Statement on the Passing of Former First Lady Barbara Bush

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following statement:

“Kathy and I send our love and prayers to the Bush family. Barbara Bush was a leader, a grandmother, a mother, a wife, and one of the most important figures in modern American history. Her strong presence inspired a family of public servants, and her own service to this country will live on through her legacy of advancing family literacy. She was a role model for all Americans and will be greatly missed.”

Federal Legislation Delivers Big Wins for Idaho Agriculture

By Congressman Mike Simpson

Washington, D.C. – “Idaho’s history of agriculture excellence is critical to our economy, accounting for 20% the state’s gross state product. With over 25,000 farms and ranches and 185 different commodities, it isn’t just Idaho that we are feeding – it is the world.

“No doubt that ideal climate conditions, irrigation systems, and generations of family farmers are responsible for this agriculture dominance. However, the state also needs cutting edge research and fair cooperation on reasonable rules and regulations for farmers and ranchers to succeed. The recently passed appropriations bill for fiscal year 2018 included big wins for Idaho agriculture. I was proud to champion many of these efforts so Idaho can continue to lead in agriculture production.   

“We don’t have to look any farther than our license plates to know the potatoes are world famous. The key to continuing this tradition is ensuring adequate funding for research that protects Idaho crops from disease. Included in the agriculture section of the appropriations bill is targeted funding to accomplish just that. Specifically there is increased funding for potato breeding research, plus additional money for a geneticist that accelerates the process for finding resistant potato varieties to combat some of the worst diseases that threaten not only annual harvests, but trade access with global partners.

“The bill also contains money for advancing wheat research that will assist farmers in updating the falling numbers test that has cost growers millions of dollars in discounts. The research will help us better understand the various causes of low falling numbers and how it impacts end-use products that almost every Idaho consumer buys at the grocery store.

“The livestock industry is also well represented through a vitally important bipartisan provision that exempts ranchers and dairy farmers from EPA reporting requirements. The provision clarifies that Congress did not intend for a law aimed at regulating toxic waste and superfund sites, to apply to agriculture operations. The bill also recognizes challenges livestock farmers and ranchers face through money to compensate losses due to livestock killed by wolves.

“Idaho’s dairy farmers also benefit from this bill through language that directs the FDA to develop a standard identity for dairy based products. The language is a good first step to solving the recent surge in mislabeled imitation products and compliments legislation I support known as the DAIRY Pride Act, which also has the backing of Idaho Senators Risch and Crapo.

“This is just a snapshot of the benefits to Idaho, but these provisions are important and helpful to Idaho’s agriculture future.”

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Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today applauded the House passage of H.R. 1625, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, which included monumental benefits for Idaho and Western States. 

“This is a comprehensive and responsible package that contains so many important provisions for Idaho and Western States,” said Simpson. “It is the product of this past year’s worth of thoughtful deliberation and line-by-line analysis of every program in the federal budget.  Funding our government through short term Continuing Resolutions is unsustainable, inefficient, and an irresponsible way to govern. Through this agreement, Congress has fulfilled its duty of keeping our government open, and while no one got everything they wanted in the final package, we have paved the way back to regular order in the weeks and months to come.”As Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and a senior member and former Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, Simpson had a key role in deciding funding levels for Department of Energy and Department of Interior programs, including the following highlights:   

Energy and Water Development

“The Energy and Water section of this bill reaffirms our nation’s commitment to nuclear energy and the Idaho National Laboratory,” said Chairman Simpson.  “It makes critical investments in advanced reactor and nuclear fuel R&D programs at the nation’s lead nuclear lab and funds much needed infrastructure improvements that will allow the world class researchers at the lab to continue their ground breaking work. This bill also makes significant investments in nonproliferation and grid security programs, where INL plays a leading role keeping our nation safe.”

The fiscal year (FY) 2018 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill sets funding for the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy at $1.2 billion, an increase of $188 million above fiscal year 2017.  Nuclear energy research and development programs that receive funding within the overall $1.2 billion allocation include:

·         The Idaho Facilities Management account, which covers infrastructure maintenance and improvement at INL, is funded at $294 million – an increase of $56.3 million above fiscal year 2017 and $90 million above the budget request. 

