{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401975", "Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for ISU\u2019s Efforts to Expand Research in Critical Minerals", "2026-05-13", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael K. Simpson", "S001148", "simpson.house.gov", "simpson", "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $2,069,000 in funding for the Expanding the Research Core: Advanced Imaging, Sequencing, Omics, and Critical Materials Capabilities Project in Pocatello, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.\n\n\u201cRecovering critical minerals can significantly enhance the long-term energy, environmental, and national security of our state and nation. I have long advocated for expanding access to critical minerals, and I am proud to support Idaho State University\u2019s efforts to expand its research capacity into this recovery happening right here at home,\u201d said Rep. Simpson.\n\n\u201cWe appreciate Congressman Simpson's leadership in helping ISU fulfill its Contract for Idaho. This investment in ISU's research capacity enhances ISU's state-of-the-art imaging, sequencing, and critical mineral capabilities. It ensures our students are trained on the tools industry requires, while our faculty solve the real-world challenges facing Idaho\u2019s energy and mineral sectors. Together, we are securing a self-reliant future for our state by connecting science, industry, and workforce development to create a lasting economic impact,\u201d said Idaho State University President Robert Wagner.\n\n\u201cAcquiring these instruments represents a major advancement for ISU\u2019s education and research mission. These resources will provide students with hands-on training, preparing them for high-paying careers in industry and research. In addition, the enhanced infrastructure will strengthen ISU researchers\u2019 competitiveness for federal funding focused on critical minerals, water systems, and environmental challenges. This investment will help position Idaho as a leader in sustainable resource recovery by connecting science, industry, and workforce development,\u201d said Kavita Sharma, PhD. ISU Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences.\n\nThis funding will allow Idaho State University to purchase specialized equipment, enabling further research into critical mineral recovery.\n\nAs Idaho\u2019s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho\u2019s priorities and ensure Idahoans\u2019 hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho.\n\nThe Expanding the Research Core: Advanced Imaging, Sequencing, Omics, and Critical Materials Capabilities Project is a part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.", 1, "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"]], "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"], "primary_key_values": ["https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401975"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.104134600609541, "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"}