Simpson, Mike RSS Articles

Rep. Simpson Honors Gold Star Families Remembrance Week

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored a congressional resolution designating September 20th through September 26th, 2026, as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week. This congressional resolution is sponsored by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA).

“For generations, Gold Star Families have been selfless, strong, and have sacrificed so much for this country,” said Rep. Simpson. “The families of our fallen heroes have embodied strength and resilience. While we can't fully repay them for their service, they deserve significant recognition. Today, this week, and every day, we stand with America's Gold Star Families. I'm proud to join my colleagues in honoring the families of America's service members who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country and the freedoms we hold so dearly.”

The full text of the resolution is available here.

Rep. Simpson Supports Imposing Additional Sanctions on Russia

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. This bill establishes new mandatory sanctions and economic restrictions targeting the Russian Federation and supports President Trump’s efforts to achieve peace in the Russia-Ukraine war. The legislation also extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 through 2031, which is currently set to expire on December 31, 2026.

“Establishing sanctions and restrictions on the Russian Federation is the only way to protect United States interests and strengthen efforts to advance peace in the Russia-Ukraine war,” said Rep. Simpson. “We can all agree that this war has gone on for far too long, and we must not allow Russia to claim victory or believe they have won the war. I applaud the Trump Administration for its support of diplomatic efforts, as well as the Senate for advancing this bipartisan legislation. Senator Lindsey Graham was a dear friend, colleague, and true statesman. Achieving peace in the Russia-Ukraine war was one of Lindsey’s top priorities, and he worked diligently towards that goal. I am pleased to see this legislation now head to President Trump’s desk in his honor.”

The Senate overwhelmingly passed the Russia sanctions bill on August 7, 2026, by a vote of 86–11.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

Rep. Simpson Supports Anti-Fraud Legislation

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—This week, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported two bills to crack down on fraud in federal programs and protect taxpayer dollars.

“Fraud in the United States has reached an unprecedented level,” said Rep. Simpson. “Not only has fraud risen, but most Americans do not trust federal, state, and local governments to prevent fraud and protect taxpayer dollars effectively. What’s been uncovered in California, Minnesota, and several other states is disgraceful. I applaud President Trump, Vice President Vance, and several federal agencies for their efforts to combat and eliminate the problem. Now, it’s up to Congress to work with the DOJ and ensure hardworking Americans are no longer taken advantage of.”

The legislation passed this week includes:

H.R. 9576 – National Fraud Enforcement Division Act. This bill codifies the National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice to crack down on fraud in federal programs, ensure program integrity, and protect taxpayer dollars.
H.R. 10326 – Preventing Rip-offs and Obtaining Oversight of Funds Act. This bill combats fraud in federally funded state-run programs by ensuring states share program data with the Department of Justice to support the investigation and prosecution of fraudsters.

Rep. Simpson Supports Bill to Protect Ratepayers from Data Center Costs

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported H.R. 9340 – the Ratepayer Protection Act. This bill ensures that companies building data centers pay for the electricity needed to power them, instead of hardworking American families. This legislation is sponsored by Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO).

“States like Idaho are looking at ways to regulate data centers and prevent them from raising energy costs for American families,” said Rep. Simpson. “I've heard from several Idahoans regarding the data center issue, particularly their concerns about rising costs. Addressing these community concerns and establishing proper guardrails is a step in the right direction to ensure state and local control over data centers and protect American communities from increased costs.”

The full text of the resolution is available here.

Rep. Simpson Commemorates the 25th Anniversary of 9/11

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored a congressional resolution commemorating the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. The resolution honors the 2,977 innocent lives lost on that solemn day, as well as the first responders, members of the Armed Forces, passengers and crew of Flight 93, and countless others who demonstrated extraordinary courage and sacrifice. The resolution also recognizes the responders and survivors who continue to suffer from 9/11-related illnesses, the organizations that have supported the 9/11 community over the past 25 years, and the importance of teaching future generations the history and lessons of September 11th. New York Representatives Garbarino, Goldman, and Lawler introduced this resolution.

