Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today met with Montana State University (MSU) College of Agriculture officials Jim Peterson and Dr. Jeff Jacobsen on MSU’s efforts to include Montana in a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) animal identification pilot project. A national ID program “is essential in maintaining continued consumer confidence in the safety of our food supply,” Rehberg said.

“Thanks to a collaboration between MSU, the state, and private groups, Montana already has a proven and highly effective tracing system through the Montana Beef Network,” Rehberg said. “I’m urging the USDA to award Montana and MSU a pilot program as the federal government implements its national animal identification program.”

Over the past five years, MSU, state officials, and Montana’s producers and agricultural associations have given Montana one of the nation’s premier animal monitoring and tracking programs. Animals are individually identified with radio frequency identification tags and monitored throughout their life cycle. Information from the electronic tags is stored in a central data base, allowing producers to make management decisions.

“The Montana Beef Network tracks animals from ranch to retailer for the purpose of beef quality,” Rehberg said. “The network’s history of success in identifying animals makes it an ideal pilot project for the USDA to use in determining how to approach the launch of a national system.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg (R), Wednesday met with a delegation of Montana officials in Washington seeking funding to fight noxious weeds and other invasive species in the state.

The group discussed legislation that allows federal funding for research and extension efforts to control the invasive tamarisk and salt cedar plant species. With Rehberg’s vote, the House on February 24 approved the bill, which includes programs for Montana.

“It’s time to get this problem under control while we’re still at the beginning stages,” Rehberg said. “We’re just starting to see signs of salt cedar moving up the banks of the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers, and we’ve got to tackle it before things get out of hand.”

The group discussed legislation that allows federal funding for research and extension efforts to control the invasive tamarisk and salt cedar plant species. With Rehberg’s vote, the House on February 24 approved the bill, which includes programs for Montana

The delegation included Montana Agriculture Secretary Ralph Peck, State Weed Coordinator Dave Burch, State Agricultural Sciences Division Administrator Greg Ames, Madison County Commissioner Dave Schultz, State Representative Diane Rice (R-Harrison), and Yellowstone County Weed Coordinator Scott Bockness.

The delegation was also seeking additional funding for the state’s Noxious Weeds Trust Fund. A grant program established by the 1985 Montana Legislature, the Noxious Weed Trust Fund was designed to manage efforts to solve a variety of weed problems in Montana.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today voted for and the House approved a bill strengthening penalties against those who would harm pregnant women. The Unborn Victims of Violence Act “is a matter of common sense and common decency,” Rehberg, a co-sponsor of the legislation, said.

The measure would allow federal prosecutors to impose separate charges against those arrested for injuring or killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child. The bill passed 254-163.

“I want to see increased penalties for attacks against women who are pregnant,” Rehberg said. “If the Laci Peterson case tells us anything, it’s that unborn children who die as a result of violence perpetrated against the mothers who carry them deserve just as much justice as the law affords their murderers.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg (R), will discuss natural resource issues, forest health, health care, fire safety, and transportation in a series of scheduled meetings Friday, February 27, in Kalispell.

“Montana’s natural resources remain vital to our state’s heritage and economy, and I’m looking forward to once again meeting with the professionals in the Flathead whose first-hand knowledge helps shape the issue,” said Rehberg, who will discuss timber, endangered species and grizzly bear recovery with representatives of FH Stoltze Lumber of Columbia Falls, and Owens and Hurst Lumber of Eureka.

Forest health and health care are among the items on the agenda in a meeting with the Flathead Business and Industry Association, and fire protection will be the focus of a visit to the Kalispell Fire Department, which recently received a $117,000 federal grant for purchases to enhance fire operations and firefighter safety.

Rehberg will also travel with Kalispell Mayor Pamela Kennedy, and City Manager Chris Kukulski to view the proposed Highway 93 Bypass project. Rehberg is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has accepted Rehberg’s request of $22 million for the project.

