I DAHO FALLS, Idaho — Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson visited College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) yesterday for a campus tour alongside CEI President Dr. Lori Barber and Trustee Chair Park Price. The visit highlighted CEI’s commitment to expanding workforce education and showcased several of the college’s high-demand training programs and facilities.

The tour included stops at CEI’s newly expanded Welding Technology space, the Heavy-Duty Diesel Technology program, and the Shirley Maeck Nursing Simulation Lab, where Congressman Simpson observed how students are gaining hands-on training in cutting-edge environments.

An especially exciting part of the visit took place outdoors as the Congressman and CEI leadership toured the Future Tech building construction site, not on foot, but in a Razor utility vehicle, courtesy of Action Motor Sports. This high-energy portion of the tour offered a firsthand look at the progress being made on the state-of-the-art facility, which will house advanced technical programs and support eastern Idaho’s growing workforce needs.

“We’re deeply grateful to Congressman Simpson for visiting CEI and seeing firsthand how we’re preparing Idaho’s workforce,” said CEI President Dr. Lori Barber. “From welding and diesel to nursing and high-tech construction, his engagement reflects a strong understanding of the hands-on education that drives our region forward. Over lunch, we had the chance to share CEI’s rapid growth and the increasing demand for the high-skill training and transfer degrees we provide.”

Born and raised in Idaho, Congressman Mike Simpson has represented Idaho’s Second Congressional District since 1999 and currently serves as Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Subcommittee on Appropriations. He also sits on the House Energy and Water Development Subcommittee and the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Subcommittee. These roles position him to support funding and initiatives that directly impact Idaho’s economic and educational landscape.

As a former dentist and legislator with deep ties to Idaho Falls and Blackfoot, Simpson brings a unique perspective to the importance of regional workforce development and higher education. His visit today emphasized his continued interest in ensuring that federal resources support local efforts like those underway at CEI.

Congressman Simpson’s visit underscores the role CEI plays in Idaho’s workforce pipeline, preparing students for careers in skilled trades, healthcare, technology, and more.

To learn more about CEI’s programs and strategic growth initiatives, visit www.cei.edu.