Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, called the recent Montana trade mission to Italy a “superb team effort” as the group, representing nearly a dozen different organizations, returned from a five-day trade mission to northern Italy. Organized by the Montana World Trade Center, and hosted by the Brescia (Italy) World Trade Center, the Montana trade delegation participated in over 30 individual and group meetings, helping to promote Montana-based industries ranging from art, agriculture, manufacturing, outdoors sports, technology, and tourism.

“I’m really proud of how well we worked as a team, from the Montana and Brescia World Trade Centers, to the State of Montana, the Federal government, and the individual businesses,” said Rehberg, concluding his fourth international trade mission and third with the Montana World Trade Center. “Our goal was to promote our state, open doors for Montana businesses, and to build relationships that could lead to economic opportunities for the people of Montana, and I believe the trade mission to Italy was successful in that regard,” he said.

Among the highlights for the trip is the potential for multi-year contracts for Montana specific wheat, potentially worth up to $60 million. Several premier Italian pasta producers expressed a very high interest in Montana wheat specifically for its high protein content. Italian customs place a tariff on wheat under 12% protein content, while Montana wheat is typically around 15% protein content. Since Montana’s wheat is often blended by quantities of wheat from other states in the processing, there has been little effort to brand the wheat specific to Montana.

Negotiations are underway for Italian business leaders to visit Montana and make personal contact with wheat producers, in a move to establish a direct market for Montana specific wheat. Based on the results of Rehberg’s trade mission, the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee will conduct a Quality Wheat Seminar in Brescia for Italian importers interested in Montana wheat.

“They want to test the grains right out of the silos, and deal face-to-face specifically with Montana farmers,” said Arnie Sherman, Executive Director of the Montana World Trade Center. “This is a historic branding of Montana specific wheat, and a very encouraging development for Montana exports,” said Sherman, adding that typical Italian wheat contracts are for periods of 10 years, with the possibility of selling $6 million a year of Montana specific wheat.

“As a businessman, I know the importance of establishing relationships, and I believe these trade missions are a good vehicle for Montanans to establish international relationships and promote their high-quality services and products,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, and a ranch-owner near Billings.

From February 19-23, the group conducted meetings in three separate regions of northern Italy known for its agricultural, industrial, and tourism base. Other trade mission highlights include:
• Final negotiations are underway for pending $12.5 million wheat sale.
• The University of Montana signed exchange and research agreements with the University of Brescia, and Catholic University, which represents over 40,000 students. These will commence this summer.
• ISEO Institute awarded the University of Montana a scholarship to attend an acclaimed summer school program taught by three Nobel Laureates in Economics.
• Top Italian government tourism officials are scheduling visits to Montana this summer.
• The U.S. Export Assistant Center - Montana, presenting for four separate small Montana product developers, secured agreements to feature Montana-manufactured hunting and firearms products in a premier Italian publication, which could lead to developing distributorships, and direct marketing agreements.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today met with Jeff Jacobsen, Dean and Director of the Montana State University (MSU) College of Agriculture, to discuss funding for the college. The MSU College of Agriculture is located in Bozeman, Montana.
“Montana’s farmers and ranchers understand the importance of having the best technology and science available for their work,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “The MSU College of Agriculture plays a valuable role in providing new information to Montana’s ag industry and teaching the next generation about the skills they need to become successful in the ag business.”
Last month, the House passed legislation to complete the nine remaining spending bills for 2007. Though 28 Senate earmarks were included in the legislation, more than $35 million for Montana State University were omitted.
“Ag producers across the state benefit from the cutting edge research conducted by the college of agriculture,” said Rehberg. “As Montana’s sole member on appropriations, I’ll continue to work to fund the college of agriculture and the industry it supports.”
Several 2008 Funding Priorities for the MSU College of Agriculture include:
• $16 million for the Animal Biosciences Research Facility
• $1 million for the Montana Beef Network
• $450,000 for Brucellosis Vaccines for Bison
• $600,000 for the Montana Sheep Institute
• $500,000 for the Biobased Projects Initiative

