{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"ID\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-wyden-short-line-rail-efforts-included-in-end-of-year-package", "Crapo, Wyden Short Line Rail Efforts Included in End-Of-Year Package", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 22, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo, Wyden Short Line Rail Efforts Included in End-Of-Year Package \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--A long-term, bipartisan effort by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) to permanently extend a critical tax credit used to repair and upgrade short line railroads was included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 omnibus package.\r\nAccess to affordable and reliable options for transporting goods to markets is an important part of Idaho small businesses' success and ability to grow and innovate, said Crapo. All over the country, short line railroads act almost like arteries, connecting freight from rural areas to the heart of our major transportation lines, and they have proven quite instrumental at moving Idaho goods to customers worldwide as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Witnessing first-hand the economic expansion efforts this industry has brought to Idaho and the nation has been incredible. I have been a longtime champion of the short line rail tax credit, and its permanent extension is excellent news for supporting critical infrastructure. I thank Senator Wyden for his partnership on this effort.\r\nShortline railroads play a critical role in creating good-paying jobs throughout Oregon, said Wyden. Permanently extending this tax incentive to rehabilitate and maintain these tracks, after years of effort, is critical to growing Oregon's economy, and ensuring small businesses have accessible transportation options to move their goods to market. I greatly appreciate Senator Crapo's longtime partnership on this issue, which is so important for both our states. \r\nMaking the short line railroad rehabilitation tax credit (45G) permanent is a tremendous victory for the thousands of agricultural, energy, and manufacturing customers throughout Idaho, Oregon, and the entire country that rely on short line service, said Chuck Baker, President of American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association. Making the credit permanent after 15 years of on-again off-again extensions will create certainty and further incentive investment into expensive and hard-to-maintain short line infrastructure, allowing short lines to connect customers in small town and rural America to markets in the domestic and global economies and to move goods in an efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly way.\r\nThe 45G tax credit provides short line and regional railroads a tax credit for railroad track maintenance expenses, up to $3,500 per mile of track owned or leased by the railroad. The short line railroads ensure that small manufacturers' products can get to markets in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The incentive is credited with a number of rail expansion projects benefiting communities across Idaho and Oregon, and the permanent extension will allow communities to repair, maintain and upgrade additional short line railroads nationwide. Congress has acted periodically since 2006 to extend the credit, often retroactively. Earlier this Congress, Crapo and Wyden introduced S. 203, the Building Rail Access for Customers and the Economy (BRACE) Act to make the extension permanent. The BRACE Act had an additional 61 bipartisan co-sponsors in the Senate, and the House of Representatives companion legislation had garnered 303 bipartisan co-sponsors.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-supports-new-covid-assistance-government-funding", "Crapo Supports New COVID Assistance, Government Funding", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 21, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo Supports New COVID Assistance, Government Funding \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement today after voting in support of an additional round of coronavirus relief legislation and an end-of-year funding package that will keep the federal government open for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2021:\r\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc across our nation for many months. The relief package we passed today may not include a perfect wish list of items for either side of the political spectrum. But it does what I have said needed to happen all along: it takes meaningful, bipartisan and targeted steps toward providing relief for those most negatively impacted by this terrible virus.\r\nToday, we also funded the federal government through the end of Fiscal Year 2021 without resorting to continuing resolutions to do so. Although, again, not perfect, this funding contains good policy measures to provide certainty to the Armed Forces and other federal government agencies. It will help our military maintain its readiness, and it provides additional resources for veteran health care, funding for nuclear energy programs and support for border security and other law enforcement activities. This is the final fiscal year appropriations bill covered under the discretionary spending caps set by the bipartisan Budget Control Act and the Bipartisan Budget Act. As such, further bipartisan action will be needed to impose necessary fiscal restraint on future discretionary spending, as well as on mandatory spending, which continues to run on autopilot, driving up the largest portion of our debt. I remain committed to pushing for needed fiscal reforms to stabilize our out of control mandatory spending.\r\nThe successes of Operation Warp Speed and American medical ingenuity have produced safe and effective vaccines faster than many thought possible, and we are turning a corner on the dark days of this pandemic. Our fight against COVID-19 is not over. We have considerable work ahead to fully recover from the coronavirus, but as we continue to work together on tough issues, I am confident Americans will once again prevail over our challenges and overcome this fight.\r\nThis year has been challenging for all of us. Health care workers have faced the worst of it. I once again thank health care providers and those on the front lines who have served as caregivers and healers, and who have also stepped in to provide emotional support when loved ones cannot be present with their families. I am eternally grateful for their work.\r\nThe COVID-19 stimulus and FY 2021 omnibus package includes:\r\n \r\nFunding for vaccine distribution and to make the vaccine available free of charge, as well as continued testing and contact tracing mitigation programs;\r\nAdditional funding for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for small businesses;\r\nA number of important tax relief measures to help the restaurant industry, to support the creation of additional low-income housing, to assist employers offering paid sick leave, and to support our supply chains through a permanent extension of the 45G short line railroad tax credit;\r\nExtends the date for states like Idaho to use money in the Coronavirus Relief Fund until December 31, 2021;\r\nAdditional resources for the Provider Relief Fund as well as clarification of the definition of lost revenues;\r\nAn end to surprise medical billing;\r\nDirect payments of $600 for adults filing separately making up to $75,000, or up to $150,000 as a married couple filing jointly, plus $600 per child dependent;\r\nAn additional $300 per week for state-determined unemployment payments through March 14, 2021;\r\nFunding for live venues including theaters, zoos and museums;\r\nSchool and child care assistance;\r\nFunding for mass transit programs; and\r\nAdditional support for farmers and ranchers.\r\n \r\nAs Chairman of the Banking Committee, Senator Crapo secured the following COVID-19 relief provisions:\r\n \r\nA requirement to return more than $429 billion from unused funds from Federal Reserve facilities to be re-appropriated to those sectors of the economy that need it most.\r\n$25 billion in emergency rental assistance for struggling renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, administered by States, territories, tribes and large cities. Assistance can cover rent, rental arrears, utility payments, or utility arrears.\r\n$12 billion to support community development investment and lending in low- and moderate income (LMI) communities and minority communities. \r\nExtended regulatory relief for financial institutions, providing the flexibility to better meet customers' needs during the pandemic. \r\nA provision to allow the Department of Housing and Urban Development to finance up to 1 year of operating losses for certain hospital and residential care facilities.\r\n \r\nThe package also contains significant Crapo wins, including:\r\n \r\nReauthorization of the EARLY Act, which provides breast cancer education and awareness programs, through FY 2026;\r\nPassage of the Medicaid Patient Abuse Prevention Act to allow Medicaid Fraud Control Units to investigate cases of fraud, abuse and neglect in the home and community-based setting;\r\nFunding for the Office of Violence Against Women to support the Violence Against Women Act; and\r\nSupport for nuclear energy research, development, demonstration and commercial application programs to reestablish U.S. leadership in nuclear energy.\r\n \r\nFull text of the legislation can be found HERE. Summaries of each section can be found on the Senate Appropriations Committee website HERE.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-klobuchar-robocall-bill-passes-senate", "Crapo, Klobuchar Robocall Bill Passes Senate", "2020-12-19", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo, Klobuchar Robocall Bill Passes Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--Today, the Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota)'s legislation to help stop unwanted robocalls. Crapo and Klobuchar introduced S. 2204, the Data Analytics Robocall Technology (DART) Act on July 23, 2019. The DART Act would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report to Congress on the effectiveness of call blocking programs.\r\nThe Senate's passage of the DART Act further proves our ongoing work and commitment to stopping fraudulent, menacing robocalls, Crapo said. The DART Act will provide Congress the opportunity to review the effectiveness of a variety of call-blocking technologies, while also ensuring important emergency and public safety calls are not blocked in the process of stopping these crooks. I hope the House of Representatives will swiftly pass this bipartisan legislation so it can get one step closer to being law.\r\nMost robocalls aren't just unwanted and disruptive  they are illegal, Klobuchar said. Our legislation to expand the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) efforts to combat illegal robocalls passed the Senate today. The DART Act will help ensure that public safety calls are reliable and direct the FCC to report to Congress on the effectiveness of call-blocking technologies.\r\nThe DART Act would give Congress oversight on the implementation of call blocking technology and ensure that critical safety and emergency calls are handled properly.The bill would prevent certain numbers--like public safety, emergency, schools or other government entities--from being blocked.\r\nSenators Crapo and Klobuchar have supported additional efforts in Congress to combat robocalls. On December 30, 2019, President Trump signed into law theTelephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence(TRACED) Act, of which both were co-sponsors. The TRACED Act mandates the adoption of caller identification authentication technology and increases civil penalties for violating anti-robocall statutes in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-bennet-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-ensure-medicare-beneficiaries-receive-coverage-for-cancer-detection-technologies", "Crapo, Bennet, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ensure Medicare Beneficiaries Receive Coverage for Cancer Detection Technologies", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo, Bennet, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ensure Medicare Beneficiaries Receive Coverage for Cancer Detection Technologies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bill ensures Medicare coverage for access to multi-cancer diagnostics and supports innovation in cancer diagnostic development \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--Today,U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) and Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) introduced S. 5051, the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, which would provide Medicare coverage for screening tests to save lives and costs to the health care system. The bipartisan legislation would ensure Medicare beneficiaries have coverage for innovative tests that can detect multiple types of cancer before symptoms develop.\r\nHealth care decisions should be the result of conversations between patients and their providers, said Senator Mike Crapo. When innovative items and services enter the health care marketplace, it is essential that Medicare provides patient access without delay. Overly bureaucratic barriers to preventative care can lead to poorer health outcomes and increased health care costs. The Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act would provide a Medicare coverage pathway for novel screening technologies, while relying on an evidence-based process that protects patients and taxpayers. As we move into the 117th Congress, I will continue to advocate for policies that will improve the decision-making process for patients and their provider.\r\nCancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. I know from personal experience that early detection can make all the difference,said Senator Michael Bennet. This legislation will ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have access to the latest diagnostic technologies, which have enormous potential to save lives and costs to our health care system.\r\nMore than 31,000 South Carolinians are diagnosed with cancer each year, with roughly two in five cases diagnosed during late stages. By ensuring that seniors can access FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection tests, this bipartisan legislation has the potential to dramatically increase the survival rates for dozens of cancer-types, including those with few or no screening tests currently available, said Senator Tim Scott. As the Co-Chairman of the bipartisan Personalized Medicine Caucus, I am proud to champion innovative solutionsand tools that allow us to better target care, saving lives and long-term costs.\r\nDisparities in cancer treatment and outcomes persist in communities of color who experience higher rates of incidence and death. One reason this disparity exists is because people of color have lower rates of routine cancer screening. This legislation provides a pathway for multi-cancer screening technologies that would help increase cancer screening rates and reduce persistent racial disparities in treatment and outcomes by catching the disease before it progresses too far, said Senator Ben Cardin.\r\nThe burden of cancer in Idaho is severe, and healthcare providers here see more cases of late-stage cancer diagnoses than other states due, in part, to unique access challenges facing rural communities. The earlier we catch cancer, the greater our chances of beating it. That's why these tests in development hold great promise for reducing the cancer burden. However, even after they become FDA-approved, physicians and patients will face extreme barriers to their use. Senator Crapo has always prioritized the health and well-being of patients in Idaho, and we applaud him for leading the way on multi-cancer early detection access. -Caroline Merritt, Executive Director, Idaho Society of Clinical Oncology\r\nThe Idaho Medical Association applauds Sen. Mike Crapo's leadership on this important legislation. The provider community knows how critical early detection can be. By allowing Medicare to cover multi-cancer screenings, patients and physicians will have increased access to the innovative tools necessary to improve outcomes in the fight against cancer.- Susie Keller, Chief Executive Officer, Idaho Medical Association\r\nThe Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act would be a game changer in terms of early cancer detection. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Colorado and having access to this new technology would save more lives. As cancer risk increases as you age, making this technology accessible to Medicare beneficiaries is extremely important to ensure equitable health care and coverage. - Christi Cahill, Executive Director, Colorado Cancer Coalition\r\nBy creating a pathway for Medicare to cover new, innovative, FDA-approved screening tests, this legislation would help provide more individuals with access to the screening tools they and their providers deem best for them. Knowing that detecting cancer early improves outcomes, this legislation would help save lives and reduce health disparities. - Lisa Lacasse, President, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network\r\nWe cannot have 21st century medicine without 21st century diagnostics. This bill provides for less intrusive methods that allow for earlier diagnosis when treatment is most effective. This legislation is essential to protect the health of all Medicare beneficiaries; it also benefits the financial health of Medicare by providing care when it is less costly and more likely to result in positive outcomes for the person and their family. - Jane L. Delgado, Ph.D., M.S., President and CEO, National Alliance for Hispanic Health\r\nFor 35 years, the Prevent Cancer Foundation has worked towards fulfilling the mission of saving lives across all populations through the prevention and early detection of cancer. Multi-cancer screening tests are an exciting innovation that can save lives through the early detection of cancer and we must work to ensure coverage and access to these tests. The Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act is an important step towards providing coverage for multi-cancer screening tests for Medicare beneficiaries and we are grateful to Senators Bennet, Crapo, Cardin and Scott as lead sponsors on this bill. - Jody Hoyos, Executive Vice President, Prevent Cancer Foundation\r\nWe, at the Cancer Support Community, are supportive of advancing promising technologies like multi-cancer early detection testing. We will also continue our advocacy to ensure that patients can access and afford care and services across the cancer continuum including prevention, screening, early detection, treatment, and survivorship. - Elizabeth Franklin, Executive Director, Cancer Policy Institute, Cancer Support Community\r\nWhen we have the opportunity to addressinequities in healthcare through new technology, it is imperative that we do whatever we can to remove barriers to access. Multi-cancer early detection is one such opportunity  a technology that could help address the entrenched disparity in cancer outcomes for communities of color and reduce patient risk across the board. The legislation introduced today is a great step towards ensuring the benefits of multi-cancer detection can be achieved. - Gary A. Puckrein, Ph.D., President and CEO of the National Minority Quality Forum\r\nCongress has previously acted before to ensure Medicare coverage for other cancer screenings, including mammography and colorectal screenings. The Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act would:\r\n \r\nCreate authority for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to cover the latest diagnostic technologies, once approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including blood-based multi-cancer early detection tests and future test methods that draw on samples of urine or hair;\r\nMaintain CMS authority to use an evidence-based process to determine coverage parameters for these new tests; and\r\nState that new diagnostic technologies will supplement, not replace, existing screenings and will not impact existing coverage and cost-sharing.\r\n \r\nUnder current law, Medicare only covers preventive services Congress has explicitly authorized, or the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended. Without this legislation, it could take several years after FDA approval for Medicare to cover new early detection technologies for cancer. To ensure timely, consistent coverage of screening items and services, the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act would establish a defined benefit category and reduce such delays, returning health care decisions to providers and patients. These new detection technologies will complement existing screenings and dramatically improve the country's early detection capabilities for cancer.\r\nThe Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act has the support of a number of leading medical organizations, including: Idaho Society of Clinical Oncology, Colorado Cancer Coalition, Colorado Gerontological Society, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), Association of Community Cancer Centers, Cancer Support Community, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), Prevent Cancer Foundation and Susan G. Komen.\r\nThe bill text is available HERE.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-support-60th-defense-authorization", "Crapo, Risch Support 60th Defense Authorization", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo, Risch Support 60th Defense Authorization \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--Idaho's two U.S. Senators, Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, voted in support of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report. This is the 60th consecutive year Congress has fulfilled its constitutional duty to provide for the common defense.\r\nFor the 60th consecutive year, Congress has passed the NDAA to provide the heroes of our Armed Forces the tools necessary to defend our country from authoritarian regimes across the globe, said Crapo. The bipartisan NDAA contains a number of provisions to strengthen our military readiness, and a pay raise for the women and men in uniform who put their lives on the line to protect and preserve our republic. I am grateful for their service and the work they do to keep us safe.\r\nAs the United States' foreign adversaries engage in increasingly aggressive posturing, military readiness is key. The FY 2021 NDAA strengthens our national security, provides U.S. troops with a well-deserved pay raise, and secures significant wins for Idaho, said Risch. I am proud to join my colleagues in passing this legislation to protect our servicemen and women just as they protect us.\r\nThe FY 2021 NDAA provides U.S. troops with a three percent pay raise, and prioritizes military family readiness by including spouse employment opportunities and child care. It also prioritizes suicide prevention by making suicide prevention programs for reserve components permanent and requiring additional reporting to evaluate military suicides and prevention efforts. The NDAA also focuses on countering mounting threats from hostile adversaries like China and Russia by establishing the Pacific Deterrence Initiative in the Indo-Pacific, sending a signal to the Chinese Communist Party that the U.S. remains committed to protecting its interests and allies in the region.\r\nSenators Crapo and Risch secured a number of provisions important to the state of Idaho in final passage of the NDAA, including:\r\n \r\nSite-wide security, cleanup and waste disposal at the Idaho National Laboratory;\r\nA sense of Congress amendment that expresses that the U.S. should compensate individuals suffering from the effects of uranium mining and above ground nuclear testing during the Cold War; and\r\nThe Spent Fuel Handling Recapitalization Project at the Naval Reactor Facility.\r\n \r\nAs Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, Crapo secured the inclusion of legislation to modernize our nation's outdated anti-money laundering regime:\r\n \r\nThe Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 gives law enforcement agencies long overdue authorities and tools needed to protect our markets and communities against determined bad actors and threat networks, while ensuring only minimal impact on legitimate business.\r\n \r\nThe NDAA now heads to the White House.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/federal-action-on-dairy-trade-case-announced-following-crapo-request", "Federal Action on Dairy Trade Case Announced Following Crapo Request", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2020\n\t\t\t Federal Action on Dairy Trade Case Announced Following Crapo Request \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Crapo Joined Senators Grassley, Smith, others seeking review of Canadian market access for U.S. dairy producers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced it will take enforcement actions over charges that Idaho and other U.S. dairy producers are denied proper access to markets in Canada. The decision follows requests led by U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, and colleagues in the Senate.\r\nThe actions initiated by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer would be the first enforcement steps by the U.S. under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that went into effect earlier this year. The trade case involves Canada's failure to implement market access provisions for dairy products under the USMCA.\r\nFair market access for American dairy farmers was a key pillar of the USMCA's agriculture section, wrote Crapo and 24 other senators in a letter to USTR in August, adding, Effective implementation will be critical\r\nCrapo and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) praised the USTR decision earlier this week. U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) were also signees on the August letter.\r\nWe applaud U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer's commitment to the fair and transparent enforcement of USMCA, said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. Only when Canada is held fully accountable to its trade commitments will America's dairy farmers be able to realize the full benefit of the provisions that the U.S. worked so hard to secure. We appreciate Senator Crapo's leadership to ensure Canada's full compliance with USMCA's dairy provisions.\r\nIdaho is the nation's third largest dairy producing state, after California and Wisconsin. A study from the University of Idaho this year projected milk production as Idaho's largest cash crop, worth more than $2.3 billion in 2019.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/2020/12/09/id-9b0f7522-c849-4699-ae97-b94b3d4ebfa5/", "Idaho Delegation Applauds Boise River Basin Feasibility Report", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", "fulcher", "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Contact:\n\nAlexah Rogge\n\n202-225-6611\n\nalexah.rogge@mail.house.gov\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, the Idaho Delegation praised the Bureau of Reclamation\u2019s final Boise River Basin Feasibility Report, which addresses potential increases to water storage capacity in the Boise River System needed to accommodate the Treasure Valley\u2019s rapid growth.\n\nThe Secretary of the Interior determined the proposed plan to raise the dam crest of Anderson Ranch Dam six feet for an additional 29,000 acre-feet of storage capacity meets the requirements of Section 4007 of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN). Next, Congress must authorize the plan.\n\n\u201cThis determination for the Boise River Basin has been long in the making and I thank Secretary Bernhardt for his work completing this report,\u201d said Risch. \u201cIncreasing water storage capacity at Anderson Ranch Dam is a critical component of the long-term economic and growth success of the Treasure Valley, and I look forward to continue working to secure this for Idaho\u2019s future.\u201d\n\n\u201cSecretary Bernhardt and the Trump Administration\u2019s determination under the Boise River Basin Feasibility Report takes into consideration the varying needs of Idahoans in southwest Idaho,\u201d Crapo said. \u201cEnsuring residents have adequate water supply for consumption, irrigation, power generation and other purposes, while also enhancing efforts to address environmental needs, involves a collaborative process that takes into account all relevant sides. Collaborative decision-making practices help deliver sustainable, long-term positive results for all stakeholders involved.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to see this important project advancing as we all know the need for increased water storage in Idaho,\u201d said Simpson. \u201cI thank Secretary Bernhardt for his work on the report, and I will do everything I can from my seat on the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee to see this project through to completion.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the Treasure Valley continues to grow, it is important to build new infrastructure to meet this increased demand for resources,\u201d Fulcher said. \u201cBy raising the Anderson Ranch Dam, we are adding valuable water storage to the area and providing additional capacity for Idahoans. I applaud Secretary Bernhardt\u2019s actions to move this critical project forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Secretary\u2019s determination of feasibility is an important step towards addressing the water supply needs of the Treasure Valley along with providing benefits for fish and wildlife,\u201d said Snake River Area Manager Lanie Paquin. \u201cWe are on track to meet the next important milestone \u2013 finalizing the companion environmental impact statement.\u201d\n\nBackground: As Idaho\u2019s Treasure Valley grows, water storage capacity has become a top consideration to protect the region\u2019s critical irrigation, domestic, industrial, and municipal needs.\n\nThe Bureau of Reclamation\u2019s report describes how additional water storage capacity could help offset changes in precipitation patterns and enable storage of more runoff in high water years, enhancing the area\u2019s long-term water supply while improving the ability to meet environmental needs and generate power.\n\nThe public comment period for the draft EIS concluded on September 14, 2020. For more information on the draft EIS or to obtain the final Boise River Basin Feasibility Report, please visit https://www.usbr.gov/pn/studies/boisefeasibility/index.html.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9B0F7522-C849-4699-AE97-B94B3D4EBFA5", "Idaho Delegation Applauds Boise River Basin Feasibility Report", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tMedia\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Print", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/idaho-delegation-welcomes-boise-river-basin-feasibility-report", "Idaho Delegation Welcomes Boise River Basin Feasibility Report", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2020\n\t\t\t Idaho Delegation Welcomes Boise River Basin Feasibility Report \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--Today, the Idaho Delegation praised the Bureau of Reclamation's final Boise River Basin Feasibility Report, which addresses potential increases to water storage capacity in the Boise River System needed to accommodate the Treasure Valley's rapid growth.\r\nThe Secretary of the Interior determined the proposed plan to raise the dam crest of Anderson Ranch Dam six feet for an additional 29,000 acre-feet of storage capacity meets the requirements of Section 4007 of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN). Next, Congress must authorize the plan.\r\nSecretary Bernhardt and the Trump Administration's determination under the Boise River Basin Feasibility Report takes into consideration the varying needs of Idahoans in southwest Idaho,Crapo said. Ensuring residents have adequate water supply for consumption, irrigation, power generation and other purposes, while also enhancing efforts to address environmental needs, involves a collaborative process that takes into account all relevant sides. Collaborative decision-making practices help deliver sustainable, long-term positive results for all stakeholders involved.\r\nThis determination for the Boise River Basin has been long in the making and I thank Secretary Bernhardt for his work completing this report,said Risch. Increasing water storage capacity at Anderson Ranch Dam is a critical component of the long-term economic and growth success of the Treasure Valley, and I look forward to continue working to secure this for Idaho's future.\r\nI'm pleased to see this important project advancing as we all know the need for increased water storage in Idaho,said Simpson. I thank Secretary Bernhardt for his work on the report, and I will do everything I can from my seat on the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee to see this project through to completion.\r\nAs the Treasure Valley continues to grow, it is important to build new infrastructure to meet this increased demand for resources,Fulcher said. By raising the Anderson Ranch Dam, we are adding valuable water storage to the area and providing additional capacity for Idahoans. I applaud Secretary Bernhardt's actions to move this critical project forward.\r\nThe Secretary's determination of feasibility is an important step towards addressing the water supply needs of the Treasure Valley along with providing benefits for fish and wildlife,said Snake River Area Manager Lanie Paquin.We are on track to meet the next important milestone finalizing the companion environmental impact statement.\"\r\nBackground:As Idaho's Treasure Valley grows, water storage capacity has become a top consideration to protect the region's critical irrigation, domestic, industrial, and municipal needs.\r\nThe Bureau of Reclamation's report describes how additional water storage capacity could help offset changes in precipitation patterns and enable storage of more runoff in high water years, enhancing the area's long-term water supply while improving the ability to meet environmental needs and generate power.\r\nThe public comment period for the draft EIS concluded on September 14, 2020. For more information on the draft EIS or to obtain the final Boise River Basin Feasibility Report, please visithttps://www.usbr.gov/pn/studies/boisefeasibility/index.html.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/2020/12/08/id-0fb007cf-f3f5-4e7d-b159-ede951ddd603/", "Rep. Fulcher Joins Holiday Revival of Initiative to Help Idaho Small Businesses", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", "fulcher", "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Contact:\n\nAlexah Rogge\n\n202-225-6611\n\nalexah.rogge@mail.house.gov\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 With the 2020 holiday season upon us, Idaho\u2019s small businesses face a critical next several weeks. Many small businesses rely upon the revenue generated by the holiday shopping season to keep their doors open, and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the stakes are at their highest.\n\nIn an effort to support Idaho\u2019s small businesses, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) announced the launch of the Support Local Gems: All Season Long initiative.\n\nSupport Local Gems: All Season Long is a holiday revival of the successful statewide Support Local Gems public awareness campaign introduced last spring encouraging Idahoans to Support Local Gems \u2013 the small businesses in our communities \u2013 that have been impacted by this pandemic.\n\nThroughout the month of December, the Support Local Gems: All Season Long initiative will encourage Idahoans to do their Christmas and holiday shopping at their favorite small businesses and promote local shops with the hashtag #SupportLocalGems.\n\nPartners of the Support Local Gems: All Season Long initiative include Governor Brad Little, Senator Mike Crapo, Congressman Mike Simpson, Congressman Russ Fulcher, Idaho Department of Commerce, Association of Idaho Cities, Idaho Association of Counties, Idaho Chamber Alliance, Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry (IACI), Idaho Retailers Association, Idaho Lodging and Restaurant Association, and the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce.\n\n\u201cIdaho\u2019s small businesses supply local jobs, power the state\u2019s economy, and provide the Gem State with irreplaceable value. This is a challenging time for them, and they deserve our support,\u201d said Risch. \u201cLast spring, we launched the Support Local Gems initiative to help our local job creators, and it was a huge success. Support Local Gems: All Season Long is an opportunity for Idahoans to once again give back to the small businesses that serve us every day.\u201d\n\n\u201cSmall businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they need all the support we can offer, especially during the pandemic. At the state level, we have prioritized resources for small businesses in our COVID-19 response. On a personal level, we can all support small businesses with our dollars,\u201d Little said.\n\n\u201cIdaho\u2019s small businesses are a vital part of our state\u2019s economy and many have suffered a great deal throughout the COVID-19 pandemic this year,\u201d Crapo said. \u201cThe Support Local Gems: All Season Long initiative is a great way for Idahoans to support their neighbors by buying, eating and shopping small this holiday season.\u201d\n\n\u201cSmall businesses are the backbone of our nation\u2019s economy, and Idaho depends on these Local Gems to spur our state towards growth and prosperity,\u201d said Simpson. \u201cThis holiday season I join Senator Risch in inviting Idahoans everywhere to find and support their favorite local shops.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis year has been especially difficult for Idaho\u2019s small businesses,\u201d said Fulcher. \u201cAs we move into the holiday season, it is important to recognize the opportunities to help our small businesses bounce back. The Support Local Gems initiative is a wonderful way to remind Idahoans of the many ways to buy, eat, and give back to our local businesses this holiday season.\u201d\n\n\u201c2020 has been a year where all of us have had to learn to care not only about ourselves, but everyone around us, as we\u2019ve struggled to fight a worldwide pandemic. And what better time to continue caring for others than during the holiday season,\u201d said Kelley Packer, Executive Director of the Association of Idaho Cities. \u201cAs you buy for your loved ones and friends, in the hopes of spreading holiday cheer, please think local and support our small businesses. Help them survive this pandemic, too. Happy holidays!\u201d\n\n\u201cWe understand how important it is to help local businesses stay afloat during this difficult time,\u201d said Idaho Association of Counties Executive Director Seth Grigg. \u201cWe encourage your support for local gems to keep our Idaho economy going and to support fellow Idahoans.\u201d\n\n\u201cSupporting Main Street business is vital to Idaho\u2019s success. These are the businesses that employ your friends and neighbors. Main Street businesses are the ones supporting your little league and other local charities,\u201d said IACI President Alex LaBeau. \u201cWe encourage you to visit your local restaurants and retail shopping. Dollars spent in Main Street business supports your community.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur local restaurants and retailers are the lifeblood of our communities. These businesses are struggling and desperately need our support this holiday season,\u201d said Pam Eaton, President of the Idaho Retailers and Idaho Lodging & Restaurant Associations. \u201cI encourage all Idahoans to \u2018Support Local Gems: All Season Long\u2019 and help protect the future of the small businesses that make Idaho a thriving and vibrant place to live.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we close out 2020 still battling the COVID-19 pandemic, Idaho\u2019s chambers of commerce urge everyone to think of how they can support local businesses this holiday season,\u201d said Idaho Chamber Alliance Executive Director Caroline Merritt. \u201cAlthough we\u2019re beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, please do your part to shop local and make sure these businesses are still present in our communities when we come out on the other side.\u201d\n\n\u201cSmall businesses make up the backbone of Idaho\u2019s economy, and now more than ever, they need your support,\u201d said Mat Erpelding, VP of Government & Community Relations for the Boise Metro Chamber. \u201cThis holiday season, make it a point to support those local gems that make our community such a great place to live, work, and play.\u201d\n\nBackground: Support Local Gems: All Season Long is led by the same coalition of public and private sector leaders who brought you the Support Local Gems campaign to encourage Idahoans to patronize small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nAnyone can participate in the Support Local Gems: All Season Long initiative by shopping safely in person or online, purchasing gift cards, ordering food via take-out or delivery, and encouraging others to do so, too.\n\nThere are also many ways to support small businesses that are free. Write a positive review, post about a local gem you love on social media with the hashtag #SupportLocalGems, or just say \u201cthank you\u201d to a business in the community.\n\nFor a Support Local Gems: All Season Long information sheet, click here.\n\nFor a Support Local Gems: All Season Long media toolkit for small businesses and supporters, visit Senator Risch\u2019s website.