By Congressman Mike Simpson
Dear Friend,
It was a BIG week here in DC. I mentioned last week that my Fiscal Year 2026 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill advanced from the Subcommittee to the Full Committee. This week, I’m proud to announce that this legislation has advanced out of the Full Committee.
Also, in this legislation, I authored language that would name the Opera House at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts theatres after First Lady Melania Trump. I am proud of this effort to honor her support and commitment in promoting the arts and humanities.
Lastly, I’d like to highlight that this legislation ensures the out-of-touch Lava Ridge Wind Project is blown away. As Chairman, my goal is to ensure that no future renewable wind project gets as close to implementation as the Lava Ridge Wind Project did.
FY26 Interior & Environment Bill Advances
Advancing the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Act is the next step toward establishing American energy dominance, reversing harmful Biden-era regulations, and ensuring access to, and protection of, our public lands for recreation and hunting.
While reducing spending and rightsizing federal agencies, I am proud that this legislation directs critical funding where it is needed most. This includes fully funding the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program and prioritizing funding for Indian Country and Wildland Fire Management.
Naming Opera House at Kennedy Center after Melania Trump
First Lady Melania Trump serves as the Honorary Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Kennedy Center. Naming a theater after her is an excellent way to recognize her appreciation for the arts.
As Chairman of the House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee—which oversees federal funding for capital repairs and operations and maintenance at the Kennedy Center—I am proud to honor her support and commitment in promoting the arts and humanities. Read my exclusive in the Washington Reporter here.
Working to Ensure Lava Ridge is Blown Away
Like many Idahoans, I am grateful that President Trump signed an executive order to kill this project on Day One.
Now that we have an administration that has our backs, I am confident that Secretary Burgum understands Idahoans expect more out of the use of our public lands. The language included in my bill goes hand-in-hand with President Trump’s executive order. I look forward to working with the administration toward common-sense solutions. You can read more about this language here.
About Mike Simpson
An Idaho native, Mike Simpson was born in Burley and raised in Blackfoot. His political career began in 1980, when he was elected to the Blackfoot City Council. In 1984, he was elected to the Idaho Legislature where he served until 1998, the last six years serving as Speaker. Mike is currently serving his fourteenth term in the House of Representatives for Idaho’s second congressional district. Visit https://simpson.house.gov/ to learn more or find contact info.
