Congressman Denny Rehberg

Rehberg, Committee Move Forward Military Pay Raise

WASHINGTON, DC - WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined House colleagues in providing funding for a 3.5% military pay raise in the Defense Appropriations bill.

“Those serving in our nation’s military deserve better pay,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “This pay raise is one way of thanking America’s heroes for their sacrifice and ensuring they have the resources to provide for themselves and their families.”

The Defense Appropriations bill was passed by the House Appropriations Committee today and included $2.2 billion for the military pay raise. The pay raise was originally included in the 2008 Defense Authorization bill, which was passed by the House in May and was supported by Rehberg, and covers active duty, reserve, and National Guard troops.

“Those serving on military duty are faced with the same day-to-day living expenses as any other American family,” said Rehberg. “This was a critical boost for our troops.” here}

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WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today secured $3.5 million in funding for the MARIAH II program in Butte in the Defense Appropriations bill.

“It’s critical that America remains on the cutting edge in developing new and innovative defense technology,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Right here in Montana, through programs like MARIAH II, we’re taking the initial steps to test and evaluate the latest advancements in this technology. These funds will give a huge boost to the construction of this project.”

The MARIAH II program, led by MSE, is the nation’s only research and development program developing the world’s-first true air hypersonic wind tunnel. This wind tunnel is required for the testing, evaluation, and demonstration of the next generation of ballistic missiles, missile defense systems, space launch vehicles, military space planes, and high-speed/global-reach aircraft. The Army has recently identified a near-term need for this type of ground-test capability to support several of their advanced missile development programs, as well as the National Aerospace Initiative (NAI).

“I want to thank Congressman Rehberg for securing $3.5 million for the continuation of the MARIAH project in the House budget,” said Jeff Ruffner, President and CEO of MSE Inc. “The project is important for the nation and important for MSE. The work being performed in Butte, by MSE employees, and the MARIAH project is at the cutting edge of technology.”

“With continued threats from abroad, it’s essential America’s national security remains a priority,” said Rehberg. “MARIAH II is a great example of a Montana-based program that will help keep us secure.”

WASHINGTON, DC - WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined House colleagues in providing funding for modification and maintenance to Malmstrom’s Missiles.

“The missiles at Malmstrom are a critical component of our nation’s defense,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “However, we must provide the necessary funds to ensure these missiles are maintained and can continue serve the Malmstrom community for years to come. Today’s legislation does that.”

The Defense Appropriations bill, which was passed by the House Appropriations Committee today, included more than $26 million for Air Force Missile Procurement. These funds will be used to ensure the nation’s missiles, such as those at Malmstrom, are fully functional and reliable until 2030.

Specifically, the funds will provide for procurement, installation, and checkout of strategic ballistic and other missiles, modification of in-service missiles, and initial spares for missile systems.

“These missiles are a large part of the Great Falls community,” said Rehberg. “And the contribution of the local residents to our nation’s defense is truly something of which to be proud.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced today that Clinton School District has been awarded a $299,275 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to fund a literary improvement program and library and technology upgrades.

“Montana’s schools are educating the next generation of America’s workforce,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriation Committee. “It’s critical we provide schools with the tools and resources to provide our kids with the best possible education.”

The funding comes from the Education Department’s Literacy & School Libraries Program. It will be used to purchase advanced learning software capable of individualizing learning programs for every student in the Clinton School District. The funding will also be used to replace up to fifty-percent of the books in the library, hire additional library staff, extend the library hours, upgrade computers, and provide for before and after-school tutoring programs.

“The focus of the grant is on improved reading skills and academic achievement for our students,” said Eric McBride, grant coordinator, and Clinton School Principle. “This is great news because the funding will really do some wonderful things for Clinton School District.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined House colleagues in halting efforts to cut funding for Essential Air Service (EAS). The House Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill was debated on the House floor today.
“EAS provides an efficient form of transportation for those traveling to and from Montana’s rural areas,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “In many of these areas, major airlines are unable to provide service due to the costs. Fortunately, EAS travel is a reliable resource to replace that missing link. Today, we were again able to prevent any cuts.”

Today, Representative Hensarling (R-TX) introduced an amendment to reduce payments to air carriers for the Essential Air Service program by $60 million. Rehberg joined with a bipartisan coalition that voted overwhelmingly to defeat the amendment.

Montana has eight EAS points, seven of which – Glasgow, Glendive, Havre, Lewistown, Miles City, Sidney, and Wolf Point – are served by Big Sky airlines, with its code-sharing agreements and a connecting hub in Billings. Sky West airlines provides seasonal service to Montana’s eighth EAS point, West Yellowstone.

“Given Montana’s expansive size, protecting and improving transportation options like EAS is critical,” said Rehberg. “It’s an annual fight to fully fund these services for rural communities and today’s victory was a great step.”

