Congressman Denny Rehberg

May 30, 2002

WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Denny Rehberg (MT-At Large) announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make nearly half a million dollars available to Montana for ag related homeland security.
According to information Rehberg obtained from Secretary Ann M. Veneman, Montana will receive $121,685 for animal disease surveillance, $252,991 for animal disease response and $50,000 for plant pest and disease detection.

“Ag producers represent nearly half of Montana’s entire economic base,” said Congressman Rehberg. “It is imperative that as we work to secure airlines and shipping yards and water ways from terrorist attacks that we use equal diligence in securing our agriculture sector from chemical or biological threats that could reek havoc on the American farmer and our entire national economy,” concluded Rehberg.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has awarded Hill County a $566,667 grant to create a new community health center. The Bullhook Community Health Center will be Montana’s 14th Center.
“The healthcare priorities of rural Americans and Montanans may differ from folks living in more populated areas, but everyone shares the desire for access to affordable, quality care,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I’m confident the new Bullhook Community Health Center will be a great example of top-notch rural healthcare and this grant will go a long way towards serving Hill County’s and Northcentral Montana’s healthcare needs.”

Bullhook Community Health Center will be the first new center in Montana, funded through federal grants, since 2003. Since Rehberg’s appointment to the Appropriations Committee, Montana’s health centers received almost $13 million in federal grants. More than half the Montanans served by the centers lack health insurance and more than 20 percent are covered by Medicare or Medicaid. The Centers also account for 350 good-paying Montana jobs.

Rehberg is a cosponsor of the Health Centers Renewal Act which will provide access for almost 4 million new patients across the U.S. and will increase funding for federal grants. The legislation would increase health center funding to $2.19 billion for 2008.

“This announcement is a good thing for everyone in Northcentral Montana,” said Cindy Smith, Executive Director of Hill County Health Department and Bullhook Clinic. “The new center will provide better access to Hill County residents and will be a huge step in serving the community’s needs.”

“Community Health Centers are the backbone of quality healthcare in rural states like Montana,” said Rehberg. “Thanks to Montana’s 13 Centers already in place, folks living in rural areas, on Indian reservations and those without insurance have access to reliable healthcare. This one will be no different.”

Rehberg also sits on the House, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee which is in charge of Department of Heath and Human Services funding.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today asked Chairman Nick Rahall (D-WV) and Ranking Member Don Young (R-AK) of the House Resources Committee to hold a hearing on federal recognition for the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe. Rehberg introduced a bill earlier this year to recognize the Tribe.

“The Little Shell have spent more than a century seeking recognition and being held up by the bureaucratic process,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I’ve introduced legislation to expedite the process and it’s time we give the tribe an opportunity to discuss the importance of the bill. I look forward to a prompt response from the Chairman and Ranking Member.”

The Little Shell Tribe is made up of approximately 4,300 members, mostly in the Great Falls area. In 2000, the same year the tribe was recognized by the state of Montana, the Department of Interior issued a positive finding for the tribe making them eligible for recognition. Since then, little progress has been made due to bureaucratic obstacles. Rehberg’s bill expedites recognition through the legislative process.

“Federal recognition is essential for the Little Shell Tribe to establish a tribal land base, preserve its sovereignty and culture, as well as gain access to vital services and benefits for tribal members,” said Rehberg in the letter. “A House Natural Resources Committee hearing will highlight the unique history of the Little Shell Tribe and underscore the need for federal recognition.”

“The bureaucrats over at Interior have held this thing up too long,” said Rehberg. “Let’s have a hearing, discuss the bill, and bring the tribe the recognition they deserve.”

Letter:

May 25, 2007

The Honorable Nick J. Rahall II

Chairman

House Committee on Natural Resources

1324 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Don Young

Ranking Member

House Committee on Natural Resources

1329 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Chairman Rahall and Ranking Member Young,

I am writing to request a House Natural Resources Committee hearing on my bill, H.R. 1301, to federally recognize the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana.

