News Releases
Idaho Exempted From New Roadless Directive
Boise, ID - Idaho Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo say they are pleased that a new U.S. Forest Service directive on roadless areas will exclude Idaho. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that no road construction or timber removal will take place on National Forests under the Roadless Area Conservation Rule without approval from the Secretary for one year. "Idahoans worked hard through a collaborative process to put together a roadless plan that made sense for our state. I… Continue Reading
May 27, 2009
Crapo To Meet With Clearwater Basin Collaborative
Lewiston - Almost one year to the day after it was founded, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will meet with the Clearwater Basin Collaborative group during a visit to north central Idaho on Thursday. The Collaborative held its first meeting on May 29, 2008, and was formed to assist in long-range planning that could resolve multiple-use disputes on issues in the Clearwater Basin. Crapo and Collaborative members will discuss updates on the past Elk Collaborative and federal legislation that Crapo has s… Continue Reading
May 22, 2009
Rural Transit Bill Keeps Systems Running
Washington, DC-Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) and Jon Tester (D-Montana) are taking steps to improve how money is distributed to rural transit systems across the country. The Senators have introduced the Rural Transit Improvement and Flexibility Act of 2009 to increase rural, elderly, and disabled transit funding in rural states like Idaho, Montana and South Dakota. Crapo, a member of the Senate Banking Committee with jurisdiction over public transit issues, is the l… Continue Reading
May 22, 2009
Crapo To Meet With Tea Party Organizer
Idaho Falls - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will meet with the organizer of the recent Idaho Falls "Tea Party" on Memorial Day to receive oversize copies of the Declaration of Independence signed by participants of the anti-tax event. Andi Elliot led efforts at the April 15th event, where participants signed copies of the Declaration of Independence to send a message to Washington, DC about federal spending. Crapo, who could not attend the Tea Party event due to the Senate schedule in Washington, … Continue Reading
May 20, 2009
Cuba Trade, Travel Bill Reintroduced
Washington, DC - Idaho agriculture could benefit from better trade opportunities with Cuba under legislation introduced by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and a large bipartisan group of co-sponsors in the Senate. Crapo, a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness, joined with Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Montana) to introduce the Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2009. … Continue Reading
May 20, 2009
'Growth' Act Keeps Retirement Funds Working
Washington, DC. - People investing for retirement through the use of mutual funds should not pay capital gains taxes until those shares are sold, according to Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota). To keep retirement savings earning more money for a longer period of time, Crapo and Johnson have introduced the GROWTH (Generate Retirement Ownership Through Long-Term Holding) Act. Crapo, a member of both the Senate Finance and Banking Committees; and Johnson, a member of… Continue Reading
May 15, 2009
New Apache Aircraft Coming To Gowen Field
Washington, DC. - Following months of consultations involving Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, Idaho Army National Guard personnel, and Congressional and Guard representatives from other states, the U.S. Army has agreed on an upgrade of the Apache helicopter fleet stationed at Boise's Gowen Field. The decision means Idaho will receive new AH-64D Apache Longbows, the Army's top attack helicopter and a major improvement in equipment and training for the 1-183rd Aviation Battalion of Army Guardsmen and ot… Continue Reading
May 14, 2009
EchoHawk Nomination Passes Committee
Washington, DC - Former Idaho Attorney General Larry EchoHawk is on track to become the next Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, following a voice vote by the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Committee who introduced EchoHawk at last week's nomination hearing, supported his nomination. The Senate has not yet scheduled a floor vote on the nomination. "Larry's diverse background, including experience in law enforcement, in politics and man… Continue Reading
May 14, 2009
EPW Committee Moves Landmark Water Infrastructure Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Water and Wildlife Subcommittee Chairman, along with EPW Ranking Member James Inhofe (R-OK), and subcommittee ranking member Mike Crapo (R-ID), applauded Committee passage of The Water Infrastructure Financing Act, which provides the foundation for our nation's drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The bill, which passed the Committee today wit… Continue Reading
May 14, 2009
Cranes Get Boost In Crapo-Feingold Legislation
Washington, D.C. - Some of the most endangered birds in the world, including whooping cranes, will get needed assistance under legislation approved today by the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), a member of the Committee, and Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife, and Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin) sponsored the Crane Conservation Act. The legislation establishes a grant program to fund international and domestic crane conserva… Continue Reading
May 14, 2009
Crapo Water Fund Bill Approved In Committee
