Congressman Denny Rehberg

March 28, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC -Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced $500,000 in emergency funding has been approved to assist laid-off timber industry workers in western Montana. The grant, from the U.S. Department of Labor, will provide a variety of services for more than 75 workers in Flathead Lake, and Lincoln Counties.

“This is about helping families and communities as much as it is about assisting the workers themselves,” Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said. “Montana’s timber industry has been hard-hit in recent months, and we need to apply every resource available to help restore the careers of those who have been put out of work.”

The first $187,653 of the $500,410 announced today will be sent to the Montana Department of Labor. The grant can be used for a variety of services, such as career planning, employment development, individual counseling, occupational skills training, on-the-job training, entrepreneurial training, job-readiness training and adult education. Supportive services may include childcare, transportation assistance and job-related certifications, uniforms and equipment.

Today’s announcement will assist workers laid off by several companies in recent months, including: Owens and Hurst (Eureka), Don Pluid Logging (Eureka), Darwin Pluid (Eureka), James Jett Corporation ( Eureka), Owens and Bray, Inc., (Kalispell), Stillwater Forest Products (Kalispell) - companies that have announced layoffs (with WARN notices) this year.

“This is vital funding, and I’m pleased we’re able to provide immediate assistance to the families who have lost their livelihoods,” said Rehberg. “It calls to mind once again the hardships on our communities from the irrational routine of healthy forest management obstruction practiced by extreme environmental organizations.”

Rehberg has been working with the Labor Department and the Economic Development Agency since the mill announced its closure in late January. He voted to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) to invest up to $13.2 million in Montana over the next year. The program specifically allocated $1.6 million for displaced workers in Montana last year, and has earmarked $1.9 million for that purpose this year. Today’s emergency grant is money to be received on top of the WIA funding.

March 24, 2005

SEELEY LAKE, MT - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, presented a “Spirit of Discovery” award to Seeley-Swan high school student Ralph Cahoon, Jr. who has led an inspirational fight against leukemia.

Cahoon, was diagnosed with leukemia in the summer of 2003, at the age of 16, while working as a guide for the family-operated Rich Ranch Outfitting. After initial treatment and remission, Cahoon’s leukemia relapsed. In 2004, the young man underwent a bone marrow transplant and a lengthy hospital stay in Seattle. Cahoon is completing his junior year, after missing virtually an entire year of high school.

Rehberg created the “Spirit of Discovery” award as a means to honor outstanding Montana students for their commitment to courage and discovery, such as that displayed in the Lewis and Clark’s “Corps of Discovery.” School instructors, counselors, or administrators nominate the students for displaying courage and commitment, together with a spirit of service, surmounting obstacles, or stretching or developing skills.

Excerpts of Rehberg’s Comments:

“For Ralph, each day was a gift, each day was important – and Ralph took nothing for granted. While in the hospital, he showed great compassion and concern for his family, always asking how they were doing, rather than complaining about his condition

“He was concerned about the little kids who were also being treated for cancer. He often told his mom that ‘these little kids don’t deserve this. I’m big enough to process this, but they don’t understand.’ Through his own challenge, Ralph gained an awareness way beyond himself. Life ceased to revolve around him, and he became deeply concerned with those around him.

“Because of his faith and courage, Ralph focuses on life. He finds good things in every day. His mother says the whole ordeal has actually been a blessing for their family, for now they understand how precious each day is.

“Ralph hopes that next year holds football and basketball and snowmobile racing, but right now he is more focused on today and on helping others face their challenges.”

March 23, 2005

KALISPELL, MT - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced the four-lane western by-pass on Highway 93 around Kalispell has received a funding boost that earnestly moves the project forward. This week, the US Department of Transportation released $1.984 million for the project.

“This funding approval means significant design and right of way work can begin, and we’ll continue to work for additional funding for this important project for the people of northwest Montana,” said Rehberg.

