url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/12/17/id-621fb484-20a7-433d-9df7-da809f343081/,Congressman Fulcher Sends Letter Pressing New Twitter CEO to End Censorship of Conservatives,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Serving on the House Republican Big Tech, Censorship, and Data Task Force, Congressman Fulcher joined Task Force Leader McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and his task force colleagues in a letter to Twitter Chief Executive Officer Parag Agrawal pressing him to clarify how he will end censorship of conservatives, uphold the First Amendment, and ensure the company does not interfere in future elections. The new CEO of Twitter, Parag Agrawal, assumed the position on November 29, 2021. Many have expressed concern over his behavior as CEO, particularly his comment made in an interview last year, that Twitter should, “focus less on thinking about free speech.” The Members write, “As you know, Twitter enjoys liability protections under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Unfortunately, Twitter has abused these privileges time and again. Despite your past comments supporting censorship, we remain hopeful that your time leading Twitter will be spent working to uphold the ideals that made your platform’s success possible and that have made our country the most prosperous in the world.” Congressman Fulcher added, “It’s not Mr. Agrawal’s decision to ignore free speech rights guaranteed for each and every American—these are not up for debate. Mr. Agrawal must choose between honoring every American’s right to free speech on his platform or forfeiting Twitter’s liability protections under Section 230 of the CDA. Twitter cannot continue to censor conservative speech while hiding behind Section 230. Mr. Agrawal simply cannot have it both ways.” Additional signers of the letter are Reps. Buddy Carter (GA-01), Bob Latta (OH-05), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Dan Bishop (NC-09), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Ben Cline (VA-06), Bill Huizenga (MI-02), Madison Cawthorn (NC-11), Tim Walberg (MI-07). Complete text of the signed letter can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/12/09/id-c80c1911-e8c4-4205-bead-e646a4779167/,Congressman Fulcher & Idaho Businessowner Join Forum to Discuss Impact of Supply Chain Crisis,2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Russ Fulcher and his Republican colleagues in the Natural Resources Caucus hosted a forum to discuss the impact of America’s supply chain crisis. Joining the forum, Idaho business owner Steve Martinez discussed challenges that the supply chain crisis has caused his business, Tradewinds General Contracting, Inc. Increasing shortages over the past six months have caused delays, additional costs, and layoffs for the custom homebuilding business and its contractors. “Our industry is constantly being hammered by delay after delay from a shortage of materials that we cannot get to complete a home. We have several homes sitting with nothing going on in them, accruing interest and deteriorating in quality, because we cannot get the materials needed to complete the home,” explained Steve Martinez. “The domino effect this is having on our industry is costing the builder, subs, suppliers, and homeowners thousands of dollars that no one had planned on. […] We have one client that these delays and costs to get alternative materials have cost the homeowner almost $200,000. This isn’t money that is going into upgrades or amenities, rather to build the exact same house they thought they were getting when we signed contract. This is killing affordability for homeowners and killing jobs across the country.” Congressman Russ Fulcher added, “From the grocery store to Christmas gift shopping, Americans across the country are feeling the impacts of this supply chain crisis in their everyday lives. For many business owners, these supply chain shortages and delays have infiltrated nearly every facet of their business. This manufactured crisis has caused business owners large and small to raise the costs of their products and services, lay off employees, and in the worse cases close up shop. I am thankful to Mr. Martinez for joining us this morning as a witness and look forward to working together to advocate for business owners in Idaho and the United States.” Unlike the overregulation and inflationary spending policies being pursued by the Biden Administration and Congressional Democrats, Republicans are focused on addressing the supply chain by empowering American businesses and improving access to resources here in the United States. Under this strategy, Congressman Fulcher has led efforts on several initiatives, including: The “American Energy First Act” to streamline leasing and permitting for onshore and offshore conventional and renewable energy development to increase domestic production and address energy supply shortages. The “Resilient Federal Forests Act” to promote better management of our overstocked national forests and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, which has decimated the supply of forest products. The “Building U.S. Infrastructure through Limited Delays and Efficient Review (BUILDER) Act” to streamline National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) projects to create jobs, reduce project costs and support economic growth. Background on Tradewinds General Contracting, Inc.: Tradewinds General Contracting, Inc. started with a passion for building and remodeling in 1980 by founders Ted and Debbie Martinez. In 2006, Ted and Debbie’s son, Steve, took over the business and he is equally as passionate about delivering quality residential homes in the Treasure Valley. Since then, the scope of Tradewinds General Contracting has expanded to include a variety of commercial projects as well. To read Mr. Martinez’ full testimony, click here. To watch Mr. Martinez’ speaking to the forum, click here. To watch Congressman Fulcher’s remarks, click here. To watch the full forum, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/12/08/id-15625fcc-190a-44f9-9b20-e9cd1562a7af/,"Foxx, Fulcher Condemn Biden Administration’s Attack on Religious Federal Contractors",2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Education and Labor Committee Republican Leader Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee Republican Leader Russ Fulcher (R-ID) sent a letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Marty Walsh expressing opposition to the DOL’s proposed rescission of religious liberty protections for federal contractors. In the letter, the Members write: “We write in strong opposition to the Department of Labor’s proposal to revoke the Trump administration’s final rule clarifying the rights and obligations of religious federal contractors. Prior to the final rule, religious organizations were reluctant to seek federal contracts because of uncertainty regarding their rights and obligations.” The Members conclude: “Rescinding the religious contractor rule would jettison the certainty that has been provided to religious contractors and would once again discourage them from bidding on federal contracts, decreasing competition, and harming federal programs and taxpayers. We strongly urge DOL not to rescind the religious contractor rule, so that religious Americans can continue participating equally in the federal contracting system.” Full text of the letter to Secretary Walsh is available here",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/11/19/id-b2f00115-b08a-4154-bb62-8e0f9edd382e/,Congressman Fulcher Votes Against Largest Government Expansion and Spending in History,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Russ Fulcher voted NO on the progressive Democrat-led reconciliation “Build Back Better” (BBB) bill. Congressman Russ Fulcher commented on his NO vote, “The size and scope of this 2,460+ page bill would be the largest expansion of government in our nation’s history. Being pushed through the House without any Republican support, this legislation reflects the most extreme priorities of the House Democratic caucus, and would put our country one step closer to socialism. The passage of this extremely partisan bill makes today a sad day in our country’s history.” This bill is a large compilation of hundreds of topics — an idea in itself that Congressman Fulcher has fought since his first year in Congress. Introducing the One Subject at a Time Act, Congressman Fulcher has been promoting the idea that individual topics should have their own bill, their own debate and negotiations, and their own opportunity to be passed through Congress without the baggage of extra unrelated provisions or ‘earmarks.’ Furthermore, one of Congressman Fulcher’s top priorities is to balance the United States budget and rein in national debt. Congressman Fulcher signed a letter calling on Speaker Pelosi to postpone any vote on the reconciliation bill until the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) had adequate time to properly analyze and report on the bill’s fiscal impacts. After President Biden told the American people that the bill would cost zero dollars, the CBO reported, “CBO estimates that enacting this title would result in a net increase in the deficit totaling $454.1 billion over the 2022-2031 period.” Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady, clarified this in his speech after the BBB vote, “This bill–even counting the budget gimmicks–is several hundred billion dollars short today and the independent Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget says over 10 years, it’s closer to a $3 trillion national debt. As Ranking Member of the Education and Labor Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services, Congressman Fulcher has led committee hearings in order to examine the potential impacts of several of the BBB provisions in his committee’s germane jurisdiction. In addition, the Congressman has been closely involved in efforts to push back against countless proposals in the reconciliation bill which include Democrats’ provisions to: Mandate taxpayer funding for abortions Congressman Fulcher continues to fight for the lives of the unborn and the rights of U.S. taxpayers who do not want their tax dollars paying for abortion procedures that violate their religious beliefs. Fund President Biden’s IRS Banking Surveillance Apparatus Congressman Fulcher has penned several letters and cosponsored many pieces of legislation that would stop this violation of Americans’ privacy. You can read more about his efforts on this issue here. Force out faith-based child care providers This blatant attack by the Democrats on the American family — and the freedom of religion — will be a huge detriment to our society. Congressman Fulcher fought against this proposal in the Ed & Labor Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services where he outlined the important role that faith-based and non-profit child care providers play in Idaho’s communities and economy. Create new incentives for illegal immigration Congressman Fulcher visited the Southern Border and heard directly from border agents and local residents who described first-hand the consequences of a porous border. It was recently announced that illegal immigration at the southern border has over doubled since the same time last year. He commented on this proposal, “The incentives being presented — financial and otherwise — are directly correlated to the influx of illegal immigration happening at our southern border. With the current crisis at the border, it remains critical that we must prioritize national security.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/11/18/id-6c9a82c7-ee7a-4d04-a89c-f307c4566fd9/,Idaho Delegation Officially Files Challenge to Biden’s Vaccine Mandate for Businesses,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Idaho’s U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher joined the other 48 Republican Senators and 155 Republican members of the House of Representatives in challenging President Biden’s vaccine mandate under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) by introducing a joint resolution of disapproval of the mandate. The Congressional Review Act is the official process for Congress to eliminate an executive branch rule. The Resolution has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. This move to overturn President Biden’s vaccine or test mandate for private employers is guaranteed a vote on the Senate Floor. The rule was transmitted to the Senate on November 16, 2021, setting up a Floor vote as soon as early December. Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has temporarily suspended enforcement of the vaccine mandates for private business, the CRA, if passed, would codify a prohibition of reinstating the mandate. “Vaccines have historically proven to be vital to the public health goal of disease prevention. We had record vaccine development, thanks to American medical ingenuity and Operation Warp Speed. However, a one-size-fits-all federal mandate on vaccines and private business practices is not a reasonable solution now–or ever. Medical decisions are best left to patients and their doctors. I will continue to fight to ensure the federal government stays within its authorities entrusted to it by the Constitution,” said Senator Crapo. “The egregious federal overreach exhibited by President Biden’s vaccine mandate unfairly burdens our nation’s businesses and endangers our individual liberties. I encourage Idahoans to consult with their healthcare provider about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. However, getting vaccinated is a decision the federal government cannot make. Individuals must make this decision themselves,” said Senator Risch. “The Congressional Review Act is an important tool to provide legislative oversight regarding rulemaking of executive agency bureaucrats who were not elected and are not held accountable by their constituents. This rule impacts not only the independence of our private businesses, but also the confidential and private nature of our health decisions. I join my Idaho constituents and our lawmakers back home in fighting against this unconstitutional federal intrusion into our lives,” said Representative Fulcher. “I got vaccinated and I am comfortable with my decision to do so, but it was just that, my decision. I do not agree or believe that a vaccine mandate is constitutional, and that is why I cosponsored the Congressional Review Act legislation to try to stop the enforcement of President Biden’s mandate,” said Representative Simpson. The CRA was led by U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-Indiana) and co-sponsored by the rest of the Republican Senate Caucus: Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), John Thune (R-South Dakota), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Richard Burr (North Carolina), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Pat Toomey (R-Pennsylvania), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Jim Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Todd Young (R-Indiana), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Ron Johnson (R-Ohio), Ben Sasse (R-Nebraska), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Roy Blunt (R-Missouri), Richard Shelby (R-Alabama), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah). U.S. Representative Fred Keller (R-Pennsylvania), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, Idaho’s U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, and 155 other members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the same bill. BACKGROUND: On September 8, President Joe Biden announced vaccine mandates extending to 80 million private sector workers and additional mandates on millions of federal workers and contractors. To implement this mandate, OSHA issued an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). Employers that fail to comply will be fined $13, 653 for each offense and willful violations will result in a $136,532 penalty. This rule places unrealistic compliance burdens on employers—especially during a time where business and supply chains are already under duress. For example, 30 days after publication, all requirements other than testing for employees must be in place. In addition, 60 days after publication, all testing requirements must be in place. The CRA can be used by Congress to overturn certain federal agency regulations and actions through a joint resolution of disapproval. If a CRA joint resolution of disapproval is approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the President, or if Congress successfully overrides a presidential veto, the rule at issue is invalidated. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/11/17/id-79ae33ee-8af0-49ec-8dca-2bf65fe35107/,Congressman Fulcher Leads Challenge Against President Biden’s Vaccine Mandate,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"The CRA includes 155 total Members cosponsoring on the House side and is joined by a companion bill led by Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) in the Senate with all 50 Republican Senators as cosponsors. Congressman Fulcher commented, “The Congressional Review Act is an important tool to provide legislative oversight regarding rulemaking of executive agency bureaucrats who were not elected and are not held accountable by their constituents. This rule impacts not only the independence of our private businesses, but also the confidential and private nature of our health decisions. I join my Idaho constituents and our lawmakers back home in fighting against this unconstitutional federal intrusion into our lives.” The Congressional Review Act is a tool used by Congress to exercise oversight, and potentially undo, regulations created by a federal agency. This has the potential to force a vote on the issue, ensuring Members of Congress are officially on the record and held accountable. Once the CRA is introduced, it is referred to the committee of jurisdiction, the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee in the Senate, and in the House, the Education and Labor Committee where Congressman Fulcher serves as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Workforce Investment. Congressman Fulcher has been very active on this issue, sending letters and leading committee hearings to demonstrate the negative impact of President Biden’s mandate—particularly on our Border Patrol Agents and firefighters who join many other life-saving and law-enforcement careers being affected by this mandate. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/11/17/id-95e161f8-3440-4331-91b7-92d222eb7fa2/,"Rep. Fulcher, HFC Formally Oppose Funding Federal Government Over COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates",2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House Freedom Caucus sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi stating their opposition to a continuing resolution, or any other government funding legislation, that federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates remain in place. “Any government spending bill that continues funding the unconstitutional vaccine mandate is intolerable,” said Congressman Andy Biggs “As members of Congress we have the power of the purse – it’s time we start to use it to protect the livelihoods of the American people.” The letter comes just a few weeks before the December 3rd expiration of the current continuing resolution funding government. “No Member of Congress exercising their authority to control the “power of the purse” under Article I of the Constitution of the United States should vote to fund an Executive Branch that is requiring unconstitutional vaccine mandates on American citizens in the private sector, or foolishly and wrongheadedly mandating the COVID-19 vaccination of government personnel,” the letter explains. See text of full letter below. Dear Speaker Pelosi, President Biden and administration officials on his behalf have issued multiple executive orders and directives mandating COVID-19 vaccinations under threat of retribution that will cause the loss of livelihoods and endanger Americans. No Member of Congress exercising their authority to control the “power of the purse” under Article I of the Constitution of the United States should vote to fund an Executive Branch that is requiring unconstitutional vaccine mandates on American citizens in the private sector, or foolishly and wrongheadedly mandating the COVID-19 vaccination of government personnel. Federal vaccine mandates will only further divide America and harm our national security. For example, thousands of men and women in uniform are thus far choosing not to meet the recent COVID-19 vaccination requirements imposed by DoD. It is absurd to threaten to discharge – honorably or dishonorably – anyone in our military for making that choice. In addition, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) could lose hundreds, or even thousands, of its border patrol agents due to federal vaccination requirements while our southern border is in crisis. The same is true for countless law enforcement and other personnel, as well as defense and other federal contractors across multiple agencies and industries. Moreover, at a time when our nation’s supply chains are at a breaking point, and our nation is suffering a labor shortage, reports have indicated that 72% of unvaccinated workers vow to quit if ordered to get vaccinated – a number that includes truckers, firefighters, police officers, and healthcare workers. Indeed, our health care systems are going to be greatly impacted. Hospitals are already short staffed. Nursing homes may be forced to close due to a lack of sufficient staff. Where do patients go when they can no longer use the facilities that have long served them and are the only ones available in their community? Congress must oppose these COVID-19 mandates – OSHA, federal employees (including DoD), federal contractors, CMS, and others. Please be advised (in advance of the December 3rd expiration of the current continuing resolution funding government) that – in addition to any other objections to government funding we reserve the right to make – we will not vote for a continuing resolution, or any other government funding legislation, while any federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates remain in place. Sincerely, Members of the House Freedom Caucus ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/11/10/id-d5b0c2e6-e8f1-48e7-ba05-263da1beb68c/,Congressman Fulcher Applauds Idaho’s Hire Vets Medallion Award Recipients,2021-11-10,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russ Fulcher today announced that 849 employers nationwide and four Idaho employers were recognized by the Department of Labor (DOL) for their contributions to veteran employment. The program was created under the bipartisan Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Act, which established a recognition program within DOL to award employers that make veterans hiring, retention, and career development a priority. “Veterans have the skills and experience that would benefit all types of employers, but finding the right job opportunity can be a major hurdle in their transition from active duty to civilian life,” said Fulcher. “The goal of this program is to help veterans focus their job search efforts on companies that offer benefits to help them succeed and recognize the value their military service brings to the workplace. The companies recognized today are going above and beyond to hire and retain veterans. As Ranking Member of the Education and Labor Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services, I’ll continue working to ensure we have policies in place that help our nation’s heroes find good-paying jobs.” Idaho recipients of the 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Program Award include: National Native American Construction, Inc. (Coeur D’Alene) Leisureland RV Center (Boise) W. Harris GSC Inc. (Meridian) IIS, LLC (Meridian) The award is given to employers that meet certain criteria, including: what percentage of new hires, or the overall workforce, is made up of veterans; what types of training and leadership development opportunities are made available; what other benefits and resources are offered, such as tuition assistance; and other factors that demonstrate a commitment to supporting veterans throughout their post-military careers. To sign-up to receive updates on the program or get more information, please visit HIREVets.gov. To watch the awards ceremony live at 1PM EST, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/11/05/id-ec071b02-6c97-4d29-ae77-9b898635367e/,Congressman Fulcher Answers Idahoans Concerns Over IRS Overreach,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — During Congressman Fulcher’s tele-townhall with over 6,500 constituents from Idaho’s First District, there was a clear theme in the questions from the participants: The power and surveillance capabilities of the IRS should not be expanded. Congressman Fulcher commented on the proposed IRS expansion, “These proposals are a flagrant assault on our freedoms. The IRS is already far too powerful and this proposal is yet another move by the Biden Administration to expand the power and watchdog capabilities of the federal government. Congressman Fulcher has been a leader on this issue, since the Biden Administration announced its proposal to expand IRS surveillance over Americans with bank transactions over $600, and to double the size of the IRS by hiring 87,000 additional agents to conduct these new surveillance operations. The agency’s hiring spree would make the IRS larger than any city fully in Idaho’s First District, at a cost of $80 billion according to the Treasury Department. In October, Congressman Fulcher wrote a letterto Treasury Secretary Yellen after the department arbitrarily changed the reporting amount threshold, writing that the proposal would“sow further distrust in our financial system due to the ongoing and valid concerns about the IRS’s ability to protect the privacy and financial data of the American people and potentially enlarge the unbanked population.” Congressman Fulcher has co-sponsored H.R.5586, the Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act to stop this intrusive policy and prohibit the implementation of new requirements to report bank account deposits and withdrawals. This IRS overreach will impact over 100 million Americans who have bank accounts and banking apps.The Congressman also co-sponsored H.R.5206, which prevents the IRS from targeting groups based on their beliefs or any legal 1st Amendment activities. This legislation requires the IRS to issue reports on the tax gap and participate in an audit task force to protect all taxpayers. The provisions to expand the IRS are contained in President Biden’s “Build Back Better” package that is rumored to be voted on today. Congressman Fulcher is in Washington, D.C. continuing to fight against these overarching policies to expand the power of the federal government. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/11/04/id-71c8afe5-6e03-4e1e-85f5-70235a5a7ae6/,Congressman Fulcher Takes Continued Action Against the Biden Administration’s Vaccine Mandates,2021-11-04,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Department of Labor announced a rule that will mandate vaccines for businesses with more than 100 employees. The legally dubious Emergency Temporary Standard from OSHA comes at a time when employers are struggling to hire workers, which has reverberated throughout the economy and resulted in the current supply chain crisis. President Biden’s unilateral policies on vaccines amount to an unprecedented executive branch overreach. Congressman Fulcher is opposed to this power grab and has undertaken several actions to stop it. When President Biden first announced in August that he would require every federal employee to be vaccinated, Congressman Fulcher opposed the move, stating “nothing in the US Constitution indicates that requiring Americans to obtain an intrusive medical procedure falls within the proper role of government.” In September, after learning of the employer vaccine mandate proposal, Congressman Fulcher wrote to the Department of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh to state his opposition, saying “President Biden is now weaponizing the federal bureaucracy to crush American businesses with this rushed and unprecedented OSHA mandate.” As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, Congressman Fulcher led a hearing last week on the disruptions that the mandates have caused in every industry, from short-staffed hospitals to a lack of truckers to haul timber. View his remarks in full here. Congressman Fulcher has also cosponsored H.R. 5811, “to amend the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 to prohibit the use of funds related to any rule requiring a COVID-19 vaccination, and for other purposes.” This “limitation bill” would prohibit funds in the FY22 Labor-HHS appropriations bill that otherwise may be used to develop, implement, administer, or enforce any rule that requires COVID-19 vaccination. In addition to legislative action, Congressman Fulcher has sent a letter to the U.S. Border Patrol, who are short-staffed as they face record high illegal crossings and drug seizures; Also penned was a letter to the Department of the Interior, who face similar workforce issues with firefighters as more and more intense fires rage on in the West. Each one of these agencies would be further negatively impacted by President Biden’s federal vaccine mandate at a time when they are facing crises that threaten the security of all Americans. