Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, this week signed onto legislation opposing new proposed fees on the radio industry. Owners and industry experts across the country have said the fees could potentially force many small market radio stations out of business.
“Montana’s rural communities rely heavily on the information and entertainment that local radio stations provide,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Whether it’s news, weather, or local announcements, these stations provide an important service that’s hard to replace.”

Introduced by Rep. Mike Conway (R-TX), and Rep. Gene Green (D-TX), the Local Radio Freedom Act, (H. Con. Res. 244) declares congressional opposition to performance fees charged by record companies on radio stations. A coalition of recording industry and performers’ associations is lobbying congressional members to introduce legislation to do away with broadcast royalty exemptions for small commercial stations, noncommercial stations, and college stations.

“The record companies are attempting to put another layer of financial burden on local radio which is already paying to play and promote recording artists at no charge,” said Greg MacDonald, President and CEO of the Montana Broadcasters Association. “We strongly oppose these new taxes, and greatly appreciate Denny backing this measure.”

The resolution acknowledges the many public contributions of local radio stations and states that radio provides free promotion of artists and performers through air-play, creating the most prolific broadcasting, music, and sound recording industry in the world. It also recognizes the affect the new performance fee would have on America’s small radio markets.

“Local radio is a critical public communication tool especially in states like Montana,” said Rehberg. “It’s essential we ensure we aren’t putting this service in jeopardy.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today introduced legislation to establish a Joint Select Committee on Earmark Reform.
“The people of Montana have a right to demand value for their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Though earmarks are an important part of the federal system, when this privilege is abused, American taxpayers are the ones who pay. This bill would create a bipartisan committee, consisting of both House and Senate members, which would be charged with developing a common sense proposal on reforming the earmark process. This is a great first step towards responsible spending.”

The Committee on Earmark Reform would be composed of 16 members, evenly split between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, Republicans and Democrats. The study will cover earmarking practices in the House, the Senate and the Executive Branch including those in authorizing, appropriation, and tax measures. Findings would be reported back to the House and Senate within six months and while the report is being conducted, no earmarks would be considered by either body.

“We need to put a stop to the poor practices taking place in the earmarking process until we can get the problem fixed,” said Rehberg. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring this proposal to the floor.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined House colleagues in approving critical legislation which would reauthorize funding for Head Start. There are currently 24 Head Start agencies in Montana.
“We cannot allow economic status to affect a child’s ability to learn and achieve,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Head Start is a terrific program that provides a leg up for children and has tremendous support within local communities. Today’s bill will ensure the program can continue to educate Montana’s kids in the future.”

Head Start has provided comprehensive early childhood development services to low-income children since 1965. Services provided to preschool-aged children include child development, educational, health, nutritional, social and other activities, intended to prepare low-income children for entering kindergarten. The program is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Today, the House passed the Head Start for School Readiness Conference Report which was a House-Senate compromise version of legislation passed earlier this year. The bill authorizes funding for the Head Start program for five years.

“As a parent, I realize the importance of ensuring our kids are properly prepared for an early education,” said Rehberg. “Head Start provides kids with the necessary tools to succeed in school.”

Montana’s Head Start agencies received more than $20 million in funding in 2007 and serves more than 2,000 students.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today contacted National Park Service Director Mary Bomar encouraging her to support snowmobile access in Yellowstone National Park.
“Every year I have to explain to my urban colleagues the importance of snowmobiling to the Yellowstone community,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Snowmobiling plays a critical role in the local economy and provides access to public lands for thousands who wouldn’t otherwise have it. Today, I urged Director Bomar to continue to support an industry that’s important to Montana and a recreational opportunity that’s important to all Americans.”

The letter was cosigned by members of the Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho congressional delegations.

“While we are obligated to preserve these parks for future generations, we feel there is also an obligation to the current generation to allow access to these public lands,” said Rehberg and cosigners in the letter. “We believe that reasonably managed snowmobile use, which allows the public to enjoy some of our nation’s most valued possessions, can be consistent with the goals of conservation and preservation.”

