Simpson, Mike RSS Articles

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.

Rep. Simpson Applauds Supreme Court's Women's Sports Decision

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson released the following statement in response to the United States Supreme Court's formal decision in Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J.

“Today is a historic day for female athletes in America,” said Rep. Simpson. “The Supreme Court’s decision in State of Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J. has confirmed what we have known all along: men have no place in women’s sports. Idahoans owe a debt of gratitude to Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador and Idaho State Representative Barb Ehardt for leading the charge to protect women’s sports and fight for common sense. More than anything, today’s ruling is an incredible step toward preserving and protecting Title IX for future generations.”

Rep. Simpson has been a strong advocate for protecting women’s sports. In January, Rep. Simpson joined a rally to save women’s sports on the steps of the United States Supreme Court. He also recently signed an Amicus Brief supporting Idaho’s law and defending the integrity of women’s sports. Additionally, Rep. Simpson has supported and cosponsored several key bills to prohibit males from participating in athletic programs or activities designated for women.

Common Sense, Chainsaws, and Stewardship in the Wilderness

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Whether it’s public lands or designated wilderness areas, the people of Idaho value recreation and have proven to be responsible stewards for generations.

As a lifelong Idahoan and Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I have worked long and hard to protect Idahoans’ way of life by preserving access to Idaho’s public lands and ensuring wilderness status provides the strongest possible protections for these lands.

Public lands and wilderness areas serve as places for all Americans to enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping. These recreational hobbies transcend political affiliations.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case, given the predictable outrage from groups like the left-wing Wilderness Watch following the recent United States Forest Service decision to authorize limited, temporary use of gas-powered chainsaws by licensed outfitters in portions of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.

They condemn "secret negotiations," violations of the Wilderness Act, and the horrors of commercial interests wielding tools in our "pristine" backcountry.

These groups have missed the point entirely. The Forest Service decided to restore public access in the face of extraordinary trail devastation, fully consistent with the law's allowance for the "minimum tool" necessary to administer wilderness areas.

Those who have visited understand that the Frank Church-River of No Return is vast, covering over 2.3 million acres, and faces real challenges.

In fact, one of the biggest concerns I hear from Idahoans is how we can better maintain trails.

Idaho is no stranger to wildfire, insect infestations, and even wind blowdown, leaving some trails buried under hundreds of downed trees per mile.

The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association highlighted an estimated 500-700 trees per mile on key routes, rendering them impassable for many users.

Crosscut saws are slow, labor-intensive, and often inadequate for the scale of the problem in rugged terrain. Volunteers and agency crews have used them for years, but when blowdown reaches "extraordinary levels," efficiency matters for safety and access.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 is not an absolute ban on all tools. Section 4(c) explicitly allows motorized equipment when it is the "minimum requirement" for administering the area to preserve its wilderness character, including maintaining recreational trails.

The Forest Service conducted a Minimum Requirements Analysis, approved use only on 61 specific high-priority trails (about 542 miles, half the area in one forest), limited it to January through August for three years, and restricted it to authorized outfitters.

Unlike what these left-wing groups are saying, this is not a "chainsaw massacre.” It's a necessary response to keep trails open, all within the law requirements.

There are criticisms of the lack of public comment and NEPA review. Still, administrative decisions for trail maintenance under established exceptions don't always trigger full environmental impact statements, especially for temporary actions.

And the claims of "backroom deals with commercial interests" ignore that outfitters and guides are the backbone of responsible public access to these areas.

They bring a broad range of groups, such as hunters, rafters, hikers, and anglers, who support local economies and have a vested interest in better management. Blocking efficient trail clearing doesn't protect wilderness. Instead, it locks it away while discouraging stewardship.

Volunteer groups like the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation do great work with crosscuts, but they can't scale to address massive blowdown alone. Multiple tools, such as gas-powered chainsaws, are needed.

Temporary chainsaw use, followed by natural decay and regrowth, has a negligible long-term impact compared to closed trails or unsafe conditions that drive recreationists elsewhere.

Idahoans know and love our public lands, and deserve managed public lands that serve both conservation and recreation.

The Forest Service got this one right, and future generations will benefit because our beloved public lands and wilderness areas are preserved.

Rep. Simpson Commemorates Fourth Anniversary of Dobbs Decision

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored a congressional resolution commemorating the anniversary of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which reversed the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, and celebrating the lives that will be saved as a result of Dobbs. This resolution was introduced by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT).

“Four years ago, the United States Supreme Court made the correct decision and overturned Roe v. Wade,” said Rep. Simpson. “I have long said that there is no constitutional right to an abortion, and thanks to the historic Dobbs decision, power was returned to the people, and the right to protect unborn life was restored. I’m proud to be a part of the pro-life movement and will continue to stand up for the unborn unapologetically.”

The full text of the resolution is available here.

Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for Franklin County Medical Center’s Long-Term Care Remodel

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $750,000 in funding for the Franklin County Medical Center Long-Term Care Remodel Project in Preston, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

“Many of Idaho’s seniors have helped build, serve, and shape our communities. The least we can do to repay them is ensure they have access to care without having to leave their hometown or families. The Franklin County Medical Center needs to remodel and improve its long-term care facility to meet growing demands. As the only advanced nursing facility in Franklin County, I’m proud to support this project and advocate for funding that helps our beloved seniors,” said Rep. Simpson.

“Franklin County Medical Center is deeply grateful to Representative Mike Simpson for securing $750,000 in preliminary Community Project Funding to modernize our Long-Term Care facility. The only skilled nursing facility in Franklin County, our current building was constructed over 50 years ago and no longer meets modern clinical standards or the basic expectations of Idaho families. Notably, the current design requires a shared bathroom and a divided room, making privacy and a sense of independence impossible. This initial federal investment is a crucial turning point that will directly impact the health, safety, and dignity of our community’s seniors and most vulnerable citizens for generations to come,” said Franklin County Medical Center CEO Darin Dransfield.

This funding will allow Franklin County Medical Center to remodel its long-term care wings into larger, ADA-compliant, private patient suites. Built in 1970, the current footprint is no longer suitable for modern care.

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 Franklin County Medical Center Long-Term Care Remodel Project is a part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.