Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, this week joined House colleagues in supporting critical legislation which would establish a federal grant program to provide funding for the repair and rehabilitation of publicly-owned dams.
“Dam failure is a serious threat and it’s critical the federal government takes responsibility for any maintenance that’s needed to safeguard America’s publicly-owned dams,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “The grants created by this bill will ensure funds are going to the structures that need it most.”

The Dam Rehabilitation and Repair Act is sponsored by Representative John Salazar (D-CO) and would create a system of grants within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grants would be awarded based on a risk-based priority system, developed by the Director of FEMA and the National Dam Safety Review Board, to identify deficient dams. The bill defines a deficient dam as failing to meet minimum dam safety standards of the State and posing an unacceptable risk to the public.

“The result of a dam collapse could be catastrophic for residents living in the area,” said Rehberg. “By addressing dam deficiencies before they get out of hand we’re helping to prevent a serious disaster.”

Montana currently has 2,880 state-regulated dams.

by Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, DC - The latest news from Washington, DC is good news for Montana’s children. This past week, my colleagues in the House and I were able to pass a new bill extending the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Since the program was started in 1997, it has done wonders for kids who don’t qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford private health insurance. It’s great to see that we were able to negotiate on a common sense bill that puts Montana’s children first.

Earlier this year, I’d been critical of a previous House version of the bill that would have done more to hurt our kids than to help them. However, I also stated at the time if a reasonable compromise that resembled the Senate bill was found, I was more than willing to support this important program. Turns out, many members agreed with me. House and Senate members were able to work together and produce a bill that removed many of the provisions that previously made it unacceptable.

There were three main problems with the original House version of the bill. Fortunately, we fixed these problems in the compromise bill. First, we corrected a loophole that would have allowed illegal aliens to enroll in SCHIP. These individuals broke the law to get into our country so we certainly shouldn’t be paying for their healthcare. We made it clear, if you can’t show us you’re here legally, you don’t get the same benefits as everyone else.

Second, the bill passed this week maintained the eligible age of the program at 18 years old. The original House version of the bill would have increased this age to 21. The Children’s Health Insurance Program was designed for children and attempts to expand it divert critical resources from needy children.

Finally, we removed provisions in the original House bill that would have made cuts to the Medicare Advantage program, which provides health insurance to 15,931 seniors in Montana. This provision would have pitted seniors against children in a battle for quality healthcare.

These are just a few of the improvements we were able to make in this compromise legislation. Most importantly, we were able to pass a good bill that extends a program that has produced great results by providing health insurance to those who can’t afford it themselves, kids.

But, it’s important we don’t stop now. So far, the President has continued his threats to veto the SCHIP bill. Well, Mr. President, I respectfully disagree. This program is just too important.

Additionally, we need to continue our work on the state level. In Montana, it’s estimated that there are 19,000 kids who are already eligible for SCHIP or Medicaid but aren’t enrolled. This is a big problem. Federal and state governments need to work together to ensure families in Montana, and their kids, know about SCHIP, understand that they’re eligible, and have the necessary assistance and information to get enrolled. The money and work going toward this program means very little if no one is using it.

The Senate moved quickly in upholding their end of the deal and now this legislation is heading to the President’s desk. As I said before, I urge the President to rethink his decision to veto the bill. However, as always, I remain ready, willing, and able to work with the President, and my House and Senate colleagues to get this done for Montana’s kids.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced the Department of Education has awarded the Salish Kootenai College a $601,742 grant for their career and technical education program.
“Every student in Montana deserves access to the education and training needed to go into a skilled profession,” said Rehberg, a member of the Career and Technical Education Caucus. “These types of grants allow Montana schools to get new programs up and running and to build upon existing programs. This is a great recognition of the efforts of the Salish Kootenai College.”

The Department of Education is awarding the grant through the Native American Career and Technical Education Program. The grant will be used to provide nearly 140 tribal members on the Flathead Reservation with training in the areas of Nursing, Information Technology, Highway Construction Training, Dental Assisting Technology, Business, Early Childhood Education, and Elementary Education.

