Recently in Washington 
Last week the House passed H.R. 3590, the Democrats’ health care reform plan.

Simpson Votes against National Health Care Takeover
Congressman Mike Simpson voted no last night on HR 3590, legislation that represents the first step to a government takeover of the healthcare system.  Despite Simpson’s strong opposition and repeated efforts to defeat the bill, this bill passed the House by a final vote of 219-212. 

“There is no doubt that this legislation will be challenged in court,” said Simpson.  “Beyond the question of its legality, this bill will ultimately damage the health care system in the United States while adding another $2 to 3 trillion to our national debt. At this time, I encourage all Idahoans to support Governor Otter in his effort to challenge its constitutionality in court.”

Congressman Simpson has supported a number of commonsense health reform bills that have been introduced in Congress, such as H.R. 1086, the HEALTH Act, and H.R. 2607, the Small Business Healthcare Fairness Act, to name just a few.

“Many have said we are the party of 'NO,' but that is simply not the case,” said Simpson. “We have offered several commonsense alternatives that will actually bring down the cost of health care. I am extremely disappointed to see that once again, the Democrats have failed to listen to the American people and chosen to push a partisan takeover of health care instead of passing effective health reform that everyone could support.”

Simpson and 70 of his colleagues have cosponsored H.R. 1086, the HEALTH Act. This bill would implement effective medical malpractice reform and put an end to junk lawsuits by placing caps on non-economic damages and limiting attorney fees. This bill would save as much as $120 billion in wasteful spending by stemming the practice of defensive medicine.

Simpson is also a cosponsor of H.R. 2607, the Small Business Healthcare Fairness Act, which would allow small businesses to band together through associations to buy health care coverage. Large corporations and labor unions already leverage their size and buying power to secure lower premiums and rates when buying health insurance for their employees and members. This bill would give America's small businesses the same advantages to make health care coverage for their employees more affordable.
 
In addition, Simpson supports reforms to prohibit insurers from denying coverage to people because of pre-existing condition as well as reforms to make the purchase of health insurance for individuals tax-exempt like it is for employer-sponsored insurance.  He also supports prescription drug re-importation, which would control prescription drug costs by allowing Americans to buy FDA-approved prescription drugs from places such as Canada and Europe where drugs are sold for much less money.

“I also believe that we need to do more as a country to focus on prevention and early intervention,” said Simpson. “If we truly want to control the cost of healthcare, individuals must be part of the solution by taking an active role in our overall health.”

Simpson Sponsors Cabin Fee Fairness Legislation
Bill sets fair, predictable fees to ensure continued access
Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is an original cosponsor of legislation that would provide a reasonable, long-term solution for fees paid by owners of cabins on Forest Service land.  H.R. 4888, the Cabin Fee Act of 2010, would replace the existing flawed appraisal system for determining fees and establish a tiered yearly fee structure based on current appraisals and tied to inflation to eliminate the need for appraisals in the future. 

In 2000, Congress passed the Cabin User Fee Fairness Act (CUFFA), which was intended to create a fair appraisal process for cabin owners.  However, recent appraisals have resulted in steep fee increases for many cabin owners in Idaho.  A number of families who have had cabins on Forest Service land for generations are now finding themselves unable to afford the fees.

“In spite of Congress’s best intentions when passing CUFFA, Idaho families who own cabins in our National Forests continue to face escalating and unaffordable fees,” said Simpson. “This legislation will provide a realistic, long-term solution that will allow the families who have enjoyed these cabins for years to continue to do so, while still providing fair compensation for the use of public land.”

In addition to the tiered fee system, H.R.4888 institutes a transfer fee when cabins or sold or ownership is transferred to ensure that taxpayers are adequately reimbursed for the value of the land at that time.  This new system will create the stability and predictability for cabin users that has been lacking under CUFFA.

“The Recreation Residence Program was created to encourage private stewardship on public lands, and many of these cabins have been handed down for generations by families that have strong ties to the land and the surrounding communities,” said Simpson. “I am hopeful that the Cabin Fee Act of 2010 will be the solution that allows Idahoans to continue to enjoy our public lands for many years to come.”

Simpson Supports Domestic Energy Production
Congressman Mike Simpson advocated for a comprehensive national energy policy last week during a hearing with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. Salazar testified on the President’s FY2011 Department of Interior budget request before the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, of which Simpson is Ranking Member. Simpson is a strong supporter of an “all-of-the above” energy policy that will make our country energy independent.