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, pressed Secretary of Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt, during a congressional hearing, to encourage state’s to continue using State’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) funds in a way that focuses on SCHIP’s core mission, children.
“SCHIP was designed with the purpose of providing good health insurance for children in need,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee. “However, many states are attempting to expand coverage under SCHIP to adults and kids are getting shortchanged. As a result, we’re facing a shortage of funds. I asked, plain and simple, how states can be encouraged to get back to this original purpose of serving kids in need.”
SCHIP is the federal and state matching program that currently provides low cost health insurance to more than 13,000 Montana kids. To date, fourteen states have extended coverage to all adults under their SCHIP funding. More than 40,000 Montana kids have been helped by SCHIP since it was first enacted.
During the hearing, Secretary Leavitt spoke of the need to refocus SCHIP on providing health insurance to children while ensuring some adults don’t lose insurance. He noted that states must manage funds they receive through SCHIP much like the federal departments manage their funds.
“Providing affordable and reliable health coverage for Montana kids is a top priority of mine,” said Rehberg. “I’m working to ensure we are getting the most value out of every dollar that goes to the SCHIP and that our kids aren’t being left out of a program specifically designed for them.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, released the following statement regarding his vote against the Iraq Resolution which was voted on in the House today:
“As an elected representative of our brave men and women serving in harm’s way, every vote regarding war is a solemn matter.

Debate about the war in Iraq is necessary, required, and many important points were brought up over the more than forty hours of discussion.

No doubt about it, there have been setbacks in Iraq. And mistakes have been made on the ground and here in Washington. It’s safe to say that all of us- - the President, the Congress, and the American people wish we could have achieved stability in the region sooner.

However, I believe it’s necessary to separate the resolution being debated in the House from the real issue. The real issue is that a failed state in Iraq would present a serious threat to the United States’ national security interests, could allow terrorists to further establish safe-havens in Iraq, and could create regional and global unrest for many years to come. This is a threat we must not pass on to our children and grandchildren. September 11th showed us that terrorists can reach our soil and kill innocent Americans. We must fight this war on our terms, but on their turf.

This non-binding resolution, H.Con.Res. 63, is nothing more than an opinion about a strategy.

While opinions are interesting, solutions are necessary.

So I say to those who want to support this non-binding resolution: If you disagree with the strategy — put forward a plan; if you disagree with the tactics- -put forward an alternative; if you disagree with the mission — put forward a solution.”

A non-binding resolution means non-leadership; a non-binding resolution means non-accountability. A non-binding resolution is not a plan for victory.

This week, Congress has spent a lot of time debating one of the most important issues facing this body. Unfortunately, this legislation limited a true debate on the alternatives and direction we can take.
A real resolution on Iraq needs to include real benchmarks and real guidelines, not simply a vote of no confidence.

There are those of us who are willing to disagree with the President at the strategic, tactical or project level, and a true solution would be for Congress to debate the McCain-Lieberman proposal. This bipartisan alternative not only reaffirms Congressional support for our troops, but provides military, political, and social benchmarks for the Iraqi government. This approach lays the groundwork for not only victory, but also brings our troops home as soon as possible.

