Representative Mike Simpson

Congressman Simpson's Update

March 11th, 2022

U.S. Potato Export Agreement Must Be Honored

This week, I joined Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) and others in sending a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack expressing concern about the current state of U.S. potato exports.

Despite a Mexican Supreme Court ruling made in favor of U.S. potato producers, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has yielded to new demands made by the Mexican Government. These demands will significantly and unnecessarily limit U.S. potato exports and cost growers nearly $150 million annually.

The U.S. has continued to honor our side of the deal, and it is imperative USDA ensure that Mexico do the same.

Read the letter

Divider with the shape of Idaho in the center.

Ukraine President Zelenskyy Speaks to Congress

On Wednesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke to the U.S. Congress about Russia's invasion on his country. He gave a moving speech about the evils of Putin's war and called on President Biden to do more to assist them in this fight.

The Biden Administration should take this request seriously and continue to provide Ukraine with the lethal aid necessary to defend itself against this unjustified attack on their country.

Slava Ukraini!

Divider with the shape of Idaho in the center.

Simpson Tells Biden Administration to Ditch the Public Transportation Mask Mandate

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recently announced that more than 98% of the country is in a low or medium COVID-19 Community Level. This Administration has constantly told us to ‘follow the science,’ which makes the extension of the public transportation mask mandate absurd. It is time to allow Americans to get back to normal life while case rates are low, and it is clearly safe to do so.

Americans are tired of conflicting and hyperbolic public health recommendations. This Administration loses credibility when it continues to push regulations that are not in line with reality or science. I hope the Administration reverses course on this senseless overstep.

Read the letter I sent with several colleagues to the Department of Transportation HERE.

Divider with the shape of Idaho in the center.

Small Business Development Center's Day

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Day is a national proclamation of the impact that America's SBDCs have on the success of our nation's dreamers, innovators, and doers - America's entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Whether you are already a small business owner or are thinking about becoming one, Idaho's six SBDC's can offer a variety of helpful services to help you achieve your goals.

Find Help with SBDC