Representative Mike Simpson

The Simpson Standard

May 3rd, 2026

Dear [salutation],

Happy May! It was a busy week in DC, full of hearings, markups, and the passage of several must-pass bills on the House floor. I'm sure you're used to hearing about appropriations, appropriations, and appropriations in my weekly updates by now. Well, I'll keep the trend going! This week, the Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, which I chair, heard from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin.

Additionally, on the appropriations front, the full committee passed two more bills this week. We marked up the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security and Department of State, and the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration appropriations bills, including a community-funded project that I proudly fought for!

Speaking of wins for Idaho agriculture...BIG NEWS FOR IDAHO'S FARMERS: This week, the House passed the Farm Bill, which has long been overdue. Farmers need certainty now, and we are delivering. Make no mistake, this is a bipartisan bill. Food security is national security, and having a strong farm bill PROTECTS Americans.

Hearing with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin

This week, the Interior and Environment House Appropriations Subcommittee heard from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who testified on the EPA's Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

I applaud Administrator Zeldin's commitment to reducing regulatory burdens while protecting the environment. As Chairman of this subcommittee, I look forward to working together again this year and delivering results for the American people.

Advancing Funding for Idaho Agriculture 🥔

Potatoes are one of Idaho’s most important crops, and our state leads the nation in production. The University of Idaho has conducted phenomenal research on various crops and provided valuable information to producers about these key agricultural products.

As the University continues to expand its research to meet industry needs, it is crucial that funding keeps pace with the research efforts. I am proud to support this project, and as we continue to support the potato industry, we should strive for the goal that ten out of ten Americans associate potatoes with Idaho, rather than just nine out of ten! You can read about this project and community support here.

Celebrating the Passage of the Farm Bill

I regularly hear from farmers, ranchers, and producers in Idaho, and their main concern over the years has been when Congress will reauthorize the Farm Bill.

Thanks to a Republican White House, Senate, and House, we have officially delivered on our promise to provide certainty to those who feed our nation. While this legislation supports and invests in our rural communities, it also strengthens our national security by protecting our domestic food supply. I look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law.