12:30 p.m. FH Stoltze Lumber / Owens and Hurst Lumber
FH Stoltze Lumber Company
600 Half Moon Road, Columbia Falls

2:00 p.m. Flathead Business and Industry Association
2510 Highway 2 East, Kalispell

3:00 p.m. Kalispell Mayor Pamela Kennedy
City Manager Chris Kukulski
City Hall, 312 1st Ave. East

4:00 p.m. Kalispell Fire Department
City Hall, 312 1st Ave. East

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg (R), today accepted the U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Spirit of Enterprise” award for his economic growth-friendly voting record this past year. It is the third time Rehberg has been recognized for the award by the national organization, which represents more than three million businesses and organizations.

“In the last session of Congress, Denny Rehberg was a true leader in helping to build a favorable climate for business and the U.S. economy, consistently demonstrating support for legislation to increase productivity and improve jobs, bolster national security and spur economic growth,” said Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation, awards its “Spirit of Enterprise” based on rankings it gives members of Congress for key business votes. Votes included in the rankings are issues established as priorities by the Chamber’s board of directors prior to the actual vote.

“As a small business owner in Montana, I understand the importance of the federal government working to eliminate barriers to growth and providing economic opportunity for Montana’s many small businesses,” said Rehberg, who owns and operates a goat ranch near Billings. “I am honored to receive this recognition from the U.S. Chamber and look forward to continue fighting for Montana’s small business men and women,” concluded Rehberg.

Congressman to Meet Face-to-Face with Corps Officials Wednesday in DC

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg (R), today issued a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers blasting the agency for mishandling over $300,000 intended for Montana’s Fort Peck Interpretive Center. In a letter to Brigadier General William Grisoli, Commander of the Corps’ Northwestern Division, Rehberg also slammed the Corps for asking for an additional 60 days to rectify the error.

“What the Corps has done in attempting to use Congressionally appropriated taxpayer money for projects other than the Fort Peck Interpretive Center is unacceptable,” Rehberg said. “The Corps does not need another 60 days or even 30 days to resolve this. They need to straighten it out right now before I take this to the next level.”

In his letter, Rehberg said he is prepared to request an investigation into the Corps activities in Montana. “Make no mistake that Congressional investigations into the Corps’ actions remain an option,” Rehberg warned.

Rehberg is scheduled to meet with two Army Corps of Engineers officials in his office Wednesday afternoon, and said the first topic will be the delay in resolving the mistake.

In a previous letter, written February 6, Rehberg had asked Grisoli “to take the appropriate steps to replenish the Interpretive Center’s budget so that the project’s sponsors can complete the necessary work in a timely manner.” The Corps mistakenly sent its response to another office.

February 24, 2003

Brigadier General William Grisoli
Commander, Northwestern Division
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 2870
Portland, Oregon 97208

Dear General Grisoli:

This letter is a follow-up to my February 6, 2004 correspondence that outlines my concerns regarding the over $300,000 of Congressionally appropriated funds for the Fort Peck Interpretive Center budget that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers redirected to another project.

Unfortunately, the Corps did not respond to my inquiry until yesterday, nearly five days after I read in the newspaper that the Corps had decided to restore funding within 60 days. While I am pleased that the Center will get the funding it is due, I am disturbed at two aspects of this situation, especially as outlined in the press reports on February 20.

First and foremost, I am disturbed that the Corps has given itself up to 60 days to restore the Center’s funds. Let me be clear: Congress appropriated over $300,000 for use by the Fort Peck Interpretative Center. Accordingly, it is not the Corps’ prerogative to take an additional 60 days to rectify this situation.

After speaking to the project stakeholders, it is my understanding that the Center is ready to spend the money as soon as those funds become available. Therefore I ask that you initiate the process for funds transfer immediately with a guideline for completion within the next few weeks. The project has already suffered undue delay at the hands of the Corps’ accounting practices and any further delay will impair the project’s sponsors from staying on budget and completing the project according to schedule.

