Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced today he is introducing legislation to include $4.63 billion in agriculture disaster assistance funds in the Continuing Resolution (CR).  The CR is up for a vote on the House floor this week. 

“Montana Ag producers are at the mercy of Mother Nature,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “For farmers and ranchers, their land is their life and drought and other natural disasters can be devastating.  This amendment would provide much needed relief for Montana producers.”

Congress passed a CR late last year to fund the federal government on a temporary basis until all of the annual spending bills get passed.  To date, Congress has nine spending bills yet to pass.  The current CR is set to expire February 15^th.  The CR being voted on this week would fund the federal government through the end of 2007 and include more than $460 billion in funding.

The funding provided in the amendment will be directed to producers incurring crop losses for the 2005 or 2006 seasons due to weather-related conditions.  This includes 41 counties in Montana.

“We’re very pleased to see the amendment Congressman Rehberg has introduced for disaster assistance for Montana Ag producers,” said Dave McClure, president of the Montana Farm Bureau.  “Though some farmers had a great year in 2006, others were devastated by storms and fires.”

“It’s obvious Montana farmers were left out of the picture when discussions on billions of dollars in federal funding took place,” said Rehberg.  “It’s essential we give the ag industry and rural communities a leg up before these funds are sent to the President’s desk.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced today he is introducing legislation in support of maintaining the critical land-based missiles located at Malmstrom Air Force Base. 

“Malmstrom is a key player in terms of U.S. missile defense,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “Additionally, Great Falls and the surrounding community depend on the jobs and revenue Malmstrom provides.”

If passed, Rehberg’s legislation would put the House on record in support of maintaining 500 land-based intercontinental missiles. Last year, Rehberg and several other members of land-based missile states were successful in blocking a proposal to eliminate some missiles, including 50 missiles located at Malmstrom.  It is estimated 500 Montana jobs would have been affected by this proposal.

“Threats from countries like Iran and North Korea further emphasize the need for deterrence,” said Rehberg.  “We need to send a message to the Pentagon, loud and clear, that cutting these missiles at Malmstrom is not in America’s or Montana’s best interest.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today applauded the Postal Service’s decision to continue service at the Kinsey Post Office. 

“Mail service is every bit as essential in rural Montana as it is in the more urban areas,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “I’m glad to see the Postal Service was willing to work with the Kinsey community to keep this office open.”

Previously, the owner of the property where the Kinsey Post Office is located had requested the United States Postal Service to vacate the building and to terminate its lease.  However, the Postal Service announced today it had negotiated a new lease agreement with the owner.  Rehberg’s office was in contact with the Postal Service throughout the negotiations.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced he has requested federal investigations regarding the actions and decisions being made on management of the National Bison Range.  The National Bison Range is located in northwestern Montana.   

“The Bison Range is one of Montana’s truly unique areas,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “It’s vital to ensure the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and the Department of Interior are all being held accountable for their actions and responsibilities on the Bison Range.  These full, fair, and impartial investigations are the first steps in determining how best to manage this precious resource.”

In early December, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) ended the Annual Funding Agreement (AFA) with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) as well as talks regarding an extension of the AFA.  FWS alleged that the CSKT was mismanaging the Bison Range, a claim the CSKT has steadfastly denied.  However, days before the start of the new year, the Department of Interior (DOI) reversed the decision.

“The lack of communication between the CSKT and the various federal agencies involved regarding decisions being made on the Bison Range is unacceptable,” said Rehberg.  “I look forward to the findings of these investigations so that we can resolve the serious issues surrounding this important Montana landmark.”

Rehberg’s letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office for an investigation:

January 24, 2007

The Honorable David M. Walker

Controller General of the United States

United States Government Accountability Office

441 G Street Northwest

Room 7125

Washington, DC 20548

Dear Mr. Walker,

I am writing to request a Government Accountability Office investigation into the actions that have taken place at the National Bison Range, located in northwestern Montana. 