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0FB007CF-F3F5-4E7D-B159-EDE951DDD603", "Rep. Fulcher Joins Holiday Revival of Initiative to Help Idaho Small Businesses", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tMedia\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Print", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-collaboration-brings-results", "Crapo: Collaboration Brings Results", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 08, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo: Collaboration Brings Results \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t In speech on Senate Floor, Crapo highlights forest health improvement and economic progress on Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--Yesterday, in a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) highlighted successful collaborative processes underway in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests to improve the health of the Forests. He urged continued collaborative efforts nationwide to address often contentious natural resources challenges and enactment of bipartisan legislation to increase active management of federal forests, cut red tape, reduce frivolous litigation and advance fire risk reduction. Senator Crapo and fellow Idaho Senator Jim Risch are co-sponsors of S. 4431, the Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act, introduced by Senators Steve Daines (R-Montana) and Dianne Feinstein (D-California).\r\nI have been a longtime champion of collaboration to address public lands management disputes, as collaborative processes are good for the environment and good for natural resources-based economies, said Crapo in part.\r\nThe work on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is a great example of the benefits of collaborative efforts. The Clearwater Basin Collaborative (CBC), which was officially launched twelve years ago, has had an important role in furthering discussions about the management of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. \r\nA total of 536 miles of streams have been restored on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, resulting in the Forests being ranked fourth nationwide in miles of streams restored. The Forests have a strong partnership with the Nez Perce Tribe, which contributes greatly to its watershed restoration accomplishments. At the same time, the priorities of much needed restoration of landscapes, including water quality improvements, are also providing a supply of raw materials to local mills. \r\nMore work is underway to address significant challenges, but this is the direction we need to continue to go in delivering long-term results. I commend all those involved in this effort for their hard and exemplary work improving our treasured landscapes. \r\nAs senators and shared stewards of these natural resources, we must continuously work to ensure federal statute and policy empowers collaborative efforts and forest health projects. \r\n\r\nVideo of Senator Crapo's remarks can be found by clicking HERE or the video above.\r\nA full copy of Senator Crapo's prepared remarks is available HERE.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-joins-holiday-revival-of-risch-led-initiative-to-help-idaho-small-businesses", "Crapo Joins Holiday Revival of Risch-led Initiative to Help Idaho Small Businesses", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 08, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo Joins Holiday Revival of Risch-led Initiative to Help Idaho Small Businesses \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Idahoans encouraged to Support Local Gems: All Season Long \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--With the 2020 holiday season upon us, Idaho's small businesses face a critical next several weeks. Many small businesses rely upon the revenue generated by the holiday shopping season to keep their doors open, and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the stakes are at their highest.\r\nIn an effort to support Idaho's small businesses, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Senator Jim Risch's (R-Idaho) launch of the Support Local Gems: All Season Long initiative.\r\nSupport Local Gems: All Season Long is a holiday revival of the successful statewide Support Local Gems public awareness campaign introduced last spring encouraging Idahoans to Support Local Gems--the small businesses in our communities--that have been impacted by this pandemic.\r\nThroughout the month of December, the Support Local Gems: All Season Long initiative will encourage Idahoans to do their Christmas and holiday shopping at their favorite small businesses and promote local shops with the hashtag #SupportLocalGems.\r\nAdditional partners of the Support Local Gems: All Season Long initiative include Governor Brad Little, Representative Mike Simpson, Representative Russ Fulcher, Idaho Department of Commerce, Association of Idaho Cities, Idaho Association of Counties, Idaho Chamber Alliance, Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry (IACI), Idaho Retailers Association, Idaho Lodging and Restaurant Association and the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce.\r\nIdaho's small businesses are a vital part of our state's economy and many have suffered a great deal throughout the COVID-19 pandemic this year, Crapo said.The Support Local Gems: All Season Long initiative is a great way for Idahoans to support their neighbors by buying, eating and shopping small this holiday season.\r\nIdaho's small businesses supply local jobs, power the state's economy, and provide the Gem State with irreplaceable value. This is a challenging time for them, and they deserve our support, said Risch. Last spring, we launched the Support Local Gems initiative to help our local job creators, and it was a huge success. Support Local Gems: All Season Long is an opportunity for Idahoans to once again give back to the small businesses that serve us every day.\r\nSmall businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they need all the support we can offer, especially during the pandemic. At the state level, we have prioritized resources for small businesses in our COVID-19 response. On a personal level, we can all support small businesses with our dollars, Little said.\r\nSmall businesses are the backbone of our nation's economy, and Idaho depends on these Local Gems to spur our state towards growth and prosperity, said Simpson. This holiday season I join Senator Risch in inviting Idahoans everywhere to find and support their favorite local shops.\r\nThis year has been especially difficult for Idaho's small businesses, said Fulcher. As we move into the holiday season, it is important to recognize the opportunities to help our small businesses bounce back. The Support Local Gems initiative is a wonderful way to remind Idahoans of the many ways to buy, eat, and give back to our local businesses this holiday season.\r\n2020 has been a year where all of us have had to learn to care not only about ourselves, but everyone around us, as we've struggled to fight a worldwide pandemic. And what better time to continue caring for others than during the holiday season, said Kelley Packer, Executive Director of the Association of Idaho Cities. As you buy for your loved ones and friends, in the hopes of spreading holiday cheer, please think local and support our small businesses. Help them survive this pandemic, too. Happy holidays!\r\nWe understand how important it is to help local businesses stay afloat during this difficult time, said Idaho Association of Counties Executive Director Seth Grigg. We encourage your support for local gems to keep our Idaho economy going and to support fellow Idahoans.\r\nSupporting Main Street business is vital to Idaho's success. These are the businesses that employ your friends and neighbors. Main Street businesses are the ones supporting your little league and other local charities, said IACI President Alex LaBeau. We encourage you to visit your local restaurants and retail shopping. Dollars spent in Main Street business supports your community.\r\nOur local restaurants and retailers are the lifeblood of our communities. These businesses are struggling and desperately need our support this holiday season, said Pam Eaton, President of the Idaho Retailers and Idaho Lodging & Restaurant Associations. I encourage all Idahoans to Support Local Gems: All Season Long' and help protect the future of the small businesses that make Idaho a thriving and vibrant place to live.\r\nAs we close out 2020 still battling the COVID-19 pandemic, Idaho's chambers of commerce urge everyone to think of how they can support local businesses this holiday season, said Idaho Chamber Alliance Executive Director Caroline Merritt. Although we're beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, please do your part to shop local and make sure these businesses are still present in our communities when we come out on the other side.\r\nSmall businesses make up the backbone of Idaho's economy, and now more than ever, they need your support, said Mat Erpelding, VP of Government & Community Relations for the Boise Metro Chamber. This holiday season, make it a point to support those local gems that make our community such a great place to live, work, and play.\r\nBackground: Support Local Gems: All Season Long is led by the same coalition of public and private sector leaders who started the Support Local Gems campaign to encourage Idahoans to patronize small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.\r\nAnyone can participate in the Support Local Gems: All Season Long initiative by shopping safely in person or online, purchasing gift cards, ordering food via take-out or delivery and encouraging others to do so, too.\r\nThere are also many ways to support small businesses that are free. Write a positive review, post about a local gem you love on social media with the hashtag #SupportLocalGems, or just say thank you to a business in the community.\r\nFor a Support Local Gems: All Season Long information sheet, click here.\r\nFor a Support Local Gems: All Season Long media toolkit for small businesses and supporters, visit Senator Risch's website.\r\nFor more information on the Support Local Gems: All Season Long initiative, contact press@risch.senate.gov.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/bipartisan-effort-urges-inclusion-of-county-payments-in-end-of-year-federal-funding-efforts", "Bipartisan Effort Urges Inclusion of County Payments in End of Year Federal Funding Efforts", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2020\n\t\t\t Bipartisan Effort Urges Inclusion of County Payments in End of Year Federal Funding Efforts \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Letter led by Crapo, Wyden, Risch, Merkey ties county payments to COVID crisis \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--Idaho and Oregon congressional leaders say the COVID-19 pandemic is one more reason that payments to counties under the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) programs should be prioritized in a year-ending appropriations bill.\r\nIn order to assist these rural counties' response to the current public health crisis, as well as to invest in infrastructure, schools, and law enforcement, Congress must include a reauthorization of SRS, the bipartisan group of 25 senators wrote in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.\r\nSenators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) have led the effort to ensure federal payments for counties by reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools program through S. 430, which has received approval in committee but not yet passed the full Congress.\r\nNearly two-thirds of Idaho's lands are federally owned, which severely limits the tax base for counties to pay for essential services such as roads, law enforcement and schools, Crapo said. Both PILT and SRS serve as a lifeline to Idaho's counties, and the ongoing global pandemic has stretched our local budgets even thinner. While I continue to work on a long-term solution for the SRS program, it is crucial that Congress reauthorize SRS and continue to fully fund PILT to ensure a predictable funding source for Idaho counties and school districts encompassed by federal land.\r\nThe time is now for Congress to help rural Oregon communities facing the unprecedented economic and public health challenges of the coronavirus crisis as well as the aftermath of this year's devastating fires, Wydensaid. Our bipartisan request is a must to help these communities in our state and nationwide continue to provide essential services such as roads, schools and public health programs while Congress develops a long-term permanent solution to support a strong quality-of-life for rural America.\r\nIdaho's rural counties need certainty. This year, the annual fight to secure county payments for communities with federal lands is even more significant given the extraordinary challenges posed by this pandemic, Rischsaid. The federal government has a moral obligation to these communities, and Congress must fund PILT and SRS.\r\nOur rural towns and counties are already suffering from lost revenue due to the coronavirus crisis. Failing to fully fund SRS and PILT could mean first responders and teachers losing their jobs, which would be terrible for everyone,Merkley said. For communities with large tracts of public lands, these funds are a lifeline for critical services ranging from schools to roads to public safety. It is critically important for Congress to reauthorize the federal support that counties need so urgently right now.\r\nCo-signers on the letter include Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Jon Tester (D-Montana), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Patty Murray (D-Washington), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Kristen Sinema (D-Arizona) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire).\r\nThe full letter can be found below or downloaded HERE.\r\nDear Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer and Leader McCarthy:\r\nWe write to share our steadfast support for the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS) and the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. Specifically, we urge you to reauthorize SRS and maintain robust PILT funding as part of the appropriations process.\r\nSRS and PILT serve as a lifeline to rural America's local governments and now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the budgets of these rural counties have taken a hit. These two programs fund roads, schools, law enforcement, and essential county services, such as public health programs. With additional demands on their resources as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, rural communities and counties are stretched thinner than ever.\r\nDespite being small, rural, and generally relatively remote, county governments that rely on SRS and PILT are responding to the same national health crisis facing larger cities and urban areas. Extending and funding these two programs has wide, bipartisan support, which was on display as recently as 2019, when the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a legislative hearing on PILT and SRS.\r\nAs Congress works to establish a permanent solution for counties, diversify rural economies, improve forest management and forest health, strengthen historic forest revenue sharing with local governments, and ensure that public lands provide a range of values such as clean water, jobs, grazing opportunities, and wood fiber for local economies, a short-term reauthorization is critical for counties across the country.\r\nIn order to assist these rural counties' response to the current public health crisis, as well as to invest in infrastructure, schools, and law enforcement, Congress must include a reauthorization of SRS, including the programmatic amendments to S. 430 passed on a broad bipartisan basis in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Further, we urge you to maintain robust funding for PILT as you continue funding negotiations for the remainder of the fiscal year.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/2020/12/04/id-d0011994-3e1b-4b2d-8cfd-a01acd63e1ff/", "Reps. Peter DeFazio, Russ Fulcher, Kurt Schrader, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging Reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools and Robust Funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", "fulcher", "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Contact:\n\nAlexah Rogge\n\n202-225-6611\n\nalexah.rogge@mail.house.gov\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Reps. Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Kurt Schrader (OR-05), and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today led a bipartisan letter to congressional leadership urging reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program and robust funding for the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program in the appropriations process.\n\nIn the letter, the members write, \u201cSRS and PILT serve as a lifeline to rural America\u2019s local governments and now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the budgets of these rural counties have taken a hit. These two programs fund roads, schools, law enforcement, and essential county services, such as public health programs. With additional demands on their resources as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, rural communities and counties are stretched thinner than ever. In order to assist these rural counties\u2019 response to the current public health crisis, as well as to invest in infrastructure, schools, and law enforcement, Congress must advance a reauthorization of SRS. Further, we urge you to maintain robust funding for PILT as you continue funding negotiations for the remainder of the fiscal year.\u201d\n\nSRS has been a critical lifeline to over 775 counties in more than 40 states by helping fund over 4,400 schools, road maintenance, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations on federal lands. Historically, the federal government shared with county governments 25 percent of timber sales from federal forestlands and 50 percent of revenues from certain lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Due to declining timber sales and county revenues, Congress first passed SRS in 2000 to provide a measure of compensation for counties containing federal timberland.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D0011994-3E1B-4B2D-8CFD-A01ACD63E1FF", "Reps. Peter DeFazio, Russ Fulcher, Kurt Schrader, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging Reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools and Robust Funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tMedia\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Print", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/idaho-delegation-urges-usda-to-approve-isu-based-covid-19-education-program", "Idaho Delegation Urges USDA to Approve ISU-Based COVID-19 Education Program", "2020-11-30", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 30, 2020\n\t\t\t Idaho Delegation Urges USDA to Approve ISU-Based COVID-19 Education Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) and Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) sent a letter to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue urging the agency to approve Dr. Ruiling Guo's application to fund a distance-learning project on the practice of evidence-based management in rural hospitals in the state of Idaho at Idaho State University.\r\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected all Americans. Idahoans are no exception,\"the letter read in part. Dr. Guo and the team at Idaho State University will use the distance learning telemedicine funds to provide a distance-learning program on evidence-based management for rural hospital administrators and frontline health workers. Health administrators, frontline healthcare professionals, and healthcare administration students will participate in this project to gain the necessary knowledge to identify health problems in rural communities and implement solutions based on the best available scientific evidence.\r\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\r\nDear Secretary Perdue:\r\nThe Idaho Congressional Delegation is pleased to support Dr. Ruiling Guo's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program application to fund a distance-learning project on the practice of evidence-based management in rural hospitals in the state of Idaho.\r\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected all Americans. Idahoans are no exception. Rural hospitals in Idaho are facing huge challenges in keeping their doors open to provide quality care for the residents in our rural communities. To mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and provide the care our rural residents need, Dr. Guo and the team at Idaho State University will use the distance learning telemedicine funds to provide a distance-learning program on evidence-based management for rural hospital administrators and frontline health workers. Health administrators, frontline healthcare professionals, and healthcare administration students will participate in this project to gain the necessary knowledge to identify health problems in rural communities and implement solutions based on the best available scientific evidence. Over 180,000 rural residents across the state of Idaho will be served through this project.\r\nAdditionally, Idaho currently faces a shortage of healthcare professionals. We are pleased that our students from rural Idaho who are pursuing a degree in healthcare administration at Idaho State University will be able to participate in this proposed project. Students will have an opportunity to learn and grow with rural hospital administrators to become qualified healthcare administrators and medical managers.\r\nThe knowledge and skills gained from this evidence-based management distance-training program will greatly help rural hospital administrators and healthcare workers better cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and save lives in Idaho's rural communities.\r\nWe urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to give this application all due consideration.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/senate-celebrates-70th-anniversary-of-impact-aid", "Senate Celebrates 70th Anniversary of Impact Aid", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 18, 2020\n\t\t\t Senate Celebrates 70th Anniversary of Impact Aid \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Program designed to assist local school districts without property tax revenue due to the presence of tax-exempt federal property \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--The U.S. Senate unanimously agreed to a Senate Resolution celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Impact Aid Program, which President Harry Truman signed into law in 1950. The Resolution, introduced by U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), along with Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and a bipartisan coalition of 28 additional Senators, recognizes the importance of the Impact Aid program in delivering resources for federally impacted school districts to provide high-quality education and access to opportunities children need to reach their full potential.\r\nImpact Aid is a crucial program that provides needed funding to school districts in Idaho, said Crapo. The Senate's unanimous support of this resolution signals the importance this program has across the country as it helps schools negatively impacted by federal presence continue to provide the best learning environment possible.\r\nRead the full text of the resolution HERE and below.\r\nWhereas September 30, 2020, marks the 70th anniversary of the date on which \r\nPresident Harry S Truman signed the Act of September 30, 1950 (commonly known as the Impact Aid Act) (64 Stat. 1100; chapter 1124), which established the Impact Aid program;\r\nWhereas the community served by the Impact Aid program considers the Impact \r\nAid program to be the original Federal elementary and secondary education program;\r\nWhereas the Impact Aid program is administered by the Secretary of Education; \r\nWhereas the Impact Aid program reimburses local educational agencies for the \r\nloss of revenue and other costs associated with the presence of tax-exempt Federal property within the boundaries of those local educational agencies;\r\nWhereas payments under the Impact Aid program are dispersed directly to local \r\neducational agencies, which allocate those payments based on local context and needs to provide a quality education to the students served by those local educational agencies; \r\nWhereas, in 2020, nearly 880,000 children, including of individuals in the \r\nuniformed services (as defined in section 1010 of title 37, United States Code), children residing on Indian lands, children in low-rent public housing, and children of civilians working or living on Federal land, are federally connected children who are served by local educational agencies that are eligible for basic support payments under the Impact Aid program;\r\nWhereas there are 4,800,000 acres of federally owned land within the \r\nboundaries of local educational agencies for which those local educational agencies are eligible to receive Federal property payments under the Impact Aid program;\r\nWhereas, in fiscal year 2020, $1,486,112,000 will be provided under the Impact \r\nAid program to more than 1,100 local educational agencies that together enroll more than 10,000,000 students;\r\nWhereas, in 1965, Congress passed the Elementary and Secondary Education \r\nAct of 1965 (20 U.S.C 6301 et seq.), which amended the Act of September 30, 1950 (commonly known as the Impact Aid Act) (64 Stat. 1100; chapter 1124);\r\nWhereas, in 1994, Congress passed the Improving America's Schools Act of \r\n1994 (Public Law 103-382; 108 Stat. 3518), which repealed the Act of September 30, 1950 (commonly known as the Impact Aid Act) (64 Stat. 1100; chapter 1124), and codified the Impact Aid program in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.);\r\nWhereas Congress has continued to demonstrate support for the Impact Aid \r\nprogram by reauthorizing the program 16 times between 1950 and 2020;\r\nWhereas, to formalize and energize the broad, bipartisan support for the Impact \r\nAid program, the Senate Impact Aid Coalition was established in 1996 and the House Impact Aid Coalition was established in 1995; and\r\nWhereas the Federal obligation on which the Impact Aid program is based is the \r\nsame in September 2020 as it was when the Impact Aid program was established 70 years before, in September 1950: Now, therefore, be it\r\nResolved, That the Senate \r\n(1) designates September 30, 2020, as Impact Aid Recognition Day to recognize the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Impact Aid program; and\r\n(2) recognizes the importance of\r\n(A) the Impact Aid program under title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.); and\r\n(B) the objective of that program to ensure that all children educated in federally impacted school districts receive a high-quality education and have access to the opportunities needed to reach their full potential.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-bipartisan-group-introduce-legislation-to-revitalize-americas-nuclear-infrastructure", "Crapo, Bipartisan Group Introduce Legislation to Revitalize America's Nuclear Infrastructure", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 17, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo, Bipartisan Group Introduce Legislation to Revitalize America's Nuclear Infrastructure \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) and Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) and Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) in introducing bipartisan legislation to revitalize the United States' nuclear infrastructure. S. 4897, the American Nuclear Infrastructure Act of 2020, will enable U.S. international leadership, preserve America's nuclear fuel supply chain, reduce carbon emissions and strengthen the nation's economic, energy and national security.\r\nOver the last couple of years, Congress has ushered in a new chapter in U.S. nuclear energy by enacting legislation promoting nuclear innovation, said Crapo. The advancement of clean, reliable nuclear energy is paramount to maintaining the United States' eminence in nuclear power, research and innovation. The American Nuclear Infrastructure Act will further facilitate our country's nuclear competitiveness through enhanced collaboration with allied nations, nuclear energy workforce development and improved review processes to help deploy advanced nuclear technologies. This bill, in conjunction with our other work, will help ensure research at the Idaho National Laboratory continues to contribute to and empower the long-term viability of our diverse domestic energy portfolio. I thank Chairman Barrasso for his leadership on this important effort.\r\nThe American Nuclear Infrastructure Act of 2020 (ANIA) will:\r\n \r\nReestablish American International Competitiveness and Global Leadership;\r\nExpand Nuclear Energy Through Advanced Nuclear Technologies;\r\nPreserve Existing Nuclear Energy;\r\nRevitalize America's Nuclear Supply Chain Infrastructure; and\r\nAuthorize funds for Environmental Cleanup Programs on Tribal land.\r\n \r\nA section-by-section of the American Nuclear Infrastructure Act of 2020 can be found HERE. Full text of the bill can be found HERE.\r\nThe Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a legislative hearing on August 5, 2020, to consider the draft legislation.\r\nOn April 23, 2020, the Department of Energy released its report titled, Restoring America's Competitive Nuclear Energy Advantage. The report found the decline of our industrial nuclear supply capabilities threatens our national interest and national security. The report recommends actions that will set the United States back on the right track. ANIA implements the report's key recommendations.\r\nIn the last two years, President Trump has signed two key pieces of legislation that further nuclear innovation: S. 97, the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act (NEICA); and S. 512, the Nuclear Energy Innovation Modernization Act (NEIMA). These laws help ensure the research conducted at the Idaho National Laboratory continues to contribute to our diverse domestic energy resources and keeps our nation at the forefront of nuclear innovation.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/11/10/2020/crapo-honors-22-idaho-veterans-and-volunteers-with-spirit-of-freedom-award", "Crapo Honors 22 Idaho Veterans and Volunteers with Spirit of Freedom Award", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 10, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo Honors 22 Idaho Veterans and Volunteers with Spirit of Freedom Award \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Nominated by veterans' organizations, award honors those serving Idaho's greater veterans community \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) today announced he would recognize 22 Idahoans with the 2020 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award. Veterans' service organizations across Idaho nominate awardees for their service to fellow veterans and the nation.\r\nThe Spirit of Freedom Award recognizes the commitment and dedication veterans and volunteers have in our communities and across our state, said Crapo. I have met many veterans across Idaho who not only courageously served our nation in uniform, but also continue to give their time, talents and treasures to uplift and care for fellow veterans and others. I offer my earnest gratitude for these individuals' exemplary work for our country, Idaho and their local communities.\r\nThe award, established by Crapo in 2002, is a small way to recognize and acknowledge the contributions of Idaho's veterans and volunteers who support Idaho veterans. As of 2020, 334 Spirit of Freedom Awards will have been presented since the award's creation in 2002. Each Spirit of Freedom Award recipient will receive a certificate for their service as well as a United States flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capitol building. The nominations for the Spirit of Freedom Award are made by a number of veterans' service organizations, including: American Legion posts; Disabled American Veterans Department of Idaho; Idaho Division of Veterans ServicesOffice of Veterans Advocacy; Idaho State Veterans Cemetery; Idaho State Veterans Homes; Team River Runner; Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Idaho; VFW posts; and Vietnam Veterans of America, Idaho State Council.\r\nSubmissions for the 2021Spirit of Freedom Service Awardcan be made by contacting Courtney Lehosit in Crapo's Boise office.\r\nThe following biographies for each of the recipients highlight their significant contributions to our country and its veterans.\r\nVeterans:\r\n \r\nCharles Abrahamson, Mountain Home: When nominating Charles (Abe) Abrahamson, Darrel R. Homer, Commander of American Legion Idaho Falls Post 56, wrote that Abe, served with honor and distinction in both the United States Marine Corps and the Idaho National Guard. While his time in uniform may have ended, his service to others continues to this day. Abe is recognized as being quick to lend assistance to those in need, without exception. He is also known for his promotion of camaraderie and teamwork. He served as the Department Commander of the Idaho American Legion, and is credited for his efforts in chartering two prison posts. He has grown the Idaho American Legion's One More Day program, aimed at ending veteran suicide and educating separating service members on available services. Abe has also assisted the community's youth among his significant service efforts.\r\n \r\n \r\nKendrick C. Anderson, Coeur d'Alene: The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 889 of Coeur d'Alene nominated Kendrick Anderson, who served on active duty in the U.S. Navy. He earned the rank of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Senior Chief and numerous honors for his exemplary service. He served in the Persian Gulf and in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom before his 2008 retirement from the active military. Then, through his employment as a government contractor, he deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Kendrick has served in various leadership positions within the VFW and in support of the broader veteran community. He works as HVAC Service Technician for Border Sheet Metal and Heating in Hayden and is the proud father of Kendra Lynn Addison. When nominating Kendrick, Steven A. Guzauskis of VFW Post 889 wrote, Mr. Anderson is a dynamic, knowledgeable, and proven leader consistently seeking the orderly flow and improvement for local area veterans and his community.\r\n \r\n \r\nAlan Wade Baumgardner, Mountain Home: Alan Wade Baumgardner, who served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, has contributed so significantly in service to our country, fellow veterans and the community that American Legion Mountain Home Post 26 nominated him as both a veteran and volunteer recipient of this award. Wade was trained in aircraft rescue and firefighting and served at several Air Force bases worldwide. After his military service, Wade had a 34-year career in civilian Fire Service, with the last 14 years as Fire Chief at Mountain Home Air Force Base before retiring in 1994. He then was the Elmore County Veteran's Service Officer. He has served in American Legion leadership positions and earned many recognitions for his service to our country and veterans. This includes the 2010 Department of Idaho Legionnaire of the Year Award. Wade and his wife of 58 years, Sue, have one son, Christopher, and two grandsons. Post 26 Commander Mark Russell wrote, Wade sets the bar for serving veterans.\"\r\n \r\n \r\nNeal Biggs, Jerome: The Little Wood River Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3001 of Jerome nominated Neal Biggs, who served in the U.S. Navy as a gunner's mate and later in charge of the ship's armory on the USS White River during the Vietnam War. Neal earned a number of recognitions for his honorable service. His career after his military service included 27 years as a traveling salesman and 16 years working for the Sportsman's Warehouse in Twin Falls before his retirement. Noting that Neal also gives selflessly beyond the veterans community, Eric Bolich, with the Post 3001, wrote, Neal can be counted on to participate in almost every event we put on. . . . Neal does everything he can to remove any obstacles other veterans might face. Efforts Neal has assisted with include participating in flag etiquette classes in schools, serving in the Honor Guard and providing dress coats for interviews and winter coats to those in need. \r\n \r\n \r\nJohn H. Burns, Meridian: The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4000 of Meridian nominated John Burns, who served in the Pacific Theater in World War II and earned the rank of Seaman First Class in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the USS Medrick AMC-203, tasked with minesweeping. John carried live bombs from the ship into the waters from Okinawa to Japan. After his military service, John was a backup singer for the group Four Jacks and Jill, and he was a contract negotiator for IBM for more than 30 years. In 2004, John moved to Meridian with his son and family to be near his grandchildren. He has led area efforts in support of veterans, including his service as Post Commander for VFW Post 4000. He also assisted, with fellow VFW members, the American Legion and the City of Meridian, with the unveiling of the Rock of Honor Memorial in Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park.  \r\n \r\n \r\nHarold Eshelman, Boise: The Idaho Division of Veterans ServicesOffice of Veterans Advocacy nominated Harold Eshelman, who served from 1956-1962 in the Idaho Air National Guard and serves his fellow veterans and community. This includes his service as Commander of Boise John Regan American Legion Post #2 for 10 years and District 3 Commander last year. Harold volunteers at the Boise VA Medical Center alongside his wife of 59 years, Jacquie. Harold and Jacquie raised three children, sons Thomas Harold and Terry Alan, both deceased; and a daughter, Teresa Barnes; and they have one granddaughter. Following his service in the National Guard, Harold taught math and science in Meridian before working for three chemical companies designing chemical feed systems for food processing plants and teaching workplace safety classes. Arthur L. Gimpel, Idaho State Veterans Commissioner wrote about how despite battling cancer, Harold faces each day with a positive outlook and, he daily serves to give back to what he considers his heroes and the heroes of tomorrow.\r\n \r\n \r\nChristina Fletcher, Meridian: Team River Runner (TRR) nominated Christina Fletcher, a U.S. Navy Veteran, who began assisting with TRR five years ago. Robert Tracy, with TRR, wrote that she began as a participant learning to kayak, and has since become a dedicated and effective leader within TRR. She has also been helping Joining Forces and Courageous Survival. Jacki Briggs, with Courageous Survival, highlighted Christina's passion, dedication, generosity of time, care, authenticity, humbleness and genuineness. Jacki wrote, She has dedicated her life to serving our nation in the armed forces, and despite a devastating disability, has gone on to continue giving herself wholeheartedly by serving within the veteran and civilian communities. Mitzi Cheldelin, of Joining Forces, shared, She doesn't just stop with a phone call-she will follow up with that veteran and their family even after the crisis is over. Christina, who has four children, also volunteers with community-wide efforts, including multiple animal rescues and many school volunteer positions. \r\n \r\n \r\nKevin Fowler, Boise: Team River Runner nominated Kevin Fowler, a U.S. Army Veteran, who has been an active member of the Boise Chapter Team River Runner organization valued for his wide range of talents enabling him to help others. Kevin's military service included serving in a combat engineer battalion located in Germany, and his duties included truck and heavy equipment operation. After the military, Kevin pursued a mechanical and structural design career and later a secondary degree in website development. Kevin retired due to ongoing medical challenges, and now spends his time enjoying the outdoors and creating new adventures. Kevin shared that service to others helps him get through difficult days. He said, In turn I hope to set a good example so others can see that by showing up', good things can happen and they are not alone in their struggle. Kevin has two children and three grandchildren.\r\n \r\n \r\nRobert L. Jones, Rexburg: The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Idaho nominated Robert Jones, who has had an extensive, extraordinary career of service to our country and his fellow veterans. Bob Jones served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His service included commanding logistics squadrons supporting combat units in the Vietnam War, serving as Chief of Supply for the Presidential Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, and serving at the Pentagon as a Senior Staff Officer with the U.S. Air Force. His civilian career included 15 years as Vice President of a defense firm in the Middle East. Bob has also served in many VFW leadership positions, and he travels to Washington, D.C., to advocate for veterans issues for the organization. Bob has earned 24 medals for his distinguished service to our nation and numerous honors for his local and statewide service. Bob and his wife, Carmelita, have four children, five grandchildren and one great-grandson.\r\n \r\n \r\nPaul E. Sherman, Boise: The Vietnam Veterans of America, Idaho State Council nominated Paul E. Sherman, who served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War. He served in a relay station on a mountaintop providing communication support for field units operating along the Ho Chi Minh Trail and earned the Purple Heart and National Defense Service Medal among his recognitions for his honorable service to our nation. Paul, whose non-military career included 27 years in retail management, has given extensively of his time and talents leading and serving fellow veterans. This includes serving on the Governor's Planning Committee for the Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day Ceremony, building a ramp for a fellow Vietnam Veteran, jumping in to assist with pandemic response efforts despite his own high-risk health situation and so much more. His nomination for this honor states that Paul's efforts provide testimony to his principles of leadership, dedication, and Brotherhood to ALL Veterans.