Congress directed the Corps to have those funds available to the Center for its use, therefore restoring the funds under a 60-day timeframe is simply unacceptable. The Center needs those funds now.

My second concern centers around the lack of response from your office to mine. I pride myself on open communication, however that becomes a challenge when the courtesy is not returned. It seems to me that this miscommunication is further evidence of the disarray and chaos inherent to the Corps.

I am prepared to request an investigation into the Corps activities in Montana. My position as a Member of both the Transportation & Infrastructure and Resources Committees affords me such an opportunity. Make no mistake that Congressional investigations into the Corps’ actions remain an option.

I reiterate that it is imperative that funding restoration be accomplished soon and without compromising any other Montana project.

I would appreciate a response to this critical request.

Sincerely,

Denny Rehberg
Montana’s Congressman

BILLINGS, MT - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded Montana’s Essential Air Service (EAS) routes to Big Sky Airlines for another two year period. Montana has eight EAS points, including Glasgow, Glendive, Havre, Lewistown, Miles City, Sidney, and Wolf Point, plus seasonal service to West Yellowstone.

“Big Sky’s long history of service to Montana, together with its proposed fair structure, code-sharing agreements, and connecting hub in Billings make it the ideal carrier to serve Montana’s rural passengers,” Rehberg said.

Rehberg, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Aviation Subcommittee, had urged the Transportation Department to support Big Sky’s two-year renewal proposal to serve Montana’s EAS routes. The department selected Big Sky over a competing bid from Mesa Air on behalf of its subsidiary, Air Midwest, Inc.

“Big Sky is in its twenty-fourth year of providing this critical air service, and it understands and has been meeting the needs of these rural Montana communities whose economies are dependent upon the service,” Rehberg said in a January 22, 2004, letter to DOT Assistant Secretary Karan Bhatia.

The renewed contract will guarantee Big Sky more than $5.7 million per year through February, 2006, at no cost to local governments. Last summer, House Speaker Dennis Hastert selected Rehberg to Represent the House on a panel that reconciled Senate and House versions of EAS reauthorizations. Rehberg worked to exempt Montana from a proposed matching funds provision.

“We’ve kept the matching local fund requirements out of Montana,” Rehberg said. “I intend to see that funding for Montana’s essential air service remains secure as long as I continue to serve as Montana’s Congressman.”

Congress authorized the EAS program to guarantee a minimum level of air carrier service to small communities. The Department of Transportation currently subsidizes air service to approximately 38 rural communities in the continental U.S.

HELENA, MT — Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced Economic Development Administration grants totaling $815,000 have been awarded to the City of Shelby and to Mountainview Medical Center in White Sulphur Springs.

“We continue to work closely with the Department of Commerce. I’m delighted to see the department’s Economic Development Administration approve these grants,” Rehberg said.

A $500,000 grant to the Northern Express Transportation Authority in Shelby will provide construction of railroad siding, loading and reloading facilities to enhance the Port of Northern Montana. The project also includes construction of city streets and railroad crossings at the facility.

“With both freight and passenger operations, the Port of Northern Montana in Shelby has become the region’s premier rail-truck transfer center,” Rehberg said.

Also today, a $315,000 grant has been awarded to Mountainview Medical Center in White Sulphur Springs for renovations, including a one-story addition to the facility. Mountainview is a non-profit, general medical and surgical hospital serving Meagher County.

“I’m proud of the work they do in the community. Offering both inpatient and outpatient specialized services in addition to its 24/7 emergency department, Mountainview Medical Center is one of Central Montana’s most important medical facilities,” Rehberg said.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is sponsoring legislation to establish a national animal identification program to track livestock. The bill is partly in response to the recent discovery of a case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in Washington state.

“Our goal is, first and foremost, to promote a healthy and safe food supply, sustain consumer confidence, and maintain stable markets,” Rehberg said. “My legislation takes the common sense approach to maintaining confidence in the food supply. It will give USDA the authority it needs to develop an animal identification proposal, while providing privacy protection for our producers.”