·         INL’s Safeguards and Security Program is funded at $133 million – an increase of $3.7 million over fiscal year 2017.

·         The Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies program is funded at $159 million – an increase of $44 million above fiscal year 2017. 

·         The Reactor Concepts Research, Development, and Demonstration account is funded at $237 million – an increase of $105 million above last year. Within the overall $237 million level for this account, $30 million is allocated to fuel qualification for the High Temperature Gas Reactor, and $60 million is for a solicitation to support technical, first-of-its-kind engineering and design and regulatory development of next generation light water and non-light water reactor technologies, including small modular reactors. 

·          The Light Water Reactor Sustainability program, which is managed by INL and promotes the continued safe operation of America’s existing nuclear reactors, is funded at $47 million – an increase of $7 million over last year.

·         Within the Fuel Cycle Research and Development program, the Advanced Fuels program is funded at $125 million—a $57 million increase from fiscal year 2017; and Used Nuclear Fuel Disposition research and development is funded at $86.4 million.

Other vital priorities funded within the Energy and Water division include: 

·         Within the Office of Naval Reactors, the bill includes $85.5 million for the operation of the Advanced Test Reactor to accelerate planned reliability-related infrastructure upgrades, and $198 million is included for the Spent Fuel Handling Recapitalization Project.·         Within the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, the bill includes $10 million to complete the development of an industry-scale Electric Grid Test Bed program to enhance existing full-scale electric grid testing capabilities like those at Idaho National Laboratory.

·         Within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, $25 million is included for energy efficient mobility systems and over $15 million for the Lab’s bioenergy program, and $9 million for the integrated energy systems.

·         Provides significant investment in cyber security grid protection work that the Idaho National Laboratory leads. 

·         A provision to allow recharge of the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer during flood releases and high flow events at the Palisades Reservoir. 

The bill also provides $434 million for cleanup activities associated with the Idaho Cleanup Project and the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project co-located on the Idaho desert with INL, an increase of $52 million over fiscal year 2017.  The funding level of $434 million will allow the significant cleanup activities currently underway to continue and includes $10 million to demolish excess facilities and infrastructure in order to reduce overall maintenance costs. In addition, the bill includes language in the House mark directing the Department to fully investigate alternatives for new missions at the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project.  Finally, the bill includes an additional $5 million for the National Spent Fuel Program, putting the unique expertise of INL to work in order to provide solutions for managing the Department of Energy’s inventories of spent nuclear fuel. 

Interior and Environment

“The Interior portion of the Omnibus contains provisions that are critical to Idaho,” said Simpson. “I am thrilled to see a fix to fire borrowing included. I have been working on this issue since 2013 and it is long past due that fires are treated like other natural disasters. I am also pleased to see vital funding for PILT and SRS which our rural counties need. Notably, this bill recognizes the late Governor Andrus by naming the White Clouds Wilderness after him. A well-deserved honor for a man who dedicate his life to public service.”

·         Includes a fix to fire borrowing which Congressman Simpson has championed since 2013. It also includes forest management reforms that are also critical to preventing catastrophic wildfires.
·         Includes Congressman Simpson’s bill to rename the White Clouds Wilderness after former Idaho Governor Cecil D. Andrus.
·         Provides $3.8 billion in wildfire fighting and prevention programs which fully funds the 10 year average for wildfire suppression costs at the Forest Service and Department of the Interior. There is also an additional $500 million for the Forest Service suppression operations.
·         Includes full funding of the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which compensates counties for the losses in property tax as a result of a high percentage of federal land.  Idaho counties received $30,054,704 in PILT funding for FY17.
·         Reauthorizes Secure Rural Schools (SRS) which, similar to PILT, provides an alternative source of education funding for counties with a high percentage of national forests.  This program also fulfills the federal government’s responsibility to counties with tax-exempt federal lands.
·         Provides $614 million for hazardous fuels reduction activities—a $50 million increase over FY17.

