Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced today that the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc. a $1,308,553 grant for pharmaceutical research.  LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana.

“The field of medical research is an ever-changing environment in which new innovations are continually taking place,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “LigoCyte is on the cutting edge of many of these innovations. This grant will assist them in continuing the important work they are doing.”

The grant is part of the Department of Health and Human Services Small Business Innovation Research Grant.  These grants support scientific excellence and technological innovation through the investment of federal funds into small businesses that are supporting research and development needs.

LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has produced a number of novel drugs to fight chronic inflammatory disorders and prevent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.  However, LigoCyte’s drugs are unique in that they work by altering the disease process, rather than just simply reducing the disease symptoms.  LigoCyte was incorporated in 1998 and has 47 employees.

“We are excited about this opportunity to continue the clinical development of our lead drug candidate for the treatment of acute inflammatory respiratory diseases,” said Donald P. Beeman, CEO of LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc.  “This award from the NIH-SBIR continuing Phase II program, endorses our successful track record with peer-reviewed validation of our drug development. “

“It is a priority of mine to ensure that we’re doing everything we can to improve the field of healthcare for Montanans,” said Rehberg.  “I’m always encouraged to see Montana-based businesses playing a vital role in important research and development.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, recently joined a bipartisan group of members of Congress in urging Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to implement several new provisions of the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act.  This bill is part of the PATRIOT Act that was reauthorized last year.  The new provisions are intended to be tools for combating the import of methamphetamine from international super labs.

“The fight against meth has become a priority across Montana and the rest of the United States,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and U.S. House Meth Caucus.  “It’s important that we continue to find new ways to combat meth use and production.  This program is an example of the tools that we are trying to create and it’s important that we take the next step in implementing it.”

Rehberg and other members wrote a letter to Secretary of State Rice focusing on Section 722 of the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act.  This section requires the State Department to include in the annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) a listing of the five largest importers and exporters of meth precursor substances.  The countries on that list must then be certified as “fully cooperating” with US law enforcement to prevent the diversion and misuse of the meth precursors they import/export.  If they don’t meet that standard, this section would require that they be penalized in the amount of 50% of their foreign assistance.

“The best way to prevent the use of meth is by not allowing it to enter into our country to begin with,” said Rehberg.  “Over 80% of the meth that makes its way into the U.S. comes from international super labs.  So, it is critical that we are able to cut off the head of the snake before it finds its way into our communities.”

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WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced details for the congressional field hearing on immigration scheduled for Monday August 28 in Hamilton.  Rehberg will be joined at the hearing by House members from other Western states.  Witnesses expected to testify include representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection and Montana law enforcement officials.

The Hamilton hearing, scheduled for August 28th, is part of a 12-state tour in August by various House members to evaluate options for shoring up America’s borders.  Last month, Rehberg contacted Speaker Hastert requesting that Montana be granted a field hearing.

“Montanans need to have their voices heard on the immigration issue and this is the forum to do that,” said Rehberg.  “For too long, the issues of border security and illegal immigration have revolved around what can be done to shore up the southern border.  Montana shares a border with Canada that spans over 500 miles meaning the northern border and its security absolutely must be part of a comprehensive plan to strengthen our borders.  I’m sure my colleagues will realize this after the Hamilton hearing.”

Rehberg strongly encouraged the general public to attend the hearing, saying this an “opportunity to highlight the need to secure the U.S./Canada border.”

Hearing Details

Witness List: Additions, including member list, to follow.
Abigail Kimbell - Region 1 Forest Supervisor
Glacier County Sheriff Wayne Dusterhoff
Jeff Copp, Special Agent in Charge, ICE
Customs and Border Patrol Chief Robert L. Harris
Det. Sgt. Jeremy House, Yellowstone County Drug Task Force
Date: Aug. 28, 2006
Time: 1 P.M. - 3 P.M.
Place: Bedford Building 223 South 2nd Street Hamilton, Montana

Media Availability: All media are invited. Broadcast media are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the hearing’s start to set up.  Congressman Rehberg will be available for interviews following the hearing.  Members of the media with questions should call Todd Shriber with Congressman Rehberg at 202-225-2490.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Grants and Training, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration, has awarded two Montana fire departments a total of $104,570 in federal money from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program (AFGP).  The Central Valley Fire District of Belgrade has been awarded $65,250, with $39,320 being awarded to the Livingston Fire and Rescue Department.

