Biography
Michael (Mike) K. Simpson is serving his sixth term in the House of Representatives
for Idaho’s Second Congressional District.
Mike serves on the House Appropriations Committee. His subcommittee assignments
directly reflect Idaho’s diverse economy and concerns; Energy and Water
Development; and Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. In addition
to serving on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Simpson serves on the
House Budget Committee.
Simpson is one of the House’s leading advocates for a new energy policy
and a renewed commitment to research and development of improved nuclear energy
technologies. Mike has also gained national attention for his bill to split
the massive, overburdened 9th Circuit Court of Appeals as well as his bill,
the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act which addresses the
concerns of economic growth and stability for rural Idaho and resolves long
time wilderness debate over the Boulder-White Clouds.
His political career began in 1980, when he was elected to the Blackfoot City
Council. In 1984, he was elected to the Idaho Legislature where he served until
1998, the last six years serving as Speaker.
Simpson was born in Burley, Idaho and raised in Blackfoot. He graduated from
Utah State University and Washington University School of Dental Medicine in
St. Louis, Missouri. After graduation, he joined his father and uncle at the
Simpson Family Dental Practice in Blackfoot.
Mike is an avid golfer, a fervent reader and enjoys painting. He has been married
to his wife Kathy for 36 years.