Earlier this month, the House Appropriations Committee included an amendment, sponsored by Rehberg, which would increase the funding level of EAS to $110 million in turn triggering an additional $15 million in funding previously authorized by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined House colleagues in halting efforts to cut funding for Amtrak. The House Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill was debated on the House floor today.
“We’re constantly fighting to keep Amtrak funding off the chopping block,” said Rehberg, Co-chair of the House Rail Caucus. “Montana’s rural communities depend on rail service to transport products from one place to the next. It’s also an affordable and reliable way to travel. Thankfully, we were again able to prevent these cuts.”

Today, Representatives Michele Bachmann (R-MN), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), and Pete Sessions (R-TX) introduced several amendments to significantly reduce Amtrak funding by as much as $475 million in an effort to eliminate funding for long distance rail lines such as the Empire Builder in Montana. Rehberg joined with a bipartisan coalition that voted overwhelmingly to defeat the amendments.

Amtrak’s Empire Builder serves as many as 140,000 Montanans annually. Additionally, Amtrak accounts for over $3.2 million in wages for the Montana economy, while direct spending by Amtrak travelers in Montana is estimated at more than $5.3 million annually.

“What a lot of people outside of Montana don’t realize is that rail service is critical,” said Rehberg. “We have areas that have great air and bus services, but in the places we don’t have these services, Amtrak is essential. Anytime you have a large geographic area with a small population, rail service is absolutely vital.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, this week joined House colleagues in supporting critical legislation that provides funding for education and healthcare programs in Montana.
“This bill impacts every community in Montana,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee. “The ability to provide a good education and quality healthcare for our families is a critical part of securing a better quality of life.”

The 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill includes funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Health Care Access, No Child Left Behind, the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), and many other essential programs Montanans rely on. The legislation also includes more than $6 million for Montana specific projects.

“As the sole member of the Montana delegation on the Appropriations Committee, I’m on the front line when it comes to fighting for Montana’s needs in terms of funding key priorities,” said Rehberg. “Today’s bill was a great first step.”

Highlights of the 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill:

· Includes $200,000 for the Marias Medical Center in Shelby for the purchase of a new CT scanner.

· Includes $200,000 for the Billings Clinic Rural Information System. The funds will be used to develop an electronic patient medical record than can be shared between multiple facilities.

· Includes $100,000 for Powell County Medical Center in Deer Lodge. Funds will be used to purchase new trauma patient handling equipment for first responders as well as diagnostic hardware and software that will help maintain a high level of service.

· Includes $200,000 for Miles Community College for their Pathways to Careers in Healthcare program. The purpose of the program is to develop a model that offers greater accessibility to multiple health career fields for students in the Miles City area.

· Includes $300,000 for St. Patrick’s Hospital and Health Sciences Center for the Montana Cardiology Telemedicine Network. The Montana Cardiology Telemedicine Network (Network) provides rural telemedicine resources and patient-based cardiology to the western Montana region.

· Includes $300,000 for St. Vincent Hospital’s Center for Healthy Aging Geriatric Fellowship Program. The program will populate eastern Montana with critical geriatric specialists to assist in caring for a rapidly aging population.

· Includes $300,000 for Benefis Pediatric Center. Funds will be used for the construction of a new Pediatric Suite which will include 14 patient rooms, a nursing station, and a pediatric treatment room.

· Includes $200,000 for Equipment for the Sidney Health Center. Funds will be used to purchase and install a computer-based radiology system to upgrade from the old “film” system currently used.

· Includes $200,000 for Madison County Nursing Homes. Funds will be used for a variety of improvements to the Madison Valley Manor in Ennis and the Tobacco Root Mountain Care Center in Sheridan.

· Includes a more than $199 million increase in funding for Community Health Centers. There are eleven community health centers in Montana and nearly half the Montanans served by the centers lack health insurance and more than 20 percent are covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

· Includes a more than $500 million increase in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a grant program under which the federal government gives states and tribes annual grants to operate home energy assistance programs for low-income households. More than 18,000 Montana households receive LIHEAP assistance.

· Includes a more than $50 million increase in funding for Impact Aid. Impact Aid is a program designed to ensure military children, children residing on Indian lands, and children residing on federally-owned low rent housing facilities receive a quality education by helping school districts, which have lost tax revenue as a result of the federal presence in their district. Since 2001, Impact Aid funding for Montana has increased 18.4% and 72 Montana school districts currently receive Impact Aid funds.

· Includes a more than $1.5 billion increase in funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Nearly 18,557 Montana students are served by IDEA.

