By Congressman Russ Fulcher
Recent events in the Middle East demonstrate how crucial it is to have strong leadership in the White House, acting decisively to protect the United States’ interests both here at home, and abroad.
I support President Trump’s action to neutralize the threat of a nuclear Iran, and commend U.S. military personnel for executing their mission with maximum precision.
Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. Through its support of proxy groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Shia militias, the Iranian regime has killed over a thousand Americans and spread violence all over the world. Iran has put neighboring nations at risk, and publicly declares that they want “Death to America.”
The Iranian regime’s repeated actions make one thing clear: it must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Thanks to this administration’s leadership, for now, that has been accomplished. As we all move forward during this time in history, I continue to pray for wisdom upon all leadership, and safety for Americans and our allies.
As always, it’s an honor to serve the people of Idaho’s First Congressional District. Thank you for staying engaged, and I hope this e-newsletter provides a beneficial update on the latest developments in the U.S. Congress regarding important legislation and what my team and I have been working on as of late.
Legislation That Directly Impacts Idaho
Recently, the National Police Association announced their public support for my legislation, the KEEP Act, which would eliminate the federal income tax on overtime pay.
This bill will help ensure our dedicated law enforcement officers—who go above and beyond to serve and keep our communities safe—take home more of what they earn. I am honored to have their backing.
To read more about their announcement, click here.
President Trump’s action to revoke the misguided 2023 Biden memorandum, which quietly laid the groundwork for breaching the Lower Snake River dams, puts a stop to an alarming effort to bypass Congress.
I applaud this decision for standing up and responding to those of us who called on the Administration to stop this reckless attempt to tear out critical infrastructure in the West!
For more information on this action, click here.
After seven years in Congress, it is clear to me what does not work: depending solely on the federal government to wisely manage the lands within Idaho’s borders and putting our trust in adversarial nations to provide necessary critical minerals and materials.
Now more than ever, encouraging local involvement to help manage Idaho’s expansive natural resources is critical.
I explain why in a recent op-ed in the Gem State Patriot. To read, click the link here.
A strong critical mineral supply chain is essential to national security.
I am very pleased to see Idaho-based Perpetua Resources secure the final federal permit needed for construction on the Stibnite Gold Project. Once operational, this site will be the only domestically mined source of antimony—a critical mineral used in advanced technology, defense, and energy products.
This project marks a major step forward in strengthening our national supply chain for critical minerals, while also driving economic growth in rural Idaho and addressing historical environmental concerns.
Legislation With National Impact
During National Police Week, the House passed multiple bills to ensure law enforcement around the country has the support and resources they need.
On Peace Officers Memorial Day, It was my honor to lay a wreath in remembrance of Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter from Ada County, Idaho, at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in D.C.
His dedication, service, and sacrifice to Idaho and our country will never be forgotten.
The ideology of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is fundamentally at odds with U.S. values.
I am proud to support H.R. 881 to prevent CCP-aligned Confucius Institutes from infiltrating our universities and having influence over America’s next generation of leaders.
I am pleased to see the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 clear the House and head to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
This legislation strengthens state and local aerial firefighting capabilities by allowing the Department of Defense to transfer excess aircraft and parts to firefighting agencies—a common sense solution to bolster wildfire suppression efforts.
The National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 has long imposed burdensome taxes and bureaucratic registration requirements that infringe on Idahoans’ constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
I am proud to co-sponsor Rep. Eric Burlison’s H.R. 335 to abolish the NFA and strip the ATF’s ability to enforce this gross infringement on our Second Amendment rights.
Meetings & Media
My no tax on overtime bill was originally inspired by a constituent’s comment at a coffee shop in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Last July, we introduced this historic legislation—the KEEP Act, H.R. 405 (H.R. 8938 in the 118th Congress)—and I am pleased to share that it was included in the House-passed reconciliation bill that will extend and expand upon President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in a deficit-neutral package.
I appreciate Eric Welch at the Bonner County Daily Bee for covering this subject.
Read the full story by clicking the link here.
Recently, I had the pleasure of touring the Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) Arena at the University of Idaho in Moscow.
This state-of-the-art facility, constructed with 100% Idaho wood, showcases the Gem State’s rich timber heritage and sets a precedent for sustainable building practices in large-scale construction.
Thank you to President Green and the University staff for your commitment to excellence and for providing our students and athletes with such an impressive venue!
On Capitol Hill, I had a terrific meeting with fellow Idahoan and U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz at a Western Caucus briefing.
We discussed the start of the wildfire season and how the Forest Service, under his leadership, is working to restore health to our nation’s beautiful forests and land.
I had the pleasure to see the “American Jazz” vessel welcome its first official passengers at the Port of Lewiston!
This marks an exciting new chapter for Idaho—one that brings together commerce, tourism, and education in a powerful way.
The Port of Lewiston is already a critical hub for trade, connecting our region to global markets and fueling the local economy. Now, with American Cruise Lines bringing visitors from across the country, we have an incredible opportunity to showcase the beauty, history, and importance of the West, especially the role of the Lower Snake River Dams. Thank you to the Port and American Cruise Lines for investing in our region and helping tell Idaho’s story to the world!
Casework Reminder
Since arriving in Congress, I am pleased to share that my terrific casework team has successfully returned over $20 million to hardworking Idahoans. This is money that was owed to constituents but was held up in a federal agency.
If you are a resident of Idaho’s First Congressional District and are unable to get a timely response from a federal agency, or if you feel you have been mistreated, please contact my office. We are here to serve you!
Your opinions, encouragement, and feedback are so important, and they do not go unheard. Each call, email, and letter are considered as I represent you and make decisions on important pieces of legislation.
I will send another update soon. In the meantime, I encourage you to keep in touch by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Sincerely,
Russ Fulcher
Member of Congress
About Russ Fulcher
Russ Fulcher is a fourth-generation Idahoan, grew up on a dairy farm in Meridian, Idaho. He was elected to Congress to represent Idaho's first congressional district in 2019 after serving in the Idaho State Senate for ten years. Visit https://fulcher.house.gov/ for more information or to find contact info.