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/11/03/id-0149a170-2bfd-4940-baea-82c23088c5e7/,Rep. Fulcher Opening Statement: “The Absence of Faith-Based Providers Would Create an Enormous Service Gap”,2021-11-03,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee Republican Leader Russ Fulcher (R-ID) delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, at a subcommittee hearing on modernizing the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG): “For decades the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program has empowered civil institutions and local governments to serve low-income individuals and communities. “Congress has not reauthorized the CSBG since 1998, and I think it’s safe to say that our economy has changed tremendously over the past two decades to warrant a closer look at the program. We have an opportunity before us today to examine areas of the CSBG program that need to be reformed and we need to consider ways to strengthen it. “It is our job to make sure this program operates as effectively as possible. In addition to adding greater accountability to low-income community members and taxpayers, we should look for ways to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, encourage innovation, and ensure policymakers have essential information about how the program meets the needs of low-income Americans, helping them to move toward stability, opportunity, and self-reliance. “We should not be content to have vulnerable, low-income, and impoverished Americans remain locked in their current economic position. Neither should we be content to leave federal programs ‘as is’ simply because it is easier than improving them. Our programs to help those in need – including CSBG – should all be focused on helping to raise individuals out of poverty and move them into the workforce. “One important way we can transform these programs is through a greater focus on outcomes. We need measurable outcomes from our federal safety net programs. “Our safety net exists to assist those who are most in need, but reforms need to be made to ensure they work for the people they are intended to serve. A greater emphasis on program performance will ensure that federal anti-poverty programs are successfully helping individuals move out of poverty and toward self-sufficiency. “Lastly, as we re-examine CSBG and other social safety net programs, we must protect faith-based providers. “Faith-based organizations and charitable non-profits have been a backbone of our country’s efforts to serve those in poverty since our nation’s founding. “Faith-based organizations provide greatly needed material resources to low-income Americans, but they are also uniquely positioned to provide relational capital and spiritual support to them as well. Helping individuals out of poverty requires more than just material aid. Faith-based organizations work tirelessly every day to serve Americans living in poverty and support their general well-being. “Undermining the right of faith-based organizations to operate in accord with their conscience harms the tradition of charity that strengthens our communities. Faith-based providers should be able to participate in government programs without having to change how they live out their faith, with all showing due respect for one another. We must protect the rights of religious organizations to hire employees in accordance with their faith. “There are more than 19,000 religious organizations that participate in the CSBG program. Their absence would create an enormous service gap. “It is our responsibility to make our nation’s anti-poverty programs the best they can be. We can do this by encouraging modernization and innovation, as well as transparency and accountability. “I look forward to hearing from the witnesses today on how we can transform this program into one that helps impoverished Americans achieve.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/10/26/id-10151df0-bc79-4487-8b98-bd256d9290c2/,Rep. Fulcher Opening Statement: “This Federal Vaccine Mandate Will Worsen the Supply Chain Crisis”,2021-10-26,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee Republican Leader Russ Fulcher (R-ID) delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, at a joint subcommittee hearing on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) likely unlawful federal vaccine mandate: “There’s no way around it. President Biden’s vaccine mandate is bad for workers, it’s bad for business, and it’s bad for the economy. It is also an affront to the personal liberties Americans hold dear. “A major labor shortage is already contributing to a supply chain backup. In response to similar state and federal mandates, many private companies have begun firing workers who refuse the COVID-19 vaccine. “This federal vaccine mandate will worsen the supply chain crisis, almost guaranteeing Americans will go without this Christmas. “Current government mandates have created chaos at airports, weakened police forces, and put our health care system in jeopardy. “In September, a hospital in upstate New York was so understaffed after unvaccinated medical personnel resigned that the hospital was forced to stop delivering babies. Yet babies come when it’s time for them to, whether there’s a staffing shortage or not. “These problems will only worsen once President Biden’s OSHA vaccine and testing mandate is issued. “We can’t afford to lose more workers. This coercive government mandate will compound the crises facing our nation. “Instead of empowering American workers and job creators, my friends on the other side of the aisle are forcing main street to fire workers. This is the surest way to hurt our economy. “This ill-advised decree will create substantial uncertainty, costs, and liabilities. The last thing main street needs is another unfunded mandate dictated from Washington. “Harsh fines for violating President Biden’s mandate could also decimate small businesses. “This is not building back better. It’s crushing the job creators and American workers under the heavy hand of government intervention.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/10/26/id-b7a3c7f1-0c00-44a1-a0ff-19b77e57710e/,Rep. Fulcher Discusses the Negative Effects and Concerns of OSHA’s ETS,2021-10-26,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/09/24/id-49d1f978-4c10-4300-8dbe-aa665996aeb6/,"Fulcher, Risch Introduce Bicameral Geothermal Legislation",2021-09-24,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – In honor of Clean Energy Week, U.S. Senator Jim Risch and Congressman Russ Fulcher (both R-Idaho) today introduced bicameral legislation to streamline the discovery and permitting process for geothermal energy projects. The House bill is cosponsored by Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (AR-04). The Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act will bring geothermal to parity with oil and gas exploration on public lands. Congressman Fulcher commented, “I am excited to be introducing this bill with support from Ranking Member Westerman, and alongside my Idaho colleague Senator Jim Risch leading the effort in the Senate. Federal regulations should not discourage geothermal exploration in Idaho, and this bill has been designed to alleviate the currently long and burdensome processes– opening up new opportunities to harness this clean energy in our state and across the country.” “Geothermal energy holds great potential in Idaho and across the West, but unfortunately, the geothermal permitting process is drowning in red tape,” said Senator Risch. “This bill with my friend and colleague, Russ, will streamline current processes so that this clean, reliable and low-cost energy source can be fully realized.” House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman added, “In order to continue leading the world in energy standards, an all-of-the-above approach to domestic energy production must be our solution. Geothermal energy is an important part of that equation. This zero carbon, U.S.-produced energy source provides American jobs and energy security, yet overburdensome regulations continue saddling geothermal production with endless red tape. It’s time to streamline these processes on both public and private land, getting this safe, reliable energy source to market faster. I’m honored to introduce this bill with my Natural Resources Committee colleague Congressman Fulcher, and I hope to see it move quickly through Congress.” “As we work to reduce emissions, it’s important that we take advantage of every homegrown clean energy source—including geothermal power,” said Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions Executive Director Heather Reams. “Thank you to Congressman Fulcher, Senator Risch, and Ranking Member Westerman for their leadership in introducing this bill, which will implement a more efficient and cost-effective process to explore for geothermal energy so America can develop more clean baseload generation, here at home, ensuring a more sustainable, reliable electric grid.” “The Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act will streamline the federal permitting process, unleashing the nation’s geothermal potential,” said Paul Thomsen, Vice President, Ormat Technologies & Chairman, Geothermal Rising Policy Committee. “This bill will allow Idaho to continue as a leader in geothermal production and further develop its indigenous renewable resources.” Background: With 90 percent of viable geothermal resources located on federally managed lands, almost all geothermal projects are subject to the NEPA review process. Currently, most geothermal exploration wells require an Environmental Assessment (EA) to be filed before exploration begins. This EA process for geothermal projects averages 10 months, meaning interested parties must wait nearly a year to determine if a viable geothermal resource even exists. The Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act will alleviate this burdensome process by: Creating a limited categorical exclusion for geothermal exploration activities on federal lands so that companies can mitigate the risk of investing the high up-front capital costs that geothermal development requires. The categorical exclusion mirrors the categorical exclusion currently available to oil and gas exploration wells. Requiring the Secretary of the Interior to identify priority areas for geothermal development on federal lands within 5 years of the enactment of the bill.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/09/16/id-db75a6a3-7a3e-4386-9aaa-8f54414cdb95/,"Rep. Fulcher, Western Caucus Members Denounce Unnecessary Gray Wolf Review",2021-09-16,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C.This week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) completed initial reviews of two petitions from special interest groups to list the gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the western United States. USFWS announced it will be conducting a 12-month comprehensive status review, despite robust state-led efforts to manage the species. “Wolf reintroduction has a long and controversial history, both at the federal and state levels. Idaho’s comprehensive wildlife management policies consider critical economic factors, from big game hunting to ranching, and should not be second guessed by Washington D.C.” – U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) “Once again, radical special interest groups have hijacked the ESA and are wasting taxpayer resources. Forcing agencies to conduct meaningless reviews to examine recovered species is not accomplishing any long-term goals when state wildlife experts are already managing and caring for species local to their communities. It is also disappointing that the Biden administration is caving to these groups and giving credence to these petitions instead of proactively working with states on actual recovery mechanisms. Absent political interference, this review will almost certainly show state management is more than adequate in preserving wolves across the West.” – House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) “The gray wolf is an Endangered Species Act success story. Through partnerships between states, local communities, tribes, private landowners, and the federal government, we have worked to restore gray wolf species throughout the western United States and celebrated their recovery by removing them from the endangered species list. Less than a month ago, the Biden Administration upheld the Trump Administration’s delisting, allowing local species managers to continue their successful efforts. While it is disappointing – but not at all surprising – to see litigious environmental groups once again waste resources that could be used to aid species that are actually endangered, I look forward to the wolf’s delisting being upheld as the best available science and comprehensive state and local management plans are reviewed.” – Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/08/31/id-0f07c56b-0ba3-479a-9899-ccd8db691904/,Rep. Fulcher Joins Bill to Award Congressional Gold Medals to Fallen Servicemembers,2021-08-31,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Russ Fulcher joined Congresswoman Lisa McClain’s legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan last week. The legislation will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Hospitalman Maxton Soviak and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss. “The bravery of these 13 fallen servicemembers should be honored and recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal. Their selfless sacrifice will never be forgotten,” said Rep. Fulcher. “These heroic men and women are gone far too soon, and we must honor them for their bravery in helping U.S. citizens and Afghan allies safely evacuate Afghanistan,” said Rep. McClain. “My heart aches for the families and loved ones of our servicemembers. We will always remember their service and pay tribute to their sacrifice.” “These servicemembers risked their lives to uphold America’s highest values. They are heroes, and their legacy will be the thousands of Afghans who are alive today because these brave men and women put their lives on the line to give them a ticket to freedom. We must never forget,” said Rep. Moulton. “My and my family’s prayers go to the families of those who lost their lives in this senseless violence. I am grateful for this opportunity to honor these brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice working to keep our families safe,” said Rep. Joe Wilson. “There are thirteen more Gold Star families this week, and that is a heartbreaking fact, but they should take comfort knowing that their sons and daughters did not give their lives in vain. They gave the fullest measure of devotion to our country, our flag, their brothers and sisters in arms and the innocent lives they were protecting. That is something that Congress, and all Americans, should honor,” said Rep. Mast. “I join all Americans in mourning the tremendous loss of the 13 U.S. troops who were killed in Afghanistan while undertaking the extremely important mission to evacuate people to safety. Their heroic efforts are the definition of courage, and the epitome of service. That’s why I am proud to join my colleagues as an original cosponsor of? this bipartisan bill to award them the Congressional Gold Medal. This is an important step we must take — one of many — to ensure their actions are never forgotten,” said Rep. Carson. “As an Iraq War veteran, I am proud to join this effort to recognize and honor the brave men and women who tragically lost their lives in Afghanistan last week,” said Reschenthaler. “These servicemembers put themselves in danger to help American citizens and our allies safely evacuate. Their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.” “Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss and his fellow American servicemembers gave their lives outside Hamid Karzai International Airport helping people they didn’t know get to safety,” Rep. Burchett said. “This is what true heroism looks like and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.” “Missouri native Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz and the 12 other service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation are true heroes, helping to evacuate our citizens and allies from danger,” Hartzler said. “The least we can do for these Americans and their families is to posthumously award them the Congressional Gold Medal for answering the call and putting their fellow man and woman above themselves. I am proud to support this legislation and honor them for their sacrifice in Afghanistan.” “These heroic service members, one being a Tennessean, gave their lives for our freedom. I am proud to co-sponsor this bill to award these brave men and women posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal. Americans are forever in debt to them and their families for their service and sacrifice for our great Nation,” said Congressman DesJarlais. “The brave marines, corpsman, and soldier who lost their lives in the evacuation of Kabul will never be forgotten. Their sacrifice and the loss borne by their families will live forever in the thankful hearts of all Americans. May God bless them all, and may we strive to honor their legacy of courage in every endeavor,” said Rep. Herrell. “We must never forget the sacrifices of these 13 fallen servicemembers, who gave their lives in the line of duty to protect and assist our nation and its allies. It is my hope that these Congressional Gold Medals will serve as reminder to all of the valor and conviction displayed by these soldiers and the honor that they have brought to our country,” said Rep. Bice. “These valiant men and women gave their lives to protect American and Afghan civilians from brutal fates under the Taliban,” said Rep. Wittman. “Their heartbreaking sacrifice shows the terrible costs of protecting American lives and freedoms. Those who gave their lives in noble service to the United States deserve recognition, and I am proud to join in this effort to honor them.” “We owe our deepest debt of gratitude to these 13 noble individuals who were killed in Kabul. While serving in Afghanistan, they were protecting our country and our American freedoms that were attacked on 9/11. By awarding them the gold medal, their exemplary service will be recognized with the highest congressional honor possible.” said Rep. Turner. “We will never forget the service of the 13 Americans, including Utah’s own Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the lives of others. I am heartsick for our new Gold Star Families and believe there is no better way to honor these heroic service members and the extraordinary legacy they leave behind,” said. Rep. Owens. “I am honored to help introduce this legislation to honor the 13 Americans who lost their lives in Afghanistan last week,” said Congresswoman Miller. “These brave men and women are true heroes who gave their lives to keep our citizens and Afghan allies safe. May we never forget their unparalleled service and sacrifice.” “My heart breaks for the thirteen new Gold Star Families across our country. These soldiers gave their lives in service to our country, and we cannot forget them,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “A Congressional Gold Medal is the least we can do to honor these heroes. We will never forget their sacrifice.” “I’m grateful to my colleague, Rep. Lisa McClain, for introducing this bill to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 13 fallen service members that were needlessly killed in Afghanistan,” said Rep. Taylor Greene. “These heroic young members of our military represent the best of us and each of them shall not be forgotten. We join their families and friends in prayer and mourn their losses with them.” “We will always remember these courageous men and women in uniform,” Rep. Kelly said. “They paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. They are Heroes.” “I am devastated for the families of the 13 servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan last week in an act of unspeakable evil,” said Congressman Joyce. “These heroes made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their fellow Americans and our vulnerable Afghan allies as they fled the Taliban. Their deaths leave parents without children, children without parents, and spouses without their loved ones. United, our nation weeps for them. We will never forget their service and will always honor their sacrifice.” “This has been an incredibly sad and trying time for our nation,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “The loss of these 13 brave soldiers is a kick in the gut reminder to every American that freedom is not free, and we all have a responsibility to preserve it. These service members sacrificed their lives so U.S. citizens and our Afghan allies could live in freedom.” “Proud to join Congresswoman Lisa McClain and several of my colleagues in introducing legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. servicemembers who lost their lives in Afghanistan last week,” said Rep. Rouzer. “Even in the face of great danger, these brave troops carried out their mission by helping Americans and many Afghan allies and their families get out of the country. Their selflessness and heroism shall not be forgotten.” “These 13 fallen servicemembers demonstrated profound bravery and an unwavering commitment to our nation. They are the greatest representation of America’s strength, and we will never forget their sacrifice,” said Rep. Blake Moore. “The servicemembers who lost their lives in Kabul represent the best of America. This legislation honors our 13 heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion to help others. We must never forget our brave men and women in uniform and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Congressman Steil. “The bravery and selflessness of our men and women who put themselves in harms way for the preservation of our nation is unmatched,” said Rep. Schweikert. “We must come together to pay tribute to the heroes who lost their life protecting Americans and Afghan allies while in Kabul. I stand with the families, the loved ones, and the friends of these exceptional service members. God bless our military.” “While the Congressional Gold Medal is one of Congress’ highest honors, this is a small token compared to the ultimate sacrifice 13 U.S. service members gave on August 26th. They bravely worked and put themselves at risk to safely evacuate American citizens and Afghan allies. I’ll never forget the 13 U.S. service members’ sacrifices, and this congressional honor would ensure their legacy is remembered in our country’s history for generations to come,” said Congressman Guthrie. “Our hearts are heavy following the disgraceful terrorist bombing in Kabul. These thirteen American heroes gave their lives evacuating Americans and our allies out of Afghanistan. We will always honor their service and sacrifice on behalf of our great nation,” said Rep. LaTurner. “I want to thank Congresswoman McClain for introducing this important piece of legislation. Suzanne and I are praying for the family and friends of these fallen heroes. God Bless our Armed Forces and our Gold Star Families.” “The world is a better, safer place because of our military service members who have served in Afghanistan. May we never forget all these brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to fight terrorism and protect America,” said Rep. Carl. “Our nation mourns the loss of 13 incredible souls who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting Americans and our allies in Afghanistan. The United States stands strong because brave men and women answer the call of duty, knowingly putting their own lives on the line in service to their country. God bless these 13 fallen heroes, their families, and every American service member,” Rep. Chris Jacobs said. “As the world watched our nation’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, we saw the valiant efforts of 13 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend and evacuate Americans, Afghan families and our allies,” said Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-39). “While we honor their lives and mourn with our gold star families, I’m proud to join Rep. Lisa McClain and a bipartisan group of colleagues to posthumously award these 13 servicemembers the Congressional Gold Medal. It’s the least we can do.” “The men and women who wear our nation’s uniform are the best among us. They answer their nation’s call to serve and endure sacrifices to keep us free and safe. The 13 service members who gave their last full measure of devotion to America deserve to be honored and remembered. We must honor their bravery and never forget what they did to save innocent Americans and Afghans. They are, and always will be, heroes,” said Rep. Fleischmann. “The men and women who bravely sacrificed their lives on August 26, 2021, leave a legacy of heroism. They answered the call to defend freedom in the face of true evil, saving over 100,000 lives in just a few weeks. Each life saved because of their sacrifice is a testament to the courage of all American servicemembers. It is an honor to posthumously present these thirteen heroes with the Congressional Gold Medal. On behalf of a grateful nation, we praise their sacrifice and pray for their families,” said Rep. Westerman. “The 13 courageous servicemembers who were killed in action while helping to evacuate American citizens, partners, and allies from Afghanistan paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Rep. Walorski. “The American people are indebted to these heroes – including my fellow Hoosier Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez – and their families. As we honor these young servicemembers for their indelible contributions to our nation, we remember their brave service and sacrifice.” “The United States must never forget the bravery of the 13 heroes killed in Kabul last week,” said Congressman Steven Horsford. “These young men and women sacrificed their lives to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens and the Afghan allies who fought by our side. They represent the best of us, and our nation grieves alongside their families and teammates.” “These heroes made the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of their fellow Americans, our Afghan allies, and innocent women and children,” said Congressman Huizenga. “This gold medal is a way to honor and recognize their service, courage, and sacrifice in the face of unimaginable conditions.” “13 U.S. servicemembers, including Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss from Tennessee, gave their lives last week while helping Americans and our Afghan allies. We must never forget their bravery and sacrifice. I am praying for both them and their families,” said Rep. Harshbarger. “The Congressional Gold Medal may be granted to individuals as the highest expression of national appreciation, and I can think of no greater Congressional act of appreciation for the 13 servicemembers who gave their lives aiding in the evacuation of their fellow Americans and Afghan allies. May God grant comfort to their loved ones. As a nation, we must honor and remember their sacrifice and service,” said Rep. Smucker. “The 13 men and women we lost in Afghanistan were American heroes and we vow to never forget their service and sacrifice to this great nation,” said Rep. Cammack. “It is with a heavy heart that I join my colleagues in honoring their courage and service with this prestigious award. May we always remember them.” “Over the last few days we’ve gotten to hear the stories of the 13 servicemembers who lost their lives in the Kabul airport bombing. These were our nation’s sons and daughters whose lives ended far too soon at the hand of terrorists with anti-American ideologies. They represent the best our country has to offer and their heroic actions during a time of crisis should be recognized with our highest honor,” said Rep. Crawford. “Today my colleagues and I introduced legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 US military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan last week while bringing Americans and Afghan allies to safety. Their service to this great country is marked in history,” said Rep. Valadao. “Last week, 13 U.S. military servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice protecting American citizens in Afghanistan. These individuals are true heroes whose service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Today, I am proud to join my colleagues on legislation to posthumously award these servicemembers the Congressional Gold Medal to honor their bravery,” said Congressman Bucshon. “The loss of thirteen American heroes weighs heavily on us all,” said Congressman Garbarino. “They represented the very best of us and gave their lives working to bring their fellow Americans home. Each one of these brave men and women deserve every honor and tribute we can give them. My heart goes