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/public/index.cfm/2017/12/bonner-county-daily-bee-students-nominated-to-military-academies,Bonner County Daily Bee: Students nominated to military academies,2017-12-26,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. Jim Risch has announced his nominations to the United States military academies for the 2018-2019 school year. The nominees were selected from dozens of applicants and will now be considered by each of the four academies for final selection. This years nominees have met the high standards required to attend our military academies and each of them have demonstrated a level of commitment to our nation that is commendable, said Sen. Risch. They are each truly deserving of this honor and I applaud them for their efforts. From Bonner and Boundary County, nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., are Kyle Almeida, Sandpoint; Matthew Klein, Sagle; Victor Rae, Bonners Ferry; and Dutton Rogers, Sandpoint. From the two norther counties, nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado is Victor Rae, Bonners Ferry. Those interested in applying for future nominations to the military academies can find details on Senator Rischs website or by contacting Frances Hasenoehrl at frances_hasenoehrl@risch. senate.gov. Link to Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/1-idaho-state-journal-risch-announces-u-s-service-academy-nominations-for-the-2018-19-academic-year,Idaho State Journal: Risch announces U.S. Service Academy nominations for the 2018-19 Academic Year,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, announced his nominations to the United States Military Academies for the 2018-19 school year. The nominees were selected from dozens of applicants and will now be considered by each of the four academies for final selection. This years nominees have met the high standards required to attend our military academies and each of them have demonstrated a level of commitment to our nation that is commendable, Risch said. They are each truly deserving of this honor and I applaud them for their efforts. Those interested in applying for future nominations to the military academies can find details on Rischs website or by contacting Frances Hasenoehrl atfrances_hasenoehrl@risch.senate.gov. U.S. Army: West Point Academy Theron Christensen, Buhl Aiden Holcroft, Star James Maguire, Rexburg Katelyn Murray, Boise Brandon Palmatier, Meridian Noah Petty, Boise Victoria Sievers, Kimberly Karlee Skaggs, Eagle Ayla Thayer, Boise Noah Throm, Hayden U.S. Naval Academy: Annapolis Kyle Almeida, Sandpoint Bryce Craig, Meridian Joseph Gibbs, Cataldo Nikko Gutierrez, Victor Christopher Henderson, Boise Daniel Johnson, Moscow Jamison Julian, Nampa Matthew Klein, Sagle Camren Langdon, Nampa Alissa Nalewajko, Eagle Landon Nurge, Ketchum Derek Odgers, New Plymouth Victor Rae, Bonners Ferry Dutton Rogers, Sandpoint Christopher Salcido, Idaho Falls Benjamin Seabourn, Boise Hugh Sheldon, Buhl Dylan Thompson, Boise Noah Throm, Hayden Rafael Zamora, Coeur dAlene U.S. Air Force Academy: Colorado Slade Castle, Moscow Bryce Craig, Meridian Katelyn Catalano, Kuna Joseph Gibbs, Cataldo Jamison Julian, Nampa Jacob Pitman, Boise Victor Rae, Bonners Ferry Helen Silvester, Boise Kayla Steiner, Meridian Damien Stonhill, Ammon U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: Kings Point Katelyn Catalano, Kuna Theron Christensen, Buhl Joseph Gibbs, Cataldo Andrew Maraska, Boise Alissa Nalewajko, Eagle Derek Odgers, New Plymouth Brandon Palmatier, Meridian",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/risch-announces-u-s-service-academy-nominations,Risch Announces U.S. Service Academy Nominations,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) today announced his nominations to the United States Military Academies for the 2018-2019 school year. The nominees were selected from dozens of applicants and will now be considered by each of the four academies for final selection. ""This year's nominees have met the high standards required to attend our military academies and each of them have demonstrated a level of commitment to our nation that is commendable, said Senator Risch. They are each truly deserving of this honor and I applaud them for their efforts. Those interested in applying for future nominations to the military academies can find details onSenator Rischs websiteor by contacting Frances Hasenoehrl atfrances_hasenoehrl@risch.senate.gov. U.S. Army West Point Academy Theron Christensen, Buhl Aiden Holcroft, Star James Maguire, Rexburg Katelyn Murray, Boise Brandon Palmatier, Meridian Noah Petty, Boise Victoria Sievers, Kimberly Karlee Skaggs, Eagle Ayla Thayer, Boise Noah Throm, Hayden U.S. Naval Academy - Annapolis Kyle Almeida, Sandpoint Bryce Craig, Meridian Joseph Gibbs, Cataldo Nikko Gutierrez, Victor Christopher Henderson, Boise Daniel Johnson, Moscow Jamison Julian, Nampa Matthew Klein, Sagle Camren Langdon, Nampa Alissa Nalewajko, Eagle Landon Nurge, Ketchum Derek Odgers, New Plymouth Victor Rae, Bonners Ferry Dutton Rogers, Sandpoint Christopher Salcido, Idaho Falls Benjamin Seabourn, Boise Hugh Sheldon, Buhl Dylan Thompson, Boise Noah Throm, Hayden Rafael Zamora, Coeur dAlene U.S. Air Force Academy - Colorado Slade Castle, Moscow Bryce Craig, Meridian Katelyn Catalano, Kuna Joseph Gibbs, Cataldo Jamison Julian, Nampa Jacob Pitman, Boise Victor Rae, Bonners Ferry Helen Silvester, Boise Kayla Steiner, Meridian Damien Stonhill, Ammon U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Kings Point Katelyn Catalano, Kuna Theron Christensen, Buhl Joseph Gibbs, Cataldo Andrew Maraska, Boise Alissa Nalewajko, Eagle Derek Odgers, New Plymouth Brandon Palmatier, Meridian",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/kboi-risch-haley-doing-a-great-job-us-right-to-recognize-jerusalem,"KBOI: Risch: Haley Doing a Great Job, US Right to Recognize Jerusalem",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC (670 KBOI) The United Nations General Assembly today voted 128-9 to declare President Trumps decision to move the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem illegal. Idaho US Senator Jim Risch, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, says the President was perfectly in his rights to make the decision, because it actually was made decades ago. Interestingly enough, Congress voted in 1995 to move our Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which we recognize as their capital said Risch. That was a bipartisan vote. Every president thats run since then has committed that he would move the Embassy, and Donald Trump did it. UN Ambassador Nikki Haley warned that American generosity to the UN could be affected if the General Assembly took sides against us. Risch said nows not the time to talk specifics, but there are many ways that the warning can, and may, be fulfilled. He also said Haley is doing a great job as UN Ambassador. Link to Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/fixing-broken-tax-code-benefits-taxpayers-and-boosts-economy,Fixing Broken Tax Code Benefits Taxpayers and Boosts Economy,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Guest column submitted by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch A typical family of four will get a $2,059 tax cut. Lower-middle and middle income families can save time and money on tax preparation due to the near doubling of the standard deduction and other simplifications. According to more than 100 economists, economic growth will accelerate under the tax relief legislation passed by Congress, which will give Americans access to higher wages, greater job opportunities and a more vibrant economy. There is no need to take our word for all of this; just look at your W-2 paycheck starting in February and you will see more take home pay. We were proud to support these and more reforms for all Idahoans: Lower Taxes for All AmericansAmericans in every income group will see significant reductions, not increases, in their tax burden, with those in lower-middle and middle-income categories seeing the greatest percentage reduction, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation, the official revenue scorekeeper for Congress. Lower income earners will continue to pay zero percent and those with children will see a larger tax credit of $1,400 per child from the government. The Tax Foundation also analyzed the effects of tax reform on various model families with different incomes and found a reduction in tax liability for every scenario we modeled, with some of the largest cuts accruing to moderate-income families with children. New Jobs and GrowthThe National Taxpayers Union finds tax reform will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs. The Tax Foundation estimates 1.5 percent higher wages and 339,000 new jobs. In a recent survey by the National Association of Manufacturers, almost 54 percent of small and large manufacturers said they would hire more workers, and nearly half said they would increase employee wages and benefits as a result of tax reform. Deficit Reduction Not surprisingly, the estimates delivered by liberals and the national media have vastly understated the strong economic growth expected because archaic congressional rules require flawed static modeling instead of dynamic scoring. Dynamic scoring takes into account behavioral changes like how the policy affects jobs, wages and investments when estimating revenue. Static scoring doesnt allow for that. To support that claim, the Treasury Department estimates that taking into account tax reform and other economic policies, revenues will increase by $1.8 trillion over ten years with only an annual 2.9 percent economic growth rate; it can and will be higher than that. Growth of 2.4 percent would make the legislation revenue neutral. Improved CompetitivenessAmerican businesses are taxed at the highest rate in the industrialized world. This has resulted in 4,700 companies leaving the U.S. in the past 13 years, according to the Business Roundtable. The tax relief legislation reverses that trend, creating a more competitive tax code that better enables capital formation resulting in new companies being formed, staying here and expanding job opportunities. The Council of Economic Advisers reports significantly reducing the tax burden on American businesses would increase average household income in the U.S. by, very conservatively $4,000 annually. If we do nothing, the Congressional Budget Office has projected that our economy would struggle along at just 1.9 percent annual growth for the next decade, well below our historic average. This stagnates wages and wealth creation and is simply unacceptable. If we want to balance our budget, provide the necessary resources for our national defense and protect our safety net programs from looming insolvency, we need an economy growing at more than that measly rate. Historically, growth has been over three percent in every decade but one since WWII. We are Americans, we can do that again! We all want our country to be strong. We all want Americans to be able to keep more of their hard-earned income. The tax relief passed by Congress will reshape our tax policy to the benefit of the American people and help make the United States more competitive.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/idaho-state-journal-congress-passes-massive-tax-overhaul,Idaho State Journal: Congress passes massive tax overhaul,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The massive $1.5 trillion tax overhaul lauded by President Donald Trump and fellow congressional Republicans as the biggest tax-cut in history passed on Wednesday, bringing significant tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans. The first major overhaul of the nations tax laws since 1986, Democrats call the legislation a boon to the rich that leaves middle-class and working Americans behind. Passing 224-201, only 12 Republican senators broke with the party and voted against the tax reform bill. Senators from Idaho, Mike Crapo and Jim Risch were not among the dissenters. The tax reform legislation passed by Congress will produce growth not seen in generations, giving Americans access to higher wages, greater job opportunities and a more vibrant economy, Crapo said in a statement released Wednesday. Idahoans in every income group will see a reduction in their tax burdens, with the largest percentage reductions benefiting those in lower and middle-income tax categories. On Tuesday, the House approved the tax overhaul on a 227-203 vote, though lawmakers had to vote again Wednesday because of provisions in the House bill that did not align with the Senates special budgetary rules. All House Democrats voted in opposition to the bill. Congressional Republicans have cast the bill as a blessing for the middle class, an argument they will stress in their drive to hold onto their congressional majorities in next years midterm elections. But one comment by Trump could complicate their messaging. In praising the bill, Trump cited the deep cut in the corporate tax rate, from 35 percent to 21 percent. Thats probably the biggest factor in our plan, the president said at the White House. Starting next year, families making between $50,000 and $75,000 will get average tax cuts of $890, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center. Families making between $100,000 and $200,000 would get average tax cuts of $2,260, while families making more than $1 million would get average tax cuts of nearly $70,000, according to the analysis. But if the cuts for individuals are allowed to expire, most Americans those making less than $75,000 would see tax increases in 2027, according to congressional estimates. A typical family of four is projected to receive a $2,059 tax cut, and, as a result of increasing the standard deduction and simplifying other portions of the code, many lower and middle-income families will no longer have to save their receipts and spend many hours and hundreds of dollars every year to pay their taxes, Crapo said. This proposal will strengthen our economic competitiveness by creating a more competitive tax code that enables capital formation resulting in new companies being formed, staying here and expanding job opportunities. The GOP has repeatedly argued the bill will spur economic growth as corporations, flush with cash, increase wages and hire more workers. But many voters in surveys see the legislation as a boost to the wealthy, such as Trump and his family, and a minor gain at best for the middle class. Tax cuts for corporations would be permanent while the cuts for individuals would expire in 2026 to comply with Senate budget rules. The tax cuts would take effect in January, and workers would start to see changes in the amount of taxes withheld from their paychecks in February. The top tax rate for well-off individuals would be lowered from 39.6 percent to 37 percent. The legislation repeals an important part of the 2010 health care law the requirement that all Americans carry health insurance or face a penalty as the GOP looks to unravel the law it failed to repeal and replace this past summer. It also allows oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The $1,000-per-child tax credit doubles to $2,000, with up to $1,400 available in IRS refunds for families that owe little or no taxes. The bill is projected to add $1.46 trillion to the nations debt over a decade. GOP lawmakers say they expect a future Congress to continue the tax cuts so they wont expire. That would drive up deficits even further. Only about 1 in 3 voters have supported the legislation in recent days, according to several polls. About half of Americans believe the plan will hurt their personal finances. And 2 in 3 voters say the wealthy will get the most benefits, according to a USA Today/Suffolk University poll released last week. The bill now heads to presidents desk for signing. Once the President signs our tax reform legislation into law, taxes will be reduced for all Americans in every income bracket, except for the lower-income earners who will continue to pay zero percent Risch said. This historic reform will stimulate business activity for large and small enterprises, which will reduce the deficit and debt long-term. I was proud to support this once-in-a-generation reform that will benefit all Idahoans. Link to Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/risch-cheers-passage-of-historic-tax-reform-which-president-will-soon-sign-into-law,Risch Cheers Passage of Historic Tax Reform,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bill lowers taxes across the board, eliminates costly special interest tax breaks and modernizes the international tax system. Will create more jobs, increase paychecks, and make the tax code simpler and fairer First overhaul of tax code in 31 years Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) issued the following statement after Congress passed a historic tax reform package that will lower taxes for all Americans: Once the President signs our tax reform legislation into law, taxes will be reduced for all Americans in every income bracket, except for the lower-income earners who will continue to pay zero percent. This historic reform will stimulate business activity for large and small enterprises, which will reduce the deficit and debt long-term. I was proud to support this once-in-a-generation reform that will benefit all Idahoans. -- Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Highlights (Courtesy of the Senate Finance Committee) Effectively repeals Obamacares individual mandate tax to help provide additional relief to low- and middle-income families. Doubles the child tax credit from the current $1,000 to $2,000 allowing more parents to claim the credit. Additionally, it increases the child tax credits refundability to 70 percent. Nearly doubles the standard deduction. A typical family of four will get a $2,059 tax cut. It helps Americans with expensive medical bills by expanding the medical expense deduction for medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income for two years, and 10 percent of income starting in 2019. The plan also improves Americans ability to save for education by allowing families to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary and higher education. It also supports graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1134,Labrador Votes for Tax Reform Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tuesday | December 19, 2017 Todd Winer 202.495.8546 Dan Popkey 208.800.1565 LABRADOR VOTES FOR TAX REFORM BILL WASHINGTON, DCRep. Ral Labrador (R-ID) voted for an historic tax reform bill today the first substantial overhaul of Americas tax code in 31 years. He released the following statement: Any time we can allow hard-working Idahoans to keep more of their money, thats a good thing. The bill we passed today will help Idaho families meet their expenses and make crucial investments. This, in turn, will generate more economic growth and job creation, as shown by other tax relief bills of the recent past. While I would have preferred to see Congress go further in eliminating loopholes, lowering the overall rates, and reducing overall spending to avoid increasing our national debt, the bill we passed today is a good start. This bill, which passed the House, lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans; doubles the standard deduction; expands the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000; lowers the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%; and repeals the Obamacare individual mandate tax, among other changes. Im excited Congress is repealing the Obamacare individual mandate tax, said Rep. Labrador. This is a big win in our efforts to dismantle Obamacare, although we still have a long way to go. I will never quit the fight to repeal and replace Obamacare because it is a disaster for Idaho families and businesses. Three times in recent history under Presidents Kennedy, Reagan, and George W. Bush major tax relief was followed by significant job creation, stronger growth, and even higher tax revenue because of the stronger economy. The Senate is expected to act on tax reform this week. If the Senate approves the bill, it will go to President Trump for his signature and become law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398616,Simpson Praises Historic Tax Relief for American Families,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Mike Simpson,S001148,simpson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Mike Simpson praised the passage today of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the House of Representatives. H.R. 1 is the first comprehensive tax reform legislation to pass the House since 1986. Since coming to Congress, Ive talked to farmers, ranchers and businesses throughout Idaho and I consistently hear about the burden that our overly complex, outdated, and unfair tax code puts on families and small businesses, said Simpson. The bill that we voted on today has been years in the making, with the Better Way Blueprints release in June of 2016. Tax reform has been a key promise that Republicans made to our constituents when we gained control of the House, Senate, and White House, and I am proud to say that promise was fulfilled today. H.R. 1 will lower tax rates on individuals and businesses of all sizes. It will nearly double the standard deduction, so the first $12,000 earned by an individual and $24,000 earned by a married couple is completely tax-free. Other important provisions in H.R. 1 include: Expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. The tax credit is fully refundable up to $1,400 and begins to phase-out for families making more than $400,000. Improves savings vehicles for education by allowing families to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary and higher education. Preserves the mortgage interest deduction providing tax relief to current and aspiring homeowners. Eliminates Obamacares individual mandate penalty tax providing families with much-needed relief and flexibility to buy the health care thats right for them, if they so choose. Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes up to $10,000. Gives individuals and families the ability to deduct property taxes and income or sales taxes to best fit their unique circumstances. Preserves the Adoption Tax Credit so parents can continue to receive additional tax relief as they open their hearts and homes to an adopted child. Provides support for graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes. Continues the deduction for charitable contributions so people can continue to donate to their local church, charity, or community organization. Provides relief for Americans with expensive medical bills by expanding the medical expense deduction for 2017 and 2018 for medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income, and rising to 10 percent beginning in 2019. Provides immediate relief from the Death Tax by doubling the amount of the current exemption to reduce uncertainty and costs for many family-owned farms and businesses when they pass down their lifes work to the next generation. The United States has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world, so taking that rate down to 21% is going to benefit our entire economy, said Simpson. We need to stop incentivizing companies from leaving America to go create jobs elsewhere. Not only will they stay and create more jobs, but the wages for American workers will be higher and our businesses will be more competitive on a global stage. Some of the provisions that will benefit American Job creators include: Delivers significant tax relief to Main Street job creators by offering a first-ever 20 percent tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income earned by all businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships. Establishing strong safeguards so that wage income does not receive the lower marginal effective tax rates on business income helping to ensure that Main Street tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help most. Prevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad. Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers unleashing growth of jobs, productivity, and paychecks. Preserving the Research & Development Tax Credit that encourages our businesses and workers to develop cutting-edge Made in America products and services. Retaining the tax-preferred status of private-activity bonds that are used to finance valuable infrastructure projects. Eliminates the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax, thereby lowering taxes and eliminating confusion and uncertainty so American job creators can focus on growing their business and hiring more workers, rather than on burdensome paperwork. For greater American energy security and economic growth, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Establishes an environmentally responsible oil and gas program in the non-wilderness 1002 Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Congress specifically set aside the 1.57-million acre 1002 Area for potential future development. Two lease sales will be held over the next decade and surface development will be limited to 2,000 federal acres just one ten-thousandth of all of ANWR. Significantly boosts American energy production. Responsible development in the 1002 Area will raise tens of billions of dollars for deficit reduction in the decades to come, while creating thousands of new jobs, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and helping to keep energy affordable for American families and businesses. Provides a temporary increase in offshore revenue sharing for the Gulf Coast in 2020 and 2021, allowing those states to invest in priorities such as coastal restoration and hurricane protection. The focus of this plan has always been to help middle class families by creating a simple and fairer tax system, said Simpson. While every familys circumstance is unique, projections show that this plan would reduce the tax burden of a typical family of four earning $73,000 per year by more than $2,000. A single parent with one child earning $41,000 per year would see a tax cut of more than $1,300. And married small business owners with income of $100,000 per year would get a 24% reduction in their tax bill. I encourage people to see what this bill means to you, by using a simple tax calculator, available here or here. Simply put, this legislation will create economic growth in the United States by unleashing American small businesses and unburdening middle class families so they can make better financial decisions with their own money. H.R. 1 passed by a vote of 227-203. The Senate will vote on the bill later today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-votes-to-pass-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act,Crapo Votes to Pass Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Michael Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 19, 2017 Crapo Votes to Pass Tax Cuts and Jobs Act WASHINGTON To grow the nations economy and to provide a tax code that is more simple, fair and less costly to comply with for all Americans, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, today voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The tax reform legislation passed by Congress will produce growth not seen in generations, giving Americans access to higher wages, greater job opportunities and a more vibrant economy, said Crapo. Idahoans in every income group will see a reduction in their tax burdens, with the largest percentage reductions benefiting those in lower and middle-income tax categories. Further, a typical family of four is projected to receive a $2,059 tax cut, and, as a result of increasing the standard deduction and simplifying other portions of the code, many lower and middle income families will no longer have to save their receipts and spend many hours and hundreds of dollars every year to pay their taxes. This proposal will strengthen our economic competitiveness by creating a more competitive tax code that enables capital formation resulting in new companies being formed, staying here and expanding job opportunities. Click on the image to view Sen. Crapo's comments on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Tax Cuts and Jobs include the following highlights: Lowers individual tax rates to 10, 12, 22, 24, 32, 35 and 37 percent; Increases the Standard Deductionfrom $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples filing jointly; Establishes a new Family Creditwhich includes expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for each child and providing new credits of $500 each for other dependents; Preserves the Adoption Tax Credit; Preserves the deduction for charitable contributions; Preserves the home mortgage interest deduction for existing mortgages and maintains the home mortgage interest deduction for newly purchased homes for interest on up to $750,000 of mortgage principal; Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes up to $10,000 for both property and income (or sales) taxes; Thresholds for the Alternative Minimum Tax are increased to $1 million for married couples and $500,000 for individuals; Eliminates the Obamacare individual mandate penalty beginning January 1, 2019; Provides immediate relief from the Estate Tax by doubling the exemption amount; and Provides support for graduate students by continuing to reduce the value of reduced tuition from taxes. The measure will now go to the President who is expected to sign the legislation. When signed into law, many of the policy proposals in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will take effect January 1, 2018. More details about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act can be found here online and the full text of the bill can be found here. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/12/15/2017/crapo-announces-military-academy-nominations,Crapo Announces Military Academy Nominations,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Michael Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 18, 2017 Crapo Announces Military Academy Nominations Nominations made to U.S. military service academies for the 2018-2019 academic year WASHINGTON, D.C. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo today announced the nomination of 44 Idaho students to the nations military academies. The students applications are now being considered by four of the U.S. academies, where final selections will be made. ""One of the honors of my role as Idahos U.S. Senator is nominating distinguished students to the U.S. military service academies, said Crapo. By pursuing higher education in one of these academies, these students demonstrate their strong commitment to service and country. I congratulate each individual on their nomination and have every confidence in their leadership and academic skills as they continue to represent Idaho long into the future. Each year, U.S. Senators and Representatives make nominations to four of the service academies. The academies then select from the students nominated. Crapo made nominations to the US. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy. To qualify for a nomination, each student submitted an application and references and met certain scholastic requirements under a deadline. A nomination does not guarantee acceptance. Those wishing to apply for future nominations should contact Karen Roetter in Crapo's North Idaho Office in Coeur d'Alene at (208) 664-5490. U.S. Senator Mike Crapo's 2017 Academy Nominations are below: U.S. Military Academy (West Point, NY) Luke Campbell, Middleton Theron Christensen, Buhl Aiden Holcroft, Star James Maguire, Rexburg Katelyn Murray, Boise Noah Petty, Boise Victoria Sievers, Kimberly Karlee Skaggs, Eagle Damien Stonhill, Ammon Noah Throm, Hayden U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD) Kyle Almeida, Sandpoint Luke Campbell, Middleton Joseph Gibbs, Cataldo Christopher Henderson, Boise Daniel Johnson, Moscow Jamison Julian, Nampa Camren Langdon, Nampa Andrew Maraska, Boise Alissa Nalewajko, Star Landon Nurge, Ketchum Derek Odgers, New Plymouth Noah Petty, Boise Victor Rae, Bonners Ferry Dutton Rogers, Sandpoint Christopher Salcido, Idaho Falls Benjamin Seabourn, Boise Hugh Sheldon, Buhl Karlee Skaggs, Eagle Ayla Thayer, Boise Rafael Zamora, Bayview U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO) Daniel Barclay, Sterling Wolfgang Beier, Kingston Jamison Julian, Nampa Cameron Mitchell, Eagle Landon Nurge, Ketchum Jacob Pitman, Boise Ted Reed, Pinehurst Ariana Reisenauer, Kuna Kayla Steiner, Meridian Dylan Thompson, Boise U.S, Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY) Andrew Maraska, Boise Garrett Moen, Rathdrum Derek Odgers, New Plymouth Rafael Zamora, Bayview # # # Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1133,House Committee Approves Labrador Bill Boosting Geothermal Exploration,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                FOR MORE INFORMATION: Wednesday | Dec. 13, 2017         Dan Popkey - 208.800.1565         Todd Winer – 202.495.8546   HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES LABRADOR BILL BOOSTING GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION  Legislation lifts regulatory hurdles to spur development of clean, renewable energy on public lands WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday approved a bill by Rep. Raúl Labrador, R-Idaho, to expand exploration and development of geothermal energy in Idaho and other states. H.R. 4568, the Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act, passed on a bipartisan voice vote. “Idaho has an abundant supply of clean energy stored below ground, but the resource hasn’t reached its potential because of excessive regulation,” Labrador said. “My bill will clear the way for additional exploration without sacrificing environmental protections. “I thank my colleagues on the Committee for believing in this renewable and reliable energy that will grow the economy as well as promote national energy security. I look forward to a successful vote on the floor,” Labrador added. Ninety percent of commercially viable U.S. geothermal resources exist on federal lands. In Idaho alone, the resource is estimated at 800 megawatts – enough to heat 500,000 homes. H.R. 4568 would reduce regulatory approval waiting times for small exploratory wells from about 10 months to two months or less. Test holes 9 inches or less in diameter would be granted a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Similar provisionsalready exist for the oil, gas and mining industries. The bill also permits coproduction of geothermal resources on lands leased for oil and gas; requires the government to identify priority areas for geothermal development; and authorizes noncompetitive, fair market value leasing by an existing leaseholder on adjoining lands. The leasing provision is drawn from H.R. 4252, a bill introduced in November by Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho. The bill has the support of Boise-based U.S. Geothermal Inc., which operates plants at Raft River and just across the Idaho-Oregon line near Vale, Ore. The bill also is supported by the Geothermal Energy Association, whose chairman, Joe Greco, wrote the committee last month. “We are confident that if these recommendations are heeded, the geothermal industry will be able to deploy more megawatts on public lands, creating new jobs and royalty revenues for our local states and counties,” Greco wrote. Idaho has a long history with geothermal energy, including the heating of the Statehouse and offices and homes in Boise. The Idaho National Lab is a leader in geothermal research. The INL helped develop the Raft River area in the 1970s, pioneering the concept of binary power cycles that is now the worldwide standard for plant efficiency. Today, INL continues to work on next-generation geothermal technology. To view video of Labrador’s opening statement on consideration of the bill click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398615,DELEGATION SAYS BEA EXTENSION AT INL IS WELL-DESERVED,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Mike Simpson,S001148,simpson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Members of Idaho’s Congressional Delegation praise the announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy to extend the operations contract of the Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA) at the Idaho National Laboratory as well-deserved reflection of their outstanding work and contributions to U.S. energy security.  “I appreciate the commitment shown by DOE in announcing the contract extension for management at the Idaho National Laboratory,” said Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. “As the nation’s lead nuclear laboratory, the INL has produced cutting-edge energy and national security research and I look forward to continuing to work with Battelle Energy Alliance.” “I am pleased the Department of Energy is extending Battelle Energy Alliance’s contract to manage the Idaho National Laboratory, our nation’s nuclear energy research laboratory,” said Idaho Senator Jim Risch. “I look forward to continuing to work with BEA and the researchers at INL as the lab continues to be a world leader in nuclear energy, and grid and cybersecurity capabilities.” “I am very pleased that the Department of Energy has opted to extend Battelle Energy Alliance’s contract to manage Idaho National Laboratory,” said Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson.  “This announcement is a recognition of the consistent and excellent performance by BEA and it will bring consistency and economic stability to our region.  The world renowned researchers at the INL work every day to promote and ensure our nation’s energy security, and I could not be more proud of the cutting edge work they do.”  Battelle Energy Alliance’s contract to operate and manage the INL will be extended through September 2024.  The DOE says the decision was based on BEA’s “exceptional performance” in managing the site. Congressman Simpson is Chairman of the U.S House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the Department of Energy.  Senator Risch is a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, with jurisdiction over the Department of Energy.  Senator Crapo is a member of the Senate Budget Committee, which debates the budget blueprint for federal departments. The delegation members note that INL has had a scientific research and nuclear engineering presence in Southeastern Idaho for sixty years and has built, operated and tested 51 nuclear reactors in that time.  Today, it is the lead nuclear energy laboratory for DOE’s office of Nuclear Energy, supporting domestic civilian energy priorities along with key defense and homeland security initiatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/idaho-delegation-says-bea-extension-at-idaho-national-laboratory-is-well-deserved,Idaho delegation says BEA extension at Idaho National Laboratory is well-deserved,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Michael Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2017 Idaho delegation says BEA extension at Idaho National Laboratory is well-deserved Washington, D.C. Members of Idahos Congressional Delegation praise the announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy to extend the operations contract of the Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA) at the Idaho National Laboratory as well-deserved reflection of their outstanding work and contributions to U.S. energy security. I appreciate the commitment shown by DOE in announcing the contract extension for management at the Idaho National Laboratory, said Idaho Senator Mike Crapo.As the nations lead nuclear laboratory, the INL has produced cutting-edge energy and national security research and I look forward to continuing to work with Battelle Energy Alliance. I am pleased the Department of Energy is extending Battelle Energy Alliances contract to manage the Idaho National Laboratory, our nations nuclear energy research laboratory, said Idaho Senator Jim Risch. I look forward to continuing to work with BEA and the researchers at INL as the lab continues to be a world leader in nuclear energy, and grid and cybersecurity capabilities. I am very pleased that the Department of Energy has opted to extend Battelle Energy Alliances contract to manage Idaho National Laboratory, said Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson. This announcement is a recognition of the consistent and excellent performance by BEA and it will bring consistency and economic stability to our region. The world renowned researchers at the INL work every day to promote and ensure our nations energy security, and I could not be more proud of the cutting edge work they do. Battelle Energy Alliances contract to operate and manage the INL will be extended through September 2024. The DOE says the decision was based on BEAs exceptional performance in managing the site. Congressman Simpson is Chairman of the U.S House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the Department of Energy. Senator Risch is a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, with jurisdiction over the Department of Energy. Senator Crapo is a member of the Senate Budget Committee, which debates the budget blueprint for federal departments. The delegation members note that INL has had a scientific research and nuclear engineering presence in Southeastern Idaho for sixty years and has built, operated and tested 51 nuclear reactors in that time. Today, it is the lead nuclear energy laboratory for DOEs office of Nuclear Energy, supporting domestic civilian energy priorities along with key defense and homeland security initiatives. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/idaho-delegation-says-bea-extension-at-idaho-national-laboratory-is-well-deserved,Idaho delegation says BEA extension at Idaho National Laboratory is well-deserved,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Members of Idaho’s Congressional Delegation praise the announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy to extend the operations contract of the Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA) at the Idaho National Laboratory as well-deserved reflection of their outstanding work and contributions to U.S. energy security.  “I am pleased the Department of Energy is extending Battelle Energy Alliance’s contract to manage the Idaho National Laboratory, our nation’s nuclear energy research laboratory,” said Idaho Senator Jim Risch. “I look forward to continuing to work with BEA and the researchers at INL as the lab continues to be a world leader in nuclear energy, and grid and cybersecurity capabilities.”  “I appreciate the commitment shown by DOE in announcing the contract extension for management at the Idaho National Laboratory,” said Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. “As the nation’s lead nuclear laboratory, the INL has produced cutting-edge energy and national security research and I look forward to continuing to work with Battelle Energy Alliance.” “I am very pleased that the Department of Energy has opted to extend Battelle Energy Alliance’s contract to manage Idaho National Laboratory,” said Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson. “This announcement is a recognition of the consistent and excellent performance by BEA and it will bring consistency and economic stability to our region. The world renowned researchers at the INL work every day to promote and ensure our nation’s energy security, and I could not be more proud of the cutting edge work they do.”  Battelle Energy Alliance’s contract to operate and manage the INL will be extended through September 2024. The DOE says the decision was based on BEA’s “exceptional performance” in managing the site.  Congressman Simpson is Chairman of the U.S House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the Department of Energy. Senator Risch is a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, with jurisdiction over the Department of Energy. Senator Crapo is a member of the Senate Budget Committee, which debates the budget blueprint for federal departments.  The delegation members note that INL has had a scientific research and nuclear engineering presence in Southeastern Idaho for sixty years and has built, operated and tested 51 nuclear reactors in that time. Today, it is the lead nuclear energy laboratory for DOE’s office of Nuclear Energy, supporting domestic civilian energy priorities along with key defense and homeland security initiatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1132,Labrador Introduces Bill Spurring Geothermal Exploration,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                FOR MORE INFORMATION: Thursday | Dec. 7, 2017         Dan Popkey - 208.800.1565         Todd Winer – 202.495.8546   LABRADOR INTRODUCES BILL SPURRING GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION  Legislation lifts regulatory hurdles to unleash clean energy development in Idaho and other federal land states WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Raúl Labrador, R-Idaho, on Wednesday introduced the Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act, a long-awaited bill to accelerate development of an abundant Idaho resource. Labrador has been working on the issue since 2011, his first year in Congress. An earlier version of the legislation cleared the Housewith bipartisan support in 2012. Ninety percent of viable U.S. geothermal resources exist on federal lands. In Idaho alone, the resource is estimated at 800 megawatts – enough to heat 500,000 homes. “Clearing away unnecessary and duplicative environmental review in the exploratory process is a no brainer,” Labrador said. “Every American will benefit from additional development of clean, renewable and reliable geothermal energy.” H.R. 4568 would reduce regulatory approval waiting times for small exploratory wells from about 10 months to two months or less. Test holes 8 inches or less in diameter would be granted a categorical exclusion under the National Environmentally Policy Act (NEPA). Similar provisions already exist for oil and gas exploration and mining. The bill also permits coproduction of geothermal resources on lands leased for oil and gas; requires the government to identify priority areas for geothermal development; and authorizes noncompetitive, fair market value leasing by an existing leaseholder on adjoining lands. The leasing provision is drawn from H.R. 4252, a bill introduced in November by Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho. Last week, Scott Nichols of Boise-based U.S. Geothermal testified at a hearing of the House Natural Resources Committee on a draft version of Labrador’s bill. “Geothermal energy is one of the cleanest, lowest impact, renewable energy resources,” said Nichols, U.S. Geothermal’s permitting and lands manager. “It uses less land per square foot, per megawatt produced, than any other renewable energy.” “What your bill really does is address the regulatory implications,” Nichols told Labrador at the hearing, noting that some wells have as many as seven environmental analyses under NEPA. “Even after that exclusion…we will still have to go through at least two additional NEPA analyses before that energy is delivered to market.” Labrador’s bill has the support of the Geothermal Energy Association and U.S. Geothermal, which has operations in Idaho, Oregon, Nevada and California. “U.S. Geothermal strongly supports H.R. 4568 proposed by Representative Labrador,” said Douglas Glaspey, Interim Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Geothermal Inc. “We believe that all four provisions of the bill provide essential modifications to the issues related to leasing and developing geothermal resources on federally managed land and provide a catalyst for growth in the geothermal industry.” Idaho has a long history with geothermal energy, including the heating of the Statehouse and offices and homes in Boise. The Idaho National Lab helped develop geothermal in the Raft River area in the 1970s and continues to work on next-generation technology. To watch Labrador’s interchange with Nichols at last week’s hearing, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/kmvt-crapo-risch-join-bipartisan-call-to-extend-secure-rural-schools-program,"KMVT: Crapo, Risch join bipartisan call to extend Secure Rural Schools Program",2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON (News Release) Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch Thursday joined a bipartisan group of 32 senators in sending a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), urging them to include a reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Program in any end-of-year legislation. SRS supports public schools, public roads, forest health projects, emergency services, and many other essential county services for more than 775 counties across the country. The SRS program expired on September 30, 2015, and it has not been reauthorized for FY16 or beyond. Forest counties and schools received their last authorized SRS payment in 2016. Without SRS, existing revenue-sharing payments are not sufficient to support critical services these counties must provide. For Idaho, this means that without the Secure Rural Schools program, Idaho property owners may instead be asked to contribute to schools more often through local special elections. The Senators wrote: The SRS program continues to be a critical safety-net for forest counties as we work to diversify rural economies, improve forest management and forest health, strengthen historic forest revenue sharing with local governments, and ensure that our forests provide a range of values such as clean water, jobs, and wood fiber for local economies. In the interest of working together in a bipartisan way to support local rural communities, we ask that you include a reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools in any end-of-the-year legislation. We appreciate your assistance with this matter. In addition to Crapo and Risch, senators who signed the letter include: Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael F. Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AK), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Al Franken (D-MN), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), Margaret Wood Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Dean Heller (R-NV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joe Manchin III (D-WV), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Jeffery A. Merkley (D-OR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Roger Wicker (R-MS). The full letter, as delivered, is attached and below: December 6, 2017 ""Dear Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer: ""We write to strongly urge the inclusion of at least a two-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which enjoys tremendous bipartisan support, in any end-of-the-year legislation. ""On U.S. Forest Service land, the federal government has historically shared 25 percent of timber harvest revenues with counties to compensate for federal ownership. On certain land managed by the Department of Interior, the Bureau of Land Management shares 50 percent of the revenue from federal timber sales with counties. Due to declining timber harvests, a critical source of funding for rural counties, sometimes referred to as forest counties, has seen significant decreases, often decimating impacted county budgets. ""In 2000, Congress passed SRS with broad bipartisan support as a fiscal solution to help fund essential services resulting from the reduced revenue-sharing receipts. Since then, SRS has been a critical lifeline for over 775 counties in over 40 states across the country by helping fund more than 4,400 schools, road maintenance, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations. However, SRS authorization lapsed last year and rural counties are now back to simply receiving the timber revenue-sharing receipts. These receipts are up to 80 percent less than what forest counties received under SRS. ""We are now witnessing firsthand the hardships rural counties face as a result of SRS authorization lapsing. Without the certainty of SRS payments, schools, libraries, and jails are closing. Schools that remain open will see a reduction of teachers. Roads go unpaved and become unsafe. Mental and physical health services are scaled back or even ended. Fewer and fewer law enforcement officers are forced to patrol larger and larger areas. ""The SRS program continues to be a critical safety-net for forest counties as we work to diversify rural economies, improve forest management and forest health, strengthen historic forest revenue sharing with local governments, and ensure that our forests provide a range of values such as clean water, jobs, and wood fiber for local economies. ""In the interest of working together in a bipartisan way to support local rural communities, we ask that you include a reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools in any end-of-the-year legislation. We appreciate your assistance with this matter."" Link to Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/risch-crapo-simpson-applaud-doi-decision-on-craters-of-the-moon,"Risch, Crapo, Simpson Applaud DOI Decision on Craters of the Moon",2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATION OF IDAHOS REPRESENTATIVES, DOI WILL MAKE NO MODIFICATIONS TO CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT Washington, D.C. After a nearly eight-month review of National Monument designations under the Antiquities Act, U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo and U.S. Representative Mike Simpson today applauded the Department of Interiors (DOI) decision to follow the delegations recommendation to make no modifications to Craters of the Moon National Monument. ""The monument review was about hearing local voices and the people of Idaho, along with Senator Risch, Senator Crapo and Congressman Simpson made it clear where they stand, saidSecretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. I'm grateful for their continued participation in the review and look forward to visiting Idaho again sometime soon."" I have long held that state Governors and Legislators should have substantial input in the monument review process - not bureaucrats who live on the banks of the Potomac,said Senator Risch.I was pleased that DOI followed the delegations unanimous recommendation to make no modifications to Craters of the Moon. Effective federal land management decisions require meaningful input from the local stakeholders that live, work and depend on those lands in order to foster both acceptable natural resource protections as well as resilient, self-sustaining economies in our rural communities,said Senator Crapo. The Department of the Interior has made the right decision to honor the input and feedback from Idahos communities in not modifying Craters of the Moon. I applaud the Department of the Interior for honoring the local consensus Idahoans have created with Craters of the Moon,said Congressman Simpson. I worked with a diverse group of stakeholders over ten years ago to ensure Craters reflects Idaho values and can be enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts. I am grateful Idahoans voices were heard and that this review reflects our local solution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/risch-crapo-laud-senate-passage-of-tax-reform-measure,"Risch, Crapo Laud Senate Passage of Tax Reform Measure",2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT PASSES SENATE 51-49 WITH CRAPO AND RISCH SUPPORT WASHINGTON Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch today applauded the Senates passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Crapo and Risch both voted in favor of the legislation which will provide tax relief for Idaho families and all Americans. For the first time in over three decades, Congress has finally taken an imperative step forward in reforming our tax code to allow Idahos women and men the ability to keep more of their hard-earned money, while the bills dramatic simplification of the tax code will also save families significant time and money when it comes time to file their taxes each year.said Crapo and Rischjointly following the Senates Saturday morningvote. ""Under this monumental overhaul, Americans in every income group will see a reduction in their taxburden, with those in the lower and middle-income categories seeing the greatest percentage reduction. Six million of the most vulnerable taxpayers will see a reduction of their taxes to zero. A typical family of four will benefit from a $2,200 tax cut. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will produce growth not seen in generations, giving Americans access to higher wages, greater job opportunities and a more vibrant economy, all of which will result in greater dynamic revenue generation to reduce the deficit and improve our nations fiscal standing. We have long held that Congress could not have created a tax code that is more unfair, more complex, more expensive to comply with, or more anti-competitive to our own American businesses than the code currently in place,added Crapo and Risch. Going far beyond the typical debate we have seen in recent decades about tax cuts vs. tax increases, this comprehensive reform successfully addresses each of the problems with the current tax code. Ultimately, todays Senate passage signifies an historic step forward in putting America back on a path toward sound fiscal health. In addition to necessary tax cuts for the vulnerable and widespread economic growth mentioned by Crapo and Risch, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will: Double the Standard Deduction, saving millions of families from having to save their receipts and find them all again each year at tax time; Double the child tax credit to benefit working families; Keep popular deductions, such as the adoption tax credit, charitable giving deduction, medical expenses deduction and mortgage interest deduction; Continue longstanding bipartisan efforts to further protect family farms and small businesses from the Death Tax; Make American job creators more competitive by reducing our corporate tax rate, which is currently the highest tax rate in the industrialized world; Build on the new 17.4 percent deduction for pass-through businesses, created in the original Senate Finance Committee bill, by raising the new deduction to 23 percent; Provide significant tax relief and simplification for small businesses, earning the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business; and Create a globally competitive tax system that encourages investment in the U.S. economy by allowing companies to bring capital back to the U.S. Senator Crapo is a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over the legislation. Senator Risch is Chairman of the Small Business Committee. The differences between the House and Senate versions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will now undergo reconciliation. The final version coming out of the conference committee will need to be approved by both houses before it is sent to the president for signature.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398614,Simpson Discusses Fire Borrowing with Forest Service Chief,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ID,Mike Simpson,S001148,simpson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson discussed the issue of fire borrowing during a House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing with Chief of the Forest Service, Tony Tooke this week. Specifically, Simpson emphasized the need to fund wildfires like other natural disasters. “Solving the issue of fire borrowing has been one of my top legislative priorities in Congress,” said Simpson. “In Idaho and other western states, fire-borrowing has decimated the budgets of land management agencies and caused fire seasons to increase in severity and cost. If we can find a better way to budget for these catastrophic fires, we can improve our lands and our budget outlook.” Currently, agencies like the Forest Service must borrow from non-fire accounts when fire suppression costs exceed the budget.  “Fire borrowing” was intended to be an extraordinary measure, but as fire seasons have grown more destructive it has become common practice—and has created a devastating cycle that prevents agencies from doing needed hazardous fuels removal or timber harvests; ultimately leading to worse fires. To solve this issue, Congressman Simpson has introduced the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act, which would fund wildfires like other natural disasters. During the hearing, Congressman Simpson asked Chief Tooke what the consequences would be if they didn’t address the rising costs of wildfire suppression funding. “I’m hopeful we get this done this year. However, if we don’t address the 10 year average (mechanism used to predict annual wildfire suppression funding) that 55% (share of wildfire funding in Forest Service total budget) will continue to grow.” Chief Tooke agreed saying, “Yes, according to our projections, even if we have a low to moderate fire years the next few years, the ten year average will grow by $500 million over the next five years.” In 1995, the Forest Service spent 16% of their budget on wildfire suppression. Fiscal Year 2016 was 56% and it will be more than two-thirds by 2021. This means that the Forest Service spends the majority of its time, funding, and staff resources putting out fires instead of managing public lands. The Wildfire Disaster Funding Act is supported by 89 bipartisan members of Congress and over 200 organizations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398612,Simpson Votes for Lower Taxes,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ID,Mike Simpson,S001148,simpson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson praised the passage of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today in the House of Representatives.  H.R. 1 is the first comprehensive tax reform legislation to pass the House since 1986.  “Since coming to Congress, I’ve talked to farmers, ranchers and businesses throughout Idaho and I consistently hear about the burden that our overly complex, outdated, and unfair tax code puts on families and small businesses,” said Simpson.  “This bill will relieve much of that burden and allow more people to see a greater share of their paychecks in their wallet.  This will empower families in Idaho to make the decisions that they believe are best for their family, as opposed to sending their hard earned money to Washington.” H.R. 1 will lower tax rates on individuals and businesses of all sizes.  It will nearly double the standard deduction, so the first $12,000 earned by an individual and $24,000 earned by a married couple is completely tax-free. It will also lower individual tax rates, significantly increase the child tax credit, and create a new $300 tax credit for families caring for non-child dependents.  It retains tax incentives that benefit individuals and families such as the home mortgage interest, charitable contributions, higher education, adoption, and retirement security. The bill also repeals the estate tax, also known as the “death tax” which is a top concern for family owned farms across Idaho. “The United States has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world, so taking that rate down to 20% is going to benefit our entire economy,” said Simpson. “We need to stop incentivizing companies from leaving America to go create jobs elsewhere.  Not only will they stay and create more jobs, but the wages for American workers will be higher and our businesses will be more competitive on a global stage. Simply put, this legislation is about creating economic growth in the United States by unleashing American small businesses and unburdening middle class families so they make better financial decisions with their own money.” In addition to lowering the corporate tax to 20%, H.R. 1 will reduce the tax rate on business income to no more than 25%; establish safeguards to distinguish individual wage income and “pass through” business income; modernize our international tax system; and eliminates incentives that currently reward companies from shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad. H.R. 1 passed by a vote of 227-205. The Senate is working on their own version of H.R. 1 and is expected to conference that version with the House legislation in December.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398611,Simpson Praises Defense Bill Supporting our Troops and Big Wins for Idaho,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ID,Mike Simpson,S001148,simpson.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House of Representatives today passed the conference report to H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018.  Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported this legislation which fulfills Congress’ constitutional responsibility to provide for the common defense in addition to authorizing many important programs that support our military, including a pay increase and benefits to military members and their families. “The overwhelmingly support of the conference report to the NDAA by the House of Representatives sends a strong signal of support to our troops,” said Simpson.  “It is imperative that our military has the necessary tools to protect us from ever-changing threats.” The conference report also includes important Idaho priorities such as language that streamlines the conveyance of an unused Air Force-owned rail spur near the Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB) to the City of Mountain Home.  The city plans to leverage this rail for economic development to attract businesses to the city, leading to job growth for its residents and for military dependents.  Simpson was first to include conveyance language in the House version of the NDAA. “I am thrilled that the conveyance language was included in the conference report, and I look forward to the economic opportunities that it will bring to the city of Mountain Home and Idaho,” said Simpson.  “Both city officials and base leaders are excited that it will not only be an impetus to bring new businesses and jobs to the city, but also improve quality of life for local residents and military families.” The conference report also authorizes full funding for the A-10 Thunderbolt II to continue its operation. An A-10 squadron currently operates at Gowen Field in Boise, and is essential to the mission there. Funding for new trainee barracks for the Idaho Army National Guard and a digital air ground range at the Orchard Combat Training Center, high priorities for the Army to improve Guard readiness, are also authorized in this bill. This bill provides for a 2.4% pay raise for over 1.3 million active-duty and 810,000 Guard and Reserve troops. The conference report to H.R. 2810 passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 356-70.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/risch-statement-on-veterans-day,Risch Statement on Veterans Day,2017-11-11,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) issued the following statement on Veterans Day: ""Thank you to the veterans who have bravely served our country. We all owe a debt of gratitude and respect to these men and women for keeping our country safe and free.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://simpson.house.gov/blog/?postid=398610,Simpson Reflects on Congress Duty to Veterans,2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ID,Mike Simpson,S001148,simpson.house.gov,,,legacy,"As Veterans Day approaches, Congressman Simpson reflects on the exceptional commitment to service demonstrated by veterans and active members of the military every day.  “This Veterans Day, we honor and thank our nation’s veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made to keep us safe.  These heroes have dedicated their lives to protecting our American way of life, and it is because they serve that we may live freely and without fear,” said Simpson.  “I consider it one of my greatest honors and responsibilities to give back to these citizens who have given so much of themselves.  For this reason, I am proud to have joined with my colleagues in Congress in sending more than half a dozen veterans related bills to the President’s desk for signature during the 115th Congress, and to have supported many more on the floor of the House of Representatives throughout my career.  From H.R. 3218, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, to H.R. 244, the HIRE Vets Act, Congress is deeply committed to advocating for our nation’s veterans and their families.  On behalf of a grateful nation, I again thank our veterans for their courageous commitment to duty, and the sacrifices they have made to protect our freedoms.” For more information regarding legislation related to our veterans signed into law during the 115th Congress, please visit the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs website. If you are an Idaho veteran in need of assistance navigating a federal agency, please visit my website to learn more and to submit an authorization form.