Recently in Washington

Last week the House passed H.R. 4, the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011, to repeal a section of the Democrats’ healthcare bill imposing new IRS reporting requirements on small businesses. 

Simpson Grills EPA Administrator over Budget
Chairman of House Interior and Environment Appropriations expresses concern about efforts to undo provisions aimed at limiting EPA’s regulatory authority
Congressman Mike Simpson, Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, questioned Environmental Protection Administrator Lisa Jackson Thursday regarding the EPA’s budget request for FY2012. Simpson also grilled Administrator Jackson regarding what many perceive as the EPA’s regulatory overreach and the impact that the agency’s actions are having on the economy.

Simpson questioned the agency’s decision to reduce the EPA’s budget on the backs of states, which are already struggling to balance their own budgets, as state grants have been reduced by 22% while EPA operations and research budgets are reduced by only 2%-4%. “This is not the blueprint for reduced federal spending and debt reduction that the American people and congressional Republicans are demanding,” said Simpson.  “In stark contrast, we cut more spending out of the SRFs in the House-passed full year continuing resolution than has been proposed in your entire 2012 budget.  The demand for 2012 is simple:  cut more and regulate less.”

Simpson also defended provisions included in H.R. 1, the continuing resolution (CR) that reduces funding for the EPA by 30% for the remainder of the current fiscal year, which would have limited funding for what he called EPA’s “litany of overreaching regulations.” Simpson pushed for language to be included in the bill to limit EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gases, as well as language to prohibit funding for efforts to expand EPA’s jurisdiction over state waters.  In addition, during consideration on the House floor over 20 amendments limiting funding for EPA were accepted by the House.

“It should be up to Congress, not the Administration, to determine whether and how to regulate greenhouse gases,” said Simpson.  “We put a hold on all of these regulations in the House-passed CR in order to relieve the burden on industry and to give our authorizers the opportunity to address these issues in a more comprehensive fashion this year.  The fact that so many amendments regarding the EPA were offered to the CR and passed so overwhelmingly makes it clear that there is a problem with the way the EPA is cranking out regulations, and I think these funding limitations provide us with an important roadmap for going forward in the 112th Congress.”

Simpson, Labrador Vote to Repeal 1099 Requirements for Small Business under Obamacare
Congressmen Mike Simpson and Raul Labrador joined their colleagues in passing H.R. 4, the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act. H.R.4 will repeal the IRS expansion of information reporting requirements for payments of $600 or more to corporations included as part of the Democrat health care plan.  The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives today with a final vote of 314-112.

“The entire health care bill needs to be repealed, but while we wait for the U.S. Supreme Court to bring the case forward and rule on its constitutionality, this requirement must be repealed immediately,” said Simpson. “The Democrat health care bill contains expensive and burdensome regulations on small businesses that they cannot afford. We should repeal this excessive reporting provision immediately and continue to work on full repeal so we may focus on promoting measures that would encourage small businesses to grow and create jobs.”

“The repeal of the 1099 health care reporting mandate closes a chapter on one of the more illogical, poorly thought out elements of a thousand page bill that no one had read a year ago.  If someone had taken the time to read it before voting on it, they would have realized this provision of the president’s health care law created a mountainous bureaucratic burden on all existing small businesses and a crippling obstacle for any new start up business in trying to comply with it,” said Labrador. “This single provision stands as a prime example of an administration that does not understand business nor has any experience in creating the necessary environment in which businesses can create jobs.”

The Internal Revenue Service’s own National Taxpayer Advocate highlighted several problems with this requirement in a recent report stating that the new reporting burden, particularly as it falls on small businesses, may turn out to be disproportionate as compared with any resulting improvement in tax compliance. The report further stated that small businesses that lack the capacity to track customer purchases may lose customers, leaving the economy with more large national vendors and less local competition.

The National Federation of Independent Business says this provision, which was created without any input or discussion from the small business community, will have a “direct negative impact on small businesses.”