\r\n \r\n \r\nCharles Richard Taylor, Boise: The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery nominated Charles (Chuck) Taylor, who served in the U.S. Navy for nearly 22 years, earning the rank of Lieutenant Commander before his retirement in 1991. He served in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. Throughout his remarkable career, he flew in evacuations of Saigon, witnessed American prisoner of war repatriation at Clark Air Force Base and survived a helicopter crash in the Red Sea. Chuck earned many honors for his service. His career following his military service included working for the U.S. Forest Service, as a National Helicopter Inspector Pilot and National Helicopter Program Manager. Chuck has volunteered at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery for the past four years. James A. Earp, State Veterans Cemetery Bureau Chief, wrote of Chuck's selfless service as he continues to give back to veterans and their families by being the steward of military professionalism in honoring their lifetime of contributions and service. Chuck and his wife of 52 years, Ann, have four children.  \r\n \r\n \r\nJoe E. Willis, Lewiston: The Idaho State Veterans HomeLewiston nominated Joe Willis, who served as a Major in the U.S. Marine Corps. His more than 22 years of military service spanned World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. When nominating Joe, Terri Brockman, with the Idaho State Veterans HomeLewiston, noted his dedication and love for our great nation and wrote, Joe is ingrained with the ability to work hard for what is needed, a work ethic he practiced from a very young age. Joe served as a pilot in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and he was stationed and travelled throughout many parts of the world earning a very long list of recognitions for his remarkable service to our country. After his retirement, he enjoyed building homes, fishing and hunting and was a small business owner. He enjoys writing and spending time outdoors. He and his late wife, Ileen Willis, spent 30 happy years together. He has a daughter, Daleen Adkison, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. \r\n \r\n \r\nConnie D. Workman, Grangeville: The Crea-D'Haven Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3520 of Grangeville nominated Connie D. Workman, who served in the U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps. Connie is a Grangeville native. She went to Nursing School from 1961-1964. She noted being sworn in on television was one of her memorable experiences. After graduation, she served in Vietnam from 1966-1967. She served in the military for 20 years before retiring as Lieutenant Colonel. \r\n \r\nVolunteers:\r\n \r\nWendy Jo Ackley, Boise: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7019 nominated Wendy Jo Ackley, founder of Operation Grateful Hearts, citing her selfless service to military families in the Treasure Valley. Tina Bailey, with Post 7019, wrote about Wendy Jo's selfless service through Operation Grateful Hearts that has clothed, fed, heated homes, repaired vehicles, given gift cards and essential items to veterans and active duty military personnel and their families. She is part of a family deeply rooted in military service. The outpouring of support from the military community during the search for and heartbreaking loss of her service member brother inspired Wendy Jo's family to sponsor a family annually for Christmas in honor of her brother. Wendy Jo works as an Executive Human Resources Officer for a Boise business and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Tina Bailey wrote, She grew up understanding the importance and sacrifices of military service. From those experiences, she developed a desire and passion for serving in her own way.\r\n \r\n \r\nRay Alduenda, Meridian: The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery nominated Ray Alduenda. The kindness and compassion shown to his family by cemetery volunteers after the death of his son, who served in the U.S. Navy, inspired Ray to volunteer at the cemetery. When nominating Ray, James A. Earp, State Veterans Cemetery Bureau Chief, wrote, He truly understands these sensitive final moments for the family and speaks with care and devotion to preserve the dignity and honor of military service and family commitment during these precious moments. Ray had a more than 28-year career with the Los Angeles Police Department, rising through the ranks to become Detective Coordinator, before his retirement in 2002. He later spent five years in Iraq and Afghanistan training high-ranking officers of Iraq and Afghanistan in law enforcement procedures and criminal investigations. This year, Ray received the President's Volunteer Bronze Service Award for his many hours of service at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.\r\n \r\n \r\nRichard M. Brockman, Jr., Lewiston: The Idaho State Veterans HomeLewiston nominated Rick Brockman, who has been an active volunteer at the home for more than 26 years. He has assisted with many activities and efforts at the home that include Veterans Day ceremonies, holiday dinners, outings for fishing, parades, sightseeing, set building, shopping for the canteen and residents during the pandemic, games and so much more. Most importantly, he is recognized as a friend to the residents. He worked for the Lewiston #1 school district for more than 30 years before retiring last year. He has two daughters, Kristine Brockman and Melisa Pecoff, four grandchildren and three great-grandsons. Rick has been happily married to Terri Brockman of the Idaho State Veterans HomeLewiston for 33 years and counting. Terri noted that in addition to dedicating thousands of hours to serving veterans, Rick also mentored and coached their grandchildren.\r\n \r\n \r\nMitzi Cheldelin, Boise: The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4000 of Meridian nominated Mitzi Cheldelin, who is considered to be a vital asset to the veteran community, with her dedication, valuable resources and guidance for veterans and families. Tammy Clement, of VFW Post 4000, wrote, Mitzi is a true inspiration and her continued dedication to helping and serving veterans is phenomenal. Her career has included employment as an elementary school secretary, owner and operator of a family business, and newspaper reporter. She worked at the Ada County Sheriff's Office and the Boise Police Department before further pursuing her passion to serve veterans by taking a position with the Idaho Division of Veterans Services in 2018. Mitzi has also been involved with broader community efforts. She served as a City Council Member for the City of Kimberly from 2010-2012. Mitzi conveyed that she feels enjoyment when she is making a difference and is able to connect individuals with contacts and resources.\r\n \r\n \r\nMiles Elletson, Garden City: The Vietnam Veterans of America, Idaho State Council nominated Miles Elletson for his dedicated service to his fellow veterans. Miles is a U.S. Army veteran who served with his brother in Desert Storm and whose family is deeply rooted in military service. His nomination notes his affinity for veterans began at a young age when he accompanied his grandfather to the veterans home where he would play cribbage and listen to veterans' stories. He has since served veterans for more than 24 years and supported many other local efforts beyond the veterans community. Miles and his wife have been married for 28 years and have four children. He is owner of Alloway Electric, and he has maintained, repaired and replaced the flags flying over the Veterans Memorial Bridge for the past 10 years, as one of the many ways he supports the community. His nomination for the recognition reads, When asked what inspired him to serve Veterans, he unhesitatingly answered The sacrifice of so many before meWhat more inspiration could exist?'\r\n \r\n \r\nRobert Joseph Johnson, Grangeville: The Crea-D'Haven Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3520 of Grangeville nominated Bobby Johnson for his many years of taking care of veterans' needs within his community. He offers yardwork, rides to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, counseling, visiting with homebound veterans and more. The need to assist those in need who came before him is the inspiration for Bobby's service. When asked what he enjoys about volunteering, Bobby shared, 'Purpose:' To have something to do that makes a difference within the community; Morals:' It's the right thing to do! He served four years in the U.S. Air Force, served several years as a law enforcement officer, firefighter and fire chief for a few years. Bobby has a son in the military. Lucky Gallego, VFW Post 3520 Service Officer, wrote about Bobby's unique persona that either through his talk, calm demeanor or background offer him a natural outlook on life to help people, and shared that Bobby's wife, Vickie, would agree he is a very special guy.\r\n \r\n \r\nDavid Lyon, Nampa: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7019 nominated David Lyon, who has volunteered with the VFW since 1994 and served in the U.S. Air Force. His desire to give back to the veteran community and help veterans wherever needed inspired his volunteer work. David graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1962 and served in Vietnam, earning four Air Medals. After serving our country for seven years, David was honorably discharged and spent the next 26 years flying airplanes in many capacities. In 1991, David and his wife, Jackie, moved to Kuna. Not long after, he received another Air Medal as a civilian pilot flying supplies into Saudi Arabia and Kuwait following Operations Desert Storm. After his retirement from the airline industry in 1995, David started a new career as a real estate agent and discovered his passion of being part of his community. Michael White with VFW Post 7019 wrote, It cannot be stressed enough the impact he has had on his community and Veteran organizations.\r\n \r\n \r\nLana J. Tout, Moscow: The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3913 of Kendrick nominated Lana Tout. Lana serves as the Local Coordinator for the Quilts of Valor program. She makes, sends and awards quilts in the Latah, Whitman and Nez Perce County areas. Early in Lana's career, she was a substitute teacher. She raised her two children, David and Leslie, and she had a 30-year career with GTE/Verizon in Moscow. She became involved in making quilts for veterans following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, but her understanding of the sacrifice of military service was shaped many years earlier when watching her grandmother mourn the loss of her uncle killed while serving in the Army Air Corps. Lana helps people however she can. In her words, Sometimes it's a phone call, sometimes it's a quilt! We owe a lot to our veterans, and they can't be thanked enough.\r\n \r\n \r\nHiedi Young, Pocatello: In reading what inspired Hiedi Young to serve veterans for the past 22 years, it is clear why the Disabled American Veterans Department of Idaho nominated her. Hiedi shared, I am so blessed to live where I do in a time of unprecedented freedom. I can never repay the debt that is owed to those who have served our country in the Armed Forces and preserved the way of life that I enjoy with my family and friends. It is an honor to call so many who currently wear the uniform and have worn it in the past friends. I get to rub elbows with true heroes every day! Since 2005, Hiedi has been a Soldier & Family Readiness Specialist with the Idaho State Military Division. She also volunteers with many organizations to help those who serve our country, and she has received numerous awards for her service. Hiedi was married to her husband who served in the Idaho National Guard and Army Reserves for 25 years, and they have four children: Donald, Samantha, Kiersten and Allisa. Hiedi was 2011 Idaho State Young Mother of the Year, and her son is a combat medic with the Idaho Army National Guard while her daughters often help alongside her at various functions.\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/2020/10/28/id-547b28d4-88cc-40bc-9b28-3bd1aa4e264f/", "Western Caucus Brings Attention to Mistreatment of Dairy Industry by EPA", "2020-10-28", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", "fulcher", "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Contact:\n\nAlexah Rogge\n\n202-225-6611\n\nalexah.rogge@mail.house.gov\n\nRICHLAND, WA \u2013 On October 9, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) welcomed the Western Caucus Foundation to Central Washington for its Fall Policy Roundtable: \u201cWhen Agencies Weaponize Fake Science.\u201d The roundtable aimed to bring attention to the negative impact of misguided federal government decisions and regulations on rural communities, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)\u2019s mistreatment of the dairy industry in the Pacific Northwest and across the country.\n\nAs Vice Chairman for the Congressional Western Caucus, Rep. Newhouse moderated the roundtable, which included representatives from the Western Caucus Foundation, Washington State Dairy Federation, Idaho Dairymen\u2019s Association, Darigold, and Save Family Farming, as well as Central Washington dairy farmer Adam Dolsen and fellow Western Caucus Member, Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID). Chief of Staff to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Mandy Gunasekara, joined the group virtually.\n\n\u201cI was grateful for the opportunity to engage with the Western Caucus Foundation, our panelists, and Ms. Gunasekara from EPA on an issue that has been affecting certainly my constituents in Central Washington and those in rural areas across the country: weaponized \u2018science,'\u201d said Rep. Newhouse. \u201cIt is no secret that many of the legacy regulations put in place by the Obama Administration have burdened rural America, and you don\u2019t have to look far to find an example. In our region, regional EPA employees have been unfairly punishing dairy farmers for years, forcing several dairies to permanently close their doors \u2013 all based on a flawed report. We cannot allow federal agencies\u2019 regulatory decision-making to demonize whole industries, weaponize shoddy science, or rely on data that has not even been peer-reviewed. I appreciate EPA\u2019s willingness to have these important discussions and their commitment to working with rural communities to achieve our shared goals of protecting the environment while providing for jobs and economic development.\u201d\n\n\u201cWashington, D.C. has a long history of making decisions that pit East Coast interests against the needs of the rural West,\u201d said Rep. Fulcher (R-ID). \u201cFortunately, the Trump Administration has a been a strong partner in pushing back on this lopsided status quo, but there is still work to be done. Unelected bureaucrats with their \u2018we know better\u2019 attitudes cannot continue to unilaterally dictate federal actions. I will continue to stand up on behalf of Idaho\u2019s dairy farmers \u2013 and all farmers \u2013 to fend off these misguided assaults on our rural way of life. With partners like the Western Caucus Foundation, we can continue to solve problems for Idahoans and Americans in rural communities across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn addition to informing and educating policy makers on issues unique to the American West, a key pillar of the Western Caucus Foundation\u2019s mission is to ensure local voices have a platform in the face of federal bureaucrats\u2019 outsized influence in our nation\u2019s capital,\u201d said Darrell Henry, Executive Director of the Western Caucus Foundation. \u201cThis roundtable was a perfect opportunity to hear from local representatives of dairy farmers in the Pacific Northwest and their frustrations with the weaponization of fake science by federal agencies. We commend the Trump Administration for its commitment to righting this ship and for its many efforts to respect the rights of individuals in the West.\u201d\n\n\u201cRegion 10 remains stuck in its position in allegiance with the environmental activists that are trying to destroy agriculture, not only in Washington state but across the nation,\u201d said Dan Wood, Executive Director of the Washington Dairy Federation. \u201cInstead of dealing with transparency and science, we have these dastardly political moves by EPA in the court room. Thank you, Congressman Newhouse and the Western Caucus Foundation, for hosting this roundtable, which will hopefully serve as a catalyst for the change Washington dairy farmers deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cIdaho\u2019s dairy farm families have long felt that their voice goes unheard by many federal agencies,\u201d said Rick Naerebout, CEO of Idaho Dairymen\u2019s Association. \u201cWe are grateful to Congressman Newhouse and the Western Caucus Foundation for providing a platform for these important conversations with EPA and thankful for Congressman Fulcher\u2019s leadership on behalf of the Idaho dairy industry.\u201d\n\n\u201cMy family and I \u2013 alongside farmers across the Pacific Northwest \u2013 work hard to produce dairy products for families across the world,\u201d said Adam Dolsen, Owner of Cow Palace Dairy. \u201cFor years, our industry has been targeted by environmentalist groups and federal bureaucrats touting shoddy science. Congressman Newhouse understands that we need a positive change, or the American dairy industry will cease to exist. I was grateful for the opportunity to join the Western Caucus Foundation\u2019s policy roundtable and begin having these important discussions with EPA.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen EPA makes the decision to attack an entire industry based off of false science, it affects all of agriculture,\u201d said Gerald Baron, Executive Director of Save Family Farming. \u201cWe have been working to defend Washington\u2019s dairy farmers from harmful regulations and unfair enforcement by the EPA, and this roundtable was another step toward ensuring relief for our dairy industry and for producers across the country. Thank you, Congressman Newhouse, for including us in the discussion and for your commitment to holding EPA accountable.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nIn 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report titled, \u201cRelation Between Nitrate in Water Wells and Potential Sources in the Lower Yakima Valley, Washington\u201d (EPA-910-12-003) (Yakima Valley Nitrate Report) . The Yakima Valley Nitrate Report has been used to place liability on current dairy farmers for high nitrates in Yakima Valley groundwater. While dairies can and sometimes do contribute to nitrates in groundwater, overwhelming evidence shows that levels above EPA limits in this area are almost certainly the result of past farming practices and naturally higher nitrate levels in this fertile farming production land.\n\nCursory peer reviews were performed on the report, but the complete review was missing whole sections. EPA Region 10 staff refuse to request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)\u2019s Agricultural Research Service complete a proper peer review, per many versions of the EPA\u2019s own peer review policies. EPA Region 10 staff also had the designation of the study changed from \u201cinfluential\u201d to \u201cother,\u201d giving the EPA full discretion for the peer review process.\n\nThe Yakima Valley Nitrate Report has been used, without adequate peer review, to force dairies in Central Washington out of business and into financial peril. The report has also been used by an environmental attorney who has sued multiple additional dairy farms and used it to impose unprecedented regulations in Washington state.\n\nOn July 1, 2019, Rep. Newhouse requested that EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler perform a legitimate peer review study of the September 2012 EPA Yakima Valley Nitrate Report. In a letter, Rep. Newhouse asks Administrator Wheeler to suspend the study from enforcement action and litigation pending completion of the peer review. Click here for more details.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/press-releases?ID=547B28D4-88CC-40BC-9B28-3BD1AA4E264F", "Western Caucus Brings Attention to Mistreatment of Dairy Industry by EPA", "2020-10-28", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tMedia\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Print", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-votes-to-confirm-judge-amy-coney-barrett-to-the-supreme-court", "Crapo Votes to Confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 26, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo Votes to Confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), a member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, today voted to confirm the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He issued the following statement after his vote:\r\nJudge Barrett is preeminently qualified to serve on our nation's highest court. She understands the proper role of a judge. Her majority opinions have been unanimous 95 percent of the time, and she ranks sixth among the 11 active judges of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals on her reported dissent opinions, placing her right in the middle. This is the record of someone who follows precedent and will interpret the law as it is written. Judge Amy Coney Barrett is an outstanding nominee, and it is an honor support her confirmation as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/2020/10/21/id-43544827-8d96-4b71-9692-ee1cfafade00/", "Congressman Fulcher Returns $2.5 Million to First District Constituents", "2020-10-21", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", "fulcher", "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Contact:\n\nAlexah Rogge\n\n202-225-6611\n\nalexah.rogge@mail.house.gov\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Russ Fulcher\u2019s office announced that it has been instrumental in returning over $2.5 Million back to constituents in Idaho\u2019s First District. This is a notable milestone to reach before the end of Congressman Fulcher\u2019s first term in Congress.\n\n\u201cI am so proud of our dedicated district staff and casework team who have worked persistently to ensure First District Idahoans are treated fairly and their issues are resolved expediently,\u201d commented Congressman Fulcher. \u201cThe bureaucracy of federal agencies can be extremely intimidating and difficult to navigate alone, particularly in times of emergencies or after years of trying to resolve an issue. This is why one of my main priorities in my congressional office is to provide the highest quality casework services to our district.\u201d\n\nEach of Congressman Fulcher\u2019s three district offices are staffed and open to constituents who need help navigating various issues with federal agencies. The details of these situations range widely, but include:\n\nHelp with the IRS and tax complications\n\nExpedited passport requests\n\nSupport to constituents experiencing problems while abroad\n\nAssistance for veterans and their families with VA claims\n\nServices regarding Social Security or Medicare issues\n\nTrack down COVID-19 individual assistance payments\n\nAid with unemployment claims\n\nTestimonials from past cases solved by Congressman Fulcher\u2019s Office\n\n(Identifying information approved by relevant parties, or changed)\n\nDanica, the daughter and POA for her mother, Nancy, reached out to my office after trying for over a year to get her mother qualified for the VA\u2019s Aid and Attendance pension for spouses of deceased veterans who fall below a financial means test. My office intervened and sent the appropriate paperwork to the VA\u2019s Pension Management Center to clear up some questions in order to resolve the case expeditiously. Nancy was about to run out of money to pay for the facility that she lives in due to crippling dementia. My team worked to resolve this case in a little over a month, saving her $14,736.\n\nA constituent contacted our office at the end of January frustrated that she was unable to get the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay some lingering medical bills resulting from the death of her father. She had worked for almost a year and was given the runaround by all of the veteran representatives she spoke with. She felt that she was unable to grieve the loss of her father and this was a wound that wouldn\u2019t heal. After working with the VA, our team received notice that the VA was paying her father\u2019s bills and they apologized for the length of time it took to do so. We were able to save her over $5,000 in medical bills.\n\nRetired veteran, Karl from Bayview, ID, first visited first district caseworkers looking for assistance garnering VA disability. He was close to 70 years old, and although his expenses were not high, he did not receive much from social security. Karl had lost almost all of his hearing while serving in the Army as a gunner\u2019s mate and explosives technician. The only thing he wanted from the VA was a set of hearing aids. Hearing aids are thousands of dollars and Karl didn\u2019t have that kind of money. It took 5 years of wrangling with the VA with appeals and exams, but finally Karl was awarded 10% disability which would give him entitlement to hearing aids through the VA. On another instance, Karl reached out to our office in February regarding some bills for co-payments on his medications through the VA. Every January, he completes a Financial Status Report showing that he is below poverty and the VA waives his co-pays for the year. This year, his form was sent in, but apparently never got updated in the computer system and he was receiving bills for over $250. On such a limited income this would completely cripple Karl\u2019s ability to pay for gas in his car and heat for his trailer. My casework team worked with the VA to clear up this error and received notice that Karl\u2019s co-pays were waived.\n\nIris was waiting for her federal tax refund for months after her Idaho return came through. Our office was able to get her the documents she needed for the IRS to release her refund. She had the following to say: \u201cI never knew public officials were so accessible to the average person. This has opened my eyes. Thank you for all your hard work.\u201c", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/press-releases?ID=43544827-8D96-4B71-9692-EE1CFAFADE00", "Congressman Fulcher Returns $2.5 Million to First District Constituents", "2020-10-21", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tMedia\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Print", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-reviews-judge-barretts-rulings-in-final-day-of-questions", "Crapo Reviews Judge Barrett\u2019s Rulings In Final Day of Questions", "2020-10-14", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 14, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo Reviews Judge Barrett's Rulings In Final Day of Questions \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) questioned Judge Amy Coney Barrett during the Senate Committee on the Judiciary's second round of questioning as part of its week-long hearing to consider Barrett's nomination to serve as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.\r\nSenator Crapo reviewed statistics of Judge Amy Coney Barrett's record while being on the Seventh Circuit, to again clarify her record as ajudge who would follow precedent.\r\nSenator Crapo said,Your majority opinions have been unanimous 95 percent of the time. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), in all the cases you heard resulting in a reported opinion, you only dissented 1.84 percent of the time. That ranks you sixth among the 11 active judges of the Seventh Circuit--which is right about in the middle.\r\n\"This report also says that your reported majority opinions drew dissents 6.41 percent of the time, which ranks you sixth among the 11 active judges--in the middle. The reported majority opinions drew separate writings or concurrences or dissents 7.69 percent of the time. That ranks you eighth among the 11 active judges of the Seventh Circuit, which means your opinions were some of the least likely to draw a dissent or a concurrence.\r\nThe point of all these statistics is this is not the record of someone who is an activist in overturning precedent. This is the record of someone who follows precedent.\r\nSenator Crapo also asked Judge Barrett to clarify her ruling onGroves v. the United States, which has been the only time she did not follow the Seventh Circuit precedent.\r\nShe stated,In that case, the precedent was old on point, and the Supreme Court had issued a series of subsequent decisions, which called our prior precedent into doubt. So, the Seventh Circuit has a rule, Circuit rule 40(e), and we concluded, as a full Court, that our precedent should be overruled. In this case, it had fallen out of step with the Supreme Court. The full Court agreed.\r\nSenator Crapo's full line of questioning with Judge Amy Coney Barrett can be viewed by clicking the image below.\r\n\r\n\r\nTo download the video, click HERE.\r\n# # #\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-barrett-discuss-judicial-philosophy-on-day-2-of-scotus-confirmation-hearing", "Crapo, Barrett Discuss Judicial Philosophy on Day 2 of SCOTUS Confirmation Hearing", "2020-10-13", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 13, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo, Barrett Discuss Judicial Philosophy on Day 2 of SCOTUS Confirmation Hearing \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), a member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, today questioned Judge Amy Coney Barrett during the Committee's first round of questioning as part of its week-long hearing to consider Judge Barrett's nomination to serve as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.\r\nDuring a 30-minute question and answer session, Senator Crapo asked Judge Barrett about her judicial jurisprudence, the principle of stare decisis, the Chevron deference and the process of judicial recusal.\r\nIn summarizing the doctrine of stare decisis, Judge Barrett stated, Stare decisis is short for stand by the thing decided and don't disturb the calm.' So courts don't recklessly get into the business of disrupting people's lives.\r\nSenator Crapo asked Judge Barrett to address the difference between the judicial decision-making process compared to the opinions of a professor. Judge Barrett responded, A professoris at a 10,000-foot level and not in the trenches like the judgesnot deciding a real case with real litigants. In the judicial process, I have had the experience of changing my mind at various points along the way. Judges keep an open mind all the way through, and that is evidence of how the judicial process is a different enterprise than an academic critique.\r\nIn addressing the Affordable Care Act and the upcoming ruling in California v. Texas, Senator Crapo stated, I am passionate about ensuring that all individuals, especially Idahoans, have affordable, quality health care coverage, and making sure they have coverage for their pre-existing conditions is especially important. Reasonable people can disagree about the totality of the success of Obamacare, andmany of the policies in Obamacare had bipartisan agreement. Here we are now talking about an upcoming ruling on one part of Obamacare.\r\nJudge Barrett would not commit to how she would rule in California v. Texas, but spoke about the concept of severability as Senator Crapo indicated the Supreme Court discussed in its session last year.\r\nSenator Crapo's full line of questioning with Judge Barrett can be viewed HERE, or by clicking the image below.\r\n\r\nRound two of questioning will take place tomorrow, October 14, 2020. Live footage of tomorrow's hearing can be viewed on the Judiciary Committee's website.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-judge-barrett-overwhelmingly-qualified", "Crapo: Judge Barrett Overwhelmingly Qualified", "2020-10-12", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 12, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo: Judge Barrett Overwhelmingly Qualified \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), a member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, today described Judge Amy Coney Barrett as overwhelmingly qualified and dedicated to interpreting the law as written. Crapo delivered his remarks during today's opening session of Judge Barrett's confirmation hearing to serve as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. If confirmed, Judge Amy Coney Barrett will fill the seat left vacant by the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.\r\nJudge Amy Coney Barrett has exemplary academic and legal credentials and is preeminently qualified to serve on our nation's highest court,said Crapo. In particular, Judge Barrett's thoughtful exploration of precedent and the Doctrine of Stare Decisis demonstrates she is both intellectual and deliberative in her understanding of law. Moreover, it is evident she understands the role of a fair and proper judge.\r\nCrapo also praised Barrett's intellect and reputation within the legal community, adding,Judge Barrett's remarkable resume shows she is a pioneer in the legal field. Judge Barrett will be the fifth woman and the first mother of school-age children to serve on the Supreme Court. Her academic scholarship and lengthy analysis of issues facing the federal courts make her uniquely well suited to serve on our nation's highest court.\r\nThe text of Crapo's full statement follows, along with links to video of Senator Crapo's statement from today's hearing. The confirmation hearing will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with Crapo having an opportunity to question Judge Amy Coney Barrett.\r\n\r\nClick the image to view Sen. Crapo's opening remarks.\r\nTo download video of Senator Crapo's full opening remarks,click HERE.\r\n\r\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\r\nJudge Barrett, welcome and congratulations on the high honor of your nomination.\r\nI think it is important to set the record straight on a few items. The first attack is that we are rushing too fast, and violating rules, customs and norms of the Senate in rushing through these proceedings. This hearing is 16 days after Judge Barrett's announced nomination. More than half of all Supreme Court hearings have been held within 16 days of the announcement of the nominees. This hearing is no different.\r\nA couple of examples:\r\n \r\nJustice Stevens, 10 days;\r\nJustice Rehnquist, 13 days;\r\nJustice Powell, 13 days;\r\nJustice Blackmun, 15 days;\r\nJustice Berger, 13 days.\r\n \r\nThese proceedings are following right along in the same process that has historically been the process of the Senate.\r\nSo, then, the argument is made that this is an election year and the Republicans said in 2016 that in an election year, they wouldn't move forward with President Obama's nomination. A vacancy has arisen in a presidential election year 29 times. Every single one of those 29 times, the sitting President made a nomination to replace the vacancy.\r\n19 of those 29 times, the parties of the President and the Senate majority were the same. 17 of those nominees were confirmed. By contrast, of the 10 times in which the Senate was controlled by the party opposite of the President, only one time Senate proceeded to fill that vacancy. In fact, vacancies under a divided government have not been filled for over 130 years, going back to 1888.\r\nMuch like when the Senate exercised its constitutional right fully consistent with precedent in 2016 not to fill the vacancy when there was divided government, the Senate is today exercising its duty to move forward with processing this nomination, just like the vast majority of Senates in the past.\r\nAny claim that his process is unusual or violates precedent of the Senate is simply false.\r\nOther attacks suggest that the Republican members of this Committee and the President are trying to engage in court packing. That's a novel one. The Senate is following standard procedure with regard to a vacancy. My colleagues on the other side are actually proposing court packing--that statutorily changes the law to add more members to the Court. That effort should be rejected. This is not court packing. Threatening to pass a law and change the court is court packing.\r\nThere have been standard arguments against Judge Barrett:\r\n \r\nShe is going to overturn all protections for women;\r\nShe is going to change all the laws that protect people's health care; and\r\nEveryone in this country who has a pre-existing condition or has any kind of a worry about getting support needs to worry that she's going to be an activist Justice and go in there and change the law.\r\n \r\nShe's not. We all know that. This is simply the tired, worn out argument that is constantly made every time a Republican President nominates a candidate to the bench of the Supreme Court of the United States. It has never been true, and it will not be true with Judge Barrett.\r\nSo, then, the attack is, Republicans don't care about people's health. They won't try to get COVID relief out. We're here in the Judiciary Committee hearing when we ought to be getting COVID relief passed.\r\nI have heard several of my colleagues say Republicans are refusing to work on helping to address the COVID crisis. This coming from colleagues, who just a month or so ago, voted unanimously to filibuster a $500-$600 billion COVID relief package in the Senate that put money toward: \r\n \r\nMore small business loans;\r\nUnemployment insurance; \r\nAgriculture and farming assistance; \r\nPostal Service assistance; \r\nEducation assistance at the higher education and at K-12 levels; and\r\nHealth care assistance for pandemic preparation and the strategic stockpiles, testing, contact tracing, vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic developments.\r\n \r\nWe were stopped from proceeding with this legislation by a filibuster of those who now accuse us of not wanting to try and do something. We stand ready if you'll simply let us go to the legislation and pass it.\r\nNow, about Judge Barrett.\r\nJudge Amy Coney Barrett has exemplary academic and legal credentials and is preeminently qualified to serve on our Supreme Court. Following her graduation from law school, Judge Barrett clerked for both the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. At the Supreme Court, she clerked for none other than the late Justice Antonin Scalia.\r\nUpon receiving her nomination to the Supreme Court, Judge Barrett reflected on her clerkship for Justice Scalia, citing his incalculable influence of [her] life. She also stated that, his judicial philosophy is [hers] too [and that] a judge must apply the law as written.\r\nThat's what we need in our next Supreme Court Justice.\r\nJudges are not policymakers, and they must be resolute in setting aside any policy views they might hold.\r\nShould we not take her at her word?\r\nA judge, Supreme Court or otherwise, must be dedicated to interpreting the law as written, with an unparalleled commitment to our Constitution. I have seen nothing that would indicate she is not telling the truth when she says that is her view of how a judge should conduct themselves.\r\nI have met several Supreme Court nominees in my service in the Senate. Throughout, I have continued to maintain that an emphasis on following the law and upholding our Constitution must be a central characteristic of the justices selected for this highly-influential federal branch.\r\nJudges have a great responsibility to carefully exercise their authority within the limits of the law. Our court system has the responsibility to preserve our constitutional rights, ensure a limited government and provide speedy and fair justice.\r\nFollowing her clerkships, Judge Barrett spent time in private practice before beginning her tenure as a law professor. Her academic scholarship and lengthy analysis of issues facing the federal courts make her uniquely well qualified to serve on our nation's highest court.\r\nIn particular, Judge Barrett's thoughtful exploration of precedent and the Doctrine of Stare Decisis demonstrates she is both intellectual and deliberative in her understanding of the law.\r\nMoreover, it is evident she understands the role of a fair and proper judge. In September 2017, Judge Amy Coney Barrett came before the Senate Judiciary Committee after being nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. During that hearing, she repeatedly expressed her commitment to independent and unbiased decision-making. I was proud to support her confirmation to the Court of Appeals both in Committee proceedings and on the Senate floor.\r\nJudge Barrett's remarkable resume shows she is a pioneer in the legal field. Judge Barrett will be the fifth woman and the first mother of school-age children to serve on the Supreme Court. Judge Barrett, in many ways, is the ideal candidate to fulfill this current vacancy.\r\nMr. Chairman, I look forward to hearing more from the nominee about her experience and judicial philosophy. The next few days will prove invaluable as we discuss with Judge Barrett, at length, the proper role of a judge in our legal system.\r\nI look forward to this hearing.\r\nThank you, Mr. Chairman. \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/2020/09/30/id-68e1b4e3-658a-4a8d-b85d-9fc359308185/", "Idaho Congressmen Simpson and Fulcher Sign Discharge Petition to Help Small Businesses", "2020-09-30", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", "fulcher", "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Contact:\n\nAlexah Rogge\n\n202-225-6611\n\nalexah.rogge@mail.house.gov\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Idaho Congressmen Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher have signed a discharge petition calling for a vote on H.R. 8265, a bill to extend the popular Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through the end of the year and release nearly $135 billion in unspent funds. The bill would also reform the application process to allow certain businesses who meet specific requirements to apply for a second loan as the pandemic continues to harm economic conditions.