Last week the House also passed three free trade agreements:  H.R. 3078, the U.S.-Columbia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act; H.R. 3079, the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act; and H.R. 3080, the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act.  Finally, the House passed H.R. 358, the Protect Life Act, which prohibits federal funding through the Affordable Care Act, passed during the 111th Congress, to be used for abortions.

Simpson Supports Regulatory Relief for Job Creators
Votes for bills to ensure EPA regulations on Boiler MACT, Portland cement, are reasonable and achievable
Congressman Mike Simpson joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives in supporting legislation to bring needed regulatory relief to America’s job creators. Last week the House passed H.R. 2250, the EPA Regulatory Relief Act, and the previous week passed H.R. 2681, the Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act, with bipartisan votes. Both bills provide the EPA with the opportunity to re-propose and finalize achievable rules impacting the manufacturing sector.

H.R. 2250 would impact four rules announced by EPA earlier this year affecting boilers, process heaters, and certain solid waste incinerators in the United States and set standards, including “maximum achievable control technologies” (MACT), under the Clean Air Act. As currently written, the rules would cost industry $14.4 billion and would put 224,000 jobs at risk. Even EPA recognizes that the rules are not practically achievable and requested a 15-month extension from the courts to re-propose the rules, but the request was denied. The bill provides EPA with a 15-month extension to re-write the rules, ensures that the new rules are achievable by real-world boilers, and extends the compliance deadline to allow industry adequate time to comply. Simpson is a cosponsor of H.R. 2250.

“As originally published, the Boiler MACT rules could strike a severe blow to the manufacturing economy. Not only are the rules far more restrictive than actually needed to protect the environment, but they are cost-prohibitive and not achievable in the real world,” said Simpson. “H.R. 2250 gives the EPA the time it has requested to re-examine these rules and come up with reasonable, achievable standards that protect the environment without further damaging our economy.”

H.R. 2681 proposes similar extensions and directives to EPA regarding rules impacting the Portland cement manufacturing industry. The rules currently proposed by EPA would impose extremely strict standards on the industry that are both cost- and technology-prohibitive and simply cannot be met by many facilities within the compliance period. The cement industry estimates that nearly 20 percent of domestic cement production would be shut down if the current rules were enacted. Simpson’s Interior and Environment Appropriations Act for FY12 includes language preventing the Portland cement rules from being implemented.

“I am concerned that, in spite of the industry’s efforts to collaborate with EPA on creating standards that would be achievable and beneficial, the agency has ignore the industry’s concerns and proposed to implement regulations that not only are cost prohibitive but for which no technology currently exists,” said Simpson. “These rules are clear examples of the impact that EPA’s overzealous regulatory agenda is having on job creation in this country. Companies impacted by these rules are paralyzed by uncertainty about whether they will be able to afford hire new workers or even to continue operating. In passing these bills, the House is taking important steps to provide for more job creation in this country.”

H.R. 2681 passed October 6th by a vote of 262-161, while H.R. 2250 passed last Thursday 275-142.

House Passes Three Trade Bills
Trade Agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea all clear U.S. House of Representatives
Congressman Mike Simpson voted last week for three trade agreements that will greatly increase U.S. exports to three key countries, providing a much needed boost to the U.S. economy.  The House of Representatives approved the U.S.–South Korea Free Trade Agreement, the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, and the U.S.–Panama Trade Promotion Agreement on strongly bipartisan votes. 

“These long-awaited trade agreements are an important boon to our economy,” said Congressman Simpson.  “Inaction on trade agreements over the past few year years has left American exporters struggling to compete.  These agreements help to level the playing field and play an important role in stimulating needed economic growth.”

According to the American Farm Bureau, passage of the three trade agreements represents nearly $2.5 billion in new agricultural exports.  Implementing the agreements will create new markets for U.S. products, reduce the trade deficit, increase exports for a variety of goods, and create an estimated tens of thousands of jobs across the country.  The House also passed a three-year extension of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), which provides compensation for those whose jobs have been eliminated because of trade.  It greatly reduces the overall cost of the TAA program and eliminates it completely after 2014.

