Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new report demonstrating how limited federal firefighting budgets have negatively impacted wildland fire preparedness, forest restoration efforts and other projects over the last two fiscal years, members of Idaho’s Congressional Delegation are saying the report should serve as a call to action to […]

President Coolidge once said; The nation which forgets it defenders, will be itself forgotten." The "systemic" problems at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) suggest that too many people have forgotten our defenders. As Americans we have a commitment to ensure our veterans have fair and equal access to the healthcare and benefits they have earned and justly deserve. Sadly, I am concerned that more problems will be uncovered in the coming months and reports. Secretary Shinseki's resignation is encouraging, but only a serious and sustained effort will fix this troubled agency. It is past time for the

It is welcome news that Sergeant Bergdahl has been released. Bowe has been held for five years against his will by the Taliban and Haqqani network. I can only imagine the joy and relief that Bowe and his family are feeling at this moment.

I am happy to see that common-sense has prevailed in the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. White potatoes meet a variety of nutritional standards at a fraction of the cost of other vegetables or fruits. The USDA's nutritional guidelines for potatoes should be consistent and allow their purchase from any seller.

Small communities across Idaho will benefit from this commonsense legislation. I am happy to see such resounding bipartisan support for the bill and look forward to all the good that it will do for the state of Idaho.

Idaho people are incredibly proud of these fellow Idahoans who went out of their way to do what was right. It’s what Idahoans do!

I am pleased to recognize Blue Water Technologies as an exceptional small business. This is a small company that has grown and adapted for more than 10 years. Blue Water Technologies started as a water treatment technology company and today is an international water treatment leader.

In the logging industry, as in many other agricultural industries, family business is a way of life. By lowering the age that young adults are able to begin helping their parents operate safe and modern machinery, we are helping to bolster the entire logging industry. These young loggers will help restore Idaho forests and all national forest lands into healthy, fire-tolerant forests and bring much-needed natural resources into the marketplace to make paper and build homes.

I am pleased to recognize Best Bath Systems as an outstanding small business. Over the past 40 years, this company has characterized the entrepreneurial spirit of Idaho.

I am pleased to recognize Anglers Habitat as an outstanding small business. This is a company that epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit of Idaho. Locally owned and operated, Anglers Habitat is recognized as an expert in fly fishing gear. Over the past 10 years, the company has expanded its sales beyond its flagship store in Caldwell. Today, Anglers Habitat is distinguished as a world renowned brand exporting its products online through the company's official website and through their eBay site. I congratulate everyone at Anglers Habitat on their success and wish them the very best in the future."