{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"ID\" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1169", "Labrador Hails Passage of Criminal Justice Reform Bill", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Ra\u00fal Labrador", "L000573", "labrador.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tFOR MORE INFORMATION:\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tThursday | December 20, 2018\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tTodd Winer - 202.495.8546\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Dan Popkey - 208.800.1565\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tLABRADOR HAILS PASSAGE OF\r\n\tHISTORIC CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM BILL Congressman worked on sentencing reform legislation for years\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C.- Rep. Ral Labrador, R-Idaho, voted for S. 3649, the First Step Act, today. This bipartisan bill, which passed the House, enacts the most significant reforms to America's criminal justice system in a generation. Specifically, it relaxes mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent offenders when a judge finds that a lesser sentence is justified. Additionally, it increases the ability of inmates to earn good time credits, allowing well-behaved inmates to cut their prison sentences, while also increasing their ability to receive earned time credits, giving them more opportunities to participate in vocational and rehabilitative programs. President Trump has praised the legislation and is expected to sign it.\r\n\r\n\tThis is one of my proudest moments in Congress, said Labrador. I've been working on this issue since I was first elected eight years ago, and it's rewarding to see our hard work finally pay off. The First Step Act will improve America's justice system by allowing it to focus on the most violent offenders, while reducing sentences for those worthy of a second chance. It's a smart, common-sense bill, and it's been gratifying to work with so many groups  representing the whole political spectrum  who championed the cause of sentencing reform and made today possible.\r\n\r\n\tLabrador began working on criminal justice reform upon taking office in 2011. After joining the House Judiciary Committee in 2013, he and Rep. Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott (D-Va.) introduced the Smarter Sentencing Act, which garnered 55 cosponsors from both parties. The Smarter Sentencing Act was House companion legislation to S. 1410, introduced by Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.).\r\n\r\n\tIn 2013 and 2014, Labrador spent 18 months on the Judiciary Committee's Over-Criminalization Task Force, led by former Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis. During that time, the Task Force conducted 10 hearings and collected proven examples of state reforms that protect public safety while containing incarceration costs.\r\n\r\n\tIn the 114th Congress, the Smarter Sentencing Act was reintroduced. To build support for the bill, Labrador worked with a wide array of supporters including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the American Bar Association, and the Coalition for Public Safety. In 2015, Labrador went to the White House to discuss the issue with President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder. That same year, Labrador championed the issue at a forum at Howard University, where he joined other reform proponents, including Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.\r\n\r\n\tLabrador was the lead Republican co-sponsor of the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, which included provisions from the Smarter Sentencing Act and won House Judiciary Committee approval.\r\n\r\n\tCritical parts of the Sentencing Reform Act and the Smarter Sentencing Act were included in the First Step Act, the bill that passed the House today. These include enhancing penalties for violent criminals, while reducing mandatory minimum sentences for lesser offenders when a judge finds a lesser sentence justified and expanding the existing sentencing \"safety valve\" when a judge finds the offender has fully cooperated with law enforcement and has a lesser risk of committing future crimes. The bill also allows retroactive application of the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, a provision in the original 2013 and 2015 bills co-authored by Labrador.\r\n\r\n\tTo learn more about S. 3649, the First Step Act, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/legislation-promoting-nuclear-innovation-and-advanced-reactor-licensing-passes-senate", "Legislation Promoting Nuclear Innovation and Advanced Reactor Licensing Passes Senate", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2018\n\t\t\t Legislation Promoting Nuclear Innovation and Advanced Reactor Licensing Passes Senate \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 Championed by Senators Crapo and Risch, House will now consider measure benefiting research occurring at INL \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Legislation championed by Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch to bring into wide use newer, more efficient energy reactors cleared the United States Senate today by a voice vote. The bill, S. 512, the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA), will support development of and innovation in new, advanced nuclear reactor technology that is being conducted at the Idaho National Laboratory as well as other national laboratories across the nation.\r\nNEIMA will promote innovation in the nuclear energy sector by encouraging public and private investment in nuclear research and spur the development of a regulatory framework within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) necessary for licensing advanced nuclear reactors. The measure will also improve the NRC licensing process by establishing new transparency and accountability measures to its budget and fee programs. By reforming the NRC fee structure, NEIMA will make the process of developing and commercializing nuclear technology less cost-prohibitive, enabling more of the research performed at INL to reach the commercial market.\r\nThe research being completed at Idaho National Lab into modern, clean and efficient energy contributes immensely to our nation's domestic energy portfolio, said Crapo. This bipartisan measure is important for Idaho because it will help ensure that the work being done at Idaho's National Lab will have a path through to the commercial market. NEIMA pushes the NRC to modernize so that it has the ability to license advanced reactors in a safe, timely, and transparent manner.\r\nAs we look ahead, there is bipartisan agreement that the use of clean, nuclear power should be part of our all-of-the-above' American energy strategy,said Risch. As our nation's flagship nuclear energy lab, I am confident that the men and women at the Idaho National Lab will pioneer the next generation of advanced nuclear reactorsthis legislation will help ensure their success by enabling processes for licensing these new advanced reactors.\r\nThe legislation will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.\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\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=398726", "Simpson Commends Zinke for his Service", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Mike Simpson", "S001148", "simpson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Simpson Commends Zinke for his Service \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      December 18, 2018\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\nWashington, D.C.  Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following statement thanking U.S. Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke for his service to our country:  \r\n\r\nI thank Secretary Zinke for his great service to this country, most recently as Secretary of the Interior. Whether it was working with local Idahoans on Gateway West and sage grouse conservation, or national issues like the need to fix our national parks, Secretary Zinke addressed these issues with a balanced perspective that led to positive results. I wish him well in the next chapter of his honorable career in public service and I thank him for his friendship - both as Secretary and in Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-wyden-introduce-legislation-to-provide-much-needed-certainty-for-secure-rural-schools-program", "Crapo, Wyden Introduce Legislation to Provide Much-Needed Certainty for Secure Rural Schools Program", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 13, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo, Wyden Introduce Legislation to Provide Much-Needed Certainty for Secure Rural Schools Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, today introduced legislation to provide much-needed financial certainty for rural counties to ensure they have the long-term funding needed for schools, road maintenance, law enforcement and other essential services.\r\n\r\nVideo of Senator Crapo's remarks can be viewed here online or by clicking the image above.\r\nThe bipartisan Forest Management for Rural Stability Act makes the Secure Rural Schools programwhich expired at the end of FY 2018permanent by creating an endowment fund to provide stable, increasing and reliable funding for county services.\r\nWithout a permanent fiscal solution, forested counties in Oregon and across the country will continue to slide into financial uncertainty. Oregonians will continue to be left with fewer teachers and law enforcement officers, forced to close libraries, and unable to repair broken bridges and roads, said Wyden. This bipartisan, bold approach will finally end the financial roller coaster and provide Oregonians living and working in rural counties the security they need and deserve.\r\nEstablishing a growing endowment for the Secure Rural Schools program will end the need for short-term or retroactive reauthorizations of this program. said Crapo. The Secure Rural Schools program has become vital in budgeting for essential services in Idaho's forested counties with large tracts of tax-exempt federal lands. This endowment will stabilize the program for generations and maintain the important link between economic growth and forest management in our forested counties, while ending the perpetual temporary band-aids that create instability and uncertainty. In the coming year, I will work with Senator Wyden to advance and refine today's proposal by gathering the input of other stakeholders and our Senate colleagues. The Secure Rural Schools program is important to dozens of states and this proposal should receive strong, bipartisan support.\r\nThe Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS)originally co-authored by Wydenwas enacted in 2000 to financially assist counties with public, tax-exempt forestlands.\r\nCritical services at the county level have historically been funded in part with a 25 percent share of timber receipts from federal U.S. Forest Service lands, and a 50 percent share of timber receipts from federal Oregon and California Grant Lands managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. As those revenues have fallen or fluctuated due to reduced timber harvest and market forces, SRS payments helped bridge the gap to keep rural schools open, provide road maintenance, support search and rescue efforts and other essential county services.\r\nIn recent years, however, Congress has allowed SRS funding to lapse and decrease, creating massive uncertainty for counties as they budget for basic county services. Wyden and Crapo's Forest Management for Rural Stability Act ends the uncertainty and provides rural counties financial security.\r\nLegislative text can be found here. A one-page summary of the bill can be found here and a longer summary of the bill can be found here.\r\nClackamas County Commissioner Martha Schrader, President, Association of Oregon Counties: This is an important bill for all of Oregon's counties, especially our rural communities. Senators Wyden and Crapo have been working diligently on this bill for over a year with input from many interest groups, including AOC. The result is a well thought out bill that will help stabilize funding for counties and schools.\r\nValley County Commissioner Gordon Cruickshank: For years Idaho's forest counties have faced economic uncertainty due to changing federal land management practices and declining forest payments to counties and schools. Senator Crapo's efforts will help stabilize funding for rural highways and schools. We applaud the Senator for his efforts to ensure stable forest payments to counties and schools.\r\nDouglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman, President, Association of Oregon and California Counties: This is a big step forward. We are grateful to Senator Wyden for taking the lead and proposing this important measure\"\r\nCuster County Commissioner and Idaho Association of Counties Public Lands Committee Chairman Wayne Butts: Ninety-three percent of land in Custer County is under federal managed and exempt from property taxation. Counties and schools like ours can't operate without federal forest payments.\r\nHarney County Commissioner Mark Owens, Co-Chair, Association of Oregon Counties Natural Resources Steering Committee: Counties need some certainty when we do our budgeting. The bill would give us more certainty and would also give us a broader latitude in how to spend the money we receive. For counties with National Forests, 85% of the payments would be used for traditional purposes of funding for roads and schools; 15% would be chosen from a list broad enough that every county would have local needs that could be addressed with those funds. Congress should move quickly to make Senator Wyden's vision a reality.\r\nIdaho County Commissioner Skip Brandt: While this bill isn't a substitute for improving the management of neglected forest lands in Idaho, it is a necessary step in stabilizing federal forest payments to Idaho counties and schools. Federal forest payments fund vital local services including safe roads, search and rescue, and public education. We are grateful to Senator Crapo for taking the lead in working on this important issue.\r\nMarc Brinkmeyer, Chairman and CEO, Idaho Forest Group: I appreciate the efforts of both Senator Crapo and Senator Wyden to provide increased certainty to counties that rely on Secure Rural Schools funding. In addition to providing stability to county payments, the bill recognizes the need to maintain a link to active forest management, which is critical to providing both economic and ecologic vitality to rural communities in the West.\r\nTravis Joseph, President and CEO, American Forest Resource Council: We are passionate about and committed to the health and safety of the rural communities in which we live and work. We share the goal of Senators Wyden and Crapo to generate permanent, reliable financial support to forested counties in order to provide essential services to all community members - a goal the forest products industry contributes to every day. We appreciate the opportunity to continue working on the bipartisan concept - an endangered species in the Congress - while preserving the critical link between sustainable forest management, jobs, timber volume, and robust local economies.\r\nMatthew Chase, Executive Director, National Association of Counties: Counties appreciate the efforts of Senators Crapo and Wyden to ensure stable payments to local governments and support robust economies in rural areas. For years, forest counties have faced fiscal uncertainty due to federal regulations that reduce timber harvests on federal lands and the unpredictable annual appropriations process. The Forest Management for Rural Stability Act will create greater revenue stability for counties and new tools for forest management. Counties urge Congress to act on this legislation as soon as possible.\r\nMarc Egan, Director of Government Relations, National Education Association: We need an all of the above approach to securing the future of rural schools and communities. We urge Congress to extend funding for Secure Rural Schools before the end of the year. In addition, NEA supports bipartisan approaches that offer fresh ways of looking at how to help schools and communities near federal forests have the financial security they have long been promised.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/wyden-crapo-introduce-legislation-to-provide-much-needed-certainty-for-secure-rural-schools-program", "Wyden, Crapo Introduce Legislation to Provide Much-Needed Certainty for Secure Rural Schools Program", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 13, 2018\n\t\t\t Wyden, Crapo Introduce Legislation to Provide Much-Needed Certainty for Secure Rural Schools Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, today introduced legislation to provide much-needed financial certainty for rural counties to ensure they have the long-term funding needed for schools, road maintenance, law enforcement and other essential services.\r\n\r\nVideo of Senator Crapo's remarks can be viewed here online or by clicking the image above.\r\nThe bipartisan Forest Management for Rural Stability Act makes the Secure Rural Schools programwhich expired at the end of FY 2018permanent by creating an endowment fund to provide stable, increasing and reliable funding for county services.\r\nWithout a permanent fiscal solution, forested counties in Oregon and across the country will continue to slide into financial uncertainty. Oregonians will continue to be left with fewer teachers and law enforcement officers, forced to close libraries, and unable to repair broken bridges and roads, said Wyden. This bipartisan, bold approach will finally end the financial roller coaster and provide Oregonians living and working in rural counties the security they need and deserve.\r\nEstablishing a growing endowment for the Secure Rural Schools program will end the need for short-term or retroactive reauthorizations of this program. said Crapo. The Secure Rural Schools program has become vital in budgeting for essential services in Idaho's forested counties with large tracts of tax-exempt federal lands. This endowment will stabilize the program for generations and maintain the important link between economic growth and forest management in our forested counties, while ending the perpetual temporary band-aids that create instability and uncertainty. In the coming year, I will work with Senator Wyden to advance and refine today's proposal by gathering the input of other stakeholders and our Senate colleagues. The Secure Rural Schools program is important to dozens of states and this proposal should receive strong, bipartisan support.\r\nThe Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS)originally co-authored by Wydenwas enacted in 2000 to financially assist counties with public, tax-exempt forestlands.\r\nCritical services at the county level have historically been funded in part with a 25 percent share of timber receipts from federal U.S. Forest Service lands, and a 50 percent share of timber receipts from federal Oregon and California Grant Lands managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. As those revenues have fallen or fluctuated due to reduced timber harvest and market forces, SRS payments helped bridge the gap to keep rural schools open, provide road maintenance, support search and rescue efforts and other essential county services.\r\nIn recent years, however, Congress has allowed SRS funding to lapse and decrease, creating massive uncertainty for counties as they budget for basic county services. Wyden and Crapo's Forest Management for Rural Stability Act ends the uncertainty and provides rural counties financial security.\r\nLegislative text can be found here. A one-page summary of the bill can be found here and a longer summary of the bill can be found here.\r\nClackamas County Commissioner Martha Schrader, President, Association of Oregon Counties: This is an important bill for all of Oregon's counties, especially our rural communities. Senators Wyden and Crapo have been working diligently on this bill for over a year with input from many interest groups, including AOC. The result is a well thought out bill that will help stabilize funding for counties and schools.\r\nValley County Commissioner Gordon Cruickshank: For years Idaho's forest counties have faced economic uncertainty due to changing federal land management practices and declining forest payments to counties and schools. Senator Crapo's efforts will help stabilize funding for rural highways and schools. We applaud the Senator for his efforts to ensure stable forest payments to counties and schools.\r\nDouglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman, President, Association of Oregon and California Counties: This is a big step forward. We are grateful to Senator Wyden for taking the lead and proposing this important measure\"\r\nCuster County Commissioner and Idaho Association of Counties Public Lands Committee Chairman Wayne Butts: Ninety-three percent of land in Custer County is under federal managed and exempt from property taxation. Counties and schools like ours can't operate without federal forest payments.\r\nHarney County Commissioner Mark Owens, Co-Chair, Association of Oregon Counties Natural Resources Steering Committee: Counties need some certainty when we do our budgeting. The bill would give us more certainty and would also give us a broader latitude in how to spend the money we receive. For counties with National Forests, 85% of the payments would be used for traditional purposes of funding for roads and schools; 15% would be chosen from a list broad enough that every county would have local needs that could be addressed with those funds. Congress should move quickly to make Senator Wyden's vision a reality.\r\nIdaho County Commissioner Skip Brandt: While this bill isn't a substitute for improving the management of neglected forest lands in Idaho, it is a necessary step in stabilizing federal forest payments to Idaho counties and schools. Federal forest payments fund vital local services including safe roads, search and rescue, and public education. We are grateful to Senator Crapo for taking the lead in working on this important issue.\r\nMarc Brinkmeyer, Chairman and CEO, Idaho Forest Group: I appreciate the efforts of both Senator Crapo and Senator Wyden to provide increased certainty to counties that rely on Secure Rural Schools funding. In addition to providing stability to county payments, the bill recognizes the need to maintain a link to active forest management, which is critical to providing both economic and ecologic vitality to rural communities in the West.\r\nTravis Joseph, President and CEO, American Forest Resource Council: We are passionate about and committed to the health and safety of the rural communities in which we live and work. We share the goal of Senators Wyden and Crapo to generate permanent, reliable financial support to forested counties in order to provide essential services to all community members - a goal the forest products industry contributes to every day. We appreciate the opportunity to continue working on the bipartisan concept - an endangered species in the Congress - while preserving the critical link between sustainable forest management, jobs, timber volume, and robust local economies.\r\nMatthew Chase, Executive Director, National Association of Counties: Counties appreciate the efforts of Senators Crapo and Wyden to ensure stable payments to local governments and support robust economies in rural areas. For years, forest counties have faced fiscal uncertainty due to federal regulations that reduce timber harvests on federal lands and the unpredictable annual appropriations process. The Forest Management for Rural Stability Act will create greater revenue stability for counties and new tools for forest management. Counties urge Congress to act on this legislation as soon as possible.\r\nMarc Egan, Director of Government Relations, National Education Association: We need an all of the above approach to securing the future of rural schools and communities. We urge Congress to extend funding for Secure Rural Schools before the end of the year. In addition, NEA supports bipartisan approaches that offer fresh ways of looking at how to help schools and communities near federal forests have the financial security they have long been promised.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/risch-merkley-join-sponsorship-of-wyden-crapo-srs-legislation", "Risch, Merkley Join Sponsorship of Wyden, Crapo SRS Legislation", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Senate leaders from Oregon and Idaho are joining together in a long-term reform of the Secure Rural Schools Program. The legislation, introduced today by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and co-sponsored by U.S Senators Jim Risch, R-Idaho, and Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, provides certainty for rural counties to ensure they have the long-term funding needed for schools, road maintenance, law enforcement and other essential services.\r\n\r\nThe bipartisan Forest Management for Rural Stability Act makes the Secure Rural Schools programwhich expired at the end of FY 2018permanent by creating an endowment fund to provide stable, increasing and reliable funding for county services. \r\n\r\nRural communities in Idaho rely on SRS payments, and our schools and counties shoulder the greatest burden when active forest management isn't made a priority, said Senator Risch. We owe our communities the certainty of a long-term solution. This bipartisan legislation provides that stability and also makes strides to expand the program's contribution to timber management and local economies.\r\n\r\nWith our county funds stretched thin, this stable funding would provide a much-needed lifeline for critical services in Oregon counties, Senator Merkley said. This bipartisan bill provides reliable funding that is crucial to keeping schools and libraries open, maintaining roads, ensuring there are police officers to keep communities safe, managing our forests, and providing mental health resources in rural counties.\r\n\r\nEstablishing a growing endowment for the Secure Rural Schools program will end the need for short-term or retroactive reauthorizations of this program. said Senator Crapo. The Secure Rural Schools program has become vital in budgeting for essential services in Idaho's forested counties with large tracts of tax-exempt federal lands. This endowment will stabilize the program for generations and maintain the important link between economic growth and forest management in our forested counties, while ending the perpetual temporary band-aids that create instability and uncertainty. In the coming year, I will work with Senator Wyden to advance and refine today's proposal by gathering the input of other stakeholders and our Senate colleagues. The Secure Rural Schools program is important to dozens of states and this proposal should receive strong, bipartisan support.\r\n\r\nWithout a permanent fiscal solution, forested counties in Oregon and across the country will continue to slide into financial uncertainty. Oregonians will continue to be left with fewer teachers and law enforcement officers, forced to close libraries, and unable to repair broken bridges and roads, said Senator Wyden. This bipartisan, bold approach will finally end the financial roller coaster and provide Oregonians living and working in rural counties the security they need and deserve.\r\n\r\nThe Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS)originally co-authored by Wydenwas enacted in 2000 to financially assist counties with public, tax-exempt forestlands. Since then, Wyden, Crapo, Risch and Merkley have all worked to give SRS a more permanent role in assisting rural counties with large tracts of federal lands. \r\n\r\nCritical services at the county level have historically been funded in part with a 25 percent share of timber receipts from federal U.S. Forest Service lands, and a 50 percent share of timber receipts from federal Oregon and California Grant Lands managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.As those revenues have fallen or fluctuated due to reduced timber harvest and market forces, SRS payments helped bridge the gap to keep rural schools open, provide road maintenance, support search and rescue efforts and other essential county services.\r\n\r\nIn recent years, however, Congress has allowed SRS funding to lapse and decrease, creating massive uncertainty for counties as they budget for basic county services. Wyden and Crapo's Forest Management for Rural Stability Act ends the uncertainty and provides rural counties financial security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398725", "Simpson Cheers Farm Bill Passage", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Mike Simpson", "S001148", "simpson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act which is the conference report for the Farm Bill. The legislation reauthorizes many important programs for industries in Idaho like potatoes, dairy, grain, and sugar beets. \r\nThe Farm Bill represents one of the most vital pieces of legislation for Idaho, said Congressman Simpson. Whether it is the specialty crop programs for our potatoes or retaining the integrity of the no cost sugar program for beet producers, this bill touches on the most critical parts of Idaho's agriculture economy. I was pleased to vote in favor of legislation that provides the certainty farmers and ranchers need to succeed.\r\nSpecifically, the legislation includes important Idaho provisions such as:\r\n \r\n    The Specialty Crop Research Initiative which provides important support for potato research;\r\n    The Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops to support foreign trade for Idaho products;\r\n    The Foreign Market Development Program which helps Idaho farmers reach foreign markets;\r\n    For the first time the new Farm Bill offers dairy producers the opportunity to participate in both crop insurance-type and farm bill safety net risk management programs for milk;\r\n    Retains the U.S. Sugar Program which operates at no cost to taxpayers and is critical to the success of sugar beet farmers in Idaho.\r\n \r\nH.R. 2 also includes forest management provisions which builds on the historic forestry reforms Congressman Simpson included in the 2018 Omnibus Appropriations bill. \r\nThe Senate passed the Farm Bill on Tuesday and Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue has stated he will recommend President Trump sign the bill into law. To learn more about the Farm Bill visit: https://agriculture.house.gov/farmbill/", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398724", "Simpson Applauds Increased Flexibility for Sage-Grouse Plans", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Mike Simpson", "S001148", "simpson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Simpson Applauds Increased Flexibility for Sage-Grouse Plans \r\n   BLM releases proposed management plans for sage-grouse \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. - The Department of the Interior (DOI) announced the availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement and proposed plan amendments addressing Greater Sage-Grouse conservation on public land in Idaho last week. The proposal seeks to align the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) resource management plans with Idaho's state management plan. \r\nI am pleased to see the collaborative work produced by Governor Otter and DOI, said Congressman Simpson. Idaho worked hard on their state management plan which received high marks from the Fish and Wildlife Service. To see DOI recognizing the benefits of the state plan means we are putting Idaho based solutions on the ground which works to protect sage-grouse from their primary threats in our region. I thank Secretary Zinke, Deputy Secretary Bernhardt, and Governor Otter for their hard work on this proposed solution. \r\nThe publication in the federal register will start a 30 day protest period for public comments to be submitted to the BLM. Congressman Simpson has long been a leader on the issue, having inserted language into the Interior Appropriations bill delaying the listing of sage-grouse which has allowed DOI the time to make sound scientific decisions  not an arbitrary deadline set by the courts.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-recognized-by-veterans-of-foreign-wars", "Crapo Recognized By Veterans of Foreign Wars", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo Recognized By Veterans of Foreign Wars \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 Group cites meritorious and distinguished service to Idaho veterans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLEWISTON - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3913 of Kendrick, Idaho, yesterday presented Idaho Senator Mike Crapo with an award for Meritorious and Distinguished Service in Furthering the Aims and Ideals of the VFW.\r\nI am grateful to VFW Post 3913 for having received this high honor, said Crapo. I work closely with Idaho's VFW leaders in Post 3913 and across the state to receive direct input on veterans-related legislation and feedback on local Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services. Their first-hand knowledge of the needs of Idaho's veterans helps ensure that veterans receive the care and resources they earned by their selfless service to our nation.\r\nSenator Crapo has heard directly from Idaho's veterans through years of statewide veterans surveys, hundreds of town halls, in constituent mail and in other various meetings throughout the state, which have directly resulted in the Senator's legislative advocacy on their behalf. The John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act became law on June 6, 2018, and included provisions first introduced by Senator Crapo as standalone legislation (S. 1279). The VA MISSION Act included Senator Crapo's proposals to consolidate permanently the previous seven VA community care programs and create a new Veteran Community Care Program to streamline the delivery of local, private health care to veterans when it is in their best medical interest. The VFW recognized Senator Crapo for first introducing this veteran-centric approach.\r\nSenator Crapo continues to work directly with Idahoans to advocate on behalf of our nation's veterans.\r\n\r\nImage of the award presented to Senator Crapo on December 10, 2018.\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\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-support-bipartisan-farm-bill-which-provides-market-access-for-idaho-agriculture", "Crapo, Risch Support Bipartisan Farm Bill, Which Provides Market Access for Idaho Agriculture", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo, Risch Support Bipartisan Farm Bill, Which Provides Market Access for Idaho Agriculture \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 Measure also supports healthy forests and landscape restoration, and Idaho's timber industry \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  Idaho's agricultural producers will have streamlined access to growing foreign markets thanks to the passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, known simply as the Farm Bill. Supported by Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch the Farm Bill also includes provisions that provide resources to collaborative forest management and support for Idaho's timber industry. Thanks to bipartisan collaboration, the timely reauthorization of the Farm Bill will provide the certainty agriculture producers in Idaho and across the nation need as they continue to face a challenging farm economy while ensuring the continuation of important research, promotion and conservation programs\r\nThis bipartisan bill will help Idaho's agriculture community continue to remain competitive in an ever-increasing global economy, said Senator Crapo. It will support local, collaborative groups working to maintain the health of our forests, while also increasing opportunities for our timber community in the construction field. Idaho is a national leader in wood products research and development, and it makes common sense that our state's industry leaders foster the application of mass-timber technologies in taller construction projects.\r\nFarmers and ranchers in Idaho need predictability and assurance that their needs will be met while they do their important work,\" said Senator Risch. \"This bill meets that goal.\"\r\nThe final Farm Bill includes provisions of significance to Idaho.\r\nThe first is the Timber Innovation Act. The measure, initially introduced as a stand-alone bill with by Senators Crapo and Risch, along with Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan), will help accelerate research and developmentand ultimately constructionof wood buildings in the United States. Specifically, this legislation focuses on finding innovative ways to use wood in the construction of buildings above 85 feet in height, or roughly, seven or more stories. While timber products have been an integral part of construction for centuries, most wood buildings do not exceed three to four stories in height. However, with recent developments in mass timber engineering alongside other new technologies, it is now possible to expand the use of wood into larger construction projects in a safe, innovative, effective and environmentally sound way.\r\nThe second provision benefiting Idaho includes a 10-year reauthorization of the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP).Led by Crapo, with support from Risch, The CFLRP has enabled the expansion of active collaborative land-use groups in Idaho, and accounts for more than 5,400 jobs across 14 states. The CLFRP will move more of the decision-making on the use of our public lands back to states and local collaborative groups, where our neighbors can lead the planning process for Idaho's forests. The CFLRP encourages large-scale (50,000+ acres) collaborative, science-based forest restoration in a way thatencourages environmental and economic sustainability. Since its enactment in 2009, CFLRP has a proven track record of success in managing forests to increase forest health, mitigate wildfires, and support local economies and local voices. The CFLRP has spawned a number of active collaborative land-use groups in Idaho, and accounts for more than 5,400 jobs across 14 states. The CLFRP will move more of the decision-making on the use of our public lands back to states and local collaborative groups, where our neighbors can lead the planning process for Idaho's forests.\r\nFor Idaho's agriculture community, the measure bolsters the Foreign Market Development Program (FMDP). Thanks to the FMDP, thousands of small and medium-sized family farms, including many in Idaho, have been able to reach more foreign markets, opening up new opportunities and adding billions of dollars to our nation's agricultural industry. With an ever increasing global economy, FMDP is an important program that enables farmers across Idaho and the nation to remain competitive.\r\nFinally, the bill also expands the Good Neighbor Authority, or GNA, which has long been championed by both Crapo and Risch and has been successful in increasing the pace and scale of forest restoration across Idaho since it was enacted in the 2014 Farm Bill. GNA will permit Idaho's counties and Native tribes to enter into contracts for the purpose of managing and completing needed maintenance in national forests.