Congressman Fulcher’s Legislative Update

June 8, 2026

There is excellent news for American homebuyers. The bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is one step closer to becoming law after passing the House once again and heading back to the Senate.

This legislation helps make homeownership more attainable for hardworking families by cutting costly regulations, advancing reforms to encourage affordable housing construction, and leveling the playing field for everyday buyers by limiting large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes in bulk. 

Another critical measure achieved in this bill is language prohibiting the federal government from implementing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) through 2030. A CBDC threatens the financial privacy of every single American, and I will continue to fight to ensure this provision is made permanent.

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

Geothermal has the potential to be an energy powerhouse for America. This abundant, clean natural resource rests right beneath our feet, largely untapped across the nation, but not in Idaho.

In fact, Idaho has been a pioneer in harnessing geothermal, demonstrating its ability to help power the Gem State. Geothermal has the capability to help meet the United States’ rapidly increasing electricity demand—driven in part by AI and other technological advancements—while diversifying our energy portfolio.

Ensuring America is ready to meet these growing needs through various power sources, such as geothermal, is essential to keeping prices low for consumers and strengthening our energy independence. Read my latest op-ed on this subject and what I am doing in Congress to further Geothermal production by clicking here.

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I’m proud to co-sponsor the Title IX Clarification Act of 2026. This legislation restores clarity to Title IX by reaffirming Congress’s original intent that ‘sex’ is defined in law based on a person’s biology at birth—plain and simple. 

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Actions by the Department of the Interior to repeal the Biden administration’s harmful Conservation and Landscape Health rule is a major victory for the American West.

This move preserves traditional multiple-use practices on federal lands—such as grazing, ranching, and recreation—that communities in Idaho have relied on for generations.

For the past year, I have fought in the House to stop this overreaching rule as a co-lead on the WEST Act, and this past month, we prevailed!

Legislation With National Impact

As a nation, we must always stand by and support our Veterans. I am honored to co-sponsor the Major Richard Star Act, H.R. 2102.

This bipartisan legislation will ensure that when a Veteran has to retire early due to combat or combat-related injuries, they receive both their disability benefits and the full retirement pay that they have rightfully earned.

I will continue to urge this legislation to be taken up, passed, and enacted swiftly.

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The House and Senate-passed Budget Resolution paves the way to fully fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), while ending the dangerous, politically motivated shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

This objective should not have to be achieved through the reconciliation process. However, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have made it clear they are willing to put partisan politics ahead of paying the men and women who are responsible for keeping our homeland safe.

S. Con. Res. 33 ensures these critical agencies are fully funded through the end of the current administration’s term. I voted in favor.

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This month, I also voted to advance H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2027 (MilCon-VA), the first appropriations bill to pass the House for Fiscal Year 2027.

Having the backs of those who serve—and those who have served—our nation must always remain a national priority.

This legislation champions our Veterans and servicemembers by prioritizing improvements at VA Medical Facilities, fully reauthorizing Veterans’ healthcare programs and benefits, and strengthening military housing and childcare services for active-duty personnel and their families.

Meetings

Recently in Washington, D.C., I had the privilege of speaking with a group of young Idahoans from Capital Church in Meridian.

We shared a meaningful conversation about faith, community, and the values that guide us in our respective vocations. Idaho’s future is bright with these rising young leaders!

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I also had the chance to meet with the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) during their annual Mission to D.C.

The work they do is vital to keeping our waterways efficient and strengthening trade, energy, and navigation across the PNW. I am grateful for the forum to discuss the issues most important to our region and communities!

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I had the privilege of taking to the House floor to honor the life and legacy of former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne.

Dirk was a dear friend, a trusted mentor, and a devoted public servant. From his time as Mayor of Boise to his service as a U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior, he worked selflessly on behalf of America and our Idaho.

I will always cherish his wisdom, steadfast friendship, and Christian example. To listen to my remarks, please click the photo below.

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Congratulations to Myles Hardy, the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Idaho’s First Congressional District!

It was wonderful to meet with him and his family in D.C. to learn more about his online game, “Planelooly,” which is centered around designing passenger airline routes.

I’m proud to see the next generation of Idahoans take the initiative to explore their creativity by diving into coding and computer science—skills that will strengthen our communities and help shape the future!

Casework Reminder

Since arriving in Congress, I am pleased to share that my terrific casework team has successfully returned over $25 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