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://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-names-disciples-coffee-as-september-small-business-of-the-month/,Risch Names Disciples Coffee as September Small Business of the Month,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of Disciples Coffee in Boise as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for September 2026. Disciples Coffee will be recognized for its contribution to Idaho in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate. “Started in 2023, Disciples Coffee set out with the mission to serve more than just coffee to the Treasure Valley,” said Risch. “I am proud to recognize Disciples Coffee as Small Business of the Month for their work bringing people together over their small-batch specialty roasts and faithful community service through their Mission of the Month program.” Idaho is consistently ranked one of the best places in the country to do business. Each month, Senator Risch selects an Idaho Small business that exemplifies the Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional commitment to community. Last year, Senator Risch passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to promote local economic growth and provide tax relief to Idahoans and small business owners.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/-cdfi-caucus-co-chairs-warner-and-crapo-applaud-release-of-congressionally-appropriated-fy25-cdfi-funds,CDFI Caucus Co-Chairs Warner and Crapo Applaud Release of Congressionally Appropriated FY25 CDFI Funds,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Mark R. Warner (D-Virginia), co-chairs of the Senate Community Development Finance Caucus, issued the following statement: “We welcome Treasury taking another step to get these long-delayed FY25 CDFI Fund dollars out the door before they expire at the end of the month. These funds matter to families, small businesses, and communities across the country, especially at a time when Americans are already feeling squeezed by the cost of groceries, gas, housing, and other everyday expenses. “It should not take months of bipartisan pressure from Congress and advocates across the country to release funding at the eleventh hour that Congress already approved. We also remain deeply concerned by repeated efforts to weaken the CDFI Fund and its ability to do its job. We urge Treasury to make sure these dollars are deployed quickly, transparently, and fairly in accordance with the intent of Congress.” ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-backs-legislation-to-provide-clarity-for-student-athletes-idaho-higher-education-institutions,"Crapo Backs Legislation to Provide Clarity for Student Athletes, Idaho Higher Education Institutions",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--After consultation with Idaho’s colleges and universities, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) voted to support the Protect College Sports Act, which passed the Senate by a vote of 77-22. The legislation would establish a federal regulatory framework for college athletics and set national standards for Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) compensation, among other provisions. “College athletics are facing significant challenges Congress can and must meaningfully address,” said Crapo. “The Protect College Sports Act provides much-needed clarity and consistency for student athletes and higher education institutions. It protects athletes’ Name, Image and Likeness rights while also preserving fair competition. Clear national standards will help provide stability for college athletics and protect the opportunities and traditions that make college sports an important part of communities across the country.” The Protect College Sports Act is supported by various Idaho colleges and universities: “Athletics is the front porch of Boise State and often the first way people across Idaho and the nation encounter our university. But its impact reaches far beyond competition,” said Boise State University President David Hahn. “Athletics has helped attract students, inspire philanthropy, advance our academic and research mission, and unite Idahoans around a shared sense of pride. We are grateful to Senator Crapo for engaging with Idaho’s colleges and universities and working to bring greater clarity and stability to this rapidly changing landscape. The Protect College Sports Act is an important pathway for creating a stable, fair foundation for college athletics.” “At the University of Idaho, we see the current version of this bill as a great framework to support college athletic programs and the student-athlete experience as we navigate the challenges facing us,” said University of Idaho President Scott Green. “We appreciate a national approach to unified guidelines that standardize important issues such as eligibility, transferring, and appropriate athlete protection. Senator Crapo has been a stalwart supporter of ensuring college athletics protects student-athletes, benefits colleges and universities and remains a shared pastime across the nation.” “Athletics is a vital part of our campus, providing educational and athletic opportunities, developing future leaders, and creating meaningful points of pride throughout our community and alumni base,” said Idaho State University President Robert Wagner. “The Protect College Sports Act is the first bipartisan, comprehensive effort to begin addressing the destabilizing challenges faced by college athletics,” he added. Polling released in July revealed a majority of American voters (72 percent) support the Protect College Sports Act. Bill text is available HERE. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-klobuchar-early-act-reauthorization-passes-senate,"Crapo, Klobuchar EARLY Act Reauthorization Passes Senate",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), along with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), announced Senate passage of their bipartisan Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Reauthorization Act of 2026. The legislation reauthorizes federal breast cancer education and awareness efforts focused on young women and women at higher risk of developing the disease. About 16 percent of all new breast cancer cases in the U.S. occur in women younger than age 50, who tend to have more aggressive forms of the disease and are often diagnosed at later stages. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. “Early detection and preventive care are critical to saving lives, improving treatment outcomes and reducing health care costs,” said Crapo. “The EARLY Act strengthens important education and awareness efforts that help women understand their risks and seek care sooner, giving more families the opportunity for better outcomes and more time with their loved ones.” “We’ve come so far in the fight against breast cancer, but there is more we must do to ensure that all women—and especially women who are under the age of 45 and at high risk—have the information and support they need to detect this deadly disease early on,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan bill will help continue the important work of elevating breast cancer awareness while supporting critical research so that one day we can finally eradicate breast cancer.” “Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce the burden of breast cancer. Senate passage of the EARLY Act brings this critical legislation closer to becoming law and helps ensure that young women with—or at risk of developing—breast cancer continue to have access to potentially lifesaving education, support and resources,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “ACS CAN is especially grateful to Senators Amy Klobuchar and Mike Crapo for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to advancing this bill. Reauthorizing the EARLY Act will address the unique challenges young patients face as it strengthens efforts to raise awareness, promote early detection and improve outcomes.” The EARLY Act reauthorizes the federal Bring Your Brave campaign, which educates women younger than 45 about breast cancer through real stories, encourages women to learn their family health history and provides information about steps they can take to lower their risk. To date, Bring Your Brave has generated more than 231 million social media impressions, 12.4 million video views and 2 million social engagements, and has driven more than 2.9 million people to the campaign’s website. The program also helps create support systems by connecting breast cancer survivors with young women who are at high risk for breast cancer or have already been diagnosed. It has also supported increased training and education for family medicine health care providers, particularly in managing the care of patients at higher risk of hereditary cancer. Background Crapo has long championed efforts to advance cancer prevention, early detection and research. Most recently, the Senator helped secure enactment of the bipartisan Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act, expanding access to innovative cancer screening technologies. In recognition of his leadership in the fight against cancer, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) presented Crapo with its National Distinguished Advocacy Award, the organization’s most prestigious advocacy honor. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-honors-fallen-heroes-expresses-gratitude-as-gold-star-families-remembrance-week-concludes,"Crapo Honors Fallen Heroes, Expresses Gratitude as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week Concludes",2026-09-27,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued a statement marking the conclusion of Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, held from September 20 through September 26, 2026. The annual observance honors the mothers, spouses, children and relatives of American servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. “Gold Star families shoulder a heavy price paid for the defense of our freedoms and the safety of Americans at home and abroad,” said Crapo. “While carrying the Gold Star designation represents a deeply profound honor, it is one no family ever wishes to bear. As Gold Star Families Remembrance Week ends, we reaffirm our solemn obligation as a nation to ensure these resilient families receive the recognition, support and deep gratitude they deserve.” “The loved ones of our fallen warriors have embodied unimaginable strength,” Crapo added. “Whether through championing programs that give Gold Star family members a seat at the table in our nation's government or working to declassify records to bring our missing heroes home, we must continue standing alongside these military families who have sacrificed so much for the Gem State and our country.” Crapo has consistently championed legislative solutions to support our nation's military families, including eliminating the so-called ‘Widow’s Tax’. Previously, federal law prohibited military surviving spouses from receiving their full survivor benefits from the U.S. Departments of War and Veterans Affairs, instead requiring a dollar-for-dollar offset deducted from their Survivor Benefit Plan annuity. This unfair penalty on surviving spouses and their families was finally ended with legislation Crapo co-sponsored, which was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. ###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-welcomes-fall-2026-interns,Crapo Welcomes Fall 2026 Interns,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--Four interns have joined U.S. Senator Mike Crapo’s (R-Idaho) Washington, D.C., and state offices for the fall 2026 term. “The talented students joining my team this fall bring a strong commitment to public service and a deep passion for the future of Idaho,” said Crapo. “Through their work in Washington, D.C., and Boise, these interns will gain direct insight into the legislative process, engage with constituents across the state and develop critical skills for their future careers. I welcome them to my office and look forward to their contributions this semester.” Two interns will serve in the Washington, D.C., office: Nathaniel Wilson is a Meridian native and a senior at Boise State University pursuing a dual major in accounting and finance. He is eager to learn more about the work of the Senate Finance Committee while gaining practical policy experience in the nation's capital. Noah Lindsley recently graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in international studies. Originally from Kennewick, Washington, he brings a strong interest in foreign relations, education, economic policy and Second Amendment rights to his work on Capitol Hill. Two interns will serve in the Boise office: Charlotte McNeely is a senior at Boise State University studying political science with a specialization in American politics and policy, alongside a minor in Spanish. Her academic focus centers on Idaho housing research, and she aims to pursue a career in political communications. Kylee Gann is a senior at Boise State University pursuing a degree in political science with an emphasis in American government and public policy, as well as a minor in legal studies. Active in campus leadership and public relations, she aspires to serve as a government attorney. Crapo hosts interns in his Washington, D.C., office as well as in regional offices throughout Idaho. The application deadline for the spring 2027 term is October 15, 2026. Students interested in internship opportunities can find more information regarding requirements and deadlines on the Senator's official website at: https://www.crapo.senate.gov/services/for-students/internships. ###",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-recognized-for-leadership-in-fight-against-cancer,Crapo Recognized for Leadership in Fight Against Cancer,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, is being recognized for his leadership in advancing policies to improve cancer research, screening and care. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) presented Crapo with its National Distinguished Advocacy Award, the organization’s most prestigious honor, recognizing his work to advance policies that improve outcomes for cancer patients. In particular, ACS CAN highlighted Crapo’s leadership on the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act. Signed into law in February 2026, the legislation ensures Medicare beneficiaries can access cutting-edge cancer screening tests, improving the likelihood of detecting cancer earlier, when treatment can be most effective. “Breakthroughs in early cancer detection can drive more effective treatments and higher survival rates,” said Crapo. “I am proud to champion legislation that helps to ensure Idaho seniors and others across the country can receive lifesaving, preventive care.” The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) likewise highlighted Crapo’s efforts in their 2026 Cancer Progress Report, which recognized his work to advance policies aimed at improving cancer prevention, detection and treatment. Read the interview HERE or below. Senator Crapo meets with representatives of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Q&A with U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo American Association for Cancer Research How has your experience as a prostate cancer survivor informed your approach to health policy, and your conviction that federal investment in cancer research, screening and prevention saves lives? Since coming to Capitol Hill, I have made combating cancer a top legislative priority. Losing a loved one to cancer, seeing others go through treatment and going through treatment make the search for leading-edge treatment acutely personal. Thanks in part to sustained federal investments in research and care, we have seen remarkable progress in the past few decades, with game-changing improvements in screening, prevention, diagnostics and treatments. As we continue that work, detecting more cancers at earlier stages will prove especially crucial. This year, the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act—legislation you championed for multiple Congresses—was signed into law, establishing a Medicare coverage pathway for multi-cancer early detection tests. What did reaching that milestone mean to you, and what impact do you hope it will have for patients, particularly seniors and those in rural states like Idaho? Enactment of the MCED Screening Coverage Act is incredibly gratifying. Before, Medicare only covered preventive services explicitly authorized by Congress or recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. This meant many routine cancer screenings were not reimbursed, even though early detection of cancer is crucial in maximizing patient outcomes. According to the Idaho Medical Association, before passage, approximately 70 percent of cancer deaths were caused by cancers for which there were no covered screening tests. The MCED Screening Coverage Act establishes a pathway for Medicare coverage of MCED screenings once they are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, rather than waiting for a lengthy additional legislative or regulatory approval process, making these important tests accessible to many more patients. While enactment of the MCED Screening Coverage Act provides significant progress in multi-cancer screening, what else are you working on to improve cancer care? I am co-leading bipartisan legislation with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) that would reauthorize the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act through 2031. The current authorization, which I helped secure in the fiscal year 2021 government funding package, is set to expire this year. In June, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee advanced the legislation, which would ensure the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues campaigns to raise awareness of breast cancer risks among young women and encourage preventive care and early screening when appropriate. The law also supports research activities related to breast cancer prevention and educational efforts for physicians and other health care professionals involved in detecting and treating the disease. This legislation, like the MCED Screening Coverage Act, is part of my ongoing effort to align federal programs with preventive health goals aimed at reducing government expenditures on care and fostering a healthier nation. MCED tests hold particular promise for identifying cancers that currently have no recommended screening test. Why is it so important to build coverage pathways for these emerging technologies, even as they continue to complement existing, guideline-recommended screening? Cancer does not wait for regulatory processes and guidelines to catch up to it. Increasing access to proven screening tools will ensure many patients discover cancer when it is often most treatable. That holds tremendous promise for improving survival rates and driving down costs for patients, medical providers and Medicare itself. What is your message to the scientists, physicians, and researchers working every day to make progress against cancer? Thank you. Scientific advancements have dramatically improved the country’s capabilities to treat cancer, among many other health care concerns. The scientists, physicians and researchers who work patiently to test hypotheses and evaluate treatments, often starting over time and again in search of microscopic answers that carry enormous importance, are profoundly commendable. Your commitment, knowledge, curiosity and drive save lives and fuel our country’s progress in the fight against cancer. ###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-at-executive-session-to-consider-hhs-irs-and-us-tax-court-nominations,"Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Consider HHS, IRS and U.S. Tax Court Nominations",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at an executive session to consider the nominations of Gerard “Chris” Klomp to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), James “Jim” Gadwood to be Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Ge Bai to be Assistant Secretary for Planning & Evaluation (ASPE) at HHS and Andrew De Mello to be a Judge on the U.S. Tax Court. As prepared for delivery: “We meet today, in executive session, to consider favorably reporting the nominations of the following individuals: Gerard “Chris” Klomp to be Deputy Secretary of HHS, James “Jim” Gadwood to be Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service, Ge Bai to be Assistant Secretary for Planning & Evaluation at the Department of Health and Human Services and Andrew De Mello to be a Judge on the U.S. Tax Court. “As is our usual process, members will have another opportunity this morning to offer their remarks on the nominees. “Members will be notified of the time and location later today to conduct the vote on the nominees off the Senate floor. “During last week’s hearing, Mr. Klomp emphasized the importance of effective leadership and operational excellence at the Department of Health and Human Services, including aligning people, policy, technology and resources around clear objectives and measurable results. “I appreciated his commitment to ensuring HHS effectively carries out its mission and empowers its talented workforce to address the pressing health challenges facing our country. “Mr. Gadwood discussed the important responsibility of the IRS Chief Counsel to provide taxpayers with timely guidance, clear and principled legal advice and effective representation of the Internal Revenue Service. “I was encouraged by his commitment to providing taxpayers with the certainty they need to comply with our tax laws while ensuring the Internal Revenue Code is administered fairly and consistently. “Dr. Bai highlighted the need for rigorous, evidence-based analysis to inform health policy and address the significant challenges facing our nation’s health care system. “I appreciated her focus on improving the value Americans receive from our health care system and her commitment to using sound research and analysis to inform policies that promote affordability, access, competition and innovation. “Mr. De Mello spoke about the experience and perspective he gained through his service at the Internal Revenue Service, including his work in the Office of Chief Counsel and his service as Acting Chief Counsel. “He also emphasized the important role the United States Tax Court plays in providing taxpayers with an independent forum to resolve disputes. I welcomed his commitment to applying the law fairly and impartially, and to treating every taxpayer who appears before the court with patience, respect and even-handedness. “Before closing, all nominees before the Finance Committee undergo significant vetting by congressional staff, and each of the nominees here today have met the Committee’s vigorous vetting standard. “I am voting in favor of each nominee and encourage my colleagues to do the same.” ###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-supports-risch-bill-to-lower-cost-of-housing,Crapo Supports Risch Bill to Lower Cost of Housing,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.-- U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) to introduce the Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards (HOMES) Act to eliminate duplicative federal energy efficiency regulations on manufactured housing to reduce costs for homebuyers. “Manufactured housing is an important piece of the puzzle as we work to increase housing supply and reduce costs for Idaho families,” said Crapo. “Washington should be removing unnecessary barriers, not adding duplicative regulations that make homes more expensive. The Affordable HOMES Act would streamline federal oversight and help manufacturers bring more affordable housing to market.” Currently, the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have overlapping authority over energy efficiency standards, creating burdensome and costly regulations for manufacturers. Streamlining federal oversight to give HUD sole authority of energy standards is estimated to save an average of $4,222 per home. Crapo and Risch are joined by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Steve Daines (R-Montana) and Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee) as co-sponsors of the Affordable HOMES Act. The legislation is supported by the Manufactured Housing Institute. Background Crapo has long worked to advance policies aimed at keeping homeownership within reach for Idahoans and families across the country. Most recently, Crapo helped shape the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, comprehensive housing legislation signed into law in July that reduces unnecessary federal red tape, expands housing opportunities, modernizes outdated federal programs and encourages the development of more affordable housing options. Crapo’s housing work continues to be guided by direct input from Idahoans. In 2025, he conducted a comprehensive statewide housing survey that received more than 5,000 responses from Idaho residents and stakeholders. Learn more about the survey and the results HERE. ###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/finance-committee-advances-hhs-irs-and-us-tax-court-nominations,"Finance Committee Advances HHS, IRS and U.S. Tax Court Nominations",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Finance Committee advanced the nominations of Gerard “Chris” Klomp to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) by a vote of 15-12, James “Jim” Gadwood to be Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and an Assistant General Counsel in the Department of the Treasury by a vote of 14-13, Ge Bai to be Assistant Secretary for Planning & Evaluation (ASPE) at HHS by a vote of 14-13, and Andrew De Mello to be a Judge on the U.S. Tax Court by a vote of 14-13. Following the vote, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the statement below: “I commend the Committee’s action and congratulate each nominee. “During last week’s hearing, Mr. Klomp emphasized the importance of effective leadership and operational excellence at the Department of Health and Human Services. I appreciated his commitment to empower HHS’s talented workforce to address the pressing health challenges facing our country. “Mr. Gadwood discussed the important responsibility of the IRS Chief Counsel to provide taxpayers with timely guidance, clear and principled legal advice and effective representation of the Internal Revenue Service. “Dr. Bai’s focus on sound research and analysis will improve the value Americans receive from our health care system. “Mr. De Mello’s experience as Acting Chief Counsel at the Internal Revenue Service has prepared him to apply the law fairly and impartially on the U.S. Tax Court. “I am confident in each nominee’s qualifications and look forward to their confirmation by the full Senate.” Executive session information can be found HERE. Read Chairman Crapo’s full statement at the nomination hearing HERE. ###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-introduces-bill-to-lower-cost-of-housing/,Risch Introduces Bill to Lower Cost of Housing,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) introduced the Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards (HOMES) Act to eliminate duplicative federal energy efficiency regulations on manufactured housing to reduce costs for homebuyers. “Homeownership is central to the American dream, and I am committed to making that a reality attainable for every hardworking Idahoan,” said Risch. “My Affordable HOMES Act will cut unnecessary federal regulations to help lower the price of manufactured housing as we continue to fight to keep the American dream within reach.” Currently, the Department of Energy and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have overlapping authority over energy efficiency standards, creating burdensome and costly regulations for manufacturers. Streamlining federal oversight to give HUD sole authority of energy standards is estimated to save an average of $4,222 per home. Risch is joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) in introducing the Affordable HOMES Act. The Affordable HOMES Act is supported by the Manufactured Housing Institute.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-urges-doj-to-investigate-atfs-illegal-gun-registry/,Risch Urges DOJ to Investigate ATF’s Illegal Gun Registry,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Risch (R-Idaho) today sent a letter to the Department of Justice urging an immediate investigation into an illegal gun registry maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Federal law prohibits the creation and maintenance of a national gun registry. However, the ATF currently possesses more than 1.4 billion records relating to firearm owners, registrations, and transactions. “American citizens are entitled to exercise their Second Amendment rights without the federal government compiling searchable lists of their names and firearms,” wrote Risch. “We ask for your decisive leadership to end this registry and prevent its expansion.” Risch is joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tedd Budd (R-N.C.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) in sending the letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche. Senator Risch has long fought to end the ATF’s illegal gun registry. Risch introduced the No REGISTRY Rights Act to force the ATF to delete all existing firearm transaction records and prevent the creation of any future firearms registry. Read the full letter here. ​",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/09/18/2026/crapo-announces-finance-committee-staff-updates,Crapo Announces Finance Committee Staff Updates,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) today announced the following staff updates: Kennedy Cummins, Professional Staff Member Kennedy joins the Committee from Chairman Crapo’s personal office, where she worked on international trade issues as a legislative correspondent. She previously interned at JRC Land and Legal Services in Twin Falls, Idaho. She holds a B.S. in Political Science from Boise State University. Ashlyn Herring, Professional Staff Member Ashlyn joins the Committee from Todd Strategy Group, where she worked as senior associate for health policy and government affairs. She previously interned for the Port of Virginia and for Jen Kiggans for Congress. She earned her B.A. in Public Policy and Leadership and Government from the University of Virginia. Pat Lichtenstein, Tax Counsel Pat joins the Committee from the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee under Chairman Jason Smith (R-Missouri), where he served as senior oversight counsel. He previously worked as an assistant director at the National Collegiate Athletic Association, as counsel for the U.S. House Budget Committee under then-Ranking Member Jason Smith and as counsel for the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. He received a J.D. and a M.B.A. from American University and his B.A. from Bard College. Click HERE for a full list of Crapo Finance Committee staff. ###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-congratulates-matthew-jones-on-nomination-to-lead-federal-housing-administration,Crapo Congratulates Matthew Jones on Nomination to Lead Federal Housing Administration,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and former Chairman of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, today celebrated the nomination of Matthew Jones to lead the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). “Matt’s extensive experience in mortgage lending and federal policymaking makes him well qualified to lead the Federal Housing Administration. His knowledge and leadership will propel FHA in its mission to expand access to homeownership and affordable housing for more Americans. I look forward to continuing to work with him once confirmed.” ###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-and-wyden-report-legislative-text-of-taxpayer-assistance-and-service-act,Crapo and Wyden Report Legislative Text of Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) today announced the Committee has reported the legislative text of the Taxpayer Assistance and Service (TAS) Act, which it overwhelmingly approved in July. The TAS Act would modernize Internal Revenue Service (IRS) operations and improve taxpayer services, creating a more efficient and transparent tax administration system. “This bipartisan legislation answers years of frustration felt by Americans trying to do their best to follow our tax laws,” said Crapo. “The TAS Act will improve communication between the IRS and taxpayers and ensure taxpayers have timely access to expert assistance, among many other improvements, making the tax system fairer and more efficient. I look forward to advancing the TAS Act toward its enactment after this years-long effort.” “Millions of Americans are struggling with the rising cost of living, and the last thing they need is to be hit by tax scammers who are able to dodge IRS scrutiny,” said Wyden. “Our bipartisan legislation makes it easier for Americans to get filing assistance and ensures refunds get out the door and into Americans’ hands on time. Americans deserve a fair and efficient federal tax system that protects them from bad actors.” Included in the legislation are provisions to digitize tax returns to support faster refunds, upgrade IRS online accounts, expand IRS callback options and protect fraud victims from indefinite IRS scrutiny. The bill has a strong coalition of supporters, including leading tax practitioners, the nonpartisan National Taxpayer Advocate and many other organizations. On July 30, the Finance Committee favorably reported the Chairman’s proposal with a vote of 26-1. The legislative text can be found HERE. Additional information on the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-at-hearing-on-nominees-for-hhs-irs-and-the-us-tax-court,"Crapo Statement at Hearing on Nominees for HHS, IRS and the U.S. Tax Court",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing to consider nominees for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Tax Court. As prepared for delivery: “Thank you to our nominees, Mr. Klomp, Mr. Gadwood, Dr. Bai and Mr. De Mello for being here today. Congratulations on your nominations and thank you all for your willingness to serve. “Today, the Finance Committee will consider four nominees who, if confirmed, will serve in important roles across the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the United States Tax Court. “We will first hear from Chris Klomp, who is nominated to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services. “The Deputy Secretary serves as the Department’s second highest-ranking official and assists the Secretary in overseeing HHS programs, operations and policy priorities. “HHS administers programs that affect millions of Americans, including those eligible for Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. If confirmed, Mr. Klomp will play an important role in coordinating the Department’s work and ensuring these programs are administered effectively. “Next, we will hear from Jim Gadwood, who is nominated to serve as Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue Service and an Assistant General Counsel in the Department of the Treasury. “The IRS Chief Counsel serves as the principal legal advisor to the IRS and provides legal guidance on the administration and enforcement of our nation’s tax laws. “The Chief Counsel also oversees the representation of the IRS in litigation before the United States Tax Court. “We will then hear from Dr. Ge Bai, who is nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the Department of Health and Human Services. “The Assistant Secretary serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary on policy development and provides analysis across a broad range of health and human services issues. “The office is responsible for policy coordination, strategic planning, economic analysis, research and evaluation, and legislative development. If confirmed, Dr. Bai will help provide HHS leadership with the research and evidence necessary to inform the development and evaluation of Department policies and programs. “Finally, we will hear from Andrew De Mello, who is nominated to serve as a Judge of the United States Tax Court. “The Tax Court provides taxpayers with an independent judicial forum to resolve disputes with the IRS, generally before the disputed tax is required to be paid. “Tax Court judges are responsible for interpreting and applying federal tax law and ensuring disputes receive fair and impartial consideration. “Each of these positions carries significant responsibilities and I look forward to discussing these important roles with our nominees today. “Before closing, I will note that nominees before the Finance Committee undergo significant vetting by congressional staff and each of the nominees here today have met the Committee’s vigorous vetting standard. “I thank all of the nominees for their willingness to participate in the Committee’s nominations process, meet with Committee staff prior to today’s hearing and answer their questions. I also thank you for your willingness to answer questions from Committee members during today’s hearing. “Thank you again to our nominees for being here and for your willingness to serve.” ###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-celebrates-first-ever-permit-issued-under-good-samaritan-mine-cleanup-law/,Risch Celebrates First-Ever Permit Issued Under Good Samaritan Mine Cleanup Law,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) celebrated the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) first-ever permit under the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Pilot Program. The program, established by legislation written by Senator Risch and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), makes it easier for state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and other groups to clean up and improve water quality in and around abandoned hardrock mines. “The first Good Samaritan permit is a momentous occasion, ending decades worth of legal battles that prevented commonsense environmental improvements from taking place at long-abandoned hardrock mines,” said Risch.