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U.S. Congressional Tipoffs Involving Idaho Newsletter for Sunday November 05, 2023 ( 35 items )  

Chairman Simpson Champions Idaho Priorities as the Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill Passes House
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson - Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee - released the following statement after the bill passed the House.  "I am pleased to see the House pass my Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, and I t  more

Congressman Fulcher Praises Continued Expansion of GTN Express Project To Benefit Idaho
KAMIAH, Idaho, Nov. 1 -- Rep. Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: At the conclusion of a crowded Congressional Town Hall in Kamiah, Idaho, Congressman Russ Fulcher reiterated his support for the approval of the Gas Transmission Northwest XPress Project (GTN Xpress) by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to benefit his constituents in Idaho. The approval of the GTN Xpress project will allow an extra 150 million standard cubic feet per day in an existing pipeline  more

Crapo Statement at Social Security Administration Commissioner Nomination Hearing
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, delivered the following remarks at hearing to consider the nomination of Martin O'Malley to be Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA). As prepared for delivery: "Thank you, Senator Wyden. "Governor O'Malley, congratulations on your nomination and thank you for your willingness to serve.   more

Crapo, Risch Double Down Demanding Answers from Department of Education Amid Dangerous Increase in Antisemitic Behavior on College Campuses
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: Washington, D.C.--As antisemitic behavior continues to escalate across college campuses, U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) are doubling down on their demands that the U.S. Secretary of Education provide information regarding the U.S. Department of Education's efforts--or lack thereof--to ensure the safety of Jewish and Pro-Israel students. The Senators also reiterated that the department must   more

Crapo, Risch Join Bipartisan Group In Seeking Longer Comment Period On Major Ag Worker Program Reforms
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) joined a bipartisan group of Senators in asking two federal agencies to give farmers and ranchers more time to review and comment on significant reforms to the H-2A temporary agricultural workers program. In letters to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, the Senators request a 60-day public com  more

Crapo, Risch, Cassidy Introduce Judicial Reform Bill to Streamline Permitting Processes in the U.S.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: Washington, D.C--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) and Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) introduced the Revising and Enhancing Project Authorizations Impacted by Review (REPAIR) Act, which will streamline the permitting process for U.S. energy, manufacturing and critical infrastructure projects. "Progress in American manufacturing and energy production means limiting the time and resources wasted on b  more

Crapo, Risch, Colleagues Urge President Biden to Address Rise in Terrorists Crossing Southern Border
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) sent a letter to President Joe Biden expressing deep concern about the rise in terrorists crossing the southern border and asking for plans to bolster border and internal security measures. In addition to Crapo and Risch, Senators Todd Young (R-Indiana), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Vi  more

Crapo, Smith, McMorris Rodgers Press Biden Administration to Withdraw Unworkable, Unrealistic Federal Nurse Staffing Mandate
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: Washington, D.C.--The Biden Administration recently proposed a one-size-fits-all federal nurse staffing mandate, despite overwhelming evidence that such a policy would be virtually impossible for the nation's nursing homes to meet. In a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Becerra and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Brooks-LaSure, U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ra  more

Finance Committee Republicans: New Medicaid Rule Risks Disrupting Patient Care
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following news release: In a concerning departure from precedent, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a new rule to change Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP) operations in ways that offer no material benefit for patients. In a letter to Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Republican members of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, led by Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R  more

Finance Committee Republicans: New Medicaid Rule Risks Disrupting Patient Care
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: Washington, D.C.--In a concerning departure from precedent, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a new rule to change Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP) operations in ways that offer no material benefit for patients. In a letter to Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Republican members of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, led by Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), urged the Administrat  more

Lujan, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve AI Testing and Evaluation Systems, Safeguard Americans Against Risks
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release: Lujan, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve AI Testing and Evaluation Systems, Safeguard Americans Against Risks Washington, D.C. -Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Testing and Evaluation Systems for Trusted Artificial Intelligence (TEST) AI Act to improve the federa  more

Rep. Simpson Challenges EAJA
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: The United States House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson - Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee - authored language that pushes back against the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA).  "I have been a strong advocate for EAJA reform to prevent special interest groups   more

Rep. Simpson Fights Against Lava Ridge Wind Project in Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson - Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee - secured a provision related to onshore wind projects in Idaho requiring the Comptroller General to produce a report identifying potential adverse effects of wind  more

Rep. Simpson Fully Funds PILT
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which fully funds the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson - Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee - authored the language that secures complete funding for the PILT program.  "It is my honor to en  more

Rep. Simpson Limits Job-Killing Regulations by the EPA
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which cuts and rescinds wasteful Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson - Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee - authored language that reduces funding for the EPA by nearly 40 percent.  "The   more

Rep. Simpson Reins in ESA Sage Grouse Listing Overreach
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which includes language prohibiting the listing of the greater sage-grouse under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson - Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee - authored the language that reins in ESA listin  more

Rep. Simpson Secures Language Repealing Obama-Era WOTUS Rule
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: The United States House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which repeals President Biden's overreaching Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulations. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson - Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee - authored language to prevent and block the Biden administration's flawed d  more

Rep. Simpson Secures Language to Enhance Forest Health and Improve Management
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson - Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee - authored language that improves forest management by addressing the harmful impacts of Cottonwood Environmental Law Center v. United States Forest Service decisi  more

