url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/12/31/id-a37a35c5-289c-4a95-b53c-ec7307feccac/,Western Caucus Members Condemn Biden Administration for New WOTUS Rule,2022-12-31,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the Congressional Western Caucus released the following statements in response to the Biden Administration’s final rule—quietly released on the last business day of the year before a major holiday—regarding the definition of “waters of the United States,” or WOTUS: “This rule is yet another bureaucratic attack on rural America,” said Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04). “Western Caucus Members and the rural communities we represent have consistently called on the Administration to provide regulatory certainty for farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and landowners – most recently, requesting that the Administration not move forward with rulemaking until the Supreme Court has ruled on Sackett v. EPA. Today, it became crystal clear that we have been ignored. Not only is this rule premature, but it is ultimately detrimental to rural communities – and clean water conservation efforts – across the United States. We will continue to fight for effective locally-led efforts to protect our clean water and against one-size-fits-all mandates.” “Today, the Biden Administration finalized a definition of “waters of the U.S.” that threatens the rights of Idaho’s farmers, ranchers, and private property owners,” said Rep. Russ Fulcher (ID-01). “Water is a lifeline for the Gem State – a key natural resource for many of our most important industries – and this decision will only empower federal bureaucrats.” “The Obama WOTUS rule drastically expanded the jurisdiction over bodies of water like streams and ponds leaving large swaths of Iowa land in the hands of the federal government,” said Vice Chair Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02). “I am extremely disappointed in the Biden Administration’s decision to finalize a similar version of this failed rule which will have terrible consequences for our farmers, ranchers, and landowners in Iowa. Any clean water initiatives by the federal government should be focused on clearly defined bodies of water.” “Today’s announcement by the Biden Administration on their new rule for Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) is disappointing. This rule is both poor policy and badly timed. It is another example of this Administration’s determined adherence to the demands of environmentalists at the expense of hard-working Americans. While cloaked a little differently, this new WOTUS rule will once again place overly burdensome regulations on our farm families, small businesses, and entire communities further harming our economy — not to mention making critical infrastructure projects that much more expensive,” said Vice Chair David Rouzer (NC-07). “While I appreciate the EPA’s acknowledgement that the Supreme Court has already heard arguments in Sackett v. EPA with a ruling soon expected, this further underscores how ill-advised it is for the administration to rush a new rule given the Court’s forthcoming decision will impact any new definition of WOTUS.” “Why does every Democrat administration need to make a rule giving the federal government more power over farming and private property? The federal government doesn’t need to regulate puddles, ditches, seasonal creeks or culverts. All this rule does it make it more difficult to grow food or build anything,” said Vice Chair Doug LaMalfa (CA-01). “Frankly, that seems like to whole point – to make every day Americans ask permission from their government for basic tasks like cleaning a ditch, repairing a road, or building something on your own property. I say NO, and I’ll be leading an effort to stop yet another ridiculous rule.” “Biden’s WOTUS rule creates a regulatory headache for economic drivers like farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, miners, and more, said Vice Chair Pete Stauber (MN-08). “Similar to the old Obama Administration WOTUS rule, this new rule is a gift to lawyers and activists, and creates hardship for my district. This is simply unacceptable but I expect no less from this activist administration.” “It appears that the Biden Administration is attempting to over-regulate America’s farmers into extinction by reimplementing this nonsensical version of the devastating Obama-era WOTUS rule,” said Vice Chair Bruce Westerman (AR-04). “These actions demonstrate a lack of care for the needs of rural America, our agriculture industry, and for private property rights. I look forward to a Republican House working to overturn this rule.” “I am extremely discouraged by the EPA’s actions regulating wetlands and waters in a manner inconsistent with the Clean Water Act,” said Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03). “During this time when increased agriculture production and growth are critical, the rule fails to provide certainty for America’s farmers and ranchers. Furthermore, the Biden Administration’s contradictory rule ensures lengthy litigation surrounding the scope of federal regulatory authority of our nation’s waterways will continue with confusion and regulatory uncertainty. Oklahoma’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners have demonstrated their responsible stewardship of the land for generations, and I will continue to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in opposition to the continued inconsistent interpretation of the Clean Water Act.” “Joe Biden’s EPA knows full well this ruling will face immediate litigation in court,” said Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK-02). “The idea that a drainage ditch in Oklahoma is now a federally regulated, navigable waterway is absurd. This is nothing more than a Christmas present to Biden’s radical environmentalists.” “This change of the WOTUS rule is a massive landgrab that will expand federal control to ponds, puddles, and even ditches all under the false pretense that it will make our waters cleaner. Meanwhile, farmers will be drawn into crosshairs with the EPA over using the safe crop production process they have used for years, and landowners could face hefty fines for failing to comply with the unclear language,” said Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01). “We all want clean water, but WOTUS now negates existing local and state laws and refutes the historical role farmers, ranchers, and landowners have in being the original good stewards of their land.” “Restoring the Obama-era WOTUS rule will restore a world of vague and disastrous regulations for Georgia’s farmers, small businesses, homeowners, local government, and families, who do not need an unelected bureaucrat to tell them how to use the Peach State’s natural resources,” said Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-01). “Under President Trump, there were clear and certain guidelines, ones that should transcend political party and remain law.” “As a lifelong farmer, I know firsthand the challenges government overreach places on the day-to-day operations of farms and businesses,” said Rep. David Valadao (CA-21). “Giving the federal government more control over our water has already once proven devastating for rural communities. The Biden administration’s EPA rule will further burden our farmers, ranchers, and small businesses in the Central Valley. I am hopeful that the Supreme Court will put an end to this regulatory nightmare when Sackett v. EPA is decided.” “The goal of President Biden’s Waters of the U.S. rule is to give unelected bureaucrats even more command and control over the lives of rural Missourians,” said Rep. Jason Smith (MO-08). “The Trump administration’s rule protected Missouri’s water, incorporated sound science, and accommodated the needs of farmers, ranchers, landowners, and small businesses. But getting rid of this carefully crafted rule means that federal bureaucrats will again have the authority to regulate any body of water – whether it’s a puddle, ditch, pond, or creek – passing through or standing on private land. I’ll continue fighting tooth and nail to protect all these stakeholders from the Biden administration’s overreaching WOTUS rule and any other efforts by Washington Democrats to force their radical agenda on our communities.” “We had a sensible rule for WOTUS under the last administration that left most decision-making and regulation to the states. Each state has unique circumstances to consider, and we cannot expect those to be solved by a one-size-fits-all plan. Minnesota’s clean water standards are as high, if not higher, than the federal standards. We are the land of lakes. We know what we’re doing, and we do not need federal involvement,” said Rep. Michelle Fischbach (MN-07). “This rule includes several vague standards that fail to provide certainty for stakeholders. It will be important to hold the EPA accountable to ensure they do not overstep their authorities.” “Using WOTUS as a political football creates greater instability and challenges for our producers,” said Rep. Dusty Johnson (SD-AL). “It was poorly written to begin with and has created much confusion in rural America. The new WOTUS rule is a gross overreach of federal power.” “EPA’s WOTUS decision is yet another example of blatant executive overreach. The government should not dictate land use on private property or the farming practices of producers and ranchers,” said Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-03). “I am steadfastly opposed to this decision because of the devastating impact it will have on landowners in Nebraska and across the country.” “The return of WOTUS would be a disaster for North Dakota’s farmers and ranchers,” said Rep. Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL). “I am disappointed that the Biden administration is determined to bring it back despite warnings from ag producers that it will harm their livelihoods. We have to keep fighting against harmful policies that don’t do anything to keep our air and water clean.” “Today’s WOTUS ruling is a detrimental government overreach into ponds and puddles a thousand miles from the D.C. swamp. Kansas farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of their land, but the final WOTUS rule hands over private property decisions to Washington bureaucrats,” said Rep. Ron Estes (KS-04). “As a Kansan and former farm kid, my colleagues and I will continue pushing back against this burdensome administration that chooses to govern with a heavy hand and disregards the common sense conservation by the men and women who actually work the land.” “States, not the federal government, should be the primary regulators of water sources and waterways within their borders. Unfortunately, the EPA’s and Army Corps’ Waters of the United States Final Rule will allow the federal government to encroach on the authority of state and local governments and the rights of landowners to manage agricultural ponds, drainage ditches, and other bodies of water,” said Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) “With the release of this Final Rule, the Biden Administration is taking a huge step backwards at the expense of states, localities, and private landowners.” “Thanks to regulatory overreach, farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers will now be forced to operate their businesses under the federal government’s sixth definition of “water” in the past ten years alone. The Biden Administration’s newest version of “Waters of the U.S.” removes longstanding bipartisan exemptions for common water features like ponds or streams found on farms and ranches,” said Rep. Tracey Mann (KS-01). “The Biden Administration has created regulatory chaos for producers, who are working hard to keep us all fed, fueled, and clothed. Farmers are the original conservationists, and they deserve the gratitude and support of the federal government, not red tape and burdensome overregulation. They certainly don’t need Washington Democrats to tell them how to manage their own resources.” “I am disappointed in this Administration’s latest effort to place arbitrary regulations on private property owners. For decades, Oregonians have had to bear the burden of environmental regulations written by unelected bureaucrats in DC,” said Rep. Cliff Bentz (OR-02). “My constituents, who earn their living from the land, understand better than anyone how to protect and sustain it for future generations. The EPA and other federal entities have wielded WOTUS to control the most basic activities of everyday Americans. I came to Washington, DC to fight these top-down, ineffective regulatory burdens so that Oregonians have the freedom to manage the land using the commonsense practices that have been passed down through generations.” “California doesn’t have a water problem; it has a water storage problem,” said Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-08). “The previous management agreements for the Central Valley Project and State Water Project were critical to improving our water storage capabilities, protecting our environment, and ensuring reliable water supplies for our communities and the industries that form the backbone of California’s robust economy. They were science-based, peer-reviewed, and already producing encouraging results. I am extremely disappointed that the Administration has acted to reverse the meaningful progress made under these plans, and I join my colleagues in calling for the immediate reversal of this decision.” “Reinstating the Obama-era WOTUS rule is gross federal overreach, gives the government an unprecedented level of authority over ‘waters of the United States,’ and impacts almost every part of American life, especially for farmers and ranchers,” said Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC-03). “We fought this rule under President Obama, celebrated when President Trump removed it, and will fight for this disastrous abuse of power under President Biden to be reversed.” Background: In April, Chairman Newhouse, Rep. Miller-Meeks, and Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13) submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court for Sackett v. EPA outlining the importance of environmental federalism and how a poorly-defined Clean Water Act hinders environmental protections. On March 9, Chairman Newhouse, Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Sam Graves (MO-06), and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member David Rouzer (NC-07) led over 200 House Republicans – including every Member of the Western Caucus – in calling for the Biden Administration to drop its plan to expand the scope of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) until Sackett v. EPA is decided by the Supreme Court. Click here to learn more. Chairman Newhouse and Rep. Miller-Meeks called on the Administration to halt the rulemaking process, based on the Supreme Court’s decision to take up the Sackett case, in January. Chairman Newhouse hosted Rep. Davis, Illinois Farm Bureau President Rich Guebert, and Charles Yates of the Pacific Legal Foundation, a lawyer in the Sackett v. EPA case, to discuss the impacts WOTUS has on rural communities and potential implications of the Supreme Court decision. Click here to listen. When the Biden Administration announced their intention to revise and remand the Trump Administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule, Chairman Newhouse, Rep. Miller-Meeks, Senator Steve Daines (MT), and Senator Joni Ernst (IA) led Western Caucus Members in a bicameral letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan and Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jaime Pinkham to express their serious concerns and demand answers about the Administration’s plans to reopen the definition of “waters of the United States.” Click here to read the letter and learn more. In November of 2021, Western Caucus Members from across the country issued statements in response to the Administration’s proposed rule. Click here to read more.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/12/05/id-622a72f4-316a-49f1-b647-f0cfc90d6b50/,Dr. Foxx and Rep. Fulcher: EEOC Strategic Plan Falls Short,2022-12-05,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Education and Labor Committee Republican Leader Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee Republican Leader Russ Fulcher (R-ID) sent a letter to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Chair Charlotte A. Burrows to sound the alarm on the agency’s draft Strategic Plan, which misses opportunities for making EEOC more responsive to workers and employers. In the letter, Foxx and Fulcher write: “We are concerned the Strategic Plan refuses to reinstate EEOC’s mediation and conciliation pilot programs, omits a specific plan to address EEOC’s current failure to return its employees to regular in-person work, and does not fully address issues highlighted by the findings of a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on EEOC’s charge intake and outreach efforts. Unfortunately, these are all troubling issues we have raised previously with EEOC. Without properly addressing these issues, the Strategic Plan will fail to meet its stated commitments to equal employment opportunity, accountability, and integrity.” The Members continue: “Mediation and conciliation are vitally important functions of EEOC that lead to just and timely resolutions of cases for workers and employers in lieu of costly litigation. In July 2020, EEOC launched mediation and conciliation pilot programs. However, within the first week of the Biden administration, EEOC discontinued these successful pilot programs with little explanation or justification.” The Members also write: “As 2022 will soon draw to a close, EEOC has still failed to implement a plan to return its employees to the kind of onsite, in-person work that resembles its operations before the pandemic. The damage done by this unreasonable delay was conceded by Chair Burrows in testimony before the Committee.” Read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/12/01/id-c9b5c391-68a8-4494-b89a-351760de8531/,Congressman Fulcher Elected to Republican Policy Committee for 118th Congress,2022-12-01,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congressman Russ Fulcher was elected by members of the House Republican conference to serve on the Republican Policy Committee for the 118th Congress. He joins the Committee as the Representative for Region 12, which includes the states Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Oregon, and the territories Guam and American Samoa. “I am honored to have been elected by my colleagues to serve on the Republican Policy Committee. After four years of failed Democratic leadership, House Republicans stand prepared to offer Americans common-sense policies to our most pressing issues,” stated Rep. Fulcher. “Beginning with our Commitment to America, there is no shortage of serious policy proposals to deal with the inflation, border, and energy crises that President Biden has failed to address. I look forward to working with Chairman Gary Palmer (R-AL) and all members of the Republican Policy Committee to provide an alternative vision for our country – one based on the founding principles of free enterprise and American values.” “Congressman Fulcher will be a great asset to the Republican Policy Committee team,” commented RPC Chairman Gary Palmer. “His real-world experience coupled with a focus on sound policy initiatives will help shape solutions for all Americans. I look forward to working with him on ideas for the Republican Conference to enact.” The Republican Policy Committee, first established in 1949, is an advisory body to the incoming House Republican majority which facilitates the lawmaking process through legislative analysis and conservative policy proposals. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/11/23/id-5f712d11-483a-4c55-b405-f8dadd7ccbbb/,Pressing for Answers to Cancelled Prescription Contracts Hindering Idaho Veterans’ and Servicemembers’ Pharmacy Access,2022-11-23,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Guest column submitted by the Idaho Congressional Delegation: Senator Mike Crapo, Senator James E. Risch, Representative Mike Simpson and Representative Russ Fulcher Idaho is made even greater by the more than 116,000 veterans, the 4,063 active-duty servicemembers and the 8,367 National Guard and reserve members who live here. We have been working steadily to ensure federal policy supports their service and makes it easier for them to live here in Idaho. This includes our raising concerns about a recent change cutting almost 15,000 pharmacies, mostly in small communities, from the TRICARE program, limiting military families’ ability to continue going to their community pharmacies for their prescriptions. Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI), the pharmacy benefit manager for TRICARE, has implemented pharmacy network changes that disproportionally harm small community pharmacies by cutting the reimbursement rate for prescriptions dispensed in-network. As a result, a number of pharmacies will no longer be able to afford to participate in the TRICARE pharmacy network. ESI made these changes unilaterally, terminating 2022 contracts two months early rather than allowing them to expire at the end of the year. For example, Sandpoint Super Drug, a local pharmacy that serves the rural community of Sandpoint, has a clientele base that is comprised of roughly 30 percent TRICARE patients. Sandpoint Super Drug was recently notified it will no longer be in the TRICARE pharmacy network because its Pharmacy Service Administrative Organization (PSAO) declined the proposed contract terms for continued participation on its behalf. Scott Porter, Pharmacist and owner of Sandpoint Super Drug said, “I have asked repeatedly for a stand-alone contract with Sandpoint Super Drug and ESI-TRICARE as if my contracting agency never existed. I am losing customers daily because of this agreement with TRICARE-ESI and larger corporate pharmacies. This is preventing me from meeting the prescription needs of many TRICARE recipients in my community.” We wrote to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Health Agency (DHA) questioning the abrupt changes. Among our many questions about the changes and their impacts, we asked about: What steps are being taken to address concerns about TRICARE pharmacy network reductions and access to retail pharmacy services for beneficiaries; Recourse available to community pharmacies that wish to continue to participate in TRICARE through stand-alone contracts; How many families are impacted by the changes, and if unknown, why there was not an assessment before contract negotiations took place; and may other questions. Regrettably, too many veterans and servicemembers still face barriers to the care and services they need, and limiting access to critical pharmacy services is deeply concerning. Idaho servicemembers and veterans should be free to go to trusted, local pharmacists to pick up prescription drugs if they choose. On November 11, 2022, ESI announced it will be reopening negotiations for community pharmacy participation in the TRICARE pharmacy network. We will keep our eyes on this issue as the pharmacy contract negotiations continue, keep pushing for answers about these recent changes affecting TRICARE’s retail pharmacy network and look for remedies that support Idaho’s uniformed servicemembers, veterans and their families, as well as the community pharmacies that serve them. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/11/17/id-f4d7ca55-d5ea-477c-b230-ae4844068b59/,Idaho Delegation Urges Fish and Wildlife Service to Review Idaho Petition to Delist Grizzly Bear,2022-11-17,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher sent a letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Director Martha Williams demanding a response to Idaho’s grizzly bear delisting petition. “Idahoans have a unique interest in the delisting of the grizzly bear due to a recent and significant increase in depredation events within the state,” the Delegation wrote. “Over the past five years, Idaho’s Boundary and Bonner Counties annually experienced two to three grizzly bear depredation events. This year that number was 21.” “As grizzly bear populations continue to meet and exceed recovery targets, human-bear interactions will also increase,” the letter continued. “Pending resolution of Idaho’s petition to delist the grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states, we request that USFWS devote more of the resources that are currently allocated to preventing human-bear interactions on the regional scale to Idaho.” To read the full letter, click here. Background: The grizzly bear was first listed as threatened in 1975. In 2017, the USFWS removed the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population of the grizzly bear from the endangered species list, citing a significant increase in bear populations and a doubling of their range land. In September 2018, a federal judge in Montana ruled to put the grizzly bear back on the endangered species list. The state of Wyoming appealed the decision, and in July 2020 a federal appeals court in San Francisco upheld the continued protections for the grizzly bear. The State of Idaho submitted a petition to the USFWS on March 9, 2022 to delist the grizzly bear in the “Lower 48” United States. The agency has failed to review the petition within the 90-day timeframe required by the Endangered Species Act and has still not responded to Idaho’s petition. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/11/07/id-1f650a40-1bc1-44a7-b4cc-043069b2dc30/,Idaho Delegation Presses Defense Health Agency on Cancelled Prescription Contracts Hindering Veterans’ and Servicemembers’ Pharmacy Access,2022-11-07,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov BOISE, ID — Upon learning that the pharmacy benefit management organization that administers the TRICARE Pharmacy Program instituted changes that impact roughly 400,000 beneficiaries and cut out almost 15,000 pharmacies mostly in small communities, the Idaho Congressional Delegation pressed the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Health Agency (DHA) to ensure adequate patient access for servicemembers and covered veterans. “While Express Scripts claims most patients will have access to pharmacies in their area, significant concerns remain that beneficiaries in rural areas, including Idaho, will encounter less availability that could undermine their quality of care,” the Delegation wrote. “. . . reducing payments to community pharmacies hurts not just choice, but could be seen as a move to monopolize,” the letter continues. “Additionally, this could impact pediatric healthcare needs for families enrolled in TRICARE, because these children must go to independent pharmacies for specialized compounding services due to traditionally manufactured drugs not being able to meet their needs.” “I have asked repeatedly for a stand-alone contract with Sandpoint Super Drug and ESI-Tricare as if my contracting agency never existed. I am losing customers daily because of this agreement with Tricare-ESI and larger corporate pharmacies. This is preventing me from meeting the prescription needs of many Tricare recipients in my community,” said Scott Porter, Pharmacist and owner of Sandpoint Super Drug, which serves the rural community of Sandpoint, Idaho, with a clientele base comprised of roughly 30 percent TRICARE patients, and whose contract to provide TRICARE benefits was abruptly cancelled. Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI), the pharmacy benefit manager for TRICARE, has implemented pharmacy network changes that disproportionally harm small community pharmacies by cutting the reimbursement rate for prescriptions dispensed in-network. As a result, a number of pharmacies will no longer be able to afford to participate in the TRICARE pharmacy network. ESI made these changes unilaterally, terminating 2022 contracts two months early rather than allowing them to expire at the end of the year. The Idaho Delegation is seeking answers to several questions to better understand the reasons for the abrupt changes, to understand the true size of the negative impact this decision will have on TRICARE beneficiaries, and to ensure adequate patient access for Idaho’s veterans and servicemembers who rely on small community pharmacies to meet their pharmaceutical needs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/10/19/id-8b513853-5441-46e6-98b5-2e856a2b5d12/,Congressman Fulcher Introduces the CLEAN Act to Expand Geothermal Opportunities,2022-10-19,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01) has introduced the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act to increase lease sales for geothermal energy projects on federally controlled lands. The House legislation is cosponsored by Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (AR-04) and is part of a broader legislative effort by Republicans in the Committee to increase domestic power production and diversify our energy portfolio in order to meet our nation’s growing demand. Congressman Fulcher commented, “Securing American energy independence should be a top priority for Congress. Geothermal is a renewable power source that can help us accomplish that goal. Idaho already plays a leading role in geothermal energy production, and I am proud to introduce this bill to further unleash its potential as a baseload source. I thank Ranking Member Westerman for sharing a commitment to our country’s long-term energy security.” Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman added, “As we pursue all-of-the-above energy solutions, geothermal energy must be part of the equation. Congressman Fulcher’s legislation will require annual lease sales for geothermal energy, allowing us to harness the energy already produced deep in the earth. It’s a clean, reliable energy source that we must develop further in the coming years. I’m proud to support a bill that will do just that.” Background on the legislation: To begin developing geothermal resources on federally controlled lands, projects must first obtain a lease. 90 percent of viable geothermal resources are estimated to be located on these federally controlled lands, making consistent lease sales crucial to the expansion of this energy source. The CLEAN Act amends the Geothermal Steam Act to: Require yearly lease sales for geothermal energy. Currently, the Act requires a lease sale every two years. Requires the Secretary to hold replacement lease sales for any sales that are missed in a given calendar year. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/09/30/id-9b900387-a4d8-499c-b06d-dbe06844d028/,Statement on CR vote,2022-09-30,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Fulcher released the following statement on today’s continuing resolution vote: “Today, members of the House were asked to vote on a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 16th. As with every vote on a government funding bill, I consider it a sober process requiring careful analysis. Unfortunately, Democrat leadership in the House and Senate do not share this view, rushing out a bill mere days ago that continues the federal government’s reckless spending and fails to address our border, economic, or energy crises. As our national debt approaches $31 trillion, I refuse to enable a broken budget process that creates more burden on taxpayers. I voted NO.“ ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/09/14/id-e8772c72-8ec7-4fa4-a91c-1218b715f543/,Opening Statement: Promoting Responsible Land Management and Tribal Self-Determination,2022-09-14,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Sep 14, 2022 Ranking Member Russ Fulcher discusses in his opening statement the need to properly balance land management objectives, promote self-determination for Indian tribes, and responsibly manage our natural resources.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/09/08/id-06df64b5-0468-4284-b7b5-354ef017c0a8/,The Best Way to Prevent Juvenile Crime is by Offering Youth More Opportunities for Success,2022-09-08,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee Republican Leader Russ Fulcher (R-ID) delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, at a subcommittee hearing on preventing youth from encountering the juvenile justice system: “Supporting America’s young people and keeping our communities safe are priorities Republicans have long supported. Federal policies have focused for years on empowering local efforts to place at-risk youth on the right path. In fact, Republicans shepherded the last reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act to reflect those priorities. In that reauthorization we took steps to improve the juvenile justice system with legislation that promotes public safety through prevention efforts and gives state and local leaders more flexibility to meet the needs of at-risk youth while also implementing transparency and accountability measures. “As we heard during our last hearing on the juvenile justice system, juvenile crime is on a downward trajectory. A witness stated that the number of youths arrested since 1997 has declined by 74 percent. My home state of Idaho is following these trends, especially on property-related crimes. This is good news and tells us we need to stay focused on prevention efforts. “And we know prevention efforts are crucial to helping at-risk youth avoid entanglement with the juvenile system. Intervening early reduces the likelihood of this happening. Once a young person has one ‘run in,’ they are far more likely to have another. That’s why prevention is key. “Programs at the state and local levels, will help secure brighter futures for these young people. We must promote positive and holistic youth development programs. Young people who have their educational, relational, emotional, spiritual, and physical needs met are far less likely to participate in illicit activity. These kinds of programs are best developed, implemented, and run at the local level, utilizing community partners, including those in the faith community, to address the unique needs of the youth in that community. “We must do a better job utilizing public-private partnerships. Local educators, social workers, faith-based providers, and community leaders—not Washington bureaucrats—should lead efforts on the front lines of this youth crisis. Community involvement utilizes the expertise out there, yielding better results for our nation’s young people, without further burdening schools— which needs to focus on education. “We must also give young people as many opportunities as possible. Work experience, for example, is one of the most effective ways to set at-risk youth on the right path. Career and technical programs give youth opportunities to set them up for success. Our community colleges, with their structured programs and work with local employers, offer paths for young people at risk and as a second chance for those who have gotten into trouble. “Our witness today, Father Boes, will discuss the importance of looking at the unique needs of the children involved, providing support to schools that help address the needs of at-risk students, and putting those students on a path to success. I look forward to hearing more about Boys Town, its work, and partnership with schools to address these issues. “Thank you—to Father Boes and the other witnesses for coming today, I look forward to the testimony, and I yield back.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/09/02/id-041fe3cb-c779-479d-995d-6ee675b6e77d/,Idaho Delegation Applauds Micron Announcement,2022-09-02,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov BOISE, ID — Today, the Idaho Congressional Delegation applauded Micron Technology on its announcement that it will construct a new memory chip plant in Boise, the first new semiconductor manufacturing fab built in the U.S. in the last 20 years. “Idaho and Micron have been partners since Day One of the company’s founding right here in the Treasure Valley. Micron’s announcement of a new fab coming to Boise deepens that partnership,” said Senator Jim Risch. “This newest plant will strengthen American memory chip manufacturing and help ensure the U.S. is self-reliant for this key technology. Congratulations to all the employees at Micron on this announcement as Idaho continues to lead the way in semiconductor innovation and success.” “Micron expanding its home in Boise ensures the semiconductor industry will continue to innovate and develop new technologies that keep Idaho on the leading edge for research and development,” Senator Mike Crapo said. “This expansion is valuable to our state, workforce and economy.” “I am thrilled to hear the news that Micron will be building such a critical facility for U.S. national and economic security here in Idaho,” said Congressman Mike Simpson. “Micron has always been a technological leader in the field and I am so pleased they will continue their cutting-edge work right where they started.” “As an early employee of Micron, it has been remarkable to see their lasting impact on Idaho’s success,” said Congressman Russ Fulcher. “This new investment will not only build on this success, but will also improve America’s position in the semiconductor industry.