Biography
Mike Crapo, born on May 20, 1951, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, is a Republican politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Idaho since 1999. He is the first member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to represent Idaho in the U.S. Senate. Prior to his Senate tenure, Crapo served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives for Idaho's 2nd congressional district from 1993 to 1999. He also held positions in the Idaho State Senate from 1984 to 1992, including serving as Senate President Pro Tempore from 1988 to 1992.
Education and Political Experience
-
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, summa cum laude, from Brigham Young University, 1973
- Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Harvard Law School, 1977
-
Political Experience:
- Idaho State Senate, 1984–1992
- President Pro Tempore, 1988–1992
- U.S. House of Representatives, Idaho's 2nd District, 1993–1999
- U.S. Senate, 1999–present
- Chairman, Senate Banking Committee, 2017–2021
- Ranking Member, Senate Finance Committee, 2021–2025
- Chairman, Senate Finance Committee, 2025–present
Notable Achievements and Positions
-
Legislative Leadership:
- As Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, Crapo played a pivotal role in passing bipartisan legislation to right-size regulations for smaller financial institutions and strengthen economic sanctions against Russia.
- As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, he has been instrumental in shaping tax policy, advocating for free market principles, and promoting U.S. global competitiveness through trade agreements.
-
Health Advocacy:
- Crapo has been recognized for his efforts in health care, receiving awards such as the Prevent Cancer Foundation's Cancer Champion Award and the Alzheimer's Association Humanitarian Award.
-
Fiscal Policy:
- A proponent of tax reform, Crapo supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, aiming to simplify the tax code and reduce tax rates for individuals and businesses.
-
Energy Policy:
- An advocate for nuclear energy, Crapo has supported projects at the Idaho National Laboratory and legislation like the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act to advance nuclear technology.
Throughout his career, Senator Crapo has been a steadfast advocate for conservative principles, focusing on fiscal responsibility, health care reform, and energy innovation.