Letter:

The Honorable Mary Bomar

Director

National Park Service

1849 C Street NW

Washington, D.C. 20240

Dear Director Bormar:

We are writing to convey our concern for the continued public winter access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.

As residents of the intermountain west we share a love of the outdoors and the beautiful lands our region offers. As such, the preservation of our national parks is something we are deeply concerned about. We recognize that these parks require skillful and careful management to ensure that future generations will experience these national treasures.

While we are obligated to preserve these parks for future generations, we feel there is also an obligation to the current generation to allow access to these public lands. We believe that reasonably managed snowmobile use, which allows the public to enjoy some of our nation’s most valued possessions, can be consistent with the goals of conservation and preservation. Therefore, we strongly encourage the Park Service to maintain a significant level of oversnow access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.

We fully recognize this is a complex issue. We appreciate the efforts of the Park Service thus far, and look forward to working with you on this important matter.

Sincerely,

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined House colleagues in approving several pieces of legislation to help protect Montana’s kids from online sexual predators. Rehberg was a sponsor of both bills.
“Sexual predators threaten kids all over the country and we must use every available means to stop them,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Increased access to the internet in homes and schools has made it difficult for parents to always know who their child is talking to online. It’s essential we create new ways of educating our kids about online predators as well as properly monitor these criminals once they’ve been caught. Today’s action will do just that.”

The Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators (KIDS) Act of 2007 would require the Department of Justice to collect the e-mail addresses and instant message profiles of registered sex offenders and to make that information available to social networking sites like My Space and Facebook. The legislation would also make it a crime for anyone over the age of 18 to misrepresent their age intending to use the Internet to engage in criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

Another bill would direct the Attorney General to provide grants for the education of parents, children, educators, and communities regarding the recognition and prevention of potential Internet dangers.

“New developments in internet technology have unfortunately created new avenues for sexual predators to target our kids,” said Rehberg. “This legislation will give families and law enforcement new tools to protect children and will help put sexual predators in jail where they belong.”

There are currently 1,597 sex offenders registered in Montana

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined House colleagues in approving critical funding for several Montana-based defense projects.
“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, we’re providing the necessary tools to test and implement the latest technological advancements. These funds will give a huge boost to these projects.”

The Department of Defense Conference Report provides $459 billion for the Department of Defense, $39.7 billion above 2007. This includes more than $24 million for programs in Montana.

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

Funding for Montana includes:

Missoula:

· $1 million for a Critical Languages and Cultures Program at the University of Montana. The program will focus on education in Arabic, Persian and Chinese.

· $800,000 for military hearing loss therapy through the University of Montana.

· $1.6 million for American Eagle Instruments to develop high-tech prosthetics for troops.

· $2.4 million for Arcomac Surface Engineering to develop advanced ceramic-coated helicopter blades.

Great Falls:

· $800,000 to fund cyber security attack & defense exercises at Malmstrom Air Force Base.

Browning:

· $1.6 million for the Blackfeet Nation Tribal Business to develop lightweight, low-cost materials for missile defense equipment.

Bozeman:

· $1.5 million for Montana State University’s MilTech Extension Program. The program works to adapt new technology from small businesses in Montana for military use.

· $960,000 for AdvR Inc. The funds will be used to develop new optical research for securing military communications.

· $2.5 million for Advanced Acoustic Concepts (AAC) who, in conjunction with Montana State University (MSU), is working to tie telecommunications efforts they’ve developed with tactical shipboard sonar systems to develop a Distributed Multi-Platform Sensor Support System.

Butte:

· $2 million for Montana Tech to develop high-tech fuel cells for the U.S. Navy.

· $4 million for MSE Technology Applications for its Mariah Hypersonic Wind Tunnel Development Program. The program will help the military develop new combat technology.

· $2.4 million for MSE Technology Applications. The funds will be used to design and build a system to safely destroy obsolete and hazardous munitions.

