WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday, Congressman Russ Fulcher hosted a live telephone town hall, taking questions from Idahoans and offering insights on pressing national and local issues.
Speaking to an audience of thousands from Washington, D.C., the Congressman emphasized the importance of transparency and open dialogue.
“This is an exciting but confusing time, and I want to make sure I’m speaking with you honestly and clearly,” said Congressman Fulcher. ”We’re dealing with $36 trillion in national debt, bloated and inefficient federal agencies, and persistent rumors that often mislead. My job is to tell the truth as I understand it, with no agenda other than serving you. I want to keep doing these town halls and connecting in any way I can. Even if that has to be from 3,000 miles away.”
Throughout the town hall, constituents raised questions on a wide range of topics, including the economy, federal land policy, Social Security, immigration, and cultural issues.
Key Excerpts:
Addressing federal agency restructuring, the Congressman assured listeners that recent audits and reductions are aimed at identifying fraud and restoring efficiency, not at eliminating critical services or jobs:
“We are $36 trillion in debt as a nation, which is unsustainable. These are all interventions that I think are necessary. These audits need to take place because restructuring is critical and healthy. These D.C. agencies filled with bureaucracies have become too powerful, and quite frankly, inefficient and fraudulent to the point that they’ve almost got a parallel form of rules and regulations that we all have to live by,” said Congressman Fulcher.
On trade policy, the Congressman noted that recent tariff strategies have led to more than $3 trillion in private investments coming to the U.S. and brought over 70 countries to the table to negotiate better deals for American manufacturers and workers:
“American companies have been historically discriminated against. We’re the biggest market in the world. Everybody wants to be here, but they don’t necessarily want to buy from us. So there is some merit, I believe, in putting American suppliers on a level playing field,” said Congressman Fulcher.
Turning to wildlife management in Idaho, the Congressman confirmed recent House Natural Resources Committee action that would return management of wolves and grizzly bears to state authorities:
“To your point, our wildlife—and a lot of our livestock—have been the victims of wolves and grizzly bears, and the reality is, neither species is endangered anymore. That’s why I’m working to return management authority to the states, where it belongs. Today’s action in the House Natural Resources Committee is a step in the right direction—giving states the tools they need to protect rural communities, safeguard livestock, and responsibly manage predator populations,” said Congressman Fulcher.
On federal land control, the Congressman explained that over half of Idaho’s land is under federal control due to circumstances that go back to the Civil War. He said this federal oversight has led to poor land management, particularly in wildfire prevention, and expressed confidence that more local control is both necessary and inevitable. He assured listeners that the goal is not privatization but better stewardship through local stakeholder involvement:
“We’re governing as tenants, not landlords—and that’s not sustainable,” Congressman Fulcher emphasized.
Switching to economic pressures and housing costs,the Congressman acknowledged the burden younger generations face when it comes to housing affordability, explaining that some local development efforts can offer short-term relief. However, the long-term solution lies in addressing the national debt:
“The high cost of living is a serious concern,” said Congressman Fulcher. “Local projects can help in the short term, but long-term relief comes from getting our national fiscal house in order—reducing debt, lowering taxes, and encouraging economic growth.”
Broadcast of the telephone town hall forum can be found here.
