Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, in a letter to Governor Brian Schweitzer, announced his strong opposition to legislation Schweitzer is pushing that would expand federal control over Montana’s water.

“Montanans shouldn’t have to fill out a bunch of federal forms for every single ditch, creek, and puddle on their property,” said Rehberg, a rancher and member of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee.  “Unfortunately for agriculture, outdoor recreation, private property owners, and our construction industry, the Clean Water Restoration Act equals one big bureaucratic mess.  This bill is bad for Montana and it’s disappointing to see Governor Schweitzer gave it his stamp of approval.”

Originally enacted in 1948, the Clean Water Act created federal standards for controlling and mitigating pollution on ‘navigable’ waters within the United States.  The Clean Water Restoration Act, introduced by Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN), would remove the word ‘navigable’ effectively making all Montana waters subject to federal control and regulation.

In a letter to Rehberg in June of 2007, Schweitzer announced his support of the legislation and asked Rehberg to become a cosponsor of the bill.  Later, during a July 2007 hearing before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Governor Schweitzer testified in support of the Clean Water Act stating “Passage of the Clean Water Authority Restoration Act is the best way to ensure that all of the water resources in Montana remain fully protected, reaffirm Congress’ original intent to eliminate pollution at its source, and restore clarity and certainty to the law we and most other states rely upon to limit water pollution.”

Today, Rehberg joined private property owners and several Montana agriculture, construction, and outdoor recreation organizations in opposition to the Schweitzer-backed bill.

“While you may not believe this is the intent of the Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007, the harsh reality is that these new regulations will result in extensive litigation and increased compliance costs for folks who make their living off the land,” Rehberg said in the letter to Schweitzer.  “That’s why I’m joining with the local organizations in saying to those of you who support the effort to federalize Montana’s water: ‘no, nope, no way, hell no’.”

To see a copy of Governor Schweitzer’s testimony and his letter to Rehberg, please click on the links below:

Letter:

http://www.house.gov/rehberg/files/SchweitzerLetter.pdf

Testimony:

http://www.house.gov/rehberg/files/SchweitzerTestimony.pdf

Below is Rehberg’s letter:

May 21, 2008

The Honorable Brian Schweitzer
Governor of the State of Montana
1301 East 6th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601

Dear Governor Schweitzer:

I am writing today to express my disappointment at your decision to support H.R. 2421, the Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007.  In Montana, we’re fond of saying “whiskey’s for drinking and water’s for fighting”.  Make no mistake about it, I strongly oppose this bill and there are a whole bunch of us here in Montana who are going to fight it every step of the way.

On July 17, 2007, you appeared before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and testified in favor of H.R. 2421, which would expand the federal government’s jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act to include all waters in the United States, including water in the state of Montana.  In your written testimony you stated:

“Passage of the Clean Water Authority Restoration Act is the best way to ensure that all of the water resources in Montana remain fully protected, reaffirm Congress’ original intent to eliminate pollution at its source, and restore clarity and certainty to the law we and most other states rely upon to limit water pollution.”

Additionally, in both your written and oral testimony, you encouraged Members of Congress to cosponsor and support this harmful legislation.  With your testimony, you essentially set out the welcome mat for bureaucrats to bring their reams of red-tape into Montana and federalize our water.  Governor, your support of this bill is just plain wrong for Montana.

The Clean Water Act is a comprehensive law that has resulted in significant improvements to our nation’s water quality and management practices.  However, expanding the definition of water from an already broad interpretation of “navigable” (the term currently used in the Clean Water Act) to the all-encompassing “waters of the United States” (which H.R. 2421 would do) will give greater control over Montana’s water to the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and will add uncertainty for private landowners and Montanans trying to make a living off the land.

Unfortunately for Montana, in your oral testimony before the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, you endorsed the idea of removing the term “navigable” from the Clean Water Act, stating:

“Let us talk about this bill.  To use as the barometer as to whether we are going to manage this water for clean water as to whether it is navigable or not is ludicrous.”

