Simpson, Mike RSS Articles

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.

Rep. Simpson Votes to Strengthen America's Defense in NDAA

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027. The FY27 NDAA authorizes full funding for America’s national defense, improves servicemember quality of life, enhances military readiness, and supports the Trump Administration’s Peace through Strength agenda.

“Our nation is at a critical time where there is a pressing demand to rebuild our military, support our troops, and deter our adversaries,” said Rep. Simpson. “I’m pleased to see that the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act addresses these needs and continues to build on the peace through strength agenda. Improving our servicemembers’ quality of life, strengthening our national defense, and supporting the brave men and women who serve are some of my top priorities in Congress. I was proud to support this must-pass legislation.”

Highlights of the bill include:

Authorizes $1.15 trillion in national defense discretionary spending to revitalize our defense industrial base, strengthen American deterrence, and support our service members.
Provides a 5% to 7% pay raise for all service members while improving military housing, education, childcare access, and quality of life.
Advancing over 65 of President Trump’s Executive Orders and Legislative Proposals by fully authorizing his top defense priorities.
Fully funds the deployment of National Guard and active-duty troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border.
Counters threats to our national security from state sponsors of terror, foreign terrorist organizations, and other adversaries.
Saves taxpayers over $30 billion.

The FY27 NDAA was approved with a vote of 216 to 212.

Rep. Simpson Supports Budget Resolution to Advance Key Parts of President Trump’s Agenda

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON— Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following statement regarding his vote of support for the House of Representatives’ Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Resolution.

“Americans overwhelmingly support securing our elections, strengthening our nation’s defense, and supporting our farmers,” said Rep. Simpson. “The next step toward advancing these popular policies is through a filibuster-proof reconciliation bill, which lays out a path forward for election integrity, supporting our troops, and securing America’s food supply. House Republicans are eager to get to work, and I’m encouraged to see this budget resolution pass the House.”

The Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Resolution passed with a vote of 216-214. The full text of the congressional budget is available here.

Rep. Simpson Applauds Reauthorization of Action for Dental Health Act

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson applauded the passage of H.R. 2001 – the reauthorization of the Action for Dental Health Act. Originally passed and signed into law in 2018, this bipartisan bill will continue support to organizations that provide oral health care to underserved populations, especially seniors and children living in rural communities, through Fiscal Year 2030. The Action for Dental Health Act is co-authored by Rep. Simpson and Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL).

“As a former dentist in Blackfoot, Idaho, I have seen firsthand the value of good oral health and the consequences of neglect,” said Rep. Simpson, co-author of this bill. “Since its implementation in 2018, the Action for Dental Health Act has improved dental care in communities across the country. Reauthorizing this legislation is critical to address the dental workforce needs and improve access to care for patients. As co-chair of the Congressional Oral Health Caucus, I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Kelly once again to see the House of Representatives pass this bipartisan bill, and I look forward to sending it to President Trump's desk.”

“Oral health care is a critical part of our overall health, and preventative dental care can reduce costs for families and improve overall well-being," Rep. Kelly said. "By reauthorizing this bipartisan program that connects people with the care they need, this legislation will help prevent serious oral health problems before they start. I'm proud to work alongside Congressman Simpson, a former dentist, to advance this reauthorization and to my House colleagues for supporting this important bill.”

Congressman Simpson’s floor remarks are available here. The full text of the bill is available here.

Rep. Simpson Supports Making Daylight Savings Time Permanent

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON— Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan bill that would make Daylight Savings Time permanent year-round and end the twice-annual clock change. This legislation is sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL).

“Every Idahoan I’ve spoken to dreads the seasonal time change,” said Rep. Simpson. “Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that making this change will benefit farmers, outdoor recreationists, employers, and even public safety. The vast majority of Americans support locking the clock, and the Sunshine Protection Act is a common-sense reform.”

This legislation allows states to opt out of permanent daylight saving time in favor of permanent standard time if opt-out legislation is passed through their respective state legislatures. States can do so right up until the bill’s enactment.

The measure was approved with a vote of 308-117.

Rep. Simpson Cosponsors Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored H.R. 9535, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at making key improvements to the accessibility and cost of agricultural labor through the H-2A visa program. This legislation is sponsored by the House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn Thompson.

“Ask any farmer or rancher, especially in the dairy industry, and they will tell you about the labor crisis they face. After years of working to build consensus to address this critical issue, I'm confident that the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act is the legislative fix we need. President Trump has demonstrated the courage to act on this issue and has a proven record of protecting America's farmers while removing violent criminal illegal aliens who have no place in our country. I'm grateful to Chairman Thompson for his leadership and look forward to finally getting this solution across the finish line to bring lasting reform and certainty for our agricultural producers,” said Rep. Simpson, an original cosponsor.

“The Idaho Dairymen’s Association thanks Congressman Mike Simpson for being an original cosponsor of the ‘Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act.’ We are deeply grateful that the Congressman is once again showing that he is willing to lead on securing a workforce for Idaho’s dairy farms. Idaho’s farm families are the backbone of our state and having access to a secure, stable agricultural workforce is key to the economic success of those farms and our rural communities,” said Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association.

“America's farmers and ranchers need a reliable, legal workforce to continue feeding our nation. The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act is a practical step toward strengthening our agricultural workforce and ensuring the long-term viability of U.S. agriculture,” said Matt Dorsey, President of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation.

“America cannot have food security without a secure agricultural workforce. The Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association strongly supports the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act and thanks Congressman Mike Simpson for his unwavering leadership on this issue. For years, Congressman Simpson has been a relentless champion for agriculture, fighting to ensure farmers have the workforce they need to continue producing food here at home. This legislation is a critical step toward strengthening our nation's food security, supporting family farms, and ensuring American agriculture remains competitive for generations to come,” said Samantha Parrott, Executive Director of the Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association.

“Simplot has operations that touch every aspect of agriculture including seed production, farming and ranching, plant sciences, phosphate mining and fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, commercial product development and distribution. As a true mine-to-plate company we have a unique view of the food and agriculture supply chain that allows us to see what works and what impedes progress. Agricultural labor has presented significant challenges for decades and we are pleased to see bipartisan solutions from the U.S. House of Representatives to address issues long due for updating and modernization. We commend Chairman G.T. Thompson and Congressman Mike Simpson for their strong leadership and hope for the speedy passage of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act,” said Garrett Lofto, President and CEO, the Simplot Company.

“The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act provides stability and certainty for Idaho onion growers to protect the production of the crop and manage rising costs associated with the current labor program. By streamlining the H-2A program, this common-sense legislation ensures a reliable workforce and keeps our local and rural farms operational,” said Jarom Jemmett, President of the Idaho Onion Growers’ Association.

This bipartisan legislation is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Western Growers Association, the National Milk Producers Federation, and more than 400 other agricultural groups across the entire industry, including 18 Idaho organizations.

Congressman Simpson recently joined Chairman Thompson, other cosponsors, producers, and stakeholder groups at a press conference to discuss the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act. You can view the full press conference here.

The full text of the bill is available here.