Quantcast

East Idaho Times

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Local Government News

Local Government

Rep. Simpson Supports Bill to Stop Biden Administration’s Land Grab

WASHINGTON— This week, the United States House of Representatives passed the Western Economic Security Today (WEST) Act. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson—a cosponsor of the WEST Act—voted in favor of this legislation. This bill withdraws the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) recently finalized “Public Lands Rule” and would prevent future issuance of a substantially similar rule. The BLM’s rule is a seismic shift in public land management that upends the agency’s multiple use mandate, which has guided land management practices across the West for 50 years.Rep. Simpson...

By East Idaho Times | May 3, 2024

Local Government

Crapo, Risch Sponsor Resolution Condemning Campus Antisemitism

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, both Republicans from Idaho, have taken a firm stance against antisemitism by sponsoring a resolution to condemn the recent surge of antisemitism on U.S. college campuses. The resolution, spearheaded by Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, denounces university presidents who have failed to address antisemitism and calls on the U.S. Department of Education to ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act."Our country is failing Jewish students by letting antisemitism run rampant on America’s college campuses," said Senator...

By East Idaho Times | May 3, 2024

Latest News

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Crapo, Risch, Fulcher, Ricketts, Sullivan Introduce Legislation to Overturn Biden’s EV Mandates

By East Idaho Times | May 2, 2024

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch (both R-Idaho), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and U.S. Representatives Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) have introduced legislation to block the Biden administration’s electric vehicle mandates. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized new emissions regulations that would require a significant portion of new vehicles to be electric in the coming years.Crapo criticized the regulations, stating, “These rules represent yet another attempt by the Biden Administration to force its radical...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Crapo, Risch Join Letter Demanding Biden Reject “Unacceptable” WHO Agreements

By East Idaho Times | May 2, 2024

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) have joined the entire Senate Republican conference in sending a letter to President Biden, urging him to reject two international agreements being considered at the World Health Assembly. The agreements, if supported, could grant more authority to the World Health Organization (WHO) and potentially compromise United States sovereignty.In the letter, Senators Crapo and Risch expressed their concerns about the WHO's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, describing it as a failure that caused lasting harm...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Senators Introduce Bill to Prevent Student Loan Forgiveness for Campus Criminals

By East Idaho Times | May 2, 2024

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch, and Tom Cotton, along with other colleagues, have introduced the No Bailouts for Campus Criminals Act, aimed at preventing student loan forgiveness for protestors convicted of crimes on college campuses. The bill is a response to the rise of antisemitic protests on campuses across the United States.“This legislation sends a strong message that criminal activity will not be tolerated on America’s college campuses, especially when it promotes antisemitism,” said Senator Crapo.Senator Risch expressed his concerns about the student loan...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Crapo, Risch, Hagerty Introduce Resolution to Block Biden Admin Rule Restricting Americans’ Second Amendment Rights

By East Idaho Times | Apr 30, 2024

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch, and Bill Hagerty have announced their plans to file a Congressional Review Act Resolution of Disapproval to block the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security interim final rule, which restricts Americans' Second Amendment rights. Senator Crapo stated, “The Biden Administration continues to seek underhanded methods of advancing its anti-gun agenda.” Senator Risch added, “The Biden administration will use every method available to restrict Americans’ ability to lawfully purchase or sell firearms.” Senator Hagerty...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Crapo, Luján Call for House to Hold Vote on Downwinders Legislation

By East Idaho Times | Apr 30, 2024

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico) are urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to take immediate action to pass the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act (RECA). In a bipartisan effort, the lawmakers stressed the importance of signing RECA into law to support communities affected by the United States' nuclear testing program.“Between 1945 and 1992, the U.S. conducted 206 above-ground nuclear weapons tests, dispersing radioactive material across vast swathes of the nation,” the lawmakers wrote. “The...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Senators Crapo and Risch Comment on Senate Passage of National Security Supplemental Package

By East Idaho Times | Apr 23, 2024

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch have shared their thoughts on the recent Senate passage of the national security supplemental package.Crapo highlighted the importance of the legislation in addressing external threats from countries like Russia, China, and Iran. He emphasized the significance of sanctions on adversaries and protections for Americans. Crapo also noted the support for Israel and measures to counter Iranian oil processing. Additionally, he mentioned provisions to combat the fentanyl epidemic and enhance America's energy independence and military...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Crapo, Risch, Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Protect Jewish Students from Antisemitic Mobs

By East Idaho Times | Apr 23, 2024

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch, and their Republican colleagues have called on the Biden administration to take action and protect Jewish students from antisemitic mobs on college campuses. In a letter addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, the Senators emphasized the need to restore order and ensure the safety of Jewish students who have been targeted.The Senators, including Tom Cotton from Arkansas, Lindsey Graham from South Carolina, and Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, among others, urged for immediate action in...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Idaho Congressional Delegation, State Treasurer Announce Secure Rural Schools Payments

By East Idaho Times | Apr 22, 2024

Idaho counties will receive a total of $22.8 million in payments for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 under the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, along with Representative Mike Simpson and Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth, made the announcement in Boise, Idaho.Senator Crapo emphasized the importance of finding a permanent solution for funding rural counties, stating, "SRS payments are essential for rural counties across Idaho and the West, but a permanent solution is needed." Senator Risch echoed this sentiment, pointing out the impact...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Crapo Legislation to Defund Biden’s Electric Vehicle Mandate Receives Senate Vote