“Our good faith actors and our Good Sam law give us the tools to finally allow this important work to address water quality issues to move forward in a meaningful way.” The permit allows Trout Unlimited, the first Good Samaritan to receive federal approval under Senator Risch’s Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, which was signed into law in December 2024, to proceed with the Bodie Mine Project in Okanogan County, Washington.",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/idaho-senators-seeking-idaho-student-to-light-u-s-capitol-christmas-tree-in-washington/,Idaho Senators Seeking Idaho Student to Light U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in Washington,2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators, Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho), announced a statewide contest to select one Idaho student to assist in powering the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree this December. “Idaho’s youth is blessed to grow up and explore some of the best forests in the country,” said Risch. “This year, I encourage Idaho’s fourth graders to write about the importance of these lands and resources for the opportunity to light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which has been selected from Idaho’s own Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.” “Idaho’s fourth graders have a special opportunity to share what the Gem State’s forests and clean water mean to them while competing for the chance to help light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree,” said Crapo. “I invite students across Idaho to participate and tell us, in their own words, why protecting these treasured resources matters for Idaho’s future. This year’s tree from the Nez Perce-Clearwater Forests will showcase the remarkable beauty of Idaho and the natural resources making our state such an extraordinary place to call home.” Idaho fourth-grade students interested in participating in the contest and serving as the Tree Lighting Helper are invited to submit an entry to the essay contest. Tradition holds that one youth from the state providing the tree serves as the Tree Lighting Helper during an annual ceremony formally illuminating the tree, along with the Speaker of the House and other public officials. Idaho’s Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests will provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which will stand on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. In line with the Every Kid Outdoors program, the competition is open to Idaho fourth-grade students and will run from Tuesday, September 8, 2026, through Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Submissions must be between 350-500 words, and answer the prompt, “Why are healthy forests and clean water in Idaho important?” The prompt follows this year’s Christmas theme, “Over the Rivers and Through the Woods.” All submissions must: adhere to the word limit, be received by the closing date of the contest, be an original essay written by the contest participant, certify the essay is not originated by AI and have approval of a parent or guardian to participate. Entries will be reviewed and verified for accuracy by Senator Mike Crapo’s team, and the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, in collaboration with the Idaho Forest Restoration Partnership, will select the contest winner and make the notification. The winner of the essay contest, along with three family members, will be flown roundtrip to Washington, D.C., with hotel accommodations and a stipend for meals provided. Other expenses are at the expense of the winner. The essay winner must be willing to read the essay at the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony the first week of December, which is live-streamed and available for media broadcast. The contest winner will be publicly announced and invited to join other public events in Idaho as part of the 2026 program (at their own expense) and will be asked to provide parental/guardian permission to use and publish name and likeness in connection with the program. Submission form is available at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/YouthTreeLighter. Additional details are located on Senator Mike Crapo’s website and on the Capitol Christmas Tree website: https://www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/. Taxpayer funds are not used to fly the winner to Washington.",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/idaho-senators-seeking-idaho-student-to-light-us-capitol-christmas-tree-in-washington,Idaho Senators Seeking Idaho Student to Light U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in Washington,2026-09-08,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--Idaho’s U.S. Senators, Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, announced a statewide contest to select one Idaho student to assist in powering the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree this December. Tradition holds that one youth from the state providing the tree serves as the Tree Lighting Helper during an annual ceremony formally illuminating the tree, along with the Speaker of the House and other public officials. Idaho’s Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests will provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which will stand on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. “Idaho’s fourth graders have a special opportunity to share what the Gem State’s forests and clean water mean to them while competing for the chance to help light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree,” said Crapo. “I invite students across Idaho to participate and tell us, in their own words, why protecting these treasured resources matters for Idaho’s future. This year’s tree from the Nez Perce-Clearwater Forests will showcase the remarkable beauty of Idaho and the natural resources making our state such an extraordinary place to call home.” “Idaho’s youth is blessed to grow up and explore some of the best forests in the country,” said Risch. “This year, I encourage Idaho’s fourth graders to write about the importance of these lands and resources for the opportunity to light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which has been selected from Idaho’s own Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.” Idaho fourth-grade students interested in participating in the contest and serving as the Tree Lighting Helper are invited to submit an entry to the essay contest. In line with the Every Kid Outdoors program, the competition is open to Idaho fourth-grade students and will run from Tuesday, September 8, 2026, through Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Submissions must be between 350-500 words, and answer the prompt, “Why are healthy forests and clean water in Idaho important?” The prompt follows this year’s Christmas theme, “Over the Rivers and Through the Woods.” All submissions must: adhere to the word limit, be received by the closing date of the contest, be an original essay written by the contest participant, certify the essay is not originated by AI and have approval of a parent or guardian to participate. Entries will be reviewed and verified for accuracy by Senator Mike Crapo’s team, and the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, in collaboration with the Idaho Forest Restoration Partnership, will select the contest winner and make the notification. The winner of the essay contest, along with three family members, will be flown roundtrip to Washington, D.C., with hotel accommodations and a stipend for meals provided. Other expenses are at the expense of the winner. The essay winner must be willing to read the essay at the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony the first week of December, which is live-streamed and available for media broadcast. The contest winner will be publicly announced and invited to join other public events in Idaho as part of the 2026 program (at their own expense) and will be asked to provide parental/guardian permission to use and publish name and likeness in connection with the program. Submission form is available at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/YouthTreeLighter. Additional details are located on Senator Mike Crapo’s website and on the Capitol Christmas Tree website: https://www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/. Taxpayer funds are not used to fly the winner to Washington. All students are encouraged to create and submit ornaments that will decorate the People’s Tree in Washington, D.C., this holiday season. For more information, please visit https://www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/make-an-ornament/. ###",1,2026-09-09T09:27:09Z,2026-09-09T09:29:04Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-wyden-applaud-extension-of-africa-and-haiti-trade-programs,"Crapo, Wyden Applaud Extension of Africa and Haiti Trade Programs",2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) applauded the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Act (HELP), signed into law as part of H.R. 6500, a continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown. “AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP strengthen America’s strategic and economic interests, including by facilitating U.S. access to important commodities like critical minerals,” said Crapo and Wyden. “By supporting the economic development of Haiti and our partners in sub-Saharan Africa, these bipartisan trade programs ensure the United States does not lose economic ground to China and help to promote supply chain resiliency. Extending them for two years gives businesses the certainty they need to continue investing in these economic relationships, benefiting U.S. consumers and industry alike, while the Finance Committee works on a bipartisan basis to modernize and strengthen the programs with an eye toward longer-term renewal.” Background Created in 2000, AGOA allows eligible nations in sub-Saharan Africa duty-free access to the U.S. market for qualifying products, if they meet criteria including moving toward a market-based economy, establishing the rule of law and reducing barriers to U.S. trade. Haiti HOPE/HELP offers duty-free access to the U.S. market to certain Haitian textile and apparel products. H.R. 6500 reauthorizes the programs through the end of 2028; they were previously set to expire at the end of this year. ###",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-names-grooveberries-as-august-small-business-of-the-month/,Risch Names Grooveberries as August Small Business of the Month,2026-08-27,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of Grooveberries in Coeur d’Alene as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for August 2026. Grooveberries will be recognized for its contribution to Idaho in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate. “Since Sarah and Chase Gibson took over the frozen yogurt shop in 2021, Grooveberries has become a family favorite in the Coeur d’Alene community,” said Risch. “From their expansive frozen yogurt flavors and homemade toppings to their monthly worship nights, Grooveberries is a great place to gather and enjoy a sweet treat.” Idaho is consistently ranked one of the best places in the country to do business. Each month, Senator Risch selects an Idaho Small business that exemplifies the Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional commitment to community. Last year, Senator Risch passes the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to promote local economic growth and provide tax relief to Idahoans and small business owners.",1,2026-08-28T17:11:49Z,2026-08-28T17:13:14Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/icymi-dpaa-director-kelly-mckeague-expresses-support-for-the-bring-our-heroes-home-act,ICYMI: DPAA Director Kelly McKeague expresses support for the Bring Our Heroes Home Act,2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Director Kelly McKeague publicly expressed strong support for U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen’s (D-New Hampshire) bipartisan legislation, the Bring Our Heroes Home Act, during the 2026 Vietnam Annual Government Briefings. Director McKeague highlighted the systemic delays caused by government bureaucracy and the unnecessary over-classification of decades-old records, emphasizing the critical need for the Senators’ bill to streamline the declassification process: Click the photo above or here to watch Director McKeague’s remarks. Director McKeague urged families to continue pushing Congress to pass the measure, noting that the DPAA has ""no objections"" to the legislation. ""For decades, government bureaucracy and red tape have stood in the way of providing long-overdue answers to thousands of families who have sacrificed so much,” said Crapo. “Director McKeague’s comments reaffirm why the Bring Our Heroes Home Act is urgently needed, and I will continue working alongside Senator Shaheen to get this bipartisan bill signed into law."" “Military families often wait years, sometimes even decades, to access information about their lost loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m pleased to hear Director McKeague’s support for our bipartisan legislation to ensure the records of service members are properly collected and shared, removing unnecessary bureaucracy and enabling our lost soldiers’ loved ones to get the closure they need to heal.” Background: Introduced by Senator Crapo and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), S. 3226, the Bring Our Heroes Home Act, recently advanced out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with unanimous, bipartisan support. According to the DPAA, more than 80,000 Americans--including 358 Idahoans--remain unaccounted for from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and other conflicts. Specifically, S. 3226 would: Establish the Missing Armed Forces and Civilian Personnel Records Collection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to consolidate all government records related to missing personnel; Direct all federal agencies to transfer relevant records to NARA; and Create an independent Missing Armed Forces and Civilian Personnel Records Review Board to facilitate public disclosure and review agency decisions to withhold or postpone declassification. ###",1,2026-08-22T05:24:59Z,2026-08-22T05:26:16Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/working-families-tax-cuts-support-people-with-disabilities,Working Families Tax Cuts Support People With Disabilities,2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—The Working Families Tax Cuts strengthen financial security and expand care options for Americans with disabilities and their families. The law permanently increases annual contribution limits for tax-advantaged savings accounts, giving individuals and families greater flexibility to prepare for future expenses. It also improves access to certain Medicaid services, making it easier for individuals with more severe disabilities to receive care in the comfort of their homes. “Policies should reflect that individuals with disabilities have different needs,” said U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “The Working Families Tax Cuts permanently strengthen ABLE accounts, enhance tax relief for families and caregivers and expand access to home-based care, giving more Americans the flexibility and support they need.” Key wins: Makes permanent the increased annual limit on contributions to Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Accounts, which offer a tax-advantaged way for disabled Americans to save for qualified expenses without losing other benefits Permanently allows rollovers from qualified 529 plans to ABLE accounts, giving more flexibility in financial planning Permanently allows disabled individuals to claim an enhanced Saver’s Credit for contributions to ABLE accounts Expands home- and community-based services for individuals with disabilities Increases the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and the Dependent Care Assistance exclusion, offsetting costs related to caring for a disabled relative Permanently provides that discharging a student loan on account of total disability does not count as taxable income What they are saying: “The increased contribution limit strengthens ABLE as a long-term financial planning tool. Additionally, under the ABLE to Work provision, employed account owners who do not participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan may be able to contribute significantly more… This gives working individuals with disabilities a meaningful opportunity to build savings for housing, retirement and future needs without risking their benefits.” – National ABLE Resource Center Director Jody Ellis Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts. ###",1,2026-09-11T09:25:29Z,2026-09-11T09:27:08Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-joins-britt-in-introducing-legislation-to-close-immigration-detention-loophole,Crapo Joins Britt in Introducing Legislation to Close Immigration Detention Loophole,2026-08-12,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) in introducing legislation to close a legal loophole that generally requires the release of illegal aliens, including those with criminal records, from immigration detention into American communities after six months if no country has accepted them for deportation. The Keep Our Communities Safe Act addresses the six-month legal loophole created by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2001 Zadvydas v. Davis ruling. The legislation would amend Section 236 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to expand the authority of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain criminal aliens. “Dangerous individuals should not be released into communities simply because their removal cannot be completed within an arbitrary timeframe,” said Crapo. “The Keep Our Communities Safe Act would close this legal loophole and ensure DHS has the tools needed to continue detaining individuals who pose a threat to public safety, national security or public health. This commonsense legislation will help protect Idaho families and communities.” By amending Section 236 of the INA, which governs the apprehension and detention of aliens, the Keep Our Communities Safe Act would give DHS greater authority to detain criminal aliens, deny bond to criminal aliens and generally limit the availability of bond unless the detainee can establish by clear and convincing evidence that they are not a flight risk or a risk to another person or the community. The bill would also amend Section 241 of the law, which governs the removal of aliens, to allow for extended detention in a number of circumstances, including when an illegal alien poses a threat to national security or has committed an aggravated felony or crime of violence. In addition to Crapo and Britt, bill co-sponsors include Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) and Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota). Background and a section-by-section summary of the bill are available here. ###",1,2026-08-14T06:13:05Z,2026-08-14T06:14:08Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/the-working-families-tax-cuts-in-americans-own-words,The Working Families Tax Cuts in Americans’ Own Words,2026-08-12,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—The Working Families Tax Cuts are putting more money in Americans’ pockets and spurring economic growth, as reflected in tax filing season data, business surveys and economic indicators. But the law’s impact goes beyond the numbers. It is reflected in entrepreneurs boosting employee pay, businesses investing in new products and parents saving for their children’s future. “Republicans’ landmark tax legislation has been a phenomenal boost for working Americans,” said U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “From ‘no tax on tips’ to the permanent small business deduction and beyond, I often hear from Idahoans and people across the country about how the Working Families Tax Cuts are creating new opportunities and allowing them to keep more of what they earn.” Parents, small business owners, farmers and other hardworking Americans are benefiting from the Working Families Tax Cuts. Here is how: “The year before the Working Families Tax Cuts, I actually had to write a check when I filed my taxes. This year, instead of owing money, we received an incredible refund of more than $10,000. That’s money I earned through hard work, often through long overtime hours, and for the first time, it felt like the system recognized that effort instead of punishing us for it.” – Jason Alexander, millwright “Last year, we advocated for the renewal of critical tax provisions for our farm and ranch businesses. Without these provisions, farm families could have seen an increase of nine to 20 percent on their tax bills. We also saw a big win with the estate tax that exempts most farm families. This will help us pass our farms on to the next generation.” – Zippy Duvall, farmer and President of the American Farm Bureau Federation “The 20 percent small business tax deduction has truly assisted our business in a multitude of ways… Because of it, we've been able to create a retirement program for our employees. We've been able to raise their wages, and we've also been able to do enhancements on our property to enhance the customer experience.” – Michael Ervin, Co-founder, Coal River Coffee Company “The Rural Health Transformation Program… provide[s] a rare opportunity to make meaningful progress on issues that communities, providers and patients have identified for years.” – Heidi Hedberg, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health “Over the past year, the new tax plan has had a real impact on my business. I employ about 400 tipped employees, primarily in salons, and the ‘no tax on tips’ policy has put directly into their paychecks more money—people feel it every single pay period. On the ownership side, the FICA tip credit creates meaningful savings for us. That’s growth capital. It’s enough to support building a new salon each year, and every one of those that we create, there’s about 10 full-time jobs with employees earning $65,000 or more a year.” – Jesse Keyser, small business owner “After the 2017 tax reforms, we increased annual capital spending from about $5 million to nearly $15 million annually, expanded our facilities and added more than 200 quality jobs. Looking ahead, maintaining these policies will help us keep investing in automation, facility upgrades and workforce development, supporting strong wages, benefits and child care for our employees.” – Tom Mangan, President and CEO, Sukup Manufacturing Co. “We had 35 employees in 2025, and I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for making permanent the 20 percent small business tax deduction. It's allowed us to update our equipment, which has led to better employee retention, which has led to a safer crew out on the road... Also, we were able to start a profit-sharing program that is obviously a huge benefit to our employees.” – Averre Marquis, owner, Asphalt Preservation Company “I feel the effects with a growing boy who, I feel, every single day I have to buy new-sized diapers, new-sized shoes, and more food. He eats more than the FIU football team, it feels like. Those costs grow as they get older… with more money in my pocket, I’m able to do what I can for my son and my growing family. But it’s not just that portion also; it’s the expansion of 529 and the standard deduction. All of those are really felt as a new mom.” – Adriana McLamb, marketing director and mother “The ‘no tax on tips’ provision has made a real difference for many of our employees. One employee shared with me that the additional refund she received allowed her to finally pay off more than $4,000 in high-interest medical debt that she had struggled with for over a year. Another employee told me this was the first year in a long time she did not have to worry about how she would pay an unexpected tax bill while still caring for her children.” – Darcy Michalek, owner, Michalek Properties “The idea of giving children a financial stake in their future from birth is enticing. Plus, it's a way for parents and educators to teach basic financial literacy concepts early in life… As for me, my two kids are nearly 8 and 3, so they won't qualify for the free $1,000. Even so, I plan to open a Trump Account for each of them…” – Steve Russolillo, news editor and father “The Adoption Tax Credit does not make adoption inexpensive, and it does not remove the emotional weight of the process. But it provides meaningful relief after families have made one of the largest financial commitments of their lives. It tells families like ours that the country recognizes the value of adoption and understands that cost should not be the barrier that prevents a child from joining a permanent, loving family.” – Clark Saunders, high school teacher and father “The expansion of section 529 plans to include skilled trade schools is another big win for the industry. [Associated Builders and Contractors] recently estimated that the construction industry needs to attract 349,000 net new workers in 2026 to meet demand for construction services. Allowing 529 funds to be used for these programs helps the next generation access the education and hands-on training needed to enter the workforce.” – Eric Seidman, Partner, Wouch Maloney & Co. “The new senior citizen deduction is a tremendous relief and has given us peace of mind—and the freedom to truly enjoy the retirement years we worked so hard for.” – Steve, senior citizen “Much of what we do involves creating new formulas and new processes for our customers, U.S. manufacturers, to become more efficient. In the past, complex R&D tax rules made that investment more difficult, and now we're more certain about investing in research and development. Second, the immediate expensing provision is giving us momentum. It's encouraged us to expand our manufacturing capacity and we're seeing the same from our customers.” – Dan Sweetwood, President, Allied PhotoChemical “Building semi-trailers is a massive operation, and we currently have 38 acres and more than 200,000 square feet of building space, with more than 20 acres planned for future expansions in Fruitland, Idaho. Immediate expensing of both equipment and production facilities lowers the costs of those investments, supporting our ability to continue to invest and create jobs in the community we’ve operated in for more than 50 years.” – Clint Whitehead, President, Western Trailers Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts. ###",1,2026-08-18T05:27:41Z,2026-08-18T05:29:06Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-joins-colleagues-in-introducing-bill-to-permanently-restore-biological-sex-standard,Crapo Joins Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Permanently Restore Biological Sex Standard,2026-08-11,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined 10 of his Senate Republican colleagues to introduce the Title IX Clarification Act, which would ensure Title IX anti-discrimination requirements tied to federal education funding are based on biological sex and not “sexual orientation or gender identity.” “The original intent of Title IX was to protect women’s educational and athletic opportunities,” said Crapo. “In a recent decision on Idaho’s first-in-the-nation law to ensure these opportunities do not go to biological males, the Supreme Court of the United States correctly ruled Title IX allows states to apply a biology-based understanding of maintaining separate sports categories. The Title IX Clarification Act preserves the existing framework of the law while making clear its protections are based on the biological definition of sex.” The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Steve Daines (R-Montana) and Tim Sheehy (R-Montana). House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) led introduction of companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Background For more than 50 years, Title IX has protected equal educational opportunities by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex. In recent years, however, ideologically driven efforts have sought to redefine the law beyond Congress’s original intent, creating uncertainty for schools and undermining protections for women and girls. At the beginning of his second term, President Trump revoked a Biden-era Executive Order that directed the U.S. Secretary of Education to interpret Title IX anti-discrimination language “on the basis of sex” to cover “discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.” Title IX Clarification Act of 2026 The Title IX Clarification Act would make clear that the term “sex” refers only to an individual's biologically determined status as male or female where Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. Specifically, this legislation would: Restore Title IX's original meaning by affirming Congress’s original intent to protect women's educational opportunities; Address concerns raised by the Supreme Court during the January 2026 oral arguments regarding transgender participation in women's sports. During those arguments, Justice Neil Gorsuch noted that Congress has not clearly defined Title IX's requirements for states accepting federal funds and suggested that any departure from the historical understanding of ""sex"" as biological sex raises Spending Clause concerns unless Congress acts explicitly; and Establish clear statutory definitions of ""male"" and ""female"" within Title IX, eliminating ambiguity and preventing taxpayer dollars from being used to support ideological redefinitions of sex. Click here for bill text. This legislation is supported by the Family Research Council (FRC), Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), American Principles Project (APP), Family Policy Alliance (FPA), Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) and Heritage Action. ###",1,2026-08-12T06:18:38Z,2026-08-12T06:20:33Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-statement-on-the-clarity-act/,Risch Statement on the Clarity Act,2026-08-08,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) released the following statement on the Senate’s upcoming consideration of the Digital Asset Market Clarity (Clarity) Act: “On September 15th, the U.S. Senate will start the process of passing the Clarity Act. