Editorials
Weekly Column: The Taxpayer First Act
We have all likely heard some variation of the famous saying that nothing is certain but death and taxes. Given the preeminent inevitability of taxes, we must make certain that the federal agency tasked with administering this responsibility operates with just and up-to-date guidelines. Since Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed the Taxpayer First Act (TFA) into law last year, work has been underway to implement its provisions to modernize the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to exp… Continue Reading
January 04, 2021
Weekly Column: Increasing Retirement Savings Opportunities
Saving for retirement is important but often difficult, especially when faced with the increased uncertainty of the pandemic. When paychecks have to cover mortgages, rent, car payments, food, utilities, gas, college and other important obligations, steady retirement savings is often challenging, if not nearly impossible. Unexpected medical expenses or car repairs can upset even the best retirement plans. Recognizing the challenges, Congress has taken steps to increase retirement savings oppor… Continue Reading
December 21, 2020
Weekly Column: Nez Perce-Clearwater Forests Example Of Collaboration Bringing Results
I recently had the opportunity to speak on the Senate floor about important progress underway on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests to improve the health of the Forests that is a great example of the benefits of collaborative efforts. The following contains parts of the speech and a video of the full speech can be accessed through my website at: www.crapo.senate.gov. I have been a longtime champion of collaboration to address public lands management disputes, as collaborative processes… Continue Reading
December 14, 2020
Weekly Column: Impact Aid: 70 Years Of Delivering Resources To Federally Impacted School Districts
Impact Aid is a crucial program that provides needed funding to school districts in Idaho. The Senate unanimously passed S.Res. 775, a bipartisan resolution I led with fellow Senate Impact Aid Coalition Co-Chair, Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), that recognizes the program's 70 years of delivering resources to federally impacted school districts to provide high-quality education and access to opportunities children need to reach their full potential. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) p… Continue Reading
December 07, 2020
Weekly Column: Reinforcing America's Nuclear Infrastructure
Over the last couple of years, Congress has ushered in a new chapter in U.S. nuclear energy by enacting legislation promoting nuclear innovation. The advancement of clean, reliable nuclear energy is paramount to maintaining the United States' eminence in nuclear power, research and innovation. My colleagues and I recently introduced S. 4897, the American Nuclear Infrastructure Act (ANIA) of 2020, which would further facilitate our country's nuclear competitiveness through enhanced collaboratio… Continue Reading
November 30, 2020
Weekly Column: From The Mailbag--Public Lands
As participants in the decisions made in Congress, Idahoans contact me with valuable input about the issues our country faces. Realizing that many may not have the chance to contact me, I post information about various issues of importance on my website, http://crapo.senate.gov. One of the issues Idahoans have contacted me about is the management and ownership of our public lands. The following is my response: Put simply, public lands should remain public. Their values should be preserved a… Continue Reading
November 23, 2020
Weekly Column: Thanksgiving 2020
This Thanksgiving has me thinking back over all this year has brought-both the enormous challenges and the progress. Like so many Americans do during Thanksgiving, I am counting my blessings, and I look to this ending year and the year ahead with an expectation fueled by American resilience seen in all corners of our great country. I am thankful for living in this free country, for our Constitution, which gives us so many rich blessings. Not the least of these blessings are our personal freed… Continue Reading
November 16, 2020
Weekly Column: 2020 Spirit Of Freedom Awardees
In Idaho, we do not have to look far for good works. So many Idahoans work hard to lift burdens and brighten the days of others. This year's Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award recipients are a reminder of the great Idahoans who make our state such a wonderful place to live. The Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award is presented in two categories: veterans and volunteers who assist veterans. Their examples of selfless service are beyond worthy of recognition and are a t… Continue Reading
November 09, 2020
Weekly Column: Veterans Day: Working Together For Idaho Veterans
It is a great benefit to our state that more than 115,000 veterans choose to make Idaho their home. Idaho veterans offer a helping hand to their fellow veterans, military families and broader communities time after time. I look to Idaho veterans, the veterans organizations they lead and the veterans program staff they work with for their helpful insight in ensuring federal programs truly support their service while deployed and when they return home. I am proud to lead a collaborative effor… Continue Reading
November 02, 2020
Weekly Column: Voting: Self-Governance In Action
Self-governance guides our nation. Our country's Founders affirmed its central role in the formation of our country in the Declaration of Independence when they asserted that to secure our freedoms our government must derive its just powers from "the consent of the governed." Voting is an important way we participate in our system of self-governance. As our nation's 33rd President Harry S. Truman put it, "It is not the hand that signs the laws that holds the destiny of America. It is the han… Continue Reading
