Michael Crapo

Michael Dean Crapo is a Republican U.S. Senator from Idaho, currently serving as the state's senior senator and the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. Born in Idaho Falls on May 20, 1951, he is a fourth-generation Idahoan. He earned a B.A. in political science from Brigham Young University in 1973 and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School in 1977. Before his career in public service, Crapo clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and worked as a partner at an Idaho law firm. Crapo's political career began in the Idaho State Senate, where he served from 1984 to 1992, including four years as the Senate President Pro Tempore. He was first elected to the U.S. Congress in 1992, representing Idaho's 2nd District in the House of Representatives for three terms. In 1998, he won election to the U.S. Senate and has been successfully re-elected in 2004, 2010, 2016, and 2022. During his Senate tenure, he has held prominent roles such as Chief Deputy Whip and leadership positions on the Banking and Finance committees.

Senator Crapo focuses on fiscal discipline, economic growth, and limited government. He is a primary advocate for pro-growth tax reform and was a key architect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He supports a Balanced Budget Amendment and frequently votes to curb federal spending and reduce the national debt. In healthcare, Crapo has consistently opposed the Affordable Care Act, advocating instead for patient-centered reforms, expanded telehealth services, and improved access for rural communities. He also supports initiatives focused on chronic disease prevention and medical research. Regarding environmental policy, Crapo often promotes collaborative, market-based solutions for conservation and land management, such as tax incentives for endangered species protection. However, he typically opposes federal emissions regulations and mandates that he considers burdensome to the economy. He is a firm supporter of the Second Amendment, opposing federal background check requirements and other gun control legislation. In foreign affairs, he supports U.S. participation in NATO and the use of financial sanctions to disrupt terrorist funding, while prioritizing American competitiveness in international trade agreements.