Simpson, Mike RSS Articles

Rep. Simpson Expresses Support for Tax Policies that Support Working Families

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—This week, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of H.Res. 1156, a congressional resolution expressing support for tax policies that support working families. This resolution was introduced by Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA).

“Working families in Idaho and throughout the country are keeping more of their hard-earned money thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts. Because of a promise kept by President Trump and Republicans, these tax policies are why Americans are getting larger tax refunds this tax filing season. Voting for policies that support working families was one of the easiest decisions I've made during my time in Congress. It would be difficult for me to explain to families back home why I would vote against policies that benefit low-to middle-class families, American workers, and small businesses, which is something every Democrat has to address,” said Rep. Simpson.

Rep. Simpson is a cosponsor of this resolution. The resolution passed with a vote of 219-207.

Chairman Simpson Hosts Roundtable on Preserving Birds of Prey Worldwide

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson–Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee–held a briefing on preserving birds of prey worldwide. Following the roundtable, members of Congress and staff were invited to stay for a demonstration featuring several live birds, including a Silvery Cheeked Hornbill, Eurasian Eagle Owl, White-naped Raven, King Vulture, African Fish Eagle, and more.

The bipartisan event featured Chris Parish, President and CEO of The Peregrine Fund, based in Boise, Idaho.

“Idaho has taken the lead in species recovery, particularly in preserving birds of prey, with many thanks to The Peregrine Fund. It has changed the paradigm of endangered species recovery and has continuously built on its successful track record of effective endangered species management. As a longtime advocate for preserving these beautiful birds, I was thrilled a fellow Idahoan, Chris Parish, could join for this informative and exciting briefing, and for numerous of my colleagues to see the beauty of exotic birds,” said Rep. Simpson.

Below are excerpts from Rep. Simpson’s prepared remarks:

The Peregrine Fund is a leader in birds of prey conservation and serves as a global expert on birds and their conservation. Located in Idaho’s capital, The Peregrine Fund does exceptional work to support raptor populations and ensure their ecosystems thrive. Today’s roundtable is an opportunity to discuss the work of The Peregrine Fund.

The federal investments we propose as appropriators matter to our communities. Some of the most successful and popular conservation programs funded in our Interior bill bring stakeholders together to support voluntary efforts across public and private lands.

Programs like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetlands Conservation Act grants and Joint Ventures program work as public-private partnerships to improve wetlands and working lands alike to conserve bird habitats. We also fund Recovery Challenge grants that have been used to support the recovery and reintroduction of raptors like those we will see today.

Below are excerpts from Chris Parish’s prepared remarks:

The Peregrine Fund is dedicated to the often unseen, hard work of bringing listed species back from the brink of extinction, so that, in the language of this important Federal law, the protections of the ESA are no longer necessary.

For more than five decades, The Peregrine Fund has worked in partnership to conserve birds of prey worldwide.

The Peregrine Fund supports the Fish and Wildlife and the National Marine Fisheries Services in their efforts to propose regulatory changes that seek to make the delisting of species under the ESA. We believe it is time for ESA changes that are faithful to the statute and efficient.

Reforms should reward the conservation contributions of States, interested organizations, and the regulated community – especially where those commitments have succeeded in ensuring a species is no longer threatened or endangered under the Act. This is how the ESA was envisioned to function rather than what it has become: a never-decreasing repository of species destined to remain permanently listed. To that end, the Peregrine Fund recently filed comments supporting the Services to make delisting a more functional and workable process.

Rep. Simpson Supports the BOWOW Act

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON— Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of H.R. 4638, the Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals (BOWOW) Act, a bill that ensures any alien who harms a law enforcement working animal is immediately inadmissible and removable from the United States. This legislation is sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA).

“Harming a law enforcement working animal is appalling and evil,” said Rep. Simpson. “I strongly support streamlining the inadmissibility and removability process for aliens who commit such acts. As a dog lover and someone who adamantly supports the working dogs who have served on the front lines, voting in favor of this legislation was one of the easiest decisions of my congressional career.”

Background:

The BOWOW Act would make the assault of an animal used by federal law enforcement a deportable offense under Section 237(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It would also make applicants with such offenses on their record inadmissible to the U.S. under Section 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The measure was approved with a vote of 228-190.

Rep. Simpson Supports Bill to Target Illegal Alien Fraudsters

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON— Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of H.R. 1958, the Deporting Fraudsters Act, a bill that would make criminal aliens who defraud United States taxpayers deportable. This legislation is sponsored by Rep. David Taylor (R-OH).