“Montana’s firefighters provide a courageous and vital service to our communities, and the money from this grant program is well spent on their safety, training, and equipment purchases,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program awards one-year grants directly to fire departments in two separate areas:

• Operations and Firefighter Safety Program. Includes training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.
• Firefighting Vehicles Acquisition Program. Includes pumpers, brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam units, and fireboats.

“This is good news for our firefighters,” said Captain John Culbertson, of the Central Valley Fire District, where the grant will help buy new waterproof portable radios.  “Communication plays an important role in the safety and efficiency of fighting a fire, and having reliable radios is a huge safety benefit when working a fire scene,” he said.

The Livingston Fire and Rescue Department will also use the funding to purchase new communication equipment.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, wrapped up a Montana trade mission to South Korea and China today by meeting with Chinese business groups that could make up to $100 million in investments in Montana.  The meeting culminated an eight-day Montana trade mission organized by Rehberg, the Montana World Trade Center (MWTC), and the U.S. Export Assistance Center.

“We’re looking for the opportunity to create jobs for Montana, and the way you do that is to help Montana businesses expand beyond the local market,” said Rehberg, who led a similar trade expedition to Europe last year that resulted in $20 million dollars in on-going contracts and agreements for Montana businesses, according to Arnie Sherman, MWTC Executive Director, who also coordinated the mission last year.

“One of the highlights from the World Trade Center perspective is that we are in discussions with one of the most respected business groups in the area that is interested in potentially making up to $100 million in investments in Montana,” said Sherman, of the business meeting which took place Friday in Tianjin.  “We’re very excited about the possibility,” he said.

Earlier this week, Rehberg also met with South Korean agricultural trade officials regarding the country’s three-year trade restriction on U.S. beef.  South Korean officials told Rehberg they are sending a delegation to inspect numerous U.S. meat processing plants, and could re-open their markets to U.S. beef in about a month if the plants pass the inspections.

Other Trade Highlights:

John Ryan, of Armor Auto, (Missoula), makes protective coating products for automobiles.  Ryan said this trade mission has left him with overwhelming possibilities for his company in South Korea after meeting with 13 different companies, all of which asked to be the exclusive distributor of his product in the country.  “The Korean businessmen who wanted to do business with my company were very large in scale, and based on what I’ve seen, I’ll wait and see which one wants to place the largest order, and that’s probably the direction I’ll go,” Ryan said.

Jeff Ruffner, CEO of MSE Technology Applications, (Butte), an engineering and technology firm, met with the Korea Hydro, Nuclear and Power Company in Seoul.  MSE previously sold a system to the company and is in negotiations to sell a second system worth $4 million.  MSE also met with Japanese officials in China about a waste treatment facility in Okinawa, Japan.

Today’s meeting Agenda:

* Meeting “Montana-Tianjin Economic & Technological Interchange” organized by CEO Organization at the Hua Yuan Industrial Area
* Meeting with Mr. Zhang Jian Xing - Chairman of Tianjin Newspaper Group

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded the Kalispell Air Service a $450,000 grant through the Small Community Air Service Development Program.

“Air travel has become an increasingly important means of transportation and commerce for Montana’s communities,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “This grant will help Kalispell Air Service continue providing a valuable rural transportation service.”

The grant will assist Kalispell Air Service in securing regional-jet service to a new destination by funding a revenue guarantee, start-up cost offsets and marketing.  This grant is one of 25 grants totaling just under $9.7 million that help smaller communities around the United States improve their air service.

“We are extremely excited about this grant and thankful for all of the support that we get from Washington, D.C.,” said Monte Eliason, Director of Glacier Park International Airport.  “This grant will allow us to increase air service to Northwest Montana and add a new service and a new market in Montana.”

“As our Montana communities continue to grow, it’s a top priority of mine to ensure that our rural transportation services are sufficiently funded so they can expand with those communities,” said Rehberg.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced USDA disaster determinations for Carter and Fallon Counties after farmers and ranchers in the counties suffered substantial livestock losses during an April blizzard.  Earlier this year, Rehberg requested disaster determinations for seven Montana counties, including Carter and Fallon.

