NEWSLETTER: Congressman Fulcher’s Legislative Update

By Cong. Russ Fulcher

It has been a busy few weeks on Capitol Hill and back home in Idaho. On July 4, 2025, H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was signed into law.

This legislation achieves what effectively will result in the single largest tax cut in American history for the American People, and bolsters border and military resources to keep our communities safe.

While I believe there are additional provisions that should have been included in the final bill, this legislation delivers significant wins for hardworking Idahoans, codifying key aspects of President Trump’s policy agenda into law. It promotes economic growth by stopping a 22% tax hike through the extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and it eliminates taxes on tips and overtime pay—a measure I introduced and have fought hard for. It will strengthen American energy and lower costs by expediting permitting processes. Additionally, H.R.1 will provide law enforcement and military personnel with the resources to finish the border wall, secure our homeland, and strengthen our national defense.

It was an honor to stand beside the President, Speaker Johnson, and congressional colleagues during this historic signing ceremony. To read my press release following the passage of this transformative legislation, click here.

Thank you for staying engaged, and I hope this e-newsletter provides a beneficial update on what my team and I have been working on as of late.

Legislation That Directly Impacts Idaho

Honoring our Veterans means ensuring dignity and respect in the care they receive from the VA.

I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Veteran Burial Timelines and Death Certificate Accountability Act.

This bill requires VA clinicians to provide timely, important documentation to the loved ones of Veterans within 48 hours of a death under natural circumstances.

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I am pleased to share the bipartisan Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act, H.R. 3657, has passed the House.

Hydropower is foundational to the Northwest’s energy system. I am proud to have co-led this bill, which will strengthen our nation’s energy portfolio to meet growing demand.

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I applaud President Trump’s action in issuing an Executive Order—which builds upon Congress’s H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—to terminate Biden-era wind and solar subsidies.

Idaho taxpayers should not be footing the bill for unreliable, expensive energy sources that strain our electric grid and are dependent upon parts from the United States’ top foreign adversary—Communist China.

Legislation With National Impact

A few weeks ago, I voted to advance the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act. This legislation includes an amendment I co-sponsored to ensure our incoming F-16s continue to have a steady supply of parts, reinforcing U.S. air superiority and readiness.

The United States has the most lethal, effective fighting force in the world—and this bill will ensure it remains that way.

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Congress’ $9 billion rescissions package represents a critical step toward restoring fiscal responsibility in D.C.

I voted yes on this legislation which was signed into law on July 24, 2025.

While this rescissions package is a start, more needs to be done to eliminate what we don’t need, streamline what we do, and set a higher bar for every taxpayer dollar spent.

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I voted to advance H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This legislation delivers for our country’s retired and active military personnel by:

• Providing critical updates to VA processes to ensure veterans receive timely care and benefit payments
• Protecting veterans’ Second Amendment rights by prohibiting the VA from sharing private information with the FBI without a judge’s consent
• Strengthening U.S. military readiness and effectiveness by investing in critical infrastructure and next-generation weapons systems

Taking care of those who served and safeguarded the freedoms we are blessed to enjoy in this nation will always remain a top priority for me in Congress.

Meetings & Media

Idaho was proudly represented at the Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C., by the talented Lewiston High School Marching Band.

More than 50 outstanding students were selected to participate, and they delivered a truly impressive performance on a national stage. It was a delight to meet these sharp, young musicians and hear about their experiences in our nation’s capital.

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Ranching is deeply embedded in the history and way of life in Idaho.

It was a pleasure to meet with the team at Agri Beef and tour the impressive facility at True West Beef, a company that has grown to support numerous family-owned and operated beef producers throughout our state. I am grateful for their time!

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Earlier this summer, I was honored to receive the Club for Growth’s Defender of Economic Freedom Award. Promoting limited government, pro-growth policies, and fiscal responsibility will always be top priorities for me in D.C.

I’m grateful for this recognition—and more determined than ever to keep fighting for free market principles that empower Idaho’s families, businesses, and entrepreneurs to thrive.

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It was a joy to meet and congratulate Idaho’s First District 2025 Congressional Art Competition winner, Naomi Payne.

Over the next year, Naomi’s eye-catching and detailed acrylic entitled Harvey will be proudly displayed in the U.S. Capitol representing the exceptional artistic talent of ID-01.

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!

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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