On December 15, 2004, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) signed an Annual Funding Agreement for the National Bison Range Complex.  Under the agreement, CSKT was to perform some of the Fish & Wildlife Service’s biology, fire, maintenance and visitor services programs at the Bison Range for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2005 and for Fiscal Year 2006.  Last year, the CSKT and FWS engaged in discussions regarding an extension of the funding agreement and an increased management role for the tribe.

However, in early December, these talks and the tribes’ role in management of the Bison Range were abruptly ended.  U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service representatives alleged the CSKT was mismanaging the Bison Range. The CSKT have steadfastly denied the allegations.  The allegations included intimidation and harassment by tribal members toward FWS employees and poor care given to their responsibilities toward both the bison and the Bison Range complex.

Then, in late December, the FWS decision was reversed by the Department of Interior (DOI).  My office contacted DOI for an explanation of their lack of communication with the tribe or the public with respect to operation at the Bison Range.  To date, DOI refuses to respond to my office.

The people of Montana and the employees at the Bison Range, both tribal and non-tribal deserve a full, fair, and impartial investigation into not only FWS’s allegations of mismanagement but also DOI’s own actions related to the Bison Range.

Please contact Heather Stefanik of my staff at 202-225-3211 for further details.  Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Denny Rehberg

Montana’s Congressman

Rehberg’s letter to Chairman Rahall of House Resources Committee for an oversight hearing:

January 24, 2007

Chairman Nick J. Rahall II

House Resources Committee

1329 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairman Rahall,

I am writing to request a Congressional Oversight hearing into the actions that have taken place at the National Bison Range, located in northwestern Montana. 

On December 15, 2004, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) signed an Annual Funding Agreement for the National Bison Range Complex.  Under the agreement, CSKT was to perform some of the Fish & Wildlife Service’s biology, fire, maintenance and visitor services programs at the Bison Range for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2005 and for Fiscal Year 2006.  Last year, the CSKT and FWS engaged in discussions regarding an extension of the funding agreement and an increased management role for the tribe.

However, in early December, these talks and the tribes’ role in management of the Bison Range were abruptly ended.  U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service representatives alleged the CSKT was mismanaging the Bison Range. The CSKT have steadfastly denied the allegations.  The allegations included intimidation and harassment by tribal members toward FWS employees and poor care given to their responsibilities toward both the bison and the Bison Range complex.

Then, in late December, the FWS decision was reversed by the Department of Interior (DOI).  My office contacted DOI for an explanation of their lack of communication with the tribe or the public with respect to operation at the Bison Range.  To date, DOI refuses to respond to my office.

The people of Montana and the employees at the Bison Range, both tribal and non-tribal deserve a full, fair, and impartial investigation into not only FWS’s allegations of mismanagement but also DOI’s own actions related to the Bison Range.

Please contact Heather Stefanik of my staff at 202-225-3211 for further details.  Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Denny Rehberg

Montana’s Congressman

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced today he is joining a bipartisan coalition of House members focused on advancing rural priorities in healthcare policy. 

“Quality of care should not be dependant on what zip code you live in,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “This group understands the importance of making rural healthcare a priority.”

Recently, Rehberg also announced his appointment to the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations subcommittee.  This is the subcommittee in charge of all health-related funding.

“This subcommittee assignment gives me a leg up in terms of ensuring rural Montana families are receiving the attention they deserve,” said Rehberg.  “I’m excited about continuing to work to improve access and bring down healthcare costs across the state of Montana.”

Rural health goals include:

·        Increase access for patients

·        Help hospitals get the infrastructure needed to implement state-of-the-art technology

·        Protect rural pharmacies so seniors can continue to get their medicine from a friendly face

          ·        Ensure doctors, nurses, and other providers have the incentives to be trained and remain in  Montana.   

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, met today with Tom Siebel, founder of the Montana Meth Project, to discuss funding for the program.

“Tom has been a dedicated leader in the fight against meth abuse,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “His program is proven and has been effective at getting out the message about the dangers of meth.  It’s essential we find funding for this and other programs that spread the word about this dangerous drug.”

The Montana Meth Project has launched large media campaigns across the state of Montana to educate children about the consequences of meth abuse.  This summer, the Project set up the “Paint the State” competition to increase awareness throughout local communities. 