·         Retains cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and specifically reduces the regulatory programs by over $20 million and prioritizes funding for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan fund, which states and local governments use for water infrastructure projects.

·         Relieves livestock operations of EPA permitting requirements similar to bipartisan legislation Congressman Simpson cosponsored.
·         Prohibits the EPA from making changes to certain agricultural exemptions under the Clean Water Act.
·         Provides $1 million to compensate ranchers for livestock killed by wolves.
·         Language which prevents listing of sage grouse as an endangered species and adequate funding for sage grouse conservation.
·         Directs EPA, U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA), and DOE to establish clear policies regarding the carbon neutrality of biomass which is an important energy source and part of an all of the above energy strategy.
·         Continues language making litigation costs more transparent and extending requirements that litigants exhaust administrative review before litigating grazing issues in Federal court.
·         Provides a $185 million increase for the National Park Service to help reduce the deferred maintenance backlog. This is one of the largest increases NPS has received to address the $11.6 billion maintenance backlog. Congressman Simpson also introduced standalone legislation to address this issue.
·         Includes funding for Native American communities to help improve infrastructure and health care needs.
·         Language that directs the Bureau of Land Management to work with the State of Idaho regarding aquifer recharge.

Agriculture

“Whether it is resources for our farmers and ranchers or research that guarantees a safe and efficient food supply, USDA plays a vital role in Idaho,” said Congressman Simpson. “The bill also includes language that allows for the Dubois Sheep Station to remain open and work in a collaborative manner on a long term plan for future research.”
·         Provides funding for the USDA Rural Utilities Service Circuit Rider program which helps fund rural communities to provide safe and affordable drinking water.
·         Provides funding for National Institutes of Food and Agriculture potato and wheat research.
·         Continues previous years’ language authored by Congressman Simpson that blocks the President’s proposed closure of the U.S. Sheep Experimental Station in Dubois, Idaho.
·         Language directing the FDA to develop a standard identity for dairy based on existing standards which is similar to Congressman Simpson’s bipartisan DAIRY Pride Act.

Defense

“For years we have heard from our military leaders that defense spending is not keeping pace with increased demands on our military,” said Simpson.  “As lawmakers, it is our responsibility to ensure that our troops have the resources they need to complete every mission and anticipate new threats.  At $654.6 billion for defense spending, this bill does the work towards making critical investments in our nation’s military and safeguarding our American way of life.”

This is the biggest year-to-year increase in defense funding in 15 years.
·         Fully funds a 2.4% pay raise for our troops.
·         Includes an additional $221.7M above the request for additional end strength.
·         Directs $103M for A-10 wing replacements.

Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education

“Impact Aid is vitally important across the state of Idaho, providing support for schools and tax relief for local communities.  I am pleased that this bill honors our commitment to federally-impacted schools by increasing funds for Impact Aid programs,” said Congressman Simpson. “The Labor H bill contains life-saving research funding by substantially increasing NIH to continue their important initiatives. Most of this money flows out to universities like Boise State, Idaho State, and University of Idaho, who conducts the biomedical research that ultimately saves lives.”

·         Includes $1.41 billion for Impact Aid, an $85 million increase for education programs that benefit Idaho schools and counties.
·         Provides for a $3 billion increase to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to continue lifesaving research initiatives
·         Provides funding to address the nation’s opioid addiction crisis through prevention and treatment initiatives.  

The House passed H.R. 1625 by a vote of 256-167, and it will be considered by the U.S. Senate tomorrow.  Links to the full bill text and reports can be found here.