“Those who enter this country with the intent of defrauding the American people should not be allowed to stay,” said Rep. Simpson. “Foreign fraudsters who play the system and the American people must be held accountable. Billions of dollars in fraud were uncovered under the noses of failed leaders like Tim Walz and Keith Ellison in Minnesota. What happened in Minnesota should never have happened. This legislation closes loopholes, strengthens federal officers’ ability to remove illegal alien fraudsters, and protects the American taxpayer.”

The measure was approved with a vote of 231-186.

Rep. Simpson Cosponsors Bill to Increase Protections for Federal Officers

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored H.R. 7846, the Halo Act, a bill that would shield federal officers from those who threaten, interfere with, or harass them while conducting official duties. This legislation is sponsored by Rep. Michael Rulli (R-OH).

“Calling yourself a peaceful protestor does not always make you one, especially if your actions include harassing, intimidating, and even physically assaulting federal officers,” said original cosponsor Rep. Simpson. “It is common sense to enact criminal penalties for these agitators and establish a buffer zone for the safety of our dedicated law enforcement, particularly during a time when they are facing record-high threats and attacks. Not every federal officer is experienced in crowd control, so when local officers are ordered to stand down, like they were in Minneapolis, while fellow officers urgently need help, tensions escalate and problems arise. I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Rulli's bill to combat these issues, hold agitators accountable, and to shield the brave men and women who serve and protect our communities.”

“Our ICE agents and federal immigration officers put themselves in harm’s way every single day to enforce our laws and protect our communities,” said Rep. Rulli. “The American people voted for law and order in November 2024. They voted for secure borders and for the men and women who enforce our laws to be supported in the line of duty - not harassed, threatened, or assaulted. The Halo Act makes it crystal clear: if you try to intimidate or obstruct federal officers doing their job, there will be consequences.”

The Halo Act would establish criminal penalties for individuals who, after being verbally warned, remain within a 25-foot “halo” around a harassed officer. These penalties would apply to anyone interfering with, threatening, or harassing that officer while they are carrying out lawful immigration enforcement duties.

Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

The full text of the bill is available here.

The State of Our Union Is Strong — Because Economic Relief Is Finally Coming

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

As President Donald Trump prepares to deliver his State of the Union address, one thing is clear - the state of our union is strong because America’s economic comeback is underway.

Under President Joe Biden’s leadership, hope and optimism were at a low. Record inflation and high prices had become the norm. I spoke with Idaho families living paycheck to paycheck, seniors on fixed incomes, and parents who wondered whether they could afford school supplies. Americans nationwide bore the brunt of President Biden’s failed policies, and economic confidence was diminishing.

That changed when voters sent President Trump back to the White House to revive the United States economy, restore American prosperity, and bring back the American Dream.

In the past thirteen months, Republicans in Congress have worked alongside the President to deliver on that promise. We’ve passed legislation to strengthen border security, support our military and veterans, unleash American energy production, and — most importantly for working families — passed the largest tax cut in American history through the Working Families Tax Cuts.

Working-and middle-class Americans were severely impacted by Biden’s out-of-touch economic policies. President Trump and Republicans have worked together to deliver policies that benefit those who felt forgotten under President Biden and to make everyday life more affordable again.

For senior citizens, we eliminated the unfair double taxation of Social Security benefits. Nearly 90 percent of seniors who receive Social Security will pay zero tax on their benefits. In Idaho alone, roughly 300,000 seniors could benefit from this provision.

Thanks to this landmark legislation, hardworking Idahoans will keep more of their hard-earned money and save more on taxes. For instance, Idaho wages are estimated to rise by $3,600 to $6,400 over the next four years, and a typical Idaho family with two children could see their take-home pay increase between $7,200 and $10,200 compared to what it would have been had this bill not been enacted.

Millions of taxpayers report tips and overtime income on their tax returns each year. To support working Americans, we eliminated federal taxes on tips and overtime. In Idaho, about 24 percent of workers regularly earn overtime pay, and nearly 5 percent work in tip-based occupations. This means more money in Idahoans' paychecks this tax season.

We also secured a $10,000 deduction on auto loan interest for vehicles made in America, providing Americans with financial breathing room and strengthening American manufacturing. Furthermore, we honored our promise to America’s farmers, ranchers, and family business owners by permanently increasing the exemption for the burdensome death tax.

I’m not finished yet. The Working Families Tax Cuts expands opportunity zones, helping protect thousands of Idaho jobs while promoting continued housing development. It also extends the 199A pass-through deduction, benefiting 41,000 Idaho small businesses. This means that around 45% of all firms in the Gem State are eligible for the deduction.