The members of the Little Shell Tribe are descended from the Pembina Band of Chippewa Indians. After an 1863 land cession, members of the Little Shell followed the buffalo herds to Montana and settled there. Currently, approximately 4,300 tribal members reside in north central Montana.

Since 1978, the Little Shell Tribe has pursed Federal Recognition through the Department of Interior’s Office of Federal Acknowledgement (OFA) process. Most recently, in 2000, the Department of Interior issued a preliminary recognition status for the Little Shell but not much progress has been made since this determination. The State of Montana, local county governments, and all of the federally-recognized tribes in Montana support federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe.

Federal recognition is essential for the Little Shell Tribe to establish a tribal land base, preserve its sovereignty and culture, as well as gain access to vital services and benefits for tribal members. A House Natural Resources Committee hearing will highlight the unique history of the Little Shell Tribe and underscore the need for federal recognition.

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

Sincerely,

Cut Bank and Lewistown to Open Community–Based Outpatient Clinics for Veterans

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has selected Cut Bank and Lewistown as sites for two new Community-Based Outpatient Clinics to be opened in Montana.

“These new clinics will provide more immediate access to health care for thousands of veterans in Montana,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I remain dedicated to honoring the commitments this country has made to our veterans. This is a positive step in that direction, and the news comes as a fitting tribute in honor and remembrance of our veterans this Memorial Day weekend,” he said

A Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) improves access to primary and specialty care for veterans in rural areas. They are located in areas that will greatly reduce drive times for veterans receiving health care. Services include comprehensive primary care, routine and urgent care procedures, and health promotion and education. Montana currently has nine veterans’ outpatient clinics, two Vet Centers, and the regional healthcare facility at Fort Harrison in Helena. The state’s veterans’ healthcare system annually performs over 250,000 visits for more than 30,000 Montana veterans.

“It’s been four years since we began the process of trying to get outpatient clinics in Lewistown and Cut Bank,” said Joe Underkofler, Director of the Veterans’ Affairs Regional and Medical Center in Fort Harrison. “These new clinics will provide better access to individuals along the Hi-Line and in central Montana, and lower the amount of winter driving veterans’ have to do in order to get quality care. These new clinics will be a big advantage,” Underkofler said.

The new CBOC in Cut Bank is expected to serve 1169 existing patients and 211 new patients, while the clinic in Lewistown will serve 2047 existing patients and almost 300 new patients. The new clinics are projected to be up and running in about 12 months.

“Providing for Montana’s veterans is one of my top priorities,” said Rehberg. “As I talk to vets across the state, they are generally pleased with the quality of care, and that’s a credit to the local health care professionals and the state VA staff. Obtaining better access is a frequent concern, and these new clinics are an important addition to Montana’s veterans’ healthcare program,” he said.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced today the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $956,000 in funding for solar energy research at Montana State University-Bozeman.

“I continually support energy research funding as a means to a more energy independent America,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “It’s vital our country turn its focus away from our dependence on foreign oil, and toward developing the next generation of clean, renewable energy and energy-efficient transportation and homes. I commend the faculty and staff at MSU for being a part of this process,” Rehberg said.

The DOE Office of Science approved $22.7 million for 27 basic research projects aimed at improving the capture, conversion, and use of solar energy. The projects selected will be conducted by universities and national laboratories in 18 states. The DOE approved the near $1 million funding for MSU over a three year period beginning in fiscal year 2007.

The project at MSU involves photo-catalytic hydrogen production, which is harvesting sunlight to make hydrogen, according to Professor Trevor Douglas, Director of the Center for Bio-Inspired Nano Materials at MSU.

“Essentially, we’re developing a method for hydrogen production without using fossil fuels. If we’re to move to a hydrogen-based energy economy, then it’s important to have the production infrastructure in place,” Douglas said. “This funding approval is also a validation of the level of science being done in Montana, as this will be developed by MSU graduate and undergraduate students,” he added.

“I’m optimistic that America’s brightest minds will help create innovative approaches to energy and energy usage that will bring about a more secure energy independent future for America,” Rehberg said. “It’s important that we begin shaping that future now.”