We owe it to our troops and their families to provide the necessary oversight to ensure any new strategy is successful, while at the same time giving our troops confidence that Congress will not cut off their funding to settle policy disputes while they are separated from their families by distance and danger. I continue to stand, ready, willing and able to contribute to that oversight.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has been picked to lead the House Rail Caucus with Representative Mike Castle of Delaware.
“Rail service is vital to Montana, particularly along the Hi-Line,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “However, this service is often overlooked. The President has again elected to cut funding for long distance trains in his FY08 budget, but I’ll work with my colleagues in the House to maintain adequate support for Amtrak in Montana. As a leader of this caucus, I look forward to leading the charge in ensuring the needs and funding of Montana rail lines are met.”
Amtrak’s Empire Builder serves as many as 140,000 Montanans annually. The Passenger service accounts for over $3.2 million in wages for the Montana economy, while direct spending by rail travelers in Montana is estimated at more than $5.3 million annually. Ridership of the Empire Builder Line in Montana, which serves the Hi-Line and Glacier National Park, has increased almost 40% since 2002.
“The state’s rural communities depend on affordable transportation for long distance travel,” said Rehberg. “In Montana, Amtrak provides that transportation. It’s important our western voice is heard on rail-related issues.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, will lead a Montana trade mission to northern Italy, February 19 – 23, with the Montana World Trade Center (MWTC). This trade mission will help to promote Montana-based industries ranging from art, agriculture, manufacturing, advanced technology, international services, and tourism. Rehberg will accompany various groups in meetings with Italian government and industry officials specifically interested in forging business ties with Montana.

“We work hard, before, during, and after our trade missions because the Montana World Trade Center does a tremendous job of connecting Montanans with the international community and these trade missions have a proven record of economic success,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I’m excited about the opportunities on this particular trade mission and eager to do all I can to open doors for Montana businesses

This will be Rehberg’s fourth trade mission, and the third with the Montana World Trade Center. Rehberg accompanied the MWTC on trade missions to Ireland, Spain, and Germany in 2005, and to Korea and China last August. Arnie Sherman, MWTC Executive Director, estimates trade missions have resulted in approximately $20 million in new revenue for Montana businesses in the last three years.

“I hold great expectations for the potential of Montana business and developmental partnerships in Italy. The Lombardi region of the country is one of the wealthiest regions in Europe and has a strong interest in purchasing Montana products including wheat, beef, manufactured goods and university related services and technologies”, said Sherman. “Montana has the potential to be a new eco-friendly gateway to America for Italian tourism and investment.”

In addition, the Arkansas World Trade Center, located at the University of Arkansas and modeled after the MWTC, will join the Montana delegation as observers and to promote new academic and economic ties for the University of Arkansas. Representative John Boozman of Arkansas, who spearheaded the establishment of the Arkansas World Trade Center, will join Rehberg at a luncheon with the U.S. Ambassador to Italy on February 21.

During the trade mission, the group will conduct meetings in three separate regions of northern Italy:
• Lombardi –
o Population- 9.4 million
o 12 provinces
o Capital: Milan
o Represents one-sixth of Italian pop.
o Represents ¼ of country’s GDP
o Includes Brescia Province, home of World Trade Center Brescia, 3rd largest Italian industrial area
• Piedmont –
o Population- 4.3 million
o 8 provinces
o Capital: Turin
o Fertile agriculture region
• Emilia-Romagna –
o Population- 4.2 million
o Capital: Bologna
o Livestock and agriculture, tourism, wine

Participants include:
• ArmorAuto, LLC, Missoula
• Arkansas World Trade Center
• MSE Technology Applications, Butte
• Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC)
• Montana Wheat and Barley Committee, Great Falls MT
• Montana Export Assistance Center, presenting for
o Hunting Shack, Stevensville, Big Sky Racks, Bozeman, IST Designs, Bozeman,
o Schnee’s Boots, Bozeman, Night Force Optics, Orofino, Idaho
• Planetary Design, Missoula
• State of Montana, Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, Helena
• Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas
• TMW International, (Milky Whey), Missoula
• University of Montana Office of International Program, Missoula

