Latest news with #MikeSimpson
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Funny way to treat your friends:' Republicans miffed with Trump's threats to ignore funding
Republican appropriators are alarmed that the White House is open to unilaterally freezing cash Congress could approve in September, if lawmakers overshoot President Donald Trump's latest budget request. It marks a shift for top Republicans in charge of writing government funding bills, who have largely hesitated to speak too harshly against the president's funding freezes this year. As defense hawks on Capitol Hill demand far more funding than Trump is seeking for the military, the president's willingness to withhold congressionally approved cash — known as 'impoundment' — is widening the rift between the White House and GOP lawmakers ahead of the fall fiscal cliff and increasing worries of a government shutdown. 'I've got a real problem with impoundment,' Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), who chairs the House Appropriations panel that funds the EPA and the Interior Department, told reporters this week. 'That's like a line-item veto, and I think it's illegal,' Simpson said. 'That will be a challenge, for sure.' Withholding federal money is nothing new for Trump, who has spent months freezing billions of dollars signed into law on former President Joe Biden's watch despite lawsuits challenging the tactic. It goes back even further, with Trump's impeachment in 2018 tied in large part to his decision to hold back military aid to Ukraine. But it would be considered far more radical for the president to defy congressional leaders from his own party by locking up congressionally approved funding after nine months of total GOP control in Washington. Several senior Republicans decried Trump's budget proposal last week to keep the military's funding flat in the upcoming fiscal year while piling on $150 billion more through the party-line package Republican leaders are endeavoring to pass this summer, which is far from guaranteed. Asked during a call with reporters what Trump would do if lawmakers approve more military funding, a senior official with the Office of Management and Budget said impounding federal cash is always an option. 'Obviously, we have never taken impoundment off the table, because the president and myself believe that 200 years of the president and Executive Branch had that ability,' said the OMB official. 'But we're working with Congress to see what they will pass, and I believe that they have an interest in passing cuts.' Republican appropriators will soon embark on writing the dozen funding bills for fiscal 2026, which starts in October. Traditionally, they consider a president's budget request a mere suggestion for how to craft those measures, throwing around the old saying: 'The president proposes, Congress disposes.' That principle would be upended, however, if the White House withholds funding in excess of the budget request, rather than just using the threat of impoundment to influence Congress' funding decisions. House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) said he understood the White House's strategy: 'If I were them, I would too,' he said of the administration's leveraging of the threat of impoundment. Sen. Shelley Moore Capitol (R-W.V.), a top Senate appropriator and a member of GOP leadership, wasn't so sure. 'I mean, if that's a pressure campaign, I get that,' she said this week. 'If that's reality, I think that there's some fundamental questions there. So that kind of surprises me, actually.' Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), another senior appropriator, had a similar reaction to the White House leaving open the possibility of withholding funding that the Republican-led Congress clears in the coming months. 'That's a funny way to treat your friends,' he said in an interview. The threat of impoundment could undermine the foundation of bipartisan funding negotiations, with Democrats arguing that it's useless to negotiate if Trump isn't going to spend the money as Congress prescribes. Republicans need Democratic votes to pass their funding bills in the Senate. And with less than five months to go until the next shutdown deadline, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer — who was derided earlier this year for helping pass a Republican-crafted funding package — is now under pressure to at least fend off Trump's desire for Congress to cut non-defense programs by more than 20 percent. At least one Republican, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, said he wasn't surprised by how things are playing out. He predicted that Trump's ultimate objective is to get the nation's highest court to rule that the 51-year-old impoundment law is unconstitutional. 'I think the goal is the Supreme Court,' said Paul, who publicly told a top official from the White House budget office last month that he doesn't think Trump 'can impound direct funds indefinitely' under the Impoundment Control Act. 'It's a reasonable question to ask. And it's never been all the way to the Supreme Court,' Paul, a staunch advocate of limited government, said this week. 'And of course, everybody has to adhere to what the final decision will be.'
