Representative Mike Simpson

Congressman Simpson's Update

March 11th, 2022

Simpson Secures Idaho Provisions in Omnibus Legislation

While the budget process was far from perfect, I voted YES on H.R. 2471 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, which will fund the federal government for FY2022.

This final package contains huge wins for Idaho and the nation. Those wins include record funding for the Idaho National Laboratory, an increase in funding to address the ongoing border crisis, maintaining enacted pro-life protections, and bolstering our nation’s military readiness.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I work to balance two very important goals – limiting the growth of the federal government and providing important funding to Idaho.

Find more information on benefits to Idaho, click HERE

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Fighting Back Against Biden Regulations

I recently joined 200 of my House colleagues in sending a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Michael Connor to delay efforts to redefine the waters protected under the Clean Water Act (CWA) until the Supreme Court hears a pending case related to the issue.

Following the example of the Obama Administration, the Biden Administration is attempting to regulate dry channels and other intrastate non-navigable waters.

This move is nothing more than a waste of time and taxpayer dollars, and moving forward with this rule making process will create confusion and uncertainty.

Click HERE to read more.

Simpson Joins Western Caucus Members to Secure Long-Standing Sage-Grouse Provision

The threat of an Endangered Species Act listing for sage-grouse undermines the collaborative work between local stakeholders and federal partners that has so far been quite successful in states like Idaho. This is why I have fought long and hard to prevent this kind of action.

I was pleased to see the provision that prevents and ESA listing once again included in the FY22 Omnibus bill. This provision will continue to empower local and state conservation efforts to protect species populations.

Read the full release HERE.

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Idaho Delegation Encourages Secure Supply Chains for Critical Minerals

Our nation is at a crossroads; Russia has invaded Ukraine. At the same time, China continues to use economic coercion to control global markets and shape countries’ political decisions. With Congress’ support, the Biden Administration must take drastic and targeted measures to ensure our nation takes the right path to advance U.S. competitiveness and maintain a strong position in domestic and foreign markets, including critical minerals production.

Idaho is rich in many of these minerals - some of which are fundamental to energy and national security applications.

The time is now for this Administration to take real action to prioritize a strong domestic supply chain for these essential minerals. We do not want to compromise any of our environmental or other standards.

Read More About Critical Minerals in Idaho

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Women's History Month

In March we celebrate Women's History Month, and March 8th is International Women's Day.

Idaho's history is full of revolutionary women like Sally Reed. In 1971, she won the unanimous favor of the Supreme Court to transform anti-discrimination protections for women.

Find more inspiring stories about the "Trailblazing Women of Idaho" HERE.

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Federal Grant Opportunities

My offices located across the district offer a variety of services to Idahoans. One of these services includes navigating grants provided by different federal agencies to finance individuals, businesses, and state and local governments. Our goal is to help provide you with information to enable efficient research and to guide you in the grant writing process. Below you will find information on a few grant opportunities shared with me and my staff:

Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Project Cooperative Agreement Grant

Reclamation will provide funding for small-scale on-the-ground water efficiency projects such as canal lining/piping, or upgrades to commercial cooling systems.

FEMA 2022 Nonprofit Security Grant Program

This program helps nonprofit organizations enhance their emergency preparedness plans and is designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities. Nonprofits may attend one of the scheduled webinars to learn about this opportunity:

More Grant Information