\n\n\u201cIt is frustrating that Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats continue to block a vote on commonsense legislation to help small businesses who are being harmed by the economic impacts of COVID-19,\u201d said Simpson. \u201cH.R. 8265 would help businesses keep their doors open and perhaps more importantly, retain employees so American families can continue to receive much needed paychecks. I don\u2019t understand why supporting a program that helps keep people employed is controversial. Just last night, Democrats released a plan to spend an additional $2.3 trillion instead of allowing agencies to spend existing funds to help Americans. This type of thinking is why we are fast approaching a national debt of $27 trillion when a simple solution to use existing resources is right in front of us.\u201d\n\n\u201cHelping small businesses stay afloat during a pandemic should not be a partisan issue,\u201d said Fulcher. \u201cDespite support from many members of Speaker Pelosi\u2019s own party to put politics aside and bring up a vote on a clean extension of the PPP program, it still hasn\u2019t happened. Instead, like last night, we see ultra-partisan bills, with no chance of becoming law, being brought up. Already the PPP program has saved over 50 million jobs, and there is still money in the program. I am proud to support this discharge petition to show our small businesses that they are much more important than political games.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:28:51Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/2020/09/29/id-92ded5f2-4706-43e5-b2e4-cd9d95ac595b/", "PNW Members Applaud Final Decision on Columbia River System, Completion of Western Water Memorandum", "2020-09-29", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", "fulcher", "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Contact:\n\nAlexah Rogge\n\n202-225-6611\n\nalexah.rogge@mail.house.gov\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Members of the Pacific Northwest\u2019s congressional delegation released the following statements after the final Record of Decision on the Columbia River System Operations was filed, signaling the completion of President Trump\u2019s Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West:\n\n\u201cFederal water infrastructure makes our way of life possible throughout the West. Central Washington boasts one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country, and our farmers and ranchers would simply not be able to provide food and fiber for the world without a reliable supply of our most precious resource: water,\u201d said Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA). \u201cThe Presidential Memorandum, which called for the completion of the scientific environmental review for the Columbia River System Operations a year sooner than originally slated, is delivering certainty to not only our agriculture industry, but to the millions of people who rely on the clean and reliable power generated by our hydroelectric dams. I applaud President Trump and his Administration for working collaboratively to support our federal water infrastructure, ensure reliable water supply and delivery, and develop a plan for the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Columbia and Snake River dams are foundational to our way of life in the Pacific Northwest,\u201d said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). \u201cThey provide us clean, renewable, low-cost energy, support our farmers, provide flood control to our region, and so much more. Based on the best available science, the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) Record of Decision confirms what we already knew, our dams and river system are essential to our region. Alongside this decision, the administration\u2019s announcement today regarding their actions to ensure a reliable supply of water to the Western United States is essential to meeting the needs of communities in Eastern Washington. Thank you to President Trump for prioritizing and delivering results on these important issues.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Columbia River is vital to the way of life of Southwest Washingtonians, providing clean hydropower, productive salmon runs, safety from floods, and reliable transportation on the Columbia River,\u201d said Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA). \u201cThe final Record of Decision on the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is the culmination of science-based collaboration by several federal agencies, as well as regional, state, local, and tribal stakeholders. I am pleased that completion of the EIS was prioritized and that it will balance the many needs of Southwest Washingtonians for the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe carbon free, baseload energy that the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) provides is more important than ever,\u201d said Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID). \u201cThe Snake River Dams are critical to our grid\u2019s reliability. While many in California will attack our critical infrastructure, they needed the systems baseload energy this summer to prop up their flawed energy policy. With the release of the FCRPS Record of Decision, the science shows, yet again, that our hydropower system is crucial to our way of life in Idaho and the entire West.\u201d\n\n\u201cOregon and the Pacific Northwest are blessed with a river system that helps us transport goods and that generates 43 percent of our state\u2019s electricity. I am pleased that the Trump Administration successfully prioritized the completion of the most recent environmental review guiding operations of the Columbia River System, to protect fish and support clean, renewable energy in our region,\u201d said Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR).\n\nOn October 19, 2018, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West (Western Water PM) directing the Council on Environmental Quality, the U.S. Army Corps, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, and Energy to coordinate and complete the environmental reviews of major water infrastructure projects in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. The Western Water PM specifically included the comprehensive scientific review of the Columbia River System Operations.\n\nThe final Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration as co-lead agencies on July 31. The EIS documents evaluate the impacts of the long-term, coordinated water management functions for the operation, maintenance, and configuration of the 14 federal dam and reservoir projects that comprise the federal Columbia River System. Reps. Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers, and Herrera Beutler released a joint statement applauding the release.\n\nThe joint Record of Decision on the Columbia River System Operations EIS was signed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration on September 28, 2020. The Record of Decision is the final step in the Columbia River System Operations National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn addition to streamlining environmental review processes for specific projects, the Western Water PM directed the Departments of the Interior and Commerce to convene water experts and resource managers to develop an action plan to improve information and modeling capabilities related to water infrastructure projects. The Federal Action Plan for Improving Forecasts of Water Availability was released in October 2019.\n\nThe Western Water PM also called for improving use of technologies to improve the reliability and accuracy and delivery of water and power, including enabling the use of recycled water. The National Water Reuse Action Plan was issued in February 2019.\n\nClick here to learn more.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:28:51Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/2020/09/29/id-c8abbbca-fcce-4a50-92de-63e4f0035863/", "CEQ Announces Presidential Memorandum on Western Water Sustainability", "2020-09-29", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", "fulcher", "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Contact:\n\nAlexah Rogge\n\n202-225-6611\n\nalexah.rogge@mail.house.gov\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, members of the Western Caucus released the following statements after the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) announced a Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West.\n\n\u201cAs I often say, whisky is for drinking and water is for fighting. I applaud the Trump Administration for their work on prioritizing western water issues for the communities and businesses I represent. There are many opportunities to ease excessive federal regulations that stand in the way of securing a reliable water supply in the West and this Presidential Memorandum is a great step in that direction. Throughout my time in office I have worked to ensure the communities I represent in Rural Arizona have the water supply they need and I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to continue this work,\u201d said Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Paul Gosar (AZ-04).\n\n\u201cI applaud the completion of this critical directive by the Trump Administration, recognizing that the best stewards of our western waters are state and local officials. For decades, burdensome and conflicting regulations have prevented Wyoming communities from building water storage projects that are essential to our economy and our way of life. Instead of granting more authority to unelected Washington bureaucrats, the Administration has streamlined the regulatory process that will empower Wyoming\u2019s ranchers, farmers, and small business. I remain committed to working in Congress to return power to the states and provide them with greater and more reliable regulatory certainty when it comes to managing our precious water resources,\u201d said Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (WY-AL).\n\n\u201cThis executive action restores the principal objective of our water and power policy: creating an abundance of both. California has not added major water storage facilities since completing the New Melones Dam in 1979, while in the intervening forty years our state\u2019s population has nearly doubled. By establishing reasonable timelines for environmental review, this executive action will ensure we can store more water during wet years for use in dry years. I commend the Trump administration for its commitment to restoring common sense to our water and power public policy,\u201d said Vice Chairman for Wildlife and Water Tom McClintock (CA-04).\n\n\u201cThe 2020 water year has been another difficult year for water users throughout California. Since issuing his executive order on Western Water in October 2018, President Trump has continually prioritized regulatory reform and building more water infrastructure \u2013 like Sites Reservoir. By supporting our farmers and water users of the Central Valley Project, State Water Project, and Klamath Irrigation Project, the Trump Administration is reinforcing nearly $50 billion in primarily rural economic activity. I am grateful for the steadfast commitment to maximizing water deliveries and development in the West,\u201d said Vice Chairman for Agriculture and Chief Business Officer Doug LaMalfa (CA-01).\n\n\u201cFederal water infrastructure makes our way of life possible throughout the West. Central Washington boasts one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country, and our farmers and ranchers would simply not be able to provide food and fiber for the world without a reliable supply of our most precious resource: water. The Presidential Memorandum, which called for the completion of the scientific environmental review for the Columbia River System Operations a year sooner than originally slated, is delivering certainty to not only our agriculture industry, but to the millions of people who rely on the clean and reliable power generated by our hydroelectric dams. I applaud President Trump and his Administration for working collaboratively to support our federal water infrastructure, ensure reliable water supply and delivery, and develop a plan for the future,\u201d said Vice Chairman for Departments of Interior and Energy Dan Newhouse (WA-04).\n\n\u201cSafe, reliable water resources are essential, particularly to rural areas needing to irrigate farmland. As the ranking member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, we are working on federal policies that would remove burdensome regulations and allow more efficient use of surface water. This action by the Trump administration is a huge step forward in giving western communities access to reliable water supplies, and I look forward to continuing to support these efforts in Congress,\u201d said Vice Chairman for Infrastructure and Forestry Bruce Westerman (AR-04).\n\n\u201cI thank the Trump administration for its efforts in streamlining our western water infrastructure regulatory processes. Since day one, President Trump has taken action to address the needs of the West. Thanks to this action, farmers from across the West will continue have a reliable supply of water to help grow our economy,\u201d said Vice Chairman for Regulatory Reform Andy Biggs (AZ-05).\n\n\u201cI applaud President Trump and his administration for addressing Western farmers\u2019 needs by streamlining critical water infrastructure projects and removing unnecessary regulatory burdens. These precedence setting actions will advance much-needed water reuse technology, improve the forecasting of water availability, and stabilize water and hydropower deliveries for the many generations to follow,\u201d said Vice Chairman for Defense and Veterans Doug Lamborn (CO-05).\n\n\u201cI applaud President Donald Trump and his Administration for modernizing our permitting process and prioritizing the West\u2019s critical, carbon-free infrastructure. With the release of the Columbia River Power System\u2019s Record of Decision, the science shows, yet again, that our hydropower system is crucial to our way of life in Idaho and the entire West,\u201d said Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01).\n\n\u201cI applaud the administration\u2019s commitment to improving our water infrastructure. The actions completed under this order will help provide a sustainable and reliable long-term water supply for our western states, particularly for our communities and farmers in California,\u201d said Congressman Paul Cook (CA-08).\n\n\u201cOregon and the Pacific Northwest are blessed with a river system that helps us transport goods and that generates 43 percent of our state\u2019s electricity. I am pleased that the Trump Administration successfully prioritized the completion of the most recent environmental review guiding operations of the Columbia River System, to protect fish and support clean, renewable energy in our region,\u201d said Congressman Greg Walden (OR-02).\n\nBackground Courtesy of CEQ\n\nUnder President Trump\u2019s directive, agencies efficiently coordinated to complete the environmental reviews of major water infrastructure projects in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana, to meet the needs of agricultural communities and other water users within the region. Federal water projects in the West irrigate millions of acres of farmland, provide water and power to millions, and support more than $48 billion in economic activity. The President also directed agencies to convene experts and develop an action plan to improve forecasting of water availability, and promote the expanded use of technology for improving the accuracy and reliability of water and power deliveries. The actions in the Western Water PM, completed in under two years, will support reliable water supplies for the American West and promote economic prosperity in the region.\n\nMore information from CEQ can be seen HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:28:51Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/2020/09/29/id-c8edbb4f-d4cb-4633-93ef-c4f4b4268fd6/", "Congressman Fulcher Introduces Resolution Recognizing National Forensic Science Week", "2020-09-29", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", "fulcher", "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Contact:\n\nAlexah Rogge\n\n202-225-6611\n\nalexah.rogge@mail.house.gov\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 This week, Congressman Russ Fulcher introduced a resolution to recognize the crucial role that forensic science laboratories serve in fulfilling our country\u2019s promise of equal justice and due process. Congressman Mike Simpson is an original cosponsor of this resolution in the House, while Idaho Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo introduced a companion resolution in the Senate, which was unanimously approved and can be found in its entirety here.\n\nForensic science plays a key role in our criminal justice system, aiding in the investigation of crimes, the prosecution and conviction of the correct perpetrators of crimes, and the exoneration of innocent individuals falsely accused. Furthermore, they provide critical support to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies by partnering to build and maintain criminal databases relating to latent prints, DNA, and other information relevant to criminal cases.\n\nIdaho is a leader in the field of forensic science, as demonstrated by:\n\nIdaho State Police Forensic Services has been awarded the Foresight Maximus Award for 2020. This award recognizes the top performing forensic laboratories in the world that are operating at 90 percent or better of peak efficiency.\n\nIdaho was the first state in the country to fully implement a sexual assault kit tracking system. Led by Idaho State Police forensic services, this system provides greater public accountability and transparency, and tools for victims and law enforcement to create a better criminal justice system.\n\nIdaho has improved turnaround time in every discipline, especially in the chemistry discipline that stands at less than 15 days.\n\n\u201cNational Forensic Science Week is an opportunity for Americans to learn why forensic science is a bedrock of our law enforcement and criminal justice systems. The work performed by forensic science laboratories enable the men and women in these fields to do their jobs, while ensuring that every American\u2019s right to a fair trial is secured,\u201d commented Congressman Fulcher.\n\nThe National Forensic Science Week will encourage elected officials to tour forensic science laboratories and open up dialogue about the needs and capabilities of the field.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:28:51Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/press-releases?ID=92DED5F2-4706-43E5-B2E4-CD9D95AC595B", "PNW Members Applaud Final Decision on Columbia River System, Completion of Western Water Memorandum", "2020-09-29", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - 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Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tMedia\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Print", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C8EDBB4F-D4CB-4633-93EF-C4F4B4268FD6", "Congressman Fulcher Introduces Resolution Recognizing National Forensic Science Week", "2020-09-29", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tMedia\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Print", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-meets-with-judge-amy-coney-barrett", "Crapo Meets with Judge Amy Coney Barrett", "2020-09-29", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 29, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo Meets with Judge Amy Coney Barrett \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--This morning, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), a member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, met with U.S. Circuit Court Judge Amy Coney Barrett, President Donald J. Trump's nominee to be an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Meetings and phone calls with Senators mark the start of Judge Barrett's confirmation process.\r\nI had a great meeting with Judge Amy Coney Barrett today to discuss her fitness for the Supreme Court, said Crapo following the meeting. Her legal acumen, commitment to the Constitution and scholarly experience are exemplary. Judge Barrett is conscientious in her application of jurisprudential principles. She is preeminently qualified and has assured me she will interpret the law as it is written. I look forward to her coming before the Judiciary Committee in a couple of weeks to speak further about her experience and qualifications, and to answer questions about her judicial philosophy more deeply.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/icymi-crapo-to-receive-woodrow-wilson-award-for-public-service", "ICYMI: Crapo to receive Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service", "2020-09-29", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 29, 2020\n\t\t\t ICYMI: Crapo to receive Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. -- On September 30, 2020, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Chaired by Governor Bill Haslam, will present The Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service to Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). Senator Crapo, as Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, will be recognized for helping craft the bipartisan legislation, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, that provided relief to those suffering from hardships during the pandemic.\r\nIt is an honor to receive The Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service that many distinguished individuals have received before me,said Senator Mike Crapo. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our sense of normalcy, and it has tested every institution of daily life we know. Cooperation from all political spectrums was paramount in crafting legislation to provide relief for those suffering from hardships during the pandemic. My focus on bipartisan collaboration and reaching across the aisle will continue as we progress in our fight against the coronavirus.\r\nThe Woodrow Wilson Awards are given to those individuals whose actions and accomplishments, either in their careers or through service, reflect President Woodrow Wilson's belief that there is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed. Such individuals have been recognized worldwide by the Wilson Center since 1998. The Honorable Steven F. Mnuchin, Her Excellency Christine M. Lagarde, and Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY) will also be awarded The Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service.\r\nPrevious recipients of The Woodrow Wilson Award include former Vice President Dick Cheney, former Secretaries of State Dr. Henry Kissinger, General Colin Powell, Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, and Rex Tillerson, and former Secretaries of Defense Ash Carter and Chuck Hagel, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Ambassador Nikki Haley.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-comments-on-the-nomination-of-amy-coney-barrett-to-be-associate-justice-of-the-us-supreme-court", "Crapo Comments on the Nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to be Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court", "2020-09-26", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 26, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo Comments on the Nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to be Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement regarding the nomination of Seventh Circuit Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve as Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.\r\nCongratulations to Judge Barrett for this high honor. I take seriously my constitutional responsibility to thoroughly review this nomination, and have long maintained that judges at every level of our judicial system must interpret the law as it is written, not legislate new positions from the bench. As the confirmation process continues, I look forward to the opportunity to meet with Judge Barrett to learn and understand more deeply about her judicial philosophy. I will conduct all due diligence to ensure my consideration of and votes regarding her nomination remain consistent with the principles and values of Idahoans.\r\nA graduate of Rhodes College and Notre Dame Law School, Judge Amy Coney Barrett currently serves as a Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. The Senate confirmed her nomination to that position by a vote of 55-43 on October 31, 2017. She is the first woman to occupy an Indiana seat on the Seventh Circuit. Prior to her seat on the Seventh Circuit, Judge Barrett served as a professor of Law at Notre Dame and previously as a visiting associate professor at the George Washington University Law School. She spent two years as a judicial law clerk for D.C. Circuit Court Judge Laurence Silberman and the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. She also has experience in private law practice.\r\nIf confirmed, she will fill the vacancy created by the September 18, 2020, death of Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The confirmation hearings for Judge Barrett will commence on a schedule to be announced later by the Senate Judiciary Committee.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/idaho-delegation-celebrates-reduced-bureaucracy-increased-local-control-of-irrigation", "Idaho Delegation Celebrates Reduced Bureaucracy, Increased Local Control of Irrigation", "2020-09-24", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 24, 2020\n\t\t\t Idaho Delegation Celebrates Reduced Bureaucracy, Increased Local Control of Irrigation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. --The Minidoka Irrigation District and the A& B Irrigation District in Idaho's Magic Valley will soon assume ownership of two federal irrigation facilities and districts currently owned by the Bureau of Reclamation. This transfer is the fourth set of water-related facilities transferred under a provision sponsored by Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) that was ultimately included in S. 47, the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act(P.L. 116-9) signed by President Trump last year. The Act expedites the process for non-federal entities, like irrigation districts, to obtain the title for Reclamation projects they operate and have repaid.\r\nPresident Trump's signature on S. 47 was a major milestone in ensuring the long-term success of collaborative resource management efforts already underway in Idaho,said Senator Mike Crapo. Transfer of the Minidoka and A&B Irrigation District Title to local entities in Idaho will give water management control back to local communities, allowing them to have a say in the decisions affecting their livelihoods, while also continuing to maintain preservation measures. This is welcome news for Idaho's water users, and I am grateful for Secretary Bernhardt's dedication to supporting the needs of those working on-the-ground in Idaho.\r\nWater is the lifeblood of agricultural communities and the backbone of vital industries throughout the West. However, farmers and ranchers have long had to contend with overly prescriptive regulations dictating water use as they work to feed the country,said Senator Jim Risch. I was proud to introduce legislation to reduce the red tape surrounding Western water resources and am pleased to see its implementation in Idaho to give irrigation districts more control over the assets they manage and use daily. This is welcome news for Idaho's water users, and I appreciate Secretary Bernhardt and Commissioner Burman's work to transfer these titles.\r\nI applaud Secretary Bernhardt and his team at DOI for the tremendous time and effort they put into making these title transfers possible, said Congressman Mike Simpson. Agriculture is the backbone of Idaho's economy and water is the ingredient that makes agriculture possible. The irrigators in Idaho have been managing these assets for years. Expediting the title transfers, while maintaining oversight from Congress, will give Idaho water users the local control they need to succeed. I also thank Senator Risch for making this possible through bipartisan legislation that was sign into law last year.\r\nI am proud that two of the first title transfers are occurring in Idaho,said Congressman Russ Fulcher. The Bureau of Reclamation and Department of the Interior worked quickly and efficiently with the irrigation districts to interpret the Dingell Act and make today's historic event happen. With A&B and Minidoka irrigation district taking title of these facilities, there will now be much less government red tape as they continue to maintain and operate their district in the future.\r\nThis title transfer is a prime example of cooperative federalism in action. I would like to thank President Trump, Secretary Bernhardt, the Idaho congressional delegation as well as the irrigation districts for their hard work to get this worthwhile transfer across the finish line,said Governor Brad Little. For years, Idaho water users have shown that they can responsibly manage these water systems to support Idaho's thriving agricultural industry.\r\nThese title transfers fulfill the Trump Administration's goals to streamline bureaucratic processes and create local equity for infrastructure improvements,said Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. Transferring these facilities  which have been paid for, operated and maintained by the irrigation districts  saves American taxpayer dollars due to decreased federal operating costs and reduced liability\r\nThese proposed title transfers are the result of collaborative efforts in the local communities and give even greater control to the irrigation districts who have managed these facilities for generations,said Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman.\r\nThe Minidoka Irrigation District (MID), located in Minidoka and Cassia counties, will take ownership of the facilities and approximately 403 acres of lands in support of the Project's Gravity Division. MID serves approximately 77,214 acres of irrigable private land through canals, laterals, pipelines and drainage systems. It has been operating and maintaining these facilities since 1916.\r\nTitle transfer will reduce regulatory burdens and open new opportunities for Minidoka Irrigation District,said Chairman of the Board of Directors for Minidoka Irrigation District Ronald Kowitz. We are excited to move forward as the owner of these irrigation delivery facilities. Reclamation has been a great partner, and we look forward to working with them to provide irrigation water to our users for many years to come.\r\nA&B Irrigation District, located near Rupert, Idaho, will take ownership of the facilities and approximately 1,020 acres in support of the North Side Pumping Division. It serves approximately 82,600 acres of irrigated land and has been operating and maintaining these facilities since 1966.\r\nToday marks an epic milestone for all of those families who made the A&B Irrigation Project possible,said President of the Board of Directors for A&B Irrigation District Harold Mohlman. Because of the streamlined process in the Dingell Act, the District was able to complete title transfer in less than half the time it would have taken otherwise. Our local Reclamation staff worked tirelessly to assist with this effort, and without them, it would not have been possible. These collaborative relationships resulted in a model for future title transfers across the West.\r\nAs required by the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act, today's action begins a 90-day congressional waiting period, after which the Department will complete the ownership transfer unless the Congress enacts a joint resolution disapproving the transfers within that time period.\r\nThe draft final title transfer agreement can be found at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/title/index.html.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/senate-resolution-designates-forensic-science-week", "Senate Resolution Designates Forensic Science Week", "2020-09-24", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 24, 2020\n\t\t\t Senate Resolution Designates Forensic Science Week \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Acknowledges role of forensic science in serving justice for victims, exonerating innocent \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--The U.S. Senate unanimously agreed to a Senate Resolution designating September 20-26, 2020, as National Forensic Science Week. The Resolution, introduced by U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), along with Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-California), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), would recognize the role forensic science plays in the investigation, prosecution and conviction of crimes, as well as exoneration of the innocent.\r\nForensic scientists across the country not only play a critical role in investigating crimes to help bring justice for victims, but also in helping to identify key information necessary for exonerating the falsely accused, said Crapo. The Senate's unanimous support of this resolution signals to these professionals that their contributions to the criminal justice system are vital to ensuring an efficient and effective system that minimizes errors.\r\nRead the full text of the resolution HERE and below.\r\nWhereas the Senate is committed to the use of forensic science in the investigation of crimes, the prosecution and conviction of the correct perpetrators of crimes, and the exoneration of innocent individuals falsely accused of crimes in the United States;\r\nWhereas forensic science service providers address critical questions in civil and criminal investigations and trials in the United States, including by providing scientific con-clusions relating to forensic evidence;\r\nWhereas forensic science service providers partner with\r\n(1) Federal agencies to build and maintain criminal databases relating to latent prints, DNA, and other information relevant to criminal cases; and\r\n(2) Federal, State, and local agencies to ensure public safety;\r\nWhereas forensic science service providers serve a vital role in the criminal justice system by providing scientific in- formation to investigators and officers of the court; and\r\nWhereas the fourth week in September 2020 is recognized as National Forensic Science Week'': Now, therefore, be it\r\nResolved, That the Senate\r\n(1) supports the goals and ideals of National Forensic Science Week; and\r\n(2) recognizes that National Forensic Science Week provides a special opportunity for\r\n(A) forensic science service providers to\r\n(i) acknowledge the contributions of forensic scientists in the laboratories in which those individuals work;\r\n(ii) organize community events to encourage a better understanding of forensic science;\r\n(iii) provide tours to Federal, State, and local policymakers to assist those individuals in gaining better insight into the current capabilities of forensic science service providers and the future demands that forensic science service providers will face; and\r\n(iv) contact local media outlets and invite those groups to cover events hosted during National Forensic Science Week;\r\n(B) local policymakers to\r\n(i) recognize, through formal commendation or resolution, the contributions of local forensic science laboratories to the communities of those policymakers;\r\n(ii) formally declare the fourth week of September 2020 to be National Forensic Science Week'' by proclamation;\r\n(iii) visit local forensic science laboratories to gain an understanding of the capabilities and needs of those laboratories; and\r\n(iv) discuss the operational needs of State and local forensic science laboratories;\r\n(C) individuals in the United States, including members of the media, to\r\n(i) attend community events sponsored by local forensic science laboratories;\r\n(ii) take tours of local forensic science laboratories; and\r\n(iii) ask local forensic science laboratories about the operational and legislative needs of those laboratories;\r\n(D) members of the media to highlight local news stories that focus on the work of local forensic science laboratories in the communities that those laboratories serve; and\r\n(E) public safety officers, law enforcement officers, and officers of the court to\r\n(i) attend community events sponsored by local forensic science laboratories;\r\n(ii) take tours of local forensic science laboratories;\r\n(iii) discuss the operational needs of State and local forensic science laboratories; and\r\n(iv) engage with local forensic science laboratories about working together more effectively.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/2020/09/23/id-b9081b2e-1781-4c34-a7f5-666d51e05767/", "Congressman Fulcher Introduces Nuclear Energy Bill", "2020-09-23", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", "fulcher", "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Contact:\n\nAlexah Rogge\n\n202-225-6611\n\nalexah.rogge@mail.house.gov\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 As our country celebrates National Clean Energy Week, Congressman Russ Fulcher recognizes the impact of renewable energy in Idaho, and introduces new legislation to continue innovation in nuclear energy. With support from Congressman Mike Simpson, Congressman Fulcher introduced the Next Generation Nuclear Advancement Act, to direct DOE to lay out a 10-year strategic plan for the Office of Nuclear Energy. This plan will be a roadmap for the future of research and development that is essential to setting goals and achieving them.\n\nEach section of the Next Generation Nuclear Advancement Act has a similar Senate companion. The bill includes:\n\nThe Integrated Energy Systems Program seeks to develop energy systems that integrate nuclear with renewable energy, fossil energy, and energy storage. This follows an all-of-the-above energy approach Republicans have stressed.\n\nThe Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program seeks to achieve the maximum benefit from existing nuclear power generation. The amount of clean electricity lost from the 10 nuclear reactors scheduled to close in the next 5 years would be 23 percent more than all of the solar electricity generated in the U.S. in 2017. If our current fleet goes, so goes any effort to reach a carbon free future.\n\nThe final section, the Nuclear Energy Strategic Plan, directs DOE to lay out a 10-year strategic plan for the Office of Nuclear Energy. This plan will be a roadmap for the future of research and development that is essential to setting goals and achieving them.\n\n\u201cFrom geothermal production on federal lands to nuclear energy, Idaho is deeply involved in clean energy opportunities,\u201dcommented Congressman Fulcher. \u201cI am proud to represent the Gem State and introduce bipartisan, bicameral pieces of legislation like the Next Generation Nuclear Advancement Act, to ensure our progress in the clean energy sectors are not stalled due to failure to look forward and set out a road map for success.\u201d\n\nIdaho generates over three fourths of it\u2019s in-state electricity from renewable energy, including biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar, and wind. There are currently 140 existing hydroelectric plants in the state, including Idaho Power\u2019s privately-owned hydroelectric facilities that are the largest in the nation.\n\nThe National Clean Energy Week Symposium is held virtually from September 21 to September 25, with speakers and informational sessions scheduled. Those wishing to participate can register online by visiting: https://nationalcleanenergyweek.org/.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:28:51Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/press-releases?ID=68E1B4E3-658A-4A8D-B85D-9FC359308185", "Idaho Congressmen Simpson and Fulcher Sign Discharge Petition to Help Small Businesses", "2020-09-23", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tMedia\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Print", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B9081B2E-1781-4C34-A7F5-666D51E05767", "Congressman Fulcher Introduces Nuclear Energy Bill", "2020-09-23", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tMedia\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Print", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/2020/09/21/id-146d6767-a9b3-455a-be32-ab625f4d3eda/", "Congressman Fulcher Highlights Importance of Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses", "2020-09-21", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", "fulcher", "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Contact:\n\nAlexah Rogge\n\n202-225-6611\n\nalexah.rogge@mail.house.gov\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 As our country celebrates National Small Business Week, Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) looks to the successful work of the Idaho delegation and perseverance of Idaho small businesses throughout this unprecedented and challenging year.\n\nThe Idaho delegation has been at the forefront, helping small businesses endure the economic impact by granting loans and supplying personal protective equipment.\n\nIn March, Congressman Fulcher voted Yes on the CARES Act, which passed the House and Senate, and was signed into law by President Trump. The CARES Act provided federal resources to small businesses struggling to stay afloat during the mandated COVID-19 shut downs. Under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Idaho businesses have received over $2.6 billion dollars in loans. Congressman Fulcher believes the government has a responsibility to ensure they are in a position to recover and prosper.\n\nIn April, Senator Risch, Governor Little, and the Idaho Department of commerce formed The Support Local Gems initiative to keep small businesses afloat, and invite Idahoans to buy locally through less or no contact.\n\n\u201cSmall businesses make up the backbone of this country and represent the American Dream in its truest form,\u201d Congressman Fulcher commented. \u201cI am committed to making sure they are in a position to bounce back stronger than ever.\u201d\n\nNational Small Business Week will be hosted virtually by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and hopes to commemorate the small businesses who have remained diligent throughout the pandemic. Those businesses wishing to participate in the conference can register online at sba.gov/NSBW.