Simpson Examines Management Challenges Department of Interior
Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee kicks of hearing schedule with oversight of DOI, EPA
Congressman Mike Simpson, Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, last week began his hearing schedule for the 112th Congress by holding the first of a series of oversight hearings on the agencies funded through the subcommittee’s bill. Tuesday’s hearing focused on management challenges at the Department of the Interior.

“Oversight is not one of the most exciting things that Congress does, but it is one of the most important,” said Simpson.  “At a time of record budget deficits, we have a responsibility to carefully scrutinize how every taxpayer dollar is spent. Hearings like the one held today provide subcommittee members with the information we need to write a subcommittee budget for fiscal year 2012 that reduces government spending and forces agencies to become more efficient.”

Simpson has scheduled over 20 budget oversight hearings over the next two months.  Wednesday the subcommittee held a hearing on management challenges at the Environmental Protection Agency, at which representatives of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the EPA’s Inspector General will testify.  A similar hearing regarding challenges facing the U.S. Forest Service is scheduled for this week.

Simpson Announces New Staff and Promotions                                       
Congressman Mike Simpson announces the addition of a congressional fellow, a new hire, and several promotions within his Washington, D.C., staff.

Dr. Peter D. Friedman is on sabbatical from the University of Massachusetts and is currently serving as a Congressional Fellow in Simpson’s office. Friedman is the Chairman of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he has been a faculty member since September 2002. Friedman was also a nuclear submarine officer in the United States Navy where he served on two nuclear submarines, including the Engineering Department Head aboard the USS Hyman G. Rickover and a mechanical engineering professor at the United States Naval Academy. He received his BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology and his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University. 

“Pete’s resume speaks for itself,” said Simpson. “It is a privilege to have him join our team this year and the people of Idaho will benefit from his experience. His interest in advancing a science-based, forward-looking energy policy makes him an excellent fit to handle issues pertaining to energy, defense, and homeland security,”

Simpson also hired Solara Linehan to be his new Legislative Assistant. She will oversee policy issues related to finance and banking, foreign affairs, agriculture, veterans’ affairs, judiciary, telecommunications, and government reform.

Linehan has deep Idaho roots and is part of a fifth-generation family farm. She received her BS from Lewis-Clark State and continued her education at Georgetown University where she obtained her graduate certificate in International Business Management. Before joining the Simpson office, Linehan worked for then-Idaho Congressman C.L. “Butch” Otter, and most recently served as an associate at Deloitte.

“Solara’s knowledge and experience in agriculture are exceptional and her educational background in business will be an asset as she moves forward handling these important issues,” said Simpson. “I am happy to welcome her to the Simpson team.”

MJ Henshaw is adding Legislative Correspondent to her duties as a staff assistant. Henshaw joined the Simpson office over a year ago and works tirelessly to ensure constituents needs are met. She attended Utah State University where she received her BS in Journalism. Before joining the Simpson team, Henshaw held an internship in Congressman Zach Wamp’s office and served Idahoans while working in Senator Craig’s office.  

“Handling constituent services is a very important job for a congressional office and MJ performs this task with great skill and talent,” said Simpson. “I am thrilled to expand her duties to include legislative issues in order to better serve Idaho constituents.”

Nathan Greene was promoted to Senior Legislative Assistant and will oversee issues pertaining to the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, as well as the Budget Committee, both of which Congressman Simpson is a member.

“For several years, Nate has superbly served Idahoans,” said Simpson. “I’m confident that his knowledge and experience will continue to pay off as he advances to new challenges within our office. Both the House Budget Committee and the LHHS Appropriations Subcommittee have enormous tasks ahead, and I’m pleased that Nate is eager to address these important issues.”

Simpson supports National Ground Water Awareness Week, March 6-12
Congressman Mike Simpson, Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee supports National Ground Water Awareness Week.

If you own a household water well, you depend on groundwater. If you don’t have a water well, you still depend on groundwater in many ways. Either way, here are some things you should know about groundwater during National Ground Water Awareness Week, March 6-12.