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/08/12/id-897d33df-0023-495c-b397-249338e79680/,Congressman Fulcher Votes Against Democrats’ Reconciliation Bill,2022-08-12,2022,2022-08,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Russ Fulcher voted against passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act. The bill passed the House with zero Republican votes and every Democrat voting in favor. The vote follows more than a year of Congressman Fulcher voicing his opposition to the bill in its current and previous iteration, the Build Back Better Act. Despite the name change, H.R. 5376 keeps many of the same provisions found in Democrats’ original reconciliation bill. Congressman Fulcher commented, “The ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ is as deceptively named as it is dangerous to our country’s economic well-being. Instead of addressing the worst inflation crisis in 40 years, this bill further inflames one of the main drivers of it: federal spending. Worse yet – Democrats are asking the middle class and businesses to pay for that spending with hundreds of billions in new taxes. I voted NO on H.R. 5376.” Background on the legislation: Despite the name, an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) stated that H.R. 5376 would have “negligible effect on inflation.” Another analysis by the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Budget Model described the bill’s effects as “statistically indistinguishable from zero.” The bill dedicates nearly $80 billion to the IRS for tax enforcement. A CBO analysis makes clear that under H.R. 5376, audit rates will “rise for all taxpayers.” The nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation, Congress’ official tax scorekeeper, stated that more than 75% of the money raised from under-reported income would likely come from those making less than $200,000 a year. The Joint Committee on Taxation analysis also estimates only 4-9% of tax revenue raised would come from those making more than $500,000. Democrats voted against Idaho Senator Mike Crapo’s amendment to add guardrails preventing audits for the middle class and small businesses, instead using non-binding legislative language that would do nothing to protect taxpayers from agency abuse. The bill contains many provisions that fulfill Democratic agenda items unrelated to tackling inflation. This includes green energy subsidies that are exclusively utilized by wealthy Americans and price controls on prescription drugs that the CBO states will lead to higher prices for new drugs. Congressman Fulcher has instead supported separate legislation, such as the Lower Costs, More Cures Act and the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act, that promote clean energy and lower prescription drug costs while sparing taxpayers of billions in new taxes. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:59:24Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/08/03/id-c9180e7d-cfba-4dd3-88fd-3fa5d931f565/,Statement on the DOJ Lawsuit Against Idaho,2022-08-03,2022,2022-08,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Fulcher released the following statement on the lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice against the State of Idaho: “By filing suit against Idaho over its anti-abortion law, President Joe Biden and his Justice Department are displaying their disdain for our federalist system and their growing belief in the illegitimacy of the Supreme Court. The Court made clear in its Dobbs v. Jackson decision that the issue of abortion should be left up to each state, and Idaho has chosen life. On Tuesday, Idaho Governor Brad Little commented on the lawsuit filed against the State of Idaho. Read his full remarks here.“ ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:59:24Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/07/29/id-efdad627-c06c-42dd-a6f8-91ac3145742f/,Rep. Fulcher Speaks On Federal Forest Health,2022-07-29,2022,2022-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/07/28/id-20875941-b353-471f-a323-ff22980e8bc9/,Statement on the CHIPS+ Act,2022-07-28,2022,2022-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Fulcher released the following statement on the CHIPS+ Act: “As someone with fifteen years of experience working for one of the largest semiconductor companies in the world, I recognize the importance of the industry and the threat that a market dominated by China would pose. Both opponents and supporters of the CHIPS+ Act seek a strong domestic semiconductor industry – not reliant on foreign supply. The difference lies in the proposed solution. Members like me look to the free market, and see that since the beginning of 2021, semiconductor companies have announced nearly $80 billion in domestic investment plans through 2025. Meanwhile, China remains a net importer of semiconductors, at about $300 billion every year. While we cannot understate the risk currently posed by China’s position in the semiconductor market, we also should not understate the current devastating effects of inflation – which is further exacerbated by more government spending. Senator Schumer’s last-minute decision to add $200 billion in unrelated spending to the bill cements this legislation’s fiscal irresponsibility. If Congress is serious about encouraging business investments, it should look to proven solutions like reducing taxes and regulatory barriers.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:49:02Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/07/21/id-49e3337a-705b-4703-9852-33f11fd02b86/,Statement on H.R. 8373,2022-07-21,2022,2022-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Fulcher released the following statement on H.R. 8373: “In an attempt to undermine the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs, Democrats are using H.R. 8373 as a vehicle to guarantee a right to chemical abortion. This legislation goes far beyond contraception, utilizing a definition of “contraceptive” so broad that it includes a right to chemical abortion drugs that can be used weeks or months into a pregnancy. Furthermore, the legislation completely disregards the freedom of conscience of health care providers, explicitly exempting itself from protections afforded to providers by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. I oppose this poorly drafted bill and will vote NO.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:49:02Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/07/20/id-73049207-824d-40fe-ba41-2463282be69e/,Idaho’s Congressional Delegation Comments On Delayed Boise VA Electronic Health Record Transition,2022-07-20,2022,2022-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), U.S. Representative Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) and U.S. Representative Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) remain concerned about the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) rollout of the new Electronic Health Record (EHR) system at the Boise VA Medical Center (VAMC), which has been postponed indefinitely from the original go-live date of June 25, 2022 and the delayed go-live date of July 23, 2022. “As the VA works to determine a viable path forward for the new EHR system, we once again call on VA and Oracle Cerner leadership to put veterans first by fixing the long-identified issues with the program that pose a threat to patient care,” said Idaho’s Congressional Delegation. “Before the system is rolled out at any additional sites, it must be made safe, reliable and user-friendly.” While initially intended to improve care coordination and increase efficiency, over the past year, the VA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has released multiple reports detailing deficiencies with the new EHR system, which was first deployed at the Mann-Grandstaff VAMC in Spokane, Washington. These deficiencies have led to delays in patient care, refilling prescriptions and managing referrals, among other things. In April, the Idaho Congressional Delegation raised concerns to the VA regarding these OIG reports and requested information on steps being taken to ensure these issues do not further impede veteran care during the planned rollout at the Boise VAMC. Though a few of these deficiencies have been addressed, numerous outstanding issues remain. In addition to Delegation staffs’ numerous meetings with Veterans Health Administration stakeholders, staff members from the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs recently visited the Boise VAMC to meet with hospital leadership and providers at the request of the Delegation. “As the VA reassesses the Cerner implementation at the Boise VAMC, Members and staff of the Idaho Congressional Delegation remain committed to working with the VA, the Boise VAMC and veterans to ensure our veterans receive the quality care they deserve,” the Delegation continued. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation and stand ready to assist veterans with any issues they may encounter when accessing VA health care.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:49:02Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/07/19/id-46613a63-6e8c-440c-b4e2-9db6b4e15017/,Statement on H.R. 8404,2022-07-19,2022,2022-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Fulcher released the following statement on H.R. 8404: “The legislation presented today received no consideration whatsoever in its committee of jurisdiction: no hearing, no markup, and no debate. The Supreme Court made clear in its Dobbs ruling that nothing in the decision should “cast doubt on precedents that do not concern abortion” and that such concerns were “designed to stoke unfounded fear that our decision will imperil those other rights.” H.R. 8404 unnecessarily inserts the heavy hand of the federal government where it is not needed, creating a scenario where Idaho may be forced to recognize an evolving definition of marriage according to other states. Democrats are desperate to change the conversation from record high gas prices and runaway inflation – so they are resorting to fearmongering.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:49:02Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/07/12/id-f6f607ab-e0de-4703-93b2-1e419910e8a2/,"Fulcher, PNW Delegation Slam Biden Administration’s Dam-Breaching Efforts",2022-07-12,2022,2022-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“Today’s release of two reports from the Biden Administration’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) confirms what we have suspected for some time—they are cherry picking points to justify breaching the Lower Snake River Dams, which will permanently and negatively impact our way of life in the Pacific Northwest. “It appears that the Biden Administration’s CEQ has been working behind closed doors with plaintiffs in the ongoing lawsuit over the CRSO EIS, as explicitly stated in the first footnote of this draft ‘report,’ all while promoting a supposedly open and transparent stakeholder listening process meant to develop a regional solution for salmon and the river system. This is underhanded and completely unacceptable. “The Biden Administration just last month issued a Declaration of Emergency stating that a current emergency exists ‘with respect to the threats of the availability of sufficient electricity generation capacity to meet expected customer demand.’ Today, with the release of these draft reports, one thing is clear: the Biden Administration is talking a big game on carbon goals while simultaneously engaging in actions to undermine valuable clean, affordable, and renewable power resources on the Columbia River System, thus compromising energy stability across the region. “As the members of Congress representing the range of stakeholders engaged in recovering endangered salmon and preserving the Columbia River power system, we must point out the reality that the draft report by NOAA, FWS, Nez Perce Tribe, and State of Oregon fails to acknowledge that salmon returns on the Lower Snake River have shown encouraging gains since 2019. In fact, this year, Spring Chinook returns are more than double last year and 31% above the 10-year average. We urge this administration to consider the facts, prioritize transparency, and utilize sound science and input from all tribes, industry groups, and the ratepayers themselves before coming to an outcome in any final report that would be catastrophic to the communities we represent.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:20:25Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/07/08/id-39a38b54-ed62-454d-a43e-9cf85a7d5153/,Fulcher Introduces FILM Act to Streamline Film Permitting on Federal Lands,2022-07-08,2022,2022-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russ Fulcher, ranking member on the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, has introduced the Federal Interior Land Media Act (FILM) Act to eliminate burdensome red tape involved in the film permitting process on federal lands. This is a House companion bill to Senator John Barrasso’s (R-WY) legislation in the Senate, which can be found here. The FILM Act modernizes the outdated, expensive, and cumbersome film permitting process on federal lands administered by the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture. Specifically, the bill provides exceptions from permitting and fees for video, still photography, and audio recording activities, regardless of distribution platform, that meet certain requirements. “Nothing beats seeing Idaho landscapes up close and in person,” Congressman Fulcher remarked. “However, for those not fortunate enough to be living in or visiting our state, they should be able to experience the sights and sounds of the Gem State without regulatory impediments. The FILM Act removes barriers to recording on public lands, encouraging visitors to promote Idaho’s scenic beauty with the rest of the world.” Read the text of the FILM Act here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:20:25Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/07/01/id-308260b8-595c-4c0a-a863-e62f314fbf31/,Statement on H.R. 8167 – RETURN Act,2022-07-01,2022,2022-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Fulcher released the following statement on H.R. 8167, the RETURN Act: I am an original cosponsor on H.R. 8167, the RETURN Act, which eliminates the excise tax on firearms and ammunition. Traditionally, the revenue from this tax is allocated to a fund established by the Pittman-Robertson Act for hunter education and conservation projects. However, recent Democratic proposals — including one to place a 1,000% tax on semi-automatic weapons — would have a deeply negative effect on the sales of these weapons, and as a result, the funding for the Pittman-Robertson programs. The RETURN Act recognizes this and remedies that by having funding come from revenue generated by energy development on federal land and waters instead. By eliminating this punitive tax on gun owners and securing a new funding source for programs important to sportsmen and conservationists, we seek to affirm not only the 2nd Amendment but our duty to be responsible stewards of our resources.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:20:25Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/06/27/id-fec095a2-6f5b-4625-9ea6-fddb17c36198/,"Fulcher Joins Western Caucus, Natural Resources Republicans in Demanding Transparency on Prescribed Fires Ban",2022-06-27,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Vice Chair Bruce Westerman (AR-04) led 25 Western Caucus and House Natural Resources Members in sending a letter to U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Randy Moore urging more active management of federal forests in order to prevent catastrophic wildfires and to demand information surrounding the Biden Administration’s 90-day review of prescribed fire protocols and the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. “Decades of mismanagement have left our forests overgrown and fire-prone, and it is vital that we use essential tools – including prescribed burns – safely and effectively to restore these landscapes to natural fire intervals,” wrote the lawmakers. “This work must be done carefully and with the confidence that these burns will not cause the very catastrophic wildfires they seek to prevent.” The Biden Administration imposed a 90-day pause on the use of prescribed fire in order to review protocols, tools, and practices after a poorly-conducted USFS prescribed fire resulted in the largest wildfire in New Mexico’s state history. The lawmakers continued, “It is clear the Forest Service has damaged the public’s trust and must set in place procedures that will restore confidence in the agency to appropriately utilize prescribed burns, manage our fire-prone federal lands, and ensure communities are protected.” The letter – signed by Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Vice Chairs Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Yvette Herrell (NM-02), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Chris Stewart (UT-02), Garret Graves (LA-06), and Lauren Boebert (CO-03); and Reps. Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Blake Moore (UT-01), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Jay Obernolte (CA-08), Tom McClintock (CA-04), Bob Gibbs (OH-07), Dave Joyce (OH-14), Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (AS-AL), David Rouzer (NC-07), David Valadao (CA-21), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Burgess Owens (OH-04), Matt Rosendale (MT-AL), and Louie Gohmert (TX-01) – urges the Administration to conduct the review of prescribed fire operations as expeditiously as possible so that land managers can resume use of this essential wildfire prevention tool. Full text of the letter can be found here and below: Dear Chief Moore, We write to strongly urge the Forest Service to increase the pace and scale of desperately needed forest management activities. Restoring the public’s trust in the safety and efficacy of forest management activities on National Forest System lands is particularly important given the drought conditions currently afflicting the western United States. Alarmingly, as of June 15, 2022, over 2.7 million acres in the United States has burned, outpacing every fire season of the last decade. Unfortunately, a substantial portion of this acreage burned as a result of escaped prescribed burns initiated by the Forest Service. Decades of mismanagement have left our forests overgrown and fire-prone, and it is vital that we use essential tools – including prescribed burns – safely and effectively to restore these landscapes to natural fire intervals. This work must be done carefully and with the confidence that these burns will not cause the very catastrophic wildfires they seek to prevent. On May 20, 2022, less than six months after announcing an aggressive new strategy to reduce wildfire risk on federal lands, the Forest Service announced a pause on prescribed fire operations on all National Forest System lands in order to conduct a 90-day review of protocols, decision support tools, and practices. This unilateral pause came after the news that the colossal 325,340-acre Hermits Peak Fire in New Mexico, which merged with the nearby Calf Canyon Fire, became the largest and most destructive fire in state history due to a poorly executed prescribed fire conducted by the Santa Fe National Forest. This fire has already destroyed 903 structures and accumulated $227 million in suppression costs. Concerningly, the Forest Service greenlit the prescribed burn that sparked this fire despite ongoing severe drought conditions, several red flag warnings issued in the days leading up to the fire, and forecasts of 25 mile-per-hour winds and nine percent humidity on the day of the fire. Additionally, fire investigators recently determined that the Calf Canyon Fire was also started by a Forest Service pile burn originally conducted in January 2022 that reignited and spread quickly due to high winds. In Colorado, a similar situation occurred in May 2022 when the Forest Service conducted a prescribed burn despite extremely dry and windy conditions, resulting in a fire that destroyed one family’s home and an estimated $1.6 million in suppression costs. Combined with the consistent lack of appropriate forest management, the unprecedented drought facing the West has further weakened our national forests and left them extremely vulnerable to wildfire. The West is currently suffering through the most extreme drought on record with over 76 percent of the land under severe drought conditions or worse. Further, recent research demonstrated that portions of our nation are facing the driest conditions in 1,200 years. This reality must inform not only our firefighting approach, but also the types of forest management treatments that are utilized during this time of extreme volatility. When used correctly, prescribed burns are an essential forest management tool used by the Forest Service, local managers, and private landowners to thin overgrown forest lands and reduce the threat of wildfires for communities across the United States. Prescribed fires are supported by extensive scientific research, but they must be used judiciously during drought conditions and based on a thorough assessment of risk factors before they are initiated. We agree that a rigorous review must be conducted in order to assess the failures of Forest Service’s prescribed fire operations. With this mandated nationwide pause, however, land managers across the country are now deprived of a critical tool that – when used safely – could currently be aiding efforts to reduce wildfire risk, restore forest health, and create resilient landscapes. With communities throughout the West already amidst a record-breaking wildfire season, we cannot afford to be losing any tools that can help prevent catastrophic fires during this wildfire season and in the future. Due to the imposed pause on prescribed burns, it is now more important than ever that the agency fully – and immediately – utilize other tools, such as mechanical thinning, to continue treating the millions of acres of forest land at risk of experiencing catastrophic wildfires. The importance of increased forest restoration thinning cannot be overstated, as scientists have shown it significantly improves drought resiliency in our forests by increasing both canopy moisture content and allowing for more snow accumulation on the ground in the winter. Expanded mechanical thinning is also consistent with the agency’s own findings in the “Confronting the Wildfire Crisis” strategy, which stated: “Using fire and thinning together, however, provides the best opportunity for reducing risk and moderating fire behavior. With a risk-informed approach, a forest thinning is often needed first to reduce the number of trees to something approaching the historical level a century ago. Then a low-intensity surface fire can follow—what professionals call a prescribed fire. “Mechanical thinning remains an indispensable tool in the agency’s toolbox. Because prescribed fires are not currently available for local land managers to utilize due to the mandated pause, we must accelerate thinning on forest lands to reduce the risk of wildfire and improve forest health. It is clear the Forest Service has damaged the public’s trust and must set in place procedures that will restore confidence in the agency to appropriately utilize prescribed burns, manage our fire-prone federal lands, and ensure communities are protected. The Forest Service must complete a comprehensive review of the misuse of prescribed fire in these cases and address program shortcomings as expeditiously as possible. Given the severity of the ongoing wildfire catastrophe, we also seek to understand the Forest Service’s prescribed fire operations in greater detail and request a briefing on the 90-day review as well as the following documents. Please provide these documents as soon as possible, but no later than 5:00 p.m. July 11, 2022. A document sufficient to describe the prescribed fires initiated by the Forest Service within the last five years that have resulted in wildfires. This document should address the prescribed fires that ignited the Hermits Peak, Calf Canyon, and Simms Fires, including the prescribed burn plans and details regarding the timing and execution under extreme weather conditions for each incident. A document sufficient to describe standard operating procedures for the Forest Service’s prescribed fire program, including how risk factors such as weather are assessed and weighed during decision making. A document sufficient to describe all planned prescribed fire activities and associated locations impacted by the 90-day pause. A document sufficient to describe the plan to make up for the prescribed fires that are delayed by the pause and maintain the agency’s planned forest management goals once the pause is lifted. A document sufficient to describe the prescribed fires that are planned following the expiration of the pause. A document sufficient to describe how the pause will impact the Forest Service’s “Confronting the Wildfire Crisis” strategy published in January 2022. Please contact the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Minority staff at HNRR.Oversight@mail.house.gov with any questions about this request and to coordinate the delivery of your response to room 1329 of the Longworth House Office Building. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and we look forward to continued coordination as we work together to responsibly restore health and resiliency to our forests through active forest management. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:13:54Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/06/24/id-fcac1f4d-c764-4387-9ccb-25de3d68dfe9/,Statement on Dobbs v. Jackson Decision,2022-06-24,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Fulcher released the following statement on the Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court decision: “Today’s historic announcement by the Supreme Court on Dobbs v. Jackson – where the Court upheld Mississippi’s pro-life law and overturned Roe v. Wade – is a momentous victory for life and an affirmation of our federalist system. States, as the Constitutionally prescribed authority on this matter, will now have the opportunity to enact policies that promote a culture of life. Since the Roe decision in 1973, America has endured the tragedy of some 63 million abortions. I am proud that Idaho has already enacted legislation that prohibits abortion upon the repeal of Roe.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/06/23/id-87f4ad41-ced4-4b46-8075-6750cf4244db/,Fulcher Calls on USDA to End the “Permanent Pandemic” Policies,2022-06-23,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee Republican Leader Russ Fulcher (R-ID) delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, at a subcommittee hearing on examining the policies and priorities of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service: “Committee Republicans understand the importance of ensuring children are well fed during the school day and we recognize the importance of reaching students that are truly in need with the benefits of school-provided nutrition programs. However, as we exit this pandemic, creating permanent changes to school nutrition programs without first determining if such changes are needed is nonsensical. Before these programs are reauthorized, we need to validate which aspects of these programs work and which don’t. “The majority party has used the pandemic as a springboard to expand federal control (thereby increasing spending) into seemingly every aspect of American life including school lunch programs. Prior to the pandemic, child nutrition programs provided approximately 30 million lunches and 14 million school breakfasts every school day. And the need to assess these programs in the ‘post-pandemic’ era remains. “We saw Congress and the previous administration move quickly to help ensure needy students had access to food and did not miss a meal. But we need to make sure these programs move forward under normal operation. Taxpayer funds should be used to help students in real need. Allowing wealthy families to take advantage of school lunch programs is not a responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Instead, we should look for ways to strengthen the programs by learning the lessons of the pandemic from people operating under the nutrition program’s rules. “There should be concentrated efforts from USDA, states, and schools to help parents transition back to regular operations including the filling out of applications to determine free and reduced price eligibility. “This also means not over burdening the programs with new challenges. Once again, the administration is looking to overhaul the meal pattern regulations with more federal control. The last time the Secretary did this the final rule added billions in taxpayer expenses to schools and led to such significant challenges that some of the requirements had to be waived just to make the programs work. It’s just not right to increase costs, add complexity, or pursue pet projects. This should be a time the USDA should to listen to the local folks on the ground and learn from the challenges the pandemic taught us. “We’re also concerned about the administration’s recent Title IX guidance. We are concerned the administration plans to hold school lunch programs hostage unless schools capitulate to controversial gender policies. Boys and girls get hungry. As school nutrition relates to the gender; that’s the only guideline we need. The nutrition of children should not be used as a tool to advance the Biden administration’s progressive agenda. “This all underscores why we need more transparency from the administration about how this new guidance will apply to nutrition programs, and how it will impact faith-based providers participating in the programs. The Biden administration has already targeted faith-based entities in other areas, and I would hate to see children suffer because of this administration’s vindictive and biased policies. “Lastly, this administration must insert some common-sense intelligence into the baby formula shortage issue, or at least get out of the way of the market. For the week of May 22-29, the out-of-stock rate for baby formula was 73.5 percent. Yes, that’s 73.5 percent. In America. For baby formula. These are not rocket components or microprocessors, its baby formula. This is unacceptable. If we can’t solve this problem, heaven help us on issues with complexity. “Parents and caregivers across the country shouldn’t have to wake up in the morning not knowing if they are going to be able to feed their babies. USDA doesn’t have control over the FDA, but it is imperative the administration and its agencies work together to solve it. “I am glad we were able to pass H.R. 7791, the bipartisan Access to Baby Formula Act, but this bill alone will not solve the crisis. We must secure our baby formula supply chains so this never happens again. In the meantime, this Committee would like to hear from the Biden administration on how this crisis has impacted WIC participants. Americans need answers.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/06/16/id-cfdf1956-05cf-40eb-95d1-18c68581378a/,Fulcher Joins Legislation to Protect Four Lower Snake River Dams,2022-06-16,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID) joined Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and 8 other Members of Congress in introducing legislation to protect the Four Lower Snake River Dams. Shortly after, Governor Inslee and Senator Murray released their draft report whose premise ignores the science in order to achieve an ideological goal of breaching these critical pieces of infrastructure. Today, Members of Congress, industry leaders, stakeholders, and representatives in Central Washington issued the following statements in support of Rep. Newhouse’s legislation and leadership in protecting these dams: “The science is crystal clear: breaching the Four Lower Snake River Dams would be harmful to our communities, our environment, and our economy,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA). “Amidst a national energy and supply chain crisis, it is unconscionable that dam-breaching advocates—including Governor Inslee and Senator Murray—repeatedly attempt to force a predetermined, unscientific conclusion that will put our communities who are already struggling at risk. In the Pacific Northwest, not only do we depend on this critical infrastructure for clean, renewable, and affordable energy, but transportation for 60% of the nation’s wheat. The Snake River Dams are integral to flood control, navigation, irrigation, agriculture, and recreation in Central Washington and our region cannot afford to lose them. This legislation utilizes the best available science to further ensure the Lower Snake River Dams continue to provide carbon-free, baseload energy while continuing to support fish recovery efforts.” “The Four Lower Snake River Dams provide immense value to Idahoans, our economy, and the Northwest as a whole. As our country faces increasingly hostile foreign energy suppliers and our own Administration’s out-of-control inflation that threatens our domestic energy reliability, the importance of our dams and the power generation they provide has never been clearer. I am proud to join Congressman Newhouse on this important legislation.” – Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID) “Our country is officially facing the worst energy crisis since 1973. Gas prices have surpassed $5 a gallon nationwide, and there is a growing concern that blackouts this summer are imminent. Meanwhile, there are groups focused on tearing out the lower snake river dams, which we now know could cost up to $27 billion and drastically reduce energy reliability in our state. This approach is misguided, it’s alarming, and it needs to be stopped. I’m proud to lead this legislation with Congressman Newhouse to protect our dams and promote hydropower production, and I’m glad to see it getting the attention it deserves.” – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) “During Chairman Newhouse’s tour of Washington in early June, I saw firsthand the important role hydropower will continue to play in an all-of-the-above energy approach. I applaud Chairman Newhouse for following the science and introducing this critical bill to provide clean, renewable and affordable energy to the Pacific Northwest and support native salmon population recovery. Commonsense legislation like this bill allows the region’s economy and environment to flourish. During record inflation, legislation that provides economic relief to citizens is exactly what Congress should be focusing on.” – Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) “Our nation is facing an energy crisis. Now more than ever, it is critical that we preserve our hydropower dams throughout the West. They provide reliable, clean, low cost energy to the grid, as well as high paying technical jobs. Dams also help shape the landscape of the West, creating recreational space, assisting in flood control, constructing reservoirs for water storage, and delivering water to agriculture producers, which is now more important than ever as we face drought across the West.” – Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) “Our Columbia and Snake Rivers are a critical component of the regional, national and global transportation system, linking our Northwest farmers with customers around the world. We appreciate the work of Congressman Newhouse, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers and other supporters of this legislation, as it recognizes our dams provide significant benefits to the region and nation, and that river commerce and healthy, robust fish runs can continue to co-exist.” – Tom Kammerzell, County Commissioner, Port of Whitman and Chairman, Inland Ports and Navigation Group (IPNG) “We truly appreciate Congressman Newhouse’s unwavering support for our hydropower system, including the introduction of this legislation which recognizes the expertise of the career scientists who determined that removing the Lower Snake River Dams is not in the best interest of the American people. The benefits these dams provide are critical for people and economies throughout the Pacific Northwest, and this bill would provide important certainty for the communities and industries that rely on them.” – Karl Dye, President and CEO, TRIDEC “The four Lower Snake River dams are an integral part of the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) and it defies belief that breaching is still part of any discussion. Not only are these multi-purpose dams critical in continuing to provide low cost energy, navigation, recreation and flood control, the studies from non-biased sources