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:28:51Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/press-releases?ID=146D6767-A9B3-455A-BE32-AB625F4D3EDA", "Congressman Fulcher Highlights Importance of Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses", "2020-09-21", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tMedia\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Print", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/2020/09/18/id-0e25a242-16a2-4dee-a9eb-f48e2856e69a/", "Idaho Delegation Encourages Farmers and Ranchers to Submit for Round Two of CFAP", "2020-09-18", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", "fulcher", "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Contact:\n\nMarty Cozza (Risch), 202-224-2752\n\nMelanie Baucom (Crapo), 202-224-6142\n\nNikki Wallace (Simpson), 208-334-1953\n\nAlexah Rogge (Fulcher), 202-225-6611\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Starting on Monday, September 21st, eligible farmers and ranchers can begin submitting applications for the next round of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) support administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program is the result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was supported by the entire Idaho Delegation, and includes $14 billion through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), to provide immediate relief through direct payments to farmers and ranchers. It is very important to note that any farmer or rancher who received payments in the first round of CFAP is eligible for this round of CFAP payments and should apply.\n\nDue to the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to submit their application in a timely manner. To apply, farmers are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. Applicants are also encouraged to visit https://www.farmers.gov/cfap for details on information needed to apply, the program, and eligibility. The program is open to a large range of commodities including but not limited to potatoes, dairy, livestock, malting barley, aquaculture, sugar beets, wheat, and many more. The USDA has also asked for more information on aquaculture and nurseries to be better understand the impacts due to COVID-19. Signups for the program will start Monday and last until December 11, 2020.\n\nThe Idaho Delegation has been closely following the agriculture losses due to the economic downturn and the associated shutdowns of the food service industry and communicating the needs of Idaho agriculture directly to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. One substantial change that benefits Idaho that differs from the original CFAP payments is all classes of wheat are now eligible. The Idaho delegation signed both a Senate and House letter to USDA requesting this improvement.\n\nThe Delegation has sent letters to USDA outlining the effects of COVID-19 to dairy, potato, onion, cattle, sheep, grain, and hops production to ensure the CFAP program takes into account the diverse representation of the Idaho agricultural industry which is more than 20 percent of Idaho\u2019s economy. The Idaho Delegation also sent letters to USDA expressing concerns with payment limitations given the larger sized farming and ranching operations in Idaho. The final rule on CFAP increased payment limitations from the original proposal and CFAP round two mirrors those revised payment limitations.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:28:51Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0E25A242-16A2-4DEE-A9EB-F48E2856E69A", "Idaho Delegation Encourages Farmers and Ranchers to Submit for Round Two of CFAP", "2020-09-18", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tMedia\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Print", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-on-the-passing-of-justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg", "Crapo Statement on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg", "2020-09-18", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 18, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo Statement on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIdaho Falls, Idaho--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued this statement following the news of the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:\r\nJustice Ginsburg was a stalwart leader on the issues and causes important to her. While I did not agree with some of her opinions on matters of legal doctrine, I respect her courage to hold steadfast to her beliefs. Prior to her service on the Supreme Court, her work with Idaho-based attorney Allen Derr helped overturn laws allowing discrimination on the basis of sex. She fought a hard fight against cancer, and her legacy will continue for many more generations. At this time of grief and sadness, I offer my condolences and deepest sympathies to her family, friends and loved ones.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/idaho-delegation-encourages-farmers-and-ranchers-to-submit-for-round-two-of-cfap", "Idaho Delegation Encourages Farmers and Ranchers to Submit for Round Two of CFAP", "2020-09-18", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 18, 2020\n\t\t\t Idaho Delegation Encourages Farmers and Ranchers to Submit for Round Two of CFAP \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Farmers who received payments in the first round are also eligible for round two \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--Starting on Monday, September 21, eligible farmers and ranchers can begin submitting applications for the next round of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) support administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program is the result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was supported by the entire Idaho Delegation, and includes $14 billion through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), to provide immediate relief through direct payments to farmers and ranchers.It is very important to note that any farmer or rancher who received payments in the first round of CFAP is eligible for this round of CFAP payments and should apply.\r\nDue to the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to submit their application in a timely manner. To apply, farmers are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. Applicants are also encouraged to visit https://www.farmers.gov/cfap for details on information needed to apply, the program, and eligibility. The program is open to a large range of commodities including but not limited to potatoes, dairy, livestock, malting barley, aquaculture, sugar beets, wheat, and many more. The USDA has also asked for more information on aquaculture and nurseries to be better understand the impacts due to COVID-19. Signups for the program will start Monday and last until December 11, 2020.\r\nThe Idaho Delegation has been closely following the agriculture losses due to the economic downturn and the associated shutdowns of the food service industry and communicating the needs of Idaho agriculture directly to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. One substantial change that benefits Idaho that differs from the original CFAP payments is all classes of wheat are now eligible. The Idaho delegation signed both a Senate and House letter to USDA requesting this improvement.\r\nThe Delegation has sent letters to USDA outlining the effects of COVID-19 to dairy, potato, onion, cattle, sheep, grain, and hops production to ensure the CFAP program takes into account the diverse representation of the Idaho agricultural industry which is more than 20 percent of Idaho's economy. The Idaho Delegation also sent letters to USDA expressing concerns with payment limitations given the larger sized farming and ranching operations in Idaho. The final rule on CFAP increased payment limitations from the original proposal and CFAP round two mirrors those revised payment limitations.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/risch-cantwell-ask-president-trump-to-request-assistance-from-international-firefighters", "Risch, Cantwell Ask President Trump to Request Assistance from International Firefighters", "2020-09-17", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter to President Trump asking him to request urgently needed assistance from foreign fire agencies to help combat historic wildfires raging throughout the western United States.\r\nThe 2020 wildfire season has been one of the worst in more than two decades.According to the most recentIncident Management Situation Report from the National Interagency Coordination Center in Boise, Idaho, this year's wildfires have alreadyburned5,864,950 acres. The fires have killed dozens of Americans,destroyed thousands of structures, anddisplaced thousands.Currently as many as 87 fires are still burning across 11 states, shrouding much of the western United States in toxic levels of smoke.\r\nFirefighting experts are expressing alarm about overworked domestic fire crews and a potential decrease in the number of firefighters that will be available on the front lines in the coming months. According to a memo issued earlier this week by the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group, a council of government officials and incident commanders that helps allocate fire-fighting resources, it is likely that resource availability will continue to be severely limited nationally through the month of September and well into the fall.\r\nWith wildfires burning hotter, faster, and more frequently than ever before, our overworked frontline firefighting teams need backup from our allies that have the experience and grit to help tackle these historic blazes. Firefighting crews from Australia, Canada, and Israel have already provided a big boost to efforts across the West, but more personnel are desperately needed, the senators wrote.\r\nAccording to data collected by Europe's Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), this year's fire season has been \"tens to hundreds of times more intense\" than the average fire seasons from 2003 to 2019.\r\nThe full text of the letter is available below and HERE.\r\nDear President Trump:\r\n\r\nSupercharged wildfires are causing untold suffering throughout the West. This year's fires have already burned over five million acres of beloved landscape, destroyed whole communities, killed dozens of Americans, and displaced thousands of our constituents. Millions are struggling to breathe the smoky air that is smothering our population centers with the world's worst air quality that permeates seemingly every structure and vehicle. And this fire season is nowhere near over.\r\n\r\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has made this year's challenging situation much harder. Not only do health concerns make it more difficult to provide shelter for evacuees, it has drastically reduced the number of firefighters available to combat these infernos. Even prison work crews who normally pitch in to tackle annual wildfires have been sidelined by efforts to curb the spread of the disease.\r\n\r\nWe write to ask you to use your authority under the Wildfire Suppression Assistance Act (P.L. 100-428) to request urgently needed assistance from foreign fire agencies. With wildfires burning hotter, faster, and more frequently than ever before, our overworked frontline firefighting teams need backup from our allies that have the experience and grit to help tackle these historic blazes. Firefighting crews from Australia, Canada, and Israel have already provided a big boost to efforts across the West, but more personnel are desperately needed.\r\n\r\nThank you for your attention and timely response to these urgent matters.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/risch-names-trinity-at-city-beach-in-sandpoint-as-the-september-small-business-of-the-month", "Risch Names Trinity at City Beach in Sandpoint as the September Small Business of the Month", "2020-09-17", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONYesterday, U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of Trinity at City Beach in Sandpoint as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for September 2020. Trinity at City Beach will be recognized for their contribution to the Sandpoint community in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.\r\nEstablished by Justin Dick, Trinity moved to its City Beach location in 2009 and has been an integral part of the Sandpoint community for more than a decade. Named after the holy trinity of peppers, onions, and celery found in traditional Creole cooking, Trinity attracts tourists and locals alike and has developed a reputation for its quality food, service, and views of Lake Pend Oreille. In addition to serving up southern eats, the restaurant also provides dozens of jobs in the local area and has enhanced the cultural richness of Northern Idaho through their day-to-day service and steady participation in community events.\r\nIn recent months, Trinity at City beach has done their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, offering carry-out and dine-in eating to the Sandpoint community while safely maintaining CDC social distancing and face covering guidelines. Additionally, Dick and his team have raised money and collected food to be donated to nonprofit organizations and health care centers in the Sandpoint area to help ease the burden on frontline workers.\r\nJustin's years of service to the Sandpoint community is another example of how small businesses in Idaho are more than just places to eat and shop.Risch said.\"From providing quality service to being an active member in the community, I'd like to thank Justin for his contributions to the Gem State.\r\nCongratulations to Justin and all of the employees at Trinity at City Beach on being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for September 2020,Risch continued.You make our great state proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.\r\nBackground:Idaho is consistently ranked one of the best places in the country to do business.Each month, Senator Risch selects an Idaho small business that exemplifies the Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional commitment to community.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399069", "Simpson to Attend Eisenhower Memorial Dedication", "2020-09-16", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Mike Simpson", "S001148", "simpson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Simpson to Attend Eisenhower Memorial Dedication \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      September 16, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington, D.C.  Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is a Commissioner for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial. He was appointed to the Commission in 2011 and is pleased to be part of this dedication and unveiling.\r\nThe Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial will be dedicated via Facebook Live, and will have a live stream open to the public. The live event will begin at 7:00 p.m., EST on Thursday, September 17. Information about the dedication, memorial, audio tours and more can be found at www.eisenhowermemorial.gov.\r\nIt has been a pleasure and honor to serve on the Eisenhower Memorial Commission as we recognize a great General, President and American, said Simpson. When we look back at U.S. history, when America has faced grave challenges, the right people- Washington, Lincoln, Grant - have inevitably risen to lead our country through difficult times.America was blessed to have another great leader in President Eisenhower who made his own significant impact on the fortunes of our nation.This memorial is a fitting tribute for all Americans to learn about and remember one of America's great Presidents, Dwight D. Eisenhower.  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-simpson-announce-department-of-transportation-grant-for-eastern-idaho", "Crapo, Risch, Simpson Announce Department of Transportation Grant for Eastern Idaho", "2020-09-16", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 16, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo, Risch, Simpson Announce Department of Transportation Grant for Eastern Idaho \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--Members of Idaho's Congressional delegation, U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, as well as U.S. Representative Mike Simpson, welcomed the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) award of a $20 million grant under the competitive Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) program to an Idaho-Wyoming partnership project. The funding for the Teton Mobility Corridor project will help implement multimodal improvements necessary along the state highway corridor connecting Driggs, Idaho, and Jackson, Wyoming, over the Teton Pass.\r\nCrapo, Risch and Simpson issued the following statement celebrating the announcement:\r\nThe BUILD grant approved for the Teton Mobility Corridor will bring much-needed safety improvements to the Teton Pass highway region, said Crapo, Risch and Simpson. These improvements will enhance mobility and commuter options for the local workforce, facilitate the arrival of new visitors and provide a sustainable transit link for the region's mountain resorts, towns and public lands areas of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Secretary Chao has made revitalizing Idaho's infrastructure a priority, and we appreciate her and the Department of Transportation's support.\r\nThis grant award will directly improve the safety and livability of our town, allowing us to expand and improve our pedestrian transit facilities and to make important safety improvements at several highway intersections, said Driggs Mayor Hyrum Johnson. The City of Driggs thanks Senators Crapo and Risch and Representative Simpson for their leadership and legwork in advocating for this grant application. Theyhave shown themselves to be tireless advocates for the needs of Idahoans and Idaho Cities. We are also grateful to Secretary Chao for acknowledging the need and importance of these projects to our community.\r\nThis Administration is making significant investments in infrastructure, and this $1 billion in BUILD grants will repair, rebuild, and revitalize transportation systems across America, said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao in reference to total national funding for the BUILD grant.\r\nBackground: Senators Crapo and Risch and Representative Simpson sent a letter to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao on July 6, 2020, in support of the application submitted by Teton County, Wyoming, in conjunction with the City of Driggs.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/risch-crapo-simpson-announce-department-of-transportation-grant-for-eastern-idaho", "Risch, Crapo, Simpson Announce Department of Transportation Grant for Eastern Idaho", "2020-09-16", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington -Members of Idaho's Congressional delegation, U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, as well as U.S. Representative Mike Simpson, welcomed the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) award of a $20 million grant under the competitive Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) program to an Idaho-Wyoming partnership project. The funding for the Teton Mobility Corridor project will help implement multimodal improvements necessary along the state highway corridor connecting Driggs, Idaho, and Jackson, Wyoming, over the Teton Pass.\r\nRisch, Crapo, and Simpson issued the following statement celebrating the announcement:\r\nThe BUILD grant approved for the Teton Mobility Corridor will bring much-needed safety improvements to the Teton Pass highway region, said Crapo, Risch, and Simpson.These improvements will enhance mobility and commuter options for the local workforce, facilitate the arrival of new visitors and provide a sustainable transit link for the region's mountain resorts, towns, and public lands areas of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Secretary Chao has made revitalizing Idaho's infrastructure a priority, and we appreciate her and the Department of Transportation's support.\r\nThis grant award will directly improve the safety and livability of our town, allowing us to expand and improve our pedestrian transit facilities and to make important safety improvements at several highway intersections, said Driggs Mayor Hyrum Johnson. The City of Driggs thanks Senators Crapo and Risch, and Representative Simpson for their leadership and legwork in advocating for this grant application. Theyhave shown themselves to be tireless advocates for the needs of Idahoans and Idaho Cities. We are also grateful to Secretary Chao for acknowledging the need and importance of these projects to our community.\r\nThis Administration is making significant investments in infrastructure, and this $1 billion in BUILD grants will repair, rebuild, and revitalize transportation systems across America, said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao in reference to total national funding for the BUILD grant.\r\nBackground: Senators Risch and Crapo and Representative Simpson sent a letter to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao on July 6, 2020, in support of the application submitted by Teton County, Wyoming, in conjunction with the City of Driggs.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/video-risch-speaks-at-hearing-about-devastating-wildfires", "VIDEO: Risch Speaks at Hearing about Devastating Wildfires", "2020-09-16", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) spoke at anEnergy and Natural Resources hearingabout the devastating wildfires raging in the western United States, andlandmark forest management reform legislationhe has cosponsored to protect forestland and communities during wildfire season.\r\nRight now, there are more than a dozen fires burning thousands of acres throughout Idaho, the vast majority of which are located on federal lands. Years of insufficient forest management have turned the West into a tinderbox,said Risch.There are many factors that make wildfires spread, but regular fuel reduction is a critical and indisputable strategy to prevent wildfires of this magnitude from spreading.\r\nRisch continued,I am proud to cosponsor the Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act, and would like to thank my colleagues Senator Daines and Senator Feinstein for their leadership in introducing it. This bill offers commonsense solutions to these commonsense problems by improving our ability to reduce these fuels and improve our forests and protect communities in a productive, collaborative way.\r\nRemarks have been lightly edited for clarity.\r\nTo watch the rest of Senator Risch's remarks, click the video below.\r\n\r\nTo watch on YouTube,click here.\r\nTo download the video file,click here.\r\nThe hearing considered a number of bills, including two of Senator Risch's legislative priorities: the Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act of 2020, sponsored by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and the Modernizing Access to Our Public Land (MAPLand) Act, sponsored by Senators Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) and Angus King (I-Maine). The House companion bill for the MAPLand Act is sponsored by Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho).\r\nMore about the bills:\r\nS. 4431,the Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act of 2020: Will increase active management of federal forests and give the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies additional tools to protect communities from deadly wildfires.\r\nS. 3427, the Modernizing Access to Our Public Land (MAPLand) Act: Will enhance access to the nation's outdoor recreational opportunities by digitizing mapping information like access points and permissible uses on federal public lands.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-welcomes-new-interns-for-fall-term", "Crapo Welcomes New Interns for Fall Term", "2020-09-15", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 15, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo Welcomes New Interns for Fall Term \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. -- Two interns have joined U.S. Senator Mike Crapo's (R-Idaho) Washington, D.C., and Boise offices for the fall term.\r\nWorking in the Senate as the United States continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic is certainly a challenge during this consequential time, said Senator Crapo. The interns joining my office this fall have expressed a commitment to public service in rising to the challenge of navigating a new working environment complete with social distancing and enhanced sanitation. They will bring valuable service to Idahoans and I hope their time in the Senate will prove fruitful and positive. I look forward to their service in my office.\r\nOne intern joined the Washington, D.C., office:\r\nEric Fejer, an Australian native with family in Idaho Falls, received his bachelor's degree in international business from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. He has interests in foreign affairs, health care, small business and government services, as well as interests in political philosophy and journalism.\r\nOne intern joined the Boise office:\r\nMegan Hill recently graduated from Dixie State University with a bachelor's degree in history and has a goal of pursuing a master's degree in public administration. She has interests in state and local government.\r\nCrapo hosts interns in his D.C. office as well as in the various regional offices throughout Idaho. Students interested in positions for the spring, summer or fall semesters can find more information about the application process, internship expectations, and deadlines for applying on the Senator's official website athttps://www.crapo.senate.gov/services/interns.cfm. \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-join-landmark-forest-management-reform-legislation-", "Crapo, Risch Join Landmark Forest Management Reform Legislation", "2020-09-14", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 14, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo, Risch Join Landmark Forest Management Reform Legislation  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bill Protects Communities from Deadly Wildfires, Improves Forest Health, Supports Rural Jobs \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--Amid the catastrophic wildfires burning in the western United States, U.S. Senators for Idaho Mike Crapo and Jim Risch have signed on in support of major, bipartisan forest management reform legislation. The Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act of 2020, which was introduced last month by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-California) and Steve Daines (R-Montana), increases active management of federal forests, cuts red tape, reduces frivolous litigation and gives the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) further tools to protect communities from deadly wildfires.\r\nThis forestry package contains a number of provisions to enhance wildfire prevention and salvage efforts, and is especially timely as states currently battle massive wildfires in the West,said Crapo. These tools will help accelerate fire reduction and post-fire restoration projects.Moreover, the new information' threshold for the Cottonwood decision will prevent further red tape to protect forest management projects from unnecessary and overly burdensome litigation. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this legislation signed into law.\r\nYears of insufficient forest management have turned the West into a tinderbox, evidenced by this year's devastating wildfires. While we cannot control each lightning strike or wind change, we can change the ways we manage our forests to prevent the 2020 fire season from becoming the new normal, said Risch. This legislation offers urgently needed fixes to our forest management practices to improve the long-term health and viability of Idaho's forests and protect the communities that call our forestland home.\r\nAmong its provisions, the Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act of 2020 will:\r\n \r\nRequire the Forest Service to conduct three landscape-level fire reduction projects in the West proposed by a governor.\r\nEstablish a prescribed fire center in the West.\r\nProvide relief from the Cottonwooddecision by establishing a threshold for what qualifies as new information' triggering consultation.\r\nEstablish a new Categorical Exclusion to accelerate management near roads, trails, and transmission lines.\r\nEstablish a grant program to facilitate the removal of biomass from National Forest areas.\r\nCreate a competitive grant program for groups assisting in workforce development in the forestry sector.\r\n \r\nThe legislation is supported by the Idaho Forest Group, the National Association of Counties, the National Association of Conservation Districts, the Federal Forest Resource Coalition, the American Forest Resource Council, National Wild Turkey Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation.\r\nTo read the bill text, click here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/risch-crapo-join-landmark-forest-management-reform-legislation", "Risch, Crapo Join Landmark Forest Management Reform Legislation", "2020-09-14", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill Protects Communities from Deadly Wildfires, Improves Forest Health, Supports Rural Jobs \r\nWASHINGTONAmid the catastrophic wildfires burning in the western United States, U.S. Senators for Idaho Jim Risch and Mike Crapo have signed on in support of major, bipartisan forest management reform legislation. TheEmergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act of 2020, which was introduced last month by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.), increases active management of federal forests, cuts red tape, reduces frivolous litigation and gives the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) further tools to protect communities from deadly wildfires.\r\nYears of insufficient forest management have turned the West into a tinderbox, evidenced by this year's devastating wildfires. While we cannot control each lightning strike or wind change, we can change the ways we manage our forests to prevent the 2020 fire season from becoming the new normal,said Risch.This legislation offers urgently needed fixes to our forest management practices to improve the long-term health and viability of Idaho's forests and protect the communities that call our forestland home.\r\nThis forestry package contains a number of provisions to enhance wildfire prevention and salvage efforts, and is especially timely as states currently battle massive wildfires in the West,said Crapo.These tools will help accelerate fire reduction and post-fire restoration projects.Moreover, the new information' threshold for the Cottonwood decision will prevent further red tape to protect forest management projects from unnecessary and overly burdensome litigation. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this legislation signed into law.\r\nAmong its provisions, the Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act of 2020 will:\r\n \r\nRequire the Forest Service to conduct three landscape-level fire reduction projects in the West proposed by a governor.\r\nEstablish a prescribed fire center in the West.\r\nProvide relief from theCottonwooddecision by establishing a threshold for what qualifies as new information' triggering consultation.\r\nEstablish a new Categorical Exclusion to accelerate management near roads, trails, and transmission lines.\r\nEstablish a grant program to facilitate the removal of biomass from National Forest areas.\r\nCreate a competitive grant program for groups assisting in workforce development in the forestry sector.\r\n \r\nThe legislation is supported by the Idaho Forest Group, the National Association of Counties, the National Association of Conservation Districts, the Federal Forest Resource Coalition, the American Forest Resource Council, National Wild Turkey Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation.\r\nTo read the bill text,click here.\r\nFor wildfire information and resources, including fire maps, air quality information and more,visit Senator Risch's website.\r\nTo read Senator Risch's recent editorial on protecting Idaho's forests and communities,visit the Coeur d'Alene Press website.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-announce-department-of-transportation-grants-for-ponderay-nez-perce-tribe-", "Crapo, Risch Announce Department of Transportation Grants for Ponderay, Nez Perce Tribe", "2020-09-11", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 11, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo, Risch Announce Department of Transportation Grants for Ponderay, Nez Perce Tribe  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOISE, Idaho--U.S. Senators for Idaho Mike Crapo and Jim Risch announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation will award the City of Ponderay $1.4 million and the Nez Perce Tribe $19.1 million in funding as part of the Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) competitive grant program. This funding will help the City of Ponderay fund the design and engineering of safe, direct access from Ponderay to the Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail and support the Nez Perce Tribe as it works to rebuild the Aht'Wy interchange and plaza area on US 95/12, one of Idaho's most dangerous stretches of road.\r\nCrapo and Risch released the following statements celebrating the announcement:\r\nThe BUILD grants approved for the City of Ponderay and the Nez Perce Tribe will enhance safety measures on Idaho's roadways for residents and local businesses,said Crapo. Further, these projects will be a major factor in bringing increased business and employment opportunities as the improvement projects bring visitors to the area. Secretary Chao has made supporting Idaho infrastructure a priority and I appreciate her and the Department of Transportation's support.\r\nThis is great news for the City of Ponderay and the Nez Perce Tribe, and I want to thank Secretary Chao and her staff at the Department of Transportation for their support for these infrastructure projects, said Risch. These projects will revitalize Idaho's aging infrastructure as the state continues to experience rapid growth while providing local jobs and new opportunities for economic growth.\r\nBackground:Senators Risch and Crapo wrote to Secretary Chao on April 29, 2020,and August 5, 2020, in support of the Nez Perce Tribe and City of Ponderay's grant applications respectively. Representative Russ Fulcher also signed the letter in support of the Nez Perce's Interchange Project.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/risch-crapo-announce-department-of-transportation-grants-for-ponderay-nez-perce-tribe", "Risch, Crapo Announce Department of Transportation Grants for Ponderay, Nez Perce Tribe", "2020-09-11", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOISE, Idaho U.S. Senators for Idaho Jim Risch and Mike Crapo announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation will award the City of Ponderay $1.4 million and the Nez Perce Tribe $19.1 million in funding as part of the Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) competitive grant program. This funding will help the City of Ponderay fund the design and engineering of safe, direct access from Ponderay to the Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail and support the Nez Perce Tribe as it works to rebuild the Aht'Wy interchange and plaza area on US 95/12, one of Idaho's most dangerous stretches of road.\r\nRisch and Crapo released the following statements applauding the announcement:\r\nThis is great news for the City of Ponderay and the Nez Perce Tribe, and I want to thank Secretary Chao and her staff at the Department of Transportation for their support for these infrastructure projects,said Risch.These projects will revitalize Idaho's aging infrastructure as the state continues to experience rapid growth while providing local jobs and new opportunities for economic growth.\r\nThe BUILD grants approved for the City of Ponderay and the Nez Perce Tribe will enhance safety measures on Idaho's roadways for residents and local businesses,said Crapo.Further, these projects will be a major factor in bringing increased business and employment opportunities as the improvement projects bring visitors to the area. Secretary Chao has made supporting Idaho infrastructure a priority and I appreciate her and the Department of Transportation's support.\r\nBackground:Senators Risch and Crapo wrote to Secretary Chao onApril 29, 2020,andAugust 5, 2020, in support of the Nez Perce Tribe and City of Ponderay's grant applications respectively. Representative Russ Fulcher also signed the letter in support of the Nez Perce's Interchange Project.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-vote-to-support-targeted-covid-19-relief", "Crapo, Risch Vote to Support Targeted COVID-19 Relief", "2020-09-10", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 10, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo, Risch Vote to Support Targeted COVID-19 Relief \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Legislation failed to gain enough support to reach a final vote \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. -- Idaho's U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch today voted on the motion to proceed to consideration of the Targeted Relief Package introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) earlier this week. The measure would have provided coronavirus relief funding to support American families, schools, small businesses and the health care industry as the country continues to weather the COVID-19 pandemic. The cloture vote failed by a vote of 52-47.\r\nIn March, Congress came together in a truly bipartisan fashion to pass the CARES Act to provide a massive infusion of resources to millions of Americans in the fight against the coronavirus, said Senator Crapo. Now, as Americans continue to fight the pandemic, we have had a number of opportunities to provide meaningful relief for the American people, and yet some in Congress continue to refuse to come to the negotiating table. The Targeted Relief Package, although not perfect, would have responsibly provided further relief to small businesses, dedicated resources to allow schools to operate safely and efficiently, and additional resources for the nation's health care response. Moreover, it would have ensured businesses and individuals working in good faith and following the guidance of public health officials would not be subject to frivolous lawsuits for their good actions. I am disappointed in today's vote, and will continue working with my colleagues to provide relief to the American people.\r\nWhile the first CARES Act was intended to deliver broad assistance as quickly as possible to people who have been impacted by the pandemic, additional relief must be tailored to assist those individuals, families, and businesses experiencing the greatest need. The Targeted Relief Package did just that, providing focused support to vulnerable Idahoans while helping to get our economy moving, said Senator Risch. I'm disappointed that our Democrat colleagues have declined this opportunity to help struggling Americans, focusing instead on attempting to pour trillions of dollars into pet projects that have nothing to do with the pandemic. Idahoans deserve solutions that target greatest needs, and I will keep working to ensure Idaho's workers, families, and business owners can get the assistance they need to weather this crisis and return to some kind of normal.\r\nThe Targeted Relief Package, would have repurposed existing funds from the CARES Act to reduce the net cost of the package to just over $300 billion. Some of its provisions include the following:\r\n \r\nExtended option for states to continue providing an additional $300 per week in extra, federally-funded unemployment benefits to those who qualified under the CARES Act through December 27;\r\nAnother round of the Paycheck Protection Program with reforms to better target relief allocation;\r\nAn additional $20 billion in farm assistance;\r\nA $105 billion Education Stabilization Fund to help get students back to school;\r\n$10 billion for Back to Work Child Care Grants;\r\n$16 billion for enhanced testing and contact tracing in states;\r\n$31 billion for vaccine, therapeutic and diagnostic development;\r\nTurned the $10 billion U.S. Postal Service (USPS) loan under the CARES Act into a grant if the USPS's cash reserve drops to $8 billion;\r\nAuthorization for future Pandemic Preparation and Strategic Stockpiles; and\r\nLiability protections for hospitals, healthcare workers, small and large businesses, schools, colleges and universities, religious, philanthropic and other nonprofit institutions, and local government agencies working in good-faith efforts to keep patrons and employees safe.\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/risch-crapo-vote-to-support-targeted-relief", "Risch, Crapo Vote to Support Targeted COVID-19 Relief", "2020-09-10", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Today, Idaho's U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo voted on the motion to proceed to consideration of the Targeted Relief Package introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) earlier this week. The measure would have provided coronavirus relief funding to support American families, schools, small businesses and the health care industry as the country continues to weather the COVID-19 pandemic. The cloture vote failed by a vote of 52-47.\r\nWhile the first CARES Act was intended to deliver broad assistance as quickly as possible to people who have been impacted by the pandemic, additional relief must be tailored to assist those individuals, families, and businesses experiencing the greatest need. The Targeted Relief Package did just that, providing focused support to vulnerable Idahoans while helping to get our economy moving,said Senator Risch. I'm disappointed that our Democrat colleagues have declined this opportunity to help struggling Americans, focusing instead on attempting to pour trillions of dollars into pet projects that have nothing to do with the pandemic. Idahoans deserve solutions that target greatest needs, and I will keep working to ensure Idaho's workers, families, and business owners can get the assistance they need to weather this crisis and return to some kind of normal.