The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment marked up the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act for FY2011.  In addition, the full House Appropriations Committee marked up the FY 2011 Appropriations Acts for Transportation and Housing and Urban Development and for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs.  To see Congressman Simpson’s comments during the markup, please visit http://www.youtube.com/CongMikeSimpson.

CIEDRA:  Motorized Use in the Boulder White Clouds
By Congressman Mike Simpson
“One of the most contentious issues in the wilderness debate is access.  As I have worked with Idaho stakeholders to address serious land management conflicts that exist in the Boulder-White Clouds area of central Idaho, I have heard from a number of Idahoans who are concerned about losing existing access to motorized trails and recreation opportunities.  The truth is that CIEDRA seeks to address a number of threats currently facing recreationists in central Idaho, ensuring that they continue to have access to this beautiful area.

“Right now most of this area is being managed by the federal government as though it is wilderness.  If we do nothing, the federal government could at any time increase restrictions through management plans, court decisions, or presidential monument designations.

“First and foremost, it’s important to know that CIEDRA has no impact on roads that are currently open to cars, trucks, or other recreational vehicles.  You will still be able to drive to your favorite spot in central Idaho. 

“If you like to snowmobile or ride OHVs in this area, CIEDRA strikes an important balance to preserve your access.  Stakeholders, including ranchers, local officials, conservation groups, and recreationists, have found a compromise that protects this area without significantly reducing access for motorized users, giving them certainty into the future.  Under this compromise, CIEDRA limits wilderness designation to areas that have the least impact on motorized and other existing uses and maintains existing snowmobile access in high elevations by adjusting wilderness boundaries so that they do not impact popular snowmobiling areas.

“CIEDRA also releases wilderness study areas where motorized use is currently limited, giving recreationists more access to these areas than they have today.  In drafting the bill, I intentionally excluded the Frog Lake Loop from wilderness so that it will remain open under its current use for motorized and mechanized travel.

“Finally, of the two existing motorized corridors, CIEDRA closes the Grand Prize trail while ensuring that the Germania corridor must remain open in the future.  This is the compromise reached by conservation groups and recreationists, to which I have remained committed throughout this process.

“If you are interested in learning more about CIEDRA or viewing maps of the areas impacted by the bill, please visit my website at www.simpson.house.gov/ciedra.”

Simpson Offers Amendments to Rein in EPA Regulations
Last week Congressman Mike Simpson fought to rein in unnecessary regulations coming from the Environmental Protection Agency.  Simpson, who is Ranking Member of the House subcommittee that funds the EPA, offered a number of amendments during subcommittee markup of the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act for FY2011 intended to prevent the EPA from implementing onerous regulations that would negatively impact the economy.

First, Simpson offered an amendment to prohibit the EPA from using taxpayer dollars to implement laws or regulations that would expand EPA jurisdiction over state waters.  Congressional Democrats are currently working to remove the term “navigable waters” from the definition of waters subject to EPA regulation under the Clean Water Act.  Currently non-navigable waters are regulated by the states.

“Most farmers and ranchers I talk to are scared to death about the possibility that the EPA would be able to regulate their irrigation ditches, drainage ponds, and even groundwater, and I understand why,” said Simpson.  “In the West, water is critical to our way of life.  Giving the federal government jurisdiction over Idaho’s water would have a devastating impact on rural communities throughout our state and the food supply throughout our nation.”

Unfortunately, the amendment was not accepted by the subcommittee but instead failed on a party-line vote.

Simpson also offered an amendment to add report language to the bill to put the Committee on record opposing efforts by the EPA to require dairy producers to develop oil spill prevention plans in the event of a milk spill.  A recently implemented EPA rule would lump dairy producers and processers in with oil companies, which are required to have oil spill prevention plans for storage containers that hold 1,320 gallons or more of oil of any kind.  The EPA asserts that milk, which contains animal fat, falls under the requirement.  The rule would impact between 70 and 80 percent of dairy operations in the US, and producers that don’t comply would face punitive damages and fines every day they are not in compliance.

“Frankly, I find it absolutely ridiculous that, in its zeal to respond to the crisis in the Gulf, the EPA has decided that milk is an environmental hazard,” said Simpson.  “Our dairy industry has faced devastating losses in recent years, and having to comply with these unnecessary regulations would make it that much harder for Idaho dairy producers to weather the terrible economic storm they are in.”

The subcommittee accepted the amendment without objection.  The Interior and Environment Appropriations Act now goes before the full House Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Simpson Protects Grazing on Public Lands
Congressman Mike Simpson successfully defended grazing on public lands in the West last week during the subcommittee markup on the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2011.  Simpson, who is Ranking Member of the House subcommittee that funds the Bureau of Land Management and other land management agencies, offered an amendment to strike language from the bill that would have created a voluntary grazing buyout.  Simpson’s amendment was accepted by a vote of 13-1.

