Congressman Denny Rehberg

Rehberg eyes MT 323, US 93, Kalispell Bypass, and Going-to-the-Sun for improvements

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has accepted Rehberg’s request for a pair of specific highway projects, in addition to Montana’s share of the highway spending bill.

“My seat on the Transportation Committee enables me to designate specific projects for funding,” Rehberg explained. “With 70 thousand miles of roads across Montana – and with more road miles than any other Congressional district – this is why I’m on the Transportation Committee.”

Funding today includes:
· $23 million for MT secondary highway 323 from Ekalaka to Alzada
· $22 million for a Four Lane Western Bypass on US 93 around Kalispell

Rehberg is also pursuing funding for two additional projects, including:
· Highway 93 south of Polson
· An amendment setting aside funding for designated roads (including Going-to-the-Sun) in select national parks (including Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks) above and beyond amounts allocated annually

“I look forward to helping craft and pass a Highway bill with that includes my amendment to renovate Going-to-the-Sun road,” Rehberg said, adding, “Highway 93 is overdue for improvements, as is 323 and the Kalispell bypass. I’m grateful the Committee is working toward funding these priorities.”

Beyond the specific requests submitted by Rehberg, Montana’s highway apportionment allocation is slated to increase 32 percent to $2.1 billion under the Rehberg-sponsored highway funding legislation. The Committee is scheduled to take up the Highway Bill over the next several weeks.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, and Senator Conrad Burns announced today their nominations for appointments to the U.S. Service Academies. Rehberg and Burns host an annual Joint Review Board from which they entertain recommendations. The six-member board is comprised of military and community leaders from around Montana.

“Montanans should take pride in knowing these young men and women are willing to work so hard to better themselves and serve our state and nation.” Rehberg said, “They truly represent some of our best and brightest and I feel good knowing that they are tomorrow’s leaders.”

“These candidates are the cream of the crop,” said Burns. “They have proven their dedication to excellence and personal growth, and I am proud to recommend them to our Armed Services. I look forward to watching their progress.”

Burns and Rehberg work together with their Joint Review Board to ensure Montana students are afforded the maximum opportunity to receive one of the highly sought after nominations. Each candidate for nomination is interviewed by the board and scored according to academic performance, as well as their leadership and community involvement.

Following is the list of those candidates who have received nominations:

Dan Amack, Harrison High School Class of 2004
Son of Stan & Sheryl Amack of Ennis. Dan Amack has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Allison Anderson, Great Falls High School Class of 2004
Daughter of Kevin & Susan Anderson of Great Falls. Allison Anderson has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.

Ashley Anderson, Great Falls High School Class of 2004
Daughter of Kevin & Susan Anderson of Great Falls. Ashley Anderson has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Patrick Beddow, Central High School Class of 2004
Son of Patrick & Lisa Beddow of Billings. Patrick Beddow has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Edward Bergin, III, Sidney High School Class of 2004
Son of Edward & Lila Bergin of Sidney. Edward Bergin, III has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Sydney Bower, Hardin High School Class of 2004
Daughter of Dennis & Marjorie Bower of Hardin. Sydney Bower has received a nomination from Burns to the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and a nomination from Rehberg to the Naval Academy at Annapolis.

JD Caddell, Anaconda High School Class of 2004
Son of Larry & TJ Caddell of Warm Springs. JD Caddell has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Taylor Cathey, Big Sky High School Class of 2004
Daughter of William & Sheryl Cathey of Lolo. Taylor Cathey has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Patrick Close, Bozeman High School Class of 2004
Son of John & Kathy Close of Bozeman. Patrick Close has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Christopher Cory, Great Falls High School Class of 2004
Son of Jim & Nancy Cory of Great Falls. Christopher Cory has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Morgan Dolan, Capital High School Class of 2003
Son of Don & Julie Dolan of Helena. Morgan Dolan has received a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.

