Representative Mike Simpson

Congressman Simpson's Weekly Recap

January 20, 2023

My Priorities for Idaho as House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman

As the 118^th Congress gets underway, I am thrilled to return as Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. This subcommittee oversees funding for public lands agencies like the Forest Service, the BLM, and the National Parks Service, among others, and as chairman I have a unique opportunity to influence federal policies that directly impact Idaho.

When I served as ranking member and then chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee from 2009 to 2013, I brought Idaho’s perspective to issues like grazing on public lands, forest management, and the Endangered Species Act, and I played a significant role in combating regulatory overreach by the EPA.

In returning to this role, I look forward to continuing to work to ensure that our public lands agencies have the funding they need to carry out important projects that proactively improve forest health and remove roadblocks to completing important forest management projects.

Read the Complete Op-Ed

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The Domestic Production of Critical Minerals for National Security

Credit: Idaho Statesman

During my time in Congress, I have grown deeply concerned about the fact that the United States is far too reliant on unfriendly foreign nations for the resources we need to fuel our economy. This dependence puts our economy and our national security at risk.

We all felt the impact of our dependence on foreign energy sources this past year, as gas prices fluctuated wildly and the cost of groceries and household goods grew ever more expensive. But our reliance on unfriendly governments for the critical minerals we need to power modern technologizes is also a huge crisis just waiting in the wings.

We can and should be producing these crucial resources domestically, but the restrictions and lengthy delays currently in place in the permitting process make it nearly impossible to access our domestic supply of critical minerals. It is time to take control over something as fundamental to our economy and national security as critical mineral production.

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2023 Congressional Art Competition

One of the great privileges of serving in Congress is hosting the Congressional Art Competition each year. This annual competition encourages Idaho's aspiring student artists to showcase their talents to the public, while recognizing their achievements alongside hundreds of other students and members of Congress from across the country.

This year, our competition theme is "Idaho's Iconic Species" and the deadline for submission is March 30, 2023. I look forward to seeing our student's talent on display!

Interested students can find more information by visiting my website.

2023 CAC Guidelines

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This Week in Idaho

Through Community Project Funding, I was able to secure crucial federal dollars for 14 projects across Idaho's 2nd Congressional District, including $5.7 million for repairs to the Center Street Underpass in downtown Pocatello, Idaho.

The Center Street Underpass is the primary entrance to the Heart of Downtown Pocatello. Modernizing this infrastructure is essential not only for the city’s transportation system, but also for its economic and community development. I’m proud to support a project that will improve the experience of thousands of residents in Pocatello.

“When we first met with Congressman Simpson about the need to modernize the Center Street Underpass, his response was, ‘We’ve got to get this done for Pocatello,’” said Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad. “All of us who know Mike Simpson know that this is how he works. Every day he gets things done for the residents of Pocatello and across the 2^nd Congressional District. We are all grateful for his work for our community.”

“The Center Street Underpass is a vital component of our transportation infrastructure to provide connectivity and mobility across Pocatello. The rehabilitation of this critical asset has been in the works for several years and we are happy that this project was approved for congressional funding. We want to thank Congressman Simpson and his team for all their hard work and seeing this to fruition,” said Jeff Mansfield, City of Pocatello Public Works Director and City Engineer.