For bill-by-bill summaries, please visit:

Agriculture Appropriations Bill –

https://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/03.21.18_fy18_omnibus_-_agriculture_-_summary.pdf

Commerce/Justice/Science Appropriations Bill –

https://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/03.21.18_fy18_omnibus_-_commerce_justice_science_-_summary.pdf

Department of Defense Appropriations Bill –

https://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/03.21.18_fy18_omnibus_-_defense_-_summary.pdf

Energy and Water Appropriations Bill –

https://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/03.21.18_fy18_omnibus_-_energy_and_water_-_summary.pdf

Financial Services Appropriations Bill –

https://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/03.21.18_fy18_omnibus_-_financial_services_-_summary.pdf

Homeland Security Appropriations Bill –

https://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/03.21.18_fy18_omnibus_-_homeland_security_-_summary.pdf

Interior/Environment Appropriations Bill –

https://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/03.21.18_fy18_omnibus_-_interior_-_summary.pdf

Labor/Health and Human Services/Education Appropriations Bill –

https://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/03.21.18_fy18_omnibus_-_labor_health_and_human_services_-_summary.pdf

Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill –

https://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/03.21.18_fy18_omnibus_-_legislative_branch_-_summary.pdf

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill-

https://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/03.21.18_fy18_omnibus_-_milcon_va_-_summary.pdf

State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill –

https://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/03.21.18_fy18_omnibus_-_state_foreign_operations_-_summary.pdf

Transportation/Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill –

https://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/03.21.18_fy18_omnibus_-_THUD_-_summary.pdf

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Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson applauded inclusion of a fire borrowing fix and forestry reforms in the Omnibus Appropriations bill. Simpson has long championed a fix to fire borrowing having authored the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act which would treat wildfires like other natural disasters. The Omnibus includes the core principles of this bill by addressing the rising cost of fire suppression and a budget mechanism to provide parity with other natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes.

“The FY18 Omnibus spending bill might be one of the most critical pieces of legislation for western members I have seen since coming to Congress,” said Congressman Simpson. “I am thrilled this Omnibus provides a solution to fire borrowing. It has been my top legislative priority for years and by including this in the Omnibus, the Forest Service will be able to complete their maintenance and prevention work without fear of losing those dollars to suppression. It is long past due that wildfires in the west receive equal treatment with other natural disasters and this bill delivers the necessary budget changes to stop the dangerous practice of fire borrowing that has led to catastrophic wildfires in Idaho and throughout the west. I would like to thank Chairman Calvert and his counterparts on Interior Appropriations for prioritizing these important provisions. I would also like to thank Congressman Schrader and Senators Crapo and Wyden who have been champions of the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act since I began this effort in 2013.”

The legislation also includes several important forest management reforms that will allow the Forest Service and Department of the Interior to accomplish more prevention and management, which also helps reduce wildfires. Specifically, the Omnibus includes a fix to the disastrous court ruling known as the Cottonwood decision that has resulted in vegetative management projects and millions of board feet being put on hold. Congressman Simpson introduced the Litigation Relief for Forest Management Act last year, which is bipartisan legislation that would resolve the Cottonwood case. Similar language was included in the Omnibus spending bill.

“The forest management reforms in this bill will give land managers the tools they need to get the job done,” added Simpson. “The Cottonwood decision is a concern I heard from the local Forest Service on the ground, all the way up the Secretary of Agriculture as a barrier that stands in the way of improving the health of our federal forests. This is a serious problem that needed to be addressed, and this bill solves that issue as well.”

The Omnibus also addresses support for rural counties by fully funding Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and reauthorizing Secure Rural Schools (SRS). This vital funding supports county budgets for the most critical of needs such as roads and schools.

A group of eight senators and two representatives introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill that will use revenues from energy production on federal lands to help pay for the over $11 billion maintenance backlog at our national parks.

The senators – U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Angus King (I-Maine), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) Joe Manchin (D- W.Va.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Representatives Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) and Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) have been working with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on the National Park Restoration Act, which will help restore and rebuild roads, buildings, campgrounds, trails and water systems in the country’s national parks for the next generation of visitors.

“As someone who loves public lands and our National Parks, I am thrilled to be joining Senator Alexander, Senator King, Congressman Schrader, and Secretary Zinke to propose a solution to fixing the backlog maintenance,” said Representative Simpson. “Growing up in Yellowstone’s backyard, it is important that we pay it forward to future visitors that deserve the same quality experience as past generations.  There are many people who deserve credit for bringing this issue to the forefront and I look forward to working with them to advance legislation that fixes our Parks.”