All three agreements were passed by the Senate and have been presented to the president.

Simpson Supports Legislation to Honor Reserve Members and to Help Increase Employment Opportunities for Veterans
The U.S. House of Representatives passed several bills last week dealing with veteran issues. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported legislation that will increase employment opportunities for veterans and legislation that will honor former National Guard and Reserve members as United States veterans.

The Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011, which would create or modify programs that provide employment and training services to veterans and service members separating from active duty.  The bill will provide up to 12 months of Veterans Retraining Assistance to unemployed veterans who enter education or training programs at community colleges or technical schools to prepare them for employment in an occupational field that is determined by Department of Labor (DOL) to have significant employment opportunities. 

“The latest job figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that too many veterans are unemployed, and the overall veteran unemployment rate continues to rise faster than the national unemployment rate,” said Simpson. “This legislation helps provide veterans with the opportunity to secure competitive employment in this difficult economic climate.”

Simpson also supported legislation to recognize the veteran status to certain retired National Guard and Reserve service members.  Individuals who served at least 20 years in the reserves, are under age 60, and were never called to active duty would be eligible for this honorary status. 

“Service members of the National Guard and Reserve perform a crucial role supporting our active duty component by responding in times of national emergency and standing ready to deploy in times of need,” said Simpson.  “In recent years the need has been great, and the National Guard and Reserve have provided trained units that are equipped and ready to defend the United States.  Each of these men and women deserve the recognition for their commitment and contribution to the defense of our nation.”

Governor and Delegation React to NRC Approving Operating License for AREVA
Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and the Idaho Congressional Delegation today offered their reactions to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s announcement that it has issued a license to AREVA Enrichment Services, LLC to construct and operate the Eagle Rock Enrichment Plant near Idaho Falls, Idaho. 

“Today’s decision paves the way for AREVA to move forward with its eastern Idaho facility, which will be so important to the future of clean, safe and sustainable energy in our country,” Governor Otter said. “NRC approval of the Eagle Rock plant is a significant step toward providing not only for America’s energy needs over the long term, but also toward addressing the immediate needs for creating more career opportunities for people right here in Idaho.”

“The NRC’s approval is very appropriate given the talent and expertise of the workforce surrounding the Idaho National Laboratory,” Senator Crapo said. “Nuclear power should remain firmly embedded as a part of our national energy portfolio and AREVA’s advancements here will benefit both Idaho and all of our nation’s consumers by enhancing our sources of energy and our research expertise.”

“The announcement that AREVA Enrichment Services has received their license for the Eagle Rock Enrichment Facility from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is welcome news.  This facility will provide much-needed jobs, provide a secure source of enriched uranium within the U.S. and help our country utilize a reliable energy source that is emissions-free,” said Risch, who is ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy. “I recognize this license approval came about after a great effort by the company as well as local and state leaders.  I commend everyone for their work that will result in good, permanent jobs for Idahoans.”

“Currently, the United States imports nearly 90% of the uranium enrichment services it uses,” said Congressman Mike Simpson. “The hard work of AREVA and the citizens of Eastern Idaho has paved the way for a multi-billion dollar facility, which will create hundreds of new jobs while providing a domestic, reliable source of uranium enrichment services. AREVA has a strong record of corporate safety and the technology that Eagle Rock will use has been well proven in numerous locations in the United States and Europe.  I have been to see AREVA’s facilities in France, and I have the utmost confidence in the quality, safety, and security of their facilities.”

The NRC press release for the AREVA decision can be found here.

Recognizing National School Lunch Week, Oct. 10-14
By Congressman Mike Simpson
“National School Lunch Week (Oct. 10 – 14) gives us an opportunity to evaluate our school nutrition programs and come up with better ways to keep our children healthy. We must remember that these programs not only keep students healthy today, but they can form life-long health habits for our future leaders.

