News Releases
Crapo, Udall Introduce Bill to Level Playing Field for Advanced Biofuels
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID)and Tom Udall (D-NM) recently introduced bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate that would help level the playing field for advanced biofuels like algae by reforming the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) to make it more "technology neutral." The RFS includes a traditional ethanol standard of up to 15 billion gallons by 2015, originating mostly from corn feedstock, and a separate advanced biofuels standard, known as RFS2. Currently, the lar… Continue Reading
September 16, 2011
Bipartisan Group of 34 Senators Supports and Encourages Super Committee to 'Go Big' on Deficits and Debt
WASHINGTON - A bipartisan coalition of 34 U.S. Senators announced today that they will encourage and support the members of the congressional "super committee" in efforts to seek the broadest possible bipartisan agreement to address the nation's deficits and debt. As part of the August compromise on raising the debt ceiling, a bipartisan, bicameral 12-member panel was appointed to identify $1.5 trillion in budget savings over ten years in addition to the nearly $1 trillion in savings included i… Continue Reading
September 14, 2011
Grizzly Legislation Protects Acts of Self-Defense
Washington, D.C. - Ambiguities in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) have prompted Idaho's Congressional Delegation to introduce legislation clarifying the rights of individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones from grizzly bear attacks. Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and Congressman Raúl Labrador say the legislation would amend the ESA to permit actions carried out against grizzly bears in self-defense situations. The Delegation members note that these proposed changes to… Continue Reading
September 08, 2011
Crapo: Ending Uncertainty Frees Up Private Sector to Create Jobs
Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Budget and Finance Committees, released the following statement this evening regarding the President's address on jobs that was delivered to a joint session of Congress. "The President's announcement tonight was mostly temporary solutions that don't fundamentally reform our economic and fiscal policy. What I hear from business and industry leaders is that we need to refrain from the almost-daily increase in regulations that job … Continue Reading
September 01, 2011
Idaho Senators Earn Top Marks From Conservative Groups
Washington, DC - Consistent votes to cut taxes, reduce spending and decrease intrusive federal government regulation have earned Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch top marks from Congressional watchdog groups for 2010. The American Conservative Union (ACU), National Journal and Heritage Action for America have released reports to showcase who the top conservatives are in Congress, and who truly advances conservatism with their votes. Senators Crapo and Risch earned outstanding scores … Continue Reading
August 29, 2011
Crapo Legislation Increases Education About Teen Dating Violence
Washington, DC - With incidents of dating violence in the news and on the increase, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is introducing federal legislation to boost education and awareness about teen dating violence in Idaho schools. Crapo, along with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), has introduced the "SAFE Teen Act." U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Dave Reichert (R-WA) have also introduced similar legislation in the House. About 72 percent of 8th and 9th graders report dating. Of that num… Continue Reading
August 26, 2011
Crapo on Grizzly Bear Shooting
Washington, DC - The U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho recently filed federal criminal charges under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) against Jeremy Hill of Porthill, Idaho, for killing a grizzly bear on his property on May 8, 2011. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) which handles oversight of the ESA, says that Mr. Hill deserves swift and just treatment, and urges the federal government to show fairness and common sense when cons… Continue Reading
August 25, 2011
Crapo, Coalition Announce New Effort to Stop Teen Dating Violence
Boise - New federal legislation aimed at stopping teen dating violence will be announced by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna and others during an event on the Idaho Statehouse Steps Monday morning. Crapo will also honor a Nampa woman Monday for her heroic actions that helped police apprehend an alleged child abuser after witnessing the incident in a thrift store. … Continue Reading
August 23, 2011
Crapo To Receive 'Hometown Hero' Medal; Note Teen Dating Violence Efforts
Pocatello - Two Pocatello physicians plan to honor Idaho Senator Mike Crapo with a new "Hometown Hero" Medal during ceremonies Friday in Pocatello. Doctors Naeem Rahim and Fahim Rahim, who have opened a world-class kidney treatment center in Pocatello, created the Idaho award after they were honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. That award is regarded as the third-highest civilian award in the nation. The Rahim brothers are the first residents of Idaho to receive the Ellis Island Meda… Continue Reading
August 19, 2011
Clearwater Basin Collaborative Producing Proposals
Lewiston - Members of the Clearwater Basin Collaborative (CBC) work group will meet next week in Lapwai to consider proposals for land management projects aimed at improving habitat and forest health in central Idaho. The citizen-led CBC was convened three years ago by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo in an effort to find common ground on land and forest management projects that will enhance habitat for elk, fish and other species; improve forest health, prevent catastrophic fires and promote recreatio… Continue Reading