out to their families and, although nothing can ease the pain of this profound loss, I hope that it provides some solace to know that their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten and that the nation mourns with them.” “The U.S. service members who gave their lives trying to save Americans and our Afghan allies from the Taliban are heroes. Our nation is grieving their loss alongside the 13 new Gold Star Families. We will always honor their courage and we will never forget their sacrifice,” Rep. Hinson. “These 13 heroes gave the ultimate measure of sacrifice for our country and no words can fill the heartbreak felt by their families,” said Rep. Bacon. “The least we can do is honor them with the highest award Congress can give.” “Watching these American heroes return home who died protecting their fellow American citizens and American allies, was a reminder that freedom is not free,” said Rep. Mann. “Our nation is in debt to these courageous soldiers for their sacrifice. My prayers and deepest condolences are with the Gold Star families grieving the loss of a loved one.” “The brave men and women in uniform lost in Kabul risked their lives to save our fellow citizens and allies. As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I continue to pray for the family of Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, as well as each of these heroes. This legislation will help ensure our nation will never forget their sacrifices,” said Rep. Hudson. “Losing a child is every parent’s worst fear and last week, the Schmitz family from Wentzville, and twelve other families, got that terrible knock on the door. Marine Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz risked his life for his country and we are forever indebted to him and his family for his bravery and service. At just 20 years old, Jared was a brave, committed soldier who loved his country and his family. The sacrifices of these 13 heroes allowed thousands of Americans to come home. They gave their lives to ensure others may continue theirs, and that will never be forgotten. My heart breaks for the families of our fallen heroes and we will continue to honor their memories in every way possible,” said Rep. Luetkemeyer. “As our nation reels from the disaster in Afghanistan, we must pray for the families of our fallen heroes and continue to honor those servicemembers we have lost. This Congressional Gold Medal legislation is a token of the respect that Members of Congress have for these 13 brave men and women, and it would represent our promise to keep their names alive as heroes of our nation,” said Rep. Guest. “I am proud to cosponsor Congresswoman Lisa McClain bill, which awards the 13 American soldiers killed in the Kabul bombings last week with the Congressional Gold Medal. These young men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice and it would be an honor to posthumously award them with this prestigious medal,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “It is with the utmost gratitude that we award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 heroic service members who lost their lives to the tragedy in Afghanistan,” said Rep. Bob Good (R-VA). “Today, we honor these brave men and women and seek to hold accountable those whose inaction resulted in the abhorrent events that led to this loss.” “Our nation collectively mourns the loss of 13 brave U.S. service members. There are no words that can take away the pain from the families who have forever lost a loved one, but by honoring the heroic efforts of these men and women to evacuate U.S. citizens and our Afghan allies safely, we can keep their memory alive,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “I am proud to support this legislation to award the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives in Afghanistan the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Adrian Smith. “These brave men and women exemplified true valor in the face of imminent danger and our country will never forget it.” “These American heroes answered the call of duty to defend our nation, our allies, and our freedoms,” Congressman Drew Ferguson said. “They made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure safe passage and evacuation for thousands of innocent American civilians and Afghan allies on the ground in a dangerous and impossible situation. Every American should be grateful for their service, and I’m honored to join this effort to bestow the highest honor presented by Congress to these brave patriots. We will never forget the legacy left by each of these dedicated servicemembers.” Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Jim Banks (R-IN), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Larry Buschon (R-IN), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Andre Carson (D-IN), Madison Cawthorn (R-NC), Steve Chabot (R-OH), Rick Crawford (R-AR), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), Russ Fulcher (R-IN), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Bob Good (R-VA), Lance Gooden (R-TX), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Yvette Herrell (R-NM), Jody Hice (R-GA), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Dave Joyce (R-OH), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Bob Latta (R-OH), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) Tom McClintock (R-CA), David McKinley (R-WV), Peter Meijer (R-MI), Carol Miller (R-WV), Blake Moore (R-UT), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Burgess Owens (R-UT), August Pfluger (R-TX), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Bryan Steil (R-WI), Greg Steube (R-FL), Mike Turner (R-OH), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Elise Stefanik (R-NY) Joe Wilson (R-SC), Randy Weber (R-TX), Roger Williams (R-TX), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Benny Thompson (D-MS), Young Kim (R-CA), Ben Cline (R-VA), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Jim Jordan (R-OH), Trent Kelly (R-MS), Al Lawson (D-FL), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) John Moolenaar (R-MI), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Steven Palazzo (R-MS), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Bruce Westermann (R-AR), Don Young (R-AK), Rick Allen (R-GA), Mark Amodei (R-NV), Jaime Herrera-Beutler (R-WA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Mo Brooks (R-AL), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Jerry Carl (R-AL), Tom Cole (R-OK), John Curtis (R-UT), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), Drew Ferguson (R-GA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Mike Garcia (R-CA), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), Michael Guest (R-MS), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Chris Jacobs (R-NY), Dusty Johnson (R- SD), Bill Keating (D-MA), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), David Kustoff (R-TN), Elaine Luria (D-VA), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Brian Mast (R-FL), Greg Murphy (R-NC), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Gary Palmer (R-AL), David Rouzer (R-NC), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Darren Soto (D-FL), Victoria Spartz (R-IN), David Valadao (R-CA), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Filemon Vela (D-TX), Andy Harris (R-MD), Liz Cheney (R-WY), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN), Ruben Gallego (D-NV), Jason Smith (R-MO), Ralph Norman (R-SC), G.T. Thompson (R-PA), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Mike Levin (D-CA), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Garrett Graves (R-LA), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Elise Slotkin (D-MI), Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon (R-PR), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Greg Pence (R-IN), Barry Moore (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA), Mike Bost (R-IL), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Jim Costa (D-CA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Jared Golden (D-ME), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Dan Bishop (R-NC), and Byron Donalds (R-FL) joined as original cosponsors of the legislation. For the bill text, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/08/31/id-54f63186-5a4e-4804-b825-46f01072677c/,Rep. Fulcher Signs Amicus Brief in Support of New York Second Amendment Case,2021-08-31,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Fulcher has signed a Congressional amicus brief led by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22), to the U.S. Supreme Court that will challenge New York’s heavily restrictive licensing regulations targeted at law-abiding gun owners. This fall, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear the case New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Corlett, which asks whether the State’s denial of petitioners’ applications for concealed-carry licenses violated the Second Amendment. Currently, New York requires applicants for gun permits to undergo a lengthy process that involves paying exorbitant filing fees and often results in arbitrary denial. The amicus brief signed by Rep. Fulcher calls the practice a “licensing regime [that] criminalizes the exercise of the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.” Congressman Fulcher commented, “It is deeply upsetting to hear about how New York, and not just New York but many other states as well, have begun to chip away at one of our most fundamental rights- the right to defend ourselves and our families. Keeping and bearing arms in self-defense is key to preserving our personal liberty, especially since we have seen crime rising in cities across the country over the past few months. No state should be able to prosecute its own residents for trying to protect themselves.” In addition, Congressman Fulcher recently co-sponsored two pro-Second Amendment bills. The Firearm Due Process Protection Act, (H.R. 3820) provides gun owners with the ability to seek a court judgement in order to ensure the right to own a firearm is protected when wrongfully denied due to federal background checks. The bill also requires the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to give an answer within 60 days, and grants thousands of unjustly denied citizens a court appeal process when administrative errors are made during background checks. The second bill, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R.38), will make concealed carry permits viable in any state that has also legalized concealed carry. “We can’t sit idly by while our Second Amendment rights are whittled down by a growing body of regulations and restrictions,” said Congressman Fulcher, “We need to act now to preserve our liberties.” Additional Comments on the Amicus Brief: “The Second Amendment rights of Americans are on the line in this historic case, which is why I am honored to lead 175 of my House colleagues in standing up for our Constitution,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “For decades, law abiding gun owners in New York and around the country have endured countless attacks on our Constitutional right to keep and bear arms, especially outside the home for self-protection. As the defund the police movement goes mainstream in the Democratic Party and failed progressive policies like bail reform make our streets less safe, it is more important than ever for us to defend our Constitutional right to bear arms for self-protection.” “The right to keep and bear arms is a cornerstone of American freedom. As violent crime rises to its highest point in this century, the Supreme Court should act now to protect this right for all Americans. In Heller, the Court held that the plain meaning of the Second Amendment guarantees ‘an individual right to possess and carry’ firearms. Yet blue cities and states have gone to great lengths to obstruct law-abiding citizens from owning firearms, such as New York’s requirement to demonstrate a ‘special need’ to protect themselves and their families. Of course, New York and other blue states and cities have created a widespread need for self-defense by defunding the police and releasing criminals onto the streets. It should not be easier for criminals to commit crimes than it is for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights. The Court should strike down this undo infringement,” said House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. “Violent crime is skyrocketing across America because state and local Democrats have defunded their police departments. After President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and their socialist allies completely defund the police, our Second Amendment rights will be their next target. My fellow Republicans and I will not let Democrats take away the American people’s right to defend themselves, which is enshrined in our Constitution,” said House Republican Whip Steve Scalise. “New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Corlett has the potential to be the most significant victory for supporters of the Second Amendment in more than a decade. Make no mistake: American citizens have a right to defend themselves – both inside and outside their homes. I applaud Congresswoman Tenney for defending our Second Amendment rights by leading over 160 of our House colleagues in a congressional amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court to support the right of law-abiding citizens to conceal carry.” “Law-abiding gun owners in New York State continue to have their Second Amendment rights threatened by Governor Cuomo’s unconstitutional policies,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This case comes at a crucial time, as the Far-Left continues to push gun control measures, including gun bans, during a surge in violent crimes across the country. I am proud to join my colleagues in sending this brief to the Supreme Court as they consider this important case and urge the court to uphold our constitutional right to bear arms.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/08/18/id-c14356cb-3b6c-42d7-aa3c-381e757da743/,Rep. Fulcher Statement on Afghanistan,2021-08-18,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Fulcher released the following statement on Afghanistan: “My heart is with the brave service members who served in Afghanistan, and the gold star families who lost their loved ones in this war. Many of these men and women joined our military shortly after the attacks on September 11th, displaying their fierce commitment to protecting our American freedoms. This bravery, service, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. At this point, we are laser focused on ensuring Americans are able to evacuate the area safely, and I am proud of my team for their work with federal authorities to assist in the safe exit of several Idahoans already. I urge President Biden to outline for our country how he plans to safely remove our citizens, allies, partners, and equipment from falling into the hands of the Taliban.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/08/03/id-e16910d0-aa23-4480-91e6-4c56ced19475/,Rep. Fulcher statement on President Biden’s Mandates,2021-08-03,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Fulcher released the following statement regarding President Biden’s mandates on federal workers: When confronted with controversial policy positions, Americans refer to the guidelines as written in the US Constitution. So… when President Biden reversed his previous position and issued a “requirement” that federal employees obtain a vaccination for COVID-19, one must ask: Under what authority? Answer: There is none. Nothing in the US Constitution indicates that requiring Americans to obtain an intrusive medical procedure falls within the proper role of government. Mr. President, make sure information regarding vaccines is accurate and readily available… then allow Americans make decisions for themselves. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/07/31/id-fe4a743b-8293-4ecd-9d6d-32015e90cd9a/,Congressman Fulcher Pushes Back on Partisan Spending Spree,2021-07-31,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01) voted against H.R. 4502, containing seven partisan FY2022 appropriations bills to fund various executive branch agencies. Before voting on the funding packages, Congressman Fulcher was closely involved in the markup process of the legislation and co-sponsored several amendments to the bill. A list of these amendments can be found below. Congressman Fulcher commented on the package: “These spending packages simply have far too many poison pills to earn my support. First, this is one of the most pro-abortion bills I’ve seen in Congress and it aims to undo historic pro-life protections like the Hyde Amendment that has been in effect since 1980. As our country faces increasing cyber attacks, this package does not fund the Department of Defense, and instead includes substantial funding increases to the International Monetary Fund, bankrolling hundreds of billions of American taxpayer dollars to Iran, China, Venezuela, and other adversaries. Last month, we saw the highest number of illegal immigrant crossings in over 20 years, but rather than funding the Department of Homeland Security, this partisan proposal instead creates a backdoor way of enacting the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and carrying out the Left’s agenda to Defund the Police. After over-spending billions during the COVID-19 pandemic and sending our country further in debt, this funding package increases discretionary spending by 21% from last year, rather than on efforts to balance the budget and lower our deficit. This is not a responsible proposal and does not represent the values and priorities of Idaho.” Congressman Fulcher has long been a proponent for voting on single-subject bills, rather than large “omnibus” bills packaged with hundreds of provisions on a range of different topics. Shortly after being sworn into office in 2019, Congressman Fulcher introduced the “One Subject At A Time Act” to mandate the practice of single-subject bills and votes. He has since reintroduced the bill in the 117th Congress and continues to recruit support throughout the Republican Conference. Congressman Fulcher commented on the single subject bill, “In Idaho, legislative bills are limited to a single subject and are voted on separately. This practice has held every legislator accountable to their constituents because each bill has a separate and transparent vote. As the House of Representatives looks at proposals to modernize Congress, I believe the One Subject at a Time Act needs to be part of the conversation. This proposal will end ‘backroom deals,’ large ‘must-pass’ bills, and restore trust in our representative government.” Congressman Fulcher supported several amendments in the markup process, including: Cole Amendment to Restore the Hyde Amendment and Weldon Amendment. The Democrat bill removes the Hyde Amendment, which prevents federal taxpayer dollars from being used to pay for elective abortions. It also removes the Weldon Amendment, which protects the conscience rights of health care entities (including physicians, nurses, hospitals, and insurance plans) that do not want to participate in abortion. This amendment would prevent these pro-life protections from being removed. Wagner Amendment to Protect Born Alive Abortion Survivors. This amendment states that no funds made available in this bill may go to an entity that fails to exercise the proper degree of care in the case of a child who survives an attempted abortion. The amendment requires that any health care practitioner exercise the same care that would be given to any other child born alive at the same gestational age. The child must then be transported to a hospital. Smith-Hinson Amendment to Restore the Smith Amendment. This amendment will protect the Smith Amendment, which prevents funding for elective abortions through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program. The FSGG bill removes the Smith Amendment, which was first offered by Rep. Smith in 1983 and has been in place from FY1984-1994 and FY1996-2021. Hinson Amendment to Restore the Dornan Amendment. This amendment would restore the Dornan Amendment. The FSGG bill removes the Dornan Amendment, which prevents appropriated funds (both federal and D.C. revenues) from being used for abortion in the District of Columbia. Hinson Amendment to Restore the Kemp-Kasten Amendment. This amendment would fully restore the Kemp-Kasten Amendment, which allows the President to discontinue funding to organizations that support or participate in the management of a coercive abortion program. This provision has been used by some former presidents to eliminate funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) based on its complicity in the Chinese Communist Party’s birth-limitation policy. Dr. Foxx Amendment to Preserve the Rights of Religious Organizations. This amendment would ensure religious organizations are not forced to give up their beliefs to remain being a federal contractor Smith Amendment to Restore Lead Content in Ammo. This amendment would restore lead content in ammunition and prohibit the EPA from regulating traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Fischbach Amendment Regarding EPA Agriculture Provisions: This amendment will restore two EPA agriculture general provisions enacted since FY10 to exempt farmers and livestock producers from burdensome greenhouse gas permitting and reporting requirements. Stauber Amendment Regarding Mining Permits. This amendment would prevent funds to be used to halt all permitting for mine plans, including expansions of existing operations. This simple strike amendment does the right thing for miners in northern Minnesota and for America’s supply chain security by stripping out this harmful provision. Fishbach Prohibition on Use of Funds Issuance of Permits under CAA. This amendment would prevent the EPA from issuing any regulations under the Clean Air Act to regulate carbon dioxide or methane emissions from livestock. Fishbach Prohibition on Use of Funds Manure Management Systems GG. This amendment would prevent the EPA from issuing any regulation that requires mandatory reporting of “greenhouse” gas emissions from manure. Newhouse Amendment on the Greater Sage-Grouse. This amendment would instruct the Department of the Interior that it can not use any funds to list or designate the Greater Sage-Grouse as endangered or threatened under the Engendered Species Act. Newhouse Amendment on the Endangered Species Act Rule. This amendment would mandate that no funds made available to the Department of the Interior may be used to rescind or replace the “blanket rule” under the ESA. If the “blanket rule” was repealed it would provide “threatened” species with the same protections as “endangered” species. Miller-Meeks Amendments Regarding WOTUS. These amendments would prohibit any funds from being used to repeal the Trump-era Navigable Waters Protection Rule from April of 2020. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/07/30/id-eafcf016-8a3c-49e2-a941-fa13a001286b/,Rep. Fulcher Calls on CDC to Release Info on Breakthrough Infections of COVID-19,2021-07-30,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID) today joined more than 40 members of the House Republican conference in calling on CDC Director Rochelle Walensky to publish the available data on the frequency of breakthrough infections of COVID-19 in vaccinated individuals. The letter, which was first reported by Fox News and is being led by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), highlights how the CDC stopped collecting this information in May and expresses concern that the CDC is unable to make reliable predictions with existing data. The letter also expresses concern that these deficiencies hinder the CDC’s ability to know how breakthrough infections will drive an increase in COVID-19 cases. In part, the lawmakers write, “We are deeply concerned that the CDC has released blanket guidance seeking to reduce this transmission when they have not even provided data on the frequency of breakthrough infections to the public. Dr. Anthony Fauci has said that the science has evolved with the virus. We ask that you provide us and the American people that science.” Specifically, the letter asks Director Walensky four questions, including: Does the CDC have reliable data that show the number of breakthrough COVID-19 infections in the U.S. since January 2021? If so, please provide them. Does the CDC have reliable models that estimate the extent to which breakthrough infections are expected to drive the overall number of COVID-19 cases? If so, please provide them. How did these data and models inform your decision on July 27, 2021 to revise mask guidance for vaccinated Americans? If these data and models did not inform your decision, please provide the data and models that did. If current U.S. vaccination rates do not significantly increase in the coming months, what metrics will need to be met for CDC to rescind the mask guidance for vaccinated Americans issue on July 27, 2021? The letter was also signed by: Reps. Elise Stefanik, Mike Gallagher, Mike Rogers, Lee Zeldin, Virginia Foxx, Glenn Grothman, William Timmons, Troy Balderson, Blake Moore, Bryan Steil, Scott Fitzgerald, Bob Gibbs, John Rutherford, Alex Mooney, Bill Huizenga, Gary Palmer, Jodey C. Arrington, Robert J. Wittman, Jeff Duncan, Brad Wenstrup, Van Taylor, W. Gregory Steube, Chris Jacobs, Andy Biggs, Mike Johnson, Ronny L. Jackson, Rick Crawford, Roger WIlliams, Louie Gohmert, Diana Harshbarger, Nicole Malliotakis, Jim Banks, Tom Emmer, Doug Lamborn, Byron Donalds, Chip Roy, Brian Mast, Robert Aderholt, Michael Waltz, Lance Gooden, Tom Tiffany, Mike Bost, Marianette Miller Meeks, Rick W. Allen, Ralph Norman, and Richard Hudson. The full letter can be found HERE or read below: Dr. Walensky, It has been almost 18 months since the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic came crashing down on Americans. However, in the past seven months, we have witnessed an enormous accomplishment—the authorization of three safe and effective vaccines and the inoculation of over one hundred million Americans against a deadly disease. But recently, you revised mask guidance—once again—to recommend that individuals in about 63% of counties wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Unfortunately, your agency has not been transparent with the data underlying this decision, sowing confusion and distrust. So, we write to ask that you publicize this data and explain how it justifies a blanket and open-ended policy. From January to April of this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collected data on all breakthrough infections—cases where vaccinated individuals test positive for COVID-19. However, in May, CDC stopped monitoring these cases and, instead, shifted to monitoring breakthrough infections that ended in hospitalization or death.[1] But, according to media reports, some states are still collecting this data and you are still providing resources for states to submit data to CDC.[2] In fact, an ABC News story published the day before your most recent mask guidance cites an unpublished CDC report claiming that less than 0.1 percent of fully vaccinated individuals have experienced a breakthrough infection.[3] We understand you have concerns that those who experience these infections may be able to transmit the virus, contributing to the recent surge of COVID cases in certain areas of the country. We are deeply concerned that the CDC has released blanket guidance seeking to reduce this transmission when they have not even provided data on the frequency of breakthrough infections to the public. Dr. Anthony Fauci has said that the science has evolved with the virus. We ask that you provide us and the American people that science. Additionally, we share Dr. Scott Gottlieb’s concern that CDC’s recent models show no actionable information about the trajectory of this surge.[4] If your agency cannot even provide reliable predictions about current transmission, we question your ability to estimate the extent to which breakthrough infections are expected to drive the overall number of cases among the unvaccinated. We worry this shifting mask guidance signals the CDC does not have a plan to show the American people what benchmarks need to be achieved to bring their lives back to normal. Since your agency has so far providing minimal guidance to lawmakers and the public, we ask that you respond to the following questions: Does the CDC have reliable data that show the number of breakthrough COVID-19 infections in the U.S. since January 2021? If so, please provide them. Does the CDC have reliable models that estimate the extent to which breakthrough infections are expected to drive the overall number of COVID-19 cases? If so, please provide them. How did these data and models inform your decision on July 27, 2021 to revise mask guidance for vaccinated Americans? If these data and models did not inform your decision, please provide the data and models that did. If current U.S. vaccination rates do not significantly increase in the coming months, what metrics will need to be met for CDC to rescind the mask guidance for vaccinated Americans issue on July 27, 2021? [1]https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/health-departments/breakthrough-cases.html [2]https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/COVID-vaccine-breakthrough-case-investigations-Protocol.