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
U.S. Rep. Simpson again cosponsors bill for third Idaho federal district judge
U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, speaks with press while walking into the House Chambers to vote on Feb. 25, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by) U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, is again attempting to add a third Idaho federal district court judge — as part of a broader judgeship expansion bill. In 1954, Congress approved a second federal district judgeship for Idaho, which has been one of the fastest-growing states in recent years. Since then, Idaho's population has more than tripled to over 2 million residents. In 2021, the Associated Press reported Idaho had the fewest federal judges of any state. Simpson's office announced Thursday the longtime congressman has cosponsored the JUDGES Act. Over the next decade, the bill would create 63 permanent judgeships, including adding a new federal district judgeship in Idaho, Simpson's office said. 'With Idaho's growing population comes greater pressure on our courts and an increase in cases,' Simpson said in a written statement. 'Adding a third district judgeship will help reduce backlogs and ensure Idahoans receive timely justice. This solution will strengthen our judicial system and better serve the people of Idaho.' The new bill is similar to another bill Congress passed, and former President Joe Biden vetoed in December. Simpson has attempted other legislation to add a third Idaho federal district court judge, including a bill introduced in January with U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Business Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Sats' WFS opens US$270 million cargo terminal at JFK Airport
[NEW YORK] Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has partnered the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and global investment manager Realterm to open a US$270 million cargo terminal at John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in the US. This is the airport's first new cargo terminal in 30 years, and will help to reduce congestion and streamline operations, said the three entities in a joint press release on Monday (Apr 28). '(It) is expected to generate new jobs and economic development opportunities while improving service for industries reliant on high-value cargo such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and perishables,' they said. This includes 100 permanent new jobs, with a priority on hiring from the local community. The 350,000 square foot facility will be operated by WFS – a wholly owned subsidiary of inflight caterer and ground handler Sats , and JFK's primary cargo handler. It spans 26 acres (10.5 hectares) and replaces two older facilities. The terminal will include an advanced truck dock management system to help manage the flow of goods in and out of the facility. It uses real-time scheduling, automatic check-ins and digital communication between drivers and dock workers. This not only cuts wait times and congestion, but also reduces noise and emissions in the area, said the three. The facility is also JFK's first dedicated facility for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and perishables, with 3,000 sq ft of cooler space. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up On top of that, it features electric forklifts, electric vehicle chargers and an automated united load device system to optimise power usage. Mike Simpson, WFS gateway services chief executive officer for Americas, said the new cargo terminal marks a new era for the company at one of the main gateways in the US. 'The facility embodies our dedication to connecting the world through logistics, and embraces new levels of digitalisation and sustainability that will act as a model for other new cargo operations around the world,' he said. Port Authority chairman Kevin O'Toole added that the facility is a 'critical investment in the infrastructure that powers the regional and national economy' in the US. Currently, the JFK air cargo sector supports more than 93,000 jobs and generates US$11.4 billion in economic activity annually. 'This modern cargo terminal strengthens (JFK's) position as a key gateway for high-value goods and international trade,' he said. Sats stocks closed flat at S$2.81 on Monday, before the news.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Native communities in New Mexico hope new Turquoise Alert System will facilitate the safe return of more missing members
New Mexico this week became the latest state to pass a law aimed at addressing an ongoing national crisis surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous people – particularly in unsolved cases involving women and girls. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday signed a bill creating the new Turquoise Alert System. It's among a series of federal and state initiatives launched across the country in recent years to address an issue advocates and tribal leaders say has largely been ignored. Homicide is the No. 1 cause of death for American Indian and Alaska Native females between the ages of 10 and 24 and the fifth-leading cause of death for 25- to 34-year-olds, according to US Rep. Mike Simpson, who last year wrote an op-ed highlighting how Indigenous women and girls are murdered at a disproportionate rate. Nationally, 40% of all victims of sex trafficking are identified as American Indian and Alaska Native women. In 2023 alone, over 5,800 American Indian and Alaska Native females were reported missing, 74% of whom were children, according to data provided by the Idaho Republican – who chairs the House Interior and Environment Subcommittee. 'We have witnessed firsthand the devastation of delayed responses in cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives … and this law gives us the tools to ensure that no more families experience this unnecessary heartache,' Tiffany Jiron, executive director of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, said in a statement after the passage of the New Mexico legislation. 