Groundwater makes up more than 90 percent of the available fresh water in the world. Because it is so widespread, nearly 45 percent of Americans rely on ground water, either from private wells or community water systems. Not only that, ground water supplies 53.5 billion gallons a day for agricultural irrigation. It also feeds 492 billion gallons a day to surface water bodies such as rivers, lakes and streams.

“The occasion of National Ground Water Awareness Week provides the perfect time for all of us to consider the ways in which we use water and contemplate how we might help conserve it,” said Simpson. “The National Ground Water Association has long been a tireless advocate for fresh water resources and I greatly appreciate the work they do. Their list of “best practices” is something everyone should read and utilize in their daily lives.”

If you own a well, consider getting an annual well maintenance check and water test. Private well owners are responsible for making sure their water supply is safe, so regular maintenance and water testing for bacteria, nitrates and anything else of local concern are important.

If you don’t own a well, you still have a responsibility to protect groundwater. Improper storage or disposal of hazardous household substances can pollute groundwater. These include household cleaners, herbicides, pesticides, antifreeze, fertilizer, paint, paint thinner, oil and other chemicals. What you dump on the ground, pour down the drain or throw in the trash could end up in the groundwater. Store hazardous household substances in secure places using proper containers. If possible, dispose of such substances at hazardous waste drop-off sites.

Use water wisely, whether you own a well or not. There is no shortage of groundwater nationally, but demand on a local or regional basis can create water scarcity. It only makes sense not to waste water.
Fix leaky toilets or faucets to save thousands of gallons of water a year.
Use water-efficient appliances.
Use low-flow shower heads and water-efficient toilets.
Avoid wasting water on the driveway, sidewalk or street when watering outside.
Run the dishwasher only when it’s full.
Consider other ways to recycle or conserve water.

Learn more visit NGWA’s Ground Water Awareness Week Web page or its Web site for well owners, www.wellowner.org.

Committee Action

On Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., Chairman Simpson will hold a hearing of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee on President Obama’s FY2012 budget request for the Department of the Interior.  Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will testify.

On Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., Chairman Simpson will hold a hearing of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee on President Obama’s FY2012 budget request for the National Park Service.  NPS Director Jon Jarvis will testify.

On Wednesday at 2:00 p.m., the House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee will hold a hearing on the President’s FY2012 budget request for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  Lt. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp, Chief of Engineers, and Jo Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, are scheduled to testify.

On Thursday at 9:30 a.m., Chairman Simpson will hold a hearing of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee on President Obama’s FY2012 budget request for the Bureau of Land Management.  BLM Director Bob Abbey will testify.

On Thursday at 10:00 a.m., the House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee will hold a hearing on the President’s FY2012 budget request for the Bureau of Reclamation.  BOR Commissioner Michael Connor will testify.

On Thursday at 10:00 a.m., the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee will hold a hearing on the President’s FY2012 budget request for the Department of Education.  Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will testify.

On Thursday at 10:00 a.m., the House Budget Committee will hold a hearing entitled, “Lifting the Crushing Burden of Debt.”  Douglas Hotlz-Eakin, President of the American Action Forum, will testify.

On Thursday at 11:00 a.m., Chairman Simpson will hold a hearing of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee on President Obama’s FY2012 budget request for the Office of Surface Mining.  OSM Director Joseph Pizarchik will testify.

On Thursday at 2:00 p.m., Chairman Simpson will hold a hearing of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee entitled, “Major Management Challenges at the U.S. Forest Service.”  The Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Forest Service Inspector General (IG) will testify.

On Friday at 9:30 a.m., Chairman Simpson will hold a hearing of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee on President Obama’s FY2012 budget request for the U.S. Forest Service.  Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell will testify.

On Friday at 10:00 a.m., the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee will hold a hearing on the President’s FY2012 budget request for the Department of Health and Human Services.  Secretary of HHS Kathleen Sebelius will testify.

