Simpson, Michael K. [R-ID-2]
Republican · ID · 4 bills sponsored
Urban Canal Modernization Act
# Urban Canal Modernization Act (HR 6279) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Urban Canal Modernization Act would authorize updates and improvements to canal infrastructure in urban areas. While specific details aren't publicly available yet (the bill is still in committee), such legislation typically addresses aging water delivery systems, irrigation infrastructure, or flood control mechanisms in cities. The bill aims to modernize these systems to improve efficiency, safety, or water management. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily affect communities with canal systems—likely in western states where irrigation and water management are critical. Residents and businesses depending on these canals for water supply, irrigation, or flood control could benefit from modernized infrastructure. It may also impact local governments and water districts responsible for maintaining these systems. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. Representative Michael Simpson (R-ID) introduced it in the 119th Congress. For it to become law, it must pass through committee review, be approved by the House and Senate, and be signed by the President. *Note: Limited details are available at this stage. For more specific information about provisions and funding, check Congress.gov.*
Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026
# HR 4754: Interior and Environment Spending Bill This bill would set federal spending for 2026 across multiple agencies focused on natural resources, environmental protection, and Native American services. It funds the Department of the Interior (including the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management), the Environmental Protection Agency, the Forest Service, and Native American health and education programs within the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill essentially decides how much money these agencies receive to operate their day-to-day functions and programs. The legislation affects Americans broadly, from park visitors and public lands users to tribes and communities relying on environmental protections and health services. It influences everything from national park maintenance to environmental enforcement, wildlife management, and healthcare for Native Americans. The bill also touches on specific regional interests, including projects in Alaska, Colorado, California, and Arkansas, based on the listed subjects. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been passed. As an appropriations measure, it would typically need approval from both the House and Senate before being signed into law to take effect for the 2026 fiscal year.
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2025
# Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2025 – Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would split the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which currently covers a large western region, into two separate courts. The existing Ninth Circuit would keep California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands. A brand new "Twelfth Circuit" would be created to handle Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Each circuit would have its own judges and handle appeals from lower courts in their respective areas. **Who It Affects and Why** The reorganization would affect lawyers, businesses, and individuals in the western U.S. who appeal court cases, as well as the federal judges who would staff these two circuits. Currently, the Ninth Circuit is one of the largest federal appeals courts in the country, handling cases from a vast geographic area. Supporters of splitting it argue this could reduce case backlogs and improve efficiency. The change would also create new federal judgeships that would need to be filled. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. It would need to pass the House, then the Senate, and be signed by the President to become law.
To authorize an additional district judgeship for the district of Idaho.
# Summary of HR 319: Idaho District Court Judgeship Bill **What the Bill Does** HR 319 would create one additional federal district court judgeship for Idaho, increasing the total number of judges in that court from two to three. If passed, the President would nominate a new judge to fill this position, subject to Senate confirmation. This is a relatively straightforward administrative change that doesn't alter how the court operates—it simply adds judicial capacity. **Who It Affects and Why** The bill primarily affects the federal court system in Idaho and the state's residents who use it. Federal courts handle cases involving federal law, disputes between states, and other matters outside state court jurisdiction. Idaho's federal district currently has two judges handling these cases. Supporters of the bill argue that the state's growing population and caseload justify adding another judge to reduce delays and improve access to justice. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. It was introduced by Representative Michael K. Simpson (R-Idaho). While judicial vacancies and new judgeships are typically bipartisan concerns—both parties recognize the need for adequate court capacity—this bill remains in the early legislative stage.