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced today he is cosponsoring several pieces of legislation to honor America’s veterans and fallen soldiers and to ease the burden placed on the families of a fallen soldier.
“Our troops have made great sacrifices to protect our country,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “While dealing with the ultimate sacrifice of a loved one, Congress should do everything possible to provide assistance to the troop’s families in terms of education for their children, cost of living expenses, and making arrangement for a loved one’s burial.”
Rehberg is cosponsoring four pieces of legislation to help the families of those who have died in combat. 14 Montanans have died fighting the war in Iraq and approximately 108,000 veterans reside in Montana.
“Every American soldier wants to ensure their family will be taken care of if they’re killed in duty,” said Rehberg. “I’m working hard to give something back to those that know firsthand the consequences of protecting our nation’s freedom.”
Rehberg is Cosponsoring:
• The Veterans Grave Marker Benefit Act
• This act would extend a provision that authorizes the government to pay for families of deceased veterans to select either a headstone or grave marker for placement in a private cemetery to all veterans’ death since November 1, 1990. Currently, this benefit only applies to those deaths since September 11, 2001.
• The Soldiers Targeted by Offensive Profiteering (STOP) Act
• This act directs the Secretary of Defense to prohibit the unauthorized use of a soldier’s name and image in commercial activities. Use of a soldier’s name or image must be authorized by the soldier or the soldier’s family, whichever may apply.
• The Children of Fallen Soldiers Pell Grant Act
• This act waives the income eligibility requirement on Pell Grants for children who have had a parent or guardian killed while serving for the U.S. military in Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001.
• The Help the Families of our Fallen Military Heroes Act
• The Department of Defense provides a $100,000 tax-free Death Gratuity to survivors of a deceased member of the armed forces immediately following the member’s death. However, caps on annual contributions to the Health Savings Account, the Archer Medical Savings Account, the Coverdell Education Savings Account, and a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) restrict how these funds can be invested. This legislation would waive those caps for the Death Gratuity.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today met with St. Mary’s Rehabilitation Working Group to discuss funding and authorization of a feasibility study for planning, design, and construction of the St. Mary’s Diversion Facilities in north-central Montana.
“The St. Mary’s project is a perfect example of the bureaucratic process gone wrong,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “These facilities are in serious need of repair but the necessary steps to accomplish this are being held up. In the past, I’ve introduced legislation to move this process along and I look forward to doing so again this year.”
Last year, Rehberg introduced legislation to instruct the Department of Interior to enter into an agreement with the State of Montana, the Blackfeet Tribe and local stakeholders to conduct a feasibility study and authorize federal funding for the planning, design and construction for the rehabilitation of the St. Mary’s Diversion Facilities. In a recent House-passed spending bill, $7 million for St. Mary’s rehabilitation which was included in previous legislation was left out.
The 100-year old facilities provide water for 17,000 residents and 140,000 irrigated acres in Montana. Located in western Glacier County, the system is used by the municipal water supplies of cities such as Havre, Chinook and Harlem, and is also a source of water for fish and wildlife.
“We are truly appreciative of the work Congressman Rehberg and his staff have done for St. Mary’s,” said Larry Mires, executive director of the St. Mary’s Rehabilitation Working Group. “I have faith that with the Congressman’s help, we will be able to start the much-needed repairs soon.”
“St. Mary’s has a large impact on Glacier County both in terms of irrigation and the local community,” said Michael DesRosier, Glacier County Commissioner. “I would like to thank Congressman Rehberg for his help on this important project.”
“In Montana, we know water is a big issue,” said Rehberg. “The economic impact of this structure is huge and any problems caused by lack of repair would be devastating. It’s time for action to ensure these facilities can serve the local community for another 100 years.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today met with several Montana-based organizations to discuss funding for anti-drug related programs. These organizations include the National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC), the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA).
“The drugs infiltrating Montana communities are unacceptable,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “There are real concerns across the state about how we can best educate our kids about the affects of these drugs as well as stop them before they cross our state lines. The first step is to provide funding for the programs which combat drugs on every level.”
Jeff Faycosh is the Montana state delegate to the National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC). NNOAC is a group dedicated to researching, monitoring, and supporting legislation that will increase the effectiveness of narcotics law enforcement and law enforcement in general. Tom Gorman is the Director of the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. Rehberg met with Faycosh and Gorman today to talk about funding for the Byrne/JAG program, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, HIDTA, and other drug-related enforcement programs.
“Without funds like those from the Byrne/JAG program, there would be no drug enforcement in rural Montana,” said Faycosh. “These funds allow for a partnership between big and small agencies throughout the state and allow an exchange of information that leaves no safe areas for drug traffickers.”
“Congressman Rehberg has worked hard for law enforcement in Montana,” said Tom Gorman, Director of the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. “Drug law enforcement combined with treatment and prevention efforts are all important to a decline in drug use and the overall amount of those affected by drugs.”
The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) works on behalf of over 5,800 community coalitions from across the country to strengthen their capacity to create and maintain Drug-Free communities. This is usually done through training, media strategies and marketing programs. Today’s meeting included representatives from Richland County Partnership for Promise; Phillips County Coalition for Healthy Choices; Boys and Girls Club of the Highline; the Boys and Girls Club of Richland County; and Montana Community Coalitions.
“The war on drugs and alcohol must be fought through many avenues,” said Rehberg. “Protection of Montana communities requires trained law enforcement to find the drugs and comprehensive educational campaigns to teach our kids about the dangers of drugs. I’ll continue to work toward funding for these essential programs.”
Rehberg is a member of the Financial Services Subcommittee which provides funds for the Office of Drug Control Policy and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (HIDTA). Rehberg is also a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee which provides funding for the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Program.
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.