\r\nIn March, Congress came together in a truly bipartisan fashion to pass the CARES Act to provide a massive infusion of resources to millions of Americans in the fight against the coronavirus, said Senator Crapo. Now, as Americans continue to fight the pandemic, we have had a number of opportunities to provide meaningful relief for the American people, and yet some in Congress continue to refuse to come to the negotiating table. The Targeted Relief Package, although not perfect, would have responsibly provided further relief to small businesses, dedicated resources to allow schools to operate safely and efficiently, and additional resources for the nation's health care response. Moreover, it would have ensured businesses and individuals working in good faith and following the guidance of public health officials would not be subject to frivolous lawsuits for their good actions. I am disappointed in today's vote, and will continue working with my colleagues to provide relief to the American people.\r\nThe Targeted Relief Package, would have repurposed existing funds from the CARES Act to reduce the net cost of the package to just over $300 billion. Some of its provisions include the following:\r\n \r\nExtended option for states to continue providing an additional $300 per week in extra, federally-funded unemployment benefits to those who qualified under the CARES Act through December 27;\r\nAnother round of the Paycheck Protection Program with reforms to better target relief allocation;\r\nAn additional $20 billion in farm assistance;\r\nA $105 billion Education Stabilization Fund to help get students back to school;\r\n$10 billion for Back to Work Child Care Grants;\r\n$16 billion for enhanced testing and contact tracing in states;\r\n$31 billion for vaccine, therapeutic and diagnostic development;\r\nTurned the $10 billion U.S. Postal Service (USPS) loan under the CARES Act into a grant if the USPS's cash reserve drops to $8 billion;\r\nAuthorization for future Pandemic Preparation and Strategic Stockpiles; and\r\nLiability protections for hospitals, healthcare workers, small and large businesses, schools, colleges and universities, religious, philanthropic and other nonprofit institutions, and local government agencies working in good-faith efforts to keep patrons and employees safe.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/risch-welcomes-fall-interns-to-washington-d-c-office", "Risch Welcomes Fall Interns to Washington, D.C. Office", "2020-09-10", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Tuesday, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) announced the selection of two interns to serve in his Washington, D.C. office for Fall 2020. While in their roles, the interns will have the opportunity to learn about policymaking at the federal level while assisting in the daily operations of the office.\r\nThis Senate intern session is certainly unique, and I'm glad to welcome these interns to my office staff during this unprecedented time in our history, said Risch.These interns are well-qualified, and I am confident they will do an excellent job serving Idaho.\r\nSenator Risch's Washington, D.C. interns:\r\nNick Cassano grew up in Fruitland and is currently studying applied mathematics at Boise State University. Interested in foreign affairs and national security, Nick hopes to gain a greater understanding of the role Congress plays in the international community. In his free time, Nick enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, and improving his strength conditioning for ROTC.\r\nCarter Harrison hails from the Peach State and currently lives in Idaho Falls with his wife Abby. A recent graduate of Utah State University, Carter earned his bachelor's degree in economics and political science. Having a strong interest in energy and natural resources, Carter is excited to learn about Senator Risch's role on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. In his free time, Carter enjoys fly fishing, hiking, and college football.\r\nInternships are available year-round in Sen. Risch's Washington, D.C. office. Additional information and application materials may be found at https://www.risch.senate.gov.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-grizzly-bear-bill-moves-forward-in-senate-", "Crapo, Risch Grizzly Bear Bill Moves Forward in Senate", "2020-09-09", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 09, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo, Risch Grizzly Bear Bill Moves Forward in Senate  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.--Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on S.614, the Grizzly Bear State Management Act. The legislation, which was introduced by Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and is cosponsored by Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, would remove the grizzly bear from the endangered species list in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and permit states to manage the species.\r\nSpecies management is a critical tool to protect species and ecosystems, and Idaho's local wildlife managers have a history of successful species management based on collaboration and science. We have worked for over a decade to expand delisting of grizzly bears, a species that has successfully met its recovery goals in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Unfortunately, activist litigation has created a cycle of keeping grizzly bears listed instead of working to recover them, saidSenators Crapo and Risch.The Grizzly Bear State Management Act will restore Idaho's ability to responsibly manage grizzly bears for recovery while accounting for the needs of the landscape and local communities.\r\nBackground: The grizzly bear was first listed as threatened 1975. In 2017, the Fish and Wildlife Service removed the Yellowstone population of the grizzly bear from the endangered species list, citing a significant increase in bear populations and a doubling of their range land. In September 2018, a federal judge in Montana ruled to put the grizzly bear back on the endangered species list. The state of Wyoming appealed the decision, and in July 2020 a federal appeals court in San Francisco upheld the continued protections for the grizzly bear.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/risch-crapo-grizzly-bear-bill-moves-forward-in-senate", "Risch, Crapo Grizzly Bear Bill Moves Forward in Senate", "2020-09-09", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on S.614, the Grizzly Bear State Management Act. The legislation, which was introduced by Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and is cosponsored by Idaho Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, would remove the grizzly bear from the endangered species list in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and permit states to manage the species.\r\nSpecies management is a critical tool to protect species and ecosystems, and Idaho's local wildlife managers have a history of successful species management based on collaboration and science. We have worked for over a decade to expand delisting of grizzly bears, a species that has successfully met its recovery goals in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Unfortunately, activist litigation has created a cycle of keeping grizzly bears listed instead of working to recover them,saidSenators Risch and Crapo.The Grizzly Bear State Management Act will restore Idaho's ability to responsibly manage grizzly bears for recovery while accounting for the needs of the landscape and local communities.\r\nBackground:The grizzly bear was first listed as threatened 1975. In 2017, the Fish and Wildlife Service removed the Yellowstone population of the grizzly bear from the endangered species list, citing a significant increase in bear populations and a doubling of their range land. In September 2018, a federal judge in Montana ruled to put the grizzly bear back on the endangered species list. The state of Wyoming appealed the decision, and in July 2020 a federal appeals court in San Francisco upheld the continued protections for the grizzly bear.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-call-for-wheat-grower-assistance-", "Crapo, Risch Call for Wheat Grower Assistance", "2020-09-03", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 03, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo, Risch Call for Wheat Grower Assistance  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. --Yesterday, U.S. Senators for Idaho Mike Crapo and Jim Risch sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue requesting funds in the CARES Act be provided to wheat growers of all wheat varieties to address price impacts from COVID-19.\r\nAs Members of Congress representing wheat-producing states, we write regarding the deteriorating economic conditions being experienced by wheat farmers across the country who are already nearly complete with this year's harvest, wrote the Senators. Whether it's wheat farmers who wrapped up harvest in May, those in the field harvesting their crops now, or those looking ahead to harvest in the coming weeks, COVID-19 and other factors outside their control continue to depress the price of wheat. We ask that you use the resources available through the CARES Act to provide support for wheat farmers that includes assistance for all classes of wheat.\r\nThe bipartisan letter was signed by 21 U.S. Senators, including Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Pat Roberts (R-Kansas), Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jon Tester (D-Montana), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Cory Gardner (R-Colorado), Patty Murray (D-Washington), James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Ben Sasse (R-Nebraska), Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), and John Thune (R-South Dakota).\r\nTo read the letter, click here or below:\r\nDear Secretary Perdue:\r\nAs Members of Congress representing wheat-producing states, we write regarding the deteriorating economic conditions being experienced by wheat farmers across the country who are already nearly complete with this year's harvest. Whether it's wheat farmers who wrapped up harvest in May, those in the field harvesting their crops now, or those looking ahead to harvest in the coming weeks, COVID-19 and other factors outside their control continue to depress the price of wheat. We ask that you use the resources available through the CARES Act to provide support for wheat farmers that includes assistance for all classes of wheat.\r\nThe Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is providing critical assistance to many producers impacted by COVID-19, including at-risk 2019 crop losses for hard red spring and durum wheat. While this assistance remains important to those producers, these classes of wheat represent approximately 30 percent of 2019 production, leaving the majority of wheat farmers without access to assistance through the CFAP program. The economic impact of COVID-19 has been experienced and felt by all wheat farmers across the country.\r\nWheat farmers producing hard red winter, soft red winter, and white wheat have also suffered lower commodity prices due to the pandemic. For example, from mid-January to the first full week of August, average weekly futures prices for the September 2020 contract have dropped 18 percent for hard red winter; 12 percent for soft red-winter; and 14 percent for hard red spring. As was shown in the USDA August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, demand for wheat for food use has been negatively affected by COVID-19, given a drop in food consumption away from home.\r\nAdditionally, COVID-19 has also affected markets all over the world, which has directly impacted U.S. wheat farmers. The USDA August WASDE projects world ending stocks at a record of 316.8 million tons. Record world ending stocks, caused in part by the impacts of COVID-19, are expected to significantly depress wheat prices. This is demonstrated by USDA reducing the estimated season average farm price by $0.10 per bushel to $4.50 per bushel, as compared to the July WASDE estimate. Moreover, the season average farm price of $4.50 per bushel is $0.30 below USDA's baseline projection, which was released in February 2020.      \r\nApart from the 2016 marketing year at the height of the recession in the farm economy, the average price for wheat in 2020 is shaping up to be the worst in the last 13 years, including both 2018 and 2019 when the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) provided much-needed relief. In fact, the average price of wheat in 2020 is projected to be approximately 22 percent below the average price over the last 13 years.\r\nWheat farmers have experienced significant economic harm from COVID-19. We request that you use funding provided in the CARES Act to immediately begin providing assistance for COVID-19 losses for all classes of wheat. Thank you for your attention to this matter that's critical to U.S. wheat farmers during this unprecedented time.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/9/risch-crapo-call-for-wheat-grower-assistance", "Risch, Crapo Call for Wheat Grower Assistance", "2020-09-03", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Yesterday, U.S. Senators for Idaho Jim Risch and Mike Crapo sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue requesting funds in the CARES Act be provided to wheat growers of all wheat varieties to address price impacts from COVID-19.\r\nAs Members of Congress representing wheat-producing states, we write regarding the deteriorating economic conditions being experienced by wheat farmers across the country who are already nearly complete with this year's harvest, wrote the Senators. Whether it's wheat farmers who wrapped up harvest in May, those in the field harvesting their crops now, or those looking ahead to harvest in the coming weeks, COVID-19 and other factors outside their control continue to depress the price of wheat. We ask that you use the resources available through the CARES Act to provide support for wheat farmers that includes assistance for all classes of wheat.\r\nThe bipartisan letter was signed by 21 U.S. Senators, including Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and John Thune (R-S.D.).\r\nTo read the letter, click here or below:\r\nDear Secretary Perdue: \r\nAs Members of Congress representing wheat-producing states, we write regarding the deteriorating economic conditions being experienced by wheat farmers across the country who are already nearly complete with this year's harvest. Whether it's wheat farmers who wrapped up harvest in May, those in the field harvesting their crops now, or those looking ahead to harvest in the coming weeks, COVID-19 and other factors outside their control continue to depress the price of wheat. We ask that you use the resources available through the CARES Act to provide support for wheat farmers that includes assistance for all classes of wheat. \r\nThe Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is providing critical assistance to many producers impacted by COVID-19, including at-risk 2019 crop losses for hard red spring and durum wheat. While this assistance remains important to those producers, these classes of wheat represent approximately 30 percent of 2019 production, leaving the majority of wheat farmers without access to assistance through the CFAP program. The economic impact of COVID-19 has been experienced and felt by all wheat farmers across the country. \r\nWheat farmers producing hard red winter, soft red winter, and white wheat have also suffered lower commodity prices due to the pandemic. For example, from mid-January to the first full week of August, average weekly futures prices for the September 2020 contract have dropped 18 percent for hard red winter; 12 percent for soft red-winter; and 14 percent for hard red spring. As was shown in the USDA August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, demand for wheat for food use has been negatively affected by COVID-19, given a drop in food consumption away from home. \r\nAdditionally, COVID-19 has also affected markets all over the world, which has directly impacted U.S. wheat farmers. The USDA August WASDE projects world ending stocks at a record of 316.8 million tons. Record world ending stocks, caused in part by the impacts of COVID-19, are expected to significantly depress wheat prices. This is demonstrated by USDA reducing the estimated season average farm price by $0.10 per bushel to $4.50 per bushel, as compared to the July WASDE estimate. Moreover, the season average farm price of $4.50 per bushel is $0.30 below USDA's baseline projection, which was released in February 2020.       \r\nApart from the 2016 marketing year at the height of the recession in the farm economy, the average price for wheat in 2020 is shaping up to be the worst in the last 13 years, including both 2018 and 2019 when the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) provided much-needed relief. In fact, the average price of wheat in 2020 is projected to be approximately 22 percent below the average price over the last 13 years. \r\nWheat farmers have experienced significant economic harm from COVID-19. We request that you use funding provided in the CARES Act to immediately begin providing assistance for COVID-19 losses for all classes of wheat. Thank you for your attention to this matter that's critical to U.S. wheat farmers during this unprecedented time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/us-senators-mike-crapo-and-tina-smith-lead-bipartisan-group-in-calling-for-enforcement-of-usmca-dairy-provisions", "U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Tina Smith Lead Bipartisan Group in Calling for Enforcement of USMCA Dairy Provisions", "2020-08-26", "2020", "2020-08", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "August 26, 2020\n\t\t\t U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Tina Smith Lead Bipartisan Group in Calling for Enforcement of USMCA Dairy Provisions \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.-- Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) led a bipartisan group of 25 Senators in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer urging enforcement of United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) dairy provisions.\r\nFair market access for American dairy farmers was a key pillar of the USMCA's agriculture section,the Senators wrote in their letter. USMCA is poised to create new export opportunities for America's dairy industry and a more equitable playing field for American dairy exports in Mexico and Canada, but effective implementation will be critical to realizing these gains.\r\nIdaho's dairy industry is the leading agricultural sector in the state, and our dairy farmers are proud to help drive economic growth in our rural communities. However, our continued success depends on expanding opportunities for high-quality Idaho dairy exports. Senator Crapo fought for fair trade rules and equitable market access in USMCA and is now leading the charge to ensure that the agreement brings home the full benefits it promised to Idaho dairy farmers. Enforcement of USMCA's modernized dairy trade provisions is needed now to maintain a bright future for Idaho dairy. Allan Huttema, dairy farmer from Parma, Idaho, and chairman of the Northwest Dairy Association/Darigold Board of Directors\r\nCanada is our closest neighbor and an important international market for Minnesota dairy. USMCA dismantles the unfair trade policies that have long prevented us from expanding our market access in Canada. However, these trade wins will only materialize if Canada is held accountable to their commitments. We appreciate the leadership of Senator Smith for working across the aisle to make sure that the hard-fought benefits of USMCA are fully realized for all of Minnesota's dairy industry.Steve Schlangen, dairy farmer from Albany, Minnesota, and chairman of the Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) Board of Directors\r\nAdditional signers of the letter include Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Cory Gardner (R-Colorado), Diane Feinstein (D-California), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Patty Murray (D-Washington), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), Roy Blunt (Missouri), Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Gary Peters (D-Michigan), Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan), Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and Michael Bennet (D-Colorado).\r\nFull text of the letter is below and can be downloadedHERE.\r\nAugust 25, 2020\r\nSecretary Sonny Perdue\r\nU.S. Department of Agriculture\r\n1400 Independence Avenue SW\r\nWashington, DC 20250\r\n\r\nAmbassador Robert Lighthizer\r\nUnited States Trade Representative\r\n600 17thStreet Northwest\r\nWashington, DC 20508\r\nDear Secretary Perdue and Ambassador Lighthizer,\r\nFair market access for American dairy farmers was a key pillar of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement's (USMCA) agriculture section. USMCA is poised to create new export opportunities for America's dairy industry and a more equitable playing field for American dairy exports in Mexico and Canada, but effective implementation will be critical to realizing these gains.\r\nWe share the same concerns  outlined below  as expressed in a recent letter sent to the Administration by our colleagues in the House.\r\nEnforcement of USMCA's dairy provisions is critical, and we ask you to ensure compliance in the following areas:\r\n \r\nCanadian dairy commitment compliance:\r\n\r\nDairy Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) Administration: One of the most pressing priorities is how Canada handles its USMCA TRQ commitments. Unfortunately, Canada's announced TRQ administration procedures appear to run counter to numerous USMCA provisions. Canada must administer its TRQs fairly and in a manner consistent with its obligations under USMCA; it cannot be allowed to administer TRQs in a manner that discourages utilization or restricts the ability of the U.S. dairy industry to completely fill the established TRQs at advantageous price points.\r\nElimination of Class 6 and 7: Another area of equally important concern is ensuring that the hard-fought benefits from USMCA's elimination of Canada's Class 6 and 7 milk pricing classes are fully realized. Canada must not be permitted to effectively recreate the harmful impacts of Canada's highly trade-distortive Classes 6 and 7 milk pricing programs. Canada must implement its commitments to eliminate these programs with full transparency, clearly establish prices for any new classes based on the end use of dairy products, and ensure that export surcharges for certain dairy products are implemented properly.\r\n\r\n\r\nMexico common names commitment compliance:\r\n\r\nEnforcement of Common Names Side Letters: There are important implementation issues for Mexico as well, namely the work needed to translate Mexico's commitments via two USMCA side letters pertaining to commonly used cheese terms into practice in its regulations so that all prior users' rights are upheld and that all the common cheese names specified under the agreement are respected.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nGiven the importance of these provisions to our dairy farmers and to American dairy exports, we ask that you use USMCA's enforcement measures, as appropriate, to hold our trading partners accountable to their trade commitments. It is imperative that Canada and Mexico deliver upon their agreed upon commitments related to dairy products.\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399066", "What is REALLY happening with the Postal Service", "2020-08-21", "2020", "2020-08", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Mike Simpson", "S001148", "simpson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "What is REALLY happening with the Postal Service\r\nBy Congressman Mike Simpson\r\n\r\nWashington, D.C.  I've heard a lot from constituents about the US Postal Service (USPS) this week. Many are scared and nervous that President Trump and Republicans are trying to sabotage the USPS in order to win this election. This could not be further from the truth.\r\nFirst, Republicans support fair and honest elections. To suggest otherwise is simply offensive. But Democrats and Republicans clearly do not agree on what could possibly threaten a fair and honest election in 2020. In this debate, we need to start with the difference between universal mail-in ballots and absentee ballots.\r\nPeople should understand that when we talk about mail-in ballots, that is referring to the fact that Democrats want each state to mail out a ballot to every registered voter, whether they have requested them or not. Absentee voting on the other hand, is something Republicans have always supported, dating back to the Civil War. Voting is a right and a privilege as a U.S. Citizen, but like anything in our great country, it requires involvement. To vote absentee, you must be current on your voter registration, and you must request an absentee ballot, just as you would if you were to show up to a polling location on November 3rd. This is how we vote in America, and this is how we ensure that our elections are fair and honest. Republicans support absentee voting by mail, but we do not support sending a ballot to every person that registered to vote. A person does not have to consider very long the enormous potential for fraud that exists by mailing every registered voter a ballotwhat safeguards are in place to stop a resident from filling out a ballot that arrived for a previous tenant? Or for their sick neighbor? Or for a recently deceased family member? What is stopping someone from filling out a mail-in ballot only to go vote again in person?\r\nDemocrats are also trying to confuse the American public by suggesting that Republicans are blocking needed funding for the Postal Service to properly process and deliver absentee ballotsnot true. Historically, the Postal Service has received less than $55 million in annual federal funding. Democrats are requesting an infusion of $25 BILLION, with little explanation for what this money would actually be spent on.\r\nIdahoans need to remember the Postal Service has reported significant financial troubles since 2007, a full decade before President Trump would even take office. These losses are a result of several issues including sharp declines in mail volume and product revenue, but the Postal Service still generates almost all of its own operating budget  over $71 billion annually. Currently, the Postal Service has $14 billion cash on hand and as a result of the CARES Act, they have the option of receiving an additional $10 billion loan from the Treasury Department. The Postal Service delivers 471 million pieces of mail on an average day. Approximately 158 million people are registered to voteand many will still vote in personbut even if they don't, the Postal Service has the capacity to process absentee ballots.\r\nFinally, Democrats are misleading the American public about removing blue mailboxes due to the upcoming election. Again, not true. The Postal Service regularly moves mailboxes due to growth and demand. However, due to this false alarm they set off, the Postmaster General reaffirmed that mail processing equipment and blue collection boxes will remain where they are' until after the election, which ironically could lead to the very issue that Democrats are claiming to try to preventresulting in the Post Office from operating less efficiently and effectively than they otherwise could by relocating mailboxes or other equipment due to higher demand in certain areas.\r\nThe bill that the House will vote on this week is just Speaker Pelosi doubling down on Democratic fear mongering. In addition to the $25 billionwhich the Postal Service does not claim to needit prohibits the Postal Service from making any operational changes that would impact service standards or service performance. This is an independent agency, and this kind of Congressional overreach is inappropriate and potentially harmful. It also includes a cause of action for any violation of the spirit of the legislation, which we all know would be most trial lawyers' dream. We can and should have a discussion with the Postal Service on what its needs are to ensure a fair and honest election. Republicans are ready and willing to do that. This bill is not a serious attempt at solving an issue. It's yet another political stunt to distract from the failure of the Democratic party to convince the American people that they should be entrusted with their votes.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/8/east-idaho-news-we-asked-sen-risch-about-covid-the-usps-2-eastern-idahoans-detained-in-china-and-who-s-going-to-win-the-election", "East Idaho News: We asked Sen. Risch about COVID, the USPS, 2 eastern Idahoans detained in China and whos going to win the election.", "2020-08-21", "2020", "2020-08", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Nate Eaton, EastIdahoNews.com August 20, 2020\r\nIDAHO FALLS  Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, spent Thursday in eastern Idaho and agreed to meet with EastIdahoNews.com to discuss a variety of issues.\r\nWe asked Risch about two eastern Idahoans who have been imprisoned in China for nearly a year, the latest on a proposed COVID-19 stimulus bill, the upcoming election and his thoughts on the United States Postal Service.\r\nHere is a lightly edited transcript of our interview. You can watch the entire conversation in the video player above.\r\nNATE EATON, EASTIDAHONEWS.COM REPORTER:I'd like to ask you about the two workers from China Horizons in Rexburg who were arrested last September in China. I know you probably can't tell us everything happening behind the scenes, but what can you tell us?\r\n\r\nSEN. JIM RISCH:The first thing I can tell you is we have a State Department that's very, very good. There are thousands of people that work for the State Department, and they deal with problems that American citizens have in a different country.\r\nThere are 200 countries in the world. Every one of them has different laws and customs and that sort of thing. It is not uncommon that Americans have a problem with a foreign government. That's what's happened here.\r\nThese people have been detained for things they would not be detained for in the United States. I can tell you this: I have a staff that deals directly with the agency in the State Department that is dealing with this particular case. They regularly see the people and check on their wellbeing. We are doing everything we can behind the scenes to move this to a better place than where it is.\r\nWe have been pretty successful on ones that are similar to this, but in the meantime, it is just a horrible catastrophe for the family as they sit and worry about their loved ones that are in prison in a different country.\r\nThe State Department has a very robust operation as far as telling people the dos and don'ts when they travel to a particular country. Obviously, China is very high up on the list of things you have to learn before you go so you don't run afoul of the law. They are not a democracy like we are. They don't have a First Amendment or other rights that people have here. It is a very central government, and so people have to be careful.\r\nYou may remember some years back, but we had a pastor who was in Iran visiting his family, and he wound up in an Iranian prison for years. At the end of the day, we did get him out.\r\nEATON:Let's talk about the coronavirus and the stimulus bill. What's happening with the bill? Are people going to get a stimulus check?\r\nRISCH:Back up when this thing started, we put about $3 trillion into a lot of different areas to keep liquidity in the marketplace and also to directly counter the COVID through vaccine development, therapeutic development, personal protective equipment and helping things like law enforcement and others. Their costs went up considerably because of COVID.\r\nSo a lot of those programs got started. Some of them even expired like the unemployment (benefit). In Idaho, people are eligible for about $300 a week. After the first COVID bill, $600 went on top of that, so they were receiving about $900 a week. That program expired July 31.\r\nWe've negotiated with the other side trying to reach an agreement on what that amount should be and how it should be administered because when these things start and you do a one size fits all program, it's just loaded with potholes. So we've tried to fix that\r\nThe president, to his credit, has gone in with an executive order and repurposed some funds that were in FEMA to add $300 or $400, depending on what state you're in, to add to the regular $300 that you get. That's a work in progress.\r\nWe also have negotiations going on as far as a larger bill is concerned. We meet every morning by conference call, and I can tell you it's been slow, and it's not progressing.\r\nThe other side has told us they didn't want to do it piecemeal. They wouldn't even do a bill on the dozen or so things we agree on, but they must have changed their minds because Saturday, in the House of Representatives, they're actually going to vote on a piece of it that has to do with the Postal Service. That will be a House bill that will come over the Senate. We will go back  not this coming week, but probably the week after that  we will take the House bill, make it better and send it back over there. That's the status of where we are on that.\r\nThere's a lot of moving parts on it  18 to 20 different parts. It's a work in progress, and we'll keep at it.\r\nEATON:You mentioned the United States Postal Service. A week or two ago, it was thrown into the headlines again. Are people in Idaho going to be safe to vote by mail this year? Is their ballot going to be counted? Are there going to be any issues?\r\nRISCH:Yes, yes and no. People get worked up about this, which I don't completely understand.\r\nEATON:President Trump has kind of gotten people worked up.\r\nRISCH:He has, and he has a legitimate complaint in states where they just mail out ballots to people who haven't requested them  just a mass mailing. That has some real problems with it and could be rife with fraud. Here in Idaho, they're very careful about it, and they compare signatures.\r\nIn Idaho, I'm very confident between the country clerks, which do a great job putting on elections, and the Postal Service, who really do a great job handling the mail, there's no vote that's going to go uncounted. There's no doubt in my mind.\r\nWith all due to respect to my friends on the other side of the aisle, they want to nationalize elections. They want the federal government to handle all elections everywhere in the country. You can imagine that doesn't sit really well with us.\r\nWe love our local clerks, we love our states. Our states have been really, really competent about putting on elections. We've been doing it for a long time since the dawn of this country, and I have every confidence that we'll get through this and get through it well.\r\nEATON:Speaking of the election, the Democratic National Convention is this week, and Joe Biden is expected to accept the official nomination tonight. Is he going to win?\r\nRISCH:He'll win the nomination. I'll give you that. I know him very well. I know Kamala (Harris) very well. She sits on the Intelligence Committee with me.\r\nIt's very difficult to make a call at this time. I've got a lot of friends who are pollsters and they talk about the polls.  It's difficult to poll these days for obvious reasons. Landlines are down to just a fraction. Most people are carrying cell phones, so it's difficult to do polling.\r\nThere's a lot of animosity and vitriol out there and a lot of people aren't real anxious to tell others who they're going to vote for. I think we're going to have to wait until Election Day to find out how this goes, but we'll get through it.\r\nWe're Americans. We've been through all kinds of stuff. This year is only slightly half over. We've been through an impeachment  we've been through race riots, we've been through the COVID, and it's only half over.\r\nBut Americans are incredibly resilient. We've been through a revolution, a civil war, two world wars, the Great Depression  we've been through all kinds of other stuff. We're really good at bouncing back and coming back stronger than what we are. I have absolute confidence America will be back.\r\nWatch the full interview on EastIdahoNews.com.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-gardner-call-for-increased-access-for-fresh-potato-exports-to-mexico", "Crapo, Risch, Gardner Call for Increased Access for Fresh Potato Exports to Mexico", "2020-08-19", "2020", "2020-08", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "August 19, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo, Risch, Gardner Call for Increased Access for Fresh Potato Exports to Mexico \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Cory Gardner (R-Colorado) are calling on U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer to continue to advocate for increased access for United States fresh potato exports to Mexico during any trade negotiations with the Mexican government.\r\nAlthough U.S. potato producers can ship processed, dried and frozen potatoes to Mexico, their access to the fresh potato market has been severely restricted and exports are only permitted within an approximately sixteen-mile zone south of the U.S.-Mexico border, the Senators wrote in a letter. This limitation greatly reduces opportunities for U.S. potato producers and further limits options for Mexican consumers. We encourage you to consider the use of all available mechanisms, including the new dispute resolution authority under the USMCA, to ensure Mexico honors its agreement to allow U.S. potatoes to reach Mexican consumers.\r\nThe full text of their letter is available here and below:\r\nWe write to urge you to continue to advocate for increased access for United States fresh potato exports to Mexico during the course of any trade negotiations with the Mexican government.\r\nOn May 19, 2014, U.S. potato exporters were finally allowed to export fresh potatoes throughout Mexico. Unfortunately, the Mexican potato industry represented through Comit Nacional Sistema Producto Papa (CONPAPA) sued the Mexican government and the general U.S. fresh potato export ban was reinstated. Currently, this issue is pending before the Mexican Supreme Court.\r\nWe strongly support the benefits of trade between the United States and Mexicoin 2019 alone, our countries engaged in nearly $615 billion in trade. With the recent conclusion of the United States-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA), U.S.-Mexico trade will continue to grow even more and benefit producers and consumers in both countries.\r\nAlthough U.S. potato producers can ship processed, dried, and frozen potatoes to Mexico, their access to the fresh potato market has been severely restricted and exports are only permitted within an approximately sixteen-mile zone south of the U.S.-Mexico border. This limitation greatly reduces opportunities for U.S. potato producers and further limits options for Mexican consumers.We encourage you to consider the use of all available mechanisms, including the new dispute resolution authority under the USMCA, to ensure Mexico honors its agreement to allow U.S. potatoes to reach Mexican consumers. As you continue market access conversations with Mexico, we again urge you to continue to advocate for U.S. fresh potato exports and to further strengthen U.S.-Mexico trade relations.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/8/risch-crapo-gardner-call-for-increased-access-for-fresh-potato-exports-to-mexico", "Risch, Crapo, Gardner Call for Increased Access for Fresh Potato Exports to Mexico", "2020-08-19", "2020", "2020-08", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOISE, Idaho - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Cory Gardner (R-Colorado) are calling on U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer to continue to advocate for increased access for United States fresh potato exports to Mexico during any trade negotiations with the Mexican government.\r\n\r\nAlthough U.S. potato producers can ship processed, dried and frozen potatoes to Mexico, their access to the fresh potato market has been severely restricted and exports are only permitted within an approximately sixteen-mile zone south of the U.S.-Mexico border, the Senators wrote in a letter.This limitation greatly reduces opportunities for U.S. potato producers and further limits options for Mexican consumers.We encourage you to consider the use of all available mechanisms, including the new dispute resolution authority under the USMCA, to ensure Mexico honors its agreement to allow U.S. potatoes to reach Mexican consumers.\r\n\r\nThe full text of their letter is available here and below:\r\nWe write to urge you to continue to advocate for increased access for United States fresh potato exports to Mexico during the course of any trade negotiations with the Mexican government.\r\nOn May 19, 2014, U.S. potato exporters were finally allowed to export fresh potatoes throughout Mexico. Unfortunately, the Mexican potato industry represented through Comit Nacional Sistema Producto Papa (CONPAPA) sued the Mexican government and the general U.S. fresh potato export ban was reinstated. Currently, this issue is pending before the Mexican Supreme Court.\r\nWe strongly support the benefits of trade between the United States and Mexicoin 2019 alone, our countries engaged in nearly $615 billion in trade. With the recent conclusion of the United States-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA), U.S.-Mexico trade will continue to grow even more and benefit producers and consumers in both countries.\r\nAlthough U.S. potato producers can ship processed, dried, and frozen potatoes to Mexico, their access to the fresh potato market has been severely restricted and exports are only permitted within an approximately sixteen-mile zone south of the U.S.-Mexico border. This limitation greatly reduces opportunities for U.S. potato producers and further limits options for Mexican consumers.We encourage you to consider the use of all available mechanisms, including the new dispute resolution authority under the USMCA, to ensure Mexico honors its agreement to allow U.S. potatoes to reach Mexican consumers.