Editorials
Weekly Column: Celebrating Women Leaders Of Idaho
Idaho has been home to women pioneers, educators, civic leaders, elected officials, physicians, attorneys, businesswomen, writers, artists, innovators and more. The courage and skills of Idaho women are among our state's enduring strengths. Women shape the history and future of our great state and nation. In recognition of March as Women's History Month, here are some examples of the many women who enrich Idaho's heritage: Sacagawea was born in 1788 in what is now Idaho. She served as a … Continue Reading
March 04, 2019
Weekly Column: Recognizing Local Innovation
In 2017 alone, 1,432 patent applications were filed by residents of Idaho, and 752 patents were issued to Idahoans, according to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). USPTO reports that nearly the same amount of patents (744) were issued to Idaho residents in 2018. Considering the innovative products and services already coming out of Idaho, it is no surprise that Idahoans continue to be brimming with ideas to make lives easier and better our communities and world. In recent… Continue Reading
February 22, 2019
Weekly Column: Priorities For The 116th Congress
As the 116th Congress has begun, work continues to build on the progress made in the last Congress in restoring prosperity, stability and liberty for our country. As a result of our comprehensive reform of the tax code, we are seeing robust growth in our economy, at rates well above what had been projected if we had not reformed the tax code. This increased economic activity, and resulting increased revenue generation, has helped to create a better foundation from which to enact long-overdue … Continue Reading
February 18, 2019
Committee Assignments Set: We Have Idaho Covered
Congressional committees are central to the legislative process. Committees provide oversight of federal governmental operations and identify issues suitable for legislative review. A committee can dig into the details of issues under its jurisdiction and advance legislation to be considered by the full U.S. Senate or House of Representatives. At the beginning of each Congress, committee assignments are determined. The breadth of our committee assignments for the 116th Congress, which have n… Continue Reading
February 11, 2019
Weekly Column: Planning Now For Spring Washington, D.C., Visit
Washington, D.C., is a popular tourist destination at all times of year, but March through June are especially busy times for tours. People from all over the world visit our capital in the spring to see the cherry blossoms that frame the Tidal Basin in a cloud of light pink. The National Park Service explains there are more than 2,500 Yoshino cherry trees along the Tidal Basin and other parts of the city. If you are planning to travel to Washington, D.C., this spring, now is a good time to st… Continue Reading
February 04, 2019
Weekly Column: Enactment Of The New Farm Bill
On December 11, 2018, with my support, the U.S. Senate passed the final version of the new Farm Bill by an overwhelmingly, bipartisan vote of 87-13. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation the next day also by a broad, bipartisan vote of 369-47 before it went to President Trump to sign into law. Enactment of the new Farm Bill provides certainty agriculture producers in Idaho and across the nation need as they continue to face a challenging farm economy while ensuring the conti… Continue Reading
January 28, 2019
Weekly Column: Respecting Privacy And Safeguarding Data
The collection, protection and use of personally identifiable information by both the government and private companies deserves close scrutiny. Americans are rightly concerned about the collection and use of their data, and how such data is secured and protected. So concerned, in fact, that in January 2014, Congress adopted a resolution expressing support for the designation of January 28 as "National Data Privacy Day." This is an international effort held annually to create awareness about t… Continue Reading
January 21, 2019
Weekly Column: Laws Enacted To Combat Human Trafficking
The Administration reports that there are nearly 25 million victims of human trafficking worldwide, and more than 8,500 human trafficking cases were reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline here in the U.S. last year alone. Congress passed and President Trump signed four pieces of legislation recently to help end this horrible crime. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I co-sponsored two bills under the jurisdiction of the committee to help combat human trafficking. In D… Continue Reading
January 14, 2019
Weekly Column: Reflections On Success, Achievements At Banking Committee
Committees are essential to the legislative process. I am privileged to serve on committees that encourage pro-growth economic policies and prioritize constitutional principles. Beginning in 2017, I had the honor to begin serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, a post that I will continue to hold in the 116th Congress. In the 115th Congress, we ushered dozens of bills through the committee and into law, exercised important oversight of the financial … Continue Reading
December 31, 2018
Weekly Column: Roadmap For Progress--Bipartisan Work Of This Congress
Bipartisan legislative achievements often get lost in the din of partisan rhetoric. But, the bipartisan accomplishments of the 115th Congress and this Administration are representative of how we can work together in the 116th Congress ahead to make further progress for our country. The following are some highlights as the 115th Congress draws to a close: Economic Reform-As Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, I worked with the Administration and my colleagues in Congress to enact bipa… Continue Reading