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/COVID-19-Vaccine-Breakthrough-Case-Investigation-Form.pdf [3]https://abcnews.go.com/US/symptomatic-breakthrough-covid-19-infections-rare-cdc-data/story?id=79048589",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/07/28/id-b27ba790-881f-498e-81b9-b4b40a857937/,Opening Statement: Private Child Nutrition Partners Key to Assisting Needy Families,2021-07-28,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Republican Leader of the Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee Russ Fulcher (R-ID) delivered the following opening statement, as prepared for delivery, at a subcommittee hearing on child nutrition programs: “Young children and nursing or expecting mothers need adequate nutrition. Well-fed children have numerous advantages. According to research, the better the nutritional value, the more likely both child and mother will have stronger immune systems, safer pregnancies, and longer lives. “We also know that access to food leads to more productive learning environments. That is why federal nutrition programs date back to the 1940’s. There is a national interest in supporting a healthy baseline for future generations. There is also a critical role for private partners, including religious and other non-profit entities, that help provide these services to people. We saw this last year as we dealt with COVID-19. “Today, the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act authorize both the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). “These programs help provide nutrition services to vulnerable women and children. Through WIC, the federal government provides funding to states for the purpose of assisting low-income women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children up to the age of five. State agencies work with tens of thousands of authorized retailers so these vulnerable mothers can purchase certain foods such as fruits, vegetables, milk, whole grain cereal, juice, and eggs. “CACFP, on the other hand, reimburses meals or snacks served in eligible child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers. In Fiscal Year 2019, almost 5 million children and adults from low-income households benefited daily from the program. “Last year, Congress appropriated over $25 billion in taxpayer dollars for federal child nutrition programs. “Congress acted quickly at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to help millions of vulnerable people keep access to this nutritional lifeline. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act boosted WIC funding and allowed the USDA to grant flexibility waivers from certain requirements. Pandemic-related emergency actions helped ensure these vulnerable populations maintain access to these nutrition services. “These programs and more continue to operate because of executive action. While appropriate last year, the facts on the ground are not the same. Operation Warp Speed has done its job, and life is returning to normal for most Americans. It is time for Congress to be wise stewards of taxpayer money by reinstating the statutory and regulatory system. “With any government program, particularly one that costs tens of billions of dollars a year, we must carefully balance how to administer the program without exposing taxpayers to waste or abuse. “Republicans support good government solutions to prevent waste and improve recipients’ interaction with the child nutrition programs. Government programs too often encumber participants with unnecessary hurdles and archaic processes. Needy families deserve a seamless experience. “I look forward to hearing from today’s witnesses on how best Congress can strike the right balance when we reauthorize the child nutrition programs. “My instinct tells me that industry partners can help Congress deliver on the promise of WIC and CACFP. The federal government is out-of-touch with how to help families access the nutrition programs available to them. Congress must work with these entities to help disadvantaged Americans to get the nutrition they need to thrive. “Any reauthorization of the child nutrition programs must leverage the knowledge and experience of local partners because they know what works best for the vulnerable people we hope to serve.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/07/27/id-076ddde2-fc0a-4d3f-96dc-ecf6df71c5dc/,"Idaho Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Manage Forests, Reduce Wildfire Risk",2021-07-27,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) introduced the Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act, with Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) introducing the House companion bill. The legislation will extend full partnership eligibility for the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) program – which facilitates federal forest restoration and management projects – to Tribes and Counties. “The 2021 wildfire season underscores the need to use every tool in the toolbox to mitigate wildfire risk. The GNA program is just such a tool. Congress made the decision to extend GNA to Tribes and Counties in 2018, and we owe it to them to do so correctly,” said Risch. “This legislation gives all GNA partners the greatest ability to collaborate on forest management projects and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires across the West.” “Tribes and Counties in Idaho have the authority to decrease their reliance on federal land managers and oversee Idaho’s forests to reduce wildfire risk, but their current financial resources are lacking because they cannot retain receipts like the States. This financial hurdle is addressed by the ‘Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act,’ allowing Tribes and Counties to fully utilize the Good Neighbor Authority, ensuring new cooperative management projects throughout Idaho,” said Fulcher. Supporters of the Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act include Governor of Idaho Brad Little, the Idaho Forest Group, the National Association of Counties, the Intertribal Timber Council, the National Association of State Foresters, and the National Congress of American Indians. Statements of Support: “Idaho has demonstrated true leadership in the management of federal lands in our state. The level of collaboration across so many diverse interests and levels of government is a testament of our commitment to getting more people to work in our forests, reducing the risk of fire, and improving the overall health of our lands for future generations of Idahoans to use and enjoy. I want to thank Senator Risch and Congressman Fulcher for introducing this important bill to clarify the expenditure of Good Neighbor Authority revenues. Working together, we have created a blueprint for other states to follow.” — Governor of Idaho Brad Little “Idaho Forest Group supports and appreciates the leadership of Senator Risch and Congressman Fulcher in clarifying how and where Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) revenues can be expended. This bill will clarify that spending authority, while also enabling the expenditure of GNA receipts on all authorized activities and lands identified within supplemental project agreements that are in need of land management.” — Idaho Forest Group “Good Neighbor Agreements strengthen the partnership with federal land management agencies and state, tribal and county governments. Standardizing the use of GNA funds will help counties support forest management projects and facilitate better land management decisions based on local impacts and needs. We applaud Senator Risch and Congressman Fulcher for introducing the Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act and urge Congress to swiftly pass this legislation.” — Mathew Chase, Executive Director, National Association of Counties “GNA allows the USDA Forest Service to enter into agreements with state forestry agencies to implement critically important management work that benefits national forests that the Forest Service is unable to do alone. It is simply good government for forest management to be undertaken in the most timely and cost-efficient manner, and GNA helps us do that. This legislation would broaden Good Neighbor Authority for tribes and counties, thereby enhancing cross-boundary forest management capacity; we are proud to endorse it.” — Greg Josten, President, National Association of State Foresters “The Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act would remedy this oversight and ensure that Tribal Nations and counties are eligible to retain receipts for GNA projects. This technical fix would enable these governments to perform critical watershed restoration and forest management projects that will aid the Forest Service in the promotion of healthy forests on national forest system lands.” — Dante Desiderio, CEO, National Congress of American Indians Background: The Good Neighbor Authority program has allowed the U.S. Forest Service to partner with states on federal forest restoration and management projects to improve wildlife habitats, enhance watersheds, and reduce wildfire risks. In the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress amended GNA to make Tribes and Counties eligible to enter into Good Neighbor Agreements. However, Tribes and Counties were not afforded the same authority as states to retain GNA project receipts to reinvest in conservation, reducing a significant incentive to partner on forest management projects. Additionally, the 2018 Farm Bill removed the ability for restoration services to take place off of federal lands. This means adjacent state, tribal, county, and other land that is essential to the health and productivity of National Forests can no longer be restored as comprehensive landscapes. The Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act provides Tribes and Counties with the ability to reinvest receipts in authorized restoration and enables all GNA partners to perform restoration not just on federal lands, but also on lands approved under the project’s Good Neighbor Agreement. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/07/15/id-42ac789e-aaca-47e7-99a0-99a268568aaf/,Congressman Fulcher Comments on President Biden Signaling the Revival of WOTUS Regulations,2021-07-15,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Russ Fulcher is pushing back on the EPA’s recent announcement that it will look into restoring rules and definitions for the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulations implemented by the Obama Administration. In 2015, this rule established broad definitions that allowed the federal government access to regulate nearly every body of water, regardless of its agricultural use or location on private property. In January of 2020, the rule was overturned by the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) under the direction of President Trump. This was a welcome change for Idahoans, as Congressman Russ Fulcher pointed out upon its instatement last January, “I commend the Trump Administration for keeping their promise and reestablishing the appropriate state authority in relation to the Clean Water Act. This new rule will help Idaho farms, businesses, and other job creators so our state can continue to thrive as an economic leader in our nation.“ Now, the Biden Administration has announced that the NWPR is under review, signaling a potential return to Obama-era regulations by overturning the NWPR and subsequently allowing the EPA to reinstate and expand rules regarding water policy. This potential action is the newest addition in a long line of environmental policies proposed by President Biden to “tackle the climate crisis” and has received significant opposition, particularly from rural states that were extremely burdened by the original WOTUS rule. In April 2021, Congressman Fulcher joined Rep. Miller-Meeks’ Resolution, H.Res.318, “expressing a sense of the U.S. House of Representatives that the Navigable Waters Protection Rule not be withdrawn or vacated.” Rep. Fulcher commented on his co-sponsorship, “Idaho farmers, cattlemen, and ranchers will continue to face burdensome red tape if there is no protection from the Obama-era WOTUS rule. The federal government must continue to work with the states to lessen this threat.” Most recently, Congressman Fulcher and the Congressional Western Caucus wrote to EPA Administrator Michael Regan and Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jaime Pinkham to express serious concerns with the Biden Administration’s decision to potentially undo the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) and reopen the definition of “waters of the United States.” Throughout his tenure in the Idaho State Senate and now in Congress, Congressman Fulcher has been a leader in the fight against the burdensome federal government overreach of WOTUS rules on Idahoans and the country, earning recognition in 2020 from the Food Producers of Idaho for his work on this issue. Learn more about the effects of WOTUS on Idaho in the video from Congressman Fulcher here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/07/12/id-583a5b1a-79c2-4465-8dda-1fc09abc4b77/,"Rep. Fulcher, Western Caucus Demand Answers From Biden Administration on Return to Obama-era WOTUS",2021-07-12,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Western Caucus and Senate Western Caucus Members, led by Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Chairman Steve Daines (MT), Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), and Senator Joni Ernst (IA), sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan and Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jaime Pinkham to express serious concerns with the Biden Administration’s decision to remand the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) and reopen the definition of “waters of the United States.” “These steps demonstrate a misguided and out of touch approach toward addressing the needs of local communities across the country,” wrote the lawmakers. “The NWPR was an immense step forward in rectifying the regulatory overreach that was attempted in 2015, and your agencies’ vague announcement and opaque process fails to ensure our communities will not – once again – be subject to further uncertainty and government overreach.” The lawmakers outline the unprecedented overreach of the failed Obama-era 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and highlight the impacts that returning to a drastic expansion of federal jurisdiction over non-navigable waters will have on rural communities across the United States. “Our farmers, ranchers, landowners, and small businesses have demonstrated a deep commitment to stewarding our waterways and lands, which is why this radical overreach was met with bipartisan opposition and concern that was even echoed by Administrator Regan during his confirmation process,” they wrote. They continued, “Confusion, regulatory uncertainty, and litigation have surrounded the scope of federal authority of our nation’s navigable waterways for decades. With your recent actions, the Biden Administration is trampling upon this progress and further jeopardizing rural Americans’ confidence that this Administration is working in their best interest… Rural communities in the West and across the country are dedicated to clean water and do not deserve to be punished by far-reaching, burdensome federal regulations.” The letter, which includes a list of questions for Administrator Regan and Acting Assistant Secretary Pinkham, underscores Rep. Miller-Meeks’ legislation, introduced with the support of 114 Members of Congress, expressing the sense of the House that clean water is a national priority and that the NWPR should not be withdrawn or vacated. Full text of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/07/07/id-7a3c26bd-0b6e-446a-9c40-109dbbeac074/,Congressman Fulcher Takes Additional Actions to Protect Idahoan’s Second Amendment Rights,2021-07-07,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Russ Fulcher has continued his efforts to defend Idahoan’s Second Amendment rights with several legislative actions. These include becoming an original cosponsor on H.R. 3820, the Firearm Due Process Protection Act, H.R. 3823, the Protecting Individual Sovereignty Through Our Laws Act (PISTOL Act), and sending a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Marvin Richardson opposing the recent rule against “stabilizing braces.” “President Biden’s gun policies will add red tape and penalties to law-abiding Americans who respect the rule of law. This is unconstitutional and an infringement to every American’s right to defend themselves,” said Congressman Fulcher. In a 2018 Operation Report from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), 26 million background checks were conducted with 99,000 of those transactions being denied and 28,000 appeals for wrongful denial. The Firearm Due Process Protection Act, H.R. 3820,cosponsored by Congressman Fulcher, addresses this bureaucratic failure by providing gun owners with the ability to seek a court judgement in order to ensure the right to own a firearm is protected when wrongfully denied by the federal government. The bill also requires the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to give an answer within 60 days, and grants thousands of unjustly denied citizens a court appeal process when administrative errors are made during background checks at NICS. H.R. 3820 gives gun owners confidence when purchasing firearms, and requires the FBI to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the total number and nature of appeals reported– providing additional transparency to their processing times and bottlenecks in the appeals process. Congressman Fulcher commented, “There are several regulations already in place to prevent dangerous or inappropriate individuals from obtaining guns, and restrictions against purchasing weapons from retailers. The Biden Administration should switch their focus toward addressing the clear obstacles in the process for law-abiding citizens to provide more freedom, not less.” In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and ATF Acting Director Marvin Richardson, Congressman Fulcher signed alongside 140 Members of the House of Representatives urging the Department of Justice to reverse prospective guidance on Stabilizing Braces. In the letter, written by Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-08), Fulcher criticizes the ATF’s efforts to penalize existing ownership of “stabilizing braces” by classifying pistols with braces as rifles. There are concerns that this would particularly impact disabled veterans, many of whom use these braces to continue recreational shooting with the reliability of the brace concept. With the proposed guidance on stabilizing braces, millions of gun-owners and Veterans would, at the very least, be charged a new $200 special federal tax if a brace is added to a pistol, in the case that the ATF defines it as a rifle. “The proposed guidance could criminalize law-abiding citizens, and especially veterans, overnight. I strongly urge Attorney General Garland and ATF Acting Director Richardson to consider how these additional regulations and penalties will impact the Second Amendment rights of U.S. citizens and disabled veterans who bravely served our country. The Second Amendment is clear: the right to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed,” commented Congressman Fulcher. Finally, H.R. 3823, the PISTOL Act introduced by Congressman Bob Good (VA-05), prevents the Biden Administration from classifying pistols that are equipped with a stabilizing brace as a rifle, and prevents ATF from using arbitrary factors, such as holding a pistol with two hands, to classify a pistol as a rifle. H.R. 3823 further prevents the Administration from exhausting regulations and inhibits what constitutes a pistol by arbitrary bureaucratic interpretation. “Safeguarding the Bill of Rights should not be partisan,” said Congressman Fulcher. “However, under the current administration, it is subject to arbitrary regulations and penalties. I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 3823, and thank my colleague Congressman Bob Good for his leadership against improper classification of pistol braces and the impediment of those who responsibly exercise their Second Amendment rights.” Learn more about Congressman Fulcher’s actions to uphold the Second Amendment on his website here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/07/01/id-16798d2a-f7bc-415a-b82f-f6f2f7043918/,Leader McCarthy Announces Congressman Fulcher’s Appointment to Big Tech Task Force,2021-07-01,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) formally announced the membership of seven new issue-based Republican Task Forces designed to identify and develop policy solutions to issues facing the American people. Congressman Russ Fulcher was selected to serve on the Big Tech Censorship and Data task force, led by Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, that will look into matters concerning data privacy, security, competition issues, and accountability. “The influence big tech companies have over how we get our information and share our opinions grows more substantial with each year.” Rep. Fulcher commented on his appointment to the task force, “And when it comes to arbitrary bans and censoring speech, there is no longer a question of the bias existing. It is time we start reigning in their power and ensuring these companies are held accountable for their actions. I am honored to be appointed to the leadership team concerning these efforts.” Leader McCarthy commented, “From President Biden’s Border Crisis to soaring consumer costs, and the rising crimes caused by the ‘Defund the Police’ movement, Democrats’ disastrous policies have left Americans hurting in ways we haven’t seen in decades. The American people need reassurances from their elected officials that they will work to make neighborhoods safer, our border secure, and make the American dream even more accessible. When Republicans retake the majority, we will come prepared to implement policies that will actually solve problems and improve people’s lives. That is why earlier this year I informed the conference that we would be rolling out Republican Task Forces designed to tackle the several crises that currently threaten our great nation. Today, I am proud to formally announce both the task force leaders and the full list of members who will be fighting to better our country for all Americans. These task forces will be critical in building consensus around ideas to continue to build on our Commitment to America and ensure that the next century is an American one,”. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/06/23/id-b4d3c87e-7409-46bc-a3b2-61c89a57d8d6/,Fulcher Continues Fight to End Growing Border Crisis,2021-06-23,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Fulcher is continuing legislative efforts to add pressure to a solution for the historic crisis at the southern border. In his first 100 days in office, President Biden issued 94 executive actions relating to immigration, including defunding border wall construction and re-implementing the Obama-era “catch and release” policy. These actions, shouldered with campaign rhetoric encouraging illegal immigration, have caused a growing crisis at the southern border. On March 24th, President Biden appointed Vice President Harris to lead efforts relating to the surge of immigrants at the southern border, but she has yet to visit the border or engage in efforts to reverse the growing crisis. Congressman Fulcher joined a letter with 55 other colleagues to remove Vice President Harris from this position, to be replaced by an official who is equipped and motivated to take this situation seriously. Congressman Fulcher commented, “The person in charge of the historic border crisis has yet to visit the border or take any significant actions. This is an insult to Americans grappling with the 300% increase in fentanyl coming over the border compared to last year, to the thousands being taken advantage of by cartels to the tune of millions a month, to the unaccompanied children in overflowing camps, and to the rule of law in our country. We all deserve better.” There have been a record number of unaccompanied children at the border, including more than 14,000 in the month of May alone. It has been reported that 3,000 male children (ages 15-17) had to be moved to a convention center in Dallas to deal with the overflow. Previously, the Administration had opened up a “tent city” outside of Dallas where about 1,000 children, some as young as four years old, are being held. And, some 4,200 children are currently being held in Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) cells that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has described as “no place for a child;” this was an increase of 1,000 from the previous week. Finally, leaked HHS reports indicate some children are spending an average of 107 hours in the cells. A CBS report said one CBP sector in the Rio Grande Valley is operating at 363% of capacity, with more than 2,500 unaccompanied minors in custody. Congressman Fulcher joined a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra requesting a House briefing on the status of unaccompanied children at the border . This letter was led by Congressman Ralph Norman, who accompanied Rep. Fulcher to the southern border in 2020. “The Biden Administration must accept responsibility for deteriorating conditions at the border,” said Congressman Fulcher. “By continuing to duck responsibility, we are kicking the can down the road at a time when unaccompanied minors are facing worsening conditions in detention facilities and our border agents continue to be overwhelmed.” The open border and ‘catch and release’ policy being restored from the Obama Administration have also served as a conduit for increased criminal gang, terrorist, drug, and human trafficking activity. In May, Fox News reported that cartels made $14 million a day from trafficking women, children, families, and single adults. Former Tucson Border Patrol Chief Roy Villareal, a 30 year vet of the agency, called trafficking a “multi-billion dollar industry.” Congressman Fulcher cosponsored Congresswoman Herrell’s bill, H.R. 3504, to require the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a more thorough review of these activities for anyone who enters the country illegally. The legislation does so by requiring DHS to conduct more outreach and coordination with other countries’ migration authorities. It also requires DHS to end the policy of “catch and release,” and take additional efforts to check the criminal history more thoroughly of those entering the country illegally. Congressman Fulcher commented, “We know this situation is out of control, but we need more information and transparency from Secretary Mayorkas on the crime and drug activity being fostered by this environment. Individuals on the terrorist watch list have successfully entered the country through the southern border, and cartels — bolstered by the trafficking industry — continue to inflict violence which is spreading on both sides of the border.” With the recent requests from Governors in states bordering the southern U.S. boundaries, Congressman Fulcher cosponsored H. J. Res. 50, which affirms states’ Article 1 Section 10 right to defend against a border incursion or similar imminent danger. The resolution highlights the Biden Administration’s failure to uphold their Constitutional duty to “faithfully execute” the laws of the land, and as a result have endangered our citizens. H. J. Res. 50 affirms the Article 1 Section 10 right for states to defend themselves when the federal government fails to do so. These efforts by Congressman Fulcher join those of Idaho’s other federal and state officials. Governor Little recently announced that the State of Idaho is assessing its own resources to assist Texas and Arizona in their efforts to secure the southern border. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/06/02/id-b2913d73-c878-4cb2-809f-6eaef2a34efe/,Fulcher Receives Rare Award for 2020 Voting Record,2021-06-02,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Russ Fulcher was honored by the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) for maintaining one of the strongest voting records in Congress, supporting limited government, economic freedom, and low taxes. Congressman Fulcher is one of only 22 House members to have been awarded the “Taxpayers’ Friend Award” for their exceptional voting record during the 2020 Congressional session. Congressman Fulcher commented, “I promised my constituents that as their representative in Congress, I would fight on their behalf to support reducing spending and opposing higher taxes. It is truly an honor to receive this “A” rating from the National Taxpayers Union. As cities across the nation begin the next phase of normalcy, it is important to look toward the future and ensure that taxpayers continue to be at the forefront of all decision-making in Washington. Thank you to the National Taxpayers Union for all of your work to represent not only American taxpayers now, but those in the future who will be left with the bill for the current out of control spending.” NTU’s rating system is designed to calculate a Member’s voting record on fiscal responsibility by evaluating each vote that has an impact on tax, spending, trade, and regulatory policy with a methodical weighting system. NTU included 178 House votes on the 2020 fiscal policy scorecard. This year, Congressman Fulcher scored 92 percent on the group’s rating scale. In comparison, the House average was just 42 percent. “The pandemic created unprecedented challenges for our nation — and for taxpayers,” said Pete Sepp, President of NTU. “Despite these difficult circumstances, taxpayers should know that Fulcher continued to support fiscal discipline and responsible governance. Now more than ever, we need leaders like Congressman Fulcher to get our nation’s finances back in order and help restore our prosperity. National Taxpayers Union thanks Congressman Fulcher for his efforts on behalf of the people who pay government’s bills.