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the state’s congressional delegation met with Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) Commissioner Bob Johnson to discuss funding for Montana’s rural water projects including Rocky Boy’s/North Central Montana Rural Water System, Fort Peck/Dry Prairie Rural Water System, and the St. Mary Diversion and Conveyance Works Project.

Last month, the House passed legislation to complete the nine remaining spending bills for 2007. $21 million in funding for these Montana water projects was not included. The Senate begins consideration of similar legislation this week.

During the meeting, the Montana Delegation discussed construction funding for the Fort Peck/Dry Prairie Rural Water System and Rocky Boy’s North Central Montana Rural Water System. Both of these projects have already been authorized. Additionally, they discussed funding and authorization for a feasibility study on rehabilitation of the St. Mary’s Diversion and Conveyance Works.

Specifically, the delegation urged BOR to use any available 2007 funds for these projects. They also expressed disappointment that these projects weren’t included in the President’s 2008 budget proposal. During the meeting, Commissioner Johnson explained that the needs for projects way outnumbered the funds available but assured the delegation he would keep Montana’s projects in mind as funding became available.

“All Montanans should have access to safe and reliable water. It’s a basic need that should be met,” Baucus said. “It’s not right that some Montana communities still struggle for the need to be met. Jon, Denny and I today urged BOR Commission Johnson to provide the funding needed so all Montana communities and businesses have safe, reliable water and we’re committed to working together.”

“The Bureau of Reclamation heard from us loud and clear today, and we’ll make certain they don’t ignore our concerns. We consider Montana’s water projects a national priority,” Senator Tester said. “Max and Denny and I are tired of talking about these critical projects. It’s time for action, not just studies.”

“Every Montanan deserves good, clean drinking water,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Last year, as a member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked hard to secure funding for these projects. I’ll continue to do so in the future. Today’s meeting was an important step in providing BOR a view of what these projects mean to Montana and asking for answers in terms of why these funds have again been left out of the President’s Budget.”

The North Central Montana Regional Water Authority (NCMRWA) is comprised of thirteen public entities, all of which have signed an Interlocal Agreement creating the Authority. This rural water project was jointly developed with the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation and was authorized in December 2002. The project area covers approximately 10,700 square miles in north central Montana.

The Fort Peck/Dry Prairie Rural Water System will serve Reservation populations in or around the communities of Wolf Point, Poplar, Brockton, Ft. Kipp, Oswego, and Frazer. Communities served by the water project that aren’t on the Reservation include Glasgow, Scobey, Plentywood, and Culbertson.
The St. Mary’s Diversion and Conveyance Facilities are over 100 years old and are in serious need of repair. These facilities provide water to both the local agricultural community for irrigation and to several local municipal water systems.