By Congressman Mike Simpson
August 2nd, 2026
Dear Friend,
It’s great to be back in Idaho’s Second District and have the opportunity to share all the legislative updates with Idahoans, including the busy week Congress had to finish off July’s work period.
In Idaho, we understand the importance of ending our reliance on foreign adversaries for critical minerals. As a longtime supporter of the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Perpetua Resources’ efforts in domestic antimony production, I was thrilled to attend the ribbon cutting for the launch of INL’s mineral processing demonstration.
Speaking of our great state, I’m excited to highlight another community funding project that I recently advanced funding for in our communities! Learn more about funding for the USDA-ARS University of Idaho Aberdeen Research and Extension Center Potato Breeding Facilities Project below.
There will be more to come on these projects – stay tuned! Also, interested in an internship? My office is accepting Fall 2026 applications! Click here for more information.
Rebuilding America’s Critical Mineral Supply Chain Right Here at Home
We’ve worked to rebuild America’s critical mineral supply chains because our national security depends on them.
This week’s ribbon cutting is a significant milestone in that effort. By bringing together Perpetua Resources, the Idaho National Laboratory, and the U.S. Army, this project demonstrates how Idaho is helping strengthen our nation’s defense, expand domestic manufacturing capabilities, and reduce our reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals. I’m proud to have supported this partnership from the beginning and look forward to seeing the important role it will play for our country.
Advancing Funding for University of Idaho’s Aberdeen Research and Extension Center Potato Breeding Facilities Project
Potatoes are one of Idaho’s most important crops, and our state leads the nation in production. The University of Idaho has conducted phenomenal research on various crops and provided valuable information to producers about these key agricultural products.
As the University continues to expand its research to meet industry needs, it is crucial that funding keeps pace with the research efforts. I am proud to support this project, and as we continue to support the potato industry, we should strive for the goal that ten out of ten Americans associate potatoes with Idaho, rather than just nine out of ten! Read more about this project and community support here.
Hosting a Forest Service Roundtable
In case you missed it: to wrap up the week in DC, I hosted a Forest Service roundtable with Associate Chief Chris French.
This roundtable gave subcommittee members an opportunity to ask questions and receive important information regarding the agency. In Idaho, we know how important the Forest Service is. The appropriations subcommittee I chair, the Interior and Environment subcommittee, funds critical agencies like the Forest Service.
Interested in an Internship?
Internship Opportunities in Washington, D.C. and Idaho:
A Capitol Hill internship provides unsurpassed opportunities to gain experience through the application of academic skills in a highly professional work environment. Interns become members of my staff, with a wide range of responsibilities, for the duration of their stay.
The work can be challenging and is usually quite fast-paced. At the same time, I encourage my interns to take full advantage of the unique cultural and historical aspects of our nation’s capital. Find more information 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.