have shown that due to improved fish passage facilities, strict operational criteria, and other mitigation measures, the dams and fish co-exist successfully. The dams are critical to a continuation of a strong Columbia Basin economy. Jobs are created directly due to navigation, agriculture, recreation and power industries and indirectly in the area service industries that support these professions. We strongly support Congressman Newhouse and this legislation.” – Jack Heffling, President, United Power Trades Organization “Populations of Spring/Summer Chinook on the Snake River are increasing this year, for the third year in a row as part of a natural cycle and returns on the Snake will be above average this year. As the federal scientists found, these dams “are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the ESA-listed species.” With increased demand for clean energy over the next decade, the power from these dams will be more important than ever as part of our efforts to decarbonize. Removing them would both increase the risk of blackouts and extend our reliance on natural gas as a source of electricity.” – Todd Myers, Director, Center for the Environment, Washington Policy Center “The Columbia River System Operations Final Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision released by the federal government in 2020 followed a multi-year, NEPA-compliant process, which in the end, recommended against removing the Snake River dams, which are vital to Washington’s wheat growers. We support the efforts to ensure any decisions on the operations of the lower Snake River dams follow the latest federal scientific review.” – Michelle Hennings, Executive Director, Washington Association of Wheat Growers “It makes sense to utilize the latest federal scientific reviewed information to operate the Federal Columbia River Power System and ensure the essential services provided by the system continue.” – Glen Squires, CEO, Washington Grain Commission “While we continue to face our own issues in California, we understand that action must also be taken to safeguard the communities, economies, and environment that would be impacted by breaching the Four Lower Snake River Dams. At a time of extended drought coupled with heightened food and energy prices, we must do everything we can to safeguard critical infrastructure for clean, domestically produced energy and transportation for our agricultural commodities.” – Jamie Johansson, President, California Farm Bureau “The four lower Snake River dams are incredibly important to our region’s farmers and rural communities, for both transportation and energy production. The science is clear that salmon and dams can co-exist, and therefore we support The Federal Columbia River Power System Certainty Act. The members of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation thank the sponsors of the bill.” – Bryan Searle, President, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation “The value of the Lower Snake River dams to the people of Washington state and our trade partners in the U.S. and around the world cannot be overstated. The recent release of the Lower Snake River Dams: Benefit Replacement Draft Report does not provide a clear or accurate picture of the benefits of the Lower Snake River dams or their contributions to clean energy, food security, transportation, and recreation. The lack of data source information, vast disparities in cost estimates, and lack of conclusions related to dam breaching outcomes suggests the report was written to push a false narrative: salmon are dying and only destroying the Lower Snake River dams can save them. That narrative has not been borne out by data. The science shows the 2022 Chinook run is higher for the third year running – salmon are not going extinct, as dam opponents claim. This flawed report ignores the benefits of hydropower, barging of agricultural products, irrigation, and recreation the dams provide to people living in Washington state and across the region in favor of single-species recovery efforts.” – Pam Lewison, Research Director, Washington Policy Center, Initiative on Agriculture Click here to read the full text of the bill. Background: The Federal Columbia River Power System Certainty Act directs the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) to be operated in alignment with the 2020 “Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision.” In September 2020, the “Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision” for the Columbia River System Operation Environmental Impact Statement (CRSO EIS) published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration, found that the Lower Snake River Dams should not be breached. Rather, efforts should be focused on improving and maintaining hydropower assets while working to improve salmon passage and conditions. In May 2021, Governor Inslee and Senator Murray publicly rebuked plans to breach the Lower Snake River Dams. On October 15, 2021, Governor Inslee and Senator Murray announced plans to assess the breaching of the Lower Snake River Dams. On October 21, 2021, the Department of Justice announced a settlement reached between the CRSO EIS plaintiffs and federal agencies on injunctive relief, including a stay on the CRSO EIS litigation until July 2022. On October 22, 2021, Governor Inslee and Senator Murray announced next steps to deliver a report intended to justify breaching the Lower Snake River Dams by July 2022. Reps. Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers, and Jaime Herrera Beutler released a joint statement reacting to the announcement. Read more here. Last week, Rep. Newhouse led Congressional Western Caucus Members from across the United States on a field tour of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, including a tour of the Ice Harbor Dam. Learn more here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/06/10/id-5c66ca69-6b9f-4923-97dc-bf23486a831f/,Statement on the Inslee-Murray Report,2022-06-10,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Fulcher released the following statement on the Inslee-Murray Report: “The Inslee-Murray report on the Lower Snake River Dams relies heavily on divisive rhetoric – not substance – to paint a narrative that is overwhelmingly void of reality. As our country faces increasingly hostile foreign energy suppliers and our own Administration’s out-of-control inflation that threatens our domestic energy reliability, the importance of our dams and the power generation they provide has never been clearer.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/06/08/id-4ce732e7-de25-493b-867a-4cf559e688ac/,Statement on H.R.7910,2022-06-08,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Daniel Tellez 202-225-6611 daniel.tellez@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Fulcher released the following statement on H.R.7910: “Today, with no Republican input and only hours of notice regarding the details, the House will recklessly vote on legislation from Representatives Jerry Nadler (D-NY) and Lucy McBath (D-GA). This is a package of gun control bills that would enact massive restrictions on the 2nd Amendment and undermine law-abiding gun owner’s 4th Amendment right to privacy as well as 5th Amendment due process rights. The left is disingenuously leveraging the emotions of a tragedy with legislation that will do nothing to actually address school shootings, and instead will penalize law-abiding citizens and erode our Constitution. I will be voting NO.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/05/27/id-e7c1b703-cfd1-4a9a-8265-80ed7a5e078d/,Fulcher Joins Call for DOJ Input on Education Department’s Borrower Defense Anarchy,2022-05-27,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Russ Fulcher joined Education and Labor Republicans on a letter urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to uphold the rule of law and resist the Department of Education’s effort to abandon due process in their rewrite of the borrower defense to repayment rules. In the letter, the Members write: “The Department, as you put it, must act with independence and integrity and through fairness and impartiality, in both substance and procedure.” The Members continue: “The Department of Education’s recent efforts to revise the rules regarding borrower defense-to-repayment test the Department of Justice’s dedication to these principles in several ways… These proposed regulations contravene any conceivable norms of due process. As the Acting Solicitor General wrote last year to the Supreme Court, ‘[t]he fundamental requirement of due process is the opportunity to be heard at a meaningful time and in a meaningful manner.” The Members continue: “The Department of Education’s contemplated regulatory changes will put the Department of Justice in the impossible position of defending a regulation that defies ‘common sense…’ We request that the Department of Justice actively participate in the interagency review process to protect both the American people and the Department of Justice as an institution in American public life.” The letter is signed by: Education and Labor Committee Republican Leader Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Agriculture Committee Republican Leader Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee Republican Leader Rick Allen (R-GA), Republican Study Committee Chair Jim Banks (R-IN), Oversight and Reform Committee Republican Leader James Comer (R-KY), Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee Republican Leader Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Workforce Protections Subcommittee Republican Leader Fred Keller (R-PA), Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee Republican Leader Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee Republican Leader Burgess Owens (R-UT), Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI), and Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI). Read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:09:24Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/05/17/id-e6e57dfe-ee31-4abb-9405-3ec4d3662816/,Ranking Member Fulcher Advocates for State & Local Collaboration to Improve Juvenile Justice System,2022-05-17,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee Republican Leader Russ Fulcher (R-ID) delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, at a subcommittee hearing on improving America’s juvenile justice system and supporting America’s youth: “Promoting safe communities for America’s children is a national priority. Every child should have the space to grow into becoming a productive member of society. That’s why federal policies have long supported state and local efforts to set at-risk youth and juvenile offenders on the pathway to success. “Parents, teachers, and community leaders are the first line of defense when it comes to preventing criminal behavior from at-risk youth. These local leaders are also the ones best equipped to address youth that have already fallen into illegal activity. “At the federal level, Congress has taken steps to improve the Juvenile Justice system. Since 2018, the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act has been working to set at risk youth up for long-term success. This legislation provided state and local leaders greater flexibility to meet the needs of delinquent youth in their communities and improve public safety. “This legislation put in place data driven evidence-based programs, as well as important accountability and oversight measures. These reforms helped uphold our responsibility to spend taxpayer dollars wisely by ensuring the programs are living up to their stated goal—to prevent youth from falling into criminal activity. “Anyone who works in this field knows that prevention is key. Youth who have had dealings with the juvenile justice system, are more likely to continue that direction. And part of that prevention is working with strong partners at the local level to help at-risk kids get on the right path. Faith-based providers are crucial partners when it comes to preventing crime and helping youth going through the juvenile justice system to stop becoming repeat offenders. “There are already too many youths entangled in the juvenile justice system. In 2019, there were more than 722,000 instances of young people being detained or committed in the juvenile justice system. We can all agree this number is too high. “Preventing youth from ending up in detention is imperative. We know that incarcerating youth greatly decreases their chances for a successful future. In fact, a 2015 report from an MIT economist found that incarcerated juveniles are 32 percent more likely to go to jail as an adult. Youth who have been incarcerated are also 13 to 39 percent less likely to graduate from high school. “While prevention of juvenile crime is always the goal, tragically, there may be that rare occasion—often connected to some form of substance, mental, or physical abuse—where out of home placement must be considered. We must remember that taking a child who has gotten involved in criminal activity out of his or her home should not be done lightly. But in those circumstances where out of home placement does become necessary, we must ensure these facilities are safe, focused on avoiding recidivism, and giving the juvenile the chance to succeed. “We all want to see our nation’s youth thrive. Every child deserves the opportunity to achieve success in life, and a second chance.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/05/05/id-18326cd9-469e-46c4-953e-69ae58f0ebd6/,Fulcher Leads on Bill to Immediately Defund Biden Administration’s “Ministry of Truth”,2022-05-05,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russ Fulcher joined an effort of 50 Republican House Members to file legislation to immediately defund the Biden Administration’s “Ministry of Truth.” In addition to this bill, Congressman Fulcher signed a letter to require answers from DHS as to how this board came about, as well as questions the choices of one of the board members being considered to lead it. These actions follow the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ announcement that DHS will convene a “Disinformation Governance Board.” Congressman Fulcher commented, “Not long ago, the subject at hand was ensuring people weren’t being shadow-banned online—now it’s evolved into a federal disinformation governance board run by biased, unaccountable bureaucrats. I will continue fighting against this Orwellian “ministry of truth.” Background on the legislation: The legislation bars federal funding for DHS’ recently announced “Disinformation Governance Board,” to be headed by Executive Director Nina Jankowicz. Jankowicz, who refers to herself as the “Mary Poppins of Disinformation,” is a frequent purveyor of falsehoods, and appears sympathetic to the cause of censoring Americans. Recent falsehoods peddled by the Biden Administration include: the falsehood that Secretary Mayorkas has done an effective job managing the border crisis; the falsehood that economic contraction in Q1 of 2022 is actually hiding broad economic resiliency; the falsehood that Biden’s $3.5 trillion spending bill costs zero dollars; the falsehood that inflation is a “high-class problem”; and the falsehood that 70% of our current inflation is actually being caused by Vladimir Putin. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/04/29/id-6754ff60-87b5-4a6b-85fc-54fba88a45ed/,Fulcher Joins Idaho Delegation in Pressing VA on Electronic Health Record Rollout in Boise,2022-04-29,2022,2022-04,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russ Fulcher joined an Idaho Congressional Delegation letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary McDonough expressing concerns with the VA’s prospective Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to be implemented at VA Medical Centers (VAMCs). The letter, signed by Senator Jim Risch and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, details two Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports detailing a number of deficiencies in the EHR rollout at the Mann-Grandstaff VAMC in Spokane, Washington, which has already negatively impacted several Idaho veterans. The EHR system is expected to be launched at the Boise VAMC in June. “Although the intended goal of the EHR implementation is to provide a streamlined, seamless process for veterans receiving care, the rollout in the Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center resulted in confusion, frustration and alarming situations for many veterans and their medical providers,” the letter reads in part. “[D]eficiencies included, but were not limited to, providers not being alerted when patients were flagged as high risk for suicide, limited access to suicide prevention and assessment tools, EHR-caused delays in scheduling primary care appointments and lab orders ‘disappearing’ before reaching the facility laboratory. At the time of the OIG report’s release, one-third of these issues remain unresolved,” the letter continues. The letter asks Secretary McDonough a series of questions with regard to the VA considering a delay in the Boise VAMC EHR rollout until issues with the Mann-Grandstaff and Walla Walla VAMC are resolved, as well as questions to ensure veteran care is not further impacted by the system rollout.