Rehberg originally secured $22 million for the project last year as a member of the House Transportation Committee. However, the six-year highway-funding bill failed to clear a House and Senate Conference Committee before the end of the last session, essentially killing the measure.

The $1.984 million is part of a separate $3 million for the project Rehberg helped secure as part of the FY 2005 Omnibus Appropriations bill approved late last year.

Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said his committee assignment allows him to continue to work on securing additional funding for the project on a yearly basis.

The Omnibus bill also includes separate funding for other Montana projects:

$992,000 ($1.5 million total) for Missouri River ferry boat program

$1.87 million ($2.84 million total) for Marysville Road

$3.12 million ($4.73 million total) for Ft Peck Fishing Access improvements
$1.87 million ($2.84 million total) for MT Hwy. 323 improvements

March 21, 2005

HELENA, MT - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced a five-point action plan today to help combat the dangerous rise in Methamphetamine use in Montana.

“Today, I challenge all Montanans to join this fight, take responsibility for what you see happening in your community. Together, we can send a message to our kids that Methamphetamine hurts communities, damages the environment, and destroys the lives of people who use it,” Rehberg said today in a speech before a joint session of the Montana Legislature.

Rehberg outlined five areas he would direct his efforts in Congress to combat meth use: ensure prosecutors and law enforcement have effective tools and training, require federal forfeiture funds to be used for meth waste cleanup, foster ant-drug education programs, equip hospitals and clinics for effective drug-abuse treatment, and urge Canada and Mexico to join in the fight against meth.

“These things I am ready to fight for in Congress. But government can’t do this alone. If we really want to put a stop to this terrible scourge in our society, private citizens and organizations must recognize they, too, have a stake in this.”

Rehberg’s address, broadcast live statewide through TVMT, and Vision Net, Inc., also focused on tightening Montana’s border security.

Other Quotes:

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: “…we’ve not only provided seniors with prescription drug coverage, but we’ve also addressed the need for preventative programs to help seniors with chronic illnesses maximize their health and well-being…”

Small Business Health Care: “With nearly one-in-five Montanans uninsured, we need Small Business Health Care Plans that will enable farmers, ranchers, and small business employees to access the same affordable heal care choices and benefits enjoyed by employees of large companies.”

Energy Policy: “America must also protect its interests and future by establishing a national energy policy … (one that) addresses ways to improve domestic production, improve access to reliable electricity, new technologies, increased energy efficiency, and increased funding for low-income energy assistance.”

Highway Bill: “These investments will stimulate Montana’s economy, provide our state with better roads, bridges, and increased transit options, encourage development and, above all, give us an economic return of $6 for every $1 spent.”

Canadian Border: “There’s another threat that involves our border, and that’s the economic and health threat posed by BSE. That’s why, for the past four years, I’ve been the chief advocate for mandatory Country of Origin Labeling. As a part of my Border Security Plan, I want our border with Canada to stay closed to live beef until further notice … Our consumers deserve nothing less than the safest product.”

Ø Ensure prosecutors and law enforcement personnel have effective tools and training.

Ø Require federal forfeiture funds to be used for meth hazardous waste cleanup.

Ø Foster anti-drug education grant programs.

Ø Equip hospitals and clinics for effective drug-abuse treatment.

Ø Urge Canada and Mexico to join in the fight against meth.

Meth in Montana

· The number of Montana drug abuse violations reported to the FBI have risen steadily over the past several years 1998 — 222 arrests / 1999 – 229 / 2000 – 398 / 2001 – 442 / 2002 – 725 arrests. (Office of National Drug Control Policy, ONDCP)

· Methamphetamine cases represented 52 % of all Montana DEA arrests during 2002. (ONDCP)

· In 2003, there were 19 incidents where children where reported living at a meth lab site. (ONDCP)

· The 2003 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey reported 9.3 percent of Montana high school students stated using meth at least once in their lives. The national average for high school students who said they had tried meth is 7.6 percent.

