Michael (Mike) K. Simpson is serving his twelfth term in the House of Representatives for Idaho’s Second Congressional District.
Mike serves on the House Appropriations Committee. He is the Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. He also serves on the Interior and Environment Subcommittee. These committees have jurisdiction over funding for a number of programs critical to Idaho, including the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, our National Parks, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Smithsonian Institute.
Mike Simpson (R-ID-02) joined Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-19) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), in re-introducing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act to provide a compromise solution for American agriculture.
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which was first introduced and passed in the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support in 2019, makes meaningful reforms to the H-2A agricultural guessworker program and creates a first-of-its-kind, merit -based visa program specifically designed for the nation's agricultural sector. The bill passed the House of Representatives again in 2021 with bipartisan support and now awaits further action by the U.S. Senate
“The men and women who work America’s farms feed the nation. But, farmworkers across the country are living and working with uncertainty and fear, contributing to the destabilization of farms across the nation,” said Rep. Lofgren. “Our bill offers stability for American farms by providing a path to legal status for farmworkers. In addition, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act addresses the nation’s future labor needs by modernizing an outdated system for temporary workers, while ensuring fair wages and workplace conditions.”
“When I speak to farmers and ranchers across the country, labor is often their number one concern. Our nation’s agriculture industry is diverse and flourishing, but producers are in desperate need of a legal and reliable workforce,” said Rep. Newhouse. “As a third-generation farmer, I understand the invaluable contributions made by farmworkers to American agriculture, and we must modernize our guest worker program to work for farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers in the 21st Century. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act offers a strong, bipartisan workforce solution to provide certainty to both farm owners and workers through an accessible, employment-based program. This bill is the solution our agricultural industry needs.”
“My constituents have been asking me to fix our immigration laws since my first day in Congress,” said Rep. Simpson. “There is perhaps no more important facet of immigration reform for Idaho and its economy than the agriculture workforce. I am proud to introduce the Farm Workforce Modernization Act alongside a bipartisan coalition of members in the first step towards solving this problem. Getting our farmers’ employees right with the law will provide economic stability to our rural communities and make our country safer by creating a legal, merit-based agriculture immigration system that allows our valuable law enforcement resources to focus on the bad actors.”
The bill has garnered the wide-spread support of nearly 250 agriculture groups and labor organizations.
“After months of negotiations, the UFW and UFW Foundation are enthusiastic about passing legislation that honors all farm workers who feed America by creating a way for undocumented workers to apply for legal status and a roadmap to earn citizenship in the future without compromising farm workers’ existing wages and legal protections. Understanding that compromise is required to meaningfully improve the lives of immigrant field laborers, it is our hope this will be the first time the House of Representatives, under the leadership of either party, will approve an agricultural immigration bill,” said Arturo S. Rodriguez, President Emeritus of United Farmworkers & Spokesperson of UFW Foundation.
“We have supported numerous efforts to address dairy’s acute labor needs. Passing legislation in the House is a critical step in the process. We urge the Senate to work with us on this important issue so we can get an ag worker bill across the finish line in this Congress,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). “The bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act provides an important starting point for badly needed improvements to agriculture immigration policy. NMPF would like to thank Chairwoman Lofgren and Congressman Newhouse for their bipartisan leadership, and we look forward to continuing to work with them as this important legislation moves forward.”
“The legislation points the way towards achieving many of the long-standing immigration reform goals of NCFC and others in agriculture. While there are provisions that are problematic, on balance it is a good starting point for the legislative process. It provides an opportunity to obtain an earned legal status for the current workforce in agriculture; it codifies many of the reforms that the Trump Administration has made to the current H-2A program and provides some certainty over labor costs; and it authorizes a limited number of year-round visas for those farmers with year-round labor needs, such as those in dairy and livestock,” said Chuck Conner, President & CEO of National Coalition of Farm Cooperatives. “We look forward to working with Chairwoman Lofgren, Congressman Newhouse and the other co-sponsors as the bill moves forward to ensure that the bill leads to a solution that ensures agriculture producers have access to a legal and stable workforce.”
Background:
Farmers and ranchers across the United States are in desperate need of a high-quality, reliable workforce, and the current H-2A guestworker program is in need of meaningful, bipartisan reform. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act creates a workforce solution for America’s agriculture industry by providing stability, predictability, and fairness to one of the most critical sectors of our nation’s economy.
The bill will:
Congressman Mike Simpson has released a framework for reimagining the Northwest energy landscape and recovering critically endangered salmon populations. For the last three years, he and his staff have held over 300 meetings with stakeholders, tribes, elected representatives and other interests trying to understand and break down this issue.
Congressman Simpson would like feedback on this concept. Thoughts and comments can be sent to Simpson.concept@mail.house.gov
Nez Perce Tribe
Nez Perce Tribe Supports Simpson Leadership on Columbia Basin Initiative
“We view restoring the lower Snake River – a living being to us, and one that is injured - as urgent and overdue. Congressman Simpson, in focusing on the facts and on a solution, speaks the truth - that restoring salmon and the lower Snake River can also reunite and strengthen regional communities and economies."
Shoshone - Bannock Tribe
Shoshone-Bannock Tribe Supports Simpson Leadership on Columbia Basin Initiative
"We are urging all Idahoans and Tribal members to learn more about this important initiative, take action and support Simpsons Columbia Basin Fund initiative to protect the salmon."
Idaho's Outfitters & Guides
Salmon & Energy Initiative
"Congressman Simpson's "Salmon & Energy" plan breaks down historic barriers between people and industries, effectively ending the "Salmon Wars." This is our best chance to restore wild salmon and steelhead populations."
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
SNAKE RIVER SALMON, STEELHEAD CONSERVATION PLAN UNVEILED BY IDAHO CONGRESSMAN
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s time to come together and find solutions for all stakeholders.”
Spokane Tribe of Indians
Simpson Proposed Legislation
Addressing the impacts to the Columbia River Region in a holistic way will require the Region and its political leaders to display the same courage, Congressman Simpson has displayed in releasing this proposed framework.
Congressman Earl Blumenauer
Blumenauer Statement on Proposed Columbia Basin Fund
"I'm intrigued by his proposal, which I think deserves thoughtful consideration from all sides. I look forward to working with communities across the region to help craft solutions that help recover these iconic fish on the brink of extinction."
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Colville Tribes Support a Regional Salmon Solution
“The Colville Tribes agrees that the Northwest has been stuck in the status quo when it comes to restoring salmon on the Columbia River. We share Congressman Simpson’s vision that a region wide solution is achievable by working with Tribes both in the lower and upper Columbia River and affected stakeholders.”
American Sporfishing Association
Unprecedented Federal Investment for Salmon Recovery Proposed by Idaho Congressman
"..the congressman’s proposal shows his continued commitment to tackling the region’s problematic infrastructure and restoring the rapidly declining salmon populations."