December 24, 2018
Weekly Column: Importance Of Water Infrastructure
As we spend time with family and friends this Christmas season-tromping through the snow to get a Christmas tree, skiing, snow shoeing, sledding, ice skating, or just shoveling snow and ice off of our driveways and sidewalks-the snow we recreate in and move around translates into significant water resources and development for our state. Federal policy must enable the local decisions that best determine the management of these critical resources. Snowfall in Idaho's mountains feeds most Idah… Continue Reading
December 17, 2018
Weekly Column: Veterans Education And Workforce Development
Veterans serve on the front lines of our national defense, sacrificing for country, community, family, friends and fellow soldiers. Many people's thoughts may go directly to how we can honor this service by better supporting our troops in combat or in memory; however, there is another component that equally deserves our consideration: supporting servicemembers when they leave the service and return home. As veterans know, military service is not a one-time event-it is a defining part of a vet… Continue Reading
December 10, 2018
Weekly Column: Protecting Children
America's children represent our nation's prospect for a bright and strong future. They are smart, hopeful, inquisitive and insightful. It is incumbent upon all of us to do what we can to keep them safe from harm and help them to have opportunities for promising and productive lives. The fact that many children in our communities are not safe in their homes is far beyond tragic. Thankfully, Americans across our country work tirelessly to end violence and turn hardship into hope for abuse vic… Continue Reading
December 03, 2018
Weekly Column: First Term On Judiciary Committee--Record Number Of Judges Confirmed
With the end of the 115th Congress, I will wrap up my first term serving on the Senate Judiciary Committee. It has been a memorable, remarkable and historic experience. We have no doubt addressed some very difficult issues that have weighed heavily on the minds of committee members and all Americans, as we have considered judicial nominations and other duties of the committee. The 115th Congress and this Administration have made significant progress in advancing a court system that preserves … Continue Reading
November 26, 2018
Weekly Column: An Idaho Veteran's Reflections On Service
Fellow Idahoan Ted M. Boyce read this poem, titled "Veterans Day," that he authored at a recent breakfast in Idaho Falls to honor veterans. With Mr. Boyce's permission, I am sharing this touching tribute to the service of veterans. "I call myself a veteran sir, I answered on the run, when my country needed me I got a uniform and a gun. I carried out my orders just as well as I knew how, left my job in the city, or was it behind a plow. I call myself a veteran sir, when my country made t… Continue Reading
November 19, 2018
Weekly Column: An Idaho Thanksgiving
As we sit down to our Thanksgiving meals, there is a good chance the hard work of Idaho farmers went into a majority of our meal. Meals at Thanksgiving are as varied as the people who celebrate it, but there are some iconic dishes with strong Idaho connections. Mashed potatoes: Idaho leads the nation in the production of potatoes. Stuffing and rolls: Idaho is ranked in the top ten of Spring Wheat and Winter Wheat producing states. Milk: If we drink milk with our meal, add milk to the mash… Continue Reading
November 12, 2018
Weekly Column: The Spirit Of Freedom Award Spotlights Compassion And Heroism Of Idahoans
When heavy winter snowfall blocked sidewalks, Danny Pugmire, of Nampa, followed a wheelchair-bound person with his car's emergency blinkers on to keep the man safe until the wheelchair could be navigated safely off the road. But, Danny's compassion did not stop there. He and his wife, June, then opened their home to the man who had faced some very difficult times and gave him the love he needed until he could return home six months later. This is just one of the many acts of kindness cited in… Continue Reading
November 05, 2018
Weekly Column: Honoring Veterans
Veterans, by putting their lives on the line for their country, communities, fellow servicemembers and fellow Americans, represent the ultimate sacrifice, which is at the core of their service. We honor veterans this Veterans Day by recognizing the foundation of their service and helping to ensure that their immense commitment is acknowledged and respected. One of the most fundamental ways to respect veterans' dedication is by providing full support for their service, not only while deployed, … Continue Reading
October 29, 2018
Weekly Column: Honoring Idaho's Principals
One of the things I treasure most about representing Idaho in the U.S. Senate is that I get to cross paths with extraordinary Idahoans doing great work. I recently had the opportunity to meet with Amy McBride, who is Idaho's 2018 Outstanding Secondary Principal of the Year. When you think about how many great principals there are in Idaho working hard to ensure Idaho's children receive top-notch educations that set them on a path to succeed, her selection as topmost among them is significant. … Continue Reading
October 22, 2018
Weekly Column: U.S. Senate Takes Steps To Address High Prescription Costs
There is growing concern over the rising cost of prescription drugs. Drug manufacturers argue that the rising prices of these medications are largely due to the cost of research and development; however, it can be challenging for consumers to distinguish whether these claims are authentic. As the U.S. continues to lead the world in the research and development of drugs that improve and extend lives, we must do more to ensure that those who need them most have access to affordable medication. … Continue Reading