Rehberg is also a sponsor of the 25’ by 25’ initiative, a Congressional initiative to produce 25 percent of the nation’s energy supply from renewable sources, including solar energy, by 2025.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, released the following statement today regarding immigration legislation, introduced in the Senate by Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Mass) and backed by President Bush, which would give amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants:
“This week, legislation was introduced in the Senate that purportedly would implement comprehensive immigration reform. After a closer look, it’s apparent the only thing comprehensive about this legislation is its complete failure to secure our borders.

Over the last year, Congress has continually promised the American people that it would stop the flood of illegal immigrants crossing our nation’s borders, and make the millions who are already living and working illegally in the U.S. face the consequences of their actions. However, many of the new laws have yet to be fully implemented and the proposals being discussed in the Senate amount to nothing more than a slap on the wrist for these lawbreakers.

Additionally, the legislation’s so-called ‘triggers’ for implementation are nothing more than a rehashing of existing policies that have already been put in place. They provide no new border security, and in fact, weaken existing security measures.

Overall, the bill also fails to hold employers of illegal immigrants accountable, doesn’t strengthen immigrant background checks, and does nothing to prevent the production and sale of fraudulent visas and other identification to illegal workers.

This legislation is just bad policy. Montanans, and Americans, have said they want real enforcement and they want immigrants entering our county to enter legally, without cutting corners. An immigrant’s first act in America shouldn’t be an illegal one. I oppose this legislation and I’ll work to find a sensible solution here in the House.”

A few points on why the Bush-Kennedy immigration legislation is bad for America and bad for Montana:

· The Senate bill allows immediate amnesty for an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants currently living in the United States.

· The bill includes ‘triggers’ that are designed to ensure border security measures are implemented before illegal immigrants, currently residing in the U.S., are allowed to begin the process of attaining legal status. However, these ‘triggers’ don’t affect ‘probationary’ status, which is a temporary renewable status that occurs between the acts of applying for a visa and actually receiving a visa. So, these ‘triggers’ are basically meaningless because the bill allows an illegal immigrant to essentially remain in ‘probationary’ status forever.

· These ‘triggers’ are also meaningless since most of the triggers are either already in place or already authorized by current law. One example is the Senate bill’s requirement of 370 miles of border fence. This is a reduction from the 700 miles of fence passed last year in the “Secure Fence Act.” Another example is a requirement for 18,000 border patrol agents. Through requirements passed in the “Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004,” we are already on pace to surpass that number in the next two years alone.

· The bill rewards people for breaking the law. Those who entered illegally immediately get a legal work permit, entitling them to a job, which is the very reason they broke the law in the first place. Only after the triggers are met do they incur any penalty, and then it is only a $1000 fine.

The bill fails to address national security concerns. Illegal immigrants who receive “probationary” status must consent to a background check, but that check must be finished in one day. If it is not finished, DHS must give the illegal immigrant probationary status anyway.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has awarded Lincoln County Community Health Center in Libby a $367,554 grant.
“The healthcare priorities of rural Americans and Montanans may differ from folks living in more populated areas, but everyone shares the desire for access to affordable, quality care,” Rehberg said, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Lincoln County Community Health Center is a great example of top-notch rural healthcare and this grant will allow them to continue that tradition.”

In 2005, Montana’s health centers received almost $13 million in federal grants. More than half the Montanans served by the centers lack health insurance and more than 20 percent are covered by Medicare or Medicaid. The centers also account for 350 good-paying Montana jobs.
Rehberg is a cosponsor of the Health Centers Renewal Act which will provide access for almost 4 million new patients across the U.S. and will increase funding for federal grants. The legislation would increase health center funding to $2.19 billion for 2008.

“Community health centers are the backbone of quality healthcare in rural states like Montana,” said Rehberg. “Thanks to Montana’s 13 community health centers, folks living in rural areas, on Indian reservations and those without insurance have access to reliable healthcare.”

Rehberg also sits on the House, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee which is in charge of Department of Heath and Human Services funding.