October 26, 2020
Weekly Column: Supporting Women Veterans
I am grateful to Idahoans who share their views with me about issues or legislation needing congressional attention. Bob and Carmelita Jones with the Idaho Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and its Auxiliary recently asked that I consider co-sponsoring S. 514, the Deborah Sampson Act. This legislation, which is also supported by other veterans service organizations, would improve support for women veterans. Following up on this request, I looked into the issue and the legislative remedy and co-s… Continue Reading
October 19, 2020
Weekly Column: The Abraham Accords Peace Agreement--A Historic Achievement
One of the greatest world challenges of our time, without a doubt, has been the pursuit of peace in the Middle East. Although we have seen progress at various times, lasting, concrete peace has eluded world leaders, and its attainment has eclipsed administrations. The recent Abraham Accords Peace Agreement is a significant step in bringing this important part of our world closer together, and it is worthy of commendation. On September 15, 2020, the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement was signed … Continue Reading
October 12, 2020
Weekly Column: The Congressional Award--Challenging Youth
Young people throughout our communities working to earn the Congressional Award are challenging themselves, learning from their achievements and inspiring their peers to contribute to community and national efforts. I had the opportunity recently to congratulate four young Idahoans, who are 2020 Congressional Award Gold Medal recipients, for the time they are spending bettering themselves and our communities. In order to earn Congressional Award Gold Medals, youth dedicate more than 800 hours… Continue Reading
October 05, 2020
Weekly Column: Advancing Emergency Wildfire Legislation
The 2020 wildfire season has been one of the most active on record. So far, 44,174 wildfires have burned 7.1 million acres, with over five million acres in California, Oregon and Washington alone. In Idaho, 15 wildfires have burned more than 200,000 acres so far. The damage these fires have caused is disastrous. Thousands of people have lost their homes and property. Numerous communities have been destroyed. Millions of people have spent weeks breathing air choked with smoke and ash. And,… Continue Reading
September 28, 2020
Weekly Column: Honoring America's Missing Servicemembers
I call attention to National POW/MIA Recognition Day through Senate statements each year to honor America's prisoners of war (POW)s and missing in action (MIA), commend those keeping attention on our missing servicemembers and embolden those who are working hard to bring our missing servicemembers home. We cannot let up in bringing home all our nation's heroes. The following is the text of my recent Congressional Record Statement: Mr. President, in honor of National POW/MIA Recognition… Continue Reading
September 21, 2020
Weekly Column: From The Mailbag--Utilization Of Clean Energy Sources
As participants in the decisions made in Congress, Idahoans contact me with valuable input about the issues our country faces. Realizing that many may not have the chance to contact me, I post information about various issues of importance on my website, http://crapo.senate.gov. One of the issues Idahoans have contacted me about recently is the utilization of clean energy sources. The following is my response: As Co-Chairman of the Senate Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, I am a… Continue Reading
September 14, 2020
Weekly Column: Backing Those Leading The Pandemic Fight
Health care workers, businesses and individuals across our country have been working hard to treat those impacted by the pandemic and ensure our nation's recovery. We must make certain that those who act lawfully to meet the needs of our communities are not subject to frivolous lawsuits for their good actions. More than 200 organizations representing American businesses nationwide, including farm families, small businesses, physicians, hotels, trucking associations, manufacturers, grocers, di… Continue Reading
September 07, 2020
Weekly Column: Setting The Record Straight On The United States Postal Service
Most of the inaccurate, partisan narrative regarding allegedly new changes at the United States Postal Service (USPS) are part of long-term efforts from multiple administrations to improve its solvency. The Postal Service is not being disassembled and no efforts are underway to hinder the efficient handling of election mail. The Postal Service can effectively handle the increased volume of ballots facilitated via mail expected from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Administration's actions, most o… Continue Reading
August 31, 2020
Weekly Column: Making Medical Innovation More Affordable
Now, maybe more than ever, as Americans face months of dealing with the impacts of the pandemic, and we anxiously await effective vaccines and treatments to advance, we must be thorough in considering all cost drivers affecting the affordability of medical care. Over the past months, Congress has dedicated and the Administration has directed considerable resources to our health care providers on the frontlines of the fight against the pandemic. We also must make certain that as innovative medi… Continue Reading
August 24, 2020
Weekly Column: Highlighting Idaho's Pandemic Heroes
Idahoans have met the challenges of the pandemic with thoughtful, determined efforts to help others. Instead of being overwhelmed by circumstances, Idahoans were busy assisting others and shining bright lights of hope through these difficult times. Since the threat became apparent, individual Idahoans have worked together to help meet the needs of vulnerable residents. Here are just a few examples: Families across the Treasure Valley who opened their homes to foster veterans with medical … Continue Reading
