Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, is drafting legislation that would put a stop to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposal to close local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices.  Last year, Rehberg included similar language in a comprehensive spending bill.

“I’m not going to stand by and allow Montana’s FSA offices to be closed,” said Rehberg.  “These local offices are a great resource for ag producers who need a strong working relationship with the FSA employees. I managed to stop this proposal in last year’s bill and I’m going to see that it happens again in the coming months.”

In December 2006, the USDA announced it was considering closing several FSA offices in Montana, citing that it will be more efficient to consolidate office locations. In response, Rehberg sent several letters and included language in the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill that would have halted the proposal until the Farm Bill was enacted.

However, due to a delay in Farm Bill negotiations, Rehberg, this week, drafted a similar fix for inclusion in the annual Agriculture Appropriations bill for 2009. The Rehberg measure states that “none of the funds made available by this Act may be used to pay the salary or expense of any officer or employee of the Department of Agriculture to close or relocate any county or field office of the Farm Service Agency.”

“This language gets at the heart of the USDA’s proposal and stops it dead in its tracks,” said Rehberg.  “As the only member of the Montana delegation on the Appropriations Committee, I’m in a great position to get this thing done.”

# # #

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today contacted United States Forest Service (USFS) Chief Gail Kimbell asking her to extend the public comment period on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest management plan.

“Our nation’s publics lands are there for the enjoyment of everyone,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “Montanans should have a chance to provide meaningful input as to how our lands are managed.  Here in Montana, we like to make sure we’re being treated fairly before we shake hands on a deal.  This extension would give local residents time to do that. “

In his letter, Rehberg requested an additional 60-90 days to the existing comment period, which ends March 31st.

“While I understand this has been a lengthy process, it is imperative Montanans have ample time to properly respond to the 503-page plan that not only determines forest management but also decides areas of motorized and non-motorized recreation,” said Rehberg in the letter.  “Substantive changes have been made since the plan’s 2005 draft and Montanans deserve time to fully read through, understand and make comments on a plan that will be implemented on 3.3 million acres and be in effect for the next two decades.”

LETTER:

March 27, 2008

Ms. Gail Kimbell
Chief
U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20250

Dear Chief Kimbell,

As you know, in February, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest released its draft forest and travel management plan and final environmental impact statement.  I am writing to request an extension of the 45-day public comment period.

While I understand this has been a lengthy process, it is imperative Montanans have ample time to properly respond to the 503-page plan that not only determines forest management but also decides areas of motorized and non-motorized recreation.  Substantive changes have been made since the plan’s 2005 draft and Montanans deserve time to fully read through, understand and make comments on a plan that will be implemented on 3.3 million acres and be in effect for the next two decades.

I ask you to seriously consider extending the public comment period an additional 60 to 90 days and provide me an immediate response knowing that the comment period ends this month.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Please contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Sincerely,

Denny Rehberg
Member of Congress

Cc:  Tom Tidwell, Regional Forester
Bruce Ramsey, Beaverhead-Deerlodge Forest Supervisor

# # #

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today issued the following statement in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) release of the final rule on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI):

“Over the past year, I’ve been working to get DHS to delay implementation of WHTI until we were positive Montanans, traveling across the border, wouldn’t be affected.  Today, they responded to my demands.  The final rule delays implementation until June 2009 and gives us time to ensure we have a reliable, cost effective means of allowing Montana residents to seamlessly travel out of the country while bolstering national security at the same time. I’ll continue to hold the Administration’s feet to the fire until we can find the right balance between maximizing defense and minimizing inconvenience. ”

WHTI will require all U.S. citizens to have a passport or other approved document when traveling to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

# # #

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, the University of Montana and Montana State University today announced an agreement to offer a $1,000 art scholarship to the Montana winner of the 2008 Congressional Art Competition, an annual high school art competition where winners from each U.S. Congressional district have their artwork displayed in Washington, D.C.

“The Congressional Art Competition is a wonderful way for Montana’s young artists to be recognized for their talents,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “I’m pleased the art departments from two of Montana’s major institutions recognize this as an opportunity to reward an aspiring Montana artist with a college scholarship.”