Idaho Wildlife Federation
Time is Right for Rep Simpson's Bold New Salmon Proposal
“This is the first meaningful approach any elected official has made public that recognizes the only way to recover Idaho’s salmon and steelhead to meaningful abundance is to untangle the gargantuan and crippling bureaucratic knot that is now also failing ratepayers and taxpayers,”
Trout Unlimited
Best, maybe last, chance for salmon
"Congressman Simpson’s proposal is bold and demonstrates the kind of leadership we hope for in our elected leaders."
National Wildlife Federation
Simpson Plan a Strong Starting Point for Salmon Recovery, Investment in Northwest Jobs, Clean Energy
“The recreational angling community has been pressing for salmon recovery in the Columbia River Basin for decades. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson answered our calls with a blueprint for the largest river and salmon restoration effort in history that also creates jobs and strengthens the energy and agriculture sectors,”
The Nature Conservancy
Congressman Simpson Proposes Columbia River Basin Salmon Recovery
The Nature Conservancy believes bold action is needed to create a future in which people and nature thrive. In building that future for the Pacific Northwest, salmon extinction is not an acceptable outcome.
"American Whitewater is encouraged by the proposal Representative Simpson has introduced that directly affects our interests and the work we do throughout the Columbia River Basin. We appreciate his leadership in moving the conversation forward and focusing on solutions."
Washington Governor Jay Inslee
Inslee statement on U.S. Rep. Simpson's proposed Columbia Basin legislation
“Washington welcomes Rep. Simpson’s willingness to think boldly about how to recover Columbia and Snake River salmon in a way that works for the entire region and invests – at a potentially transformative level – in clean energy, transportation and agriculture."
American Rivers
Congressman Mike Simpson announces groundbreaking framework to restore Northwest salmon, bolster economy
“A well-crafted, comprehensive solution would benefit the nation as a whole by restoring salmon runs, bolstering clean energy and strengthening the economy of one of the most dynamic regions in the country.”
Idaho Conservation League
ICL supports Simpson's comprehensive infrastructure proposal
"ICL is hopeful that this proposal brings people together to work to benefit communities in Idaho and the Northwest, providing jobs and needed investment that will lead to cleaner water, clean energy, abundant salmon and steelhead, prosperous farming, river, and waterfront communities, and affordable energy for consumers."
Oregon Governor Kate Brown
Governor Kate Brown Voices Support for Rep. Mike Simpson’s Columbia Basin Legislative Concept
“I’d like to thank Rep. Simpson for working with a broad coalition of interested parties across the Northwest to craft this proposal, which will help us to build on the economic opportunities of the Columbia Basin and invest in a clean energy future,”
Idaho Rivers United
Idaho Rivers United Applauds Congressman Simpson on Columbia Basin Fund Plan
"Congressman Mike Simpson has just taken the most meaningful step in the decades-long effort to recover Snake River salmon and steelhead. The Columbia Basin Fund and plan for restoration of the Lower Snake River to a natural, free-flowing river is the most comprehensive, science-based plan to date."
Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
Yakama Nation Applauds Congressman Mike Simpson's Vision For Snake River Dam Removal
“We have reached a tipping point where we must choose between our Treaty-protected salmon and the federal dams, and we choose salmon,”
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
CTUIR supports Rep Simpson's Columbia River Basin Initiative
"The CTUIR looks forward to working with the entire Northwest Congressional Delegation, Columbia Basin Tribes and states as this initiative moves forward. We encourage stakeholders to consider this transformational approach and be open to new possibilities."
City of Stanley
Resolution 2021-2
The City of Stanley is committed to working with Congressman Simpson, other members of Idaho delegation, the Governor, Custer County, and other stakeholders to further develop this plan.
Northwest RiverPartners
Northwest RiverPartners Considers US Rep. Simpson Proposal to Overhaul the Region’s Energy Infrastructure; Urges Caution and a More Circumspect Approach
"While we remain open-minded about the Simpson proposal, there are several key issues in the plan that need to be addressed before we can consider it a fair and equitable solution for our Northwest communities."
The Great American Outdoors Act:
The Great American Outdoors Act, authored by Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID-2), was signed into law by President Trump on August, 4, 2020, marking the biggest change to American public lands in decades. The legislation secured permanent funding for the existing Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which has been a historically important program to conserving public lands and improving outdoor recreation opportunities. The Great American Outdoors Act will help protect our public lands and increase visitor access for generations to come, while also creating jobs and positive economic impacts for local, often rural, communities.
“This legislative effort has been a long journey dating back to when I first wrote the LAND Act. It is so gratifying to see this framework embraced in a bipartisan manner under the banner of the Great American Outdoors Act, and I thank President Trump for making this idea the law of the land. In Idaho, we are blessed with amazing public lands and this legislation will ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy them as we have.” [PL1]
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was established in 1964 to use earnings from the federal government’s offshore oil and gas leases to buy land, pay for maintenance at national parks, and provide money to states to help meet demands for outdoor recreation. Simpson’s bill not only permanently funds the existing LWCF, but also creates a new fund to address the backlog of deferred maintenance in National Parks, National Forests, Bureau of Land Management assets, Wildlife Refuges, and Bureau of Indian Education school construction. The long-overdue maintenance backlogs on public lands would be funded by unobligated energy revenues over a five-year period as opposed to using taxpayer funds.
Idaho’s National Forests have some of the largest deferred maintenance needs, such as roads and trails, while Yellowstone National Park has over $585 million in deferred maintenance costs. Thanks to the Great American Outdoors Act outdoor areas across Idaho will be getting upgrades.
The bill garnered the support of a wide range of sportsmen groups, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – XXXXXXXXXX, and passed the House of Representatives by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote.
As you may know, the coronavirus is a respiratory disease that was first detected in China and has spread to more than 100 countries including the United States. On January 31, 2020, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar declared a public health emergency and on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a pandemic. The President declared a national emergency on March 13, 2020 and issued travel restrictions to key countries that have had significant outbreaks of coronavirus.
In Idaho, we were one of the last five states to have confirmed cases of coronavirus. I have been in close contact with Governor Little and even prior to the first case of coronavirus, he and his staff were working around the clock to prepare for the outbreak. I encourage you to visit, https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/ for the latest information.
In addition to the President and Governor working diligently to respond to this ever changing pandemic, Congress has also responded by passing a series of legislation to provide resources to health providers, states, small businesses, individuals and many more facets of our society that are impacted by coronavirus.
You may be interested to know that I voted in favor of H.R. 6074 on March 4, 2020, which is an emergency supplemental appropriation of $8.3 billion to support state and local health agencies, vaccine and treatment development, and loans for affected small businesses to lessen the impacts of this public health emergency. The bill also allows certain Medicare telehealth restrictions to be waived during the coronavirus outbreak. It was signed into law by the President shortly after its passage.
