Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is calling on fellow members of the House Appropriations Committee to boost funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), known as LIEAP in Montana amid higher energy costs in the state and across the U.S.  Rehberg joined a bipartisan group of nearly 30 colleagues in signing a letter requesting increases in LIHEAP funding.

“While the President’s budget does call for a $600 million increase in LIHEAP funding for this year, I believe we need to go even further to avoid a shortfall,” Rehberg said. “This program is essential for Montana’s low-income families who face the greatest need during our harsh winters.  In the face of record energy prices, I want to ensure Montana’s low-income families have heat and electricity this winter and for future winters.”

Rehberg expressed his support for a Senate amendment being considered this week that will provide an additional $1 billion for LIHEAP to help Montanans most in need.  Most Montanans use natural gas to heat their homes and natural gas prices have surged this year, rising almost 38 percent in 2006 and nearly tripling in the past four years.

“There is a pressing need in Montana, and across the country, to increase LIEAP funding,” added Rehberg.  “When I voted in favor of the energy bill and deficit reduction last year, boosts to LIEAP we’re included in both of those bills and I intend to deliver on that promise.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is urging his colleagues on the House Budget Committee to ensure the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act is fully funded and appropriately reauthorized without using one-time profits from the sale of public lands. Rehberg, an original cosponsor of the legislation, expressed his concern in a letter to Budget Chairman Jim Nussle (R-IA).  Rehberg said Montana communities have received $14.3 million for rural communities since 2000.

“This is critical legislation for Montana’s rural schools, and I want be sure Montana’s priorities have a place at the budget table,” Rehberg said.   “There is a right and a wrong way to ensure the Secure Rural Schools Act is sufficiently funded.  The wrong way is to sell-off our public lands, that many Montanans use to enjoy hunting and fishing, for a one-time gain that provides only a temporary funding fix.  The right way is to ensure Congress fully funds the Act through this year’s budget resolution.”

Since being enacted in 2000, the Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Act has provided 700 counties in 39 states $1.2 billion in funding for schools and transportation projects from the sale of timber from federal forests.  Rehberg is sponsoring legislation that secures public lands for hunting and recreation purposes.

“This legislation has been vital for counties across Montana and Congress needs commit itself funding and reauthorizing it in expedient fashion,” added Rehberg.  “Congress needs to keep its eye on the ball and fund rural schools while preserving public lands for multiple use.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, again called on Japan to lift its ban on U.S. beef imports. In December, the Japanese Food Safety Commission cleared U.S. beef for import into the country, but Japan is still refusing to allow U.S. beef into the country.

“Japan was the largest market for American beef in the world and our providers can’t afford further delay in lifting the ban,” Rehberg said. “Montana’s beef industry is a $2 billion a year business and I won’t sit idly by while my fellow Montana ranchers are shut out of the Japanese market.”

Rehberg recently joined a group of more than 20 congressmen in writing a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Johanns requesting an expeditious solution to the problem with Japan. Last October, Rehberg introduced legislation imposing trade sanctions on Japan unless the country resumed U.S. beef trade.

“In my view, the U.S. has taken the necessary steps to appease the Japanese government and has consistently proven our beef is safe,” Rehberg added. “A nearly 500-page report on American beef was prepared for Japanese officials. Still they claim there are unanswered questions. Other Asian countries such as South Korea and Thailand have resumed importing U.S. beef. The time has come for Japan to do the same or face the very real prospect of trade sanctions.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced today the Lincoln County Community Health Center in Libby will receive a $602,687 grant from the Department of Health & Human Services.

“This grant will help the Lincoln County Community Health Center continue providing quality healthcare at affordable prices,” Rehberg said. “Health centers are critical to ensuring Montanans living in rural areas have access to top-flight health care options.”

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rehberg has made rural healthcare one his top priorities, fighting for a $25 million increase in rural-specific health training funding and a $65 million increase in rural health funding grants, research, and area health education centers. In addition, the legislation, passed in 2005, provides about $29.3 million for outreach grants, which fund public Community Health Centers, such as the one in Libby. Lincoln County Community Health Center has 17 staff members and provides an array of medical and dental services to Libby residents and those living in surrounding areas.