\r\nThe Farm Bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration, where it expected to pass.\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\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-statement-at-securities-and-exchange-commission-oversight-hearing-", "Crapo Statement at Securities & Exchange Commission Oversight Hearing", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo Statement at Securities & Exchange Commission Oversight Hearing  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, delivered the following remarks at on oversight hearing with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Jay Clayton.\r\nThe text of Chairman Crapo's remarks, as prepared, is below.\r\nToday we will receive testimony from Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton regarding the work and agenda of the SEC.\r\nYour appearance before the committee is essential to our oversight of the SEC. I thank you for your willingness to testify today.\r\nThe SEC has a critical mission to protect investors; maintain fair, orderly and efficient markets; facilitate capital formation; and enforce securities laws.\r\nThe SEC plays an important role in public confidence and trust in our nation's capital markets.\r\nIt provides information to investors to ensure that as Americans prepare for their futures, they have the information necessary to make informed investment decisions.\r\nI commend the SEC for its continued work to advance these missions.\r\nLast week, this committee held a hearing to discuss the appropriate role of proxy advisory firms, the shareholder proposal process and the level of retail shareholder participation.\r\nMany members expressed interest in continuing the discussion on the appropriate relationship between proxy advisory firms and market participants as it relates to shareholder proposals and corporate governance.\r\nI am concerned about the misuse of the proxy voting process and other aspects of corporate governance to prioritize environmental, social or political agendas over the economic interests of end-investors.\r\nLast week, you stated your intent to address aspects of our proxy system, including proxy plumbing,' ownership and resubmission thresholds for shareholder proposals and proxy advisory firms.\r\nMany of the rules governing our proxy system have not been examined for decades, and I encourage the SEC to take an aggressive approach assessing the scope and appropriateness of previous regulatory actions.\r\nCapital markets are vital to facilitating job growth and expanding American investment opportunities.\r\nThis committee worked hard in the 115th Congress to pass a number of bipartisan securities and capital formation bills.\r\nI will continue to work with members to identify additional legislative proposals that encourage capital formation, and reduce burdens for small businesses and communities.\r\nThe SEC has also taken a number of steps this year to make it easier for emerging companies to go public while not discouraging the availability of capital in the private market.\r\nAdditionally, this year the SEC proposed Regulation Best Interest and a related interpretation to establish standards of conduct for broker-dealers and investment advisers. This is a significant step forward, and I look forward to seeing a final rule in the near term.\r\nFinally, the SEC has been proactive in addressing cryptocurrencies and coin offerings.\r\nFor example, the Enforcement Division created a new Cyber Unit this year, which led efforts to counter fraud against retail investors involved in initial coin offerings and brought charges against a bitcoin-denominated platform operating as an unregistered securities exchange.\r\nI look forward to receiving updates on these and other SEC initiatives, including your views on when we can expect final rules in these areas.\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\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-senators-applaud-wotus-regulatory-roll-back", "Idaho Senators Applaud WOTUS Regulatory Roll-Back", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2018\n\t\t\t Idaho Senators Applaud WOTUS Regulatory Roll-Back \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Idaho's U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo today applauded the Trump Administration's move to relieve Idaho's farmers and ranchers of the regulatory burden created by Waters of the United States (WOTUS), an overreaching Obama Administration rule that defined all bodies of water, including ephemeral streams created by rainfall, as subject to federal government regulation.\r\nPresident Trump's new Waters of the United States definition is a significant and necessary improvement from the Obama Administration's disastrous attempt to regulate every puddle of water across America, said Senator Risch. Idaho's farmers and ranchers have an important job to do feeding American families, and the less time they have to spend navigating federal bureaucracy, the better off we'll all be.\r\nReturning to the agreed upon definition of Waters of the United States' and rightsizing federal government oversight is the right approach to managing and protecting our waters. I support EPA's action to roll back this rule and return the management of Idaho's waters to our state officials who know our lands best, said Crapo. \"The 2015 Clean Water Rule is a textbook case of a federal overreach. This rule subverts state water sovereignty and jeopardizes private property rights by significantly expanding federal authority allowing the EPA to regulate nearly every stream, ditch, pond and puddle on both state and local lands, as well as private property.\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\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/2018/12/crapo", "Crapo, Risch Support Bipartisan Farm Bill, Which Provides Market Access for Idaho Agriculture", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Idaho's agricultural producers will have streamlined access to growing foreign markets thanks to the passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, known simply as the Farm Bill. Supported by Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch the Farm Bill also includes provisions that provide resources to collaborative forest management and support for Idaho's timber industry. Thanks to bipartisan collaboration, the timely reauthorization of the Farm Bill will provide the certainty agriculture producers in Idaho and across the nation need as they continue to face a challenging farm economy while ensuring the continuation of important research, promotion and conservation programs\r\n\r\nThis bipartisan bill will help Idaho's agriculture community continue to remain competitive in an ever-increasing global economy, said Senator Crapo. It will support local, collaborative groups working to maintain the health of our forests, while also increasing opportunities for our timber community in the construction field. Idaho is a national leader in wood products research and development, and it makes common sense that our state's industry leaders foster the application of mass-timber technologies in taller construction projects.\r\n\r\nFarmers and ranchers in Idaho need predictability and assurance that their needs will be met while they do their important work,\" said Senator Risch. \"This bill meets that goal.\"\r\n\r\nThe final Farm Bill includes provisions of significance to Idaho.\r\n\r\nThe first is the Timber Innovation Act. The measure, initially introduced as a stand-alone bill with by Senators Crapo and Risch, along with Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan), will help accelerate research and developmentand ultimately constructionof wood buildings in the United States. Specifically, this legislation focuses on finding innovative ways to use wood in the construction of buildings above 85 feet in height, or roughly, seven or more stories. While timber products have been an integral part of construction for centuries, most wood buildings do not exceed three to four stories in height. However, with recent developments in mass timber engineering alongside other new technologies, it is now possible to expand the use of wood into larger construction projects in a safe, innovative, effective and environmentally sound way.\r\n\r\nThe second provision benefiting Idaho includes a 10-year reauthorization of the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP).Led by Crapo, with support from Risch, The CFLRP has enabled the expansion of active collaborative land-use groups in Idaho, and accounts for more than 5,400 jobs across 14 states. The CLFRP will move more of the decision-making on the use of our public lands back to states and local collaborative groups, where our neighbors can lead the planning process for Idaho's forests. The CFLRP encourages large-scale (50,000+ acres) collaborative, science-based forest restoration in a way thatencourages environmental and economic sustainability. Since its enactment in 2009, CFLRP has a proven track record of success in managing forests to increase forest health, mitigate wildfires, and support local economies and local voices. The CFLRP has spawned a number of active collaborative land-use groups in Idaho, and accounts for more than 5,400 jobs across 14 states. The CLFRP will move more of the decision-making on the use of our public lands back to states and local collaborative groups, where our neighbors can lead the planning process for Idaho's forests.\r\n\r\nFor Idaho's agriculture community, the measure bolsters the Foreign Market Development Program (FMDP). Thanks to the FMDP, thousands of small and medium-sized family farms, including many in Idaho, have been able to reach more foreign markets, opening up new opportunities and adding billions of dollars to our nation's agricultural industry. With an ever increasing global economy, FMDP is an important program that enables farmers across Idaho and the nation to remain competitive.\r\n\r\nFinally, the bill also expands the Good Neighbor Authority, or GNA, which has long been championed by both Crapo and Risch and has been successful in increasing the pace and scale of forest restoration across Idaho since it was enacted in the 2014 Farm Bill. GNA will permit Idaho's counties and Native tribes to enter into contracts for the purpose of managing and completing needed maintenance in national forests.\r\n\r\nThe Farm Bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration, where it expected to pass.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/idaho-senators-applaud-wotus-regulatory-roll-back", "Idaho Senators Applaud WOTUS Regulatory Roll-Back", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Idaho's U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo today applauded the Trump Administration's move to relieve Idaho's farmers and ranchers of the regulatory burden created by Waters of the United States (WOTUS), an overreaching Obama Administration rule that defined all bodies of water, including ephemeral streams created by rainfall, as subject to federal government regulation.\r\nPresident Trump's new Waters of the United States definition is a significant and necessary improvement from the Obama Administration's disastrous attempt to regulate every puddle of water across America, said Senator Risch. Idaho's farmers and ranchers have an important job to do feeding American families, and the less time they have to spend navigating federal bureaucracy, the better off we'll all be.\r\nReturning to the agreed upon definition of Waters of the United States' and rightsizing federal government oversight is the right approach to managing and protecting our waters. I support EPA's action to roll back this rule and return the management of Idaho's waters to our state officials who know our lands best, said Crapo. \"The 2015 Clean Water Rule is a textbook case of a federal overreach. This rule subverts state water sovereignty and jeopardizes private property rights by significantly expanding federal authority allowing the EPA to regulate nearly every stream, ditch, pond and puddle on both state and local lands, as well as private property.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/bipartisan-bill-to-protect-endangered-salmon-and-steelhead-passes-senate-without-objection", "Bipartisan Bill to Protect Endangered Salmon and Steelhead Passes Senate Without Objection", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2018\n\t\t\t Bipartisan Bill to Protect Endangered Salmon and Steelhead Passes Senate Without Objection \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 Passage of the legislation underscores the bipartisan urgency to protect ESA-listed salmon and steelhead from predatory sea lions threatening their existence \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Critical, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-ID) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to protectEndangered Species Act (ESA) listedsalmon and steelhead from extinction has passed the Senate without objection. The entire Northwest Senate delegation, including U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR),Patty Murray (D-WA) and Mike Crapo (R-ID)have cosponsored S.3119, the Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act, emphasizing how critical this legislation is to the existence of salmon and steelhead inthe interconnected Northwest waterways. The House is expected to consider the bill before the end of the year.\r\nIdaho's efforts to restore populations of endangered salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River has been significantly compromised by predatory sea lions, said Senator Risch.Passage of this legislation will help ensure vibrant, healthy populations for years to come. I encourage my colleagues in the House to pass this bill expeditiously.\r\nWild salmon play a critical role in the economy, culture, and tribal treaty rights of the Pacific Northwest,\" Senator Cantwell said. \"As endangered salmon face extinction, we must take steps to protect them. Science-based predation management will allow state and tribal wildlife officials to protect vulnerable salmon populations and the orcas that feed on them.\"\r\nSalmon are critical to Oregon's economy, culture and heritage, and it's clear that sea lions are creating a serious threat to the very survival of endangered salmon, Senator Merkley said.I'm glad we could finda bipartisan path forward to address this problem in a targeted way that enables equitable tribal management and does not materially impact sea lion populations.\r\nFor too long, predatory sea lions have been taking an unhealthy chomp out of Oregon's salmon and steelhead stocks. This bill applies a reasoned, collaborative approach to address, in a permanent manner, sea lion predation on endangered salmon and steelhead, said Senator Wyden. This bill took a long time to negotiate. There were a lot of interests with stakes in this process, including multiple states and many tribal nations. This bipartisan compromise shows that Congress can still function, in a bipartisan way.\r\nPredatory sea lions on the Lower Columbia River have had a dramatic impact on the steelhead and salmon populations across the northwest, said Senator Crapo. This bipartisan legislation is the result of significant collaboration across multiple stakeholders to protect our native fish populations for generations to come.\r\nSalmon are a big part of the Pacific Northwest way of life, but without action, we could see runs continue to decline to a point of no return, Senator Murraysaid. This bipartisan legislation represents a balanced, sensible approach to this threat. I urge my House colleagues to pick the bill up and get it across the finish line as soon as possible.\r\nThere are ESA threatened and endangered salmon and steelhead being significantly harmed by the increasing sea lion population.Sea lion populations have increased significantly along the West Coast over the past 40 years; today, there are roughly 300,000. These sea lions have entered into habitat where they had never been before, including areas around the Bonneville Dam in Washington and Willamette Falls in Oregon.This predation of ESA-listed fish is negating the large investments being spent on salmon recovery associated with habitat, harvest, and hatcheries. If enacted, this bill would amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to provide for better management of these invasive, non-listed sea lions.\r\nA recent study by Oregon State University found that increasing predation from sea lions has decreased the fishery harvest of adult Chinook salmon in the Pacific Northwest. According to the study, if sea lions continue their current consumption habits, there is an 89 percent chance that a population of wild steelhead could go extinct. The study also noted that future long-term salmon management plans will need to address the increased salmon predation throughout the Pacific Northwest.\r\nThe declining salmon populations have also impacted other threatened animals in the Pacific Northwest. Recently, a Washington state task force on southern resident orcas recommendedauthorizing the removal of pinnipeds in the Columbia River to improve orca survival.\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\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/2018/12/ktvb", "KTVB: Celebrations planned in Riggins as city reacts to reopening of Idaho steelhead fishing season", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RIGGINS, Idaho  Update: The Idaho Fish and Game Commission made anagreement to reopen the steelhead fishing season. The community of Riggins is now planning to celebrate the decision. This story will be updated when further information is available.\r\nWith a critical chapter in a story for Idaho anglers unfolding just hours away on Friday, the community of Riggins braced for the economic devastation they say the shutdown of the state's steelhead fishing season will bring - and its residents are going to let their voices be heard.\r\n\r\nIdaho Fish and Game said the suspension comes after several groups sent the state anotice of intent to sueover the federal government's failure to process Idaho's Endangered Species Act permit.\r\n\r\nCommunities around Idaho fear the suspensionwill have grave effects on local economies.\r\nIn Riggins on Friday, residents were getting ready to stage a major demonstration to draw attention to the issue as they awaited the suspension to start at midnight.\r\nThe boats were out of the water, and the community hoped that visual would send a message: There is going to be a lot of lost business. And it's not just the anglers who will lose. The town says they will all lose. And it will be a dramatic amount.\r\nOutfitter and Riggins City Councilman Roy Akins said they are bracing for major impacts.\r\nRight now we are talking about probably several million dollars being lost from the town of Riggins because of this closure,\" Akins said.\r\nThe community here says it's paying the price for a paperwork technicality on the state's Endangered Species Act permit. That allows for the catch and release of wild steelhead.\r\nBecause that permit is not in our hands or the state's hands, some outside groups were able to leverage an intent to sue Idaho Fish and Game and force them to close the season,\" Akins said.\r\nJohn Belton, owner of the Seven Devils Steakhouse, said the effects of losing the season are plain and simple: \"Something this severe is going to hurt everybody severely.\r\n\r\nAnd it will force many business owners, like Belton, to make very difficult decisions.\r\n\r\nMore than likely close,\" he said. \"You know, I'd rather stay open and keep the employees going for a living - but you gotta do what you gotta do.\r\nJust down the road, Rexann Zimmerman, owner of Hook Line and Sinker Tackle Shop, reiterated what everyone in town is thinking.\r\n\"It's really going to hurt, it's going to hurt bad,\" she said. \"I may have to lay off my two employees to get through the winter.\r\nAs the people of Riggins continue to fight, many say they are staying positive.\r\nRight now we are doing everything we can to hopefully promote the idea that we can find some way to move forward, keep our season open and wait for that permit to be in hand so we are back in accordance with all the laws,\" Akins said.\r\nI've gotta remain optimistic - the glass has gotta be half full, it's just gotta be,\" Zimmerman said. \"You can't just roll over and quit! So yeah, I'm optimistic, I'm hoping\r\nThe news that Idaho Fish and Game made an agreement late Friday night to reopen the steelhead season in most of Idaho was quickly met with elation.\r\nThere is a huge weight lifted off of our community's shoulders, said Richard Friend, the owner of River Adventures Riggins said in a statement. We were facing economic disasterwithout our winter steelhead season.\r\nLocal anglers are already planning to learn more about the voluntary regulations that were part of the agreement, which included using single, barbless hooks, keeping first fishery steelhead and not removing wild fish from the water.\r\nThis is really a win for everybody, said Roy Akins, the Idaho River Community Alliance chair and owner of Rapid River Outfitters said in a statement. Now we can get back to work and focus the attention on fish recovery.\r\nOn Friday night, the Idaho Delegation, including Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, Congressmen Mike Simpson and Raul Labrador, released a letter to urge the NOAA Fisheries to hurry the permit process for the steelhead fishing season.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn the letter, the delegation said, \"As you know, the indecision surrounding the State of Idaho's incidental take permit has forced Idaho Fish and Game Commission to close steelhead fishing season starting December 8th. The decision is prompted by threatened litigation and the associated liability for the State of Idaho. The immediate closure has led to uncertainty throughout Idaho that has caused continuing economic hardship to local communities.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/the-lewiston-tribune", "The Lewiston Tribune: Bill targeting sea lions advances", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A bill that will allow Northwest states and American Indian tribes to more easily kill sea lions that prey on salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and its tributaries passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent Thursday.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act was co-sponsored by Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. A version of the same legislation passed the House in June, but slight differences mean the House will have to sign off on the Senate version before the bill heads to the desk of President Donald Trump.\r\n\r\n\r\nIdaho's efforts to restore populations of endangered salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River has been significantly compromised by predatory sea lions, Risch said in a statement released by his office. Passage of this legislation will help ensure vibrant, healthy populations for years to come. I encourage my colleagues in the House to pass this bill expeditiously.\r\n\r\nIf that happens and the president signs the bill, the protocols that fisheries officials from Oregon, Washington and Idaho must follow before lethally removing sea lions feasting on salmon and steelhead at places like Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River and Willamette Falls on the Willamette River will be significantly relaxed. The bill also allows tribes such as the Nez Perce in Idaho and the Yakama in Washington to kill sea lions.\r\n\r\nScientists have documented that sea lions eat an average of about 20 percent of the spring chinook run in the lower Columbia each year. That figure has been as high as 43 percent and as low as 11 percent in individual years. Combined with other threats like dams and habitat degradation, fisheries officials say sea lion predation further imperils fish protected by the Endangered Species Act, including salmon and steelhead that return to Idaho and eastern Washington.\r\n\r\n\r\nOn the Willamette River, fisheries managers say sea lion predation on winter steelhead may drive that run to extinction.\r\n\r\n\r\nWild salmon play a critical role in the economy, culture, and tribal treaty rights of the Pacific Northwest. As endangered salmon face extinction, we must take steps to protect them. Science-based predation management will allow state and tribal wildlife officials to protect vulnerable salmon populations and the orcas that feed on them, Cantwell said in a statement.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe states already have the ability to kill some sea lions on the lower Columbia, and Oregon has the same authority for the Willamette River. But to do so they must follow a cumbersome process. A provision of the Marine Mammals Protection Act allows the states to seek permits to kill individual sea lions that have been documented to prey on salmon and steelhead.\r\n\r\n\r\nTo meet the terms of the permits, the agencies capture and brand sea lions so they can be identified. To land on a lethal-removal list, the branded animals must be observed at places like Bonneville Dam for five days; be observed eating a salmon or steelhead; and be subjected to hazing. Once those provisions are met, the animals can be euthanized provided they can be recaptured.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe bill simplifies the process by removing the requirement that agencies identify individual animals as problems. Instead, it allows the states and tribes to capture and euthanize any sea lion east of the Interstate 205 bridge near Portland.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThere are an estimated 250,000 to 270,000 California sea lions and 71,500 Steller sea lions up and down the West Coast of the U.S. and Canada. Only a small percentage of those visit the Columbia River, and even fewer venture far upstream.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAnimal rights organizations like the Humane Society of the United States and the Animal Welfare Institute lobbied against the legislation.\r\n\r\n\r\nIt is disturbing to see the Senate vote to increase the number of sea lions that permit holders can kill each year, when states with the current authorization to do so have never come close to meeting the current quota, said Ryan Ososki, policy adviser at the Animal Welfare Institute in a news release.\r\n\r\n\r\nFishing groups, however, are supportive of the bill and worked to pass it.\r\n\r\n\r\nWhile no one wants to remove one animal to save another, taking this action today represents the best chance for Columbia River basin salmon and steelhead tomorrow, said Ted Venker, director of the Coastal Conservation Association.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/the-lewiston-tribune-bill-targeting-sea-lions-advances", "The Lewiston Tribune: Bill Targeting Sea Lions Advances", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A bill that will allow Northwest states and American Indian tribes to more easily kill sea lions that prey on salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and its tributaries passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent Thursday.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act was co-sponsored by Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. A version of the same legislation passed the House in June, but slight differences mean the House will have to sign off on the Senate version before the bill heads to the desk of President Donald Trump.\r\n\r\n\r\nIdaho's efforts to restore populations of endangered salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River has been significantly compromised by predatory sea lions, Risch said in a statement released by his office. Passage of this legislation will help ensure vibrant, healthy populations for years to come. I encourage my colleagues in the House to pass this bill expeditiously.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf that happens and the president signs the bill, the protocols that fisheries officials from Oregon, Washington and Idaho must follow before lethally removing sea lions feasting on salmon and steelhead at places like Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River and Willamette Falls on the Willamette River will be significantly relaxed. The bill also allows tribes such as the Nez Perce in Idaho and the Yakama in Washington to kill sea lions.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nScientists have documented that sea lions eat an average of about 20 percent of the spring chinook run in the lower Columbia each year. That figure has been as high as 43 percent and as low as 11 percent in individual years. Combined with other threats like dams and habitat degradation, fisheries officials say sea lion predation further imperils fish protected by the Endangered Species Act, including salmon and steelhead that return to Idaho and eastern Washington.\r\n\r\n\r\nOn the Willamette River, fisheries managers say sea lion predation on winter steelhead may drive that run to extinction.\r\n\r\n\r\nWild salmon play a critical role in the economy, culture, and tribal treaty rights of the Pacific Northwest. As endangered salmon face extinction, we must take steps to protect them. Science-based predation management will allow state and tribal wildlife officials to protect vulnerable salmon populations and the orcas that feed on them, Cantwell said in a statement.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe states already have the ability to kill some sea lions on the lower Columbia, and Oregon has the same authority for the Willamette River. But to do so they must follow a cumbersome process. A provision of the Marine Mammals Protection Act allows the states to seek permits to kill individual sea lions that have been documented to prey on salmon and steelhead.\r\n\r\n\r\nTo meet the terms of the permits, the agencies capture and brand sea lions so they can be identified. To land on a lethal-removal list, the branded animals must be observed at places like Bonneville Dam for five days; be observed eating a salmon or steelhead; and be subjected to hazing. Once those provisions are met, the animals can be euthanized provided they can be recaptured.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe bill simplifies the process by removing the requirement that agencies identify individual animals as problems. Instead, it allows the states and tribes to capture and euthanize any sea lion east of the Interstate 205 bridge near Portland.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThere are an estimated 250,000 to 270,000 California sea lions and 71,500 Steller sea lions up and down the West Coast of the U.S. and Canada. Only a small percentage of those visit the Columbia River, and even fewer venture far upstream.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAnimal rights organizations like the Humane Society of the United States and the Animal Welfare Institute lobbied against the legislation.\r\n\r\n\r\nIt is disturbing to see the Senate vote to increase the number of sea lions that permit holders can kill each year, when states with the current authorization to do so have never come close to meeting the current quota, said Ryan Ososki, policy adviser at the Animal Welfare Institute in a news release.\r\n\r\n\r\nFishing groups, however, are supportive of the bill and worked to pass it.\r\n\r\n\r\nWhile no one wants to remove one animal to save another, taking this action today represents the best chance for Columbia River basin salmon and steelhead tomorrow, said Ted Venker, director of the Coastal Conservation Association.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/the-reader", "The Reader: Idaho Congressmen remember George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Idaho Congressmen joined their colleagues and constituents this week in celebrating the life and career of former president George H.W. Bush.\r\nIn a press statement, Sen. Jim Risch remembered Bush as a kind, generous man who was an icon of a political era.\r\nThe world has lost a great and decent man, he said. From his service as a Naval pilot during WWII to his successful tenure as President of the United States, George H.W. Bush was a faithful servant of the people for so much of his life. As devoted as George was to our country, his true passion was his family. He will always be remembered for the pride he had in his children and grandchildren and the love he shared with his wife, Barbara.\r\nSen. Mike Crapo recalled the immense historic change that occurred over Bush's career. Guiding the nation through the end of Cold War and the realignment of the post-Soviet world looms large in his presidential legacy. Despite his single-term presidency that ended in a loss to former president Bill Clinton  popularly attributed to his raising taxes despite a campaign pledge to the contrary  he also had the highest average approval rating of any living president at 61 percent, according to Gallup.\r\nPresident George H.W. Bush lived a life of public service that demonstrated an unquestionable dedication and love of his country, Crapo said. A World War II veteran, President Bush's service to the nation spanned decades and across numerous roles from serving as a member of Congress, Ambassador to the United Nations, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. As President, he saw the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. I join with Idahoans in sending my condolences to President George W. Bush, and the entire Bush family.\r\nLike his colleagues in the Senate, Rep. Mike Simpson remembered Bush as a man whose love of country was only surpassed by his love of family.\r\nKathy and I join countless others in mourning the loss of a true American hero, he said. President George H.W. Bush was not only an amazing public servant that dedicated his life to this nation in numerous roles, but he was also an incredible humanitarian to the world, all while being a great husband and father. Above all he was a good man. We send our love and prayers to the entire Bush family, and we know he is reunited with the love of his life, Barbara.\r\nTaking to Twitter, Rep. Raul Labrador shared a tribute by Bush's grandson, George P. Bush, and commented, Beautiful tribute  RIP President Bush!\r\nAs the Idaho chairman of Bush's presidential campaign, Risch shared some particularly personal memories of the former commander in chief.\r\nVicki and I were honored to host George and Barbara at our home, sharing memories that will last a lifetime, he said. Today he and Barbara are reunited as one; Vicki and I pray that will bring his family a measure of comfort and peace during the difficult days ahead. We will miss George and Barbara greatly.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/risch-statement-on-finding-the-russians-in-material-breach-of-the-inf-treaty", "Risch Statement on Finding the Russians in Material Breach of the INF Treaty", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) made the following statement on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty:\r\nI support the declaration that the Russian Federation is in material breach of the INF Treaty, and I am encouraged that all of our NATO allies recognize Russia's violations. The Russians have violated this Treaty for years, and the President's determination simply recognizes something the Transatlantic community has known for quite some time. Russia must decide to honor its obligations under the Treaty or the United States will have no choice but to withdrawal because this cannot be a one-way street.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/krem", "Krem: Sen. Jim Risch and wife share memories of President H.W. Bush's time in Idaho", "2018-12-02", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOISE  On Saturday, Idaho Sen. Jim Risch and his wife Vicki reflected and remembered their time spent with late President George H.W. Bush.\r\nGeorge H.W. Bush was not secret, what you saw is what you got, Sen. Risch said. He was not a real formal person, he just loved to engage, he loved to talk.\r\nThe couple shared stories with KTVB about when one of their sons first met President H.W. Bush, and when the late president would visit Idaho over the years.\r\nThe Risch family first met George and Barbara Bush through late and former Sen. Jim McClure and his wife, Louise.\r\nThey came to Boise a few times because of the close friendship with the McClure's, Vicki Risch said.\r\nThat led to Sen. Risch and his wife hosting the Bush family at their home throughout their friendship.\r\nSen. Risch reflected on memories about the late president's sense of humor.\r\nDon't ever try and outdo George Bush telling jokes, he was a naval aviator and I think it's naval aviators because John McCain was the same way, if you started telling jokes there was no beating them. They had a repertoire of jokes that went far beyond anyone else's and he loved it, he loved to tell jokes, Sen. Risch said. People are saying that he really enjoyed life and I'm telling you, he really enjoyed life.\r\nPresident George H.W. Bush died on Nov. 30 at 94, nearly one year after the death of his wife.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/idaho-news", "Idaho News: Idaho senator remembers George H. W. Bush: 'The world has lost a great and decent man'", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOISE, Idaho (CBS 2) U.S. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho remembered his interactions with former U.S. President George H. W. Bush in a statement Saturday morning.\r\n\"The world has lost a great and decent man,\" Risch said. \"From his service as a Naval pilot during WWII to his successful tenure as President of the United States, George H.W. Bush was a faithful servant of the people for so much of his life. As devoted as George was to our country, his true passion was his family. He will always be remembered for the pride he had in his children and grandchildren and the love he shared with his wife, Barbara.\"\r\nThe statement was accompanied with multiple photos of Risch with Bush, showing Risch' time serving as Bush' Idaho Chairman of his presidential campaign.\r\n\"Vicki and I were honored to host George and Barbara at our home, sharing memories that will last a lifetime,\" Risch said. \"Today he and Barbara are reunited as one; Vicki and I pray that will bring his family a measure of comfort and peace during the difficult days ahead. We will miss George and Barbara greatly.\"\r\nGeorge H.W. Bush was 94.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/idaho-press-tribune", "Idaho Press Tribune: Idaho state government officials react to death of George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Idaho state government officials Governor C. L. Butch, U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, all released statements regarding the death of former President George H.W. Bush. Bush died late Friday night at age 94.\r\nOtter released the following statement Saturday:\r\nOur nation lost a true champion of freedom last night and Idaho lost a kindred spirit with the passing of the 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush. President Bush came from a generation where honor, service and duty to country and family were paramount. He devoted a lifetime to improving our nation and the world. He was a compassionate American president and respected international leader. The First Lady and I join all Idahoans in extending our deepest sympathies to his family.