News Releases
Crapo, Simpson, Bieter Help Retain Rail Jobs; Buy America Waiver Denied
Washington, DC - The Federal Transit Authority has agreed to reject the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) waiver request of the "Buy American Act" to its federally funded procurement of at least 28 passenger rail locomotives. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, Representative Mike Simpson and Boise Mayor David Bieter had asked that the FTA deny the waiver request because it could cost hundreds of American jobs, not only in Boise but across the country. "Buy America" requirements require transit … Continue Reading
November 13, 2008
Crapo Notes Need For Reform At Financial Hearing
Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo welcomed the decision by the Treasury Department to move away from purchasing so-called "toxic assets" as part of the $700 billion financial rescue program, but cautioned careful assessment of the program's effects must be an ongoing process. Crapo participated in a Senate Banking Committee hearing today over use of federal funds under the stabilization program. He voted against the $700 billion program largely because of the high risk that taxpayers wou… Continue Reading
November 10, 2008
Crapo: Swearing-In Ceremony Ticket Requests Being Taken
Washington, DC - The historic inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama has generated a lot of questions from Idahoans about attending inaugural events in Washington, DC, in January 2009. Therefore, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has set up an informational page on his website to provide answers to many of those questions, along with a way for Idahoans to request tickets to the swearing-in ceremony via email. The page, http://crapo.senate.gov/services/Inauguration2009.cfm, contains details about th… Continue Reading
November 10, 2008
Crapo Announces His 2008 Spirit Of Freedom Awards
Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo announced the recipients of his annual Spirit of Freedom Awards honoring Idaho veterans and volunteers. The Spirit of Freedom Awards are presented annually during Veterans Day ceremonies around Idaho. 2008 marks the 6th year of the Awards, which pay tribute to exceptional veterans and to outstanding volunteers who give their time and resources to veterans and veterans organizations in Idaho. "Every year, it is an honor for me to present the Spirit of Fre… Continue Reading
November 05, 2008
Crapo Congratulates Obama, Risch, MinnickOn Victories
Boise - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo today offered his congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama, Senator-elect Jim Risch and Congressman-elect Walt Minnick on their election victories. Crapo noted the historic significance of the presidential election and pledged to Idahoans that he will continue to work in an effective manner to represent their interests on Capitol Hill. "President-elect Obama has brought a lot of energy into the political process, and his election is historic," Crapo sai… Continue Reading
November 04, 2008
Crapo To Discuss Energy, Jobs, Tax Policy, Health Care
Boise - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will participate in an alternative energy conference in Idaho Falls and help cut the ribbon for a new energy and education center on the Idaho State University campus in Pocatello this week. He will also present his Spirit of Idaho Award and a Congressional Record Statement to three Idahoans for efforts ranging from stopping teen dating violence to saving a young boy from drowning. Crapo will also keynote the 50th Anniversary gathering of the Idaho State Tax Inst… Continue Reading
October 31, 2008
Expedited Amtrak Study Sought
Washington, DC - Five members of the Idaho and Oregon Congressional Delegations have written the President and CEO of Amtrak requesting he expedite a study on the return of passenger rail service though Oregon, Idaho and points east. The study, inserted into an Amtrak spending bill by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), was the subject of the letter signed by Crapo, Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and Representatives Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) and Greg Walden (R-Oregon). … Continue Reading
October 24, 2008
Crapo To Speak On Efforts Against Child AbuseAt Idaho Conference
Boise - Children and families now have increased protection against the rising number of child exploitation cases under two new federal laws taking effect this month, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a longtime Senate leader in the efforts to eliminate violence against women and children, will discuss the legislation Tuesday during the Idaho Summit on Children Exposed to Domestic Violence. The statewide conference is being organized by the Idaho Coal… Continue Reading
October 23, 2008
Crapo: Taxpayers Remain Top Priority
Washington, DC - For the second time in as many weeks, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo returned to Capitol Hill to participate in Senate hearings regarding the economic crisis facing the nation. Today, he joined fellow Senate Banking Committee members in a hearing that focused on the federal regulators' role in the economic crisis and solutions to restore stability and soundness to the country's financial markets. Crapo's questions to the witnesses focused on how best to protect the taxpayers in any… Continue Reading
October 16, 2008
Crapo, Simpson Work To Keep Jobs In Idaho
Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and Representative Mike Simpson are attempting to keep jobs in Idaho and elsewhere in the U.S. by urging the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to reject a waiver request from the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) that could cost hundreds of American jobs. The MBTA, which is working to fill a pending passenger locomotive order, is seeking an FTA waiver of regulations of the Buy America Act which mandates the use and purchase of U.S.-produced g… Continue Reading
