By Congressman Mike Simpson
September 6th, 2026
Dear Friend,
It was a privilege to welcome some of Idaho’s finest to our nation’s capital earlier this week. Every year, the Idaho Honor Flight gives veterans the opportunity to visit the memorials built in recognition of their service and sacrifice to our nation. I was thankful to attend and see more than 45 Idaho veterans.
During my speech at the Idaho Honor Flight event, I quoted President Reagan’s “Freedom is a fragile thing, and it’s never more than one generation away from extinction.” Wasn’t he on to something? With the rise in socialism and communism, now more than ever, common sense is at stake. This week, the House passed a resolution condemning socialism. I was a proud YES vote.
Additionally, the House passed a bill this week to protect domestic mining. The Protecting Domestic Mining Act will strengthen America’s mining and mineral processing capabilities by providing regulatory certainty for producers and permitting agencies. You can read more about this legislation below.
Honoring Idaho’s Veterans
The Idaho Honor Flight marks a historic moment for our state. Standing alongside these distinguished Idaho veterans at the Honor Flight was a privilege.
I will never take it for granted. We are grateful to Honor Flight and Anheuser-Busch, who hosted this event, for their commitment to ensuring these veterans receive the recognition they so richly deserve.
Freedom is Never More than One Generation Away from Extinction
192 Democrats voted against condemning socialism. Common sense is at stake.
The extreme ideas like replacing the President and the Supreme Court, abolishing law enforcement, and extending voting rights to illegal aliens are not about fairness or equality – they are simply anti-American. I’m pleased to see a resolution condemning these radical ideas pass the House, but it makes it abundantly clear where the Democrats stand.
Protecting Domestic Mining
Reducing our dependence on foreign adversaries for critical mineral production should be one of our top priorities.
Under the Biden administration, we depended on sourcing critical minerals from our enemies. I applaud the Trump administration’s efforts to strengthen domestic mining, but it’s well past time for Congress to act and cut bureaucratic red tape. Mining in America is critical for our national security, and we have the resources and workers to mine and produce right here at home.
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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.