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/05/19/id-0dbaa5d2-1b04-4137-85b4-ddc9b8a245a3/,"Rep. Fulcher, E&L Members Press Cardona on Critical Race Theory",2021-05-19,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Education and Labor Committee Republican Leader Virginia Foxx (R-NC) led a letter, signed by every Republican Committee Member, to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona voicing strong objection to the Education Department’s proposed priorities on the American History and Civics Education programs. Specifically, the Department’s action would violate prohibitions against the federal government’s involvement in local schools’ curriculum, advance racist and divisive ideologies, and advocate for false history and misinformation. In the letter, the Members write: “Mr. Secretary, we urge you to withdraw these proposed priorities. They violate prohibitions against federal involvement in curriculum, advocate for a racist and divisive ideology, and promote historically inaccurate and misleading information. Schools should address the abysmal performance of American students in civics and history and we would eagerly work with you on that bipartisan goal.” The Members continue: “Any effort from the federal level must respect state and local control of curriculum, be free of ideological bias, and focus on instilling in our students an understanding of, and appreciation for, our nation’s founding principles of equality and unalienable rights.” To read the full letter to Secretary Cardona, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/05/12/id-618cb2ea-1bc5-42b7-849b-2b394f6dc9d0/,Fulcher Opening Statement at Hearing on School Nutrition Programs,2021-05-12,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – The school meal program is one of the most important programs this Committee oversees. If students are hungry, they don’t learn. If they don’t learn they don’t succeed in school. This impacts their prospects for a successful career as adults. As I dig into this issue and hear more from my constituents on these programs, the best thing we can do is ensure this program works up and down the pipeline for those it’s intended to serve. When I say up and down the pipeline, I mean from production to consumption. Our nation’s parents, farmers, ranchers, food producers, school districts, and school nutrition experts all play a critical role in the success of these programs. It is our job as elected officials to make sure the program aligns with what parents approve of and what farmers can produce, to ensure we are able to buy healthy, safe, and tasty food for students, and maintain requirements that are easily implemented in real school settings. If the standards are unattainable or overly complicated the program will fail. Nutrition officials from school districts around my state tell me one of the challenges they face while striving to put together nutritional and enjoyable choices for students is following the unclear, complicated federal rules. To that point, let me quickly discuss the sodium targets in the current regulations. I’ll chalk this up to a noble goal that doesn’t thoroughly account for the reality on the ground. Under Target Two of the sodium requirements, grades K-5 can have no more than 935 mg of sodium per lunch. If Target Three is enacted, sodium would be reduced to 640 mg. The American Heart Association released a sample menu of what further reducing the sodium might look like. Not surprising, the meals become far less appealing. To meet Target Three sodium requirements, schools must eliminate the cheese from a cheeseburger, nix the pickles, and trade the potatoes for carrots. Does a plain hamburger patty with no condiments, no bun, and a side of carrots sound enticing to any of us, much less a school-age child? Hardly. Pushing for standards that don’t meet the reality on the ground will accomplish nothing because kids simply won’t eat the food. While schools have done an unbelievable job of working to implement the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act standards since they went into effect – serving more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and less fat, calories, and sodium than ever before – the final sodium targets are unworkable given the other requirements they must meet when serving meals. One cannot cram idealism into the lunch programs and pretend the problem is solved. The so-called ‘American Families Plan’ includes a vague program proposal that gives $1 billion to groups that push unworkable school meal standards. Before we create a new, expensive program that could sow confusion that burdens schools, we should assess our existing programs and look at how they can be adapted to meet their intended goals. One issue that deserves a closer look is nutrition education. How can we support local schools as they work with families to promote better nutrition? For example, how can we utilize programs like Team Nutrition, Farm to School, and others to spark student interest to help them take what they learn about food production, food business, and food preparation and share it at home? What kind of partnerships with grocers, farmers, and others can we look at to close the circle to help support healthy eating at home? These are the questions we should consider as we thoughtfully reauthorize this program. As we look towards reauthorization, Congress must understand what the school meal program will look like in the coming school years with the changes that come from new COVID and health-related issues, such as meal service or food preparation. I am glad to see the Secretary provided some certainty for schools in the upcoming summer and school year as they reopen and determine how to serve meals to students. However, if we limit our reauthorization efforts to the status quo, we hinder the ability of schools to provide healthy, tasty meals to students. There are many more programs I could touch on today, but this is just the beginning of the reauthorization process and I appreciate the Deputy Under Secretary for joining us. I would be remiss if I did not mention it is unfortunate that this is not a full committee hearing as I think a reauthorization such as this deserves the full committee’s attention. Nonetheless, I look forward to hearing her testimony. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/05/11/id-36e7ce8e-5362-4345-8bb0-f45712326947/,"Representatives Fulcher, Moore, Neguse, and Schrier Introduce the Modernizing Access to our Public Land Act to Digitize Federal Land Mapping Records",2021-05-11,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Russ Fulcher (R-ID) was joined by Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Kim Schrier (D-WA) in introducing the Modernizing Access to our Public Land (MAPLand) Act, which would direct federal land management agencies to digitize and standardize mapping records. This will allow hunters, anglers, and millions of other federal land users to access essential information about public lands as well as help federal land management agencies identify public lands with limited or nonexistent public access points and take proactive steps to open them to the public. “Our nation is blessed with some of the most incredible scenic landscapes and outdoor spaces in the world,” said Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT). “But each year, millions of Americans venture into the great outdoors without having the most up-to-date data on land access. I am proud to sponsor the MAPLand Act, which would address this by digitizing tens of thousands of records to ensure that fishers, hikers, bikers, hunters, and all who seek to enjoy our federal lands have access to the information they need to fully experience our country’s natural wonders.” “Sportsmen and outdoor recreationalists have a tremendous impact on our Idaho culture and economy,” said Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-ID). “As the proud author of this bill last year, I am thankful for Rep. Moore’s leadership and interest in furthering this effort to modernize information and access to our public lands so that those in Idaho, Utah, and around the country can better utilize these public places.” “In Colorado, access to public lands fuels our robust outdoor recreation economy, contributes to the health and well-being of Coloradans and is at the core of our state’s values,” said Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO). “I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan MAPLand Act today which will modernize and formalize data sharing across public land agencies, to support our natural resource workforce, our communities and outdoor recreation activities.” “My family treasures the time we spend hiking, biking, and fishing across our region,” said Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA). “We are fortunate to live in a state full of natural beauty, with some of the best parks and recreation areas our country has to offer. Modernizing and standardizing information so people know how to access our public lands will allow Washingtonians and visitors from across the country and world to enjoy our great outdoors. I’m proud to sponsor this bipartisan bill that will protect our beloved public lands and also support local businesses that rely on the outdoor recreational economy.” “Access is one of the most important issues facing hunters and anglers today, and the MAPLand Act is a commonsense investment to ensure all Americans can take full advantage of the recreational opportunities on our public lands,” said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “In addition to making it easier for public land users to stay safe and follow the rules while out in the field or on the water, this bill would allow our agencies to manage and plan more effectively while also reducing the potential for access-related conflicts between recreators and private landowners. Simply put, this legislation promises to help more people get outdoors. We appreciate Representative Moore for his leadership to introduce this bill in the House and our community is eager to help move the MAPLand Act through Congress.” Currently, more than 9.52 million acres of land in the West lack permanent and legal access points for public use, and information on these lands is still kept on paper files. Approximately 5,000 of the Forest Service’s 37,000 recorded easements have been digitized and uploaded to an electronic database. The MAPLand Act would help give federal land management agencies the resources they need to digitize these files for public use, as well as require these agencies to provide information on seasonal vehicle restrictions on public roads and trails, hunting boundaries, and watercraft restrictions. The MAPLand Act has received broad support from several groups and organizations. Click here to read more. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/04/26/id-70c0f46f-89b2-4857-8754-958a80e0e26c/,Idaho Delegation Announces Virtual Service Academy Day,2021-04-26,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov BOISE, ID – The Idaho Delegation announced a Virtual Military Service Academy Day for the state. Students interested in learning more about the U.S. Academies should sign up to receive a link to the event at https://simpson.house.gov/forms/form/?ID=1342. Join and listen to academy liaisons, cadets and midshipmen discuss the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Students will learn about the application process and how to achieve a congressional nomination from a member of the Idaho delegation. Virtual Service Academy Day: Wednesday, May 5, 2021 6:00PM Mountain/5:00PM Pacific Sign up to receive a link to the event at: https://simpson.house.gov/forms/form/?ID=1342 For more information on any of these events or to learn more about the Academies contact: Senator Mike Crapo’s office: Karen Roetter at (208) 664-5490 Senator James Risch’s office: Frances Hasenoehrl at (208) 743-0792 Congressman Mike Simpson’s office: Craig Quarterman at (208) 334-1953 Congressman Russ Fulcher’s office: Tori Shockey at (208) 888-3188",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/04/26/id-8ffe806a-d298-410b-a180-e1c7edea6ee3/,"Idaho Delegation Urges Interior Secretary to Follow the Science, Delist Yellowstone Grizzly Population",2021-04-26,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo and U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher (all R-Idaho) joined lawmakers from Montana and Wyoming to urge Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to heed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) study demonstrating the full recovery of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) grizzly bear populations and return species management to the states. “It has been sixteen years since the GYE population was first proposed for removal from the endangered and threatened species list and since then, Republican and Democratic Administrations alike have supported returning the GYE management to the states,” wrote the lawmakers. “Grizzly bears have nearly tripled the extent of their occupied range in the GYE since the 1980s and reporting a conservative estimate of 737 bears, the USFWS believes it has reached carrying capacity.” “We are hopeful that future management of the bear will follow the science, honor the commitment and resources invested by Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho over the past five decades, and not be subject to political whims,” the letter concluded. To read the letter, click here. Background: Grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem met their recovery goals more than a decade ago. In 2017, the Fish and Wildlife Service removed the Yellowstone population of the grizzly bear from the endangered species list, citing a significant increase in bear populations and a doubling of their range land. However in September 2018, a federal judge in Montana ruled to put the Yellowstone grizzly bear back on the endangered species list despite the population surpassing recovery targets. The state of Wyoming appealed the decision, and in July 2020 a federal appeals court in San Francisco upheld the continued federal listing for Yellowstone grizzlies. In March 2021, Risch and Crapo introduced the Grizzly Bear State Management Act which would remove grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem from the endangered species list and shift management to the states. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/04/22/id-b58d256e-6855-46ca-b843-0344acb48600/,Congressman Fulcher & Governor Little Push Back Against Provision Preventing State Tax Reductions,2021-04-22,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Russ Fulcher and Governor Brad Little are working in conjunction to push back against a specific provision in the Biden Administrations ‘American Rescue Plan Act,’ the massive spending bill signed into law earlier this year. Their focus is on a specific stipulation preventing reductions in state taxes through 2024. Congressman Fulcher is working with his colleagues in Congress to overcome this punitive restriction which removes Idaho’s ability to determine its own tax relief. First, cosponsoring the ‘Let States Cut Taxes Act‘ to immediately suspend a portion of the ‘American Rescue Plan Act’ that restricts net tax revenue changes to state budgets. Under President Biden’s plan, “A State or territory shall not use the funds provided under this section or transferred…to either directly or indirectly offset a reduction in the net tax revenue.” Congressman Fulcher said, “Idaho took prescriptive action to ensure positive growth out of the most dire economic downturn since the Great Depression– and simultaneously ensure Idahoans receive every available tool to build back a stronger Idaho. The ‘American Rescue Plan Act’ disregards these prudent budgetary actions taken by Governor Little and state legislators, and prevents Idahoans from reaping the benefits of living in a fiscally-responsible state.” Governor Little joined this effort by publishing an editorial on the impact of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act, and this specific provision, on Idahoans. Governor Little commented, “Idaho should not have to subsidize poorly managed states simply because we are using our record budget surplus to pursue historic tax relief for our citizens. We achieved our record budget surplus after years of responsible, conservative governing and quick action during the pandemic. Simply put, any future federal relief funds directed to states should be allocated fairly.” In addition, Congressman Fulcher joined a letter to President Biden requesting termination of any further federal imposition upon unlawful state tax authority. The letter is similarly centered around the Administration’s overreach on well-run states. “Successful states with healthy, vibrant, and growing economies should not be restricted from letting taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned money,” added Congressman Fulcher. “There is a stark difference between Idaho’s balanced budget amendment and the budgets of liberal, poorly managed states that can’t control their own spending.” Congressman Russ Fulcher and Governor Brad Little say they plan to diligently work together on this effort to preserve Idaho’s state sovereignty. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/04/19/id-d817ea99-7a03-4c3c-834d-d5ab7533e9b8/,"Congressman Fulcher Introduces Bill to Invest in Forest Management Workers, Students, Resources",2021-04-19,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov Congressman Fulcher Introduces Bill to Invest in Forest Management Workers, Students, Resources Bill a part of larger package being introduced as alternative to Green New Deal WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Fulcher announced new legislation, the Forestry Education and Workforce Development Act. The bill, out of the Natural Resources Committee, will be compiled with several other pieces of legislation to form the Trillion Trees Act — a comprehensive initiative from several Republican members to introduce as an alternative to the left’s radical Green New Deal. The Forestry Education and Workforce Development Act creates a $20 million discretionary grant program to be divided equally between land-grant colleges, universities, and technical/vocational schools to provide degrees or certificates in forestry and forestry-related fields. It also allows reforestation to be included in federal Job Corps programs. Changes to the text of this act would allow for public, private, non-profit, and for-profit colleges and universities that offer accredited degrees, recognized certificates, and accept dual enrollment students. “In order to expand the breadth of our forestry workforce, we must invest in our education apparatus, which will return tenfold in stable jobs while preserving the natural beauty, ecology, economy, and culture of our state,” commented Congressman Fulcher.“The rural communities in my district are asking for the opportunity to return our state and federal forests to a healthy ecosystem. This investment in our educational system and workforce management is an investment in our future.” “Catastrophic wildfires and years of poor forest management have made the need for reliable forestry workers all that much more important,” statedHouse Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-AR). “As a licensed forester, I’ve seen firsthand how skilled workers can improve our forests nationwide and make them healthier and more resilient. It’s imperative that we train up the next generation in these skills, which is exactly what the Forestry Education and Workforce Development Act would do. I thank Congressman Fulcher for his leadership on this issue, and look forward to supporting this bill as it moves through the legislative process.” “Forests are critical to Idaho’s future, and an educated forestry workforce is critical to sustaining our forests. Rep. Fulcher’s bill will help ensure that we can find workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage these important renewable resources, including our public forests,” added Tom Schultz, Vice President, Idaho Forest Group and President, Federal Forest Resource Coalition. “Ranking Member Fulcher’s bill also focuses on expanding reforestation, which is increasingly important as we work to restore our public forests in the wake of recent devastating wildfires. We look forward to working with him to secure passage of this important bill.” Wendi Secrist, Executive Director of the Idaho Workforce Development Council commented, “Idaho’s forest products industry provides great opportunities for high-skill, high-wage jobs. The Workforce Development Council appreciates Congressman Fulcher’s foresight in championing funding to develop this workforce in partnership with our postsecondary institutions.” View the bill language here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/04/14/id-70305241-65d9-4587-9aec-eaca35c5edfc/,Idaho Delegation Urges USDA to Distribute Timber Hauling Relief,2021-04-14,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, and U.S. Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson (all R-Idaho) want quick action on assistance to the timber industry. The Idaho congressional delegation sent a letter to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack urging him to quickly distribute $200 million in funding for the timber industry that was included in the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act passed in December. “Idaho’s forest sector is responsible for thousands of jobs, including loggers and timber haulers whose careers sustain many of Idaho’s rural communities,” the letter read in part. “While many of Idaho’s agricultural producers have received business-saving relief from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, our timber producers continue to suffer.” Full text of the letter is available HERE and below: Dear Secretary Vilsack: We are writing you today regarding the $200 million included in the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act to provide relief to timber harvesting and hauling businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we urge you to move swiftly to disburse these funds as Congress intended, to provide necessary relief for one of Idaho’s top industries. On March 24, 2021, you announced the USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative, which includes assistance to timber harvesting and hauling operations. While we were pleased to see this announcement, we are concerned with the slow rollout and urge you to distribute this Congressionally directed relief as soon as possible. Idaho’s forest sector is responsible for thousands of jobs, including loggers and timber haulers whose careers sustain many of Idaho’s rural communities. While many of Idaho’s agricultural producers have received business-saving relief from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, our timber producers continue to suffer. It has been over three months since Congress passed the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act with wide bipartisan support. Idaho’s timber harvesters, haulers and the rural communities they support cannot afford to wait any longer. Therefore, we urge you to act swiftly and efficiently to ensure Idaho’s timber industry receives the necessary financial assistance as directed by Congress. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/04/09/id-17cc0644-9426-4fa9-93ac-75095089ec52/,Idaho Delegation Welcomes Withdrawal of Plans to Sell Seattle Archives Facility,2021-04-09,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, and U.S. Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson (all R-Idaho) issued the following joint statement after the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced that it would withdraw its January 24, 2020, approval of the sale of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) facility in Seattle: “The items at the Seattle Federal Records Center tell the great story of the state of Idaho, from the Tribes originally inhabiting this land to statehood. The items at this facility are vital to the states, Tribes and local universities examining this history. The original decision did not involve an acceptable degree of Tribal consultation despite having great impact on the Tribes in our state. Any future decisions on the facility must involve appropriate, collaborative Tribal, state and local consultation.” The Pacific Northwest congressional delegations have long advocated for these important records to stay in Seattle. Following the announcement of the intended sale of the facility, senators and representatives sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to OMB expressing concern and disapproval of the plans to move these records out of the region. Members representing the region also came together to secure language in the 2020 appropriations bills that required the agencies charged with the sale of the facility and movement of the records to find ways to keep the records in the Pacific Northwest. In March, the members sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to OMB requesting it stop the sale of the facility due to “legally flawed” decisions. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/04/09/id-4c649a74-e385-4533-a691-4466c1a95f8b/,Congressman Fulcher Supports Congressional Term Limits,2021-04-09,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Adding to his ‘drain the swamp’ package, Congressman Fulcher has cosponsored H.J.Res.12. Introduced by Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), H.J.Res.12 proposes a constitutional amendment limiting the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve. “H.J.Res.12 will ensure that elected officials live under the laws they pass,” commented Congressman Fulcher. “Supplementing the Constitution with term-limits makes it possible to introduce new leaders to the responsibilities of governing, and ensure accountability at our highest level of government.” If applied, H.J.Res.12 would limit Members in the House of Representatives to serve three terms, and limit Senators to two terms. This proposed amendment would start the term limits after ratification, allowing prior elected terms to not count toward these limits. A full text of the resolution can be viewed here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/04/08/id-94195165-04d1-4235-bd0c-5fffa7773382/,Congressman Fulcher Supports Reigning In Executive Agency Rulemaking,2021-04-08,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of his “drain the swamp” package, Congressman Fulcher has cosponsored the Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2021, introduced by Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL). This bill would reaffirm Congress’ legislative authority to review and certify rules, and inhibit costly and troublesome overreach by the executive branch in the rulemaking process. While Congress holds the purse strings with appropriations, the executive branch under multiple administrations has drained lawmaking authority with little to no oversight. In 2016, Forbes reported that federal agencies, departments, and commissions issued 3,853 rules, while Congress and the President signed only 214 laws into effect — nearly 18 rules for every law. Since 1995, there had been 88,899 federal rules and regulations submitted, with an average rate of 27 rules per one law passed. Notably, hundreds of those rules are marked as “major,” “economically significant,” or “significant,” categorizing them to expend at least $100 million in annual economic impact. The REINS Act would require every new “major rule” suggested by federal agencies to be approved through a Joint Resolution by the House and Senate before being enacted. This legislation would also sustain Congress’ ability to oppose a “non-major rule” through the same process. A “major rule”, as defined by the REINS Act, is a federal rule or regulation that may create: an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, industries, government agencies, or specific regions detrimental effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the overall ability for the United States to compete with foreign-based enterprises. “When I hear from Idahoans, it is often about the burdens of costly, time-consuming, and redundant regulations on their businesses, farms, ranches, and daily lives,” said Congressman Fulcher. You’d expect these weighty regulations would be required to be heard in front of Congress and voted on by those elected to represent — but that’s not the case. Many of these regulations are determined by career bureaucrats at various agencies in Washington, D.C. with little to no oversight from the legislature. This is not how our Constitutional Republic was intended to operate, and it’s important for us to check this unfettered expansion of the executive agencies.” Author of the bill, Rep. Kat Cammack commented, “The REINS Act is a measure that ensures Congress is the only lawmaker in the United States. This bill reasserts Article I authority that vests all legislative power in Congress and provides necessary oversight of the executive rulemaking process.” The REINS Act currently includes half of the Republican Conference as original cosponsors. Read the full bill here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/04/07/id-05de7345-01a4-405c-889a-20a352109503/,Congressman Fulcher Leads Effort Against Vaccine Passports,2021-04-07,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01) led a group of 26 House Members to send a letter to President Biden regarding a potential vaccine passport program. The letter raises specific concerns about the personal privacy and travel implications of vaccine passports, and asks a series of questions to further clarify many of these concerns. The members explained, “We write to express our concern regarding recent reports that your Administration is working on a “vaccine passport” program . The report entails a process that may endanger our constituent’s data privacy, as well as potential violations to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA).” Dr. Fauci has discussed the issue several times, most recently stating the federal government’s involvement would be from a regulatory position, “I doubt that the federal government will be the main mover of a vaccine passport concept, they may be involved in making sure things are done fairly and equitably, but I doubt if the federal government is going to be the leading element of that.” Yesterday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki supported Dr. Fauci’s message of deferring vaccine passport requirements to the private sector. These general statements incited several concerns and questions from the 26 signing members of the letter to President Biden. Specific questions include the following: 1. What type of travel restrictions will the Administration put on American citizens to travel internationally if they don’t receive a Covid-19 vaccination or want to disclose their vaccination records? 