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/04/27/id-b84c708a-328f-4650-9822-9c7d019b01c6/,Fulcher Calls Out EEOC & OFCCP for their Harmful Policies Towards Job Creators,2022-04-27,2022,2022-04,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee Republican Leader Russ Fulcher (R-ID) delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, at a subcommittee hearing on holding the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) accountable for over-burdening job creators and not meeting the needs of American workers: “Congressional oversight extends to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, both of which are currently struggling to meet the needs of American workers and job creators. “The work of EEOC and OFCCP is important, but too often becomes a weapon against job creators. American workers deserve to be protected from unlawful discrimination and given an equal opportunity to succeed in the workplace. The vast majority of job creators treat their employees fairly and have their employees’ best interests in mind. Federal agencies must stop treating our country’s business owners like predators. “One of the most concerning things coming out of the Biden administration’s OFCCP is the decision to rescind the Trump-era rule protecting faith-based contractors. It’s ironic that an agency tasked with preventing and combatting unlawful discrimination is pushing the door open for faith-based organizations to be discriminated against. “The previous administration’s final rule gave religious organizations the opportunity to bid for federal contracts without fear of having to compromise their faith or religious character. Without this explicit protection, many religious federal contractors will be left without clear guidance regarding their rights and obligations. This will keep many religious organizations from bidding for federal contracts. “Protecting the constitutional principle of the free exercise of religion is crucial. OFCCP should uphold and protect the First Amendment instead of undermining this fundamental American principle. The right of faith-based organizations to follow their sincerely held religious beliefs should not be up for debate. “OFCCP is also likely operating outside the law by forcing federal contractors to perform pay equity audits and deny them the right to invoke attorney-client privilege. There is no such audit requirement in existing law, so one has to wonder where OFCCP believes its authority is coming from. These actions will reduce clarity and transparency in the audit process, especially where employee pay is concerned. “EEOC spends far too much of its time looking for discrimination where there isn’t any, instead of processing the backlog of claims from America’s workers. Even after EEOC added 450 employees, monetary recoveries for workers decreased by 9.6 percent, litigation recoveries for workers decreased by 67.9 percent, and compliance assistance outreach efforts also declined sharply. These numbers represent the hardworking Americans who came to EEOC for help and have been greeted with delay and inefficiency, if they received any help at all. “EEOC has yet to return its offices to in-person work, and all 53 field offices are closed, even though most are located in states and localities where private businesses, schools, and other government offices are fully open. That’s why on March 23, Republican Leaders Foxx and Comer sent a letter to Chair Burrows raising concerns that EEOC does not have an immediately executable plan to return to in-person work. “We know that a lack of on-site EEOC personnel hinders the ability of claimants to receive the help the agency was created to provide. Chair Burrows, you state in your testimony that the most vulnerable were probably the ones who suffered most from the closure of local offices, and yet your agency has yet to reopen those facilities. This Committee deserves to know if in your calculation, the risk of COVID-19—even with widely available vaccines—outweighs the cost to those vulnerable workers. “It is not surprising the current party in leadership wants to throw more money at this agency. The Biden administration is requesting that Congress increase EEOC’s budget by $44.7 million to nearly $465 million. “Burdensome requirements added unnecessary costs to businesses, and EEOC did nothing with the data collected. “Besides costing job creators $325 million annually and doing nothing to prevent pay discrimination, there are important confidentiality concerns regarding EEOC’s ability to protect the collected data. “In conclusion, EEOC and OFCCP need to focus on protecting workers without throwing employers under the bus. We all want to see workers succeed, but overregulating job creators is counterproductive. These agencies need to get their own houses in order before they throw more red tape on businesses.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/04/19/id-1ae7b3f1-12d0-4620-a2d0-18b2476d27cf/,"Idaho State Treasurer, Congressional Delegation Announce Secure Rural Schools Payments",2022-04-19,2022,2022-04,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov BOISE, ID — Members of Idaho’s congressional delegation and State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth announced Idaho counties will receive a total of $23.4 million in payments for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 under the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. Under Idaho law, 30 percent of the SRS funding goes to counties to help with schools and the remaining 70 percent is earmarked for roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects. That means Idaho schools will receive roughly $7 million, and Idaho roads and other county projects will receive roughly $16.4 million for FY 2021. The U.S. Forest Service, and in some cases, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management administer the funds. The totals are based on a formula that takes into account economic activity, timber harvest levels and other considerations that vary from county to county. SRS payments are critical to maintain education programs for many rural counties that contain federal lands exempt from property taxes. Idaho received the third-highest total in the U.S., behind California and Oregon. “This funding is so valuable to our rural schools and infrastructure. My office looks forward to getting these dollars into the hands of our Idaho counties to further opportunities for our rural areas,” said Idaho Treasurer Julie Ellsworth. “A big thank you to Senators Crapo and Risch as well as Congressmen Simpson and Fulcher for securing this appropriation for Idaho.” “SRS payments are essential for rural counties across Idaho and the West, but a permanent solution is needed,” said Senator Mike Crapo. “Adequate funding for schools, roads and infrastructure repair will only be guaranteed once we can reach agreement on a self-contained funding mechanism outside the yearly votes in Congress, and we are working toward the goal of a more permanent solution.” “I’m pleased we were able to secure this SRS funding for Idaho’s rural counties, but more needs to be done,” said Senator Jim Risch. “The federal government has an obligation to the communities that count on the SRS program. We owe it to them to find a lasting solution.” “SRS payments are critical in funding Idaho schools and infrastructure, and I am pleased to see this funding come to our state,” said Representative Mike Simpson. “This is essentially the federal government’s property tax for counties where there are large amounts of federal land. If you don’t have the ability to collect local property taxes, these programs are necessary to provide funding for schools, roads, and other local services – especially in Idaho’s rural counties.” “For years, local governments and schools in rural counties in Idaho have experienced strained budgets due to immense federal land ownership in the West,” said Representative Russ Fulcher. “These areas take a big hit because so much of the land in their jurisdiction is not taxable. While this year’s funding is positive, the short-term nature of these announcements can cause issues for these communities and schools in making long-term plans. Looking forward, it is imperative that Congress prioritize a long-term, predictable solution for PILT and SRS to assist these counties.” For more information about the administration of public funds by the State Treasurer’s Office (STO), visit the STO’s website HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/03/23/id-12021f75-32a9-400f-a7e7-d0bc95c90b93/,Congressman Fulcher Demands Answers on Unauthorized Suppressor Requirements from ATF,2022-03-23,2022,2022-03,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russ Fulcher joined Congressman Andy Biggs and 140 of their congressional colleagues to send a letter to the Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Mr. Marvin Richardson, in response to ATF’s attempt to restrict the ability of law-abiding Americans to use firearm suppressors. Congressman Fulcher commented, “Normally, anyone wishing to make a suppressor would go through the routine process: submit a Form 1 to ATF, pay a $200 fee, and have a background check. Without any oversight or going through the normal rules process, the ATF has begun denying the Form 1 and demanding additional materials. Not only does each American have a Constitutional right to bear arms, we also have processes in place to prevent this type of unchecked ‘rule’-making from the executive branch agencies– we need answers on why the ATF is going around these processes to extend their overreach into Idahoans lives.” “The ATF continues to infringe on the constitutional liberties of law-abiding Americans. This has gone long enough,” said Congressman Andy Biggs. “ATF is ignoring years of precedent to restrict individuals’ ability to make their own silencers. I’ve heard from my constituents how this arbitrary change is negatively impacting them. This is unacceptable. The ATF is overstepping its authority and it must explain its actions to Congress and the American people.” “President Biden and his radical Democrat allies have continuously attacked our most fundamental liberties. Now, the Biden ATF is attempting to further restrict the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding American citizens. Americans have had enough and deserve to know why the Biden Administration believes that the mere possession of otherwise legal items are now considered to be violations of federal law,” said Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary Jim Jordan (OH-4). Read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/03/17/id-ca2c1b3f-d915-4b6c-ac35-a5dc9aa9f479/,Congressman Fulcher Supports Bill to Expand Access to Small Clinics & Rural Hospitals,2022-03-17,2022,2022-03,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — In the House Education and Labor Committee, Ranking Subcommittee Member Russ Fulcher (R-ID) voted to pass H.R. 6087, the Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act. Introduced by Congressmen Joe Courtney (D-CT) and Tim Walberg (R-MI), this bipartisan bill will allow licensed Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to treat federal workers under the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) by allowing them to be considered “eligible providers.” Congressman Fulcher commented, “Thank you to my colleagues Congressmen Joe Courtney and Tim Walberg for introducing H.R. 6087. This bipartisan bill will provide a great way to offer expanded access to small clinics and independent hospitals in our rural areas that often have a licensed PA or NP that is the highest-qualified professional.” Background The bill would amend the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) to cover services provided to injured federal workers by PAs and NPs – provided that the service performed by the PA or NP is within the scope of their practice as defined by State law. Federal employees are currently unable to receive treatment from PAs and NPs for care that is provided under federal workers’ compensation for injuries sustained on the job. Not only does this restrict access to healthcare for federal employees, but it also can cause unnecessary hurdles for patients seeking care in rural areas. Read the full bill text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/03/16/id-5fd1d4e9-504b-4a20-86eb-8c0e116ef8f7/,Congressman Russ Fulcher’s MAPLAND Act Passes the House of Representatives,2022-03-16,2022,2022-03,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last night, in a bipartisan vote of 414 to 9, the House of Representatives passed the Modernizing Access to our Public Land (MAPLand) Act. Introduced by Congressman Russ Fulcher in the 116th Congress, Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT) introduced the bill for the current 117th Congress, receiving bipartisan support from Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO) and Congresswoman Kim Schrier (D-WA). The MAPLand Act will direct federal land management agencies to digitize and standardize mapping records. This will allow hunters, hikers, bikers, anglers, and millions of other federal land users to access essential information about public lands as well as help federal land management agencies identify public lands with limited or nonexistent public access points and take proactive steps to open them to the public. “Sportsmen and outdoor recreationalists have a tremendous impact on our Idaho culture and economy,” said Congressman Russ Fulcher. “By modernizing information and access to our federal lands through the MAPLand Act, Americans can better utilize these public places. I appreciate Mr. Moore’s leadership on this important issue and am proud that our bipartisan efforts have resulted in the MAPLand Act passing through the House.” “America is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world, and it is essential that we have up-to-date information on how to best access our public lands,” said Congressman Blake Moore. “The MAPLand Act will digitize tens of thousands of records so fishers, hikers, hunters, bikers, and those who spend time enjoying our outdoors have all the information they need to have great experiences and make fond memories. I thank Representatives Fulcher, Neguse, and Schrier for co-leading this effort, and I look forward to seeing this legislation soon pass the Senate.” “In Colorado, access to public lands fuels our robust outdoor recreation economy, contributes to the health and well-being of Coloradans and is at the core of our state’s values,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. “I’m thrilled that the House has passed our MAPLand Act today which will modernize and formalize data sharing across public land agencies, to support our natural resource workforce, our communities and outdoor recreation activities.” “I’m thrilled that the House passed this bill with overwhelming support from both parties to make sure we can protect our beloved public lands. My family treasures the time we spend hiking, biking, and fishing across our region,” said Congresswoman Kim Schrier. “We are fortunate to live in a state full of natural beauty, with some of the best parks and recreation areas our country has to offer. Modernizing and standardizing information so people know how to access our public lands will allow Washingtonians and visitors from across the country and world to enjoy our great outdoors. This bill will also support local businesses that rely on the outdoor recreational economy.” Currently, more than 9.52 million acres of land in the West lack permanent and legal access points for public use, and information on these lands is still kept on paper files. Approximately 5,000 of the Forest Service’s 37,000 recorded easements have been digitized and uploaded to an electronic database. The MAPLand Act will help give federal land management agencies the resources they need to digitize these files for public use, as well as require these agencies to provide information on seasonal vehicle restrictions on public roads and trails, hunting boundaries, and watercraft restrictions. The text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/03/16/id-9b3b2f88-1c1c-4a9c-ad4e-b5bc6d6a53b0/,"U.S. Potato Export Agreement Must Be Honored, Expedited Write Bipartisan Leaders",2022-03-16,2022,2022-03,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) joined Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Congressmen Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), and 31 of their Congressional colleagues in potato-producing states in a bipartisan, bicameral letter calling on the USDA to press its counter-agency in Mexico to honor and expedite the U.S.-Mexico trade deal restoring U.S. fresh potato exports to Mexico. Despite a Mexican Supreme Court ruling made in favor of U.S. potato producers and the completion of successful site visits made by Mexican authorities to U.S. potato plants in Colorado, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) acquiesced to new demands by the Mexican government that will significantly delay and limit U.S. potato exports to Mexico in 2022. “Given that Mexico appears to be continuing to avoid its responsibilities to restore this access, we request that APHIS explain its decision-making process to agree to these unscientific and inconsistent demands,” the lawmakers wrote. “We respectfully request that USDA reconsider the statements announced at the end of February, as they are not stipulated in the work plan,” the letter continued. “The U.S. continues to honor our side of this trade deal, and it is imperative USDA ensure that Mexico do the same. The full list of letter signatories and text of the letter can be found here and below: Dear Secretary Vilsack: We write today out of deep concern for the ongoing dispute regarding U.S. fresh potato access to Mexico. It appears that Mexico is continuing to delay restoring this access that was blocked due to legal proceedings initiated by the Mexican potato industry over seven years ago. The cost of this inaction is estimated to be $150 million to U.S. growers on an annual basis. We request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continue to work with their counterparts in Mexico to ensure that the trade deal is honored by expeditiously reinstating access for U.S. fresh potatoes and to express that any Mexican request for enhanced agricultural access to the U.S. should not be granted until this access is restored. In December of 2021, Mexican officials toured U.S. potato operations in Colorado as the final step in restoring this access. That site visit came after the Mexican Supreme Court unanimously ruled in April 2021 against the Mexican potato industry‘s legal claims. At the conclusion of the visit, Mexico indicated their satisfaction to USDA and further stated that market access should be complete by early February 2022. However, on Wednesday, February 16th, 2022, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) jointly announced with their Mexican counterparts, SENASICA, that fresh table stock potato access would be substantially delayed well into 2022. That statement was made due to Mexico‘s later demands for additional site visits in 2022 as a prerequisite to opening the market. Additionally, it was announced that processing potato access to Mexico would be arbitrarily limited to only two companies for 2022. Neither of these requirements exist within the U.S.