By Cong. Mike Simpson
Dear Friend,
The August District Work Period is in full swing! But, before I get into that, I’d like to highlight the big Idaho WIN from earlier this week – the Department of Interior’s decision to cancel the approval of the out of touch Lava Ridge Wind Project. This follows my fiscal year 2024 language that was signed into law to re-evaluate the Biden administration’s reckless decision. I am pleased to see this officially move forward.
Being on the ground with Idahoans is a critical part of the District Work Period. I had the opportunity to speak with the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, host a roundtable discussion with Idaho’s farmers and ranchers, and celebrate the 60th annual Shoshone-Bannock Festival with tribal leaders in Fort Hall. Overall, it was a productive week filled with valuable conversations with Idahoans.
In case you missed it: This week marked one decade of celebrating the Boulder White Clouds. Passing this legislation has been one of my proudest accomplishments in Congress, but I’m even prouder of how it came together. You can read my full op-ed on this milestone here.
Goodbye, Lava Ridge! 👋
Idahoans have spoken loud and clear over the last few years: the Lava Ridge Wind Project has no place in our state. This decision confirms that common sense and the will of the people prevailed.
President Trump heard us, and showed that Idahoans’ voices matter. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, I’ve fought hard to stop this out of touch project by using every tool at my disposal. I’m grateful to President Trump, Secretary Burgum, and to the many Idahoans who stood up and made their voices heard. You can read more about my previous actions against the Lava Ridge Wind Project here.
Discussing the OBBB with the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
I was honored to speak with the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce and answer some of Idahoans’ questions regarding the One Big Beautiful Bill.
More than anything, this bill delivers on the promises Republicans and President Trump made to the American people. It’s a great bill – I was proud to support it.
Roundtable Discussion with Farmers and Ranchers
President Trump has always stood with our farmers, and I believe he is the only president with the courage to lead in securing a legal workforce. I had a great roundtable discussion with the Idaho Farm Bureau about this and some of the WINS in the One Big Beautiful Bill for Idaho farmers and ranchers.
Read my recent op-ed regarding securing a stable, legal workforce for American agriculture 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.