\r\nCrapo released the following statement Saturday:\r\nPresident George H.W. Bush lived a life of public service that demonstrated an unquestionable dedication and love of his country. A World War II veteran, President Bush's service to the nation spanned decades and across numerous roles from serving as a member of Congress, Ambassador to the United Nations, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. As President, he saw the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. I join with Idahoans in sending my condolences to President George W. Bush, and the entire Bush family.\"\r\nRisch released the following statement Saturday:\r\n\"The world has lost a great and decent man. From his service as a Naval pilot during WWII to his successful tenure as President of the United States, George H.W. Bush was a faithful servant of the people for so much of his life. As devoted as George was to our country, his true passion was his family. He will always be remembered for the pride he had in his children and grandchildren and the love he shared with his wife, Barbara.\r\n\"During my time serving as Idaho Chairman of his presidential campaign, Vicki and I were honored to host George and Barbara at our home, sharing memories that will last a lifetime. Today he and Barbara are reunited as one; Vicki and I pray that will bring his family a measure of comfort and peace during the difficult days ahead. We will miss George and Barbara greatly.\"\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/idaho-statesman", "Idaho Statesman: Brad Little, Idaho politicians mourn death of President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President George H.W. Bush, who served as president from 1989 to 1993, died Friday night at 94. The Idaho Statesman is compiling reactions from Idaho politicians throughout the day.\r\nSenator Jim Risch, via press release\r\nThe world has lost a great and decent man. From his service as a Naval pilot during WWII to his successful tenure as President of the United States, George H.W. Bush was a faithful servant of the people for so much of his life. As devoted as George was to our country, his true passion was his family. He will always be remembered for the pride he had in his children and grandchildren and the love he shared with his wife, Barbara.\r\nDuring my time serving as Idaho Chairman of his presidential campaign, Vicki and I were honored to host George and Barbara at our home, sharing memories that will last a lifetime. Today he and Barbara are reunited as one; Vicki and I pray that will bring his family a measure of comfort and peace during the difficult days ahead. We will miss George and Barbara greatly.\r\nGovernor Butch Otter, via press release\r\nOur nation lost a true champion of freedom last night and Idaho lost a kindred spirit with the passing of the 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush. President Bush came from a generation where honor, service and duty to country and family were paramount. He devoted a lifetime to improving our nation and the world. He was a compassionate American president and respected international leader. The First Lady and I join all Idahoans in extending our deepest sympathies to his family.\r\nSenator Mike Crapo, via press release\r\nPresident George H.W. Bush lived a life of public service that demonstrated an unquestionable dedication and love of his country. A World War II veteran, President Bush's service to the nation spanned decades and across numerous roles from serving as a member of Congress, Ambassador to the United Nations, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. As President, he saw the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. I join with Idahoans in sending my condolences to President George W. Bush, and the entire Bush family.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/kivi-boise-idaho-senator-mike-crapo-mourns-former-president", "KIVI Boise: Idaho Senator Mike Crapo mourns former president's death", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Idaho Senator Mike Crapo issued a statement Saturday afternoon in response to thedeath of former president George H.W. Bush, saying the 41st president's \"service to the nation spanned decades.\"\r\nPresident George H.W. Bush lived a life of public service that demonstrated an unquestionable dedication and love of his country. A World War II veteran, President Bush's service to the nation spanned decades and across numerous roles from serving as a member of Congress, Ambassador to the United Nations, and Director of theCentral IntelligenceAgency. As President, he saw the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. I join with Idahoans in sending my condolences toPresident George W. Bush, and the entire Bush family,\" the statement said.\r\nBorn in Massachusetts on June 12, 1924, George H. W. Bush was the son of wealthy Wall Street banker and future Connecticut Sen. Prescott Bush and Dorothy Bush.\r\nHe became the youngest naval pilot at age 18 following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor and flew combat missions from the aircraft carrier USS San Jacinto. As a \"flyboy\" in the Pacific War, Bush flew 58 combat missions and won the Distinguished Flying Cross.\r\nOne mission in September 1944 was almost his last. Bush's air wing attacked a radio installation on the tiny Japanese-held island of Chichi Jima. During the raid, his plane was hit and as flames licked around the cockpit, Bush gave the order to abandon the aircraft. The bodies of his crewmen, Ted White and John Delaney were never found. Bush, after desperately paddling his life raft away from the island and Japanese boats sent out to capture him, was miraculously rescued by a U.S. submarine.\r\nIt took decades before Bush was able to speak publicly about his experiences in the war.\r\n\"It was just part of my duty. People say, 'war hero.' How come a guy who gets his airplane shot down is a hero and a guy who's good enough that he doesn't get shot down is not?\" Bush told CNN in 2003.\r\nLate in his life, the former president's heroism was recognized when the Navy named a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier after him.\r\nAfter returning from the Pacific, Bush attended Yale University, where he was a noted athlete and then went west with his new wife, Barbara Pierce, to set himself up as an early Texas oil prospector.\r\nBy the mid-1960s, politics was calling and Bush ran for the US Senate, but lost. In 1966, however, he was on his way, winning a seat in the House of Representatives.\r\nChosen by President Richard Nixon to serve as envoy to the United Nations, Bush later served as the head of the Republican National Committee during the Watergate scandal.\r\nThen, he became one of the few prominent Westerners to get into China, which had been closed to outsiders for decades. Bush headed the US Liaison Office in Beijing, the forerunner of the US Embassy. He later detailed his experiences, including trips into the Chinese countryside on bicycles, in diaries published in 2008.\r\nIn 1976, Bush became the head of the CIA. He only held the job for a year, but was so well remembered that the agency later named its headquarters in Langley, Virginia, after him, and he would later say it was his favorite job.\r\nIn 1980, Bush ran for the White House, challenging former California Gov. Ronald Reagan for the GOP nomination, slamming what he said was his foe's \"voodoo economic policy.\"\r\nAfter a sometimes rancorous campaign, Reagan won, and after briefly flirting with picking former president Gerald Ford as his running mate, handed Bush the vice presidential spot.\r\nIn a statement, Friday from former President George W. Bush reads: \"Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died. George H. W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41's life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens.\"\r\nThe elder Bush served as president from 1989 to 1993, overseeing the United States' efforts in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. Bush lost reelection in 1992, losing to Democrat Bill Clinton.\r\nBush arguably had one of most extensive resumes before becoming president, having been a congressman, ambassador to the United Nations, envoy to China,CIA director, and vice president.\r\nBefore serving as president, Bush was Ronald Reagan's vice president from 1981 through 1989. His partnership with Reagan came after an intense battle for the GOP nomination between Bush and Reagan during the 1980primary season.\r\nBush has experienced a number of health issues in recent years. He suffered from a form of Parkinson's disease, which forced him to a motorized scooter since 2012.\r\nBush's wife of 73 years Barbara died in April.Just one day after his wife's funeral, Bush was hospitalized with a blood infection.\r\nHis failing health also caused him to miss the inauguration of President Donald Trump in 2017. Bushwas admitted to the intensive care unit for anacute respiratory problem.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/local-8-news", "Local 8 News: State leaders commemorate President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - Regional political leaders are posting their memories of President George H.W. Bush Saturday night.\r\n\r\nU.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) made the following statement:\r\n\"The world has lost a great and decent man. From his service as a Naval pilot during WWII to his successful tenure as President of the United States, George H.W. Bush was a faithful servant of the people for so much of his life. As devoted as George was to our country, his true passion was his family. He will always be remembered for the pride he had in his children and grandchildren and the love he shared with his wife, Barbara.\r\n\r\n\"During my time serving as Idaho Chairman of his presidential campaign, Vicki and I were honored to host George and Barbara at our home, sharing memories that will last a lifetime. Today he and Barbara are reunited as one; Vicki and I pray that will bring his family a measure of comfort and peace during the difficult days ahead. We will miss George and Barbara greatly.\"\r\n\r\nU.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) made the following statement:\r\nPresident George H.W. Bush lived a life of public service that demonstrated an unquestionable dedication and love of his country. A World War II veteran, President Bush's service to the nation spanned decades and across numerous roles from serving as a member of Congress, Ambassador to the United Nations, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. As President, he saw the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. I join with Idahoans in sending my condolences to President George W. Bush, and the entire Bush family.\r\n\r\nSecond District Congressman Mike Simpson (R-Id) statement:\r\nKathy and I join countless others in mourning the loss of a true American hero. President George H.W. Bujsh was not only an amazing public servant that dedicated his life to this nation and in mumerous roles, but he was also an incredible humanitarian to the world, all while being a great husband and father. Above all he was a good man.\r\nWe send our love and prayer to the entire Bush family, and we know he is happily reunited with the love of his life Barbara.\r\n\r\nIdaho Governor C.L. \"Butch\"Otter said:\r\nOur nation lost a true champion of freedom last night and Idaho lost a kindred spirit with the passing of President George H. W. Bush. President Bush came from a generation where honor, service and duty to country and family was paramount. He devoted a lifetime to improving our nation and the world. He was a compassionate American president and respected international leader. The First Lady and I join all Idahoans in extending our deepest sympathies to his family.\r\n\r\nWyoming Senator John Barrasso (R-Wy) statement:\r\nAmerica has lost one of its most beloved statesman. Whether it was his heroic service as a decorated Navy pilot, or his many years as a public servant, President George H.W. Bush did it all with the utmost integrity. Bobbi and I join Wyoming and the rest of the country in sending our condolences to the entire Bush family.\r\n\r\nWyoming Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wy) said:\r\nAs a dedicated husband, father and public servant, George H. W. Bush lived his life with honor and distinction. From his time in the Navy during World War II, to Congress, to being an ambassador, to his service as vice-president and president, his dedication to serving his country was exemplary. Diana and I send our deepest condolences to the Bush family.\r\n\r\nWyoming Governor Matt Mead (R)\r\nPresident George H.W. Bush was an extraordinary patriot and public servant. His dedication to family and his absolute courtesy to all, serve as a model for all Americans. Carol and I send our condolences to his family.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/senator-risch-statement-on-president-george-h-w-bush", "Senator Risch Statement on Passing of President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Boise, ID  U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) made the following statement:\r\n\"The world has lost a great and decent man. From his service as a Naval pilot during WWII to his successful tenure as President of the United States, George H.W. Bush was a faithful servant of the people for so much of his life. As devoted as George was to our country, his true passion was his family. He will always be remembered for the pride he had in his children and grandchildren and the love he shared with his wife, Barbara.\n\"During my time serving as Idaho Chairman of his presidential campaign, Vicki and I were honored to host George and Barbara at our home, sharing memories that will last a lifetime. Today he and Barbara are reunited as one; Vicki and I pray that will bring his family a measure of comfort and peace during the difficult days ahead. We will miss George and Barbara greatly.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/the-spokesman-review", "The Spokesman Review: Current and former political actors share memories, praise of George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Sept. 18, 1989, George H.W. Bush visited Spokane for the state's centennial.\r\nHis former campaign manager in Washington state, Rich Kuhling, remembers feeling a thrill when he was invited to the then-president's hotel room, high in the downtown DoubleTree hotel.\r\nHe was just like a regular guy, Kuhling said, thinking back on his first moments in the room. He was sitting in his chair, thumb looped over his belt and eating peanuts.\r\nThe Secret Service had installed a large, bulletproof glass panel on rolling wheels, which covered the hotel room's windows, Kuhling said. They could hear a band outside on the street, but the glass was impeding the view.\r\nHe pushed the roller aside and looked out the window, he said. And in about three seconds, the Secret Service guy ran into the room and said, Mr. President!' \r\nHe got caught, Kuhling said with a laugh.\r\nIt was an instance of George H.W. Bush as an approachable, kind person who didn't expect the red carpet to be rolled out for him, Kuhling said.\r\nHe was a warm, personable, regular guy, Kuhling said.\r\nKuhling joined politicians and political workers from around Washington and Idaho who wrote and spoke about George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, who died late Friday night at age 94. Many memories of George H.W. are intertwined with memories of Barbara Bush, who died April 17.\r\nU.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers served in the Washington House of Representatives while Bush was president, and Bush left office 12 years before McMorris Rodgers was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.\r\nShe viewed Bush as a leader.\r\nAfter a decade of Cold War, President Bush was the face of a new era, a stronger era, with America at the helm. We were tasked with being an example to the world that true prosperity can't be bought with wars or suppression  it comes from freedom and the opportunity to pursue, she wrote in a statement. This is a mindset that President Bush carried with him throughout his presidency.\r\nAnd his actions directly impacted her family, including her son, Cole, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome.\r\n\r\nIn a grand Rose Garden ceremony 28 years ago, he signed into law the landmark legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act. This historic bill gave more than 50 million Americans with disabilities, just like my son Cole, the chance to live the American Dream and be defined only by their potential  not their limitations. I will forever be grateful for his leadership, she wrote.\r\n\r\nU.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., wrote, From his service in World War II to his work navigating the end of the Cold War, President George HW Bush dedicated more than 70 years of his life to our country and to trying to make the world a better place. Countless Americans have been inspired by his leadership, grace, and kindness. My thoughts are with the entire Bush family.\r\nU.S. Senator Jim Risch, R-Idaho, worked as Idaho chairman of Bush's presidential campaign when he and his wife, Vicki, hosted Bush and his wife, Barbara, at their home, sharing memories that will last a lifetime, he wrote.\r\nToday he and Barbara are reunited as one; Vicki and I pray that will bring his family a measure of comfort and peace during the difficult days ahead. We will miss George and Barbara greatly.\r\nGeorge Nethercutt, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives and predecessor to McMorris Rodgers, said he first met Bush when he was chairman of the Spokane County Republican Party.\r\nBush was campaigning for his first presidential bid, and Nethercutt, his wife and his daughter, Meredith, came to Riverfront Park to hear the candidate speak.\r\nThe campaign decided to have a few children ride in the train car with him and Barbara, said Meredith Nethercutt. I was selected. It was kind of a highlight of my youth.\r\nI remember Barbara asked me where the name Meredith came from, she said.\r\nThey were incredibly lovely and kind. It was a lovely moment for me as a child.\r\nGeorge Nethercutt met Bush a second time in 2004, when the former president visited for a fundraiser event. Nethercutt, like his daughter, went for a ride with Bush, after the former president spoke at Spokane Falls Community College.\r\nWe rode to the airport, just the two of us, he said. He invited me to go with him and I hustled to get into the car. We talked about our families. He was very friendly and very loquacious and outgoing.\r\nHe was a terrific leader. I felt bad that he lost the presidency in '92, but he never harbored any ill will. He put politics aside for the good of the country.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398723", "House Passes Dental Health Bill", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Mike Simpson", "S001148", "simpson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House passed the bipartisan Action for Dental Health Act. This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Congressman Mike Simpson, DMD (R-ID) and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL), will provide essential oral and dental health services to underserved communities. The Action for Dental Health Act targets federal funding to provide vulnerable populations, especially children, seniors and those living in rural and urban communities with dental care. \r\nThe legislation was originally passed the U.S. House in February with ninety percent of Members voting in favor of the legislation. A slightly amended version was introduced in the U.S. Senate and passed in October 2018. With today's vote, the legislation advances to the President's desk for his signature.\r\nWith today's passage of Action for Dental Health, we are sending a message that oral health is a priority for Congress, Congressman Simpson said. I would like to thank Congresswoman Kelly for her work on this legislation and I am excited to see this bill move to the President's desk. Ultimately, the real winners are patients who need improved access to resources to enhance early diagnosis, intervention and preventive treatments which can stop the progress of oral diseases.\r\nThis bipartisan bill means that more families will have access to oral and dental healthcare. This increased access to care means that patients will receive early detection and intervention resulting in better outcomes, reduced costs and improved health, said Congresswoman Kelly. I'd especially like to thank Congressman Mike Simpson for his steadfast leadership, expertise and partnership.\r\nThe Action for Dental Health Act won the endorsement of the American Dental Association, the National Dental Association, the American Dental Education Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Oral Health America, and many other organizations. During the House subcommittee hearing on the measure, Chicago dentist Dr. Cheryl Watson-Lowry testified on the importance of the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-wyden-lead-bipartisan-call-to-reauthorize-secure-rural-schools-funding-in-year-end-legislation", "Crapo, Wyden Lead Bipartisan Call to Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools Funding in Year End Legislation", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 28, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo, Wyden Lead Bipartisan Call to Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools Funding in Year End Legislation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCiting the importance of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and Oregon Senator Ron Wyden today led a bipartisan call with 23 of their Senate colleagues calling for a one-year reauthorization of the program in any year-end funding measures.\r\nOver the last nearly two decades, SRS has been a critical lifeline for over 775 counties in over 40 states across the country by helping fund more than 4,400 schools, road maintenance, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations, the Senators wrote in their letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) and Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-New York), adding, Congress has an obligation to ensure counties with swaths of tax-exempt forestlands can adequately provide essential services for their residents.\r\nThe Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act was first introduced in 2000 to assist counties containing tracts of federally-owned land that is tax-exempt. Earlier this month, Crapo and Wyden introduced stand-alone legislation to extend SRS by one year. It is hoped that Senate leadership will include that measure in its year-end funding proposal.\r\nThe senators added, As we work to establish a permanent county payments solution, diversify rural economies, improve forest management and forest health, strengthen historic forest revenue sharing with local governments, and ensure that our forests provide a range of values such as clean water, jobs, and wood fiber for local economies, a short-term reauthorization of at least one year is critical to provide fiscal certainty for forested counties.\r\nThe letter is also signed by Idaho Senator Jim Risch and Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, along with senators Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) Bennett (D-Colorado), Booker (D-New Jersey), Boozman (R-Arkansas), Cantwell (D-Washington), Capito (R-West Virginia), Daines (R-Montana), Feinstein (D-California), Gardner (R-Colorado), Harris (D-California), Hassan (D-New Hampshire), Heinrich (D-New Mexico), Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Manchin (D-West Virginia), Murray (D-Washington), Peters (D-Michigan), Rounds (R-South Dakota), Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Sullivan (R-Alaska), Tester (D-Montana), and Wicker (R-Mississippi).\r\nThe full text of the letter is included below and available here online.\r\nThe Honorable Mitch McConnellMajority Leader, U.S. SenateU.S. Capitol, S-230Washington, DC 20510\r\nThe Honorable Charles SchumerMinority Leader, U.S. SenateU.S. Capitol, S-221Washington, DC 20510\r\nDear Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer:\r\nWe strongly urge the inclusion of at least a one-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS), which enjoys tremendous bipartisan support, in any end-of-the-year legislation.\r\nHistorically, the federal government shared with county governments 25 percent of timber harvest revenues from federal Forest Service lands and 50 percent of timber harvest revenues from federal Oregon and California Grant Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These payments constituted a significant source of funding for rural, forested counties. However, due to declining timber sales, Congress first passed SRS in 2000 to provide a measure of compensation for counties containing tracts of federally owned forestlands that is tax-exempt.\r\nOver the last nearly two decades, SRS has been a critical lifeline for over 775 counties in over 40 states across the country by helping fund more than 4,400 schools, road maintenance, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations. However, the most recent SRS reauthorization expired at the end of the last fiscal year, which means the last authorized payments to counties will go to participating states and counties in early calendar year 2019.\r\nCongress has an obligation to ensure counties with swaths of tax-exempt forestlands can adequately provide essential services for their residents. Without the certainty of these critical safety-net payments, schools, libraries, and jails are closing. Schools that remain open will see a reduction of teachers. Roads go unpaved and become unsafe. Mental and physical health services are scaled back or even ended. Fewer and fewer law enforcement officers are forced to patrol larger and larger areas.\r\nAs we work to establish a permanent county payments solution, diversify rural economies, improve forest management and forest health, strengthen historic forest revenue sharing with local governments, and ensure that our forests provide a range of values such as clean water, jobs, and wood fiber for local economies, a short-term reauthorization of at least one year is critical to provide fiscal certainty for forested counties.\r\nIn the interest of working together in a bipartisan way to support local rural communities, we ask that you include a reauthorization of Secure Rural schools in any end-of-the-year package. We appreciate your assistance with this matter.\r\n\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/mcconnell-again-selects-crapo-to-lead-committee-on-committees", "McConnell Again Selects Crapo to Lead Committee on Committees", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 28, 2018\n\t\t\t McConnell Again Selects Crapo to Lead Committee on Committees \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 Senator Tim Scott will help lead the committee selection process \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has once again selected Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) to chair the Senate Republicans' Committee on Committees, the panel responsible for committee assignments for the 116th Congress. This is the eighth consecutive congressional two-year term that Senate leadership has asked Crapo to chair negotiations among his Republican peers in the Senate. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) will be assisting in the committee selection process in the 116th Congress as he did in the previous two Congresses.\r\nMike Crapo and Tim Scott have earned the trust of our colleagues in the Republican Conference by effectively leading these important negotiations in years past. McConnell said. I am very pleased they will be leading this effort once again.\r\nThe Committee on Committees negotiates the process of assigning Republican senators to committees. After general elections, Senate party leaders negotiate the ratios on standing committees. Sens. Crapo and Scott will provide leadership in the negotiations surrounding subsequent committee assignments.\r\nI thank Leader McConnell for his continued trust in having me partner with him to lead the work of this important committee, said Crapo, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee. This Congress has been successful in passing legislation that benefits all Americans. Bipartisan accomplishments are reducing unemployment, creating new jobs, providing tax relief to working families, and creating the conditions for businesses of all sizes to expand. I look forward to working with my colleagues, including our Senators-elect from Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Utah Tennessee and North Dakota, to form committees that reflect the priorities of our constituents and build upon the successes of this Congress when we convene in 2019.\r\nI want to thank Majority Leader McConnell and Chairman Crapo for their leadership, and I know I will enjoy serving on the Committee on Committees for the third consecutive Congress. I look forward to this opportunity to help our members receive the committee assignments that will ensure we are serving the American people in the best way possible. The economy is humming, unemployment is low, and Senate Republicans will work to make sure that momentum keeps moving forward, said Scott.\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\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/2018/11/post-register", "Post Register: Crapo, Risch push Secure Rural Schools renewal", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Idaho senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and 23 of their colleagues joined a call Tuesday to renew a program that helps to pay for schools and roads in much of rural Idaho.  \r\n\"Over the last nearly two decades, (Secure Rural Schools) has been a critical lifeline for over 775 counties in over 40 states across the country by helping fund more than 4,400 schools, road maintenance, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations,\" the senators wrote to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer asking the program be renewed for another year. \"Congress has an obligation to ensure counties with swaths of tax-exempt forestlands can adequately provide essential services for their residents.\"\r\nThe program provides payments to counties containing tax-exempt Forest Service lands that are higher than the otherwise standard payment of 25 percent of forest land revenues. It has existed since 2000 and typically gets reauthorized with strong bipartisan support. Locally Custer, Lemhi, Fremont and Clark counties get significant amounts of money through the program.\r\nCrapo, a Republican, and Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden are co-sponsoring the renewal legislation.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/with-risch-s-support-baranwal-nomination-advances-to-senate-floor", "With Rischs Support, Baranwal Nomination Advances to Senate Floor", "2018-11-27", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, joined his colleagues in advancing Dr. Rita Baranwal's nomination for Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at the Department of Energy (DOE) to the Senate floor. Dr. Baranwal, the director of DOE's Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) initiative at Idaho National Lab (INL), will now be considered by the full Senate.\r\nWith over 20 years' experience in the nuclear industry, Dr. Baranwal has dedicated her life to studying and developing nuclear energy and has a vast understanding of DOE's national labs and programs, said Senator Risch. I have seen the groundbreakingwork done at INL under Dr. Baranwal's leadership, and I know she will be a tremendous asset at DOE. I thank the Committee for advancing her nomination today and I look forward to confirming her on the Senate floor.\r\nSenator Crapo said:\"Dr. Baranwal has demonstrated unparalleled qualifications for this position through her work at the Idaho National Laboratory. I look forward to confirming her in the U.S. Senate.\"\r\nDr. Rita Baranwal currently serves as the director of DOE's GAIN initiative at INL. Prior to leading the GAIN initiative, Dr. Baranwal spent more than 20 years working in the nuclear industry, including nearly a decade at Westinghouse in the Nuclear Fuel division. At Westinghouse, Dr. Baranwal led numerous R&D programs, including examining nuclear fuel and fuel rods. Dr. Baranwal also worked for the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory after completing graduate school. She received her Master's and Doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan and her bachelor's in the same discipline from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/the-daily-caller", "The Daily Caller: Senators Rally Support for Small Business Saturday", "2018-11-24", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators from both sides of the aisle urged constituents on Saturday to shop at small businesses in support of their local communities in what has become the annual shopping holiday known as Small Business Saturday.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHappy Small Business Saturday! Take some time today to [shop small] in your community, tweeted Republican Sen.Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi. Whether it be the mom and pop store in town or the local grocery store, we should support our small businesses that depend on us for their livelihood.\r\n\r\nRepublicanSens.Deb Fischer of Nebraska,MikeRounds of South DakotaandDavid Perdue of Georgianoted that small businesses are making communities stronger.Democratic Sen.Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshireand Kansas Republican Sens.Jerry MoranandPat Robertsreferred to small businesses as the backbone of their states' economies, and West Virginia Democratic Sen.Joe Manchincalled them the heart of our economy.\r\n\r\nSome Senators even provided fun facts to express the importance of buying local.Democratic Sens.Patrick Leahy of VermontandCory Booker of New Jerseynoted thatsmall businesses create two out of every three net new jobs, andRepublican Sen.John Hoeven of North Dakotaadded that 10 percent of all U.S. businesses are owned by veterans. Republican Sen.Joni Ernst of Iowatweetedthat small business account for 99 percent of Iowa's total businesses. And Republican Sen.JimRisch of Idahoinformed that there are 30 million small businesses in America.\r\n\r\nOther Senators remarked their own participation in the holiday Democratic Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand of New Yorksaid she was taking her children to the local bookshop.And Democratic Sen.Ben Cardin of Marylandthanked small business for keeping our economy moving.\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSmall Business Saturday was established in 2010 as a counterpart toBlack FridayandCyber Mondayas a way to encourage individuals to shop at local brick and mortar businesses as opposed to big box and large chain retailers. Although first sponsored andtrademarkedto American Express, the U.S.Small BusinessAdministration (SBA) encourages participation in the event.\r\n\r\nIt's [Small Business Saturday], and as a former small businessman myself, I'm proud to support this great initiative and remind Georgians to [shop small]! tweeted RepublicanSen. JohnnyIsakson of Georgia.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI encourage every Coloradan today to get out and support small business owners and entrepreneurs by shopping locally and giving back to your communities across the state for [Small Business Saturday], said Republican Sen.Cory Gardner of Colorado.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/couer-d-alene-post-falls-press-small-business-saturday-investment-in-community", "Couer d'Alene/ Post Falls Press: Small Business Saturday: Investment in Community", "2018-11-23", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Idaho's 158,000 small businesses not only drive our economy, spur innovation and create jobs, they reflect the unique character of the state. Residents and tourists feel this each time they visit a local shop, buy an artisanal product or receive outstanding personal service. And on Nov. 24, we invite shoppers to honor their contributions by supporting Small Business Saturday.\r\nNationwide, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is recognized as Small Business Saturday  an opportunity to help independently owned shops compete with national chains, online retailers and big box stores. When consumers spend their holiday shopping dollars at locally owned small businesses, they are investing in their neighbors and building the communities they call home.\r\nAs the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship and as the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, we understand that small businesses are critical to America's success. They create two out of every three net new jobs in the private sector and employ more than half of our nation's workforce. That is why we have worked together under President Trump's leadership to create an environment that fosters small business growth and encourages our nation's entrepreneurs to take a risk on starting or expanding a small business of their own.\r\nThis is a terrific time for America's 30 million small businesses. President Trump has advanced a pro-growth agenda, cutting costly, job-killing federal regulations that hinder small business growth. For every new regulation issued, the Administration has eliminated 12, saving businesses $23 billion in the latest fiscal year. Tax cuts are also saving small businesses money through lower rates and investment incentives, enabling them to put more money in their employees' pockets through raises and bonuses. New initiatives are also helping make it more affordable for small businesses to offer healthcare coverage and offer more choices.\r\nAs a result of tax relief and regulatory reform, NFIB, previously known as the National Federation of Independent Business, reports a two-year streak of record-high levels of optimism among small business owners. In NFIB's most recent monthly survey, small business owners report strong sales and say they plan to invest in their companies and hire more workers. Many are boosting wages as well  34 percent say they are increasing compensation to attract and retain workers.\r\nWith higher paychecks and savings from lower taxes, consumers have more money in their pockets. A Conference Board survey shows consumer confidence is at the highest level in 18 years. In fact, the National Retail Federation expects holiday spending to increase this year to as much as $720 billion  an increase of about 4.5 percent over last year.\r\nWe encourage shoppers to invest their holiday shopping dollars in small businesses  on Small Business Saturday, and every day. Their support has driven the good economic news we've seen over the past two years and will continue to propel our economy forward.