Simpson, Michael K.

Michael K. Simpson is a Republican representative from Idaho's 2nd congressional district who chairs the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee. As chair of this subcommittee, Simpson controls the budget and legislative priorities for federal agencies that manage public lands and environmental policy, including the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Indian Health Service. This position gives him significant influence over how the federal government manages nearly 650 million acres of public land and sets environmental policy priorities.

Simpson brings substantial background relevant to his committee role. Born in Burley, Idaho, and raised in Blackfoot, he earned a degree in pre-dentistry from Utah State University and a dental degree from Washington University School of Dental Medicine. He practiced dentistry in Blackfoot before entering politics, serving on the Blackfoot City Council starting in 1980 and in the Idaho House of Representatives from 1984 to 1998, where he served as speaker from 1992 to 1998. He was first elected to Congress in 1998 and has represented Idaho's 2nd district continuously since then. His long tenure in state government and his Idaho roots give him deep familiarity with public land management issues critical to western states.

As chair of the Interior and Environment Subcommittee, Simpson has advanced appropriations legislation that reflects his priorities around energy development and regulatory reform. In fiscal year 2026, he guided an appropriations bill that reduced funding for environmental agencies while prioritizing funding for wildfire management, the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program for counties with federal land, and Indian Country programs. Simpson has emphasized rolling back what he characterizes as burdensome regulations from the previous administration and promoting American energy dominance. He has also championed forest management reforms, including legislation that treats wildfires as natural disasters eligible for disaster funding.

Simpson is generally regarded as a moderate Republican who has occasionally broken with his party on certain issues. He supports DACA and work visas for agricultural workers and was one of 18 Republicans who voted against Jim Jordan's nomination for Speaker of the House. His legislative record reflects a focus on western water and land issues, energy policy, and fiscal responsibility in federal spending.