“This legislation will help address the over $11 billion maintenance backlog at our national parks, including the $215 million backlog of projects in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” Senator Alexander said. “The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of America’s greatest treasures – and it has a tremendous economic impact in East Tennessee, attracting nearly twice the visitors of any other national park. Addressing the maintenance backlog will help attract even more visitors and create more jobs for Tennesseans. We must continue to work together to find solutions to the many challenges facing our public lands, and this legislation takes an important step toward doing that.”

National Parks and recreation areas,” said Representative Kurt Schrader. “Our ability to enjoy and appreciate that natural beauty is limited when upkeep on our federal lands isn’t sufficiently funded allowing critical maintenance to fall by the wayside. Not only does that impact our enjoyment of the land, but it poses serious risks to the protection of these areas and hurts our communities that rely on the economic benefit from visitors. Currently, our national parks are in dire need of maintenance with a more than ten billion dollar backlog. Our bill provides an innovative solution by creating the National Park Restoration Fund which will provide mandatory funding from unutilized resources already available to us, to bring that backlog down and ensure our National Park System is well and safely kept for generations to come.”

“For more than a century, our national parks have inspired and amazed countless visitors,” said Senator King. “Unfortunately, these parks don’t take care of themselves – they need maintenance to ensure that future generations can experience the same wonder that so many Americans already have. This bill is a practical step to help clear the existing maintenance backlog, and protect these treasured lands for years to come.”

The National Park Restoration Act:

·         Creates the National Park Restoration Fund to provide mandatory funding for the high-priority deferred maintenance needs that support critical infrastructure and visitor services at our national parks.

·         Provides mandatory funding for the maintenance backlog on top of annual appropriations for operations and construction at the National Park Service.

·         The fund receives 50 percent of onshore and offshore revenues from energy production on federal lands over expected amounts that are not already allocated to other purposes.

·         Protects payments to states, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Reclamation Fund, and all other existing uses of onshore and offshore revenues. These existing uses will receive all of their funding before the National Park Restoration Fund receives any funding.

The backlog of infrastructure projects at our national parks can limit access and impair visitor experiences and recreation opportunities, and without additional funding, the backlog could continue to grow. The National Park Service (NPS) maintenance backlog is nearly four times what NPS receives in annual appropriations. In Fiscal Year 2017 the NPS’ deferred maintenance needs were $11.6 billion – that same fiscal year, NPS received $2.9 million in annual appropriations.

President Trump and Secretary Zinke have made addressing the growing maintenance backlog a top priority. 

Last night, the House overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan Action for Dental Health Act (H.R. 2422), co-authored by Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust Chair, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL), and Congressman and dentist Mike Simpson (R-ID). It received 387 yes votes.

This legislation targets crucial federal dollars to organizations that provide oral health care to underserved populations, especially seniors, children and those living in rural and urban communities. Without spending additional dollars, the bill increases oral health care access by strengthening the impact of existing resources.

“Unfortunately, too many Americans lack access to oral health care because of cost or a lack of dentists in their area. This bill starts to change that by making oral health care more accessible,” Congresswoman Kelly said. “In a time of a deeply divided Congress, I’m glad that Congressman Simpson and I could put forward a bipartisan bill that would win the support of hundreds of our colleagues.”

“I am thrilled with the overwhelming bipartisan support for the Action for Dental Health Act,” Rep. Simpson said. “With House passage today, we are advancing a solution to better utilize resources to improve early diagnosis, intervention and preventive treatments which can stop the progress of oral diseases. I would like to thank Congresswoman Kelly for her work on this legislation and I look forward to seeing this advance in the Senate.”

In practice, the legislation will reduce the number of oral health emergency room visits, which are often expensive, not comprehensive and only address dental conditions in late stages. By increasing access to care, issues can be addressed more efficiently and before extensive damage to overall health.

The Action for Dental Health Act has received the endorsement of the American Dental Association, the National Dental Association, the American Dental Education Association and many other organizations. The legislation now advanced to the Senate.