“The healthcare priorities of rural Americans and Montanans may differ from folks living in more populated areas, but everyone shares the desire for access to affordable, quality care,” Rehberg said. “Lincoln County Community Health Center is a great example of top-notch rural healthcare and this grant will allow them to continue that tradition.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today congratulated the community of Terry, in eastern Montana, on the selection as a Preserve America community. First Lady Laura Bush, who serves as Honorary Chair of the White House’s Preserve America initiative, notified town officials of the designation.

“The close-knit, ‘can-do’ rural character of communities like Terry is a trademark example of the heritage of all of Montana’s communities,” said Rehberg. “This is a community that has its roots in the settling of the old west, and I’m happy for the Terry community received this designation.”

Rehberg introduced local officials to the program, assisted with the application process, and wrote a letter of recommendation for the town’s inclusion. The Preserve America program recognizes communities that protect and celebrate their heritage, use their historic assets for economic development, and encourage people to experience the cultural resources through education and tourism promotion.

Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, supported the 2006 U.S. Interior Department appropriations measure that authorized up to $5 million for the Preserve America matching grants program. Terry’s designation qualifies the town for the matching grants program. Officials say they hope to better promote the nationally acclaimed works of frontier photographer Evelyn Cameron, from Terry, who recorded thousands of photographs of prairie settlers from 1894 - 1928. Her life-story and works were the subject of a book by former Time-Life Books editor, Donna Lucey. The PBS documentary, “Evelyn Cameron: Pictures from a Worthy Life,” also premiered last year. Her photographs are on display at the Prairie County Museum in Terry.

“Montana has a rich heritage, and it’s important to fully recognize its cultural, educational, and economic value,” Rehberg said. “I’m ready to assist in whatever way I can to help Montana communities take advantage of opportunities like the Preserve America program.”

Terry joins Fort Benton, Red Lodge, and Virginia City as Preserve America communities in Montana.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is calling on House Budget Committee Chairman Jim Nussle, (R- IA), to support adequate funding for the Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which is facing a possible $164 million reduction in the proposed FY 2007 budget.

“This program is very popular and widely successful in my home state of Montana and is a great example of the government being proactive with regard to energy conservation,” Rehberg said in the February 17 letter to Nussle.  “In the wake of record high energy prices, we cannot afford to slash this important program,” stated Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, and the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee.

With Rehberg’s support, Congress allocated $242 million for the program last year, an amount above the $230 million in the original budget proposal.  In Montana, the program served approximately 2,000 homes in 2005.  The District 7 Human Resources Development Council (HRDC), which administers the program for the Billings area, has conducted 300 weatherization projects in the past year, alone.

Rehberg attended the most recent HRDC weatherization at the home of Ms. Judy Eames, in Billings, on Monday, February 20.  Weatherization technicians use computerized energy audits and advanced technology, which help residents save an average of $440 annually on their energy bills, based on current prices.

“This is a high-tech conservation program that saves energy, and saves money in the long run,” Rehberg said.  “Ms. Eames will be warmer, and more comfortable in her home, and that’s what is really important.”

Letter Below:

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WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, in a letter to President Bush condemned a decision to allow Dubai Ports World, the state-run shipping company of the United Arab Emirates, to operate six of the largest U.S. commercial ports.  Rehberg urged President Bush to postpone the decision pending a thorough investigation. Rehberg is also considering introducing legislation that would give Congress authority to approve or reject such transactions.

“In the interest of national security, President Bush needs to immediately reconsider this decision,” Rehberg said.  “It is unfathomable in a post 9-11 world that several of our most significant points of entry, commercial ports, could potentially be made more vulnerable by transferring ownership to this company.  We now know that the United Arab Emirates was a staging point for several of the 9-11 terrorists.  On those grounds alone, I can’t support this sale.”