“I agree with you, Secretary Salazar, that we should ‘take the moon shot’ at achieving America’s energy independence and that it can be done through a combination of renewable energy, nuclear energy, clean coal, and both onshore and offshore oil and gas,” said Simpson. “But up until now, the Obama Administration has seemed determined to drive up the price of energy—including the price of gas at the pump.”

Simpson expressed concern about the Administration’s promotion of controversial cap and trade legislation, new rules on greenhouse gases, and new fees on domestic oil and gas production, all efforts that will drive up the costs that will be passed on to consumers.  During the hearing, Simpson pointed out that the 25 year old moratorium on offshore drilling expired in 2008 and asked whether projects in states like Virginia, where offshore drilling is widely supported, are moving forward.  Secretary Salazar replied that a decision on these projects should be announced soon.

“This budget definitely picks winners and losers when it comes to energy:  renewable are the big winners, while oil and gas are the big losers” said Simpson. “With gas prices edging ever closer to $4 per gallon, we’re reminded of the need for a balanced energy portfolio. To achieve energy independence, we ought to be vigorously pursuing a wide range of proven energy sources rather than pitting one energy sector against another.”

The hearing also covered important Idaho issues like grazing, the Endangered Species Act, and the Administration’s proposed designation of national monument areas.

To watch Congressman Simpson question Secretary Salazar on a number of issues, visit his YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/CongMikeSimpson.

Simpson Joins another Effort to Force Vote on Health Care Bill
Congressman Mike Simpson once again tried to force a vote that would give the American people an up-or-down vote on the Senate health care bill. Simpson joined House Republicans in sponsoring a resolution that essentially requires at least one hour of equally divided debate on Senate amendments to H.R. 3590 and that the yeas and nays are recorded.

Last Monday night, Congressman Simpson attempted a similar approach in the House Budget Committee by offering a Motion to Instruct to the health care bill. His motion would have required the Congressional Budget Office to provide the total cost of the bill based off of current data, a 72-hour waiting period for the bill to be posted online, and instructions requiring a separate vote for each health care measure. This motion was defeated in Committee by a 21-16 vote.

“We intend to use every tool the Constitution provides us to stop the ‘Slaughter Solution’ that Speaker Pelosi is trying to achieve,” said Simpson. “The American people have a right to know how their representatives are voting on this health care legislation, they have a right to know what is in the bill, and they have a right to be represented. This scheme is unthinkable and discredits the Institution as we know it.”

The text of the Resolution follows:

H. RES. 1188
________________________________________
RESOLUTION

Ensuring an up-or-down vote on certain health care legislation.

Resolved, That the Committee on Rules may not report a rule or order that provides for disposition of the Senate amendments to H.R. 3590, an Act entitled The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, unless such rule or order provides for—

(1) at least one hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader, or their designees; and

(2) a requirement that the Speaker put the question on disposition of the Senate amendments and that the yeas and nays be considered as ordered thereon.

Strickland Testifies before Interior Appropriations Subcommittee
Congressman Mike Simpson discussed the impact on Idaho of the recent sage-grouse decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with Interior Assistant Secretary Tom Strickland.  Strickland testified last Wednesday before the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, of which Simpson is Ranking Republican Member, regarding the President’s FY 2011 budget request.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the greater sage-grouse is “warranted but precluded” from the protections afforded by the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  A “warranted but precluded” decision allows the Service to focus its resources on species in greater need of listing while continuing to partner with states and local governments to address the challenges facing the sage-grouse. 

“Assistant Secretary, I appreciate your efforts to keep me apprised of the Department’s decisions regarding sage-grouse.  As I’m sure you can imagine, my constituents, many of whom have seen the ESA used as a weapon to run them out of business, are concerned that this species could be listed under the Act,” said Simpson.  “Over the past fourteen years, the State of Idaho has led the way in developing a comprehensive plan for species and habitat preservation, working with land users to find collaborative solutions to address this problem.  I’m encouraged that this decision will allow the Service to continue working closely with states, private landowners, and other partners to prevent ever having to list the species.”

Assistant Secretary Strickland expressed his support for the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances recently completed by the State of Idaho, which was the first such agreement for the species in the nation.  He said he is cautiously hopeful that with these types of cooperative agreements in place, there will not be a need to list the species.

“We know that the challenges facing the sage-grouse are complex,” said Simpson.  “As Assistant Strickland reiterated, if we handle this the right way, conservation can work hand in hand with a wide range of activities occurring right now on public lands in the West.  I have been pleased with the way land users in Idaho have voluntarily cooperated with the state and federal government on species conservation efforts.  These types of agreements are the best hope for real species recovery, and I am hopeful that the Department and the Service will stand by their decision if it is challenged in court.”