· According to 2002 U.S. Sentencing Commission figures, 74.4 percent of federal sentences in Montana were a result of methamphetamine-related crimes — the national average was 15.5 percent.

· Approximately 98 percent of meth users become addicted — compared to 10 percent of all alcohol users. (Meth Free MT)

· Standard (120-day) drug treatment programs are ineffective for meth users, as it can take 12 to 18 months for their brain chemistry to return to normal. (Meth Free MT)

· Each meth lab leaves behind 5-6 pounds of hazardous toxic waste, with an average cleanup costs of $8,500.00 per lab (Meth Free MT)

Fighting Methamphetamine
Congressman Rehberg:

Is an active member of the U.S. House Meth Caucus.

Supported the 2002 COPS Methamphetamine Initiative that helped create Meth Free MT.

Is a cosponsor of the Clean, Learn, Educate, Abolish, Neutralize, and Undermine Production (CLEAN-UP) of Methamphetamines Act (H.R. 13) that would provide more than $120 million in federal funding.

Is a cosponsor of Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act (HR 798), which would

Establish a research program to develop clean-up guidelines to determine when a former meth lab is safe for human habitation.

Support research to develop meth lab detection technologies.

Study meth production biological effects with an emphasis on children and first-responders.

Supported Drug Free Communities Programs grants that awarded $485,000 to Montana in FY 2003, and $360,000 in FY 2002. (ONDCP)

Supported Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs that awarded $34.5 million to Montana in FY 2002. (ONDCP)

Supported FY 2004 Byrne Formula Grant Programs that awarded $2,476,382 to Montana. (ONDCP)

March 21, 2005

March 17, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman Denny Rehberg today lauded the House Budget resolution striking of an Administration proposal that would have raised rural electric rates across Montana. The budget resolution, to be approved this afternoon in the House, declares “the President’s proposal to require Power Marketing Administrations to charge market rates” vs. cost would not save the government money.

“This is a victory for Montana’s small businesses and families, and it was a real close call for our rural economy,” Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Energy & Water Subcommittee, said. “We went to great lengths in our appeal with the Budget committee over the urgency of striking this ridiculous proposal. Hopefully, we’ve also sent a message to the Administration number crunchers that ‘we mean business; don’t try this again.’”

The proposal, found in the President’s 2006 budget, would have required the nation’s four Power Marketing Administrations (PMA) to sell their electricity at market-based, instead of cost-based, rates. PMA’s provide much of Montana’s rural electricity. Currently, PMA’s such as the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), sell their power at rates designed to recover the cost and administration of generating and transmitting the power, which typically results in rates 30 - 50% cheaper than market-based power providers.

In a letter last week, Rehberg urged House Budget Chairman Jim Nussle (R-IA) and House Resources Chairman Richard Pombo (R-CA) to scrap the proposal, arguing it would “unjustifiably increase” power bills to boost the treasury.

Rehberg’s request was granted by the Budget Committee. The House budget resolution serves as the blueprint for all government spending.

“Also, this year, the Budget Committee is leaving most of the specifics of the federal budget to the Appropriations Committee, which is one of the reasons I fought to be on appropriations,” Rehberg added. “It gives me an opportunity to be more involved in funding Montana’s priorities.”

March 17, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, lauded House passage of the 2006 Budget Resolution this afternoon, which includes funding to continue Amtrak and its Empire Builder service across Montana. The Budget resolution also leaves much of the budget specifics up to the Appropriations Committee, a panel on which Rehberg now sits.

“Clearly, we won today in our efforts to continue Amtrak service,” Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said. “The Administration provided nothing for Amtrak; the Senate dropped the ball on Amtrak. The House today said, ‘not so fast, we’re going to fund Amtrak.’ Last week I urged the House Budget Committee to restore Amtrak funding, and that effort proved successful. Funding for Amtrak is now safely in the House budget.”