“As parents, teachers and community leaders we all have a role to play in educating our children. Children must be healthy to learn, and child nutrition programs are vital to ensuring millions of children in the United States don’t go hungry. While most families are able to provide healthy meals for students, for those that cannot, an effective school lunch program can help students achieve academic success.

“In 2010, about 31 million children participated in the National School Lunch Program and more than 11 million in the School Breakfast Program, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). With so many students participating in these programs, it is important that schools provide good nutritional options to their students. The theme for the National School Lunch Week 2011, “School Lunch – Let’s Grow Healthy,” emphasizes promoting locally sourced foods and explores new ways to provide healthier meals in schools.

“Schools across Idaho are working towards making improvements in the food they serve students. The school lunch program at Idaho’s Gooding Elementary School is a great example of a program that emphasizes healthier meal options. In November 2009, they became the first school in the nation to receive the “Healthier US School Challenge’s Gold Award of Distinction” for providing children healthier meals and promoting physical activity. A basis for this award was the school’s healthy “baked potato bar,” which uses locally grown potatoes served to students twice a week. As most Idahoans know, potatoes are not only a great source of potassium and fiber, but they are also fat free, cholesterol free and low in calories.

“Recently the USDA proposed a rule that would eliminate fresh white potatoes from the School Breakfast Program and would limit starchy vegetable servings in the National School Lunch Program to one cup a week.  I joined with other Members of Congress in sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack expressing my concerns of limiting the consumption of important vegetables, like potatoes, in future school nutrition standards. I reminded him of the essential nutrients potatoes provides to our children.”

In the News

Lending a Hand to Teachers
Every year, teachers dip into their own wallets to buy school supplies for their classrooms. Anew bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Simpson, could help ease the burden.
By Julie Wootton, www.magicvalley.com, October 11, 2011

A group of Harrison Elementary School first-graders, led by special education teacher Amy Kenyon, practiced sounding out words Monday and gripped their pencils as they filled out a worksheet.

While basic supplies like pencils may seem like a necessity, some Magic Valley teachers spend hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets each year on classroom supplies.

Kenyon purchases pens and pencils, as well as cleaning supplies such as antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer.

“I also buy snacks for the kids, too,” she said.

Last year, she spent more than $250 of her own money for the classroom, but could only claim a $250 maximum deduction on her tax return.

Congressman Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, recently signed on as one of 33 co-sponsors of a federal bill introduced in May that would address that situation.

The Teacher Tax Relief Act seeks to increase the maximum tax deduction for teachers purchasing classroom materials from $250 to $500 per year. It would also expand the deduction to allow teachers to include professional development expenses.

Nikki Watts, Simpson’s spokeswoman, said the current classroom expense deduction for teachers is set to expire Dec. 31 unless Congress reauthorizes it.

Unlike years past, Idaho school districts no longer receive state funding for classroom supplies. The Legislature eliminated that line item from the state’s budget during the 2010-11 school year.

In Twin Falls and Filer, supply budgets are handled at a school level.

Twin Falls School District spokeswoman Beth Pendergrass said each Twin Falls school principal determines a budget for supplies for their school.

In the Filer School District, supply budgets have increased.

However, nearly all the teachers still buy supplies out of pocket, Superintendent John Graham said, and they don’t receive enough financial assistance.

“What we provide for — that doesn’t come close to covering what a teacher spends,” he said.

Some school districts, such as Hagerman and Hansen, still have a yearly supply budget for each teacher.

Hagerman School District Superintendent Ron Echols said each teacher in Hagerman receives $250 per year to spend on classroom supplies.

Teachers in the Hansen School District also receive money for classroom supplies, but funding has dwindled over the past few years.

Four years ago, each classroom received $800 per year for supplies. This year, each of Hansen’s 13 classrooms received about $540.

“It’s not covering what teachers need,” Superintendent Dennis Coulter said.