Forest Fee Increase for Seniors Scrapped
Idaho delegation pushed for rescission of plan to drop discounts
Idaho’s congressional delegation says the decision by the U.S. Forest Service to scrap a proposal to cut discount pass rates available to senior citizens and disabled Americans is a good one.  The Forest Service was reviewing a proposal to reduce discounts under the Interagency Pass Program and Golden Age and Golden Access Passports from 50% down to 10% for programs and services operated by Forest Service concessionaries.  However, last week the delegation heard from the Forest Service that the proposal has been dropped and the current discounts will remain in place.

Senator Mike Crapo said, “Idahoans and people across the West spoke loud and clear in opposition to this ill-conceived proposal, and I am glad that the Forest Service heard their voices.  This proposal to force senior citizens and permanently disabled Americans to pay more for access to lands that they already pay for was unnecessary and inappropriate, and it is great that the Forest Service reversed its course.”   

“I am pleased the Forest Service agreed with our call to not penalize seniors and the disabled by reducing their campground discounts.  This was the right thing to do,” said Senator Jim Risch.

“I’m pleased to hear that the Forest Service has withdrawn this controversial proposal,” said Congressman Mike Simpson.  “When I raised my concerns about it during a recent hearing with the Chief of the Forest Service, he acknowledged that the feedback they received had been overwhelmingly negative.  Withdrawing the proposal—and continuing to ensure that all Americans, including seniors and the disabled, have access to our nation’s public lands—is the best solution.”

“This is good news for Idaho’s seniors and citizens with disabilities,” said Congressman Walt Minnick.  “It shows what can be accomplished when our bi-partisan delegation works together to solve issues important to Idaho and to the nation.”

Last month, the delegation went to bat for the discounts in a letter to Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, explaining that the proposal would hit an especially vulnerable group of Americans at a time when that group is using Forest Service lands and facilities at a higher rate.

Simpson Seeks Status on AMWTP Contract Decision
Congressman Mike Simpson questioned the Department of Energy last week on its cleanup efforts at our nation’s major nuclear sites as part of its FY2011 budget request.  Assistant Secretary of Environmental Management Ines Triay testified before the Subcommittee.

During the hearing, Simpson asked Triay for the status of the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project at the Idaho National Laboratory. “This contract has been extended nine times already.  The workers and my constituents are understandably nervous about the uncertainty that this creates for them, and they are anxious to have a decision made.”  Simpson said.  “Can you tell me when you expect to have a decision on this?” Assistant Secretary Triay told Simpson that she expected a decision to be made by the end of the month.

He also questioned her on the impact that the Administration’s decision to cancel the Yucca Mountain project could have on cleanup on the Idaho Governor’s Agreement and cleanup at Idaho.  “I am concerned by the impact that ending the Yucca Mountain program could have on cleanup at Idaho and sites throughout the complex,” Simpson said.  He asked her to explain what this would mean for cleanup agreements, including the Idaho Governor’s Agreement, and asked DOE to consult with the major stakeholders on any decisions impacting cleanup in the future. While Triay recognized that a geologic repository is still necessary, she said that DOE was committed to meeting the milestones laid out in the Governor’s Agreement. 

Both Simpson and Triay recognized the good work that is occurring in Idaho.  “I am pleased that DOE recognizes all of the positive things occurring at the INL,” Simpson said after the hearing. “These accomplishments would not be possible without continued stable budgets, and I will work with my colleagues to ensure that the DOE receives adequate funding to meets its obligation to clean up these sites.”

Simpson is a Member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Energy and Water Subcommittee which oversees funding for the Department of Energy.


Simpson Voices Concern to Secretary Geithner about the National Debt and Continued Spending
Congressman Mike Simpson, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, challenged Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and White House Budget Director Peter Orszag in a House Appropriations Committee hearing on the President’s Fiscal Year 2011 budget proposal. Congressman Simpson is an original cosponsor of H.J.Res. 1, which would amend the Constitution to require Congress to balance the budget annually.

After listening to the Administration list the numerous kinds of debts they have inherited from the previous Administration in order to place blame on the other party for the current federal deficit, Congressman Simpson addressed Secretary Geithner.

“I have heard a lot about deficits you inherited: the financial deficit, the opportunity deficit, the job deficit, the educational deficit, the investment deficit, and a new one, the foreign relations deficits.  The only one I haven’t heard today is the reality deficit that seems to be created from all of these. When I was home in Idaho, everywhere I went, constituents had the same message for me--they wish that we on the federal level were making the same tough budgetary decisions that every state legislature is making right now.”
 