In a letter last week to House Budget Committee Chairman Jim Nussle, Rehberg asked that the panel “provide sufficient funding in the fiscal year 2006 Budget Resolution to sustain Amtrak’s national network of passenger rail service. The company is headed in the right direction and it is our duty to continue to provide Americans with effective and environmentally friendly transportation options.”

“More importantly, the Budget Committee this year is leaving most of the specifics of the federal budget to the Appropriations Committee, which is one of the reasons I fought to be on appropriations,” Rehberg added. “It gives me an opportunity to be more involved in funding Montana’s priorities.”

“We have to remember that Montana is a huge, rural state, with nearly a million people that don’t have access to the kind of transportation choices that most everyone else in this country has,” Rehberg said. “Let’s get real here, we can’t just zero-out federal operating funding for a rail system that employs 20,000 people, carries 25 million passengers on 22,000 miles of track every year, and has operating agreements with hundreds of daily intercity trains.”

March 16, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has asked House Speaker Dennis Hastert to schedule a House vote on a Senate resolution blocking the U.S. Department of Agriculture from reopening the Canadian border to live beef trade. Rehberg also sent out an “action alert,” urging agriculture industry leaders and individuals to help in the fight to keep the border closed.

“On March 3, 2005, the Senate passed, S.J.RES.4, a resolution disapproving of the USDA rule. Currently this resolution is being held at the desk in the House awaiting action. I urge you to schedule S.J.RES.4 for a floor vote at the earliest convenience,” Rehberg said in a letter to the Speaker. “This resolution is overwhelmingly supported by Montana producers along with many additional national and regional agricultural groups. Agriculture producers have spoken and agree the Canadian border needs to remain closed.”

Also today, Rehberg issued an action alert, calling on national Agriculture organizations to bring the matter to the attention of the House by demanding a vote on the resolution.

“I need your help to keep the border closed… I urge you to join me in contacting the members of the House that have the most influence on this issue,” Rehberg, a Billings rancher, said in a letter to industry leaders. “I’m also asking you to work with me to develop a more viable legislative solution should our efforts to bring the Senate resolution up for a vote fail.”

A similar call issued by Rehberg last November proved successful in blocking efforts to water-down Country of Origin Labeling.

“A strong, grassroots effort telling these members how strongly we feel about food safety and consumer confidence is critical in the fight to keep the USDA from reopening the border,” Rehberg wrote. “I appreciate all your support and help with this important issue.”

Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, sited recent discoveries of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) in Alberta as reason enough to continue the ban on live beef imports from Canada

LETTERS ATTACHED

March 16, 2005

Speaker Dennis J. Hastert

United States House of Representatives

H 232 Capitol Building

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Speaker Hastert,

In May 2003, the entire beef industry was affected by the discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada. Since this initial discovery, the United States’ border has been closed to live cattle imports from Canada. On January 4, 2005 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) printed a rule in the Federal Register to establish minimal risk countries for BSE. This rule essentially paves the way for live cattle imports from Canada.

I fully understand the importance and benefit of international trade. The United States boasts the most productive farmers and ranchers in the world and the future of agriculture depends on international customers and fair access to those markets. However, many issues remain unresolved and at this time, it is vitally important the border remains closed.

Since the rule was announced, there have been two additional cases of BSE in Canada. There have also been many questions raised about Canada’s compliance to their 1997 ruminant feed ban. In the name of consumer safety, these questions need to be fully answered before USDA can open the border.

In December 2003, Japan, Korea and other international beef customers closed their borders to U.S. beef after a case of BSE was found in a Canadian born cow in Washington state. I am troubled that USDA is proposing to open the border, and potentially flood our domestic market, without reestablishing beef sales to our international markets. It is crucial we consider the impact this rule may have on the stability of our markets. In my home state of Montana, our beef industry is worth over $760 million to our economy annually. It is our duty to ensure governmental action does not adversely impact our ranchers and upset market stability. It is vital these international markets are restored before any attempt is made to open the Canadian border.

