Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, helped delay efforts to require U.S. citizens entering Canada to have a passport.  Rehberg’s efforts will benefit Montana’s Hi-Line communities that depend on trade with Canada to sustain their local economies.  More than 16,000 Montana jobs are supported by trade with Canada.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will now be delayed until June of 2009, or until the Departments of Homeland Security and State can meet standards for affordable and safe identification cards.  The Department of Homeland Security has been directed to develop a plan that will expedite border crossings for frequent travelers and will eventually lead to a registered traveler program available to those living in border communities.  In addition, Congress has directed the Department of Homeland Security to develop an alternative way for groups of children to travel across an international border under adult supervision to facilitate educational and youth activities.

“I firmly believe it’s possible to shore up our borders without crippling Montana communities that rely on trade and tourism with Canada,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “It appears the passport requirement wasn’t well thought out because endangering a relationship that accounts for thousands of Montana jobs just isn’t practical.”

Under the 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will be delayed to ensure any changes to identification requirements have little effect on border trade.  Currently, less than 30 percent of U.S. citizens have passports.  Passports cost approximately $100 and take up to six weeks to receive.

“We need to find the best possible solution for border identification and I’m convinced that solution shouldn’t  harm Montana’s local economies,” said Rehberg.

Recent data shows $1.4 billion in trade and 300,000 people cross the U.S. - Canada border everyday.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, joined his House colleagues in approving critical legislation that improves responsible gun ownership and protects Second Amendment rights.  H.R. 5092, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Modernization and Reform Act of 2006, was passed on Tuesday.

“Past problems in which the duties of the BATFE have been called into question demonstrate a clear need for reform,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “Too often, I see the firearm dealing and licensing process is made more difficult by confusion over the Bureau’s authority and instructions.  This legislation will clarify guidelines for gun ownership and strengthen Second Amendment rights.”

H.R. 5092, which Rehberg co-sponsored, requires that civil penalties for violations of firearm laws be based on the nature of the violation and the size of the business involved.  It also adds new regulations to the licensing process that allow the purchaser a better opportunity to make a case when they are denied licensing based on lack of information.  Finally, this bill requires that the attorney general establish formal guidelines for the ATF to investigate violations and requires that the inspector general conduct a review of the ATF’s gun show enforcement programs.

“Montanans should not be restricted from owning guns solely because of a miscommunication of information and they shouldn’t have to continuously jump through bureaucratic hoops just to enjoy their right,” said Rehberg.  “This legislation is a step in the right direction in terms of making the BATFE work with gun owners and not against them.”

WASHINGTON – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, joined his House colleagues in approving critical legislation to improve wildlife habitats and encourage private landowners to improve conservation. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife is expected to benefit thousands of acres of wetland and wildlife habitat throughout Montana.

“One of the most important ways that we can protect Montana’s wildlife is by creating incentives for private land owners,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “With over 73 percent of our nation’s land privately owned, these incentives encourage land owners to work with federal entities to improve wildlife habitats. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provides technical and financial assistance to land owners and Tribes who are willing to work with the Fish and Wildlife Service on completing habitat improvement projects.”

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act authorizes the program for the next five years providing $75 million each year in increased funding. In 2005, this program improved 1,417 acres of wetland habitat and 17,637 acres of upland habitat in Montana. Earlier this year, the Montana Partners for Fish and Wildlife was awarded an Innovation in American Government award for their work with Montana’s Blackfoot Challenge on community-based conservation efforts.

“Unlike the Endangered Species Act, which has consistently resulted in lawsuits, bureaucratic red tape and stress for private landowners, the Partners Program is voluntary, which results in real cooperation and better productivity,” said Rehberg.

As of 2005, the Partners Program has worked with over 37,700 private landowners to restore 753,000 acres of wetland, 1.86 million acres of native grasslands and other uplands, and 6,806 miles of riparian and in-stream habitat and to remove 260 fish passage barriers across the country. This includes 28,924 acres of wetland, 330,334 acres of native grasslands and other uplands, and 1,134 river miles in Montana.

(Contact Todd Shriber, 202-225-3211)

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns and Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, slammed a decision by California’s Ninth District Court that hampers management of national forests and could limit access to millions of acres of public lands throughout the country, including Montana. The court’s decision reinstates the “Clinton Roadless Rule” of 2000.

“I believe this decision is an extraordinary overreach by a District Court.  This is one decision which ignores previous decisions by District Courts in Alaska, Idaho, Wyoming, and the 10 District Courts of Appeal upheld the Wyoming District Court’s decision to enjoin the Clinton Roadless Rule,” said Burns.  “I hope this decision is overturned or limited in appeal.”