Washington, DC - Legislation to reauthorize critical new assistance for local water and wastewater improvements today won approval before a Senate committee. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo co-sponsored and voted in favor of S. 1005, The Water Infrastructure Financing Act. The legislation was approved by a vote of 17 to 2. The bipartisan legislation authorizes nearly $35 billion in new federal assistance and makes reforms for th… Continue Reading
May 13, 2009
Idahoans Want Action, Balance, Bipartisanship On Energy Policy
Washington, DC - Idahoans, 1,200 strong, have made their point: the nation needs to act now to use balance and bipartisanship in crafting a new energy policy of improved conservation and energy resources, according to Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Crapo announced on the Senate floor this morning that he has finished entering into the Senate record hundreds of e-mails he has received directly from Idahoans since last summer, detailing concerns about high energy costs. As gasoline prices soared above … Continue Reading
May 12, 2009
Senate Bill Would Address Doctor Shortages
Washington, DC. - Legislation introduced today in the U.S. Senate would increase access to critical care in intensive care units (ICUs) throughout the country. The Patient-Focused Critical Care Enhancement Act, sponsored by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) would expand the critical care workforce and establish best practices to maximize the efficiency of existing critical care personnel. Critical care doctors provide care to critically ill or injured patie… Continue Reading
May 08, 2009
Clean Water Funding Improved By EPW Bill
Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee's Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife, has joined with Subcommittee Chairman Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), full EPW Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-CA), and Committee Ranking Member James Inhofe (R-OK) to introduce The Water Infrastructure Financing Act, which provides the foundation for our nation's drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. This bipartisan agreement makes imp… Continue Reading
May 07, 2009
Crapo Introduces BIA Nominee EchoHawk
Washington, DC - Former Idaho Attorney General Larry EchoHawk today began the process of Senate confirmation regarding his nomination to be the next Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, Department of Interior. As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs and fellow Idahoan, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo had the honor of introducing EchoHawk before the Committee during today's hearing. EchoHawk's nomination must still be approved by the full Senate. Alonzo Coby, Chairman of the F… Continue Reading
May 07, 2009
Idaho Delegation Gets Reversal On Backcountry Mail Delivery Decision
Washington, DC - Mail delivery will continue for residents of Idaho's Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, Idaho's Congressional Delegation announced today. U.S. Postmaster General John Potter, in separate letters today to Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and Representative Walt Minnick, reversed an earlier decision to cancel the contract for backcountry mail delivery. Potter indicated that acceptable service to backcountry customers could not be achieved in any other fashion other than … Continue Reading
May 06, 2009
Crapo, Risch Congratulate Idaho's Top Youth Volunteers
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch congratulated two Idaho students for being named the state's top youth volunteers for 2009 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. The students are Hosanna Kabakoro of Twin Falls and Darrien Gish of Nampa. They were joined in Washington, D.C. this week by top volunteers from other states for an award ceremony at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, where they received $1,000 awards in recognition of their ou… Continue Reading
May 06, 2009
Crapo To Hold Statewide Forum
Washington, DC - Idahoans can receive the latest news on issues before Congress next week as Senator Mike Crapo holds a statewide iTownHall meeting on Wednesday, May 13th. The technology behind the iTownHall meeting allows Idahoans to join in via telephone from any location in Idaho. Listeners will have an opportunity to ask the Senator about any number of topics regarding federal policies or legislation. "Joining the townhall discussion is as easy as signing up at my official website, http:/… Continue Reading
May 04, 2009
Crapo Notes Hispanic Achievements
Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has co-sponsored a Senate resolution noting the importance children play in promoting Hispanic culture. Crapo's actions come during a week of events honoring Latino history and culture both in Idaho and Washington, DC. Crapo co-sponsored S. Res. 122, which passed the Senate unanimously. The legislation calls on parents to play particular attention to communicating with their children and was prompted by celebration over the tradition of Mexico's Dia d… Continue Reading
May 04, 2009
Crapo Bill Protects Gun Owners, Dealers
Washington, DC - Those who own and sell firearms will see increased flexibility from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) under bipartisan legislation introduced by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont). Leahy is Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Crapo is Co-chair of the Congressional Sportsman's Caucus. S. 941, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act, represents the first time … Continue Reading
