Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, recently received the “Spirit of Enterprise” Award, presented by the United States Chamber of Commerce, for his strong voting record on critical business issues.
“Montana’s economy depends on having a business-friendly environment that will allow local businesses to be successful and create jobs,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “As Montana’s lone Congressman, I work hard to bring pro-growth policies to the Montana business community. I’m honored to be receiving this award once again.”
The Chamber’s “Spirit of Enterprise” award is given annually to members of Congress based on rankings it gives for key business votes. The Chamber’s designated “key votes” are recorded floor votes on issues established as priorities by the Chamber’s board of directors. Rehberg compiled a 100% score with the Chamber last year.
“I appreciate all that Congressman Rehberg has done for Montana’s business community,” said Webb Brown, President/CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. “He has been a valuable ally in promoting a pro-growth agenda and we look forward to working with him on important issues in the future.”
“Montana’s unemployment rate remains the lowest in the nation due to the opportunities Montana businesses have,” said Rehberg. “I’ll continue to work to ensure these opportunities are there in the future.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced he is joining the Career and Technical Education Caucus. The caucus is chaired by Representatives Brian Baird (D-WA) and Phil English (R-PA).
“Across Montana, there is an increasing demand for welders, health care professionals, and other skilled workers,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee. “Career and Technical Education is vital to bringing good jobs to Montana. As a member of this caucus, I look forward to continuing to work on issues most important to this field.”
Career and Technical Education is playing an increasingly important role in America’s evolving economy. According to the Department of Labor, 8 of the 10 fastest growing jobs for the next decade will require an Associate’s or Vocational degree. Career and Technical Education will be a recurring theme in some of the most important legislative issues in Congress such as No Child Left Behind, the Higher Education Act, and Welfare Reform.
“The mission of Miles Community College is to provide vocational training to low-income, first generation students who wouldn’t consider a four-year college otherwise,” said Stefani Gray Hicswa, President of Miles Community College in Miles City. “Research consistently shows that students need more than a high school education and it’s beneficial to have our Congressman involved in the issues of Montana’s vocational schools.”
“A skilled workforce is critical to the services we depend on in our everyday life,” said Rehberg. “As Montana’s lone Congressman, I’ll continue to work to bring good, high-paying jobs to Montana.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today sponsored legislation to prevent Mexican trucks from having unrestricted access to American highways in Border States. The legislation is cosponsored by 33 bipartisan cosponsors.
“America’s highways are critical access points to our nation,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “It’s vital we maintain the best possible national security at the points where these highways cross the U.S.-Mexico border. This legislation will help ensure we know who’s crossing our borders and where they’re going.”
Recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced plans to implement a pilot program that would extend open operating authority to 100 Mexican truck companies throughout the U.S. according to outstanding provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
In response, Representatives Duncan Hunter and Marcy Kaptur introduced, and Rehberg cosponsored, H.R. 1756, the NAFTA Trucking Safety Act. This bill requires the Inspector General of the DOT to certify that the Mexican carriers adhere to U.S. laws before they are granted access to U.S. highways. In addition, the law forbids Mexican trucks access to U.S. highways until law enforcement personnel have the ability to access driver, criminal and security databases to verify a Mexican driver’s identification, driving record, and criminal background.
“This legislation is important to ensuring any company or driver who operates in the U.S. is subject to the same requirements and laws as U.S. companies,” said Barry “Spook” Stang, Executive Vice-President of the Montana Motor Carriers Association. “This includes the provisions to speak English and be insured by a reputable company.”
“The Bush Administration’s decision to allow these trucks to have unrestricted access our highways is just bad policy,” said Rehberg. “Now isn’t the time to relax security along our nation’s borders.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today met with Roy Norton, Minister of the Canadian Embassy, to discuss northern border-related issues including the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and the proposed Cline Mine in British Columbia.
“Montana is unique in that it borders more of Canada than any other state in the lower 48 states,” said Rehberg, a member of the Congressional Northern Border Caucus. “It’s vital we stay on top of important border-related issues affecting Montana residents. I was able to bring our state’s concerns to the table in my meeting with Minister Norton.”
During the meeting, Rehberg discussed the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. This Initiative was included as part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. It requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States.
“Along Montana’s Hi-Line, many folks’ jobs require they cross the Canadian border several times a week,” said Rehberg. “So, any new regulations to cross the border can be both costly and time-consuming. It’s important to ensure these requirements are reliable and affordable for Montanans.”
In 2006, after the General Services Administration (GSA) expressed concerns about the requirement, Department of Homeland Security funding legislation moved the date back to June 1, 2009. In February 2007, Rehberg also raised concerns about the costs and implementation of the Initiative in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.
“The government of Canada looks to work with members of Congress who understand the importance of cross-border tourism and trade,” said Minister Norton. “The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, if implemented badly, could be a big disincentive to travel. We hope that in addition to passports, U.S. authorities will accept upgraded alternative documents that prove citizenship.”
“This initiative is an important step in bolstering national security,” said Rehberg. “However, without proper planning, the economic impact on Montana’s local communities and tourism industry could be devastating. It’s vital U.S. and Canadian officials provide a better explanation of the costs involved before this program is implemented.”
Rehberg also discussed with Norton the Cline Mine, a British Columbian coal mine currently being proposed just north of Glacier National Park. Concerns have been raised regarding the proposed mine’s environmental affects on both the North Fork Flathead River and Flathead Lake. The mine is currently being delayed as Canadian officials conduct a high-level environmental review.
“The Glacier area provides some of Montana’s most unique landscapes and wildlife,” said Rehberg. “So, we must do everything possible to ensure this area isn’t being harmed by what’s going on up river. I urge Canadian officials to conduct a thorough review of how this mine will affect the Flathead Basin.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined his House colleagues in approving critical legislation to provide housing loans to Native American communities.
“Home Ownership is a critical part of the American Dream,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Many of Montana’s tribal families depend on loan opportunities to make that dream a reality. This legislation ensures there are affordable loans available to Montana’s seven reservations.”
H.R. 1676, the Native American Home Ownership Opportunity Act of 2007, re-authorizes appropriations for the Indian Housing Loan Guarantees until 2012. These loan guarantees were originally included in the Community Development Act of 1992 and are set to expire at the end of 2007.
The Indian Housing Guarantees apply to families with housing on Tribal Lands. These properties are land trusts held by the U.S. government specifically for the use of Native Americans. Due to this status, many Native Americans are not eligible for traditional loans from financial institutions. These loans are guaranteed by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
“We’re very appreciative of reauthorization of this legislation,” said Jason Adams, Executive Director of the Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority. “It has been a good program for families on the Flathead reservation and we have had a lot of local lender interest.”
“I’m glad we were able to ensure the continued success of this essential program,” said Rehberg. “It’s good for the economy. It’s good for communities. And most importantly, it’s good for families.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a $4.3 million low-interest loan for a public water improvement project for the city of Red Lodge.
“This is an important water project for the people of Red Lodge,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “The community has seen a tremendous amount of growth over the past several years, and these infrastructure upgrades will help the city keep up with that expansion.”
This USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal program loan will fund the construction of a new 500,000 gallon reservoir, a new chlorination facility at the water treatment plant, the rehabilitation of old transmission lines, and installation of nine new fire hydrants. The total of the loan is $4,304,715, to be repaid at 4.125 percent interest over 40 years.
“This is a major part of our on-going infrastructure expansion, and will be a big benefit to the town of Red Lodge,” said Red Lodge Mayor, Brian Roat. “We’re very happy to hear this news, and appreciate Congressman Rehberg’s efforts. It’s also very timely, as we’ll be able to start the work right away and take advantage of the early part of the construction season,” he added.
“One of my top priorities in Congress is to help ensure the people of Montana have access to clean, safe water,” added Rehberg. “I’m pleased to be able to partner with Montana’s communities and work toward improving their water quality.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded the town of Hysham $669,000 for a public water improvement project.