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/idaho-statesman", "Idaho Statesman: On Small Business Saturday, support local shops and help drive the economy", "2018-11-21", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Idaho's 158,000 small businesses not only drive our economy, spur innovation and create jobs, they reflect the unique character of the state. Residents and tourists feel this each time they visit a local shop, buy an artisanal product or receive outstanding personal service. And on November 24, we invite shoppers to honor their contributions by supporting Small Business Saturday.\r\nNationwide, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is recognized as Small Business Saturday  an opportunity to help independently owned shops compete with national chains, online retailers and big box stores. When consumers spend their holiday shopping dollars at locally owned small businesses, they are investing in their neighbors and building the communities they call home.\r\nAs the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship and as the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, we understand that small businesses are critical to America's success. They create two out of every three net new jobs in the private sector and employ more than half of our nation's workforce. That is why we have worked together under President Trump's leadership to create an environment that fosters small business growth and encourages our nation's entrepreneurs to take a risk on starting or expanding a small business of their own.\r\nThis is a terrific time for America's 30 million small businesses.President Trump has advanced a pro-growth agenda, cutting costly, job-killing federal regulations that hinder small business growth. For every new regulation issued, the Administration has eliminated 12, saving businesses $23 billion in the latest fiscal year. Tax cuts are also saving small businesses money through lower rates and investment incentives, enabling them to put more money in their employees' pockets through raises and bonuses. New initiatives are also helping make it more affordable for small businesses to offer healthcare coverage and offer more choices.\r\nAs a result of tax relief and regulatory reform, NFIB, previously known as the National Federation of Independent Business,reports a two-year streak of record-high levels of optimism among small business owners. In NFIB's most recent monthly survey, small business owners report strong sales and say they plan to invest in their companies and hire more workers. Many are boosting wages as well  34 percent say they are increasing compensation to attract and retain workers.\r\nWith higher paychecks and savings from lower taxes, consumers have more money in their pockets. A Conference Board surveyshows consumer confidence is at the highest level in 18 years. In fact, the National Retail Federation expects holiday spending to increase this year to as much as $720 billion  an increase of about 4.5 percent over last year.\r\nWe encourage shoppers to invest their holiday shopping dollars in small businesses  on Small Business Saturday, and every day. Their support has driven the good economic news we've seen over the past two years and will continue to propel our economy forward.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-wyden-risch-merkley-urge-re-authorization-of-rural-resource-advisory-committees", "Crapo, Wyden, Risch, Merkley, Urge Re-authorization of Rural Resource Advisory Committees", "2018-11-19", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 19, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo, Wyden, Risch, Merkley, Urge Re-authorization of Rural Resource Advisory Committees \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 COMMITTEES Senators say committees are essential for natural resources work in national forests \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jim Risch (R-ID) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) today urged federal officials to reauthorize citizen committees that provide key advice for important natural resources work in national forests.\r\nThe senators' bipartisan letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue seeks prompt reauthorization of the national Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) charter under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS).\r\nReauthorizing the national charter will enable 114 RACs across the country in primarily rural areas to engage with local citizens in the responsible distribution of approximately $40 million in title II SRS funds, directly supporting jobs and important natural resources work on America's national forests, the senators wrote.\r\nWe are concerned that an ongoing delay in reauthorization could jeopardize the organization of RACs and consequently hinder distribution of these funds to local, rural communities, they wrote.\r\nSRS was first introduced in 2000 to assist counties containing tracts of federally-owned land that is tax-exempt.\r\nA copy of the letter is 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\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-wyden-introduce-secure-rural-schools-extension", "Crapo, Wyden Introduce Secure Rural Schools Extension", "2018-11-16", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 16, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo, Wyden Introduce Secure Rural Schools Extension \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-Wyden legislation extends SRS program another year \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLegislation to extend the Secure Rural Schools program by one year, through Fiscal Year 2019, has been introduced by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ron Wyden (D-Oregon). The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS) was first introduced in 2000 to assist counties containing tracts of federally-owned land that is tax-exempt.\r\nCritical services at the county level have historically been funded in part with a 25 percent share of timber receipts from federal lands. As those revenues have fallen due to reduced timber harvest, SRS payments have helped bridge the gap to fund rural schools, road maintenance, search and rescue efforts and other services.\r\nAuthorization for the Secure Rural Schools program is expiring. The Crapo-Wyden bill would put in place a one-year extension while more long-term measures can be explored.\r\nContinuing this program is critical to our rural schools and road programs, said Crapo. A renewed SRS commitment coupled with a recovering and healthy timber economy will ensure a brighter future for students and those who enjoy the backcountry alike.\r\nThis program is critical to making sure schools, law enforcement, and road programs in rural communities in Oregon and around the country have the support they need for residents' quality of life, said Wyden. Congress cannot allow the payments from this essential program to lapse. It is imperative that it extend the Secure Rural Schools program and give rural counties the financial certainty they require, while Congress spends some quality time considering other options to support these counties moving forward.\r\nThe legislation is expected to draw wide bipartisan support. Last year, 78 members of the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives wrote a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) seeking to include the SRS program in the President's budget recommendations.\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\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/2018/11/risch-introduces-inl-s-gain-director-at-her-confirmation-hearing", "Risch Introduces INLs GAIN Director at Her Confirmation Hearing", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) introduced Dr. Rita Baranwal to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for her nomination hearing to become Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at the Department of Energy (DOE). Dr. Baranwal currently serves as the director of DOE's Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) initiative at Idaho National Lab.\r\n\r\nSenator Risch's remarks to the Committee:\r\nIt is my distinctprivilege and honor this morning to introduce Dr. Rita Baranwal, and as is noted we all join in expressing our condolences to you. You are soldiering on with us and we understand that these are circumstances that we wish were different but we send the whole Senate family's condolences.\r\n\"She has been nominated to be Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at the Department of Energy. I am also pleased to recognize Rita's family. Her husbandPeter and their two childrenSanjay and Amiya.\r\nMy home state of Idaho is fortunate to host the Idaho National Laboratory it is our nation's flagship nuclear energy laboratory. The birthplace of nuclear energy in America and indeed in the world. INL has a rich history dating from the dawn of commercial nuclear power and the launching of the nuclear Navyand this work continues today.\r\nINL is a leading partner with the Department of Energy's Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) Initiative, with Dr. Baranwal currently serving as its Director. As Director of the GAIN Initiative, Dr. Baranwal is helping to bridge the gap between innovators in the private sector and the world-class research capabilities of our national laboratoriesthereby accelerating new, innovative nuclear energy technologies toward market readiness.\r\nPrior to leading the GAIN Initiative, Dr. Baranwal spent more than 20 years working in the nuclear industry, including nearly a decade at Westinghouse in the Nuclear Fuel division. Dr. Baranwal encountered the nuclear industry while working for the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory after completing graduate school. While developing advanced nuclear fuel for the U.S. Navy, Dr. Baranwal discovered and appreciated nuclear energy initiatives in America today. At Westinghouse, Dr. Baranwal led numerous R&D programs, including examining nuclear fuel and fuel rods.\r\nDr. Baranwal received her Master's and Doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan and her bachelor's in the same discipline from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.\r\nIn light of her extensive qualifications, I look forward to working with this Committee to bring her nomination to the Senate floor as soon as possible, and Rita we all look forward to hearing your testimony today.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-honors-16-idaho-veterans-and-volunteers-with-spirit-of-freedom-award", "Crapo Honors 16 Idaho Veterans & Volunteers With Spirit of Freedom Award", "2018-11-09", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 09, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo Honors 16 Idaho Veterans & 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 Who Continue to Serve Idaho's Greater Veterans Community \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo today announced 16 Idahoans will be recognized with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award. Individuals are nominated by veterans' organizations for serving our nation and military veterans across Idaho for this annual award.\r\nThe award, began by Crapo in 2002, is a small way to recognize and acknowledge the contributions of Idaho's veterans and volunteers to the wider Idaho veterans' community. 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' organizations, including the Idaho State Veterans Homes in Boise, Pocatello and Lewiston, the American Legion Post 113, the Department of Idaho Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Idaho Veterans Assistance League, the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Baker-Lind Post 3913, and the Vietnam Veterans of America Idaho State Council.\r\nThe Spirit of Freedom Awards recognize our veterans and the volunteers who set an example of leadership and service in our communities and across our state, said Crapo. Often, many of these veterans and volunteers quietly serve others, without receiving recognition for the valuable and selfless service they provide others. The Spirit of Freedom Award is an opportunity for all Idahoans, as a community, to collectively say thank you' to the women and men who continue to serve their fellow Idahoans.\r\nSubmissions for the 2019 Spirit of Freedom Service Award can be made by contacting Courtney Lehosit in Crapo's Boise office.\r\nMembers of Senator Crapo's staff will present the Spirit of Freedom Awards during these events across Idaho.\r\nBoise  Nine SOF awardees will be honored at this event\r\nSunday, November 11, 2018\r\nIdaho State Veterans Home\r\n320 Collins Road\r\n11:00 AM Mountain Time\r\nScheduled to be honored are LeRoy Barker, Ned Barker, Virginia Carmonne, Sharon Clark, Thomas Gase, Robert Kappy Kappmeyre, Steve Wheatley, Karl Wheeler, and Daniel Danny Pugmire\r\nLewiston  Two SOF awardees will be honored at this location\r\nSunday, November 11, 2018\r\nIdaho State Veterans Home\r\n821 21st Avenue \r\n2:00 PM Pacific Time\r\nScheduled to be honored are Charles Deobald and Bob Ouderkerken\r\nPocatello  Four SOF awardees will be honored at this location\r\nSunday, November 11, 2018\r\nIdaho State Veterans Home\r\n1957 Alvin Ricken Dr. \r\n2:30 PM Mountain Time\r\nScheduled to be honored are Michael Lagueux, Leo Olsen, Donald Worthylake and Daniel Wyckoff\r\nSenator Crapo's staff will also attend these other Veterans Day events.\r\nTwin Falls\r\nSunday, November 11, 2018\r\nTwin Falls City Park \r\n400 & 500 block of Shoshone Street East\r\n11:00 AM Mountain Time\r\nHayden \r\nMonday, November 12, 2018\r\nHayden City Hall\r\n8930 North Government Way\r\n11:00 AM Pacific Time\r\nRexburg \r\nFriday, November 9, 2018\r\nMadison High School\r\n2300 University Blvd\r\n10:00 AM Mountain Time\r\nIdaho Falls\r\nFriday, November 9, 2018\r\nWWI Memorial \r\n520 Memorial Drive\r\n11:00 AM Mountain Time\r\nSenator Crapo's staff already attended the following event.\r\nFirth High School\r\nThursday, November 8, 2018\r\n101 N Park Ave\r\nFirth, ID 83236\r\n10:00 AM Mountain Time\r\nThe following biographies for each of the recipients highlight their significant contributions to our country and its veterans.\r\nVeterans:\r\n \r\nNed M. Barker, Eagle: The State of Idaho Department for the Military Order of the Purple Heart nominated Ned Barker, who was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, and served for decades in the U.S. Army. His extensive, admirable service includes deployment to Vietnam, assignments in Korea and many earned honors that include the Silver Star; the Bronze Star with V Devise and 1st Oak Leaf Cluster; and the Purple Heart. After his military retirement, his work involved directing logistics and quality for a manufacturer of test instrumentation for the U.S. Military and international customers. Then, he and his wife of 52 years, thankfully, chose to make Boise home, where he continues to support fellow veterans and serves as the Commander for the State of Idaho Department for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. I thank Ned Barker for his immense service to our nation and his fellow veterans, and welcome the opportunity to honor him with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award.  \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nCharles E. Deobald, Kendrick: The Idaho State Veterans HomeLewiston nominated Charles Deobald, who enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a Combat Medic in World War II. Charles, who is 93 years old, was on Omaha Beach during D-Day and continued to help a wounded comrade get to safety despite enduring his own gunshot wounds. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his distinguished service. Following his service, he returned to Kendrick, married Bette Oylear, and they had two sons, Denny and Jed. Charles' service to our nation did not end with the war, as he later served in the Reserves. He has been an active member of the Kendrick community, where he ran the family service station with his brother and served as Mayor. Thank you, Charles, for your service to our nation and your remarkable leadership. It is an honor to recognize Charles Deobald with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nThomas Gase, Meridian: Tom Gase is a veteran of the Vietnam War who has dedicated many years to military service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Idaho Army National Guard and Ready Reserves, and he earned a number of honors for his distinguished service. Tom's civilian career includes working several years in the pre-cast concreate industry. When nominating Tom for this award, Robert C. Seal, of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Idaho State Council, wrote, Tom Gase is a true American patriot who is totally dedicated to assisting veterans and their families. From establishing a local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America, to helping make the Vietnam Memorial Monument in the Idaho Veteran's Memorial Park in Boise a reality, to providing holiday meals and much more, Tom works to meet needs in the community. Thank you, Tom Gase, for your dedicated service to our nation and ongoing service in the community. Recognizing Tom Gase's outstanding service with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award is a great honor.\r\n \r\n \r\nRobert Kappy Kappmeyer, Meridian: The Idaho State Veterans HomeBoise, where Kappy volunteers and uses his business talents to assist fellow veterans, nominated him for this honor. Kappy's nomination reads, Kappy's heart has no limits in giving back to his community. Kappy joined the Army Reserves in 1963 and served in a Special Forces intelligence unit in the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge in 1968, his civilian career included more than 30 years in the music industry operating his music label and booking agency; racing thoroughbreds; running his consulting business; and directing a foundation before his retirement in 2003 and move to Boise. Kappy and Karla, his wife of 46 years, are surrounded by family, including seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Robert Kappmeyer, thank you for lending your time and extensive talents to serving our nation and helping fellow servicemembers and others in the community. We are fortunate that you and Karla chose to make Idaho your home. Presenting you with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award is an honor.\r\n \r\n \r\nLeo R. Olsen, Pocatello: Leo Olsen was born 95 years ago in Blackfoot, and he enlisted in the U.S. Army when he was 18-years-old following the attack on Pearl Harbor. During World War II, he was a radio operator and mechanic helping fly B17s in missions throughout Germany, Belgium and France, and he earned many honors for his distinguished service. He and his wife, Betty Jo, were married 67 years before her passing, and they had four children: Kirk, Lin, Tammy and Kimberly. Their son Kirk stated, I am grateful for my dad's service during the war, but the thing I am the proudest of about my dad is how he cared for and loved my mother during her 12 years of Alzheimer's disease. His civilian career included his work as a barber for 32 years and his work as a Real Estate Broker in Blackfoot. The Idaho State Veterans HomePocatello nominated Leo for this honor. Leo, you have no doubt set a loving example for your family; friends; fellow servicemembers; Americans and allies abroad who live in freedom thanks to your service. Presenting Leo Olsen with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award is a true honor.\r\n \r\n \r\nFrank C. Dammarell, Kendrick: The Senior Vice Commander and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Baker-Lind Post 3913 nominated their Commander, Frank C. Dammarell, for this award in recognition of his years of honorable military service and countless hours of outstanding volunteer service with numerous state and community organizations. Frank enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1948. He then attended Marksmanship, Advanced Infantry Training and Special Weapons Training in southern California before his first fleet assignment in 1949 in Asia, as a 3.5 inch rockets instructor. Thank you, Frank Dammarell for your devoted service. Recognizing Frank Dammarell with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award is a great honor.\r\n \r\n \r\nDaniel Dale Pugmire, Nampa: American Legion Post 113 nominated Dan Pugmire, who served in the U.S. Air Force. Danny's profound characteristics that are clear in his nomination is his big heart and great courage in helping others. Danny is known as someone who runs toward danger to help those in need. Matthew Wrobel of the American Legion Post 113 cited Danny's numerous rescues of people, including a family from a sinking car, and a man from being beaten by a group of men with bricks. Danny and his wife, June, have shared their home for months with those in need and have given their furniture to veterans without. Danny is a college champion wrestler, who coached a champion high school wrestling team. In 2012, Danny started the Idaho Veterans Garden in Caldwell. He has three children, 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Honoring Daniel Pugmire with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award is a welcome opportunity to express gratitude for all he does for others. \r\n \r\n \r\nDonald Worthylake, Pocatello: When nominating Donald Worthylake for this award, Carrie Leavitt, with the Idaho State Veterans HomePocatello, wrote, We can all learn from Don how to be engaged in our community, to serve others to make this world a better place for all. Don is a 94-year-old U.S. Navy Veteran who served in the Navy for 30 years on active duty, which included serving in World War II and the Korean War. Don received many honors for his service. After his military retirement, he worked as a bandmaster and worked in wildlife conservation, planting more than 1,000 trees for wildlife habitat. Don has also written for the Soil Conservation District and Idaho State Journal, and he authored a historical book about South Bannock County. He volunteered for many organizations and boards, including serving as a Volunteer Firefighter for McCammon, Idaho, for 20 years. Don and his wife, Muriel, were married 67 years before her passing and had two children, Kathleen and Ken. Don also helped raise his stepson, Stephen. I welcome the opportunity to honor Don with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award for his immense service to our nation and the community.  \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nDaniel McCoy Wyckoff, Pocatello: Major Daniel Wyckoff is a 93-year-old U.S. Air Force Veteran who was nominated for this honor by the Idaho State Veterans HomePocatello. Daniel first served with the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943 and later the Air Force. He dedicated 29 years to military service, serving four tours in three different wars: World War II, Korea and two tours in Vietnam. And, the list of honors and recognitions he achieved for his distinguished service is extensive. At one point during World War II, he and his four other brothers were all serving in the war at the same time. Daniel married his wife, Betty, in 1947, and they had two children, Don and Beverly. Daniel flew numerous military aircraft and taught jet fighting and gunnery before his retirement from the Air Force in 1971. Then, he flew commercial, corporate flights before his retirement in 1992. I welcome the opportunity to honor Daniel Wyckoff with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award to thank him for his exemplary service to our nation.\r\n \r\nVolunteers:\r\n \r\nLeRoy Barker, Meridian: LeRoy Barker is a dedicated volunteer at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, which nominated him for this award for the compassion he gives those visiting the cemetery. LeRoy Barker is a veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1962. After his active duty military service, he earned a doctorate and had an extensive career in the research and science of plant breeding and seed production, that included his work as a professor of Agronomy. He taught and performed research at universities in the U.S. and Nigeria. Professor Barker has been an instrumental part of the development of staple crop varieties that are major food sources. LeRoy and his wife of 62 years, Sara Ann (known as Ann), raised five children and have 20 grandchildren and more than 20 great-grandchildren. I welcome the opportunity to honor LeRoy Barker with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award for his great contributions to the community, nation and world. \r\n \r\n \r\nVirginia Carmonne, Boise: The Idaho Veterans Assistance League nominated Virginia Carmonne for this award. Virginia has been an energetic and enthusiastic volunteer for more than three years at the Idaho State Veterans HomeBoise's Canteen, where she is considered to represent the qualities looked for in all volunteers. Virginia's father was a World War II Veteran. She was married for 33 years and raised two sons, one of which served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years. Virginia is described by her nominators as someone who enjoys problem-solving and providing a kind ear for veterans. In her words, Veterans are special people. Virginia Carmonne's volunteer efforts help honor veterans for their service to our nation, and I welcome the opportunity to express gratitude for her exceptional service through presenting the Virginia with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award.\r\n \r\n \r\nSharon Clark, Boise: Sharon Clark, who recently retired as Chief of Voluntary Services for the Boise Veterans Administration Medical Center, has dedicated her talents for more than 50 years to assisting those who have served our country. Sharon started assisting servicemembers as an American Red Cross volunteer in the Philippines during the Vietnam War before her work in community and religious programs in Germany. When nominating Sharon for this award, Robert C. Seal, of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Idaho State Council, wrote that at the medical center Sharon put her heart and soul into administering the various volunteer programs and was the glue that held the volunteer program together. Sharon has enabled hundreds of volunteers to serve, as she created partnerships with groups and matched volunteers with their interests. Sharon Clark has no doubt made a difference in many lives and enabled others to help. I welcome the opportunity to express gratitude for Sharon honoring veterans through her life's work through presenting her with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award. \r\n \r\n \r\nMichael T. Lagueux, Chubbuck: Michael Lagueux served in the U.S. Air Force as a Jet Fighter Crew Chief during the Vietnam War and has volunteered for three years at the Idaho State Veterans HomePocatello visiting with residents. Michael is considered to be an exceptional volunteer, who is very aware of others and their needs and brings joy to not only the veterans, but also the staff. After his military service, Michael worked for Delta Airlines for 35 years and moved to Idaho after retiring in 2014. Michael shared the following about what he enjoys about volunteering, The value of my personal takeaway from visiting with these fine people is immeasurable. I garner a sense of hope for a better future for our country, by learning about the past through the voices of these Heroes. It is an honor to interact with each one of them. When nominating Michael for the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award, Carrie Leavitt, with the Idaho State Veterans HomePocatello, reflected on Michael's ability as a fellow veteran to relate and communicate so well with veterans and wrote, Michael has a wonderful way of bringing smiles and memories to our veterans. Thank you, Michael, for your service to our nation and dedicating your time to lifting others up. Recognizing Michael Lagueux with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award is a true honor.\r\n \r\n \r\nBob Ouderkerken, Kendrick: Bob, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, volunteers at the Idaho State Veterans HomeLewiston, where he is valued as a dedicated volunteer always willing to help out even at a moment's notice. Bob's volunteer efforts include helping the home's residents on outings and assisting with Bible study and holiday events. He considers it an honor and a privilege to spend time with the residents. In 1972, Bob married his wife, Aunie, and together they have four sons. Bob is part of four generations who have served our country. Before moving to Idaho in 2006, Bob worked as a Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor in southern California. In addition to volunteering at the home, Bob has given his time to assisting in many other efforts in the community, including serving on credit union and church boards and the Kendrick-Juliaetta Planning and Zoning Commission. When nominating Bob for this honor, Terri Brockman, of the Idaho State Veterans HomeLewiston, wrote, Bob takes the time to listen and visit with the veterans at our home, and it is easy to see his true compassion for those he visits. Thank you, Bob Ouderkerken, for your service to our nation and fellow veterans. Recognizing Bob's exemplary thoughtfulness with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award is an honor.  \r\n \r\n \r\nSteve Wheatley, Boise: Idaho State Veterans HomeBoise nominated U.S. Army Veteran Steve Wheatley for this recognition. Steve volunteers in the home's dining room bringing residents to and from meals, passing trays and helping cleanup. Steve says that he appreciates the service veterans have provided and feels honored to help them any way he can. Steve earned a degree in Asian languages (Mandarin) at Brigham Young University and has taught English both in Taiwan as a missionary and privately and tutoring Mandarin-speaking students in Boise. Steve has one son. When Steve was asked about a particular volunteer activity that stands out for him, he recalled enjoying sharing in a St. Patrick's Day celebration with the residents stating, Everywhere was decorated in green, the Irish dancers performed their clogging beautifully and it was just a wonderful feel-good experience for all. Steve Wheatley's volunteer efforts help honor veterans for their service to our nation, and I welcome the opportunity to express gratitude for his giving spirit through presenting him with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award. \r\n \r\n \r\nKarl Wheeler, Boise: The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, where Karl Wheeler is a respected and dedicated volunteer, nominated Karl. James A. Earp, Administrator of the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, wrote, One of the many strong attributes that Karl demonstrates is his selfless service to continue to give back to the Veterans and their families by being the steward of military professionalism in honoring their lifetime of contributions and service. Lieutenant Colonel Karl Wheeler served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years, including combat aviator in Vietnam, and he earned many honors for his distinguished service. After his military retirement, Karl worked with multiple government contract companies in the testing, development and modernization of America's missile technologies during the height of the Cold War. Karl and his wife, Luella, were married for 62 years before her passing in 2015, and they raised their two children, Karl and Katherine. Thank you, Karl Wheeler, for your service to our nation, fellow veterans and their families. I welcome the opportunity to recognize Karl Wheeler's exemplary dedication through presenting him with the 2018 Spirit of Freedom Award.\r\n \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\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/2018/11/idaho-dairy-producers-meet-with-senators", "ABC 6: Idaho dairy producers meet with Senators", "2018-11-08", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At a dairy facility in Nampa Wednesday, Idaho's two senators, Senator Mike Crapo and Senator James Risch, met with local dairy producersand assured them that they are workingto persuade President Trump to address their concerns.\r\n\"I can tell you this. He wants trade agreements as much as anybody else. But he wants one that is favorable to us,\" said Senator James Risch (R).\r\n\"It was nice to hear their perspective and kind of what goes on behind the scenes. That was very enlightening,\" said Alan Reed, President of Reed's Dairy.\r\nLegislators hope to ease the financial burden on Idaho's dairy farmers, and Senator Jim Risch says -- when it comes to the trade war -- the president is \"relentless,\" and that he \"appears to know where he's going, and he's going to execute.\"\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/senator-risch-statement-on-veterans-day", "Senator Risch Statement on Veterans Day", "2018-11-08", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Boise, ID  U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) made the following statement on Veterans Day:\r\nOur veterans have fought and sacrificed heavily for our freedoms, setting aside their own families, interests and safety. On this Veterans Day, Vicki and I want to say thank you to the over 20 million U.S. veterans, including those in Idaho, who have stood strong to protect our country from the evil that exists around the world. Today and every day, we owe them a debt of gratitude.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-on-attorney-general-jeff-sessions-resignation", "Crapo Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions' Resignation", "2018-11-07", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 07, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions' Resignation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo today issued the statement below following the resignation of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions:\r\nJeff Sessions was my colleague for many years in the Senate. He is a man of deep integrity whom I have trusted, and he has devoted his career to serving our country. I supported his nomination to serve as Attorney General and he has focused on executing the laws of our nation without regard to political influence. He still has my full support as he enters this next chapter in his career.\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\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-little-to-highlight-new-job-education-opportunities-with-idaho-veterans-coalition", "Crapo, Little to Highlight New Job, Education Opportunities with Idaho Veterans Coalition", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 02, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo, Little to Highlight New Job, Education Opportunities with Idaho Veterans Coalition \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, Little note legislation, efforts ahead of Veterans Day \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tA new coalition in Idaho, the Veterans Education and Workforce Development Coalition, is working to increase opportunities for jobs and education for veterans in the state.\r\nOn Monday, November 5, in the Office of Idaho Governor C.L. Butch Otter, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and Idaho Lt. Governor Brad Little will join state leaders to mark the partnership and accomplishments of the Veterans Education and Workforce Development Coalition.\r\nCrapo has sponsored two federal, bipartisan bills in the Senate to assist in the Coalition's mission to help members of the Armed Forces transition from military service to the civilian sector:\r\n \r\nS. 3299, the Improving Preparation and Resources for Occupational, Vocational and Educational (IMPROVE) Transition for Servicemembers Act, proposes various improvements to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to accomplish earlier, more consistent and more effective utilization of the program and also seeks to improve communication among federal, state and local organizations. Language from S. 3299 received consideration by the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee in a hearing on August 1st.\r\n \r\n \r\nS.3310, cosponsored with Senator Bennet of Colorado, which would provide federal matching grants to organizations that act as hubs of various supportive services for separating servicemembers and their families, such as employment assistance, financial services, entrepreneurship training and behavioral health services. The Veterans Education and Workforce Development Coalition has informed these legislative efforts in addition to supporting local partnerships to provide educational and employment opportunities for veterans across the state.\r\n \r\nThe new legislation and the coalition's work with business, industry and governmental entities are seeing results, including a two-thirds increase in applications by Idaho businesses to establish on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs in Idaho for veterans; over 40 Idaho businesses trained in how to recruit and support veteran employees; and ongoing efforts to improve the transfer and applicability of military skills to civilian occupations and educational degrees.\r\nWhen a veteran transitions to Idaho after the military, he or she should receive more than just a warm welcome with wordswe as a community should also step up to provide a ready network of community, information and services to support their ambitions and help them start a new life, Crapo said.\r\nA news conference and briefing on the Coalition's efforts is planned for Monday, which will also include a joint proclamation from Governor Otter and Lt. Governor Little recognizing the value of our nation's veterans and the work being done on every level to ensure Idaho is not only veteran friendly, but also veteran ready. Coalition stakeholders and Idaho industry leaders will be present to discuss their involvement in the initiative.\r\nVeterans Education and Workforce Development Coalition update:\r\nMonday, November 5th1:00 PMIdaho Statehouse, Office of the Governor\r\nIdaho Lt. Governor Brad LittleIdaho Senator Mike CrapoElli Brown, State Government Affairs Director, Idaho National LaboratoryRecruit Officer Kenneth Sandoval, former U.S. Marine\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\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-wyden-lead-senators-in-calling-for-additional-funding-to-ensure-effective-responses-to-massive-wildfires", "Crapo, Wyden Lead Senators in Calling for Additional Funding to Ensure Effective Responses to Massive Wildfires", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 02, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo, Wyden Lead Senators in Calling for Additional Funding to Ensure Effective Responses to Massive Wildfires \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 Lawmakers request FY 2019 funding for much needed air tanker procurement to fight unprecedentedly large fires \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, today led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in requesting funding to modernize firefighting assets so the U.S. Forest Service can more effectively respond, in a cost-effective manner, to devastating wildfires.\r\nThe senators, in letters to Senate Committee on Appropriations leadership and the U.S. Forest Service, highlight the need for a modern, highly capable large air tanker and water-scooper fleetproven to be one of the most effective immediate responses to limit the expansion of wildfires into uncontrollable mega-fires. The available aircraft flying this mission today continue to be retired ex-military/ex-civil aircraft, repurposed for air tanker operations and flown by small private contract firms.