Press Releases

Common sense has finally prevailed when it comes to managing wolves in Idaho. This species is fully recovered and now state wildlife experts can manage gray wolves just like other predator species found throughout the state. It is unfortunate that it was such an arduous task to get this issue resolved.

Today is a day that brings some closure for the victims of the September 11th attacks, the American people and those who have suffered from terrorism around the world. For nearly 10 years capturing Osama Bin Laden has been our number one objective. The dedication and persistence the U.S. military and intelligence community have shown in accomplishing this deserves our praise and gratitude. We should be proud of what this operation achieved, but we must also remain vigilant in the war on terror because al-Qaeda and others are determined to bring destruction to America and our allies.

“The Goldstone report must be rescinded by the UN Human Rights Council. It is a grossly flawed, one-sided document and for the United Nations to continue using this report shows a bias against the nation of Israel. Every country has a right to defend itself against terrorist attacks.”

I am glad to see the President has finally joined the discussion on the most serious issue facing our country – our out of control spending. The federal government is borrowing over $4 billion every day. This has to stop. It is time to pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution which will force our federal government to not spend more than it takes in, just like our states must do.

“For decades now, Idahoans have been pleading their case to the federal government for help in dealing with the health effects they suffered as a result of nuclear testing. This bill answers those pleas by providing the same assistance those in neighboring states already receive.”

“I was not an advocate for military action in Libya. When the President announced the United States was supporting enforcement of the no-fly-zone, he and other administration officials did not identify clear U.S. interests and objectives. While I am pleased the White House is finally speaking to the American people, there are still unanswered questions. The President needs to keep Congress and the American people informed as to the next steps of our military involvement as the situation evolves within Libya.”

“This is hopefully a positive step toward returning wolf management to the states and I applaud Secretary Salazar’s continued effort to delist wolves. Having said that, I am concerned this plan relies on too many variables and there’s no indication it will be approved by the courts. The history of wolf agreements is littered with assurances and promises that have not been kept. We need the federal government totally removed from the wolf issue. Idaho has proven it can manage a wolf population and I will continue to fight to allow Idaho to manage wolves without federal interference.”

“This legislation would prohibit the EPA from fining small communities that are unable to comply with new water quality standards. Many of these communities cannot afford costly upgrades to their water systems without technical assistance and financial aid. If the EPA does not make that assistance available, they will be prohibited from levying fines and penalties on these small towns. We want to protect small and rural communities from this latest unfunded mandate handed down by the EPA.”

“Idaho’s history in nuclear technology and the INL’s position as the nation’s preeminent nuclear energy research lab makes us a natural leader in this public-private endeavor.”

“The ‘gainful employment’ rules could deny hundreds of thousands of students access to the training and skills development they need to secure a job in today’s troubled economy. It would particularly have a negative impact on the health field where nearly half of all workers are educated at proprietary institutions.”