Penisular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co., a British company, currently runs commercial operations at the ports of Baltimore, Miami, New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.  While the federal government doesn’t have jurisdiction over the sale of assets between foreign companies, it can halt port contracts on the basis of national security concerns.

Rehberg, a member of the Foreign Operations Subcommittee on Appropriations, suggested a thorough examination of Dubai Ports World and its hiring practices.

“At the very least President Bush and Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff should examine this transaction in greater detail and provide the American public with a detailed explanation of this action” Rehberg said.  “Any government’s top obligation is to protect its citizens and I want know why we could potentially be endangering national security at six of our most valuable commercial ports.

“This is a serious issue,” added Rehberg.  “Just days ago, the Australian government issued a warning to its citizens regarding travel to UAE due to the threat of terrorist attacks on Westerners.  If this is the case for Australians, it is probably doubly true for Americans.  It begs the question: How can we invite this firm into our own backyard?”

Letter Below:

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WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is sponsoring legislation to secure our public lands for hunting. As a member of the Congressional Sportsmen Caucus, Rehberg is crafting legislation designed to protect hunting opportunities for sportsmen and women on federal public lands.

“As a sportsman, I strongly support efforts to beef up protection of hunting access on Montana’s public lands; and having previously served Montana as a state legislator and lieutenant governor, it doesn’t take long to understand how important hunting is to all Montanans,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Montana’s hunting and fishing opportunities are national treasures – our Blue Ribbon trout streams and public lands are hard to replicate any where else. But when these properties are chained off, our rods, reels, and rifles are also locked up.”

The measure would create a  “No Net Loss” policy which would safeguard hunting opportunities. It would require that when the designation of an area changes from allowing hunting to precluding hunting, then a similar amount of a federal lands must be opened up to hunting.

“It seems like public lands are always on the chopping block, and we can’t afford to lose the opportunities for hunting on our federal lands,” Rehberg explained.  “I grew up hunting in Montana, and I want to ensure that my children and grandchildren also have a great hunting experience. It’s a part of our heritage that shouldn’t be allowed to be taken away by federal bureaucrats.”

BILLINGS, MT - In a joint teleconference today, Montana’s Congressman Denny Rehberg and Montana Department of Corrections Director, Bill Slaughter, announced a $100,000 appropriation Rehberg secured for a pilot program to help Montana’s Native American offenders overcome language and cultural barriers, and help “individualize” their supervision in the American criminal justice system.

“Everybody deserves to be treated like an individual.  If I’ve found something that’s been a problem with the federal government, it’s that it has a tendency to forget that people are individuals with different problems and needs,” said Rehberg, whose position on the House Appropriations Committee helped steer the proposal through Congress.  “I think this pilot project will help us to individualize; to look at Native American populations as individuals that have unique and special needs when involved in the criminal justice system.”

Rehberg was able to appropriate $100,000 for the Montana Department of Corrections. The American Indian Court Worker pilot project will help bridge the cultural divide that often puts Indian offenders at a disadvantage in the criminal system. The pilot project will assign two court workers to separate district courts on or near a reservation in Montana.  The two will work closely with court officials, judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, to ensure that American Indian offenders have a full understanding of their rights in the justice system.  The program, which is funded through the FY 2006 Science, State, Commerce and Justice federal spending bill, will be administered by the Montana Department of Corrections.

Montana Department of Corrections Director, Bill Slaughter noted the program will be patterned after one operated by the Blackfoot Tribe near Lethbridge, Alberta, where a delegation from the Corrections Department and governor’s office received a briefing on the program last fall.

“We know that we’re exporting a pretty darn well-thought-out idea,” he said. “The native court worker works with the judge, the prosecutor, the defense attorney. They don’t represent them legally, but they work real hard to make sure that the native folks in the system understand the system and the fact that you have to fight in this system. You can’t just give up.”

