Over the years, Idaho’s farmers, ranchers, and small businesses have sounded the alarm about efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to redefine what waters are regulated under the Clean Water Act.  While I support the goal of safeguarding a clean water supply for our nation, I can see this effort for what it is—an attempt to expand federal control over how landowners use their land.  Idaho’s economy depends on our agricultural community.  This is why I have long led the fight to beat back these egregious attempts at federal overreach.  As we face yet another effort by the Biden Administration to expand federal jurisdiction over water, I am once again working to ensure that Idaho’s property owners have the clear, consistent, and reasonable regulatory environment in which they can continue to thrive.

The Clean Water Act was never intended to give the federal government the kind of unchecked power the Biden Administration's new rule would provide, and it is Congress, not the Administration, that should provide the clarity needed on this issue.  To that end, last month 190 other House Republicans and I sent a letter expressing our strong opposition to the new rule, and most recently I joined over 150 of my colleagues in cosponsoring House Joint Resolution 27, which disapproves the Biden Administration’s flawed and burdensome WOTUS rule.  As chairman and senior member of the appropriations subcommittees that oversee the budgets of the EPA and the Corps, I will continue to use my role to ensure that the voices of farmers and ranchers are heard and that state authority is respected. 

Important Tax Information for Idahoans

Our Veterans Deserve the Best Healthcare We Can Offer

While intended to provide a streamlined healthcare process for veterans, the Electronic Health Records system has instead caused confusion, frustration, and a lack of access to care. In spite of these severe problems, however, officials at the VA initially resisted calls to delay rollout of the system, which went live at three other VA centers in the region last year. I was deeply concerned when the VA announced plans to implement it at the Boise medical center last June, and I joined other members of the Idaho Congressional Delegation in expressing these concerns with the Secretary of the VA.  As a result, he decided to postpone the rollout of the system anywhere else through June 2023 and at the Boise medical center until mid-2024 or later.

I remain concerned, however, that just as this system continued to be implemented despite serious deficiencies and warnings from the employees, there may again be attempts to push it forward before all the issues have been resolved. That is why I joined Chairman Mike Bost of the Veteran's Affairs Committee to cosponsor H.R. 592, the Department of Veteran's Affairs Electronic Health Record Modernization Improvement Act. This bill would prevent the VA from implementing the EHR at any new site until the VA can show significant system improvement.

Simpson Secures Funding for Agricultural Research in Kimberly, Idaho

The $1 million in funding is designated to support the collaboration between the University of Idaho and the Agriculture Research Service’s facility (USDA-ARS) in Kimberly.  Researchers at USDA-ARS in Kimberly work closely with the University of Idaho faculty to protect the sustainability of agriculture, identify ways to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses, improve the health of soil and quality of water, and increase the efficiency of irrigation while supporting the critical economic drive in Idaho agricultural production.  Funding will be prioritized for facilities and equipment that will aid ARS scientists in determining the extent of the impact of dairy production on the environment such that solutions can be credibly developed.

Our state’s history, economy, and culture have been shaped by farmers and ranchers, and I consider it one of my most important responsibilities to ensure that Idaho’s agriculture sector can continue to thrive in the future. The research conducted there in partnership with the University of Idaho will increase the sustainability and efficiency of Idaho agriculture.

“This investment is critical to the success of the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment and, in turn, the continued success of Idaho’s dairy industry.  At its core, the primary goal for Idaho CAFE is to answer pressing questions about the dairy industry’s environmental impact – questions that revolve around nutrient management, or what comes out of the back end of the cow,” said Michael P. Parrella, Dean of the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.  “This facility will go a long way in providing new tools for Idaho’s dairy industry and we appreciate Congressman Simpson’s commitment to investing in the cutting-edge research and solutions that are fundamental to a thriving Idaho.”

“As a former dairyman, I understand the importance successful nutrient management bears on the future of Idaho’s dairy industry.  As dairymen face mounting pressures to improve the sustainability of their operations, the University of Idaho will be poised to deliver research-based solutions they can put into practice thanks in large part to Congressman Simpson’s work to secure much needed federal funding.  The support is very much appreciated,” said John Wright, Dairy Producer and U of I CAFE Project Manager.

“The Idaho Dairy Industry generates $10.7 billion in total sales and is a huge contributor to the Idaho economy creating more than 33,000 jobs,” said Rick Nearabout, CEO of Idaho Dairymen’s Association.  “The Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment will provide vital research and support to our industry.  Congressman Simpson has always supported our producers and securing $1 million in federal funding is another example of his leadership and commitment.  We look forward to seeing this project to completion.”