Idaho’s Congressman Mike Simpson recently joined the Around Word podcast to share insights from his remarkable career spanning 14 terms in Congress. Beginning as a dentist in Eastern Idaho, Simpson’s journey through public service offers a window into the transformation of American politics and the challenges facing our nation today.
The conversation began with Simpson candidly discussing his health challenges, having undergone multiple surgeries that left him “kind of bionic” with replacements for both knees and a hip. Despite these physical hurdles, Simpson has maintained an unwavering commitment to public service. Perhaps most surprising was his revelation about losing 100 pounds over six years due to taste bud issues following surgeries—a testament to his resilience and adaptability in the face of personal challenges while serving in Congress.
One of the most compelling segments of the discussion centered on the changing nature of American politics. Simpson lamented what he sees as increasing disrespect for governmental institutions, with members of Congress engaging in behavior that would have been unthinkable two decades ago. “You see members of Congress doing things that they would have never done 20 years ago. They’d have been censored and kicked out of Congress,” Simpson observed. He noted the disappearance of moderate voices from both parties, citing how the Democratic “Blue Dog Coalition” of conservative Democrats has essentially vanished, while similar moderate Republican voices have diminished as well. This polarization, according to Simpson, has made finding common ground and solving the nation’s problems increasingly difficult.
The Congressman shared his perspective on the current administration’s approach to budget reform and government efficiency. Simpson acknowledged that previous attempts to address the national debt through commissions and coalitions yielded recommendations that never became law. He suggested that perhaps the current administration’s more disruptive approach might be necessary to effect real change, despite the temporary chaos it creates. “It may be that the only way you could do this is to come in and dramatically do it like Doge and Trump have done. It’s disruptive… but it may be the only way that you could actually reduce the size of government and get after the waste,” Simpson reflected.
An especially moving portion of the conversation highlighted Simpson’s commitment to addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women. He revealed that approximately 6,000 indigenous men, women, and children go missing or are murdered each year—a statistic he found shocking despite his years on the Interior Committee that funds Native American programs. Simpson explained how jurisdictional complications between tribal authorities, the FBI, and local law enforcement often prevent justice from being served, leaving perpetrators unpunished. His passion for resolving these issues demonstrated Simpson’s dedication to using his position to address overlooked injustices.
The discussion also touched on Simpson’s fierce defense of public lands in Idaho. He recounted opposing efforts to sell federal lands, stating emphatically: “People live in Idaho because we love our public lands. If you want to go to your favorite fishing hole or hunting grounds, I don’t want access blocked.” This position reflects Simpson’s understanding of what matters to Idahoans beyond partisan politics—the natural resources that define the state’s identity and way of life.
As the conversation drew to a close, Simpson reflected on what Idaho means to him personally, expressing his love for the state’s diverse landscapes and communities. His goal after retirement, he shared, is to “travel every road in Idaho,” exploring the state’s unique regions and connecting with its people. This desire exemplifies Simpson’s deep connection to the state he has represented for so many years and his appreciation for both its natural beauty and the character of its citizens.
Congressman Simpson’s reflections provide valuable insights into the challenges facing American democracy and the importance of principled leadership in navigating them. His career demonstrates that effective public service requires not just political acumen, but also the ability to listen, adapt, and remain committed to core values despite changing political winds.