Airport Receives News that a Second X-ray Machine is on the Way

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today applauded a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decision to approve the Missoula International Airport’s request for a second security checkpoint lane. The second lane will help reduce passenger wait times during peak traveling periods. The second x-ray unit will cost approximately $80,000 and will be purchased and staffed by TSA.
“As Montana’s Congressman, I fly virtually every week from Montana to Washington, D.C.,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “So I have a pretty good understanding of the need to minimize the travel disruptions facing Montanans, while at the same time ensuring their safety and security. I applaud TSA’s decision and the effect it will have on Missoula airport’s operation.”

Yesterday, the Missoula airport received approval from TSA to install and operate a second x-ray machine at the airport’s new $4 million security checkpoint facility. The new facility was intended to accommodate the airport’s rapid growth and airport officials had been awaiting TSA’s approval of their request for a second security lane. Following Rehberg’s visit, his staff worked closely with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to make sure the airport’s request was approved quickly.

According to Airport Director Cris Jensen, Missoula International Airport is the fastest growing airport in Montana with nearly four-percent growth in 2006 and an accelerated eight-percent growth in passengers for the first quarter of 2007.

Last month, Rehberg toured the new facility, met with airport officials, and reviewed their request shortly after the new facility opened, “With the summer travel season ahead, this is very timely news for the airport and our passengers,” said Jensen. “We appreciate Denny’s support of this request. This means improved service for the flying public, which is in everyone’s best interest.”

“After my visit with Cris and other officials at the airport, I could clearly see the need for a second x-ray machine,” Rehberg said. “The new facility was made to accommodate additional checkpoints, while ensuring all safety standards are met. I’m glad the TSA approved the addition.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, yesterday met with John Walters, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), to discuss meth-fighting programs such as the Montana Meth Project.
“The danger of meth continues to be a problem in Montana,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Congressional Meth Caucus. “However, through programs like the Montana Meth Project, the fight against meth has taken huge strides. Today, I was able to discuss the drug-related concerns of Montana families with Director Walters.”

During the meeting, Director Walters announced that the ONCDP is currently considering using several of Montana Meth’s ads as part of its national media campaign. At the moment, the ads are undergoing a screening process to determine which ads the ONDCP may distribute.

“Congressman Rehberg should be commended for his leadership in combating Meth, not only in Montana, but nation-wide.” Director Walters stated. “We are eager to begin the testing process for the Meth ads, and are hopeful that Montana Meth can play an enhanced role in the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign.”

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

“Montana Meth’s ads are spreading to every billboard, building, radio and TV station in Montana and they’re having a positive impact,” said Rehberg. “And I believe their message is relevant across the nation. This is why I’ve urged Director Walters to use these ads as a new tool in the fight against meth nationwide.”

Rehberg also sits on the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee which is in charge of ONDCP funding.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined House colleagues in approving critical legislation which would prevent Mexican trucks from having access to U.S. highways until the Mexican government is willing to do the same for American truckers. The Safe American Roads Act of 2007 was sponsored by Rep. Nancy Boyda (D-KS).
“American truckers are certified under strict rules to ensure our nation’s highways are kept as safe as possible,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “However, it’s unknown whether Mexico does the same. It’s bad policy to let Mexican truckers cross our borders until U.S. truckers are guaranteed the same access by the Mexican government, and until we’re able to hold these truckers to the same standards.”

Earlier this year, 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). However, earlier this month, due to concerns from members of Congress, including Congressman Rehberg, DOT announced they were postponing the plan until Mexican authorities agreed to do the same.

The Safe American Roads Act of 2007 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. It also requires the Mexican government to approve a plan allowing American truckers into Mexico before any DOT program is approved.

“Now isn’t the time to relax security along our nation’s borders,” said Rehberg. “Today, a strong coalition of members spoke out against this plan and we’ll continue to hold DOT and Mexico accountable.”

Rehberg also cosponsored similar legislation, the NAFTA Trucking Safety Act, last month.