Representative Mike Simpson

The Simpson Standard

April 19th, 2026

Dear [salutation],

It was a BIG week here in DC! We started the week off strong with Tax Day. Over 53 million filers claimed at least one of the Republicans' new tax cuts. These tax cuts were a WIN for American working families, farmers, small businesses, and employees. In fact, if we had let the previous tax provisions expire, the average American family would have faced a tax hike of nearly $1,700.

What a week for appropriations! Fiscal Year 2027 is already underway, and the Appropriations Committee is working hard, holding hearings and beginning markups. This week, the subcommittee I chair, Interior and Environment, held a hearing with our fellow Idahoan and the 21st Chief of the Forest Service, Tom Schultz. Chief Schultz brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role, and his leadership comes at a critical time for wildfires in the West.

Who says the Appropriations Committee isn't cool? My subcommittee also held a roundtable on preserving birds of prey worldwide. I was grateful that the President and CEO of The Peregrine Fund and a fellow Idahoan, Chris Parish, could join for this briefing, and yes, we hosted a bird show in the Capitol! You can check out more about these hearings, as well as Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright's visit to the Hill, below.

Bigger Paychecks and Historic Tax Refunds

What a week! Tax Day was here, and the numbers are in - Americans are keeping MORE MONEY in their pockets and receiving HIGHER tax returns thanks to the tax cuts that REPUBLICANS passed.

And yes, the rumors are true. Tens of millions of American families claimed at least one of President Trump's signature tax cuts - unfortunately, every single one of my colleagues from across the aisle voted against these tax cuts. Check out my latest video here.

Preserving Birds of Prey Worldwide

Idaho has taken the lead in species recovery, particularly in preserving birds of prey, with many thanks to The Peregrine Fund. It has changed the paradigm of endangered species recovery and has continuously built on its successful track record of effective endangered species management.

As a longtime advocate for preserving these beautiful birds, I was thrilled a fellow Idahoan, Chris Parish, could join for this informative and exciting briefing, and for numerous of my colleagues to see the beauty of exotic birds.

Secretary Wright's Visit to Capitol Hill

As a former chairman and current senior member of the House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee, I have been responsible for funding the Department of Energy's nuclear programs.

Thanks to Secretary Wright for testifying this week on DOE's Fiscal Year 2027 budget. His advocacy for nuclear energy dominance is critical for Idaho and INL, the nation's leading nuclear lab.