NEWSLETTER: Congressman Fulcher’s Legislative Update

By Congressman Russ Fulcher

December 17, 2025

Idahoans deserve affordable and flexible healthcare plans that meet their needs. Earlier this month, I introduced the Removing Insurance Gaps for Health Treatment (RIGHT) Act of 2025.

Current short-term limited-duration insurance (STLDI) plans only allow for coverage up to a total of four months. Four months is far too short a limit, posing undue stress and uncertainty on Americans who would otherwise be left without coverage.

My bill, the RIGHT Act, expands STLDI plans to a full year, with the option to renew for up to three years. This is a practical, no-cost approach that offers families more choice, control, and flexibility to select the healthcare options that work best for them. To read my press release following this bill introduction, click here.

We have a lot to cover. 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

In Idaho, our lands are a treasured part of our way of life, offering recreational opportunities, abundant resources, and natural beauty.

I sent a letter to Idaho’s Constitutional Officers, State Legislators, and County Commissioners underscoring the importance of encouraging local resource management, convening discussions on effective land-management practices moving forward, and safeguarding our lands for future generations of Idahoans. 

To read the full letter, please click here.

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Having a majority of Idaho’s lands under federal government control forces our rural counties to rely on federal programs—such as Secure Rural Schools (SRS)—to support infrastructure projects, schools, and critical community services.

Recently, the United States House of Representatives passed an effort to reauthorize SRS payment allocations. It’s important to note that this measure failed last year due, in part, to growing frustrations with Members of Congress from states without vast levels of federal land who see this program as a subsidy. And simply put, they don’t want to subsidize us anymore.

I am grateful to Speaker Johnson and House Republican Leadership for their collaborative efforts to get this measure on the House floor, and passed. However, a long-term solution is necessary, and I will continue to advocate for one in Congress that ensures Idahoans dictate Idaho affairs—not the federal government.

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Idaho has been a pioneer in harnessing the power of geothermal energy for over a century.

This clean, abundant resource has the potential to help meet the United States’ power demand, which is increasing at a historic rate due in part to AI and other technological advancements. However, current excessive federal government regulation is hindering the exploration and development of geothermal.

My bill, H.R. 5576, the Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act, streamlines that process, reducing unnecessary barriers and unlocking new opportunities to develop clean, reliable energy in the Gem State and across the West, helping to lower prices for consumers.

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Urban canals are vital to agriculture, irrigation, and the water needs of our communities.

Yet much of this critical infrastructure—some of it more than a century old—is in urgent need of repair.

The Urban Canals Modernization Act is a common-sense solution to help address these challenges and ensure our canals in Idaho and across the country get the updates they need. I am proud to be a primary co-sponsor.

Legislation With National Impact

I voted to support the release of the Epstein files.

Since day one, I have been clear that this needed to be done. As we move forward, I will continue to support the work being led by the House Oversight Committee to deliver continued and complete transparency to the American People, while also providing victims with necessary privacy protections.

To date, these efforts spearheaded by Chairman Comer have led to the release of approximately 65,000 documents from the Department of Justice and Epstein’s estate. It’s time to hold every individual who preyed on vulnerable young people fully accountable.

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Expanding the U.S.’s oil refining capacity is key to lowering prices at the pump.

The REFINER Act directs the National Petroleum Council to identify practical ways of growing this critical step in the energy supply chain process—reducing our reliance on foreign sources and helping keep fuel affordable for families.

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The House has passed legislation to codify 15 of President Trump’s executive orders through the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 NDAA.

This bill builds on the success of House Republicans’ landmark reconciliation package to deter adversaries with peace-through-strength policies.

The FY26 NDAA:

• Supports National Guard border efforts to stop the flow of deadly drugs into American communities
• Ends woke DEI programs at the Department of War
• Prohibits men in women’s sports at military academies
• Cuts $20B in obsolete weaponry
• Authorizes a 4% pay raise for enlisted servicemembers
• Advances the development of space defense technology to counter nuclear threats from China and Russia

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The House has also voted to overturn several Biden-era regulations that handcuffed U.S. energy production and led to higher prices at the pump for consumers.

H.J. Res. 130, H.J. Res. 131, and S.J. Res. 80 will advance President Trump’s agenda to re-establish American energy and mineral dominance, drive economic growth, support jobs, and deliver affordable energy to families.

I am proud to be a yes vote on these three legislative measures.

Media

Healthcare costs continue to rise at an astronomical rate, and throwing more taxpayer money at a broken system won’t solve the problem.

I firmly believe part of the answer is to encourage competition. Let the free markets do what they do best and help drive prices down.

It was great to sit down with Matt Todd, host of The Ranch Podcast, to discuss this and more during a busy legislative week in D.C. To watch this interview, 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,