2. How would Covid-19 travel restrictions conflict with Covid-19 testing restrictions that are already in place? 3. How would these restrictions affect pregnant citizens who opt out of Covid-19 vaccinations or citizens who may have severe reactions to vaccinations? 4. Which companies has the Administration contacted regarding vaccination apps? 5. Would these companies have to comply with HIPPA and how will they safely and securely comply with all applicable Federal and State laws? 6. Would these companies own the data and health records? And will they be restricted from profiting or compiling records that could endanger our constituent’s privacy? Read the full letter and list of signers here. Many of the members involved issued additional statements on the issue: Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) commented, “The United States has laws in place that grant citizens freedom in their personal healthcare. Moreover, Americans have a right to private and protected healthcare information. The COVID-19 vaccine should remain voluntary without fear of public shame or restriction to normal life activities. We should not allow big tech companies to further invade private data nor allow government overreach.” Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) commented, “A potential mandate on “vaccine passports” is a radical threat to both the personal liberty and medical privacy of American citizens and I will do everything in my power to fight against it. This is a dangerous approach by the Biden Administration to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and my fellow freedom fighters in Congress and I urge the President to draw back on any plans to move forward with this program immediately.” Congressman Bill Posey (FL-08) commented, “Vaccine passports, largely advocated by those living in the Washington economic bubble, would shift our approach on COVID from mitigating the spread to zero-risk, increasing the barriers to recovery for Americans already hard-hit by the pandemic. This draconian approach is an invasion of health privacy which would kill job and business recovery particularly in tourism and cruising. Florida Governor, Ron Desantis, was right to issue an executive order to stop vaccine passports in Florida and any such initiative should be abandoned.” Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01) commented, “As a health care professional and a participant in a COVID-19 vaccine trial, I encourage all Americans to get a COVID vaccine. However, I absolutely do not support a mandatory vaccination or the use of vaccine passports. Americans must have the freedom to choose what is best for their health and the health of their families. Requiring a vaccine passport not only violates these individual freedoms, it also puts personal health information at risk. The federal government should be focused on ensuring all Americans who want a vaccine are able to get one instead of working to place vaccine requirements on our citizens.” Congressman Alex Mooney (WV-02) commented, “The government should not create a vaccine passport for Americans to travel. The idea of limiting travel and freedoms is completely un-American. Throughout our history people have come to America to enjoy living in freedom, not another oppressive big government controlling our lives and movements. For example, my mother fled communist Cuba where Big Brother is always watching. We must never let that happen in America.” Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07) commented, “An individual’s decision to choose to take a new vaccine — or not to take a new vaccine — should be an individual’s choice alone and not strong-armed or mandated by the federal government. At a minimum, before any type of “vaccine passport” is rolled out by the Biden Administration, important questions regarding patient privacy and individual freedoms deserve to be answered and scrutinized.” Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) commented, “Vaccine passports aren’t about containing the virus; they’re a dangerous power play by the far left, who despise the idea of self-responsibility,” says Congressman Andy Biggs. “The Democrats’ fear-mongering tactics will not stand, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that Americans keep the God-given freedoms this country was founded on.” Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) commented, “Requiring Americans to provide ‘vaccine passports’ before partaking in everyday activities violates both patient privacy and individual freedoms,” said Reschenthaler. “Further, calling on Big Tech to track this data recklessly rewards and empowers companies with dubious records on protecting Americans’ personal information and free speech. I am grateful to Rep. Fulcher for leading this important effort and will continue to oppose government efforts to mandate individuals to provide proof of vaccination before participating in their daily lives.” Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03) commented, “Democrats want to ban voter IDs while mandating vaccine passports. As usual, their policies hurt Americans and strip away our freedom. My passport says I’m an American citizen, and that’s the only passport I need. I strongly oppose any vaccine passport program, since it is an unconstitutional violation of medical privacy, tramples HIPPA regulations, and gives way too much power to big tech.” Congressman Bob Good (VA-05) commented, “A vaccine passport belongs in Communist China not America, and it is just another step toward giving corporations and the government more control of Americans’ daily lives. The private health information of our citizens is none of their government’s business, let alone the concern of corporations not directly involved in providing their healthcare needs. Requiring proof of vaccination is a dangerous road to travel. President Biden should focus his effort and attention on gaining control of our Southern Border, and preventing COVID-infected illegal aliens from entry to our country.” Congresswoman Yvette Herrell (NM-02) commented, “Vaccines are not mandatory and restricting Americans ability to travel and engage in commerce based upon their personal choice is wrong. I applaud my colleague, Congressman Fulcher, for leading this effort and look forward to working with my colleagues to prevent the implementation of vaccine passports going forward.” Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) commented, “”It is wildly hypocritical that the Biden Administration would consider vaccine passports for Americans while ignoring the public health crisis they have created at the border by allowing record numbers of illegal immigrants, as many as 25% of whom have COVID-19, to flow into our country. Requiring American citizens to present a vaccine passport to participate in normal life would be an overreach of federal power, and eerily similar to practices associated with authoritarian regimes like Communist China. Vaccine passports would also compromise American’s privacy, something my constituents in TX-13 and I will not stand for.” Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) commented, “The mandated use of so-called ‘vaccine passports’ poses a huge risk to the personal liberty and privacy of millions of Americans and could actually discourage people from getting vaccinated against COVID-19. American citizens should never be forced to ‘show their papers’ just to live their everyday lives.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/04/05/id-8e1195f0-f80e-42c2-b15c-48336e935057/,Congressman Fulcher Cosponsors Balanced Budget Amendment,2021-04-05,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Fulcher joined Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) and 38 other Members of Congress to cosponsor H.J.Res.3, a bill that would add a balanced budget amendment to the United States Constitution. This is the third bill in Congressman Fulcher’s package to promote accountability and prevent waste in Washington, D.C. The Biden Administration’s spending proposals and actions have added urgency to the necessity of a balanced budget amendment. If Democrats’ infrastructure plans pass, Congress will have spent up to $6 trillion this year on spending packages, which is 150% more than the normal $4 trillion budget (also included in the total). Already, without considering any other spending plans from the Biden Administration, our spending has more-than-doubled to $10 trillion this year. This is half of the U.S. GDP. The joint resolution addresses the budget by adding a constitutional amendment that directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually, and requires a three-fifths vote on any federal spending beyond debt repayment. This legislation also includes fixed spending waivers for use during wartime or imminent danger to national security. “The level of government expansion and spending in the few months since President Biden assumed office has now reached a scale never before seen in our American history. The Biden Administration has proved the dire necessity of spending constraints, and having a system in place to prevent boundless spending,” said Congressman Fulcher. “Each year in Idaho we are required to balance the budget and act as responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars– it is past due for our federal government to do the same.” A full text of the resolution can be viewed here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/03/31/id-1cd04b3b-e802-41f9-9563-cb01c0c9286f/,Congressman Fulcher Opposes Return of Earmarks,2021-03-31,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Fulcher has taken several recent actions to oppose the return of earmarks– including signing a pledge to Idahoans not to use earmarks. These actions are in response to recent efforts by Democrats to reinstate earmarks through a new name: “Community Project Funding.” A majority of Republican members have voiced concerns with the return of this extra spending– particularly while the 2020 budget deficit stands in the trillions, and over $27 trillion in total national debt. Joining over 30 US Senators and Congressmembers, Congressman Fulcher first sent a letter to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees to oppose the return of earmarks under the term “member-directed spending.” On March 17th, Congressman Fulcher sent a second letter with 17 of his Republican colleagues, this time addressed to Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The letter is a pledge against requesting earmarked money. “At any time– but particularly when we are staring at over $27 trillion in total national debt — it is plain wrong to suggest adding new ways to spend taxpayer dollars on local pet-projects for certain members or lobbyists. Already, we saw in the recent Biden COVID ‘relief’ package, much of the spending represented special interests and wish list items such as $600 million to Nancy Pelosi’s home of San Francisco, ignoring the specific relief for those struggling during the pandemic. This was done without the earmarks provision, but you can only imagine how quickly this pet-project spending would accrue with the earmark option put back into place,” commented Congressman Fulcher. “I introduced the One Subject At A Time Act to eliminate these massive bills which hide further waste and pet projects. Earmarks intend to do the opposite, and if enacted again, will continue the culture of pork-barrel spending and ‘backroom deals.” The earmark provision, a part of a large spending bill that allocates money for a specific location, project, or institution, usually within a specific Member’s district, began in the 1990s and quickly accelerated in the 2000s. Discretionary spending, which is allocated by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, allowed the earmark process to provide funds it appropriates to be spent on specific projects. Between 1994 and 2011, earmarks increased by 282% each year to nearly 16,000. Several former Members of Congress have been convicted of crimes related to earmarks including written out “bribe menus” to show how much different levels of earmarks would cost, and using taxpayer funds to pay illegal loans. Lobbyists have also gone to prison due to earmarks for bribing Members with campaign donations, gifts, and trips in order to secure funding. In 2011, Congress banned the process after a poll in 2010 revealed 79% of respondents saw earmarks as “not acceptable” – including 71% of Democrats and 89% of Republicans.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/03/29/id-8bcdc86b-ad5d-4694-93d3-777ba0f7634a/,Congressman Fulcher Highlights Government Reform Package,2021-03-29,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – After hosting two recent tele-town halls with over 10,000 listeners from Idaho’s First District, Congressman Fulcher noticed a pattern in the wide array of concerns brought up by constituents during the Q&A sessions. Much of the legislation, concerns, and topics mentioned by Idahoans during the tele-town hall were in relation to unease with the scope and operations of the federal government. From career politicians to out of control government spending and debt– a large majority of these concerns fell into this general field. “Our tele-town halls displayed a clear message – Idahoans want restraints and limits over the bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.,” commented Congressman Fulcher. “Rather than unite us, the current Administration is driving divisional wedges by expanding the power of the federal government and careening our Treasury into insolvency. These legislative fixes are not new, but they are critically necessary to preserve our country’s faith in our Constitutional Republic — no matter what Administration is in power.” Over the course of the next two weeks, Congressman Fulcher will be highlighting some of his highest priorities in Congress to tackle government overreach, out of control spending, and accountability in Washington, D.C. These bills include topics such as earmarks, executive branch restraints, term limits, Balanced Budget Amendment, and One Subject At A Time Act. The first is the One Subject at a Time Act, a bill introduced by Congressman Fulcher to require each piece of legislation to cover a single topic, stopping large omnibus bills, and ensuring transparent and singular votes on each subject. This legislation would help eliminate massive government waste and overspending, creating a more genuine voting process for Members, and preventing substantial appropriation bills like the recently passed Biden COVID “Relief” package. “Now more than ever, since the House of Representatives passed the massive Biden COVID “relief” legislation, the One Subject at a Time Act needs to be a part of the conversation to eliminate pet projects, and allow for clarity,” said Congressman Fulcher. “This legislation will end large ‘must-pass’ bills, and work to restore confidence in our representative government.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/03/24/id-54d4fcad-a727-4828-bd43-a4a331f3e46c/,Congressman Fulcher Fights to Eliminate the Death Tax,2021-03-24,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Fulcher has cosponsored H.R. 1712 The Death Tax Repeal Act, introduced by Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) and Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA). This bipartisan bill would protect family-owned ranches, farms, and businesses by repealing the death tax (also known as the “estate tax”) in its entirety. It is expected that more than 40% of farmland will transition away in the next two decades, and it is pertinent that policies support land transfers to the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Farms with assets above the estate tax exemption often must dissolve assets to meet estate tax obligations, threatening the survivability of family-owned businesses. “While farms are a valuable asset, they are not particularly liquid,” said Congressman Fulcher. “Future generations of family-farms in Idaho, after losing many of their resources to this destructive tax, lose their “economies of scale” and become uncompetitive. Rural families should not be punished for their family’s success, and I urge my colleagues in urban settings to take a moment to consider this detrimental impact.” In a press release from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, President Jerry Bohn commented, “The estate tax disproportionately harms cattle producers because with few options to pay off tax liabilities, many farm and ranch families are forced to make tough choices at the time of death – and in worst-case scenarios, must sell off land to meet their federal tax burden. As small business owners, environmental stewards, and the economic backbone of rural communities across the country, U.S. cattle producers understand and appreciate the role of taxes in maintaining and improving our nation. However, they also believe that the most effective tax code is an equitable one. For this reason, NCBA ardently supports the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021.” In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law, increasing the death tax exemption for family-owned businesses from $5.5 to $11 million. Since becoming the majority in the House, Democrats have signaled intentions to undo this increased exemption. H.R. 1712 currently has 127 cosponsors, 121 of those are original from H.R. 218. Read the full bill here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/03/22/id-3fb1136d-382b-4dbe-bc42-2cba97eee87b/,WATCH: Rep. Fulcher Opening Statement at Hearing on Ending Domestic Violence,2021-03-22,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee Republican Leader Russ Fulcher (R-ID) delivered the following opening statement at a subcommittee hearing to examine ways to prevent domestic violence and promote healthy communities: “A 2015 survey by the CDC estimated that one-third of all men and women are victims of domestic violence at some point in their life. Data in 2019 from my home state of Idaho supports this survey, whereby about 37 percent of assaults were domestic violence-related. In 2020, it’s worse. “COVID-19 has dealt our nation with government-mandated restrictions and economic challenges. It appears those negative outcomes have snowballed to exacerbate an even worse fallout. Evidence suggests that in this pandemic-ridden environment, stress, due to work, school, substance abuse, and financial struggles, have added to more violence in the home. Especially hard-hit appear to be rural areas where job opportunities can be hard to find. Last year, Idaho saw an 84 percent increase in domestic violence-related calls, along with more emergency intakes and overnight shelter requests. “Domestic violence in any form is an evil that demands a strong response. This issue does not impact all people equally. While a notable share of men are victimized, domestic violence disproportionately impacts women. And despite the cancel culture’s desire to blur the lines between women and men, facts are facts. We need to protect everyone and realize that our women are the most vulnerable. “Congress has continued to allocate funding to address this issue, most recently in the CARES Act via Family Violence Prevention and Services (FVPSA) programs, which I and many of my colleagues supported. Moving forward, our efforts should include confronting the issue and supporting survivors, with tools like the domestic violence hotline so victims can reach out and receive help. “However, the solution is more complicated than simply increasing spending. More money alone will NOT solve domestic violence in our society. We must understand that dealing with this issue is best done at the local level, and government cannot always provide the answers. Local civic groups and faith-based providers are best positioned to provide aid and deliver it effectively. “Committee Republicans recognize the importance of supporting survivors of domestic violence. But any reauthorization should focus primarily on local solutions and a coordinated community response, not just more federal spending. The Committee should work to support best practices and act, knowing that as good as our intentions may be, we cannot pretend to be able to solve them all from Washington, D.C. “I look forward to hearing from our witnesses, especially Ms. Ami Novoryta, who will discuss the important work local organizations and faith-based providers are doing on the ground to serve those in need.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/03/18/id-3a428ec1-a7b3-4cd2-9fea-7c05b94a89d4/,Subcommittee Chair Russ Fulcher Addresses Workplace Discrimination Bills,2021-03-18,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee Republican Leader Russ Fulcher (R-ID) delivered the following opening statement, as prepared for delivery, at a joint subcommittee hearing to discuss legislation related to workplace discrimination: “Republicans and Democrats agree that discrimination in any form is wrong. It should not be tolerated in America’s workplaces. That’s why there are laws prohibiting such egregious behavior. And while the purported intent behind the legislation before us is admirable, good intentions don’t always bring good policy. “Good policy comes from thorough examination and bipartisan collaboration. This hearing is far from thorough, as we are considering all at once, four separate and distinct bills that make significant changes to very important laws. “It’s also not bipartisan. If Democrats were truly interested in bipartisan collaboration on these bills, they would have allowed more than ONE Republican witness to testify. This will not result in a fair or adequate examination of the underlying issues and certainly misses the mark regarding today’s hearing title ‘fighting for fairness.’ “Although today’s hearing will cover a number of bills, I’ll comment on one bill that is particularly troubling. The so-called Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act is just another empty promise from Democrats wrapped in a convenient title. “There is no evidence or data that suggests this bill is needed. It is already against the law to discriminate in the workplace because of an individual’s age. Congress has enacted significant laws prohibiting employment discrimination, including the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Civil Rights Act. “Additionally, employment trends for older workers are positive in recent decades. In 2018, older workers earned 7 percent more than the median income for all workers, compared to 20 years ago when older workers earned 23 percent less than the median for all workers. In Idaho today, workers 45 to 64 years old are earning 19.6 percent more than all workers in the state. This trend is expected to continue as we recover economically from COVID-19. “The only parties who will ‘win,’ in nearly all cases if the bill is enacted into law, are trial lawyers. The bill will also increase frivolous legal claims against business owners. These underserving claims will take valuable resources away from efforts to prevent harassment and discrimination. “This bill being pushed by Democrats disregards current law, real-world workplace situations, and Supreme Court precedent; ultimately rewarding trial lawyers at the expense of older Americans. “I thank the witnesses for being here today. I hope as Members of this Committee, we will be able to work together in the future on real solutions to real problems instead of gifting trial lawyers a payout under the guise of ‘protecting’ older workers. I yield back.