Michael K. Simpson

Urban Canal Modernization Act

in committee

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026

introduced

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2025

in committee

“Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor and celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of my dear friend of over 40 years, Dirk Kempthorne, who passed away this weekend. Dirk's public service stands as a model of dedication and integrity. From Mayor of Boise, to U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and the 49th Secretary of the Interior, he led with principle, fiscal responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to Western values. To me, he was never just ``Mr. Mayor,'' ``Senator Kempthorne,'' ``Governor,'' or ``Mr. Secretary.'' He was simply Dirk--a friend and someone who always put Idaho first. His wise counsel helped shape the principled conservative I strive to be, always reminding me that public service is about people, not politics. Together, we worked to deliver results for Idahoans on water rights, public lands, and smart conservation. One effort especially close to our hearts was the Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise. Dirk was a champion for species recovery. Even in his final battle with cancer, Dirk showed the same courage that defined his life of service. I thank his wife, Patricia, and their children, Jeff and Heather, for sharing him with Idaho and our Nation. Mr. Speaker. Dirk will be so missed, and I am very grateful for the years of friendship. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a great Idahoan. [[Page E394]] ____________________”

2026-04-30 · Government Reform

“Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of one of Idaho's most distinguished public servants, my dear friend of over 40 years, Dirk Kempthorne. Dirk's career has been a testament to selfless dedication, from the halls of local government to the highest echelons of national service. Born in San Diego, California, in 1951, Dirk graduated from the University of Idaho in 1975 with a degree in political science, where he served as Student Body President, a fitting prelude to a lifetime of leadership. He began his public service as Mayor of Boise from 1985 to 1993, guiding our capital city through a period of remarkable growth and economic vitality. From there, he ascended to the United States Senate, representing Idaho from 1993 to 1999 with a steady hand and unyielding commitment to Western values. Elected Governor in 1998 and reelected in 2002, Dirk served until 2006, championing fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship. Capping his tenure in elective office, he was confirmed as the 49th Secretary of the Interior under President George W. Bush, where he balanced conservation with economic opportunity across our vast public lands. But to me, Mr. Speaker, Dirk has never been just ``Mr. Mayor,'' ``Senator Kempthorne,'' ``Governor,'' or ``Mr. Secretary.'' He is simply Dirk--a loyal confidant, a steadfast ally, and a friend I was lucky to meet in the arena of Idaho politics more than four decades ago. We met in the mid-1980's, as I began my service in the Idaho State Legislature and Dirk launched his mayoral campaign. From those early days, our friendship deepened through shared battles and bipartisan collaborations on behalf of Idahoans. Dirk's endorsement and unwavering support were instrumental in my own 1998 campaign for this House seat, a debt of gratitude I carry to this day. He didn't just help get me elected; he helped shape the principled conservative I strive to be, always reminding me that public service is about people, not politics. Mr. Speaker, our professional paths intertwined time and again, yielding results that strengthened Idaho and the West. As Mayor, Dirk and I worked together to tackle local challenges. When Dirk became Governor, I had the honor of being elected to represent Idaho's 2nd Congressional District. Together with the Idaho Delegation, we built a productive relationship with the State of Idaho, delivering federal results for Idahoans across the state. I appreciated the priorities Dirk established while serving as Secretary of the Interior, and when I was Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment. Although Republicans did not have the majority in the House, I had the honor of working with Dirk to advance priorities vital to Idaho. From working on the Endangered Species Act to protect property rights while safeguarding habitats, addressing water rights and tribal sovereignty, and promoting multiple-use policies for our public lands, Dirk's leadership ensured that federal policies respected the unique needs of the West. Among these efforts, one stands out that holds a place closer to our hearts--that is, the Peregrine Fund and its World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise. Dirk has been its tireless advocate for this Center, just as he was during his time in public service. The Peregrine Fund has pioneered species recovery efforts, including the delisting of the peregrine falcon from the endangered list. I was proud to secure federal funding for the Center's vital work, and even prouder to do so alongside a friend who supported these efforts. Through it all, Dirk has remained one of Idaho's fiercest champions. Even now, as he faces a personal battle with cancer with the same determination that defined his public life, Dirk continues to inspire us all. His story reminds us that true leadership endures beyond the ballot box, rooted in faith, family, and dedication. I am grateful for Dirk's decades of service to our state and Nation, as well as his friendship all these years. I extend my deepest admiration and gratitude to Patricia, his wife, as she has also sacrificed. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking and honoring Dirk Kempthorne for his decades of service, loyalty, and the lasting impact he has had on Idaho and America. May Dirk's legacy soar as high as the raptors he has so nobly protected. ____________________”

2025-09-30 · Government Reform

“Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my longtime employee, Amy Sorensen, as she prepares to retire at the end of August. I have often said that a really good staff makes a decent Member of Congress--and throughout my time in office, I've been fortunate to have outstanding individuals like Amy by my side. Amy began working in my Idaho Falls office on the very first day we opened our doors. From that day forward, she has been a steady, dedicated presence--not only for me and my team but for the people of Idaho. Many people do not recognize what congressional offices can do for them, but with Amy's presence in Idaho, she worked tirelessly to help Idahoans where she could and serve their needs. One of the things I'm most proud of during my time in Congress is the high level of service we've provided to Idahoans--and Amy played a key role in making that happen. Federal government agencies are often difficult and complex to navigate. However, Amy's ability to cut through the red tape made her an invaluable resource and help to many throughout the state. Amy was also a great team builder. She created the Simpson Staff Spotlight. It is a fun survey that highlights a staff member or intern, so we all get to know each other better--something everyone on the team enjoys receiving. From helping tens of thousands of Idahoans navigate complex federal issues to personally attending meetings and events across the district to supporting veterans, Amy has been far more than an asset--she has been family. Mr. Speaker, I am excited for Amy as she enters the next chapter in her life and am extremely grateful to her husband, and former staff member, Josh, for sharing Amy with us for all these years. I also want to recognize Josh and Amy's incredible children; Sam, Sydney, Jane, Henry, and Lucy. They were all born while Amy worked for me, and it has been a great joy to watch them grow up. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking and honoring Amy Sorensen for her decades of outstanding public service to the people of Idaho and this great Nation. ____________________”

2025-08-08 · Government Reform