Representative Mike Simpson

Congressman Simpson's Update

April 8th, 2022

Delivering for Idaho Agriculture

Agriculture plays a central role in many of Idaho’s communities and accounts for nearly 20 percent of our state's economy. Idaho’s 2^nd Congressional District contributes the 13^th largest supply of total agricultural products to market and boasts the second most valuable dairy industry of any congressional district. Southern and Eastern Idaho’s contributions to feeding our country and our world cannot be overstated.

That is why I have used my time in Congress to support producers, ranchers, and agriculture communities whenever I can. During the 117th Congress, I have:

fought back against the Biden Administration's to expand their regulatory grip through the Clean Water Act and "waters of the United States" (WOTUS).
prevented an Endangered Species Act listing of the greater sage grouse.

I have also secured direct funding for Idaho in the FY22 spending bill. This funding will go directly to worthy Idaho projects aimed at sustaining the importance of Idaho Ag.

The Dubois Sheep Station is an important facility providing unique research for the sheep industry in the West. I secured $4.2 million to improve its decades old infrastructure.
I also secured $787,000 for the establishment of the Idaho Grain & Ag Center. The Center will become a hub for research, promotion, and a model for innovation and public-private partnerships.
Lastly, I directed funds for the Rinker Rock Creek Ranch station at the University of Idaho in Hailey. This station will provide hands on learning for the public, important scientific equipment for research, and upgraded telecommunications systems to facilitate research and learning.

I am proud of the work I have done with and for Idaho agriculture. As the 117^th Congress progresses, I will continue to fight for the needs of producers, ranchers, and agricultural communities.

Read My Entire Op-ed

Divider with the shape of Idaho in the center.

Simpson Cosponsors Critical Minerals Bills

Current events have shown that the United States is far too reliant on unfriendly foreign nations for important resources. Whether it be oil and gas or the critical minerals we need to power modern technologies, we can and should be sourcing these domestically.

To support a domestic supply of important critical minerals and resources, I recently cosponsored two pieces of legislation:

H.R. 488 - Saving America's Mines Act. This bill would prohibit any Administration from halting the mining of critical minerals on federal lands where mining is currently permitted.

H.R. 2604 - Accessing America's Critical Minerals Act of 2021. This bill would reform the onerous critical mineral permitting process and reduce government waste by removing the duplication of federal agencies performing identical reviews of state agencies.

I have been saying for years that the Biden Administration needs to take real action to prioritize a strong domestic supply chain for essential minerals. These two bills are a great place to start.