Floor Schedule

MONDAY, MARCH 7TH
On Monday, the House is not in session.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8TH
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for morning hour and 4:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:
1) H.R. 570 - The Dental Emergency Responder Act (Sponsored by Rep. Michael Burgess / Energy and Commerce Committee)
2) H.R. 525 - The Veterinary Public Health Workforce and Education Act (Sponsored by Rep. Tammy Baldwin / Energy and Commerce Committee)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9TH
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business and recess immediately. The House will reconvene at approximately 11:00 a.m. for the purpose of receiving, in a joint meeting with the Senate, the Honorable Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia.

H.Res. __ - A resolution providing for consideration of H.R. 830, The FHA Refinance Program Termination Act (Special Rule, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Rob Bishop / Rules Committee)

H.Res. __ - A resolution providing for consideration of H.R. 836, The Emergency Mortgage Relief Program Termination Act (Special Rule, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Pete Sessions / Rules Committee)

THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, MARCH 10TH AND 11TH
On Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour debate 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. on Friday.

H.R. 830 - The FHA Refinance Program Termination Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Robert Dold / Financial Services Committee)

H.R. 836 - The Emergency Mortgage Relief Program Termination Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Jeb Hensarling / Financial Services Committee),

In the News

Big sportsman's groups support Simpson wolf delisting measure
Submitted by Rocky Barker on Wed, 02/23/2011 – www.idahostatesman.com
A wide coalition of sportsmen’s groups are backing the various bills to remove wolves from the Endangered Species list in the Northern Rocky Mountains and the Midwest.

But there is some division about where to draw the line in the sand.

The big boys in the coalition include the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, the Boone and Crockett Club, National Rifle Association, and Safari Club International. They put out a statement this week that supported all the bills but made it clear they were ready to compromise to get wolves back into state management as soon as possible in Idaho and Montana even if they have to wait for Wyoming.

“They said that in order to return all recovered wolf populations to state managers, comprehensive legislation must include at least Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin in the Great Lakes,” the coalition said in a statement found on the NRA’s website.

“A transfer to state management is also called for in areas of Utah, Oregon, and Washington in the Rocky Mountains.

“But the coalition also supports interim steps to move toward these goals, in recognition of political realities that may delay or forestall a comprehensive remedy at this point in time.”

That’s good news for the rider added to the House-passed budget resolution by Republican Rep. Mike Simpson. Simpson’s provision would simply return to the wolf delisting reality in Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon and eastern Washington and northern Utah that was in place before U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy ruled last August.

His rider was similar to legislation by Montana Democratic Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester. That brought the provision criticism from Simpson’s Republican colleague, Rep.

Denny Rehberg, who is challenging Tester for Senate in 2012.

Rehberg said “unelected bureaucrats” could put wolves back on the endangered species list later under Simpson’s measure. Rehberg got support from David Allen, the outspoken president of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, who told the Associated Press the group “will not support anything that ultimately leaves Wyoming out.”

The larger sportsman’s coalition wasn’t ready to throw Simpson nor the Democrats under the bus.

"Representative Mike Simpson, and Senators Baucus and Tester have illustrated that there are many options available to move toward a solution, and we greatly appreciate that," said Jeff Crane, President of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. “These members are building on the attention that Senator Hatch and Representative Rehberg called to this issue with their companion bills earlier this Congress. We thank all of these Members for their contribution to the debate, and we support all of their pending legislation on this issue.”

The wolf advocates like Defenders of Wildlife have urged their members to fight all of these measures because of the precedent they set for making listing decisions under the Endangered Species Act in Congress. They still don’t think the 1,500 wolves running around the Rockies is enough.

But some have privately acknowledged they could live with Tester and Baucus’ bill, recognizing the political shift they face with the Obama administration supporting delisting.
Allen was in the Idaho Capitol Monday with retired Sen. Larry Craig pressing the House Resources and Conservation Committee to support the comprehensive wolf legislation he said has a good chance of passing in the next two years.

He was warmly welcomed by several committee members including Republican Rep. Lenore Hardy Barrett of Challis.

“You folks in Lemhi and Custer counties have been the point of the spear on this issue,” Craig said.