News Releases
CRAPO TO PARTICIPATE IN 4th OF JULY EVENTS
Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will participate in 4th of July events in Boise, Caldwell and Melba this week during Congress' July 4th state work period. Crapo will also join with Trout Unlimited officials and the Boise National Forest to observe progress on a conservation project near Idaho City that is restoring threatened populations of Idaho bull trout. Crapo's schedule for July 4th and 5th includes the following events: Wednesday, July 4th: 10:30 a.m. Melba Participate… Continue Reading
June 28, 2007
IN LIGHT OF SUPREME COURT REFUSAL TO END DOUBLE AND TRIPLE TAXATION OF BUSINESSES, CRAPO AND SCHUMER UNVEIL LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE RELIEF
Following the Supreme Court's refusal last week to hear two cases relating to multiple layers of tax on multi-state businesses, today U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Charles E. Schumer (D-New York) announced legislation that would relieve impacted businesses from the burden of double taxation, which results from a varying mix of state tax laws. At issue is whether companies, in addition to being taxed in the state where physically located, should also be subject to business activity taxe… Continue Reading
June 28, 2007
CRAPO APPLAUDS VOCA FUND PRESERVATION
Washington , DC - In a show of support for victims of crime today, the Senate Appropriations Committee refused to institute a proposed rescission of the Crime Victims Fund in the Fiscal Year appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice and Science according to Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Crapo, who, for three years, has led efforts in the Senate to keep the Fund out of the General Treasury, applauded the members of the Appropriations Committee for their commitment to victims… Continue Reading
June 28, 2007
CRAPO: IMMIGRATION REFORM NEEDS MORE WORK
Washington, D.C. - Today Idaho Senator Mike Crapo voted against moving forward on immigration reform legislation, saying that the bill was a flawed approach to a critical issue. The final vote was 46-53, 14 votes short of what was needed to move forward with the legislation. "Over the past several weeks I have heard an overwhelming response from Idahoans regarding immigration reform," said Crapo. "Clearly, change is desired but not if that change comes with offering amnesty to millions of peo… Continue Reading
June 27, 2007
CRAPO UPDATED ON DEBILITATING "STEALTH TAX"
Washington , DC - Tax experts today reaffirmed to Idaho Senator Mike Crapo that the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) forces debilitating financial effects on American taxpayers. At a Senate Finance Committee hearing today, witnesses told Crapo and others on the committee that the so-called "stealth tax" hit four million taxpayers in 2006 and, in just three more years, is projected to affect 34 percent of those who file income tax. "The Alternative Mi… Continue Reading
June 26, 2007
CRAPO: BILL OBSTRUCTS EMPLOYEE CHOICE
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Idaho Senator Mike Crapo asserted that an employee has a right to privacy and free choice in the workplace by voting against the Employee Free Choice Act, H.R. 800. The bill, which would do away with an employee's right to a private ballot in union organizing elections, failed to move forward in the Senate by a vote of 51 to 48; 60 votes were needed. "Employees should have the right to private ballots when deciding whether or not to join a union," Crapo said.… Continue Reading
June 22, 2007
ENERGY BILL GETS A PASSING GRADE - STILL MORE TO DO
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Late Thursday, Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Larry Craig voted in favor of the Senate Energy Bill, H.R. 6. The bill focused on advanced biofuels and efficiency for automobiles, research and development of carbon capture and storage technologies, and the development of key international strategic energy relationships. Crapo said, "This energy bill will go a long way toward increasing our supply of domestic fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel, and cellulosic ethanol; reasonab… Continue Reading
June 21, 2007
CRAPO, BAUCUS INTRODUCE BILL TO HELP U.S. FARMERS AND RANCHERS TAP CUBAN MARKET
Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Finance Committee with jurisdiction over certain foreign trade issues, joined with Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Montana) to introduce legislation today to ease trade and end travel restrictions between the U.S. and Cuba. The legislation, S. 1673, aims to better enable U.S. producers to export to Cuba and enhance U.S. and Cuba political and economic opportunities. "Unfortunately, Idaho products have made up very little of … Continue Reading
June 20, 2007
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDING COMING TO IDAHO
Washington, DC - Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Larry Craig confirmed today that Idaho will receive $5 million in new federal economic development funding under a U.S. Department of Labor workforce innovation initiative. The Department's Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development program, or WIRED, targets funding for economic development in various regions. The funding announced today will target economic development in an eight county area of Southern Idaho, including the Magic V… Continue Reading
June 20, 2007
BAUCUS, RANGEL, CRAPO, EMERSON TO UNVEIL CUBA BILLS
Washington, DC - At a news conference tomorrow, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel (D-New York), along with U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.), will unveil companion pieces of legislation to ease agricultural trade, travel and other restrictions against Cuba. The news conference will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, in the Senate Radio/TV Gallery (S-325). Since 2005, U.S. agric… Continue Reading
June 19, 2007
