NEWSLETTER: Congressman Fulcher’s Legislative Update

By Congressman Russ Fulcher

Over a month ago, the House did its job—passing a clean, 24-page funding package that paid our troops, wildland firefighters, TSA agents, and Forest Service workers.

Since then, the Senate minority has voted this measure down 14 times to demand $1.5 trillion in new spending, including $193 billion for taxpayer-funded healthcare for non-citizens—a fiscal non-starter for a country already $38 trillion in debt.

This partisan counterproposal is entirely unreasonable, and my Democrat colleagues know it. I urge them to end the political theatre. It’s time to get the government back open for the American People.

Please note that despite the temporary federal government shutdown, my offices remain open. We are here to serve the People of Idaho, and that work has not stopped. For more information and resources, click here.

As always, 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

Agriculture is deeply woven into Idaho’s way of life. I will continue to work with President Trump and his administration to ensure the policies coming out of D.C. have the backs of our farmers and ranchers.

In Congress, here are some legislative issues I am supporting that deliver wins for Gem State producers.

• Death Tax Repeal Act – Ends an unfair tax that hurts Idaho family farms and ranches.
• New World Screwworm Preparedness Act of 2025 – Combats New World Screwworm that can infect cattle.
• Grazing for Wildfire Risk Reduction Act – Encourages grazing to reduce wildfire risk.
• Supporting Farm Operations Act – Ensures producers have the resources to succeed.
• Grizzly Bear State Management Act – Returns wildlife management decisions back to the states.
• Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025 – Protects livestock from predators.
• H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cut (OBBBA) – Provides meaningful tax relief for hardworking Idahoans.

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U.S. energy demand is increasing rapidly.

I voted yes on H.R. 3015 and H.R. 3062. These bills will expand America’s cross-border energy infrastructure to support trade and reinforce grid reliability by prioritizing baseload power sources.

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I have questions and concerns regarding the recent announcement of the potential Qatari Air Force presence at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.

To that end, I have formally requested details from the Secretary of War and the administration. I have also provided Idaho lawmakers, who inquired about the matter further, a letter with my current understanding of the agreement.

While I have confidence in this administration, additional information is needed—and necessary—to ensure the best interests of Idahoans. To read the letter, click here.

Legislation With National Impact

Americans’ Second Amendment rights should not be put on hold because Senate Democrats continue to block efforts to reopen the government.

While I’ve proudly signed onto legislation to eliminate both the National Firearms Act (NFA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), they remain an unfortunate reality for now. That’s why I joined my colleagues in the House in calling on the ATF to bring NFA application examiners back to work—which they have now agreed to do.

Lawful Americans should not be denied their constitutional rights due to partisan gridlock.

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In recent years, Democrat-controlled states have attempted to wage a regulatory assault on certain types of energy, like natural gas.

I am proud to co-sponsor the Energy Choice Act, H.R. 3699, to ensure every American continues to have access to affordable and reliable energy sources that fit their needs.

Media & Meetings

I am grateful for a successful and productive Western States Automotive Conference in Coeur d’Alene.

The auto industry is a significant driver of Idaho’s success. In Congress, I will continue to work on legislative solutions that get the federal government out of the way of industry innovation.

From bills like the CARS Act of 2025 and the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, these measures protect consumer choice and prevent the EPA from enforcing vehicle emissions regulations that limit the availability of cars based on engine type.

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We had thousands join our October ID-01 telephone town hall.

The wealth of information, feedback, and encouragement I receive through these forums is invaluable as I represent you and make decisions on important legislation in D.C.

To all of you who take the time to join, thank you! We will be hosting another one soon. Once those details are solidified, I will share them with you here.

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The Senate minority is using the government shutdown as a stage to push partisan, politically advantageous policies—regardless of the fiscal harm a closed government has on the U.S. and the uncertainty it burdens the American People with.

I joined Boise’s Joe Parris live from Washington, D.C., to discuss how we got here and what the shutdown means for Idahoans. To watch, click here.

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It was a pleasure to join Rep. Eric Burlison and Eric Teetsel in Washington, D.C., to discuss the government shutdown and my One Subject at a Time Act legislation.

H.R. 4324 would focus every bill federal legislators consider on a single subject, ensuring each topic receives a separate vote—exactly how it is done in Idaho.

To watch our conversation, click here.

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