'Today's victory is a testament to the power of advocacy, resilience, and the unwavering determination of Native communities to stand up for their rights and their loved ones,' wrote Jiron. With arrival of the Turquoise Alert System, which will go into effect on July 1, New Mexico becomes the fourth state with a specialized alert system focused on Indigenous people, according to the New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs. Washington, California, and Colorado each have similar systems in place, but New Mexico's alert system will be the first to utilize cell phone alerts, said Paris Wise of the New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs. There are 23 tribes in New Mexico and the state's Native American citizens represent nearly 12.4% of its population, according to the New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs. 'Most of our folks live off tribal land, just like anywhere else in the country. And there were a lot of questions while we were introducing this, like, 'Is this going to help tribal police?' or 'Is this for when people leave the reservation?' Just these questions that are still rooted in a deep misunderstanding of our community,' bill sponsor state Sen. Angel M. Charley told CNN. 'A lot of our people don't live on tribal land and this is another tool that can be used for the safety of native people when they do go missing.' New Mexico's Legislature in March unanimously passed Senate Bill 41, creating the new alert system, with a 60-0 vote. The Turquoise Alert System was named to reflect the importance of the stone to the Nations, Pueblos and Tribes in New Mexico, in particular. 'Additionally, we also looked at how some of the other Alerts happen to be like a 'stone' (Amber) or 'metal' (Silver),' New Mexico Indian Affairs Department Cabinet Secretary Josett D. Monette told CNN. 'Turquoise is considered a powerful stone among the Nations, Pueblos and Tribes in New Mexico and represents their strength and resilience.' The new alert system will link law enforcement agencies, tribal communities, and state resources to provide a rapid response when Native Americans are reported missing. It will function similarly to existing alert systems, like Amber and Silver alerts, by rapidly sharing information about missing Native Americans with the public through law enforcement channels, cell phone alerts, news media, social media, and digital highway signs. The New Mexico Department of Public Safety, or the lead law enforcement agency, will be responsible for issuing Turquoise Alerts, based on specific criteria to ensure an immediate and effective response, according to the New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs. Legislators worked closely with the department of public safety in drafting the bill to ensure it would meet emergency thresholds needed to activate the alert so as not to overwhelm the system, Charley said. 'Right now, we have – in New Mexico – over 200 active missing cases,' Charley told CNN. 'I think folks were really concerned that one, it would overwhelm folks, and two, that people would opt out of the system altogether.' The state senator said legislators worked with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, agreeing to increase one of the required alerting thresholds to include language stating there would need to be 'evidence of imminent danger of serious bodily harm to or death of the missing person,' to trigger an alert from cellular service companies. 'For years now, we have stepped up on our own to help locate our missing brothers and sisters through coordinated local efforts and on social media,' another bill sponsor, state Rep. Michelle Paulene Abeyta, said. 'Establishing the Turquoise Alert will allow the state to amplify these community-led efforts to better ensure the protection and safe return of our loved ones.' New Mexico's bid to address the crisis comes amid efforts from the federal government to assist with locating missing Native Americans and solve violent crimes in Indigenous communities. Earlier this month, the US Justice Department announced the FBI would be sending extra agents, analysts and other personnel to field offices in 10 states over the next six months to help investigate unsolved violent crimes, to address high rates of violence affecting Native American communities. Work to address the decadeslong crisis stretches back to President Donald Trump's first term, when he established a special task force aimed at curbing the high rate of killings and disappearances among Native Americans and Alaska Natives. In August, the Federal Communications Commission voted to establish a new missing and endangered persons alert, which is particularly beneficial to tribal communities, to deliver critical alert messages to the public over television, radio, and wireless phones. The new missing and endangered persons alerts within the nation's Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert system will help law enforcement agencies steer public attention toward missing and endangered people of all ages who do not qualify for Amber Alerts, the FCC said. The 'MEP' alert code for missing and endangered persons specifically applies where criteria for an Amber Alert are not met and enables a 'more rapid and coordinated response to these incidents,' according to the FCC. A software manufacturer is in the process of implementing that code into alerting software currently in use in New Mexico, the state Department of Public Safety says. 'Once it is available, we will utilize the MEP alert code to distribute alerts via the Wireless Emergency Alerts and Emergency Alert System, but only when there is evidence of imminent danger of serious bodily harm to or death of the missing person and that there is enough descriptive information about the missing person to assist in locating that person,' Sgt. Ricardo Breceda with New Mexico State Police told CNN. CNN's Nicole Chavez contributed to this report.
