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.
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.