Congress also passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which I supported. The bill is another important step to combatting coronavirus and its impacts by guaranteeing free testing, establishing paid family leave, enhancing unemployment insurance, and expanding food security initiatives to ensure Americans have access to food. President Trump urged support for the package and signed the bill into law.
The most significant piece of legislation Congress passed is H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I supported the CARES Act because it is desperately needed to stabilize the economy and ensure the health of our citizens as we the fight coronavirus. The legislation includes direct payments to Americans who need it most, financial assistance for small businesses, funding for hospitals and providers who are on the front lines of battling the virus, and expanded unemployment benefits as jobless claims continue to rise.
These are truly unprecedented times, and that calls for extraordinary measures for our country to rise to the occasion. The CARES Act is a necessary step towards stabilizing our economy, providing resources for health providers on the front lines, and furthers access to patients who have been stricken by the virus. This will not be the last package Congress considers, but it is a meaningful step for workers and businesses who have already been severely impacted. I thank President Trump and his Administration for their work on crafting this legislation, and I also applaud Idaho Senator Mike Crapo who played a key role in negotiating the package. We are truly all in this together and I am thankful to Idaho Senator Jim Risch who is looking out for agriculture in our state, and Governor Little as he continues to show leadership in combatting coronavirus across Idaho. I also thank Congressman Fulcher for his daily collaboration to ensure Idahoans voices and needs are heard at this crucial time.
Specifically, the legislation includes:
· A one-time direct payment of $1,200 for individuals making up to $74,900 ($2,400 per couple), and $500 per child.
· A new Small Business Administration program to help small businesses pay for expenses, which includes 501(c)(3)s.
· Increased unemployment benefits.
· Increased Medicare reimbursement to help our most vulnerable populations.
· Increased access to test kits.
· Expedited approval for FDA to approve new medications and treatments.
· $100 billion to help hospitals and providers who are on the front lines of treating the disease.
· $150 billion for states, local, and tribal governments to respond to the individual needs of communities battling the pandemic.
· Support for Veterans health care needs.
· Support for agriculture producers.
It is important to note that the funding in this legislation has a clause that stipulates funding must be to prepare, prevent, and respond to coronavirus, and this phrase is repeated 36 times in the CARES Act. Make no mistake, the amount of funding in this bill is concerning, but what is more concerning would be to have the government mandate a shutdown of our economy, and not be there to provide support to ensure business and individuals in this country can survive. This bill is what is necessary at this time so our economy will have a chance to recover and return to normalcy when the pandemic passes.
Due to the urgent need for many of these programs to receive additional funding to meet the needs of health care facilities, individuals, and businesses, Congress recently passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enforcement Act with my support. This legislation had the support of the entire Idaho Delegation and President Trump as he signed it into law. Specifically, this bill adds funding to the popular Paycheck Protection Program which helps small businesses pay for expenses such as retaining employees. The bill also provides an additional $75 billion for hospitals and providers on the frontlines battling COVID-19 and $25 billion to increase testing capacity. As we attempt to put the darkest days of COVID-19 behind us and reopen our economy, building more testing capacity and creating an effective vaccine will be critical to our successful recovery.
I applaud President Trump and Governor Little on their plan to restart the economy in a safe and responsible manner. President Trump released his phased approach, Opening Up America Again. In Idaho, Governor Little launched Idaho Rebounds, which is also a phased, data driven approach that relies on the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and CDC guidelines to opening Idaho’s economy. As your representative I have been in close contact with Governor Little the President’s Administration, and individuals in Idaho to ensure our state has the resources to safely and efficiently get back to work as quickly as possible while adhering to public safety standards.
The CDC has issued guidelines and recommendations to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Among their recommendations are that you cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash after you use it, wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way, and try to avoid close contact with other people.
The impacts of the coronavirus are stretching into all parts of our lives and our economy. For example, our farmers need the labor to plant crops to ensure our nation has a stable food supply. That is why I sent two letters to the State Department and coordinated with Idaho Senator Risch, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to ensure the U.S. consulates treat applications for H2A workers as essential. Thankfully, the State Department listened to these concerns and will process H2A applications accordingly.
You may be interested to know that I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to Vice President Mike Pence, urging that he prioritize the Pacific Northwest, as the federal government distributes ventilators to help combat coronavirus. This is an urgent need for providers, and I anticipate the Vice President to honor this request as the Pacific Northwest, Washington in particular, has been hit hard, and resources have been scarce.
I also encourage health providers to call FDA’s hotline (1-888-INFO-FDA) which is available 24 hours a day to call regarding difficulties obtaining supplies for collecting patient samples for COVID-19 testing, including swabs, media needed for transport, and conservation of the samples. Finally, please follow any local public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. Rest assured, I will continue to monitor this issue and am working closely with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that we are taking all actions necessary to limit the spread of this virus and mitigate any impacts to our national economy as a result of the pandemic.
Please continue to use www.simpson.house.gov to monitor the latest information on coronavirus and sign up for my newsletter here for the latest updates form my office.
Tax reform is already helping millions of Americans. Whether it is lower individual rates or lower rates for businesses – millions of people are benefiting through their annual tax returns, increased wages, bonuses, stock options, benefits, and lower utility bills. Read more below to see what people are doing and saying about the recently passed tax law.
FedEx to give wage increase, bonuses to workers
“FedEx says it'll be giving wage increases, bonuses and make a voluntary $1.5 billion contribution to the company's pension plan, citing recent tax reform legislation.”
Home Depot (HD) announced on Thursday that it will pay its U.S. hourly workers a one-time bonus of up to $1,000 tied to President Trump's tax reform.
"This incremental investment in our associates was made possible by the new tax reform bill," Craig Menear, chairman and CEO of the company, said in a statement.
Verizon says many workers will receive shares of stock
“Verizon employees (other than top management) will receive 50 shares of restricted stock, the price of which will be set on February 1.”
JPMorgan to raise pay, hire staff in $20 billion investment push
“JPMorgan will also increase small business lending by $4 billion and increase loans to customers seeking affordable homes by 25 percent to $50 billion.”
125,000 Disney employees to receive $1,000 cash bonus due to tax reform
"We are directing approximately $125 million to our cast members and employees across the country and making higher education more accessible with the launch of this new program," CEO Bob Iger said in a statement.
Apple CEO Tim Cook cites GOP tax reform as driver in $350B US investment
"There are two parts of tax bill, there's a corporate piece and an individual piece," Cook explained. "I do believe the corporate tax side will result in job creation and a faster growing economy."
Premier Tech. investing thanks to Trump tax cuts
“A Blackfoot company says it will use the GOP tax cuts to invest in technology and new employees in eastern Idaho.”