By East Idaho Times | Apr 18, 2024

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo's bipartisan legislation to defund the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Rule aimed at transitioning from gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) received a vote in the U.S. Senate. Senator Crapo expressed his concerns about the EPA's rule, stating, "The EPA's rule is the most aggressive form of tailpipe emissions standards ever crafted, and imposes a de facto EV mandate on the American people." He further added, "These emissions standards go too far, and will restrict affordable vehicle choices for families, harm U.S. businesses,...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Crapo, Risch, Tuberville Introduce Bill to Enhance Transparency on Taxpayer-Funded Abortions at VA

By East Idaho Times | Apr 18, 2024

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch, and Tommy Tuberville have introduced the VA Abortion Transparency Act, aiming to increase transparency for taxpayers regarding abortions facilitated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).Crapo expressed his concerns about the Biden Administration's approach, stating, “The Biden Administration’s thinly-veiled workaround forces taxpayers to fund abortion, violating both federal law and congressional intent. This bill gives American taxpayers the transparency they deserve through enhancing reporting requirements at the VA.”Risch...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Crapo: President Biden’s Trade Agenda Lacks Ambition, Enforcement

By East Idaho Times | Apr 18, 2024

Washington, D.C.--At a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing on the President’s 2024 Trade Policy Agenda with United States Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai, Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) expressed concern with the President’s trade agenda. Senator Crapo criticized the lack of ambition and enforcement in President Biden's approach to trade, stating that it is the weakest of any Administration in 25 years.During the hearing, Senator Crapo urged Ambassador Tai to address issues related to trade agreements and enforcement. Specifically, he raised concerns...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Crapo, Risch, Emmer Demand Administration Evaluate U.S. Supply Chain for Smokeless Gunpowder

By East Idaho Times | Apr 18, 2024

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch, and U.S. Congressman Tom Emmer have introduced the Ammunition Supply Chain Act, which aims to evaluate the current state of the domestic supply of necessary components for smokeless gun powder. Senator Crapo emphasized the importance of a robust supply chain for military operations, stating, "America’s ability to protect its people and allies during times of combat depends on the robust supply chain of goods that allows our military to conduct training and combat operations."Senator Risch raised concerns about the Biden...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Crapo Statement at Hearing on the President’s 2024 Trade Policy Agenda

By East Idaho Times | Apr 17, 2024

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) addressed the President's 2024 Trade Policy Agenda at a hearing with United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai.In his remarks, Crapo expressed concerns about the enforcement approach and negotiating ambitions of the administration. He criticized the lack of enforcement actions against China and highlighted the challenges American workers face due to discriminatory treatment by trading partners.Crapo emphasized the importance of market access and the need for real negotiations to...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Crapo Criticizes IRS Spending and Lack of Transformation

By East Idaho Times | Apr 17, 2024

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) expressed strong criticism towards the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during a hearing on the IRS fiscal year 2025 budget and the 2024 filing season. In his prepared remarks, Crapo highlighted various concerns regarding the agency's operations and allocation of resources.Crapo emphasized the need for the IRS to be more accountable, efficient, and transparent in its decision-making processes. He pointed out that despite significant funding increases, the agency has not undergone the...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Crapo, Scott, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Address Antisemitism on College Campuses

By East Idaho Times | Apr 17, 2024

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo and Senator Tim Scott, alongside a group of Senate colleagues, have introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act, aimed at tackling antisemitism on college campuses. The bill proposes the use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism to guide investigations into antisemitic acts on campus."Jewish students should feel safe and protected from harassment on college campuses," stated Senator Crapo, emphasizing the importance of providing guidance to universities to prevent antisemitic behavior in the education...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Crapo, Risch, Scott Lead Effort to Roll Back SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rule

By East Idaho Times | Apr 17, 2024

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch, and Tim Scott have taken a stand against the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) climate disclosure rule, introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn it. The senators argue that the rule would impose unnecessary paperwork on public companies, increase costs for consumers, and hinder economic growth.Senator Crapo expressed his concerns about the Biden Administration's climate agenda, stating, "We must continue to push back on the Biden Administration’s attempts to use any means necessary to push its...

Medium c0hnx15vcvda8qop669y6o1971jc

Local Government

Crapo, Colleagues Urge Biden to Open Japanese Market to $100B U.S. Potato Industry

By East Idaho Times | Apr 12, 2024

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo and nine Senate colleagues have called on President Joe Biden to take action towards opening the Japanese market to U.S. fresh potatoes. In a letter to the President, the Senators emphasized the importance of addressing the longstanding issue and allowing U.S. grown fresh potatoes to be exported to Japan.“We believe the Prime Minister of Japan’s visit to the United States poses an opportunity to address this longstanding issue and make progress in finally allowing U.S. grown fresh potatoes to be exported to Japan,” the Senators wrote.The U.S....

Medium aj0cbhw1lk8cgmhmqn2spnpg344g

Local Government

Rep. Simpson Leads Effort to Protect Potatoes’ Classification as a Vegetable

By East Idaho Times | Apr 12, 2024

WASHINGTON— Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has taken a stand to protect the classification of potatoes as a vegetable in the upcoming Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Alongside Rep. Pingree and 27 other Members of Congress, Rep. Simpson opposes any reclassification of potatoes as a non-vegetable item."Any effort to reclassify the potato would be misguided,” stated Rep. Simpson, emphasizing the nutritional value of potatoes and their significance as a household staple in America.In a letter addressed to the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health & Human Services, the...