· Increases the maximum award from $4,310 to $4,700 for Pell Grants. The Federal Pell Grant program is the single largest source of grant aid for postsecondary education attendance funded by the federal government. More than16,564 students in the Montana University system receive Pell Grants.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, this week joined House colleagues in approving critical legislation that would provide more than $230 million in funding for the Rural Housing and Economic Development Program (RHED).
“Montana’s rural landscape provides a unique set of needs when it comes to housing and economic development,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “In these rural communities, grants provide a necessary boost to projects and organizations looking to bring new opportunities to the area. This legislation is vital in continuing those grants.”

The Rural Housing and Economic Development Improvement Act of 2007 would authorize the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide $30 million in 2008 and $40 million for each additional year through 2013 for the Rural Housing and Economic Development (RHED) program. RHED is the only exclusively rural housing program administered by HUD. So far, the program has helped to create more than 9,100 jobs and more than 12,000 housing units since 1999. The majority of organizations that receive RHED funds serve “high-risk” areas, such as Native American lands.

“A good paying job and a roof over your head are essential parts of a secure future,” said Rehberg. “As Montana’s lone Congressman, I’m working to make these a reality for everyone.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today secured more than $4.8 million in funding for agriculture research and development projects at Montana State University (MSU) through the Agriculture Appropriations bill.
“Agriculture is Montana’s number one industry, and funding for Ag research and development projects helps pave the way for new jobs and a strong economy,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “The assistance provided by these programs at MSU is critical.”

The Agriculture Appropriations bill provides funding for the Farm Service Agency, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Rural Development, among other things.

“We’re sincerely thankful for Congressman Rehberg’s efforts on securing funding for MSU in the Ag bill. The new Animal Biosciences building will help produce major advances in beef quality and beef safety for American consumers. We appreciate Denny’s help,” said Tom McCoy, Vice President for Research at MSU.

“Huge thanks go to Denny for his support and his influence with the Appropriations Committee to help secure funding for these programs,” said Errol Rice, Executive Vice-President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. “The programs are internationally recognized, and help the export opportunities and market enhancement of the Montana beef industry.”

Montana State University Funding Projects:

· $2.69 Million for MSU’s Animal Biosciences Program
Funding for the design and program support of a new Animal Biosciences facility at MSU’s College of Agriculture. The program facility would house cutting-edge research programs in molecular genetics and practical applications, and provide distant learning outreach capabilities. MSU plans to provide an allied distance learning facility in conjunction with the new on-campus building.

· $974,000 for the Montana Beef Network (MBN)
The Montana Beef Network, centered at Montana State University, provides educational programs, certification services, and other tools vital to Montana’s $900 million beef industry.

· $728,000 for MSU’s Barley for Rural Development Program
This funding will be directed toward MSU’s research into improved malt, feed, and food barely varieties that can be grown in dry land, or unirrigated areas, yet meet the requirements for new malt plants being built or expanded on the area. The project’s objective is to double Montana’s malt barley production, and to increase farm revenues by $25 million. Approximately half of the total funding will go to MSU, with the remaining portion going to the University of Idaho and North Dakota State University.

· $436,000 for MSU’s Brucellosis Vaccination Development Program
MSU is engaged in on-going research for the development of a vaccine that would ultimately eradicate brucellosis in bison, elk, and livestock. The presence of brucellosis in Yellowstone National Park wildlife threatens Montana’s brucellosis-free status.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today halted an effort in the House Appropriations Committee to implement a proposal based upon Governor Schweitzer’s bison “buffer zone” plan.
“This amendment was not only bad policy, it was an abuse of the process,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “That’s why Republicans and Democrats joined together to reject it.”

Today, the House Appropriations Committee passed the 2008 Agriculture Appropriations bill. However, during the markup, Representative Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) offered an amendment to provide $1.5 million for the purchase of grazing rights on the Royal Teton Ranch outside of Yellowstone National Park for the purpose of establishing a buffer zone and “brucellosis-free” subzones in parts of counties adjacent to the park. Hinchey made repeated references to Governor Schweitzer’s buffer zone proposal when offering the amendment. Rehberg and other members of the Committee, including the Democrat leaders, were successful in voting the amendment down.

“We’re disappointed by this back-door attempt to implement the buffer zone proposal,” said Errol Rice, Executive Vice President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. “It’s not a concept that was accepted or agreed upon by the Stockgrowers Association and we’re pleased that Denny stood up for common sense and stopped this amendment from moving forward.”

“We need to keep the problem of brucellosis inside the park and remain focused on eradicating the disease,” Rehberg said during the hearing. “This is an issue that, as recent events have demonstrated, is very serious for the Montana cattle industry and we need to take the time to build consensus and get it right. Governor Schweitzer is really the only policy maker advocating this plan. That tells me we need to spend some more time working on the issue, and we need to involve all the stakeholders and do it in the light of day — not through a rider to an appropriations bill.”