Walmart to raise its starting wage to $11, give some employees bonuses following tax bill passage
“Walmart's workers will soon reap the benefits of the recent tax law changes, as the world's largest private employer raises its starting wage, creates new benefits and distributes bonuses to eligible workers.”
Your paycheck may be going up soon because of tax cuts
"Millions of working Americans should start seeing fatter paychecks as early as next month…”
Meet Eileen: Tax Reform Law is a Good Deal for Women
“This money will make a big difference for someone like Eileen. She may use it toward her student loan balance, creating a retirement account, or buying airplane tickets to visit family. The choice is up to her, but the bottom line is, there will be more money in her bank account. That’s a good deal for Eileen, and a good deal for women like her.”
AT&T, Boeing Announce New Investments After Historic Tax Reform Vote
“This tax reform will drive economic growth and create good-paying jobs,” said AT&T chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson. “In fact, we will increase our U.S. investment and pay a special bonus to our U.S. employees."
Melaleuca to offer bonuses following tax plan
“Melaleuca CEO Frank VanderSloot said in a phone interview that his 2,000 workers will get a one-time bonus of $100 for every year they have worked at the company. On average, Melaleuca employees stay at the company eight years — which would result in an $800 bonus. The company also has 147 employees who have worked for VanderSloot for 20 years or more.”
UPDATE: More than 30 companies in east Idaho offering employee bonuses due to tax reform bill
“We’re going to have more money in our pocket and that means we can afford to give our employees more,” VanderSloot said.
VIDEO: Middle class Americans have their taxes filed under the new tax framework
Utility customers could get breaks on electric, gas bills from federal tax reform
Ensuring the Success of Idaho Agriculture
Idaho’s past, present, and future are tied to agriculture. Generations of farmers and ranchers have helped to shape our culture, and agriculture continues to be one of the largest sectors of our state’s economy. As your representative in Congress, I have a strong responsibility to ensure that Idaho’s agriculture sector can continue to thrive in the future.
We depend on agriculture to feed and clothe our nation and to help meet the needs of many around the world. In order to do so, farmers and ranchers are continually working to ensure that their operations are sustainable and efficient. A wide variety of issues, including transportation, trade agreements, taxes, energy, and environmental issues, directly impact the cost of production, and I believe that Congress should carefully consider the impact of legislation on our farmers and ranchers, working to ensure that they have the tools they need to succeed. As a member of the House Potato Caucus, the House Sugar Caucus, and the Congressional Dairy Caucus, I will continue to look out for the interests of Idaho agriculture.
As we look at our banking system in the light of the global credit crisis that has paralyzed our financial system and brought uncertainty to our economy, I recognize that we must make long-term changes to our nation’s financial structure by reforming the way we regulate our financial services industry to ensure that the events that led to the crisis are not repeated. I also believe that we need to carefully consider how to protect consumers and taxpayers from the excesses of Wall Street.
I believe that steps need to be taken to bring transparency and accountability to our financial services industry and ensure that American businesses, farms, and families have access to the tools for their financial success.
I also strongly support efforts to empower American families to take ownership of their own financial situations through credit counseling and financial education. You can be confident that I will continue to consider efforts to reform our financial regulatory system very carefully and with the best interests of Idahoans in mind.
An Idaho Solution to Idaho Land Management
I have worked for over a decade with local ranchers, elected officials, recreationists, and other affected parties to address land use issues in the Boulder-White Cloud Mountains in Central Idaho. Idahoans’ access to these pristine areas has been in jeopardy for years because decades-long land management issues have not been resolved. To address these issues once and for all, I have introduced the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (CIEDRA). CIEDRA moves us beyond the old debates of how to manage the Boulder-White Clouds and towards a more secure future for this rugged, beautiful, and productive heart of Idaho.
I am confident that with passage of CIEDRA, we can put to rest many long standing conflicts and move ahead to a stronger, more secure economy in Central Idaho. By ensuring that people can maintain their livelihoods and enjoy their favorite recreational activities, we have achieved a win-win for everyone.
The input of Idahoans, especially those who are directly impacted by this legislation, continues to be of utmost importance to me, and I appreciate hearing the comments, concerns, and input of those who are affected by these issues. I would encourage you to learn more about CIEDRA and the long-standing land management challenges I am working to address by viewing the maps, public testimony, and editorials, and facts and figures about this bill linked here.
Supporting American Families through Tough Economic Times
These days we are all frustrated with the economy and, quite frankly, by the government’s response to the crisis. The recession and slow economic recovery have left many American families facing unemployment, lost economic investment, possibly foreclosure, and other difficult financial decisions. During the 110th and 111th Congresses, the Democrat-controlled Congress and the Administration, on the other hand, responded by trying to spend their way out of the recession and greatly expanding the reach of government into the lives of ordinary Americans through sweeping and unpopular reforms to our financial regulatory structure, energy policy, and healthcare system.
The American people have made it clear that growing government and saddling our children and grandchildren with debt are unacceptable. Republicans have taken important steps toward our goals of an improved economy, fiscal responsibility, and accountable government, but we still have a long ways to go. As we work to put our economy on the track to recovery, I will continue to support efforts to empower Americans, not the government, by reducing tax burdens on American families and creating good jobs through domestic energy production that will lead to energy independence. I will also continue working to keep families in their homes and lower costs for homeowners, as well as reward homeowners who are paying their mortgages, even in these difficult times. I commit to keep working to help families rebuild their lost savings and to improve access to quality healthcare for all Americans.
Investing in Our Children’s Education
Providing a first-rate education for America's children is certainly one of the most important responsibilities of parents and guardians, local school districts, states and—to an appropriate degree—the Federal government. I support steering education policy and reform toward more openness and transparency for parents to have more control and make more informed choices regarding their children’s education.
Modernizing the Endangered Species Act
The Endangered Species Act was passed in a bipartisan manner in 1973 to protect species at risk of extinction. Although authorization for the law expired in 1992, it continues to be implemented. Unfortunately, over the past 40 years, the ESA has become highly contentious, political, and litigious, pitting against each other those who should be working toward a common goal. Today’s ESA is used to control land and water far more than it is to successfully recover species. Of the nearly 2000 species that have been placed on the ESA, only a handful have actually been recovered.
I believe that the ESA needs to be brought into the 21st century if it is ever going to work as Congress originally intended. As a member of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the Fish and Wildlife Service, one of the agencies tasked with implementing the ESA, as well as land management agencies like the BLM and Forest Service, I am working to bring stakeholders to the table to modernize the ESA.
Providing Energy Independence for our Nation
The future of our nation’s energy supply has become a topic of great interest, both in Congress and throughout our country. A growing and thriving economy requires stable and affordable energy supplies, and, like many Idahoans, I am concerned about the energy future of the United States. As long as the United States is dependent on other nations for sources of energy, our energy supply will be directly impacted by conflicts in regions with high oil supply, foreign political environments that are unfriendly to the United States, and increased demand for oil on the world market. As a nation, we must continue looking for ways to reduce energy prices and improve our energy independence.