October 11, 2008
Crapo Office Visits Idaho Campuses To Discuss Washington Internships
Washington, DC - Staff members from the Idaho Senator Mike Crapo's Office are traveling to Idaho college campuses this month to meet with students regarding internships in the Senator's Washington, DC office. Ryan Ringel and Rachel Johnson from Crapo's Washington office will be available on the following Idaho campuses at the times listed. Interested students may also contact the Senator's office through his website at http://crapo.senate.gov or at (202) 224-6142. Monday, October 13 8:30-11:… Continue Reading
October 11, 2008
Crapo Honors Heroes Of Oregon Trail Fire
Washington, DC - The actions of Boise area firefighters, police, emergency crews and homeowners during a catastrophic fire in Southwest Boise last August were honored today by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Crapo spoke during a neighborhood event where victims of the Oregon Trail Fire returned to help each other heal from the events of August 25, 2008. Those named in the Congressional Record Statement were presented copies, as were the leaders of the Boise Police and Fire Departments. The Statement r… Continue Reading
October 07, 2008
Crapo To Discuss Collaboration On Water, Energy Issues
Boise - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will discuss the importance of collaboration in resolving resource issues from water to energy in separate speeches this week in Boise and Idaho Falls. The Senator's southern Idaho schedule includes the following events: Wednesday, October 8 12:30 p.m. Boise Delivers keynote address during the Summit on Rural and Urban Water Delivery Challenges sponsored by the Idaho Water Users Association. Topics include the collaborative process related to water issues a… Continue Reading
October 02, 2008
Crapo Offers Tribute To Craig's Work In Senate
Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo paid tribute to the legislative accomplishments and record of his colleague, retiring Senator Larry Craig during a speech on the Senate floor this morning. Crapo noted Craig's accomplishments involving citizen involvement in government and on issues such as property rights and lands issues, agriculture, adoption, veterans and the military. The text of his statement follows: "Mr./Madam President, as the 110th Congress comes to a close this fall, a chap… Continue Reading
October 01, 2008
Crapo: Financial Rescue Package Doesn't Adequately Protect Taxpayers
Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo voted against the legislative package to provide $700 billion in assistance in the credit crisis now confronting the country. The measure, H.R. 1424 The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, cleared the U.S. Senate on a vote of 74 to 25, and will now be referred back to the U.S. House of Representatives for reconsideration. "I voted no because I am not convinced that the Administration's proposal in its current form is the right solution, that taxpaye… Continue Reading
October 01, 2008
Crapo: Amtrak Study, Funding Passes
Washington, DC - Plans to restore passenger rail service to southern Idaho will get a new look following a vote by the U.S. Senate. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo's amendment requiring Amtrak to fund a new study on restoring the former Pioneer Route that ran through Nampa, Shoshone and Pocatello was approved tonight in a larger bill authorizing new rail spending and implementing improved safety requirements. The final vote was 74 to 24 in favor of the measure. "When President Bush signs the legisla… Continue Reading
September 30, 2008
Crapo, Craig Laud Passage Of Legislation Assisting Small Farms
Washington, DC - The United States Congress passed legislation supported by Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Larry Craig that will help support small farms. The legislation passed the Senate and the House of Representatives on Monday by Unanimous Consent and would temporarily suspend a 2008 Farm Bill provision eliminating commodity program support for small acreage farms. The measure suspends for one year - the 2008 crop year - a provision prohibiting commodity producers with a total of 10 base acr… Continue Reading
September 27, 2008
Crapo: Congress Failed To Do Its Job
Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo voted against the Consolidated Appropriations Bill, H.R. 2638, which passed the U.S. Senate on a vote of 78 to 12. Crapo, a member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement regarding his "no" vote: "Congress has once again failed to fulfill its Constitutional responsibility to fund the federal government. This bill is a stop-gap and isn't a responsible way to fund the critical programs of the government. It was presented as a take… Continue Reading
September 26, 2008
$19 Million Coming For Idaho Housing Needs
Washington, DC - Idaho will be receiving $19.6 million in new federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that will help areas trying to recover from the effects of foreclosure and declining property values, according to Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Crapo, Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee's subcommittee with jurisdiction over the issue, supported the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The legislation assists sta… Continue Reading
September 26, 2008
Crapo: Honor Mothers Of Military This Sunday
Washington, DC - This Sunday marks the national remembrance of Gold Star Mother's Day. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is asking Idahoans to take a moment this weekend and remember and thank those who have raised sons and daughters who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending America's freedom as part of the national recognition event. "President Woodrow Wilson was the first to use the description 'Gold Star Mother' in the aftermath of World War l," Crapo noted. "Since then, the last Sunday in Se… Continue Reading
