Mike Crapo

Our priority must be to build a path towards balancing the budget, and we cannot tolerate growing deficits.

It is not government's job to mandate responsibility on our behalf. We have the intelligence and good sense to make wise consumption choices for ourselves and our children. It is up to us to do what is best for our health and our children's health.

While our nation faces many challenges that must be met regarding homeland security and our military readiness, it is imperative that we live within our means and wisely spend taxpayer dollars.

We simply must look beyond partisan goals and find common ground as Americans. It is imperative that the Members of Congress recognize that partisanship will not serve the American people.

The Declaration calls us to recognize the inherent equality of all people. And when it becomes unmistakably evident that a government is denying the governed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, it's the right of people to establish a new government to secure these unalienable rights.

In January 1776, Thomas Paine issued 'Common Sense,' advocating independence from Great Britain.

We are gifted with freedom, but with that freedom comes the reality of the unknown and the responsibility to be aware of our surroundings and on guard against those who would do us harm.

Individuals and businesses must participate in a national discussion about a simpler tax system, one that collects sufficient revenue to meet appropriate federal responsibilities, but one resting on a broader, fairer tax base without penalizing saving and investing, the backbone of a strong, decentralized and thriving economy.

Throwing off despotism and tyranny is our history and part of our national identity - something in which we can take incredible pride.

I have a strong marriage, and my wife and I love each other.

The problem remains that the market is grossly distorted by Canadian unfair trade practices.

I can think of a number of things more interesting to read about than tax law, but few things affect our lives more.