“America changed forever when nearly 3,000 innocent Americans were killed in the terrorist attacks twenty-five years ago,” said Rep. Simpson. “Those lost were fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, friends, colleagues, and more. The tragedy, loss, and fear brought Americans together, and we stood united. For many of us, there was a country before 9/11 and a country after. But as every year goes on, we must ensure that our future generations never forget that solemn day. May they never forget the heroic actions of the first responders and brave civilians who stepped in to help, the families who suffered an unimaginable loss, or the lessons learned to prevent history from repeating itself. Today, we remember and honor those lost and the sacrifices made. May God continue to comfort those in need and bless our great nation.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the companion resolution in the Senate.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

Rep. Simpson Supports Bill to Protect Domestic Mining

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of H.R. 1501, the Protecting Domestic Mining Act, a bill that strengthens America’s mining and mineral processing capabilities by providing regulatory certainty for producers and permitting agencies. The Protecting Domestic Mining Act is sponsored by Rep. Jefferson Shreve (R-IN).

“Reducing our dependence on foreign adversaries for critical mineral production should be one of our top priorities,” said Rep. Simpson. “Under the Biden administration, we depended on sourcing critical minerals from our enemies. I applaud the Trump administration’s efforts to strengthen domestic mining, but it’s well past time for Congress to act and cut bureaucratic red tape. Mining in America is critical for our national security, and we have the resources and workers to mine and produce right here at home.”

The measure was approved with a vote of 218 to 201.

Rep. Simpson Supports Resolution Condemning Socialism

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of H.Res. 1490, a congressional resolution condemning and denouncing socialism in all its forms. This resolution was introduced by Rep. Jeff Crank (R-CO).

“Now more than ever, with newly nominated socialists around the country, common sense is at stake,” said Rep. Simpson. “The extreme ideas like replacing the President and the Supreme Court, abolishing law enforcement, and extending voting rights to illegal aliens are not about fairness or equality – they are simply anti-American. I’m pleased to see a resolution condemning these radical ideas pass the House, but it makes it abundantly clear where the Democrats stand.”

The resolution passed with a vote of 220 to 192.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for Aberdeen Research and Extension Center

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $5,000,000 in funding for the USDA-ARS University of Idaho Aberdeen Research and Extension Center Potato Breeding Facilities Project in Aberdeen, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the House-passed Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill.

“Potatoes are one of Idaho’s most important crops, and our state leads the nation in production,” said Rep. Simpson. “The University of Idaho has conducted phenomenal research on various crops and provided valuable information to producers about these key agricultural products. As the University continues to expand its research to meet industry needs, it is crucial that funding keeps pace with the research efforts. I am proud to support this project, and as we continue to support the potato industry, we should strive for the goal that ten out of ten Americans associate potatoes with Idaho, rather than just nine out of ten!”

“We are thankful for Congressman Simpson’s continued support and advocacy for Idaho agriculture,” said Leslie D. Edgar, J.R. Simplot Endowed Dean of the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. “Funds secured by Congressman Simpson will allow us to make critical updates to potato storage and greenhouse facilities at our Aberdeen Research and Extension Center, advancing the essential research we conduct in partnership with USDA-ARS. These updates will allow us to better support Idaho’s $8.5 billion potato industry and ensure the U.S. has resilient potato varieties for the future.”

“Congressman Simpson’s support for the Aberdeen Research and Extension Center represents a meaningful investment in the future of Idaho agriculture. Advances in potato breeding and research are vital to improving productivity, sustainability, and resilience for our growers, and this funding helps ensure they remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment,” said Matt Dorsey, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation President.

“On behalf of Idaho's potato industry, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Congressman Simpson and the House Appropriations Committee for advancing the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill that includes critical funding for the Aberdeen Research and Extension Center. This investment ensures Idaho will continue to lead the nation—and the world—in cutting-edge potato research, supporting our growers, strengthening our Nation’s food security, and driving innovation for years to come,” said Jamey Higham, Idaho Potato Commission President.

This funding will be used to update federally owned storage and greenhouse facilities at the Aberdeen Research and Extension Center to ensure it can continue conducting the necessary research needed by the potato industry. The Aberdeen Research and Extension Center is home to several potato research projects investigating potato-related diseases and disease management techniques; potato pests; potato cropping systems and weed biology, control, and herbicide resistance; and potato variety development. The center plays a crucial role in the development of potato varietals that are higher-yielding, more disease-resistant, and have better end-use qualities than past varieties.

