Representative Mike Simpson

The Simpson Standard

January 11th, 2026

Dear [salutation],

I'm excited to share that the House passed the next set of Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills earlier this week. It was a productive week here in DC, passing this package that contains BIG wins for Idahoans and our great state.

For starters, I am thrilled to announce that my Fiscal Year 2026 Interior and Environment appropriations bill was included in this package. This bill CHAMPIONS Idaho priorities, like protecting access to our public lands, fully funding the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, and prioritizing funding for Wildland Fire Management. You can read more about this legislation below.

Also included in this package was the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water appropriations bill, where I proudly secured critical funding for INL. Additionally, SEVEN of the community funding projects that I fought for were in this package. I'm excited to highlight some of these projects this week and in the weeks to come, so be sure to stay tuned for my weekly Simpson Standard. 😁

Championing Idaho WINS

The passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Act sends a strong message that House Republicans are determined to advance President Trump's America First policy agenda by:

✅Reducing energy costs

✅Protecting America's public lands

✅Reversing harmful Biden-era regulations

As Chairman of this subcommittee, I am pleased that this bill protects important programs that states and local communities rely on:

✅Fully funds PILT

✅Prioritizes funding for Indian Country and Wildland Fire Management

My full statement and more information on the bill are available here.

Securing Priorities for INL

INL has long worked to advance America’s nuclear technology and strengthen our national security, and I have been proud to support their efforts in Congress. I am confident that the future of nuclear energy is bright under President Trump and Secretary Wright.

I am pleased to see this legislation expand America’s nuclear capabilities and address the future of nuclear energy. You can read more about the priorities I secured here.

Bringing Tax Dollars Back to Idaho

As Idaho's only appropriator, it is my great honor to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho. I have the unique opportunity to do this through Community Project Funding, as I serve on the House Appropriations Committee.

CPF projects give Idahoans a critical voice in determining where budgeted funding goes. Idahoans' hard-earned tax dollars should come back home rather than to blue states like California or New York. I was proud to secure funding for critical water projects in the cities of American Falls, Bellevue, Fort Hall, and Rigby to produce meaningful results for our communities. You can read more about these projects and community support here.