Congressman Fulcher’s Legislative Update: July 23, 2026

July 23, 2026

My federal lands management survey is now open, and I want to hear directly from Idahoans.

Approximately 62 percent of the land within Idaho’s borders is owned and managed by the federal government, and from 2020 to 2025, nearly 2.7 million of those acres experienced some sort of closure to the public. This extensive federal footprint restricts our access, poses challenges to economic stability, and has exacerbated wildfire devastation due to inadequate stewardship.

I am actively working on identifying policy solutions that give Idahoans more say in our land management practices. Together, we can ensure Idaho’s public lands remain accessible, safe, and sustainably managed for generations to come. To learn more and take the survey, click the link 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

I am proud to be a primary co-sponsor of H.R. 1137, the No Kill Switches in Cars Act.

This legislation would block the federal government from requiring automakers to install draconian driver-surveillance technology in new models that can remotely disable a person’s vehicle.

The threats this poses to Americans’ privacy and liberties and the potential for government abuse are far too great. My bottom line: stop the vehicle kill switch.

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Our Veterans should never be treated differently from other Americans simply because they rely on a fiduciary to help manage their VA financial benefits due to a disability.

The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, H.R. 1041, would permanently prohibit the Department of Veterans Affairs from reporting Veterans to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) list unless a court order is issued.

This bill protects the Constitutional due process rights of Veterans, and I am glad to have supported its passage on the House floor.

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I’m delighted to introduce the PARKS Act, H.R. 9145. America is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, many of which are part of the National Parks System.

Lifting the fee for foster care families to access these natural wonders—particularly as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday this year—would provide foster care children with immense benefits, such as enhanced educational resources and improved school readiness. To read my press release on this bill, click the link here.

Legislation With National Impact

When our agriculture sector is resilient, America is resilient.

I voted in favor of H.R. 8646, legislation that champions our farmers and strengthens the United States’ food security.

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2027:

• Cracks down on foreign ownership of U.S. farmland
• Supports critical agricultural research and invests in animal and plant health programs
• Ensures American producers have what they need to remain competitive in the global marketplace

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The House has passed my bipartisan CLEAN Act to bolster geothermal energy production.

Geothermal is a clean, abundant, and dependable energy resource that can help meet America’s rapidly rising power demands. However, the lack of consistent geothermal lease sales and the slow federal permitting process result in timelines longer than many other energy projects.

The CLEAN Act will address these barriers and unlock opportunities to explore and develop this renewable energy source. I’m grateful to see this legislation pass the House and urge the Senate’s swift consideration of this commonsense measure.

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It is parents—not the education system—who have the ultimate authority over their children’s upbringing.

H.R. 2616 protects parents’ right to be notified and provide consent before significant decisions affecting their children in K-12 schools are made. This legislation also ensures that the primary focus in classrooms is on education—not the promotion of personal political or ideological agendas without parents’ knowledge. I’m proud to support this bill and glad to share that it has passed the House.

Meetings

It was an honor to join the National Association of Broadcasters to present KXLY with the Community Service Award.

Their commitment to serving our North Idaho communities and rallying support for the families of the firefighters impacted by the tragic ambush on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene last year reflects the very best of local media.

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A big congratulations to Kyle Rohlinger of Coeur d’Alene on earning a Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest Congressional honor for American youth.

Kyle has demonstrated exemplary dedication to community service, personal development, and striving for excellence in physical fitness. It’s a pleasure to recognize his hard work and outstanding accomplishments!

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It was terrific spending time with some of Idaho’s National Guard Soldiers in Washington, D.C. These men and women are diligently assisting law enforcement in the area and keeping citizens safe in our nation’s beautiful capital.

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I also enjoyed welcoming Idaho Future Farmers of America (FFA) students to Washington, D.C. With agriculture playing such a vital role in our state, it’s inspiring to see these young leaders investing their time to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing Gem State producers.

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