By Congressman Mike Simpson
August 16th, 2026
Dear Friend,
Deadly wildfires are continuously impacting communities throughout the West. My colleagues in both the House and Senate are grateful to the Department of Agriculture Secretary Rollins and the Department of the Interior Secretary Burgum for coming to Boise’s National Interagency Fire Center, the nation’s support and information center for wildland firefighting, and for taking the time to visit the Claremont Fire site.
I was excited to spend the week in Idaho’s Second District and celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the LeRoy Craig Jerome Center at the College of Southern Idaho, a community funding project that I am proud to have secured funding for.
Last but not least, I enjoyed meeting with constituents, including Idaho’s dairy farmers earlier this week and discussing some of our shared priorities.
Secretaries Rollins and Burgum Visit NIFC
I was grateful to visit the Claremont Fire site, meet with Boise National Forest leadership, and join colleagues in welcoming Secretary Rollins and Secretary Burgum to Idaho.
The Claremont Fire has reached 100% containment. Idahoans are grateful to the brave firefighters who worked around the clock to protect our families and communities. Please continue to keep affected communities and our firefighters in your prayers.
LeRoy Craig Jerome Center Ribbon-Cutting
Expanding educational opportunities and developing training for the rural workforce are among my top priorities. It was an honor to attend the ribbon-cutting for the College of Southern Idaho’s LeRoy Craig Jerome Center, a facility to support workforce training.
I look forward to seeing this center come to life and serve our community for many years to come.
Meeting with Idaho’s Dairymen
It was great to meet with Idaho’s dairy farmers earlier this week and discuss some of our shared priorities.
We had a great conversation about the Securing America’s Workforce Act, the Farm Bill, and supporting our dairymen in the appropriations process.
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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.