Last year, Rehberg included language in Office of Drug Control Policy reauthorization legislation to direct 10% of all funds dedicated to national media campaigns to meth prevention.

“Meth is a problem that affects all Montana communities,” said Rehberg.  “Thanks to organizations like the Montana Meth Project, we have come a long ways in fighting meth addictions.  I’ll continue to work to get this drug out of the hands of Montana’s youth

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced today he is sponsoring legislation to boost Essential Air Service (EAS) airports located in distressed rural economies.

“Dependable air service to Montana’s rural communities is critical,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “However, many of these communities are unable to foot the bill to keep airport infrastructure up to date.  This legislation gives them better access to essential funds and assistance.”

Currently, Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, which help cover infrastructure and modernization costs, require a proportionate level of funds be generated from the local community.  This legislation would exempt communities from those requirements if they qualify as having a distressed rural economy.  These qualifications include: an unemployment rate that is at least 1% greater than the national average, a per capita income that is 80% or less of the national average per capita income, or other special situations created by short or long term conditions, such as a military base closure or a natural disaster. 

“Accessibility to Essential Air Service should not be limited by what the local community can or can not provide,” said Rehberg.  “This legislation is an important part of ensuring we can continue vital transportation opportunities for rural Montanans.”

Municipalities qualifying for the waiver:

Glendive, Dawson County

Lewistown, Fergus County

Miles City, Custer County

Wolf Point, Roosevelt County

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced today he is introducing legislation to establish a Committee on Indian Affairs in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

“Native American culture is an important part of Montana’s heritage,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “The creation of an Indian Affairs Committee would help ensure that Native American issues receive the recognition they deserve.”

Today, Rehberg met with members of the MT-WY Tribal Leaders Council in Washington, DC.  During the meeting, Rehberg announced he was introducing the legislation and talked about the importance of a committee that could specifically address tribal needs.  Representatives from five Montana tribes, in attendance at the meeting, joined in support of Rehberg by signing on as citizen cosponsors.

“Native American issues are becoming more and more important,” said James Parker Shield, Vice-Chairman of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe.  “I am glad Congressman Rehberg has taken a leadership role in establishing a House Indian Affairs Committee.”

“Montana’s seven reservations deserve a greater opportunity to have their voices heard and to move their priorities forward,” said Rehberg.  “I will continue to work to make a U.S. House Indian Affairs Committee a reality.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced his agricultural field representative, Seth Broesder, will host a public meeting for producers to discuss an agreement between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) to limit managed haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres.

The meeting will be held Wednesday, January 24, at 7:00 p.m., at the VFW Club, in Jordan, MT.

Under the agreement, managed haying on CRP acres will be changed from once in every three years to once in every ten years.  Managed grazing on CRP acres will be limited from once in every three years to once in every five years.  The settlement was in response to a NWF complaint filed in U.S. District Court challenging the frequency of allowed haying and grazing on CRP acreage as a violation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

“Seth will report back directly to me because I want to hear what Montana ag producers think about this plan and how it may affect their livelihoods,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, and the Congressional Rural Caucus.  “We need to closely examine this and make sure it’s right for Montana,” Rehberg said.

The meeting is open to the public and the media

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, met today with Steve Wright, administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), to discuss potential rate increases for Montana power consumers. 

“Montana consumers depend on the affordable and reliable power that BPA provides,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “The possible rate increases facing consumers are unacceptable.  I will keep an eye on the Administration’s 2008 proposal to ensure the level of service for Montana families is continued.”

In October 2006, Rehberg contacted the Bush administration to express concern about previous BPA budget proposals.  The Administration’s 2006 proposal included a requirement mandating BPA sell its power to consumers and businesses at market-based rates and proposed an accelerated debt payment plan for BPA in 2007, both of which would lead to rate increases. 

“The Administration and BPA must fill in the gaps so rates don’t spiral out of control,” said Rehberg.  “We’ve defeated these proposals the past two years and I’ll continue pressing for workable solutions so that Montanans don’t get stuck with the bill.”

BPA supplies 40 percent of the power used in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington including 400,000 consumers in Montana.