I strongly believe that our efforts to address this growing problem should be comprehensive in nature and that we should explore every opportunity to develop viable alternative energy sources. I strongly support a responsible, revitalized domestic nuclear energy program, and I am proud of the work done in Idaho to expanding the use of nuclear power to meet our nation’s growing energy needs. I also believe we must increase energy efficiency in the United States and encourage the development of renewable energy sources, while continuing to find domestic sources of traditional forms of energy, like oil and natural gas. Technology, incentives, and innovation can move our economy to a sustainable, independent energy source that will be a real solution to the challenges facing our nation.
Bringing Common Sense to Environmental Policies
As a life-long Idahoan, I am deeply concerned about protecting our environment to ensure that we continue to have clean air to breathe and water to drink, as well as guaranteeing long-term sustainability of ecosystems, habitats, and species. If we take care of our environment, future generations of Idahoans will be able to enjoy the same benefits that we sometimes take for granted today.
I believe that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an important role to play in protecting public health, but like many Idahoans, I am deeply concerned that, under the Obama Administration, the EPA has drastically expanded its regulatory authority. The EPA spent years pumping out new regulations every week, without Congress’s consent, that impacted nearly every facet of Americans’ lives—from whom you could hire to remodel your house to what kind of car you could drive. It is past time for the EPA to get back to their original mandate of protecting clean air and water, not making up new rules and regulations without oversight from Congress and the American people.
As a member of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the EPA, I am working to bring some common sense back to our nation’s environmental policies. We must continue our oversight duties in order to shine some light on how the EPA has been spending the dramatic increases in funding that it has received in recent years and look at whether their regulations and actions are appropriate, given the regulatory authority provided by Congress. I strongly believe that government should be responsive to the people, not force on them policies that they don’t support.
As Congress considers legislation on a wide range of issues, including changes to our energy policies, efforts to protect our watersheds, or plans to manage our natural resources, I will continue to work to strike the right balance with policies that impact our public lands, environment, economy, and the ability of Idahoans to utilize and enjoy the lands around them.
Supporting Idaho’s Families and Values
I am committed to safeguarding our quintessential American freedoms and values and strengthening the core of our society, the family. American families are often the focus of issues addressed in Congress such as family violence, substance abuse, protection of children and marriage.
Balancing the Federal Budget and Reducing the National Debt
Like most Idahoans, I am troubled by the United States’ growing debt. The impact of an ever increasing debt, if allowed to grow unchecked, can be disastrous for the economy. I am especially concerned that future generations of Americans will probably be the ones expected to pay down this debt. Unfortunately, without serious efforts to turn our debt crisis around, it is likely that the Treasury Department will be forced to continue to sell vast amounts of debt to finance the prospected record budget deficits. If we want to improve economic conditions in this country, Congress must act responsibly in the short-term to avoid being forced to purchase more debt, which puts the long-term health of the economy in jeopardy. This means drastically reducing discretionary spending, reforming entitlement programs, which are the major drivers of our debt, and fundamentally reforming our tax code. It also means passing a balanced budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Protecting American Homeowners
As our economy recovers from challenges that it has not seen in generations, American families are struggling to make ends meet, concerned about possible unemployment, and facing foreclosure and other difficult financial decisions. Irresponsible lending and borrowing have left many Americans with homes that they cannot afford, and the sharp increase in foreclosures has had a cascade effect on our economy as property values have diminished and families have lost their investments.
The mortgage crisis has been at the root of the financial turmoil and economic recession facing our nation, and I strongly believe that addressing the high rate of foreclosures and plummeting value of homes is necessary for our economy to recover. It is important to remember that despite the current crisis, the vast majority of American mortgage holders are making their payments in full and on time. Some are struggling to do so, and I support a responsible approach to this problem that allows individuals who want to stay in their homes to do so without proliferating the current problems through irresponsible loans or taxpayer bailouts.
Securing Our Borders
I have long been a supporter of LEGAL immigration. Part of our nation’s strength is its uniquely varied population and respect for the cultural diversity that has been a prevalent part of our history. After all, very few American families can claim their descendants were not immigrants to this wonderful country.
Regrettably, the noble and productive history of immigration as a part of our nation’s economic and cultural growth is being overshadowed by the political and economic consequences of illegal immigration. As a result, Congress and the American people seem deeply split on how to secure our borders and enforce the law, and illegal entry into our nation is perceived as commonplace and is conducted with little fear of consequences. That must change, both for the security of our nation and to help restore the dignity and importance of legal immigration in the eyes of all Americans.
I continuously opposed the previous Administration's proposals that would grant outright amnesty to illegal aliens in the United States. Not only would amnesty undermine our efforts to regulate the borders, but it would send a terrible message to those who have complied with immigration laws and are still awaiting approval. We live in a global community, but that does not mean that we have open borders.
Since first being elected to Congress, I have been an advocate for reforming our broken immigration system. The current system has failed both US citizens and those who wish to legally enter the country. While I have worked with my colleagues to improve border security over the years, today we still have serious issues with drug and weapons trafficking across the southern border of the United States, leading to crime problems in our own country and instability in Mexico.
There are several efforts under way in Congress to tackle the issue of illegal immigration, including proposals to ensure that employers are hiring a legal workforce. I am a supporter of a number of these efforts. In addition, I have supported legislation which allows law enforcement to do what is necessary to keep harmful weapons, narcotics, and smugglers out of our country and expedites the removal of criminal aliens. If we are really serious about addressing the problems caused by illegal immigration, we must first focus our efforts on those who are committing heinous crimes in our country.
As a member of the House Immigration Reform Caucus, I am also working on legislation that would increase funding to combat illegal immigration, expedite and fund the construction of a fence along our southern border, prohibit access by illegal aliens to social security, and prohibit the government from accepting international identification methods. I believe that these are important ways of combating—and ultimately discouraging—blatant disregard for U.S. immigration laws.
You can be confident that I will continue doing all that is within my power to see that immigration remains at the top of Congress’s priorities. While our nation is deeply divided on this and other issues, it’s essential that Congress come together and work to see this issue resolved. I welcome your thoughts as we look for better ways to keep the government accountable to this nation’s Constitution and laws.
Protecting Our Nation and Supporting Our Troops
The U.S. military carries out one of the most important responsibilities of government— the protection and security of the American people and their interests. Our military service men and women are committed to securing our nation from those who wish to do us harm and serving our country across the globe. Since the horrific terrorist attacks against our nation on September 11, 2001, they continue to serve in harsh, unforgiving conditions, rooting out our enemies and helping to rebuild war-torn nations.
