THE SIMPSON STANDARD: February 22nd, 2026

By Congressman Mike Simpson

Dear Friend,

It was a great week in Idaho’s Second District. I mentioned in last week’s edition that my office was gearing up to host a Veterans Resource Fair. I was grateful to meet with some of Idaho’s heroes at the fair. Check out what the Veterans Resource Fair means to Idahoans here.

Yes, it’s that time of year again – it’s tax season. In addition to preventing the largest tax hike in American history, President Trump and House Republicans are providing real relief for families. We locked in the doubled Standard Deduction and further boosted it to $31,500 for families. This is just one of the many tax relief wins in the Working Families Tax Cuts. Learn more below!

Another week, another community funding project highlight. This week, I’m proud to highlight the funding I secured for the Idaho Water Center Project in Boise. This funding will support the Idaho Water Center, equipping it to gather vital water quantity and quality data for future water use. Funding for this project, along with fourteen other community funding projects, has been signed into law by President Trump. 

Delivering for Hardworking Idaho Families

Idahoans and Americans will be keeping MORE of what they EARN thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts. Earlier this week, I attended a roundtable hosted by the United States Chamber of Commerce and the Pocatello Chamber to discuss this legislation, which is now the Law of the Land.

This legislation may have been the most important vote I’ve cast since coming to Congress. I have spoken with Idaho seniors who receive Social Security and will pay no federal tax on their benefits, with Idaho farmers who will no longer be burdened by the death tax on family-owned farms and ranches, and with Idaho parents who will benefit from the permanent increase to the Child Tax Credit. 

Strengthening American Manufacturing

I enjoyed touring the Teton Toyota and Volkswagen in Idaho Falls to discuss some MAJOR tax relief wins in the Working Families Tax Cuts, including a $10,000 deduction on auto loan interest for cars made in America. The deduction is effective for tax years 2025 through 2028.

Fun fact(s): the Toyota Tundra is the most American-made truck on the market! Additionally, this Volkswagen vehicle behind me was made right here in the USA!

Bringing Tax Dollars Back to Idaho

In Idaho, we know how valuable water is to our economy and way of life. However, to ensure future generations can adequately address agricultural, urban, and rural water needs, we must invest in critical infrastructure.

I am proud to partner with the University of Idaho in supporting this timely and much-needed project. Read more about this project and community support here.

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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.

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