“This is an important project for the people of Hysham. The community has been struggling with long-term drought effects on the Yellowstone River, and this grant money will help to ensure an adequate public water supply,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

This USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal grant provides the necessary funds to replace deteriorating water plant filter tanks and improve the intake system. The total cost of the project is approximately $1.9 million, with additional funds secured in previous federal and state grant and loan releases.

“This grant announcement is very good news,” said Larry Fink, mayor of Hysham. “We began this project six years ago, but the costs have exceeded our budget on a couple of different occasions. This is essentially the final piece of the funding puzzle, and it means we can begin the work in earnest.”

“One of my priorities in Congress is to help ensure the people of Montana have access to clean, safe public water,” added Rehberg. “I’m pleased to be able to partner with Montana’s communities and work toward improving their water quality.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today sponsored legislation to reimburse local and state law enforcement agencies for prosecution of federal northern border-related crimes.
“Montana’s law enforcement agencies have a tough task of not only fighting crimes across the state but also dealing with international crimes coming from the Canadian border,” said Rehberg, a member of the Northern Border Caucus. “Keeping Montanans safe can get expensive. This legislation helps these agencies cover the costs of protecting our families.”
The Northern Border Prosecution Initiative Reimbursement Act would expand the current policy of reimbursing local and state authorities in the southwest for federal border-related crimes to also include the Canadian border. This includes the cost of prosecution, detention of suspects, court costs, and construction of holding spaces. The legislation also authorizes $28 million for 2008 to meet these provisions.
“I have continuously urged my colleagues to recognize that the southern border isn’t the only border we need to worry about,” said Rehberg. “Montana borders more of Canada than any other state in the north. It’s important we provide the necessary resources for these local officers on the front line.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development grant program has awarded Glacier Electric Cooperative $283,333 to set up a revolving loan and economic development program. Glacier Electric Co-op has designated the initial funding to the Northern Rockies Medical Center in Cut Bank for vital equipment purchases.

“Rural economic development is key to a strong Montana economy,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “By helping to establish an economic development program through Glacier Electric Co-op, this funding will not only provide rural healthcare improvements, but also fund future economic opportunities for the people of Glacier County.”

Glacier Electric Cooperative, and the Northern Rockies Healthcare Foundation, the hospital’s non-profit fundraising organization, will provide a $72,000 matching requirement in establishing the loan fund, which will then be used to finance a $350,000, zero-percent interest loan to the Northern Rockies Medical Center. The hospital will utilize the funding for rural healthcare capitalization improvements, such as purchasing heart monitors, scanners, and other equipment. As the loan is repaid, Glacier Electric Co-op will be able to fund future rural economic development projects through the account.

“Funding healthcare capital improvements is always a challenge for rural hospitals, and this grant will be a big benefit to Northern Rockies Medical Center and Glacier County,” said Jason Bronec, General Manager of Glacier Electric Cooperative. “We’ll continue to look for additional funding sources for the account, and hopefully build a sustainable economic development resource.”

“This grant funding will provide immediate healthcare improvements, while funding future economic development in rural Montana,” added Rehberg. “I’m pleased to be able to partner with the local community to help in these two vital areas.”