After the hearing, Simpson added, “This budget is not fiscally responsible over the long term, and the American people are saying that we need to quit spending money.  It’s that simple. As I look over this budget, it strikes me that the administration is unwilling to make the tough decisions necessary in order to cut spending and reduce the national debt.”

The FY 2011 budget is the largest in American history. It spends $3.8 trillion and produces a deficit of $1.6 trillion, borrowing 42 cents for each dollar spent.  It will create a massive two trillion dollar tax increase over the next decade--an increase which still does not come close to covering the spending within the bill.

“The President’s proposal, though it is only a budget blueprint, illustrates why I believe we need a federal balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. If Congress and the President, like every American family, were forced to pay for every dollar spent in their budget, a new sense of fiscal responsibility would emerge. These record deficits would stop building on each other, and Congress could actually start reducing our debt, which has ballooned to nearly unsustainable levels.”

The House Appropriations Committee is currently in the process of reviewing the FY2011 federal budget.

To watch Congressman Simpson question Secretary Geithner, visit his YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/CongMikeSimpson.

Simpson Votes against Health Care Reconciliation in Budget Committee
Last week Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson opposed the Democrats' health care reconciliation bill.  The House Budget Committee conducted a markup of the bill last Monday evening. This reconciliation legislation has been described as a "Trojan horse" because every word in the bill will be erased after passage and replaced with the yet-unseen health care bill written behind closed doors by President Obama and Speaker Pelosi. The bill passed out of the Budget Committee, of which Simpson is a member, with only two Democrats joining the Republicans in opposition.

“Unfortunately,” Congressman Simpson said, “the Budget Committee started the health care reconciliation process with a partisan and largely ceremonial markup vote. This procedural maneuver will allow Democrats, now without enough votes to pass the bill in regular order, to pass it with only 50 votes in the Senate, rather than the 60 normally required for controversial pieces of legislation.”

Simpson offered a Motion to Instruct to require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to provide the total cost of the bill based off of this year's data, rather than the budget baseline from March 2009 as had been previously done. This would reveal the real cost of the bill to the American people. His motion also asked for a 72-hour waiting period for the bill to be posted online so it could be read by Americans and Members of Congress before a final vote. Additionally, the motion included instructions requiring a separate vote for each health care measure, thus rejecting the Democrats plan to pass the bill by using an obscure rule.”
 
“My motion would have simply shined more light on the costs and the details of the bill, something I had hoped both Democrats and Republicans would support.” Despite unanimous Republican support, the motion failed because it only garnered support from one Democrat on the Committee.

“I am disappointed that my motion failed. As it stands, the American people will not know the real cost of the bill, or even what is in it, until after it passes. This is simply not the way to pass major legislation, let alone a health care entitlement that constitutes a government takeover of 17 percent of the economy.  However, it now appears Congressional Democrats are planning to jam through this bill without the inclusion of a single minority opinion, and without the support of most Americans.”

Delegation, Governor Note Sage Grouse Efforts
Idaho’s Congressional Delegation and Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter are calling on Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to stand firm on his department’s justified “warranted but precluded” ruling regarding protections for sage grouse.  In a letter to Salazar sent last week, Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, Congressmen Mike Simpson and Walt Minnick, and Governor Otter pointed to Idaho’s wide-ranging, collaborative on-the-ground efforts that have improved habitat for the sage grouse and provide rationale for the agency’s determinations about listing.

“In 1996, the State of Idaho became one of the first states in the country to develop a comprehensive plan for conserving the species and its habitat,” wrote the Governor and Delegation members.  “It amended the plan in 2006, and that has led to the prioritization and implementation of numerous conservation actions for the benefit of the species.”

Noting that Interior’s ruling is now facing a court challenge, the Delegation and Governor said that Secretary Salazar is to be commended for his determination—and he should stand by his decision concerning sage grouse.  “We need to ensure that our collective attention to this important issue does not wane or is overshadowed by inaction in the coming months,” the Idahoans wrote.

Committee Update
At 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing entitled “Voice from Our Native American Communities.”  Representatives from tribes and Native American advocacy groups will testify.

At 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the DOE’s Nuclear Energy FY 2011 budget.  Warren F. Miller, Jr., Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, is scheduled to testify.

At 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing on DOE’s FY2011 budget request.  Dr. Steven Chu, Secretary of Energy, is scheduled to testify.

At 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee is scheduled to hold a public witness hearing.

At 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the Bureau of Reclamation’s budget request for FY2011.  Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior, and Michael Conner, BOR Commissioner, will testify.

At 9:30 a.m. on Friday, the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee is scheduled to hold a public witness hearing.