The annual competition began in 1982 to showcase the artistic talents of the nation’s students.  A grand prize winner and runner-up entry will be selected from among the Montana submissions.  The winner’s artwork will be on display for one year in the Cannon Tunnel, a pedestrian walkway leading to the United States Capitol.  The walkway is frequented by Members of Congress, staff, and the general public as they enter the Capitol Building. The first runner-up’s entry will be displayed for the public in Rehberg’s Washington, D.C. office.

The School of Fine Arts at the University of Montana, and the Montana State University School of Art have each offered a $1,000 art scholarship to the Montana winner of the 2008 competition.  The scholarship offer is good for the 2008-2009 academic school year, and the winner must be enrolled as an art major at the respective institution.  Each congressional district winner is also eligible for other scholarship offers through various institutions.

“As an educator, I feel that this contest highlights creative, community-spirited young people in a very powerful way,” said Susan Dolan an art teacher at Billings West High School.  Dolan’s student, Tori Wardrip won the contest in 2004.  “She was elated when she won.  Seeing her work hanging in the Capitol building was such an honor and it became a pivotal event in her young life.”  Wardrip is currently a sophomore studying as an Art Education major at MSU-Bozeman.

The grand prize winner and a guardian will receive complimentary airfare to attend the artwork’s unveiling ceremony in Washington, D.C., in June.  Entry submissions are due by Tuesday, April 15.  For more information and a student entry form, visit the Art Competition section of Rehberg’s congressional web site, (http://www.house.gov/rehberg/art), or contact Sheila Rath in Rehberg’s Billings District Office, 1-888-232-2626.

Entries are accepted in seven different categories: paintings, drawings, collage, prints, mixed media, computer generated art, and photography.  The artwork is judged locally on originality, creativity, visual impact, expression of idea or theme, and use of technique in medium.

# # #

Washington D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today predicted gun owners across the country would be victorious in overturning the D.C. gun ban which was debated yesterday by the U.S. Supreme Court.  In the case of the District of Columbia v. Heller several D.C. residents have challenged the District’s laws that essentially prohibit armed self-defense in the home.

“This week, the shadow of the Supreme Court stretches all the way to Montana,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the House Second Amendment Caucus.  “The ruling of the Court on the D.C. gun ban will affect the ability of Montanans to own firearms for generations to come.  Thankfully, the evidence is abundantly clear.  The Bill of Rights clearly protects an individual’s right to keep and bear arms and the D.C. ban just doesn’t pass constitutional muster.  It’s time we restore this fundamental right to gun owners across America.”

During listening sessions in Roundup and Winnett, Rehberg emphasized the implications the case had on Montana gun owners. Earlier this year, Rehberg signed onto several amicus briefs to the Supreme Court opposing the gun ban.  Rehberg is also a sponsor of legislation to repeal the gun ban.

“The letters of support I get from Montanans on behalf of an individual right to keep and bear arms have been overwhelming,” said Rehberg.  “We’ve sent every message possible to let the Supreme Court know how we feel.  Firearms are a part of America’s heritage; it’s time to defend that heritage starting in Washington at the U.S. Supreme Court.”

# # #

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, citing a recent study regarding new effects of asbestos exposure in Libby, Montana, today called for a renewed “sense of urgency” from the Environmental Protection Agency on the cleanup.

“Unfortunately, the news is only getting worse for Libby residents,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “Researchers are finding that even the slightest amount of asbestos exposure can be a real factor in a person’s health.  It’s time we put an end to this tragedy and ensure it doesn’t hit the next generation.”

In a 25-year follow up study of workers at a plant which used Libby vermiculite in 1980, chest X-rays revealed that 20 percent of workers who experienced even low cumulative exposure to asbestos fibers had changes in the lining around their lungs.  Experts say these changes may result in an increased risk of lung disease.  The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Cincinnati.

“Not only has the vermiculite mine had devastating impacts on those who worked there but we’re beginning to see increasing long-term effects on the health of those in the local area and anyone who may have had exposure to products from the mine,” said Rehberg.  “It’s time to stop the foot dragging, the ho-humming, and the bureaucratic nonsense.  We need to find a real solution to the problem starting right here, in Lincoln County.”

# # #

Supports Responsible Republican Alternative

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today supported a House Republican amendment to the annual Budget, sponsored by Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI), which would remove tax increases on Montana families and small businesses included in the current Democrat proposal.  The House Democrat budget includes a $2,625 tax hike for the average Montanan.