In addition to permanently increasing the Child Tax Credit, one of the most consequential and exciting provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts is the creation of the new “Trump Accounts.” These accounts provide a $1,000 investment for American children born after January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2028, helping to set future generations up for financial success.

I have often said that the Working Families Tax Cuts may have been the most important vote I’ve cast since coming to Congress. I say this because the working families, seniors, farmers, and ranchers I spoke to under the Biden administration will see and feel the difference. Policies matter.

It’s worth noting that every single Democrat voted against this economic relief laid out above — against eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, against tax relief for seniors, and against increasing take-home pay for working families.

Like many Americans, I am optimistic about the direction our country is heading. While we gather to watch President Trump’s State of the Union address, we can sit back, relax, and feel confident that economic certainty and relief are on the way.

Rep. Simpson Applauds President Trump’s Leadership in State of the Union Address

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON— Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson released the following statement in response to President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address.

“After four years of Biden’s failed policies and countless lies, President Donald Trump’s leadership has turned our country around,” said Rep. Simpson. “We now have the most secure border in American history, regulatory reform, and our servicemembers and veterans are being taken care of. Crime is plummeting, inflation is down, and we’re no longer reliant on countries that hate us. Thanks to President Trump and Republicans in Congress, an economic comeback is underway. We enacted the largest tax cut in American history, allowing hardworking Americans to keep more of what they earn in real time. Additionally, we’re creating a new generation of investors with the visionary ‘Trump Accounts.’ Despite Congressional Democrats trying to obstruct President Trump's policy agenda by voting against economic relief, the financial security of future generations, and engaging in political stunts that jeopardize essential government operations — this time jeopardizing FEMA, the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, and other critical Homeland Security operations — our country is heading in the right direction. Americans are safer, their paychecks are bigger, and this shows that policies truly matter.”

Rep. Simpson Supports the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON— Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of H.R. 2189, the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act, a bill that would give law enforcement the resources they need while ensuring police departments across the country have access to the most effective less-than-lethal equipment.

“Brave law enforcement officers serve and protect our communities every day. There is no reason they shouldn’t be equipped with the most effective tools and technology available to protect themselves and our neighborhoods. As men and women in uniform continue to face dangerous situations, our laws must adapt to advancing technology so that law enforcement can protect the public while keeping themselves safe,” said Rep. Simpson, a cosponsor of this legislation.

Background:

Under current law, law enforcement is discouraged from utilizing important new, less-than-lethal technologies, such as long-range tasers, by failing to clearly distinguish these devices from traditional firearms. The Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act not only modernizes the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) by excluding ‘less-than-lethal projectile devices' from its definition of the term ‘firearm’, but also creates a new definition for these devices, leading to a lower likelihood of the use of deadly force and increasing community safety.

The measure was approved with a vote of 233-185.

Rep. Simpson Votes to Require Photo ID and Proof of Citizenship to Vote in U.S. Elections

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of the SAVE America Act, a bill that would build on the House-passed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, by mandating a valid photo ID for all federal elections and requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.

“All Americans want safe and secure elections,” said Rep. Simpson, a cosponsor of this legislation. “Requiring photo identification and verifying United States citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections is not a controversial issue. In fact, it is a common-sense approach to strengthening current election laws. The SAVE America Act is the right solution to ensure that only American citizens decide American elections.”

Background:

83% of Americans are in favor of photo ID requirements, including 95% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats.
H.R. 22, the SAVE Act, passed the House on April 10th, 2025.
The SAVE America Act requires any voter to show a photo ID when they cast a ballot. Absentee and mail-in voters can attach a copy of their ID to their mail-in ballot.
The SAVE America Act requires states to check for noncitizens and other ineligible registrants on their voter rolls at least once a month.

The bipartisan measure was approved with a vote of 218-213.

Rep. Simpson Announces Upcoming Veterans Resource Fair

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON— Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson announced his upcoming Veterans Resource Fair in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026. More information on the event location and time is listed below.

“Ensuring our local heroes are taken care of is one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Rep. Simpson. “It is always Team Simpson’s pleasure to welcome and ensure our great veterans are cared for. I encourage any veteran who resides in Idaho’s Second District and is struggling with a federal agency to swing by our upcoming Veterans Resources Fair and receive the help they so greatly deserve.”

Veterans Resource Fair: February 18th, 2026

College of Southern Idaho

315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, ID

2nd floor of the Taylor Building – ADA accessible

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information on the upcoming Veterans resource fair, please call Congressman Simpson’s Twin Falls office at (208) 734-7219.