August 11, 2011
Crapo to Host Town Hall, Discuss Rural Economics During Magic Valley Visit
Twin Falls - Rural states like Idaho where agriculture contributes so much to the local economy are examining various scenarios for the recovery of jobs and businesses. Some of those strategies will be on display Monday as Idaho Senator Mike Crapo joins local business leaders, financial experts, elected leaders and others to host a rural economic roundtable sponsored in part by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle. Crapo will also meet with Idahoans Monday evening when he hosts another in a s… Continue Reading
August 09, 2011
Crapo Meets With Idahoans at Town Hall Events
Idaho Falls - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is meeting with Idahoans during town hall events being held during the August state work period when Congress is out of formal session. Crapo has been taking questions and meeting with Idahoans during the town hall events and at other chamber of commerce gatherings and public meetings around Idaho during August. Crapo enjoyed a well-attended town hall meeting yesterday with residents in Rigby and has had meetings today in Rexburg and Idaho Falls. He is a… Continue Reading
August 05, 2011
Crapo: Entitlement Crisis Looms
Washington, DC - Reports released today by the Social Security and Medicare Trustees demonstrate just how financially tenuous the two programs are, said Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Social Security payments will exceed receipts for the first time since 1983, partly because of the recession, but also because nothing has been done to shore up the program, which benefits 53 million Americans. The annual reports indicate that both Social Security and Medicare currently have very serious cash flow pr… Continue Reading
August 04, 2011
Crapo To Start August Work Period Discussing Economic Issues
Crapo To Start August Work Period Discussing Economic Issues Presents U.S. flag for opening of Community Action facility Contact: Lindsay Nothern Thursday, August 4, 2011 Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will begin Congress's traditional August state work period next week with discussions about the nation's economy, tax and budget issues with local business and civic leaders. Crapo will meet with Chamber of Commerce members in Idaho Falls, Rexburg and Rigby. C… Continue Reading
August 02, 2011
Idaho Senators Say Debt Plan Puts Spending Cuts First
Washington, D.C. - With the nation's credit rating and the threat of higher interest rates on the line, Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch today supported an agreement that sets a framework for trillions of dollars in permanent spending cuts and provides an opportunity to vote on a balanced budget amendment in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Key provisions in the plan ensure no tax increases and true spending reductions in excess of the debt ceiling increase. Both Idah… Continue Reading
August 01, 2011
Americans for Tax Reform: Final Debt Limit Deal Looks Good for Taxpayers
Announced two days before the country is expected to fully exhaust its $14.3 trillion in borrowing authority, a deal to end the debt ceiling negotiations has been announced. After Congressional Republicans held firm in their commitment to taxpayers to reject any and all tax increases, the deal forces lawmakers to get serious about government spending that drives the country's mounting debt. While final legislative language is yet to be fully agreed upon by the full caucuses in both chambers, a s… Continue Reading
August 01, 2011
The Wall Street Journal: A Tea Party Triumph
If a good political compromise is one that has something for everyone to hate, then last night's bipartisan debt-ceiling deal is a triumph. The bargain is nonetheless better than what seemed achievable in recent days, especially given the revolt of some GOP conservatives that gave the White House and Democrats more political leverage. The big picture is that the deal is a victory for the cause of smaller government, arguably the biggest since welfare reform in 1996. Most bipartisan budget d… Continue Reading
July 29, 2011
Crapo Supports Boehner Debt Ceiling Plan
Washington, D.C. - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo said tonight the debt ceiling legislation approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on a 218-210 vote should receive strong consideration by the Senate. Crapo said the incorporation of a balanced budget amendment in the House bill is key to curbing spending. The Senate voted 59 to 41to table the House legislation, but the table motion leaves the door open for reconsideration of the bill later. "Speaker Boehner and House members have worked har… Continue Reading
July 23, 2011
Clearwater Basin Collaborative Takes Big Step
Washington, D.C. - A collaborative land management effort in Idaho's Clearwater Basin has been selected for federal funding recommendations through the U.S. Forest Service that could maintain or create up to 380 jobs in the region over the next ten years. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo created the Clearwater Basin Collaborative (CBC) Work Group two years ago in an effort to find consensus on land management issues such as timber harvest, habitat improvement and species management. The restoration … Continue Reading
July 23, 2011
The Wall Street Journal: Out of the Way, Please, Mr. President
The Wall street Journal; July 23, 2011 Out of the Way, Please, Mr. President The Gang of Six puts forward some ideas worth pursuing. By: Peggy Noonan It's good, it represents progress, build from it. That would be a helpful approach to the Gang of Six proposal on the debt. Don't deep-six it because it's flawed. Flawless isn't going to happen. There will be a big election in 2012. A lot can be settled then, and after. The Gang of Six-three Democrats and three Repu… Continue Reading
