Simpson, Mike RSS Articles

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.

Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for New CT Scanner for Minidoka Memorial Hospital

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $495,000 in funding for the Minidoka Memorial Hospital CT Machine Purchase Project in Rupert, 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.

“The Minidoka Memorial Hospital is the only hospital in Minidoka County, serving several rural areas across southern Idaho,” said Rep. Simpson. “Replacing the hospital’s aging CT scanner is necessary for evaluations and patient care, and it could potentially make a difference between life and death in emergencies. As Idaho’s only appropriator, I will always fight for meaningful projects that support our state.”

“We are grateful for Congressman Simpson's support in advocating for federal funding for replacing the Minidoka Memorial Hospital's CT scanner. This project is necessary for Minidoka County and our neighboring rural communities. We appreciate Congressman Simpson's staff reviewing our community funding project request and supporting rural healthcare in Idaho,” said Minidoka Memorial Hospital Interim Chief Executive Officer Emmett Schuster.

This funding will be used to replace the facility’s aging Computed Tomography (CT) system, a crucial component of the diagnostic infrastructure. The facility’s current CT system has been in service for almost a decade, and this funding will significantly enhance their diagnostic capabilities, improve patient outcomes, and ensure long-term sustainability of the hospital.

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 Minidoka Memorial Hospital CT Machine Purchase 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.

Rep. Simpson Fights for TRIO in Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—This week, the House Committee on Appropriations voted to advance the Fiscal Year 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported this advancement and fought for critical Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) wins in the measure.

“Idaho’s TRIO programs have a longstanding record of supporting first-generation college students across the state every year,” said Rep. Simpson. “I have been a longtime supporter of TRIO and have seen firsthand how these programs help Idaho students pursue their dreams. I was proud to fight for language that protects TRIO’s core mission and ensure this program receives the necessary funding to continue its important work.”

“For more than 60 years, TRIO programs have helped millions of Americans prepare for, enroll in, and complete higher education. The action taken today by the House Appropriations Committee reinforces the congressional commitment to ensuring that the doors of educational opportunity remain open for our nation's low-income, first-generation students,” said Council for Opportunity in Education President Kimberly Jones.

“We, the TRIO professional community, are grateful for Representative Simpson fighting for TRIO. Right now, more than 8,800 low-income Idahoans who are the first in their families to attend college are gaining the skills they need to enter the workforce, build careers, and make Idaho one of the best states to live and work in. That is what's possible when we invest in people — and that is exactly what's at stake if we stop,” said NAEOP Past-President Dr. Megan Simila.

“TRIO is a vehicle for advancement to any individual seeking higher education. I have worked with adults from all backgrounds, and each has a common desire: to gain more education and training and to improve their lives. We work with individuals to discover programs of study, apply for funding, navigate processes, and motivate them to continue forward through their educational journey. Their stories build on the idea that we can all learn and grow at any stage of our lives,” said Idaho State University TRIO Advisor Emily Wunderlich.

Highlights of TRIO Wins include:

· Provides $1,197,000,000 for the Federal TRIO programs, a $6 million increase above the enacted level.

· Protects TRIO's core mission by requiring the Department of Education to run the programs according to prior practice.

· Includes language that highlights the longstanding, bipartisan Congressional support for TRIO.

· Includes language that highlights support for smaller programs, especially those operating in rural areas.

This funding package will now go to the full floor of the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for Steele Memorial Rehabilitation Facility

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $2,000,000 in funding for the Steele Memorial Rehabilitation Facility Modernization for Rural Access and Safety Project in Salmon, 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.

“As Idaho continues to grow, it is essential that medical centers expand and modernize throughout the state, particularly in rural regions,” said Rep. Simpson. “Investing in Steele Memorial Medical Center’s proposed facility will enhance patient care and keep rehabilitation services local. This project is critical for Salmon and the surrounding communities, and I am proud to support it.”

“This project is about far more than expanding rehabilitation services,” said Preston Becker, Chief Executive Officer of Steele Memorial Medical Center. “Our rehabilitation team is providing outstanding care, but they are doing so in a space that has been outgrown. Today, some patients receive therapy in hallways or in shared areas with limited privacy. This project would be transformational for our hospital and our community. It would create a more modern, private, and functional healing environment for patients, improve safety and patient flow, and help us better use space across the hospital to support other departments that have also outgrown their current footprint. At a time when rural hospitals are working to meet growing healthcare needs with limited space and significant financial pressure, investments like this are difficult to accomplish alone. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Simpson for recognizing the importance of this investment in rural healthcare and in the future of our community.”

This funding will address a core rural healthcare infrastructure needed in Lemhi County’s geographically isolated frontier region by ensuring timely, medically necessary rehabilitation services are available in a safe, private, and ADA-accessible setting.

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 Steele Memorial Rehabilitation Facility Modernization for Rural Access and Safety 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.

Rep. Simpson Supports Bills to Protect Taxpayer Dollars

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—This week, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of several bills to protect taxpayer dollars and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal government.

“Uncovering and cracking down on the billions of dollars in waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal government is one of Idahoans’ top priorities,” said Rep. Simpson. “America faces an existential threat with nearly $40 trillion in debt. Passing critical legislation to eliminate waste and corruption is a step in the right direction to protect taxpayer dollars.”

The legislation passed this week includes:

H.R. 8312 – Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act. This legislation makes pandemic anti-fraud tools permanent by preserving the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee’s (PRAC) data analytics, investigative resources, and fraud detection capabilities instead of allowing them to expire.
H.R. 8464 – Stopping Fraudulent Payments Act. This legislation ends “pay and chase” and requires agencies to identify and address fraud risks before taxpayer dollars are disbursed.
H.Res. 1335 – Condemning actors seeking to defraud the United States Government.
H.R. 7892 – No Aid for Ghost Students Act. This legislation stops student aid fraud by requiring the Department of Education to use an identity fraud detection system to review FAFSA applications for suspicious activity.

Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for Madison Memorial Hospital Radiology Expansion

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $750,000 in funding for the Madison Memorial Hospital Radiology Expansion Project in Rexburg, 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.

“Throughout my time in Congress, I have remained committed to supporting rural healthcare in Idaho,” said Rep. Simpson. “As the primary healthcare provider for Madison County and the Upper Valley Region, it is essential to invest in and upgrade the equipment at Madison Memorial Hospital to help expand its radiology department. This investment is critical for patients in our communities, and I’m proud to advocate for this federal funding.”

“We are grateful to Congressman Simpson for his support of Madisonhealth and the patients we serve throughout eastern Idaho. The $750,000 federal investment in our Radiology Expansion Project is a significant step toward expanding access to advanced diagnostic imaging and maternal-fetal medicine services for our growing rural communities. These funds will help strengthen emergency and surgical care, improve access to specialized services for high-risk obstetric patients, and ensure more patients can receive timely, high-quality healthcare close to home. We appreciate Congressman Simpson's continued commitment to improving healthcare access and health outcomes across Idaho,” said Dr. Rachel Gonzales, Madisonhealth Chief Executive Officer.

This funding will allow Madison Memorial to expand its diagnostic imaging and maternal-fetal medicine capabilities in order to better serve the growing population of Madison County and surrounding rural communities. The funding would allow the hospital to purchase critical diagnostic imaging equipment, including a CT Scanner, a C-Arm imaging system, and two advanced ultrasound systems, and the construction necessary to support these services.

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 Madison Memorial Hospital Radiology Expansion 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.