Michael K. Simpson

Rep. Simpson Joins Letter Pressing for Action to Protect U.S. Sugar Producers from Unfair Foreign Trade Practices

Position: Rep. Simpson supports using Section 301 trade investigation authority to impose tariffs or other trade remedies against foreign sugar-producing countries that engage in unfair trade practices and undercut U.S. domestic sugar producers.

Subscribe to receive the latest news, insights, and updates directly to your inbox. WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson signed a letter in support of efforts by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer to utilize a Section 301 investigation into unfair and discriminatory trade practices by foreign sugar-producing countries. In the letter, the members call on USTR to take appropriate action to protect American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers, processors, refiners, and factory workers from being undercut by discriminatory foreign trade practices. This bipartisan and bicameral letter, led by U.S. Representatives Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) and Troy Carter (R-LA) and U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), has support from over 110 members of Congress. “The sugar farming families and workers across our States support more than 151,000 jobs in more than two dozen states while generating more than $23 billion in economic activity each year. We are gravely concerned about the surge in unfairly traded foreign sugar imports, which, along with higher input costs, are plunging the domestic industry into crisis and presenting an imminent threat to the industry’s long-term viability,” wrote the members of Congress. “U.S. sugar policy is a necessary response to a global playing field where foreign countries routinely sell sugar at well below the world cost of production… In the past 10 years, 14 percent of our nation’s beet sugar processing facilities and 12 percent of our domestic cane sugar mills and refineries have closed, including the complete loss of sugarbeet farming in California (2025) and sugarcane farming in Hawaii (2016) and Texas (2024). Absent action to protect the domestic sugar industry from discriminatory foreign trade practices, these continued revenue losses will only mount, threatening the future existence of domestic U.S. sugar production. We strongly urge you to investigate these unfair trading practices that disadvantage our domestic sugar industry and take decisive action as appropriate.” The full letter is available here. The following organizations have endorsed the letter: Amalgamated Sugar Company, American Crystal Sugar Company, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sugar Alliance, American Sugar Cane League, American Sugar Refining, Inc., American Sugarbeet Growers Association, Big Horn Basin Beet Growers Association, Big Horn County Sugar Beet Growers Association, Colorado Sugarbeet Growers Association, Elwyhee Beet Growers Association, Florida Crystals Corporation, Florida Sugar Cane League, Michigan Sugar Company, Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Union, NebCo Beet Growers Association, Nebraska Sugarbeet Growers Association, Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association, Snake River Sugarbeet Growers, Southern- Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative, Southern Montana Sugarbeet Growers Association, Sugarcane Growers Cooperative of Florida, US Beet Sugar Association, US Sugar, Western Sugar Cooperative, Wheatland Beet Growers Association, and the Wyoming Sugar Company.

The Need for a Stable, Reliable, and Legal Workforce Remains Imperative

Position: The representative advocates for reforming the H-2A visa program to provide agricultural workers while maintaining legal pathways, opposing amnesty for undocumented immigrants and requiring fines for illegal entry. The position emphasizes that agricultural labor reform is necessary for food security and that current H-2A requirements prioritizing American workers should be preserved.

