Recently in Washington 

This week Congress passed a motion to go to conference on the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act.

Simpson Opposes Expansion of Federal Water Jurisdiction
Congressman Mike Simpson came out in strong opposition to H.R. 5088, America’s Commitment to Clean Water Act. This legislation cedes authority over all waters in the United States to the federal government, including water currently regulated by states, and makes it subject to regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Water Act.

“We in the West know just how valuable water is to our way of life.  By giving the federal government jurisdiction over Idaho’s water, this bill could have a devastating impact on our economy, food supply, and the livelihoods of those in rural communities across our state,” said Simpson. “There is no way around it--this is big government asserting that it knows better than states, local governments, and farmers and ranchers how to manage the water supply in Idaho.”

The term “navigable waters” has long been the term which limits federal intrusion with regards to the Clean Water Act’s authority. The Clean Water Restoration Act would remove “navigable waters” from the law and replace it with the phrase “waters of the United States,” effectively resulting in a massive expansion of the federal government’s authority by increasing the number of waters subject to water quality standards.

“I am also deeply concerned about the ramifications of this legislation on states’ rights,” said Simpson. “Under this bill, the reach of federal jurisdiction over water in Idaho would be so broad that it could significantly restrict the ability of landowners’ to make decisions about their property and the right of state and local governments to plan for their own development.”

Simpson is the Ranking Member on the House appropriations subcommittee that funds EPA. Last year Simpson filed an amendment to the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill to block EPA from implementing any attempt to expand the federal government’s jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. While Democrat leadership refused to let the amendment be debated on the floor of the House of Representatives, Simpson fully intends to introduce a similar amendment again this year.

Simpson Pushes for Border Security on Public Lands
Congressman Simpson expressed his concern about border security on land managed by the Department of the Interior along the southern border of the United States. The recent death of Arizona rancher Robert Krentz, who was murdered by an illegal alien who entered the country through the San Bernardino Wildlife Refuge, has underscored the importance of border security on federal land.  Simpson, who is Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment, sent a letter last week to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar expressing his concern about this situation.

“Right now we have serious issues with drug and weapons trafficking across the southern border of the United States, which lead to crime problems in our own country and instability in Mexico, making it imperative we tackle the dangerous and growing problem of border security,” wrote Simpson.  “Keeping drug dealers, human traffickers, and criminals, like the one who murdered Mr. Krentz, out of our country requires the cooperation of multiple federal agencies."

Most of the federal lands along the southern border are under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, and other agencies within the Department of Interior.  Simpson expressed concern over claims that in the past agencies have made it difficult for the Border Patrol to carry out its mission, and he questioned Salazar about how these agencies are coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security to address border security issues.

“I have been concerned by past reports that bureaucratic hurdles and agency regulations have made it difficult for the Border Patrol to monitor the border and pursue those who have entered this country illegally,” wrote Simpson.  “I look forward to learning more about the Department’s efforts to secure the borders over which they have jurisdiction.”

House Legislative Business This Week 

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010
On Monday, the House will meet at 12:30 p.m. for Morning Hour debate and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business with votes postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Suspensions (3 Bills):

1. H.R. 4543 - The "Anthony J. Cortese Post Office Building" Designation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Lofgren / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
2. H.Res. 1103 - Celebrating the life of Sam Houston on the 217th anniversary of his birth (Sponsored by Rep. McCaul / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
3. H.R. 4861 - The "Steve Goodman Post Office Building" Designation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Quigley / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2010 AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:30 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.

On Friday, no votes are expected in the House.

Suspensions (13 Bills):

1. S. 3253 - Temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act (Sponsored by Sen. Landrieu / Small Business Committee)
2. H.Res. 1240 - Supporting the goals and ideals of Global Youth Service Day (Sponsored by Rep. DeLauro / Education and Labor Committee)
3. H.Res. 1293 - Expressing support for National Child Abuse Prevention Month (Sponsored by Rep. Biggert / Education and Labor Committee)
4. H.Res. 1131 - Expressing support for National Assistant Principals Week (Sponsored by Rep. Fudge / Education and Labor Committee)
5. H.Res. 375 - Supporting the goals and ideals of Workers' Memorial Day (Sponsored by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson / Education and Labor Committee)
6. H.Res. 561 - Congratulating the Onondaga Community College Lady Lazers (Sponsored by Rep. Maffei / Education and Labor Committee)
7. H.Res. 563 - Congratulating the Onondaga Community College Lazers (Sponsored by Rep. Maffei / Education and Labor Committee)
8. H.Res. 1280 - Expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of National Healthy Schools Day (Sponsored by Rep. Tonko / Education and Labor Committee)
9. H.R. 5017 - Rural Housing Preservation and Stabilization Act (Sponsored by Rep. Kanjorski / Financial Services Committee)
10. H.R. 3808 - Interstate Recognition of Notarizations Act (Sponsored by Rep. Aderholt / Judiciary Committee)
11. H.Res. 1259 - Recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (Sponsored by Rep. Baldwin / Judiciary Committee)
12. H.Res. 1208 - Supporting the goals of World Intellectual Property Day (Sponsored by Rep. Smith (WA) / Judiciary Committee)
13. H.Con.Res. 264 - Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service (Sponsored by Del. Norton / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

H.R. 2499 - Puerto Rico Democracy Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Del. Pierluisi / Natural Resources Committee)

H.R. 5013 - IMPROVE Acquisition Act of 2010 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Andrews / Armed Services Committee)