CRAPO VOTES TO EXTEND COUNTY PAYMENTS
Washington, DC - Idaho schools and counties would benefit from provisions added today to a renewable energy tax incentives bill approved by the Senate Finance Committee to be added to the Energy bill, H.R. 6, currently being debated by the U.S. Senate. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo joined with Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and other members of the Committee to amend a renewable energy tax incentive bill to extend payments under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, as well as … Continue Reading
June 15, 2007
CRAPO PRAISES MEN'S HEALTH WEEK
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Idaho Senator Mike Crapo praises Senate approval of a resolution designating June 11-17, 2007, as "National Men's Health Week." The resolution, which Crapo introduced in May, passed by unanimous consent last night in the Senate. Crapo, a two-time survivor of prostate cancer, is a champion of men's health initiatives and has pressed for the creation of a federal office for men's health to promote public awareness and better coordinate existing research. Crapo serves on th… Continue Reading
June 14, 2007
CRAPO SEEKS CHANGE IN TAX CODE TO BENEFIT FARMERS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Idaho Senator Mike Crapo joined North Dakota Senator Kent Conrad in introducing bipartisan legislation that would provide tax benefits for farmers by updating the depreciation schedules for farm equipment. The bill addresses an injustice in the tax code that spreads the tax benefit of farm equipment over seven years, even though average machinery has a life span of only five years. "It is time to fix this outdated system to reflect modern needs in our agricultural com… Continue Reading
June 14, 2007
CRAPO SUPPORTS NATIONAL ANTHEM PROJECT
WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 14, Flag Day, is a good time to honor our country's national anthem, according to Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. He joined with other Senators today in introducing a Senate resolution honoring the National Anthem Project, a national campaign to promote "The Star-Spangled Banner" and emphasize the importance of school music programs. Idaho Senator Larry Craig and Indiana Senator Evan Bayh introduced the measure, which Crapo co-sponsored. "Our national anthem pays tr… Continue Reading
June 08, 2007
CRAPO: COMMON SENSE PREVAILS IN CHANGES FOR PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo applauded today's announcement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to permit U.S. passport applicants to travel while their applications are being reviewed. Under new regulations, travelers by air to and from countries in North America must have a valid passport. Crapo noted his office has received many calls from Idahoans concerning delays in receiving their passports. Many of those who called received assistance that ultimately led to succe… Continue Reading
June 06, 2007
CRAPO TO RALLY AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN COEUR D'ALENE
Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will speak against domestic violence and about federal help for victims during a visit to Coeur d'Alene this Saturday. Crapo will keynote the annual meeting for the Coeur d'Alene Women's Center with an update on legislative efforts to stop domestic violence."The Women's Center epitomizes how programs to stop violence against women and children should work," Crapo noted. "The effort is rooted at the local level and includes … Continue Reading
June 05, 2007
SENATE WILL MISS THOMAS' HUMBLE LEADERSHIP
Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo praised the humble leadership of fellow Senator Craig Thomas (R-Wyoming) who passed away last night following a battle with leukemia. Crapo said Thomas' willingness to shun the spotlight in favor of advancing issues critical to the West will be sorely missed in the U.S. Senate. "Craig Thomas was a tremendous friend of mine," Crapo said. "His loss will not only be a great personal loss to me but to the entire U.S. Senate. His integrity … Continue Reading
June 05, 2007
CRAPO, REID SEEK REDUCTIONS IN PRECIOUS METALS TAX
Washington, DC - Those seeking to invest in gold, silver and other precious metals will receive treatment equitable with other investors, under legislation proposed by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and Majority Leader Harry Reid. Crapo and Reid are sponsoring the Fair Treatment for Precious Metals Investment Act, which places capital gains taxes on metals more in line with other investments. "Gold, silver, platinum and palladium investment products are not subject to the same capital gains tax t… Continue Reading
May 30, 2007
Northwest Senators Urge BPA, Utilities to Come Together, Preserve Affordable Power for Region
WASHINGTON, DC - All six senators from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho are calling on the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to help bring all stakeholders together to resolve issues resulting from a recent 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. The Northwest Power Act of 1980 authorized BPA to make payments to investor-owned utilities in the Northwest. These payments bring the rates of investor-owned utilities, which buy BPA power at market-based rates, in line with the rates of public utilities… Continue Reading
May 29, 2007
CRAIG, CRAPO AND SALI ANNOUNCE NEW VA CLINIC COMING TO NORTH IDAHO
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Larry Craig, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and Senator Mike Crapo along with Congressman Bill Sali announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to open a new community-based clinic in the Kootenai/Bonner County area. The final determination will be made by VA officials after final site analysis."It could open sometime this year but if a building has to be built, it could be sometime next year. … Continue Reading