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/risch-statement-on-roy-moore,Risch Statement on Roy Moore,2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) issued the following statement about Roy Moore: “If these allegations are true, Roy Moore must step aside.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/risch-crapo-welcome-bangerter-frasure-appointments-to-the-u-s-dept-of-agriculture,"Risch, Crapo Welcome Bangerter, Frasure Appointments to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture",2017-11-06,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch today welcomed the appointments of Layne Bangerter and Evan Frasure to serve Idaho as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  In a USDA announcement,  Bangerter has been appointed to serve as State Director for USDA Rural Development in Idaho and Frasure to serve as State Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency.  Both positions are based in Idaho.   “We congratulate Layne and Evan on being appointed to these important positions that will support Idaho’s agricultural economy and rural communities,” said Senators Crapo and Risch.  “Layne’s experience and grassroots knowledge of the issues facing Idaho’s rural families has prepared him to focus on the economic development, infrastructure and other opportunities for the women and men who have built their lives in Idaho’s rural communities.  With his service to Idaho as a member of the Idaho Legislature, Evan’s knowledge of the challenges and needs from all corners of Idaho will be invaluable as he bridges Idaho’s agriculture community with the resources and mission at USDA.”   Bangerter is a rancher from Melba who served on the staff for Crapo for more than 13 years.  He later served as then-candidate Donald Trump’s campaign lead in Idaho.  Frasure is a former member of the Idaho Legislature having served in both the Idaho House of Representatives and State Senate representing Pocatello from 1990-2002.                                                                                                 # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1131,Labrador Statement on Passing of Former Idaho Congressman Orval Hansen,2017-11-03,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                FOR MORE INFORMATION: Friday | Nov. 3, 2017         Dan Popkey - 208.800.1565         Todd Winer – 202.495.8546     LABRADOR STATEMENT ON PASSING OF FORMER IDAHO CONGRESSMAN ORVAL HANSEN WASHINGTON, D.C. –Rep. Raúl Labrador, R-Idaho, released the following statement today after the death of former Idaho Congressman Orval Hansen: “Congressman Hansen made lasting contributions to Idaho and the nation, as a veteran, an Idaho legislator and Member of Congress. Becca and I have the Hansen family in our thoughts and prayers.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398608,Congressman Simpson Statement on Passing of Orval Hansen,2017-11-03,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ID,Mike Simpson,S001148,simpson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Simpson Statement on Passing of Orval Hansen f t # e Washington, November 3, 2017 Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following on the news that former Congressman Orval Hansen passed away on Thursday evening. “Kathy and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Hansen,” said Simpson. “He saw the potential that existed in our state for world class nuclear energy research and because of that vision, Idaho National Laboratory is a respected leader in energy research.  We are greatly indebted to Congressman Hansen for his service to Idaho and our nation.” f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1130,House Passes Labrador Bill Aiding Idaho Family Loggers,2017-11-01,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                FOR MORE INFORMATION: Wednesday | Nov. 1, 2017         Dan Popkey - 208.800.1565         Todd Winer – 202.495.8546   HOUSE PASSES LABRADOR BILL AIDING IDAHO FAMILY LOGGERS  Proposed by Idaho timber families, bill enables youth to work in family operations WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House passed the Resilient Federal Forests Act today, a bipartisan bill that will improve forest health, combat catastrophic fires and restore sensible multiple-use management (H.R. 2936). This legislation includes Rep. Raúl Labrador’s bill to permit 16- and 17-year-olds to work in family-owned mechanized logging operations, extending a similar exemption that applies to agricultural workers. Labrador’s bill, the Future Logging Careers Act (H.R. 1454) was suggested in 2014 by two Idaho loggers who met with Labrador, Tim Christopherson of Kamiah and Mark Mahon of Council, who were in Washington on behalf of the American Loggers Council. Mahon described how his teenage son was working in the woods when he was sent home by a Forest Service official because there is no exemption for family logging. Learning that loggers operating machinery were treated differently than farmers under the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act, Labrador championed extending the provision to young loggers under parental supervision. He first introduced the bill in 2014. “For generations, people making their living in the woods have passed on their skills, making the work safer, supporting families and building rural communities,” Labrador said. “These family operations are vital to providing products necessary for our economy and they should enjoy treatment similar to agricultural families.” “It’s no different than farming,” Mahon said Wednesday. “It’s just bigger corn. It’s a renewable resource and it’s something that the country needs.” Christopherson said the bill will help sustain a key U.S. industry. “The passage of H.R 2936 with the Future Logging Careers Act included will help the youth in logging families safely learn the business of logging,” he said. “Working alongside family members learning the skills of moving timber out of the woods safely will ensure that the next generation of loggers can continue providing wood products for our growing needs.” Shawn Keough, executive director of the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho, said Labrador’s bill will boost the economy. Her group is one of more than 30 logging industry groups backing the bill. “Allowing young people to learn to safely operate modern logging equipment in their family businesses will replicate the great experience that’s long been available on America’s family farms,” Keough said. “As an industry that provides the wood products we use every day, logging is both a way of life and a fact of life. Idaho’s loggers are pleased to see the House move to help develop the next generation of logging families to serve a healthy American economy.” Labrador’s H.R. 1454 was included in the larger Resilient Federal Forests Act as Section 910. The Resilient Federal Forests Act simplifies process requirements and reduces planning times, while continuing to protect the environment. The bill provides incentives for collaboration, creates a pilot program to use binding arbitration to resolve legal challenges and accelerates habitat improvement for wildlife. The bill also reforms the way the federal government pays for fighting catastrophic fires by treating them like natural disasters. To watch Labrador’s floor speech on the bill, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398607,House Passes Bill to Improve Forest Health,2017-11-01,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ID,Mike Simpson,S001148,simpson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of legislation that would advance effective forest management and address the issue of fire-borrowing. H.R. 2936, the Resilient Federal Forests Act would promote collaborative forest management, reduce frivolous litigation, and modernize the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. Included in the package is Congressman Simpson’s bipartisan H.R. 1483, the Litigation Relief for Forest Management Projects Act which would reverse a disastrous court ruling that has created duplicative steps in projects intended for conservation and forest health. H.R. 2936 passed the House by a vote of 232-188. “Idahoans know all too well about the devastating impacts of catastrophic wildfires,” said Congressman Simpson. “The air quality in the summer, the evacuations from our communities, and the resources it takes to fight fires are all serious problems in Idaho. That is why Congress needs to act. I am pleased this legislation addresses the litigation issues that have halted far too many projects and promotes collaborative forest management provisions that seek to improve the health of our forests.” “We also need to fix fire-borrowing,” said Simpson. “The rolling-ten year average, which is used to calculate the cost of wildfires, has decimated the Forest Service budget. Wildfire funding is anticipated to consume two-thirds of the total Forest Service budget by 2021 if we don’t change the current budgeting process. The status quo leaves little room to fund programs that actually prevent wildfires and reduce overall costs. That is why I proposed a solution to fix this problem.” Congressman Simpson introduced H.R 2862, the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act (WDFA) which is bipartisan legislation that had 150 cosponsors in the 114th Congress. The bill would treat wildfires like other natural disasters and eliminate the need for fire-borrowing. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance the needed reforms in both my Wildfire Disaster Funding Act and H.R. 2936 so we can curb the cost of wildfire suppression funding and protect our landscapes and communities from the catastrophic fires we have sadly grown accustomed to in the west.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/risch-questions-tech-companies-about-russian-bought-advertisements-disinformation-campaign-in-idaho,"Risch Questions Tech Companies about Russian-Bought Advertisements, Disinformation Campaign in Idaho",2017-11-01,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook releases advertisements purchased in Idaho (see below) Witnesses agree with Risch: Russian attempt to influence Americans extends beyond the scope of the 2016 elections Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, today questioned officials from Facebook, Twitter and Google about the use of their companies’ platforms by Russians to share disinformation and sow widespread division in America. Witnesses agreed with Risch, who referenced specific examples of Russian-bought advertisements in Idaho , that the Russians’ attempt to influence Americans extended beyond the scope of the 2016 elections. Click here to watch the full committee exchange. To view examples of Russian-bought ads in Idaho, continue below.   “So I want to come at this from a little different perspective. The 2016 elections got a lot of the politicians riled up, because it went after the political process. But my conclusion is, … that this is a lot deeper than just the elections. … There are a lot of things that the Russians are trying to do, and not just inject themselves into the electoral process. It seems to me that, after you … say, ""What's going on here? … The conclusion I've reached is that the Russians are doing what they've done all along, long before your technology even existed, and that is trying to sow discord.” Facebook has provided the committee with over 3,300 Russian-bought advertisements and posts that ran between June 2015 and August 2017. Among them were ads that referenced or featured Idaho related topics. Examples of those ads are below. Facebook found that the Russian-based Internet Research Agency (IRA) spent approximately $100,000 on Facebook and Instagram ads during the period. Facebook estimates that 11.4 million people in the United States saw at least one of the 3,300 plus ads bought by accounts linked to the Russian government. In addition to the ads, Facebook estimates that approximately 126 million people may have been served Russian-bought content at some point during the two-year period. Russian-linked accounts also commented on the above ad: “If you invite someone to your home, you expect a guest to be thankful to you. However, Muslim refugees have another overview of the rules on conduct an ethics. Residents of Twin Falls, Idaho are terrorized by Muslim refugees. First, Muslim refugee children raped a five-year-old American girl. Then the police have recorded other instances of violence committed by refugees in the city. Mulugeta Zemu Mana, 32, is a Muslim refugee from Bosnia and Herzegovina who tried to kill three men. After police officers arrested him, Mana told at hearing, ""The only guilt I have is the day I decided to come to the country."" I hope Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will read his words in the news. Muslim refugees don't want to go here. May it be a time to stop refugees' suffering? Let them go to Muslim countries where they will live in their accustomed surroundings! America is wrong place for Muslim Refugees!"" Russian-linked accounts also commented on the above ad: “24 years ago Ruby Ridge standoff took place in Idaho. That confrontation between the Federal Government depicts the politically-motivated cruel attack on civil rights of American citizens. Liberal media made everything possible to turn this incident into the news Americans forget the next day. In fact, Ruby Bridge case was covered and washed away so perfectly that nobody calls it a national terror act committed by the government. America forces its citizens to keep silent. Remember recent Oregon standoff and what feds turned it into, never forget the untold story of the Montana Freemen and the Waco Siege. Feds do everything to keep us unarmed, numb and controllable. They don't care about the Constitution.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/tester-risch-encourage-zinke-to-increase-veterans-access-to-national-parks,"Tester, Risch Encourage Zinke to Increase Veterans Access to National Parks",2017-11-01,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators’ Bill Would Create Lifetime Pass For Free Entry for Veterans (U.S. Senate)—U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Jim Risch are encouraging the U.S. Interior Department to increase veterans’ access to national parks and public lands. Tester and Risch are asking Secretary Zinke to support their bipartisan Honoring Service Through National Park Access Act to encourage more veterans to experience all National Park Service sites.  Tester and Risch’s bill creates a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass that veterans can purchase for a discounted, one-time fee.  The pass will allow veterans free entry to all sites for a lifetime. “It is critically important that we reduce the barriers veterans face when accessing our National Parks and public lands,” the Senators wrote.  “We look forward to working with the Department of Interior as your advance initiatives to ensure that more veterans are able to experience these treasured places.”  The Senators’ letter is in response to Zinke’s recent meeting with veteran service organizations regarding veteran’s access to national parks and public lands. Tester and Risch underscored in their letter that they share Zinke’s sentiment that national parks and public lands provide veterans with a “healing opportunity for their physical and emotional wounds” from their service. Tester and Risch’s letter to Zinke is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/during-military-force-hearing-risch-asks-secretaries-mattis-tillerson-about-u-s-response-to-north-korea-attack,"During Military Force Hearing, Risch Asks Secretaries Mattis, Tillerson about U.S. Response to North Korea Attack",2017-10-31,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on military force, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) discussed the serious threat North Korea poses to the world, and asked Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to describe U.S. preparedness measures, including how our nation would respond to an imminent attack. Click here to watch the full dialogue. Partial transcript of the dialogue below: Sen. Risch: “North Korea is the biggest issue that we have, if you are going to describe big. … Tell me what happens if somebody knocks on the door and says Mr. President, they have launched. …. There’s no time for an AUMF [Authorization for Use of Military Force], there’s no time to get lawyers involved. Somebody has to make that decision.”  Sec. Mattis: “The first step, of course would be that our ballistic missile defense forces at sea and in Alaska, California, the various radars would be feeding in and they would do what they are designed to do as we make every effort to take them out. The response, after the immediate defense would of course depend on the President and laying out options, a wide array of options I would tell you. In alliance with our allies as well, because many of them have roles to play and have indicated they would be with us. We would take the action the President directed, and I'm sure the congress would be intimately involved.”  Sen. Risch: “And of course under the scenario I have outlined this is a matter of minutes, -- not days or hours.  Sec. Mattis : “The defenses would go sir, and the President would be woken up. But our commands are - we have rehearsed this routinely. I can leave it at that in this open session.”  Sen. Risch: “Secretary Tillerson, do you have anything to add?”  Sec. Tillerson: “As Secretary Mattis indicated we do have defensive mechanisms in place. There would be some judgment made as to the effectiveness of those and then some judgment made over whether a necessary and proportionate response is required. One of the strengths of the last 70 years has been the deterrence. The fact that no president, Republican or Democrat, has ever for sworn the first strike capability, that has served us for 70 years. So I think any consideration of forgoing that does change I think in a very material way, the strength of that deterrence.”  Sen. Risch: “I agree, Mr. Secretary. It seems to me that the enemy that we are dealing with here in North Korea, that deterrence issue does not seem to be phasing them because either a man would have to be absolutely crazy or incredibly stupid to not know what was going to happen after that.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/crapo-risch-press-white-house,"Crapo, Risch Press White House to Extend Critical Lifeline Funding in Future Disaster Aid Funding",2017-10-30,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"RURAL COMMUNITIES NEED STABLE FUNDING TO KEEP SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES AND ROADS OPEN AND TO PROTECT THEIR COMMUNITIES FROM CRIME Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch joined a bipartisan group of western senators today in urging the White House and the White House budget office to fulfill the federal government’s promise to rural communities by extending a critical lifeline that funds road repairs, schools and law enforcement in rural communities in any future emergency disaster supplemental funding bill it sends to Congress.  The senators pushed for a two-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination (SRS). SRS payments support public schools, public roads, forest health projects, emergency services and law enforcement in more than 700 counties across the country.  The payments expired last year, leaving counties without certainty about how to fund these foundational services in rural areas.  “We have seen firsthand the hardships rural counties face as a result of SRS authorization lapsing. Without the certainty of SRS payments, schools, libraries, and jails will close,” the senators wrote in a letter to Trump and Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney. “Roads go unpaved and become unsafe. Mental and physical health services are scaled back or even ended. Fewer and fewer law enforcement officers are forced to patrol larger and larger areas.  “In the interest of working together in a bipartisan way to support local rural communities, we ask that you and Director Mulvaney work with the Congress to include a reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools in any emergency disaster funding legislation,” they wrote.  The lack of certainty about SRS funding comes at a time when rural communities in the West are also being hit by record-breaking fire seasons that have been exacerbated by the federal government’s broken system of wildfire funding.  In addition to Crapo and Risch, the other senators who signed the letter are Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Steve Daines, R-Mont., Jon Tester, D-Mont., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Kamala Harris, D-Calif., Tom Udall, D-N.M., and Patty Murray, D-Wash.  In May, a bipartisan group of senators, including Crapo and Risch, introduced legislation to extend the SRS program for two years. Senate cosponsors include: Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Wyden, D-Ore., Feinstein, D-Calif., Heinrich, D-N.M., Merkley, D-Ore., Daines, R-MT., Tester, D-MT., Cantwell, D-WA., Udall, D-N.M., Murray, D-Wash., Murkowski, R-Alaska, Manchin III, D-W.V., Gardner, R-Colo., Sullivan, R-Alaska, Bennet, D-Colo., Baldwin, D-Wis., Boozman, R-Ark., Capito, R-W.V.,  Franken, D-Minn., Heller, R-Nev., McCaskill, D-Mo., Rounds, R-S.D., and Sanders, I-Vt.  Read today’s letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/the-hill-protecting-small-businesses-from-cyber-crime,The Hill: Protecting Small Businesses from Cyber Crime,2017-10-30,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Main Street America is on the front lines in the fight against cybercrime. Although major hacks of large corporations regularly fill the news, our small businesses are actually being attacked more regularly–and with increasing frequency. In fact, about 71 percent of data breaches occur in businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Individual criminals, foreign entities and “hacktivists” create increasingly sophisticated ways to come after intellectual property, finances and personal information. Because small businesses often use shared resources, such as group offices and public Internet, and because they lack the luxury of dedicated IT teams, they have become easy targets for hacking and phishing scams. Small businesses also stand to lose the most when sensitive personal and financial information is compromised. Recovering from a cyber-attack is more difficult for small businesses which have limited resources or depend on their reputations to keep customers. It is hard enough to keep a small business afloat without cybercrime, which many times cause businesses to go under after a single attack. More than half of Americans prefer to shop online. In rural areas, like those in my home state of Idaho, growing a small business practically  requires using the Internet to market goods and services to a larger customer base. Nearly half of American small businesses do not have a website; 74 percent of those that have websites still lack the capacity to do eCommerce. If we do not help make it safe to grow business online, then rural small businesses lose the opportunity to expand. Having owned and operated a small business and as the chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am well aware of the unique relationships small businesses develop with their customer base and the value of trust and confidence that comes with operating a successful small business. It is a serious concern of mine and many of my colleagues that small business owners may not have the awareness or the tools needed to keep their businesses safe and to recover from attacks. That is why I have introduced the Small Business Cyber Training Act. American entrepreneurs depend on the local resource partners of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide the necessary information to start and grow small businesses. This legislation would allow existing Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to teach potential entrepreneurs about ways to keep their new business safe as part of the initial business plan– before  a problem arises. Another important education tool in the fight against cyber-attacks is the voluntary procedures developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The research and coordination of technology standards NIST has done across the government is already working to increase America’s industrial competitiveness. Now, I am co-sponsoring the MAIN STREET Cybersecurity Act, to call on NIST to provide resources designed specifically for small-business use. The bipartisan bill will provide a consistent set of resources for small businesses to best protect their digital assets from cybersecurity threats. Our country relies on small businesses to fuel our economy, and small businesses need a strong offense against the increasing threats to eCommerce, online finance and personal information. Research shows most attacks on small businesses are unknowingly facilitated by employees. With the right education for entrepreneurs, I am confident we can prepare our small businesses to outsmart hackers and prepare them to survive an attack and to thrive.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/senators-call-for-next-step-in-holding-iran-accountable,Senators Call For Next Step In Holding Iran Accountable,2017-10-27,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Urge Ambassador Haley To Push For Military Site Inspections & Stronger Inspection Reporting Requirements    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) was joined by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), John Barrasso (R-WY), Mike Lee (R-UT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Cory Gardner (R-CO), James Inhofe (R-OK), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Luther Strange (R-AL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) in sending a letter to United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley requesting she call on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect Iranian military facilities and strengthen reporting and verification requirements of Iran’s compliance with the Iran Nuclear Deal.  “When unveiling the JCPOA, President Obama promised that, ‘inspectors will also be able to access any suspicious location. Put simply, the organization responsible for the inspections, the IAEA, will have access where necessary, when necessary.’ He stressed that Iran’s nuclear program ‘faces strict limitations and is subject to the most intrusive inspection and verification program ever negotiated to monitor a nuclear program.’ In practice, it appears that this is not the case,” wrote the senators. Just this summer, Iranian officials stated Iran’s military sites are “off limits” and they “will never allow such visits.”  In the letter, the senators ask Ambassador Haley to work with her colleagues at the United Nations to address reporting shortcomings and vague inspection boundaries. This includes the lack of distinction between military and non-military sites in the Iran Nuclear Deal, which contributed to President Trump’s decision to not recertify the agreement. This ambiguity has prevented the IAEA from conducting comprehensive inspections. As noted in an Institute for Science and International Security review of the most recent IAEA report on Iran, “this report provides so little information” inspectors are forced to rely on intelligence reports and other information to determine if sites they have not visited are being used for activities violating the Iran Deal.  View the full text of the letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/the-hill,The Hill: Senators introduce bipartisan bill to combat wildfires,2017-10-19,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"A bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill Thursday to address severe wildfires in the West. The legislation establishes a strategy for combating future wildfires like those that have burned millions of acres of forest so far this year. The bill provides $100 million to help at-risk communities prepare for wildfires and requires firefighting agencies to use unspent suppression funds for preparedness activities ahead of future wildfire seasons. It also establishes a pilot program for the Forest Service and the Department of Interior in which the agencies would “treat” the top 1 percent most at risk and least-controversial forest lands for future fires. That means removing excess trees, wood and shrubs that generally serve as fuel for wildfires. Five senators from western states introduced the bill: Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jim Risch(R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.). “It's time to create new tools to reduce fire risk and help better protect our communities‎,” Cantwell said in a statement. “By targeting our most vulnerable pine forests, this science-based pilot program gives the Forest Service tools to address wildfire in our most vulnerable forests and prioritizes cross-laminated timber.” 2017 has been an especially busy year for wildfires. According to government statistics, more than 50,000 fires have burned nearly 8.8 million acres so far this year, the most since 2015 and well above the 10-year average of 6 million acres. The House last week approved a disaster relief package that includes $576.5 million for wildfire recovery efforts. Link to article.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/cnn-politics,CNN: GOP calls grow to end Russia investigations in Congress this year,2017-10-18,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In the House and Senate, several Republicans who sit on key committees are starting to grumble that the investigations have spanned the better part of the past nine months, contending that the Democratic push to extend the investigation well into next year could amount to a fishing expedition. The concerns are in line with ones raised by President Donald Trump, who has publicly and privately insisted he's the subject of a ""witch hunt"" on Capitol Hill and by special counsel Robert Mueller. Democrats, meanwhile, are raising their own concerns that the congressional Russia probes are rushing witnesses -- including the testimony of President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner -- as well as stalling appearances of other key Trump associates.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/local-news-8,Local News 8: GOP calls grow to wrap up Russia investigations this year,2017-10-18,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON (CNN) - A growing number of key Republicans are sending this message to the leaders of the congressional committees investigating potential Trump campaign collusion with the Russians: Wrap it up soon. In the House and Senate, several Republicans who sit on key committees are starting to grumble that the investigations have spanned the better part of the past nine months, contending that the Democratic push to extend the investigation well into next year could amount to a fishing expedition. The concerns are in line with ones raised by President Donald Trump, who has publicly and privately insisted he's the subject of a ""witch hunt"" on Capitol Hill and by special counsel Robert Mueller. Democrats, meanwhile, are raising their own concerns that the congressional Russia probes are rushing witnesses -- including the testimony of President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner -- as well as stalling appearances of other key Trump associates. CNN interviewed more than two dozen lawmakers and aides on the three committees probing Russia's election meddling and possible collusion with Trump's team, which highlighted the partisan tensions and suspicions bubbling beneath the surface -- and increasingly out in the open. Sen. Jim Risch, a senior GOP member of the Senate intelligence committee, said ""nobody wants to move this so quickly that we miss something,"" but added: ""The question is how many weak leads can you follow?"" ""We're a long ways down the line,"" Risch, an Idaho Republican, said. ""And with any of these things, the law of diminishing returns comes to play, and that's where we are right now, by any description."" ""I don't see any reason why it couldn't be done this year,"" said Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican who sits on the intelligence and judiciary committees, calling for a final report in time to make changes ahead of the 2018 elections to prevent against more Russian cyberattacks. The comments were echoed among influential Republicans across the three panels investigating potential Russian collusion with the Trump campaign. And the remarks present a fresh challenge for the GOP leaders of those committees, who are trying to navigate pressures from their members to finalize the inquiries while also attempting to chase down all relevant leads, which take time to pursue. Rep. Mike Conaway, the Republican who is leading the House intelligence committee's Russia investigation, said this when asked about the timeline for issuing a final report: ""Absolutely sooner than later. As soon as we get the things done we need to do in order to get the report written and finalized, we'll do that."" Conaway declined to put a date on a final report, however. Sen. Richard Burr, the chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, said Tuesday it's still his ""aspirational goal"" to finish the investigation this year. ""You can't fabricate people to talk to,"" the North Carolina Republican said, adding there's a ""finite number of folks involved"" in the Russia matter, saying the panel ""will exhaust"" the interview process after speaking to everyone they think is relevant. ""I just can't tell you whether that's December 15 or January 30,"" he said. The comments come as the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, Rep. Adam Schiff, raised fresh concerns in a recent Washington Post op-ed about GOP efforts to ""halt the congressional investigations rather than allow the evidence to dictate the pace and breadth of our inquiry."" He said that some witnesses were being ""rushed"" before Congress before the committee had received the relevant documents, and other key witnesses have yet to be called before the panel. Several Republicans on the committee sharply pushed back at Schiff's contention. ""It's nuts. It's just not true,"" said Rep. Chris Stewart, a Utah Republican who sits on the House panel, adding that it's ""no question"" Democrats were eager to extend the investigation into the midterm election season next year. ""For sure they are,"" Stewart said. ""There's no question, their incentive is to keep this narrative alive for as long as they can and as close to the 2018 election as they can."" Rep. Mike Turner, who also sits on the House panel, took a shot at Schiff. ""For a guy who continues to try to make his mark on TV on this topic, I'm certain that he will be very sad to see any portion of the investigation come to a conclusion, even if they're timely and accurate,"" Turner, a Republican from Ohio, said. In response, a Democratic committee aide said that Democrats on the panel have requested ""dozens of witnesses who have not yet been scheduled,"" saying that the ""unwillingness to bring them in raises questions about whether the majority is committed to being thorough and truly following the evidence where it leads."" The aide added that Kushner was questioned earlier this summer by the panel before the Trump campaign provided documents to Congress. Democrats have called publicly for Kushner to return to the Hill to answer more questions. ""This is an incredibly complex investigation that is global in scale, and will take time,"" the aide said, adding that pressure from Trump and his allies like Steve Bannon should not ""undermine or impede our work."" The House panel has been the source of an enormous amount of tension for months -- something that was readily apparent last week when former President Barack Obama's ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, testified about questions Republicans had about whether she improperly identified individuals in classified intelligence reports. After the session, which lasted more than three hours, Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell said Republicans were far more interested in questioning Power than key players in the Russia investigation, including Kushner. He said the GOP-led panel keeps bringing ""irrelevant witnesses"" in to testify. ""This interview lasted longer than almost any interview of a Trump campaign or Trump family member,"" Swalwell asserted. ""And I think that says a lot about the direction of this investigation."" Democrats in the Senate, too, are warning Republicans not to pull the plug too early. ""I think it is exceptionally important that important inquiries like this be driven by the facts and the evidence, rather than just plucking a date out of the air and saying that's that,"" said Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, a Democrat who sits on the Senate intelligence panel. Sen. Mark Warner, vice chairman of the panel, said the investigation ""is going to take as long as it takes to get all the witnesses and all the facts,"" adding that ""new strands"" need to be fully investigated. ""We've seen an awful lot of fish already,"" said Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich when asked about criticism of mounting a fishing expedition. At the same time, a partisan fight is brewing on the Senate judiciary committee where some Democrats are growing impatient at the inability of the chairman of the panel, Chuck Grassley, and the top Democrat, Dianne Feinstein, to reach a deal on the next steps of the committee's investigation. ""It's clearly the other side,"" Feinstein said when asked about the failure to get an agreement, declining to discuss the matter further. ""There hasn't been progress in terms of witnesses coming before us,"" added Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, a Democrat who sits on the committee. ""I think there's a lot of frustration."" Grassley referred questions on the matter to a spokesperson, who declined to discuss the private negotiations. But he did agree that a public hearing to hear testimony from Trump's eldest son -- Donald Trump Jr. -- was still ""unavoidable,"" something he asserted earlier this month. Still, even on Grassley's committee, some GOP members say their panel should steer clear of the Russia matter altogether, leaving the issue to the intelligence committees instead. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, a GOP member of the Senate judiciary committee, described it this way: ""I think having fewer shiny objects coming out of Congress ... will help the integrity of the process."" Link to article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/risch-crapo-wyden-press-senate-leadership-to-include-bipartisan-wildfire-funding-fix-in-upcoming-disaster-aid-legislation,"Risch, Crapo, Wyden Press Senate Leadership to Include Bipartisan Wildfire Funding Fix in Upcoming Disaster Aid Legislation",2017-10-18,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – With deadly fires still raging in California and across the West, a bipartisan group of senators led by Sens. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, and others today pressed Senate Leaders Mitch McConnell and Charles E. Schumer in a letter to include a wildfire funding fix in disaster aid legislation the Senate will soon consider. In addition to Crapo, Risch, and Wyden, the senators who signed the letter are: Sens. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Jon Tester, D-Mont..  The House of Representatives passed disaster aid legislation last week to provide funding for hurricanes and wildfires that have hit the country this year. That bill will allow the U.S. Forest Service to pay back the funds it has been forced to borrow from other accounts to cover the cost of fighting wildfires. However, the House-passed legislation does not include a long-term solution to provide consistent funding for fire suppression and prevention.  The bipartisan Wildfire Disaster Funding Act (WDFA) would fix the way the federal government funds and fights wildfires. It would end the practice known as “fire borrowing” by funding the largest wildfires from disaster accounts similar to accounts used to fund other natural disasters, freeing up funding for fire prevention and forest health projects.  “We request that you work with us to include the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act, legislative language that ensures the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Interior (DOI) have stable, reliable funding to help prevent wildfires,” the senators wrote.  So far, the Forest Service and the Interior Department have spent almost $2.9 billion this year to put out wildfires. The Forest Service has had to take funds from other accounts, or “fire borrow” to pay for the record-breaking cost of this year’s fires.  “Passage of the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act will free up funds to do the prevention work that reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfires that our country has suffered this year -- funding that could have prevented the deaths of Americans, destruction of hundreds of homes and businesses, the loss of business revenue due to evacuations, and the loss of millions of acres of forests,” they wrote. “We ask that you work with Western senators to include a comprehensive wildfire funding fix in any disaster supplemental bill that comes before the Senate.”  In September, a similar group of bipartisan senators wrote to the Senate leaders urging them to include the bipartisan wildfire funding fix in any disaster aid package that passes through Congress.  Wildfires have burned about 8.7 million acres of land this year, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Tens of thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate from their homes in California this year alone.  Wyden and Crapo introduced bipartisan legislation to fix the way the federal government funds the fight against wildfires, the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act, in 2013.  Read today’s letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/risch-statement-on-passing-of-john-andreason,Risch Statement on Passing of John Andreason,2017-10-18,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) issued the following statement about the death of former state Senator John Andreason: “Vicki’s and my thoughts and prayers go out to the Andreason family. John was a colleague, but more importantly he was a good friend. He was reliable and loved Idaho. Our state has lost a real champion.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/idaho-state-journal,Idaho State Journal: David C. Nye joins the federal bench,2017-10-17,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Despite former President Barack Obama nominating Nye to the federal bench in March 2016 and the American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary voting 16-0 in favor of his appointment, the U.S. Senate never saw the chance to vote on the appointment. But in May, current President Donald Trump nominated Nye again with the unwavering support of U.S. Sens. James Risch and Mike Crapo, both of Idaho. Another 16-0 vote from the ABA Standing Committee and a subsequent unanimous 100-0 vote from Congress made Nye only the 12th federal judge invested in Idaho since it entered statehood in 1890. “I offer my profound appreciation to both President Obama and President Trump for my nomination,” Nye said during closing remarks of the investiture ceremony on Friday at the U.S. courthouse in Pocatello. “It is an unbelievable honor to have the president of the United States call you into service. And to have that honor bestowed by two completely different presidents is simply unbelievable.” Mitch W. Brown, the administrative district judge for the Idaho Sixth Judicial District, said he has known Nye for 27 years. In addition to a colleague, he called Nye a close friend, mentor and role model. “He (Nye) is universally respected, admired and genuinely liked by all,” Brown said. “I suspect that Judge Nye’s appointment is an oddity not likely to be repeated because he was nominated by Barack Obama… and he was subsequently nominated by President Donald Trump. Now just pause and ponder upon this incredible convergence of differing personalities, ideologies and partisanship necessary to agree upon this same individual.” Though his duties in Washington kept him from attending the investiture ceremony, Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, pre-recorded his regards, which were broadcast over video to those in the courtroom. “I am so pleased to see District Judge follow David Nye’s name,” Risch said. “This day has literally been years in the making… In a rare display of unanimity, the Senate, without a dissenting vote and on a bipartisan basis, confirmed Idaho’s choice and that certainly is a testament to David himself.” Nye called himself a man who doesn’t let his emotions show, adding that although you couldn’t see it on his face, he was happy and excited to receive the nomination. “As I put on this robe, I am mindful of the important responsibilities I have assumed,” Nye said. “I approach those responsibilities with a firm resolve to bring to each case an open mind and a sense of fairness. As a lawyer and a state judge, I have long been aware of the overriding concerns of litigants for impartiality and objectivity in the decisional process. Those concerns will continue to be of paramount importance to me as an Article III trial judge.” Nye said he credits his unanimous appointment for his ability to remain unbiased to political parties for his 10-plus years on the state bench. “There will always be individuals and groups of people who try to undermine the independence of the judiciary,” Nye said. “Regardless of outside pressure, each judge ultimately decides whether they will resist that pressure and stand independent and impartial.” Nye continued, “I did not take an oath to support a partisan cause or to decide any case according to popular opinion. I did not promise a certain outcome based upon any political preference or belief. My oath is not to my family or my friends, or even to my deeply held personal beliefs. My oath is to the Constitution that has served this country so well. I can promise you nothing more, but I think it is enough.” Link to article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/kivitv,KIVITV: Former longtime Idaho lawmaker passes away,2017-10-17,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BOISE, ID - Former Republican State Senator John Andreason died at his Boise home Monday, family members said. He was 88. He was diagnosed with liver cancer earlier this year. Andreason spent 43 years in public service. While living in Arco, he served as a State senator from 1969 to 1970. The following year, he became director of the Legislative Budget Office -- a position he held until 1994. Then, he returned to the Legislature in 1995, representing District 15 (West Boise). He retired from public life in 2012. U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) called Andreason “a real champion.”  “Vicki’s and my thoughts and prayers go out to the Andreason family. John was a colleague, but more importantly, he was a good friend. He was reliable and loved Idaho. Our state has lost a real champion,” Risch said in a released statement. Andreason is survived by two sons, a daughter, ten grandchildren and 23 great-children, according to his family. Funeral services are pending. Link to article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/post-register,Post Register: Former longtime Boise lawmaker Andreason has died,2017-10-17,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BOISE — Former state Sen. John Andreason died Monday evening in Boise. Andreason, 88, was diagnosed with liver cancer in August, according to family members. Funeral services have not yet been set. Andreason is survived by two sons, Tom and Dale; a daughter, Lori Rouse; 10 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene, who died in July 2015. “They were childhood friends, high school sweethearts and married 66-plus years,” said Rouse of her parents, who grew up together in Arco. Andreason represented West Boise’s District 15 for 18 years, from 1995 until he retired in 2012. Prior to becoming a state senator he served as director of the Legislative Budget Office from 1971 to 1994. Andreason also served as a state senator from 1969 to 1970 while living in Arco. During his 43-year career as a public servant, he worked with seven Idaho governors, including Don Samuelson, Cecil Andrus, John Evans, Phil Batt, Dirk Kempthorne, Jim Risch and Butch Otter. “We often had governors in our dining room for dinner when we were kids,” said Tom Andreason. In a statement Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Jim Risch said, “John was a colleague, but more importantly he was a good friend. He was reliable and loved Idaho. Our state has lost a real champion.” Risch served 11 terms in the Idaho Senate, including years that overlapped with Andreason’s career. Andreason, a moderate, was among eight GOP senators who bucked Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna on school reform in 2011. “His passions in the Senate were education, firefighters, fish and game,” said Dale Andreason. When not dedicating his time to serving Idaho, Andreason was “an Idaho sportsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing and golfing,” said Rouse. Link to article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/the-piney-woods-journal,The Piney Woods Journal: National forests ordered opened for hunting,2017-10-17,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke has signed Secretarial Order 3356, which will support and expand hunting and fishing, enhance conservation stewardship, improve wildlife management, and increase outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans. Secretarial Order 3356 is an extension of Secretarial Order 3347, issued on Zinke's first day, March 2, 2017. That order identified a slate of actions for the restoration of the American sportsmen conservation ethic, which was established by President Theodore Roosevelt. The new order comes days after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a survey that found there are 2.2 million fewer hunters in America now than in 2011. The order seeks to improve wildlife management and conservation, increase access to public lands for hunting, shooting, and fishing, and puts a new and a greater emphasis on recruiting and retaining new sportsmen conservationists, with a focus on engaging youths, veterans, minorities, and other communities that traditionally have low participation in outdoor recreation activities. ""Hunting and fishing is a cornerstone of the American tradition and hunters and fishers of America are the backbone of land and wildlife conservation,"" said Secretary Zinke. ""The more people we can get outdoors, the better things will be for our public lands. As someone who grew up hunting and fishing on our public lands - packing bologna sandwiches and heading out at 4AM with my dad - I know how important it is to expand access to public lands for future generations. Some of my best memories are hunting deer or reeling in rainbow trout back home in Montana, and I think every American should be able to have that experience."" The Secretarial Order is the latest example of how the Trump Administration is actively moving to support hunting and other forms of outdoor recreation on public lands. This means finding ways to expand hunting and fishing on public lands, improving access, and taking necessary actions to facilitate the enjoyment of these time-honored activities by any member of our society. Secretarial Order 3356 directs bureaus within the department to:  * Within 120 days produce a plan to expand access for hunting and fishing on BLM, USFWS and NPS land.  * Amend national monument management plans to ensure the public's right to hunt, fish and target shoot.  * Expand educational outreach programs for underrepresented communities such as veterans, minorities, and youth.  * In a manner that respects the rights and privacy of the owners of non-public lands, identify lands within their purview where access to Department lands, particularly access for hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and other forms of outdoor recreation, is currently limited (including areas of Department land that may be impractical or effectively impossible to access via public roads or trails under current conditions, but where there may be an opportunity to gain access through an easement, right-of-way, or acquisition), and provide a report detailing such lands to the Deputy Secretary.  * Within 365 days, cooperate, coordinate, create, make available, and continuously update online a single one stop Department site database of available opportunities for hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on Department lands.  * Improve wildlife management through collaboration with state, Tribal, territorial, and conservation partners. ""On behalf of the 5 million hunters, recreational shooters and members of the NRA, we commend Secretary Zinke for continuing to follow Teddy Roosevelt's sportsman legacy by opening more land and water to hunting and target shooting,"" said Chris Cox, Executive Director of the National Rifle Association. ""In the past, management plans for federal lands have been put in place to ban hunting and shooting. Sportsmen and women can now breathe a sigh of relief that those days are over. This administration values access to public lands for sportsmen and we commend them for it."" "" For too long, sportsmens access to our federal lands has been restricted, with lost opportunity replacing the ability to enjoy many of our best outdoor spaces. This extension to Secretarial Order 3356 will go a long way to reversing that trend and help grow the next generation of hunters, fishermen, and recreational shooters,"" said Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. I appreciate this new order and am committed to working with Secretary Zinke and my colleagues to do everything we can to expand and enhance access to our federal lands for all Alaskans, and all Americans, so that we can continue our rich sportsmens heritage. ""Restoring wildlife habitat and expanding opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation will help increase wildlife populations and connect millions of Americans with our nations natural treasures,"" said Collin OMara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. ""Secretary Zinkes order demonstrates his commitment to collaborate closely with conservation organizations and state agencies to achieve these critical conservation outcomes. We look forward to working with the Secretary, the Department, and our conservation partners to recover Americas wildlife and connect every American with nature. "" Secretary Zinkes action today follows in the great tradition of President Teddy Roosevelt and recognizes the central role that hunters play in conservation and successful wildlife management,"" said Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of theNational Shooting Sports Foundation. ""The National Shooting Sports Foundation is deeply grateful to Secretary Zinke for the historic Secretarial Order that he signed today. NSSF has worked closely with, and in support of, Interior Department officials on these priorities and other positive steps announced today. Today's action will serve to benefit current and future generations for years to come."" "" Americans depend on reliable and affordable access to public lands to participate in outdoor sporting and recreational activities."" said Chairman Rob Bishop. Unfortunately, these lands are not being managed to facilitate consistent, open access. Todays Secretarial Order to increase these opportunities strengthens the foundation of our countrys hunting and fishing heritage and helps ensure that sportsmen and women continue to enjoy access to our federal lands and waterways. ""For many Americans, hunting and fishing wouldnt be possible without public land and the access it provides for these pastimes. Secretarial Order 3356 represents a renewed commitment to working with our nations sportsmen and women to ensure that our legacy of hunting and fishing-driven conservation continues to stand the test of time,"" said Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation President Jeff Crane . ""We applaud Secretary Zinke for recognizing the critically important role that expanded federal land access plays in achieving this goal."" ""We support Secretary Zinkes order to expand opportunities for hunters and anglers on BLM, Fish and Wildlife Service and Park Service lands as well as on private lands,"" said David Allen, President and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Access to quality wildlife habitat remains one of the most significant factors impacting hunting and fishing participation throughout the country. This order will help ensure sportsmen and women continue to have opportunities for quality recreational experiences on public lands and potentially private lands. ""Generations of Idahoans, including me, have passed on their love of hunting, fishing, and shooting sports to their children and grandchildren,"" said Senator James Risch, Co-Chairman of the Congressional Sportsmens Caucus. ""I applaud Secretary Zinkes quick action to protect those fundamental rights and expand access for sportsmen and women across the country."" On his first day in office, Secretary Zinke reversed an order that would have banned lead ammo and tackle on National Wildlife Refuge lands, and he began the process of expanding hunting and fishing opportunities on public lands across the Department. In August, the Secretary announced a proposal to expand hunting and fishing opportunities at 10 national wildlife refuges, and he announced the initial stages of a plan to acquire land to make the Bureau of Land Management Sabinoso Wilderness Area accessible for the first time ever to hunters, hikers, and wildlife watchers. In addition, Secretary Zinke recently made recommendations to President Trump on 27 national monuments that call for changes to some that, while still protecting the land, would also protect and expand public access to that land for citizens who want to hunt, fish, and hike and experience the joy and beauty of these special places. Link to article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/usa-local-news-today,USA Local News Today: Former Boise senator dies at age 88,2017-10-17,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BOISE – A longtime and very well known and respected Idaho state lawmaker has passed away. John Andreason served for 43 years in various offices at the state and local levels — including 18 years as the senator for District 15, which currently includes part of west Boise. Senator Andreason retired in 2012. Just two months ago, he was diagnosed with liver cancer. His son says he died late Monday night at his home. U.S. Senator Jim Risch, who served with Andreason in the Idaho Senate, issued a statement in which he calls Andreason a “good friend” who was reliable and loved Idaho, and Risch says, our state has lost a real champion. Funeral services are a week from Friday at the West Stake Center on McMillian and Shamrock at noon. John Andreason was 88 years old. Link to article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/the-lewiston-tribune,The Lewiston Tribune: Honor Andrus where his legacy was born,2017-10-15,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Last week, Lewiston City Council members raised the idea of renaming either Fifth Street between Lewis-Clark State College and the Levee Bypass - or the levee bypass itself - after the late Idaho Gov. Cecil D. Andrus, who died Aug. 24. ""Boise likes to steal things from Lewiston,"" Nez Perce County Prosecutor Justin Coleman told a city council work session. ""So I'd kind of like to steal some of their thunder and make sure we claim Andrus, because he's a north Idaho boy. He was proud of being from up here."" By the same token, Boise Mayor David Bieter wasted no time renaming the park across Jefferson Street from the state Capitol - which is owned by his city - in honor of the four-term governor. All to the good. Andrus' storied career touched many corners of the Gem State. Just the same, do not allow too much more time to pass before a grateful state acknowledges Andrus' legacy where it began nearly a half-century ago: Rename the White Clouds in his honor. In the 1970 election, Andrus was waging a rematch against Republican Gov. Don Samuelson. The prominent issue at the time was whether to enable the American Smelter and Refining Company to create an open-pit molybdenum mine in the Boulder-White Cloud range. "" 'They're not going to tear down the mountains; they're going to dig a hole,' "" Andrus recalled Samuelson saying. ""The hole was going to be gouged out of the heart of our state, an area with 54 backcountry fishing lakes and an 11,824-foot mountain, Castle Peak, that is the mother of all Idaho landmarks,"" Andrus wrote in his memoir. ""Frog Lake, at its base, was to become a giant tailing pond."" Coming amid a national wave of environmental awareness, the Castle Peak debate elevated Andrus to his first term as governor. ""I beat Don Samuelson, aided by 200,000 Idahoans who carried a hunting or fishing license, and stopped the rape of the White Clouds,"" Andrus wrote. To say the least, Andrus and the White Clouds are inextricably linked. Without Castle Peak, there may not have been a Gov. Andrus - or, for that matter, an Interior Secretary Andrus who capped four years in office by protecting more than 100 million acres in Alaska. Andrus' victory in that campaign long ago signaled something new in Idaho - a consensus about protecting its special places from mining, road building or dams. From that launching point, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness evolved. More recently came Sen. Mike Crapo's Owyhee Canyonlands wilderness and Sen. Jim Risch's efforts to create the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness in the Cabinet Mountains near Lake Pend Oreille. Andrus' legacy came full circle two summers ago when Congressman Mike Simpson passed his own Boulder-White Clouds wilderness package. It closed a 15-year battle for Simpson, who undoubtedly gained some leverage with his fellow Republicans when Andrus suggested President Barack Obama bypass Congress entirely and declare a national monument at the site. Simpson's bill created three wilderness areas within the Boulder-White Cloud range: the 138-square-mile Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness, the 142-square-mile White Clouds Wilderness and the 183-square-mile Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness. Attaching Andrus' name to the White Clouds Wilderness would be only the latest example of an Idaho tradition. In 1984, Sen. Jim McClure, an Idaho Republican, carried to passage a bill renaming the River of No Return in honor of his former Democratic colleague Frank Church while Church was dying of pancreatic cancer. When Simpson was drafting his latest bill, the Idaho congressman saw to it that McClure would be recognized. If you want to leave a lasting tribute to Cece Andrus, isn't this the obvious way? - M.T. Link to article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/boise-state-public-radio,Boise State Public Radio: Idaho Senators Continue Push For Change In Wildfire Funding,2017-10-12,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"At the same time firefighters work to control the deadly flames in Northern California, a group of western politicians are pushing for a change in how these efforts are funded. In the latest attempt to force a change in Congress, Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch have again signed on to a bill that deals with wildfire funding. The bipartisan bill has support from Democrats in Montana, Oregon and Colorado. According to Lindsay Nothern with Sen. Crapo’s office, the Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act would allow states to access a federal grant program without waiting for a presidential disaster declaration. Nothern says the FEMA money could be used to stop flooding and erosion after a wildfire has swept through the landscape. It could also go toward prevention of future fires.   The bill comes after Crapo and Risch supported a measure that would change how wildfire bills get paid. Known as fire borrowing, the current accounting method raids unrelated parts of the Forest Service budget to cover increasingly expensive fire years. Idaho Representative Mike Simpson introduced similar legislation that would treat wildfires like other natural disasters, alleviating the pressure on land management budgets. Link to article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/ktvb,KTVB: Western senators fight to change how wildfires are funded,2017-10-12,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The death toll in the California wildfires has now risen to 29. Nearly 500 are still missing in Sonoma County alone. Despite non-stop efforts by 8,000 firefighters and more than 100 planes and helicopters, the number of fires burning in the Golden State grew to 22 over Wednesday night. While firefighters continue to fight the flames, a group of western senators, including Idaho Republicans Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, are fighting for how fires are funded in Washington, D.C. Currently, states can receive federal hazard mitigation funding, which helps lessen the effects of a future disaster, only if the president issues a major disaster declaration. However, unlike hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes, one issue facing the West is that wildfires rarely trigger that type of declaration. “Even some of those bigger fires don't really reach that magnitude of being declared a federal disaster, and so you don't have as much funding available to some of the local communities,” Jonathan Oppenheimer with the Idaho Conservation League said. This year’s firefighting costs around the country have exceeded $2 billion, making it the most expensive firefighting year in history. Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch are co-sponsoring a bill with many other western senators that would treat wildfires in the same manner as other natural disasters, like hurricanes, floods or tornadoes. “They have been using the actual budgeted money for the agencies, Forest Service, BLM, and other agencies, to do this firefighting, and what this would do would take this out of their budget and transfer it to emergency funding just like a hurricane, or a tornado or an earthquake,” Risch said. Fire-prone communities could also apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants to undertake firewise projects, like thinning forests, to help reduce hazardous fuels in at-risk areas. “It would be a two-pronged approach. Not only could they apply for federal funds for that, the Forest Service themselves could make a plan for treating the most critical areas first. So it's a two-pronged attack,” Risch said. “It is aimed at community protection.” The legislation would also provide federal assistance to local governments across the country dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophic fire. “This funding would actually assist in the rehabilitative efforts that are necessary after a fire,” Risch said. The Trump administration is well aware of this issue and has requested Congress, as part of the next emergency package, to include emergency spending for firefighting costs in excess of half a billion dollars. The administration saying a long-term solution must be passed by Congress to address the issue of fire borrowing. Link to article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/risch-statement-on-healthcare-executive-order,Risch Statement on Healthcare Executive Order,2017-10-12,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) issued the following statement after President Trump signed a healthcare Executive Order: “I applaud President Trump’s efforts to help small businesses and other individuals who are struggling financially under the Affordable Care Act. I remain committed to repealing and replacing the unworkable, unaffordable law, and this Executive Order is a great early step in providing more insurance options for small businesses. In my role as Chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee, entrepreneurs have overwhelmingly conveyed to me that they are drowning in federal regulations and cannot afford the rising costs of healthcare. The long-overdue actions taken today will finally bring them some relief, by providing small business owners with greater flexibility and more choices for employee health coverage. These are the kinds of ideas we need to spur job growth, kick-start our economy, and help the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/bloomberg-government,Bloomberg Government: Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Bill Passes House,2017-10-11,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The House today passed by voice vote a cybersecurity bill that would require the government to provide much needed resources and guidance for small businesses as they face a deluge of cyberthreats. The bipartisan NIST Small Business Cybersecurity Act (H.R. 2105) would require the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to issue voluntary cybersecurity guidelines for small businesses. The bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) and cosponsored by 13 other Republicans and 4 Democrats, gained the support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. A similar bipartisan bill in the Senate, the MAIN STREET Cybersecurity Act (S. 770) sponsored by Sens. Brian Schatz (R-Hawaii) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), passed the Senate Sept. 28. A staffer for Senate Small Business Committee Chairman Risch told Bloomberg BNA today that the committee and the Senator “will work with the House” to pass a bill “that provides small businesses with a usable set of best practices to help keep themselves and their businesses safe from a variety of bad actors while doing business online.” Link to article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/idaho-press-tribune,Idaho Press-Tribune: Risch: Korean dictator promotes fight he cant win,2017-10-11,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Those prospects are not so lofty, given the GOP’s inability to govern with control of the White House and Congress. Democrats easily could grab back control of the Senate after next year’s mid-term elections, perhaps with the blessing of President Donald Trump. But it’s exciting to think about the prospects of an Idaho senator rising to the top of a committee that historically has produced some of the sharpest people ever to serve in the Senate. I knew one of them, Sen. Richard Lugar, during my reporting days in Indiana, and he probably was the most intelligent person I’ve known. Risch, who I have seen in action for more than 30 years, is up there on the IQ scale and has a firm grasp on foreign policy. Risch is a frequent guest of CNN’s Wolf Blitzer’s news program and has shown that he knows what he’s talking about. But for the moment, Risch is not thinking about committee coronations in 2019. “I need to focus on what I’m doing right now,” he says. And part of his job is trying to make sense of what’s happening in North Korea and a dictator who is setting new standards for insanity. “As with Saddam Hussein, we have a dictator who may or may not be believing his own baloney,” Risch told me. “They become very emboldened and are willing to pick a fight they cannot possibly win or come close to winning.” Risch doesn’t go as far as describing Kim Jong Un as crazy, although “he may have some personality disorders.” Picking a fight with the United States, and testing Trump’s will are not the actions of a rational person. So … maybe the guy is crazy. “The situation is very dangerous and there is a real risk that it isn’t going to end well. A lot of what happens is in line with what Kim Jong Un believes he can do as far as how far he can push Donald Trump. If our national security is threatened, (Trump) will not hesitate to act,” Risch said. “Our committee meets regularly with the diplomatic side, White House side, and we also have our own counsel,” Risch said. “But at the end of the day, if Kim Jong Un makes the wrong move, one person is going to have to make a quick decision.” As for the threat from North Korea, Risch said, “this guy has some stuff and he can do some damage. But his abilities, compared to the United States, are de minimis, really.” Risch says diplomatic channels must stay open, considering what’s at stake, and that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has proven himself to be the “right man for the job.” Trump has created some diplomatic barriers, suggesting in his tweets that Tillerson is wasting his time pursuing diplomacy. Mocking Kim as “Rocket Man,” or more recently, “Little Rocket Man,” creates more tension. Terms such as “Lying Ted,” “Little Marco,” and “Crooked Hillary” worked in his campaign for the presidency, but name-calling doesn’t help solve world conflicts. “I’ll let you guys comment about that,” Risch said. “It’s not something I would do, but he (Trump) has a certain vocabulary he uses and it would be counter-productive for me to dissuade him from that.” The voice of reason in this this situation may be China — a longtime ally and trading partner of North Korea. Risch senses that the Chinese recognize that something needs to be done about North Korea. “They don’t want all this on their doorstep.” If the crisis isn’t resolved sometime in the next 14 months, it will be on Risch’s doorstep if he becomes chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. A chairmanship certainly would give Risch a higher profile in Washington and an opportunity to be a lead policy figure on this North Korean mess.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/mcclatchy-dc,McClatchy DC: Deficit hawks no match for natural disasters. House poised to OK billions,2017-10-11,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The House is poised Thursday — over the fierce objections of conservatives — to pass a $36.5 billion emergency package to help states and U.S. territories ravaged by a series of hurricanes and wildfires that have killed dozens and destroyed thousands of homes. Conservative lawmakers are upset that the money is not offset by spending cuts elsewhere, but the political will to help those affected by in California, Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas and elsewhere is overwhelming. “Going forward, we’re going to have more natural disasters and we need to rethink how to pay for these things,” said Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Ala., a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus. “We need to pay for them as the work is done, and not just write a blank check. When you just throw out a pile of money, it’s open to abuse.” Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C., who chairs the conservative Republican Study Committee, complained that lawmakers did not have adequate time to review what he called an “ever-growing spending bill.” The White House last week had requested $29 billion and called this week for an additional $5 billion to help Puerto Rico’s government. And House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Democrats had pushed for an extra $1 billion for emergency relief in the wake of the California fires. The legislation, which is expected to draw strong support from Democrats and Republicans, closely mirrors the funding requests submitted by the administration, including $18.7 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund, $576.5 million for the Forest Service to battle wildfires and $16 billion for debt relief for the National Flood Insurance Program. The legislation also includes a provision for the Disaster Nutrition Assistance Program to enable low-income residents in Puerto Rico to receive the same emergency nutrition assistance that other hurricane-affected states already receive. Walker called for allowing members to offer amendments to cut spending elsewhere and to ensure transparency for how the money will be spent. “Republicans control the White House and the Congress and we can not ignore or further enable our debt crisis,” Walker said. “We have no excuses and no scapegoats. It is time for tough choices and responsible governing.” A number of lawmakers suggested they’d hold their nose and vote on the package, despite spending concerns and worries that similar emergency packages have been magnets for fraud. Conservatives have already “lost” the battle, given the severity of the catastrophes, said Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa. “I’d like to see offsets in spending, but I know how that works out as far as a political battle is concerned in times of stress,” King said. House Republican leaders and Democrats hailed the emergency spending package, the second in as many months. It’s unlikely to be the last: The White House suggested even before the California wildfires that it could return to Congress with a third or even fourth request for disaster spending Congress in September approved a $15.3 billion aid package that included community development block grant rebuilding funds with emergency money for cleanup, repair and housing. The money was aimed at helping victims of Hurricane Harvey, which devastated parts of Texas and Louisiana. ""This is a time when our country needs to respond,"" said House Speaker Paul Ryan, who is leading a bipartisan delegation to Puerto Rico on Friday. “And this is a time when we here in Congress will respond because that is our responsibility.” Democrats cheered the package. “Puerto Rico faces a long path to full recovery and we cannot rest until the island is made whole,” said Rep. Nydia Velázquez, D-N.Y., the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress. “I fully expect Congress to provide additional assistance, including rebuilding the energy grid, repairing telecommunications networks and mending the infrastructure system.” Western states lawmakers called the $576.5 million for firefighting a “little bit of a win” that will help address record-breaking fires across several states. “The catastrophic nature of the fires is turning peoples’ heads,” said Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho. “It’s becoming much more of an obvious problem.” But Risch said more critical is legislation that would give the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management access to funds to fight fires from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which coordinates responses to disasters like hurricanes, if their budgets for fighting wildfires runs out. Freedom Caucus members said they’d be more amenable to voting to the package if it includes reforms to the nation’s flood insurance program. “The major concern is debt relief, just writing off debt with no reforms, discipline or logic,” said Rep. Dave Brat, R-Va. The conservative group Heritage Action urged a no vote on the legislation, arguing against the $16 billion in debt relief for the flood insurance program. “Federal relief to victims of hurricanes is warranted, but Congress must act in a fiscally responsible manner by offsetting funding that is not truly ‘emergency’ in nature,” Heritage wrote. But Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. said the spending is the only way get regions damaged by storms and wildfires back on their feet. “They’re not wasting money, there’s a recognition that it (spending) needs to get done,” Cole said. Link to article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/the-spokesman-review,The Spokesman-Review: Western senators launch push to tap FEMA funds for wildfire disaster recovery,2017-10-11,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"A bipartisan group of western senators introduced legislation today to allow states affected by catastrophic wildfires to tap into federal disaster mitigation assistance to help them recover. That assistance now goes to recovery efforts for other types of disasters, from hurricanes to floods, for which there’s been a presidential designation of a major disaster. But wildfires seldom receive those disaster designations. The bill, proposed by Sens. Michael Bennet, D-Colo.; Mike Crapo, R-Idaho; Jon Tester, D-Mont.; Jim Risch, R-Idaho; and Ron Wyden, D-Ore.; would let wildfire-stricken states apply for those funds anyway to help communities recover and to prevent future wildfires. “Throughout the American West, we have felt firsthand the devastation wildfires have on our habitat, our health and our way of life,” Crapo said in a statement. “The Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act would allow fire-prone communities to apply for Hazard Mitigation grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency in order to undertake ‘fire-wise’ projects for homes in the wildland urban interface or to reduce hazardous fuels. Congress must continue to pursue efforts aimed at reducing the risk and severity of wildfires, as well as improve the response, prevention and mitigation efforts.” The new bill is separate from legislation already introduced by the same senators, and companion legislation in the House, to change the nation’s wildfire funding system and end so-called “fire borrowing,” in which federal lands agencies borrow from fire-prevention accounts when firefighting bills mount. Those bills are rapidly taking over their budgets, in a vicious circle that’s also leading to less preventive work at a time of more and worse fires. Western lawmakers, including Crapo, Risch and Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell, reintroduced the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act of 2017 in September, seeking to tap into disaster funds for firefighting when the bills mount, rather than borrow from prevention programs. They counted it as a promising sign last week when the Trump Administration’s Office of Management and Budget recommended replacing the more than $570 million in fire borrowing that’s anticipated due to this year’s intense fire season with emergency funds, as part of a $12.7 billion disaster funding bill in the wake of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. The new bill would go beyond the fire-borrowing fix to also extend hazard mitigation programs to wildfire recovery. “Massive wildfires destroy homes, businesses and ecosystems in the West just like catastrophic hurricanes destroy communities in coastal regions,” Risch said. “This bill will help local governments in Idaho and across the west deal with the aftermath of large wildfires.” Asked if the senators have gotten pushback from senators from hurricane-, tornado- and flood-prone states concerned about others tapping into the same disaster funds they’re counting on, Lindsay Nothern, communications director for Crapo, said, “Not officially.” “There was concern earlier, when we first introduced the fire borrowing bill,” he said, “will this legislation take money away from our hurricane money or our tornado money, and the answer is no, because it’s disaster funding.” Nothern said as envisioned, the bill wouldn’t reduce the amount of money available for other disasters. Instead, “More would be appropriated and more would be spent.” Groups that have lined up in support of the new bill so far include the National Association of Counties, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the U.S. Council of the International Association of Emergency Managers. Link to article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/kmvt,KMVT: Idaho senators co-sponsor fire recovery bill,2017-10-10,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) Five U.S. Senators from western states introduced a bill to help communities recover from wildfires last week. Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch from Idaho joined the Western Mitigation Assistance Act. The bill treats wildfires in the same way as other natural disasters. It does that by making hazard mitigation assistance funding available to states affected by catastrophic fires. “Throughout the American west, we have felt firsthand the devastation wildfires have on our habitat, our health and our way of life,” Crapo said in a press release. “The Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act would allow fire-prone communities to apply for Hazard Mitigation grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency in order to undertake ‘fire-wise' projects for homes in the wildland urban interface or to reduce hazardous fuels. Congress must continue to pursue efforts aimed at reducing the risk and severity of wildfires, as well as improve the response, prevention and mitigation efforts.” Currently states can receive federal funding for fires when the president declares a major disaster. The release about the bill says that doesn't happen as often as other natural disasters like hurricanes and floods. The bill allows states impacted by wildfires can access the Hazard Mitigation Grant program to implement measures that reduce the risk of flooding and erosion and take action to prevent future wildfires. ""Massive wildfires destroy homes, businesses, and ecosystems in the west just like catastrophic hurricanes destroy communities in coastal regions,"" Risch said in a press release. ""This bill will help local governments in Idaho and across the west deal with the aftermath of large wildfires."" Link to article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/the-wall-street-journal,The Wall Street Journal: Small Businesses Say Federal-Disaster Aid Needs Strengthening,2017-10-10,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Some small-business owners struggling to recover from this year’s series of brutal hurricanes said the federal government needs to beef up its response. Unlike individuals, businesses aren’t eligible for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They can receive disaster-recovery loans, but many entrepreneurs aren’t interested in taking on debt after a big storm, and some don’t qualify for a loan. “It’s a shame they can’t do more for small businesses,” said Dr. R.L. Burdett, a 71-year-old Houston chiropractor who didn’t have flood insurance. Dr. Burdett incurred nearly $150,000 in damage when 4 feet of water from Hurricane Harvey this summer swamped the office he has occupied for nearly 25 years, soaking chiropractic tables and X-ray and ultrasound machines. He said he is reluctant to take on debt and plans instead to dig into his savings. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s disaster-loan program is the main source of federal aid for flood-ravaged entrepreneurs. It allows businesses to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged property and cover other disaster-related losses. But more than half of the loan applications are typically rejected, often because they don’t have the cash flow to support repayments. The mismatch between federal assistance and small-business needs is one of many challenges such firms face when disaster strikes. Small businesses typically operate with limited cash reserves, leaving little cushion to cover physical damage or lost revenue. Many firms lack flood insurance, and some of those that have federal flood insurance said it is inadequate. “There isn’t a tool yet in the federal government that is sized to businesses that are actually very, very small,” said Robin Keegan, who headed Louisiana’s economic recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and is now director of a nonprofit working on disaster recovery. Small firms typically need quick infusions of cash and help rethinking their business plans in light of a disaster, Ms. Keegan said. Sen. Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, said he intends to conduct an audit on the SBA’s response to hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Mr. Risch (R., Idaho) said he was impressed by the number of loans SBA has been able to disperse, but he said it is too early to assess the agency’s performance. “They are moving very quickly on these things and of course, in these types of situations, speed is as important as anything,” he said. Mr. Risch declined to say whether SBA should offer grants or other types of assistance besides loans to small businesses dealing with a disaster. “They are executing in the lanes they operate in, and I think they are executing very well,” Mr. Risch said. “Should those lanes be widened or should they be added to? I’m not ready to say that yet.” Others said more aid is needed. “As far back as Hurricane Katrina, I advocated for grants to supplement existing disaster-loan programs and I’ll continue to make that case,” said Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), ranking member of the House Small Business Committee. An SBA spokeswoman said that “grants are always a topic of discussion.” The SBA had been criticized for delays following Katrina. The agency is now processing loan applications in 10 days, once the application is complete, an agency official said. The agency said it has processed more than 100,000 applications since Hurricane Harvey hit. But completing the application has proven to be a time-consuming process for some small firms. “It’s been a lot of back and forth,” said Rudy Hernandez, owner of Iron Rebels Fitness in Houston, who applied for an SBA disaster loan in late August after Harvey caused about $30,000 in damage to the business. “They are asking for your income-tax paperwork, but this is my first year.” In previous storms, the number of small businesses taking out disaster-relief loans was small. After superstorm Sandy hit the northeast in 2012, 8% of firms affected by the storm borrowed money from the agency’s disaster-lending program, according to a 2016 study by the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Some businesses can find assistance at the state level. In Florida, the state created a zero-interest loan program in 1992 to help its businesses get fast cash. As of Oct. 4, the $10 million program had received 331 applications related to Hurricane Irma and issued $3.9 million in loans to 149 applicants. Green Technologies, a maker of fertilizer for the golf and agriculture industries, received a $25,000 bridge loan less than a week after filing its application a few days after Irma hit Florida last month. “The state was amazing,” said Marla Buchanan, the company’s chief operating officer. The Jacksonville-based company is using the funds to repair leaky roofs, blown-out walls and roll-up doors damaged by winds from Hurricane Irma while it waits for the federal government to complete processing the disaster-loan application it filed Sept. 18. Other business owners have been scrambling to find stopgap funding. Rusty Arena, the owner of Arena Design in Houston, a screen printing company, is using $22,000 raised through a GoFundMe campaign, to help cover the cost of hauling out damaged Sheetrock, waterlogged textiles and other debris while he waits for word on his SBA loan application, insurance proceeds and other sources of funding. “I can’t put any new fabrics in the building until it’s remediated,” said Mr. Arena, who estimates the storm caused $500,000 in damage when 4 feet of water flooded his nearly 20,000-square-foot building, sending 100-foot-long printing tables crashing into each other and ruining a lifetime of work. The $22,000 “made the difference between us standing with hands by our sides and getting some workers in,” said Mr. Arena, who was working on a big order for Restoration Hardware when Harvey struck. Janice Jucker, a Houston bakery owner who was approved for SBA loans totaling nearly $1 million in late September, said the government program has been “a godsend.” Ms. Jucker’s bakery has flooded four times since 2001 and she would like it if there also were loans to help her relocate. “We need a two-phase approach,” Ms. Jucker said. “We need to get up and running. Then we can run from the flood.” Link to article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/risch-crapo-western-senators-introduce-bill-to-improve-fire-recovery-and-mitigation-efforts,"Risch, Crapo, Western Senators Introduce Bill to Improve Fire Recovery and Mitigation Efforts",2017-10-06,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jon Tester (D-MT), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) today introduced the Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act to provide resources to assist communities recovering from damaging wildfires. The bill treats wildfires in the same manner as other natural disasters by making available Hazard Mitigation Assistance funding to states affected by catastrophic wildfires.  “Wildfires have catastrophic effects across the West,” Bennet said. “We can dramatically reduce the severity and damage from these wildfires through mitigation work that minimizes the risk of flooding, erosion, and future fires. This bill would make it easier for affected communities to receive federal resources for post-fire recovery and mitigation efforts.”  “Throughout the American west, we have felt firsthand the devastation wildfires have on our habitat, our health and our way of life,” Crapo said.  “The Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act would allow fire-prone communities to apply for Hazard Mitigation grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency in order to undertake ‘fire-wise' projects for homes in the wildland urban interface or to reduce hazardous fuels.  Congress must continue to pursue efforts aimed at reducing the risk and severity of wildfires, as well as improve the response, prevention and mitigation efforts.” “I have seen firsthand the impact that catastrophic wildfires have on our communities,” Tester said. “Folks impacted by wildfire need assistance long after the flames stop burning, and this bill will help ensure that folks on the ground can restore land impacted by fire and better prevent future disasters.” ""Massive wildfires destroy homes, businesses, and ecosystems in the west just like catastrophic hurricanes destroy communities in coastal regions,"" said Risch. ""This bill will help local governments in Idaho and across the west deal with the aftermath of large wildfires."" “Wildfires have unfortunately proven once again to be the West’s natural disasters,” Wyden said. “This is urgent business that requires an equally urgent and comprehensive response. This bill marks a key piece of that response to help people recover from the devastation of wildfires by providing funding to local governments to reduce flooding and erosion after fires, monitor stream and habitat health and assist residents in clearing brush from around their homes and businesses.” Background on the Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act: Currently, states can receive hazard mitigation funding to lessen the effects of a future disaster only after the president declares a major disaster. However, unlike in the case of hurricanes, floods, or tornados, most wildfires do not receive a major disaster declaration. This bill will allow states affected by wildfires to access the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to implement measures that reduce the risk of flooding and erosion and take actions to prevent future wildfires.  Bennet first introduced this measure as part of the PREPARE Act in 2015. Last week, Bennet, Crapo, Wyden, and Risch attended a briefing with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to press the issue. Last month, Bennet introduced the Wildfire Disaster Act of 2017 and sent a bipartisan letter urging Senate Leaders McConnell (R-KY) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) to include a wildfire funding fix in any future disaster aid legislation.  Statements of support for the legislation:  “Wildfires continue to wreak tremendous damage across our Western landscapes and communities,” said Roy Charles Brooks, President of National Association of Counties. “They threaten public safety, pollute the air, foul our waters and disrupt economic and recreational activity. The Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act would help focus resources – federal, state and local – to prevent and recover from wildfires. Counties thank Senators Bennet, Crapo, Risch, Tester and Wyden for their leadership on this crucial issue.” “I thank Senator Bennet for introducing this important legislation,” said Fire Chief Thomas Jenkins, President and Chairman of the Board of International Association of Fire Chiefs. “Flooding and landslides can be a serious threat to communities already suffering from major wildland fire damage. This bill will help communities prevent further damage from these natural disasters. The IAFC supports this legislation and urges Congress to pass it.""  ""While we are frequently judged based on response and criticized based on recovery, mitigation and preparedness are critical phases of emergency management and they most often occur outside the spotlight,” said Robie Robinson, former President of the U.S. Council of the International Association of Emergency Managers. “As mitigation is the linchpin of emergency management, expanding hazard mitigation grant funding following a Fire Management Assistance Grant declaration will enable jurisdictions to implement programs that will effectively reduce risks and return benefits many fold.” “Mitigation projects have been essential to our recovery from 2012’s High Park Fire,” said Lew Gaiter III, Larimer County Commissioner. “This legislation will give communities the resources to reduce the risk of post-fire flooding and property damage and help support the long-term recovery of communities affected by wildfires.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/risch-crapo-wyden-bennet-note-fire-funding-included-in-disaster-spending-recommendations,"Risch, Crapo, Wyden, Bennet Note Fire Funding Included in Disaster Spending Recommendations",2017-10-06,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Administration recognizes need for long-term fire fix  Washington, DC – Following numerous discussions among Western U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), and Administration leadership and agency officials, initial federal funding to begin fixing shortages in fire-fighting efforts known as “fire borrowing” are now being included in hurricane disaster budget recommendations.  Crapo, Wyden, Risch, Bennet, and other Western senators have pushed for a fire borrowing fix in the first spending bill possible.  While not a permanent fix, Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney is recommending funding to replace the more than $570 million transferred away this season from forest restoration accounts to fight a record fire season.  ”Because the need for this funding arises from unforeseen, unanticipated events, additional resources for the U.S. Forest Service should be provided as emergency funding,” Mulvaney wrote in a letter to leadership in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. “The Administration believes that the problem of wildfire “borrowing” must be addressed in a more structured, long-term manner,” Mulvaney said. Crapo, Wyden, Risch and Bennet attended a briefing last week with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to press the issue.  Crapo, Wyden, Risch, and Bennet have reintroduced legislation over several years to address how fighting record fires steers needed funds away from restoration budgets and creates a cycle of destruction because federal lands go untreated when funds are diverted to fight fires.  In addition to their stand-alone legislation, Crapo, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, included wildfire language in a bill to reauthorize the national flood insurance program.   “I welcome this Administration’s demonstrated interest in preventing and managing wildfire disasters in the West,” said Senator Risch. “Ending fire borrowing has been a priority of mine for years, and I look forward to working with the Administration as a partner in reaching that goal.” “Recognition by the Administration as to the need for emergency funding and that the record fires we’ve seen the last few years are an emergency is important,” Crapo said.  “Director Mulvaney, Secretary Perdue and others agree with us that this is a long-term problem and we will continue working with them in an effort to end ‘fire borrowing’ for good for the safety of Americans and our landscape.” “Wildfires burning across the West in another record-breaking fire year make these funds all the more urgent,” Wyden said. “This disaster funding will help our communities recover from the devastation of the West’s natural disasters now, and our bipartisan group of senators is not going to let up when it comes to pushing for our solution to end fire borrowing and stop the erosion of the Forest Service’s budget. It’s a good sign the administration agrees that the broken system of wildfire funding is a long-term problem that needs a long-term solution.” “Catastrophic wildfires continue to plague the West, not only threatening communities and livelihoods but also draining the Forest Service budget,"" Bennet said. ""My colleagues and I had a productive conversation last week with Secretary Perdue about the immediate need to end the practice of fire borrowing. We will continue to work together to ensure that Western communities have the resources they need to both recover from and mitigate wildfires.” OMB Director Mulvaney’s recommendations come before the next disaster supplemental appropriations bill that Congress will consider this fall to aid in hurricanes that devastated Puerto Rico, Florida and Texas.  Crapo, Wyden, Risch, and Bennet note that similar natural disasters have also plagued Western states through massive fires on public lands.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/risch-statement-on-sage-grouse-improvement-plans,Risch Statement on Sage-Grouse Improvement Plans,2017-10-06,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) issued the following statement about the Department of Interior's announcement that they will take public comments on Sage-Grouse conservation plans to help improve the Bureau of Land Management's current land use plans. “The last administration invited the western governors to create their own Sage-Grouse management plans. Those plans were subsequently rewritten on the banks of Potomac. I commend Secretary Zinke for trying to right that wrong. I support Zinke's and Governor Otter's efforts to adopt Idaho’s Sage-Grouse conservation plan that was created using the collaborative model.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1128,"Labrador Joins Colleagues Pressing for Action to Restore Forest Health, Combat Catastrophic Wildfires",2017-10-05,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                FOR MORE INFORMATION: Thursday | October 5, 2017        Todd Winer – 202.495.8546         Dan Popkey – 208.800.1565          LABRADOR JOINS COLLEAGUES PRESSING FOR ACTION TO RESTORE FOREST HEALTH, COMBAT CATASTROPHIC WILDFIRES   Capitol Hill News Conference Features 10 Members Fighting for Active Management to Save U.S. Forests WASHINGTON, D.C. –Rep. Raúl Labrador, R-Idaho, joined nine House colleagues Thursday at a Capitol Hill news conference urging passage of a sweeping bipartisan bill to improve forest health, combat catastrophic fires and restore sensible multiple-use management. Labrador is an original cosponsor of the Resilient Federal Forests Act, H.R. 2936, which has passed the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Agriculture Committee. A similar bill passed the House in 2015, but the Senate did not act on that measure. “We cannot wait any longer,” Labrador said. “The House should quickly pass this bill to restore multiple-use management and send it to the Senate. Failure to act guarantees one thing: more catastrophic fires in the West, less health, and less healthy forests.” Labrador noted that for the second time in three years the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued a statewide burning ban, as air quality reached hazardous levels and forced Idahoans indoors. “The tragedy is that Congress has known better,” Labrador said, citing the record-setting 10.1 million acres burned in 2015. The 2017 fire season set a record for firefighting costs, at $2.4 billion, with 8.4 million acres consumed and eight active large fires still burning. Catastrophic fires cause significant environmental damage. For example, fires near Seeley Lake, Mont., this summer generated particulates exceeding the EPA’s safe limit by 18-fold.   