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Failure to pass this critical piece of legislation will leave Idahoans vulnerable to scams and fraud, as well as cede jobs, investment, economic competitiveness, and financial leadership to overseas competitors,” said Risch. “We must advance this important bill and make it law.” The Clarity Act would establish federal policies and guidance for digital assets to protect consumers and American investors, counter bad actors, encourage innovation, and support a safe and secure U.S. financial system.",1,2026-08-09T05:47:57Z,2026-08-09T05:49:40Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/idaho-delegation-highlights-benefits-of-the-usmca,Idaho Delegation Highlights Benefits of the USMCA,2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), joined by U.S. Representatives for Idaho Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, along with Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), are urging the Trump Administration to strengthen and fully enforce the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), citing its critical role in supporting Idaho’s economy. In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, the Idaho delegation highlighted the importance of the USMCA to the state’s agricultural industry, emphasizing that the agreement’s market access provisions helped increase the value of Idaho’s exports to Mexico and Canada by nearly 50 percent between 2020 and 2025. From the letter: “USMCA and, importantly, its full and effective implementation are crucial to Idaho’s agricultural producers and processors, which are the commercial and cultural backbone of our rural communities and drive 190 diverse commodities into the foreign and domestic marketplace.” “Idaho’s agricultural landscape relies heavily on the market access and trade commitments secured under USMCA. However, some persistent, unresolved implementation and compliance gaps obstruct complete realization of the market opportunities Idahoans were promised. These challenges illustrate the need for strong enforcement constructs that make certain Canada and Mexico fulfill their obligations and that Idahoans reap the full benefits of USMCA.” “The ongoing USMCA joint review presents a critically important opportunity to both reinforce the agreement’s core strengths and to ensure that its commitments are honored.” What they are saying: ""USMCA has been critical to the success of Idaho barley growers and accessing important export markets. This program strongly supports U.S. agriculture, benefits our rural communities and helps create and sustain demand for Idaho and American-grown barley and other U.S. farm commodities. Idaho is the top producing barley state in the U.S., growing 39 percent of the nation’s barley crop in 2025 valued at $324.3 million. The majority of that barley, over 75 percent, is malt barley—one of the most important ingredients in brewing beer. Mexico has long been the primary export market for Idaho and U.S. barley and barley malt. Idaho and U.S. farmers are inextricably linked to Mexico, and it is imperative that we protect this relationship through USMCA."" – Laura Wilder, Executive Director, Idaho Barley Commission ""As an Idaho grain grower, I see firsthand how USMCA supports healthy export markets and the import of essential farm inputs. This agreement is foundational to the long-term stability and competitiveness of family farms across Idaho and the country."" – Kyle Wangemann, President, Idaho Grain Producers Association “Maintaining and expanding global trade markets for U.S beef is critical to the economic viability of Idaho’s cattle industry. In a state where cattle outnumber people, it is vital that we have opportunities to export beef outside of our borders. The continuance of fair and equitable trade agreements with our global trading partners is a key priority for our industry. The Idaho Cattle Association encourages the timely review and renewal of USMCA.” – Val Carter, President, Idaho Cattle Association ""USMCA has been a win for Idaho agriculture. It provides reliable access to key export markets, supports jobs throughout the food supply chain and gives farmers and ranchers greater confidence to invest in the future. We encourage its continuation and strong enforcement."" – Matt Dorsy, President, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation ""As one of the nation's leading hop-producing states, Idaho benefits from the certainty and market access provided by the USMCA. A renewed and fully enforced USMCA helps ensure our world-class hops continue supporting North American breweries, as well as our rural communities and family farms."" – Michelle Gooding-Badiola, President, Idaho Hop Growers Association “The Idaho Dairymen’s Association thanks the state’s congressional delegation for their letter to the nation’s trade negotiators advocating for improvements to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement during the ongoing USMCA joint review. Senator Mike Crapo continues to lead on international trade from his position as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. Senator Jim Risch and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher are also strong advocates for Idaho agricultural products in export markets. The USMCA is critical for Idaho’s dairy farm families as Mexico is the number 1 international market for U.S. dairy and Canada is number 2. IDA appreciates the message from the congressional delegation asking our trade negotiators to make the USMCA even stronger.” – Rick Naerebout, CEO, Idaho Dairymen’s Association “Mexico and Canada are top export markets for Pacific Northwest apples, cherries and pears, accounting for approximately half of all exports. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement has been crucial to the tree fruit industry’s ability to grow and succeed in those markets. We greatly appreciate the continued work by Senators Crapo and Risch, and Representatives Simpson and Fulcher to maintain tree fruit growers’ access to these important markets.” – Mark Powers, President, Northwest Horticultural Council “The USMCA is essential for the continued success of Idaho's potato industry, amplifying our reach in North American markets and ensuring our farmers thrive. By prioritizing the renewal and enforcement of this agreement, we can enhance the competitiveness of Idaho potatoes, a cornerstone of our agricultural economy, and support the livelihoods of countless families across the state.” – Jamey Higham, CEO, Idaho Potato Commission “The Idaho Onion Growers’ Association appreciates the diligent work that the Idaho delegation has done for farmers and our members in Idaho and urges the renegotiation and reinstatement of USMCA. The USMCA should be a tool that facilitates prosperity and equalizes playing fields for growers on both sides of the border and promotes sustained enforcement. Idaho onion growers are required to be subject to food safety standards and audits for the safety of American consumers. It stands to reason that imported onions competing in American markets should be held to the same standard. Our members are suffering from high input costs and low domestic pricing so equalizing the food safety standards and cost of production for Mexican and American onion growers would be a welcome step in the negotiations.” – Jarom Jemmett, President, Idaho Onion Growers’ Association “The USMCA provides certainty to Idaho’s mint industry because it acts as a primary driver by securing a place for the industry to export mint essential oils. Idaho’s mint industry applauds the efforts of our Idaho Congressional Delegation. Through their diligent work, Idaho mint producers are ensured that the promises and commitments in this Agreement continue to be honored.” – Roger Batt, Executive Director, Idaho Mint Growers Association “The Idaho Pork Producers Association strongly supports the continued success of the United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement and encourages policymakers to preserve this important agreement for the benefit of U.S. agriculture and the communities we serve. While Idaho may not be among the nation’s largest pork-producing states, our producers are directly tied to the strength of export markets that support the entire U.S. pork industry. USMCA provides critical stability and a strong trade relationship to Canada and Mexico helping to ensure long-term growth, competitiveness and opportunity benefiting farmers, consumers and rural communities across Idaho.” – Bonnie Holtry, Executive Director, Idaho Pork Producers Association The full text of the letter can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-bill-to-help-expedite-recovery-of-missing-servicemembers-moves-forward,Crapo Bill to Help Expedite Recovery of Missing Servicemembers Moves Forward,2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee unanimously advanced bipartisan legislation U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) introduced to cut bureaucratic red tape to help locate missing American servicemembers and civilian personnel. S. 3226, the Bring Our Heroes Home Act, would create a centralized records collection at the National Archives and establish a specialized review board to fast-track the declassification of relevant government files to provide long-overdue answers to the families and loved ones of American prisoners of war (POW) and personnel missing in action (MIA). “We have a duty to our missing servicemembers and their families to make every effort to bring them home,” said Crapo. “Government bureaucracy cannot stand in the way of fulfilling this promise or providing closure to families who, in some cases, have waited decades for answers about their loved ones. The Committee’s action today is an important step forward, and I will continue working to get this bill signed into law.” According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, approximately 80,751 Americans--including 358 Idahoans--remain unaccounted for from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars and other conflicts. Specifically, the Bring Our Heroes Home Act would: Require consolidation of all records related to missing personnel in a newly established Missing Armed Forces and Civilian Personnel Records Collection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Require all government agencies to transmit any records related to missing servicemembers and civilians to NARA; and Establish an independent government office, the Missing Armed Forces and Civilian Personnel Records Review Board, to identify missing personnel records, facilitate the transmission and disclosure of these records and review federal agency decisions to postpone declassification. The bill now awaits consideration by the full U.S. Senate. Crapo and Shaheen previously introduced the legislation in the 116th and 117th Congresses and have long supported various efforts to identify and recover all missing and unaccounted-for American military personnel. ###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/support-continues-to-grow-for-taxpayer-assistance-and-service-act,Support Continues to Grow for Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act,2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Leading individuals and organizations committed to protecting taxpayer rights and modernizing tax administration are announcing their support for the bipartisan Taxpayer Assistance and Service (TAS) Act, which the U.S. Senate Finance Committee recently passed by a vote of 26-1. The TAS Act, led by U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), would strengthen taxpayer rights, streamline IRS operations and improve the taxpayer experience. Here is what supporters are saying: American Coalition for Taxpayer Rights “The members of the American Coalition for Taxpayer Rights… congratulate Chairman Crapo and Ranking Member Wyden and the Members of the Senate Finance Committee for successfully marking up the bipartisan TAS Act, and urge the full Senate to consider this critical tax administration bill as soon as possible.” Bipartisan Policy Center Action “This pragmatic, evidence-based bill would strengthen IRS customer service, modernize technology and improve the experience of taxpayers and tax preparers alike… Your hard work is proof positive that responsive, effective and efficient government is most achievable when Democrats and Republicans work together.” Bryan Camp, George H. Mahon Professor of Law, Texas Tech University School of Law “The TAS Act makes significant improvements in tax procedural rules that will help taxpayers file more accurate returns and also help taxpayers resolve disputes with the IRS more quickly and fairly.” Erin Collins, National Taxpayer Advocate “Tax administration may not always attract headlines, but it profoundly affects nearly every individual, family and business in the country. But important work lies ahead to get this legislation across the finish line. If the House and Senate can pass the TAS Act this year, it will be a tremendous gift from the 119th Congress to America’s taxpayers.” Independent Sector “The Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act will upgrade IRS technology and customer service, support faster tax refunds and provide better protection for taxpayers. With the adoption of the Lankford/Warnock Amendment, it will also meaningfully bolster due process protections for nonprofit organizations. Independent Sector and its members appreciate your work on this legislation and we look forward to working toward its enactment.” Jackson Hewitt “We commend Chairman Crapo and Ranking Member Wyden for their leadership and for advancing a thoughtful bipartisan package that will better protect taxpayers while improving the administration of our nation’s tax laws. This legislation builds on years of bipartisan work to make the tax system more transparent and more responsive to the needs of taxpayers.” Meg Killian, EA, Executive Vice President, National Association of Enrolled Agents “The TAS Act reflects a strong commitment to improving tax administration and protecting taxpayers. From modernizing taxpayer services to strengthening professional standards for paid tax return preparers, this bipartisan legislation advances reforms that will improve confidence in our tax system. NAEA appreciates Chairman Crapo, Ranking Member Wyden and the members of the Senate Finance Committee for their leadership, and we look forward to working with Congress to advance this important legislation.” Melanie Lauridsen, Vice President of Tax Policy and Advocacy, American Institute of CPAs “The TAS Act represents an important step towards creating a more effective and taxpayer-focused tax administration system… We are grateful to members of Congress for their leadership and we support continued progress on the TAS Act and future tax legislation.” National Taxpayers Union “This legislation is easily the most consequential package of tax administration and taxpayer rights improvements to come before Congress since the Taxpayer First Act of 2019, and rivals in importance the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998… The legislation takes a thoughtful approach to addressing challenges faced by underserved taxpayers.” Click HERE and HERE to view the Chairman’s Mark and modifications. Click HERE and HERE for a summary. ###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-calls-for-improvements-to-h-2a-guest-worker-program,Crapo Calls for Improvements to H-2A Guest Worker Program,2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined a bicameral group of lawmakers in urging the federal agencies responsible for administering the H-2A agricultural guest worker program to make changes to improve its effectiveness. In a letter to the secretaries of the U.S. Departments of Labor (DOL), State (DOS) and Homeland Security (DHS), Crapo joined five additional Senators and 12 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to outline specific administrative steps the agencies should take to address processing delays, regulatory gaps and structural barriers that place added strain on American agricultural, dairy and livestock producers already facing a difficult economic environment. “The H-2A program is indispensable to agriculture across the United States, from specialty crop operations to livestock and dairy producers. However, H-2A regulations have failed to adapt to the continually growing demand for these visas. Processing delays, regulatory imbalances and broader immigration challenges threaten this program’s effectiveness throughout the country – all at a time when our nation’s agricultural producers are facing significant economic hardship,” the lawmakers wrote. “We cannot stress enough how important it is for the relevant federal agencies to consider changes to the H-2A program to better support our nation’s agricultural industry – the men and women who feed and clothe us,” they added. In addition to Crapo, the letter was led by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) and also signed by Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-Louisiana), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina); House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pennsylvania); and U.S. Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-Washington), Austin Scott (R-Georgia), Jeff Van Drew (R-New Jersey), Derrick Van Orden (R-Wisconsin), Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas), María Elvira Salazar (R-Florida), Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi), David Valadao (R-California), Juan Ciscomani (R-Arizona), Clay Higgins (R-Louisiana) and Richard McCormick (R-Georgia). The letter recommends several administrative actions to address key concerns, including: Extending H-2A eligibility to year-round livestock, dairy, poultry and swine operations, which currently cannot access the program despite qualifying as agricultural labor under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Extending the H-2A filing window from 60-75 days to 120 days prior to a worker’s start date, contingent on the Department of State and DHS making corresponding adjustments to their own processing timelines. Establishing an expedited processing track at the Department of State for employers and workers with a demonstrated record of reliability. The effort is endorsed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Council of Agricultural Employers, National Milk Producers Federation, AmericanHort, American Soybean Association, American Sugar Cane League, National Cotton Council, USA Rice, Western Growers, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, International Fresh Produce Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, U.S. Rice Producers Association, National Pork Producers Council, Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, National Pecan Federation, National Peach Council, Southwest Council of Agribusiness, Vidalia Onion Business Council, MBG Marketing, National Watermelon Association, American Sheep Industry Association, South East Dairy Farmers Association, and Cotton Warehouse Association of America.",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-introduces-bill-to-improve-veteran-access-to-disability-benefits/,Risch Introduces Bill to Improve Veteran Access to Disability Benefits,2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"​ WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today introduced theVeterans’ Earned Benefits Access Act to allow veterans to access their disability benefits when repaying separation pay. Under current law, the VA is required to withhold a veteran’s entire monthly disability payment until their separation pay has been recouped. The Veterans’ Earned Benefits Access Act would allow veterans to instead repay the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through monthly payments of no more than 25 percent of their monthly disability compensation. “Idaho veterans who answered the call to serve our country should not face delays in accessing their earned benefits,” said Risch. “My Veterans’ Earned Benefits Access Act ensures veterans can receive the disability benefits they need while repaying their separation pay.” The Veterans’ Earned Benefits Access Act applies to veterans who were involuntarily separated from military service, such as those separated due to downsizing. The bill does not apply to those who were dishonorably discharged. The Veterans’ Earned Benefits Access Act is supported by the Idaho Division of Veteran Services.",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-warner-introduce-civil-nuclear-export-act-to-strengthen-u-s-competitiveness/,"Risch, Warner Introduce Civil Nuclear Export Act to Strengthen U.S. Competitiveness",2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), co-chairs of the Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus, today introduced the Civil Nuclear Export Act to strengthen the United States’ ability to compete in existing and emerging nuclear markets and counter Russian and Chinese civil nuclear technologies. “The United States and Idaho are the home of nuclear energy and ought to be the world’s source for the next generation of technology,” said Risch. “The Civil Nuclear Export Act gives the U.S. the tools needed to compete, expand and succeed in new markets, and maintain U.S. nuclear technology as the global standard.” “In order to meet U.S. and global energy demands, we need to advance the next generation of nuclear energy technology,” said Warner. “This bipartisan legislation will help rebuild the domestic supply chain and make sure the U.S. remains competitive.” “Civil nuclear energy exports are among the United States’ most strategically significant exports, creating commercial, energy, and security partnerships that last for generations. As Russia and China continue to pair their nuclear exports with aggressive government-backed financing, the United States must ensure its exporters have the tools they need to compete. The Civil Nuclear Export Act will strengthen America’s ability to compete for these opportunities by ensuring the Export-Import Bank has the authorities it needs to support U.S. exporters in an increasingly competitive global marketplace,” said Maria Korsnick, President and CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute. The Civil Nuclear Export Act would: Modify existing law to allow for the financing of civil nuclear facilities, materials, and technologies that support nuclear innovation; Enhance financing tools available through the Export-Import Bank to help American civil nuclear companies compete against Chinese and Russian state-owned and operated entities; and Expand international access to American-developed technologies to establish and bolster diplomatic relationships while benefiting our domestic economy. Idaho is home to the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the flagship laboratory for civil nuclear energy research and the first place in the world to generate electricity with a nuclear reactor. INL is driving significant progress in the development of advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, microreactors, and safer, more efficient nuclear fuels. This year alone, three microreactors have gone critical at the INL. These efforts, made possible through public-private partnerships, contribute to American energy independence and strengthen U.S. global leadership in civil nuclear energy. Senator Risch is a long-time advocate for nuclear energy. He has spearheaded legislation to increase domestic energy production, enhance national security, and bolster U.S. nuclear advancement, including the International Nuclear Energy Act, which became law last year. In February, Risch introduced the Accelerating Reliable Capabilities (ARC) Act to accelerate investment in and encourage completion of new commercial nuclear reactors by mitigating the risk of project cost overruns. ​",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-at-hearing-on-process-approaches-for-addressing-social-security-solvency,Crapo Statement at Hearing on Process Approaches for Addressing Social Security Solvency,2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing on process approaches for addressing Social Security solvency. As prepared for delivery: “Social Security provides critical benefits to millions of seniors, individuals with disabilities and their families. “For many Americans, it is the cornerstone of retirement security. It also provides vital support to workers who can no longer earn a living due to a severe injury or illness, and to families who have lost a loved one. “For decades, the Social Security Board of Trustees has recommended that Congress act quickly to address the program’s long-term financial challenges. According to the Trustees’ latest projections, the Old-Age and Survivor’s Insurance Trust Fund will be exhausted in late 2032. If Congress fails to act before then, incoming program revenues will be sufficient to pay only 78 percent of promised benefits. “Congress has a responsibility to protect and strengthen Social Security for current beneficiaries and future generations. The longer we wait, the more difficult this challenge will become. “The last comprehensive effort to improve Social Security’s solvency took place over 40 years ago and culminated in the Social Security Amendments of 1983. Those reforms were preceded by high-level bipartisan negotiations, informed and facilitated by the work of the National Commission on Social Security Reform, or what was known as the ‘Greenspan Commission.’ That process demonstrated the value of creating a forum where policymakers could work through difficult issues and build consensus on a bipartisan basis. “More than two decades later, I participated in another bipartisan effort to develop recommendations to address our nation’s long-term fiscal challenges, along with Senator Dick Durbin, the Democratic co-author of one of the process bills that will be discussed today. As part of its work, the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, often referred to as the Bowles Simpson Commission, developed a bipartisan Social Security solvency plan. While the Commission’s recommendations ultimately did not receive the support necessary to move forward, its work has informed subsequent Social Security solvency discussions. “As Social Security approaches a pivotal moment, Members of Congress have proposed a variety of process reforms designed to facilitate bipartisan discussions and help develop lasting solutions. Today's hearing will examine those approaches and consider what lessons can be drawn from past efforts. “I want to thank our witnesses for being here today and I look forward to your testimony.” ###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-wyden-reaffirm-commitment-to-extending-advanced-manufacturing-investment-credit,"Crapo, Wyden Reaffirm Commitment to Extending Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit",2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) today reaffirmed their bipartisan commitment to extending the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (CHIPS ITC), citing the tax credit’s role in strengthening domestic semiconductor manufacturing, creating jobs and advancing U.S. national security. “The Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit is a critical tool for strengthening domestic semiconductor supply chains, creating good-paying jobs and advancing our national security interests,” said Crapo and Wyden. “Since its enactment in 2022, the tax credit has spurred significant investments across the United States, including in Idaho and Oregon. As Chairman and Ranking Member of the Finance Committee, we are committed to working with our colleagues in the House and Senate to extend this vital incentive and ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing.” Background The Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit was created by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and is based on Crapo and Wyden’s Facilitating American-Built Semiconductors Act, introduced in 2021. Absent congressional action, the CHIPS ITC will not apply to property the construction of which begins after December 31, 2026. This would increase the cost of manufacturing semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment in the United States, making it harder for America to compete for private investment, manufacturing jobs and critical chip production. ###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/working-families-tax-cuts-encourage-broad-based-charitable-giving,Working Families Tax Cuts Encourage Broad-based Charitable Giving,2026-08-04,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—In addition to delivering tax relief and fueling economic growth for families and businesses, the Working Families Tax Cuts include policy victories for charitable giving and educational opportunity. By making key charitable giving provisions permanent, the legislation provides greater certainty for individual donors while helping more Americans to support philanthropic organizations, religious institutions and the communities they serve. Additionally, through the new Education Freedom Tax Credit and Trump Accounts, the law helps children build a stronger foundation for lifelong success. “Americans are among the most generous people in the world, and the Working Families Tax Cuts’ support for charitable giving strengthens that identity,” said U.S. Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “The law’s treatment of contributions to nonprofit organizations gives many Idahoans additional incentives to support worthy causes in our communities, and new programs for children give them increased access to the resources they need to succeed.” Key wins: Permanently allows non-itemizers to claim a deduction of up to $2,000 per couple for eligible charitable donations Makes permanent the increased contribution limitation for cash gifts to qualified charities Creates Trump Accounts, allowing families, employers and philanthropists to help children save for the future Creates the Education Freedom Tax Credit, incentivizing support for scholarship funds that help families afford costs connected to K-12 education What they are saying: “The [Working Families Tax Cuts] keep more money where it belongs—in the hands of hardworking Americans and the communities they care about. By unleashing economic growth, President Trump is strengthening the engine of generosity, which empowers local, private solutions to challenges that our government cannot and should not provide.” – Philanthropy Roundtable CEO Christie Herrera “The American Dream belongs to every child. [Trump Accounts] are equipping the next generation to claim their rightful share.” – U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts. ###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-on-twin-falls-shooting,Crapo Statement on Twin Falls Shooting,2026-08-02,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement regarding the deadly shooting in Twin Falls: “Idaho is heartbroken by the senseless violence that took place in Twin Falls. My deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those whose lives were needlessly stolen, and I am praying for the recovery of those who were injured. “I am grateful for the courageous first responders, law enforcement officers, medical personnel and citizens who rushed toward danger to protect and care for others—including those who engaged the shooter and undoubtedly saved more lives. Federal law enforcement resources are assisting with the ongoing investigation, and my office stands ready to support any additional requests from local and state authorities. “I continue to pray for the victims, their families, those who responded and the entire Twin Falls community as our state grieves together.” ###",1,2026-08-03T08:26:20Z,2026-08-03T08:27:37Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-at-markup-of-taxpayer-assistance-and-service-act,Crapo Statement at Markup of Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act,2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a markup for the Taxpayer Assistance and Service (TAS) Act. As prepared for delivery: “Every year, tens of millions of Americans do their best to comply with our tax laws. “They prepare their returns, wait for refunds and attempt to respond to notices, only to find the system is more complex and less responsive than it should be. “Today, we begin to address those issues through our consideration of the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act, or the TAS Act. “This bipartisan bill modernizes and streamlines IRS operations, strengthens taxpayer rights and delivers a more taxpayer-first system. “It reflects years of bipartisan efforts to translate stories of casework frustrations into tangible fixes designed to make the IRS work more efficiently for the American people. “Thank you to Ranking Member Wyden for his partnership in shaping this legislation and to the members of this Committee on both sides of the aisle who shared their ideas and proposals, many of which are incorporated in the bill before us. “The TAS Act incorporates more than sixty provisions focused on improving the taxpayer experience. “Senators Young, Warnock, Cassidy and Warner championed provisions to improve IRS customer service by requiring the IRS to expand scanning paper-filed tax returns, online accounts and communication tools, including online dashboards and callback technology. “These reforms would slash wait times for Americans who often otherwise wait weeks for mail or spend an afternoon on hold. “Senators Blackburn and Cortez Masto spearheaded a provision to protect taxpayers from penalties due to IRS delays in electronic filing by extending the statutory mailbox rule to electronic submissions and payments. “This change would treat a return or payment electronically sent on the due date as timely, just as it is for paper sent through the mail. “Senators Scott and Hassan led provisions to strengthen fair judicial review by clarifying the Tax Court’s limited authority to grant relief from final decisions and allowing courts to consider all relevant evidence in innocent spouse cases. “Senators Grassley and Wyden drafted provisions that would strengthen the IRS whistleblower program. “Senator Barrasso is driving a provision that protects taxpayers’ rights by requiring the IRS to notify taxpayers before the agency contacts third parties to obtain information regarding the taxpayer. “Senator Marshall is heading a provision that unlocks low-income taxpayer clinic funding, providing key resources for low-income taxpayers. “And Senators Cornyn and Luján led a provision expanding access to the Tax Court’s Small Case Procedure, which would give more taxpayers a streamlined and affordable forum for resolving tax disputes with the IRS. “In addition, Senators Thune, Lankford, and Daines have led amendments that have been adopted in the modified mark before us today. “Senator Thune’s amendment extends key tax deadlines for farmers and fisherman. Senator Lankford’s amendment clarifies a tax-exempt organization’s right to appeal adverse rulings of status to the IRS’s office of appeals. “Lastly, Senator Daines championed an amendment that enhances accountability by increasing criminal and civil penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of taxpayer information while also ensuring IRS contractors who willfully cause data breaches are appropriately penalized. “These are just a sample of the many practical taxpayer-focused reforms included in the TAS Act. “The bill has drawn support from current and former National Taxpayer Advocates, as well as many practitioners who work within the system every day. Such broad consensus signals we are on the right path to better tax administration. “Americans are duty-bound to comply with our tax laws. “The federal government, in turn, should administer a tax system that is transparent, efficient and fair. “Before I turn to the Ranking Member, I want to thank Tom Barthold, JCT’s Chief of Staff, and the JCT staff who supported the Committee’s work on the TAS Act and helped members prepare for today’s markup. “Your hard work has been indispensable in bringing this bipartisan product before the Committee today.” ###",1,2026-08-03T08:26:20Z,2026-08-03T08:27:37Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-wyden-applaud-committee-passage-of-taxpayer-assistance-and-service-act,"Crapo, Wyden Applaud Committee Passage of Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act",2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) today lauded committee passage of the Taxpayer Assistance and Service (TAS) Act, which was reported out of committee 26-1. The TAS Act includes more than 60 bipartisan reforms to improve the taxpayer experience, including recommendations from the National Taxpayer Advocate and Finance Committee members on both sides of the aisle. Approved with overwhelming bipartisan support, the TAS Act strengthens taxpayer rights and modernizes IRS operations, helping build a more efficient, responsive and taxpayer-focused tax administration system. “This product reflects years of bipartisan efforts to translate stories of casework frustrations into tangible fixes designed to make the IRS work more efficiently for the American people,” said Crapo. “I thank Senator Wyden and members of the Committee for their partnership in this effort and look forward to advancing this comprehensive, bipartisan bill.” “Today the Finance Committee took an important step towards common sense reforms that will protect taxpayers and modernize the IRS,” Wyden said. “I look forward to getting them signed in to law so American taxpayers are no longer scammed by shady tax prep schemes and will get help filing their taxes. This marks a key step towards restoring fairness to the tax system.” Click HERE for more information on the TAS Act. ###",1,2026-08-03T08:26:20Z,2026-08-03T08:27:37Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/working-families-tax-cuts-protect-the-social-safety-net-for-years-to-come,Working Families Tax Cuts Protect the Social Safety Net for Years to Come,2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—This week marks 61 years since Medicare and Medicaid were created to ensure those who cannot provide for themselves—children, people with disabilities and low-income seniors—would have access to health care. Since then, Americans have come to rely on both programs as a central component of the social safety net. Through the Working Families Tax Cuts, Republicans enacted long-needed reforms that will strengthen and preserve these programs for the people who need them most. “For decades, our social safety net programs have helped some of our nation’s most vulnerable populations,” said U.S. Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “Commonsense reforms that target waste, fraud and abuse will ensure programs like Medicaid stay financially viable for many more years to come.” Medicare and Medicaid reforms in the Working Families Tax Cuts: Requires able-bodied adults to work, volunteer or study at least 20 hours a week to remain eligible for Medicaid benefits Increases 2026 Medicare payments to doctors and other health care providers Prevents Medicaid payments for beneficiaries who have died, are enrolled in multiple states or do not qualify for the program Stops non-citizens who entered the country under dubious Biden Administration processes from receiving Medicaid benefits Increases the frequency of Medicaid eligibility verifications for able-bodied adults What they are saying: “Community engagement is not just a policy requirement—it is an opportunity for states to modernize Medicaid systems while strengthening connections to work, education and community-based opportunities.” – CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz “These commonsense work requirements for able-bodied, working-age adults on Medicaid represent a critical step toward restoring Medicaid to its original purpose: serving as a targeted safety net for the most vulnerable rather than an open-ended entitlement that discourages work and strains taxpayer resources.” – Paragon Health Institute Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts. ###",1,2026-08-03T08:26:20Z,2026-08-03T08:27:37Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/finance-committee-releases-chairmans-mark-of-the-taxpayer-assistance-and-service-act-ahead-of-markup,Finance Committee Releases Chairman's Mark of the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act Ahead of Markup,2026-07-28,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) today released the Chairman’s Mark of the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act, a bipartisan bill which would modernize and streamline IRS operations, strengthen taxpayer rights and deliver a more taxpayer-first system. The Committee will hold a markup on Thursday, July 30, at 10:00 AM in 215 Dirksen Senate Office Building. “Taxpayers deserve a tax system that is easy to navigate, delivers timely refunds and responds effectively when issues arise,” said Crapo. “This week’s markup demonstrates the Committee’s bipartisan commitment to improving tax administration and ensuring the tax system works better for the American people.” “Americans deserve a fair and efficient federal tax system that protects them from bad actors,” Wyden said. “This week the Finance Committee has an opportunity to meaningfully improve the tax filing process for Americans of all stripes on a bipartisan basis, and continue efforts to modernize the IRS to better serve taxpayers.” The Chairman’s Mark can be found HERE. A section-by-section can be found HERE. A JCT score can be found HERE. Amendments and additional information will be posted HERE on Wednesday, July 29, after 12:00 PM. Opening statements and a live video of the markup will be available on www.finance.senate.gov. An additional live video will be streamed on https://x.com/MikeCrapo. Members of the press interested in covering the markup in person should RSVP to the appropriate Senate press gallery. Senate Daily Press: 202-224-0241 or senate_press_gallery@saa.senate.gov Senate Periodical Press: 202-224-0265 or periodicals@saa.senate.gov Senate Photographers: 202-224-6548 or press_photo@saa.senate.gov Senate Radio/TV: 202-224-6421 ###",1,2026-07-29T07:41:48Z,2026-07-29T07:42:57Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-backs-legislative-package-to-target-fraud,Crapo Backs Legislative Package to Target Fraud,2026-07-27,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined in co-sponsoring S. 4952, the Protecting American Taxpayers Act, a comprehensive anti-fraud legislative package that would recover stolen funds, protect taxpayer dollars and stop fraudsters. Led by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), the legislation is projected to save taxpayers $240 billion if enacted. “Fraud robs taxpayers and weakens confidence in federal programs,” said Crapo. “This legislation would strengthen safeguards, improve accountability and help recover stolen funds. Taxpayer dollars should serve their intended purpose--not line the pockets of criminals.” In addition to Crapo, the legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Senator Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Senator Ashley Moody (R-Florida), Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Senator Jim Banks (R-Indiana), Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), Senator James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Senator Todd Young (R-Indiana), Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Senator John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Senator Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Senator Steve Daines (R-Montana), Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) and Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi). The Protecting American Taxpayers Act includes 16 bills introduced by both Democratic and Republican senators. To recover wasteful funds: S. 3727, the Stop Fraud Before Payment Act, and S. 3462, the WALZ Act, would require payments to be made as reimbursements only after a service has been provided; S. 1047, the Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act, would prevent criminals convicted of defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration from receiving future assistance; S. 3166, the Returning Unspent COVID Funds Act, would claw back more than $65 billion in unused COVID-19 funds; S. 2732, the Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act, would allow inspectors general to provide bonuses to employees who uncover fraud in government programs; and S. 747, the Improper Payments Transparency Act, would require data on improper payments to be included in the President’s annual budget request. To protect taxpayer dollars: S. 1567, the JOBS for Success Act, would require states to measure and report improper payments in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and directs HHS to develop a long-term plan to reduce TANF payment errors; S. 3610, the No Funding for Foreign Agents Act, would prohibit funds from going to countries subject to travel bans or arms embargoes; and S. 226, the No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act would require the disclosure of cash assistance in Afghanistan to help prevent Taliban access. To stop fraudsters and hold them accountable: S. 2117, the Preventing Deep Fake Scams Act, would establish a task force to combat deepfake scams; S. 1199, the SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act, and S. 121, the Recover Fraudulent COVID Funds Act, would extend statutes of limitations to help ensure criminals are caught and held accountable; S. 1991, the Fraud Alert Systems Act, would require the U.S. Department of the Treasury to maintain a description of every payment and cross-check the information; S. 3746, the Stopping Transfers of Public Funds Abroad Act, would require individuals seeking to conduct international wire transfers to certify they do not receive public assistance; S. 2683, the Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Act of 2025, would provide consistent scam-prevention guidance for veterans; and S.874, the Expanding Whistleblower Protection for Contractors Act of 2025, would close loopholes in whistleblower-protection laws. The full text of the legislation is availableHERE. A one-page summary is available HERE. ###",1,2026-07-28T07:37:32Z,2026-07-28T07:38:50Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-introduces-bill-to-end-costly-cafe-standards-restore-consumer-choice-in-auto-market,"Crapo Introduces Bill to End Costly CAFE Standards, Restore Consumer Choice in Auto Market",2026-07-24,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and five Senate colleagues introduced the Restoring Affordability in Automobile Manufacturing (RAAM) Act, which would eliminate Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. These regulations have gradually increased sticker prices for new motor vehicles and laid the statutory groundwork for mandating the types of cars available to consumers. Most recently, the Biden Administration used CAFE to impose unrealistic fuel economy targets--which would require automakers to more than double average fleet-wide fuel economy in less than 10 years--for conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles, effectively turning the program into a backdoor electric vehicle mandate. As part of the Working Families Tax Cuts, congressional Republicans eliminated civil monetary penalties for noncompliance with CAFE standards. Building on that progress, the Trump Administration reversed the Biden-era standards through executive order in 2025. However, the underlying statute remains in place, leaving the door open for a future administration to reestablish the Biden regulations or impose even stricter standards. ""The Biden-era CAFE standards turned an energy-security program into a de facto electric vehicle mandate, beyond Congress’s original intent to improve fuel economy and strengthen our nation's energy security,” said Crapo. “Today's CAFE standards distort the automobile market, saddle manufacturers with costly compliance requirements that drive up vehicle costs for hardworking families and do little to shield Americans from the volatility of global oil markets. The RAAM Act would repeal the costly, outdated CAFE program and put consumers--not federal regulators--back in the driver’s seat when it comes to vehicle choice."" U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) and Alan Armstrong (R-Oklahoma) joined Crapo in introducing the bill. “From its earliest days, America’s automotive industry was a powerhouse of innovation and inspiration,” said Scott. “It not only redefined travel and commerce, it helped craft the American spirit and identity of the 20th century. But like so many other great things in American life, big government got in the way. Decades of overbearing regulations left us with cars that are ugly, underpowered, and undesirable. Repealing CAFE standards will give America the chance to make our cars great again by letting automakers design cars Americans, and consumers across the world, want to buy.” “Affordability is at the top of minds for Nebraskans,” said Ricketts. “Biden-era fuel regulations impose unfair fuel standards that limit consumer choice and drive-up costs. Last year, Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which zeroed out these penalties. To prevent future administrations from raising penalties again, I support permanently repealing the Federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Nebraskans will have more control over the vehicles they purchase, and farmers will no longer have to pay the costs of burdensome regulations. I support the RAAM Act to unleash American energy dominance, lower costs for consumers, and support our agriculture community.” “Senator Crapo has consistently been a leader in the fight for affordability in the automobile marketplace,” said Brent Gardner, Americans for Prosperity Chief Government Affairs Officer. “The RAAM Act is one more step to finish the work done under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to ensure consumer choice remains the top driving factor for vehicle purchases.” The legislation is also supported by the American Petroleum Institute. Background: Congress enacted the CAFE program in 1975 following the OPEC oil embargo to reduce petroleum consumption, improve fuel economy and strengthen the nation’s energy security. While CAFE standards have marginally reduced fuel consumption and lowered gasoline expenditures for many drivers, they have not meaningfully insulated American consumers from volatility in global oil markets. The national-security rationale underlying CAFE has diminished as the United States has dramatically increased domestic oil production and reduced its reliance on imported petroleum. In recent years, CAFE has increasingly been used as a tool to advance costly climate policy beyond its original focus on energy conservation and fuel security. The proposed Biden-era CAFE standard would have dramatically raised costs, restricted consumer choice, harmed U.S. businesses and handed the keys of our automotive industry over to adversaries like China. Moreover, CAFE standards have distorted the automobile market by encouraging manufacturers to design vehicles to satisfy federal regulatory requirements rather than consumer demand, while increasing compliance costs ultimately passed on to consumers through higher vehicle prices. The RAAM Act would eliminate CAFE standards effective model year 2029. Bill text is available HERE. In January 2024, Senator Crapo led a bicameral group of 120 Members of Congress in urging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to withdraw the proposed CAFE rule. ###",1,2026-07-25T07:13:44Z,2026-07-25T07:15:09Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-names-titan-batteries-as-july-small-business-of-the-month/,Risch Names Titan Batteries as July Small Business of the Month,2026-07-24,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch, senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of Titan Batteries in Pocatello as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for July 2026. Titan Batteries will be recognized for its contribution to Idaho in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate. “After learning no drone battery could power a cross-country flight, Trent Clawson dove into the world of manufacturing,” said Risch. “Today, Titan Batteries is at the cutting edge of American manufacturing, supplying mission-specific batteries that support the U.S. military and critical defense programs.” Idaho is consistently ranked one of the best places in the country to do business. Each month, Senator Risch selects and Idaho small business that exemplifies the Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional commitment to community. Last year, Senator Risch passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to promote local economic growth and provide tax relief to Idahoans and small business owners.",1,2026-07-25T07:13:44Z,2026-07-25T07:15:09Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/finance-committee-advances-treasury-nominations,Finance Committee Advances Treasury Nominations,2026-07-23,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Finance Committee advanced the nominations of Francis Brooke to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury by a vote of 14-13, Erin Browne to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury by a vote of 14-13, Sriprakash Kothari to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury by a vote of 14-13, and George McMaster to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury by a vote of 14-13. Following the vote, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the statement below: “I commend the Committee’s action and congratulate each nominee. “During his hearing, Mr. Brooke emphasized the importance of promoting economic growth through sound fiscal policy, strengthening America’s position in the international economic system, and supporting innovation that reinforces the U.S. dollar’s role as the world’s reserve currency. I was encouraged by his commitment to advancing polices that promote long-term prosperity while recognizing that economic security is national security. “Ms. Browne spoke about the need to strengthen American leadership in the international economy, and I appreciated her commitment to advancing policies that prioritize the interests of American workers while reinforcing the United States’ leadership in the global financial system. “Dr. Kothari pledged to uphold the Office of Economic Policy’s tradition of providing unbiased economic information and sound policy advice while maintaining a close working relationship with Congress. “Mr. McMaster discussed the importance of maintaining the central role of the U.S. Treasuries in the global financial system and committed to advancing policies that strengthen market integrity and expand opportunities for Americans to invest with confidence. “I am confident in each nominee’s qualifications and look forward to their confirmation by the full Senate.” Executive session information can be found HERE. Read Chairman Crapo’s full statement at the nomination hearing HERE. ###",1,2026-07-29T07:41:48Z,2026-07-29T07:42:57Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-leads-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-idaho-water-infrastructure-and-wildfire-resilience,Crapo Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Idaho Water Infrastructure and Wildfire Resilience,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing two bills to strengthen water infrastructure, improve wildfire preparedness and expand access to critical resources for Idaho communities. The legislation includes the FIRE SMART Act, which would provide states additional flexibility to support drinking water infrastructure projects that also improve wildfire suppression capabilities in high-risk rural communities, and the Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2026, which would update the formula used to distribute Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) funding to states for the first time since the program was created. ""Idaho's communities rely on strong and reliable water infrastructure, whether it is delivering safe drinking water, maintaining clean waterways or improving preparedness for increasingly severe wildfire seasons,"" said Crapo. ""These bills would help to modernize outdated federal policies and provide states greater flexibility to address local infrastructure needs.” “Idaho’s small and rural communities often face significant infrastructure challenges with limited resources. These bills would provide qualifying communities with greater flexibility and better align clean water funding through the State Revolving Fund to address Idaho’s infrastructure needs. DEQ appreciates Senator Crapo’s effort to advance practical solutions that support Idaho communities.” – Jess Byrne, Director, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality FIRE SMART Act of 2026 The Firefighting Infrastructure for Rural and Exurban Smaller Municipalities Augmenting Residential Fuels Treatments (FIRE SMART) Act would direct the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to amend Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) rules that currently exclude projects needed primarily for fire protection. The legislation would create a narrowly tailored exception for certain drinking water infrastructure projects that provide both drinking water and wildfire suppression benefits in rural communities at high risk of wildfire. Eligible projects could include improvements to water storage, distribution capacity and water pressure that support everyday drinking water needs while also enhancing local firefighting capabilities. The bill does not authorize new federal spending or alter existing funding allocations. Crapo is joined on the FIRE SMART Act by Senators Alex Padilla (D-California), John Curtis (R-Utah), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Adam Schiff (D-California) and Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon). Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2026 The Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act of 2026 would replace the current CWSRF allotment formula, which has remained unchanged since 1987, with a transparent, needs-based formula developed through recommendations from a Government Accountability Office (GAO) expert panel. Under the updated formula, CWSRF capitalization grants would be distributed based on a combination of state clean water infrastructure needs, population and economic factors. EPA estimates more than $630 billion in clean water investments will be needed nationwide over the next 20 years. According to GAO analysis using 2022 data, Idaho would receive approximately 50.5 percent more annual clean water funding under the modernized formula. The legislation also includes transition protections for states, preserves existing funding allocated for tribes and territories, protects Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocations and supports improved data collection to better identify infrastructure needs in small and rural communities. Crapo joined Senators Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) and Rick Scott (R-Florida) in introducing the bill. Read the full text of the FIRE SMART Acthere.",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-at-hearing-on-presidents-trade-policy-agenda,Crapo Statement at Hearing on President’s Trade Policy Agenda,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at hearing on the President’s 2026 trade policy agenda. As prepared for delivery: “Welcome, Ambassador Greer. “Thank you for appearing before the Finance Committee to discuss the President’s 2026 Annual Trade Agenda. “We appreciate you and your team working with us to reschedule this hearing. “Trade policy remains a cornerstone of our nation’s economic strength, our global leadership and our ability to create opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, businesses and workers. “The trade landscape has evolved significantly since you last testified before the Committee on the President’s trade agenda. “Today’s hearing is an opportunity to take stock of where we are and where we need to go. “Together, the Administration and Congress can build a durable policy and enforcement regime around a fair application of longstanding American trade goals. “First, U.S. trade policy must reflect our strategic priorities. “The Administration has maintained a firm stance in addressing non-market policies and practices that distort competition and disadvantage American workers and companies. “The Administration also continues to emphasize rebuilding domestic manufacturing capacity and securing critical supply chains. “Second, U.S. trade policy must reflect economic realities. “Market access matters. It remains a fundamental driver of American economic growth. American producers and service providers depend on the ability to compete fairly in global markets. “Unfair and discriminatory barriers to U.S. exports must be removed—whether through tariff reductions, the elimination of non-tariff barriers or the establishment of clear and transparent rules—creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes and supporting high-quality jobs here at home. “To understand why, we need look no further than to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. “USMCA supports 13 million American jobs; represents a 55 percent increase in investments in the U.S. from Canada and Mexico compared to pre-USMCA levels; and has led to $60 billion in exports in agricultural goods—nearly one-third of all U.S. agricultural exports. “Third, market access must be paired with strong enforcement for USMCA and other trade agreements to remain effectual. “Robust enforcement ensures a level playing field and sends a clear signal that the United States stands behind its farmers, workers and businesses. “Fair market access and its enforcement are constantly tested by unfair trade practices used against our farmers and ranchers. “Idaho producers often tell me about how these practices create significant economic hardships for our agriculture community, including among our dairy, onion, potato, sheep and sugarbeet industries. “Meanwhile, a growing array of discriminatory measures in the form of digital services taxes, online content requirements and data localization target U.S. digital firms and restrict U.S. competition. “These pose an existential threat to American innovation. “Similarly, concerns with foreign pharmaceutical price controls are top of mind as the U.S. begins to negotiate pharmaceutical deals. “Finally, business certainty in the trade environment is crucial for American industry to take full advantage of market-opening opportunities so they can grow and compete effectively. “In all these matters, close collaboration and consultation between Congress and the Administration is essential to advance the policies needed to promote durable growth and fairness. “A combined effort between Congress and the Administration is the most effective means by which to identify new opportunities for market access, strengthen enforcement tools and meet emerging challenges in the global trading system. “The challenges and opportunities in global trade are complex, but they present a chance to strengthen our economy and reaffirm our leadership on the world stage. “Ambassador, I look forward to continuing to work closely with you to advance a trade policy that delivers fair and open markets for the American people. “Thank you again for joining us today, and I welcome today’s discussion.” ###",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-crapo-simpson-celebrate-idaho-nuclear-tech-hub-designation/,"Risch, Crapo, Simpson Celebrate Idaho Nuclear Tech Hub Designation",2026-07-21,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo and U.S. Representative Mike Simpson (all R-Idaho) celebrated the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) announcement awarding approximately $31 million to the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor (INEC) Tech Hub, a regional initiative led by the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium (IAEC) of more than 45 organizations across Idaho and Wyoming. The INEC Tech Hub aims to leverage the region’s existing nuclear ecosystem to accelerate the deployment and commercialization of advanced nuclear reactors, strengthen domestic nuclear supply chains, and enhance U.S. energy security. IAEC estimates the Tech Hub will create more than 900 high-paying jobs and generate $190 million in regional economic impact over five years. “The future of American nuclear energy is being developed in Idaho,” said Risch. “Today’s investment by the U.S. Department of Commerce in the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Consortium Tech Hub capitalizes on Idaho’s deep nuclear history and will expand opportunities for the West to maintain this strong reputation.” “This $31 million award is a significant investment in Idaho’s future and further establishes our state as a national leader in advanced nuclear energy,” said Crapo. “The INEC Tech Hub, led by the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium, will build on Idaho’s unmatched expertise and innovation in small modular reactors and reinforce our nation’s technological leadership while reducing reliance on foreign adversaries for critical energy capabilities. I congratulate the many public and private partners whose collaboration has helped make this achievement possible.” “I’m thrilled to celebrate the Department of Commerce’s $31 million investment in the INEC Tech Hub,” said Simpson. “After my Idaho colleagues and I expressed our strong support for this application, it is exciting to see this investment become a reality. This funding will strengthen American nuclear energy while reinforcing Idaho’s leadership in nuclear innovation. Today’s announcement is an important step toward advancing American energy dominance and strengthening our energy security.” “What we’re building here is bigger than any one organization, any one company, or any one community,” said Hope Morrow, IAEC Vice President and Workforce and Economic Development Manager at INL. “The INEC Tech Hub is what American innovation looks like when everyone brings their best — and the people of the Intermountain West are going to see the benefits in jobs, opportunity, and long-term energy security.” “The demand for nuclear energy is on the rise, and the Trump Administration is providing the energy industry with the resources it needs to meet that demand, including more nuclear reactors,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “This award will position Idaho and Wyoming as global leaders in advanced small modular reactors and leverage the region’s existing nuclear manufacturing capabilities to accelerate reactor deployment, speed commercialization of next-generation reactors, and enhance U.S. energy security.” The $31 million investment will: Support advanced nuclear fuel fabrication, testing, and transportation; Train workers for careers in nuclear construction, manufacturing, fuel fabrication, and operations; and Help firms develop and strengthen the nuclear supply chain. Background: The Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hubs) Program aims to strengthen America’s economic competitiveness and national security by investing in regions making significant advancements in critical technologies. The Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act included $220 million in funding for Tech Hubs, including the INEC.",1,2026-07-22T07:34:13Z,2026-07-22T07:35:16Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/working-families-tax-cuts-power-domestic-manufacturing,Working Families Tax Cuts Power Domestic Manufacturing,2026-07-21,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—The Working Families Tax Cuts are bringing jobs, investment and manufacturing back to America. The law makes permanent many provisions that drove a historically strong economy during the first Trump Administration, like immediate expensing for capital expenditures on business machinery and equipment. It also permanently extends the 20 percent small business deduction, increasing confidence for more than 25 million small businesses. “Permanence in the tax code gives Idaho manufacturers the certainty they need to make long-term investments, improve product quality and create good-paying jobs,” said U.S. Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “By making proven pro-growth tax policies permanent and strengthening incentives for domestic investment, Republicans have laid the foundation for a stronger economy, a more competitive manufacturing sector and more opportunities for American workers for years to come.” In addition to full expensing for near-term investments in factories and factory improvements, key wins include: Permanent full expensing for machinery and equipment Permanent immediate deductibility for domestic R&D expenses Permanent 20 percent small business deduction Permanent increased cap on the business interest deduction Permanent America-first international tax reforms What they are saying: “Immediate expensing of both equipment and production facilities lowers the costs of those investments, supporting our ability to continue to invest and create jobs in the community we’ve operated in for more than 50 years.” – Clint Whitehead, President of Western Trailers, a Boise, Idaho-based company that builds custom trailers Click HERE to learn more about how the Working Families Tax Cuts support domestic manufacturing. Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts. ###",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-simpson-celebrate-idaho-nuclear-tech-hub-designation,"Crapo, Risch, Simpson Celebrate Idaho Nuclear Tech Hub Designation",2026-07-20,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and U.S. Representative Mike Simpson (all R-Idaho) celebrated the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) announcement to award approximately $31 million to the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor (INEC) Tech Hub, a regional initiative of more than 45 organizations across Idaho and Wyoming, led by the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium (IAEC). The Tech Hub will help position the Idaho and Wyoming nuclear energy innovation corridor as global leaders in advanced small modular reactors. The EDA announced Monday, July 20, it would award approximately $169 million across six Tech Hubs. The INEC Tech Hub aims to leverage the region’s existing nuclear manufacturing ecosystem to accelerate the deployment and commercialization of next-generation nuclear reactors, strengthen domestic nuclear supply chains and enhance U.S. energy security. ""This $31 million award is a significant investment in Idaho’s future and further establishes our state as a national leader in advanced nuclear energy,” said Crapo. “The INEC Tech Hub, led by the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium, will build on Idaho’s unmatched expertise and innovation in small modular reactors and reinforce our nation’s technological leadership while reducing reliance on foreign adversaries for critical energy capabilities. I congratulate the many public and private partners whose collaboration has helped make this achievement possible.” “The future of American nuclear energy is being developed in Idaho,” said Risch. “Today’s investment by the U.S. Department of Commerce in the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Consortium Tech Hub capitalizes on Idaho’s deep nuclear history and will expand opportunities for the West to maintain this strong reputation.” “I’m thrilled to celebrate the Department of Commerce’s $31 million investment in the INEC Tech Hub,” said Simpson. “After my Idaho colleagues and I expressed our strong support for this application, it is exciting to see this investment become a reality. This funding will strengthen American nuclear energy while reinforcing Idaho’s leadership in nuclear innovation. Today’s announcement is an important step toward advancing American energy dominance and strengthening our energy security.” “What we’re building here is bigger than any one organization, any one company, or any one community,” said Hope Morrow, IAEC Vice President and Workforce and Economic Development Manager at INL. “The INEC Tech Hub is what American innovation looks like when everyone brings their best — and the people of the Intermountain West are going to see the benefits in jobs, opportunity, and long-term energy security.” “The demand for nuclear energy is on the rise, and the Trump Administration is providing the energy industry with the resources it needs to meet that demand, including more nuclear reactors,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “This award will position Idaho and Wyoming as global leaders in advanced small modular reactors and leverage the region’s existing nuclear manufacturing capabilities to accelerate reactor deployment, speed commercialization of next-generation reactors, and enhance U.S. energy security.” The Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium is expected to receive nearly $31 million to: support advanced fuel fabrication, testing and transportation; train workers in nuclear construction, manufacturing, fuel fabrication and operations; and support firms to enter the nuclear supply chain. The IAEC estimates its projects could create more than 900 high-paying jobs and generate approximately $190 million in regional economic impact over five years. Background: Congress enacted the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hubs) Program, administered by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, as part of the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act of 2022. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act made $220 million available to limited eligible Tech Hubs, including the INEC. The application was rigorous and applicants were required to submit project proposals that demonstrated ability to strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and maximize taxpayer returns. Senator Crapo joined Senator Jim Risch and U.S. Representative Mike Simpson (all R-Idaho) in support of the IAEC’s application for the funding. Tech Hubs seek to strengthen America’s economic competitiveness and national security by investing in regions with the talent and assets to become global leaders in the critical technologies of the future. Tech Hub investments accelerate technology commercialization, moving breakthroughs out of labs, through manufacturing lines, and into the marketplace faster, and at greater scale. ###",1,2026-07-21T07:32:02Z,2026-07-21T07:33:33Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-baldwin-call-on-fda-to-crack-down-on-mislabeled-dairy-imitation-products/,"Risch, Baldwin Call on FDA to Crack Down on Mislabeled Dairy Imitation Products",2026-07-20,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) along with Representatives John Joyce (R-Pa.) and Josh Riley (D-N.Y.) today called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to crack down on the misuse of dairy terms for plant-based products, which unfairly impacts dairy farmers and processors and misleads consumers. “The blatant misuse of dairy terms for plant-based products unfairly impacts dairy farmers and processors and harms consumers due to inaccurate labeling information,” wrote the Members of Congress. “We urge you to enforce dairy standards of identity and stop imitation products from usurping dairy terms. Rescinding the current FDA guidance and enforcing existing dairy standards of identity is in best interest of our nation’s consumers, dairy farmers and broader public health.” In July 2025, Risch and Baldwin introduced the DAIRY PRIDE Act to prohibit non-dairy imitation products, such as those made from plants, nuts, or grains, from using dairy names like “milk” or “yogurt.” The DAIRY PRIDE Act has support from the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, National Milk Producers Federation, and American Farm Cooperative.",1,2026-07-21T07:32:02Z,2026-07-21T07:33:33Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-moody-target-fentanyl-pill-presses-in-new-legislation,"Crapo, Moody Target Fentanyl Pill Presses in New Legislation",2026-07-17,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) teamed up with U.S. Senator Ashley Moody (R-Florida) to introduce legislation targeting equipment used by drug cartels to manufacture counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, which is responsible for killing thousands of Americans each year. S. 4446, the PRESS Act, would criminalize the intentional importation of pill press machines and unlisted precursor chemicals to manufacture illicit drugs. “Drug trafficking poses a grave threat to our national security and the safety of the American people,” said Crapo. “Our laws must keep pace with the evolving tactics used by criminal organizations to manufacture and distribute illicit synthetic drugs. The PRESS Act would strengthen law enforcement’s ability to hold foreign actors accountable for importing precursor chemicals and pill presses intended for the production and distribution of illegal controlled substances.” Background: Pill press machines are often imported into the United States by drug cartels piecemeal and then assembled domestically to produce counterfeit pills that are sold to Americans and often laced with deadly fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The PRESS Act would give federal prosecutors the tools needed to charge foreign entities that import unlisted precursor chemicals and pill press machines with the intent to manufacture illicit drugs. The bill would add criminal penalties for the unlawful importation of pill presses. In 2025, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized more than 45 million fentanyl pills and more than 9,000 pounds of fentanyl powder, removing an estimated 347 million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl from our communities. DEA intelligence indicates a shift in cartel operations, with increased trafficking of fentanyl powder and domestic production of fentanyl pills. Counterfeit pills are pressed to look like legitimate prescription opioids using imported tableting machines, punches and die molds. These tabletop pill press machines can produce up to 5,000 pills per hour, with larger floor models producing 15,000 pills per hour. China and Central American cartels skillfully smuggle pill press parts through U.S. ports and customs, often labeling them as “furniture parts” or “machine spare parts.” These parts are then reassembled as unregistered pill presses and used to mass produce counterfeit pills. ###",1,2026-07-18T06:58:50Z,2026-07-18T07:00:34Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-at-hearing-on-treasury-nominees,Crapo Statement at Hearing on Treasury Nominees,2026-07-16,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at hearing to consider nominees for the U.S. Department of the Treasury. As prepared for delivery: “Thank you to our nominees, Mr. Brooke, Ms. Browne, Dr. Kothari and Mr. McMaster for being here today. “Congratulations on your nominations and thank you for your willingness to serve. “This is an important and timely hearing for the Finance Committee. Less than two weeks ago, we marked the first anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cuts. “Over the past year, the Treasury Department has worked expeditiously to implement the law’s signature policies and to provide historic tax relief for working-class Americans. “While each of you have been nominated for distinct roles, if confirmed, you will all oversee important work at Treasury to implement these and other policies, with the shared goal to promote domestic investment and boost economic growth. “We will first hear from Francis Brooke, who is nominated to be the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. “The Deputy Secretary of the Treasury assists in the development of policies in all aspects of the Treasury Department's activities. “Mr. Brooke has an extensive record of public service, most recently as the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Trade and Development, as well as Policy Director to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and as a senior White House official during the first Trump Administration. “I am confident this extensive background in government service has prepared him to support Secretary Bessent in the execution of important Treasury priorities, including the ongoing implementation of the Working Families Tax Cuts. “If confirmed, I look forward to working with him on promoting economic growth and delivering on historic tax relief for all Americans. “Next, we will hear from Erin Browne, who is nominated to serve as Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs. “If confirmed, Ms. Browne will manage a significant portfolio of international economic matters, including issues relating to global macroeconomic and financial developments, international financial regulation, and international trade and investment. “In addition, she will oversee U.S. participation in international financial institutions and working groups. “Given her background, she is well qualified to manage these issues. “Most recently, Ms. Browne was a managing director and portfolio manager at PIMCO, a global asset management firm. She has also held senior positions at UBS and Citigroup, among other firms. “If confirmed, I look forward to working with her to ensure American leadership in global markets. “We will then hear from S.P. Kothari, who is nominated to be Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy. “The Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy is the Department of the Treasury’s principal economist and advises on the economic effects of tax and budget policy. “Dr. Kothari’s robust experience in academia, government and industry has well prepared him to provide this critical advice. “Prior to his current government service, Dr. Kothari was the Gordon Y. Billard Professor of Accounting and Finance at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, where he also served as Deputy Dean and head of the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting. “From 2019 to 2021, Dr. Kothari served as Chief Economist and Director of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. “Prior to his tenure at SEC, he also held several roles in the private sector. If confirmed, I am confident his expertise will serve him well at Treasury. “Finally, we will hear from Hunter McMaster, who is nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Markets. “The Assistant Secretary oversees a complex portfolio relating to financial markets, including the federal debt, government credit, and lending policies. “Mr. McMaster joins the government from the private sector, where he was previously Head of Trading at Key Square Group. He has also held positions at Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, where he focused on foreign exchange and interest rate markets. “Since last year, he has also served as Counselor to the Secretary as well as Director of Policy and Planning. “I look forward to working with him, if confirmed, on policies to preserve the integrity and stability of the U.S. financial system. “I want to thank all of our nominees again for their time.” ###",1,2026-07-17T07:15:58Z,2026-07-17T07:17:05Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-joins-cortez-masto-cramer-to-honor-journeyman-lineworkers-recognition-day,"Crapo Joins Cortez Masto, Cramer to Honor Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day",2026-07-15,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) and Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) led the passage of a bipartisan resolution to designate July 10, 2026, as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. The resolution recognizes the essential contributions of journeyman lineworkers in maintaining the nation's electric grid and restoring power following severe weather, natural disasters and other emergencies. “Journeyman lineworkers play a critical role in keeping our communities powered, connected and safe,” said Crapo. “These highly skilled professionals work under challenging and often dangerous conditions, and this resolution appropriately honors their dedication, expertise and service to Idahoans and Americans across the nation.” “Every year on July 10, we recognize the tireless dedication of journeyman lineworkers,” said Cortez Masto. “These men and women not only perform routine maintenance to our power grids, but they also restore electricity when our communities are struck by disasters, from wildfires to hurricanes. I am proud to stand behind our lineworkers and to introduce this bipartisan resolution honoring their steadfast commitment to our communities.” “Despite the freezing winter cold and sweltering summer heat, lineworkers across North Dakota ensure the power stays on when we need it the most,” said Cramer. “Growing up, my dad was a rural electric lineman, and I saw firsthand his hard work and commitment to keeping electrons flowing for our neighbors. Our resolution honors the thousands of journeymen lineworkers in America for their selfless dedication.” The Resolution is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and Edison Electric Institute (EEI). Also co-sponsoring the Resolution are U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Alan Armstrong (R-Oklahoma), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Delaware), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Ashley Moody (R-Florida), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Alex Padilla (D-California), Adam Schiff (D-California), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi). The full text of the resolution can be foundhere. ###",1,2026-07-16T07:21:44Z,2026-07-16T07:23:13Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-crapo-applaud-move-to-return-grizzly-bear-management-to-states/,"Risch, Crapo Applaud Move to Return Grizzly Bear Management to States",2026-07-15,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho) today applauded the Department of the Interior proposal to provide new flexibility for western states in managing grizzly bears. “It’s abundantly clear Idaho’s grizzly bear populations have widely exceeded recovery goals,” said Risch. “Increasing state authority to manage grizzly bears ensures our own local wildlife agencies, who understand Idaho’s environment best, can follow the science and make commonsense conservation decisions without bureaucratic inefficiencies.” “The recovery of the grizzly bear in the West is a conservation success story made possible by decades of work from state, tribal, federal and local conservation partners,” said Crapo. “For years, I have advocated for returning grizzly bear management to the states as recovery objectives and benchmarks have been achieved. Secretary Burgum’s announcement moves us one step closer to allowing Idaho wildlife professionals to manage a recovered grizzly population in a way that protects both the species and Idaho communities.” The announcement, made by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik, proposes a revised rule to increase management flexibility for grizzly bears in areas where the species has met, and in many cases exceeded, federal recovery benchmarks. The updated proposal ensures the Endangered Species Act is being used as Congress intended while continuing to support the species’ long-term conservation. ​",1,2026-07-16T07:21:44Z,2026-07-16T07:23:13Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-applaud-move-to-return-grizzly-bear-management-to-states,"Crapo, Risch Applaud Move to Return Grizzly Bear Management to States",2026-07-15,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) applauded the U.S. Department of the Interior proposal to provide new flexibility for western states in managing grizzly bears. “The recovery of the grizzly bear in the West is a conservation success story made possible by decades of work from state, tribal, federal and local conservation partners,” said Crapo. “For years, I have advocated for returning grizzly bear management to the states as recovery objectives and benchmarks have been achieved. Secretary Burgum’s announcement moves us one step closer to allowing Idaho wildlife professionals to manage a recovered grizzly population in a way that protects both the species and Idaho communities.” “It’s abundantly clear Idaho’s grizzly bear populations have widely exceeded recovery goals,” said Risch. “Increasing state authority to manage grizzly bears ensures our own local wildlife agencies, who understand Idaho’s environment best, can follow the science and make commonsense conservation decisions without bureaucratic inefficiencies.” The announcement, made by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik, proposes a revised rule to increase management flexibility for grizzly bears in areas where the species has met, and in many cases exceeded, federal recovery benchmarks. The updated proposal ensures the Endangered Species Act is being used as Congress intended while continuing to support the species' long-term conservation. ###",1,2026-07-17T07:15:58Z,2026-07-17T07:17:05Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-introduces-bill-to-increase-geothermal-energy-production/,Risch Introduces Bill to Increase Geothermal Energy Production,2026-07-15,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) introduced the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act to require the Bureau of Land Management to hold annual geothermal lease sales. “Idaho has long benefited from our abundant natural geothermal resources, and there is great potential to ramp up the production of this reliable energy to power our communities,” said Risch. “The CLEAN Act requires annual geothermal lease sales, cutting red tape and offering more efficient and responsible opportunities to access this natural resource.” The CLEAN Act would: Require annual lease sales that include at least 75% of eligible parcels nominated for geothermal development; Require replacement lease sales be held in the event of a missed sale; and Establish 30-day deadlines for consideration of permit applications. In June, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the companion bill, H.R. 1687, introduced by U.S. Representative Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho). The bill now awaits action in the Senate. Both traditional and enhanced geothermal technologies offer unique advantages that are distinguishing from other forms of energy, including the ability to be deployed nationwide, match local demand, and create pathways to high-paying jobs. In addition to generating electricity, geothermal heat can be used for district heating, industrial processes, mineral production, and aquaculture and agricultural applications. ​",1,2026-07-18T06:58:50Z,2026-07-18T07:00:34Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-at-executive-session-to-consider-itc-nominations,Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Consider ITC Nominations,2026-07-14,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at an executive session to consider the nominations of Brett Doyle; David Foley, Jr.; Peter-Anthony Pappas; Bartholomew Thanhauser and Samuel Negatu to be Commissioners of the International Trade Commission. As prepared for delivery: “We meet today to consider favorably reporting the nominations of the following individuals to serve as Commissioners of the United States International Trade Commission: Brett Doyle, David Foley, Peter-Anthony Pappas, Bart Thanhauser and Samuel Negatu. “At this session, members will have the opportunity to offer remarks on the nominees, and we plan to vote on the nominees off the Senate floor later today. “At the nomination hearing, the view that the ITC is a highly valued, independent, nonpartisan, quasi-judicial agency of immense help to the members of this Congress was broadly emphasized. “While the ITC may be a small agency, its deep knowledge and committed career staff provide an outsized positive impact on maintaining U.S. competitiveness across the world. “The ITC can function best when it has a full slate of Commissioners to lead it. “Together, these Commissioners work to ensure our trade laws are administered fairly, provide Congress with objective analysis and help maintain a level playing field for American farmers, manufacturers, innovators and workers. “At their hearing, each of these nominees demonstrated an appreciation for that responsibility and their commitment to carry out the Commission's mission with integrity and independence. “I am voting in favor of each nominee and encourage my colleagues to do the same.” ###",1,2026-07-17T07:15:58Z,2026-07-17T07:17:05Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/finance-committee-advances-itc-nominations,Finance Committee Advances ITC Nominations,2026-07-14,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Finance Committee advanced the nominations of Brett Doyle by a vote of 21-6; David Foley, Jr. by a vote of 21-6; Peter-Anthony Pappas by a vote of 21-6; Bartholomew Thanhauser by a vote of 27-0; and Samuel Negatu by a vote of 25-2, each to be a Commissioner of the International Trade Commission. Following the vote, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the statement below: “I commend the Committee’s action and congratulate each nominee. “The International Trade Commission’s work to investigate unfair trade practices and provide Congress and the Administration with quality analysis of trade issues is critical, and a full slate of Commissioners will help it accomplish those missions. “I am confident in each nominee’s ability to serve Americans’ best interest and look forward to their confirmation by the full Senate.” Executive session information can be found HERE. Read Chairman Crapo’s full statement at the nomination hearing HERE, and his statement at the executive session HERE. ###",1,2026-07-17T07:15:58Z,2026-07-17T07:17:05Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-on-the-passing-of-lindsey-graham,Crapo Statement on the Passing of Lindsey Graham,2026-07-12,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement on the sudden passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina): “For most of my public service in Congress, I had the privilege of calling Lindsey Graham not only a colleague in both the House and Senate, but a loyal and generous friend. He was a formidable public servant who held the line on issues important to him and South Carolinians with unwavering courage. As an Air Force veteran and foreign policy hawk, he traveled the world demonstrating America’s strength and resolve. To our nation’s allies, he was a friend. To our adversaries, he was unflinching. Lindsey was a staunch conservative, and he shepherded the Senate Budget Committee through the critical steps of the budget reconciliation process. His work put more money in Americans’ pockets and kept our homeland safe. On the Senate Judiciary Committee, he safeguarded the federal judiciary and conducted much needed oversight. Senator Graham enriched the lives of those of us who knew him. He will be deeply missed, and I offer my sincere condolences to his family, staff and other loved ones during this difficult time.” ###",1,2026-07-13T08:14:37Z,2026-07-13T08:15:42Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-backed-housing-legislation-becomes-law,Crapo-Backed Housing Legislation Becomes Law,2026-07-11,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--On the heels of releasing a final report of his 2025 Housing Survey, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) celebrated the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becoming law. “Today marks an important step forward to restoring the American Dream of homeownership for families in Idaho and across the country,” said Crapo. “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act takes meaningful action to address affordability challenges by reducing unnecessary federal red tape, expanding housing opportunities, modernizing outdated programs for the first time in over 30 years and encouraging the development of more affordable housing options—all without spending a single federal dollar. More work remains, and I will use the feedback from my 2025 Housing Survey to continue to guide further actions in the Senate to strengthen housing opportunities for Idahoans.” As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, Crapo played a key role in shaping the comprehensive reforms package. The Senator led or co-sponsored several provisions included in the final housing bill, including: The Housing Supply Expansion Act would modernize the federal definition of “manufactured housing” to include modular or prefabricated homes built without a permanent chassis, expanding consumer access to more efficient and cost-effective designs. The Rural Housing Services Reform Act would modernize and streamline the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service to improve homeownership opportunities in rural areas. The Reducing Homelessness through Program Reform Act would cut red tape and encourage local solutions to address homelessness, including reforms to the Housing Choice Voucher Program and improved coordination among local entities to deliver integrated support. The Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act would permanently exclude veterans’ disability payments from annual income for housing assistance eligibility under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. The Helping More Families Save Act would create a pilot escrow account program to automatically enroll families in HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. The Housing Supply Frameworks Act directs HUD to develop best practice frameworks for zoning and land-use policies, helping communities identify and overcome barriers to housing development. ###",1,2026-07-12T07:28:31Z,2026-07-12T07:30:18Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/trump-accounts-create-financial-opportunity,Trump Accounts Create Financial Opportunity,2026-07-06,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Trump Accounts were officially activated over the weekend, allowing parents, guardians, friends and employers to begin contributing to these tax-advantaged savings accounts for enrolled children. As part of the launch, eligible children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, will receive an initial $1,000 seed contribution from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Established under the Working Families Tax Cuts law, Trump Accounts provide a tax-advantaged way for families to save for a child’s future. About 6 million children have already been enrolled, with 1.4 million who qualify for the initial $1,000 Treasury contribution. Through an initiative championed by First Lady Melania Trump, foster children in participating states, including Idaho, may also have accounts opened on their behalf, helping expand their financial opportunities. “Trump Accounts will give a generation of Idaho children a stronger financial start, helping them prepare for major milestones like attending college, buying their first home or building retirement savings,” said U.S. Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “Importantly, these accounts encourage financial literacy from an early age, equipping young people with the knowledge and habits to make smart financial decisions, achieve greater independence and contribute to Idaho’s economic success.” How it works: Parents or guardians create the accounts through the Trump Accounts website or app, or when filing their taxes Eligible accounts receive $1,000 from the U.S. Treasury, plus any eligible philanthropic and other governmental contributions Friends, families and employers can contribute up to $5,000 per year, adjusted for inflation The money is invested in low-cost index funds that typically grow year after year When the child turns 18, they can continue saving for retirement or make withdrawals for eligible purposes, like furthering their education or purchasing a first home What they are saying: “Trump Accounts represent a significant national effort to strengthen the financial future of America’s children, and Idaho is proud to support that priority. This program gives families, employers, and communities another way to invest in long-term financial success and build a stronger foundation for Idaho’s next generation.” – Idaho Governor Brad Little “As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, this investment is about helping children build a strong foundation for future opportunity while supporting the workforce and communities that will shape U.S. semiconductor leadership. We appreciate President Trump and Secretary Bessent for establishing these accounts, which give Micron another meaningful way to support children and families as they plan for the future.” – Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra “Fostering the Future Accounts give foster children the same chance for asset ownership and long-term wealth building as every other American child. By investing in our foster youth now, we help strengthen America’s workforce, communities, and economic future.” – First Lady Melania Trump Click HERE to read Chairman Crapo’s recent column on Trump Accounts. Click HERE to learn more about the Working Families Tax Cuts’ creation of Trump Accounts. Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts. ###",1,2026-07-10T08:20:04Z,2026-07-10T08:21:18Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-on-the-250th-anniversary-of-american-independence/,Risch on the 250th Anniversary of American Independence,2026-07-04,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Risch (R-Idaho) shared the following statement on the 250th anniversary of American independence: “America is the greatest nation in the world. Not by a little bit, but by a whole lot. For 250 years, the United States has stood as a beacon of freedom, opportunity, perseverance, and innovation. This American spirit is alive and well, especially in my home state of Idaho,” said Risch. “As we celebrate 250 years of Independence, we must remember the sacrifices made to secure it and recommit ourselves to the ideals that have defined our great nation for centuries: freedom, faith, hard work, equality, and the Rule of Law. “Vicki and I wish Idahoans and all Americans a safe and joyful Independence Day!” Watch Sen. Risch’s message to Idahoans celebrating America 250 here. ​",1,2026-07-07T08:20:12Z,2026-07-07T08:22:09Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-launches-idaho-service-spotlight-to-recognize-outstanding-idahoans/,Risch Launches Idaho Service Spotlight to Recognize Outstanding Idahoans,2026-07-03,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today, on the 136thanniversary of Idaho statehood, announced the launch of the Idaho Service Spotlight, a new biweekly recognition of individuals whose exceptional courage, leadership, and sacrifice make a lasting difference in their communities. “Idaho is the greatest state in the nation because of the outstanding people who call it home,” said Risch. “Whether they are a veteran, first responder, community leader, or volunteer, these Idahoans embody the values that have defined our state for 136 years. I am proud to launch the Idaho Service Spotlight and recognize the individuals and organizations who keep the Gem State a special place to live and raise a family.” Honorees will be recognized for their contributions to the Gem State in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate and highlighted on Senator Risch’s social media accounts. Follow @SenatorRisch on X/Twitter and Instagram and @SenatorJimRisch on Facebook. Senator Risch’s office partners with community members to identify potential awardees. Awardees must reside in and serve Idaho with emphasis placed on those with significant or longstanding records of service. To nominate an individual for the Idaho Service Spotlight, please contact one of Senator Risch’s regional offices at www.risch.senate.gov. ​",1,2026-07-04T07:41:55Z,2026-07-04T07:42:45Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/celebrating-one-year-of-republican-tax-relief,Celebrating One Year of Republican Tax Relief,2026-07-03,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—One year ago, Republicans enacted the landmark Working Families Tax Cuts that not only provided historic tax relief for working-class Americans but also made permanent critical pro-growth tax policies that have increased domestic investment and boosted economic growth. The landmark legislation is helping small businesses grow; rewarding the working class; delivering relief for tipped workers and seniors; investing in rural health care and communities; expanding educational opportunities; helping the next generation build wealth; and so much more. Read on to see how hardworking Americans are benefiting from the Working Families Tax Cuts one year after enactment. Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts. Post Register: One year of Republican tax relief Opinion by U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) From our nation’s beginning, taxes have played a critical role in Americans’ daily lives. Indeed, a series of disputes over unfair taxes contributed to our American Revolution. As we celebrate our independence, Idahoans can also celebrate more opportunities and greater economic prosperity thanks to the enactment of the Working Families Tax Cuts on July 4 last year. When crafting this legislation, my Republican colleagues and I had several goals. Preventing a more-than $4 trillion tax hike on virtually every American was non-negotiable. However, we also wanted to provide new tax relief to families and seniors, and we needed to unleash the productivity of the private sector by providing certainty in our tax code. One year in, the Working Families Tax Cuts are working. This tax filing season, over 62 million Americans—more than 40 percent of all filers—took advantage of President Trump’s signature new tax relief provisions. Over 7.5 million workers claimed no tax on tips, more than 29 million workers benefited from no tax on overtime, and more than 35 million seniors received an average additional deduction of over $7,500. Additionally, 6 million children and counting are registered for Trump Accounts, with 1.4 million qualifying for an initial government-funded $1,000 contribution, offering an entire generation an opportunity to build financial security and learn about personal finance. Altogether, hardworking Americans kept more of their money this tax filing season, and millions of people got more money back. Over $320 billion was refunded to taxpayers—an 18 percent increase from the last filing season—with an average refund of nearly $3,300. And even the average refund amount does not tell the whole story; many working-class Idahoans who owed money when filing in prior years instead received a refund this year. In addition to helping people keep more of what they earn, the law is helping them earn more by encouraging economic growth. More than 150,000 Idaho small businesses now have increased confidence thanks to a permanent, pro-growth 20 percent tax deduction and millions more nationwide. Estimates find permanence will create 1.2 million jobs annually and boost small-business GDP by $750 billion over the next decade. The permanent restoration of full expensing for U.S. research and development is supporting domestic innovation and growth. The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council recently reported that over three-quarters of small businesses are already directly benefiting from the law. Investment in new equipment and facilities has accelerated and businesses are hiring. The Working Families Tax Cuts also achieved a historic $1.5 trillion in savings by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse from mandatory spending programs. Commonsense, past-due reforms to Medicaid, like work requirements for able-bodied adults and protections against non-citizens receiving taxpayer-subsidized coverage, will ensure funds are available for those who truly need them. Of course, health coverage is only helpful when you can access care providers, which can be difficult in communities dealing with low patient volumes, staff shortages and outdated technologies. The $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program is helping state and local leaders make targeted investments that will allow rural providers to keep serving our communities for years to come. Idaho already received $186 million this year and could receive almost $930 million over the life of the program. The law is helping Americans build a stronger future, as the initial results—more money in Idahoans’ pockets, a booming economy and increased access to health care—are making clear. As we remember our past this Independence Day, we can also look ahead with increased optimism thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts. ###",1,2026-07-10T08:20:04Z,2026-07-10T08:21:18Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-encourages-community-lenders-to-apply-for-cdfi-funding-following-omb-release-of-grant-applications,Crapo Encourages Community Lenders to Apply for CDFI Funding Following OMB Release of Grant Applications,2026-07-02,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) encourages Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) lenders in Idaho and across the country to apply promptly for federal funding after the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released long-awaited Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) and application materials for the CDFI Fund's Bank Enterprise Award (BEA) and Small Dollar Loan (SDL) programs. The OMB released application materials Tuesday following a June letter led by Senators Mike Crapo, Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) and eight additional Senate colleagues urging the Office to make the funding opportunities available without further delay. The notices provide approximately one month for applications. CDFI lenders use BEA and SDL resources to expand access to capital and financial services in rural and underserved communities. “CDFIs play a vital role in strengthening Idaho's rural communities by providing access to capital for small businesses, homeownership and other local investments that might not otherwise be available through the traditional finance sector,” said Crapo. “The release of these funding opportunities is an important step toward ensuring CDFI lenders can continue serving rural and underserved communities as intended. Eligible Idaho lenders should apply right away so these resources can help support local businesses, families and economic growth.” Established in 1994, the CDFI Fund enables certified lenders to leverage federal dollars with private-sector investment to bring much-needed financial resources to low-income and rural regions. These lenders use public and private partnerships to finance small businesses, affordable housing and essential community services. Crapo and Hyde-Smith led the June effort urging OMB Director Russell Vought to release BEA and SDL NOFAs. Ten Senators signed the letter noting 80 percent of BEA funds are distributed to rural banks and used to back billions in loans and investments to support small businesses, housing and economic development in underserved areas. “We cannot express how strongly we believe the failure to immediately release the FY 2025 BEA and SDL NOFAs and application materials will result in the CDFI Fund having insufficient time to process applications and award funds. Such a situation risks preventable harm to the communities that the BEA and SDL were established by Congress to serve,” the Senators wrote. Additional letter signatories included Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-Louisiana), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi). Find 2026 funding opportunity information for the BEA Program here and the SDL Program here. Background: Senator Crapo is the co-chair of the Senate Community Development Finance Caucus. He is the co-lead of the Scaling Community Lenders Act, which would unlock more sources of liquidity and support for CDFIs. He is also a co-sponsor of the Access to Fair Financing for Opportunity and Resilient Development Act, which would strengthen the CDFI Fund and provide added transparency over its operations. Senator Crapo is also the co-sponsor of the CDFI Fund Transparency Act, which would require the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury to testify annually before the Senate Banking and House Financial Services Committees regarding operations of the CDFI Fund during the previous fiscal year. ###",1,2026-07-03T08:00:00Z,2026-07-03T08:01:30Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/idaho-delegation-submits-time-capsule-items-for-americas-250th-anniversary,Idaho Delegation Submits Time Capsule Items for America’s 250th Anniversary,2026-07-02,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Idaho’s U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, and U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, submitted a collection of historic items for the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule. As the United States marks 250 years of independence, the selected items reflect the unique ingenuity, productivity and pioneering spirit that shape the Gem State and continue to influence the future of the nation. ""Idaho is honored to contribute items that tell the story of our state’s rich past and forward-looking leadership,"" said Senator Crapo. ""Together, these symbols represent the enduring efforts of Idahoans to lead our nation into the next 250 years through tribal cultural traditions, agricultural production, scientific research, energy innovation and advanced semiconductor manufacturing."" “For generations, Idahoans have embodied the values that make this country great: faith, hard work, grit, and self-reliance. From our potato farmers feeding the nation to our advancements in semiconductors and nuclear energy driving innovation, Idaho is leading the way to a stronger and more prosperous America,” said Senator Risch. “As we celebrate America 250, I’m proud to recognize a few of Idaho’s significant contributions to the United States through this time capsule. We live in the greatest state in the greatest nation in the world, and I am confident that will continue for another 250 years and beyond.” ""I am thrilled to join my Idaho colleagues in celebrating 250 years of American independence through the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule,” said Representative Fulcher. “From our rich agricultural roots to our leadership in energy innovation and advanced manufacturing, the items we contributed reflect the trailblazing spirit and hardworking communities that define the Gem State. It’s an honor to share them with future generations of Americans 250 years from now.” “As we prepare to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday, I am honored to participate in the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule alongside my colleagues from Idaho,” said Representative Simpson. “Our contributions include some of the very best that the Gem State has to offer, and I am confident that future generations will appreciate Idaho's rich heritage. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I look forward to celebrating America’s 250th.” “Participating in this time capsule allows the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to leave a meaningful message for future generations,” said Shoshone-Bannock Chairwoman Donna Thompson. “The items we selected reflect our culture, history, and community in 2026, from our beadwork to stories preserved in our Tribal newspaper and historical publications. Each piece honors our ancestors and preserves our identity. We hope that when the capsule is opened, people will see a nation proud of its heritage, committed to its traditions, and dedicated to a strong future for our people.” “The Nez Perce Tribe was honored to contribute a copy of the Nez Perce Treaty of 1855 and a patch featuring our Tribal logo alongside the U.S flag to the time capsule,” said Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee Chairman Samuel N. Penney. “Together, these items demonstrate and symbolize the enduring history, legacy, and the government-to-government relationship between the United States and the Nez Perce Tribe. We hope future generations who open this capsule will recognize and appreciate the significance of this lasting relationship.” ""The Idaho potato industry is honored that Spuddy Buddy, Idaho's beloved potato mascot, is included in the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule, representing Idaho’s most iconic crop and the rich agricultural heritage of our state,"" said Jamey Higham, CEO, Idaho Potato Commission. ""Two hundred and fifty years ago, America's founders could not have imagined the atom, let alone its power,” said John Wagner, Director of the Idaho National Laboratory. “The coin in this capsule comes from the high desert of Idaho, where the United States first proved that the atom could power a nation — and where, today, the next chapter of nuclear energy is being written. INL is proud to carry that legacy forward — testing, validating, and demonstrating the advanced reactors that will define the next era of American energy leadership.” “For more than four decades, Micron has proudly called Idaho home, and our roots in Boise continue to shape who we are as a company,” said Sanjay Mehrotra, Chairman, President, and CEO of Micron Technology. “From this foundation, we are advancing cutting-edge memory and storage innovations that power the AI-driven future and strengthen U.S. technology leadership. It is an honor to contribute to this time capsule and celebrate Idaho’s enduring spirit of innovation as we help build the next 250 years of American ingenuity.” The delegation submitted the following items to represent the foundational pillars of Idaho’s identity: Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock and Coeur d’Alene Tribal Items: Recognizing that Idaho’s history and identity are inseparable from the Native American Tribes that have called the region home since long before statehood, these items honor the resilience, cultural legacy and continuing contributions of Idaho’s Tribal Nations. ""Spuddy Buddy"" Plush: Idaho potatoes are synonymous with quality and American farming excellence. As the nation’s leading potato producer, this item symbolizes the hard work, resilience and stewardship of the land that defines Idaho’s vital agricultural sector. Generations of Idahoans work in the agriculture industry, and their work feeds our nation and the world. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Challenge Coin: The INL represents Idaho’s longstanding leadership in scientific discovery and energy innovation. The coin highlights a legacy that began with generating the world's first usable nuclear electricity in 1951 and continues today with the recent historic criticality milestone of the Antares microreactor. Micron HBM4 Chip: As the most advanced memory chip in the world in 2026, this item represents Boise-based Micron Technology’s role in a strategically vital industry: semiconductor manufacturing and research and development. The chip underscores Idaho’s leadership in high-tech innovation, artificial intelligence and national security at a time Micron is making historic investments in its Boise campus. Together, these items contribute to the story of Idaho. The Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule will be sealed as part of the nation's 250th-anniversary celebrations, preserving these symbols of Idaho’s past, present and future for generations of Americans to come. The time capsule is not expected to be opened until 2276. ###",1,2026-07-03T08:00:00Z,2026-07-03T08:01:30Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/idaho-to-receive-496-million-in-pilt-funding-for-community-services,Idaho to Receive $49.6 Million in PILT Funding for Community Services,2026-07-01,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) announced 44 local governments in Idaho will receive a total of about $49.6 million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding for 2026. Since local governments cannot tax federal lands, annual PILT payments help cover the costs associated with maintaining community services. ""Idaho's counties are responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, and dependable PILT funding helps them meet community service demands,"" said Crapo. ""These payments help local governments make long-term investments in roads, emergency services and other essential priorities while recognizing the economic realities created by federal land ownership. I will continue advocating for policies that give Idaho's rural communities the certainty and resources they need to succeed."" “Every Idaho county contains federal land, making PILT funding critical to maintaining the roads and essential services Idahoans rely on each day,” said Risch. “These payments ensure Idaho’s rural communities can offset the loss of revenue from nontaxable federal land.” Crapo and Risch have been long-term proponents of ensuring the long-term viability of the PILT program. The U.S. Department of the Interior collects billions of dollars of revenue annually from commercial activities on public lands. A portion of those revenues is shared with states and counties. The balance is deposited into the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which, in turn, pays for a broad array of federal activities, including PILT funding. Payments are calculated based on the number of acres of federal land within each county or jurisdiction and the population of that county or jurisdiction. A full list of funding by state and county is available HERE. ###",1,2026-07-02T06:20:02Z,2026-07-02T06:21:32Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/working-families-tax-cuts-deliver-expanded-educational-opportunity,Working Families Tax Cuts Deliver Expanded Educational Opportunity,2026-07-01,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—The Working Families Tax Cuts delivered one of the largest expansions of education freedom in history, providing new tax benefits to families that will help with educational opportunity and affordability. Through the newly created Education Freedom Tax Credit, taxpayers are eligible for a credit up to $1,700 for qualified contributions made to organizations that fund scholarships for low- and middle-income students, helping families afford costs associated with elementary and secondary education. By incentivizing these contributions, the new tax credit will make school choice programs more accessible, giving families more schooling options. “Education is best overseen by the people closest to every student, and the Education Freedom Tax Credit makes school choice more accessible to those who understand a child’s needs best—their parents,” said U.S. Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “Through this new provision and others, the Working Families Tax Cuts are helping ensure every Idaho student has the educational foundation necessary to succeed.” The Department of the Treasury recently previewed forthcoming guidance to prepare states, taxpayers and other stakeholders for the launch of the Education Freedom Tax Credit in January 2027. You can read Treasury’s announcement HERE. In its Education Freedom Tax Credit fact sheet (located HERE), Treasury notes that scholarships can be used to cover education-related services at private or public schools, including tuition, fees, academic tutoring and classroom supplies Other key education wins in the Working Families Tax Cuts: Expanded 529 plan eligibility to include expenses for vocational schools and apprenticeship programs Doubled the amount families can withdraw annually from 529 plans to pay for K-12 education Made permanent a tax exclusion for employers that help repay their employees’ student loans What they are saying: “Every family deserves access to the education that’s right for their child, and every governor who has pledged to act once the rules were clear must now do exactly that. The time to opt in is now. AFC will continue to stand with parents seeking this life-changing opportunity.” – American Federation for Children CEO Tommy Schultz “Opting in on this opportunity will benefit every student and family in Idaho, no matter what their educational choices may be. This is a chance to give Idahoans more—more support, more resources, and more options—without taking away from what we already have.” – Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield Click HERE to learn more about how the Working Families Tax Cuts encourage school choice. Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts. ###",1,2026-07-18T06:58:50Z,2026-07-18T07:00:34Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-supports-supreme-court-ruling-upholding-idaho-womens-sports-law,Crapo Supports Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Idaho Women's Sports Law,2026-06-30,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court of the United States decision upholding Idaho's Title IX law protecting women's sports: ""Title IX was established to ensure fairness for women and girls in sports. Idaho led the nation by passing the first law to protect equal athletic opportunities based on biological sex, and I joined the Idaho delegation in leading an amicus brief in support of that law. The SCOTUS ruling on Little v. Hecox today upholds Idaho’s efforts to stand firm against attempts to dismantle the integrity of women's sports and Title IX protections.""",1,2026-07-01T06:34:07Z,2026-07-01T06:35:35Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-applauds-supreme-court-ruling-upholding-idaho-womens-sports-case/,Risch Applauds Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Idaho Women’s Sports Case,2026-06-30,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today released the following statement on the Supreme Court of the United States decision upholding Idaho’s Title IX law protecting women’s sports. “Today’s ruling is a major victory for women, fairness, and the Gem State. Idaho was the first state in the nation to ban biological men from competing in women’s sports and uphold the opportunities Title IX promised more than 50 years ago. The Supreme Court’s decision affirms those protections and the generations of women who fought for fair, equal athletics,” said Risch. “Our daughters and granddaughters deserve an even playing field, and the Supreme Court has delivered.” “This has been an amazing journey. I said from the very beginning that it would end up at the Supreme Court, and when it did, I was privileged enough to sit in that courtroom and listen,” said Idaho State Rep. Barbara Ehardt (R-Idaho Falls), author of Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. “I expected my legislation, and thus Title IX, to be upheld as it should be. Opportunities for girls and women should never be confused with male feelings! I have been so grateful for all of those who have stood with me, especially Senator Risch. He has proceeded to champion this at Congress and that really means so much to me.” Senator Risch has been a leader in preserving fairness in women’s sports and Title IX. Risch led a bicameral amicus brief to the Supreme Court last year in support of Idaho’s law. He has introduced the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act and the Fair Play for Girls Act, and has urged the International Olympic Committee, National Collegiate Athletic Association, Mountain West Conference, and National Governors Association individually to adopt policies that prohibit biological men from participating in women’s sports. ###",1,2026-07-01T06:34:07Z,2026-07-01T06:35:35Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-at-hearing-on-itc-nominees,Crapo Statement at Hearing on ITC Nominees,2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing to consider nominees for the International Trade Commission. As prepared for delivery: “Before us today are five bipartisan individuals nominated to serve as Commissioners at the U.S. International Trade Commission, or ITC. “They are David Foley, Jr. of Virginia, a Republican nominee; Brett Doyle of Connecticut, also a Republican nominee; Peter-Anthony Pappas of New Jersey, our final Republican nominee; Bart Thanhauser of New York, a Democratic nominee; and finally, Samuel Negatu of the District of Columbia, a Democratic nominee. “Thank you all for appearing today. “The important work of the International Trade Commission requires the full complement of its commissioners. Filling these positions is long overdue. “The ITC serves a unique role as an independent, nonpartisan, quasi-judicial federal agency. Specifically, the Commission has three key trade-related missions. “First, the ITC is central to trade enforcement. The Commission’s import injury and unfair import investigations protect domestic industry by ensuring a level playing field. “Second, the ITC provides Congress and the Administration with independent, high-quality economic analysis of trade issues including tariffs, competitiveness and the impacts of international trade agreements. “Third, the ITC maintains the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, which is critical to facilitating lawful trade and ensuring enforcement of customs duties. “It is important to note that the ITC would be unable to meet this vital mission without its incredibly dedicated and deeply knowledgeable career staff who continue to navigate sustained high levels of investigations. “A full slate of Commissioners will further support the ITC’s mission. “Thank you again to our nominees for their time today.” ###",1,2026-06-26T06:29:35Z,2026-06-26T06:31:46Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-moran-rosen-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-consolidate-national-guard-duty-statuses,"Crapo, Risch, Moran, Rosen Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Consolidate National Guard Duty Statuses",2026-06-24,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) joined Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) and Jacky Rosen (D-Neveda) to introduce the bipartisan Duty Status Reform Act to make comprehensive reforms to the National Guard by consolidating and streamlining the duty status framework. ""National Guard members answer the call whenever their communities, states or nation need them, and they should not have to navigate an overly complicated administrative system while doing so,"" said Crapo. ""The Duty Status Reform Act streamlines an outdated framework, improves readiness and helps ensure Guard members receive consistent pay, benefits and support regardless of the mission they are performing. This bipartisan legislation would better align policy with the realities of today's National Guard and the critical missions it performs."" “The Idaho National Guard is always ready, always there to protect our communities, respond to crises, and defend our nation,” said Risch. “The Duty Status Reform Act makes commonsense administrative changes to remove outdated and burdensome red tape and ensure the men and women of our National Guard receive the pay and benefits they have earned.” “The men and women of the National Guard in Kansas and across the country play a critical role in serving our communities and defending our nation,” said Moran. “As the Guard’s mission has evolved, the duty status system has become increasingly complex. This legislation will simplify the structure and strengthen the Guard’s ability to carry out its missions by standardizing pay and benefits, bolstering readiness and better supporting those who serve.” “Duty Status Reform is a necessary overhaul to antiquated administrative systems that have negatively impacted our Reserve and National Guard servicemembers' quality of life and readiness,” said Rosen. “That’s why I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to cut through the red tape by simplifying the duty status structure from nearly 30 statuses down to four so the reserve component will receive timely and equitable pay and benefits without preventable delays or disruption. This legislation ensures the reserve component receives fair and equitable treatment when answering the call to service at a moment’s notice.” The bill is also co-sponsored by Senators Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) and Cory Booker (D-New Jersey). Representatives Gil Cisneros (D-California) and Jack Bergman (R-Michigan) are leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Specifically, the Duty Status Reform Act would: Standardize pay and benefits; Improve deployment readiness by clearly outlining mission eligibility requirements; Provide servicemembers and commanders with greater clarity on the duties servicemembers can perform before extensions are required; Ease transitions as servicemembers move from one status to another; and Improve consistency in veterans’ benefits eligibility for Guard members by reducing disparities resulting from differing duty statuses. The legislation would create four duty statuses: Category 1: Active Duty – war, national emergency, disaster response, cyber/WMD events, presidential call-ups and pre-planned missions. Category 2: Active Duty – disciplinary jurisdiction, missing status, required active-duty training and Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) functions. Category 3: Reserve Component Duty – required annual training, musters, Inactive Duty Training (IDT)-like duties and additional training with consent. Category 4: Remote Assignments – flexible tasks, online learning and individually assigned non-supervised duties. Full text of the legislation can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-06-25T06:30:03Z,2026-06-25T06:31:21Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/working-families-tax-cuts-help-rural-communities-grow,Working Families Tax Cuts Help Rural Communities Grow,2026-06-24,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Rural communities in Idaho and across the country are benefiting not just from the widespread tax relief provided by the Working Families Tax Cuts but also from a range of provisions targeted at America’s farms, ranches and small towns. From direct investments in rural health care to tax provisions that will help family farms continue producing for generations, the law is ensuring all communities, regardless of size, are provided with opportunities to succeed. “Rural communities across Idaho face unique challenges compared to those in more urban areas,” said U.S. Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “Republicans designed the Working Families Tax Cuts to help these communities grow and prosper, from helping farmers invest in new equipment and machinery, to ensuring their families can pass their land to the next generation, to expanding access to health care in remote areas. By investing in these communities and the families who call them home, we can create new opportunities, strengthen local economies and ensure they remain vibrant for years to come.” Key wins: Permanently establishes enhanced tax benefits for Rural Opportunity Zones, encouraging additional investments in qualifying rural areas Permanently doubles the death tax exemption so family farms can stay in the family Permanently restores full expensing for new farm equipment and vehicles Makes permanent a 20 percent deduction claimed by family farms, ranches and small businesses Allows banks to exclude a portion of interest income on rural and agricultural loans, helping them provide farmers and ranchers more affordable loans Creates the 5-year, $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program helping states invest in their rural health care delivery systems What they are saying: “The Working Families Tax Cuts are also the largest investment in rural America in history. And they are breathing new life and new opportunity into the heartland and into rural [areas] by giving them the relief and the support that they deserve.” – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins “Idaho is a mostly rural state, and we are grateful for the significant investments President Trump and Congress have committed to improving health care access, quality, and outcomes in rural Idaho and across the country.” – Idaho Governor Brad Little Click HERE to learn more about how the Working Families Tax Cuts support rural communities. Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts. ###",1,2026-06-25T06:30:03Z,2026-06-25T06:31:21Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-bill-to-promote-breast-cancer-awareness-education-among-young-women-advances-through-committee,"Crapo Bill to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness, Education Among Young Women Advances Through Committee",2026-06-23,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) to reauthorize the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act advanced unanimously through the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. The bill would extend the authorization of the EARLY Act through 2031, ensuring continuation of education and awareness efforts focused on breast cancer risks, prevention and early detection among young women. ""Early detection remains one of the most effective tools for improving health outcomes and saving lives,"" said Crapo. ""The EARLY Act has helped raise awareness of breast cancer risks among young women and encouraged preventive care and early screening when appropriate. Advancing this bipartisan legislation through committee is an important step toward continuing these efforts and ensuring women have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about their health."" First enacted in 2010, the EARLY Act directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct evidence-based public education campaigns to increase awareness of breast cancer risks, early detection and risk-reducing lifestyle choices among young women, particularly those under age 40. The law also supports research activities related to breast cancer prevention and educational efforts for physicians and other health care professionals involved in detecting and treating the disease. Crapo previously helped secure a five-year reauthorization of the EARLY Act, which was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2021. The current authorization is set to expire in 2026. The legislation now awaits consideration by the full Senate. Senator Crapo has long sought to align federal programs with preventive health goals aimed at reducing government expenditures on care and fostering a healthier nation. His Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act was signed into law earlier this year, directing Medicare to cover blood-based multi-cancer early detection screening tests and providing access to lifesaving, preventive care. ###",1,2026-06-25T06:30:03Z,2026-06-25T06:31:21Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/working-families-tax-cuts-encourage-self-reliance,Working Families Tax Cuts Encourage Self-Reliance,2026-06-18,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—While Medicaid was designed to benefit specific vulnerable populations—pregnant women, Americans with disabilities, low-income children and seniors—Obamacare distorted its intended purpose by incentivizing states to enroll and prioritize healthy adults. As a result, federal Medicaid spending has more than tripled since 2008, threatening the sustainability of the program. This expansion also hurt many low-income Americans by encouraging reliance on the federal government. The Working Families Tax Cuts strengthens and preserves Medicaid for those who need it most. Commonsense community engagement requirements call for able-bodied adult Medicaid recipients to meet the monthly work requirement through employment, education, work programs or community service for 80 hours a month. These new requirements are designed to protect taxpayers, encourage self-reliance and help lift Americans out of poverty. “Asking Medicaid recipients who can work, study or volunteer to do so for coverage is a commonsense policy that will strengthen the program’s long-term viability and encourage personal responsibility,” said U.S. Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “These long-overdue improvements will benefit truly vulnerable populations, while moving people from welfare to work and self-sufficiency.” The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released regulations to guide state-by-state implementation of the requirements before they go into effect on January 1 of next year, and the public can comment on the interim final rule through the end of July. According to the rule: Able-bodied adults without young dependents must work, participate in a work training program, enroll in school or volunteer for at least 20 hours per week to be eligible for taxpayer-subsidized Medicaid coverage. The law includes exceptions for those in situations that make it particularly hard to find work, such as participants in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. CMS’s rule provides standards for states on how to confirm enrollee eligibility and offers states discretion as they work to implement the requirements by January 1, 2027. CMS is also providing technical assistance and implementation funding opportunities to states. The policy could lift as many as 2.9 million people out of poverty by encouraging them to join the workforce. Case studies from welfare reform in the 1990s have shown that work requirements are a useful tool to encourage work as a pathway to self-reliance. What they are saying: “The Working Families Tax Cut[s] made historic changes to the Medicaid program, and CMS is working closely with states to put those changes into action. This rule helps Americans build skills and independence through work, education, job training, or community service, creating new opportunities for themselves and their families.” – Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz “Much of the discussion surrounding work requirements focuses on coverage effects while ignoring the benefits of increased employment, earnings, and self-sufficiency. Evidence suggests that well-designed work requirements can promote economic independence.” – Paragon Health Institute President Brian Blase Click HERE to learn more about CMS’s implementation of the Working Families Tax Cuts’ new work requirements. Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts. ###",1,2026-06-19T06:50:32Z,2026-06-19T06:53:40Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-bills-to-bolster-public-lands-idaho-water-advance-to-senate-floor/,"Risch Bills to Bolster Public Lands, Idaho Water Advance to Senate Floor",2026-06-18,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) celebrated the passage of his legislation to strengthen Idaho’s public lands, address important water infrastructure, and increase wildfire mitigation through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The three bills now await action by the full Senate. “There is no question that Idahoans care deeply about our public lands and water systems. The responsible, commonsense bills passed out of committee will help maintain our public lands, prevent critical water infrastructure from falling into disrepair, and mitigate wildfire risk,” said Risch. “I urge the Senate to pass them quickly so these treasured resources can continue serving Idahoans for generations to come.” Senator Risch’s Urban Canal Modernization Act, S. 2753, would allow states to use Bureau of Reclamation aging infrastructure funding to help address repairs for urban canals with extraordinary maintenance issues, like the New York Canal in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. The Wildfire Prevention Act, S. 140, introduced by Senators Risch and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), would cut red tape hindering forest management projects and increase the use of existing resources, like grazing, for wildfire mitigation. While the bill includes a provision to nullify the 2001 Roadless Rule, Idaho and Colorado’s state-specific rules are exempt.",1,2026-06-19T06:50:32Z,2026-06-19T06:53:40Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-leads-request-for-idaho-based-veteran-business-outreach-center/,Risch Leads Request for Idaho-Based Veteran Business Outreach Center,2026-06-16,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) sent a letter to Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler requesting a Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) be established in Idaho to provide entrepreneurial support to veterans, service members, and military spouses. “Idaho is home to more than 120,000 veterans and 12,000 veteran-owned businesses. [. . .] These veterans and small business owners deserve a dedicated, in-state resource with a deep understanding of Idaho’s unique economic environment and the challenges veterans face,” Risch wrote. “The Gem State supports a robust military population across installations statewide, including Mountain Home Air Force Base and the Idaho National Guard’s Gowen Field. Opening an Idaho-based VBOC will improve the SBA’s outreach, counseling, and business training for Gem State veterans, reducing barriers to entrepreneurship and providing them resources to achieve self-sufficiency.” Idaho was previously served by the Washington-based Pacific Northwest Regional VBOC. Risch, a current member and former chairman of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, is a steadfast advocate for veterans and local entrepreneurs. Risch has led efforts to ensure these Idahoans have full access to their earned benefits and federal resources for long-term success. Read the full letter here. ​",1,2026-06-17T06:49:24Z,2026-06-17T06:50:53Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-joins-cornyn-senate-gop-colleagues-to-introduce-bill-to-increase-protections-for-firearms-industry-against-frivolous-lawsuits,"Crapo Joins Cornyn, Senate GOP Colleagues to Introduce Bill to Increase Protections for Firearms Industry Against Frivolous Lawsuits",2026-06-15,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) and 14 of their Senate Republican colleagues to introduce the Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts (SHOT) Act, which would strengthen the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to better protect the firearms industry from frivolous lawsuits brought by anti-gun groups. “Litigious activists should not be allowed to bankrupt lawful businesses for crimes they did not commit,” said Crapo. “The SHOT Act would reinforce Congress’s original intent by strengthening federal protections for members of the firearms industry, stopping meritless lawsuits and preventing costly legal abuse.” “I am a proud supporter of the PLCAA, which protects our firearms industry from the constant onslaught of frivolous attacks by the Radical Left, progressive officials and rogue activist judges,” said Cornyn. “This legislation would strengthen the PLCAA to ensure it can continue to defend law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights against anti-gun groups’ evolving tactics, and I urge the Senate to bring it to the floor for a vote as soon as possible.” The bill is also co-sponsored by Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), John Curtis (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) and Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana). Representative Derek Schmidt (R-Kansas) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Background Congress passed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) 20 years ago to stop frivolous lawsuits brought by radical anti-gun groups against the firearms industry. These lawsuits, premised solely on the actions of third parties who misuse firearms in a manner beyond the industry’s control, sought to bankrupt the firearms industry. In response, the PLCAA provided the firearms industry with basic immunity protections from frivolous suits that many other American industries enjoy. What current challenges exist for the firearms industry with the PLCAA? Unfortunately, the plain text of the PLCAA has been ignored and its protections chipped away. For example, in Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos, Mexico filed a lawsuit against firearms manufacturers alleging they caused cartel violence. The District Court judge hearing the case quickly dismissed the suit under the PLCAA, but a panel of liberal judges on the First Circuit ignored the PLCAA’s text and reversed the lower court, necessitating the Supreme Court’s involvement. While a unanimous Supreme Court emphatically dismissed the suit, the entire charade cost firearms manufacturers an exorbitant amount in legal fees. What would the SHOT Act do? The Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts (SHOT) Act would address the anti-gun lobby’s tactics that undermine the PLCAA’s protections by establishing new provisions under the law that would: Delineate a standardized process for removing and dismissing baseless actions brought against the firearms industry; Require complaints premised on an exception to the PLCAA’s protections to be pled with particularity, including providing the facts necessary to establish scienter and proximate cause; Create an interlocutory appeal as of right for industry defendants if a motion to dismiss based on the PLCAA’s protections is denied; Grant a defendant who asserts immunity under the PLCAA and prevails attorneys’ fees and court costs; Clarify that the PLCAA’s protections preempt state or local laws; Make plain that foreign governments may not bring a qualified civil liability action against a defendant in U.S. federal or state courts; Update the definitions of a “qualified product” to include firearms accessories such as magazines and optical devices; Revise the definition of a “qualified civil liability action” to make clear that any claim premised on an exception to immunity requires the plaintiff to be directly injured by a defendant, and that nuisance or negligence claims do not qualify as an exception; and Expand the definition of a “seller” of a qualified product. The Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts (SHOT) Act is endorsed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). ###",1,2026-06-16T06:53:21Z,2026-06-16T06:55:02Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-welcomes-spring-and-summer-2026-interns,Crapo Welcomes Spring and Summer 2026 Interns,2026-06-12,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--Eleven interns joined U.S. Senator Mike Crapo’s (R-Idaho) Washington, D.C., and state offices for the spring and summer 2026 terms. “The young individuals joining my office for the summer term will gain firsthand experience during pivotal moments in Congress,” said Crapo. “They will actively engage with Idaho’s constituents, deepen their knowledge of the federal policymaking process and build essential professional skills for their future careers. It is a pleasure to welcome this talented group to the team, and I look forward to watching them succeed.” Five interns will serve in the Washington, D.C., office: David Favero is a political science and pre-law student at Brigham Young University. His goal as an intern is to gain a better understanding of the legislative process and Constitutional law. Blake Lindemann is currently studying political science, Hispanic studies and environmental economics and public policy at Montana State University. He hopes one day to work in environmental law to help clients harmed by environmental negligence. Judianne Kunst is a senior at Brigham Young University majoring in English. Her goal for her internship is to gain firsthand experience with the legislative process and learn how to become a political speechwriter. Jaden Howard recently graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a degree in social studies education. He is eager to learn more about the legislative process and plans to attend law school. Isabelle Monk is a senior at the University of Idaho pursuing a double major in marketing and public relations. Her goal is to challenge herself with new experiences in the hopes of growing both professionally and personally. Two interns will serve in the Boise office: Ava Evaro is a sophomore at Arizona State University currently studying political science. She will soon begin coursework to obtain a master’s degree in public policy in the future. Ellen Petersen recently graduated from Boise State University with a degree in sociology and a minor in legal studies. She hopes to further her studies by pursuing a law degree. Three interns will serve in the Lewiston office: Autum Martinez is a senior at Lewis-Clark State College majoring in justice studies with a pre-law minor. She plans on attending law school next year. Katherine Maisch is a sophomore at Lewis-Clark State College. She is currently majoring in political science with minors in Spanish and environmental and behavioral science. Tristan Hoffman is a student at Lewis-Clark State College pursuing a history major, with minors in Spanish and Communications. He gained new insight into this side of government and enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people. One intern will serve in the Idaho Falls office: Cooper Mitchell is a senior at Brigham Young University-Idaho, where he is studying public policy and administration. His long-term goal after graduation is to serve and represent the state of Idaho in Congress. Crapo hosts interns in his Washington, D.C., office as well as in the various regional offices throughout Idaho. The application deadline for the spring 2027 term is October 15, 2026. Students interested in positions for the spring, summer or fall semesters can find more information about the application process, internship expectations and deadlines for applying on the Senator's official website at: https://www.crapo.senate.gov/services/for-students/internships. ###",1,2026-06-13T06:32:19Z,2026-06-13T06:34:27Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/working-families-tax-cuts-reward-the-working-class,Working Families Tax Cuts Reward the Working Class,2026-06-12,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—The Working Families Tax Cuts not only prevented the largest tax hike in American history but also provided Americans with significant new tax relief. New figures from the U.S. Department of the Treasury show how new tax deductions and credits tied directly to wages, children, tips, overtime benefited millions of working-class Americans this filing season. Altogether, individual relief directly from the law put $82 billion back in Americans’ pockets. The largest benefits went to working-class families, as 96 percent of filers receiving a tax cut from one of President Trump’s signature tax relief provisions earned less than $200,000, and nearly 70 percent earned less than $100,000. “The vast majority of people receiving tax cuts thanks to Republican tax relief are from working- and middle-class households,” said U.S. Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “The Working Families Tax Cuts combine lower rates for all Americans with targeted deductions to ensure those who most need it can keep more of what they earn.” Key wins: Over 29 million filers claimed No Tax on Overtime, with an average deduction of over $3,100 75 percent had income less than $100,000 Over 7.5 million filers claimed No Tax on Tips, with an average deduction of over $7,000 90 percent had income less than $100,000 Nearly 40 million families claimed the enhanced Child Tax Credit, which is permanently doubled and expanded 65 percent had income less than $100,000 529 plans can now be used to pay for vocational schools and apprenticeship programs, not just traditional four-year colleges The maximum Employer-Provided Child Care Credit is increased from $150,000 to $500,000, increasing accessibility The enhanced Opportunity Zone program is now permanent, creating good-paying jobs in rural and developing communities What they are saying: “This analysis confirms President Trump’s tax policies deliver substantial tax cuts to hardworking Americans and provide greater relief and financial certainty to low- and middle-income households. Under President Trump, our federal tax code and system reflect the American people’s mandate to reject policies that punish success with tax hikes and embrace those that restore fairness, reward work, respect hard-earned paychecks, and reignite the American Dream.” – U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent “It does seem appropriate to declare passage of the bill as a clear victory for taxpayers. Tax refunds are larger this year than last year, and more Americans are receiving them … working families in particular are benefiting from these tax cuts.” – National Taxpayers Union Senior Policy Manager David Timmons Click HERE to learn more about how the law helped the working class this tax filing season. Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts. ###",1,2026-06-13T06:32:19Z,2026-06-13T06:34:27Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-joins-graham-to-introduce-legislation-to-combat-smash-and-grab-crimes,Crapo Joins Graham to Introduce Legislation to Combat ‘Smash-And-Grab’ Crimes,2026-06-10,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) to introduce the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act of 2026 to address the dangerously high number of “smash-and-grab” thefts targeting gun dealers by enhancing penalties for criminals who steal firearms from federally licensed firearms and ammunition dealers. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported that from 2021 to 2025, 4,046 FFL theft incidents were reported. During these incidents, criminals stole a total of 23,319 firearms from FFLs. “The frequency of firearm theft has risen dramatically in recent years, contributing to dangerous activity in the illegal markets,” said Crapo. “Tougher criminal penalties are needed to protect licensed firearm dealers, importers and manufacturers and help reduce the public safety risk.” “I am proud to reintroduce this important legislation to make ‘smash-and-grabs’ more costly for criminals,” said Graham. “Americans have a right to lawfully buy, own and sell firearms – criminals who steal them must pay the price.” The legislation is supported by NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association. In addition to Crapo, the legislation is also co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) and Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina). The FFL Protection Act of 2026 would: Increase the statutory maximum penalty for knowingly stealing any firearm in an FFL’s business inventory from 10 to 20 years. Impose a mandatory minimum sentence of three years for burglary from an FFL and five years for robbery from an FFL. Criminalize the attempted theft of a firearm from a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer or collector. The full text of the bill is available HERE. ###",1,2026-06-11T06:38:38Z,2026-06-11T06:41:07Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-names-june-small-businesses-of-the-month-during-support-local-gems-initiative-3/,Risch Names June Small Businesses of the Month During Support Local Gems Initiative,2026-06-09,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch, senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced today the selection of seven businesses from across the state as Idaho Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026. The recognition is part of Senator Risch’s seventh annual Support Local Gems initiative. “Idaho is full of small businesses that drive our economy and quality of life,” said Risch. “I am proud to recognize Blue Fox Theatre, The Candy Jar, Junkyard Jeans, Meat and Potato Company, New York Pizza Department, Ram’s Head Café and Lodge, and Weiser Classic Candy for their dedication to their communities. These local gems are outstanding examples of Idaho’s entrepreneurial spirit and deserve to be celebrated.” This week, Senator Risch launched his seventh annual Support Local Gems initiative to encourage Idahoans to support locally owned businesses on Friday, June 12, 2026. As part of the effort, Senator Risch selected seven small businesses that reflect Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurship, and community service. Each business will be recognized for its contributions to the Gem State in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate. Blue Fox Theatre: Originally built and opened in 1930, the Blue Fox Theatre has been a beloved landmark in Grangeville for nearly a century. Today, owners Cory and Haley Koole carry on the business’ historic legacy to not only entertain the community but to also serve the region. The Candy Jar: Located in downtown Blackfoot, Judy and Paul Loomis created a haven of sweets by renovating a historic Main Street building into The Candy Jar. The successful candy shop is a favorite treat of locals and visitors, offering an array Idaho-made products. Junkyard Jeans: Founded by Eric Schrader in 1991, Junkyard Jeans is known in Boise for its unique selection of American denim. Schrader’s commitment to the art of old-school chainstitching and embroidery techniques have earned Junkyard Jeans national recognition. Meat and Potato Company: Travis Dixon founded Meat and Potato Company in 2018 to provide Idaho families greater access to purchase high-quality local meats. Applying his experience in grocery retail and food service, Travis has grown the business from a successful direct-to-home model to a nationwide company. New York Pizza Department: Michael Kuipers and New York Pizza Department have supplied Post Falls residents with authentic New York-style pizza for years. In addition to serving up tasty slices, New York Pizza Department gives back to North Idaho first responders, local schools, and educators. Ram’s Head Café and Lodge: In 2017, Chris and Brianna Reece took on the task of renovating the Ram’s Head Café and Lodge after the building sat vacant for 15 years. The new-and-improved Ram’s Head is a beloved spot for visitors exploring the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Weiser Classic Candy: Patrick Nauman’s dream of owning a candy store came true in 2007 when he purchased what is now Weiser Classic Candy. Since then, Patrick has taken the business nationwide while supporting local students interested in entrepreneurship.",1,2026-06-10T06:36:00Z,2026-06-10T06:37:32Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-launches-7th-annual-support-local-gems-initiative/,Risch Launches 7th Annual Support Local Gems Initiative,2026-06-08,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"Invites Idahoans to Support Local Small Businesses on Friday, June 12, 2026 WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and the Idaho Department of Commerce launched the seventh annual Support Local Gemsinitiative, encouraging Idahoans to show their appreciation for small businesses in their community. On Friday, June 12, 2026, Idahoans are invited to Support Local Gems by shopping at Main Street retailers, dining at their favorite restaurants, purchasing gift cards, writing online reviews, or saying “thank you” to an Idaho small business they love. “Small businesses and the people behind them are the lifeblood of the Gem State,” said Risch. “They not only employ our neighbors and friends, but reflect our shared Idaho values of hard work and ingenuity. On Friday, June 12, I invite all Idahoans to join me in supporting the small businesses that keep our economy and state strong.” As we celebrate the seventh annual Support Local Gems initiative, Idahoans are encouraged to once again give their full support to the small businesses that make Idaho a special place to live and work. Background: Senator Risch and the Idaho Department of Commerce launched the Support Local Gems initiative in 2020 to help small businesses facing unprecedented hardships during the pandemic. As supply chain disruptions and other challenges continue, support for Idaho’s small businesses through Support Local Gems remains essential. If your organization or small business would like to get involved in the Support Local Gems initiative, visit www.risch.senate.gov ​",1,2026-06-09T06:27:37Z,2026-06-09T06:30:10Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-on-pentagon-decision-to-omit-latter-day-saints-from-christian-designation,Crapo Statement on Pentagon Decision to Omit Latter-day Saints from Christian Designation,2026-06-07,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"""The move by the Pentagon to leave The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints off its list of Christian religions is confounding and unacceptable. Regardless of one's own religious philosophy, you will find Latter-day Saints, whose foundational beliefs are centered on Jesus Christ, among the most patriotic individuals in our country, serving not only in the military, but throughout various government departments and around the world. I join with my colleagues and fellow Idahoans calling on the Pentagon to make an immediate correction.""",1,2026-06-08T06:37:41Z,2026-06-08T06:38:52Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-votes-to-fund-law-enforcement-strengthen-border-security-through-presidents-term,"Crapo Votes to Fund Law Enforcement, Strengthen Border Security Through President’s Term",2026-06-05,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo issued the following statement after voting in favor of passage of the Secure America Act, legislation to fully fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol through 2029: “Immigration enforcement is a critical component of our national security,” said Crapo. “Democrats’ refusal to fund law enforcement at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security resulted in a record-long government shutdown and uncertainty for the men and women who work tirelessly to protect the American people. I voted today to fully fund these critical agencies through the end of the President’s term to ensure we continue to secure our border and enforce the law.” ###",1,2026-06-06T06:16:30Z,2026-06-06T06:17:47Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-releases-finalized-idaho-housing-survey-report,Crapo Releases Finalized Idaho Housing Survey Report,2026-06-04,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, released the finalized report from his comprehensive Idaho housing survey, marking one year since launching the initiative to gather input from Idahoans and housing stakeholders across the state. The survey, combined with a series of listening sessions with stakeholders, including a roundtable discussion in Boise with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, provided critical insight into Idahoans’ views of the challenges driving housing affordability in Idaho. Many key themes emerged, including rising constructions costs, limited housing supply, and workforce housing and labor shortages. Feedback gathered through this effort will inform Senator Crapo’s legislative actions on housing and contributed to proposals sponsored by Crapo and ultimately included in the Senate-passed 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. “The input we received from Idahoans shapes ongoing solutions to address housing challenges facing the state and country,” said Crapo. “I thank residents, community leaders, local officials and industry professionals who took the time to share their perspectives and expertise. This feedback will continue to help guide legislation that takes meaningful steps toward increasing housing supply and strengthening affordable housing opportunities for Idaho families.” Crapo remains committed to advancing policies that support sustainable housing development, improve affordability and ensure Idaho communities can continue to grow and thrive, without the use of excessive federal government overreach. While the survey is closed, Senator Crapo encourages Idahoans to continue to share feedback on this topic, or others, by contacting one of his offices throughout the state or via email on his website. To read the executive summary of the survey findings, click here. The full report is available on the Senator’s website here. ###",1,2026-06-06T06:16:30Z,2026-06-06T06:17:47Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-celebrates-historic-milestone-at-inl-idaho-leadership-in-nuclear-energy/,"Risch Celebrates Historic Milestone at INL, Idaho Leadership in Nuclear Energy",2026-06-04,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"First Nuclear Reactor Achieves Criticality at the Idaho National Laboratory in Nearly 50 Years WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today celebrated the first new nuclear reactor to achieve criticality, or demonstrate a fission chain reaction, at the Idaho National Laboratory in nearly 50 years. The Antares R1 Mark-0 Reactor Project is the first of three advanced microreactors expected to go critical ahead of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding on July 4th. The project supports efforts by Senator Risch to accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation nuclear technologies. “Today’s achievement at the INL adds another chapter to Idaho’s proud leadership in nuclear innovation,” said Risch. “The Antares Reactor Project is only the beginning. In the coming months, multiple microreactors will go critical at the INL in a move that will be central to fortifying America’s place as a global leader in nuclear energy, strengthen our security, and power the future. Congratulations to the INL and the Antares team on this remarkable accomplishment.” Senator Risch is the founder and co-chair of the Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus, which amplifies the essential role nuclear energy plays in the U.S. and explores emerging nuclear technologies. He has spearheaded legislation to increase domestic energy production, enhance national security, and keep the United States at the forefront of nuclear advancement. Earlier this year, Risch introduced the ARC Act to accelerate investment in and encourage completion of new commercial nuclear reactors by mitigating the risk of project cost overruns.",1,2026-06-05T06:35:23Z,2026-06-05T06:36:42Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-statement-at-budget-hearing-with-treasury-secretary-bessent,Crapo Statement at Budget Hearing with Treasury Secretary Bessent,2026-06-03,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing on the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 U.S. Department of the Treasury budget. As prepared for delivery: “Thank you, Secretary Bessent, for appearing before the Committee today to discuss the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget for the Treasury Department and the Administration’s broader economic agenda. “A central part of that economic agenda is driven by the landmark bill enacted by Republicans last year. “The Working Families Tax Cuts not only provided historic tax relief for working-class Americans but also made permanent critical pro-growth tax policies that are already increasing domestic investment and boosting economic growth. “The magnitude of this success to date was made possible by the work of Treasury and the IRS in publishing immediate guidance on the new and restored tax policies in the lead-up to the 2026 filing season. “I appreciate all the hard work from Treasury and IRS employees to release that initial guidance as quickly as they did. “Doing so provided rules of the road for the tens of millions of people claiming at least one of Republicans’ signature new tax cuts, from no tax on tips and overtime, to increased tax relief for seniors. “Contrary to the Democrat narrative that the law only benefits the wealthy, these policies were claimed by over 60 million working-class Americans—nearly half of all filers. “At the end of the tax filing season, over 7.5 million workers claimed the tips deduction, more than 29 million workers benefitted from no tax on overtime, and more than 35 million seniors’ tax burdens were reduced, with an average additional deduction of over $7,500. “Additionally, over 5.5 million children have already been signed up for Trump Accounts, in large part due to Treasury’s work to implement and promote the program. “These savings accounts offer an important opportunity for young Idahoans and children across the country to begin building financial security. “Hardworking Americans kept more of their money this tax filing season and millions of people got more money back compared to previous years. “Over $320 billion was refunded to taxpayers, an 18 percent increase from last filing season—I note that again, an 18 percent increase from the last filing season—with an average refund of nearly $3,300—more than an 11 percent increase. “And even the average refund amount does not tell the whole story; many working-class Americans who owed money when filing in prior years instead received a refund this year because of the Working Families Tax Cuts. “Treasury’s initial guidance has also helped the business provisions of the Working Families Tax Cuts, like full expensing for equipment and factories, to drive domestic investment, higher productivity and higher wages for American workers. “Nearly 26 million small businesses now have increased confidence thanks to a permanent, pro-growth 20 percent tax deduction. “Estimates find that permanence will create 1.2 million jobs annually and boost small-business GDP by $750 billion over the next decade. “The permanent restoration of full expensing for U.S. research and development will support domestic innovation and growth by large and small businesses alike. “To maximize that growth, taxpayers need additional clarity from Treasury and the IRS so that they can plan and invest with certainty. Issuing final guidance for these tax provisions will provide that certainty and further encourage domestic investment. “Implementing the new provisions from the Working Families Tax Cuts was no small task, but the 2026 tax filing season proceeded smoothly for tens of millions of Americans. “I look forward to hearing from you about plans for a successful filing season next year as more work is done to implement the law and technological investments are made to modernize the IRS. “Regarding IRS modernization, Ranking Member Wyden and I released the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act earlier this year. “This bipartisan bill, with more than 60 provisions and supported across the tax community, is focused on modernizing the IRS, improving the taxpayer experience and strengthening taxpayer rights. “Many Finance Committee member priorities are included in the bill, along with a series of long-requested provisions from tax practitioners as well as the National Taxpayer Advocate. “I look forward to advancing this legislation in the very near future and welcome any comments from you on the bill. “Beyond tax administration, I am hopeful for similar support as we move forward on other priorities with a bipartisan foundation in this Committee, such as establishing clear and durable tax rules for digital assets. “Mr. Secretary, we are very glad to have you with us today and look forward to your remarks.” ###",1,2026-06-13T06:32:19Z,2026-06-13T06:34:27Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-every-child-deserves-a-safe-homesenate-passes-national-foster-care-month-resolution,Crapo: Every Child Deserves a Safe Home—Senate Passes National Foster Care Month Resolution,2026-05-29,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), member of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth, celebrated unanimous Senate passage of the resolution he co-sponsored, led by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), to designate May 2026 as National Foster Care Month. “This resolution shines a light on the incredible resilience of the children and families navigating the foster care system and serves as a call to action,” said Crapo. “Every child deserves a safe, stable place to call home. We must continue work to improve outcomes for children while equipping foster families and caregivers with the support they need to succeed.” In addition to the resolution, Crapo has expressed strong support for the Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) “A Home for Every Child” initiative, aimed at right-sizing the ratio of foster homes to the number of kids in the foster care system. Currently, for every 100 children entering foster care, only 57 licensed foster homes are available nationwide. Launched on November 24, 2025, ACF’s initiative builds upon the success of the recruitment and retention efforts implemented in the state of Idaho by Dr. Alex Adams, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Family Support and former Idaho Health and Welfare Director. As Chairman of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, Crapo was a strong supporter of Alex’s nomination last year. Read the full resolution HERE. Learn more about “A Home for Every Child” HERE. Background: Crapo has a decades-long record advocating for improvements to the foster care system in the United States, leading legislation to help protect children in and at risk of entering foster care. In 2023, as then-Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, Crapo called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to ensure timely and transparent approval of services aimed at preventing foster care placements. ###",1,2026-05-30T06:11:53Z,2026-05-30T06:13:24Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/working-families-tax-cuts-deliver-relief-for-seniors,Working Families Tax Cuts Deliver Relief for Seniors,2026-05-27,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Along with preventing the largest tax hike in American history, the Working Families Tax Cuts fulfilled President Trump’s promise to provide tax relief to low- and middle-income senior citizens. Now, people aged 65 or older can claim a new $6,000 deduction in addition to the standard deduction and the existing seniors deduction, and married filers can each claim the deduction if both qualify. Because of these deductions, the Council of Economic Advisors estimates that 88 percent of seniors will no longer pay taxes on Social Security benefits, helping them to stretch fixed incomes much further. “Americans deserve financial security in their retirement years, and many Idahoans are working much later in life than they expected,” said U.S. Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “The expanded senior deduction and other forms of new tax relief are putting more money in their pockets to cover basic necessities and allowing them to invest in their children and grandchildren.” Key wins: Provides a $6,000 bonus exemption to low- and middle-income seniors More than 34 million seniors benefitted from the exemption this filing season, with an average household deduction of over $7,500 Seniors are receiving the largest dollar increase in their refunds, according to recent testimony from IRS CEO Frank Bisignano Permanently increases the standard deduction, which simplifies tax filing for 90 percent of taxpayers Permanently lowers tax rates to help all Americans keep more of their hard-earned money What they are saying: “After AMAC sent out a call for real-life stories detailing the impact of the [WFTC], the response was immediate and overwhelming… The most frequently cited benefit was the $6,000 additional senior deduction … which many members credited with producing something they had not seen in years: a refund. ‘First refund in years’ appeared again and again, often paired with stories of relief on fixed incomes—paying off medical bills, replacing aging vehicles, helping children and grandchildren, or simply remaining self-sufficient.” – Association of Mature American Citizens Newsline Editor-in-Chief Shane Harris “This year’s tax season is bringing meaningful financial relief to older Americans… this kind of relief can make a critical difference for folks trying to make ends meet.” – AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond Click HERE to learn more about how the Working Families Tax Cuts supports seniors. Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts. ###",1,2026-05-29T06:31:28Z,2026-05-29T06:32:48Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-lankford-hassan-team-up-to-end-government-shutdowns-and-hold-congress-accountable,"Crapo, Lankford, Hassan Team Up to End Government Shutdowns and Hold Congress Accountable",2026-05-26,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) signed onto legislation aimed at keeping Congress in Washington during a government shutdown until a resolution is reached. Crapo is a co-sponsor of the bipartisan Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026, introduced by Senators James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) and Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire). “This legislation would help ensure federal workers are not held hostage by Congress’s inability to act during a shutdown,” said Crapo. “It would also restrict congressional travel and limit floor time to appropriations in order to expedite resolution.” Joining Crapo, Lankford and Hassan as co-sponsors of the legislation are Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), John Kennedy (R-Louisianan), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), and Mark Kelly (D-Arizona). Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) and Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-California). Americans for Prosperity (AFP), the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), Partnership for Public Service (PPS), Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) and the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) are supporting the legislation. Background The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 requires that if appropriations work is not completed on time, all Members of Congress must remain in Washington, D.C., and work until the spending bills are finalized. This will prevent a government-wide shutdown, maintain critical services and operations for Americans and protect federal workers while Congress completes appropriations. Specifically, upon a lapse in government funding, the bill would implement an automatic continuing resolution (CR) on rolling 14-day periods, based on the most current spending levels enacted in the previous fiscal year. This would prevent a shutdown and ensure continuity of essential government services. During the covered period of an automatic CR, the following restrictions would apply: No taxpayer-funded travel allowances for official business (except one flight to return to Washington, D.C.) for the following: White House Office of Management and Budget staff and leadership Members of the House and Senate Committee and personal staff of the House and Senate No official funds may be used for CODEL or STAFFDEL travel No use of campaign funds by congressional offices to supplement official duties or travel expenses No motions to recess or adjourn in the House/Senate for a period of more than 23 hours In addition, under the bill, no other votes would be in order in the House and Senate unless they pertain to passage of the appropriations bills or mandatory quorum calls in the Senate. However, after 30 days under the automatic CR, certain expiring authorization bills and executive calendar nominations would be eligible for consideration on the Senate floor, including a nomination for a Justice of the Supreme Court or a Cabinet Secretary and narrow reauthorization legislation for programs operating under an authorization that has already expired or will expire within the next 30 days. These restrictions can be waived by a two-thirds vote in either chamber, but not for longer than seven days. You can view the full text of the bill HERE. ###",1,2026-05-27T06:38:34Z,2026-05-27T06:40:17Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-join-call-for-investigation-into-unfair-sugar-trade-practices,"Crapo, Risch Join Call for Investigation into Unfair Sugar Trade Practices",2026-05-22,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch (R-Idaho) signed a bipartisan, bicameral letter in support of efforts by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to initiate a Section 301 investigation into unfair and discriminatory trade practices by foreign sugar-producing countries. The letter calls on USTR to take appropriate action to protect American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers, processors, refiners and factory workers from being undercut by discriminatory foreign trade practices. The letter, led by U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-North Dakota) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) and U.S. Representatives Julie Fedorchak (R-North Dakota) and Troy Carter (D-Louisiana), is signed by an additional 106 bipartisan Members of Congress. “The sugar farming families and workers across our States support more than 151,000 jobs in more than two dozen states while generating more than $23 billion in economic activity each year. We are gravely concerned about the surge in unfairly traded foreign sugar imports, which, along with higher input costs, are plunging the domestic industry into crisis and presenting an imminent threat to the industry’s long-term viability,” the letter reads in part. “U.S. sugar policy is a necessary response to a global playing field where foreign countries routinely sell sugar at well below the world cost of production. . . . In the past 10 years, 14 percent of our nation’s beet sugar processing facilities and 12 percent of our domestic cane sugar mills and refineries have closed, including the complete loss of sugarbeet farming in California (2025) and sugarcane farming in Hawaii (2016) and Texas (2024). Absent action to protect the domestic sugar industry from discriminatory foreign trade practices, these continued revenue losses will only mount, threatening the future existence of domestic U.S. sugar production. We strongly urge you to investigate these unfair trading practices that disadvantage our domestic sugar industry and take decisive action as appropriate,” the letter concludes. The full text of the letter can be found here. The following organizations endorsed the letter: Amalgamated Sugar Company, American Crystal Sugar Company, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sugar Alliance, American Sugar Cane League, American Sugar Refining, Inc., American Sugarbeet Growers Association, Big Horn Basin Beet Growers Association, Big Horn County Sugar Beet Growers Association, Colorado Sugarbeet Growers Association, Elwyhee Beet Growers Association, Florida Crystals Corporation, Florida Sugar Cane League, Michigan Sugar Company, Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Union, NebCo Beet Growers Association, Nebraska Sugarbeet Growers Association, Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association, Snake River Sugarbeet Growers, Southern- Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative, Southern Montana Sugarbeet Growers Association, Sugarcane Growers Cooperative of Florida, US Beet Sugar Association, US Sugar, Western Sugar Cooperative, Wheatland Beet Growers Association, and the Wyoming Sugar Company. ###",1,2026-05-23T06:08:46Z,2026-05-23T06:10:20Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-crapo-join-call-for-investigation-into-unfair-sugar-trade-practices/,"Risch, Crapo Join Call for Investigation into Unfair Sugar Trade Practices",2026-05-22,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho) signed a bipartisan, bicameral letter in support of efforts by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to initiate a Section 301 investigation into unfair and discriminatory trade practices by foreign sugar-producing countries. The letter calls on USTR to take appropriate action to protect American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers, processors, refiners and factory workers from being undercut by discriminatory foreign trade practices. “The sugar farming families and workers across our States support more than 151,000 jobs in more than two dozen states while generating more than $23 billion in economic activity each year. We are gravely concerned about the surge in unfairly traded foreign sugar imports, which, along with higher input costs, are plunging the domestic industry into crisis and presenting an imminent threat to the industry’s long-term viability,” the letter reads in part. “U.S. sugar policy is a necessary response to a global playing field where foreign countries routinely sell sugar at well below the world cost of production… In the past 10 years, 14 percent of our nation’s beet sugar processing facilities and 12 percent of our domestic cane sugar mills and refineries have closed, including the complete loss of sugarbeet farming in California (2025) and sugarcane farming in Hawaii (2016) and Texas (2024). Absent action to protect the domestic sugar industry from discriminatory foreign trade practices, these continued revenue losses will only mount, threatening the future existence of domestic U.S. sugar production. We strongly urge you to investigate these unfair trading practices that disadvantage our domestic sugar industry and take decisive action as appropriate,” the letter concludes. The full text of the letter can be found here. Risch and Crapo were joined by U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher (both R-Idaho), as well as 108 Members of Congress, in sending the letter. The letter was led by U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and U.S. Representatives Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.) and Troy Carter (D-La.). The following organizations endorsed the letter: Amalgamated Sugar Company, American Crystal Sugar Company, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sugar Alliance, American Sugar Cane League, American Sugar Refining, Inc., American Sugarbeet Growers Association, Big Horn Basin Beet Growers Association, Big Horn County Sugar Beet Growers Association, Colorado Sugarbeet Growers Association, Elwyhee Beet Growers Association, Florida Crystals Corporation, Florida Sugar Cane League, Michigan Sugar Company, Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Union, NebCo Beet Growers Association, Nebraska Sugarbeet Growers Association, Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association, Snake River Sugarbeet Growers, Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative, Southern Montana Sugarbeet Growers Association, Sugarcane Growers Cooperative of Florida, US Beet Sugar Association, US Sugar, Western Sugar Cooperative, Wheatland Beet Growers Association, and the Wyoming Sugar Company. ###",1,2026-05-29T06:31:28Z,2026-05-29T06:32:48Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-cortez-masto-introduce-bill-to-boost-access-to-precious-metal-depositories/,"Risch, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Boost Access to Precious Metal Depositories",2026-05-21,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today introduced the System Integrity through Licensed Vault Expansion and Resilience (SILVER) Act to increase geographic diversity of precious metal depositories. The vast majority of U.S. storage facilities for precious metals exchanges are currently in the New York City region. The SILVER Act would require two depositories be selected for approval in the Mountain, Pacific, Eastern, and Central U.S. time zones to improve access to secure storage in Western states like Idaho, strengthen market liquidity, and lower costs. “The concentration of precious metal depositories in a single region has left Idahoans at a disadvantage,” said Risch. “My SILVER Act broadens the geographic locations of these facilities, which will reduce costs, strengthen our national security, and allow Idahoans to store precious metals closer to home.” “The West was built on mining, an industry whose innovation is still at the forefront of the Silver State’s development today,” said Cortez Masto. “That’s why it’s critical that we allow mineral and metals depositories to exist outside of just the New York region, including in places like Nevada. The SILVER Act supports our mining industry and reduces the burdens placed on them so they can continue to thrive.” The SILVER Act is supported by Money Metals Depository, The Silver Institute, Columbia Bank, A-Mark Precious Metals/Gold.com, Zions Bancorp/Nevada State Bank, Frontier Mint, Texas Precious Metals Depository, First Mint/First Majestic Silver Corp, Kilo Capital, and Highland Mint. U.S. “On behalf of our broad industry coalition spanning all segments of the U.S. precious metals supply chain, I thank Senators Risch and Cortez Masto for taking this important first step in addressing both the national security risks and anti-competitive behaviors caused by geographical concentration in our market,” said Stefan Gleason, CEO of Money Metals. Representative Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives. ​",1,2026-05-22T06:27:39Z,2026-05-22T06:29:18Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-backs-bipartisan-safe-crypto-act-to-combat-rising-cryptocurrency-scams,Crapo Backs Bipartisan SAFE Crypto Act to Combat Rising Cryptocurrency Scams,2026-05-20,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, is pushing to enhance cryptocurrency scam protections for Idahoans and Americans. Crapo signed onto the Strengthening Agency Frameworks for Enforcement of Cryptocurrency (SAFE Crypto) Act, legislation led by Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan). The bipartisan bill would establish an inter-governmental task force, bringing together federal agencies, law enforcement and private sector stakeholders to help identify and combat cryptocurrency-related fraud. “Cryptocurrency scams accounted for roughly half of all cybercrime losses last year in the United States,” said Crapo. “This alarming trend underscores the need for better protections for Americans. The SAFE Crypto Act would establish a much-needed taskforce to strengthen collaboration among law enforcement and financial regulators, helping safeguard consumers from this growing threat.” The task force would be required to present an update within a year of its launch to the Senate Banking and Agriculture committees and the House Financial Services and Agriculture committees, followed by annual reports to the respective committees. “Over the last two years, we’ve tracked billions in scams and fraud across the crypto ecosystem,” said Ari Redbord, Vice President, Global Head of Policy, TRM Labs. “Solving this problem requires real-time disruption. This legislation enables public-private collaboration using blockchain intelligence to track, interdict, and disrupt illicit networks as activity is occurring — helping protect victims and ensure a safer financial system. By bringing industry and law enforcement together, we can meaningfully reduce criminals’ ability to exploit transformative technologies for harm."" Members of the task force would include: The following federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of the Treasury as the chair of the task force (or a designee thereof): the Office of the Attorney General; the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN); the U.S. Secret Service; and any additional federal agency that the Department of Treasury, in consultation with the task force, deems relevant. The following industry groups: including stablecoin issuers; cryptocurrency exchanges; cryptocurrency custodians; blockchain intelligence providers; a representative of scam victims or consumer protection groups; and any additional private sector stakeholder that the Department of Treasury, in consultation with the task force, deems relevant. Representatives of federal, state and local law enforcement. Representatives of one or more state bank regulatory authorities. Full text of the SAFE Crypto Act can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-05-21T06:28:16Z,2026-05-21T06:29:43Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-join-bill-to-strengthen-public-lands,"Crapo, Risch Join Bill to Strengthen Public Lands",2026-05-19,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) announced their support for the America the Beautiful Act to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) and strengthen Idaho’s public lands. “Public lands face a growing maintenance backlog, affecting roads, bridges, campgrounds, boat ramps, water systems, visitor facilities and trails,” said Crapo. “Renewing the Legacy Restoration Fund will help ensure vital repair work continues in Idaho and across the nation. Importantly, the Fund reinvests revenue generated from responsible energy development from our federal lands and waters, which upholds the essential concept of multiple-use, while financing the upkeep of our critical public lands infrastructure.” “Public lands are central to who we are as Idahoans and our way of life,” said Risch. “Reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund is a commonsense investment to ensure Idaho’s public lands and national parks are maintained and enjoyed for years to come.” Crapo and Risch joined 58 Senate colleagues on the bipartisan legislation. The America the Beautiful Act is supported by public lands, conservation and recreation groups, including the Idaho Conservation Corps, Idaho Forest Group, Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, Idaho Recreation Council, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Idaho Conservation League, Idaho Trail Association and Friends of Minidoka. “The America the Beautiful Act will help protect and restore Idaho's treasured public lands and waters. Additionally, it will support workforce development and conservation jobs in our gateway communities. We are grateful for Senators Risch and Crapo's support for this important legislation,” said Jeff Parker, Idaho Conservation Corps CEO. “Idaho Forest Group greatly appreciates Senators Risch and Crapo for their continued leadership in addressing forest health. Their sponsorship of the America the Beautiful Act is a pivotal endorsement toward improved forest health, reduction of wildfire risk, and investment in infrastructure that is critical to rural communities and sustainable forest management,” said Todd Brinkmeyer, Idaho Forest Group CEO. ""Idaho's outfitters and guides depend on healthy, well-maintained public lands to continue connecting people with the wild places that make this state extraordinary. Since its creation in 2020, the Legacy Restoration Fund has directed over $82.9 million to Idaho alone, repairing infrastructure that outfitters, guides, and their clients depend on,"" said Erik Weiseth, Executive Director of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association. ""The America the Beautiful Actstrengthens that legacy by helping critical trails, facilities, and infrastructure get the attention they deserve, while also giving our industry a direct way to invest in the places we love. We're proud to support this commonsense, bipartisan effort to protect America's outdoor heritage."" ""Idaho recreationalists stand with the America the Beautiful Act. We applaud Senators Risch and Crapo's championing of Senate Bill 1547 as a vital step in preserving our nation's natural heritage for generations to come,"" said Dan Waugh, Executive Director for the Idaho Recreation Council. ""Backcountry Hunters & Anglers thanks Senators Risch and Crapo for standing up for America’s public lands and supporting the reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund through the America the Beautiful Act. Their leadership in supporting investment in the maintenance of our public lands and waters will ensure hunters and anglers can continue to access the places we value most for generations to come,” said Ryan Callaghan, CEO and President of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. “Our public lands are a core part of our identity as Idahoans. But we have a backlog of deferred maintenance on our National Parks and other public lands that are putting these lands and the opportunities they provide at risk. The Legacy Restoration Fund can provide crucial funding to help support our campgrounds, trails and surrounding public lands. We applaud Senators Crapo and Risch for their support of the America the Beautiful Act, which would reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund,” said John Robison, Public Lands and Wildlife Director, Idaho Conservation League. “Idaho Trails Association thanks Senators Risch and Crapo for cosponsoring the America the Beautiful Act. If passed, this legislation will support much-needed maintenance on public trails across the country. We are grateful that our Idaho senators are behind this effort,” said Melanie Vining, Executive Director of the Idaho Trails Association. ""Friends of Minidoka expresses our deepest gratitude to Senators Crapo and Risch for co-sponsoring the America the Beautiful Act to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund. This legislation invests in key infrastructure that connects the public to Idaho's federal lands, including National Park Service sites. Through the LRF, Minidoka National Historic Site has received $8.1 million — a critical investment in badly needed repairs that will ensure the lessons and legacy of the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII continue to be shared with Idahoans and visitors. The site's historic barrack, mess hall, and root cellar will be stabilized and restored so visitors can better understand the lived experience of Japanese Americans incarcerated at Minidoka. Additionally, the LRF will fund the construction of a modernized maintenance and staff facility, equipping NPS staff with the tools to steward Minidoka and our nation's history into the future,” said Janet Matsuoka Keegan, Friends of Minidoka board president and Minidoka descendant. The LRF invested over $82.9 million in Idaho across 16 projects and improved more than 100 assets statewide from 2020 to 2025. The America the Beautiful Act would reauthorize the program through 2033 and increase funding to $2 billion annually to address the maintenance backlog on federal lands. ###",1,2026-05-20T06:27:31Z,2026-05-20T06:28:54Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-crapo-join-bill-to-strengthen-public-lands/,"Risch, Crapo Join Bill to Strengthen Public Lands",2026-05-19,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,ID,James E. Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,risch,https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho) today announced their support for the America the Beautiful Act to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) and strengthen Idaho’s public lands. “Public lands are central to who we are as Idahoans and our way of life,” said Risch. “Reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund is a commonsense investment to ensure Idaho’s public lands and national parks are maintained and enjoyed for years to come.” “Public lands face a growing maintenance backlog, affecting roads, bridges, campgrounds, boat ramps, water systems, visitor facilities and trails,” said Crapo. “Renewing the Legacy Restoration Fund will help ensure vital repair work continues in Idaho and across the nation. Importantly, the Fund reinvests revenue generated from responsible energy development from our federal lands and waters, which upholds the essential concept of multiple-use, while financing the upkeep of our critical public lands infrastructure.” Risch and Crapo join 57 of their colleagues in cosponsoring this bipartisan legislation. The America the Beautiful Act is supported by public lands, conservation, and recreation groups, including the Idaho Conservation Corps, Idaho Forest Group, Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, Idaho Recreation Council, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Idaho Conservation League, Idaho Trail Association, and Friends of Minidoka. “The America the Beautiful Act will help protect and restore Idaho’s treasured public lands and waters. Additionally, it will support workforce development and conservation jobs in our gateway communities. We are grateful for Senators Risch and Crapo’s support for this important legislation,” said Jeff Parker, Idaho Conservation Corps CEO. “Idaho Forest Group greatly appreciates Senators Risch and Crapo for their continued leadership in addressing forest health. Their sponsorship of theAmerica the Beautiful Act is a pivotal endorsement toward improved forest health, reduction of wildfire risk, and investment in infrastructure that is critical to rural communities and sustainable forest management,” said Todd Brinkmeyer, Idaho Forest Group CEO. “Idaho’s outfitters and guides depend on healthy, well-maintained public lands to continue connecting people with the wild places that make this state extraordinary. Since its creation in 2020, the Legacy Restoration Fund has directed over $82.9 million to Idaho alone, repairing infrastructure that outfitters, guides, and their clients depend on,” said Erik Weiseth, Executive Director of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association. “The America the Beautiful Actstrengthens that legacy by helping critical trails, facilities, and infrastructure get the attention they deserve, while also giving our industry a direct way to invest in the places we love. We’re proud to support this commonsense, bipartisan effort to protect America’s outdoor heritage.” “Idaho recreationalists stand with the America the Beautiful Act. We applaud Senators Risch and Crapo’s championing of Senate Bill 1547 as a vital step in preserving our nation’s natural heritage for generations to come,” said Dan Waugh, Executive Director for the Idaho Recreation Council. “Backcountry Hunters & Anglers thanks Senators Risch and Crapo for standing up for America’s public lands and supporting the reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund through the America the Beautiful Act. Their leadership in supporting investment in the maintenance of our public lands and waters will ensure hunters and anglers can continue to access the places we value most for generations to come,” said Ryan Callaghan, CEO and President of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. “Our public lands are a core part of our identity as Idahoans. But we have a backlog of deferred maintenance on our National Parks and other public lands that are putting these lands and the opportunities they provide at risk. The Legacy Restoration Fund can provide crucial funding to help support our campgrounds, trails and surrounding public lands. We applaud Senators Crapo and Risch for their support of the America the Beautiful Act, which would reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund,” said John Robison, Public Lands and Wildlife Director, Idaho Conservation League. “Idaho Trails Association thanks Senators Risch and Crapo for cosponsoring the America the Beautiful Act. If passed, this legislation will support much-needed maintenance on public trails across the country. We are grateful that our Idaho senators are behind this effort,” said Melanie Vining, Executive Director of the Idaho Trails Association. “Friends of Minidoka expresses our deepest gratitude to Senators Crapo and Risch for co-sponsoring the America the Beautiful Act to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund. This legislation invests in key infrastructure that connects the public to Idaho’s federal lands, including National Park Service sites. Through the LRF, Minidoka National Historic Site has received $8.1 million — a critical investment in badly needed repairs that will ensure the lessons and legacy of the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII continue to be shared with Idahoans and visitors. The site’s historic barrack, mess hall, and root cellar will be stabilized and restored so visitors can better understand the lived experience of Japanese Americans incarcerated at Minidoka. Additionally, the LRF will fund the construction of a modernized maintenance and staff facility, equipping NPS staff with the tools to steward Minidoka and our nation’s history into the future,” said Janet Matsuoka Keegan, Friends of Minidoka board president and Minidoka descendant. The LRF invested over $82.9 million in Idaho across 16 projects and improved more than 100 assets statewide from 2020 to 2025. The America the Beautiful Act would reauthorize the program through 2033 and increase funding to $2 billion annually to address the maintenance backlog on federal lands.",1,2026-05-20T06:27:31Z,2026-05-20T06:28:54Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/05/14/2026/crapo-announces-finance-committee-staff-updates,Crapo Announces Finance Committee Staff Updates,2026-05-14,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) today announced the following staff updates: Sam Llewellyn, Professional Staff Member Sam joins the Committee from the office of Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), where he worked on issues facing the Finance and Judiciary Committees as deputy legislative assistant. He previously worked as a legislative correspondent for Congressman Jake LaTurner (R-Kansas). He holds a B.A. in Intelligence and Security Studies from The Citadel. Sarah Meier, Tax Counsel Sarah joins the Committee from the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where she served as counsel and parliamentarian under Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-Kentucky). She previously worked as counsel to the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives and as tax policy staff for Congresswoman Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming), Congressman Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska) and Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming). She earned her J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law, subsequently practicing business, tax and government law as an attorney in Lincoln, and a B.A. from the University of Wyoming. Mike Weiss, Senior Health Policy Advisor Mike joins the Committee from the office of Senator Todd Young (R-Indiana), where he served as health policy director with an emphasis on issues under the Committee’s jurisdiction. He previously worked as a policy analyst for the Senate Republican Policy Committee under then-Chairwoman Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and as a legislative staffer for Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pennsylvania) and Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin). He received a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. Click HERE for a full list of Crapo Finance Committee staff. ###",1,2026-05-15T06:17:41Z,2026-05-15T06:18:51Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/senate-banking-committee-approves-bipartisan-digital-asset-legislation-with-crapo-support,Senate Banking Committee Approves Bipartisan Digital Asset Legislation with Crapo Support,2026-05-14,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,ID,Mike Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,crapo,https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), a senior member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, today voted to advance the bipartisan Digital Asset Market Clarity Act to establish clear rules of the road for digital assets. “The CLARITY Act would provide investors and consumers the regulatory certainty needed to flourish in a digital economy,” said Crapo. “Clear, consistent rules will protect consumers while fostering innovation and growth. If we fail to act, we risk ceding leadership in financial technology and leaving the United States behind in a rapidly evolving global market.” The bipartisan bill is a comprehensive market structure bill that would establish America as the crypto capital of the world. It advanced out of the Committee by a vote of 15-9 and now moves to the Senate floor. Background: Cryptocurrency is defined as a digital asset that exists virtually and uses an encrypted network to record and verify transactions, independent from a centralized authority. Senator Crapo supported passage of the GENIUS Act, signed into law in July 2025, as the first step in establishing a first-of-its-kind framework for payment stablecoins. As Senate Finance Committee Chairman, Senator Crapo is leading discussions about how the U.S. tax code can provide a clear framework to ensure further American leadership in the industry. ###",1,2026-05-16T06:05:00Z,2026-05-16T06:06:37Z