The “National Farm Animal Identification and Records Act” (H.R. 8737) calls for the establishment of an electronic nationwide livestock identification system. The legislation mandates no one particular ID system, but instead removes the roadblocks to launching a program.

“We want to see the federal government develop a national plan that meets our trading and animal health needs while being pro-producer and easy to implement,” Rehberg said. “The measure I’ve introduced will promote an objective review of federal responses to livestock disease outbreaks.”

The bill also provides an opportunity for the USDA to consider successful state programs, such as the Montana Beef Network.

“On a nationwide scale, we need the kind of program the state of Montana already has – a proven program that successfully tracks livestock,” Rehberg said. “We all want to do what is right for consumers and producers, which is why I want to encourage the USDA to work with cattle producers to come up with the best possible system to address this problem.”

Rehberg readies legislation; sets February 12 meeting with civic leaders to map strategy

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today initiated an effort to help businesses and civic leaders in West Yellowstone rescue the community’s economy in the wake of the damaging loss of business after the December 16, 2003, ruling by D.C. Circuit Court Judge Emmet Sullivan, effectively banning snowmobile use in Yellowstone National Park. Rehberg also announced he is crafting legislation to overturn the ban.

“Today, with help of a group of local civic and business leaders, I’m launching the formation of the West Yellowstone Community Advisory Committee, whose first meeting will be February 12 in West Yellowstone,” Rehberg said. “To begin the process, I have submitted a request to Commerce Secretary Donald Evans for a strategic planning grant to enable the West Yellowstone community to put together a strategy to get the local economy back on its feet.”

In his letter to Secretary Evans, Rehberg asks for a $50,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant enabling the West Yellowstone community “to assess the economic damage and form a strategic plan for their future.”

“I have also begun work on legislation that will restore the Winter Use Park Rules that were scheduled to go into effect before Judge Sullivan’s ruling,” Rehberg said. “My goal is to fight this ruling while at the same time assisting the West Yellowstone community cope with the devastation to the local economy.”

The economic impact of Judge Sullivan’s ruling has already hit the West Yellowstone community hard, having a devastating effect on a local economy that relies heavily on visitor access to the Park during the winter season.

“We appreciate Denny’s help. It’s the right thing to do and it’s a positive step for the community, which intends to move ahead rather than fall behind,” West Yellowstone Operations Manager Fred Rice said. “The town is already working on a strategic plan that we can use as a start for our first meeting. I would anticipate that community leaders who worked on earlier plans will definitely want to be a part of this effort as well.”

LETTER ATTACHED

February 4, 2004

Honorable Donald L. Evans
Secretary of Commerce
U.S. Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20210

Dear Secretary Evans:

I am writing to request that you to provide the community of West Yellowstone, Montana, an Economic Development Administration Strategic Planning Grant in the amount of $50,000.

As you may know, the recent D.C. Circuit Court ruling that effectively phases out the use of snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park is causing severe economic hardship to local businesses as well as West Yellowstone’s overall economic strength and viability. West Yellowstone’s economic strength relies heavily on visitor access to Yellowstone National Park during the winter season and the effects of the recent court decision are already being hard felt throughout the community.

If approved, this funding will provide West Yellowstone with the tools and resources necessary to craft a sound plan for their economic future. It is my hope that a sound economic strategy would also lead to future EDA Strategic Plan Implementation Grant funding. Implementation Grant funding would enable West Yellowstone to enact the economic recovery strategy, effectively empowering the community and surrounding areas to mitigate and recover from the devastating impact the snowmobile ban is now having. It is vital that action be taken immediately on behalf of West Yellowstone that will enable this community to assess the economic damage and form a strategic plan for their future.

Thank you, in advance, for your swift attention to this matter, and I look forward to working with you on this project. It is important that we act quickly on West Yellowstone’s behalf to begin reversing the severe economic hardship now being felt.

Sincerely,

DENNY REHBERG
Montana’s Congressman

Cc: John Rogers, Economic Dev. Officer
DRR:jng