By Congressman Russ Fulcher
Tax season is upon us—and this year brings more than deadlines, it is anticipated to deliver historic savings for Idahoans.
The Treasury is now projecting that family refunds will increase by an average of $1,000, and the average worker earning between $15,000 and $80,000 is estimated to see a tax cut of 15 percent.
This is largely due to recent legislation that the U.S. Congress passed, and President Donald Trump signed into law. H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts, otherwise known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was enacted on July 4, 2025. This transformative, once-in-a-generation legislation achieved meaningful provisions for Idahoans. Because some of the tax cuts in this bill are retroactive to 2025, many Americans will see savings this filing season. For more information, I encourage you to view online resources from the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions.
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
When Americans trek out to explore our country’s great outdoors, they should be able to do so safely and with the knowledge that help is close at hand if an emergency arises.
I have introduced the Making National Parks Safer Act, H.R. 7031. This bill delivers critical upgrades to the National Park Service’s call centers, fitting them with Next Generation 911 technology. This system allows dispatchers to receive not only voice calls, but also text messages, photos, and videos—giving responders greater situational awareness before engaging.
Whether a visitor has an encounter with a wild animal or obtains an injury on a remote hike, this bill helps ensure first responders have the tools to act swiftly and effectively.
Agriculture is deeply woven into Idaho’s way of life. From our multigenerational family farms to the countless jobs that make up our agribusiness sector, agriculture reaches into nearly every part of the Gem State.
Yet while Idaho agriculture continues to evolve, federal regulations have too often failed to keep pace. Outdated, one-size-fits-all rules remain “on the books,” driving up costs and creating uncertainty for the very people who feed and fuel our great nation.
I write about this and what my team is working on in D.C. to support our ag community in my latest op-ed for the Line Rider Magazine. To read, click the link here.
The Housing for the 21st Century Act has passed the House. To restore housing affordability, we must increase supply to meet demand—and remove barriers that slow construction and drive up costs.
This bill:
- Cuts red tape so builders can get permits faster and homes can be built sooner
- Expands opportunities for rural banks to offer financing
Legislation With National Impact
The U.S. is reliant on foreign adversaries—like China—for more than a dozen critical minerals and rare earths that power our grid, industries, and supply chains. This growing dependence is dangerous, but it can be fixed.
H.R. 3617 requires the Department of Energy to monitor and, more importantly, address critical mineral supply chain disruptions. I am proud to have supported this bill in committee, and glad to see it head to the Senate.
67% of the U.S. faces a heightened risk of blackout, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC).
I have signed on to the Baseload Reliability Protection Act to bar the premature retirement of dependable baseload power sources—coal, nuclear, natural gas—until they can be reliably replaced and grid stability is ensured.
Recently, I joined my colleagues at the first Sharia Free America Caucus press conference.
Sharia law is incompatible with the foundational principles of this nation. The U.S. Constitution is—and must remain—our sole legal framework. To watch my remarks, please click the photo below.
I am excited to share that, launching July 5, 2026, families will have the opportunity to enroll their child in a new program called “Trump Accounts.”
This game-changing, pro-family initiative is designed to help the next generation of Americans invest in America—setting them up early for success in their education, finances, and career.Specifically, Trump Accounts offer a tax-advantaged savings account for children, with $1,000 given for every newborn delivered between 2025 and 2028. To learn more about this program achieved through Congress’s Working Families Tax Cuts bill, click here.
Meetings
It was a privilege to celebrate the 2026 candidates nominated to our U.S. Service Academies in Boise with Senator Jim Risch.
These outstanding, young Idahoans have demonstrated perseverance, responsibility, and a strong commitment to serving our nation. Each year, I leave this reception encouraged—confident that our future is bright in the capable hands of these emerging leaders in America’s armed forces.
It is an honor to receive the Defender of Biblical Business Award from the Christian Employers Alliance for my voting record protecting Idahoans’ religious liberties, promoting limited government, and safeguarding the freedoms of faith-led companies.
In Washington, D.C., my team and I had a terrific meeting with the Farm Bureau discussing policy measures that empower Idaho’s agricultural sector. I appreciate them making the trip and for the insightful discussion!
Our next telephone town hall will take place on March 18, 2026, at 6 p.m. MT, 5 p.m. PT.
You can participate by dialing 833-998-1718 on a telephone at the time of the event. The wealth of information and counsel I receive through these forums is invaluable. I hope you will join, and I look forward to the conversations that will be had!
Casework Reminder
Since arriving in Congress, I am pleased to share that my terrific casework team has successfully returned over $24 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!
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
About Russ Fulcher
Russ Fulcher is a fourth-generation Idahoan, grew up on a dairy farm in Meridian, Idaho. He was elected to Congress to represent Idaho's first congressional district in 2019 after serving in the Idaho State Senate for ten years. Visit https://fulcher.house.gov/ for more information or to find contact info.