Just 2.5 billion board feet were harvested on U.S. Forest Service lands in 2016, down from over 10 billion board feet in 1990. The result is hazardous fuels are estimated to be accumulating three times as fast as they can be treated. The Resilient Federal Forests Act would speed fire prevention efforts and remove impediments to sustainable management. Labrador is a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, which approved H.R. 2936 in June. The Forest Service says 30 percent of its land, about 58 million acres, is at high risk or very high risk of severe wildfire -- an area larger than Idaho. In the past 20 years, 349 people have died because of wildfires and in the past decade about 37,000 structures have been destroyed. The Resilient Federal Forests Act simplifies procedural requirements and reduces planning times, while continuing to protect the environment. The bill provides incentives for collaboration, creates a pilot program to use binding arbitration to resolve legal challenges and accelerates habitat improvement for wildlife. Currently 40 percent of Forest Service staff time is spent on planning, while more than 40 percent of lawsuits against the Forest Service are aimed at blocking active management. The average Environmental Impact Statement now takes more than 4 ½ years to complete. Thursday’s news conference was hosted by the bill’s author, Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark. House leaders participating included Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop, R-Utah; Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore., and Republican Conference Chairman Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington state. Others speaking were GOP Reps. Greg Gianforte of Montana; Paul Gosar of Arizona; Doug LaMalfa and Tom McClintock of California; and Dan Newhouse of Washington state. For video of Congressman Labrador at the news conferenceclick here. And for more on the bill, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398606,Simpson Cheers DOI Move to Improve Sage Grouse Management Plans,2017-10-05,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Mike Simpson,S001148,simpson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Simpson Cheers DOI Move to Improve Sage Grouse Management Plans f t # e Washington, October 5, 2017 Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson released the following statement in response to the Department of the Interior’s announcement that they will take public comments in an effort to improve the current Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land use plans. “Today’s announcement from the Department of the Interior regarding BLM’s sage-grouse management plans is welcome news in Idaho,” said Congressman Simpson. “Secretary Zinke and his team should be applauded for taking this important step which is needed to restore the collaborative process between federal and state partners and to realign the federal plans in Idaho with that of the state’s. I look forward to working with Governor Otter to refocus these plans on their original intent - which is conserving species through common sense measures that work for Idaho’s landscape.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/more-bipartisan-support-for-king-risch-bill-to-secure-energy-infrastructure,"More Bipartisan Support for King, Risch Bill to Secure Energy Infrastructure",2017-10-05,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Companion bill introduced in the House of Representatives   WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), members of both the Senate Intelligence and Energy and Natural Resources Committees, today applauded the introduction of the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) and John Carter (R-TX). The bipartisan legislation serves as a companion bill to legislation introduced by Senators King and Risch and aims to examine solutions to defend the U.S. energy grid using a “retro” approach that could safeguard against cyber-attacks.   “Over the past several years, we have weathered numerous cyber-attacks that have targeted American businesses, people, and government agencies, with the potential for bigger and more damaging attacks growing by the day. That’s why strengthening major components of our national infrastructure – like our electric grid – is critical to our national security,” Senator King said. “By making our electric grid more resilient, we can mitigate the impact of major cyber-attacks on our country and protect American people. I am encouraged to see this common-sense bill has gained support in the House, and urge my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to move it through Congress.”   “Recent cyber-attacks against the U.S. demonstrate how urgently we must act to better defend ourselves, our critical energy infrastructure and our control systems from potentially catastrophic threats,” said Senator Risch. “I appreciate Congressmen Ruppersberger’s and Carter’s leadership in introducing a companion version of our Senate bill in the House today. There is a clear need to develop techniques and technologies to secure our grid and I look forward to working with our partners in the House to see it through.”   Congressman Ruppersberger said, “The serious threats to our critical energy infrastructure continue to escalate in cyberspace at an alarming rate. We know our adversaries are exploiting vulnerabilities that exist at both large and small energy companies. In a world centered on technology, we must shore up systems that protect critical resources.”   “Securing our country’s energy infrastructure is a national security priority.  Understanding where our system’s weak spots are will only enhance efforts to support robust efforts to ensure we have the most stable and secure energy networks in the world,” said Congressman Carter.   The text of the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act is included as part of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence’s markup of the Fiscal Year 2018 Intelligence Authorization Act, which currently awaits the consideration before the full Senate. The bill was inspired in part by Ukraine’s experience in 2015, when a sophisticated cyber-attack on that country’s power grid led to more than 225,000 people being left in the dark. The attack’s severity was limited by Ukraine’s use of manual technology to operate its grid, a concept that helped inspire the bill. More specifically, the legislation would:   • Establish a two-year pilot program within the National Laboratories to study covered entities and identify new classes of security vulnerabilities, and research and test technology – like devices engineered to be simple and secure – that could be used to isolate the most critical systems of covered entities from cyber-attacks.   • Require the establishment of a working group to evaluate the technology solutions proposed by the National Laboratories and to develop a national cyber-informed strategy to isolate the energy grid from attacks. Members of the working group would include federal government agencies, the energy industry, a state or regional energy agency, the National Laboratories, and other groups with relevant experience.   • Require the Secretary of Energy to submit a report to Congress describing the results of the program, assessing the feasibility of the techniques considered, and outlining the results of the working groups’ evaluation.   • Define “covered entities” under the bill as segments of the energy sector that have already been designated as entities where a cyber-security incident could result in catastrophic regional or national effects on public health or safety, economic security, or national security. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/keeping-our-forests-health-and-less-susceptible-to-catastrophic-wildfires,Keeping Our Forests Healthy and Less Susceptible to Catastrophic Wildfires,2017-10-04,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Guest Column Submitted by U.S. Senator Jim Risch  Date: October 3, 2017 Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria have caused total and unprecedented devastation in parts of Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the rest of the Caribbean. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I held a hearing last week to discuss the devastation this region has experienced and to hear from the administration on how they are helping small businesses and individuals recover. The Small Business Administration, which serves as one of the federal government’s premier disaster agencies, told us many of these communities and businesses will face years of rebuilding before their lives return to normal. While we do not have hurricanes in the West, Idahoans can understand and sympathize with the victims of these catastrophic events because we experience similarly catastrophic wildfires.  Each year, wildfires tear through states like Idaho and burn through Western forests, ecosystems, homes and businesses. The resulting disruption is untold. Idahoans are forced to uproot from their homes and find temporary living accommodations. Many with asthma and COPD must stay inside or leave the region altogether as the smoke degrades air quality to hazardous levels, sometimes for weeks. Small business owners--especially those who rely on the land like loggers, outfitters and guides--have to abandon shop, which results in significant economic losses. Major roadways are closed for weeks at a time causing significantly decreased traffic into the state, and tourism dollars are lost. Members of the small, rural communities across Idaho rely on the summer months to earn enough income to sustain their families during the cold winters. Wildfires completely interrupt our state’s economy and our residents’ daily lives.  More than 8 million acres have burned across the country this year alone--a 47-percent increase from the 10-year average of 5.8 million acres. The emergency preparedness levels for fire are at the highest point in five years. Wildfires have increased not only in intensity, but in expense. Senator Crapo and I attended a briefing at the Forest Service headquarters in D.C. last week, and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue shared with us that spending is at an all-time record of more than $2 billion to pay to fight this year’s wildfires. The major difference between catastrophic hurricanes and wildfires is that wildfires are at least partially preventable and almost fully manageable. Western senators agree we must address the way we manage forests to prevent this devastation in the first place. I am a sponsor of Senators Mike Crapo’s (R-ID) and Ron Wyden’s (D-OR) bipartisan bill, the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act, which would fund wildfires as natural disasters -- like a hurricane, tornado or earthquake. It would end “fire borrowing”--which is spending money from other areas of the federal budget to pay for firefighting. Ending fire borrowing would allow agencies to take steps ahead of fire season to better prevent them from happening.  The basic method for funding wildfires MUST be corrected. In 1995, 16 percent of the forest service budget was spent on fighting fires. So far this year, 56 percent of their budget has already been spent fighting fires. As a result of that, the forest service is not able to do the kind of preventative work they need to do. And spending will likely go up in future years if we don’t act. When we spend that much on firefighting, we are setting ourselves up for failure by raiding budgets for fuels reduction and timber sales, habitat restoration, roads and trails maintenance; all things that keep our forests usable, healthy and less susceptible to catastrophic wildfires.   We need every resource available to prevent and combat the devastation caused by wildfires. One way or another, I am committed to getting this done.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1127,Labrador Votes to Protect Unborn Children,2017-10-03,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tuesday | October 3, 2017        Todd Winer – 202.495.8546         Dan Popkey – 208.800.1565            LABRADOR VOTES TO PROTECT UNBORN CHILDREN H.R. 36 Would Prohibit Abortions at Stage When Unborn Babies Can Feel Pain WASHINGTON, D.C.– Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-ID) voted for H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act today. This bill, which passed the House, prohibits abortions of unborn babies 20 weeks after conception, with limited exceptions. At the 20-week mark, unborn children can feel pain, according to substantial medical evidence. Rep. Labrador, a cosponsor of H.R. 36, released the following statement: “I am strongly pro-life. The federal government’s most important responsibility is protecting human life, including the lives of the unborn. Additionally, we have a moral obligation to minimize pain and suffering – especially for the most innocent among us. I am proud to support H.R. 36 and I will continue doing all I can to promote a ‘culture of life.’” The United States is one of only seven countries that allow abortions after 20 weeks. At the 20-week mark, anesthesia is used in fetal surgeries for patients still in utero. For premature babies born at this stage, special care is given to reduce their pain.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/10/risch-statement-on-las-vegas-shooting,Risch Statement on Las Vegas Shooting,2017-10-02,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Risch Statement on Las Vegas Shooting Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) issued the following statement about the shooting in Las Vegas: “Today is a sad day for all Americans. Vicki and I are praying for the victims of this horrible event and for their families. As usual, our first responders reacted in their typical heroic fashion.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1126,Labrador & Goodlatte Statement on Trump Administration's Refugee Ceiling for FY 2018,2017-09-27,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. –Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee Chairman Raúl Labrador (R-Idaho) met with Department of State Secretary Rex Tillerson and Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Elaine Duke regarding the Trump Administration’s refugee ceiling for Fiscal Year 2018. Chairman Goodlatte and Subcommittee Chairman Labrador issued the statements below on today’s meeting and the Trump Administration’s plans to set the refugee ceiling at 45,000 for the coming year.   Chairman Goodlatte: “For generations, the United States has been a safe haven for those around the world fleeing persecution in their home countries. The Trump Administration’s refugee ceiling for the coming year maintains our nation’s generosity toward those in need, and importantly, ensures limited resources are used wisely and our citizens are protected in light of ongoing terrorist threats. Administration officials have indicated that many immigration officers processing refugee applications have been diverted to handle the large asylum backlog that occurred under the Obama Administration. The Trump Administration is acting responsibly to continue both of these humanitarian programs by reducing the asylum backlog and also committing itself to resettle tens of thousands of refugees in the United States.   “While I welcome the Trump Administration’s plans for refugee resettlement for the coming year, it is imperative that Congress reform our nation’s refugee program by passing the Refugee Program Integrity Restoration Act. This bill provides tools to curb fraud, strengthen national security, and enhance public safety. I urge the House and Senate to take up this bill and send it to the President’s desk so that our nation’s generosity toward refugees continues and bad actors are prevented from gaming the system.”   Subcommittee Chairman Labrador: “I welcome the Trump Administration’s decision to reduce the annual refugee ceiling to a more manageable level. While the Obama Administration increased the refugee ceiling at a time when security threats from abroad were growing, President Trump is exercising smart leadership by putting the safety of the American people first. America has a proud tradition of helping refugees who, through no fault of their own, are fleeing war and persecution and wish to become contributing members of our society. However, there are already documented cases of terrorists infiltrating the refugee program, and ISIS is vowing to exploit it further. Reforming America’s refugee program is a critical issue, and the time for action is now. I have introduced legislation, the Refugee Program Integrity Act, which enhances refugee screening, curbs fraud, and gives states and communities a voice in refugee settlement decisions. The House Judiciary Committee approved by bill in June and I am hopeful it will get a floor vote soon.”   Background: In June, the House Judiciary Committee approved the Refugee Program Integrity Restoration Act (H.R. 2826). This bill, authored by Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee Raúl Labrador and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, reforms the refugee program by curbing fraud and strengthening public safety and national security. It also provides state and local governments the power to decide if refugees are to be resettled within their communities and gives Congress, not the President, the authority to set the overall refugee ceiling for each year. A summary of the bill can be found here.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/9/western-senators-secretary-of-ag-agree-wildfire-funding-must-be-fixed-now,"Western Senators, Secretary of Ag Agree: Wildfire Funding Must be Fixed Now",2017-09-26,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Crapo, Risch, Wyden, Bennet Attend Fire Briefing at USDA, Forest Service on Record Fire Spending Year Washington, D.C. – A bipartisan group of western senators pushing for their legislation to fix “fire borrowing” heard strong evidence from Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and fire experts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service that Congress should pass their bill to end fire borrowing.  The Wildfire Disaster Funding Act, introduced by Sens. Mike Crapo, Jim Risch, Ron Wyden, D-Ore. and Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and five other bipartisan senators, would treat wildfires as natural disasters and stop the erosion of the Forest Service’s budget by reforming the way the federal government funds wildfires. The legislation would end “fire borrowing,” which has depleted funds intended for forest restoration, habitat programs, trail maintenance and fire prevention programs, such as thinning. More than 250 private and public organizations have supported the legislation.  Crapo, Risch, Wyden Bennet attended a Washington, D.C. briefing today where the Forest Service announced all-time record spending of more than $2 billion to pay to fight this year’s wildfires, which have destroyed significant parts of the West. Once again, the senators noted, federal agencies have had to empty non-fire accounts of more than a half-billion dollars to pay for wildfires. More than 8.5 million acres have burned across the country this year – a 47 percent increase from the 10-year average of 5.8 million acres. The emergency preparedness levels for fire are at the highest point in five years. “We already know in the West about the devastation of these wildfires on our habitat, our lungs, and on our heritage,” Crapo said.  “Hopefully, now our colleagues in the Senate will see the magnitude and immediacy of this problem and end this ‘fire borrowing’ so that we can focus on fire prevention and focus on saving lives, habitat and our favorite public lands places for the future.” (Video enclosed below) “Wildfires are a catastrophic event just like an earthquake, hurricane, or tornado. But there is one very big difference – wildfires are at least partially preventable and almost fully manageable,” Risch said. “If we set aside funds for wildfire prevention ahead of time, we can actually tamper down the destruction. This is what our legislation seeks to accomplish.” “My colleagues and I heard the message loud and clear today from Sec. Perdue: the federal government cannot keep conducting ‘business as usual’ when it comes to fire funding,” Wyden said. “This year’s devastating fires underscore the urgency of this issue. Fixing this broken fire budgeting system is a bipartisan idea and has been from the start. We’re calling on Congress to pass our bipartisan bill to end fire borrowing, stop the Forest Service from becoming the ‘Fire Service’ and start treating wildfires like the natural disasters they are.” “Today’s briefing on the historical cost of this year’s wildfire season emphasized the importance of changing the way we pay for fighting catastrophic fires,” Bennet said. “It was good to hear from Secretary Perdue about the immediate need to end the penny wise, pound foolish practice of fire borrowing, ensuring the Forest Service can do its job to mitigate future fires. The opportunity to sit down with my colleagues and the Secretary to discuss the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act of 2017 is a testament to the bipartisan interest in passing this critical legislation.” The bipartisan Wildfire Disaster Funding Act would fund wildfires as natural disasters and protect the agencies’ fire prevention budgets by putting a freeze on the rising budget costs of the 10-year average. It would end “fire borrowing” by allowing the agencies to fund any fire suppression spending needed above the frozen average through disaster funding just like other agencies can access disaster funding for tornadoes, hurricanes and floods. It would also make room for wildfires in the disaster budget so other natural disasters would not have to “compete” for disaster funds.  Making disaster funding available after the appropriated fire suppression funding is spent would allow the Forest Service to use its fire prevention funding for its intended purpose – completing hazardous fuels reduction projects that have been shown to help break the cycle of increasingly dangerous and costly fires. Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Cory Gardner, R-Colo., also cosponsored the bill.  Find bill text for the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/9/bipartisan-senators-to-congress-permanent-wildfire-funding-fix-must-be-a-top-priority,Bipartisan Senators to Congress: Permanent Wildfire Funding Fix Must be a Top Priority,2017-09-20,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Senators to Congress: Permanent Wildfire Funding Fix Must be a Top Priority Washington, D.C. – In the wake of historic wildfires in Oregon, Idaho, California, Washington and across the West, U.S. Sens. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Cory Gardner, R-Colo., and Michael Bennet, D-Colo., introduced an updated version of their bipartisan wildfire funding solution that would protect desperately needed funding for fire prevention and treat wildfires as the natural disasters they are. The  Wildfire Disaster Funding Act of 2017 would end the destructive cycle of borrowing from fire prevention accounts to put out fires and stop the erosion of the Forest Service’s budget by reforming the way the federal government funds wildfires. “The West is on fire, and it’s burning faster than years prior,” Risch said.  “We need every resource available to prevent and combat the devastation caused by wildfires. This legislation would ensure those of us in the West can count on much-needed disaster funding.”   “Oregonians and westerners are battling another record-breaking fire year. The threat of catastrophic wildfires is growing, yet the federal government continues to conduct ‘business as usual’ when it comes to fighting fires in Oregon and the West,” Wyden said. “More communities are put in danger and fire prevention work gets left undone because of a backwards fire budgeting system. It’s past time for Congress to make it a top priority to end fire borrowing, stop the erosion of the Forest Service becoming the ‘Fire Service’ and start treating wildfires like the natural disasters they are.” ""If you live in a community in the western United States, you do not need to be told that wildfires are major natural disasters,"" Crapo said.  ""With over eight million acres burned, ten states choked with smoke, and lives and structures lost, this year's fire season is a brutal reminder that we must start treating mega fires as the disasters that they are. Now is the time to both recognize that fires are major disasters and end the destructive cycle of fire borrowing that only makes the fire situation in this country worse."" “Wildfires have already burned millions of acres this year across the West, and the fire season is far from over. It’s long past time we treat wildfires like other natural disasters and allow federal agencies to pay for them like other natural disasters,” Feinstein said. “Our bipartisan bill would end the need for so-called ‘fire borrowing,’ where funding for fire prevention efforts is diverted to fighting wildfires, delaying or canceling critical prevention work. We must empower federal agencies with the tools they need to protect public safety and get ahead of what could be yet another catastrophic fire year.""   “Fifty percent more acres have already burned this year than normal and the trends of the last few years suggest this will likely be our new normal,” Cantwell said.  “The bill we are introducing today will stop the fire-borrowing that is currently crippling the Forest Service.” ""Wildfires continue to decimate Western communities, ruining sources of drinking water, destroying property, and even claiming lives. Wildfires have all the qualities of a natural disaster, and it's time that the federal government treat them as such,” Hatch said.  “This critical legislation gives much-needed relief to the Forest Service by putting an end to funding requirements that make it all but impossible for the agency to bear the increased costs of wildfire suppression. Ultimately, our bipartisan proposal will leave the Forest Service better prepared to fight forest fires and better equipped to prevent them from happening in the first place. It is imperative that we to return to a more balanced approach to forest management, not just fire management. I am confident that this bill will help foster safer, healthier forests in Utah and across the West for years to come.”   “The way we fund wildfire suppression today is counterproductive and crazy,” Merkley said.  “As this fire season has proven all too vividly, robbing from forest health and fire prevention programs to pay for suppression only creates a vicious cycle of bigger and bigger fires. It’s time to fix this problem once and for all by funding fighting the biggest wildfires the way we do other natural disasters.”   “It may not be getting headlines in the national news, but wildfires have burned millions of acres in the West this year and the communities impacted in Colorado need assistance,” Gardner said.  “I’ve been working to advance this legislation to stop fire borrowing for several years, and I appreciate the strong bipartisan support to ensure the Forest Service has the funds it needs for clean-up and prevention efforts while also finally requiring the government to treat wildfires like it does other natural disasters.”   “Catastrophic wildfires continue to plague the West, not only threatening communities and livelihoods but also draining the Forest Service budget,” Bennet said.  “We need to restructure the way we pay for fighting catastrophic fires to mitigate and prevent future wildfires. This bill would end the practice of fire borrowing—a necessary step that will enable the Forest Service to make responsible investments on the front end to restore our forests and safeguard our watersheds.” Unlike for other natural disasters, where agencies can draw from an emergency fund to pay for disaster response, the U.S. Forest Service and Interior Department do not have access to disaster funds and are forced to “fire borrow” – or steal money from fire prevention and other important programs already funded in their agencies to pay to put out fires. Currently, federal agencies calculate wildfire suppression budgets based on the average costs of wildfire suppression over the past 10 years. But as fire seasons grow longer and wildfires have become more expensive to fight, Congress is forced to appropriate more funding to an outdated budgeting system that almost always underestimates the actual cost of fighting fires. The updated bipartisan Wildfire Disaster Funding Act would fund wildfires as natural disasters and protect the agencies’ fire prevention budgets by putting a freeze on the rising budget costs of the 10-year average. It would end “fire borrowing” by allowing the agencies to fund any fire suppression spending needed above the frozen average through disaster funding just like other agencies can access disaster funding for tornadoes, hurricanes and floods.  Making disaster funding available after the appropriated fire suppression funds are spent would allow the Forest Service to use its fire prevention funding for its intended purpose – completing hazardous fuels reduction projects  that have been shown to help break the cycle of increasingly dangerous and costly fires. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that this year has been the single most expensive fire year on record, with fire suppression activities totaling more than $2 billion. Addressing the current, problematic system of wildfire funding is part of a larger need to stabilize and update emergency spending for all natural disasters. Earlier this month, Wyden and Crapo, along with 10 other Democratic and Republican senators urged Senate Leaders Mitch McConnell and Charles E. Schumer to include a wildfire funding fix in any future disaster aid legislation that passes through Congress.     Find bill text for the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act  here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/9/nomination-of-idaho-s-ryan-nelson-clears-senate-committee-advances-to-floor-for-vote,"Nomination of Idahos Ryan Nelson Clears Senate Committee, Advances to Floor for Vote",2017-09-19,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo congratulated Ryan Nelson of Idaho after his nomination to become Department of Interior (DOI) Solicitor passed unanimously out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today.  His nomination has been sent to the full Senate for consideration.   “I look forward to seeing an Idahoan who understands western issues at DOI,” said Senator Risch, who sits on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Senator Crapo and I will work with our colleagues in the Senate to bring his nomination to the floor for a vote as quickly as possible.” “I welcome the Energy Committee’s approval of Ryan Nelson to serve as the Solicitor for the Department of Interior,” said Senator Crapo.  “With his solid legal credentials and having worked on a wide-range of policy issues in Idaho, Ryan’s background and experience have prepared him well to serve our nation in this role.  Additionally, he will bring a point of view to the Department of the Interior that is critical given the agency’s jurisdiction over significant portions of Idaho and the western United States.  Together with Senator Risch, I will work to bring his nomination to the full Senate for swift consideration.” Ryan Douglas Nelson of Idaho has worked in all three branches of the federal government. He served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice, where he managed the natural resource, wildlife and appellate sections of the Division, and as Deputy General Counsel for the White House Office of Management and Budget. He also served as Special Counsel for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and as a law clerk for the Senate Legal Counsel. Nelson is a seasoned attorney with broad experience advising government and corporate executives in the public and private sector. Nelson was an associate at Sidley Austin and is currently General Counsel for Idaho-based wellness company, Melaleuca, Inc. He has argued 13 federal courts of appeals cases on complex environmental and constitutional issues. Nelson currently resides in his hometown of Idaho Falls, Idaho.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/9/risch-king-bill-to-protect-energy-infrastructure-secures-western-governors-association-endorsement,"Risch, King Bill to Protect Energy Infrastructure Secures Western Governors' Association Endorsement",2017-09-18,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today announced that the Western Governors’ Association, a bipartisan group of 19 governors from Western states and 3 governors from Western U.S. territories, has endorsed the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by the Senators earlier this year, seeks to protect America’s electric grid from cyber-attacks. The WGA expressed their support in a letter earlier this month to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Subcommittee on Energy. “As our nation evaluates its vulnerability to cyber-attacks, there is one major liability that is often overlooked: our energy grid,” said Senator King, a member of both the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. “As more and more of our grid relies on computerized systems, our risk of catastrophic attack increases – one that would cripple businesses and could threaten lives. That is why I introduced the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act, which will examine ways to employ low-tech redundancies as back-ups to automated systems. I’m grateful to the Western Governors’ Association for their support, and hope that Congress can act quickly to start working towards a grid that is prepared for any attacks.” “Securing our critical energy infrastructure systems is not a partisan issue. As noted by the Western Governors Association (WGA), it’s a national security issue that requires the attention of every state and federal leader,” said Senator Risch, a member of both the Senate Intelligence and Energy and Natural Resources Committees. “I thank the WGA for their endorsement of our bill, which utilizes the unique assets and expertise of our national laboratories to drive innovation as they re-examine critical infrastructure security. Additionally, I am proud that the Idaho National Lab is a leader on this important topic.” “The security of the United States electric grid is essential to the provision of reliable energy in the West,” wrote Governors Dennis Daugaard (Chair, R-S.D.) and David Ige (Vice Chair, D-Hawaii) in the letter. “This bill advances the Western Governors’ goals of putting the United States on a path to energy security.""  