Simpson to Host Tele-Town Hall
Constituents are encouraged to sign up on Simpson’s website
Congressman Mike Simpson will host a one hour telephone town hall on Wednesday, February 15, at 7:00 p.m. MST. Telephone town halls are virtual community meetings where constituents are able to ask Congressman Simpson questions about issues before Congress and voice concerns they may have.

Simpson enjoys meeting with Idaho business owners, teachers, farmers, and workers throughout Idaho. He also realizes that he’s not able to visit every community during a district work period, and telephone town halls provide him the opportunity to connect with Idahoans across the state. 

“Telephone town halls are a great way to communicate with constituents,” said Simpson. “It gives me a chance to answer questions and learn more about issues that are important to people back at home.”

If you would like to participate in the next telephone town hall, scheduled for Wednesday, February 15, at 7:00 MST, please visit Congressman Simpson’s webpage, www.simpson.house.gov and click on the TELETOWNHALL button in the bottom right or click here to link directly.

Co-Chairs of Nuclear Issues Working Group Issue Statement on Approval of Nuclear Reactor
U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson (ID-02), Jason Altmire (PA-04), and Judy Biggert (IL-13)  Co-Chairs of the House Nuclear Issues Working Group, last week released the following statement on the announcement that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved the first new nuclear power plant permit in 30 years.  The new permit will allow Southern Co. to construct two new nuclear reactors at its existing plant in Georgia. The NRC voted 4 to 1 in favor of the new permit to construct the two AP1000 reactors designed by Westinghouse Electric Company.  The government and industry partnership formed by the Nuclear Power 2010 program lead to this outcome. 

"Nuclear power represents the most reliable, plentiful source of carbon-free energy that we can develop right now to meet America's rapidly rising electricity needs,” the Co-Chairs said.  “This announcement by the NRC is a long-overdue milestone on our path to energy independence, and we are pleased that American workers and consumers will finally have an opportunity to benefit from the construction and operation of the first new U.S. reactors in over 30 years.  With the advancement of new technologies, and cutting-edge research on nuclear recycling, the reactors that are being planned today have the potential to launch America into a new position of global leadership on responsible energy production and high-tech job growth."

Sign up for “The I&E Report,” an Interior and Environment Appropriations Update
A note from Congressman Simpson:  “As the second session of the 112th Congress gets underway, I want to keep you informed about the work I am doing on behalf of Idaho as Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.  Beginning this year, you can sign up to receive periodic updates through “The I&E Report,” an email update on interior and environment appropriations issues in Congress.  I would encourage you to sign up for “The I&E Report” on my website here.” 

Committee Schedule

At 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, the House Budget Committee will hold a hearing on the President’s Fiscal Year 2013 Budget.  Jeffrey Zients, Acting Director of OMB, is scheduled to testify.

At 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Chairman Simpson will hold a hearing of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee on the Department of the Interior’s FY13 budget request.  Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar is scheduled to testify.

At 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, the House Budget Committee will hold a hearing entitled, “The President’s Fiscal Year 2013 Revenue and Economic Policy Proposals.”  Secretary of Treasury Timothy Geithner is scheduled to testify.

At 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Chairman Simpson will hold a hearing of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee on the U.S. Forest Service’s FY13 budget request.  Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell is scheduled to testify.

Floor Schedule

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH
On Monday, the House will meet at 1:00 p.m. in pro forma session.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH
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. 2079 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10 Main Street in East Rockaway, New York, as the “John J. Cook Post Office” (Sponsored by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
2) H.R. 3247 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1100 Town and Country Commons in Chesterfield, Missouri, as the “Lance Corporal Matthew P. Pathenos Post Office Building” (Sponsored by Rep. Todd Akin / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
3) H.R. 3248 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 112 South 5th Street in Saint Charles, Missouri, as the “Lance Corporal Drew W. Weaver Post Office Building"(Sponsored by Rep. Todd Akin / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH, AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Wednesday and 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. 7- American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. John Mica / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee / Natural Resources Committee / Energy and Commerce Committee / Ways and Means Committee / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

Possible Consideration of Legislation Related to H.R. 3630 - Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011

Possible Motions to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 3630 - Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011