Subscribe to receive the latest news, insights, and updates directly to your inbox. When a person thinks of Idaho agriculture, the first thing that may come to mind is potatoes. Or maybe it’s sugar beets, barley, or one of the other 180-plus commodities. What many people don’t realize is that dairy is Idaho's top agricultural product in cash receipts. Idaho’s dairy dominance may not come as a surprise to those directly involved in the industry, but whether we realize it or not, Americans nationwide rely on Idaho dairy for the milk, yogurt, butter, and cheese we consume daily. Despite dairy being Idaho’s top farm commodity, farmers and ranchers are facing a mounting labor crisis. Over the past few years, the most common and pressing issue brought to my attention has been the need for a stable, reliable agricultural workforce. There is a lot of misinformation out there about addressing this workforce crisis, but the reality is that if Congress doesn’t act to reform our agricultural immigration system, all Americans will feel the pain. Don't just take my word for it—ask any farmer or rancher, and I guarantee they will agree that a lack of labor reform could jeopardize the stability of the dairy industry. Volatility and a shortage of workers are putting immense pressure on agricultural producers, which is why states like Idaho need a stable labor force to protect our nation’s food supply and ensure farmers can continue to do their jobs. Food security is national security, and without addressing the growing workforce, our nation's food supply would be jeopardized. How much are you willing to pay for a gallon of milk? I have long advocated for reforming the H-2A visa program and enacting common-sense legislation to provide American agriculture with the stable, reliable, and legal workforce it needs. The keyword here is legal. The legislative initiatives that I’ve supported and will continue to support do not grant amnesty. Let me be clear: I do not support amnesty for illegal aliens. Instead, I support H-2A reforms that require undocumented workers to pay a fine for entering the country illegally. Additionally, I do not support the millions of illegal aliens who entered our country under the Biden administration being deemed as eligible for these kinds of labor jobs. Additionally, reforming the H-2A visa program would not jeopardize American employment or prioritize illegal workers over American citizens. The problem is these are jobs Americans don’t want. Last year, there were 398,000 H-2A applications nationwide. Only 182 Americans chose to fill those jobs. That is 0.045%. Under current requirements, Americans receive priority. A search for domestic workers must be conducted first, and employers seeking to use the H-2A program must demonstrate that efforts to recruit American workers were unsuccessful. Enacting common-sense reform to this program would not change the current requirements. Right now, under President Trump’s leadership and the most secure border in American history, we have the best chance of agricultural immigration reform. I’m confident that we can get a legislative fix across the finish line. President Trump has emphasized his commitment to protecting America’s farmers while removing violent criminals who have no place in our country. The President sticks to his word, and I believe he is the only President with the courage to lead on this issue, but it’s up to Congress to act. I represent one of the most productive dairy districts in the nation, and I take my responsibility to provide Idaho’s farmers and ranchers with a legislative solution to their workforce shortage seriously. Finding a bipartisan path forward that will protect our farms and our nation’s food supply is possible, and I will continue fighting to solve this issue.

Rep. Simpson Votes to Fully Fund Veterans Health Care and Benefits

Position: Rep. Simpson supports full funding for veterans' health care programs, benefits, and mental health services through the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

Subscribe to receive the latest news, insights, and updates directly to your inbox. WASHINGTON—Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported this advancement. This bill champions America’s veterans by fully funding veterans’ health care programs and benefits. This legislation also supports military families, strengthens America’s defense, and supports the Trump administration’s policy initiatives. “One of my top priorities in Congress is supporting our troops and veterans,” said Rep. Simpson. “By fully funding veterans’ health care programs and benefits, investing in mental health services, prioritizing funding for military family housing, and so much more, this legislation fulfills our promises to those who have sacrificed so greatly for our country. This is a must-pass bill each year to honor the brave men and women who have courageously served.” Highlights of the bill include: The Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill keeps America’s promise to its veterans by fully funding veterans’ health care programs, benefits, and other critical VA programs. The measure was approved with a vote of 400 to 15. This funding package will now go to the Senate for further consideration.

Rep. Simpson Supports Pro-Law Enforcement Legislation During National Police Week

Position: Rep. Simpson voted for pro-law-enforcement legislation during National Police Week, expressing support for providing law enforcement with necessary resources and opposing defunding efforts.

Subscribe to receive the latest news, insights, and updates directly to your inbox. WASHINGTON—This National Police Week, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of several critical pieces of pro-law-enforcement legislation that highlight support for America’s brave men and women in blue. “Supporting our brave law enforcement has always been one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Rep. Simpson. “In times of emergencies, the men and women in blue respond. It is vital that they have the resources necessary to perform their jobs safely and efficiently. My House Republican colleagues and I are committed to ensuring this support. I will always stand behind our law enforcement and support efforts to defend these brave individuals, not defund.” The National Police Week of 2026 legislation includes:

Rep. Simpson Cosponsors the Title IX Clarification Act

Position: Rep. Simpson cosponsors legislation that would codify Title IX nondiscrimination requirements as based on biological sex and opposes what he characterizes as the Biden administration's reinterpretation of Title IX regarding gender identity in education and athletics.