\r\nThe intensity and duration of the past successive fire seasons confirm the reality that the wildfire suppression workload has grown in severity and complexity due to hotter, longer burning seasons and the expanding wildland-urban interface, the lawmakers wrote. These factors will only worsen future wildfire disasters so it is time that Congress and the executive branch proactively upgrade firefighting assets in order to protect the lives and property in communities facing these massive wildfires.\r\nIn March, Congress passed into law a long-term, bipartisan funding solution led by Wyden and Crapo to stabilize the Forest Service budget. The fire fix, taking effect in 2020, ends the backwards practice of fire borrowing, allowing the agency to restart many of the fire prevention projects delayed by uncertain funding from longer, hotter fire years. To ensure the Forest Service can most effectively fight wildfires now, Congress must also immediately act to invest in modern firefighting assets.\r\nWyden and Crapo were joined by Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Cory Gardner, R-C.O., and Michael Bennet, D-C.O., in sending the letters.\r\nA copy of the letter to U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen can be found here.\r\nA copy of the letter to Senate Committee on Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy and Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, & Related Agencies Chairman Lisa Murkowski and Ranking Member Tom Udall can be found 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\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/2018/11/nw-senators-seek-funds-to-modernize-firefight-fleet", "KTVZ: NW Senators Seek Funds to Modernize Firefight Fleet", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Sens.Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, led a bipartisan group ofcolleagues Friday in requesting funding to modernize firefighting assets so the U.S. Forest Service can more effectively respondin a cost-effective mannerto devastating wildfires.\r\nThe senators, in letters to Senate Committee on Appropriations leadership and the U.S. Forest Service, highlighted the need for a modern, highly capable large air tanker and water-scooper fleet  proven to be one of the most effective immediate responses to limit the expansion of wildfires into uncontrollable mega-fires.\r\nThey said the available aircraft flying this mission today continue to be retired ex-military/ex-civil aircraft, repurposed for air tanker operations and flown by small private contract firms.\r\nThe intensity and duration of the past successive fire seasons confirm the reality that the wildfire suppression workload has grown in severity and complexity due to hotter, longer burning seasons and the expanding wildland-urban interface,the lawmakers wrote.These factors will only worsen future wildfire disasters, so it is time that Congress and the executive branch proactively upgrade firefighting assets in order to protect the lives and property in communities facing these massive wildfires.\r\nIn March, Congress passed into law a long-term, bipartisan funding solution led by Wyden and Crapo to stabilize the Forest Service budget. The fire fix, taking effect in 2020, ends the backwards practice of fire borrowing, allowing the agency to restart many of the fire prevention projects delayed by uncertain funding from longer, hotter fire years.\r\nTo ensure the Forest Service can most effectively fight wildfires now, Congress must also immediately act to invest in modern firefighting assets, the senators said.\r\nWyden and Crapo were joined by Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Cory Gardner, R-C.O., and Michael Bennet, D-C.O., in sending the letters.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/idfa-fly-out-to-convene-idaho-dairy-leaders-members-of-congress", "IDFA: IDFA 'Fly-Out' to Convene Idaho Dairy Leaders, Members of Congress", "2018-11-01", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "IDFA continues to enhance its innovative efforts to advocate dairy industry priorities with federal lawmakers. On the heels of four successful strategic fly-ins, IDFA next week is hosting its first strategic \"fly-out\" in Nampa, Idaho, bringing together Idaho senators and a congressional candidate with leaders from dairy products companies with Idaho operations. These companies include Agropur Cooperative, Albertsons Companies, Brewster Cheese Company, Chobani, Inc., Darigold, Inc., Dean Foods Company, Glanbia Nutritionals, Reed's Dairy, Inc. and Sorrento Lactalis, Inc.\r\n\r\nIdaho's dairy products industry has an overall economic impact of $11.4 billion and supports more than 41,000 jobs that generate $2.5 billion in wages, said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO. We're very pleased to bring Idaho's members of Congress together with their dairy company constituents to share dairy's impact on Idaho's economy and discuss the policies needed to ensure dairy's continued growth and success in Idaho.\r\nSen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Sen. Jim Risch, R- Idaho, will participate in the fly-out, along with Russ Fulcher, the Republican candidate for Idaho's open seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.\nThe meeting will be held at the Sorrento Lactalis, Inc. facility in Nampa, where members of Congress and company representatives will participate in a tour and roundtable discussion on issues important to Idaho dairy members. Topics will include:\r\n \r\nThe importance of trade and the need to remove retaliatory tariffs on U.S. dairy products in markets abroad;\r\nProgress on the passage of a farm bill that includes dairy priorities;\r\nLegislation that would ensure that cheesemakers can continue to use the term natural cheese\" on their product labels; and\r\nDairy manufacturing's positive impact on the state's economy.\r\n \r\nThe event will be held Nov.7, which is the day after U.S. midterm elections. The congressional leaders and industry representatives plan to discuss the election results and what they may mean for dairy.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/idaho-s-u-s-senators-praise-new-water-infrastructure-law", "Idaho Press Tribune: Idaho's U.S. senators praise new water infrastructure law", "2018-10-25", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Early this week, President Donald Trump signed a bill into law authorizing more than $6 billion in spending to improve the nation's water infrastructure. Idaho senators praised the bill early this month.\r\n\r\n\r\nAmerica's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 authorizes 10 years of water infrastructure project spending and increases local input on large water projects such as flood control, navigation and environment restoration projects run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe bipartisan law allows for the Army Corps to authorize, modify and expedite water resource projects nationwide. It also aims to increase water storage in the West as well as build dams, reservoirs and improve irrigation systems.\r\n\r\n\r\nCongress approved the bill nearly unanimously with a 99-1 vote. Both U.S. senators from Idaho, Republicans Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, voted in favor.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe two senators praised the bill earlier this month in a press release noting subsequent upgrades to Idaho waterways, irrigation systems and dams. The bill, they said, will help ensure water delivery to Idaho ranches and farms and will increase water storage in the West.\r\n\r\n\r\nAnyone who uses so much as a drop of water in Idaho will benefit from this common-sense legislation, Risch said in a statement. This bill will help improve Idaho's water infrastructure and bring more state and local control to our projects.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe law will propel Idaho state projects such as the development of a flood prevention action plan for states in the Snake River Basin, as well as restoration and invasive species prevention in the Columbia River Basin, stated the release.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-chairs-hearing-for-ninth-circuit-nominees", "Crapo Chairs Hearing for Ninth Circuit Nominees", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 24, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo Chairs Hearing for Ninth Circuit Nominees \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is the largest in the nation with jurisdiction over nine states and two territorial courts. With the State of Idaho as part of that circuit, its judges have influence over Western issues that affect Idahoans. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today chaired a hearing on a slate of nominees, including two selected to serve as judges on the Ninth Circuit.\r\nSince the Ninth Circuit was established in 1890, the West has experienced explosive population growth across several states. This results in significant caseloads for judges to consider and for those seeking justice to navigate a lengthy journey to justice, said Crapo. It is important that all who come before the Court receive fair and equal justice from judges who understand that their role is to interpret the Constitution as it is written. For this to happen, this influential court must have a full bench of judges who can hear cases and ensure that timely justice is served.\"\r\nToday's hearing is the first to consider additional nominations to the Ninth Circuit since the Senate confirmed Ryan Nelson of Idaho Falls to the Ninth Circuit on October 11. Nelson will take the seat vacated by Judge N. Randy Smith who earlier this year announced he will take senior status.\r\nAppearing before the committee today were Bridget Bade and Eric Miller, both of whom have been nominated to the Ninth Circuit. The hearing also included nominees Karin Immergut, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Oregon, and Richard Hertling, to be a Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.\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\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/2018/10/congressional-delegates-receive-friend-of-farm-bureau-award", "The Jefferson Star: Congressional Delegates receive Friend of Farm Bureau Award", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, along with Representatives Mike Simpson and Raul Labrador, will receive the awards in the coming weeks at various locations.\r\nThe Friend of Farm Bureau award is given at the end of each Congress to those members of Congress who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.\r\nThis award is based upon voting records on AFBF's priority issues established by the board of directors, number of bills that a member has sponsored and co-sponsored, their specific leadership role for Farm Bureau on priority issues, and how accessible and responsive that member is to Farm Bureau members and leaders.\r\nAccording to a University of Idaho study, agriculture is the most important sector in the state's economy. It showed that agriculture is directly and indirectly responsible for 16 percent of the state's total Gross Domestic Product as well as $27 billion in sales annually and one of every seven jobs in the state.\r\nIdaho Farm Bureau Federation President Bryan Searle said the state's congressional delegation gets high marks when it comes to leading on important issues and for being accessible to Farm Bureau members as well as other constituents and responding to their concerns.\r\nThe members of Idaho's congressional delegation receive this award because their actions prove they understand how important agriculture is to our state's economy and to our nation's security, he said. We applaud them for their work and look forward to continuing to work closely with them on issues important to Farm Bureau members and the state's 24,000 farmers and ranchers.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/risch-backs-trump-on-withdrawing-from-arms-treaty-with-russia", "Risch backs Trump on withdrawing from arms treaty with Russia", "2018-10-23", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, who is in line to chair the Senate Foreign Relations Committee next year if Republicans keep their Senate majority, issued a statement Monday unequivocally supporting President Trump's move to withdraw the United States from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia.\r\nI support the move toward withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. At a time when the United States and the Soviet Union were the only global superpowers, the INF Treaty was a landmark agreement that helped provide stability and security in Europe, Risch said. For the past several years, the Russian government has systematically violated the INF Treaty and deployed systems around Europe that undermine the stability that the INF Treaty helped create. Russian actions represent a material breach of the Treaty, and it is abundantly clear, the United States is the only country limited by the INF Treaty.\r\n\r\n\r\nIn addition, new strategic threats from a rising China requires the United States to consider the alliances we have around the world and the commitments to uphold international security, the Idaho GOP senator said. The United States cannot help provide effective deterrence in Asia as long as we are limited by the INF treaty. The time has come to set the Treaty aside and develop alternative avenues toward the security the treaty once provided.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/risch-statement-on-u-s-withdrawal-from-the-inf-treaty", "Risch Statement on U.S. Withdrawal from the INF Treaty", "2018-10-22", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) made the following statement on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty:\r\nI support the move toward withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. At a time when the United States and the Soviet Union were the only global superpowers, the INF Treaty was a landmark agreement that helped provide stability and security in Europe. For the past several years, the Russian government has systematically violated the INF Treaty and deployed systems around Europe that undermine the stability that the INF Treaty helped create. Russian actions represent a material breach of the Treaty, and it is abundantly clear, the United States is the only country limited by the INF Treaty. \r\nIn addition, new strategic threats from a rising China requires the United States to consider the alliances we have around the world and the commitments to uphold international security. The United States cannot help provide effective deterrence in Asia as long as we are limited by the INF treaty. The time has come to set the Treaty aside and develop alternative avenues toward the security the treaty once provided.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/micron-throws-itself-a-birthday-party", "Micron throws itself a birthday party", "2018-10-19", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Boise is our headquarters, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said on Thursday. It is the center of our research and development, which in turn is the foundation of the company's global presence.\r\nMehrotra was in Boise to take part in the company's 40th anniversary, which it celebrated in Idaho by taking over Cecil Andrus Park, in front of the Statehouse, and busing in employees from the company's facility in southeast Boise. The event  which was replicated at the company's other worldwide locations  included food, music, performances and speeches from local leaders, including Gov. C. L. Butch Otter, Sen. Jim Risch and Boise Mayor Dave Bieter. Both Bieter and Otter made proclamations  Bieter for Boise and Otter, as he emphasized, for the whole state.\r\nOtter, wearing a cast due to abroken ankle, reminisced about the day he drove his then father-in-law, J.R. Simplot, and two brothers-in-law to a nondescript dentist's office near Fairview and Cole, wondering, What in the hell is he doing now? In the basement of that dentist's office were Ward and Joe Parkinson, the two founders of Micron, which Simplot funded.\r\nThe two Parkinson brothers, as well as members of former CEO Steve Appleton's family and former CEO Mark Durcan, were also in attendance at the event.\r\nMehrotra, who had co-founded the storage company SanDisk and left after it was sold to Western Digital in 2016, said his emphasis at Micron was improving the company's speed of executionand improving the translation of its technology into benefits for its stakeholders and stockholders.\r\nMehtotra also presented four Boise charities with $10,000 each  the Idaho Food Bank's backpack program, Charitable Assistance to Community's Homeless (CATCH), the Discovery Center and the Foothills restoration project representing food, shelter, education and the environment, he said.\r\nMicron also announced today that it was spending $1.5 billion to buy out Intel's share of the IM Flash Technologies joint venture for 3D XPoint technology, which is manufactured in Lehi, Utah. The two companies have created and ended a number of partnerships over the years.\r\nIt has a tremendous manufacturing capability, Mehrotra said. There is a growing need for memory and storage for artificial intelligence, he said. It is at the heart of the intelligence evolution.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/micron-celebrates-its-40th-anniversary-in-the-city-of-trees", "Micron celebrates its 40th anniversary in the City of Trees", "2018-10-18", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It may be Joe Albertson's Idaho, but Micron is the tech equivalent and today the state celebrated the company's 40th anniversary.\r\nIt's survived all this time in one of the most cutthroat industries in the world, and it's emerged as one of the four top semiconductor companies in the world.\r\nIt's an accomplishment that required a party.\r\nIdaho senator Jim Risch made his appreciation clear, \"On behalf of every Idahoan, thank you Micron, thank you, thank you, thank you, god bless you.\"\r\nMicron which used to be the largest private employer in Idaho still, employs 63-hundred people and many of them caught a shuttle to Cecil Andrus park to celebrate their employer and hear the rest of the community sing their praises.\r\nBoise mayor Dave Bieter was among them, \"Today, Micron's team of 34 thousand employees spanning the globe from Boise to Silicon Valley. Virginia to Singapore, Taiwan and Japan.\"\r\nThe company's CEO, Sanjay Mehrotra, says despite it's international flavor, Boise is home, \"So we are a global company today of course, but Boise is the heart of Micron. Will it always be the heart? It absolutely will be. This is where we started and the roots are and a strong team.\"\r\nThat team is working on providing the kind of memory chips that will help further two key areas of science, including artificial intelligence for your car.\r\n\"Driverless and autonomous driving technology actually will reduce fatalities by 90 percent by mid part of the century,\"says Mehrotra. Also, Micron wants to help create computer systems that will make medical diagnoses more accurate and faster.\r\n\"That speed relies on a lot of memory and storage in advanced computing systems that Micron helps really fuel,\" adds Mehrotra.\r\nSo long after Andrus Park is cleared, Micron plans to party on.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/congressional-delegates-receive-friend-of-farm-bureau-awards", "Congressional delegates receive Friend of Farm Bureau awards", "2018-10-17", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "POCATELLO  All four members of Idaho's congressional delegation have earned the American Farm Bureau Federation's Friend of Farm Bureau Award for their efforts during the 115th Congress.\r\n\r\n\r\nSens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, along with Reps. Mike Simpson and Raul Labrador, will receive the awards in the coming weeks at various locations.\r\nThe Friend of Farm Bureau award is given at the end of each Congress to those members of Congress who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.\r\n\r\n\r\nThis award is based upon voting records on AFBF's priority issues established by the board of directors, number of bills that a member has sponsored and co-sponsored, their specific leadership role for Farm Bureau on priority issues, and how accessible and responsive that member is to Farm Bureau members and leaders.\r\n\r\n\r\nAccording to a University of Idaho study, agriculture is the most important sector in the state's economy. It showed that agriculture is directly and indirectly responsible for 16 percent of the state's total Gross Domestic Product as well as $27 billion in sales annually and one of every seven jobs in the state.\r\n\r\n\r\nIdaho Farm Bureau Federation President Bryan Searle said the state's congressional delegation gets high marks when it comes to leading on important issues and for being accessible to Farm Bureau members as well as other constituents and responding to their concerns.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe members of Idaho's congressional delegation receive this award because their actions prove they understand how important agriculture is to our state's economy and to our nation's security, he said. We applaud them for their work and look forward to continuing to work closely with them on issues important to Farm Bureau members and the state's 24,000 farmers and ranchers.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/reader-comment-bipartisan-support-for-nuclear-energy-innovation-capabilities-act", "Reader Comment: Bipartisan support for Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act", "2018-10-14", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Whenever I go to Capitol Hill, I am encouraged by the broad and bipartisan support for nuclear energy.\r\n\r\n\r\nRepublicans and Democrats, in growing numbers, agree that sustaining the existing fleet of nuclear reactors and developing, demonstrating, and deploying next-generation reactors will create jobs, ensure reliability and resilience of the electric grid, protect the environment, and meet growing energy demands in the electricity, transportation, and manufacturing sectors.\r\n\r\n\r\nBut, as we all know, words and actions are very different things. That's why I'm so encouraged by recent passage of the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act.\r\n\r\n\r\nThis legislation, approved overwhelmingly by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, and signed Sept. 28 into law by President Trump, is a big deal  for the nuclear energy industry and for Idaho National Laboratory.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFirst, NEICA establishes the National Reactor Innovation Center. This program enables the testing and demonstration of reactor concepts that will be proposed and funded, either in full or in part, by the private sector. INL is the right location for the NRIC.\r\n\r\n\r\nNearly 70 years ago, the U.S. government established the National Reactor Testing Station on the Idaho desert.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe NRTS provided capabilities that drove nuclear innovation. Our predecessors built the first nuclear power plant, tested the first submarine reactor, demonstrated a self-sustaining fuel cycle, and lit up Arco, the first U.S. city to be powered by nuclear energy.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe National Reactor Testing Station is our foundation. The National Reactor Innovation Center is our future.\r\nSecond, NEICA requires the U.S. Department of Energy to determine the need for a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source, which shall operate as a national user facility.\r\n\r\n\r\nCurrently, the world's only fast neutron source reactor accessible to U.S. companies and capable of performing the needed tests is located in Russia. This legislation, along with appropriations in the Fiscal Year 2019 budget, kick-starts the process of filling a gaping technological hole in the U.S.\r\n\r\n\r\nAs I told a congressional committee earlier this year, I can think of no better place to build this fast neutron source reactor than on 890 square miles in the Idaho desert, at the place that provided the foundation for America's commercial nuclear energy industry by building and operating 52 original nuclear reactors.\r\n\r\n\r\nThat's why INL is leading the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy's Versatile Test Reactor research and development program, an effort that will ultimately lead to a pre-conceptual design and cost estimate for a U.S. neutron source reactor.\r\n\r\n\r\nAlso in support of our NRIC vision, in the FY-19 budget, Congress allocated $100 million for advanced small modular reactor research and development, and NuScale Power and the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems remain on track to operate a first-of-its-kind small modular reactor on the INL Site by 2026.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe FY-19 budget also included $20 million for a new program to develop microreactors of the kind INL plans to demonstrate in the next few years.\r\n\r\n\r\nAll of this is encouraging. But so is the process that led to these great results. In a time when Congress  and the nation as a whole  has difficulty finding common ground, nuclear energy proved its ability to bring policymakers together.\r\n\r\n\r\nNEICA sponsors included three Republicans, Idaho U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, and Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah.\r\n\r\n\r\nThey came together with Democratic Sens. Cory Booker (New Jersey), Sheldon Whitehouse (Rhode Island), and Richard Durbin (Illinois) to pass legislation that, along with Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson's continued work on the appropriations committee, makes the future for nuclear energy very bright.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-rubio-shaheen-hizballah-sanctions-bill-heads-to-presidents-desk", "Crapo, Rubio, Shaheen Hizballah Sanctions Bill Heads to President's Desk", "2018-10-12", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 12, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo, Rubio, Shaheen Hizballah Sanctions Bill Heads to President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  The U.S. Senate passed the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act, authored bySenate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Ranking Member Sherrod Brown (D-OH), U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), , and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY). The bill now heads to the President to be signed into law.\r\nThe bill strengthens and expands the scope of economic and financial sanctions imposed by the original Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act (Public Law 104-102), which Rubio and Shaheen co-authored with Royce and Engel in 2015.\r\nHizballah, its agents and Iranian financial backers are experts in the art of concealing their nefarious dealings,said Crapo.This legislation, spearheaded by Senators Rubio, Shaheen and our House colleagues, builds on the legislation passed in 2015, imposes additional sanctions on Hizballah, and targets those foreign nations, government agencies and foreign companies or individuals who would support its terrorist activities by knowingly providing arms,recruitment servicesandcombator financial support to its terrorist activities. It is long overdue, and constant vigilance must be maintained if we are ever to see an end to the evil this terrorist group brings.\r\nIranian-backed Hizballah terrorists are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans, and continue to pose grave threats to the United States and our allies, including the democratic state of Israel, Rubio said. This legislation will strengthen international efforts to combat the financing and expansion of Hizballah's terrorist and missile threats, as well as its narcotics trafficking and other transnational criminal activities, and build upon the successes of our 2015 law that targets Hizballah, its proxies and its enablers. I thank my colleagues in the Senate and House for their support of this important bill, and I look forward to seeing the president sign it into law soon.\r\nHizballah has American blood on its hands and remains an ever-present threat to our national security and that of our allies, especially Israel,\" said Shaheen. \"This bipartisan legislation helps further close the space in which Hizballah operates and ensures that our government is comprehensively targeting Hizballah's networks of support and holding its backers accountable. I look forward to the President signing this legislation into law so that these enhanced measures can go into effect as soon as possible.\r\nI'm pleased the Senate has approved and the President is expected to sign bipartisan legislation to provide the administration with important new tools to combat the terrorist group Hezbollah, said Brown. Congress must continue to press efforts to disrupt Hezbollah's financing while strongly supporting our allies, including Israel, through closer security cooperation. This bill makes clear we must confront this threat by deploying a broad range of tools -- sanctions, law enforcement, financial, regulatory and others -- to combat Hezbollah, its affiliates and supporters throughout the region.\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\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/2018/10/president-signs-risch-peters-bill-helping-small-businesses-access-patent-protection", "President Signs Risch, Peters Bill Helping Small Businesses Access Patent Protection", "2018-10-12", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  President Donald J. Trump has signed into law legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee, and Gary Peters (D-MI) aimed at helping small businesses safeguard their intellectual property with expanded education on obtaining and protecting patents. The Small Business Innovation Protection Act will build upon existing outreach programs run by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), to better inform small businesses on domestic and international intellectual property protections.\r\nIdaho has become a hot-spot for tech start-ups, filled with new ideas to grow their small businesses, said Chairman Risch.Now these innovative entrepreneurs will have easier access to information on protecting their intellectual property as they navigate the market and manage their businesses, earning back the money they spent on their inventions and creating more jobs. This was truly a bipartisan, bicameral effort and I'm glad the President has made it law.\r\nMichigan's small businesses are creating some of the most innovative goods and services in the world, but many have difficulty navigating the domestic and international patent system with limited resources and expertise, said Senator Peters. Under this new law, entrepreneurs who can't afford a team of patent lawyers will have more assistance in protecting their intellectual property so they can continue to grow their businesses here at home.\r\nSmall businesses drive American innovation and job creation, and intellectual property is often the secret sauce' that give them an edge when they're fledgling companies, said Frank Cullen, Vice President of U.S. Policy, U.S. Chamber Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC). This legislation will help small business owners better understand the important role IP plays in their company's success, and in turn, help them better leverage and protect those key assets. We commend Sen. Gary Peters and Sen. Risch, as well as all those who supported this measure, for helping make our nation's small businesses more competitive by increasing IP educational programs and resources at the Small Business Administration and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.\r\nU.S. intellectual property is estimated to be worth over $5 trillion, and sixty percent of all U.S. exports are driven through intellectual property-intensive industries. Patent protection helps innovators recoup the cost of research and development, profit off their inventions, hire new employees, and bolster their local economy.\r\nSmall businesses that do not register in foreign markets, such as China, receive no intellectual property protections. The Small Business Innovation Protection Act will help educate small businesses on the need and resources available to best secure an international patent.\r\nThe Small Business Innovation Protection Act directs the SBA and USPTO to maximize current intellectual property education and training programs in order to reach more small businesses. Specifically, the bill would:\r\n \r\n Require the SBA and USPTO to develop partnerships in order to develop high quality training relating to domestic and international intellectual property protection by leveraging existing training materials developed for small business and inventor education, which may be conducted in person or online; and\r\n \r\n \r\n Require the SBA and USPTO to enter partnerships in order to increase the effectiveness of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) by providing training that addresses small business concerns related to domestic and international intellectual property protections which may be conducted in person or online.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/ryan-nelson-of-idaho-confirmed-to-9th-circuit-court-51-44", "Ryan Nelson of Idaho confirmed to 9th Circuit court, 51-44", "2018-10-12", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ryan Nelson of Idaho Falls was confirmed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals by the U.S. Senate on Thursday, on a 51-44 vote.\r\n\r\n\r\nNelson, who has been general counsel for Melaleuca since 2009, won support from just one Democrat in the Senate, Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama. All the other votes in his favor came from Senate Republicans, while all the votes against him came from Senate Democrats and independents. Nelson's nomination earlier cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on an 11-10 party-line vote.\r\n\r\n\r\nU.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, who strongly supported the nomination, said, Ryan has been widely recognized by his colleagues for his judgement and legal expertise and will serve our nation well on the Ninth Circuit. In his new position, Ryan will respect and be a servant of the law. He understands that a judge is responsible for interpreting and applying the Constitution and laws of the land as they are written, and not to be a maker of laws from the bench.\r\n\r\n\r\nOpponents of the nomination decried him as a conservative ideologue who has advanced a right-wing policy and litigation agenda throughout his career. That description was part of a three-page letter to the Senate committee from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, which was particularly critical of his arguments against disability rights and environmental protection.\r\n\r\n\r\nU.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, who also strongly supported the nomination, said, Throughout his diverse legal career, Ryan Nelson developed the necessary tools to serve the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as a sound and principled jurist. A native Idahoan, Ryan will bring a valuable perspective to the court, upholding our way of life, respecting the rule of law, and rejecting judicial activism.\"\r\nBefore joining Melaleuca, the company headed by prominent GOP activist and fundraiser Frank VanderSloot, Nelson worked as an assistant attorney general for the environment and natural resources division of the U.S. Department of Justice, a position in which he oversaw 500 appellate cases and personally argued 13 appeals in nine different circuits.\r\n\r\n\r\nHe also served as special counsel for Supreme Court nominations on the GOP staff of the Senate Judiciary Committee and served as a deputy general counsel at the Office of Management and Budget. He also practiced law in Washington, D.C., with Sidley Austin LLP for five years. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University law school and a sixth-generation Idahoan.\r\n\r\n\r\nIn January, President Trump nominated Nelson to be solicitor at the Department of Interior, and that nomination was approved by the Senate Energy Committee, but it was withdrawn in May in light of his nomination to the 9th Circuit.\r\n\r\n\r\nTaking the Idaho seat on the 9th Circuit court, Nelson replaces Judge N. Randy Smith of Pocatello, who took senior status on Aug. 11, his 69th birthday. Smith, a former Idaho district judge and former Idaho Republican Party chairman, was appointed to the appeals court in 2007.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/senate-confirms-ryan-nelson-of-idaho-falls-to-be-united-states-circuit-judge-for-the-ninth-circuit", "Senate Confirms Ryan Nelson of Idaho Falls to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit", "2018-10-11", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 11, 2018\n\t\t\t Senate Confirms Ryan Nelson of Idaho Falls to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit \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, Risch Lead Nelson's Nomination to Completion \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  The United States Senate this evening voted to confirm Ryan Nelson of Idaho Falls to serve as a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.\r\nRyan has been widely recognized by his colleagues for his judgement and legal expertise and will serve our nation well on the Ninth Circuit, said Crapo, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In his new position, Ryan will respect and be a servant of the law. He understands that a judge is responsible for interpreting and applying the Constitution and laws of the land as they are written, and not to be a maker of laws from the bench. I congratulate Ryan on his confirmation.\r\nThroughout his diverse legal career, Ryan Nelson developed the necessary tools to serve the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as a sound and principled jurist, said Risch. A native Idahoan, Ryan will bring a valuable perspective to the Courtupholding our way of life, respecting the rule of law, and rejecting judicial activism. I want to congratulate Ryan Nelson on his confirmation.\r\nSince 2009, Ryan Nelson has served as general counsel of Idaho Falls-based Melaleuca, Inc. Before joining Melaleuca, Mr. Nelson served in the Federal government as Special Counsel for Supreme Court nominations to the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; as Deputy General Counsel to the White House Office of Management and Budget; and as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). At DOJ, Mr. Nelson argued 13 cases in the U.S. Courts of Appeals and was division counsel for 50 briefs filed in the Supreme Court. Before joining DOJ, Mr. Nelson practiced in the Washington, DC, office of Sidley Austin LLP, where he was a member of the firm's appellate, litigation, products liability, and religious liberties practice groups. Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Nelson served as a law clerk to Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and to Judges Charles Brower and Richard Mosk of the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at The Hague. Mr. Nelson earned his B.A. from Brigham Young University and his J.D., with honors, from BYU Law School, where he was inducted into the Order of the Coif and served as a lead articles editor of the BYU Law Review.\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\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/2018/10/idaho-s-ryan-nelson-confirmed-to-9th-circuit-court-of-appeals", "Idaho's Ryan Nelson confirmed to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals", "2018-10-11", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOISE (KTVB)  An Idaho Falls man will serve as the newest judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.\r\nThe United States Senate voted Thursday evening to confirm Ryan Nelson.\r\nSince 2009, Nelson has worked as general counsel for Idaho Falls-based company Melaleuca. Before that he worked for the Department of Justice, as counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and for the White House Office of Management and Budget.\r\n\r\nNelson was confirmed by a 51-44 vote, largely along party lines. Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL) was the lone Democrat to vote in favor of Nelson.\r\n\r\nIdaho Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch sponsored the nomination. Both applauded the confirmation in statements Thursday evening:\r\nRyan has been widely recognized by his colleagues for his judgement and legal expertise and will serve our nation well on the Ninth Circuit, said Crapo, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In his new position, Ryan will respect and be a servant of the law. He understands that a judge is responsible for interpreting and applying the Constitution and laws of the land as they are written, and not to be a maker of laws from the bench. I congratulate Ryan on his confirmation.\r\nThroughout his diverse legal career, Ryan Nelson developed the necessary tools to serve the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as a sound and principled jurist, Risch said. A native Idahoan, Ryan will bring a valuable perspective to the Courtupholding our way of life, respecting the rule of law, and rejecting judicial activism. I want to congratulate Ryan Nelson on his confirmation.\r\nThe Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is based in San Francisco, and oversees appeals cases for nine western United States, including Idaho.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/interview-senator-jim-risch-talks-kavanaugh-confirmation-mid-terms", "INTERVIEW: Senator Jim Risch talks Kavanaugh confirmation, mid-terms", "2018-10-11", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "IDAHO FALLS, Idaho  Washington D.C. is calming down some after an explosive fewweeks during the confirmation process for now Supreme Court Judge Brett Kavanaugh.\r\nIt's just disgusting to watch this, that the other side was so uncivil and so angry, and so vitriolic, Senator Jim Risch told KID NewsRadio. They brought crowds, angry people here to the Capitol and I'm not exactly sure what the objective of that is for the people themselves.\r\nThe chaotic confirmation process kicked off in the Senate Judiciary Committee, growing from disruptive protesters to allegations of sexual misconduct from Dr. Christine Blasey-Ford. Despite the tension, Risch said he feels confident the Senate did the right thing in confirming Justice Kavanaugh and the American people seem to agree.\r\nIt was what it was, and it got worse and worse, and we said, Look, we're doing the right thing here. We're going to do it, and most of us believed that at the end of the day it was probably not going to service very well politically because it was so obnoxious, Risch said. It's just been breathtaking as far as what's happened to our numbers nationally. We did the right thing and the electorate is aware of that, and ifthe election were held today, good things would happen.\r\nNow Washington D.C. and the nation is turning it's attention to the upcoming mid-term elections where Democrats hope to gain the upper hand in the legislative branch.\r\nIt's hard to say because a lot of these races are close. We pulled ahead in ones that we were a little concerned about, Risch said. It's three weeks plus from here to the election and the way things move today with a 24 hour news cycle or that sort of thing, there are a lot of green between here and the goalpost yet.\r\nStill, Risch said he sees Republicans doing well on November 6, despite a few worrisome weeks.\r\nWe feel good where we are, Risch said. If you would have asked me a few weeks ago, I'd have said, You know, I don't like the direction this thing's going,' but we sure liked the way the direction is going on right now.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/u-s-senate-confirms-idaho-falls-attorney-to-serve-on-9th-circuit-court-of-appeals", "U.S. Senate confirms Idaho Falls attorney to serve on 9th Circuit Court of Appeals", "2018-10-11", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  The United States Senate voted Thursday to confirm Idaho Falls attorney Ryan Nelson as a judge on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.\r\nI am grateful for the Senate's advice and consent today in confirming me as a 9th Circuit Judge and am excited to get to work, Nelson told EastIdahoNews.com. I am particularly grateful to Sen. Crapo and Sen. Risch for championing my nomination and for my eternally patient wife and family who have been stalwarts through this confirmation process.\r\nNelson was born and raised in Idaho Falls. He attended the Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School. He worked in the federal government as special counsel for Supreme Court nominations to the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He also worked as deputy general counsel to the White House Office of Management and Budget and as deputy assistant attorney general in the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the United States Department of Justice.\r\nIn 2009, he moved back to Idaho Falls and began serving as general counsel for Melaleuca Inc.\r\nI am grateful to my Melaleuca family who brought me back home nine years ago and have supported me ever since, Nelson said.\r\nNelson was nominated by President Donald Trump in May to serve as a judge on the 9th Circuit.\r\nRyan has been widely recognized by his colleagues for his judgement and legal expertise and will serve our nation well on the 9th Circuit, Crapo, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a news release. He understands that a judge is responsible for interpreting and applying the Constitution and laws of the land as they are written, and not to be a maker of laws from the bench.\r\nRisch added, Throughout his diverse legal career, Ryan Nelson developed the necessary tools to serve the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals as a sound and principled jurist. A native Idahoan, Ryan will bring a valuable perspective to the court  upholding our way of life, respecting the rule of law, and rejecting judicial activism.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-support-idahos-water-users-and-infrastructure-", "Crapo, Risch Support Idaho\u2019s Water Users and Infrastructure", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 10, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo, Risch Support Idaho's Water Users and Infrastructure  \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 America's Water Infrastructure Act passes Senate, heads to President for signature \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Supporting Idaho's water users and the critical infrastructure they rely on, U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-ID) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) voted in favor of the America's Water Infrastructure Act. Among many important upgrades to our waterways, irrigation systems and dams, the bill will help ensure water delivery to Idaho ranches and farms, and will increase water storage in the West. It also removes unnecessary red tape, making billions of dollars in deauthorizations to help reduce the deficit. The President is expected to sign the bill into law.\r\nThis bipartisan measure will support and advance critical water infrastructure projects across the nation and right here in Idaho, said Senator Crapo. This measure will help eliminate regulatory hurdles on projects involving the Corps of Engineers, improve our inland waterways, dams and agricultural irrigation delivery systems, and provide communities the ability to maintain and improve water infrastructure systems.\r\nAnyone who uses so much as a drop of water in Idaho will benefit from this common sense legislation, said Senator Risch. This bill will help improve Idaho's water infrastructure and bring more state and local control to our projects. As an advocate for hydropower, I am glad to see regulatory reforms in this bill that will streamline the approval process.\r\nNotably for Idaho, the America's Water Infrastructure Act directs the development of a flood prevention action plan for states in the Snake River Basin. It also continues restoration and aquatic invasive species prevention in the Columbia River Basin. The bill gives state and local leaders more control over Army Corps of Engineers projects. Additionally, the America's Water Infrastructure Act encourages the use of clean, baseload hydropower which Risch and Crapo have long supported.\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\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/2018/10/bipartisan-group-of-senators-calls-for-investigation-into-jamal-khashoggi-s-disappearance", "Bipartisan group of senators calls for investigation into Jamal Khashoggi's disappearance", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A bipartisan group of senators sent a letter to President Trump on Wednesday, triggering an investigation into the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and columnist for The Washington Post who has not been seen since he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last week. The Turkish government has claimed that Khashoggi was killed in the consulate, on the orders of the Saudi government.\r\nThe letter, written by Republican Sens. Bob Corker and Lindsey Graham and Democratic Sens. Bob Menendez and Patrick Leahy, called for Mr. Trump to investigate Khashoggi's disappearance under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which allows the president to impose sanctions on a person or country that has engaged in a human rights violation. The investigation is triggered by a letter to the president from the chair and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Corker and Menendez, respectively.\r\nOnce Mr. Trump has determined \"whether a foreign person is responsible for an extrajudicial killing, torture, or other gross violation of internationally recognized human rights against an individual exercising freedom of expression,\" according to the letter, he must report to the committee within 120 days with a decision on the imposition of retaliatory sanctions.\r\nCorker spoke with reporters after the letter was released, and he emphasized that senators \"specifically said it included the highest members of the regime\" and could \"absolutely\" lead to U.S. sanctions targeting the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud.\r\nOf the crown prince, who is often referred to as \"MBS,\" Corker went on to say, \"MBS is a person of the future. He's got a vision for the country that I think is extraordinary for a young leader. At the same time whether its steps they've taken in the region, this in particular..., we need to push back on activities like this if they have occurred. We need to nip it in the bud. This is what this is intended to do, to send a strong message from us. It's my hope that it doesn't lead to the top. Indications are that if in fact he was murdered, it could well do so.\" \r\nAs Corker suggested, the letter does indicate that the strengthening alliance between the Trump administration and the Saudi government may not preclude imposing sanctions.\r\n\"Our expectation is that in making your determination you will consider any relevant information, including with respect to the highest ranking officials in the Government of Saudi Arabia,\" the letter said.\r\nMr. Trump told reporters earlier on Wednesday that his administration has been in contact with the \"highest level\" of officials in the Saudi government, and had asked about Khashoggi's disappearance.\r\n\"I have to find out who did It. But people saw him go in but they didn't see him come out as they understand it. We are going to take a serious look at it. It is a terrible thing,\" Mr. Trump said, about whether he believed the Saudi government had authorized the killing of Khashoggi.\r\nThe letter to Mr. Trump was also signed by Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Florida; Ben Cardin, D-Maryland; John Barrasso, R-Wyoming; Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut; Jeff Flake, R-Arizona; Tim Kaine, D-Virginia; Cory Gardner, R-Colorado; Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts; Johnny Isakson, R-Georgia; Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon; Todd Young, R-Indiana; Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire; Rob Portman, R-Ohio; Cory Booker, D-New Jersey; Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin; Chris Coons, D-Delaware; Jim Risch, R-Idaho; and Tom Udall, D-New Mexico.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/risch-crapo-support-idaho-s-water-users-and-infrastructure", "Risch, Crapo Support Idahos Water Users and Infrastructure", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "America's Water Infrastructure Act passes Senate, heads to President for signature\r\nWashington, D.C.  Supporting Idaho's water users and the critical infrastructure they rely on, U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-ID) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) voted in favor of theAmerica's Water Infrastructure Act. Among many important upgrades to our waterways, irrigation systems and dams, the bill will help ensure water delivery to Idaho ranches and farms, and will increase water storage in the West. It also removes unnecessary red tape, making billions of dollars in deauthorizations to help reduce the deficit. The President is expected to sign the bill into law.\r\nAnyone who uses so much as a drop of water in Idaho will benefit from this common sense legislation, said Senator Risch. This bill will help improve Idaho's water infrastructure and bring more state and local control to our projects. As an advocate for hydropower, I am glad to see regulatory reforms in this bill that will streamline the approval process.\r\nThis bipartisan measure will support and advance critical water infrastructure projects across the nation and right here in Idaho, said Senator Crapo. This measure will help eliminate regulatory hurdles on projects involving the Corps of Engineers, improve our inland waterways, dams and agricultural irrigation delivery systems, and provide communities the ability to maintain and improve water infrastructure systems.\r\nNotably for Idaho, theAmerica's Water Infrastructure Actdirects the development of a flood prevention action plan for states in the Snake River Basin. It also continues restoration and aquatic invasive species prevention in the Columbia River Basin. The bill gives state and local leaders more control over Army Corps of Engineers projects. Additionally, theAmerica's Water Infrastructure Actencourages the use of clean, baseload hydropower which Risch and Crapo have long supported.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/risch-signs-letter-triggering-global-magnitsky-investigation-into-disappearance-of-jamal-khashoggi", "Risch Signs Letter Triggering Global Magnitsky Investigation Into Disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) signed on to a bipartisan letter sent to President Donald Trump Wednesday by U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-TN), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) that triggered an investigation and Global Magnitsky sanctions determination regardingthe disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and columnist for The Washington Post. Khashoggi has not been heard from since he entered a Saudi consulate in Istanbul last Tuesday afternoon.\r\n\r\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Barrasso (R-WY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Todd Young (R-IN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Tom Udall (D-NM).\r\n\r\nThe letter reads in full\r\n\r\nDear Mr. President:\r\n\r\nThe Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act requires the President, upon receipt of a request from the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, to determine whether a foreign person is responsible for an extrajudicial killing, torture, or other gross violation of internationally recognized human rights against an individual exercising freedom of expression, and report to the Committee within 120 days with a determination and a decision on the imposition of sanctions on that foreign person or persons.\r\n\r\nThe recent disappearance of Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi suggests that he could be a victim of a gross violation of internationally recognized human rights, which includes torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, prolonged detention without charges and trial, causing the disappearance of persons by the abduction and clandestine detention of those persons, and other flagrant denial of the right to life, liberty, or the security of person. Therefore, we request that you make a determination on the imposition of sanctions pursuant to the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act with respect to any foreign person responsible for such a violation related to Mr. Khashoggi. Our expectation is that in making your determination you will consider any relevant information, including with respect to the highest ranking officials in the Government of Saudi Arabia.\r\n\r\nBackground\r\n\r\nUnder the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, the president, upon receipt of a letter from the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, must make a determination and is authorized to impose sanctions with respect to a foreign person responsible for extrajudicial killings, torture, or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights violations against individuals who seek to obtain, exercise, defend, or promote human rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/risch-ambassador-haley-has-much-to-be-proud-of", "Idaho Press Tribune: Risch: 'Ambassador Haley has much to be proud of'", "2018-10-09", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Idaho Sen. Jim Risch, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is in line to possibly chair the panel next year if Republicans hold their Senate majority, issued this statement today on the resignation of Nikki Haley as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations:\r\nAmbassador Haley brought significant expertise and class to the job as she worked to restore America's leadership on the world stage. Her patient yet determined approach to our U.S. interests and foreign policy helped this Administration achieve unprecedented progress on many key priorities, both at the U.N. and across the globe. Ambassador Haley has much to be proud of; she has appropriately won respect across the political spectrum and I congratulate her on a job well done.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/risch-statement-on-ambassador-nikki-haley", "Risch Statement on Ambassador Nikki Haley", "2018-10-09", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) made the following statement about United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley's resignation:\r\nAmbassador Haley brought significant expertise and class to the job as she worked to restore America's leadership on the world stage. Her patient yet determined approach to our U.S. interests and foreign policy helped this Administration achieve unprecedented progress on many key priorities, both at the U.N. and across the globe. Ambassador Haley has much to be proud of; she has appropriately won respect across the political spectrum and I congratulate her on a job well done.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/risch-votes-to-confirm-judge-kavanaugh-to-u-s-supreme-court", "Risch Votes to Confirm Judge Kavanaugh to U.S. Supreme Court", "2018-10-09", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) issued the following statement regarding Judge Brett Kavanaugh:\r\nJudge Kavanaugh is without doubt one of the most qualified people to be nominated to America's highest court. His judicial philosophy most closely mirrors former Justice Scalia. They both start with the proposition that the court's job is not to make law but to apply the constitution and statutes as they were written, to the facts of a case.\r\nVery late in the confirmation process serious allegations were made against Judge Kavanaugh. Such allegations must be taken seriously and must be soberly evaluated. Judge Kavanaugh has undergone seven FBI investigations including one specifically reviewing the last-minute allegations. In all, over 150 people were interviewed by the FBI. Having served as a prosecutor and made thousands of decisions regarding whether a person had committed an offense and should be charged, and having reviewed thousands of investigations by law enforcement, this decision process is not foreign or uncomfortable for me. All inquiries must start with the constitutional due process requirement that all are presumed innocent until proven guilty regardless of who they are and regardless of the nature or seriousness of the alleged offense. The investigations of Judge Kavanaugh did not come close to overcoming the presumption of innocence. The investigations corroborated the assertion of innocence by the accused and in no way corroborated the claim of the accuser. Therefore, justice demands that we act on the corroborated evidence or lack thereof before us. The allegations, though serious, were not proven nor close to proven. Given that, the path forward was clear.\r\nI believe Judge Kavanaugh will serve on the Supreme Court with distinction.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-votes-to-confirm-judge-brett-kavanaugh-to-the-supreme-court", "Crapo Votes to Confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court", "2018-10-06", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 06, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo Votes to Confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIdaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, this evening voted to confirm the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve as an associate justice of the Supreme Court. Regarding his vote, Crapo issued this statement:\r\nJudge Kavanaugh is a mainstream jurist with a clear record of applying the law as written, consistent with the Constitution. His record as a member of the D.C. Circuit Court shows he has voted with the majority of that court 97 percent of the time, and his reasoning has been adopted by the U.S. Supreme Court thirteen times. The FBI conducted a seventh supplemental background investigation following the sincere testimonies given by both Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh. All witnesses said to have direct knowledge of the allegations as well as others who might have indirect information were interviewed. Neither the FBI nor the Senate Judiciary Committee, in their separate investigations--both conducted under penalty of felony--found evidence corroborating the allegations made against Judge Kavanaugh. Moreover, the FBI has interviewed 150 people in its seven investigations of Judge Kavanaugh over the past 25 years and has found no evidence of this kind of behavior. What the investigations have shown is that Judge Kavanaugh is well qualified for the positions to which he has been nominated. Having weighed the over 500,000 documents provided, five days of public testimony and the thorough vetting completed on Judge Kavanaugh, I voted to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh as a justice of the Supreme Court.\r\nVideo of Crapo's remarks can be found here online.\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\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/2018/10/bringing-home-an-important-veterans-project", "Coeur d'Alene/ Post Falls Press: Bringing home an important veterans project", "2018-10-05", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Like a soldier undaunted, the quest for a local veterans home marches on.\r\nOnly now instead of the home looking like a mirage on some distant horizon, it's conceivable that ground could be broken in less than two years.\r\nThat's the most recent assessment from two-time Purple Heart recipient Len Crosby of Post Falls. Crosby leads a battalion of never-say-die local optimists who clearly won't rest until the veterans home goes up on Post Falls property at Riverbend Park, generously donated by the Jacklin family.\r\nWhy the dramatically improved timeline? Part of it is due to an infusion of money from the federal government for veterans homes. Congress recently OK'd the FY 2019 Veterans Affairs budget, which was signed into law by President Trump on Sept. 21. From Idaho's delegation, Sen. Jim Risch, Sen. Mike Crapo and Rep. Mike Simpson all voted for that budget. Rep. Raul Labrador voted against it.\r\nThe VA budget includes a 6X increase in money for such facilities. These projects require 65 percent federal funding with states kicking in the remaining 35 percent. Idaho, which already has veterans homes in Lewiston, Boise and Pocatello, has committed its share of funding for the Post Falls project.\r\nBut a lot of the momentum goes right back to the people who have been relentless in their pursuit of the home, which is likely to provide 56 beds to veterans who need full-time care and don't want to be far from families and friends. Crosby is at the top of the list of movers and shakers. Current Mayor Ron Jacobson remains steadfast in his support, as does former Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin, who in 2015 was named Post Falls Veteran of the Year for his ongoing efforts to secure a state veterans home in his community. Legislators from the late Frank Henderson to the young Luke Malek have hauled the veterans home freight, as have others. What a tremendous accomplishment it will be when all that pulling is finally over.\r\nNorth Idaho holds its head high in supporting every effort to take care of those who have given so much for their country. We applaud Sen. Risch, Sen. Crapo and Rep. Simpson for doing their part on the budget and hope they can help ensure Kootenai County is near the top of the veterans home priority list.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/gop-looks-to-spend-big-on-national-parks", "National Journal: GOP Looks to Spend Big on National Parks", "2018-10-04", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Republicans in the Trump era are building a reputation as reckless spenders, and now they're even willing to bust the ledger on a policy traditionally outside the GOP wheelhouse: environmental conservation.\r\nLawmakers on both sides of the Capitol are moving full steam ahead on legislation to funnel energy revenues to the National Park Service to rein in a roughly $12 billion maintenance backlog.\r\nSo far, however, the big proponents of the legislation aren't prioritizing a budget offset. That's setting off alarm bells for environmental groupsand fueling opposition from conservatives both on and off Capitol Hill who have repeatedly chided Republican fiscal policies.\r\nNot having a pay-for in the bill is a missed opportunity to implement reform that would allow for innovative financing solutions to address NPS's maintenance backlog rather than simply increase the national debt, said Nick Loris, an environment expert at the Heritage Foundation.\r\nThe legislation, dubbed the Restore Our Parks Act, would carve out $1.3 billion annually for five years to fix aging roads and bridges, trails, and visitor centers, among other infrastructure. That sum would come from the royalties that the federal government generates from onshore- and offshore-energy revenue.\r\nA $6.5 billion price tag is expected to be tacked onto the legislation, according to advocates and Hill staff.\r\nThat's not going to help a skyrocketing deficit and debt. The White House Office of Management and Budget predicts a nearly $1 trillion deficit by 2019, a roughly 50 percent increase from fiscal 2017 when President Trump stormed Washington and Republicans retained both chambers of Congress. The national debt grew more than $1.2 trillion in fiscal 2018 and now comes in at roughly $21.6 trillion, according to a Treasury Department-sponsored website. Analysts point to tax cuts and spending increases.\r\nThe Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee signed off on the legislation in a 19-4 vote Tuesday. Sens. Mike Lee and John Barrasso opposed the measure over the lack of an offset. Sen. Jim Risch opposed the bill on that front, as well, but also argues that the funding should be subject to the annual appropriations process, according to a spokeswoman for the senator.\r\nA bipartisan group of members on the lower chamber's Natural Resources Committee, meanwhile, shot similar legislation to the House floor three weeks ago. A score could come any day, although a spokesperson for the Congressional Budget Office said the agency isn't specifying a timeframe. The CBO typically scores legislation roughly two weeks after committee approval.\r\nSupporters of the bill say it will boost visitation to parks and save money by preempting more-serious infrastructure projects.\r\nNot fixing a part of a bridge means the bridge collapses. Not fixing the roof means the building is ruined, Sen. Rob Portman, the lead sponsor of the bill, said during the Senate markup. So, I think this is a fiscally responsible way to avoid the compounding effect you have when you don't deal with deferred maintenance.\r\nPortman, a former Office of Management and Budget chief under George W. Bush, and other key Republican backers are already in the fiscal doghouse, according to the conservative Club for Growth's legislative scorecard, which assesses votes on fiscal responsibility, tax cuts, and cuts to regulation. He ranks 45th in the upper chamber on the Club's scorecard while Sen. Lamar Alexander, another big proponent of the legislation, ranks 48th.\r\nBut the absence of a payment mechanism could also drag some tried-and-true fiscal conservatives into trouble with these groups. Steve Daines ranks sixth in the Senate, according to the Club for Growth, while Jeff Flake, another supporter of the backlog bill, ranks first alongside Pat Toomey.\r\nDaines, however, doesn't seem concerned about blowback. As a fiscal conservative, I always prefer to see offsets, he told National Journal. But let me say this. I think you look at the return on investments of spending for our national parks. It is a tremendous catalyst for our outdoor economy.\r\nThe park service administers 417 areas nationwide, and sixty of those are formal national parks. The most iconic natural landscapes in the country, from Crater Lake in Oregon to the Everglades, comprise that top tier.\r\nThe bill's supporters, including Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, stress that the energy revenue is not earmarked for specific programs; rather, it heads directly into the general fund. A big portion of the billions of dollars generated each year in royalties is already flagged for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Historic Preservation and state revenue-sharing, but a total of $3.7 billion was sent to the U.S. Treasury in fiscal 2017, according to Pew Charitable Trusts research obtained by National Journal.\r\nStill, the revenue is spent on a wide range of public programs. But other senators who are pushing the bill, such as Maine independent Angus King and New Mexico Democrat Martin Heinrich, brushed off the need for an offset.\r\nI think that it makes a whole lot more sense to send that money to the parks backlog than, say, to the general fund as some sort of slush fund, Heinrich told National Journal. Letting this stuff fester is not being fiscally responsible. Letting this stuff fester is a recipe for additional debt.\r\nOptions are available to cut back spending. Loris cited a few parks-specific payment options, including raising entrance fees. The Interior Department dropped a proposal in April to drastically hike fees, following a public outcry and political criticism. Instead, the department raised fees by a flat $5.\r\nOffsets are often, however, unaffiliated with the actual spending. The Heritage Foundation's Blueprint for Balance lays out a list of offsets, ranging from entitlement cuts to more arcane options, like the elimination of agricultural subsidies or the selling off of federally-owned power administrations.\r\nAnd now, even the chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Lisa Murkowskiwho the Club for Growth ranked second-to-last among sitting Republicans on its scorecardis setting the stage for a funding battle.\r\nWe're going to need to be working together to identify what will be determined a suitable offset for what we expect to be a CBO score of about $6.5 billion. That's a lot of money, Murkowski, a top appropriator, told lawmakers during the markup. I don't think we've seen it in a long timelegislation of this magnitude that has not been paid for.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/inl-researcher-nominated-as-nuclear-energy-assistant-secretary", "Local 8 News: INL researcher nominated as nuclear energy assistant secretary", "2018-10-04", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Donald Trump has announced his intent to nominate Dr. Rita Baranwal as Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at the Department of Energy.\r\nBaranwal currently serves as Director of the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) at the Idaho National Laboratory.\r\nIdaho Senator James Risch called the White House decision an excellent choice. \"As the director of DOE's Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) initiative at INL, the nation's flagship nuclear energy facility, and previous service as Director of Technology Development and Application at Westinghouse, Dr. Rita Baranwal is uniquely qualified for this position and has a thorough understanding of DOE's assets, specifically the national labs, and nuclear programs. The men and women who work at INL are exceptionally talented, and I know Dr. Baranwal will make Idaho proud,\" said Risch.\r\nPrior to her work at GAIN, she served as Director of Technology Development & Application at Westinghouse and was a manager in Materials Technology at Bechtel Bettis, Inc., where she led Research and Development in nuclear fuel materials for U.S. naval reactors. Dr. Baranwal earned her B.A. in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. She serves on Advisory Boards for MIT's Materials Research Laboratory and UC Berkeley's Nuclear Engineering Department.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-support-efforts-to_fight-opioid-abuse-and-overdose-in-idaho-", "Crapo, Risch Support Efforts to  Fight Opioid Abuse and Overdose in Idaho", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 03, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo, Risch Support Efforts to  Fight Opioid Abuse and Overdose in Idaho  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Recognizing the need for responsible, community-driven solutions to the growing opioid epidemic across America, U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-ID) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) supported legislation that will help reduce the use and supply of opioids, improve local response and resources, and drive innovation and long-term solutions. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act passed the Senate today and heads to the President.\r\nThe legislation passed today by the Senate will help Idaho community and health care leaders combat the growing opioid crisis. It provides additional treatment and recovery support and, more importantly, supports greater prevention efforts,said Senator Crapo. The overwhelming bipartisan support this measure received demonstrates the urgency needed to address and combat opioid addiction across Idaho and the nation.\r\nToo many Idahoans have suffered the untimely loss of their loved ones due to opioid overdose, and that number is going up each year, said Senator Risch. The legislative solution we passed today takes one more step to help law enforcement, medical technicians, caregivers, and others in our local communities fight the opioid epidemic back home by giving them the tools and resources they need. This reflects a culmination of bipartisan efforts over several months, and I thank my colleagues for working together to push this legislation across the finish line.\r\nNotably, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act would:\r\n Help stop illegal drugs at the border, including stopping the shipment of synthetic opioids;\r\n Fast-track the research and development of new non-addictive painkillers;\r\n Expand access to medication-assisted treatment;\r\n Prevent doctor-shopping by improving state prescription drug monitoring programs;\r\n Improve plans of safe care and support for substance-exposedbabiesand their mothers\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\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/2018/10/head-of-local-doe-program-nominated-to-lead-office-of-nuclear-energy", "Post Register: Head of local DOE program nominated to lead Office of Nuclear energy", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The head of the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear has been nominated to serve as the U.S. Department of Energy's assistant secretary for nuclear energy.\r\nPresident Donald Trump announced Rita Baranwal's nomination Wednesday. Baranwal heads GAIN, which DOE created in 2015 to support nuclear startups and help universities, industries and other private groups get nuclear technology to the market more quickly. GAIN is managed by Idaho National Laboratory.\r\nBefore that, she was director of technology development and application at Westinghouse and was a manager in materials technology at Bechtel Bettis, where she led research and development in nuclear fuels materials for U.S. naval reactors.\r\nBaranwal has a bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a doctorate from the University of Michigan. She also is on advisory boards for MIT's materials research laboratory and the University of California, Berkeley's nuclear engineering department.\r\nU.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, who has worked with Baranwal in her current position, praised the nomination, saying she is uniquely qualified for this position and has a thorough understanding of DOE's assets, specifically the national labs, and nuclear programs.\r\nThe men and women who work at INL are exceptionally talented, and I know Dr. Baranwal will make Idaho proud, he said.\r\nIf confirmed by the Senate, Baranwal would lead the Office of Nuclear Energy, which promotes nuclear power and research and oversees INL.