This week I joined Veterans Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL) in introducing H.R. 592, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Record Modernization Improvement Act, to further protect veterans’ access to quality healthcare.

Providing adequate access to healthcare and resources for our veterans is absolutely essential.  I am deeply concerned about the rollout of the new EHR system and remain committed to working with VA, hospital and provider staff, and veterans themselves to ensure this right for veterans in Idaho and across our nation. This bill is an important step in ensuring the EHR is safe and effective before it is implemented at another VA facility.  Our veterans deserve the best treatment available on behalf of their sacrifice and service to our country and I am eager for the bill’s timely consideration on the House floor.

EHRM Improvement Act:

• The bill would prevent VA from implementing the EHR at any new site until its director, chief of staff, and its Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) director certify that:
  • The build and configuration of the system are correct for the site;
  • The staff and infrastructure of the site are adequately prepared; and
  • The EHR will not have adverse impacts on wait times, patient safety, or quality.
• The bill would also prevent VA from starting go-live preparation activities (such as readiness assessments, workshops, training, or testing) at any new sites until the Secretary certifies that:
  • The EHR has 99.9% uptime for four months; and
  • All improvements that have been tasked on Oracle Cerner’s contract at the time of the bill’s enactment have been completed.

Simpson Announces Appropriations Subcommittee Assignments

Simpson Champions Wastewater Improvement Project in FY23 Omnibus For Grace and Roberts

Congress undoubtedly has a spending problem, and as chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to fight against excessive government spending. However, these projects in Roberts and Grace are perfect examples of how Community Project Funding benefit the taxpayers and communities of Idaho.

The funding I secured, $2 million for Roberts and $2.56 million for Grace, is designated to help each respective city make much needed construction updates to their facilities without having to impose an unsustainable tax burden on their residents. These updates include repairing failing sewer lines, replacing solids dewatering process, and making critical electrical improvements. 

“Thank you very much for choosing the city of Grace and getting extra funding for the wastewater project,” said Grace Mayor Jackie Barthlome.

“Ireland Bank would like to express appreciation to Congressman Simpson for the work he did to assist the City of Grace to receive a federal grant.  The grant will benefit the city to upgrade the sewer system and will eliminate the burden to our citizens, mayor, and the city council.  Thank you, Mr. Simpson, for your efforts,” said Tom McBride, Manager of Ireland Bank.

“The city of Roberts is very grateful for the funding from the Congressional STAG grant championed by Congressman Simpson.  The Congressman’s concern for the needs of our community will help us complete a crucial wastewater collection improvement project that we would be unable to complete otherwise,” said Roberts Mayor B.J. Berlin.  “Thank you to Congressman Simpson and his staff for helping our great little city of Roberts, Idaho!”

I also had the privilege of visiting with Idaho Grain and Wheat Growers to talk about the Farm Bill and Ag priorities in the 118th Congress. Idaho's past, present, and future are tied to agriculture, and as your Representative in Congress I feel a strong responsibility to ensure that it can continue to thrive.