By Cong. Mike Simpson
Dear Friend,
It was a busy week here in Washington that consisted of meetings, markups, and voting on critical bills. But first, I’d like to address the horrific news that has devastated our nation. I join Americans nationwide in mourning the loss of Charlie Kirk, an American hero who believed in the power of free speech and debate. I mentioned this in my Washington update, but whether it was the tragic shooting in Colorado, the sickening shooting of Charlie Kirk, or the evil murder of the University of Idaho students, murder is murder. This should be condemned in every way, and I have been very disappointed to see some of the reactions circulating online.
This week, the House voted on two critical bills that are highlighted below. First, we passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which is one of the most important bills Congress votes on each year. From supporting our troops and their families to protecting our homeland from adversarial threats, the NDAA is critical to strengthening our military and deterring our enemies.
Second, we passed the Illegal Entry Act – also known as Kate’s law- which would amend federal law to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for an illegal alien who has multiple convictions, or a conviction for an aggravated felony. More information on these bills is below.
Rest in Peace, Charlie Kirk
May God be with Charlie Kirk’s family. Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Every American should be outraged. Political violence has become far too common. This week’s sickening assassination must be condemned at every level. The radical rhetoric fueling this political mental illness must stop now.
Advancing President Trump’s Peace Through Strength Agenda
After Congress and President Trump made historic investments in our national defense earlier this year, I am pleased that the NDAA builds on the strong commitments of the Trump administration’s policy goals to support our troops and implement a peace through strength agenda.
Highlights of the bill include:
✅Codifies all or part of 15 executive orders and 30 legislative provisions requested by the Trump Administration, including the entirety of the administration’s efforts to end left-wing ideology, wokeism, and DEI in the military.
✅Saves taxpayers over $20 billion, including $15 billion in DOGE-initiated savings assumed in President Trump’s budget request.
✅Builds on the FY25 NDAA to improve servicemember quality of life, including supporting the Trump Administration’s 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers and reauthorizing and expanding military bonuses and special pay.
Imposing Stricter Restrictions on Illegals Who Reenter the United States
Despite illegal reentry into the United States after removal being a federal crime, the southern border and the rule of law were abused for four years under the Biden administration’s open-border policies. The lack of consequences and open borders gave a green light to murderers, cartel members, and human smugglers to enter our country.
The Trump administration is continuing to restore the rule of law by diligently removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from our country. There should be serious consequences for criminal illegal aliens who repeatedly reenter the United States after being removed. You can read more about this bill 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.
