Mike Simpson on Breaking Battlegrounds
Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson is one of the most senior Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee, and few members know federal spending better. He joined Breaking Battlegrounds in September 2025 to discuss political violence, public safety in Washington, D.C., and the appropriations process.
This page covers Mike Simpson’s Breaking Battlegrounds interview and his long career in Idaho and Washington.
Who Is Mike Simpson?
Mike Simpson is a Republican who has represented Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District since 1999. The district covers eastern Idaho, including Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Twin Falls, and parts of Boise. He is running for re-election in 2026.
He was born in Burley, Idaho, in 1950, earned a degree from Utah State University and a dental degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and worked as a dentist. He served in the Idaho House of Representatives from 1984 to 1998, including as speaker from 1993 to 1998.
In Congress, he is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and chairs its Interior and Environment Subcommittee. He has used that role to secure funding for Idaho priorities, including the Idaho National Laboratory, and to write full funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, which helps rural counties with large amounts of federal land. He is also known for his proposal to restore salmon runs by breaching the lower Snake River dams while balancing agriculture, fisheries, and power generation.
Mike Simpson's Appearance on Breaking Battlegrounds
Standing Against Political Violence (September 2025)
Simpson joined Chuck and Sam to discuss the 58 House Democrats who voted against a measure cracking down on political violence, with another 38 voting “present.” He also covered President Trump’s push to make Washington, D.C., safer and his work on the House Appropriations Committee.
The episode also features former NFL kicker Jay Feely, media insider Ken LaCorte, and financial analyst Gary Gygi.
What Mike Simpson Focuses On: Key Themes
- Federal spending and appropriations. As an Interior and Environment subcommittee chair, he shapes funding for public lands, national parks, and the environment.
- Idaho and the rural West. He champions PILT funding, the Idaho National Laboratory, and water projects for his largely rural district.
- Salmon and the Snake River. His dam-breaching proposal is one of the most debated conservation ideas in the Northwest.
- Public safety and civility. In his Breaking Battlegrounds interview, he called for bipartisan action against political violence.
Related Episodes and Explainers
- Noah Rothman on Breaking Battlegrounds, who discussed the history of political violence
- Jay Feely on Breaking Battlegrounds
- Dusty Johnson on Breaking Battlegrounds
- What Is a Government Shutdown?
Follow Mike Simpson
- Official House website: simpson.house.gov
- Election profile: Mike Simpson on Ballotpedia
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mike Simpson?
A Republican congressman who has represented Idaho’s 2nd District since 1999 and chairs the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.
What did Mike Simpson do before Congress?
He was a dentist and served in the Idaho House, including five years as speaker.
What is Mike Simpson's Snake River proposal?
A plan to restore salmon runs by breaching the lower Snake River dams while balancing agriculture, fisheries, and power generation.
What did Mike Simpson discuss on Breaking Battlegrounds?
Political violence, public safety in Washington, D.C., and his appropriations work.