“The disaster determination will give farmers and ranchers in Carter and Fallon counties the chance to obtain much-needed assistance so they can get back on their feet,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “The blizzard that swept through southeastern Montana in April had catastrophic effects on some of the area’s ranchers.  Livestock is just too important to Montana’s economy to not help those affected by natural disasters.”

The storm, which hit during peek calving and lambing season, lasted for four days, with winds surpassing 60 miles per hour and snow accumulation of three feet in some areas.  Some producers endured losses of up to 300 head.  In total, approximately 1,600 animals died and early estimates indicate financial losses will be more than $1 million.  Disaster determination requests for Custer, Dawson, Powder River, Prairie and Wibaux counties are still pending.

“Montana’s farmers and ranchers are important catalysts to our state’s economy and I’m going to keep pushing to get the same results for other counties affected by the blizzard,” added Rehberg.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is sponsoring legislation to protect U.S. troops from predatory lenders that charge unusually high interest rates on financial services such as credit cards and personal loans. H.R. 97, the Servicemembers Anti-Predatory Lending Protection Act is expected to be considered by Congress in the fall.

“It’s appalling that there are companies that choose to make their profits on the backs of the very people that defend America and our free markets,” said Rehberg.  “Many of these businesses set up shop right outside our military bases to prey on young soldiers that need quick cash.  Some of them are loan sharks with a store front, charging 400 percent interest on loans.  That’s just not right.”

The Rehberg-sponsored bill would prohibit a creditor from imposing an annual percentage rate great than 36 percent and sets forth mandatory loan disclosures such as payment obligations.  H.R. 97 would also prohibit companies from automatically renewing products such as credit cards without consumer consent.

“The last thing our men and women in uniform need to worry about is mountain of high-interest debt and how they’re going to pay it off,” said Rehberg.  “Consumer credit companies should act responsibly and be appreciative of the sacrifices our troops, not exploit them for financial gain.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will make $2 million in financial assistance available to Montana farmers and landowners impacted by recent wildfires throughout the state.  Signup for the assistance has begun and only those affected by 2006 fires are eligible.

“These fires have destroyed thousands of acres of Montana farm lands and we need to do everything possible to help our farmers and ranchers get through this tough time,” said Rehberg.  “Unfortunately, fire season isn’t over yet, but that doesn’t change the fact that agriculture is one of the most important industries in Montana and our producers need this help now.”

NRCS is offering incentive payments of $11 per acre up to 2,500 acres for farmers to defer grazing, rebuild fences and reestablish water supplies damaged by the wildfires.  Farmers and ranchers must defer grazing on land damaged by the fires until Oct. 1, 2007 to receive assistance and only private lands are eligible.  The application period ends on Oct. 2, 2006.

“I encourage all Montana farmers and ranchers that have suffered losses to visit their local NRCS office for more information,” added Rehberg.  “As I rancher, I know how resilient Montana farmers and ranchers are.  With the proper help, I believe producers hurt by these fires can rebuild and get back to work as soon as possible.”

For more information, please visit: www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov

Montana Could Receive $30 Million in Loans

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, joined a bipartisan group of House members in sponsoring H.R. 5904, the Renewable Energy Schools Act of 2006.  The bill would provide zero-interest loans to public school districts throughout the west, including Montana, to purchase renewable energy products such as solar panels and wind turbines.

“Montana schools should be able to focus on their primary mission: educating and preparing our young people for success, not worrying about how they’re going to pay the heating bill,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “This legislation allows Montana schools the freedom to invest in alternative energy products that are less expensive than conventional energy.  A dollar saved on energy costs can be reinvested in Montana students and teachers.”

Montana would be eligible to receive $30 million in zero-interest bonds to pay for alternative energy sources such as solar panels, geothermal pumps and wind turbines.  Other states that would benefit from H.R. 5904 include Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada and Utah.  Schools are just as vulnerable to rising energy costs as businesses and residences, Rehberg said.

“I expect this bill will continue to receive support from both sides of the aisle,” added Rehberg.  “At a time when energy prices are climbing all over the U.S., especially in the west, Congress should lend a helping hand to schools so they can invest more in our kids instead of worrying about next month’s utility bill.”