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/03/16/id-c97f0076-1235-4344-9fbd-c038e4a1854d/,"Western Caucus Members Affirm Commitment to Conservation, Demand Answers on ‘30 by 30’ Initiative",2021-03-16,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Chairmen Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) of the Congressional & Senate Western Caucuses led 12 Senate Members and 50 House Members of the respective Caucuses in sending a letter to President Biden asking important clarifying questions about the Biden Administration’s Executive Order establishing a directive to put restrictions on at least 30% of lands and waters by 2030 (30 by 30). “The lack of detail accompanying this goal, the inability of your nominee for Secretary of the Interior – author of the mirroring legislation – to answer questions about this initiative, and the fact that this effort is spear-headed by an unconfirmed appointee housed in the National Climate Task Force has resulted in numerous concerns raised by those who live, work, and recreate on and near public lands,” wrote the lawmakers. Western Caucus Members outlined their concern that Western states would be disproportionately impacted by the 30 by 30 Initiative and demanded President Biden provide details about how he plans accomplish this goal without harming the industries, economies, and ways of life in Western and rural communities. “The West is already paving the way on conservation,” they wrote. “Stewardship of our lands is embedded in our Western values. Sustainable, healthy land is the lifeblood of our rural communities and our outdoor heritage and rural economies thrive when our lands are properly managed. While the Administration has implied that multiple-use is not contrary to conservation, recent activities that attack key industries suggests otherwise.” The federal government manages 640 million acres of land, over 90% of which is west of the Mississippi River. The Western Caucus supports policies to promote active land management, multiple-use, locally-led conservation efforts, and public land access that benefits local, rural communities and strengthens economic development throughout rural America. They continued, “Conservation remains a top priority for Western congressional members, and our constituents’ lives and livelihoods rely upon a healthy, actively-managed landscape. However, the 30 by 30 initiative displays a dangerous thoughtlessness and far too many of our questions have been left unanswered.” Full text of the letter can be found here and below. Dear President Biden, More than 100 years ago, the National Park Service was founded as a program to protect 35 established national monuments including the very first national park. In the years to follow, America continued to build upon this conservation legacy—enacting laws on a bipartisan basis to ensure conservation and stewardship principles were the foundation of public land management. However, over the last two decades, litigation, preservationist ideology, bureaucratic processes, and executive actions have undermined multiple-use and sustained yield statutory mandates—particularly in the West. It is for this reason that we write to express our concern regarding the lack of information and ambiguous goals for the Biden Administration’s Executive Order establishing a directive to protect at least 30% of our lands and waters by 2030 (30 by 30). The lack of detail accompanying this goal, the inability of your nominee for Secretary of the Interior – author of the mirroring legislation – to answer questions about this initiative, and the fact that this effort is spear-headed by an unconfirmed appointee housed in the National Climate Task Force has resulted in numerous concerns raised by those who live, work, and recreate on and near public lands. The federal government manages 640 million acres of land, over 90% of which is west of the Mississippi. Given our wide-open spaces, large-scale landscapes, and significant federal ownership, Western states will be disproportionately impacted by policies set in place to achieve the 30 by 30 goal, which we fear will impact revenues-derived and jobs that depend upon multiple-use public lands. We urge you to remember that land management agencies are bound by a statutory-based multiple-use mandate. Our lands and our waters must remain open to activities that support our rural economies and help us to achieve our agriculture, timber, recreation, energy, and mineral needs. These multiple-uses are not only compatible with conservation ambitions, but they are an effective means to achieve these goals. Healthy lands and sustainable wildlife are inherent to our hunting, recreation, and sportsmen opportunities. Activities such as grazing and timber harvest are oftentimes the most effective tool to restore and sustain landscapes. Bonding requirements, reclamation standards, and mitigation directives ensure that extractive industries leave the land better than they found it—in addition, these activities fund several conservation programs. Each use goes through extensive environmental review and public comment. The West is already paving the way on conservation. Stewardship of our lands is embedded in our Western values. Sustainable, healthy land is the lifeblood of our rural communities and our outdoor heritage and rural economies thrive when our lands are properly managed. While the Administration has implied that multiple-use is not contrary to conservation, recent activities that attack key industries suggests otherwise. Multiple-use is compatible with conservation, and the United States Geological Survey has already illustrated 30% of our lands are in some degree of conservation status. Recently, the Administration has clarified that private lands are included in this initiative, setting the stage for potential egregious federal overreach. While these lands contribute to overall conservation, subjecting private landowners to this nebulous federal program is an extreme breach of private property rights. More clarity is desperately needed. Therefore, we remain concerned that the 30 by 30 initiative will be used as a method to undermine private property rights, circumvent the multiple-use mandate, and lock up more land. Conservation remains a top priority for Western congressional members, and our constituents’ lives and livelihoods rely upon a healthy, actively-managed landscape. However, the 30 by 30 initiative displays a dangerous thoughtlessness and far too many of our questions have been left unanswered. It is also our understanding that key constituencies have yet to be engaged on this initiative. As such, we respectfully urge you to provide state and local governments, the energy, minerals, and agriculture sectors, tribes, sportsmen, and recreationists an equitable and meaningful voice in the process. We also request a detailed briefing with the signers of this letter within 60 days of the Executive Order being signed.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/03/02/id-16a26981-9a58-4bb9-83bd-6af85b4a231b/,Congressman Fulcher Joins Rep. Rosendale to Introduce the Forest Information Reform Act,2021-03-02,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russ Fulcher recently introduced the Forest Information Reform (FIR) Act with Rep. Matt Rosendale (MT-Large). Currently, Cottonwood lawsuits threaten common sense forest management by forcing Endangered Species Act Consultation at the forest plan level. This legislation would limit the threat of re-initiating consultation and lower the burden of the forest planning process which was argued by President Barack Obama’s Department of Justice. Congressman Fulcher commented, “I am honored to join with Congressman Rosendale as a sponsor on this critical legislation. While our economy continues to recover, it is important that federal land management agencies be allowed to provide robust forest management plans outside the constraints of bureaucratic red tape. Without reform, the Cottonwood requirements increase burdensome paperwork, which hurts rural communities, promotes endless litigation, and kills vital, high-paying jobs. This effort to reduce burdens on beneficial users that utilize Federal Lands will allow for better forest management– and more forest management. The federal forests desperately need maintenance to avert another fiery summer not endless destructive litigation.” The Forest Information Reform Act has sweeping support from industry stakeholders: “We support [Representative Rosendale’s] bill because it removes the ambiguity in current regulations that has led to a wave of resource-damaging lawsuits and reduces duplicative and expensive consultation processes that do nothing to protect endangered species,” said Tom Schultz, Vice President of Resources and Government Affairs for the Idaho Forest Group. “Resolving the ‘Cottonwood’ issue has been a priority for the National Wild Turkey Federation for many years. Re-initiation of the consultation process at the forest plan level is redundant, costly, and can result in harmful delays in work designed to improve forest health and wildlife habitat,” said Rebecca Humphries, CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation. “Repetitive consultation processes has been a tactic used by those opposed to active forest management. We are thankful to Representative Rosendale and his original co-sponsors, for introducing this important legislation to clarify when additional consultation is needed on forest plans.” “As intergovernmental partners in wildlife and natural resource management, counties have a significant interest in the implementation of statutes like the ESA,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. “The 2016 Cottonwood decision created a cumbersome and inefficient environmental analysis process, causing unnecessary delays in critical infrastructure and resource management projects on federal lands. Counties applaud Representative Rosendale for introducing this bill, and we call on Congress to pass it swiftly.” “The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is grateful for the efforts of Congressman Rosendale to offer a much needed fix to the Cottonwood decision,” said Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President Jeff Crane. “This legislation will ensure that our nation’s forest managers have the flexibility needed to move forward with their important work to benefit forest health, habitat, and recreation without the ambiguity caused by Cottonwood.” “Cottonwood lawsuits have undermined the ability of federal agencies to partner with conservation groups to improve forest habitat for big game, game birds, and other wildlife. Increasing management activities on our federal forests will also make them less vulnerable to catastrophic wildfire, insects, and disease,” said James F. Arnold, President of the Boone and Crockett Club. “The Boone and Crockett Club believes a course correction is needed regarding the Cottonwood decision and appreciates Representative Rosendale stepping forward with this bill.” “Rep. Rosendale’s bill is common sense conservation. The flawed legal precedent in this case has delayed badly needed forest management projects across Montana and across the Western U.S. Currently, litigation groups can block needed projects while forcing the Forest Service and Fish & Wildlife Service to engage in paperwork consultation,” said Bill Imbergamo, Executive Director of the Federal Forest Resource Coalition. “This provides no conservation benefit to species and wastes resources that could be used to reduce fire danger and improve wildlife habitat. This bill wouldn’t change or eliminate any species protection – it merely ensures that species conservation needs get addressed at the project level. We urge Congress to act on it as quickly as possible.” “We applaud the work of Representative Rosendale to offer an amendment to the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to provide that the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior are not required to reinitiate consultation on a land management plan or land use plan when a species is listed or critical habitat is designated,” said Julia Altemus, executive director of the Montana Wood Products Association. “With over 9 million acres in Montana identified as in poor forest health condition, correcting on-going deficiencies created by the Cottonwood Decision is vitally important to ensuring timber harvest and forest restoration projects move forward in a timely manner.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/02/26/id-3126e8f2-10b9-440a-8e85-d55fb80a070a/,Capitol Police Confirms Congressman Fulcher is NOT Under Investigation,2021-02-26,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — The record has been set straight after weeks of rumors circulating through the press on an alleged investigation into Congressman Fulcher. Yesterday, the Capitol Police Chief of Staff sent a letter to Congressman Fulcher’s Chief of Staff Cliff Bayer confirming there is no investigation into the Congressman. The full letter can be viewed here. Congressman Fulcher commented, “This situation has been demoralizing to me and distracting to the people I represent. Attacks on policy positions are one thing, but this was designed to tear down character. Unfortunately, this instance represents just one symptom of the cancel culture on Capitol Hill. This culture is to create and celebrate as many partisan controversies as possible. The statue of Freedom behind razor wire – to imply ongoing, critical threats from citizens. Metal detectors on the House floor – to imply member-to-member threats, and members portrayed guilty of fabricated controversies with no due process. We have got to find a way to flush the divisiveness if we are to provide the American people the representation they deserve.” Capitol Police Chief of Staff Salley M. Wood writes, “To the Department’s knowledge, there is no current investigation into an alleged or rumored incident occurring on or around the House Floor on January 12, 2021 involving Congressman Fulcher.” Alexah Rogge, Communications Director for Congressman Fulcher added, “On a positive note, this situation has been extremely eye-opening to the reporters taking their journalistic duties seriously. Rather than letting their judgement be clouded by thirst for the next divisive controversy, we had several national and local reporters reach out to let us know they wouldn’t be reporting on a story with such weak credibility– and others who gave the Congressman the benefit of the doubt rather than suggesting the worst.” Congressman Fulcher spoke with Fox Business Reporter Audrey Conklin more about the story. The story can be read in full here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/02/26/id-560dda88-b902-465a-8278-305d53dffa97/,"Fulcher, Foxx Call Out EEOC Chair for Ending Successful Pilot Programs that Aid Workers",2021-02-26,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Education and Labor Committee Republican Leader Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee Republican Leader Russ Fulcher (R-ID) sent a letter to U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Chair Charlotte Burrows requesting information about her questionable and rushed decision to end the Commission’s successful mediation and conciliation pilot programs. In the letter, the Members write: “We are concerned that your first actions as EEOC Chair were to discontinue these successful pilot programs with little explanation or justification. We urge you to reconsider your hasty decisions to terminate these programs and are requesting additional information about your actions. Mediation and conciliation are vitally important functions of EEOC that lead to just and timely resolutions of cases for workers and employers before cases go through costly litigation.” The Members continue: “The mediation pilot program, or ‘ACT (Access, Categories, Time) Mediation pilot,’ was intended to enhance EEOC’s already successful mediation program … and EEOC received positive feedback on the pilot. The conciliation pilot was intended to build on a renewed commitment to communication between EEOC and the parties, increase internal accountability, and improve existing practices by adding a requirement that the appropriate level of agency management approve offers before they are communicated to employers.” BACKGROUND: On January 27, 2021, EEOC Chair Charlotte Burrows terminated the agency’s mediation and conciliation pilot programs. These pilot programs were launched in July 2020 and recently renewed before Chair Burrows terminated them. The pilots were intended to enhance and strengthen the agency’s existing mediation and conciliation programs. These programs allow the agency to resolve discrimination charges and provide timely relief to workers while avoiding costly litigation. To read the full letter to Chair Burrows, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/02/25/id-a2a65ab5-6fe3-456c-8736-ecd36ddd1614/,"Fulcher Objects to H.R. 803 on House Floor, Amendments Rejected",2021-02-25,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week Congressman Russ Fulcher joined many of his Republican colleagues to submit amendments to H.R. 803, the Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act. While all three amendments were rejected by the Democrat-controlled rules committee earlier this week, Congressman Fulcher spoke on the House floor this evening in opposition of the overall bill. Watch Congressman Fulcher’s floor speech here. Congressman Fulcher’s three amendments would have amended the following in H.R. 803: Allow the relevant County Commissioners to petition the relevant Secretary to perform certain necessary activities as neighboring communities to Wilderness Study Areas or Wildness Areas. Require the relevant Secretary to receive written approval from a State when appropriating and/or adjudicating surface water rights and stream flows across any wilderness or wilderness study area. State that nothing in this Act allows the relevant Secretary to supersede State water law or water rights appropriated and adjudicated under State authority. In regard to the amendments, Congressman Fulcher commented, “I am very disappointed to see these amendments thrown out. These were common-sense improvements to preserve state sovereignty over water rights and give our counties a voice in designated Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas. This unwillingness to even allow my amendments to be debated on the House Floor is further proof that many politicians in Washington, DC simply do not consider the issues of Western states in much of their policy making.” H.R. 308 passed the House tonight and is on it’s way to the Senate. The bill will designate 1.5 million acres of new wilderness, withdraws millions of acres from mineral production, expands about 110,000 acres of national monument land, and adds over 400,000 acres of special management areas in four Western states. This package aims to arbitrarily restrict access to public lands and waters, while eliminating jobs in the energy and mining industry. The biggest concern with the creation of wilderness areas in these Western states is the increased threat of disastrous wildfires, and restriction of forest management that pose a direct threat for adjacent communities. Congressman Fulcher commented on H.R. 308 on the House floor this evening, “This bill would add 1.5 million acres of new wilderness area, monument expansion, scenic rivers—and that sounds pretty good. But here’s the rest of the story. And this is coming from someone who’s home state is two thirds federally owned. This bill also comes with a critical mineral ban on things like Uranium. China and Russia will thank us for that. This bill also comes with a ban on any active land management which is a welcome mat for wildfires. It’s simple: if we don’t manage it, a lightning strike will. That’s too bad for wildlife, the environment, and productive use, but at least we get the privilege of spending taxpayer dollars on wildfire suppression. We can’t rationalize the contents of this bill to the objective American taxpayer, but that’s what happens when legislation gets rammed through without one markup, or adequate bipartisan review.” More information from the House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/02/11/id-95d11ad4-ffc6-4a84-895c-fed0a151697b/,Congressman Fulcher Introduces the One Subject At A Time Act,2021-02-11,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russ Fulcher has introduced the One Subject at a Time Act, to provide accountability and transparency in Congress. This bill currently has seven cosponsors including, Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Mo Brooks (R-AL), Thomas Massie (R-KY), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Bill Posey (R-FL), and Chip Roy (R-TX). The One Subject at a Time Act requires that each bill covers a single topic, ensuring singular votes on each subject and ending the practice of large omnibus bills. Omnibus bills are large funding packages that include hundreds of different government agencies, topics, and interests. Typically, these packages include massive government waste and overspending along with priorities that have broad support by Members of Congress such as, veterans care, funding for homeland security, pay for our military troops, and district-specific programs like Payment In Lieu of Taxes. This creates a disingenuous situation for legislators to manage increases to our national debt as it nears $28 trillion. “In Idaho, legislative bills are limited to a single subject and voted on separately,” Congressman Fulcher said.“This practice holds every legislator accountable to their constituents because each topic has a separate and transparent vote. As the House of Representatives looks at proposals to modernize Congress, especially during debates over the recent COVID-19 relief legislation, the One Subject at a Time Act deserves to be part of the conversation. Adding minimum wage increases, state bailouts, and other unrelated spending to emergency-aid legislation does not allow for transparency for the Members or their constituencies. This proposal will end ‘back room deals,’ large ‘must-pass’ bills, and restore trust in our representative government.” “The American people deserve to know where their federal legislators stand on issues and deserve the right to hold them accountable for their vote on every new law,” said Congressman Andy Biggs. “The ‘One Subject at a Time Act’ will raise the level of integrity in Congress and restore some of the faith the American people have lost in their elected leaders.” “For far too long, Congress has ignored whether an issue is germane and has treated legislation, especially appropriations, like a Shop ‘Till You Drop Sweepstakes,” commented Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. “I am proud to have cosponsored the One Subject at a Time Act which will provide more transparent legislation and better results for the American people.” “Too often in Washington, politicians pack massive ‘motherhood and apple pie’ bills with terrible, special interest demands, then vote on the bills mere hours after introduction before anyone has had time to read the text,” stated Congressman Mo Brooks. “While this process is great for special interest groups and great for Congressmen and Senators who covet special interest contributions, it is horrible for America. Limiting bills to one subject means no unrelated bad provisions that are so bad they can never pass on their own merit. Alabama’s Constitution has a ‘one subject matter per bill’ requirement that works quite well. Congress should learn from the states and similarly pass ‘one subject matter per bill’ legislation.” “This legislation is a good step towards greater transparency in government,” commented Congressman Ralph Norman. “Let’s put an end to the practice of using bills for leverage or as hostage to one another. Every bill should be considered on its own merits, simply put: One subject – one vote.” “If our ideas have merit Congress should openly debate them and let them be considered on the House floor in their own right,” said Congressman Bill Posey. “Furthermore, it’s critical for Congress to get back to the practice of passing individual appropriations bills and stop waiting until the eleventh hour to bring up a massive omnibus spending bills that nobody will be able to read.” “The House of Representatives no longer functions as a deliberative body. So-called “must pass” bills are drafted behind closed doors by a select few in leadership, span hundreds of pages and dozens of topics, and are then dropped on the floor against a deadline for members to take or leave,” commented Congressman Chip Roy. “This leaves most of us unable to perform our duty to our constituents. The One Subject at a Time Act is one critical step in returning the People’s House to the people by restoring transparency of subject and encouraging true debate.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/02/10/id-dc74258e-f919-486c-b90f-ccf1b520025f/,Congressman Russ Fulcher Appointed as Subcommittee Ranking Member,2021-02-10,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Education and Labor Committee Member Russ Fulcher has announced his appointment to serve as Ranking Member of the Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee. Congressman Fulcher released the following statement on his new position as the Subcommittee Ranking Member: “It is an honor to be selected as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services. This subcommittee handles important issues– many of which we have found bipartisan agreement on in the past. I look forward to continuing to support these areas of common ground, including the Older Americans Act to help seniors become self-empowered, and the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) to strengthen the efforts of local organizations advocating for our children. As businesses recover from a government shutdown, I will be a voice to ensure they aren’t further burdened by additional regulations and employment issues to impede their revival.” House Education and Labor Committee Ranking Member Virginia Foxx added, “Representative Fulcher has extensive experience on issues relating to Civil Rights and Human Services. His time in Congress has been marked by a commitment to fairness, due process, and support for religious freedom and he will continue to build that legacy through his new role as Ranking Member.” Republican Members of the subcommittee are: Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) (Chair) Rep. Fulcher (R-ID) (Ranking Member) Rep. Thompson (R-PA) Rep. McClain (R-MI) Rep. Spartz (R-IN) Rep. Fitzgerald (R-WI) Rep. Adams (D-NC) Rep. Hayes (D-CT) Rep. Leger Fernandez (D-NM) Rep. Mrvan (D-IN) Rep. Bowman (D-NY) Ranking Member Virginia Foxx also released the following statement on the new subcommittee leadership, “The Education and Labor Committee is uniquely equipped to find bipartisan solutions for the most pressing issues facing American students, workers, and families, especially in the face of a public health emergency. During the 117th Congress, I look forward to working closely with each of our freshman and returning Members to foster opportunities for students to learn, workers to succeed, and job creators to thrive. Each of our subcommittee Ranking Members is a proven leader with vast knowledge in his respective area of jurisdiction. I am confident in these Members’ ability to lead the Republican effort to combat the many challenges facing the American people as well as holding Democrats and the Biden administration accountable as they pursue socialist policies.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/02/05/id-118bbc29-b886-4de7-8d19-56b622ce1ab7/,"Reps. Fulcher, Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers, and Herrera Beutler Reaffirm Support for Pacific Northwest Resources",2021-02-05,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"In a resolution, the lawmakers expressed that it is the sense of Congress that hydropower is an essential source of energy in the United States. The resolution states that hydropower should not only be protected, but that the U.S. should increase its generation and capacity of this clean, renewable source of power. “The hydropower developed in the Pacific Northwest benefits every resident, family, and business in our region, and it’s an important component of the all-of-the-above energy strategy that will ensure the United States maintains energy independence and leadership on the global stage,” said the lawmakers in a joint statement. “The clean, renewable power generated by the dams along the Columbia and Snake Rivers supplies half of the Pacific Northwest’s energy and is critical for a reliable power grid. Without it, life as we know it in our region would cease to exist.” Click here for the full text of the resolution. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/01/27/id-76416f76-2f1f-4e9b-bdc0-ba9a3c22cd85/,Congressman Fulcher Announces First District Military Academy Nominees,2021-01-27,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Fulcher has announced the candidates nominated for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA); the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA); the U.S. Military Academy (USMA); and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. The first step in a student’s journey to attend a Military Service Academy is to apply for a congressional nomination. Each candidate is eligible for four congressional nominations, and highly encouraged to seek nominations from all offices to increase the probability of earning a nomination. The offices eligible to provide nominations are the Office of the Vice President of the United States, the two Idaho U.S. Senate offices, and the Idaho U.S. House of Representatives office. Congressman Fulcher may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to Idaho’s First Congressional District. “Congratulations to the nominated candidates!” exclaimed Congressman Fulcher. “All the best to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies to serve our country and represent the Gem State.” U.S. Merchant Marine Academy- Kings Point, NY Grace Jackson, Parma High School Nicholas Bisagno, Mountain View High School Caleb Colson, Centennial High School Olivia Hill, Lake City High School Nathan Patchen, Capital High School Lacy Yates, Emmett High School U.S. Military Academy- West Point, NY Elliot Lim, Renaissance High School Olivia Love, Eagle High School Boone Phillips, Skyview High School Michael Schlothauer, Coeur d’Alene High School Timothy Luke Simpson, Meridian High School Jaxon Smith, Middleton High School Holden Sopoti, Renaissance High School Thomas Symms, Homedale High School Anna Wang, Renaissance High School Lacy Yates, Emmett High School U.S. Air Force Academy- Colorado Springs, CO Kae’la Brown, Vallivue High School Caleb Colson, Centennial High School Kobie DeLeonard, Coeur d’Alene High School Kyle Garner, Eagle High School Olivia Hill, Lake City High School Mason Kilker, Rocky Mountain High School Elliot Lim, Renaissance High School Madison Peterson, Rocky Mountain High School Gary Spencer Severance, Boise High School Jaxon Smith, Middleton High School U.S. Naval Academy- Annapolis, MD Austin Durfee, Eagle High School James Griffin, Sandpoint High School Olivia Love, Eagle High School Steven Newcomer, Monterey High School Nathan Patchen, Capital High School Michael Schlothauer, Coeur d’Alene High School Timothy Luke Simpson, Meridian High School Holden Sopoti, Renaissance High School Thomas Symms, Homedale High School Mja Towner, Weiser High School Applicants who received a nomination are not guaranteed an appointment; it is only the first step in the process. In addition, the prestige of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and responsibility to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. To learn more about future military academy nominations and the application process, visit https://fulcher.house.gov/service-academy-nominations. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/01/27/id-e2dc32b5-5423-4310-8582-052164fd0519/,Western Caucus Members Condemn Biden’s Expansion of Oil & Gas Moratorium,2021-01-27,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Western Caucus released the following statements in opposition to President Biden’s expansion of the moratorium on oil and gas leases for federal lands and waters. The moratorium imposed by Executive Order just days after President Biden took office will negatively impact the economies, jobs, and local communities of rural America while threatening America’s energy security. Chairman Dan Newhouse (R-WA): “Our nation’s energy independence is literally fueled by leasing and drilling permits. President Biden’s unilateral decision to extend the moratorium on oil and gas leases is misguided and ill-informed. This decision is a direct attack on the hardworking men and women who rely on these good-paying jobs, local economies, and rural communities that rely on the revenue from these leases. Worse, it puts American energy security in jeopardy. It didn’t take long for President Biden to bend to the pressures of far-left environmentalists rather than embrace an all-of-the above energy policy that has proven to work.” Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT): “Extending the moratorium would be catastrophic to Utah’s economy, especially in our rural counties where the economy is most fragile. Drastic policy swings like this will have devastating ripple effects. Rural jobs, tribal interests, education funding, and small businesses are on the line. This decision neglects the needs of the local community and puts even more power in the Federal Government’s hands.” Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN): “Joe Biden’s oil and gas moratorium on federal lands is nothing short of an anti-jobs and anti-science assault on our way of life and paves the way for potential mining and mineral moratoriums. Using our own God-given natural resources on our federal lands leads to high-wage, union protected jobs; shores up our national security by being an energy exporter; and keeps energy costs down for middle class families. Meanwhile, offshore oil revenues provide revenue for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. President Biden needs to use common sense and reverse these decrees. Our energy producers need to continue to lead the way in our country’s energy independence especially in these times of economic uncertainty and hardship.” Chairman Emeritus Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (R-AZ): “The Biden Administration’s war on American jobs is only beginning. This ban on American energy production will do nothing to affect our climate, do nothing to change the demand or amount of oil that America needs or uses, but will kill American jobs, drain state and federal resources and empower Russian and OPEC to control our energy future. This Administration made clear their distaste for American oil and gas workers and their families as they campaigned, unfortunately they are just beginning to destroy working American’s lives by executive order.” Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ): “President Biden is destroying the livelihoods of thousands of American gas and oil workers by placing a moratorium on gas and oil leases on federal land. The United States is losing its energy independence and our economy is weakening. It is evident the Biden administration is not putting Americans first, and I call on them to lift the moratorium and return Americans to work.” Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO): “Blocking future oil and gas leases on 700 million acres is an extreme attack on the livelihoods of the people in my district. COVID lockdowns have created enough unemployment and economic challenges without Joe Biden delivering more pink slips to thousands of Coloradans. People are losing everything they have and the only thing this president cares about is appeasing extremist environmentalists. While the Biden administration pretends big oil is its target, the reality is it’s the folks in small rural communities that will be hit hardest by today’s indefinite moratorium. The U.S. has the highest environmental standards in the world and if we aren’t responsibly developing these resources in America, then other countries will take these jobs and develop dirtier resources.” Rep. Don Young (R-AK): “It is not surprising, though no less disappointing, that President Biden is continuing Obama-era attacks against Alaska and against energy projects across the country. By placing a moratorium on oil and gas projects on federal land, President Biden has surrendered to his party’s environmental extremists at the cost of good-paying jobs. I want the President to know this: in my state, we have shown for decades that energy development and environmental protection can go hand in hand. These actions serve only to hinder our economy, stifle energy independence, and in many ways are a gift to adversaries like Russia, China, and Venezuela. I call on President Biden to recognize that if the United States is not producing energy, hostile countries with far lower environmental standards will fill the void. For the sake of national security and economic growth, I call on President Biden to reverse this disastrous moratorium.” House Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-AR): “Job killing, top-down, detrimental regulation is the Democrat way. President Biden has proven this during his first week in office. Halting new energy leasing and development on federal land not only puts thousands of Americans out of work in the middle of a pandemic, but it also prevents states from investing energy revenues into schools, environmental programs, community development, and more. We’ve made incredible progress over the years, making our energy cleaner, cheaper, and safer than ever. We should continue producing it here at home, where we can regulate the environmental standards and pollution requirements. Instead, President Biden is cutting off our supply while the demand continues to grow, forcing us to depend on energy from overseas where we can control none of these environmental regulations. Energy policy should be a rational, long-term plan not a knee-jerk, unscientific decision that does absolutely nothing to help the environment.” Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA): “Over the last year, the pandemic has only further demonstrated that reliable and affordable domestically-produced energy is critical to our nation and has even been deemed an essential job sector. Unfortunately, this important lesson has fallen on deaf ears at the Biden Administration. This ban is a political stunt crafted to pacify the radical, left-wing of his party and will cause overwhelming devastation to California’s energy industry, potentially jeopardizing more than 360,000 oil and natural gas related jobs. As California tries to recover from the most economically crushing period in modern history, it’s evident that President Biden’s empty promises, that energy development would not be eliminated, ring as hollow as his ‘unifying’ agenda.” Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (R-WY): “Today’s executive orders signed by President Biden will endanger our economy in Wyoming and threaten our national security. The negative ramifications that will be felt across the country because of this ban will be real and painful. Energy costs will rise. Domestic energy production will fall. Jobs will be lost. Energy states like ours with a large percentage of federal land will lose out on critical education, infrastructure, and healthcare resources, and the individuals who can least afford it will bear the brunt of this decision. Not only that, but this will diminish our ability to produce energy domestically and maintain energy independence, forcing us to rely on our adversaries which undermines our national security interests. “As the country continues to battle the economic crisis posed by COVID-19, cutting off a major lifeline that Americans have relied on to survive during this time is reckless and irresponsible. We should be expanding opportunities for energy production and economic success, not eliminating them. “I intend to work with allies in Washington and partners in Wyoming to fight against these devastating orders to defend the interests of the people of Wyoming and our nation.” Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA): “It’s incredible we have a brand-new administration that preaches unity and in the same breath celebrates another opportunity to knee-cap offshore energy production, the National Parks system and the resiliency of Gulf Coast communities. Their actions are unilateral, divisive, liberal and uninformed by science. For years we have sounded the alarm about hurricane protection and flood prevention efforts in Gulf Coast States and the impact of diverting production overseas – and today’s announcement shows that excluding Louisiana from the energy production negotiations and implementing a half-baked moratorium is not in our country’s best interest. The energy industry has been absolutely blindsided yet again, and this decision today doesn’t add up. In July 2020, we rushed through Congress the Great American Outdoors Act, taking the money that we generate from offshore energy in Louisiana to buy more land in California and other western states. While in the same year, five named hurricanes made landfall in Louisiana. Fast forward to the announced moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico in September 2020 by President Trump, specifically off the coast of Florida, and then today’s announcement, these states are throwing a doubleheader pep rally celebrating the moratorium news while Louisianians are still struggling to put their lives back together in the wake of the volatile 2020 hurricane season. They can’t have it both ways. They still want to heat and power their homes and businesses, but at the same time, they want to destroy the very industry that powers our country. Not to mention, this decision will not reduce global greenhouse emissions. As we’ve seen time and time again, a moratorium in the United States will only result in increased production in other countries at the expense of American workers.” Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO): “The Biden Administration’s announcement to impose a radical moratorium ban on new oil and gas leases on federal lands will put Americans with high paying jobs in the energy industry out of work and further burden American families with higher energy prices. This action will also cause the loss of critical revenue that states and local governments depend on to fund schools, police and fire services, and conservation programs. Instead of this misguided action, the Administration should promote an all-of-the-above energy policy that ensures affordable, domestically produced energy for all Americans. I call on President Biden to reverse this terrible decision for the sake of our recovering economy and our national security.” Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO): “President Biden’s moratorium on oil and gas leases will kill American jobs and force us to rely on foreign nations for energy. This assault on the industry rips good-paying jobs away from oil and gas workers, many of whom reside in Colorado’s Fourth District. It is unconscionable to do this in the middle of a pandemic.” Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND): “President Biden’s moratorium on oil and gas leases will crush a critical segment of our country’s economy, increase reliance on foreign energy, and weaken our national security. Responsible energy development on our public lands is a critical component of North Dakota’s economy, and this ban will strike at the livelihoods of the families reliant on the energy sector. The Biden Administration needs to reverse this devastating decision.” Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK): “It was no secret President Biden planned to destroy the oil and gas industry if elected president and in the first week of his administration, he’s taken actions to do just that. This only makes us more dependent on foreign oil and increases prices for American families, not to mention eliminates good-paying jobs in the middle of a pandemic. I strongly oppose this decision and I urge the Biden Administration to reconsider.” Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA): “America has become the world leader in energy production and a major exporter of oil and natural gas, strengthening our national security and boosting our economy for hard-working families. In less than a week, the Biden Administration has placed these jobs and accomplishments at risk by waging an assault on American energy, as well as the good jobs and low energy costs that go with it. Today’s executive order, combined with last week’s decision to halt energy leasing and permits, will put thousands of Americans out of work, increase energy costs on hard-working families, and make our country less secure. A ban on American energy production will ship millions of high-paying jobs from energy-producing states like Louisiana, to Middle Eastern countries and adversaries like Russia, which emit carbon at dramatically higher rates than us. The American people deserve an all-of-the-above energy strategy that promotes responsible energy exploration and development – not more steps toward the radical Green New Deal. Threatening the livelihood of millions of hard-working families during a global pandemic is beyond destructive, and instead of caving to his radical base, President Biden should consider the devastating consequences that eliminating American energy will have on hard-working families and our national security.” Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK): “Oil and gas play an important role in our nation’s energy independence, and the Biden Administration’s deeply misguided moratorium on oil and gas leasing, drilling permits, and lease extension would have severe economic impacts across the country. The U.S. federal government owns hundreds of millions of acres of land across the United States, much of which is rich with natural resources. At a time when we need to be supporting energy producers and our economy, prohibiting the Bureau of Land Management offices from leasing and permitting will only stifle our economic recovery, further American dependence on foreign oil, and create more uncertainty for families who rely on America’s energy industry. I urge President Biden to lift the moratorium for the sake and well-being of communities across America. Until then, I’ll stand with our partners in Oklahoma, and across the Nation, to ensure our energy industry remains strong.” Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID): “The Biden Administration’s attack on U.S. energy independence continues. The purpose of public lands should not be misunderstood by the President. Public lands are intended to provide a resource to our country, not to be preserved and untouched like our parks. These first moves from President Biden’s Interior Department will make us reliant on foreign adversaries for energy resources and eliminate the local jobs, businesses of public land utilization in some of our most rural counties.” Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX): “From day one, President Biden’s record number of executive actions have been hostile towards the American worker and the American economy. In just one week, we’ve witnessed President Biden cave to the far left’s extreme climate agenda, leaving thousands of hardworking American energy sector employees jobless in the midst of a global pandemic. Energy independence is vital to our national security and our economy’s ability to recover from government-mandated shutdowns. We must reject these harmful policies and put America first.” Rep. Yvette Herrell (R-NM): “More than half the oil and more than two-thirds of the natural gas produced in New Mexico is on federal lands. A moratorium on new leases will devastate our state’s economy, destroying more than 60,000 jobs by 2022, and decimate our state’s budget. As I told our governor this week: this will have the greatest impact on the children of New Mexico, where our public education system received more than $1 billion in funding from the oil and gas industry last year alone.” Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX): “The Biden Administration’s efforts to ban new oil and gas permits on federal lands and waters is a direct attack on working families and will completely devastate America’s energy independence. This move will not only kill a million jobs and threaten our national security but also our economic recovery. I urge the President to rethink this reckless moratorium.” Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID): “On his path to banning mining and oil and gas developments on federal lands and water, President Biden is putting our energy supply chain in jeopardy and costing Americans their jobs. This short sighted policy decision risks bankrupting precious conservation programs and would make us more reliant on countries like China for strategic minerals. I would hope this administration sees the dangers of Secretarial Order 3395 and reconsiders it immediately.” Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX): “Since the mid-2000s America has been one of the leading energy producers in the world. President Biden’s planned expansion of his moratorium on all federal oil and gas leases will kill our nation’s energy independence and ensure our dependence on foreign energy producers. These early actions cause concern that the climate panic will overshadow any plans to provide Americans stable and affordable energy sources. It is deeply concerning that this anti-energy agenda will waste decades of work. President Biden must reverse course or he will irreparably hurt one of the most important sectors of our economy.” Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC): “President Biden is throwing away our American energy dominance that was achieved under the Trump Administration. By implementing a prohibition on oil and gas leasing on federal lands, the Biden Administration is signaling they are more interested in killing jobs and endangering our national security than bolstering the monumental energy advancements made during the last four years. President Biden’s “Buy American” plans should also apply to American energy. But instead, his plans put thousands of American jobs at risk, like we’ve already seen with the Keystone XL pipeline, and will force energy production to foreign adversaries with horrific environmental standards. We’ve seen this playbook before under the disastrous Obama Administration, and all it did was skyrocket energy prices for hard-working Americans and made our country less safe.” Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD): “This pandemic has taught us a lot about our supply chains. Our trading partners are critical, but being dependent on foreign oil puts us in a weaker position. It’s possible for America to be energy independent and we should continue efforts that promote that goal rather than destroy it.” Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA): “By unilaterally killing the Keystone Pipeline, recommitting the U.S. to the lopsided Paris Climate Change Accords, and now freezing energy production on our federal lands—in just his first week in office—President Biden has already ensured that he will raise energy prices, eliminate energy jobs, and make our country more dependent on foreign oil. Of course, none of these outrageous actions will achieve his stated goal of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. If there was any doubt whether President Biden is going to side with climate activists or working families, the answer is now crystal clear.” Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH): “These actions undermine our nation’s drive for energy independence by limiting conventional energy development. Cutting the domestic supply of conventional energy won’t decrease the demand for it. Instead, it will cause us to rely on other countries for critical resources, which could threaten our national security. With our economy still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, we need an all-of-the-above energy strategy that protects American jobs and reduces energy costs. I firmly believe Republicans and Democrats can work together to produce bipartisan proposals that accomplish those goals while still ensuring we are good stewards of our environment.” Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ): “President Biden’s decision to halt oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters will result in the elimination of critical jobs and puts the livelihoods of many American families at risk. This decision is also a direct threat to our national security by forcing our country to rely on foreign nations for energy. This is a bad decision for America.” Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA): “Pie-in-the-sky government mandates and directives that restrict our mining, oil, and gas industries adversely impact our energy security and independence. At a time when millions are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last thing Americans need is big government destroying jobs, while costing the economy billions of dollars. Embracing unilateral actions that impede our ability to compete globally will not address climate change risks and will only embolden China. Instead, we need to encourage free-market technological innovation and all-of-the-above energy solutions that promote clean energy development and deployment.” Background: On January 26, the Department of the Interior imposed a 60-day moratorium on oil and gas leasing, drilling permits, and lease extensions on federal land. Chairman Newhouse released a statement in opposition.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/01/26/id-9ce2521f-cf2a-4c93-b23a-c82b0c610014/,Idaho Delegation Introduces Legislation to Split the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and add a Federal Judge to Idaho,2021-01-26,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contacts: Melanie Lawhorn (Crapo), 202-224-6142 Marty Cozza (Risch), 202-224-2752 Nikki Wallace (Simpson), 208-334-1953 Alexah Rogge (Fulcher), 202-225-6611 Washington, D.C. – The Idaho Congressional Delegation introduced legislation to address the federal judicial crisis in Idaho. H.R. 320 and its Senate companion would split the Ninth Circuit Court into two circuits. The new Ninth Circuit would be composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and Northern Mariana Islands. The new Twelfth Circuit would be composed of the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Every few decades, Congress must exercise its Constitutional authority and realign the United States Courts of Appeals into more efficient and manageable circuits that best represent the people within the circuit and provide them with an expeditious judicial process. This happened most recently in 1981 when the Eleventh Circuit of Alabama, Florida and Georgia was created from the old Fifth Circuit leaving Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas in the Fifth Circuit. “The Ninth Circuit was established 131 years ago. The region has experienced exponential growth since that time, particularly in Idaho, which has created significant caseloads for the Court to consider,” said Senator Mike Crapo. “Once again, the numbers of caseloads create an astonishingly slow process for those seeking justice. Splitting the Ninth Circuit will help generate a swifter route to justice for those in the region.” “When the Ninth Circuit Court serves nearly twice the number of people as the next-largest judicial circuit and carries five times the case backlog of the average circuit, then it should be clear to anyone with a calculator that the Ninth is overdue to be split,” said Senator Jim Risch.“Restructuring the Ninth Circuit will result in more manageable caseloads and allow the courts to more closely mirror the populations they serve.” “Putting aside any political, historical or emotional arguments, the numbers speak for themselves on why a split of the Ninth Circuit is inevitable,” said Congressman Mike Simpson.“Over 65 million Americans, or one in five citizens, reside in the Ninth Circuit. The next largest circuit has 30 million fewer residents. The Ninth Circuit has more people than the First, Second, Third and D.C. Circuits combined! We need a new circuit.” “It’s no secret that Californians are flocking to our state. The differences between California and Idaho’s policies, values, and economies couldn’t be more different—and that’s what makes us an attractive destination for families and businesses alike,” said Congressman Russ Fulcher.“Despite these differences, our states have been lumped together into the Ninth District Court of Appeals– meaning cases for Idaho and western rural states like Arizona, Nevada, and Montana are heard in San Francisco by judges who may interpret federal laws with influence from a more metropolitan region. The addition of a new 12thCircuit Federal Court would be beneficial for every state involved by lowering the overall caseload for each court.” H.R. 319 and S. 23 allows the President to appoint one additional federal district judge for the district of Idaho, increasing the number of district judges to three. The federal district of Idaho has had just two federal district judges since 1954, when the population of the state was at 600,000. It is now at 1.7 million and growing, and as Idaho’s population grows, so does the number of court cases. As a result, the nonpartisan Judicial Conference of the United States has formally recommend that Congress authorize one new permanent district judge in Idaho consistently since 2003. “For nearly two decades, the Judicial Conference of the United States has consistently found Idaho to be facing a judicial emergency based on weighted caseload numbers per active judge,”said Senator Crapo. “Idaho is in a precarious position to serve justice expeditiously, having faced an increase of caseloads by over 50 percent in the last few years. We have recommended a new judgeship for years, and it is past time Congress put aside partisan difference to address this crisis now.” “Idaho is the fastest growing state in the nation, yet our judiciary is still operating with the same number of judges as it did in the 1950s,” said Senator Risch. “With triple the population and an immense caseload, it’s time Idaho is granted a permanent third district judge.” “As the legal community in Idaho well knows, the state of Idaho is facing a federal judicial crisis,”said Congressman Simpson. “We are one of just three states in the nation with only two federal judge seats for the entire state. This means our federal judges have an extraordinary caseload and high number of weighted filings per judgeship. As we all know, justice delayed is justice denied, and it is beyond time to authorize another judgeship for Idaho.” “Since being assigned two district judges in 1954, Idaho’s population has tripled. The surge in residents, addition of new industries, and 43% increase in criminal filings have put major strain on the capacity of these positions and seriously slowed down the judicial process,” said Congressman Fulcher. “Rather than the current costly, short-term fix of bringing in visiting judges to lower the backlog, it is common sense to add a third, permanent district judge to Idaho’s federal district court. This action will not only save money and increase efficiency in the courts, it will, most importantly, ensure Idahoans constitutional rights to due process and a speedy trial.” H.R. 319 and 320 have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration. S. 23 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which Senator Crapo is a member, for further consideration. The Senate version of H.R. 320 will be introduced on the Senate Floor when the Senate can move from the impeachment trial to regular legislative business. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z https://fulcher.house.gov/2021/01/13/id-34f0db6b-2246-464a-b15b-a3dbb47db5d6/,Congressman Fulcher Comments on Impeachment Vote,2021-01-13,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,ID,Russ Fulcher,F000469,fulcher.house.gov,fulcher,https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Contact: Alexah Rogge 202-225-6611 alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Fulcher released the following statement in regard to the upcoming vote to impeach President Donald Trump. “Our Congress’ legislative process was put in place to facilitate debate, improve ideas, and ensure minority voices are heard throughout. Though these official processes have been trampled by Speaker Pelosi’s recent rule changes to lessen the voices of the minority party, the fact remains – there IS a process. The attacks on our Capitol on January 6th have no place in politics, and cannot be tolerated as any sort of norm when official processes are being carried out—no matter how divisive or contentious the issue being addressed. On January 20th, the process will take place to inaugurate a new President, and I believe, if our republic is to survive, we must respect that. I anticipate this will be made only more difficult and divisive by further attempts to impeach President Trump in the House, with only days left in his term, and without proper hearings or investigations taking place. As reiterated in my attached letter to the Speaker sent January 9th, this is not the time to drive the partisan wedge deeper.” The January 9th letter sent from Congressman Fulcher to Speaker Pelosi is attached, and can be viewed online here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z