“Congress shouldn’t be raising taxes on hard-working Montanans and using the money for more government spending,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “House Republicans have introduced an alternative that will allow us to pay for important federal priorities without raising taxes.”

Side by side comparison listed below:

# # #

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today criticized the House Democrat budget for being fiscally irresponsible and increasing taxes on Montana families.

“It appears there is no end to how many hard-earned tax dollars House Democrats are willing to spend,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “More taxes and increased federal spending is not the answer for a weakening economy.  This budget aims right at the heart of Montana communities by taxing small business owners, seniors, and single mothers, while spending tax dollars on things like Hillary Clinton’s ‘Woodstock’ Museum.”

The House Democrat budget includes a $683-billion tax hike overall, the largest in our nation’s history, and a $2,625 tax hike for the average Montanan.  Additionally, the budget could potentially lead to a loss of 3,114 Montana jobs.

“Earlier this year, we managed to provide an economic stimulus and put more money in the pockets of taxpayers,” said Rehberg.  “Now, Nancy Pelosi and company want to take it back.  What’s good policy in February somehow isn’t good policy in March?”

How the House Democrat budget will affect taxpayers:

·       A family of four earning $50,000 will see their taxes increase by $2,100.
·       Approximately 48 million married couples will face an average tax increase of $3,000 per year.
·       Low-income families with one or two children will no longer be eligible for the refundable child tax credit in 2011.
·       Roughly 12 million single women with children will see their taxes increase by $1,100 per year.
·       About 18 million seniors will be subjected to tax increases of more than $2,100 per year.
·       Tax bills for an estimated 27 million small-business owners will increase by more than $4,000 each.

# # #

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced today the U.S. Department of Commerce has cleared the way for $289,867 in grants to fund economic development projects across Montana.  Four projects across Montana will receive these grants.

“As local economies continue to grow throughout Montana, it’s important to improve services offered in the communities,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “Economic development grants are essential to bolstering economic development in Montana.

These grants support development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS).  The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.

Montana grants include:

·       $154,200 for Kootenai Business Park Industrial District in Libby

·       $47,667 for the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation

·       $44,000 for the Blackfoot Tribal Business Council in Browning

·       $44,000 for the Crow Tribe

# # #

Quick pop quiz.  In order to help America achieve energy independence, should Congress: A) promote renewable energy sources, B) encourage energy conservation, C) develop America’s domestic fossil fuel resources, D) provide grants and loans to develop new technology, or E) all of the above.

This is exactly the same question I was faced with last month.   My guess is that most of you chose “E” and agree that all options should be on the table in order for us to end our dependence on foreign oil.  That’s my choice too.

In late February, the House passed legislation to extend the renewable energy production tax credit.  I voted against the bill.  This credit provides a tax break for wind, solar, and other alternative energy sources as well as for energy conservation.  Sounds good, right?  Well, not when these credits were paid for by increased taxes on Montana’s energy production and would result in higher prices at the gas pump.

In 2005, when I helped craft the Energy Policy Act, we provided incentives, as well as other tools, to ensure increased development of energy through coal, oil, gas, cellulosic ethanol, wind, and other sources, while at the same time promoting conservation and the development of new technologies.  This was a strong framework for future energy proposals and we should continue to give it time to work as these are all critical parts of the answer “E” approach.

However, the House Democrat bill removed one of the cornerstones of this comprehensive energy plan by increasing taxes on domestic fossil fuels development.  These resources, such as coal, oil, and gas, are critical in the near future as they are the most abundant and ready-to-use energy option available. By taxing this important source of energy, we’re preventing Montana energy producers from putting the necessary technology in place to use this resource to fuel our pickups and tractors.

I fully support providing incentives for wind energy and I fully support the renewable energy production tax credit. In Montana, we have the opportunity to play a key role in future energy development through alternatives such as wind, cellulosic ethanol, and biomass.  These tax credits and other incentives are crucial for alternative energy development.

I’m also a member of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus and a cosponsor of 25 x ’25 which means that by the year 2025, America’s agricultural, forestry, and working lands will provide 25% of the total energy consumed in the U.S. from renewable sources.

Again, if we’re going to solve our energy problems and create a secure energy future then all options must be on the table. It’s time we all set our sights on building the “E” answer.

# # #