Slaughter emphasized that the program is intended to help divert from prison offenders who do not need to go there. It is not designed to keep out of prison those offenders who deserve to be incarcerated for a time. He said the court worker program will help judges and prosecutors and others in the criminal justice system develop a better understanding of the cultural and, sometimes, language barriers that can create an impediment to fair treatment of Indian offenders.

“I’m excited about being a part of it,” Rehberg said.  “Clearly, we cannot solve a lot of these issues without everybody’s involvement - the partnership of the federal government, law enforcement, the Montana Legislature, Gov. Schweitzer, and ultimately, the people who are on the ground, and that’s folks like Bill Slaughter and the Montana Department of Corrections.”

American Indian Court Workers
by
The Montana Department of Corrections

The federal grant will be used for a pilot project to hire two “American Indian court workers” assigned to District Courts on or near American Indian reservations in Montana. For example, one worker at Havre could serve offenders from the Rocky Boys, Fort Belknap, Blackfeet and Fort Peck reservations. The other could be stationed at Hardin and serve the Northern Cheyenne and Crow reservations.

The workers would be state-employed tribal members capable of bridging the cultural divide that often puts Indian offenders at a disadvantage in the criminal justice system. The workers could provide non-legal advice to the accused, help him find a lawyer and understand the criminal justice system, involve the defendant’s family, assist with pre-sentence reports, and help determine if the accused is a candidate for alternative sentencing to tribal corrections programs such as a prerelease center, probation, chemical dependency treatment, mental health services and counseling by tribal elders.

By focusing on the individualized needs and issues of Indian offenders, the workers’ goal is to determine if an offender’s problems can be dealt with short of incarceration. They will try to ensure that Indian offenders don’t end up behind bars simply because they were so intimidated by the justice system and daunted by language and cultural barriers that they decide not to contest charges.

This has the potential to directly affect the already overcrowded Montana corrections system, where Indians account for a disproportionate number of inmates. Although Indians make up less than 7 percent of Montana’s population, they represent almost 17 percent of the inmate population.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced victory with President Bush’s decision to increase funding for the Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB), which includes the Plains Indian Museum in Browning. Operated by the U.S. Department of the Interior, the funding for the museum in the President’s 2007 budget is set at $1.16 million. Last year in his 2006 budget proposal, the President requested funding for $1 million, which Congress increased to $1.14 million. Rehberg’s coalition pressed hard for the President to include funding for the IACB museums. The Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning attracts over 15,000 tourists annually and houses a collection of over 1,500 local Blackfeet artifacts.

“We not only convinced the president to abandon his plan to curtail funding in 2007, and we even managed to secure an increase in funding. This is a victory for the Plains Indian Museum and for all Montanans,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Not only did the Smithsonian Institute support our efforts, but also the President by including an increase of funding for the museums. This shows the power of bipartisan teamwork and a united front – both locally and nationally - to save these precious museums from being forced to close.”

Rehberg secured a commitment last year for funding for the museums through 2006. However, reports arose last year that the Bush Administration planned to curtail federal funding for the museums would begin in 2007 arose during budget justifications last spring.

Rehberg formed a coalition, which includes Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD), Representative Tom Cole (R-OK), Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK), and Representative Stephanie Herseth (D-SD). The lawmakers urged the Office of Management and Budget on January 12, 2006, in a letter to continue funding for the museums.

The Smithsonian Institute contacted Rehberg last week stating their support for his coalition to fight the federal plans to phase out funding for the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning, Montana, the Sioux Indian Museum in Rapid City, South Dakota, and the Southern Plains Indian Museum in Anadarko, Oklahoma.  The role of the three museums is to properly house Native American artifacts and to enforce the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990, which helps Indian artists and craftsmen protect the authenticity of their art from counterfeit replicas.

“You know, these museums are a part of the fabric of Montana’s culture,” Rehberg said. “The treasures they house don’t belong on display in a Smithsonian Museum on the National Mall in D.C., and I’m pleased the President realized how important these museums are to the communities and cultures they serve.”

Rehberg Coalition Letter Below:

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