“This is a matter of access for Montanans and people that enjoy public lands throughout America.  I’m going to lean on the President to vigorously defend the public’s right to access on public lands,” Rehberg said.  “Forest managers need to have all the tools necessary at their disposal to maintain healthy forests that can be enjoyed by everyone.  We’re seeing a dangerous trend of access to public lands being blocked or threatened and that practice needs to end immediately.  Conrad and I have worked together many times in the past to oppose plans that limit access and we’re not going to stop now.  I refuse to see this part of Montana’s heritage threatened.”

The case could be limited or overturned on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, though no timetable has been set for when the court may hear the case.  The Clinton Roadless Rule places cumbersome requirements on forest managers, limiting their ability to maintain healthy forests thereby blocking access to public lands.  Recreation on public lands is a multi-billion dollar annual industry in Montana.  The Clinton Rule would also limit the ability of forest managers to properly maintain the 6.4 million acres of Montana forests recently damaged by fires.

“The effect of this decision could grind all federal land management to a complete halt by requiring a massive national cumulative effects analysis,” added Burns.  “I deeply oppose this decision and will work with Western Senators and the administration to determine what to do next.”

“Make no mistake, this ruling is a threat to Montana’s sportsmen and women,” said Rehberg.  “Hopefully, cooler heads will prevail and the courts will realize public lands are just that: public and access to them should be encouraged, not limited.”

(Contact: Todd Shriber, 202-225-3211)

WASHINGTON – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, took action to further secure America’s northern and southern borders by voting in favor of the Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2006, H.R. 4830.  The Border Tunnel Prevention Act, enacts criminal penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for individuals who knowingly construct or finance the construction of an unauthorized tunnel across a U.S. international border.

“It has become clear that those seeking to enter our country illegally will do so by any means necessary,” said Rehberg.  “Many of them are criminals who move in shadows and use the protection of tunnels that have been built under our borders.  The Tunnel Prevention Act strengthens current laws to impose stiffer penalties on those using clandestine means to enter the U.S.”

Under the bill, individuals who permit the construction of a tunnel on their property are subject to imprisonment of up to 10 years.  Individuals caught using such a tunnel to smuggle aliens, contraband, drugs, weapons or terrorists are subject to double the penalties that would have otherwise been imposed.  Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, almost 40 tunnels have been found along U.S. borders.  Recently, U.S. authorities discovered two tons of marijuana inside a 1,200 yard tunnel, complete with lighting, electricity, ventilation and a water pump.

“The simple discovery of tunnels isn’t going to prevent use or construction of them,” added Rehberg.  “That’s why we need to send a message to the criminals trying to enter the U.S. illegally that there are going to be strict consequences for breaking the law.  The Tunnel Prevention Act is just one more piece of a comprehensive border security package.”

For more information on Rehberg border security initiatives or the Tunnel Prevention Act, please contact Todd Shriber in Congressman Rehberg’s office at 202-225-3211 or todd.shriber@mail.house.gov.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is sponsoring key legislation to bolster the quality of healthcare in rural areas of Montana and prevent rural pharmacies from closing their doors by improving reimbursement procedures.  The Health Care Access and Rural Equity (H-CARE) Act of 2006, HR 6030, could be considered by the House as early as this month.

“This is a common-sense bill that brings much needed help to our nation’s rural healthcare providers,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “The H-CARE Act provides piece of mind to folks living in rural areas.  The quality of healthcare is important in any area, but it is especially crucial in rural areas when a clinic or pharmacy can’t meet its bottom line, it’s forced to close its doors.  Fortunately, that’s a preventable outcome thanks to this legislation.”

The bill requires prompt payment to rural pharmacies by Medicare prescription drug plans and extends several expiring Medicare adjustment payments to rural practitioners including physicians practicing in areas lacking doctors, rural ambulance providers, rural home health agencies and rural hospitals.  Technology grants for rural healthcare providers are also authorized under this bill.

“There are needs that are specific to rural healthcare and the H-CARE Act helps clinics and pharmacies provide their patients and customers with the best possible care,” said Rehberg, a member of the Rural Health Care Coalition.  “This is an important bill for Montana and it’s my hope that Congress acts on it before the end of this year.”

For more information on Denny’s work on healthcare and Medicare issues, please visit http://www.house.gov/rehberg/ or contact Todd Shriber at todd.shriber@mail.house.gov.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today voted in favor of The Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006, H.R. 4844.  The bill requires anyone going to vote on Election Day to present a valid form of photo identification.  The bill passed the House by a 228-196 vote.

“This bill provides a common-sense approach to making sure all votes are fairly counted,” said Rehberg.  “If you’re driving to your local precinct to vote, you’ll already have a driver’s license with you.  Photo identification is required for many routine daily activities such as boarding a plane, cashing a check or applying for Social Security, so why not for voting?”