Later in your testimony, when asked by Congressman Gilchrest if you were opposed to taking the word “navigable” out of the Clean Water Act you were even more specific, responding:

“Actually, I think the term navigable, has no place in deciding a bill about clean water because it doesn’t define those places that are actually filtration systems.”

To be fair, it seems that in general you at least have some sense of the inherent problems associated with turning over management of our water to the federal government, because at one point in your testimony you stated:

“We don’t want to put the Federal Government in the position of managing our waterways all the way to the Rocky Mountains.”

Unfortunately, this legislation will do exactly that by allowing the long-arm of the federal government to reach out and take over the management of Montana’s water.  In fact, you need look no further than the definition of “water of the United States” found in section 4(3) of H.R. 2421:

“All waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, the territorial seas, and all interstate and intrastate water and their tributaries, including lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, natural ponds, and all impoundments of the foregoing, to the fullest extent that these waters, or activities affecting these waters, are subject to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution.”

The intent of this bill couldn’t be clearer: to give the federal government control over our water.  We Montanans take pride in our land management practices, and rightly so.  This legislation will only serve to create more paperwork, headaches and expense and will undermine the good environmental stewardship already taking place in our state.  Folks in the agriculture industry, and all private property owners, may be subject to additional federal permits under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, or under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, just for normal day-to-day operations.

While you may not believe this is the intent of the Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007, the harsh reality is that these new regulations will result in extensive litigation and increased compliance costs for folks who make their living off the land.  That’s why I’m joining with the Montana Stockgrowers Association, Citizens for Balanced Use, Montana Contractors Association, Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Montanans for Multiple Use, Treasure State Alliance, Montana Wood Products Association, Montana Agricultural Business Association, Montana Grain Growers Association, United Property Owners of Montana and Families for Outdoor Recreation in saying to those of you who support the effort to federalize Montana’s water: “no, nope, no way, hell no”.

Sincerely,

Denny Rehberg
Montana’s Congressman

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined House colleagues in supporting several pieces of legislation to increase and strengthen benefits for Montana’s veterans.

“Congress must honor the men and woman who’ve served our country by ensuring their needs are taken care of,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “Today, my House colleagues and I did just that by improving and expanding the services provided to our veterans.  These are key pieces of legislation and I was proud to support them.”

Earlier this month, Rehberg introduced legislation to ensure medical care is provided to victims of the 1960’s and 70’s biological and chemical weapons testing.  He also cosponsored a new G.I. bill to expand education benefits for our service men and women.

Today, Rehberg continued to fight for Montana’s veterans by helping his House colleagues pass several bills including:

·       The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008 which increases the rates of compensation for veterans with service-related disabilities and the indemnity compensation payments made to the survivors of certain disabled veterans. These rates are adjusted according to current cost-of-living estimates.
·       The Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2007 which directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide reimbursement to veterans for all emergency treatment received in a non-Veterans Affairs health facility. The reimbursement would be available until they are transferred to a Veterans Affairs facility.
·       The Justin Bailey Veterans Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008 which requires each Veterans Affairs medical center to provide a full range of substance abuse disorder care to veterans.
·       The Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2007 which would allow the Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs to purchase national advertising spots to promote the availability of VA benefits.

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WASHINGTON – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today issued the following statement regarding House Democrats’ troop funding bill:

“The bill on the House floor today is nothing more than election-year politics.  Unfortunately, House Democrats chose to put partisanship ahead of our troops, refusing to bring legislation forward that would provide the brave men and women serving our country abroad with the funding they need to succeed.  Instead, they chose to attach this funding to their leftist spending agenda that would be dead on arrival if it were ever to reach the President’s desk.

However, their efforts couldn’t even make it past the first step.  My colleagues and I successfully shot down their blatant political ploy and sent a strong, clear message that tax hikes and arm-chair quarterbacking tactics are not the way to win a war.  I strongly support funding our troops but I can’t support the irresponsible policies proposed by Pelosi and company.”

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WASHINGTON – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today led House colleagues in supporting legislation which requires the United States Treasury to mint a 1907 Augustus Saint-Gaudens palladium bullion coin.  Montana is the only source of palladium in the United States.

