Press Releases

Protecting our critical energy infrastructure systems is one of the most pressing security challenges facing the United States today. The continual emergence of threats and vulnerabilities to digital systems has created significant weaknesses that require a large-scale, national effort to address, which is the intent of this legislation. The Idaho National Lab has the unique assets and expertise needed to drive the innovations this legislation aims to create and we are fortunate to have their leadership on this critical issue.

We need to permanently end fire borrowing so that our federal land management agencies no longer have to steal funding from other programs. This is not a partisan issue and this is not a western issue. Siphoning money from the recreation budget affects every forest in the country, not just the forest that is on fire. This discussion draft is a step in the right direction to actively manage our forests so we can thin the threat before a disaster ensues.

Interning in the U.S. Senate is an excellent way to learn about the legislative branch of government and to see where much of our nation’s early history took place. Brennan and Kellen have served Idaho well and they show great promise.

Thousands of small businesses rely on our patent system to protect the core of their business and it is imperative that small inventors continue to have faith in that system. This legislation will equip America’s small business owners with the tools and information necessary to obtain and protect their patents.

The passage of this bill ensures that the more than a half-of-a-million sportsmen and sportswomen in the state of Idaho can enjoy greater access to our public lands. Hunting and fishing give us a great reason to be in the great outdoors and a great reason to hand down traditions, and I am glad to say that the passage of these sportsmen’s provisions will ensure the protection of hunting and fishing rights for Idahoans while working to conserve our treasured lands for future generations.

National Lab Day is a function of the National Lab Caucus that was formed by Senator Durbin and myself, and there were many reasons why we formed the lab caucus, not the least of which is the important work the labs do that affects not only our country but the world. The national labs improve our lives, our economics, and our security – and I am thankful to Secretary Moniz for doing the job of running the national labs and being a great friend of the Idaho National Lab and Idaho.

This has been a long and difficult process as we worked through potential candidates. All applicants were considered and several vetted at various levels. The parties worked in good faith to reach an agreement. I am happy that we have settled on a sound and principled jurist who will be an outstanding judge.

Each Service Academy Day offers students, parents, and counselors the opportunity to meet with academy liaisons, cadets, and midshipmen from each school to ask questions and receive information. Staff from Idaho’s Congressional delegation will also be on hand to answer questions about the application process for receiving a nomination to the academies.

This legislation is so important because it will strengthen efforts to educate and recruit hunters and recreational shooters in our country. Whether for the purpose of putting food on the table, for game management purposes, or for passing a tradition down to other generations, hunting and shooting sports are important for many reasons. This update to the Pittman-Robertson Fund will provide state agencies the tools they need to provide and enhance recreational opportunities for all Americans who enjoy the outdoors.

Vicki and I express our heartfelt condolences to the entire Reagan family for the loss of former First Lady Nancy Reagan. Nancy was a woman of true class who composed herself with great dignity as she stood alongside our great president Ronald Reagan in service to our nation. We will miss her greatly.