 House Legislative Business This Week 
MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2010
On Monday, the House will meet at 12:30 p.m. for morning hour and at 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Suspensions (6 Bills):

1. H.R. 4810 - End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Filner / Veterans' Affairs Committee)
2. H.R. 1879 - National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2009 (Sponsored by Rep. Coffman / Veterans' Affairs Committee) 
3. H.J.Res. 80 - Recognizing and honoring the Blinded Veterans Association on its 65th anniversary of representing blinded veterans and their families (Sponsored by Rep. Halvorson / Veterans' Affairs Committee)
4. H.R. 3976 - Helping Heroes Keep Their Homes Act of 2009 (Sponsored by Rep. Perriello / Veterans' Affairs Committee) 
5. H.R. 4667 - Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Perriello / Veterans' Affairs Committee)
6. H.R. 4592 - To provide for the establishment of a pilot program to encourage the employment of veterans in energy-related positions (Sponsored by Rep. Teague / Veterans' Affairs Committee)

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010, AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:30 a.m. for morning hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.
On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business

Suspensions (5 Bills):

1. H.Res. 1186 - Expressing support for designation of April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month (Sponsored by Rep. Markey (CO) / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee) 
2. H.Res. 1125 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week (Sponsored by Rep. Perriello / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee) 
3. H.Res. 917 - Recognizing the Florida Keys Scenic Highway on the occasion of its designation as an All-American Road by the U.S. Department of Transportation (Sponsored by Rep. Ros-Lehtinen / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee) 
4. H.R. 3562 - To designate the Federal building under construction at 1220 Echelon Parkway in Jackson, Mississippi, as the "Chaney, Goodman, Schwerner Federal Building" (Sponsored by Rep. Thompson (MS) / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee) 
5. H.R. 4098 - Secure Federal File Sharing Act (Sponsored by Rep. Towns / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

H.R. 4849 - Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act of 2010 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Levin / Ways and Means Committee)

H.R. 4899 - Disaster Relief and Summer Jobs Act of 2010 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Obey / Appropriations Committee)

In the News
With new bill, Simpson has EPA in his sights
By Nate Poppino - Times-News writer | Posted: Thursday, March 18, 2010 1:30 am |
http://www.magicvalley.com/news/local/article_772571e2-d574-5229-a69c-4563609ab8af.html 

U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson has a bone to pick with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and he wants everyone to know it.

That’s the message Simpson, R-Idaho, has sent over the past couple months about what he believes to be “the scariest agency in the federal government right now.”

In press releases and committee meetings, he’s railed against EPA actions regarding climate issues, water quality and, most importantly, the burden placed on small towns by tighter regulations on arsenic in drinking water. Towns such as Buhl and Castleford have had to borrow millions of dollars to cut their levels of the toxin to the 10-parts-per-billion standard approved in 2001 and formally adopted in 2006.

Those communities weren't in violation under the old standard of 50 ppb -- most measured less than 20 ppb, though Castleford reached as high as 22 ppb. And that's what's got Simpson so steamed up.

Earlier this month, Simpson and Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas, introduced for the third time a bill that would allow public water systems serving 10,000 people or less to apply to opt out of drinking-water regulations. The ranking member of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, Simpson also “vented” at EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson about the issue and her agency’s power during a Feb. 25 budget hearing.

“Every one of these has turned into a ‘what the hell is EPA doing’ meeting,” he said on a clip he posted on YouTube.

Certain aspects of the drinking-water bill, which Simpson first introduced two Congresses ago with then-Idaho Rep. C.L. “Butch” Otter, still need to be fleshed out, he told the Times-News. The initial bill doesn’t include a definition for when the financial burden of meeting the federal mandate would be considered too high, nor does it state whether disturbingly high pollution levels would ever trump economic concerns.

But Simpson said he believes the legislation will find a more-welcome reception this year as communities in other parts of the country report more problems complying with the arsenic rules.

“Whether this is the exact answer or not, I don’t know. But I do know we have a real problem out there,” he said, adding he hopes the bill will be a starting point for debating the issue.

Of course, the legislation wouldn’t rescue communities that have already taken on debt and built new treatment facilities. But it would help curb EPA power in the future, said Simpson, who is unhappy with the overall response he’s gotten from agency administrators.

Simpson’s press announcements and clips don’t include the EPA officials’ replies. But the responses have been disappointing, he said, and reinforce EPA’s path as an unyielding regulatory agency. Its regional offices allegedly also don’t apply rules the same way; in conversations with other members of Congress, he said, it’s become clear that the most EPA complaints over the past decade have been about the region that includes Idaho.

“I don’t get the idea that they are sympathetic to try to resolve any of these problems,” Simpson said.