Subscribe to receive the latest news, insights, and updates directly to your inbox. WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored the Title IX Clarification Act. This bill would codify that Title IX nondiscrimination requirements tied to federal education funding are based on the biological reality of sex. This resolution is sponsored by Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX). “Idaho led the charge as the first state to protect fairness in women's sports in response to the Biden administration’s radical rewrite of Title IX. None of this would have been possible without Idaho State Representative Barbara Ehardt’s courageous leadership. Common sense was under attack, and Americans must never forget this insanity. which would have jeopardized the safety and rights of girls and women nationwide. To combat the Left's delusions and prevent future misinterpretations, Congress must clarify and restore Title IX's original meaning,” said Rep. Mike Simpson. “Title IX was created to provide equal opportunity for our daughters, not to push a radical gender ideology that jeopardizes their safety,” said Rep. Arrington. “My Title IX Clarification Act stops the abuse of Title IX by affirming a simple truth: there are only two sexes - male and female - and taxpayer dollars should not be used to advance extreme social policies. I’m proud to lead this effort to protect opportunities for women and girls, rein in bureaucratic overreach, and restore clarity and common sense to federal law.” Rep. Simpson has been a strong advocate for protecting women’s sports. He recently joined a rally to save women’s sports on the steps of the United States Supreme Court as the Justices listened to oral arguments on Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J. Rep. Simpson also signed an Amicus Brief supporting Idaho’s law and defending the integrity of women’s sports. Additionally, Rep. Simpson has supported and cosponsored several key bills to prohibit males from participating in athletic programs or activities designated for women. The full text of the bill is available here.

Rep. Simpson Cosponsors FAIR Labels Act

Subscribe to receive the latest news, insights, and updates directly to your inbox. WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored H.R. 8596, the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels (FAIR Labels) Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at preventing misleading labels on alternative protein products. This legislation is sponsored by Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO). “Beef is one of Idaho’s most important agricultural commodities,” said Rep. Simpson, an original cosponsor. “Falsely labeling a plant-based or lab-grown protein hurts farmers, ranchers, and consumers. It's basic common sense to ensure that the products Americans put in their grocery carts are accurately labeled. I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation and advocate for Idaho’s cattle industry.” The full text of the bill is available here. The Senate companion of the FAIR Labels Act is led by Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and John Fetterman (D-PA).

Rep. Simpson Cosponsors Resolution to Designate May 5th as National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Subscribe to receive the latest news, insights, and updates directly to your inbox. WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored a resolution to designate May 5th, 2026, as the “National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.” May 5th is the date of remembrance selected each year in honor of the birth date of Hanna Harris, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, who was murdered after being reported missing in Lame Deer, Montana. This bipartisan resolution is sponsored by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA). “The number of Indigenous women and girls who have been murdered or gone missing every year is staggering,” said Rep. Simpson. “I have been raising awareness about this disproportionate rate, and will continue to use my role as Chairman of the House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee to support the federal agencies working to address this crisis. This is an important resolution, and I'm proud to sign on as a cosponsor.” The full text of this resolution is available here.

Rep. Simpson Cosponsors DAIRY PRIDE Act

Subscribe to receive the latest news, insights, and updates directly to your inbox. WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored H.R. 8414, the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese to Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday or DAIRY PRIDE Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at ensuring the accurate labeling of dairy products and protecting consumers from misleading marketing. This legislation is sponsored by Reps. John Joyce (R-PA) and Josh Riley (D-NY). “Milk comes from a cow—not an almond or coconut or anything plant-based,” said Rep. Simpson. “As we strive to Make America Healthy Again, consumers must be provided with honest nutritional labeling. I represent one of the most dairy-productive districts in the nation, and I remain committed to being a voice for dairy in Congress. I’m proud to cosponsor this common sense measure once again.” Congressman Simpson has long supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act and efforts to prevent milk alternatives or plant-based products from being marketed or misbranded using terms commonly associated with dairy products. The full text of the bill is available here.

America’s New Nuclear Era Starts in Idaho

Position: The release advocates for expanded federal investment in nuclear energy and advanced reactor development as essential to U.S. energy security and economic strength, citing the speaker's role in securing appropriations for nuclear programs at Idaho National Laboratory.