Risch, Crapo Double Down Demanding Answers from Department of Education Amid Dangerous Increase in Antisemitic Behavior on College Campuses
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: As antisemitic behavior continues to escalate across college campuses, U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) are doubling down on their demands that the U.S. Secretary of Education provide information regarding the U.S. Department of Education's efforts--or lack thereof--to ensure the safety of Jewish and Pro-Israel students. The Senators also reiterated that the department must ensure taxpayer dollar  more

Risch, Crapo Urge Biden Administration to Abandon Unrealistic, Costly Energy Efficiency Standards
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho) joined more than 20 of their colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to abandon their proposal that would subject new single and multifamily homes insured or guaranteed by the agencies to unrealistic and overly burdensome energy efficiency standards. The proposal would reduce the supply   more

Risch, Crapo, Cassidy Introduce Judicial Reform Bill to Streamline Permitting Processes in the U.S.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 -- Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), introduced the Revising and Enhancing Project Authorizations Impacted by Review (REPAIR) Act, which will streamline the permitting process for U.S. energy, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure projects. "Radical activist litigation has stalled far too many critical domestic energy, natural resource, and manufacturing  more

Risch, Crapo, Colleagues Urge President Biden to Address Rise in Terrorists Crossing Southern Border
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 -- Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) sent a letter to President Joe Biden expressing deep concern about the rise in terrorists crossing the southern border and asking for plans to bolster border and internal security measures. In addition to Risch and Crapo, Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.  more

Risch, Lujan Introduce Legislation to Improve AI Testing and Evaluation Systems, Safeguard Americans Against Risks
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 -- Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), with Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Thune (R-S.D.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Testing and Evaluation Systems for Trusted Artificial Intelligence (TEST) AI Act to improve the federal government's capacity to test and evaluate Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to drive innovation, protect national security, and safeguard Ame  more

Sen. Johnson and Finance Committee Republicans: New Medicaid Rule Risks Disrupting Patient Care
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin, issued the following news release: On Friday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho.) and nine other Senate Finance Committee Republicans in sending a letter regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule to change Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP) operations in ways that offer no material benefit for patients. In the letter to Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the senators   more

Sen. Mike Crapo: Weekly Column - From The Mailbag--Hunting Safety And Archery Programs
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, issued the following column: * * * From The Mailbag--Hunting Safety And Archery Programs Idahoans contact me with valuable input about the issues our country faces. Concerns with the Biden Administration's efforts to defund hunting safety and archery programs at schools are among the issues Idahoans have contacted me about recently. The following is my response: In April 2023, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) issued a memorandum stating i  more

Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Todd Young Urging President Biden to Address Rise in Terrorists Crossing Southern Border
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 -- Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, issued the following news release: WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) and their colleagues in sending a letter to President Joe Biden expressing deep concern about the rise in terrorists crossing the southern border and asking for plans to bolster border and internal security measures. In addition to Senators Scott and Young, Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy  more

Senate Finance Committee Leaders Wyden, Crapo Release Discussion Draft of Mental Health, PBMs Package Ahead of November 8 Markup
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following news release on Nov. 2, 2023: Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Ranking Member Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, today released a discussion draft including policies aimed at expanding mental health care under Medicaid and Medicare and reducing prescription drug costs for seniors at the pharmacy counter. The package also includes essential Medicaid and Medicare provisions that w  more

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Crapo Issues Remarks at Hearing on Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following remarks at a hearing on Oct. 18, 2023, entitled "Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment: Cracking Down on Deceptive Practices and Improving Senior Experiences": * * * "Thank you, Mr. Chairman. "This hearing comes at a crucial time, as millions of Americans evaluate Medicare coverage options during the annual Open Enrollment period. "During this window, seniors and many American  more

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Crapo Issues Statement at Social Security Administration Commissioner Nomination Hearing
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, delivered the following remarks at hearing to consider the nomination of Martin O'Malley to be Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA). As prepared for delivery: "Thank you, Senator Wyden. "Governor O'Malley, congratulations on your nomination and thank you f  more

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Crapo, Reps. Smith, McMorris Rodgers Press Biden Administration to Withdraw Unworkable, Unrealistic Federal Nurse Staffing Mandate
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following news release: The Biden Administration recently proposed a one-size-fits-all federal nurse staffing mandate, despite overwhelming evidence that such a policy would be virtually impossible for the nation's nursing homes to meet. In a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Becerra and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Brooks-LaSure, U.S  more

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Risch, Sen. Shaheen Announce Intention to Lead Congressional Delegation to 2023 Halifax International Security Forum
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1 -- Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on Oct. 31, 2023: Next month, U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services, Foreign Relations and Appropriations Committees, intend to lead a bipartisan congressional delegation to participate in the 15th annual Halifax Internation  more

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Risch, Sen. Wicker, Reps. McCaul, Rogers on Russia De-Ratification of CTBT
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1 -- Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on Oct. 31, 2023: U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Representatives Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), chairman of the House Armed Services  more

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Risch, Sen. Wicker, Reps. Rogers, McCaul to Biden: 'Finish the Job on ATACMS'
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Representatives Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, yesterd  more

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Risch: Biden Admin is Wrong to Host AGOA Summit in South Africa
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on Nov. 2, 2023: U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, yesterday sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. trade Representative Katherine Tai reiterating concerns regarding the Biden Administration's decision to hold the African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum in South Africa despite   more

WICKER, RISCH, ROGERS, MCCAUL TO BIDEN: "FINISH THE JOB ON ATACMS"
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Jim Risch, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Representatives Mike Rogers, R-Ala., Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, yesterday sent a letter to President Biden demanding that he   more