\nAs you continue market access conversations with Mexico, we again urge you to continue to advocate for U.S. fresh potato exports and to further strengthen U.S.-Mexico trade relations.\r\n\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/8/risch-on-final-volume-of-senate-intelligence-committee-s-russia-investigation", "Risch on Final Volume of Senate Intelligence Committees Russia Investigation", "2020-08-18", "2020", "2020-08", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOISE, Idaho Today, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence released the fifth and final volume of itsinvestigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, entitledVolume 5: Counterintelligence Threats and Vulnerabilities.Volume 5 clearly demonstrates that thecommitteefound no evidence that then-Candidate Trump colluded or attempted to collude with Russia during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, a critical statement of fact that is noticeably absent from the report.\nUpon Volume 5's release, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), senior member of the Intelligence Committee, gave the following statement regarding his vote against the committee's Volume 5 findings and his additional views on the report:\nAfter more than three years of exhaustive investigation, the Senate Intelligence Committee's bipartisan Russia investigation found no evidence that the Trump campaign colluded with the Russian government to influence the 2016 election. The facts presented in Volume 5 make this conclusion abundantly clear, however I voted against the report because it fails to explicitly state this critical finding. The additional views I and others authored to accompany the final volume of our investigation plainly state there was no evidence of collusion between then-Candidate Trump and Russia. Make no mistake, Putin and his henchmen conducted a calculated and despicable campaign to undermine the 2016 election for nefarious purposes, but politically motivated accusations attempting to tie the Trump campaign to Russia's malign actions are completely unfounded.\nBackground:Volume 5: Counterintelligence Threats and Vulnerabilitiesmarks the culmination of the Senate Intelligence Committee's bipartisan investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Over the course of more than three years, Republican and Democratic committee staff reviewed more than one million documents and interviewed over 200 witnesses to produce more than 1,300 pages of analysis that clearly demonstrates that neither then-Candidate Trump nor his campaign colluded with the Russian government in its concerted efforts to meddle in the 2016 election.\r\nTo read Volume 5,click here.\r\nTo read past Senate Intelligence Committee reports on Russia's interference in the 2016 election,click here.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/08/17/2020/crapo-announces-staff-changes", "Crapo Announces Staff Changes", "2020-08-17", "2020", "2020-08", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "August 17, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo Announces Staff Changes \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) today announced recent staff promotions and hires in his Washington, D.C., office.\r\nNate Favero has been promoted to Legislative Correspondent. Favero will cover issues related to health care, education and Social Security. He previously served as Staff Assistant after an internship in Senator Martha McSally's (R-Arizona) office. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brigham Young University, where he played on the baseball team.\r\nThomas Broadbent has been hired as Staff Assistant and D.C. Office Manager. He served as an intern for the spring semester. Broadbent will be responsible for coordinating requests for flags flown over the U.S. Capitol and for assisting in the management and operation of the Washington office. He holds a bachelor's degree from Utah State University in management and agriculture business.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/8/editorial-the-threat-of-a-belligerent-china", "Editorial: The Threat of a Belligerent China", "2020-08-17", "2020", "2020-08", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Guest Column Submitted by U.S. Senator Jim Risch\r\nWhile the world has been rightly focused on containing the COVID-19 pandemic that originated in Wuhan, China, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has taken the opportunity to become increasingly belligerent on the international stage. In just a few short months, the CCP has voided Hong Kong's autonomy guaranteed by an international treaty, expanded its internment of Uyghurs Muslims in western China, and engaged in an aggressive campaign to sow false information in response to the legitimate criticism the CCP has received for its role in the COVID-19 pandemic. China's communist leadership is actively working to impose its interests on the world, and with each passing month, it becomes an increasingly serious and grave threat to democratic societies everywhere. They must be stopped and we must be the ones to lead it.\r\nAlthough these activities have significantly increased in recent months, they are not new. For decades, the CCP has made strategic moves to strengthen its foothold on the international stage and consolidate domestic power. We now know the extent to which the CCP conducted a sweeping program of espionage and cyber theft to steal intellectual property and research developed at American universities and national labs funded by U.S. taxpayers. The CCP has similarly stolen trade secrets, and encouraged state-owned businesses to do so, profiting from the successes of American companies by any means possible. These activities have impacted Idaho companies as well, evidenced by the now well-known and well-documented incident whereby spies for a Chinese state-owned company stole memory chip technology developed by Micron Technologies, patented it, then brazenly sued Micron for patent infringement in Chinese courts.\r\nThe CCP has also clearly demonstrated its insistence on stamping out any dissent that threatens to undermine its political agenda. We witnessed this during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic as the Chinese government silenced those who raised the alarm about the real and devastating effects of the emerging coronavirus. The CCP intentionally misled international organizations like the World Health Organization about what was known and suspected about the virus, while jailing reporters and outspoken Chinese citizens to stem the flow of critical and life-saving information.\r\nChina is the single most significant threat facing the United States, and we must act swiftly to protect our sovereignty and push back against China's increasingly dangerous conduct. Last month, I proposed the first comprehensive bill to put us on a stronger path to compete with China.The STRATEGIC Actwill introduce tough new measures aimed at leveling the playing field to safeguard American interests and strengthen and sustain U.S. leadership for decades to come. Additionally this year, I have sponsored bipartisan legislation to crack down on the CCP's efforts tosteal American taxpayer-funded research and intellectual property, and bipartisan bills to counter China's attempts to control the global supply chains forcritical mineralsandsemiconductors, which are central to U.S. national security.\r\nAs Idahoans and Americans, we must continue to prioritize our core values of liberty and freedom and promote the free market system that helped the United States and the rest of the world develop and prosper. The CCP's decisions and actions affect not only Idahoans, but all U.S. citizens, and pose a real threat to safety, security and freedom within our own borders. I will continue to protect Idaho's people, businesses, universities, and laboratories from the aggressive pursuits of the Chinese Communist Party, and will keep working to ensure that America is positioned to defend against an increasingly hostile and authoritarian China in the decades to come.\r\nU.S. Senator for Idaho Jim Risch is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. To learn more about his legislation to compete with China, the STRATEGIC Act, visitwww.risch.senate.gov.\r\nWord Count: 584\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/8/opinion-protecting-idaho-s-forests-and-communities", "Opinion: Protecting Idahos forests and communities", "2020-08-10", "2020", "2020-08", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Senator Jim Risch\r\nSummers are beautiful in the Gem State. Idaho's mountains, rivers, lakes and trails are beloved by the people who live here as well as the millions who visit every year. From attending forestry camp in McCall as a student at the University of Idaho, to summers spent hiking through the Cabinet Mountains with my sons, I continue to be awed by the beauty and serenity of the great state that we are blessed to call home.\r\nIdaho has 21 million acres of forestland, over three-quarters of which are managed by the U.S. Forest Service. These lands provide many benefitsfish and wildlife habitat, clean drinking water, treasured recreation, and vast renewable resources. Idaho's forests provide thousands of jobs, billions of dollars in economic activity, and immeasurable intrinsic value, but they also face significant risk.\r\nEvery summer, wildfires roll across western states, endangering communities and forests. Idaho's forests evolved with wildfire, but current forest conditions are not the same as in the past. Today's fires are no longer limited to remote, backcountry areas. Years of insufficient forest management have resulted in excess fuel and increased disease, leaving millions of acres athigh risk to catastrophic wildfire.\r\nThese fires are increasingly severe, leaving economic and environmental destruction in their wake. For the many Idahoans who live and work in forest dependent communities, a significant amount of their incomes is earned during and reliant upon the summer season. When fire comes, small business owners whose livelihoods depend on the land can't operate, and our state's economy and our residents' daily lives are disrupted.As the line between communities and forests continues to blur, we must manage Idaho's forestlands to protect our people, steward our lands, and reduce the risk of wildfire. Last month, Representative Fulcher and I introduced theTreating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act. For years, Good Neighbor Authority has enabled states to partner with the Forest Service to complete forest management and restoration projects. This bill will authorize Tribes and Counties to perform Good Neighbor projects and enhance the ability of all partners to prevent fires through forest restoration projects across landscapes. I also joined Senator Crapo in cosponsoring Senator Daines' bill to reduceactivist litigation against responsible forest management.\r\nAdvancing management tools is important, but to be sustainable long-term, they must be paired with conversations among diverse interests. I have proudly supported collaboration for decades. When I was Governor of Idaho, we used a collaborative approach to develop the Idaho Roadless Rule, bringing the timber and conservation communities together to develop a plan to preserve and manage our forests based on Idaho's needs, not a federal mandate. This collaborative spirit has only continued to flourish. Today, Idaho is home to many locally-drivenforest collaborative groups, with representatives from industry, rural communities, conservation, Tribes, and others. These groups resolve conflict together, finding ways to move balanced projects forward. Consensus-driven conversations like these are truly the best way to ensure the health and vitality of Idaho's forests.\r\nWithout its rugged, forested landscapes, a fundamental piece of Idaho would be lost. To ensure we have this treasured resource into the future, we must foster both the tools and open dialogues that help to manage our lands against wildfire risk while still conserving them for future generations.\r\nU.S. Senator Jim Risch, who has a degree in Forestry from the University of Idaho, is a senior member on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. To learn more about wildfire risk, management and fire preparedness in Idaho, visitwww.risch.senate.gov.\r\nTo read the article on the Coeur d'Alene-Post Falls Press website, clickhere.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/8/video-risch-touts-inl-accomplishments-at-committee-hearing", "VIDEO: Risch Touts INL Accomplishments at Committee Hearing", "2020-08-07", "2020", "2020-08", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONThis week, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) spoke at an Energy and Natural Resources hearing about the Idaho National Lab's (INL) leadership on cyber security as well as nuclear energy.\r\nThe Idaho National Lab, as everyone knows is the birthplace of nuclear energy in America and it's been the flagship for nuclear energy for the world. Now, the flag's going up for cyber because at the INL they have some unique capabilities that really call for them to be the flagship lab also for cybersecurity,said Risch.This is the result of their decades of experience in control systems. Since it was the birthplace of nuclear power, control systems played a very, very important role as they went forward building the 52 nuclear reactors that were built at the laboratory. Those control systems were critical, so they've got great expertise in that regard.\r\nRemarks have been lightly edited for clarity.\r\nTo listen to the rest of Senator Risch's remarks, click the video below.\r\n\r\nTo watch on YouTube, clickhere.\r\nTo download the video file, clickhere.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/8/icymi-jim-risch-seeks-to-redefine-u-s-china-relations", "ICYMI: Jim Risch seeks to redefine U.S.-China relations", "2020-08-06", "2020", "2020-08", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Orion Donovan-Smith - August 5, 2020\r\nWASHINGTON -With relations between the world's two biggest economies increasingly strained in recent weeks, an Idaho senator is trying to define a clearer U.S. strategy toward China.\r\nSen. Jim Risch, a Republican who chairs the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, unveiled sweeping legislation July 22 that aims to counter China's trade practices and military build-up, invest in U.S. competitiveness, and bolster alliances and international organizations.\r\nIn an interview with The Spokesman-Review, the Idaho lawmaker laid out his vision for the relationship and why he thinks America's top three foreign policy priorities should be China, China and China.\r\nRelations between the two countries hit a new low after the Trump administration ordered China's consulate in Houston closed July 21, accusing diplomats working there of stealing trade secrets from American companies and universities.\r\nU.S. officials say the alleged activity is part of a broad pattern of economic espionage by Beijing, including two Chinese nationals who wereindicted July 22in Eastern Washington on charges of hacking the Hanford nuclear site and companies developing coronavirus testing and vaccines.\r\nRisch said the theft of U.S. intellectual property  which costs the American economy between $225 billion and $600 billion annually, a2017 reportestimated  has helped China become the world's fastest-growing economy. A company controlled by the Chinese government stole nearly $9 billion worth of trade secrets from Boise-based semiconductor maker Micron Technology, according toa 2018 indictment.\r\nThey've come centuries in decades, he said, and a lot of it's been because they've stolen every good idea we have, except our government and freedoms. And because they've moved so quickly, they have not felt the consequences of the rule of law and international norms that we  the United States and other developed countries  have been living by for decades and even centuries.\r\nPresident Donald Trump and his allies have also escalated their criticism of China recently, an apparent campaign strategy with the election less than 100 days away. Trump has taken to pointedlycallingCOVID-19 the China virus, and ina speech July 23, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on U.S. allies to force change in the Chinese government, framing the U.S.-China relationship as a divide between freedom and tyranny.\r\nWe, the freedom-loving nations of the world, must induce China to change, Pompeo said, in more creative and assertive ways, because Beijing's actions threaten our people and our prosperity.\r\nThe Chinese government retaliated for the closure of its facility in Houston, the first consulate opened after the countries normalized relations in 1979, by ordering the U.S. consulate in the city of Chengdu shuttered. That strategically important diplomatic post was responsible for monitoring the western provinces of Tibet and Xinjiang, both sites of widely documentedhuman rights abuses.\r\nIn aJuly 30 op-edpublished in Politico, China's top diplomat in the U.S. called for the two countries to reset relations. Ambassador Cui Tiankai called the U.S. decision to close the Chinese consulate in Houston only one in a series of moves to demonize China and ramp up ideological confrontation.\r\nObviously it's probably the most tense it's been since 1979, when diplomatic relations were established, said J. Norwell Coquillard, executive director of the Washington State China Relations Council. The parties aren't talking to each other directly, they're talking over each other.\r\nRobert Hamilton, Gov. Jay Inslee's international trade adviser, said the situation is even more worrying than pre-1979, because now we have more connections that will be disrupted, whether it's students or tourists or investment or trade.\r\nRisch said the economic relationship with China, the world's largest exporter of goods for more than a decade, is especially important to the Northwest. The trade war between the two countries that began when Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods in 2018 has hurt some American farmers, thoughChina agreedto buy more Washington and Idaho potatoes under a trade deal reached earlier this year.\r\nIdahoans and Washingtonians are as much affected by foreign policy matters as are people in California, or New York, or Texas or anywhere else, Risch said. Idaho farmers and Washington farmers are very aware that what happens on the international stage affects them and their prices dramatically.\r\nIdaho exported $417 million in goods to China in 2018, nearly 10% of the state's total exports that year, according tothe Idaho Department of Commerce. A2018 analysisby credit rating agency Fitch found that Idaho's economy was more susceptible than any other state's to harm from the ongoing trade war.\r\nWashington is the most trade-dependent state in the nation, Coquillard said, with roughly 40% of jobs tied to overseas commerce, and China is the state's top export destination. Not only is the Chinese market important for products like cherries, wheat and Boeing airplanes, but goods from other states are also exported through Washington.\r\nBut amid the tit-for-tat tariffs of the trade war, exports from Washington to China dropped by half from 2017 to 2019, Hamilton said. Chinese foreign direct investment in the U.S. fell from $46.5 billion in 2016 to $4.8 billion in 2019, according to data from the economic research firm Rhodium Group.\r\nRobert Manning, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, a Washington, D.C., think tank, said he gives Trump credit for calling out China for not playing by the rules, but the administration has lacked a coherent strategy to dealing with China.\r\nI think there's a pretty strong bipartisan sense that a lot of the previous assumptions that guided our China policy had been proven wrong, said Manning, who worked on foreign policy under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. I compare it to the second stage of grief. We were in denial for a while and now we're just blindly angry.\r\nThe problem is that's an attitude, not a policy, Manning said. Sooner or later, we need to evolve past the anger and outrage and find some kind of competitive coexistence with the Chinese.\r\nRisch's bill  which he co-authored with GOP Sens. Mitt Romney of Utah, Cory Gardner of Colorado and Todd Young of Indiana  seeks to do just that, proposing a policy of managed strategic competition with China. The 160-page tome includes provisions designed to counter China's intellectual property theft and military build-up, make the U.S. technology sector more competitive, and restore frayed ties with allies and international organizations.\r\nThat last set of measures puts the senators somewhat at odds with the White House. Under Trump, the U.S. has withdrawn from the World Health Organization and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, a trade agreement the Obama administration pushed forward as a way to counter Chinese influence in the Asia-Pacific Region.\r\nThe irony to me is we keep withdrawing from international institutions, creating a vacuum, and then we complain about Chinese influence, Manning said. It's like a Marx Brothers movie.Asked about the decision to withdraw from TPP, Risch was diplomatic, though he was one of 26 GOP senators who signed a letter encouraging Trump to reconsider the move in 2018.\r\nCertainly, the president has views on trade that are very distinctive, he said with a chuckle. The president is very much into bilateral arrangements instead of multilateral arrangements. Now, you can agree or disagree with that, but the foundation is the same, and that is: we need relationships.\r\nRisch emphasized that having a coherent policy toward China should not be a partisan issue and said that the bill was crafted with input from Democrats on the committee. But a spokesman for the committee's top Democrat, Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, said his party is writing its own legislation, though he declined to detail how the bills differ.\r\nRanking Member Menendez does not believe the Trump administration has a real strategy for competition with China, the spokesman, Juan Pachon, said in a statement. So he has been creating the statutory basis for a comprehensive approach to a new U.S. China policy centered on our allies, our values, and replenishing the sources of our national strength and competitiveness here at home. That is an approach that is simply not encompassed in any proposal so far, and we hope to unveil it in the coming weeks.\r\nCoquillard said that with China's economy on pace to soon become the world's biggest and its population of 1.4 billion dwarfing the United States, America needs to work with its allies to establish a more workable relationship with China.\r\nYou have to have a unified approach to China, he said. They need a little push-back in certain areas, and going alone is not going to be successful. The systems are different, our way of looking at the world is different, but we need to coexist.\r\nRisch said he envisions a future where China follows the example of the U.S. and its allies, and the stakes are high.\r\nThe relationship that we would hope to have would be with a developed country that acts like other developed countries, he said. That is, they adopt and live by rule of law and international norms. It's been a very successful model for the rest of the planet, and if they're going to join the international stage they have got to do that. If we don't get them to embrace those things, it's going to be a very long 21st century for us and every other developed country.\r\nTo read the article on the Spokesman-Review website, clickhere.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/8/risch-names-maag-prescription-medical-supply-in-pocatello-as-the-august-small-business-of-the-month", "Risch Names Maag Prescription & Medical Supply in Pocatello as the August Small Business of the Month", "2020-08-06", "2020", "2020-08", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of Maag Prescription & Medical Supply in Pocatello as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for August 2020. Maag Prescription & Medical Supply will be recognized for their 70 years of business in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.\r\nIn 1950, Irvin and Genevieve Maag opened then-Maag Prescription Center in downtown Pocatello. The business grew to be relied on as the town's local pharmacy. In 1977, the business was passed down to the Maags' son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Kathy Maag. After nearly three decades of serving the community  and mere weeks into Greg and Kathy's ownership  tragedy struck when a fire ravaged their storefront. The Maags quickly sprang into action and rebuilt their business across the street with the strong support of the Pocatello community.\r\nForty-three years later, Maag Prescription & Medical Supply remains a staple in Southeast Idaho and has expanded three times to meet the needs of their customers. Their ability to adapt quickly and meet customer demands has been especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the business now offering curbside pickup, free home delivery of prescriptions and oxygen tanks, and in-house production of hand sanitizer for the community. Their emphasis on customer satisfaction has been central to their continued success.\r\nThe Maag family's resilience and ability to overcome adversity through the years is a true testament to the character and values that make the Gem State such a great place to do business. Risch said.\"Today, Maag Prescription & Medical Supply plays an important role in serving the community and providing more than 20 jobs to Southeast Idaho in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.\r\nCongratulations to Greg, Kathy, and all of the employees at Maag Prescription & Medical Supply on being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for August 2020, Risch continued. You make our great state proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.\r\nBackground: Idaho is consistently ranked one of the best places in the country to do business.Each month, Senator Risch selects an Idaho small business that exemplifies the Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional commitment to community.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/8/risch-hosts-tele-town-hall-on-pandemic-china", "Risch Hosts Tele-Town Hall on Pandemic, China", "2020-08-05", "2020", "2020-08", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONOn Tuesday, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) hosted a live telephone-town hall to speak with Idahoans about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and current events in Washington, D.C.\r\nThe call garnered more than 13,000 listeners across the state. Over the course of the town hall, Senator Risch answered questions about the ongoing stimulus negotiations in the Senate, the national debt, and support for doctors and nurses on the front lines of the pandemic. One question came from a constituent in Gooding who expressed his concerns about the aggressive pursuits of China, especially as it relates to intellectual property theft.\r\nWe welcome China to the world stage, but they've got to adopt the rule of law and comply with it. They must embrace international norms  they have not done that,Senator Risch said on the call.China is prospering greatly at the expense of Americans. This has got to stop. We have to be joined on this by developed countries who have lived by the rule of law for decades  and in some cases for centuries  and it brought us the prosperity we have. China has got to be brought to heel on this. If they don't, it's going to be a very long 21st century, not only for America, but for every developed country.\r\n  Senator Risch speaks to constituents during August 4th tele-town hall\r\nAny constituent can join a future telephone town hall and have the opportunity to speak with the senator one-on-one and ask him questions about his policy positions and current events in Washington, D.C.If you would like to add your contact information to the list,click here.\r\nTo listen to Senator Risch's comments on increasingly aggressive actions from China during the tele-town hall,click here.\r\nTo listen to Senator Risch's comments on the outlook of the pandemic,click here.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399052", "President Trump Signs Simpson Led Outdoors Bill into Law", "2020-08-04", "2020", "2020-08", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Mike Simpson", "S001148", "simpson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Trump Signs Simpson Led Outdoors Bill into Law\r\nGreat American Outdoors Act takes care of public lands, parks, and more\r\n\r\nWashington, D.C. - On Tuesday, in the East Room of the White House, President Donald J. Trump signed the Great American Outdoors Act into law. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson was the lead Republican sponsor of the bill in the House when the bill passed with over 300 votes. The legislation fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund and dedicates funding for the maintenance backlog that currently exists on public lands. Both programs are funded without using any taxpayer dollars.\r\nThis is truly a historic day for public lands in the country, said Simpson. This legislative effort has been a long journey dating back to when I first wrote the LAND Act. It is so gratifying to see this framework embraced in a bipartisan manner under the banner of the Great American Outdoors Act, and I thank the President for making this idea the law of the land. In Idaho, we are blessed with amazing public lands and this legislation will ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy them as we have.\r\nThe Great American Outdoors Act will help preserve public lands and visitor access for generations to come, while also creating jobs and positive economic impacts for local, often rural, communities. In 2019, over 327 million national park visits led to $21 billion in direct spending at hotels, restaurants, outfitters, and other amenities in gateway communities, supporting over 340,000 jobs and generating over $40 billion in total economic output. Nationally, outdoor recreation contributes $778 billion in consumer spending and supports 5.2 million American jobs. Arecent studyfound that components of the Great American Outdoors Act alone will support over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.\r\n\r\nWatch Simpson speak on the U.S. House of Representativesfloor here.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/7/risch-applauds-final-rule-on-columbia-river-system", "Risch Applauds Final Rule on Columbia River System", "2020-07-31", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), issued the following statement on the release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of the Columbia River System Operation:\r\nI'm pleased to see the Final EIS and Biological Opinion offered by the administration today. Throughout the uncertainty of the pandemic, the Corps and other action agencies have been a model for how the government can continue to serve the American people under unique circumstances. The resulting EIS appropriately recognizes the exigencies of the four dams on the Lower Snake River to the region's energy production, flood risk management, irrigation, and economic well-being. I will continue to support collaborative action to aid salmon and steelhead recovery while ensuring the integrity and certainty of the Columbia River System Operations, and I applaud the administration for its successful work to reach a comprehensive solution.\r\nTo read the Trump administration's Final EIS, click here.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399040", "Simpson Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Group of Lawmakers Introduce Major Legislation to Expand Funding to Restore Americas National Forests", "2020-07-29", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Mike Simpson", "S001148", "simpson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Simpson Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Group of Lawmakers Introduce Major Legislation to Expand Funding to Restore America's National Forests\r\n\r\nThe REPLANT Act increases funding and helps the U.S. Forest Service prioritize and reduce the backlog of 1.3 million forestland acres in need of replanting within ten years\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio.), and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-Wash.), and Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), introduced the Repairing Existing Public Land by Adding Necessary Trees Act or the REPLANT Act, legislation to expand funding for the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to carry out reforestation projects in U.S. forestland damaged by events such as wildfires, insects and disease, while creating more than 48,000 jobs over the next ten years. \r\nTo address the Forest Service's reforestation backlog, the bill removes the current $30 million annual funding cap for the Reforestation Trust Fund, the primary source of funding for USFS's replanting needs, making an average of $123 million annually available for reforestation in National Forests. In addition, the REPLANT Act will direct USFS to quantify the backlog of replanting needs, reduce delays by expanding stewardship contracting, and encourage state and Tribal partnerships. Among other associated activities, reforestation includes planting tree seedlings on forests that are unlikely to regenerate on their own in order to reestablish native plants and ensure the health of ecosystems and wildlife that depend on forests. Replanting forests is an effective way to create jobs in rural America, support natural ecosystems and improve natural carbon sequestration. Estimates show that the REPLANT Act would help plant 410,000 acres, or 123 million trees annually, for a total of 4.1 million acres (1.23 billion trees) over the next ten years. \r\nIn Idaho, we are blessed with an abundance of forests, said Simpson. However with forests comes wildfires, and from wildfires you lose precious natural resources such as trees. Through the Reforestation Trust Fund we can replant these trees in our national forests, without using taxpayer funds. This will benefit our environment through carbon sequestration, our economy through job creation in rural communities, and recreation all across the country. I am pleased this bill has the support of Secretary Perdue and a bipartisan, bicameral, and diverse group of stakeholders who are on the ground replanting our national forests.\r\nUSFS has estimated that in FY 2018, 80 percent of its reforestation needs were attributed to wildfires. With only approximately 15 percent of the national forest tree planting backlog addressed each year at current funding levels, this legislation will help provide much-needed resources to the Forest Service to address reforestation needs. Funding for the Reforestation Trust Fund comes from tariffs levied on wood products entering the United States.In addition to restoring forest health across the country, the legislation will support rural employment and enhance recreational opportunities within national forests.\r\nThe REPLANT Act has received widespread support from a variety of groups including American Forests, The National Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy, Evangelical Environmental Network, The Audubon Society, The Forest Stewards Guild, Green Forests Work, the Trust for Public Land, the Bipartisan Policy Center, Longleaf Alliance, and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. \r\nThe full text of the bill can be found HERE. A one-page summary of the bill can be found HERE, and a background summary HERE. Statements of support from organizations can be found HERE. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/7/icymi-risch-to-cda-rotary-we-ll-dust-ourselves-off", "ICYMI: Risch to CDA Rotary: \"We'll dust ourselves off\"", "2020-07-28", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Devin Weeks - July 25, 2020\r\nCOEUR d'ALENEIf one thing is ever clear when Sen. Jim Risch speaks at a local event, it's his unwavering pride and love for America.\r\n\"When we get off the airplane from overseas, I get up and kiss the ground,\" he said. \"There is no better place in the world than the United States of America.\"\r\nHe has that same love for Idaho, and feels it every time he comes back from working in Washington, D.C.\r\nWe all know that we're different, but let me tell you, we are different, he said. \"It's a great place to live.\"\r\nRisch, R-Idaho, was the guest speaker at the Coeur d'Alene Rotary Club's Friday meeting at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. He jumped right into the topic on many people's minds  COVID-19, which looks like it's going to be with us for a while.\"\r\nHe said at the beginning, it was expected to run the same direction as other viruses, that it would peak and go away.\r\nThat didn't happen,\" he said. \"So we're dealing with this, and we are probably going to deal with it until they do make some breakthroughs on the vaccine or on therapeutics, one or the other or hopefully both.\r\nWe're struggling right now,\" he said. \"We're in a bad position on this thing. This should not have happened.\"\r\nThrough several viral outbreaks in the past couple decades, America has learned a few lessons, but not enough. He said one thing we've learned this time \"that is very clear, is that this is going to happen again. This is not a one-off.\"\r\nAmerica is in a unique time, he said.\r\n\"It's really hard to believe that the year's only half over, and we've been through an impeachment, we've been through some massive race riots, and we're in the middle of this pandemic, the likes of which we haven't seen in generations. And the year's only half over. And by the way, we have a little election coming up this fall,\" Risch said. \"Things are tumultuous to say the least, but we as Americans are notorious for needing to do these kinds of things and rise up after a difficult time.\r\n\"We'll get through this,\" he said. \"We're Americans, and when this is over we'll dust ourselves off, stand up.\"\r\nHe said his No. 1 priority in the Senate is to organize a go-to entity that will respond to health crises like COVID.\r\n\"On a bipartisan basis, we've crafted a bill,\" he said. \"It's going to put together an entity that is going to respond, so somebody can pick up the telephone and say, We have a problem. It is a very contagious disease. We need an entity that will do something about it.' Right now, that's the World Health Organization.\"\r\nHe said the WHO does have an entity that is supposed to have that function, but it is small and greatly underfunded.\r\nI'm not hung up on whether it's done within the World Health Organization or whether it's a new organization, but we need to do something,\" he said. \"We can't go through this again. The world can't go through this again. This will cause economic and cultural upheavals.\"\r\nWhen addressing foreign relations, Risch said three challenges exist: \"China, China and China.\"\r\n\"They are a challenge for us, but look, we're ready for challenges. That doesn't bother me in the least,\" he said. \"But, if we're going to deal with them, we have got to deal with a country that will develop and live by the rule of law, that will develop and live by the international (rules) that all the rest of us developed countries have been living with for decades or centuries.\r\nThey're not an enemy, but they are a challenge, and they are an adversary,\" he said. \"And that is true economically, it is true militarily and it is true culturally.\"\r\nOne Rotarian asked Risch, Should I not sleep well at night because of North Korea?\"\r\nNorth Korea isn't the problem, he said. It's Iran.\r\n\"The Iranians are a whole different kettle of fish, Risch said. \"The good news is that 30% of Iranians are 30 years old or younger and they don't buy this BS that the top is putting out. In the meantime, man, I hope they don't make a mistake.\"\r\nWhen asked about the rule of law, Risch responded that it \"includes the right to protest, it includes the right to object, it includes the right to give fiery speeches about the politicians you don't like.\"\r\n\"It does not give you the right to smear buildings, It does not give you the right to bust out windows and steal stuff,\" he said.\r\nIf you don't have rule of law, you don't have anything,\" he continued. \"That's what distinguishes us as the human beings on this planet that lead the way.\"\r\nTo read the article on the Couer d'Alene-Post Falls Press website, clickhere.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/7/risch-discusses-covid-19-small-business-china-in-coeur-d-alene", "Risch Discusses COVID-19, Small Business, China in Coeur dAlene", "2020-07-27", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) visited Coeur d'Alene over the weekend where he met with officials from North Idaho College, the Coeur d'Alene Rotary Club, the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, and former Veteran Small Business of the Month recipient, Critical Power.\r\nRisch at a Coeur d'Alene Rotary meeting on Friday.(DEVIN WEEKS/CDA Press)\r\nDuring his meetings, Risch spoke with Idahoans about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, rising tensions with China, and the challenges facing Idaho business owners.\r\nI wholeheartedly believe that any business owner who has persevered through these last few difficult months is setting an example for and serving our state, country and future generations,Risch told the North Idaho business community.I am constantly reminded of this incredible resiliency when I see how Idaho's business community is adapting to the rapidly changing environment while helping one another through these difficult times.\r\nWhen asked about the most significant foreign policy challenges facing the U.S., Risch focused his remarks on China and hisnewly introduced legislationto put the U.S. on a stronger path to compete with the country, the STRATEGIC Act.\r\nChina is the single most significant threat facing the United States, and we must act swiftly to protect our sovereignty and push back against the Chinese Communist Party's malign and increasingly dangerous conduct,\"said Risch.\"The STRATEGIC Act will introduce tough new measures aimed at leveling the playing field to safeguard American interests and strengthen and sustain U.S. leadership.