On March 3, 2005, the Senate passed, S.J.RES.4, a resolution disapproving of the USDA rule. Currently this resolution is being held at the desk in the House awaiting action. This resolution is overwhelmingly supported by Montana producers along with many additional national and regional agricultural groups. Agriculture producers have spoken and agree the Canadian border needs to remain closed. I urge you to schedule S.J.RES.4 for a floor vote at the earliest convenience.

I thank you for your time and attention to this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Sincerely,

Denny Rehberg

Member of Congress

March 16, 2005

Bill Bullard, Executive Director

R-CALF USA

P.O. Box 30715

Billings, MT 59107

Dear Bill,

The fight to keep the Canadian border closed is heating up, and as the House of Representatives considers various legislative options, I need your help to halt current efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to permit live beef trade with Canada.

On January 4, 2005 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) printed a rule in the Federal Register to establish minimal risk countries for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). As you well know, this rule essentially paves the way for live cattle imports from Canada. I need your help to keep the border closed.

As you may know, the Senate recently passed a resolution to block the reopening of the Canadian border. That resolution now awaits a vote in the House. I have urged House Speaker Dennis Hastert to schedule a floor vote on the Senate bill, and I urge you to join me in contacting the members of the House that have the most influence on this issue.

There is a similar, House version of the Senate resolution; however, time is of the essence, and this measure is currently bogged down in the House Agriculture Committee. That is why I am urging you today to join me in asking House leaders to allow a vote on the Senate bill. I’m also asking you to work with me to develop a more viable legislative solution to introduce in the House should our efforts to bring the Senate resolution up for a vote fail.

Through our collaborative efforts and unified voice, we won the country of origin labeling (COOL) battle last December and kept COOL mandatory. This approach obviously works and I urge you to have your Montana members and national organizations contact their congressional delegations encouraging they support keeping the border closed. A strong, grassroots effort telling these members how strongly we feel about food safety and consumer confidence is critical in the fight keep the USDA from reopening the border. I appreciate all your support and help with this important issue.

Sincerely,

Denny Rehberg

Montana’s Congressman

March 15, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg today announced his opposition to the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).

“I support trade because Montana needs trade for our Ag products, but this particular agreement doesn’t make sense for Montana, and it certainly doesn’t make sense to the families of the Yellowstone River Valley, whose sugar beet producers are trying to make ends meet,” Rehberg, a Billings rancher, said. “As Montana’s Congressman, my job is to look out for and protect Montana’s economy, our citizens, and our producers. CAFTA is bad for Montana, unfair to Montana’s sugar industry, and will ultimately hurt the economy of Eastern Montana.”

Signed last year with Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, the trade and investment accord requires approval by the U.S. Congress. The ratified pact would open the U.S. sugar market to the six countries by allowing higher sugar import quotas.

“I’ve spoken to countless farmers, business owners and community leaders across Montana since this accord was announced, and I can’t remember any who support it. CAFTA is not about fairness, it’s about giving foreign countries access to the U.S. market at the expense of our own producers, who will be forced to compete on an uneven playing field, and I simply can’t support it,” Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said.

March 10, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, lauded House passage of the Highway Bill this afternoon. The landmark bill includes Rehberg’s request for a pair of Montana projects — a parking garage for downtown Bozeman and highway connecting Ekalaka to Alzada as part of Montana’s overall $1.9 billion share of the highway spending bill.

“This is a landmark measure that increases Montana’s highway apportionment by more than $300 million over the previous six-year highway bill,” Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said.

Approved by a 417-9 vote in the House, the $284 billion legislation will provide Montana with $1.931 billion over six years. The measure also includes the following projects requested by Rehberg:

• $12 million for MT secondary highway 323 from Ekalaka to Alzada

• $ 4 million for a downtown Bozeman parking facility

With the highway bill now heading to the Senate, Rehberg added: “I call on the Senate to pass this important bill.”