Scott Felter, Havelock High School, NC Class of 2004
Son of Steven & Janene Felter of Helena, currently stationed in Havelock, NC. Scott Felter has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Spings and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Sam Freeland, Boulder High School Class of 2004
Son of Darrell Freeland & Sarah Eyer Of Boulder. Sam Freeland has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Meghan Gerrity, CMR High School Class of 2003
Daughter of Thomas & Nora Gerrity of Great Falls. Meghan Gerrity has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Jay Gibbs, Garfield County High School Class of 2002
Son of Patrick & Beverly Gibbs of Jordan. Jay Gibbs has received a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.

Shianna Gunderson, Bigfork High School Class of 2001
Daughter of Martin & Connie Gunderson of Bigfork. Shianna Gunderson has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Luke Hooten, Corvallis High School Class of 2004
Son of Daniel & Jeannie Hooten of Corvallis. Luke Hooten has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S Merchant Marine Academy.

Kai Kang, Helena High School Class of 2004
Son of Yulin Kang & Quin Mo of Helena. Kai Kang has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Damian Krebsbach, Sentinel High School Class of 2004
Son of Kevin Krebsbach & Monique Tihista of Missoula. Damian Krebsbach has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Alexis Lund, Helena High School Class of 2004
Daughter of Duane & Blair Lund of East Helena. Alexis Lund has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Ron Lundgren, Park High School Class of 2004
Son of Ed Lundgren & Karlene Sowell of Livingston. Ron Lundgren has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Jon Lundt, Loyola High School Class of 2004
Son of John & Pamela Lundt of Missoula. Jon Lundt has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.

Reed Mackenzie, Hotchkiss School, Mass. Class of 2003
Son of Peter & Anne Mackenzie of Livingston. Reed Makenzie has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Shawn Madsen, Broadwater High School Class of 2003
Son of Farrell & Suzanne Madsen of Townsend. Shawn Madsen has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.

Kale McGinnis, Fort Benton High School Class of 2004
Son of Gregory & Sheryl McGinnis of Fort Benton. Kale McGinnis has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.

James Miller, Absarokee High School Class of 2004
Son of John Miller & Diana Scollard of Absarokee. James Miller has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.

Valory Monaco, Beaverhead Co High School Class of 2004
Daughter of Tony & Patty Monaco of Dillon. Valory Monaco has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Dakota Olsen, Florence Carlton High School Class of 2004
Son of Flint & Angela Olsen of Florence. Dakota Olsen has received a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.

Nate Parker, Capital High School Class of 2002
Son of David & Carla Parker of Helena. Nate Parker has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.

Michael Pasque, Lincoln County High School Class of 2004
Son of Bill & Cheryl Pasque of Eureka. Michael Pasque has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Bradley Peifer, Senior High School Class of 2003
Son of Merle Peifer & Pamela Cummings of Billings. Bradley Peifer has received a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Chris Protos, West High School Class of 2004
Son of Nicholas Protos & Patricia Petrosky of Billings. Chris Protos has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Megan Reitz, West High School Class of 2004
Daughter of John & Sheri Reitz of Billings. Megan Reitz has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.

Whitney Salo, Belgrade High School Class of 2004
Daughter of Mark & Laurie Salo of Bozeman. Whitney Salo has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.

Michael Schallock, Polson High School Class of 2004
Son of Eric & Beverly Schallock of Polson. Michael Schallock has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Brad Seifert, Dawson County High School Class of 2004
Son of Keith & Jean Seifert of Glendive. Brad Seifert has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Jamie Sharkey, Sentinel High School Class of 2004
Daughter of Ron & Deb Sharkey of Missoula. Jamie Sharkey has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Virginia Shirley, Lima High School Class of 2004
Daughter of James & Gail Shirley of Lima. Virginia Shirley has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Bovard Tiberi, Capital High School Class of 2004
Son of Jeff & Vicky Tiberi of Helena. Bovard Tiberi has received a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S.

