne Clough is scheduled to testify.

At 10:00 a.m., the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the FY13 budget request for the National Institutes of Health. 

At 1:00 p.m., Chairman Simpson will hold a House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the FY13 budget request for the National Park Service.  Park Service Director Jon Jarvis is scheduled to testify.

At 2:00 p.m., the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the FY13 budget request for science programs at the Department of Energy.  Dr. Bill Brinkman, Acting Under Secretary for Science, is scheduled to testify.

Wednesday
At 10:00 a.m., the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the FY13 budget request for Environmental Management.  Dave Huizenga, Acting Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management, and Glenn Podonsky, Chief Health, Safety and Security Officer, are scheduled to testify.

At 10:00 a.m., the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the FY13 budget request for veterans training programs at the Department of Labor.  LtCol Ismael Ortiz, USMC (Ret.), Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training, and LtCol Kevin Schmiegel, USMC (Ret.), Executive Director of Hiring Our Heroes and Vice President of the US Chamber of Commerce, are scheduled to testify.

At 10:00 a.m., the House Budget Committee is scheduled to mark up the House budget for FY13.

At 1:00 p.m., Chairman Simpson will hold a House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, giving public witnesses the opportunity to testify on the FY2013 budget. 

Thursday
At 9:30 a.m., Chairman Simpson will continue the public witness hearing in the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.

At 10:00 a.m., the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the FY13 budget request for the Department of Education.  Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is scheduled to testify. 

Floor Schedule

MONDAY, MARCH 19TH
On Monday, the House will meet at 4:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:
1) H.R. 4086 - Foreign Cultural Exchange Jurisdictional Immunity Clarification Act (Sponsored by Rep. Steve Chabot / Judiciary Committee)
2) H.R. 3992 - To allow otherwise eligible Israeli nationals to receive E-2 nonimmigrant visas if similarly situated United States nationals are eligible for similar nonimmigrant status in Israel (Sponsored by Rep. Howard Berman / Judiciary Committee)

TUESDAY, MARCH 20TH
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

H.R. 665- Excess Federal Building and Property Disposal Act, as amended (Suspension, 40 Minutes of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz / Oversight and Government Committee)

H.R. 2087 -To remove restrictions from a parcel of land situated in the Atlantic District, Accomack County, Virginia (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Scott Rigell / Natural Resources Committee)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21ST, 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 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m.

H.R. 5- Protecting Access to Healthcare (PATH) Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Phil Gingrey / Energy and Commerce Committee / Ways and Means Committee / Judiciary Committee)

FRIDAY, MARCH 23RD
On Friday, no votes are expected in the House.