The  Securing Energy Infrastructure Act would: Establish a two-year pilot program within the National Laboratories to study covered entities and identify new classes of security vulnerabilities, and research and test technology that could be used to isolate the most critical systems of covered entities from cyber-attacks. Require the establishment of a working group to evaluate the technology solutions proposed by the National Laboratories and to develop a national cyber-informed strategy to isolate the energy grid from attacks. Members of the working group would include federal government agencies, the energy industry, a state or regional energy agency, the National Laboratories, and other groups with relevant experience. Require the Secretary of Energy to submit a report to Congress describing the results of the program, assessing the feasibility of the techniques considered, and outlining the results of the working groups’ evaluation. Define “covered entities” under the bill as segments of the energy sector that have already been designated as entities where a cyber-security incident could result in catastrophic regional or national effects on public health or safety, economic security, or national security.   In the letter, the WGA highlights the bill’s important steps towards protecting our critical energy infrastructure from cyber-attacks. The Western Governors’ Association is a bipartisan organization consisting of the governors of 19 Western States and 3 Western U.S. territories.    The text of their letter can be found in full HERE and is below:   +++   September 6, 2017    Honorable Lisa Murkowski  Chairman  Committee on Energy and Natural Resources  United States Senate  304 Dirksen Senate Office Building  Washington, D.C. 20510        Honorable Maria Cantwell  Ranking Member  Committee on Energy and Natural Resources  United States Senate  304 Dirksen Senate Office Building  Washington, D.C. 20510  Honorable Cory Gardner  Chairman  Subcommittee on Energy  Committee on Energy and Natural Resources  United States Senate  304 Dirksen Senate Office Building  Washington, D.C. 20510  Honorable Joe Manchin III  Ranking Member  Subcommittee on Energy  Committee on Energy and Natural Resources  United States Senate  304 Dirksen Senate Office Building  Washington, D.C. 20510      Dear Senators Murkowski, Cantwell, Gardner, and Manchin:    The security of the United States electric grid is essential to the provision of reliable energy in the West. The bipartisan Securing Energy Infrastructure Act, S. 79, creates a pilot program and working group to: identify the security vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure; create and implement technology programs and standards to defend that infrastructure; and develop a national cyber-informed strategy to insulate the energy grid from attacks.    This bill advances the Western Governors’ goals of putting the United States on a path to energy security and modernizing transmission and pipeline infrastructure, as articulated in Western Governors’ Association Policy Resolution 2016-09, Energy and Transmission, and the Association’s 10-Year Energy Vision. Western Governors appreciate the bill’s requirement that the working group must include a representative from a state or regional energy agency.    Western Governors are committed to helping improve cybersecurity for the energy grid and support the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act’s provisions to improve the security of our nation’s critical energy infrastructure.    Sincerely,               Dennis Daugaard                                                              David Ige  Governor of South Dakota                                           Governor of Hawaii  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/9/senate-confirms-idaho-state-senator-bart-davis-to-serve-as-u-s-attorney-for-idaho,Senate Confirms Idaho State Senator Bart Davis to Serve as U.S. Attorney for Idaho,2017-09-15,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"CRAPO, RISCH PRAISE SWIFT CONFIRMATION BY SENATE WASHINGTON – The nomination of Idaho State Senator Bart Davis to serve as Idaho’s next United States Attorney was confirmed this evening by the United States Senate.  Davis’ nomination cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee by voice-vote on Thursday, September 7.  Following his confirmation, U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch made the following statements: “Senator Davis is a dedicated public servant who, in this role, will uphold the law, justly prosecute those charged with crimes, and ensure all Idahoans receive equal justice under the law,” said Crapo, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee which had jurisdiction over Senator Davis’ nomination.  “I congratulate Senator Davis on his confirmation to be Idaho’s next United States Attorney.” “Senator Bart Davis is uniquely qualified for the job and I have no doubt he will serve the people of Idaho well as U.S. Attorney,” said Senator Risch. “I'm very pleased to see his nomination pass the Senate and I look forward to working with him on behalf of Idahoans.” Senator Davis has represented the 33rd District in the Idaho State Senate for the past 19 years, including as Majority Leader for 15 years.  In addition to his service in the Idaho State Senate, Senator Davis is currently in private practice in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he focuses on commercial, regulatory, and transactional work.  He is currently a commissioner to the Uniform Law Commission and a past chairman of The Council of State Governments.  He is a graduate of Brigham Young University and the University of Idaho College of Law",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1125,House Passes Labrador Bill to Combat Gang Violence,2017-09-14,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                FOR MORE INFORMATION: Thursay | September 14, 2017        Todd Winer – 202.495.8546         Dan Popkey – 208.800.1565           HOUSE PASSES LABRADOR BILL TO COMBAT GANG VIOLENCE   WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, the U.S. House passed legislation introduced by Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-ID), Chairman of the House Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee, to combat gang violence by criminal aliens. H.R. 3697, the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act, bars alien gang members from coming to the U.S. and detains and removes them if they are criminal gang members or participate in gang activity.  “The House is taking strong action today to deal with the ever-growing threat of transnational criminal gangs,” said Rep. Labrador, who managed the bill on the House floor. “For too long, these gangs have exploited our broken immigration system to illegally enter our country with the express purpose of victimizing innocent Americans. The bill we passed today will make it easier to deport alien gang members and will make our communities safer. “This is the third time this year the House has passed portions of the Davis-Oliver Act, which I introduced in May, to strengthen immigration enforcement.  I’m proud to have introduced today’s bill with Chairman Goodlatte, Rep. Comstock, and Rep. King; and I thank my colleagues for passing it.” According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), membership in violent transnational gangs such as MS-13 is comprised largely of foreign-born nationals. H.R. 3697 enhances public safety by ensuring that alien gang members are kept off our streets. Additionally, it ensures that criminal alien gang members are not eligible for immigration benefits, such as asylum, special immigrant juvenile status, and temporary protected status. H.R. 3697 was taken from the Davis-Oliver Act, which Rep. Labrador introduced to strengthen immigration enforcement.  On June 29, the House passed two other bills that were originally part of Davis-Oliver: Kate’s Lawand the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act. Rep. Labrador introduced H.R. 3697 with Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee; Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA.); and Rep. Peter King (R-NY). To watch Rep. Labrador’s House floor speech, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398605,House Passes Vital Fiscal Year 2018 Funding for Idaho,2017-09-14,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,ID,Mike Simpson,S001148,simpson.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Thursday, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported passage of full year fiscal year 2018 funding. While a continuing resolution funds the government until December 2017, full year appropriations must still be passed for the remainder of the fiscal year. The bill was passed by a vote of 211-198 and includes legislation previously passed by the House including Chairman Simpson’s Energy and Water bill which has critical funding for Idaho National Laboratory.“Today’s legislation is an important step towards finishing fiscal year 2018 appropriations,” said Congressman Simpson. “This bill is an important marker for many Idaho priorities such as PILT, wildfire funding, and provisions that rein in burdensome regulations from the previous Administration. I look forward to working with my colleagues to see that these policies ultimately are signed into law so we can ensure federal agencies can fulfill their missions as quickly and efficiently as possible.”Interior and Environment $465 million for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which compensates counties for the losses in property tax as a result of a high percentage of federal land.  Idaho counties received $30,054,704 in PILT funding for FY17. Full funding for wildfire suppression at the ten-year average of $3.4 billion for the Department of Interior and the Forest Service; Increases funding for hazardous fuels management which is vital to preventing catastrophic wildfires; Language that authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and Secretary of the Army to withdraw the Waters of the United States rule; Language which prevents listing of sage grouse as an endangered species; Language that directs the Fish and Wildlife Service to reissue two final rules removing recovered wolves in Wyoming and in the Western Great Lakes from the endangered species list; Language making litigation costs more transparent and extending requirements that litigants exhaust administrative review before litigating grazing issues in Federal court; Funding for the Rural Water Technical Assistance program to help small communities provide safe and affordable drinking water; Language that prohibits a ban on issuing new closures of public lands to hunting and recreational shooting, except in the case of public safety; Language that directs the Bureau of Land Management to work with the State of Idaho regarding aquifer recharge;Language that expresses concern with the Cottonwood Environmental Law Center v. U.S. Forest Service court decision and encourages the Administration to work with Congress to find a solution. Congressman Simpson introduced legislation to reverse the court decision which has threatened 80 vegetative management projects and hundreds of millions of board feet.   Agriculture“Whether it is resources for our farmers and ranchers or research that guarantees a safe and efficient food supply, USDA plays a vital role in Idaho,” said Congressman Simpson. “The Sheep Station in Dubois is important to Idaho, and language in the bill gives stakeholders and ARS the opportunity to come together to work on a viable, long-term future.” Provides funding for the USDA Rural Utilities Service Circuit Rider program which helps fund rural communities to provide safe and affordable drinking water; Provides funding for National Institutes of Food and Agriculture potato and wheat research; Continues previous years’ language authored by Congressman Simpson that blocks the President’s proposed closure of the U.S. Sheep Experimental Station in Dubois, Idaho; Language directing the FDA to develop a standard identity for dairy based on existing standards which is similar to Congressman Simpson’s bipartisan DAIRY Pride Act. Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education “In Idaho, Impact Aid is important to the counties and school districts that are impacted by federal activities and I’m glad this bill honors that responsibility,” said Congressman Simpson. “I’m also extremely pleased with the funding increase for NIH. Simply put, this money saves lives and improves the health of Americans.” $1.3 billion—a $5 million dollar increase over FY17 for Impact Aid which benefits Idaho counties and schools; Provides for a $1.1 billion increase to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to continue lifesaving research initiatives; Provides funding to address the nation’s opioid addiction crisis through prevention and treatment initiatives.   The House passed bills will now be conferenced with their Senate companions to finalize fiscal year 2018 funding by the December 8th expiration of the continuing resolution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/9/risch-statement-on-20-trillion-national-debt,Risch Statement on $20 Trillion National Debt,2017-09-12,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"""Each dollar added to our debt is a dollar lost from critical investments in American roads, bridges, healthcare, schools, and other essential services.  We have got to get our fiscal house in order."" Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) issued the following statement about the United States' national debt reaching $20 trillion for the first time in history: “Our national debt has grown nearly $10 trillion in ten years and the federal government, unfortunately, has no plan on how or when to pay it down. Each dollar added to our debt is a dollar lost from critical investments in American roads, bridges, healthcare, schools, and other essential services. This pattern of reckless, uncontrolled spending threatens the future of our country and ensures our children and grandchildren have a bleak financial future. Congress must cut spending and recognize that we do not have a no-limit credit card to fund everything everyone wants. Like hard-working Idahoans, the federal government must prioritize, budget, and say no to things that are not absolute essentials. We have to get our fiscal house in order before it’s too late. In daily terms, the U.S. adds over $1.5 BILLION to its debt EVERY DAY!”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1124,"Labrador, Goodlatte, Comstock, and King Introduce Bill to Combat Gang Violence and Enhance Public Safety",2017-09-08,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.– Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-Va.), Congressman Peter King (R-N.Y.), Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee Chairman Raúl Labrador (R-Idaho), and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today introduced the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act (H.R. 3697) to combat gang violence by criminal aliens and enhance public safety.     U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has found that membership of violent transnational gangs is comprised largely of foreign-born nationals. In order to protect Americans from these violent gangs, the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act ensures that alien gang members are kept off our streets by barring them from coming to the United States and detaining and removing them if they are criminal gang members or participate in gang activity.Additionally, the bill ensures that criminal alien gang members are not eligible for immigration benefits, such as asylum, special immigrant juvenile status, and temporary protected status, which are reserved for those around the world most in need of protection.   Representatives Comstock, King, and Labrador and Chairman Goodlatte issued the statements below on today’s introduction of the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act.   Congresswoman Comstock: “In Northern Virginia there have been at least eight brutal murders tied to the transnational MS-13 gang since last November.  That is unacceptable, and this legislation will help get these violent gang members off our streets. MS-13 preys upon and intimidates those who have come to our country to seek a better life.  The Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act will give important tools to law enforcement like the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force so that they can effectively do their jobs to deport alien gang members.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to see this important legislation passed so we are safer as a community, Commonwealth, and nation.”   Congressman King: “On Long Island, gangs like MS-13 must be crushed. We cannot tolerate innocent people in our communities being slaughtered, butchered and intimidated by these criminals. This important legislation will assist law enforcement in keeping our communities safe from their reach and influence.” Congressman Labrador: “The most important function of the federal government is to keep our communities safe and secure. Those who illegally enter our country and participate in criminal gangs need to be arrested and deported immediately. They should not be allowed to stay in our country to victimize innocent Americans. The bill we’re introducing today will make our communities safer by making it easier to deport alien gang members. We are taking an important part of the Davis-Oliver Act, which I introduced, to strengthen our security. I’m proud to join Chairman Goodlatte, Rep. Comstock, and Rep. King in introducing today’s bill and I will work hard for its passage.” Chairman Goodlatte:  “The primary duty of the federal government is to keep Americans safe. We must ensure our nation’s immigration laws are not exploited by dangerous gang members, like MS-13, seeking to bring crime and illicit activity to our communities. The Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act makes it clear that criminal alien gang members are not eligible to come to the United States and ensures that they are kept off our streets. I thank Representatives Comstock, King, and Labrador for introducing this targeted, common sense bill to protect our communities and look forward to its consideration on the House floor next week.”   To learn more about the House Judiciary Committee’s work to improve our nation’s immigration laws, click here.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/9/risch-bipartisan-senators-urge-congress-to-pass-wildfire-funding-fix,"Risch, Bipartisan Senators Urge Congress to Pass Wildfire Funding Fix",2017-09-08,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"With large fires blazing across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming, a bipartisan group of senators led by Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, today urged Senate Leaders Mitch McConnell and Charles E. Schumer to include a wildfire funding fix in any future disaster aid legislation that passes through Congress. In addition to Wyden and Crapo, the letter’s signers include Sens. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Kamala Harris, D-Calif., Jon Tester, D-Mont., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Tom Udall, D-N.M. The Senate today passed a bipartisan funding bill to help with the cost of fighting the wildfires in western states as part of the disaster and government funding bill expected to pass Congress this week. However, the funding included today does not fix the long-term problem of consistently underfunding fire suppression, which currently forces federal agencies to steal from fire prevention to fight fires, so-called “fire borrowing.” Wildfires have burned almost 8 million acres of land across the West this year, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate from their homes, and the U.S. Forest Service has already spent more than $1.7 billion this year to put out fires. “We stand ready to work with our colleagues in a bipartisan way in Congress to do everything we can to ensure the victims of Hurricane Harvey get the assistance they need,” the bipartisan group of senators wrote. “As we work to assist Texas and Louisiana on the road to recovery, please do not forget about wildfires – the natural disaster currently raging through the West. “We ask that any disaster aid package or other must-pass legislation that passes through Congress include a wildfire funding fix. This fix is long overdue and people throughout the West desperately need our help.” With the Forest Service’s fire suppression budget nearly depleted, the agency is likely to have to borrow from fire prevention money to tackle wildfires during the remainder of the fire season. In an August letter to the leaders of the Senate Banking Committee, Wyden, Risch, Merkley, and Heinrich urged the Senate to pass the wildfire funding fix under consideration by the Senate Banking Committee. Read today’s letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/9/judiciary-committee-sends-davis-nomination-to-full-senate,"Risch, Crapo Praise Davis' Nomination Being Sent to Full Senate",2017-09-07,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – The nomination of Idaho State Senator Bart Davis to serve as Idaho’s next United States Attorney has been sent to the full Senate for consideration.  This morning, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the nomination of Senator Davis by a voice-vote.  While a confirmation vote for the nomination has yet to be scheduled, U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch will be working with their colleagues to ensure a swift nomination.  Following today’s Judiciary Committee meeting, both Senators Crapo and Risch made the following statements:  “I congratulate Senator Davis on his nomination to be United States Attorney for the District of Idaho,” said Crapo, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee which has jurisdiction over Senator Davis’ nomination.  “With his extensive legal background and experience in public service, Senator Davis embodies the sound legal judgement required to uphold the law while justly prosecuting those charged with crimes.  Senator Davis has demonstrated his legal scholarship throughout his long and distinguished career as an attorney in private practice.  Further, he has an established history as a committed public servant, having spent nearly 20 years as a member of the Idaho State Senate.  I strongly endorse Senator Davis’ nomination and welcome the committee’s approval. “ ""I was glad to see Bart Davis’ nomination to become Idaho's next U.S. Attorney advance today,"" said Risch. ""Senator Davis is a committed public servant who has my full confidence. Together, Mike Crapo and I will work to bring his nomination to the Senate floor as expeditiously as possible.""    Senator Davis has represented the 33rd District in the Idaho State Senate for the past 19 years, including as Majority Leader for 15 years.  In addition to his service in the Idaho State Senate, Senator Davis is currently in private practice in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he focuses on commercial, regulatory, and transactional work.  He is currently a commissioner to the Uniform Law Commission and a past chairman of The Council of State Governments.  He is a graduate of Brigham Young University and the University of Idaho College of Law",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/9/risch-introduces-idaho-s-ryan-nelson-at-senate-nomination-hearing,Risch Introduces Idaho's Ryan Nelson at Senate Nomination Hearing,2017-09-07,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"“I think the President has made an excellent choice for the solicitor’s job, so I recommend Ryan to the committee and have confidence that after we hear from him the committee will be well-disposed to send his nomination to the floor.” Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today introduced Ryan Nelson at his nomination hearing to become the Department of Interior Solicitor. To watch Risch’s remarks, or to read the full transcript, continue below. Click here to watch Risch's remarks.  Risch's remarks: “Thank you very much Madam Chairman. It's my honor and privilege to introduce Ryan Nelson who is here with us today. He has been nominated by the President to serve as Solicitor to the Department of Interior. Ryan, we are glad you have agreed to do this and we are appreciative of that.  “Mr. Nelson lives in Idaho Falls, Idaho and is General Counsel for an Idaho based company. All of you are familiar with Idaho Falls, because you've heard me wax on and on about the merits of INL which is located there.  “Most importantly to me, Mr. Nelson's family is here today - his wife and seven children. All seven children are here today for this hearing. We are so honored that you would bring your family along.  “Mr. Nelson graduated from BYU law school with honors and clerked immediately thereafter for Judge Henderson in the D.C. circuit. He has had other clerkships, but most notably, he was the clerk on the Iran U.S. Claims Tribunal in the Netherlands. He has served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Environment and Natural Resources division of the Department of Justice and he has served as Special Counsel here in the United States Senate for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.  “I think the President has made an excellent choice for the solicitor’s job, so I recommend him to the committee and have confidence that after we hear from him the committee will be well-disposed to send his nomination to the floor.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1123,"Labrador Calls on Congress to Restore Forest Health, Combat Catastrophic Wildfires",2017-09-06,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                FOR MORE INFORMATION: Wednesday | September 6, 2017        Todd Winer – 202.495.8546         Dan Popkey – 208.800.1565         LABRADOR CALLS ON CONGRESS TO RESTORE FOREST HEALTH, COMBAT CATASTROPIC WILDFIRES   Northwest fires require swift action WASHINGTON, D.C. – With massive wildfires prompting emergency declarations across the West, Rep. Raúl Labrador called for a House vote on a sweeping bipartisan bill to improve forest health, combat catastrophic fires and restore sensible multiple-use management. In June the House Natural Resources Committee approved the Resilient Federal Forests Act, H.R. 2936, but the bill has yet to be scheduled for a floor vote. Labrador, R-Idaho, is member of the Committee and an original cosponsor of the bill, authored by Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark. The bill passed the House in 2016, but wasn’t taken up in the Senate. “Public health is at risk because of congressional inaction,” Labrador said Wednesday. “The tragedy is we’ve had ample warning that federal forest management practices are failing. Once again, we’re seeing the consequences in damage to our forests, water, wildlife and communities across the West.” Governors in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana and California have declared states of emergency as wildfires have consumed nearly 8 million acres this summer. In Idaho, air quality has reached very unhealthy and even hazardous levels, forcing students inside for recess and cancellation of high school athletic practices this week. Saturday’s football game between Boise State and Washington State could be postponed if air quality doesn’t improve. On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued a statewide air quality alert banning all open burning – the first statewide ban since August 2015. “Despite the lessons of 2015, when we saw a record 10.1 million acres burn, the Senate failed to take up the House-passed Resilient Federal Forests Act,” Labrador said.  “These fires should be treated like all other natural disasters requiring swift action,” Labrador continued. “The legislation is the product of years of work in the Natural Resources Committee, and provides immediate solutions to combat wildfires, remove dangerous fuels, replant burned forests, restore multiple-use management and reform how we pay for firefighting. It’s high time Congress steps up to protect public resources as well as lives and property before the 2018 fire season.Failure to act simply guarantees higher risk of catastrophicfires.” The Forest Service says 30 percent of its land, about 58 million acres, is at high risk or very high risk of severe wildfire -- an area larger than Idaho. In the past 20 years, 349 people have died because of wildfires and in the past decade about 37,000 structures have been destroyed. The Resilient Federal Forests Act simplifies procedural requirements and reduces planning times, while continuing to protect the environment. The bill provides incentives for collaboration, creates a pilot program to use binding arbitration to resolve legal challenges and accelerates habitat improvement for wildlife. Currently 40 percent of Forest Service staff time is spent on planning, while more than 40 percent of lawsuits against the Forest Service are aimed at blocking active management. The average Environmental Impact Statement now takes more than 4 ½ years to complete. For more on the bill, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1122,Labrador Applauds Trump Decision to End DACA,2017-09-05,2017,2017-09,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tuesday | September 5, 2017        Todd Winer – 202.495.8546         Dan Popkey – 208.800.1565           LABRADOR APPLAUDS TRUMP DECISION TO END DACA WASHINGTON, D.C.– Rep. RaúlLabrador (R-ID), Chairman of the House Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee, applauded President Trump’s decision today to end the unconstitutional Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA, which was illegally created by President Obama in 2012, allows certain illegal immigrants who entered the country as minors, to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and eligibility for work authorization. “I have consistently opposed DACA because it’s an unconstitutional program that undermines the rule of law,” said Rep. Labrador. “President Obama did not have the authority to create DACA; only Congress could establish such a program. I applaud President Trump for respecting the Constitution and keeping a campaign promise. Through his action today, President Trump is creating leverage for larger immigration reform, which should include border wall funding and stronger interior enforcement. As Chairman of the Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee, I will continue working with my colleagues and the Administration on fixing all aspects of our broken immigration system.” Approximately 800,000 illegal immigrants are currently enrolled in DACA and up to 900,000 others were eligible for the program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/8/during-wildfire-season-risch-honors-hillcrest-aircraft-company-as-small-business-of-the-month,"During Wildfire Season, Risch Honors Hillcrest Aircraft Company as Small Business of the Month",2017-08-29,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Lewiston, Idaho - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, has named Hillcrest Aircraft Company of Lewiston as the ""Small Business of the Month"" for August 2017. Hillcrest Aircraft Company will be recognized in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate. “I would like to congratulate Gale Wilson, his family and all of his employees for their hard work and commitment to protecting our communities from wildfires,” said Chairman Risch. “As Idahoans know firsthand, catastrophic wildfires threaten our homes, businesses, and way of life, particularly in the summer months. Companies like Hillcrest help agencies better control these large wildfires in a safe and efficient manner.” Hillcrest Aircraft Company is a utility helicopter company with a broad spectrum of work. The Wilson family’s legacy of promoting a strong work ethic coupled with strict safety requirements has built the company into a premier helicopter business. In 1968, Hillcrest became the first certified Bell customer service facility in Idaho and one year later, in 1969, they became an approved FAA repair station. Today, Hillcrest’s main focus is aerial firefighting. Whether transporting firefighters to remote areas or dropping hundreds of gallons of water on a raging fire, Hillcrest prides itself on protecting communities from dangerous wildfires. They have fought fires in all of the lower 48 states during their sixty plus years of experience. On top of aerial firefighting, Hillcrest flies for power and timber companies, photographers, videographers, and even fish planters.   The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to entrepreneurship and provides oversight of the Small Business Administration. The committee also researches, investigates and reports all problems relating to America’s small businesses to the full Senate. As Chairman, Risch will honor America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Senate each month.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/8/risch-connects-with-idaho-small-business-owners-at-google-get-your-business-online-workshop,Risch Connects with Idaho Small Business Owners at Google Get Your Business Online Workshop,2017-08-29,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Over 100 Idahoans attend seminar in Idaho Falls Idaho Falls, Idaho – Today, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) delivered keynote remarks at Google’s ‘Get Your Business Online’ event in Idaho Falls, a free workshop designed to help small businesses connect with customers online. Speaking directly with Idaho small business owners, Risch discussed the current regulatory climate for entrepreneurs and highlighted practical ways to promote growth and sustainability for the 28 million small businesses across our nation.   