\r\nAs it pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Risch cautioned that the disease will likely remain an ongoing challenge for the country until a vaccine or treatment is widely available.\r\nWe're dealing with [the virus], and we are probably going to deal with it until they do make some breakthroughs on the vaccine or on therapeutics, one or the other or hopefully both,said Risch.\r\nTo view and download photos of Senator Risch's North Idaho visit, as well as pictures from Washington, D.C., visitSenator Risch's Flickr account.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/7/sen-risch-new-federal-stimulus-package-will-be-much-more-focused-than-the-last-time", "KTVB  Sen. Risch: New federal stimulus package will be 'much more focused than the last time'", "2020-07-24", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOISE, Idaho  Congress is racing to getanother stimulus billpassed before the Aug. 7 recess.\r\nBut it should come as no surprise that the two parties and the White House are at odds over the cost of the package and what should be in it.\r\nSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said he intends to announce the stimulus package proposal next week.\r\nRepublicans want it capped at $1 trillion, while Democrats want three times that amount.\r\nMultiple news outlets are reporting that under the GOP plan, Americans would get another round of stimulus checks, matching the amount provided in the CARES Act. Individuals who earn less than $75,000 per year would get $1,200 while couples who earn less than $150,000 per year would get $2,400. There would also be a $500 stipend for dependent children.\r\nSen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) sat down for a virtual interview Thursday afternoon to discuss the latest round of stimulus funding and where it currently stands.\r\n\"What the attempt is going to be this time is to make it much, much, much more focused than the last time,\" Risch said. \"And make sure that we're targeting individuals and businesses who truly do need the help because there are a lot of people out there that do need the help.\"\r\nHe added that he believes Congress will be able to pass the funding package by the time lawmakers adjourn on Aug. 7. But likely not before.\r\n\"It probably doesn't happen until the end of this session before we head home for the home work period,\" he said.\r\nRisch and his colleagues are also closely tied to the school reopening situation. McConnell's proposal is said to have $105 billion earmarked to help schools bridge the budget shortfall gap.\r\nThe senator doesn't believe all Idaho districts will open as scheduled next month but said that the decision on that must be left to the individual districts.\r\n\"I'm like the president. I would like to see every school district open,\" he said. \"But there's some that I don't think that would be possible. And every time we try to do something back here that's a one size fits all it almost always doesn't work, so this needs to be left up to the local school boards.\"\r\nRisch told KTVB he expects this year's August break to a \"working\" recess as his office continues to assist businesses to navigate the Paycheck Protection Program and other pandemic-related issues.\r\nTo read on the KTVB website, click here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-support-bill-to-provide-for-the-common-defense-including-idaho-priorities", "Crapo, Risch Support Bill to Provide for the Common Defense, Including Idaho Priorities", "2020-07-23", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "July 23, 2020\n\t\t\t Crapo, Risch Support Bill to Provide for the Common Defense, Including Idaho Priorities \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.-- Today, U.S. Senators for Idaho Mike Crapo and Jim Risch voted in support of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support our military personnel and their families and strengthen our national defense strategy. This is the 60th consecutive year that Congress has fulfilled its constitutional duty to provide for the common defense.\r\nThis bipartisan NDAA signals to our nation's heroes in the Armed Forces that the country has their back as they defend our republic against the throes of ongoing threats by authoritarian regimes,said Crapo. This NDAA provides them the vital tools and support necessary to continue defending our great country both at home and abroad.\r\nIn recent weeks and months, we have seen the United States' foreign adversaries, such as China and Russia, escalate their malign activities around the globe in a direct challenge to our national security. The FY 2021 NDAA will ensure that U.S. forces are equipped to defend against imminent threats and ensure the safety of our democracy, said Risch. This legislation comes at a critical time for our country and the world, and I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting its overwhelming bipartisan passage. \r\nThe FY 2021 NDAA provides U.S. troops with a pay raise and more than 30 kinds of special pay, such as hazard pay. It also strengthens our cyber readiness with investments in new technologies, including 5G. The NDAA also focuses on countering mounting threats from hostile adversaries like China and Russia by establishing the Pacific Deterrence Initiative in the Indo-Pacific, sending a signal to the Chinese Communist Party that the U.S. remains committed to protecting its interests and allies in the region.\r\nSenators Crapo and Risch secured a number of provisions important to the State of Idaho in final passage of the NDAA, including:\r\n \r\nSite-wide security, cleanup and waste disposal at the Idaho National Laboratory;\r\nFunding for direct energy counter-drone systems, in which Idaho industry plays a key role;\r\nAuthorization of the Disaster Assistance for Rural Communities Act to allow small businesses and homeowners in rural communities to access disaster assistance;\r\nAuthorization of the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (NELA) to boost nuclear energy innovation by fostering partnerships between industry and our national laboratories, including the INL, to demonstrate the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors to provide clean, safe, affordable and reliable energy production and advance national security interests;\r\nA briefing from the Secretary of Defense to Congress regarding implementation of Sec.570F of the FY20 NDAA, which allows servicemembers to opt into having their contact information, including emails, sent to state veterans' affairs agencies in order for state veterans' affairs agencies to connect servicemembers to community groups that provide or act as intermediary for services, including job training, housing and mental health services; and\r\nThe Spent Fuel Handling Recapitalization Project at the Naval Reactor Facility.\r\n \r\nFor more information about additional highlights in this year's NDAA, click here.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/7/icymi-senior-us-senator-pushes-for-new-tools-to-rein-in-china", "ICYMI: Senior US Senator pushes for new tools to rein in China", "2020-07-23", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By James Politi and Katrina Manson in Washington  July 22, 2020\r\nThe leading senator overseeing US foreign policy is pushing to give Washington new tools to curb controversial Chinese trade practices, including sanctions for intellectual property violations.\r\nIn an interview with the Financial Times, Jim Risch of Idaho, the Republican chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, said the US lacked a comprehensive long-term strategy to prod China to abide by international economic norms.\r\nHe also said the US needed to tackle an increasingly unfavourable military balance in the Pacific region by strengthening alliances with key countries including Japan, South Korea and Australia.\r\nUnder legislation expected to be announced on Wednesday, Mr. Risch was to float a number of measures to rein in China at a time when relations between Washington and Beijing have deteriorated due to the coronavirus pandemic and tensions over Hong Kong.\r\nPassage this year is unlikely as attention in Washington turns to the national election in November. But the proposals could serve as a template for congressional action in the aftermath of the presidential polls.\r\nMr. Risch said the proposed legislation  crafted with what he described as input from Democrats  would go beyond [the Trump] administration in hopes of focusing the attention of Chinese officials.\r\nThis is not intended to worry them; the intent is to educate them, he said. The message is the same message we've been underscoring for a long time. That is: Look, if you want to do business with us, we'd love to do business with you, but we've got to be fair.'\r\nOn the economic front, the bill targets structural issues in the US-China relationship  including the theft of intellectual property, the forced transfer of technology and the power of state-owned enterprises  that were not fully resolved in the phase one trade deal struck by Washington and Beijing in January, before coronavirus soured relations.\r\nUS officials had initially said they would enter a second stage of talks with China to discuss those matters. But President Donald Trump has ruled that out as he has criticised Beijing for not doing more to prevent the spread of what he calls the China virus. Mr. Risch did not fault the president for being unsuccessful so far in extracting big concessions from China on structural economic reforms, despite levying billions of dollars of tariffs on imports to pressure Beijing.\r\nThis is not a reflection on or criticism of anyone who has attempted this in the past. This is not easy stuff, this is a heavy lift.\r\nThe Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.\r\nOne novel element of Mr. Risch's bill would make an addition to antitrust law to make it easier for US companies to challenge anti-competitive behaviour by Chinese state-owned enterprises. The legislation also requires US companies to report their compliance with China's controversial corporate social credit system or face a fine, and allows US embassies to hire consultants to help companies shift supply chains out of China.\r\nIn addition, the US government would be required to submit a report to Congress identifying Chinese companies listed on US exchanges that pose a national security or economic risk to the US, or undermine human rights.\r\nMr. Risch's legislation addresses the military balance in the Indo-Pacific region, calling it increasingly unfavourable to the US. The legislation claims China wanted to use its growing military might in concert with other instruments of its national power to displace the United States in the Indo-Pacific and establish hegemony over the region.\r\nThe bill would seek to boost the sometimes uneven US commitment to Pacific allies and partners such as Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Thailand, as well as enhancing security ties with India.\r\nNoting Mr. Trump's efforts to extract more money from South Korea in exchange for basing US troops in the country, Mr. Risch said such problems could be transcended. We've always had disagreements with allies, but we are allies in the large overarching manner, he said.\r\nThe bill also calls for the Pentagon to report on the effect of Beijing's military base in Djibouti, which it established in 2017 near a US military base in the country of fewer than 1m people. It calls for the secretary of state to report on whether the Chinese coast guard should be categorized as a military force or a civilian law enforcement entity.\r\nMr. Risch's office said three other Republican senators had co-sponsored the bill, including Mitt Romney of Utah, Cory Gardner of Colorado and Todd Young of Indiana.\r\nTo read the article on the Financial Times website, clickhere.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/7/risch-crapo-support-bill-to-provide-for-the-common-defense-including-idaho-priorities", "Risch, Crapo Support Bill to Provide for the Common Defense, Including Idaho Priorities", "2020-07-23", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senators for Idaho Jim Risch and Mike Crapo voted in support of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support our military personnel and their families and strengthen our national defense strategy. This is the 60th consecutive year that Congress has fulfilled its constitutional duty to provide for the common defense.\r\nIn recent weeks and months, we have seen the United States' foreign adversaries, such as China and Russia, escalate their malign activities around the globe in a direct challenge to our national security. The FY 2021 NDAA will ensure that U.S. forces are equipped to defend against imminent threats and ensure the safety of our democracy,said Risch.This legislation comes at a critical time for our country and the world, and I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting its overwhelming bipartisan passage. \r\nThis bipartisan NDAA signals to our nation's heroes in the Armed Forces that the country has their back as they defend our republic against the throes of ongoing threats by authoritarian regimes,said Crapo. This NDAA provides them the vital tools and support necessary to continue defending our great country both at home and abroad.\r\nThe FY 2021 NDAA provides U.S. troops with a pay raise and more than 30 kinds of special pay, such as hazard pay. It also strengthens our cyber readiness with investments in new technologies, including 5G. The NDAA also focuses on countering mounting threats from hostile adversaries like China and Russia by establishing the Pacific Deterrence Initiative in the Indo-Pacific, sending a signal to the Chinese Communist Party that the U.S. remains committed to protecting its interests and allies in the region.\r\nSenators Risch and Crapo secured a number of provisions important to the State of Idaho in final passage of the NDAA, including:\r\n \r\nSite-wide security, cleanup and waste disposal at the Idaho National Laboratory;\r\nFunding for direct energy counter-drone systems, in which Idaho industry plays a key role;\r\nAuthorization of the Disaster Assistance for Rural Communities Act to allow small businesses and homeowners in rural communities to access disaster assistance;\r\nAuthorization of the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (NELA) to boost nuclear energy innovation by fostering partnerships between industry and our national laboratories, including the INL, to demonstrate the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors to provide clean, safe, affordable and reliable energy production and advance national security interests;\r\nA briefing from the Secretary of Defense to Congress regarding implementation of Sec.570F of the FY20 NDAA, which allows servicemembers to opt into having their contact information, including emails, sent to state veterans' affairs agencies in order for state veterans' affairs agencies to connect servicemembers to community groups that provide or act as intermediary for services, including job training, housing and mental health services; and\r\nThe Spent Fuel Handling Recapitalization Project at the Naval Reactor Facility.\r\n \r\nFor more information about additional highlights in this year's NDAA,click here.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399038", "Simpson Led Outdoors Bill Heads to Trumps Desk", "2020-07-22", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Mike Simpson", "S001148", "simpson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Simpson Led Outdoors Bill Heads to Trump's Desk\r\nThe Great American Outdoors Act fixes public lands and funds LWCF\r\n\r\nWashington, D.C. - On Wednesday, legislation authored by Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson passed the House of Representatives by a large bipartisan vote of 310-107. The bill permanently funds the existing Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) which increases access to public lands. The bill also maintains public lands by creating a new fund to address the backlog of deferred maintenance in National Parks, National Forests, Bureau of Land Management assets, Wildlife Refuges, and Bureau of Indian Education school construction.\r\nIdaho's National Forests have some of the largest deferred maintenance needs, such as roads and trails, while Yellowstone National Park has over $585 million in deferred maintenance costs. The bill does not spend taxpayer funds but instead utilizes existing funding from energy production on federal lands and waters. The legislation is based off a framework of bipartisan legislation theCongressman Simpson originally authored in 2017 called the LAND Act. The bill is supported by both Idaho and national conservation groups in addition to President Trump.\r\nI am thrilled to see this legislation on its way to President Trump's desk where he will sign the bill into law, said Simpson. Not only does this bill support hundreds of thousands of jobs, but it protects and maintains our public lands for generations that aren't even born yet. I grew up on the doorstep of Yellowstone, and so many communities in Idaho benefit from the outdoor access and the economic impacts of our public lands. The Great American Outdoors Act ensures that projects are vetted by Congress annually, funds the programs without using taxpayer funds, and continues important state- based projects like greenbelts, parks, and community pools. Bottom line, this bill is great for Idaho and public lands across this country. \r\nThe bill has a wide range of support from sportsmen groups, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Secretary of the Interior, David Bernhardt. Secretary Bernhardt recently penned an op-ed in The Hill that notes the Great American Outdoors Act is, the most significant legislative accomplishment for conservation stewardship.\r\nThis historic legislation will help preserve public lands and visitor access for generations to come, while also creating jobs and positive economic impacts for local, often rural, communities. In 2019, over 327 million national park visits led to $21 billion in direct spending at hotels, restaurants, outfitters, and other amenities in gateway communities, supporting over 340,000 jobs and generating over $40 billion in total economic output. Nationally, outdoor recreation contributes $778 billion in consumer spending and supports 5.2 million American jobs. A recent studyfound that components of the Great American Outdoors Act alone will support over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.\r\nThe Senate passed the bill by a large bipartisan vote of 73-25 and President Trump is expected to sign the bill in the coming weeks. \r\nWatch Simpson speak on the U.S. House of Representatives floor here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/7/risch-introduces-landmark-legislation-to-compete-with-china", "Risch Introduces Landmark Legislation to Compete with China", "2020-07-22", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today introduced theStrengthening Trade, Regional Alliances, Technology, and Economic and Geopolitical Initiatives Concerning China Act(the STRATEGIC Act) to advance a comprehensive strategy for U.S. competition with the People's Republic of China (PRC).\r\nThe Chinese Communist Party is re-shaping the international order to benefit authoritarian regimes and directly undermine American and democratic interests,said Risch. That is why we have introduced the first comprehensive package of legislation that provides a U.S. strategy that will safeguard our interests, and those of our allies and partners, and retain our position as a global leader. This legislation will provide a blueprint to advance bipartisan cooperation in all aspects of the competition with China in 2020, and beyond.\r\nKey provisions of the STRATEGIC Act:\r\n \r\nTackle China's economic practices that distort global markets and hurt U.S. businesses, especially IP theft and mass government subsidization and sponsorship of Chinese companies.\r\n \r\n \r\nConfront tech competition by increasing technology collaboration with allies and partners.\r\n \r\n \r\nSafeguard institutions from malign and undue PRC influence.\r\n \r\n \r\nStrengthen U.S. posture in the Indo-Pacific to protect its interests, allies, and partners.\r\n \r\n \r\nPrioritize cooperation over conflict when possible on areas such as arms control, North Korea, and the environment, if the PRC demonstrates good faith and transparency.\r\n \r\nTo read the Senate Foreign Relations Committee release, click here.\r\nFull text of this legislation can be foundhere.\r\nIn the press:\r\nTheFinancial Times wrotean exclusive report on the STRATEGIC Act earlier today: In an interview with the Financial Times, Jim Risch of Idaho, the Republican chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, said the US lacked a 'comprehensive long-term strategy' to prod China to abide by international economic norms.\r\nHe also said the US needed to tackle an 'increasingly unfavourable' military balance in the Pacific region by strengthening alliances with key countries including Japan, South Korea and Australia.\r\nUnder legislation expected to be announced on Wednesday, Mr. Risch was to float a number of measures to rein in China at a time when relations between Washington and Beijing have deteriorated due to the coronavirus pandemic and tensions over Hong Kong.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/2020/07/16/id-74877de0-9c82-4909-8527-09ab0e2d8c74/", "Congressman Fulcher Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge", "2020-07-16", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", "fulcher", "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Contact:\n\nAlexah Rogge\n\n202-225-6611\n\nalexah.rogge@mail.house.gov\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Rep. Russ Fulcher announced he will be hosting the 2020 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) for high school and middle school students in Idaho\u2019s First District.\n\nThe CAC accepts computer programs (or apps) written in any programming language and built for any platform (desktop/PC, web, mobile, raspberry Pi, etc.). Students of all skill levels are encouraged to participate- including students with no prior coding experience.\n\nThe Challenge\u2019s submission portal is currently open, and will remain so until the deadline of October 19th, 2020.\n\nWinners will be selected by a panel of judges drawn from the local community and asked by Rep. Fulcher to share their expertise with the participating students. Winning submissions will be featured on display in the U.S. Capitol building, Rep. Fulcher\u2019s official website, and on the Congressional App Challenge website.\n\nThe CAC was created because Congress recognized that STEM and computer-based skills are essential for economic growth and innovation and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. These are high-paying, high-demand jobs. To maintain American competitiveness, it\u2019s crucial that the United States invests in our youth now and helps them acquire these valuable skills. The CAC encourages students to pursue those skills and recognizes them for their efforts.\n\nFor further information about the Congressional App Challenge, and resources for students coding for the first time, visit www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us, or call Jackie Phillips in Rep. Fulcher\u2019s Meridian office at 208-888-3188.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:18:24Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/press-releases?ID=74877DE0-9C82-4909-8527-09AB0E2D8C74", "Congressman Fulcher Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge", "2020-07-16", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tMedia\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Print", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/7/risch-and-manchin-ask-doe-to-include-energy-providers-in-development-of-grid-security-protocol", "Risch and Manchin Ask DOE to Include Energy Providers in Development of Grid Security Protocol", "2020-07-16", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette encouraging him to engage with developers and providers of bulk power system equipment throughout the agency's efforts to protect the security and reliability of the electric grid.\r\nWe also commend the Department of Energy for its swift action to fulfill the provisions of the Executive Order and to engage with stakeholders across the energy sector. However, we want to ensure that the vendors and manufacturers that will build and deliver the very grid equipment the Executive Order addresses are engaged with and utilized for their valuable knowledge and experience,\"the letter read in part.\"We request that the Department of Energy actively engage these stakeholders during the development of rulemakings related to this Executive Order and through the efforts of the Task Force. We also request that the comments of vendors and manufacturers that respond to the Department's Request For Information be given full consideration and weight during your review. Lastly, we ask that you report back to us with what companies you have engaged with and how by the implementation deadline for this Executive Order.\r\nRead the full letter below orclick here.\r\nDear Secretary Brouillette,\r\nWe write today to encourage the Department of Energy to engage with the developers and providers of bulk power system equipment throughout its efforts to protect the security and reliability of the electric grid.\r\nWe commend the President for the recent Executive Order 13920 (Securing the United States Bulk Power System); it is an important step towards safeguarding the nation's electric grid from possible security attacks from foreign actors. This action will ensure agencies across the federal government work together to make sure we have safe and secure supply chains for critical infrastructure like the bulk power system.\r\nWe also commend the Department of Energy for its swift action to fulfill the provisions of the Executive Order and to engage with stakeholders across the energy sector. However, we want to ensure that the vendors and manufacturers that will build and deliver the very grid equipment the Executive Order addresses are engaged with and utilized for their valuable knowledge and experience. We request that the Department of Energy actively engage these stakeholders during the development of rulemakings related to this Executive Order and through the efforts of the Task Force. We also request that the comments of vendors and manufacturers that respond to the Department's Request For Information be given full consideration and weight during your review. Lastly, we ask that you report back to us with what companies you have engaged with and how by the implementation deadline for this Executive Order.\r\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\r\n \r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/7/senators-applaud-ferc-s-final-rule-to-modernize-purpa-protect-electricity-customers", "Senators Applaud FERCs Final Rule to Modernize PURPA, Protect Electricity Customers", "2020-07-16", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) released the following statements after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) released itsfinal ruleupdating regulations implemented under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA).\r\nIn June 2019, Risch, Barrasso, Cramer, and Daines introduced the UPDATE PURPA Act (S. 1760). Many of the commission's reforms in today's final rule mirror the provisions included in the senators' legislation.\r\nOver the last four decades, the United States' energy landscape has undergone a remarkable shift while our energy laws have remained largely unchanged,said Risch.Today's final rule from FERC rightfully modernizes outdated PURPA regulations to give states more flexibility and promote the development of renewable energy, while helping Idahoans keep more of their hard-earned cash. I thank Chairman Chatterjee and the Commission for their efforts to advance these necessary reforms.\r\nToday's action by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will go a long way in lowering Americans' electricity bills,Barrasso said. I'm pleased FERC included many of the reforms from our bill to modernize the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA). Electricity markets have changed drastically in the four decades since PURPA became law. Under this final rule, electricity consumers in Wyoming and across the country will no longer have to foot the bill for outdated rules and regulations.\r\nThe United States energy landscape has significantly changed over the last 40 years, but many federal regulations have not,said Cramer.The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's reforms will benefit consumers, prevent abuses of the old regulations, and result in fewer market distortions.\r\nUpdating PURPA will lead to more energy jobs in Montana and lower energy costs for our rural communities,Daines said. This decision recognizes the markets role in meeting the needs of today's energy economy.\r\nBackground:PURPA is a 40-year-old law that requires all electric utilities to purchase all power produced by qualifying facilities of 80 megawatts or less.PURPA requires utilities to pay these small renewable facilities an administratively-set avoided cost rate for their power that is much higher than the market rates paid to all other generation resources.PURPA also requires utilities to purchase this power even when it is not needed to serve their customers.\r\nIn originally passing this law, Congress' intent was to reduce the amount of oil used in power generation in the U.S. and diversify the generation fleet. In these respects, PURPA has succeeded.\r\nPURPA is no longer a driver of renewable energy.Competitive energy markets, open access to transmission, financial incentives, and renewable portfolio standards have created an environment where renewable energy is commonplace.\r\nIn June 2019, Risch, Barrasso, Cramer, and Daines introduced S. 1760, the Updating Purchase Obligations to Deploy Affordable Resources to Energy Markets Under PURPA Act (or the UPDATE PURPA Act). FERC's rulemaking included the following commonsense reforms to PURPA that were included in S. 1760:\r\n \r\nProtects electricity customers from having to pay for unnecessary PURPA costs.\r\nEmpowers state public utility commissions and nonregulated utilities with additional flexibility in determining energy rates.\r\nLowers the purchase obligation megawatt threshold for qualified facilities with access to organized electricity markets. \r\nPrevents abuse of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's one-mile rule.\r\n \r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/7/op-ed-strong-cybersecurity-strategy-is-no-longer-a-luxury-for-small-businesses", "Op-ed: Strong cybersecurity strategy is no longer a luxury for small businesses", "2020-07-14", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By U.S. Senator Jim Risch\r\nAfter several difficult months plagued by coronavirus, small business owners across the country are preparing for the day they can finally and permanently reopen their doors.\r\nThe pandemic has seriously impacted the health of businesses everywhere, and for most employers, getting back to business cannot come soon enough. But while businesses across the country prepare to welcome back their customers, hackers and cyber criminals are actively infiltrating and exploiting small business databases.\r\nCyberattacks have skyrocketed worldwide as criminals capitalize on the confusion and anxiety surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. In a recent press release, the Federal Bureau of Investigation characterized the number of online schemes to swindle both businesses and individuals out of money and personal data as truly breathtaking.\r\nAs the U.S. economy reopens, small business are particularly vulnerable to renewed and increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. In fact, an estimated 43% of all cyberattacks involve small business victims. Unlike government agencies and large corporations, many small firms don't believe they are attractive or high-profile enough to be targeted by cyber criminals, and subsequently neglect investing in the cyber protections needed to prevent unauthorized breaches. Hackers know this well and have perfected the practice of accessing, stealing and selling private and proprietary information stored in small businesses' data systems.\r\nThe long-term consequences of falling victim to a cyberattack can be severe for small businesses seeking to regain their footing after the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2019, a single data breach cost businesses an average of $200,000, and studies show that 60% of small business victims go out of business within six months of experiencing such a breach.\r\nIt has perhaps never been more important to develop and implement a strong cybersecurity strategy, and small businesses should take quick and decisive action. Recently, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, published chapters one and two of a six-part series designed to provide business leaders with recommendations and guidance for strengthening and cultivating a culture of cyber readiness across their organizations.\r\nEarlier this year, I introduced the bipartisan SECURE Small Business Act to help small business owners access information on data protection best practices and enable them to band together to purchase cybersecurity products at lower prices. By prioritizing cyber strategy and investment, small business owners can foster organization-wide cultures of vigilance and risk-mitigation while instituting policies and procedures to keep data secure. Small businesses should also assess how dependent they are on information technology and the safeguards they have in place to keep their data secure.\r\nAfter months of lockdown, small businesses now have a unique opportunity to shore up their cyber defenses and protect their employees, customers, and livelihoods from cyberattacks. A strong cybersecurity strategy is no longer a luxury  it is a necessity. And small businesses should adapt to the new cyber landscape as we prepare for the post-Covid era.\r\nSen. Jim Risch serves as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.\r\nTo read on the CNBC website,click here.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1B4FFABF-830D-4639-AD1A-4F9340C03E11", "Answering Your Questions on COVID-19", "2020-07-11", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/2020/07/09/id-734de2cc-7867-4548-bc7e-e95bac23c5ad/", "Idaho Delegation Applauds Changes to USDA Coronavirus Program for Idaho\u2019s Potato Industry", "2020-07-09", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", "fulcher", "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Contact:\n\nAlexah Rogge\n\n202-225-6611\n\nalexah.rogge@mail.house.gov\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, the Idaho Delegation applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) decision to revise the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to better address the needs of the potato industry. Initially, CFAP based the potato payments solely on data for the fresh potato industry market, which only encompasses a small piece of the potato market. The newly announced revisions to the CFAP program will better reflect the intricacies of the potato industry by including the market data for processed and seed potatoes in payments as well. While these revised payments cannot fully offset the severe market disruption caused by COVID-19, they will help more Idaho potato farmers gain eligibility for CFAP. The Idaho Delegation will continue working with the USDA to ensure these changes can be implemented to best help Idaho\u2019s potato industry.\n\n\u201cThe Idaho Potato Industry is extremely grateful to the Idaho Congressional Delegation for the hard work done by our Senators, Representatives and their staff in engaging with USDA on making these changes. Our Delegation wrote letters, made phone calls and provided information that assisted USDA in making these changes,\u201d said Patrick Kole of the Idaho Potato Commission. \u201cWithout their assistance this would not have happened.\u201d\n\nBackground: The Idaho Delegation has been closely following the agriculture sector\u2019s challenges due to the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 and communicating the needs of Idaho agriculture directly to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. Since the start of the pandemic, the Idaho Congressional delegation has sent letters to the USDA outlining the devastating effects of COVID-19 on Idaho dairy, potato, onion, cattle, sheep, grain, and hops production, and expressing concerns with limitations on aid given the size of most farming and ranching operations in Idaho.\n\nNow through August 28th, eligible farmers and ranchers can submit applications for CFAP. Farmers are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. Meetings are by appointment only but local offices are available by phone and email to provide help processing applications. Applicants can visit https://www.farmers.gov/cfap for information about how to apply and program eligibility.\n\nThe following price and program changes were announced:\n\nPotatoes fresh \u2013 other $0.01(Category 1) $0.04 (Category 2) $0.01 (Category 3)\n\nPotatoes fresh \u2013 Russets $0.07 (Category 1) $0.09 (Category 2) $0.02 (Category 3)\n\nPotatoes \u2013 processing $0.02 (Category 1) $0.03 (Category 2) $0.01 Category 3)\n\nPotatoes \u2013 seed $0.02 (Category 1) $0.04 (Category 2) $0.01 (Category 3)\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:18:24Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/press-releases?ID=734DE2CC-7867-4548-BC7E-E95BAC23C5AD", "Idaho Delegation Applauds Changes to USDA Coronavirus Program for Idaho\u2019s Potato Industry", "2020-07-09", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tMedia\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Print", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/idaho-delegation-hails-changes-to-usda-coronavirus-program-for-idahos-potato-industry", "Idaho Delegation Hails Changes to USDA Coronavirus Program for Idaho's Potato Industry", "2020-07-09", "2020", "2020-07", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "July 09, 2020\n\t\t\t Idaho Delegation Hails Changes to USDA Coronavirus Program for Idaho's Potato Industry \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOISE, Idaho --Today, the Idaho Delegation hailed the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) decision to revise theCoronavirus Food Assistance Program(CFAP) to better address the needs of the potato industry. Initially, CFAP based the potato payments solely on data for the fresh potato industry market, which only encompasses a small piece of the potato market. The newly announced revisions to the CFAP program will better reflect the intricacies of the potato industry by including the market data for processed and seed potatoes in payments as well. While these revised payments cannot fully offset the severe market disruption caused by COVID-19, they will help more Idaho potato farmers gain eligibility for CFAP. The Idaho Delegation will continue working with the USDA to ensure these changes can be implemented to best help Idaho's potato industry.\r\nThe Idaho Potato Industry is extremely grateful to the Idaho Congressional Delegation for the hard work done by our Senators, Representatives and their staff in engaging with USDA on making these changes. Our Delegation wrote letters, made phone calls and provided information that assisted USDA in making these changes, said Patrick Kole of the Idaho Potato Commission.Without their assistance, this would not have happened.\r\nBackground:The Idaho Delegation has been closely following the agriculture sector's challenges due to the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 and communicating the needs of Idaho agriculture directly to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. Since the start of the pandemic, the Idaho Congressional delegation has sent letters to the USDAoutlining the devastating effects of COVID-19 on Idaho dairy, potato, onion, cattle, sheep, grain, and hops production, and expressing concernswith limitations on aid given the size of most farming and ranching operations in Idaho.\r\nNow through August 28th, eligible farmers and ranchers can submit applications for CFAP. Farmers are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. Meetings are by appointment only but local offices are available by phone and email to provide help processing applications. Applicants can visit https://www.farmers.gov/cfapfor information about how to apply and program eligibility.\r\nThe following price and program changes were announced:\r\nPotatoes fresh  other  $0.01(Category 1)  $0.04 (Category 2)  $0.01 (Category 3)\r\nPotatoes fresh  Russets $0.07 (Category 1) $0.09 (Category 2) $0.02 (Category 3)\r\nPotatoes  processing  $0.02 (Category 1)  $0.03 (Category 2)  $0.01 Category 3)\r\nPotatoes  seed      $0.02 (Category 1)  $0.04 (Category 2)  $0.01 (Category 3)\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 343, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "ID", "p2": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ID&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 343, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ID&year=2020&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ID&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 343, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=ID&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ID&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "ID", "label": "ID", "count": 343, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ID&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 343, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ID", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2020-07-09,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecrapo~2Esenate~2Egov~2F~2Fmedia~2Fnewsreleases~2Fidaho-delegation-hails-changes-to-usda-coronavirus-program-for-idahos-potato-industry", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=ID&year=2020&_next=2020-07-09%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecrapo~2Esenate~2Egov~2F~2Fmedia~2Fnewsreleases~2Fidaho-delegation-hails-changes-to-usda-coronavirus-program-for-idahos-potato-industry&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 111.98053462430835, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}