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/idaho-lawmakers-back-sweeping-opioid-legislation-it-s-now-headed-to-president-trump", "Idaho Statesman: Idaho lawmakers back sweeping opioid legislation. Its now headed to President Trump.", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Senate passed the final version of a sweeping opioids package Wednesday afternoon and will send it to the White House just in time for lawmakers to campaign on the issue before the November midterm elections.\r\nThe vote was 98 to 1, with only Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, opposing it.\r\nIn a press release emailed to the Statesman, Idaho Republican Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo said the bill would help reduce the use and supply of opioids, improve local response and resources, and drive innovation and long-term solutions.\r\nToo many Idahoans have suffered the untimely loss of their loved ones due to opioid overdose, and that number is going up each year, Risch said in the release. The legislative solution we passed today takes one more step to help law enforcement, medical technicians, caregivers, and others in our local communities fight the opioid epidemic back home by giving them the tools and resources they need.\r\nThe bill unites dozens of smaller proposals sponsored by hundreds of lawmakers, many of whom face tough reelection fights. It creates, expands and reauthorizes programs and policies across almost every federal agency, aiming to address different aspects of the opioid epidemic, including prevention, treatment and recovery.\r\nIt is one of Congress' most significant legislative achievements this year, a rare bipartisan response to a growing public health crisis that resulted in 72,000 drug-overdose deaths last year. It marks a moment of bipartisan accomplishment at an especially rancorous time on Capitol Hill as senators debate Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court.\r\nWe are in the midst of contentious disagreement about the Supreme Court. But at the same time, we have an urgent, bipartisan consensus, a virtually unanimous agreement, to deal with the most urgent public health epidemic facing our country today in virtually every community, said Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., chairman of the Senate health committee and lead sponsor of the bill.\r\nSen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who sounded the alarm on opioid addiction four years ago, is credited with the slice of the bill that could have the greatest effect. It will require the U.S. Postal Service to screen packages for fentanyl shipped from overseas, mainly China. Synthetic opioids that are difficult to detect are increasingly being found in pills and heroin and are responsible for an increase in overdose deaths.\r\nI will say getting that passed, to me, is just common sense. I think it's overdue. I'm disappointed it took us this long, Portman said in a floor speech Tuesday. How many people had to die before Congress stood up and did the right thing with regard to telling our own post office you have to provide better screening?\r\nOn Wednesday, just before the vote, he called it a, glimmer of hope.\r\nThe bill's passage comes a year after President Donald Trump declared the opioid crisis a national emergency. The Senate vote is the last step before he signs the measure into law. The House passed it 393 to 8 last week.\r\nPublic-health advocates laud the bill's increased attention to treatment, which they say is the key component to overcoming addiction. The legislation would create a grant program for comprehensive recovery centers that include housing and job training, as well as mental and physical health care. It would increase access to medication-assisted treatment that helps people with substance abuse disorders safely wean themselves.\r\nAnother major aspect of the bill is the change to a decades-old arcane rule that prohibited Medicaid from covering patients with substance abuse disorders who were receiving treatment in a mental health facility with more than 16 beds. The bill lifts that rule to allow for 30 days of residential treatment coverage.\r\nThe opioid crisis has hit communities big and small, rural and urban, in states red and blue. Some believe that lawmakers focused on it in part because they wanted to claim an election-year win. Although it contains provisions that help address the problem, it does not dedicate the level of funding and long-term commitment needed to fight a crisis of this magnitude, many experts say.\r\nThis legislation edges us closer to treating addiction as the devastating disease it is, but it neglects to provide the long-term investment we've seen in responses to other major public health crises, said Lindsey Vuolo, Associate Director of Health Law and Policy at Center on Addiction. We won't be able to make meaningful progress against the tide of addiction unless we make significant changes to incorporate addiction treatment into the existing health care system.\r\nCongress has appropriated $8.5 billion this year for opioid-related programs, but there's no guarantee of funding for subsequent years. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., have proposed committing $100 billion over 10 years to fighting the opioid crisis.\r\nTheir bill is modeled after Congress' robust response to HIV/AIDS.\r\nI hope Congress doesn't think they can put this behind them because they passed these bills, said Patrick Kennedy, a former Democratic congressman of Rhode Island and a mental health advocate . It takes an urgency like we had during HIV-AIDS. That will call to mind what it takes to address a crisis, it takes political will.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/risch-applauds-president-s-nomination-of-dr-rita-baranwal-to-serve-as-assistant-secretary-for-nuclear-energy-at-doe", "Risch Applauds President's Nomination of Dr. Rita Baranwal to Serve as Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at DOE", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Risch applauded the President's announcement of his intent to nominate Dr. Rita Baranwal to serve as Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at the Department of Energy (DOE). Risch has worked with Dr. Baranwal in her current position at the Idaho National Lab (INL):\r\nThe President made an excellent choice for Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at DOE. As the director of DOE's Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) initiative at INL, the nation's flagship nuclear energy facility, and previous service as Director of Technology Development and Application at Westinghouse, Dr. Rita Baranwal is uniquely qualified for this position and has a thorough understanding of DOE's assets, specifically the national labs, and nuclear programs. The men and women who work at INL are exceptionally talented, and I know Dr. Baranwal will make Idaho proud.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/risch-crapo-support-efforts-to-fight-opioid-abuse-and-overdose-in-idaho", "Risch, Crapo Support Efforts to Fight Opioid Abuse and Overdose in Idaho", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Recognizing the need for responsible, community-driven solutions to the growing opioid epidemic across America, U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-ID) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) supported legislation that will help reduce the use and supply of opioids, improve local response and resources, and drive innovation and long-term solutions. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act passed the Senate today and heads to the President.\r\nToo many Idahoans have suffered the untimely loss of their loved ones due to opioid overdose, and that number is going up each year, said Senator Risch. The legislative solution we passed today takes one more step to help law enforcement, medical technicians, caregivers, and others in our local communities fight the opioid epidemic back home by giving them the tools and resources they need. This reflects a culmination of bipartisan efforts over several months, and I thank my colleagues for working together to push this legislation across the finish line.\r\nThe legislation passed today by the Senate will help Idaho community and health care leaders combat the growing opioid crisis. It provides additional treatment and recovery support and, more importantly, supports greater prevention efforts, said Senator Crapo. The overwhelming bipartisan support this measure received demonstrates the urgency needed to address and combat opioid addiction across Idaho and the nation.\r\nNotably, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act would:\r\n Help stop illegal drugs at the border, including stopping the shipment of synthetic opioids;\r\n Fast-track the research and development of new non-addictive painkillers;\r\n Expand access to medication-assisted treatment;\r\n Prevent doctor-shopping by improving state prescription drug monitoring programs;\r\n Improve plans of safe care and support for substance-exposedbabiesand their mothers\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-at-hearing-on-implementation-of-the-economic-growth-regulatory-relief-and-consumer-protection-act-", "Crapo Statement at Hearing on Implementation of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act", "2018-10-02", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 02, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo Statement at Hearing on Implementation of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIdaho Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, delivered the following remarks during a full committee hearing entitled Implementation of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act.\r\nThe text of Chairman Crapo's remarks, as prepared, is below.\r\nToday, we will hear from four agencies responsible for the supervision and regulation of banks or credit unions.\r\nEach will provide an overview of its efforts, activities, objectives and plans to implement S. 2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act.\r\nProviding testimony will be Federal Reserve Vice Chairman for Supervision Randy Quarles; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Chair Jelena McWilliams; National Credit Union Administration Chairman Mark McWatters; and Comptroller of the Currency Joseph Otting.\r\nEach of these agencies plays an integral role in implementing key provisions of this law.\r\nAs policymakers, it is our job to enact laws and regulations that not only ensure proper behavior and safety for our markets, but are also tailored appropriately.\r\nShortly after Dodd-Frank was signed into law, we began to see some of the unintended cumulative regulatory burden it had on certain financial institutions.\r\nFor years, I and many members of the Committee, on both sides of the aisle, worked to find a solution to provide meaningful relief to small financial institutions, and we succeeded in crafting S. 2155.\r\nWe are now approaching five months since S. 2155 was signed into law by the President, having passed both the House and Senate with significant bipartisan support.\r\nThe law's primary purpose is to make targeted charges to simplify and improve the regulatory regime for community banks, credit unions, midsize banks and regional banks to promote economic growth.\r\nIt right-sizes regulations for financial institutions, making it easier for consumers to get mortgages and obtain credit while also increasing important consumer protections for veterans, senior citizens, victims of fraud, and those who fall on hard financial times.\r\nFor example, just over a week ago, the Federal Trade Commission and Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection announced as effective a provision of S. 2155 that provides consumers concerned about identity theft or data breaches the option to freeze and unfreeze their credit for free.\r\nA New York Times article commenting on this provision noted that, one helpful change will allow consumers to freeze' their credit files at the three major credit reporting bureauswithout charge. Consumers can also thaw' their files, temporarily or permanently, without a fee.'\r\nSusan Grant, director of consumer protection and privacy at the Consumer Federation of America expressed support for these measures, calling them a good thing.'\r\nAlthough agencies have started to consider this law in some of their statements and rulemakings, there is still a lot of work to do on the bill's implementation.\r\nIt is imperative that agencies carry out all of their responsibilities under this law expeditiously so that consumers, homeowners, veterans and small businesses can begin to fully experience its benefits.\r\nIn addition to timing, members of this Committee are also deeply vested in the substance of agencies' specific actions to implement this law and other efforts by the regulators to provide regulatory relief.\r\nIn particular, agencies should: significantly tailor regulations for banks with between $100 billion and $250 billion in total consolidated assets, with a particular emphasis on tailoring the stress testing regime (it should be noted that the primary reason we gave the regulators time to implement this provision was to develop a streamlined stress testing regime, and I encourage you to move quickly here); tailor the Liquidity Coverage Ratio for regional banks with more than $250 billion in total consolidated assets; reassess the advanced approaches thresholds; provide meaningful relief from the Volcker Rule for all institutions, as I said in a letter to the regulators yesterday; and examine whether the regulations that apply to the standalone U.S. operations of foreign banks should also be tailored at the same time and in a similar manner as U.S. banks.\r\nS. 2155 raised the threshold for the application of enhanced prudential standards under Section 165 of the Dodd-Frank Act from $50 billion, and in some cases $10 billion, to $250 billion.\r\nRegulators have applied the Section 165 asset thresholds in various rulemakings and guidance documents in the past.\r\nFor example, the Fed's Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review requires bank holding companies with more than $50 billion in total assets to submit capital plans to the Fed on an annual basis.\r\nIn the final capital plan rule, the Fed notes that the asset threshold of $50 billion is consistent with the threshold established by Section 165 of the Dodd-Frank Act relating to enhanced prudential standards and prudential standards for certain bank holding companies.'\r\nThe OCC recently raised the threshold for requiring recovery plans from $50 billion to $250 billion.\r\nI encourage the regulators to revisit all regulation and guidance thresholds that were consistent with the outdated Section 165 threshold to an amount that reflects actual systemic risk.\r\nRegulators have two options: use a systemic risk factors-based approach, or raise all thresholds to at least $250 billion in total assets to be consistent with S. 2155.\r\nMany of this law's provisions require agency rulemakings.\r\nIn order to avoid unnecessary delays in implementation, agencies should promptly issue notice of proposed rulemakings for all relevant aspects of this law.\r\nAs S. 2155 is implemented, I suspect some of it may be implemented through guidance or other policy statements that do not go through formal notice and comment rulemaking.\r\nWhile I encourage the regulators to use notice and comment rulemaking generally, I recognize that sometimes policy must be communicated through more informal means.\r\nThe Congressional Review Act, however, requires agencies to submit, with certain minor exceptions, all rules to Congress for review.\r\nBy definition, a rule is the whole or a part of an agency statement of general or particular applicability and future effect designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy or describing the organization, procedure, or practice requirements of an agency.'\r\nThat is a very broad definition.\r\nIn order to ensure that Congress can engage in its proper oversight role, as well as ensure that future Congresses do not overturn the agencies' policy statements related to implementation of S. 2155, I encourage the regulators to follow the Congressional Review Act and submit all rules to Congress, even if they have not gone through formal notice and comment rulemaking.\r\nOur economy is finally getting back on track, and full implementation of S. 2155 will continue to drive growth and improve economic health to the benefit of families across America.\r\nI look forward to hearing more from each of you on how your agencies have begun and will continue to implement the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/risch-honors-micron-technology-on-senate-floor", "Risch Honors Micron Technology on Senate Floor", "2018-10-02", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) today honored Micron Technology's 40th anniversary, speaking from the Senate floor about the Idaho Company's many successes throughout their years in business.\r\n\r\nMr. President, today I rise on behalf of myself and my good friend and colleague also from Idaho, Senator Crapo. We would like to honor an exceptional business from the great state of Idaho: Micron Technology. Although Micron began in Idaho with just four employees, it will celebrate its 40thanniversary this week as one of the world's top tech companies, with thousands of employees worldwide.\r\nMicron started as a semiconductor design company in the basement of a Boise dental office in 1978. Soon after it broke ground on its first fabrication plant in 1980, Micron introduced the world's smallest 256K dynamic random-access memory. By 1994, Micron's development of solid state drives and other flash memory technology in its product portfolio earned it a spot on the Fortune 500 list. Today, Micron's team of more than 34,000 employees spans the globe from Boise, Silicon Valley, and Virginia to Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, and Europe.\r\nAs one of the top four semiconductor companies in the world, Micron works with the world's most trusted brands and is the only pure play memory company headquartered in the Western Hemisphere. Throughout its 40-year history, Micron has contributed to more than 40,000 patents, and continues to advance memory and storage technologies that enable innovations in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous vehicles. Micron's advancements have made the United States a leader in technology and give the nation a competitive edge in data storage, security, and supercomputing.\r\nIn addition to its renowned technological developments, I am proud that Micron is working to transform the communities where its team members live and work, providing resources to educate the next generation of scientists, inventors, and engineers. In 2017, Micron was ranked 23rdon the Fortune Just 100, Forbes' list of companies with the best and most just business behavior. Last year, the Micron Foundation awarded more than 550 grants worldwide, and donated more than $10 million to education and community-related causes.\r\nI would like to congratulate Micron on its long list of accomplishments and thank the company for the opportunities it provides for Idahoans and for all Americans. The advances that Micron solutions provide for computing across our country is considerable, and it is my pleasure to recognize its 40thanniversary on October 5th, 2018. We all wish Micron the best of luck and continued success as a global technology leader and world-class semiconductor company.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/risch-s-title-transfer-legislation-advances-from-committee", "Risch's Title Transfer Legislation Advances From Committee", "2018-10-02", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill would reduce red tape, allow for easier reclamation title transfers  \r\nWashington, D.C.  The Reclamation Title Transfer Act of 2018, introduced by U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), passed the Energy and Natural Resources Committee without objection today. The legislation would make it less burdensome for non-federal entities, like irrigation districts, to obtain the title for Reclamation projects they operate and have repaid.\r\nIn Idaho, water is the backbone of many vital industries, particularly farming and agriculture, said Senator Risch. Unfortunately, it is also bridled with burdensome regulation and bureaucracy. By updating the existing, cumbersome title transfer process, this bill allows water users to obtain full rights to the assets they already manage and have paid for to make better use of these resources for farmers and other users. The unanimous passage of this bill underscores how important and supported it is across all geographical and political boundaries. I look forward to voting for it on the floor.\r\nEven once entities have met Reclamation eligibility standards and have fully complied with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Congressional action is still required for each individual transfer. The Reclamation Title Transfer Act of 2018 would simplify the title transfer process by authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to facilitate uncomplicated transfers for qualifying entities with a 90-day window for Congressional disapproval.\r\nIdaho serves as a success story for title transfers. In 1998, the Burley Irrigation District in Southern Idaho became one of the first transferred Reclamation projects. Four of the 30 successful title transfers have occurred in Idaho.\r\nThe Idaho Water Users Association, which represents approximately 300 canal companies, irrigation districts, water districts, ground water districts, municipal and public water suppliers, hydroelectric companies, aquaculture interests, agri-businesses, professional firms, and individuals, supports this bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/senator-risch-advocates-for-local-collaboration-on-idaho-forest-projects", "Senator Risch Advocates for Local Collaboration on Idaho Forest Projects", "2018-10-02", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Helps advance legislation that would allow the Forest Service to resolve disputes over certain forest management projects through arbitration rather than in the courtroom\r\nWashington, D.C.  During a bipartisan exchange at today's Energy and Natural Resources Committee markup, U.S. Senator Risch (R-ID) passionately defended Idaho's ability to manage forest lands through a collaborative process instead of litigation. Risch has cosponsored legislation led by Senator Daines that would help meet that goal, theProtect Collaboration for Healthier Forests Act.This legislation would develop a pilot program for the Forest Service to resolve disputes over certain forest management projects through arbitration rather than in the courtroom. The pilot would be carried out in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming for five years and give eligibility for up to two projects a year. In his remarks, Risch used the distinctive Idaho Roadless Rule to underscore the value and importance of the collaborative process. TheProtect Collaboration for Healthier Forests Actwas amended and passed the Committee. Watch the full exchange below.\r\nPartial transcript of Risch's comments:\r\n\"We have a half-century worth of history of fighting in litigation the management of public lands, particularly in the timber industry and the national forests and the BLM. This started 50 years ago as an antagonistic, combative system with people drawing lines on both sides and nobody giving quarter. Over that period of time, cooler minds have prevailed and we have gotten to a point where, for instance in Idaho, which is true in Montana and Wyoming, we manage a lot of the forest lands by a collaborative process, and a collaborative process is a process by which the parties sit around the table - and it is parties across the spectrum, from industry people, harvesting, motorized users, or conservation groups that want to protect certain areas - and we have had a really good success in this collaborative process. I mean really good success. It has eliminated a lot of litigation and it has been a give and take and the parties come away from the table with a lot better feeling and a result. \r\nThis is really de minimis. We are talking about two projects out of thousands every year. This is not intended to be a run at environmentalists or anything like that. It is designed to do what most industries and most people in America are moving towards, which is arbitration as opposed to litigation. Because the litigation goes on for years and years and years and you have various steps through the appellate process. What we are trying to do in a very, very limited fashion is get these matters resolved after they have been through a system that has the deepest due process you have ever seen with these people around at the table.\r\nClickhereto learn more about the bill.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/trump-signs-bill-to-speed-up-nuclear-reactor-development", "Post Register: Trump signs bill to speed up nuclear reactor development", "2018-10-02", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A bill meant to speed up the development of advanced nuclear reactors is now law.\r\nPresident Donald Trump signed the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act on Friday. The bill, which was sponsored by Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo and co-sponsored by a bipartisan group including Idaho Sen. Jim Risch, directs the U.S. Department of Energy to open its research infrastructure to national laboratories, academia and the private sector.\r\nThe bill also creates a program where DOE and national laboratories will support the testing and demonstration of reactor concepts that are proposed and funded by private companies. And it sets planning goals for the DOE designed to speed up the development of advanced reactors, giving Energy Secretary Rick Perry 180 days to submit a report assessing his department's ability to host and operate advanced reactors at national labs and other sites. It also calls on him to submit two 10-year budget plans for nuclear research and development.\r\nIt passed the Senate in March and the House in mid-September.\r\nThe bill has been the result of years of bipartisan collaboration and work to remove barriers to the development of technologies that allow for advanced and more efficient use of nuclear energy, Crapo wrote in a column last week.\r\nThis bill provides the women and men at INL and our other national labs additional capabilities for critical testing and collaboration with the private sector to maintain U.S. eminence in the future of nuclear energy, he wrote. NEICA also sends a clear message to investors and innovators to continue to pursue and invest in advanced nuclear technology in the U.S.\r\nINL has been discussed as a possible hub for advanced reactors in the near future. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is reviewing a proposal to build 12 small modular reactors at INL's desert site west of Idaho Falls to help provide power to Idaho Falls and to parts of Utah through Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems. NuScale, the company behind this project, awarded the engineering contract for the reactors last week.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-on-us-trade-agreement-with-mexico-and-canada", "Crapo Statement on U.S. Trade Agreement With Mexico and Canada", "2018-10-01", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 01, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo Statement on U.S. Trade Agreement With Mexico and Canada \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIdaho Senator Mike Crapo, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement regarding the trilateral agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada (USMCA). The USMCA is a renegotiation of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The deal must be approved by Congress before it can take effect. The Senate Finance Committee has jurisdiction over matters of trade and will be actively involved in the consideration of this new agreement when it is taken up by the Senate.\r\nI have long maintained that NAFTA needed to be renegotiated so that goods and services made in the United States would receive fair and equitable treatment among our trading allies. Monday's announcement is welcome news for Idaho's agriculture producers who export what we grow here in Idaho to our trading partners in Canada and Mexico, said Crapo. As I continue to review the details of the new agreement, I am hopeful that the USMCA will bring enhanced access to markets for Idaho's dairy and other agriculture communities.\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\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/2018/10/shoptalk-bear-knuckles-named-small-business-of-the-month-by-u-s-senate", "Post Register: Shoptalk: Bear Knuckles named Small Business of the Month by U.S. Senate", "2018-10-01", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bear Knuckles, a family-owned, Blackfoot-based glove company, was named Small Business of the Month for September by the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.\r\nThe award honors small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country. Bear Knuckles will be recognized in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.\r\nBear Knuckles  owned by Shawn Schild, his brothers Jeff and Kelly and Kendall Matson, who also acts as president of the company  designs and manufactures specialty leather gloves for bareback horse riding and bull riding as well as work gloves and welding gloves.\r\nSchild, 55, who grew up in Blackfoot, said he came up with the patented design for bareback riding gloves after talking to cowboys fed up with their stiff gloves. Working at his father's leather shop, B Bar B, at the time, Schild spent months designing a glove that followed the natural curves of the hand and was easy to close into a fist.\r\nThey would last longer and feel so much better that, once people tried them, they'd never want to use any other glove ever again, Schild said.\r\nSchild secured his first patent in 2001, and Bear Knuckles quickly took over the bareback riding glove market, he said.\r\nRecently, Schild began designing specialty work gloves, using the same technology that made the riding gloves so popular.\r\nHe has continued to innovate his product to better serve working men and women in Idaho and across the country, with their comfort and safety at the heart of his design, said Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, in a news release. The entire Bear Knuckles and Schild family shows how dedication to hard work and perseverance can lead to small business success.\r\nBear Knuckles has just eight employees, many of whom are family. Its gloves are shipped all over the world.\r\nThe Small Business of the Month award caught him by surprise, Schild said. He didn't know it existed.\r\nIt sure doesn't hurt my feelings that somebody out there is taking a look at us, he said.\r\n\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398678", "Simpson Votes for Permanent Tax Relief for Families and Individuals", "2018-09-28", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Mike Simpson", "S001148", "simpson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted this week for a series of bills aimed at protecting and expanding the historic wins accomplished by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. Between the three bills, the Tax Reform 2.0 package makes permanent the individual income tax provision of the TCJA and makes it easier for individuals to save for retirement, education, and other family expenses. The legislation package passed with bipartisan support.\r\nTax Reform 2.0 builds on the success of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from 2017, said Simpson. With the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we jump-started the economy by creating more jobs and increasing optimism on Main Street. Consumer confidence is at a nearly twenty year high, businesses are investing in their employees, and GDP grew by over four percent last quarter. Tax Reform 2.0 expands on that success by giving American families long term certainty through making the individual tax cuts permanent. That means more money in the pockets of American families and individuals, so they can decide what is best for them. The bill also doubles the Child Tax Credit, establishes the Paid Family Leave Tax Credit, and makes the doubled exemption of the Death Tax from TCJA permanent.  \r\n\r\n\r\nTax Reform 2.0 also makes permanent the 20 percent deduction for pass-through business income, locking in significant tax relief to Main Street job creators.\r\nTax Reform 2.0 is comprised of the following bills:\r\n \r\n    \r\n    H.R. 6760, the Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act of 2018, would make the individual and small business tax cuts enacted in 2017 permanent. The Joint Committee on Taxation (JTC) estimates that this provision will increase long-run GDP by 2.2 percent and create 1.5 million new full-time jobs. Additionally, H.R. 6760 would extend the newly-expanded medical expense deduction through the 2020 tax year, allowing more individuals to deduct their medical expenses. \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    H.R. 6757, the Family Savings Act of 2018, would create new incentives for retirement savings as well as a new type of tax-deferred savings account. Individuals will be able to contribute up to $2,500 into the accounts on an annual basis, and any withdrawals are tax free. This bill would make it easier for Americans to save for retirement, education, and other family expenses, and;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    H.R. 6756, the American Innovation Act of 2018, would help small businesses and encourages new entrepreneurs by allowing businesses to write off more of their initial start-up costs.\r\n    \r\n \r\nSimply put, Tax Reform 2.0 puts the focus on families and small businesses. When American voters chose Republicans to control the House, Senate, and White House, we made a promise to our constituents that we would deliver historic tax reforms, said Simpson. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 fulfilled that promise, and Tax Reform 2.0 only doubles down on that success. I am proud to support this legislation and urge the Senate to move quickly to send these bills to the President's desk.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398677", "Simpson Votes to Support Military, Idaho Schools, and Regular Order in Congress", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Mike Simpson", "S001148", "simpson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Significant progress was made Wednesday in Congressional Republicans' efforts to return the annual federal appropriations process to regular order. Nearly one week before the end of the fiscal year, the House of Representatives approved the Conference Report for H.R. 6157, which includes the Department of Defense (DOD) and Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bills for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, as well as a short term continuing resolution to fund the government until all 12 appropriations bills for FY 2019 can be signed into law. Regular order is an appropriations process which results in full year appropriations bills being signed into law before the end of the fiscal year. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted in favor of the legislation which passed by a bipartisan vote of 361-61.\r\nThe Defense Appropriations title of the bill contains a total of $674.4 billion in funding for defense and security agencies, consistent with the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019. \r\nH.R. 6157 represents a critical, positive step forward in rebuilding our military, said Simpson. The American people rely on our men and women in uniform to protect us at home and abroad, and it's only right that we uphold our end of the bargain by ensuring that they have the resources they need to be ready to fight tonight.' For the first time in 20 years, the Department of Defense will have its full annual funding enacted before the end of the current fiscal year, and I am grateful to Defense Chairwoman Kay Granger and House Appropriations Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen for leading this bill over the finish line. The importance of passing this bill under regular order and the certainty it provides our troops can't be emphasized enough.  \r\n\r\nThe Defense title increases base discretionary funding at the DOD by $17 billion over FY 2018. The highlights from the bill include:\r\n \r\n    \r\n    The largest pay raise for our troops in nine years at 2.6%;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    $34 billion for the Defense Health Program, which funds cancer research, traumatic brain injury, psychological health research and more;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    $65 million to upgrade the critical A-10 aircraft fleet, based in part at Gowen Field in Boise;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    $2.3 billion to recruit and train more airmen and aircraft mechanics; and more.\r\n    \r\n \r\n\r\nThe Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education title of the bill takes into account the unique challenges of federally impacted Americans by providing a much-needed funding increase to Federal Impact Aid. \r\nImpact Aid is a vital program in Idaho where federally impacted school districts depend on its support to continue delivering a high-quality education to young Idahoans, said Simpson. This bill also includes lifesaving research funding for the National Institutes of Health and truly historic levels of funding to combat the opioid crisis. I have often said that NIH is the best kept secret, and the American people need to know that their tax dollars are going towards research that leads to cures for the most complex diseases we face.\r\nThe Labor-H title also provides:\r\n \r\n    \r\n    $1.06 billion for Federal TRIO programs to support college-bound veterans and first-generation and low-income students;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    $1.4 billion for Federal Impact Aid to provide support and relief for school districts affected by the presence of tax-exempt federal lands or federally-connected students;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    $39 billion to support the lifesaving research work of the National Institutes of Health, a $2 billion increase over fiscal year 2018. This includes funding for key initiatives such as finding cures for cancer, Alzheimer's, and diabetes, and;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    An unprecedented $6.7 billion to help combat the opioid crisis through treatment and prevention efforts. Much of this funding is directed towards the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to improve addiction and recovery programs.