Simpson named to lead GOP on enviro spending panel

WASHINGTON — Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson will serve as the top Republican for a House subcommittee that oversees spending for the Interior Department and environmental agencies. Simpson, who was just elected to his sixth term, was tapped by Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., to lead Republicans on the Appropriations subcommittee for Interior and the environment. Lewis is top Republican on the influential committee, which has great clout on spending bills and steers money to local projects. Simpson says his new role should help him bring in money for programs that support public lands in Idaho and other Western states. His appointment gives the Northwest full control over the Interior subcommittee. Democratic Rep. Norm Dicks of Washington state is the panel’s chairman.