Pictured above: Senator Risch with Jim Hobart, owner of Alpaca Direct LLC in Idaho  Excerpts from Risch’s remarks are below: “America’s small businesses are truly the engine that keeps our economy running, creating two of every three jobs in this country, and more than half of the jobs in Idaho. I believe that Congress has a responsibility to help this engine roar by getting the government out of the way of our nation’s entrepreneurs, the most talented people in America when it comes to creating jobs. We need to do all that we can to continue to provide opportunities for small businesses to do what they have done so well to help make this the greatest country in the world over the last 241 years.  “Small business optimism has hit record high levels in recent months, due in large part to Congress and the new Administration working hand-in-hand to undo the regulatory burden that has been hampering small business growth. My Senate colleagues and I will continue to work with the Administration on rolling back regulations that don’t make sense, while taking a closer look at other issues facing the diverse small business community.   “I am confident in America’s entrepreneurs, who are innovative and tenacious. On behalf of all of you, I work every day as Chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee to ensure that you can be optimistic about the future of your business. I’d like to thank all of you here today, most of you who are small business owners yourselves, and those of you who join me in working to support our nation’s entrepreneurs and small business owners, the real backbone of our nation.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/8/risch-receives-spirit-of-enterprise-award-for-pro-growth-pro-business-votes,"Risch Receives Spirit of Enterprise Award for Pro-Growth, Pro-Business Votes",2017-08-29,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Idaho Falls, Idaho - Today Jeffrey Lungren, Executive Director of Congressional and Public Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, was in Idaho to present U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) with the the Chamber's annual Spirit of Enterprise Award. This recognition honors Risch’s support for pro-growth and pro-business policies in the second session of the 114th Congress. The Chamber’s Spirit of Enterprise Award is given annually to members of Congress based on their votes on critical business legislation. “Government cannot replicate what America's individuals, small businesses and corporations accomplish every year,” said Senator Risch, chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. “The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognizes that truth and shares my strong support for our nation's 28 million small businesses. It's a pleasure working with the Chamber to advance legislative policies that allow businesses to continue to grow and thrive."" Pictured above, left to right: Matt Hunter, President and CEO of the Pocatello Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce; Jeffrey Lungren, Executive Director of Congressional and Public Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Senator Jim Risch; Julie Ann Goodrich, Executive Director Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce; Chip Schwarze, CEO of Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce; Eric Hess, Board Chair of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1121,Labrador Statement on Passing of Former Governor Cecil Andrus,2017-08-25,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                FOR MORE INFORMATION: Friday | August 25, 2017         Dan Popkey - 208.800.1565         Todd Winer – 202.495.8546   LABRADOR STATEMENT ON PASSING OF FORMER GOVERNOR CECIL ANDRUS IDAHO FALLS, ID – Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-ID) released the following statement today after learning of the death of former Governor and Secretary of the Interior Cecil Andrus: “Cecil Andrus was an Idaho original, a man whose independence and integrity earned the respect of Idahoans across the political spectrum. His blue-collar roots, connection to ordinary Idahoans and commitment to making the state a better place made him Idaho’s only four-term governor. Becca and I have Carol and the rest of the Andrus family in our prayers.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398603,Simpson Statement on Death of Governor Cecil Andrus,2017-08-25,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Mike Simpson,S001148,simpson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Simpson Statement on Death of Governor Cecil Andrus f t # e Boise, August 25, 2017 Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued this statement on the news that former Governor and Secretary of the Interior Cecil Andrus died Thursday.“Idaho and our nation have lost a truly great statesman and conservationist today.  Kathy and I send our prayers and thoughts to his family for their loss. Governor Andrus will rightly be remembered as a legend in the conservation field.  It was fitting that he cut his political teeth protecting Castle Peak as I think they both have a lot in common.  They are giants in Idaho and icons to those who believe conservation is a necessity and not a luxury. We will truly miss Cece, but we will always be reminded of how great he was as we are surrounded by his legacy of conservation.”To view an Idaho Statesman video of Congressman Simpson honoring former Governor Cecil Andrus, please click here. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-comments-on-p,Crapo Statement on Death of Governor Cecil Andrus,2017-08-25,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Michael Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,,,legacy,"August 25, 2017 Crapo Statement on Death of Governor Cecil Andrus IDAHO FALLS Idaho Senator Mike Crapo issued this statement on the news that former Governor and Secretary of the Interior Cecil Andrus died Thursday. Governor Andrus was a dynamic and effective leader who knew how to wield authority and get things done for Idaho, and for the nation. His leadership and sense of purpose as a public servant were demonstrated repeatedly during his long career in public service. He earned my respect, and I count him as a friend. He will be forever remembered as a leader of great accomplishment. I send my heartfelt sympathies to his family as they, along with Idaho, mourn his passing. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/8/risch-statement-on-passing-of-governor-cecil-andrus,Risch Statement on Passing of Governor Cecil Andrus,2017-08-25,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Boise, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) issued the following statement about the death of former Governor and Secretary of the Interior Cecil Andrus: “Governor Andrus was one of the most accomplished, successful and masterful political figures I have worked with. He had the judgment and strength to take matters where he wanted them to go. Vicki and I extend our condolences to Carol and the Andrus family - they are in our prayers.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/8/risch-discusses-small-business-growth-reducing-regulations-at-boost-your-business-seminar,"Risch Discusses Small Business Growth, Reducing Regulations at Boost Your Business Seminar",2017-08-24,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Nearly 200 Idahoans attend seminar in Boise, Idaho  Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) kicked off the ‘Boost Your Business’ Seminar in Boise. The seminar, co-hosted by Facebook, Zions Bank, and Idaho Small Business Development Center, helped teach local small business owners about resources to optimize their online presence and engage consumers. In introductory remarks, Risch discussed the current regulatory climate for entrepreneurs and highlighted practical ways to promote growth and sustainability for the 28 million small businesses in our nation. To view Risch’s full remarks, click here. “We know that small businesses are vital to Idaho’s economy, employing nearly 285,000 people across our state,” Senator Risch, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship said during opening remarks. “96.6 percent of Idaho businesses are small businesses, and I know that there are more that start up each and every day. It is because small businesses are so important to our local, state, and national economy that Washington needs to do all we can for businesses to start, survive, and grow.” Following Risch’s remarks, a Facebook small business expert presented on the latest Facebook best practices and strategies for success. A question and answer session was later held, featuring a panel of local small business people who shared Facebook tips, tricks and suggestions. The Boise-area small businesses that participated on the panel were: Whitney Hansen Co., Payette Brewing Co., and North End Organic Nursery.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398602,Simpson Tours Boise State Research with NIH Director Francis Collins,2017-08-23,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Mike Simpson,S001148,simpson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson and National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Francis Collins, toured Boise State University and discussed the important research being conducted on campus. Dr. Collins had the chance to meet with BSU faculty and students to discuss the future of biomedical research and the role NIH plays in helping institutions like Boise State advance lifesaving research. “I am grateful that Dr. Collins took time out of his busy schedule to visit Boise,” said Congressman Simpson. “I always tell people NIH is the nation’s best kept secret. Many people don’t realize that more than 80 percent of their funding goes to universities and private institutions which then transforms into lifesaving biomedical research. Boise State has great potential to expand its research footprint and I am thankful Dr. Collins took time to visit with students and faculty to better understand their talent and capabilities. It is truly an honor to have a highly respected voice in the research community visit Idaho.”“I’m gratified to see the taxpayer dollar hard at work producing biomedical innovations for the American people,” said NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. “I’m grateful to Rep. Mike Simpson for arranging an opportunity for me to see the research efforts underway at Boise State University and the University of Idaho, and for giving me the chance to interact with the next generation of researchers.” “Biomedical research is a high priority for Boise State University and the State of Idaho, and funding from the National Institutes of Health is a key element to ensuring success,” said Bob Kustra, president of Boise State University. “One prime example is in the work of Dr. Julia Oxford, who has established the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in matrix biology at Boise State with NIH funding. By empowering researchers, we have seen some incredible outcomes here on campus, including the development of new anti-cancer drugs. The Bimolecular Research Center is a highly collaborative research center, and our undergraduate and graduate students play a critical role.”Congressman Simpson plays a key role in funding NIH through his seat on the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee. In fiscal year 2016 and 2017, the subcommittee increased NIH funding by $4 billion which will go directly to research initiatives that seek cures for Alzheimer’s, cancer, and other diseases. “You will be hard-pressed to find a more worthy use of taxpayer dollars than research that is directly attributed to savings lives,” said Congressman Simpson. “I look forward to working with Dr. Collins to support NIH’s mission and the continued results which benefit all Americans.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1120,Labrador Applauds Trump's Commitment to Border Security & Immigration Enforcement,2017-08-22,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tuesday | August 22, 2017        Todd Winer – 202.495.8546         Dan Popkey – 208.800.1565           LABRADOR APPLAUDS TRUMP’S COMMITMENT TO BORDER SECURITY & IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT “Border wall funding must be included in the next government funding bill” BOISE, ID –Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-ID), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, released the following statement today in advance of President Trump’s speech in Arizona: “I agree with President Trump that border wall funding must be included in the next government funding bill. President Trump would never have become President without his promise to enforce our immigration laws, and I want to do everything I can to help him succeed. Securing the border is a critical step, but not the only step, in ending illegal immigration as we know it. The House has already passed Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, with my support. Now it’s time for the Senate to act. We also need a House floor vote on the Davis-Oliver Act, which I introduced in May to bolster interior enforcement. The time for excuses is over, and the time for action is now.” On May 24, the House Judiciary approved Rep. Labrador’s bill, H.R. 2431, the Davis-Oliver Act. This bill gives states and localities the authority to enforce federal immigration laws, strengthens the ability of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to do their job, and makes it more difficult for terrorists and criminals to enter our country. On June 29, Rep. Labrador voted for and the House passed Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act. Kate’s Law increases penalties for deported felons who return to the U.S. The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act combats dangerous sanctuary policies that shield illegal immigrants from federal immigration enforcement. These bills include provisions from the Davis-Oliver Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-comments-on-president-trumps-proposed-action-in-afghanistan,Crapo Comments on President Trump's Proposed Action in Afghanistan,2017-08-22,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Michael Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,,,legacy,"August 22, 2017 Crapo Comments on President Trump's Proposed Action in Afghanistan Idaho Senator Mike Crapo commented Tuesday following President Trumps proposed action in Afghanistan: I supported our initial engagement in Afghanistan because we had a legitimate concern that our national security was at stake. The Taliban, al Qaeda and others were setting up safe havens of terrorism to target our nation and others. We need to follow the advice of our military leadership and it appears the President is doing that. America must allow our commanders and military personnel on the ground to have the rules of engagement to do what it takes to remove these threats. We should not continue to pursue policies that lead to permanent occupation of Afghanistan. # # # Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-to-honor-wake-vets-reunion-event-schedule-,"Crapo to Honor Wake Vets, Reunion; event schedule",2017-08-21,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Michael Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,,,legacy,"August 21, 2017 Crapo to Honor Wake Vets, Reunion; event schedule Senator honors efforts by INL, Scouts during August events The heroism of civilians pushed into a World War and the Idahoans who have remembered them will be honored by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo during an event Wednesday at the Veterans Memorial Park in Boise. Crapo will present Alice Ingram, an organizer of the Survivors of Wake-Guam-Cavite reunion, and other family members of Wake combatants, copies of his Congressional Record Statement honoring those who perished or were captured on Wake Island. Many were employees of Boises Morrison-Knudsen Company, sent to build runways and other infrastructure during World War II. Crapo will also discuss legislation he has co-sponsored to honor Wake Island and other Pacific combatants with the Congressional Gold Medal. Crapo will also join advocates in Pocatello to support education about and denounce both domestic and dating violence, raising awareness on the issues as students begin class at local high schools and on the Idaho State University campus. Crapo has been the lead co-sponsor on national legislation to renew the Violence Against Women Act and Victims of Crime Act. Statistics have shown jumps in reports of domestic violence by more than 20 percent in Southeast Idaho. During his statewide visits, Crapo will also attend a barbeque event in Jerome honoring Vietnam veterans, conduct a listening session on his veterans health care reform legislation, present his Sprit of Idaho Award to Idaho National Laboratory specialists, donate books from the Library of Congress Surplus Book Program to Lincoln Elementary School in Twin Falls. He will also salute a local Boy Scout Troop for going above and beyond the call to save a historic American Legion facility in Filer that was constructed by returning soldiers from World War I. Crapos August schedule includes the following events: Tuesday, August 22: 9:45 AM Boise Attends Congressional Award Presentation, Idaho Statehouse, Room WW55 2:00 PM Caldwell Congratulates TRIO Upward Bound students, Caldwell High School, 3401 S. Indiana Avenue 3:00 PM Parma Farm Bill listening session, Parma Senior Center, 410 N. 8th Street 4:30 PM Caldwell Speak to Christians United for Israel Treasure Valley Chapter with Senator Jim Risch, Deer Flat Church, 17703 Beet Road Wednesday, August 23: 10:00 AM Boise Join Wake Island Reunion leaders and families of veterans to honor civilian soldiers at Wake Island and efforts to remember their efforts during WWII. At the Wake Island Memorial, east side of Veterans Park, State Street & North Clover Drive Thursday, August 24: 1:15 PM Twin Falls Donate books and learn about the Newcomer Program, Lincoln Elementary School, 238 Buhl Street N. Friday, August 25: 12:30 PM Pocatello Join local and Tribal advocates and ISU President Arthur Vailas to discuss growing domestic and dating violence issues and help available for victims. At the Family Services Alliance, 355 S. Arthur Avenue Saturday, August 26: 12:30 PM Jerome Speak at Vietnam Veteran Appreciation and Commemoration BBQ, Veterans Memorial Park, 300 E. Avenue A Monday, August 28: 9:30 AM Howe Present Spirit of Idaho Award to INL employees for their work to serve the veterans in Eastern Idaho. 1:15 PM Hansen Present U.S. Flag and speak to Hansen High government class, Hansen High School, 550 Main Street S. 2:40 PM Filer Present Spirit of Idaho Award to members of Boy Scout Troop 7. The scouts worked to save a historic World War I structure that has housed the local American Legion. At the American Legion Building, 207 Main Avenue Wednesday, August 30: 11:15 AM Orofino Meet with Clearwater County Commissioners, 150 Michigan Avenue 5:00 PM Kendrick Host a listening session on the Veterans Health Administration Reform Act of 2017 with local veterans, Kendrick Fire Station, 600 East Main # # # Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1119,"President Trump Signs Labrador Bill Honoring Idaho Veteran's Daughter, Aiding Military Families",2017-08-16,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                FOR MORE INFORMATION: Wednesday | August 16, 2017        Todd Winer – 202.495.8546         Dan Popkey – 208.800.1565         PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS LABRADOR BILL HONORING IDAHO VETERAN’S DAUGHTER, AIDING MILITARY FAMILIES Provision closes loophole in veterans’ education benefits BEDMINSTER, N.J. – President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act, H.R. 3218. The new law includes a provision authored by Rep. Raúl Labrador that fills a gap in veterans’ education programs by permitting reassignment of education benefits in cases where the designated beneficiary dies. Labrador’s bill was prompted by the death of a constituent, 16-year-old Shauna Hill of Eagle. Hill’s father, a retired Navy pilot with 28 years of service, learned the law prohibited transferring his benefits under the GI Bill to his surviving daughter. Labrador, R-Idaho, introduced the Shauna Hill Post 9/11 Education Benefits Transferability Act in February. The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee included the Labrador bill in the larger Colmery Act. In its report to the House, the Committee said it was a matter of fairness to extend benefits to survivors. H.R. 3218, the most significant expansion of the GI bill in a decade, passed both the House and Senate unanimously. “Shauna had a strong sense of justice and would be gratified to know her story helped veterans and their families,” said Shauna’s parents, Capt. Edward and Heidi Hill. “She had great affection for veterans, including her grandfathers who served in World War II and Korea. Being associated with a law named for Harry Colmery, the architect of the first GI Bill, would have made her very, very proud. “Shauna cheerfully accepted the lifestyle of a Navy brat, attending seven different schools and considered herself her dad’s partner in the effort to protect and defend America,” the Hills continued. “At military events she always made an effort to visit with servicemembers. As her parents, we take comfort in knowing her untimely passing has helped bring relief to veteran families.” Said Labrador: “Working with the Hills has been a profound honor. Through unspeakable loss, they told a compelling story that has changed the law of the United States to help veteran families in times of greatest need. Now, Shauna Hill’s legacy includes providing solace to countless veterans in the future.” The Hills’ surviving daughter, Haley, has undergraduate and master’s degrees, but may one day seek a doctorate. Should she do so, she would be eligible under the new law to obtain the education benefits assigned to her sister. Shauna Hill was a junior at Eagle High School in 2012 when she died as a result of injuries suffered in an automobile accident. Labrador met the Hills in 2013, when he helped present the family with a Congressional Bronze Medal awarded to Shauna for public service, personal development and physical fitness. Capt. Hill later sought Labrador’s help in working with the Navy in hopes of obtaining a waiver to reassign the education benefit to his surviving daughter. Unable to negotiate an administrative fix, Labrador sought a legislative remedy to ensure that in the future no veteran would find themselves in a similarly tragic situation. Shauna Hill was a competitive figure skater and ice dancer. She played the violin in the Eagle High School Orchestra, including a performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall. The accident occurred when she was on her way home from orchestra practice. Attached is a photo of Shauna Hill, courtesy of the Hill family.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://labrador.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1118,Labrador on Charlottesville Violence,2017-08-15,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Raúl Labrador,L000573,labrador.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tuesday | Aug. 15, 2017        Todd Winer – 202.495.8546         Dan Popkey – 208.800.1565         LABRADOR ON CHARLOTTESVILLE VIOLENCE “I want to make sure every Idahoan has what I had: an opportunity to succeed regardless of their station in life at birth.” MERIDIAN – Rep. Raúl Labrador, R-Idaho, commented today on last weekend’s violence in Charlottesville, Va. “I have not issued a statement or made a comment about the events in Charlottesville because it’s not my style on these issues — and my constituents know that. Moreover, I do not make it a habit to insert myself into national tragedies because I do not feel these moments should be about me or about politics. “But since some seem intent on pulling me into their discussion, I will say this: I do not discuss these issues publicly because they are very personal for me. I suspect I am the only member of the delegation or statewide political figure who knows what it is like to be judged, to be overlooked, to be pushed aside solely due to how I look, how I sound or what I believe. It is one of the main reasons I entered public service. I want to make sure every Idahoan has what I had: an opportunity to succeed regardless of their station in life at birth. “I detest white supremacy as much as I detest black nationalism and other forms of identity politics. As a public servant, as a man of faith and as an American I abhor and condemn the violence, racism and bigotry we saw in Charlottesville. Racism and bigotry in all of their forms are abhorrent. In fact, I don’t know of an Idahoan who thinks otherwise. I also don’t know any Idahoans who believe that trite media statements will solve this nation’s problems or solve Idaho’s problems. “The people of Idaho know me for my work and my actions. I am proud to say that the vast majority of Idahoans have always judged me by the content of my character rather than the color of my skin. That is a testament to the people of Idaho and the values we hold dear. We must stop dividing our nation and our people along ethnic, racial, social and political lines.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/8/risch-statement-on-charlottesville-virginia,"Risch Statement on Charlottesville, Virginia",2017-08-14,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) issued the following statement regarding Charlottesville, Virginia: -- ""The hateful acts of racism we witnessed in Charlottesville this weekend are reprehensible and I condemn them in the strongest terms. White supremacy - and every other form of prejudice - does not represent our American values. Vicki joins me in praying for the families of those who lost their lives and for those who were injured.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/crapo-responds-to-events-in-charlottesville,Crapo Responds to Events in Charlottesville,2017-08-13,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Michael Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,,,legacy,"August 13, 2017 Crapo Responds to Events in Charlottesville Idaho Senator Mike Crapo released the statement below following the Saturday, August 12, events in Charlottesville, Virginia. Yesterdays tragedy in Virginia was the result of domestic terrorism. I condemn and reject the racism and hate perpetuated by white supremacist groups. In the wake of this horrific tragedy, let us gather in solidarity with those who lost loved ones and draw closer to the families whose lives have been forever shattered by Saturdays events. As others and I noted during a recent gathering at the Anne Frank memorial, Idaho and our nation are too great for hate. # # # Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398601,Statement by Congressman Simpson on the Forest Service announcement to begin the design- build on the Redfish Lake to Stanley Trail,2017-08-10,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Mike Simpson,S001148,simpson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following statement regarding the Forest Service announcement to begin a trail from Redfish Lake to Stanley, ID.“Building a Redfish to Stanley Trail was an important piece in the Boulder-White Clouds compromise.  I am pleased that individuals and families with children of all ages will be able to safely hike and bike from Redfish Lake to Stanley where they will be able to enjoy the stores, restaurants and bakery.  This is a great development for recreation on our federal lands, tourism and the local economy.  I would like to commend USFS Chief Tom Tidwell, Forest Supervisor, Sawtooth National Forest Kit Mullen and the staff of the SNRA along with the Federal Highway Administration for moving forward with the Redfish Lake to Stanley Trail.  Their dedication and commitment to this project is greatly appreciated.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/8/wyden-risch-merkley-heinrich-urge-congress-to-pass-bipartisan-wildfire-funding-fix-in-senate-bill,"Wyden, Risch, Merkley, Heinrich Urge Congress to Pass Bipartisan Wildfire Funding Fix in Senate Bill",2017-08-04,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wyden, Risch, Merkley, Heinrich Urge Congress to Pass Bipartisan Wildfire Funding Fix in Senate Bill Washington, D.C. – As wildfire season rages across Oregon, Idaho and the West, Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., yesterday urged the Senate to pass a wildfire funding fix included in new legislation to address funding for floods and other natural disasters. A wildfire funding fix similar to the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act, which Wyden and Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, first introduced in 2013, was included in July in legislation under consideration by the Senate Banking Committee to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program. Just like the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act, the wildfire funding fix included in the new legislation would end the cycle of underfunding fire suppression that currently forces federal agencies to steal from fire prevention to fight fires. “Over the years, we have worked to fix fire borrowing in any way we could find,” Wyden, Risch, Merkley and Heinrich wrote in a letter to Crapo and Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, on the Senate Banking Committee. “Yet year after year, fire season after fire season, the fires continue to worsen and any attempt at a fix gets snarled in Washington politics.” “Along with the reauthorization of these flood and disaster programs, the Committee also included a provision of great interest to us – a wildfire funding fix. We write to strongly urge you to ensure this provision remains in the final bill as it is considered by the Committee and in the full Senate.” The language included in the Senate flood mitigation bill from the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act would end “fire borrowing” by funding the largest wildfires from a similar disaster account used to fund other natural disasters. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the risk of flooding after wildfires is“significantly higher” for up to five years after a wildfire. Fires increase the risk of floods and flash flooding by wiping out trees, shrubs and other plants that allow soil to absorb rainfall and snowmelt. A copy of the letter is here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/8/risch-introduces-endangered-salmon-and-fisheries-predation-prevention-act,Risch Introduces Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act,2017-08-02,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Jim Risch,R000584,www.risch.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation would restore spring-run Chinook and other fish populations through better management of sea lions Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) today introduced the Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act. The legislation would amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to give state and tribal managers more flexibility in addressing predatory sea lions in the Columbia River system that are threatening both ESA-listed salmon and steelhead.  “Salmon consumption at the Bonneville Dam is five times what it was five years ago, and threatened and endangered species of salmon are being damaged by sea lions in the Columbia River,” said Senator Risch. There are 32 populations of ESA threatened and endangered salmon and steelhead being significantly harmed by the increasing sea lion population. This predation of ESA-listed fish is negating the large investments being spent on salmon recovery associated with habitat, dam operations, harvest, and hatcheries.  If enacted, this bill would amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to provide for better management of these invasive, non-listed sea lions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.crapo.senate.gov//media/newsreleases/risch-crapo-applaud-nomination-of-ryan-nelson_-to-serve-as-department-of-interior-solicitor--,"Risch, Crapo Applaud Nomination of Ryan Nelson to Serve as Department of Interior Solicitor",2017-08-01,2017,2017-08,Republican,House,ID,Michael Crapo,C000880,www.crapo.senate.gov,,,legacy,"August 01, 2017 Risch, Crapo Applaud Nomination of Ryan Nelson to Serve as Department of Interior Solicitor Washington, D.C. - Following todays announcement that the White House intends to nominate Ryan Nelson of Idaho to be Solicitor for the Department of Interior, Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo made the following statements: Were thankful to have a westerner who understands our issues nominated for this position, said U.S. Senator Jim Risch, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee overseeing this nomination. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to bring his nomination to the floor for a vote. Ryan Nelsons background is a strong fit for the U.S. Department of Interior as he has worked on a wide-range of policy issues important to both Idaho and to the nation, said U.S. Senator Mike Crapo. Combined with his strong legal background, Ryan will bring a point of view to Interior that is critically important given the agencys jurisdiction over significant portions of the Western United States. I congratulate Ryan on his nomination and will work with my Senate colleagues to advance his confirmation. Ryan Douglas Nelson of Idaho has worked in all three branches of the federal government. He served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice, where he managed the natural resource, wildlife and appellate sections of the Division, and as Deputy General Counsel for the White House Office of Management and Budget. He also served as Special Counsel for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and as a law clerk for the Senate Legal Counsel. Nelson is a seasoned attorney with broad experience advising government and corporate executives in the public and private sector. Nelson was an associate at Sidley Austin and is currently General Counsel for Idaho-based wellness company, Melaleuca, Inc. He has argued 13 federal courts of appeals cases on complex environmental and constitutional issues. Nelson currently resides in his hometown of Idaho Falls, Idaho. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z