Naval Academy at Annapolis.
Kerri Weiss, CMR High School Class of 2004
Daughter of Steven & Connie Hix of Great Falls. Kerri Weiss has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Christopher Whaley, Helena High School Class of 2004
Son of Jim Whaley & Jane Brooke of Helena. Christopher Whaley has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Andrew Yager, Joliet High School Class of 2004
Son of Bill & Melissa Yager of Edgar. Andrew Yager has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Dianna Zempel, Conrad High School Class of 2004
Daughter of Orlen & Elaina Zempel of Conrad. Dianna Zemple has received a nomination from Burns to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a nomination from Rehberg to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Wildlife Conservation Grants Awarded by federal government to 3 Montana Tribes

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is awarding six grants, totaling nearly $1.3 million, to help five federally recognized Indian tribes conserve and recover endangered, threatened and at-risk species and other wildlife on tribal lands.

“For generations, Montana’s first stewards, have led the way in managing pristine habitats native to Indian country,” Rehberg said. “I’m proud of the work of the tribes in Montana. These important grants represent the federal government’s investment in these tribe’s continued leadership in managing and sustaining vital fish and wildlife resources.”

The Fish and Wildlife Service grants fall under two new programs, the Tribal Landowner Incentive Program and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program. Similar to cost-share programs recently developed to assist states, local communities, and private landowners, the new programs assist tribal managers to undertake wildlife conservation projects.

Grants announced today include:
· $412,050 awarded to the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (Pablo) for Grizzly Bear Habitat Enhancement ($200,000), and for a project to sustain the Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse ($212,050);
· $152,615 to the Blackfeet Nation (Browning) toward four Wildlife Projects;
· $250,000 for the Chippewa Cree Tribe (Box Elder) to Enhance Tribal Fish & Wildlife;
· $250,000 to the Ft. Belknap reservation, (Harlem) for Comprehensive Wildlife Management; and,
· $225,000 Ft. Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes (Poplar) toward Swift Fox Restoration.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today introduced a bill to end the delay and restore funding for Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). Rehberg, fed up with delays, said labeling will “give consumers a choice, once and for all.”

“Country of Origin Labeling offers consumers an informed choice,” Rehberg said. “Americans can buy clothes, electronics, and even toys, with a label that tells us where the product comes from, but consumers aren’t allowed to know where their steaks and hamburgers are from.”

The bill repeals the recently enacted two-year delay in the implementation of the labeling requirements for meat, effectively providing funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to begin country of origin labeling this fall.

Rehberg, a rancher, sits on the House Agriculture Committee, the panel responsible for overseeing the government’s efforts to protect consumers from Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and other contaminants from being imported into the United States.

“We’ve already debated the merits of COOL in the previous Congress. COOL was added to the farm bill, passed by both the House and the Senate and signed into law,” Rehberg said. “There is no need to delay it. Let’s get it done and give consumers a choice, once and for all.”

Rehberg skeptical after listening to testimony from Ag Sec. Veneman on downer cows

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today called for additional hearings on the USDA’s BSE response, expressing doubt over Ag Secretary Ann Veneman’s call to ban the “downer” cattle, whose definition Rehberg called “overbroad.”

“It’s pretty clear they need a few more pairs of cowboy boots down there at the USDA,” Rehberg commented after the hearings. “We all want to maintain a healthy and safe food supply, consumer confidence, and stable markets, but USDA’s initial solution, frankly, is overbroad and ignores the reality of running a profitable ranch - especially a smaller ranch.”

“As with most things in Washington, DC, the devil is in the details. While many people agree that ‘downer’ cattle can pose a serious health risk, there is strong disagreement as to the definition they are using.”

For example, the USDA definition of downer cattle includes “those with broken appendages,” according to the Federal Register.

“Yet the Department has failed to produce any kind of science that demonstrates, for example, how a cow with a broken leg poses a health risk. Under USDA’s downer definition, such a cow would have to be destroyed and the producer would be forced to absorb the loss without compensation and without any proof the cow posed a health risk,“ Rehberg said.

“We need to have some additional hearings on this issue. We all want to do what is right for consumers and producers, which is why the dialogue on this cannot end with today’s hearing. We need to continue to work with cattle producers and USDA to come up with the best possible system to address this problem.”