As we continue to combat terrorism abroad, we must make sure that our nation’s military men and women have the resources they need to pursue this dangerous enemy. Since coming to Congress, I have been fully committed to ensuring the needs of our men and women in the military are met and that the federal government’s commitments are fulfilled. I am proud to support the military men and women who have fought so valiantly in defense of our nation. Service members have made tremendous sacrifices to preserve our way of life, and the American people are indebted to the men and women who served our nation.
National Defense Authorization Act Community Project Funding Submissions for Fiscal Year 2022
Congressman Simpson has requested that the following project be considered for funding by the House Armed Service Committee in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. Further consideration of this legislation is expected later this summer.
Project Name: Medical Training Facility
Project Location: Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field), Idaho
Project Sponsor: 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho Air National Guard
Requested Amount: $6,500,000
Description: The 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho Air National Guard, requests $6,500,000 for the construction of a 10,550 square foot Medical Training Facility to provide administrative area, classrooms, laboratories, exam rooms, record storage, and mobility training storage for the 124th Medical Group. The project entails construction of a new building with site improvements to include pavements, utilities, communication support, as well as demolition of 3 sub-standard buildings/7,951 square feet on the site. This project will provide a facility that complies with patient privacy requirements and space authorized for military medical and training functions.
Preserving and Enjoying Idaho’s Public Lands
Idaho’s abundance of parks, forests, and public lands makes our state a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Nearly two-thirds of Idaho is public land, and as a life-long Idahoan I know the challenges that this creates for local governments. The federal government has the responsibility to be a good neighbor, rather than simply a burden on states and communities.
As a member of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for federal land management agencies like the Forest Service, the BLM, the National Park Service, and the Fish and Wildlife Service, I regularly work with these agencies to ensure that they are cooperating with citizens and local leaders in Idaho and using taxpayer resources wisely. In addition, I constantly work with my colleagues who are not from the West to educate them about the issues and challenges of living in a public land state.
Defending the Second Amendment
The Second Amendment to the Constitution reads: “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” I firmly believe this provision prohibits the federal government from denying citizens this right.
I will not support any legislation that requires a waiting period for the purchase of a firearm, bans the ownership of firearms, or promotes or requires the rationing or taxation of firearms or ammunition. Contrary to the claims of gun control advocates, gun ownership is not the source of our gun-related crime problem. Illegal firearms trafficking and our “revolving door” justice system are significant contributing factors. I will continue to support legislation to reform our justice system to impose stiff sentences on criminals who use a gun while committing a crime. Individuals must understand that criminal behavior will not be tolerated and will be met with grave penalties.
Supporting Idaho’s Small Businesses
Small businesses play a vital role in this country and in our state. They are the backbone of our nation’s economy, and Idaho depends on the innovative work of entrepreneurs to create jobs, develop new products and services, and spur our state on toward growth and prosperity. It’s the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to push our nation along at the cutting edge of technology and creativity.
One only has to glance at the statistics to see the phenomenal impact that entrepreneurs and small employers have on our economy. For example, small businesses employ half of all private sector workers in this country, creating between 60 and 80 percent of the new jobs in our economy over the past decade, and they make up 97 percent of all U.S. exporters. These trends continue, with more than 500,000 new small businesses starting up every year.
It is small businesses that will lead the way in turning the economy around, not the government. I will work non-stop to push back government interference on businesses, allowing them to make decisions that are good for their companies, good for economic growth and good for the livelihoods of individual citizens and families. Idaho is one of the most business-friendly places in our country, and I am committed to seeing that Idaho entrepreneurs and the businesses they build are given every opportunity to succeed. In our rapidly changing world economy, it’s vital that we make America a competitive place for innovative entrepreneurs to operate.
Simpson’s Boulder White Clouds Bill Signed by President
U.S. President Barack Obama signed into law Congressman Mike Simpson’s legislation creating three new Wilderness areas in Idaho. The legislation, The Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Jerry Peak Wilderness Additions Act (H.R. 1138), was signed August 7, 2015, in a signing ceremony at the White House.
“I am grateful to President Obama for his signature on this important legislation and humbled by the tireless work of countless Idahoans that led to its passage,” said Simpson. “The Boulder White Clouds area is now protected, in perpetuity, by the gold standard of preservation designations. I am proud that this was accomplished through a truly collaborative process that produced an Idaho solution to decades of conflict and debate. Without the work of our many partners in this process, and especially the tireless efforts of Senator Jim Risch, today’s signing would not have been possible.”
Specifically Simpson’s legislation will do the following:
Keeping Our Commitments to Seniors
I strongly believe that we have a responsibility, both as a society and as a nation, to care for our parents, grandparents, and neighbors as they advance in age. Like you, I believe that after a lifetime of working and paying taxes, our nation’s seniors should know that they will receive the benefits that they have paid for, both in Medicare and Social Security. I remain committed to protecting these programs both for those who are currently in or on the verge of retirement and for those who are paying into the system today and expecting to have benefits in the future.
Idahoans want to ensure that their aging loved ones will continue to be cared for throughout their lives. In the same way, all Americans want to make sure that their children and grandchildren inherit a better nation and world. I know that senior citizens depend on programs like Medicare and Social Security and reducing or eliminating benefits for senior citizens is not an option.
However, if we don’t do something to significantly reform programs like Medicare and Social Security, our children and grandchildren, many of whom are working today and investing in these programs, won’t see any benefits from this investment. We must take the steps necessary to ensure that these crucial programs continue to provide a safety net to those in need and security to those who depend on them in their daily lives.
Provide Tax Relief and Certainty to American Families
Fundamental tax reform is a critical component of any plan to address our nation’s debt crisis once and for all. If we truly want to get our budget deficit under control, we need to get our economy going again. Unfortunately, our tax system hampers economic growth, forcing the average American family to pay more in taxes than it spends on food, shelter, and clothing combined.
I strongly support providing tax relief to American families and those who create jobs and grow our economy, but I cannot support efforts that simply provide temporary relief or put Band-Aids on a system badly in need of overhaul. I believe a simpler, fairer tax structure would promote economic growth and empower families in Idaho to make the decisions that they believe are best for their family. The first order of business—and most effective course of action—should be to sunset the current complex and unfair federal tax code and replace it with a simple and fair alternative. I have cosponsored legislation to do so. A new tax code should provided tax relief for working Americans, protect the rights of taxpayers, reduce tax collection abuses, and eliminate disincentives for savings and investment.
Investing in Our Nation’s Transportation Infrastructure
On both a state and national level, our economy depends on an efficient and affordable transportation system. For centuries our transportation system has been the backbone of our economy, and we are indebted to the visionaries, like Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, and Dwight Eisenhower, who recognized the importance of a national transportation plan and had the courage to put that plan into action. Our ability to get goods to market and move people safely and efficiently from place to place has made our economy the greatest in world history. But today that system is aging, reaching the end of its life in many cases or being stretched beyond what was originally intended. Investing in our infrastructure is necessary for economic recovery and long-term, sustainable economic growth.