Subscribe to receive the latest news, insights, and updates directly to your inbox. America has finally decided to get serious about nuclear energy again. President Donald Trump’s executive orders launching a nuclear energy emergency and directing federal agencies to dramatically accelerate advanced reactor deployment signal a turning point. After decades of hesitation, America is once again treating nuclear power as the strategic asset it has always been — essential to energy security, economic strength and global leadership. We are at the beginning of a new nuclear era, and Idaho is at its center. This moment has not emerged from executive orders alone. It is built on years of investment and legislative action that created the foundation for what we are now able to do. As a former chairman and current senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, I have had direct responsibility for funding the Department of Energy’s nuclear programs. Year after year, that meant fighting to protect and grow investments in nuclear research, development, and demonstration at a time when support was far from guaranteed. As we enter what I refer to as a nuclear renaissance, largely thanks to support from the Trump administration, I’ve been able to secure several priorities for the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) during the past fiscal year. These priorities will enhance the Lab’s infrastructure and operations, provide funding for advanced reactor construction and demonstrations and support the Demonstration of Microreactor Experiments (DOME) Test Bed, which I discuss further below. Securing these priorities would not have been possible without the appropriations process. The appropriations I fought for throughout the years restored critical federal investment in advanced reactor programs. Sustained funding for the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy kept the science alive during the lean years. These victories required continuous effort, coalition building and an unwavering conviction that nuclear energy’s best days were still ahead. I believe they are. Nowhere is that more evident than at Idaho National Laboratory, America’s one-of-a-kind nuclear energy laboratory. For more than 70 years, INL has been the heart of nuclear innovation. The Laboratory conducted the world’s first usable nuclear-generated electricity in 1951. It developed the reactors that power our Navy. It established the safety standards and testing protocols that underpin the entire commercial nuclear industry. Fifty-two reactors have operated on the desert plain east of Idaho Falls. INL’s mission has never been more urgent. The Laboratory is now home to the most advanced nuclear research capabilities in the world, and it is deploying them in service of the national interest. One of the most significant examples is the DOME reactor test bed. DOME is the original containment structure from EBR-II, the Experimental Breeder Reactor that operated at INL for more than 30 years and pioneered the liquid metal fast reactor technology that influenced advanced reactor concepts still being developed today. Not long ago, DOME was slated for demolition as part of INL’s legacy cleanup work. In a visionary decision, Department of Energy leadership made the call to save it. Repurposed as a modern microreactor test bed, DOME gives American developers the ability to take new reactor concepts from design to demonstration at the pace the new nuclear era demands. Retrofitting DOME for its new use completed just at the beginning of this month, and now this structure that nearly disappeared is one of the most strategically valuable test facilities in the world. The stakes are high. China and Russia are aggressively exporting their reactor technology, financing nuclear plants across the developing world, and positioning themselves as the partners of choice for nations seeking to grow their energy capacity. The United States cannot cede that ground. The nations that build the world’s reactors write the rules for how nuclear technology is governed, operated, and safeguarded for generations. America has the science, engineering talent, safety culture and institutions it takes to lead the nuclear energy sector. What we needed was the will and the investment to act. That investment has been made. Now, with the right policy environment and the full capabilities of Idaho National Laboratory engaged, America is ready to reclaim its place as the world’s premier nuclear energy nation. The new nuclear era is here. And it starts in Idaho.

Rep. Simpson Votes to Fully Fund Veterans Health Care and Benefits

Position: Rep. Simpson supports full funding for veterans' health care programs, benefits, and mental health services, as well as military family housing.

Subscribe to receive the latest news, insights, and updates directly to your inbox. WASHINGTON— Today, the House Committee on Appropriations voted to advance the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported this advancement. This bill champions America’s veterans by fully funding veterans’ health care programs and benefits. This legislation also supports military families, strengthens America’s defense, and supports the Trump administration’s policy initiatives. “One of my top priorities in Congress is supporting our troops and veterans,” said Rep. Simpson. “By fully funding veterans’ health care programs and benefits, investing in mental health services, prioritizing funding for military family housing, and so much more, this legislation fulfills our promises to those who have sacrificed so greatly for our country. This is a must-pass bill each year to honor the brave men and women who have courageously served. I look forward to seeing this bill cross the finish line.” Highlights of the bill include: The measure was approved by the Committee with a vote of 58 to 0. This funding package will now go to the full floor of the House of Representatives for further consideration.