As Idaho’s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho.

The University of Idaho’s Aberdeen Research and Extension Center Potato Breeding Facilities Project is a part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill. This measure has been approved by the House.

Idaho Has Led the Nuclear Renaissance Before. We Should Lead It Again

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

I’ve spent the last few years reading and laughing at the so-called hit pieces Marc Johnson writes about Idaho elected officials, including myself.

The reason I find them comical is that they are rarely grounded in the facts. But my red line was watching Marc spread false and misleading information about Idaho National Laboratory being considered as a potential host for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus.

His piece does Idahoans a disservice by collapsing a serious national research initiative into a punchline about a "cash for trash scheme." Idaho's history with nuclear energy, and its stake in this decision, deserves a more careful look.

Start with what the Idaho National Laboratory actually is. For more than 70 years, INL has been the country's lead laboratory for nuclear energy research, not a waste dump with a friendly name. It is where the Navy's nuclear propulsion program was born, where the first usable electricity from a nuclear reactor was generated in 1951, and where today's advanced reactor designs, fuel fabrication techniques, and reprocessing science are being developed and tested.

The Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus proposal is best understood as an extension of work INL is already positioned, and in many cases already funded, to do. It is not a new invention designed to trick Idaho into becoming a dumping ground.

That doesn't mean the waste question is illegitimate. It isn't, and Idahoans are right to ask hard questions about it. Research, fuel fabrication, and reprocessing are fundamentally different from permanent waste disposal. The proposal is about advancing technologies that can reduce and recycle used nuclear fuel, not simply moving waste from one state to another. Those are important distinctions Marc ignores.

The same is true of the 1995 Batt Agreement. That agreement protected Idaho by establishing enforceable commitments with the federal government. The lesson isn't that Idaho should never sign whatever the Department of Energy puts in front of it without asking tough questions first. It's that Idaho should negotiate from a position of strength, with clear terms, firm deadlines, and accountability.

Idaho didn't become the nation's nuclear leader by being afraid of hard problems. It became the leader by being the state willing to do the difficult, careful work that others wouldn't. That's still the right instinct now.

The work taking place at INL strengthens our national security, supports thousands of high-paying Idaho jobs, and positions the United States to compete with Russia and China in advanced nuclear technology. That's something Idahoans are proud of.

What makes Marc Johnson's latest attack so predictable is that he has never meaningfully contributed to the scientific, technical, or policy discussions surrounding spent nuclear fuel. Instead, he has spent years criticizing the elected officials responsible for protecting Idaho's interests.

More remarkable is that Marc hasn't lived in Idaho for decades. He chose to leave the state, yet continues attempting to lecture Idahoans about decisions being made by the leaders they elected.

That raises a simple question: when was the last time Marc had to live with the consequences of Idaho policy? The last time Mark voted in an Idaho election was over a decade ago.

Idahoans don't need lectures from someone who no longer lives here or answers to the people of this state.

Over the last several decades, my focus has remained the same: putting Idaho first. That means protecting Idaho's interests in negotiations over spent nuclear fuel, supporting Idaho National Laboratory, strengthening our communities, fighting for Idaho agriculture and water, and ensuring public lands remain in public hands.

Idaho is more than capable of solving Idaho’s challenges. We don’t need lectures from someone who chose to leave decades ago. We especially don’t need someone offering advice when his state’s failed policies are driving Oregonians out of the state.

Maybe the next time Marc Johnson offers to write commentary about Idaho policy, he should reconsider writing about Oregon’s high homelessness rate, property crime, or maybe even taxes that burden Oregonians and everything else Oregonians can thank their elected officials for.

Rep. Simpson Supports Bill to Crack Down on Insider Trading in Congress

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act, a bill that ensures lawmakers don’t use their positions to profit off insider information. This legislation would ban members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependent children from purchasing individual securities issued by publicly traded companies. The Stop Insider Trading Act is sponsored by Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI).

“The American people send lawmakers to Washington, D.C. to deliver on policy promises, not to enrich themselves by profiting off insider information. Republican, Democrat, or Independent, there must be consequences for those who are only working for their financial benefit. The passage of the Stop Insider Trading Act is a critical step in ensuring accountability and restoring public trust in elected officials,” said Rep. Simpson.

The measure was approved with a vote of 232 to 198.