“Our Career and Technical Education has been vital to the college for 30 years,” said Robert Peregoy, Director of Career and Technical Education at Salish Kootenai College. “Hundreds of students have received degrees through the program which has led them to work in high-paying jobs. In turn, this leads to more money being invested and generated in the local community.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced he is introducing legislation to transfer the Elkhorn Cemetery from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest to Jefferson County.
“Elkhorn Cemetery is the resting place for families of the original homesteaders and miners,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “These folks have a rich history in the area. It’s only fitting the descendants of those buried there should be able to maintain and use this burial site for generations to come. This legislation would correct an unfortunate surveying error and protect the historical integrity of the cemetery.”

The Elkhorn Cemetery has been in existence since the 1860’s and is still in use by local families who homesteaded and worked in area mines. However, due to surveying errors the cemetery was included in the boundaries of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Unfortunately, Forest Service policy discourages burials on National Forest lands. The Montana Cemetery Act of 2007 would fix the problem by conveying 9.67 acres of National Forest System land, upon which the Elkhorn Cemetary is located, to Jefferson County.

“It’s time we get this thing cleared up,” said Fred Bell, head of the Elkhorn Cemetery Board. “This is an important spot for the Elkhorn community and I’m hopeful we can quickly get this legislation passed.”

“This legislation will help right a wrong that’s been overlooked for 100 years,” said Rehberg. “It’s important we move quickly on this bill and remove this cemetery from the federal boundaries.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, this week joined House colleagues in approving several pieces of legislation honoring Montana’s sportsmen and women.
“Hunting and fishing are an important part of Montana’s heritage and our way of life,” said Rehberg, a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. “Local sportsmen and women also make tremendous contributions to our economy and our community. This legislation is a great way of honoring National Hunting and Fishing Day and the people who represent it.”

This week the House passed a bill, sponsored by Representative Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), encouraging participation in hunting and fishing, supporting the goals and ideals of National Hunting and Fishing Day, and backing the efforts of hunters and fishermen to promote the scientific management of wildlife and the conservation of our natural environment.

The House also passed a bill, sponsored by Representative Chris Carney (D-PA) and cosponsored by Rehberg, recognizing all hunters across the United States for their continued commitment to safety.

Finally, the House passed a bill, sponsored by Representative Phil Gingrey (R-GA), recognizing the establishment of Hunters for the Hungry programs across the United States and the contributions of their efforts to decrease hunger and help feed those in need.

“The booming economic effect of the hunting and fishing industry underscores just how important these activities are,” said Rehberg. “But, it goes beyond that. Sportsmen and women play a vital role as stewards of the land and dedicated members of the community.”

A new report, released today, found that hunters and fishermen spend more than $76 billion annually, supporting 1.6 million jobs.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula a $4,153,011 grant for construction.
“The greatest honor we can give to those who have fought for our freedom is to remember their sacrifice,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Veterans’ cemeteries ensure a proper burial for those who have served and makes certain they will never be forgotten. This grant will allow the cemetery to move forward with its construction.”

The funds will be used for the first phase of the cemetery’s construction. In addition, the VA will pay 100 percent of the additional cost associated with the construction of the cemetery. The cemetery will be approximately 23 acres in size.

“This grant is a perfect example of a team effort on the federal and state level,” said Joe Foster, Administrator of the Montana Veterans Affairs Division. “This cemetery will be a great addition for the veterans in western Montana and we appreciate Congressman Rehberg’s support of the work we’re doing.”

Montana has two other state veterans’ cemeteries in Miles City and Helena.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has awarded the Montana/Wyoming Tribal Leaders Council $5.7 million in grants for their Rocky Mountain Tribal Access to Recovery Program (RMTARP).
“Those battling through an addiction rely on support programs to keep them on the right path,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “The more available we can make these programs, the more effective we will be in ending the addictions. These funds will go a long way in stopping drug abuse in Montana’s Indian country.”

The $5.7 million in grants will be distributed over three years including the $1,906,240 announced this year. The Rocky Mountain Tribal Access to Recovery Program is a collaboration of Montana and Wyoming Tribal and Urban Indian substance abuse treatment and recovery support services providers. The goal of RMTARP is to increase access through client choice from an array of clinical and recovery support services, reaching at least one half of the unmet need for methamphetamine and other substance use disorders within the three years of the grant.