“In the West, we know that if you don’t graze on public lands, you don’t graze at all,” said Simpson.  “Creating a federal buyout program is a dangerous step toward ending grazing on public lands, which would have a devastating impact on local economies throughout the West and would have unintended consequences on the environment.  Now is not the time to ignite another War on the West.”

In addition to striking buyout language from the bill, Simpson’s amendment inserted language to allow the BLM to continue working through the growing backlog of grazing permits that need to be reprocessed.  Similar language has been included in the Interior Appropriations bill since 1998, and the BLM requested that it be added again because of the positive impact it has had in allowing the agency to focus on environmentally sensitive areas without unnecessarily disrupting ranching in the West.

“The truth is that we need a comprehensive solution to the challenges posed by our current grazing policies, which are resulting in unmanageable backlogs that negatively impact ranchers and prevent agencies from spending their time and resources enacting good land management policies,” said Simpson.  “This language gives the BLM one more tool in the tool chest to help address the current backlogs, and I will continue to work with the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service to develop a thoughtful, responsible, and long-term strategy that protects grazing interests while better monitoring range conditions and preserving ecologically sensitive rangelands.”

Simpson was also able to add language to the bill that would require the Department of the Interior to report on fees paid out under the Equal Access to Justice Act.  These fees have not been tracked since the mid-1990’s.  The Interior and Environment Appropriations Act for FY2011 will now be considered by the full House Appropriations Committee.

Simpson Signs Amicus Brief, Supports Arizona
Congressman Mike Simpson has signed an amicus curiae, or “friend of the court” brief, in support of the State of Arizona, which has been sued by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).  The suit challenges the state’s strict new immigration law, SB 1070, which helps law enforcement more effectively implement federal immigration laws.

“The federal government focus on coming up with real solutions to our nation’s immigration problems rather than suing states that have been forced into impossible positions because of the federal government’s inaction,” said Simpson. “The Arizona situation is an example of what happens when the federal government fails to secure our borders or address illegal immigration.”

The amicus brief contends that the DOJ is mistaken in claiming that Arizona law illegally conflicts with and preempts federal law.  Instead, the brief states that Congress, not the executive branch, that has authority to prescribe immigration laws. It also identifies numerous statutes demonstrating that Congress has encouraged state immigration enforcement in the past, with the DOJ recognizing that right.

“While a state-by-state approach to border security or immigration enforcement is not the ultimate solution, Arizonans are the front line of our immigration emergency, and the federal government must show the American people that they are serious about solving the problem. This is a wakeup call.”  Simpson added, “I also question the decision of the DOJ to sue Arizona while continuing to allow cities to declare themselves ‘sanctuary cities’ for illegal aliens in clear defiance of federal law.”

The U.S. District Court in Phoenix is likely to rule on this case before SB 1070 goes into effect at the end of the month.

Simpson Stresses the Need to Cut Spending
In the first full House Appropriations Committee markup of the year, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported a Republican proposal to limit government spending. Ranking Member Jerry Lewis offered the alternative funding proposal that would save $31 billion in FY2011 and $341 billion over the next ten years.

At last week’s hearing, Congressman Mike Simpson said, “We all ought to be concerned about the debt we are incurring that we are putting on our children. We can point fingers at Republicans, at Democrats, it doesn’t matter, but everyone needs to be concerned about the debt we are piling on our children’s future, on our grandchildren’s future, and on our great-grandchildren’s future.”

He continued by addressing unemployment benefits and said that while Republicans care about extending the benefits, they think that Congress should pay for the extension. “With the size of the federal budget, don’t you think we can find $33 billion to cut in this budget to pay for unemployment benefits?”

The Republican proposal provides $1.09 trillion in regular discretionary spending for Fiscal Year 2011, which is the same as last year’s level. It will save taxpayers $31 billion this year alone, and at least $39 billion less than President Obama’s budget request. While the Administration talks about enacting a domestic spending “freeze” in their budget request, the Republican proposal is the only plan that actually holds non-defense, discretionary spending at or below last year’s levels.

“The Democrat majority has spent money hand over fist over the last three years, without regard for the consequences, and what has it gotten us? An unemployment level that is stuck at nearly 10%, disillusioned and distressed citizens, and historic levels of deficits and debt that are spiralling us into economic ruin,” Lewis said, “It is time to put a stop to this self destruction, and make tough fiscal decisions that will put us back on a sustainable and prosperous economic path.”

Committee Update
On Tuesday, the full House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to mark up the Agriculture Appropriations Act for FY2011 and the Homeland Security Appropriations Act for FY2011.

At 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, the House Budget Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing entitled, “The Budget Implications of Closing Yucca Mountain.”  Witnesses include Kristina Johnson, Under Secretary, DOE; Scott Blake Harris, General Counsel, DOE; and Micahel Hertz, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, DOJ, Civil Division.

House Legislative Business This Week
To learn more about legislation under consideration by the House of Representatives, please visit www.thomas.loc.gov.

Monday, July 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 6:00 p.m.