BILLINGS, MT - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has invited D.C. Circuit Court Judge Emmet Sullivan to take a snowmobile a tour of Yellowstone National Park and to reconsider his December 16 decision vacating a National Park Service Winter Use Plan for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

“Snowmobiles are an important component of visitor access to the Park during the winter months,” Rehberg said. “I just want Judge Sullivan to see Yellowstone the same way we have allowed thousands of Americans to see this wonderful park during the winter months – via snowmobile.”

Use of snowmobiles was already heavily regulated under a Winter Use Plan Record of Decision, issued on March 25, 2003. Accord for the decision was reached after two years of dialogue and study to develop a balanced plan for continued conservation and visitor enjoyment of Yellowstone during the winter season.

“That balanced plan includes numerous avenues for visitor access and enjoyment of the Park and calls for both snowmobiles and snowcoaches to provide that access,” Rehberg said. “It is my hope Judge Sullivan will come to appreciate the non-partisan Winter Use Plan, reached last year with the help and input of people from different views and perspectives. That was the plan in effect until his untimely decision last month.”

In a separate letter, Rehberg also urged U.S. Interior Secretary Gail Norton file a court appeal, saying Judge Sullivan’s decision will result in an all-out ban on snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park.

January 14, 2004

The Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan
United States District Court
For the District of Columbia
333 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001

Dear Judge Sullivan:

I read with great interest your December 16 2003 decision to vacate the National Park Service Winter Use Plan for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. While I strongly disagree with your decision for its potentially devastating effect on the economies of nearby gateway communities, I would nonetheless like to invite you to join me in West Yellowstone sometime over the remaining winter months, and take a snowmobile tour of Yellowstone National Park.

It is my hope that you will allow me to demonstrate why today’s clean, quiet snowmobiles are a legitimate mode of transportation on the roads into the park, especially during those times when winter snow cover make the roads impassable to transportation typical of the summer months.

Such a visit will be a wonderful opportunity for you and I to view and enjoy the breathtaking and scenic splendor of the crown jewel of our national park system. Your time in West Yellowstone would also afford you the chance to visit knowledgeable park officials, as well as the small business owners whose livelihoods depend upon the park’s tourist industry. I certainly know I have found, and perhaps you will agree, that in making decisions impacting broad segments of the public it is always best to get outside of the Washington, D.C. metro area and take a first-hand look at the problem.

Please let me know when we can schedule this important visit. I appreciate your consideration of this invitation and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Denny Rehberg

###########

December 23, 2003

The Honorable Gale Norton
Secretary
U.S. Department of the Interior
1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240

Dear Secretary Norton:

As you know, D.C. Circuit Court Judge Emmet Sullivan ruled last week to vacate the National Park Service’s Winter Use Plan for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. I urge the Department of Interior to immediately ask for an emergency stay of Judge Sullivan’s Order and timely appeal his December 16, 2003 ruling.

The Winter Use Plan Record of Decision, issued on March 25, 2003, resulted after two years of dialogue and study to develop a balanced plan for continued conservation and visitor enjoyment of Yellowstone during the winter season. That balanced plan includes numerous avenues for visitor access and enjoyment of the Park and calls for both snowmobiles and snowcoaches to provide that access. Snowmobile use is heavily regulated under the plan, including restrictions on per day snowmobile numbers, standards for using Best Available Technology, and implementation of a monitoring and adaptive management program.

Unfortunately, the practical effect of Judge Sullivan’s ruling will result in an all-out ban on snowmobiles in Yellowstone Park, despite the fact that new-technology snowmobiles are an important component of visitor access to the Park during the winter months. I don’t need to outline for you the devastation Judge Sullivan’s ruling will have on the economies of gateway communities such as West Yellowstone.

It is my hope that the Department will immediately appeal Judge Sullivan’s decision remanding the Winter Use Plan and ask for an emergency stay of his Order. I appreciate your consideration in this matter and commend you on the effective manner in which the Department has handled this issue throughout the protracted process.