The Idaho Congressional Delegation today announced its 2018 Service Academy Days across Idaho.  Each Service Academy Day session offers students, parents, and counselors the opportunity to meet with liaisons, cadets, and midshipmen from each of the nation’s respective service academies and provides an opportunity for questions.  Staff from Idaho’s four Congressional delegation offices will be on hand to answer questions about the application process for students who are seeking a nomination to our service academies.

This year, the United States Military Academy at West Point; the U.S. Naval Academy; the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy will all be represented at each event.  While a Congressional nomination is not needed to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, representatives will also be in attendance.

Following are the details of each the Service Academy Day:

Thursday, March 01, 2018
Central Idaho
6:00pm-8:00pm
Lewiston High School
1114 9th Avenue
Lewiston

Thursday, March 08, 2018
North Idaho
6:00pm-8:00pm
North Idaho College
Edminster Student Union Building
495 College Drive
Coeur d’Alene

Saturday, April 07, 2018
South Idaho
1:00pm-3:00pm
Gowen Field
Auditorium B440
Boise
NOTE: Picture ID Is required for entrance to the base.

Saturday, April 14, 2018
Pocatello
1:00pm-3:00pm
Pocatello Armory
10714 Fairgrounds Road
Pocatello

Students who wish to learn more about applying for a military academy nomination but are unable to attend one of the Academy Day events are invited to contact any of the following Academy coordinators for information:

Karen Roetter
Sen. Mike Crapo’s Office
Karen_Roetter@Crapo.senate.gov
(208) 644-5490

Frances Hasenoehrl
Sen. Jim Risch
(208) 743-0792
Frances_Hasenoehrl@Risch.senate.gov

Linda Culver
Congressman Mike Simpson
(208) 734-7219
Linda.Culver@mail.house.gov

Judy Morbeck
Congressman Raul Labrador
(208) 667-0127
Judy.Morbeck@mail.house.gov

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson released the following statement after the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 4134 by unanimous consent. The bill would name the White Clouds Wilderness after former Idaho Governor and Secretary of the Interior, Cecil D. Andrus.

“I am very grateful to Chairman Bishop and the Committee for passing legislation to honor the late Governor Andrus,” said Simpson. “Governor Andrus meant so much, to so many in Idaho. So do the White Clouds. It is only fitting that this iconic land in Idaho is forever tied to the man who dedicated his public service to protecting it. Today is an important first step in renaming the White Clouds after Governor Andrus.”

Congressman Simpson introduced H.R. 4134 following the passing of Governor Andrus in August, roughly two years after Simpson’s Boulder White Clouds bill was signed into law.

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following statement after President Trump’s State of the Union.

“In today’s divided political climate it may seem difficult to find consensus. However, it is undisputable that the American economy is strong and on the rise. President Trump signed into law the largest tax reform policy in more than three decades and the results have been overwhelming. Businesses all over the world are investing and reinvesting in America, and families are keeping more of their hard-earned money in their pockets through bonuses, increased wages, added benefits, stock options, and lower utility bills.

“I was very glad to hear the President’s emphasis on addressing our massive infrastructure needs. Whether it be our water and sewer systems, our roads and bridges, public lands, or our national grid, we have long been the beneficiaries of investments that our forefathers made.  It is our job to maintain this backbone of our economy for future generations.

“In the past year, the President and Congress have rolled back thousands of pages of burdensome regulations that have stifled American innovation and job creation. This is a key part of our economic success, and will also be crucial in ensuring infrastructure projects can be completed in an efficient and cost effective time frame.

“There is still more work to be done on many issues, including immigration, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and the Administration to address the most pressing issues our nation faces.”

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee Chairman, issued the following statement addressing the recent announcement of House Appropriations Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen’s retirement.

“Rodney is an incredible legislator and a close friend who I will miss very much.  It has been an honor to serve with him and as a member of his committees these many years. Under Chairman Frelinghuysen’s leadership and dedication, the House Appropriations Committee has completed our business by passing all of our FY 18 appropriations bills. He can get things done.”

“I have been asked many times if I would be interested in a larger role on the committee someday.  My response has always been and remains that it is something I will seriously consider.  For now, we should be grateful for the years of service that Rodney and his family have given his district and our country.  He will be missed very much.”