“We are pleased and honored to receive notification that SAMHSA has awarded the Montana-Wyoming Tribal Leaders Council this major grant,” said Gordon Belcourt, Executive Director of the Montana-Wyoming Tribal Leaders Council. “We are working to address the devastating impact of drug abuse, especially methamphetamine abuse on the reservations of Montana and Wyoming. This program will provide important additional resources and tools to combat substance abuse in Indian Country, and we thank the Montana and Wyoming Congressional delegation for their continued support in this battle against abuse.”

“Funding programs that will help prevent drug abuse is money well spent,” said Rehberg. “I look forward to continuing to help bring better access to these programs to all seven of Montana’s reservations.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the Montana Geriatric Education Center (MTGEC) a $358,246 grant for education and training.
“As the baby-boomer generation continues to get older, the need for trained professionals with expertise in age-related diseases will continue to grow,” said Rehberg, a member of House Appropriations Committee. “MTGEC has led the way in providing this service and training all over Montana. I’m glad to see HHS is recognizing the work they are doing.”

The MTGEC is run by a consortium of the University of Montana, Montana Tech, and the St. Vincent’s Northwest Research and Education Institute. The purpose of the MTGEC is to provide geriatric education and training for Montana health professionals, higher education faculty, and health profession students so that they might better meet the needs of the increasingly aged population of the state. The MTGEC provides education and training for seven health profession disciplines including nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, social work, medicine, physician assistants, and clinical psychology.

“We’re very pleased to be receiving these funds,” said Gayle Hudgins, Director of the MTGEC and Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the University of Montana. “This will allow us to continue providing education on the care of older individuals in the state of Montana.”

“By providing a good education to those in Montana’s rural areas we can create better services in our communities,” said Rehberg. “The MTGEC is working to do that.”

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WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, joined 114 members of Congress in reintroducing the “Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal Act.” The CLEAR Act, originally introduced by the late Charlie Norwood, would establish an efficient system to identify and remove violent criminal aliens from the U.S.
“I’ve always said an alien’s first act in this country shouldn’t be an illegal one,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “And we certainly shouldn’t stand by while they commit subsequent crimes. This bill would give local law enforcement and federal agencies the ability to swiftly arrest and deport violent criminal aliens. This will help keep Montana families safe.”

There are more than 400,000 fugitive aliens in the United States, and 85,000 or more have criminal records. The Charlie Norwood CLEAR Act of 2007, re-introduced by Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), provides several critical improvements to Federal law, including: 1) clear authority for local agencies to enforce immigration law; 2) improved information sharing so local agencies can practically enforce immigration law; 3) requirements for the Federal government to remove and deport criminal aliens; 4) increased Federal resources for local governments that choose to enforce the law; and 5) reduced Federal resources for local governments that provide sanctuary to violent criminal aliens.

“Those committing violent crimes in our communities should be our first priority when it comes to detaining and deporting illegal aliens,” said Rehberg. “Whether its Chinook or Chicago every community should have the ability to stop these criminals quickly.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today received the National Farmers Union Golden Triangle Award for his leadership on issues affecting family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
“Montana’s ag community deserves common-sense solutions to the problems they’re facing,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and a rancher. “I’ve enjoyed working with the Montana Farmers Union on issues important to our ag industry and applaud them on a job well done as representatives of Montana’s farmers and ranchers. I’m truly honored to receive this award.”

The Golden Triangle Awards have been presented annually since it was established in 1988. Recipients this year were chosen for their leadership on a variety of issues, not limited to but including; support for a farm bill that addresses the challenges and opportunities in rural America, implementing mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL), the promotion and production of fuels from the farm, protecting the nation’s food supply, and support for emergency weather-related disaster assistance.

“Farming and ranching is Montana’s largest industry,” said Rehberg. “And I’ll continue to be a strong advocate for agriculture and rural Montana.”

Rehberg was presented the award by the Montana Farmers Union during a meeting in his office.