{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401980", "Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for Montpelier Police Department Radio Upgrade", "2026-05-18", "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 $66,000 in funding for the Montpelier Police Department Radio Upgrade Project in Montpelier, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.\n\n\u201cSeveral Idaho police officers have vocalized that outdated communication equipment for their department can result in problematic operational challenges. I hear these concerns and want our law enforcement officers to serve our communities to the best of their ability. I am proud to fight for these radio upgrades for Montpelier\u2019s Police Department, so they have the resources they need to respond efficiently in emergencies,\u201d said Rep. Simpson.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the Montpelier Police Department and the community we serve, I want to sincerely thank Congressman Simpson for his continued support of Idaho\u2019s first responders,\u201d said Chief Blake Wells of the Montpelier Police Department. \u201cThe funding Congressman Simpson helped secure will allow our department to purchase much-needed in-vehicle and handheld radios, improving our ability to communicate effectively and respond safely in critical situations. These upgrades are essential for officer safety, interoperability, and providing the highest level of service to our citizens. We greatly appreciate Congressman Simpson\u2019s commitment to public safety and rural law enforcement agencies across Idaho.\u201d\n\nThis funding will be used to replace its handheld and vehicle radio equipment with newer models. The Montpelier Police Department is currently using equipment that is over 10 years old.\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 Montpelier Police Department Radio Upgrade 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, "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"]], "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=401980"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.9707847386598587, "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"}