“Mining is an important part of the heritage of our state and the precious metal palladium is one mineral that makes our mining industry unique,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “This bill will create a new bullion coin, minted from a resource produced solely in our backyard.  The resulting increase in demand will provide a boost for Montana’s mining families and the local community and that’s a great move.”

The Rehberg-sponsored H.R. 5614 requires the reproduction of the Augustus Saint-Gaudens $20 coin which was minted in 1907.  It is widely considered one of the most beautiful U.S. coins ever minted.  Though the original coin was made of gold, the new coins would be made from palladium, a precious metal produced exclusively in two southern Montana mines operated by the Stillwater Mining Company. Production of the new coin would begin January 1, 2009.

“The legislation creating an Ultra-High Relief Saint-Gaudens palladium bullion coin is terribly exciting for the men and women of the Stillwater Mining Company of Montana who proudly produce palladium from the Beartooth Mountains immediately north of Yellowstone National Park,” said Frank McAllister, Chairman & CEO of the Stillwater Mining Company.  “I’d like to thank Congressman Rehberg for supporting this important bill.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today sponsored House legislation to reauthorize funding for Montana’s Amtrak service.

“Montana’s rural communities depend on rail service to transport products from one place to the next,” said Rehberg, Co-chair of the House Rail Caucus.  “It’s also an affordable and reliable way to travel.  It’s critical we lay the ground work now so we can provide funding for the Empire Builder for generations to come.”

The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act authorizes $14.4 billion for Amtrak programs for the next five years to maintain and upgrade the entire rail network and help to pay for salaries, healthcare, overtime, fuel costs, and facilities.

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.

“Many of my House colleagues don’t understand that you can’t just get on a bus to travel across northern Montana,” said Rehberg.  “Instead, we rely on Amtrak.  This bill will help ensure this essential service isn’t lost.”

In 2007, Rehberg and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) received the George Falcon Golden Spike Award presented by the National Association of Railroad Passengers, for their contributions to the advancement of passenger rail.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today issued the following statement in response to House passage of a House-Senate agreement on the Farm Bill:

“We did it. Today’s bill was the product of months of negotiations between the House and the Senate. Throughout the process, I fought side by side with Montana’s ag producers to secure legislation with a strong safety net for our state’s farmers and ranchers. I’m pleased to see that two of my provisions, Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling and language preventing the closure of Montana’s Farm Service Agency offices, were included in the final compromise. This afternoon, the House sent a strong, clear message that this bill should be signed into law.”

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Young Artists from Belt, Billings, Great Falls, Joliet, and Whitefish Receive Honors

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced that Zoe Yeager, from Conrad, has been selected as the grand prize winner of Montana’s Congressional Art Competition for 2008.  Rehberg will join Yeager and her mother, Paula Hudson, in a Capitol Hill ceremony in June where her artwork will be unveiled and displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel along with the artwork of winners from other congressional districts.  The Cannon Tunnel is a pedestrian walkway, leading to the United States Capitol building, frequented by Members of Congress, staff, and the general public.

“It makes me proud to showcase the talents of the people of my home state,” said Rehberg.  “I look forward to seeing Zoe’s picture on the walls of the Cannon Tunnel representing the people of Montana.”

Yeager is a senior at Conrad High School.  Her artwork was selected from among the entries submitted from all across Montana in the “Artistic Discovery” contest, a U.S. House of Representatives art competition which has been held annually since 1982.  Yeager’s acrylic painting is entitled “Grandpa Ray,” and is an artistic representation of a Montana farmer examining a head of wheat in a wheat field.

“This painting is in remembrance of and a tribute to my grandpa. I never really knew my grandpa that well because he died when I was eight years old.  I wish I would have been able to have more years with him,” said Yeager.  “I’m extremely excited to be selected as the winner of the art competition. It’s kind of intimidating that I’m going to represent the entire state of Montana with my artwork, but I hope that I represent Montana well.”