· $1.6 for Synesis 7 to help complete the “F/A-18 A-D Series Tech Manual Conversion” and related support tasks for the NAVAIR F/A-18 program.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined House colleagues in approving critical legislation which will bolster free trade with Peru for Montana’s farmers and ranchers.
“Montana’s ag products are the best in the world,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “By securing free trade with Peru, we’re greatly expanding the opportunities for these products to be marketed abroad. Today’s legislation is a huge boost for ag producers across the country.”

The U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) will level the playing field for U.S. exports to Peru. For example, currently, U.S. exporters of wheat and white corn pay a 17% tariff in Peru. In comparison, Argentina only pays 3.4%. The PTPA will eliminate the 17% tariff. Overall, more than two-thirds of U.S. farm exports would immediately become duty-free under the agreement, including high-quality beef, cotton, wheat, soybeans, apples, peaches, and some processed foods. Nearly 30,000 Montanans work in ag-related jobs.

“Free trade is a critical part of American business,” said Rehberg. “However, we must ensure this trade is fair. This agreement provides a leg up for Montana’s ag producers.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, this week joined House colleagues in approving critical legislation which authorizes tax relief for Montana’s armed service members, volunteer firefighters, and veterans.
“Those who’ve bravely volunteered for our country deserve the best possible services here at home,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “It’s essential we’re creating new opportunities for them to save money for the future as well as ensuring their families will be taken care of after they’re gone. This bill provides critical tax benefits for America’s service members.”

The Heroes Earning and Relief Tax Act, sponsored by Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY), provide earnings assistance and tax relief to members of the uniformed services, volunteer firefighters, and veterans. Some notable examples include, permitting recipients of military death benefit payments to contribute those payments to a Roth IRA or an education savings account and relieving volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders from having to claim state tax rebates as federal income. These provisions reduce the tax burden on military, veterans and volunteer firefighters in recognition of their service.

“Whether it’s serving overseas in Iraq or fighting fires in Montana, volunteers are a crucial part of our nation’s security,” said Rehberg. “As Montana’s Congressman, I’m working hard to implement policies honor the service these individuals provide.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today released the following statement in response to the vote to override the President’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA):
“Today, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly supported the WRDA bill by overriding the President’s veto. WRDA authorizes funding for many projects critical to Montana’s natural resources. The President’s veto was shortsighted and I proudly joined my colleagues in voting in favor of this important legislation.”

Montana projects authorized by WRDA include:

· St. Mary’s Diversion and Conveyance Works Authorization - Authorizes $153 million for necessary environmental studies, an emergency response plan, technical, planning and design assistance, and rehabilitation and construction of the St. Mary Diversion and Conveyance Works in consultation with the Fort Belknap and Blackfeet tribes.

· Intake Diversion Dam and Fish Passage - Authorizes the Bureau of Reclamation to work with the Corps of Engineers to plan and construct a fish passage at Intake Diversion Dam on the Yellowstone River. This project will open up 238 miles of critical habitat for the pallid sturgeon in the Upper Missouri River Basin.

· Yellowstone River Restoration - Authorizes $30 million for restoration projects along the Yellowstone River to benefit the ecosystem and recreational opportunities.

· Clark Fork River Revitalization - Authorizes $5 million to carry out ecosystem restoration, flood damage reduction, and recreation components of the Clark Fork River Revitalization Project in Missoula, Montana.

· Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee - Establishes the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee to assist the Secretary of Interior in conducting studies of the Missouri River and tributaries and determining actions required to mitigate losses of aquatic habitat, recover federally listed endangered species, and restore the ecosystem.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined House colleagues in approving critical legislation which extends the essential air service (EAS) subsidy program through 2008.
“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. This bill will ensure their service can continue in the future.”

The House has yet to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill which includes funding eligibility requirements for EAS airports. Today’s legislation, sponsored by Senator John Thune (R-SD), would extend the previous requirements through 2008 ensuring these airports continue to be funded until a new bill is passed.

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.

“It’s critical we pass the FAA bill as soon as possible,” said Rehberg. “However, this legislation ensures Montana’s EAS airports will stay open for business.”

Earlier this year, 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.