CNN
10-04-2025
- Politics
- CNN
New Mexico tackles crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people with new alert system
New Mexico this week became the latest state to pass a law aimed at addressing an ongoing national crisis surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous people – particularly in unsolved cases involving women and girls. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday signed a bill creating the new Turquoise Alert System. It's among a series of federal and state initiatives launched across the country in recent years to address an issue advocates and tribal leaders say has largely been ignored. Homicide is the No. 1 cause of death for American Indian and Alaska Native females between the ages of 10 and 24 and the fifth-leading cause of death for 25- to 34-year-olds, according to US Rep. Mike Simpson, who last year wrote an op-ed highlighting how Indigenous women and girls are murdered at a disproportionate rate. Nationally, 40% of all victims of sex trafficking are identified as American Indian and Alaska Native women. In 2023 alone, over 5,800 American Indian and Alaska Native females were reported missing, 74% of whom were children, according to data provided by the Idaho Republican – who chairs the House Interior and Environment Subcommittee. 'We have witnessed firsthand the devastation of delayed responses in cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives … and this law gives us the tools to ensure that no more families experience this unnecessary heartache,' Tiffany Jiron, executive director of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, said in a statement after the passage of the New Mexico legislation. 'Today's victory is a testament to the power of advocacy, resilience, and the unwavering determination of Native communities to stand up for their rights and their loved ones,' wrote Jiron. With arrival of the Turquoise Alert System, which will go into effect on July 1, New Mexico becomes the fourth state with a specialized alert system focused on Indigenous people, according to the New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs. Washington, California, and Colorado each have similar systems in place, but New Mexico's alert system will be the first to utilize cell phone alerts, said Paris Wise of the New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs. There are 23 tribes in New Mexico and the state's Native American citizens represent nearly 12.4% of its population, according to the New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs. 'Most of our folks live off tribal land, just like anywhere else in the country. And there were a lot of questions while we were introducing this, like, 'Is this going to help tribal police?' or 'Is this for when people leave the reservation?' Just these questions that are still rooted in a deep misunderstanding of our community,' bill sponsor state Sen. Angel M. Charley told CNN. 'A lot of our people don't live on tribal land and this is another tool that can be used for the safety of native people when they do go missing.' New Mexico's Legislature in March unanimously passed Senate Bill 41, creating the new alert system, with a 60-0 vote. The Turquoise Alert System was named to reflect the importance of the stone to the Nations, Pueblos and Tribes in New Mexico, in particular. 'Additionally, we also looked at how some of the other Alerts happen to be like a 'stone' (Amber) or 'metal' (Silver),' New Mexico Indian Affairs Department Cabinet Secretary Josett D. Monette told CNN. 'Turquoise is considered a powerful stone among the Nations, Pueblos and Tribes in New Mexico and represents their strength and resilience.' The new alert system will link law enforcement agencies, tribal communities, and state resources to provide a rapid response when Native Americans are reported missing. It will function similarly to existing alert systems, like Amber and Silver alerts, by rapidly sharing information about missing Native Americans with the public through law enforcement channels, cell phone alerts, news media, social media, and digital highway signs. The New Mexico Department of Public Safety, or the lead law enforcement agency, will be responsible for issuing Turquoise Alerts, based on specific criteria to ensure an immediate and effective response, according to the New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs. Legislators worked closely with the department of public safety in drafting the bill to ensure it would meet emergency thresholds needed to activate the alert so as not to overwhelm the system, Charley said. 'Right now, we have – in New Mexico – over 200 active missing cases,' Charley told CNN. 'I think folks were really concerned that one, it would overwhelm folks, and two, that people would opt out of the system altogether.' The state senator said legislators worked with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, agreeing to increase one of the required alerting thresholds to include language stating there would need to be 'evidence of imminent danger of serious bodily harm to or death of the missing person,' to trigger an alert from cellular service companies. 'For years now, we have stepped up on our own to help locate our missing brothers and sisters through coordinated local efforts and on social media,' another bill sponsor, state Rep. Michelle Paulene Abeyta, said. 'Establishing the Turquoise Alert will allow the state to amplify these community-led efforts to better ensure the protection and safe return of our loved ones.' New Mexico's bid to address the crisis comes amid efforts from the federal government to assist with locating missing Native Americans and solve violent crimes in Indigenous communities. Earlier this month, the US Justice Department announced the FBI would be sending extra agents, analysts and other personnel to field offices in 10 states over the next six months to help investigate unsolved violent crimes, to address high rates of violence affecting Native American communities. Work to address the decadeslong crisis stretches back to President Donald Trump's first term, when he established a special task force aimed at curbing the high rate of killings and disappearances among Native Americans and Alaska Natives. In August, the Federal Communications Commission voted to establish a new missing and endangered persons alert, which is particularly beneficial to tribal communities, to deliver critical alert messages to the public over television, radio, and wireless phones. The new missing and endangered persons alerts within the nation's Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert system will help law enforcement agencies steer public attention toward missing and endangered people of all ages who do not qualify for Amber Alerts, the FCC said. The 'MEP' alert code for missing and endangered persons specifically applies where criteria for an Amber Alert are not met and enables a 'more rapid and coordinated response to these incidents,' according to the FCC. A software manufacturer is in the process of implementing that code into alerting software currently in use in New Mexico, the state Department of Public Safety says. 'Once it is available, we will utilize the MEP alert code to distribute alerts via the Wireless Emergency Alerts and Emergency Alert System, but only when there is evidence of imminent danger of serious bodily harm to or death of the missing person and that there is enough descriptive information about the missing person to assist in locating that person,' Sgt. Ricardo Breceda with New Mexico State Police told CNN. CNN's Nicole Chavez contributed to this report.
