Russ Fulcher

Fulcher Signs On to Bill Protecting Idahoans’ Privacy - U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher

Position: The release states Congressman Fulcher's co-sponsorship of H.R. 9716 (the PRIVACY Act), which would require federal law enforcement to obtain a federal judge's warrant before accessing surveillance data collected by state and local systems and would prohibit federal funds from being used for widespread deployment of such surveillance tools.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) released the following statement after co-sponsoring H.R. 9716, the Protecting Rights in Video and Equipment Acquired Discovery (PRIVACY) Act. “I’m proud to sign on to this legislation to protect the privacy rights of Idahoans from increasingly intrusive surveillance data collection and to prohibit the widespread deployment of such surveillance tools with federal dollars,” said Congressman Fulcher. “It’s simple: if the federal government wants to access state and local systems' data on citizens, they need to get a warrant.” Specifically, the legislation safeguards the privacy of Americans by requiring federal law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant from a Federal judge before accessing, receiving, querying, or otherwise obtaining surveillance data collected by state and local systems, such as: To read the bill text, click here.

Fulcher Issues Federal Land Management Survey, Encourages Idahoans to Participate - U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher

Position: The release announces a federal land management survey seeking Idahoans' input on federal land management and local stewardship roles. It states the federal ownership footprint restricts access, challenges economic stability, and worsens wildfire impacts, and says the congressman is working on policy solutions for more local say in land management.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) released a survey seeking input from Idahoans regarding the management and use of federal lands within the state of Idaho and the role of local communities in responsible stewardship. “Feedback from this survey is intended to ensure Idahoans have a voice and seat at the table as policy in Washington, D.C., on federal lands is evaluated,” said Congressman Fulcher. “Approximately 62 percent of the land within Idaho’s borders is owned and managed by the federal government, and from 2020 to 2025, nearly 2.7 million of those acres experienced some sort of closure to the public. This extensive federal footprint restricts our access, poses challenges to economic stability, and has exacerbated wildfire devastation due to inadequate stewardship,”  Fulcher added. “I am actively working on identifying policy solutions that ensure Idahoans have more say in our land management practices. Together, we can ensure Idaho’s public lands remain accessible, safe, and sustainably managed for generations to come." The survey is available on Congressman Fulcher’s website at https://fulcher.house.gov/ProtectOurLands/. Personally identifiable information will remain confidential. Earlier this Congress, Congressman Fulcher issued a letter to Idaho’s Constitutional Officers, State Legislators, and County Commissioners on the importance of encouraging local resource management, convening discussions on effective land-management practices moving forward, and safeguarding Idaho’s public lands for future generations of Idahoans.

Fulcher Celebrates Supreme Court’s Decision in Little v. Hecox - U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher

Position: Congressman Fulcher welcomes the Supreme Court's ruling upholding Idaho and West Virginia laws that reserve women's and girls' sports for women and girls. He argues that female athletes should compete on a level playing field.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Little v. Hecox. "In Idaho, women's and girls' sports will remain reserved for women and girls. Today, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Idaho and West Virginia’s laws protecting the integrity of female athletics. This historic decision affirms common sense values and reinforces a simple truth: female athletes deserve every opportunity to compete on a level playing field, succeed, and have their achievements recognized and protected," said U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01).

Fulcher Introduces Bill Expanding Free Access to National Parks for Foster Families - U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher

Position: Congressman Fulcher introduced the PARKS Act (H.R. 9145) to add licensed foster care families to those eligible for America the Beautiful passes free of charge, citing benefits to foster children's health, education, and access to federal lands.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) released the following statement after introducing the Promoting Access to Recreation for Kids in Foster Settings (PARKS) Act, H.R. 9145. The legislation would add licensed foster care families to the list of those who can access America the Beautiful passes free of charge. “I’m delighted to introduce the PARKS Act. America is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, many of which are part of the National Parks System. Lifting the fee for foster care children to access these natural wonders—particularly as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday this year—would provide them with immense benefits, such as enhanced educational resources and improved school readiness,” said Congressman Fulcher. The PARKS Act seeks to promote healthy and active lifestyles, family outdoor activities, and improved mental health. Additionally, because many National Parks and other federal lands incorporate educational signage, foster children have expanded opportunities to learn more about the natural world. In 2024, the latest year for which there is data, there were over 320,000 children in foster care. These are children who have experienced difficult family circumstances and may be struggling. A preponderance of evidence has shown that access to the outdoors can benefit children’s physical and mental health, concentration, and school readiness. The PARKS Act would add licensed foster care families to the list of those who can access America the Beautiful passes free of charge, removing the financial barrier for foster children to access federal lands.