Supporting Our Veterans
Idaho is proud of our men and women in the active duty military and Idaho National Guard who are serving our country honorably at home and abroad and of the veterans who served our nation. We thank them for their great service to our nation, and we recognize the sacrifices that they and their families make to protect our freedoms and way of life. Just as they served our nation in its time of need, our country must remember them in their time of need. While I know the federal government has many challenges it must face in meeting its commitment to our nation’s veterans, I am proud of the work Congress has done to increase funding for veteran’s health care and to improve veteran’s benefits.
Protecting Our Precious Water Resources
In the West, we know how valuable water is to our economy and way of life. It is one of the most precious resources in our state, and deciding how it is used should be the responsibility of state and local officials who are familiar with the people and local issues, not handed over to a federal bureaucracy. As a member of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for land management agencies and the Environmental Protection Agency, I am working to ensure that communities have adequate resources to ensure that their citizens have access to clean, safe water without unnecessary burdens being placed on them by federal agencies.
The Wildfire Disaster Funding Act
One of the most significant pieces of legislation I’ve authored this Congress is a bill to fix the way we currently budget for wildfire suppression by treating catastrophic wildfires like other natural disasters. Currently, agencies like the Forest Service must borrow from non-fire accounts when fire suppression costs exceed the budget. “Fire borrowing” was intended to be an extraordinary measure, but as fire seasons have grown more destructive it has become common practice—and has created a devastating cycle that prevents agencies from doing needed hazardous fuels removal or timber harvests, leading to worse fires.
Many Idahoans, including myself, have called for better management of our forests, but until we reform the way we budget for wildfires, none of the actions we advocate—including thinning, timber harvesting, and active management—can consistently take place. My bill, H.R. 2862, the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act, would end the disruptive practice of fire borrowing and ensure that the way we budget for fires makes sense. As a result, we will be able to provide adequate funding for both wildfire suppression and land management practices that help to reduce the impacts of catastrophic wildfires in the future.
This bill has received national attention and strong bipartisan support, with 150 cosponsors in the 114th Congress from both sides of the aisle and a coalition of over 240 organizations lending it support. Below I have provided links to information about H.R. 2862, including more details about the bill, answers to FAQs, bill text, and a list of supporting organizations. Passing this legislation will have a significant and long-term impact on both our public lands and on our budget.
Simpson’s Boulder White Clouds Bill Signed by President
President Barack Obama signs legislation into law
Washington, Aug 7 |
U.S. President Barack Obama today signed into law Congressman Mike Simpson’s legislation creating three new Wilderness areas in Idaho. The legislation, The Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Jerry Peak Wilderness Additions Act (H.R. 1138), was signed earlier today in a signing ceremony at the White House.
“I am grateful to President Obama for his signature on this important legislation and humbled by the tireless work of countless Idahoans that led to its passage,” said Simpson. “The Boulder White Clouds area is now protected, in perpetuity, by the gold standard of preservation designations. I am proud that this was accomplished through a truly collaborative process that produced an Idaho solution to decades of conflict and debate. Without the work of our many partners in this process, and especially the tireless efforts of Senator Jim Risch, today’s signing would not have been possible.”
Specifically Simpson’s legislation will do the following:
Washington, Jan 29 |
Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has signed on as an original cosponsor of H.R. 594, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act, which would support the existing partnership between states and the federal government by preventing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers from redefining “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act. This bill addresses widespread concerns with the EPA proposed rule expanding its jurisdiction over water throughout the country. Congressman Simpson was also a cosponsor of this legislation when it passed the House of Representatives in the 113th Congress.
“This bill responds to some of the most troubling aspects of the EPA’s efforts to expand its jurisdiction,” said Simpson. “The EPA initially claimed that its rule would provide clarity and flexibility, unfortunately this is not the case. Idahoans have serious concerns about how the EPA may decide to interpret this rule in the future, thus causing even more uncertainty than they have now.”
The Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act expands on the achievements of House Republicans in the FY15 Cromnibus bill which included provisions restricting the application of the Clean Water Act in certain agricultural areas, such as soil and water conservation practices, from regulation.
“This bill recognizes that the EPA’s proposed rule undoes many existing and successful partnerships for cleaning up and maintaining our waterways, whether those are partnerships between farmers, ranchers, and conservationists or local, state, and federal governments,” said Simpson. “I think it’s an arrogant assumption on the part of the EPA to say that they alone should have such authority over every drop of water across the country.”
Simpson has long been a leader on this issue. As Chairman of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, he included similar language in the FY2015 House Energy and Water Appropriations Act and authored language in the FY2015 House Interior and Environment Appropriations Act to prohibit the agencies from finalizing the proposed rule.
Simpson, Labrador Introduce Agreement on Gateway West Transmission Line
Congressman Mike Simpson and Congressman Raul Labrador have introduced legislation to address the routing of the Gateway West Transmission Line, through the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA). The project – jointly proposed by Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power - will construct and operate 1,000 miles of high voltage transmission line across Wyoming and Idaho and creates more than 1,200 jobs and represents $3.5 billion in economic investment. The legislation is a compromise agreement between key stakeholders in Idaho including the State of Idaho, Idaho Power, and conservation organizations.
The compromise agreement will allow the transmission line to be routed using the preferred alternative of the Bureau of Land Management’s Resource Advisory Council (RAC) and is supported by the State of Idaho and Idaho Power. The agreement also includes land in the NCA being removed from NCA status and managed as BLM multiple use land. In exchange, the Birds of Prey NCA will receive enhanced mitigation and conservation measures and an additional 4,800 acres will be added to the NCA. These balanced conservation provisions were agreed to by key stakeholders.
“This agreement is a perfect example of collaboration resulting in a win-win solution,” said Congressman Simpson. “I applaud the Conservation Lands Foundation and Idaho Power for their pragmatic approach to a complex issue which will result in both savings for Idaho ratepayers and conservation benefits to the Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. I also appreciate the work of the BLM, who helped create this vision and will ultimately be tasked with the heavy lifting of implementation.”
“This bill represents the conclusion of years of hard work by stakeholders,” said Congressman Labrador. “The Gateway West project will have a significant positive impact on Idaho. I am looking forward to moving this bill through the Natural Resources Committee and working with Representative Simpson and our Senators to see this project to the finish line.”
The legislation was referred to the House Natural Resources Committee. The legislation is also supported by Idaho Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo who were instrumental in building consensus on the agreement.
“This legislation is the culmination of a common-sense, consensus agreement between state and local representatives to best provide for Idaho's energy needs and promote the region's energy infrastructure moving forward,” said Senator Risch. “I applaud Congressman Mike Simpson for taking the lead and introducing this bill in the House of Representatives and look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to enact this legislation into law. I also want to thank Idaho Power and the Conservation Lands Foundation for their work--finding a balanced solution that best suits Idaho.”