Suspensions (9 Bills):
1) H.Res. 1504 - Recognizing and honoring the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Sponsored by Rep. Hoyer / Education and Labor Committee)
2) H.R. 3101 - Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (Sponsored by Rep. Markey (MA) / Energy and Commerce Committee)
3) H.Res. 1058 - Honoring and praising the Sojourn to the Past organization on the occasion of its 10th anniversary (Sponsored by Rep. Lewis (GA) / Education and Labor Committee)
4) H.Res. 1543 - Honoring the educational significance of Dr. Jane Goodall's work on this the 50th anniversary of the beginning of her work in Tanzania, Africa (Sponsored by Rep. Polis / Education and Labor Committee)
5) H.Res. 1456 - Congratulating the University of Dayton men's basketball team for winning the 2010 National Invitation Tournament basketball championship (Sponsored by Rep. Turner / Education and Labor Committee)
6) H.Con.Res. 275 - Expressing support for designation of the week beginning on the second Sunday of September as Arts in Education Week. (Sponsored by Rep. Speier / Education and Labor Committee)
7) H.R. 1320 - Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments (Sponsored by Rep. Clay / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
8) H.Con.Res. 226 - Supporting the observance of "Spirit of '45 Day" (Sponsored by Rep. Filner / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
9) H.Res. 1525 - Honoring the 50th anniversary of the publication of "To Kill a Mockingbird", a classic American novel authored by Nelle Harper Lee of Monroeville, Alabama (Sponsored by Rep. Bonner / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 and the Balance of the Week
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.

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

On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.

Suspensions (25 Bills):
1) H.R. 5730 - Surface Transportation Earmark Rescission, Savings, and Accountability Act (Sponsored by Rep. Markey (CO) / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
2) H.Con.Res. 258 - Congratulating the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy and its staff for 100 years of operation of the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut (Sponsored by Rep. Courtney / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
3) H.Res. 1401 - Expressing gratitude for the contributions that the air traffic controllers of the United States make to keep the traveling public safe and the airspace of the United States running efficiently (Sponsored by Rep. McCarthy (NY) / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
4) H.Res. 1366 - Recognizing and honoring the freight rail industry (Sponsored by Rep. Hare / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
5) H.R. 5825 - To review, update, and revise the factors to measure the severity, magnitude, and impact of a disaster and to evaluate the need for assistance to individuals and households (Sponsored by Rep. Hill / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
6) H.Con.Res. 266 - Expressing the sense of Congress that Taiwan should be accorded observer status in the International Civil Aviation Organization (Sponsored by Rep. Berkley / Foreign Affairs Committee)
7) H.Res. 1538 - Condemning the July 11, 2010, terrorist attacks in Kampala, Uganda (Sponsored by Rep. Davis (CA) / Foreign Affairs Committee)
8) H.R. 1623 - International Megan's Law (Sponsored by Rep. Smith (NJ) / Foreign Affairs Committee)
9) H.R. 3040 - Senior Financial Empowerment Act (Sponsored by Rep. Baldwin / Judiciary Committee)
10) Senate Amendments - To H.R. 2765 - Securing the Protection of our Enduring and Established Constitutional Heritage Act (Sponsored by Rep. Cohen / Judiciary Committee)
11) H.R. 5281 - Removal Clarification Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Johnson (GA) / Judiciary Committee)
12) H.R. 2780 - Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act (Sponsored by Rep. Rooney / Judiciary Committee)
13) H.R. 5827 - Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Boccieri / Judiciary Committee)
14) H.R. 5143 - National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Delahunt / Judiciary Committee)
15) H.R. 5810 - Securing Aircraft Cockpits Against Lasers Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Lungren / Judiciary Committee)
16) H.R. __ - To provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (Sponsored by Rep. Velazquez / Small Business Committee)
17) H.R. 5681 - To improve certain administrative operations of the Library of Congress (Sponsored by Rep. Brady (PA) / House Administration Committee)
18) H.R. 5682 - To improve the operation of certain facilities and programs of the House of Representatives (Sponsored by Rep. Brady (PA) / House Administration Committee)
19) H.R. 415 - Fallen Heroes Flag Act (Sponsored by Rep. King (NY) / House Administration Committee)
20) H.R. 2480 - Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2009 (Sponsored by Rep. Moran (VA) / Energy and Commerce Committee)
21) H.R. 5320 - Assistance, Quality, and Affordability Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Waxman / Energy and Commerce Committee)
22) H.R. 1796 - Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Sponsored by Rep. Matheson / Energy and Commerce Committee)
23) H.R. 5156 - Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Matsui / Energy and Commerce Committee)
24) H.R. 4692 - National Manufacturing Strategy Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Lipinski / Energy and Commerce Committee)
25) H.R. 847 - James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Maloney / Energy and Commerce Committee)

H.R. 5822 - Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 (Subject to a Rule)(Sponsored by Rep. Edwards (TX) / Appropriations Committee)

H.R. __ - Department of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2011 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Olver / Appropriations Committee)

Further Action on H.R. 4899 - Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2010 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Obey / Appropriations Committee)