Sincerely,
Denny Rehberg

BILLINGS, MT - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is proposing a solution to long-sought improvements for Going to the Sun road, attaching a legislative fix to the upcoming Highway Bill, which comes before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee this winter. Rehberg is a member of the Committee.

“As we try to figure out how to put additional money into Going to the Sun highway, we’ve discovered a certain fund that if we craft the language correctly, there will be more than enough to fix Going to the Sun once and for all, the way it deserves to be fixed,” Rehberg said. “I’m pretty optimistic about our opportunity to fix the highway.”

Rehberg sits on the House panel responsible for crafting the new six-year highway funding legislation, scheduled to be completed by the end of February. His amendment to the Highway bill would have the effect of setting aside funding for designated national park roads and parkways – including those in Glacier Park and Yellowstone – above and beyond amounts allocated annually. The Rehberg plan would provide enough funding – over $100 million – to completely overhaul Going-to-the-Sun road.

“The Highway bill is one of the reasons I asked to be on the Transportation Committee in the first place,” Rehberg said. “Transportation is very important to the future of Montana. If we’re to build a more secure future for our economy and our families, then we have to have good highways. I’m excited about getting started, beginning the committee hearings, and passing a real highway bill that gives us a glimpse of what Montana’s economic future will look like.”

“Going to the Sun is one of the crown jewels of any highway within our park system,” Rehberg said. “We think we’ve found the solution; now we just need to get the language in the Highway bill.”

Invites Secretary Veneman to Meet with Montana Livestock Producers, State

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is urging U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman to model a new national animal identification program on a system already in place in Montana. In a letter today, Rehberg also invited Veneman to join him for a meeting with Montana’s livestock producers and officials with the Montana Department of Livestock to discuss Montana’s identification program.

“Montana already has the proven and highly effective tracing system needed to maintain consumer confidence in the wake of recent BSE discoveries,” Rehberg said. “I’ve urged Secretary Veneman to meet with our officials, learn about our own program, and use Montana’s system as a model in developing a national animal identification program.”

Steve Pilcher, Executive Director of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (406-442-3420) and Marc Bridges, Director of the Montana Department of Livestock (406-444-0528) have indicated to Rehberg they would like to participate in the meeting with Rehberg and Veneman.

“Continued confidence in America’s beef industry from consumers and foreign trading partners will depend greatly on the expeditious investigation of any suspected BSE case,” Rehberg said in the letter to Veneman. “Montana employs a proven, thorough system that would provide an excellent template for a national program. Through a series of standardized brand inspections, health certificates, and bills of sale issued by state certified inspectors, Montana can quickly trace the location of animals within the state.”

LETTER:

January 9, 2004

Secretary Ann Veneman
United States Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250

Dear Secretary Veneman,

Thank you for your leadership in responding to the recent discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Washington state. Continued confidence in America’s beef industry from consumers and foreign trading partners will depend greatly on the expeditious investigation of any suspected BSE case. Consequently, I encourage you to quickly implement a national animal identification program.

When developing a national animal identification program, I urge you to implement a program similar to the proven and highly effective tracing system the State of Montana currently uses. Through a series of standardized brand inspections, health certificates, and bills of sale issued by state certified inspectors, Montana can quickly trace the location of animals within the state. For example, after the Canadian BSE situation in May 2003, Montana officials were able to quickly trace the whereabouts of 22 bulls from a ranch in Montana, including five bulls that originated from Canada. Within ten hours, these animals had been traced from their entry into Montana in 1997 to slaughter facilities in five different states from 1997 to 2002. As you can see, Montana employs a proven, thorough system that would provide an excellent template for a national program.

I also want to extend an invitation to you and appropriate members of your staff to join me for a meeting with Montana’s livestock producers and officials with the Montana Department of Livestock to discuss our identification program. I would be happy to make all the necessary arrangements for such a meeting. Thank you for your time and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Sincerely,

Denny Rehberg
Member of Congress