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Projects funded, but North Idaho rep votes no

By Betsy Z. Russell
Staff writer
September 26, 2008

BOISE – Three of the four members of Idaho’s congressional delegation are touting millions in North Idaho projects included in a defense funding bill in Congress – all but North Idaho’s representative.

First District Congressman Bill Sali didn’t sign on to the delegation’s joint press release Thursday and he voted against the bill, despite having supported some of the funding for research at Bayview and the University of Idaho.

“The reason he voted against the bill was because it contained $33 billion in new spending, had 1,200 earmarks, and he had only a short time in which to review it,” said Wayne Hoffman, spokesman for Sali.

Idaho Sens. Larry Craig and Mike Crapo and 2nd District Rep. Mike Simpson, all, like Sali, Republicans, worked together to get eight North Idaho projects included in the national security funding package. That package is included in a giant appropriation bill, H.R. 2638, that also contains hurricane and flood relief; the 2009 funding for the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, military construction and veterans affairs; and emergency appropriations for home heating help for the low-income and loans for the manufacture of advanced-technology vehicles.

“That’s why this process is messed up,” Hoffman said, “because you’ve got a bill that’s 1,100 pages long … you have no time to review it, and your constituents expect you to cast an informed vote.”

Craig and Simpson serve on the appropriations committees in the Senate and House, and helped steer the Idaho projects to funding.

“It takes a lot of cooperation between the offices,” said Kyle Hines, an aide to Craig. “That’s one thing that the senator always has stressed – he tries to work well with the rest of the delegation. They’re able to highlight their priorities and work together to see that those priorities are funded.”

Craig said, “North Idaho is home to one of the nation’s most unique and most important research facilities. I am proud my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee and in Congress recognize the contributions made at Bayview and at our state’s other institutions by investing in these projects.”

Simpson, who represents southern Idaho, said, “I am deeply proud of the work Idaho’s businesses and universities are doing every single day to improve our nation’s security. The projects included in this bill represent critical investments the federal government is making in our nation’s security. They also represent investments in our state’s high-tech economy and educational institutions that are vital to growing Idaho’s economy and creating good paying jobs.”

The measure passed the House on a 370-58 vote; a vote in the Senate is expected on Friday.

Hoffman said, “Congressman Sali thinks that he owes it to the taxpayers to do some deliberating on this stuff, not just pass it just because it contains Idaho projects that he supported.”

Hoffman said the lengthy bill was filed at midnight. The House vote took place Wednesday afternoon at 3:47 p.m.

“There’s $33 billion in new spending. Somebody’s going to ask him why, and he needs to be able to answer the question: Why did you vote for it? Why did you vote to increase spending?” Hoffman said. “He can’t answer, ‘I don’t know, I didn’t have a chance to read the bill.’”

John Foster, campaign spokesman for Walt Minnick, the Democrat who is challenging Sali’s re-election bid, said, “Once again, Bill Sali’s ineffectiveness speaks for itself.”

The projects funded in the bill include $4.58 million for three research projects at the U.S. Navy research site at Bayview; nearly $5 million for three high-tech research projects at the University of Idaho; $1 million for an ammunition research project in Lewiston designed to develop lighter weapons and ammunition for the Army; and $2 million for a project in Hayden to use advanced materials in parts for army helicopters.

Crapo, who brought the Hayden and Lewiston earmarks to the table for consideration, said, “It is rewarding to see that Congress is, once again, recognizing the important national security contributions made by Idaho universities, research entities and businesses. These critical projects are among the most cutting-edge research efforts anywhere in the country.”

Nikki Watts, spokeswoman for Simpson, said the 2nd District congressman is accustomed to looking out for North Idaho as well as his district because of his spot on the House Appropriations Committee. “One thing that Sen. Craig and Mike Simpson have done for many years is tag-team the projects for Idaho,” she said. “Our staffs work together and the members work together. … It’s a team effort, all across the board.”

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