The Federal Election Integrity Act also requires voters to show proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote.  Currently, 24 states require some of form of identification to vote, while seven states require photo IDs.  Montana currently doesn’t require photo identification at polling places.  Beginning in 2008, voters who arrive at polling stations without the required ID, will be given a provisional ballot and 48 hours to present a qualifying ID, and Montanans voting by mail must include a photocopy of their photo ID. States are also required to set up programs to distribute the IDs and must provide them at no cost to voters. The cost for the program will be reimbursed by the federal government.

“In recent elections, there have been allegations of voter fraud throughout the country,” added Rehberg.  “This bill presents options for limiting voter fraud and ensuring fair elections.  As more people that aren’t yet citizens move to the U.S., the only way to ensure that voters are legally registering and voting is to require proper identification.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today applauded a decision by the U.S. Forest Service to extend the comment period on the Jefferson Division Travel Management Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for revising travel management in the Little Belt, Castle, and the northern half of the Crazy Mountains in Lewis and Clark National Forest.  Forest Supervisor Lesley Thompson announced the extension of the public comment period today.

“Public opinion is vital when developing new travel plans for our national forests,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “Sixty days to fully review a 401-page document can be overwhelming and I’m glad to see the Forest Service is willing to work with the general public to ensure that their comments can be fully considered.  This extension is another opportunity for Montanans to voice their concerns and opinions.”

The deadline, which was originally set for September 15, 2006, has been extended to October 20, 2006.  The DEIS includes four summer and three winter travel management alternatives.  The area under review includes approximately 1,050,110 acres of National Forest System lands.

“This extension is very important for Montana trail users,” said Craig Osterman, executive director of the Treasure State Alliance and a committee chairman for the Montana Snowmobile Association.  “It is tough to look through all of the maps and definitions that are involved in these management alternatives and always do it during the given comment period.  This extension will allow additional time to write letters voicing our opinions on maintaining access in this important area.”

“The more public comment that’s heard during the decision-making process, the better odds we have of reaching consensus on a travel management plan that works,” said Rehberg.

The complete Travel Management DEIS and information on where to send public comments can be viewed on the Lewis and Clark National Forest website: www.fs.fed.us/r1/lewisclark.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, joined his House colleagues in supporting the Secure Fence Act of 2006, H.R. 6061.  The bill is designed to bolster border security and surveillance of America’s land and sea borders.  H.R. 6061 authorizes more than 700 miles of two-layered fencing to be built along the southern border. The bill passed the House today with broad bipartisan support by a 283-138 vote.

Of note to Montana, the Secure Fence Act also includes provisions to evaluate possible vulnerabilities on the northern border.  Rehberg, a tireless advocate of northern border security, highlighted the issue during an August hearing in Hamilton on border security.  Montana shares a border of over 500 miles with Canada.

“It’s clear that the hearings conducted throughout the country during the summer have had an impact,” said Rehberg.  “Our hearing in Hamilton helped shine a light on the need to include the northern border as part of a comprehensive border security plan and that’s being reflected in the Secure Fence Act.”

The Secure Fence Act provides reinforced fencing along the southwest border with prioritized placement at critical, highly populated areas and requires the Department of Homeland Security to grant authority to border personnel to pursue and disable fleeing vehicles that are seeking to enter the U.S. illegally.

“As we learned during the Hamilton hearing, there’s a dire need to better equip our northern border personnel,” added Rehberg.  “I’m going to make sure the Department of Homeland Security realizes this during their evaluation process.”

For more information on Rehberg border security initiatives or the Secure Fence Act, please contact Todd Shriber in Congressman Rehberg’s office at 202-225-3211 or todd.shriber@mail.house.gov.

Bill Will Help Needy Families Purchase Homes and Start Businesses

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is sponsoring legislation that will help needy families boost their savings and increase opportunities for home ownership, advanced education and small business development.  The Savings for Working Families Act, H.R. 4751, provides matching funds for the creation of 900,000 Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) across the country.

“This is a great opportunity for people that thought the dreams of home ownership or an advanced degree were out of reach,” said Rehberg.  “The IDAs create a sense of ownership and responsibility among the accountholders.  When the accountholder decides to cash-in and buy their first home or start their own business, they’re going to feel a sense of pride and purpose.”

IDA programs are run by community-based groups, such as non-profits or housing authorities, in partnership with financial institutions that hold the deposits.  A parallel account is set up for the matching funds, which often surpass dollar-for-dollar matching.  Across the country, there have been examples of some IDA accountholders receiving up to $3 in matching funds for every $1 they deposit.

“This program is not a handout,” added Rehberg.  “IDAs are similar to mortgage deductions and other tax reducers that have previously been available to middle class and wealthy Americans.  To help people leave poverty, they need help building and creating assets, not another government handout.  IDAs help them achieve that goal.”

There are currently 50,000 IDAs in the U.S.  About $1.2 billion in funding for the accounts was included in the president’s 2007 budget request.