“This legislation is necessary to ensure the voices of local property owners and stakeholders are truly represented in the siting of this project,” said Senator Mike Crapo.
“The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area was designated in 1993 to protect the greatest concentration of nesting raptors in North America. It is extraordinary habitat,” stated Danielle Murray, Senior Director at the Conservation Lands Foundation. “This legislation expands protections for raptors and eagles while allowing for the development of much needed energy infrastructure. We thank BLM for all their work to protect this region and to Rep. Mike Simpson and Idaho Power for their willingness to engage with stakeholders to develop a sensible solution to a complex problem.”
"I'm grateful to Congressman Simpson and our delegation for helping advance an important economic development priority for Idaho," Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter said. "We have been working on the Gateway West transmission line throughout my tenure as governor. I'm hopeful that this legislation, along with the support of key stakeholders, will finally move this critical infrastructure improvement forward."
The agreement also has the support of key conservation groups in Idaho including the Idaho Conservation League, The Nature Conservancy, and The Wilderness Society.
"The Idaho Conservation League supports this solution to a difficult challenge,” said ICL Executive Director Rick Johnson. We appreciate the diligent work of Rep. Mike Simpson, Conservation Lands Foundation, and other partners to provide as close to a win-win solution as can be imagined. Personally, having worked on the creation of the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area with Rep. Larry LaRocco in 1993, I am pleased to see how this resolution further the goals of that designation and provides a forward path for our region's energy infrastructure."
Improving Healthcare for Idahoans
I was a dentist in Blackfoot, Idaho, for 22 years, and although I have left the profession, I remain interested and involved in health care issues. I believe there are a number of things Congress could do to make health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans. As a member of the Doctors Caucus, co-chair of the Oral Health Caucus, and a member of the House Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Subcommittee on Appropriations, I am working to implement improvements to our health care system that would be broadly supported on a bipartisan basis. In addition, as an appropriator, I am working to bring fiscal responsibility back into our health care system, which is enormously expensive not only for patients seeking care but also for taxpayers who pay to keep the system running.
Like many Idahoans, I am deeply concerned about rising health care costs for employers and consumers alike, indeed the cost of health care has skyrocketed over the past decade and continues to rise. Advanced medical technology and therapy, increased use of prescription drugs, inadequate cost containment and out of control liability costs have led to substantial price increases. In addition, escalating jury awards and the high cost of defending against lawsuits, even frivolous ones, have caused medical liability insurance premiums to reach unprecedented levels. Thus, a growing number of physicians can no longer afford or even find liability insurance. America is still blessed with the best health care system in the world, but we must keep working to make it available and truly affordable for everyone.
I voted against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) during the 111th Congress, legislation that represents the first step to a government takeover of the healthcare system. I am an original cosponsor of legislation to repeal the law. I have supported repeated efforts to repeal the law, and will continue working with my colleagues to repeal it and replace it with real market based reforms that will improve care and bring down cost.
In February 2019, Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID) and Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-WA) introduced the Land and National Park Deferred Maintenance (LAND) Act. The legislation would permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), create a new dedicated fund to address the Department of the Interior’s deferred maintenance backlog, and provide ten years of mandatory funding derived from energy revenues for both programs.
“Conserving land and water is vitally important to ensuring access to our public lands,” said Congressman Mike Simpson. “However, ensuring we take care of public lands is equally important. That is why I am proposing a solution that honors the commitment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund while creating a new fund to help our National Parks, and other land managers, address the maintenance backlog. These lands belong to all Americans and we owe it to ourselves to take care of them. This reasonable approach ensures we have the resources to conserve and maintain our treasured landscapes.”
“Growing up on the Olympic Peninsula, I’ve seen firsthand how our National Park and public lands have captivated visitors and created generations of jobs,” said Congressman Derek Kilmer. “But unfortunately, many of our most iconic landscapes and visitor experiences are falling into disrepair. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort that will be an economic boost to rural communities and keep our public lands accessible for future generations.”
The LWCF was established in 1964 to reinvest a small percentage of offshore oil and gas royalty payments in conservation projects to enhance access to our nation’s iconic outdoor spaces. Since it was first created, the LWCF has invested more than $18 billion in projects that support environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, and historic preservation. The LAND Act would permanently reauthorize LWCF, which expired last year, and authorize $450 million annually in mandatory expenditures for the next decade.
The bill would also authorize $450 million in mandatory expenditures annually for ten years to fund the National Park Service and Related Agencies Maintenance and Revitalization Conservation Fund. The current Department of Interior maintenance backlog, which includes National Parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuges, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Indian Education school construction, totals more than $18 billion.
For a link to the text click here.
“There’s overwhelming bipartisan support for making this long-overdue investment in the aging infrastructure within our national parks and public lands,” said Marcia Argust, director of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ project to restore America’s parks. “The legislation will help preserve historic treasures, protect visitor access, and sustain local economies and jobs.” Read more HERE
“Hunters and anglers are proud to support the bipartisan LAND Act, which sets aside funding to increase public access for outdoor recreation,” said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “This bill supports the permanent authorization of the successful Land and Water Conservation Fund and begins to address the massive maintenance backlog in our national parks. We want to thank Congressmen Simpson and Kilmer for their commitment to sportsmen and women across this country, and we look forward to advancing these priorities.”
“The Land and Water Conservation Fund is our most effective, successful program for conserving important lands and waters and providing public access great places to hunt, fish and recreate,” said Land Tawney, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers President and CEO. “The bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Simpson and Kilmer not only reauthorizes LWCF; it also increases to 3 percent funding earmarked for enhancing hunting and fishing opportunities on public lands. It’s consistent with other LWCF-focused legislation being considered, and Representatives Simpson and Kilmer deserve thanks for their leadership in addressing LWCF and the public land agencies’ maintenance backlog in a productive way.”
“Our National Parks and public lands are a unique attraction for travelers, both international and domestic. The LAND ACT, which will permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund and provide capital to address deferred maintenance at our National Parks, will help to ensure travelers have reliable and consistent access to our national parks," said Tori Barnes, Senior Vice President, Government Relations at the U.S. Travel Association. "We applaud Rep. Kilmer and Rep. Simpson for recognizing our national parks as a unique asset.”
“For years, our national parks have been dealing with a mounting backlog of repair needs, from crumbling roads and visitor centers, to outdated water systems built during World War II."Kristen Brengel, Vice President for Government Affair at National Parks Conservation Association states, "the LAND Act provides a dedicated investment to the important Land and Water Conservation Fund and provides a down payment to address the $11.6 billion in repair needs facing our national parks. Both have been priorities for National Parks Conservation Association and would provide our parks with the support and funding they need to improve and preserve these places for generations to come. We commend Congressmen Simpson and Kilmer for being stalwart, bipartisan champions for our parks.”