Idaho Congressman Fulcher talks Iran War, public land management in phone town hall

Idaho Republican U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher on Wednesday fielded questions about the war with Iran and his support of transferring management of public lands.

Fulcher held a telephone town hall Wednesday evening, answering questions from constituents around the state. He represents Idaho’s 1st congressional district, which covers the North Idaho panhandle and the western side of the state.

Fulcher says he supports more local involvement in federal public lands 

Fulcher, asked about his previous support for exploring the potential transfer of federal public land management to state and local control, said he only supports more local involvement not “transferring title.” Nearly two-thirds of Idaho’s landmass is federal public lands. 

“I’m talking about how we combine efforts, federal, state, local, municipal, private, in the management decisions of what we have,” Fulcher said. “Because things are so strapped, because we don’t have the ability to manage what’s there, that’s why the fire suppression is so high.” 

Rep. Fulcher proposes exploration of transferring Idaho federal land to state and local control 

Last December, Fulcher sent a letter to local leaders asking to convene meetings to explore shifting control of federal lands to local entities, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported. 

Last year, Fulcher voted in favor of a amendment to what became the “Big Beautiful Bill” that would have sold off thousands of acres of federal lands in Nevada and Utah, the Idaho Press reported. The amendment was later removed. 

Fulcher and fellow members of Idaho’s congressional delegation, Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, also voted against a “Public Lands in Public Hands” amendment to block the sale of large swaths of public lands, Utah News Dispatch reported. Idaho U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson was the only delegation member to vote in favor. 

Fulcher supports Israel as ally, and some military action in Iran

Two callers asked about U.S. involvement in the war in Iran with Israel. A caller from Meridian asked about a largely symbolic resolution approved earlier that day by the U.S. House to halt military action in Iran. A third caller questioned Fulcher about a proposal to deepen ties with Israeli military forces, including sharing technology and research.

One caller said he was “a little hesitant” regarding the U.S.’s financial support for Israel, as well as military action with Iran, noting the rising fuel prices.

Fulcher said Israel has been “a very good ally,” especially in regards to intelligence activities in the Middle East.

“They’re a friend, they’re another country that’s a friend, and you want to take care of your friends, our friends need to take care of you,” Fulcher said. 

Fulcher noted that the U.S. provides Israel with about $3.8 billion in foreign aid a year in a 10-year agreement set to expire in 2028. The U.S., with support from Israeli leaders, is trying to wind down that support, Fulcher said. The Washington Post on Wednesday reported that GOP U.S. House members were preparing to introduce a resolution to end the yearly aid, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote a letter in support. 

The foreign aid may be replaced with stronger cooperation among each countries’ militaries, Fulcher said. Asked about the section of the draft 2027 National Defense Authorization that would require cooperative efforts among military systems and technology, he said, “it’s a cooperative effort, is my understanding.”

“… Stay tuned, and we’ll try to keep people updated as we learn more,” he later added.  

Fulcher said he backed the U.S. supporting Israeli military action in Iran, if it can prevent the country from gaining nuclear weapons.

“If they have one, they’ll use it,” Fulcher said of a nuclear bomb. “But frankly, after that, my preference is to get out. Make sure that they can’t do that, and get out just as quick as we can.”

He said the resolution passed by the House that day to limit the president’s ability to continue military action without congressional approval “was a strong message.” 

I think, just to say, we aren’t crazy about ongoing kinetic action in Iran,” He said. 

Fulcher and fellow Idaho Republican Congressman Mike Simpson both voted against the resolution. Four House Republicans joined the Democrats to support the resolution, States Newsroom reported.