As the grand prize winner, Yeager will receive airfare and accommodations for her and a guest for the artwork’s unveiling ceremony in Washington D.C., in late June.  She’ll also receive a $1,000 art scholarship offer from the University of Montana and Montana State University.  Zoe is the daughter of Paula Hudson and George Yeager of Conrad.  Wayne Anderson is Yeager’s art teacher at Conrad High School.  Anderson is retiring from teaching after the school year.

In addition to the grand prize winner, Rehberg also recognized Ellyn Bumgarner, a senior at Belt High School, as the first place winner for her pencil drawing entitled “Bugling Elk.”  Bumgarner’s artwork will be featured in Rehberg’s Washington D.C. office.

Honorable mention winners will have their artwork displayed in Rehberg’s four Montana District Offices:

Ryan Huppert, a senior at Billings Central, acrylic painting “Sunrise in the Beartooths” displayed at Rehberg’s Billings District Office, 1201 Grand Avenue.  Huppert’s art teacher is Barbra Jo Petak

Ella Darham, a home-schooled senior from Helena, photography, “Vet Barn,” displayed at Rehberg’s Helena District Office, 950 North Montana Avenue.  Darham’s art teacher is her mother, Nan Darham

Tyler Murphy, a senior at Joliet High School, pastel drawing, “Sunshine on Guard,” displayed at Rehberg’s Great Falls District Office, 105 Smelter Avenue Northeast.  Murphy’s art teacher is Betsy Suckow.

Falina Lintner, a junior at Whitefish High School, oil painting, “Chief Mountain,” displayed at Rehberg’s Missoula District Office, 301 East Broadway.  Lintner’s art teacher is Lonnie Collinsworth

To view the winning submissions, and all of the 2008 Congressional Art Competition entries from Montana, visit Rehberg’s congressional web site, at http://www.house.gov/rehberg/art/

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today received the “A in English” award for preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States.

“The English language is a crucial cornerstone on which the United States is built,” said Rehberg.  “That’s why I’ve proudly fought for policies that recognize its importance.”

The “A in English” award, presented by U.S. English, Inc., was awarded to members who received “A” grades on the U.S. English, Inc. legislative scorecard for the 110th Congress. Legislation that factored into the decision included co-sponsorship of H.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act, as well as a series of Congressional votes on encouraging the usage of the English language in government and allowing employers the flexibility to enact English-in-the-Workplace policies.  Earlier this year, Rehberg sponsored legislation allowing employers to require employees to speak English while engaged in work activities.

“I am pleased to present this award to Rep. Rehberg for his efforts to unite our diverse nation under the common language of English,” said Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of the Board of U.S. English, Inc. “Rep. Rehberg has been a strong supporter of official English policies during his time in Congress. At a time when there is renewed interest toward preserving what unites us as a nation, we are grateful to Rep. Rehberg for his dedicated and enthusiastic support of this issue.”

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WASHINGTON,D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today issued the following statement on the new Farm Bill compromise:

“Throughout this entire process, I’ve worked with my colleagues to help keep the Farm Bill moving in the right direction.  At the same time, I’ve held numerous meetings with Montana’s farmers and ranchers to make sure their voices are heard here in Washington.  Today, after months of negotiations, it appears these efforts have finally paid off.  Over the next couple of days, I’ll be gathering feedback from Montana ag producers on whether or not this legislation meets their needs and is something they can support.  The process isn’t over but I’m encouraged by what I’ve seen so far.  It’s time we get the Farm Bill done, and we get it done right.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation a $1 million grant to provide clean drinking water to the tribal community.

“Clean water is the backbone of a healthy community,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee.   “This grant will provide a huge boost to the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre Tribes.”

The grant will be used to complete the distribution phase of a water treatment project designed to alleviate health risks in the drinking water for the Fort Belknap Indian Community.

“Today’s grant is not only about protecting the health of the community but also about spurring economic development in the area and, in turn, improving the quality of life,” said Rehberg.  “I applaud the USDA for recognizing the vital needs of the Fort Belknap Reservation.”

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