{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402058", "Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for Aberdeen Research and Extension Center", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Michael K. Simpson", "S001148", "simpson.house.gov", "simpson", "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $5,000,000 in funding for the USDA-ARS University of Idaho Aberdeen Research and Extension Center Potato Breeding Facilities Project in Aberdeen, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the House-passed Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill.\n\n\u201cPotatoes are one of Idaho\u2019s most important crops, and our state leads the nation in production,\u201d said Rep. Simpson. \u201cThe University of Idaho has conducted phenomenal research on various crops and provided valuable information to producers about these key agricultural products. As the University continues to expand its research to meet industry needs, it is crucial that funding keeps pace with the research efforts. I am proud to support this project, and as we continue to support the potato industry, we should strive for the goal that ten out of ten Americans associate potatoes with Idaho, rather than just nine out of ten!\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are thankful for Congressman Simpson\u2019s continued support and advocacy for Idaho agriculture,\u201d said Leslie D. Edgar, J.R. Simplot Endowed Dean of the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. \u201cFunds secured by Congressman Simpson will allow us to make critical updates to potato storage and greenhouse facilities at our Aberdeen Research and Extension Center, advancing the essential research we conduct in partnership with USDA-ARS. These updates will allow us to better support Idaho\u2019s $8.5 billion potato industry and ensure the U.S. has resilient potato varieties for the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongressman Simpson\u2019s support for the Aberdeen Research and Extension Center represents a meaningful investment in the future of Idaho agriculture. Advances in potato breeding and research are vital to improving productivity, sustainability, and resilience for our growers, and this funding helps ensure they remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment,\u201d said Matt Dorsey, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation President.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of Idaho's potato industry, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Congressman Simpson and the House Appropriations Committee for advancing the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill that includes critical funding for the Aberdeen Research and Extension Center. This investment ensures Idaho will continue to lead the nation\u2014and the world\u2014in cutting-edge potato research, supporting our growers, strengthening our Nation\u2019s food security, and driving innovation for years to come,\u201d said Jamey Higham, Idaho Potato Commission President.\n\nThis funding will be used to update federally owned storage and greenhouse facilities at the Aberdeen Research and Extension Center to ensure it can continue conducting the necessary research needed by the potato industry. The Aberdeen Research and Extension Center is home to several potato research projects investigating potato-related diseases and disease management techniques; potato pests; potato cropping systems and weed biology, control, and herbicide resistance; and potato variety development. The center plays a crucial role in the development of potato varietals that are higher-yielding, more disease-resistant, and have better end-use qualities than past varieties.\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.", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"]], "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=402058"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.7543289102613926, "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"}