House Passes Fulcher’s Bill to Bolster Geothermal Energy Production - U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher

Position: Congressman Fulcher supports the CLEAN Act (H.R. 1687), which would require consistent geothermal lease sales and streamline federal permitting to expand geothermal energy development.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher’s bill, the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act, H.R. 1687, passed the House of Representatives by unanimous consent. The legislation now heads to the Senate. Congressman Fulcher released the following statement after the vote. “Geothermal is a clean, abundant, and dependable energy resource that can help meet America’s rapidly rising power demands,” said Congressman Fulcher. “However, the lack of consistent geothermal lease sales and the slow federal permitting process result in timelines longer than many other energy projects. The bipartisan CLEAN Act will address these barriers and unlock opportunities to explore and develop this renewable energy source. I’m grateful to see my bill pass the House and urge the Senate’s swift consideration of this commonsense measure.” According to the Department of Energy, the United States leads the world in geothermal electricity-generating capacity—just over four gigawatts. That’s enough to power the equivalent of about three million U.S. homes. Idaho plays a leading role in geothermal energy production. The City of Boise is home to the nation’s first geothermal district heating system, established in 1892. The system supplies naturally heated water through over 20 miles of pipeline, heating more than six million square feet of building space, including the Idaho State Capitol—the only geothermally heated capitol building in the U.S. To begin developing geothermal on federally controlled lands—where approximately 90 percent of viable geothermal resources are located—projects must first obtain a lease, making consistent lease sales crucial to the expansion of this energy source. The CLEAN Act amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to:

Fulcher Votes to Reauthorize Veterans’ Programs and Support Servicemembers - U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher

Position: Congressman Fulcher voted to advance H.R. 8469, the FY2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and states support for its provisions on VA medical facility improvements, reauthorization of veterans' healthcare programs and benefits, and military housing and childcare services.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) released the following statement after voting to advance H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2027 (MilCon-VA). “Having the backs of those who serve—and those who have served—our nation must always remain a national priority,” said Congressman Fulcher. “I have voted in favor of the MilCon-VA appropriations bill, the first appropriations bill to pass the House for Fiscal Year 2027. This legislation champions our Veterans and servicemembers by prioritizing improvements at VA Medical Facilities, fully reauthorizing Veterans’ healthcare programs and benefits, and strengthening military housing and childcare services for active-duty personnel and their families.”

Fulcher Co-Sponsors Major Richard Star Act - U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher

Position: The release supports the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102), which would allow veterans who retire early due to combat or combat-related injuries to receive both disability benefits and full retirement pay, and urges its prompt passage.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) released the following statement after co-sponsoring the Major Richard Star Act, H.R. 2102. "As a nation, we must always stand by and support our Veterans. I am honored to co-sponsor the Major Richard Star Act, H.R. 2102. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that when a Veteran has to retire early due to combat or combat-related injuries, they receive both their disability benefits and the full retirement pay that they have rightfully earned. I urge this legislation to be taken up, passed, and enacted swiftly," said Congressman Fulcher.

Letter to Speaker Johnson Urging to Fix Woody Biomass Definition - U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher

Position: The congressman urges Speaker Johnson to fix the definition of woody biomass, indicating concern about how biomass is currently defined in policy or legislation.

 Subscribe For Newsletter Updates! $ About Biography Idaho’s First District Committee and Caucus Memberships Official Photos Contact Help with a Federal Agency Email Me Newsletter Sign-Up Request a Meeting Website Problem Legislation Issues Letters Newsroom Press Releases In the News Videos Services Commendations and Greetings Congressional App Challenge Congressional Art Competition Congressional Award Program Community Resources Flag Requests Help with a Federal Agency Internships Service Academy Nominations Tour Request Veterans History Project Veterans Resources Follow Follow Follow Follow Letter to Speaker Johnson Urging to Fix Woody Biomass Definition Home Key Issues Natural Resources Letter to Speaker Johnson Urging to Fix Woody Biomass Definition Apr 28, 2026 Letter to Speaker Johnson Urging to Fix Woody Biomass Definition

Fulcher Signs Letter Urging Support for Timber Production in PNW - U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher

Position: Congressman Fulcher signed a letter expressing support for timber production in the Pacific Northwest.

 Subscribe For Newsletter Updates! $ About Biography Idaho’s First District Committee and Caucus Memberships Official Photos Contact Help with a Federal Agency Email Me Newsletter Sign-Up Request a Meeting Website Problem Legislation Issues Letters Newsroom Press Releases In the News Videos Services Commendations and Greetings Congressional App Challenge Congressional Art Competition Congressional Award Program Community Resources Flag Requests Help with a Federal Agency Internships Service Academy Nominations Tour Request Veterans History Project Veterans Resources Follow Follow Follow Follow Fulcher Signs Letter Urging Support for Timber Production in PNW Home Key Issues Natural Resources Fulcher Signs Letter Urging Support for Timber Production in PNW Apr 27, 2026 Fulcher Signs Letter Urging Support for Timber Production in PNW

Fulcher on Announcement of Secure Rural Schools Payments, Helped Facilitate House Vote - U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) released the following statement after the U.S. Forest Service announced it will issue $248 million in Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments for 2025 and $182 million in retroactive payments for 2024. These funds go to eligible states and counties with untaxed National Forest System lands. The announcement comes after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 in December of last year, which was later signed into law. The bill reauthorized the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program through Fiscal Year 2026 and provided lapsed payments for 2024 and 2025, a measure Congressman Fulcher helped facilitate get on the House floor and advocated for with House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republican Leadership. “Federal programs like SRS are vital to Idaho’s rural communities, where a significant portion of land is owned by the federal government. However, this funding has grown increasingly difficult to garner support for in the U.S. Congress, as states without vast federal landholdings often view this program as a subsidy,” said Congressman Fulcher. “I am grateful to Speaker Johnson and House Republican Leadership for their collaborative efforts with my office to get legislation to provide payments through Fiscal Year 2026—in addition to lapsed payments for 2024 and 2025—on the House floor and passed. While I am very pleased to see these funds released, I will continue to advocate for a long-term solution in Congress.” Idaho counties will receive a total of $24 million in payments for Fiscal Year 2025 and $27 million for 2024.