-Mexico work plan that was concluded at the end of last year. As you will recall, the process that the U.S. is supposed to be pursuing is one to restore, not establish, access for these potatoes. The U.S. had previously negotiated market access and was shipping potatoes to Mexico in 2014 until the Mexican industry filed suit in an effort to avoid competition with U.S. growers. Given that Mexico appears to be continuing to avoid its responsibilities to restore this access, we request that APHIS explain its decision-making process to agree to these unscientific and inconsistent demands. Additionally, we are extremely concerned that APHIS came to this agreement with SENASICA without consulting the domestic industry and that this may be indicative of the process that USDA is undertaking to restore fresh access. We respectfully request that USDA reconsider the statements announced at the end of February, as they are not stipulated in the work plan. The U.S. continues to honor our side of this trade deal, and it is imperative USDA ensure that Mexico do the same. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/03/15/id-dc7adc33-c53a-4288-b929-56b75c682c0c/,"Fulcher, McMorris Rodgers, Risch Lead PNW Delegation in Demanding Answers from Agencies Exploring LSR Dam Breaching",2022-03-15,2022,2022-03,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-ID) joined Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Senator James Risch (R-ID), along with their colleagues from the Pacific Northwest, to demand answers from ten federal agencies involved in the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)’s exploration of plans to breach the Lower Snake River dams. The series of letters press CEQ for answers on their current stakeholder engagement sessions and ask federal agencies that have a stake in Lower Snake River dam operations about their role in CEQ’s process. The letters also call into question CEQ’s focus on the four species of fish that pass through the Lower Snake River Dams over the 13 species that are threatened or endangered across the Columbia River Basin. They further emphasize the lengthy and cooperative process undergone during the Columbia River System Operations National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Process and Biological Opinion. Also joining the letters were: Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), as well as Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), and Cliff Bentz (OR-02). Highlights and excerpts from the letter sent to the agencies: “As you know, the Federal Columbia River Power System comprises 31 hydroelectric projects in the Columbia River Basin and provides approximately one third of the electricity used in the Pacific Northwest, as well as critical flood risk management, irrigation, and navigation benefits. “The Lower Snake River Dams provide [Bonneville Power Administration] with capacity to meet peak energy demand loads. The four dams generate approximately 1,000 megawatts of power on average annually, with the capacity for generating over 3,000 megawatts of power. “The need for this capacity was demonstrated during severe cold and heat events last year. In 2021, BPA issued assessments indicating the Lower Snake River Dams prevented rolling blackouts during the deep freeze and severe heat events in the Pacific Northwest. In January and February of 2021, the four dams each generated more than 400 megawatts of energy, with some providing more than 500 megawatts. Additionally, during the 5-day heatwave in June, the Lower Snake River Dams held 15% of BPA’s total required reserves. At their highest, the dams provided 1,118 megawatts of combined energy . “The Lower Snake River Dams are not only critical to grid reliability in the Pacific Northwest, through fish passage adaptations, they achieve 96 percent passage survival for juvenile yearling Chinook salmon and steelhead smolts at each dam. “We share the goal of recovering threatened and endangered fish species in the Columbia River Basin, and we should be encouraged by recent returns on the Lower Snake River. Snake River Spring Chinook returns have increased since 2019, with 2020 returns up 55 percent and 2021 returns up 27 percent. “We understand that the [agencies] are engaged in CEQ’s effort focused on recovering Columbia Basin threatened and endangered fish species. Given the critical role the entire Federal Columbia River Power System plays in powering the Pacific Northwest, providing flood risk management, irrigation, and navigation benefits, as well as CEQ’s focus on how breaching the Lower Snake River Dams may aid in fish recovery, we request answers … in writing by no later than May 1, 2022.” CLICK HERE to read the letters and view the questions to each agency. NOTE: Letters were sent to President Biden, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Energy, and Bonneville Power Administration. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/03/15/id-ff786fd7-1fba-465a-8409-e3a2a36c8757/,Congressman Fulcher Continues Defending Idahoan’s 2nd Amendment Rights,2022-03-15,2022,2022-03,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russ Fulcher joined the introduction of the No Retaining Every Gun In a System That Restricts Your (REGISTRY) Rights Act as an original cosponsor of the bill. The REGISTRY Act was introduced by Congressman Cloud to combat the Biden Administration’s recently proposed rule to require Federal Firearm Licensees to maintain firearm records in perpetuity, after going out of business, rather than destroying them after 20 years, which is the current law. In addition to fighting against the new rule proposal, this legislation also combats the Biden Administration’s idea to create a federal firearms registry. “Under the current administration, preserving our constitutional rights and our personal freedoms is more important now than ever before. Thank you to Congressman Cloud for identifying this dangerous new rule and leading the fight to combat it. I am proud to cosponsor the REGISTRY Rights Act to protect the rights of my constituents back home and all Americans.” commented Congressman Fulcher. As a member of the Second Amendment Caucus, Congressman Fulcher has been a staunch defender of the American right to bear arms and maintain privacy while doing so. This includes sponsorships of H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, and H.R. 1680, the Lawful Interstate Transportation of Firearms Act, which establish a federal statutory framework to regulate the carry and transportation of concealed firearms across state lines. Background: Under current law, a Federal Firearm Licensee’s (FFL) that have gone out of business must give all of their firearm transaction records from the past 20 years to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The ATF maintains all of these records in the ??Out-of-Business Records Imaging System (OBRIS) database. The Biden Administration has proposed a rule that would require FFLs to maintain all firearm transaction records in perpetuity instead of destroying them after 20 years. There are valid concerns this rule will lay the groundwork for a back-door federal firearms registry, which led Congressman Cloud to launch an investigation into ATF’s (OBRIS) database. Through a series of letters, Congressman Cloud and other Members of Congress uncovered that ATF has acquired nearly a billion firearm transaction records. Should the proposed rule be finalized, this number is only going to grow and could lead to the ATF having information on every American gun owner. Congressman Cloud’s No REGISTRY Rights Act would require ATF to delete all existing firearm transaction records accumulated by the ATF, therefore dismantling their current database and preventing the possible creation of a federal gun registry. The bill would also require Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) to destroy their firearm transaction records once they go out of business, ensuring the ATF doesn’t continue to accumulate these records. Cosponsor List: Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) ,Thomas Massie (R-KY), Mary Miller (R-IL), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Bob Good (R-VA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Ken Buck (R-CO), Ben Cline (R-VA), Andy Harris (R-MD), Randy Weber (R-TX), Andy Biggs (R-AZ) , Scott Perry (R-PA), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Ronny Jackson (R-TX), Bill Posey (R-FL), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Yvette Herrell (R-NM), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), David B. McKinley (R-WV), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Dan Bishop (R-NC), and Chip Roy (R-TX) joined as original cosponsors. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/03/10/id-0c6280b2-5e55-4562-8f2b-97364fd9ba2b/,Idaho Delegation Encourages Secure Supply Chains for Critical Minerals,2022-03-10,2022,2022-03,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — “Together, as Idaho’s Congressional delegation, we express our grave concern with the vulnerability of supply chains and the long-term implications if we do not act now to develop a secure supply chain of critical minerals. In light of the aggression shown by our adversaries, supply chain security is more important than ever. “Our nation is at a crossroads; Russia has invaded Ukraine. At the same time, China continues to use economic coercion to control global markets and shape countries’ political decisions. With Congress’ support, this Administration must take drastic and targeted measures to ensure our nation takes the right path to advance U.S. competitiveness and maintain a strong position in domestic and foreign markets, including critical minerals production. “Critical minerals are vital to the emerging technologies that will underpin the future economic well-being and prosperity of this nation. In recognition of these important minerals, under President Trump, the Department of Interior developed a list of 35 critical minerals, a process that Congress later codified. That list, just last week, expanded to 50. Our home state of Idaho is rich in many of these minerals—some of which are fundamental to energy and national security applications—such as antimony and cobalt. “Antimony and cobalt serve as critical components in grid storage batteries, and other electrification implements essential to providing reliable energy sources to American homes and businesses. In addition to its energy contribution, antimony serves as a critical component of ammunition, armaments, and other national security platforms. Although these minerals serve as essential components in highly utilized U.S. products, 53 percent of antimony comes from China, and another 23 percent comes from Russia. Most cobalt is sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the Chinese government has subsidized companies that engage in non-transparent practices, dominate the industry, and undermine the prosperity and rights of the Congolese. “Aside from mineral production, Idaho is responsible for cutting-edge mineral research. We are proud to be the home of the Idaho National Lab, the nation’s premier nuclear energy laboratory, whose research is paramount to any future clean energy strategy. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration chose to remove uranium from the critical minerals list, which leaves the nation’s nuclear fleet even more reliant on Russian fuel. “As tensions rise with Russia and the potential of additional sanctions loom, China will look to take advantage of the void left by Russia’s isolation in the market. While we need to take strong actions on Russia, the reality is that we source many of our raw minerals from them. As we tighten our grip on their financial system and exports, we must prioritize domestic sourcing and reduce our reliance on countries like Russia and China. “The time is now for this Administration to take real action to prioritize a strong domestic supply chain for these essential minerals. We do not want to compromise any of our environmental or other standards. We are simply calling on the Administration to prioritize the timely completion of the permits of currently proposed projects so we may take back control of a fundamental piece of many of our essential industries: critical minerals production.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/02/23/id-df394790-1335-47a3-b0bd-ee766239f5d5/,Statement on Ukraine,2022-02-23,2022,2022-02,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Fulcher released the following statement on the ongoing situation in Ukraine: “In his first year in office, President Biden hurt US energy independence and the ability to export gas and oil to Europe, while simultaneously supporting Putin’s monopolization of European energy production through completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in September 2021. I fought against giving Russia this power. President Biden continues to show weakness as Russia threatens to invade more of Ukraine; just like he witnessed while Vice President under President Obama whose indecisiveness led to Putin taking Crimea. President Biden’s speech is too little too late and only articulated to Putin that any non-NATO country is free game and that the “consequences” for invading a sovereign country are equivalent to a slap on the wrist. Borders matter both in the United States and in Ukraine. Yet President Biden has made it clear that borders are meaningless. This disaster has the potential to stir up the continent and embolden adversaries like China, Iran, and North Korea. American ‘boots on the ground’ should not be deployed. But it is past time to reverse Biden‘s domestic energy production policy so American exports can bolster our economy and reduce European dependence on Russia.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:57:46Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/02/16/id-fe02c9a6-6bc3-497e-ba65-3a53cbe61a16/,Congressman Fulcher Introduces Bill to Alleviate National Park Service Administrative Hurdles,2022-02-16,2022,2022-02,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01) introduced the Partnership Agreements Creating Tangible Savings Act or PACTS Act. Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Congressman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) joined the bill as original cosponsors. The PACTS Act, if passed into law, will help alleviate many administrative hurdles for the National Park Service. It amends current law in order to allow the Secretary of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, to utilize services like snow removal, trash removal, or other related services that otherwise were not available. This bill will aid the Department of Interior and National Park Service by allowing them to share their resources more effectively and efficiently which will lead to cleaner National Parks for less of the costs to the taxpayers. Congressman Fulcher commented, “It is critical that in managing our federal lands, we find ways for federal agencies to be more efficient with taxpayer dollars, and be able to overcome obstacles to work more with our state, local, and tribal entities in a collaborative process. The PACTS Act will help accomplish this, and I am proud to introduce this bill with support from my western colleagues Rep. Newhouse and Rep. LaMalfa.” “Our National Parks face the largest maintenance backlog in our nation’s history due to burdensome red tape,”said Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. “Our states, local communities, and tribes want to help maintain our incredible National Parks, and Rep. Fulcher’s legislation will provide them the tools they need to work collaboratively and efficiently with the federal government and address the nearly $12 billion in deferred maintenance.” “Our National Parks are one of our country’s greatest resources. Removing some of the bureaucratic hurdles in place that hinder simple park maintenance is a great step to help the Park Service be more effective and efficient with our taxpayer dollars,” added Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01). Read the full bill text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:57:46Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/02/11/id-d6d750dc-0470-4826-84b9-f6dff330395f/,Rep. Fulcher Joins Western Caucus Members in Demanding Transparency on Aerial Firefighting,2022-02-11,2022,2022-02,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Interior Appropriations Ranking Member David Joyce (OH-14) led 13 Members in sending a letter to U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Moore and Interior Secretary Haaland to demand an overdue report to Congress on 10-year contracting for aerial wildfire operators, as directed by the Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations bill. The FY21 Appropriations bill required the USFS and the Department of the Interior to provide a report on 10-year aerial firefighting contracts and whether they have the potential to ensure greater accountability, cost efficiency, and a more streamlined approach. The Administration has yet to provide this report, and it is now over 300 days past due. “The U.S. must use all available tools to mitigate wildfire disasters,” wrote the lawmakers. “The United States has experienced some of the worst fire seasons on record in recent years. In 2021 alone, 7.6 million acres burned – roughly equivalent to the entire state of Maryland. …It is imperative that the U.S. procure a modern and safe aerial firefighting fleet, as they play an integral role in wildfire suppression.” The letter, which was signed by Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Rep. David Joyce (OH-12), Vice Chairs Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Mark Amodei (NV-02), Liz Cheney (WY-AL), and Pete Stauber (MN-08), and Reps. Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Ken Calvert (CA-21), Matt Rosendale (MT-AL), and Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), demands the Administration fulfill their legal obligation, deliver this report to Congress, and ensure rural communities are best equipped to mitigate catastrophic wildfires. They continued, “We ask that the Forest Service, in partnership with the Department of the Interior, complete this report in an expeditious manner. The height of fire season is around the corner, and it is critical we make informed decisions surrounding our aerial firefighting fleet. This report will help enable Congress, the Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and contractors effectively mitigate the threat of catastrophic wildfires and protect communities throughout the West and across the United States.” Full text of the letter can be found here and below: Dear Chief Moore and Secretary Haaland, We write to you today regarding the Forest Service’s failure to finalize a report on current aviation contracting capabilities for wildland fire suppression activities as directed in House Report 116-448 and the joint explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260): In past years, the Committee has included direction and resources to assist the Forest Service in modernizing the fleet of aircraft available for wildland fire suppression activities. It is important that the Forest Service and Department of the Interior analyze current contracting capabilities to determine whether changes to existing practices may better support the strategic plan for aerial firefighting assets. Recent initiatives that have been undertaken have increased firefighting effectiveness and/or reduced costs. The Committee has become aware that the limitation on the length of federal civilian contracts (no more than five years) may be, as it was with stewardship contracts for forest health restoration, a limitation on both effectiveness and cost efficiency for procuring modern, cost effective aviation assets for fire suppression. The existing aviation fleet is primarily comprised of contractor-owned and operated aircraft, many of which are small businesses. The certainty provided by longer-term contracts of up to ten years has the potential to ensure greater accountability, cost efficiency and a streamlined approach. The U.S. Forest Service Aviation Implementation Strategy (2018-2022) indicates that the size and intensity of wildfires is expected to rise; resulting in continued demand for aerial fighting aircraft. Particularly as COVID-19 causes additional limitations on the ground, a modern and safe air fleet will be an important asset for the upcoming firefighting season. Therefore, the Committee directs the Forest Service in partnership with the Department of the Interior, to prepare and submit a report to the Committee within 90 days of enactment of this Act outlining current statutory limitations that prohibit the use of 10-year contracts. Additionally, the report shall include current contract requirements that ensure a modern and safe aviation fleet and how a shift to 10-year contracting could impact those requirements. The report shall state how many aviation contracts the Forest Service and Department of the Interior have issued over the last 10 years, as well as any anticipated changes in either the number of contracts issued, the costs, or the type of contract vehicle used, due to a shift to 10- year contracting. Finally, the Forest Service shall provide input on how a potential pilot program for 10-year contracts could be implemented. In addition to the direction outlined in House Report 116-448 regarding the report on firefighting aviation contracts and current impediments to the use of longer-term contracts, the Committees also direct the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to consider, as part of this report, whether modifying cancellation ceilings for longer-term aviation contracts consistent with practices used for longer-term stewardship contracts, as provided by Division O of Public Law 115-141, could assist the agencies in having long-term certainty and affordability for modem aviation assets. The Forest Service and the Department of the Interior have now missed their reporting deadline by over 300 days. This is unacceptable. The U.S. must use all available tools to mitigate wildfire disasters. As you know all too well, the United States has experienced some of the worst fire seasons on record in recent years. In 2021 alone, 7.6 million acres burned – roughly equivalent to the entire state of Maryland. Similarly, wildfire seasons are now a year-long affair, and operators of Forest Service-owned and contracted aircraft understand that demand firsthand. In 2018, they flew roughly 76,230 hours, which is 9,000 hours above the ten-year average. It is imperative that the U.S. procure a modern and safe aerial firefighting fleet, as they play an integral role in wildfire suppression. We ask that the Forest Service, in partnership with the Department of the Interior, complete this report in an expeditious manner. The height of fire season is around the corner, and it is critical we make informed decisions surrounding our aerial firefighting fleet. This report will help enable Congress, the Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and contractors effectively mitigate the threat of catastrophic wildfires and protect communities throughout the West and across the United States. We look forward to working with you on this important manner.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:57:46Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/02/08/id-4e02c304-207e-479b-8597-4969fa367870/,Letter to Speaker Pelosi – USCP Monitoring Members,2022-02-08,2022,2022-02,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Feb 8, 2022 Related Files Letter to Speaker Pelosi – USCP Monitoring Members.pdf (806.1 KBs)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:57:46Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/01/27/id-5e0efdca-a510-4a1e-8630-ac39f9342485/,Fulcher Announces 2022 Service Academy Nominations,2022-01-27,2022,2022-01,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Fulcher has announced the candidates nominated to three U.S. service academies: the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), U.S. Military Academy (USMA) and the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA). The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. The U.S. Service Academies have a long tradition of excellence in training leaders of our Nation. These nominees have proven their willingness to lead and inspire those around them. Not only do they excel in academics, but they have demonstrated their diligence, high moral character, honor and duty to their schools, local communities, and the state. The privilege of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Congressman Fulcher commented, “These students put so much work into their applications and it is truly an honor to announce the nominees for 2022. Congratulations to each of these Idaho Gems and best of luck as you pursue attending one of the U.S. Service Academies to serve our country and Idaho’s First District.” To learn more about future military academy nominations and the process to apply, visit https://fulcher.house.gov/service-academy-nominations or contact Tori Shockey in Congressman Fulcher’s Meridian office at 208-888-3188. 2022 Service Academy Nominations: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy- Kings Point, NY Jenna Elizarraras, Star Martin Pena, Nampa Ryan Thomas, Hayden Marcus Wyman, McCall U.S. Military Academy- West Point, NY Brecon Bennett, Sandpoint Emmett Lilly, Orofino Martin Pena, Nampa Dylan Reynolds, Meridian Luke Simpson, Meridian U.S. Naval Academy- Annapolis, MD Brecon Bennett, Sandpoint Austin Durfee, Moscow Bronsen Fulk, Rathdrum Gretchen Pals, Moscow Zachary Robinson, Nampa Michael Schlothauer, Post Falls Ryan Thomas, Hayden Marcus Wyman, McCall ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:50:39Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/01/19/id-4dc3946b-cce7-4dff-b40a-7709db3c1003/,Fulcher & Simpson Lead Congressional Forum on Idaho Mining,2022-01-19,2022,2022-01,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Congressman Mike Simpson (ID-02), and Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) held a forum earlier today, “Celebrating the Benefits of Domestic Mining in the Gem State.” Joining the Congressman were several representatives from Idaho government and businesses, including Matthew Lengerich, the Executive General Manager of Jervois Mining Ltd. Jervois Mining is managing the Idaho Cobalt Operations, a multi-million dollar project that is expected to begin production in mid-2022. For the last 12 years, Jervois Mining, and the previous mine operator Formation Capital, have been building mining facilities at the Idaho Cobalt Operations project. The Idaho Cobalt Operations project is the culmination of careful planning, sound investments, and collaboration between complementary partners on the federal, state, and local level. The Idaho Cobalt Operations project shows how environmentally sound mining practices in the United States can assist American manufacturers while reducing our dependence on minerals from foreign adversaries. Congressman Fulcher commented, “Through my experience working for a microchip company, I saw first-hand the benefit critical minerals exploration can pose to a country. Cobalt in particular has many uses like aerospace manufacturing and lithium-ion batteries. Rather than relying on other countries – some even being adversaries to the United States- for these critical minerals, our country should be fostering these opportunities domestically like we are seeing with the Idaho Cobalt Operations .” Watch the full forum here. Background: By summer of 2022, the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Idaho will be home to the only fully functional, underground cobalt mine in the United States. This project, known as “Idaho Cobalt Operations,” has been authorized since 2009 with construction underway since 2012. Due to a growing push for clean energy technologies and electric vehicles, cobalt has been in demand more than ever with very few places in the world to find it. Currently, countries source their cobalt from places such as China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which both utilize forms of child and slave labor. Having a domestic source of cobalt that supports the surrounding communities, with regulations and protocols in place to protect both workers and the environment is something to celebrate. The mine and the managing company, Jervois Mining, are expected to bring a significant positive impact on local and state economies while also establishing long-term opportunities to benefit the region in the future. The Idaho Cobalt Operations project is projected to create about 150 to 200 jobs in the Salmon-Challis area while supporting schools and local county services, protecting the environment, and continuously working toward sustainable conservation and clean water efforts. Speakers: Mr. Matthew Lengerich, Executive General Manager, Jervois Mining Ltd. Mr. Lengerich previously worked at the Rio Tinto mine as General Manager of Digital Transformation, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mr. Lengerich was a key leader of Rio Tinto’s efforts to advance its capacity in artificial intelligence, data analytics and mine productivity across its global operating sites. Prior to these specialized mining technology roles, Mr. Lengerich served as General Manager of Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s integrated operations center in Perth, Australia. Mr. Skip Brandt, Commissioner, Idaho County, Idaho Commissioner Brandt is an Idaho native and longtime public servant. Prior to his service as an Idaho County Commissioner, he served as the mayor of Kooskia, Idaho and then as a member of the Idaho State Senate. Commissioner Brandt served as a County Commissioner of Idaho County, Idaho since 2007, and in March 2020, he was appointed to the Western Interstate Region Board. Ms. Tammy Stringham, Executive Director, Lemhi County Economic Development Association Director Stringham has worked closely with businesses and organizations in the regional communities since 2010. She is married with two grown children and she and her husband own the local Fly Shop in Salmon. Mr. Tom Kealey, Director of Commerce, Office of Idaho Governor Little As the State Commerce Director, he is a member of Governor Little’s cabinet who oversees all agency operations and is the Chief Economic Development and Marketing Officer for the State of Idaho. Mr. Kealey received his MBA in Strategic Planning and Marketing from Harvard Business School and a BA in Accounting and Finance from the University of Washington. He and his wife own the Chicago Connection Restaurant Groups, and he has decades of experience within the Idaho business community, holding numerous senior business roles in multiple Fortune 500 companies. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:50:39Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/01/14/id-31d91c5e-9049-4ee9-b5ea-6b05559feb80/,Congressman Fulcher Continues Fight Against Democrats’ Election Takeover,2022-01-14,2022,2022-01,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Fulcher voted NO on the over-700 page Democrat bill to federalize the United States election system. The elections bill, with provisions from H.R.1 and H.R.4, has now been inserted into an unrelated bill about NASA leasing authority and re-named H.R.5746, the “Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act.” There has been no formal CBO score released on H.R.5746, however the bill creates a 6 to 1 campaign donation matching program, with federal taxpayer dollars being used for political campaign contributions. In addition, H.R. 5746 establishes an automatic and online voter registration system, eliminates states’ individual voter ID laws, and creates a system for states to require approval from the federal government before making changes to their election laws or practices. The legislation also gives the Federal Attorney General power to change election laws and bypass state constitutional processes. Congressman Fulcher commented on his NO vote, “As I’ve said before, there is a proper place for healthy debate and consideration of ways to improve our election system- but this does not mean an exclusively-partisan takeover of our election process. Speaker Pelosi and Democrats have ignored input from Republicans and created this bill in a completely one-sided manner. Our election system has the ability to impact every single issue in our country and its integrity should be strengthened by bipartisan solutions- not threatened by biased, one-sided interests.” During Wednesday evening’s debate on H.R.5746, House Administration Committee Republican Ranking Member Rodney Davis (IL-13) put forth a resolution, H.Res.866, recognizing that allowing illegal immigrants to vote fundamentally violates the sacred right to vote of all American citizens. In 2018, Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy introduced a similar resolution to condemn cities that allow non-citizens to vote. At that time, 49 Democrats supported the resolution and 69 voted PRESENT – not indicating a position either way. Of the 49 Democrats that voted YES on the nearly-identical bill in 2018 (dismissing the 10 no longer in office), all of them changed their position and voted to block this new resolution, except Rep. Cartwright from Pennsylvania who declined to vote on the bill Wednesday night. Of the 69 who voted PRESENT on the 2018 bill, showing no preference either way, all of them (other than the 13 no longer in office) changed their position to support the ability for illegal immigrants to vote. This resolution comes on the heels of New York Democrat Mayor Eric Adams’ endorsement of a bill by New York City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez to allow nearly one million non-citizens to vote in local elections. Congressman Fulcher added, “Not only has President Biden promised incentives to illegal immigrants, encouraging them to break our country’s laws to enter- now the most liberal states are proposing voting rights for those who have done so as well. The right to vote is constitutionally granted to all citizens in this country and should not be extended to those who have broken United States laws and disregarded the immigration system to enter our country illegally.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:50:39Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2022/01/07/id-f3aa3eca-fc00-4831-9255-741af1b805a8/,Congressman Fulcher Joins Republican Colleagues in House and Senate to File an Amicus Brief in Today’s SCOTUS Hearing,2022-01-07,2022,2022-01,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01) joined House Education and Labor Committee Republican Leader Virginia Foxx (NC-05), House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Republican Study Committee Chairman Jim Banks (IN-03), 136 Representatives, and 47 Senators in filing an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in the case considering the Biden administration’s top-down Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) requiring private employers with over 100 employees to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine or weekly testing. The brief argues that Congress did not give OSHA the authority to impose a vaccine mandate and urges SCOTUS to stay the mandate. In the brief, the Members write: “Congressional members have an interest in the powers they delegate to agencies not being abused—the legislative authority vested in the federal government belongs to Congress, not the Executive branch. In this case, the promulgation by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) of a sweeping, nationwide vaccine mandate on businesses intrudes into an area of legislative concern far beyond the authority of the agency. And it does so with a Mandate enacted through OSHA’s seldom-used ‘emergency temporary standard’ (ETS) provision that allows for bypass of notice and comment rulemaking under certain circumstances. That OSHA exceeded its authority in enacting the ETS Mandate is not a ‘particularly hard’ question.” The members continue: “Moreover, congressional members—as representatives of the people of their States and districts—have an interest in the citizens they represent being able to craft local solutions to problems facing their States and districts. Federalism concerns should be addressed before requiring federally-imposed solutions. And this is especially true when the question at issue involves an area typically reserved to the States (such as vaccine mandates). At the least, Congress should be forced to make clear any delegations of authority into areas of State control.” Full text of the brief is available here. Governor Little also commented on the issue. Read the full statement here. Background: On December 17, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit lifted the Fifth Circuit’s stay of the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for large employers. The Department of Labor has stated it will begin enforcing the ETS on January 10, 2022. The Department will also give employers acting in good faith until February 9, 2022, before it will begin issuing citations for violations of the mandate’s testing requirements. Several parties have filed petitions for review, and SCOTUS began hearing oral arguments today, January 7, 2022, on whether to issue an emergency stay of the ETS. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:50:39Z