\r\n    \r\n    \r\n \r\nH.R. 6157 passed in the Senate on September 18, 2018, and will now head to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. His signature will mark the completion of five appropriations bills on time which accounts for roughly 80% of total discretionary spending. The first three, Energy and Water Development (authored by Congressman Simpson), Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch appropriations were signed into law on September 21, 2018. \r\n\r\nWhile Congress certainly does not deserve trophies for doing our job, I am pleased that Republicans are leading a return to regular order and achieving the most progress in regards to annual appropriations in over a decade, Simpson said. The power of the purse is one of Congress' most important Constitutional duties, and the completion of these five bills on time underscores Republicans' commitment to transparency and responsible governance. \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/9/senate-names-bear-knuckles-small-business-of-the-month", "Blackfoot Morning News: Senate names Bear Knuckles small business of the month", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator for Idaho Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced on Wednesday that Bear Knuckles in Blackfoot is the Small Business of the Month for September 2018. Bear Knuckles will be recognized in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.\r\nWhen informed that Bear Knuckles had been named small business of the month, the company's founder, Shawn Schild of Blackfoot exclaimed: \"Wow! That blows me away! I didn't see that coming.\"\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/9/sjx-jet-boats-of-orofino-named-small-business-of-the-month", "Clearwater Tribune: SJX Jet Boats of Orofino named Small Business of the Month", "2018-09-19", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, has named SJX Jet Boats, Inc. in Orofino, as the Small Business of the Month for August 2018. SJX Jet Boats will be recognized in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.\r\nKnown as the steelhead fishing capital of the world, Orofino - and the entire state - is home to many sportsmen and women who have benefited from the unique concept of SJX Jet Boats, said Chairman Risch. Whether for a hunter, fisherman, an adventurist, or a first responder, SJX Jet Boats have honed their design through continuous research and development in order to provide the best possible product.\r\nChairman Risch continued, I would like to congratulate Steve Stajkowski and all of the employees at SJX Jet Boats for being named the Small Business of the Month for August 2018. I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.\r\nAfter several years of working in the aluminum jet boat building field, SJX Jet Boats Owner Steve Stajkowski created a concept for a boat that could handle remote, shallow waters while maintaining a strong structural design and functionality. Inspired by the concept of combining high-speed performance with the off-roading aspects of boating, the SJX boat design began to take shape.\r\nHe began work on the very first inboard tunnel hull in 1998. Less than ten years later, after years of experimenting with many different designs, Steve started SJX Jet Boats in 2007.\r\nThe benefits of the SJX Jet Boats concept extend beyond the recreational user. SJX Jet Boats are customizable for policing, search and rescue, fire, and other first responder operations.\r\nDuring a search and rescue mission, when there was a flood in the Philippines, approximately 1,200 individuals were rescued due to the jet boat's capability to maneuver through large amounts of debris.\r\nThe Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to entrepreneurship and provides oversight of the Small Business Administration.\r\nThe committee also researches, investigates and reports all problems relating to America's small businesses to the full Senate. As Chairman, Risch will honor America's small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Senate each month.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-at-fintech-hearing", "Crapo Statement at Fintech Hearing", "2018-09-18", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 18, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo Statement at Fintech Hearing \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, delivered the following remarks during a full committee hearing entitled Fintech: Examining Digitization, Data, and Technology.\r\nThe text of Chairman Crapo's remarks, as prepared, is below.\r\nToday, we will hear four very unique perspectives on a segment of financial technology, or fintech.'\r\nAlmost exactly one year ago, the committee held a hearing to explore the various sectors and applications of fintech.\r\nIn the short time period between that hearing and this one, many developments and innovations have occurred, both in the private sector and on the regulatory front.\r\nDigitization and data, in particular, are constantly evolving, challenging the way we have traditionally approached and conducted oversight of the financial services sector.\r\nAs technology has developed and the ability to readily and cheaply interact with and use data has flourished, we have experienced a sort of revolution into the digital era.\r\nThis digital revolution brings with it the promise of increasing consumer choice, inclusion and economic prosperity, among other things.\r\nLess than a decade ago, the concept of mobile banking, a simple transaction, was relatively new.\r\nNow, consumers have countless options by which to interact with and access their financial information and conduct transactions.\r\nAs this marketplace rapidly develops, so must we constantly evaluate our regulatory and oversight framework, much of which was designed prior to the digital era.\r\nTo the extent that there are improvements that can be made to better foster and not stifle innovation, we should examine those.\r\nAlthough these technological developments are incredibly positive, the increased digitization and ease of collecting, storing and using data presents a new set of challenges and requires our vigilance.\r\nMany products and services in the fintech sector revolve around big data analytics, data aggregation and other technologies that make use of consumer data.\r\nOftentimes these processes operate in the background, and are not always completely transparent to consumers.\r\nIt is important for consumers to know when their data is being collected and how it is being used.\r\nIt is equally important for the companies and the government alike to act responsibly with this data and ensure it is protected.\r\nAs we have seen in recent years, this can be a challenging task.\r\nIn order to fully embrace the immense benefits that can result from technological innovation, we must ensure that proper safeguards are in place and consumers are fully informed.\r\nToday, I hope to hear from our witnesses about: the ways in which fintech is changing the financial sector and the improvements that can be made to ensure the regulatory landscape welcomes that innovation; what kind of data is being collected and used, and how such data is secured and protected; and what are the opportunities and challenges going forward?\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\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/senate-approves-full-year-funding-for-pentagon-a-10s-with-crapo-risch-support", "Senate Approves Full-Year Funding for Pentagon, A-10s with Crapo, Risch Support", "2018-09-18", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 18, 2018\n\t\t\t Senate Approves Full-Year Funding for Pentagon, A-10s with Crapo, Risch Support \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 supported by Crapo and Risch repairs critical A-10 aircraft \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  The nation's A-10 aircraft, like those flown by the 124th Fighter Wing of the Idaho Air National Guard, will receive necessary upgrades under a measure approved by the U.S. Senate today. With support from Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, $65 million will be dedicated to upgrading the wing infrastructure for the aging but critical A-10 fleet nationwide.\r\nThe bill we approved will provide critical upgrades to A-10 aircraft, like the ones stationed at Gowen Field in Boise, Crapo said. The A-10, and the pilots who fly this aircraft, have been a crucial part of our national security mission for decades, yet many battle-worn A-10s require new wings in order to continue flying. This bill will help get that accomplished and extend the life and mission of these planes.\r\nThe A-10 has been a critical warfighter in our nation's fleet for decades and continues to be an important asset as tensions rise in military theatres around the world, Risch said. As our servicemen and women at Gowen Field boldly defend our nation in global missions, this bill helps make certain they have the necessary resources to be successful.\r\nBoth Senators have long fought to keep the A-10s operational because of the aircraft's strong support from members of the military and the key operational role A-10s play through critical air support. Crapo and Risch signed a letter to Senate and House appropriations negotiators supporting the additional funding for A-10 improvements.\r\nThe bill, approved on a 93-7 vote, will fund operations in the departments of Labor, HHS, Education and Defense for Fiscal Year 2019. The measure will now go to the House of Representatives which is expected to take up the measure next week.\r\n\r\n\r\nSen. Crapo speaks about the A-10 maintenance funding. Click on the image to view his remarks.\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\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/2018/9/chairman-of-senate-foreign-relations-committee-says-russia-is-cheating-on-its-treaties", "Stars and Stripes: Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee says Russia is 'cheating on its treaties'", "2018-09-18", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  A Senate committee chairman, several committee lawmakers and a top Defense Department official on Tuesday said Russia is skirting several critical treaties with the United States to limit its stockpile of missiles and other weapons.\r\nSen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said it is unlikely that Russia will adhere to its treaty commitments as it wreaks havoc around the world.\r\nWe have significant problems with Russian compliance with several treaties, Corker said during a committee hearing. It should come as no surprise to any of us that Russia has been cheating on its treaties. [Russian President] Vladimir Putin's government has annexed Crimea, ...interfered with elections  including our own  used chemical weapons to poison individuals on British soil and even purportedly hacked U.S. utilities. Given that record, he's not likely to let treaty commitments get in his way either.\r\nThe Tuesday hearing, which hosted officials from the State and Defense departments, marks the fourth such panel discussion Corker's committee has held on Russia since July. Earlier this month, the committee examined NATO's value to the United States, with a consensus that the military alliance remains critical to fending off Russian aggression.\r\nOn Tuesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee examined four key treaties with the Russians: the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or START; the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces, or INF, Treaty; the Open Skies Treaty, and the Chemical Weapons Convention. All the treaties are aimed at the reduction of weapons, and Russia is not in compliance with most of them, Corker said.\r\nFor example, the Russian federation remains in violation of its obligations under the INF treaty, David Trachtenberg, deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, told lawmakers. We have been more than patient and have provided Russia with ample opportunities to come back into compliance but to no avail.\r\nThe INF Treaty, a 1987 agreement, requires the destruction of Russia's intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles.\r\nThe administration of President Donald Trump has determined Russia has violated the treaty, which was first announced in July 2014 under former President Barack Obama, Trachtenberg said. Trump White House officials have reviewed the intelligence and came to the same conclusion as their predecessors, he said.\r\nThe evidence is conclusive, the violation is real and it goes against the core purpose and restrictions of the INF Treaty, Trachtenberg said.\r\nThere are broader implications for the future of arms control due to the lack of trust that has been created by Russia, he said.\r\nIt is difficult to envision a way forward for the United States and Russia to rebuild that trust and achieve a level of transparency that could lead to a brighter future for arms control, Trachtenberg said. The onus to create the conditions for this trust falls on both the United States and Russia but Moscow will bear the burden should these efforts fail, as Russia's actions created the situation that we currently find ourselves in.\r\nRussia also is not in compliance with the new START agreement, which was a renegotiated under Obama in 2010. The nuclear arms reduction treaty replaced a previous START agreement and is expected to expire in 2021.\r\nWhen it was negotiated in 2010, we hoped it would represent a new relationship with the Russian federation and would lead to broader cooperation on a number of fronts, Trachtenberg said. Since that time, what we've seen is a clear deterioration.\r\nNow, in quoting comments from Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., during the hearing, Trachtenberg said the Trump administration must remain clear eyed about the Russian threats.\r\nSen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, a lawmaker who objected to the new START agreement, said the plan didn't go far enough. Today, trust is lacking, though he agreed the United States should deal with the Russians.\r\nI justdon't have any confidence whatsoever that they're dealing in good faith, Risch said. They're serial cheaters. They're serial liars. And you have to look at the other things that they're doing in the world to judge what kind of a mind these people have as far as whether they're acting in good faith.\r\nLink to article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/9/us-officials-express-doubts-on-future-of-nuke-pact-with-russia", "VOA: US Officials Express Doubts on Future of Nuke Pact with Russia", "2018-09-18", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CAPITOL HILL  Russian arms control violations and other malign activities are eroding the confidence and trust required to extend a critical nuclear agreement between Washington and Moscow that expires in 2021, U.S. officials told lawmakers on Tuesday.\r\n\"Russia continues to violate a series of arms control obligations that undermine the trust of the United States can place in treaties, including some that have served U.S. and allied security interests for years,\" Under Secretary of State for Arms Control Andrea Thomson said in testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.\r\n\"The bottom line is that arms control with Russia is troubled because the Russian Federation apparently believes it need only abide by the agreements that suit it,\" Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy David Trachtenberg said.\r\nNegotiated by the former Obama administration, the New START treaty has limited America's and Russia's strategic nuclear arsenals since going into effect in 2011. U.S. officials said discussions have been held with their Russian counterparts on possibly extending or renegotiating the 10-year pact, but that Russian violations of an earlier accord between the United States and the former Soviet Union are a sticking point.\r\n\"Russia has persisted in its violation of the INF [Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces] treaty through its  ground missile program,\" Thompson said. \"This administration has utilized diplomatic, economic, and military measures to pressure Russia to return to compliance. The lack of any meaningful steps by Russia to do so diminishes our hope that it wants to preserve the INF treaty.\"\r\nRussia also accuses the United States of INF treaty violations. By contrast, both sides are believed to be adhering to New START's provisions.\r\nAsked whether the United States would extend New START, renegotiate the pact, or allow it to expire, Thompson said, \"No decision has been made at this time.\"\r\nRepublican Senator James Risch of Idaho applauded the Trump administration's skepticism about Moscow's intentions and apparent willingness to walk away from New START.\r\n\"Trying to negotiate with people who aren't negotiating in good faith is a problem,\" Risch said. \"They [Russian officials] are serial cheaters, they're serial liars, and you have to look at the other things they are doing in the world to judge what kind of a mind these people have as far as whether they are acting in good faith.\"\r\nBut several Democrats argued New START provides a core benefit even if Moscow is violating other treaties.\r\n\"New START gives us the opportunity to do the inspections [of Russian facilities]  This is extremely valuable,\" Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland said. \"We know North Korea has a nuclear program, but we don't know the specifics because we don't have inspections [of North Korean nuclear sites]. We don't have eyes on the ground.\"\r\n\"Would withdrawing or walking away from an agreement strengthen our hand or ultimately leave us without a seat at the table, without insight into our adversary's stockpile? Safer or less secure?\" Menendez asked.\r\nTrachtenberg declined to speculate, but said, \"We are taking a deliberate approach to our assessment of all of these treaties, including the New Start treaty. I don't see this as a rush to judgment on the part of the administration.\"\r\nThe deputy under secretary of defense added, \"Any decision on extending the treaty will and should be based on a realistic assessment of whether the New Start treaty remains in our national security interest in light of overall Russian arms control behavior.\"\r\nSeveral senators noted that U.S. lawmakers still don't know details of a private meeting in July between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki.\r\n\"We remain largely in the dark as to what the two leaders discussed or agreed to during their two hour closed session,\" Menendez said. \"We do know that the Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov told reporters that important verbal agreements were reached at the Helsinki summit on arms control issues.\"\r\nMenendez added, \"Has the president reached key decisions with Russia on arms control treaties? If so, why hasn't Congress been informed?\"\r\nThompson said she could provide no details of the Helsinki encounter, except that arms control was a topic of conversation.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-announces-staff-promotions-and-appointments", "Crapo Announces Staff Promotions and Appointments", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael Crapo", "C000880", "www.crapo.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 14, 2018\n\t\t\t Crapo Announces Staff Promotions and Appointments \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 Promotions and new hires occur in senior leadership, legislative teams and front office staff \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, today announced a number of changes in his Washington, D.C., office staff who will support his work on behalf of the State of Idaho and its people\r\nKellie McConnell has been promoted to serve as Crapo's Deputy Legislative Director, and will take on the responsibility of overseeing the legislative activities of Senator Crapo's office. Previously, McConnell served Idahoans as Crapo's legislative assistant responsible for overseeing several issues including health care, Medicare and Medicaid, domestic violence, and labor. McConnell, a native of Charlottesville, Virginia, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Denison University. McConnell was promoted following the retirement of Legislative Director Kenneth Flanz, who served Crapo for more than 20 years, beginning when Crapo was a member of the House of Representatives.\r\nAlso receiving promotions are Rebecca Alcorn and Bethany Carter from their roles as Legislative Aides to Legislative Assistants, and Andrew Roan to Legislative Correspondent. Alcorn, a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from North Carolina State University. She will have responsibility over issues including education, labor, the federal judiciary and law enforcement, and social security. Carter, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alabama in Political Science and Classics. She will cover issues of defense, energy, foreign affairs, and veterans affairs. Roan, a native of Boise, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Middle East and North African Politics and Government from Colby College. He will assume responsibilities for foreign affairs as well as national security, cyber security policy and government operations issues. Before his promotion, Roan served as a staff assistant.\r\nThe newest members of Senator Crapo's team include Molly Eastman as Legislative Correspondent, and Amy Agenbroad and Ellie Bender as Staff Assistants.\r\nEastman, a native of Jackson, Wyoming, holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Behavior from the University of Georgia. She will be responsible for issues including education, health care, and social security. She previously served as the staff assistant and tour coordinator in the office of Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyoming).\r\nAgenbroad, a native of Nampa, holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Idaho and previously served as an intern in Senator Crapo's Washington, D.C., office. She will assume responsibilities for arranging tours for Idahoans visiting Washington. Bender, a native of Fountain, Colorado, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boise State University. While at Boise State, Bender served as an intern in Crapo's Boise office. She 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. Both Agenbroad and Bender will greet office visitors and be the first voice many Idahoans hear when calling the Washington office.\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\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/2018/9/idaho-press-idaho-senators-bipartisan-nuclear-research-bill-heads-to-president-s-desk", "Idaho Press Tribune: Idaho Senators' Bipartisan Nuclear Research Bill Heads to President's Desk", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan nuclear research legislation spearheaded by U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch of Idaho and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., is headed to the president's desk, after winning passage in both the Senate and the House.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe measure, the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, authorizes new partnerships between national laboratories and private industry to develop advanced, next-generation nuclear reactors that are safer and more efficient  and possibly could even consume existing spent nuclear fuel that otherwise becomes hazardous waste.\r\n\r\n\r\nCrapo said the bill will eliminate barriers to innovation within the private sector and strengthen collaboration with our national labs to maintain American pre-eminence in nuclear energy.\r\n\r\nWhitehouse said, Nuclear energy technologies are advancing in ways that can help our energy industry and climate alike. Partnerships between the private sector and our world-class scientists at national labs will help bring new technologies forward to compete against polluting forms of energy like coal and natural gas. They may also move forward technologies that could actually reduce our existing stockpiles of spent nuclear fuel. I am proud to have worked with Senator Crapo to get this bipartisan energy legislation over the finish line.\r\n\r\nThe bill has been in the works for several years; its supporters say the nation's current commercial nuclear reactors are aging, and the United States should position itself to lead in researching the next nuclear technology.\r\n\r\nIt creates the National Reactor Innovation Center, for testing and demonstration of reactor concepts proposed and funded by the private sector, and authorizes the U.S. Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission to enter into agreements to share technical knowledge that comes out of the center.\r\n\r\nThe legislation also creates a cost-share grant program for NRC fees for new applications; encourages collaboration between universities, private industry and national laboratories to work toward new scientific discoveries; authorizes DOE to use its computing and simulation resources to help develop new reactor technologies; and calls for a report on costs and prospects for setting up a national user facility for research.\r\n\r\nRisch said in a statement that the bill is a step toward the next generation of reliable, clean nuclear power, adding, As home to the Idaho National Lab, our nation's nuclear energy lab, Idaho is a natural leader in this public-private endeavor and I will continue to support INL's leadership as they develop advanced nuclear technology.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Senate version of the bill also was co-sponsored by Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; Cory Booker, D-N.J.; Orrin Hatch, R-Utah; and Dick Durbin, D-Ill. The House version has 20 co-sponsors, including 12 Republicans and eight Democrats. The measure passed both houses on voice votes, the Senate in March and the House on Thursday.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/9/idaho-press-tribune", "Idaho Press Tribune: U.S. House panel advances bill that includes third federal judge for Idaho", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador. R-Idaho is lauding a House committee s passage of a bill Thursday to add 52 new federal district judgeships, including one in Idaho. Labrador, who introduced a bill to add a new Idaho federal district judge in February of 2017 one month after Idahos 2nd District Rep. Mike Simpson introduced an identical bill, and two weeks after U.S. Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo of Idaho introduced an identical measure in the Senate claimed credit for Thursdays committee vote. Since I first joined the Judiciary Committee in 2013, I have advocated publicly and behind the scenes for a third U.S. District judge for Idaho, Labrador said in a news release. Working closely with Chairman Goodlatte, I introduced legislation that would address this issue and I secured his commitment to get a vote on it. The bill we passed today delivers on that promise, and I am gratified we could make it happen. Simpson has introduced his bill every two years for more than a decade. Simpsons press secretary, Nikki Watts, said, The need is great, and he is extremely appreciative that the House Judiciary Committee included an additional judge in the legislation. Idahos congressional delegation has long pushed to add a third U.S. District judge to the state; Idaho is one of only three states with just two authorized federal district judges. The other two are North Dakota and Vermont. The bill that cleared the committee on Thursday, sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., is co-sponsored by Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., and Rep. George Holding, R-N.C. To become law, it still would need approval from the full House and Senate and the presidents signature. Issas bill, in addition to adding 52 new permanent district court judgeships to address rising caseloads, would also convert eight existing temporary district court judgeships to permanent status; upgrade technology for the federal court systems electronic records system; require Internet video streaming of appellate arguments for circuit courts; require same-day Internet audio streaming for arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court, something the high court long has resisted; and require public disclosure of the reasons for a recusal by a justice of the Supreme Court. Issa said his bill would bring important reforms to court operations. In a statement posted on the Judiciary Committee website, he said, In addition to adding new judges, these measures will bring more transparency to courts and make court documents more accessible. Labrador, in his news release, said, Justice delayed is justice denied is more than an old adage. The federal courts are essential to our system of government and delay has dire consequences. HR 6755 will help the Idaho courts significantly by giving them more resources to ensure fairness and efficiency. That measure would authorize the 52 new federal judgeships as of Jan. 22, 2010. Idaho got its second federal judgeship in 1954 when its population hit 600,000; the states population is now just over 1.7 million, according to the U.S. Census.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/9/idaho-state-journal-melaleuca-attorney-s-nomination-to-9th-circuit-squeaks-through-panel-vote", "Idaho State Journal: Melaleuca Attorney's Nomination to 9th Circuit Squeaks Through Panel Vote", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ryan Nelson, general counsel for Melaleuca in Idaho Falls, won narrow approval on an 11-10 party-line vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday for his nomination to serve on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.\r\nNelson's nomination now moves to the full Senate for approval; U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch of Idaho have strongly supported the nomination.\r\nOpposition came from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, which submitted a three-page letter to the Senate committee decrying Nelson as a conservative ideologue who has advanced a right-wing policy and litigation agenda throughout his career, adding, His anti-environmental record is of particular concern.Story continues below video\r\nCrapo's press secretary, Robert Sumner, said, Senator Crapo disagrees with the views of the group on Ryan Nelson's nomination. Given his experience and qualifications, the senator is confident Nelson will make an excellent appellate judge if confirmed by the full Senate.\r\nAmong the concerns the group raised about Nelson: In 2003, as an attorney in private practice, Nelson filed an amicus brief in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court disability rights case, Tennessee v. Lane, in which he argued on behalf of seven states against claims from a paraplegic plaintiff who had to crawl up two flights of stairs to reach a courtroom, because the courthouse had no elevator.\r\nA government's failure to make a public building satisfy modern standards of accessibility does not violate the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause as long as that failure had a rational basis  which cost considerations alone will almost always provide, Nelson wrote in the brief. The Supreme Court rejected that argument and ruled for the plaintiffs.\r\nThe group also noted Nelson's work while he was with the U.S. Justice Department from 2006 to 2008 to roll back environmental protections, and said he cannot be trusted to be an impartial fact-finder, especially in environmental disputes.\r\nThe group also cited Nelson's work joining in a brief in 2004 arguing that inmates at Guantanamo Bay had no right to challenge their detention in court; the Supreme Court found otherwise.\r\nRyan is widely recognized by his peers for his judgment and legal acumen and will serve our nation well once he is confirmed to the 9th Circuit, Crapo said in a statement after the committee vote. I look forward to seeing Ryan's nomination come before the full Senate, where I will strongly advocate for his confirmation.\r\nAdded Risch, Ryan's experience and background make him an excellent fit for this position and I look forward to supporting his nomination on the Senate floor.\r\nNelson is a graduate of Brigham Young University law school and has been general counsel for Melaleuca, the firm headed by prominent GOP activist and fundraiser Frank VanderSloot, since 2009. Prior to that, Nelson worked as an assistant attorney general for the environment and natural resources division of the U.S. Department of Justice, a position in which he oversaw 500 appellate cases and personally argued 13 appeals in nine different circuits.\r\nHe also served as special counsel for Supreme Court nominations on the GOP staff of the Senate Judiciary Committee  the same panel that voted on his confirmation Thursday  and served as a deputy general counsel at the Office of Management and Budget. He also practiced law in Washington, D.C., with Sidley Austin LLP for five years. He is a sixth-generation Idahoan.\r\nIf confirmed, he'd replace Judge N. Randy Smith of Pocatello, who took senior status on Aug. 11, his 69th birthday. Smith, a former Idaho district judge, was appointed to the court in 2007.\r\nLink to article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/9/kpvi-missing-persons-day", "KPVI: Missing Persons Day", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 14 in Idaho is recognized as Missing Persons Day.\r\nIn 2006, Idaho State Governor James Risch signed and authorized a proclamation to memorialize the day.\r\nWhen a person goes missing or is wanted, they go into the National Crime Information Center's System, so if they are found in another state, an officer can run that person's name or date of birth and he or she would appear.\r\nLieutenant Eric Anderson, Pocatello Police Department said, \"Police agencies throughout the country have missing person cases that they deal with and actively work. And if anybody in the public has information, we encourage them to call us or call any other agency to report that information.\"\r\nTwo notable cases are Kimberly Vialpando of Bannock County and Amber Hoopes from Bonneville County.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/9/melaleuca-attorney-s-nomination-advanced-by-senate", "Idaho Press Tribune: Nelson's Nomination to 9th Circuit Squeaks Through Panel on 11-10 Vote", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Jim Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ryan Nelson, general counsel for Melaleuca in Idaho Falls, won narrow approval on an 11-10 party-line vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday for his nomination to serve on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.\r\nNelsons nomination now moves to the full Senate for approval; U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch of Idaho have strongly supported the nomination.\r\nOpposition came from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, which submitted a three-page letter to the Senate committee decrying Nelson as a conservative ideologue who has advanced a right-wing policy and litigation agenda throughout his career, adding, His anti-environmental record is of particular concern.\r\nCrapos press secretary, Robert Sumner, said, Senator Crapo disagrees with the views of the group on Ryan Nelsons nomination. Given his experience and qualifications, the senator is confident Nelson will make an excellent appellate judge if confirmed by the full Senate.\r\nAmong the concerns the group raised about Nelson: In 2003, as an attorney in private practice, Nelson filed an amicus brief in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court disability rights case, Tennessee v. Lane, in which he argued on behalf of seven states against claims from a paraplegic plaintiff who had to. crawl up two flights of stairs to reach a courtroom, because the courthouse had no elevator.\r\n\"A governments failure to make a public building satisfy modern standards of accessibility does not violate the 14th Amendments Equal Protection Clause as long as that failure had a rational basis which cost considerations alone will almost always provide,\" Nelson wrote in the brief. The Supreme Court rejected that argument and ruled for the plaintiffs.\r\nThe group also noted Nelsons work while he was with the U.S. Justice Department from 2006 to 2008 to roll back environmental protections, and said he cannot be trusted to be an impartial fact-finder, especially in environmental disputes.\r\nThe group also cited Nelsons work joining in a brief in 2004 arguing that inmates at Guantanamo Bay had no right to challenge their detention in court; the Supreme Court found otherwise.\r\nRyan is widely recognized by his peers for his judgment and legal acumen and will serve our nation well once he is confirmed to the 9th Circuit, Crapo said in a statement after the committee vote. I look forward to seeing Ryans nomination come before the full Senate, where I will strongly advocate for his confirmation.\r\nAdded Risch, Ryans experience and background make him an excellent fit for this position and I look forward to supporting his nomination on the Senate floor.\r\nNelson is a graduate of Brigham Young University law school and has been general counsel for Melaleuca, the firm headed by prominent GOP activist and fundraiser Frank VanderSloot, since 2009.Prior to that, Nelson worked as an assistant attorney general for the environment and natural resources division of the U.S. Department of Justice, a position in which he oversaw 500 appellate cases and personally argued 13 appeals in nine different circuits.\r\nHe also served as special counsel for Supreme Court nominations on the GOP staff of the Senate Judiciary Committee the same panel that voted on his confirmation Thursday and served as a deputy general counsel at the Office of Management and Budget. He also practiced law in Washington, D.C., with Sidley Austin LLP for five years. He is a sixth-generation Idahoan.\r\nIn January, President Trump nominated Nelson to be solicitor at the Department of Interior, and that nomination was approved by the Senate Energy Committee, but it was withdrawn in May in light of his nomination to the 9th Circuit.If confirmed, hed replace Judge N. Randy Smith of Pocatello, who took senior status on Aug. 11, his 69th birthday. Smith, a former Idaho district judge, was appointed to the court in 2007.\r\nLink to Article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 312, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "ID", "p2": "2018"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ID&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 312, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=ID&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ID&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 312, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ID&year=2018&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ID&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "ID", "label": "ID", "count": 312, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ID&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "2018", "label": "2018", "count": 312, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ID", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2018-09-14,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Erisch~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2F2018~2F9~2Fmelaleuca-attorney-s-nomination-advanced-by-senate", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=ID&year=2018&_next=2018-09-14%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Erisch~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2F2018~2F9~2Fmelaleuca-attorney-s-nomination-advanced-by-senate&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 87.49786904081702, "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"}