Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has been honored by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) which named him a “Guardian of Small Business.”  The award was given for Rehberg’s leadership in job creation and pro small business policies during the 110^th Congress.  This is the fourth consecutive Congress that Rehberg has been recognized as a strong small business advocate.

            “Montana’s small businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “Montana’s businesses prosper with a low tax burden and fair trade and regulatory policies.  I will keep fighting in Congress to put the federal government on the side of small businesses around the country.”

            The NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association.  The Guardian of Small Business awards was given based on the voting record of congressional members on important small business votes taken in the House of Representatives during 2007 and 2008.  The issues identified by the NFIB include tax relief, frivolous lawsuit protection, and regulatory reform.

            NFIB President and CEO Todd Stottlemyer praised Rehberg for standing for small business.   “The record shows that Representative Rehberg is a true champion of small business, having stood strong on the key small business votes in the 110th Congress,” said Stottlemyer. “This award reflects our members’ appreciation for supporting the NFIB pro-growth agenda for small business.”

          For more information and a complete list of the key votes supported by the NFIB, go to http://www.nfib.com/object/howcongressvoted110.html.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today issued the following statement regarding the alternative Wall Street rescue package being proposed by House Republicans.

           “While the President and House Democrats were busy drafting a taxpayer funded bailout of Wall Street, my Republican colleagues and I were becoming increasingly concerned that Wall Street had a champion, but American taxpayers did not.  I’ve been fielding calls, emails, faxes and letters from thousands of Montanans and their message was delivered loud and clear – taxpayers do not want to foot the President’s $700 billion bailout bill. 

           In response, I have been working with my colleagues in the House to ensure that we act carefully and deliberately in order to bring some common-sense to the bargaining table.  While the President and House Democrats are moving forward with a deal that most Americans believe is flawed, I am advocating for the taxpayer.  The protection of the taxpayer is worth the annoyance of those that would rush the process through to a disastrous end.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today issued the following statement in response to the Tax Extenders Package that was passed in the House.  Rehberg, voted against the bill which didn’t include crucial county funding for the Secure Rural Schools and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) programs.

           “It’s absolutely unacceptable for the House, with 435 voting members representing a huge variety of districts, to pass legislation tailored to only a few big city districts.  Speaker Nancy Pelosi has refused to listen to any input from rural districts in both parties by stripping provisions for Secure Rural Schools and Payment in Lieu of Taxes from the Senate Bill before letting the House vote.  This is an insult to Montana’s communities that relied on the promise they were made by the government almost a decade ago.  As long as House Leadership says ‘no’ to rural America, rural America will vote ‘no’.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced the Amtrak Reauthorization bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives. 

          “Montanans, especially along the Hi-Line, rely on Amtrak service,” said Rehberg a member of the House Appropriations Committee and a recipient of the National Association of Railroad Passengers’ Golden Spike Award.  “With this important action, we are on track for improved passenger train service throughout the state.”

          The bill, which was sent back to the Senate for approval, includes several important provisions.  Particularly important to Montana, the bill includes a study of the North Coast Hiawatha Route between Chicago and Seattle, through southern Montana, which was operated by Amtrak until 1979.  The study will determine the feasibility of reinstating passenger rail service along the route or along segments of the route, provided that such service will not negatively impact existing Amtrak routes. 

          The bill authorizes $8.264 billion – or about $1.6 billion a year - in funding for capital and operating grants for Amtrak over a 5 year period.  This will allow Amtrak to buy new trains, rehabilitate existing bridges, make capital improvements on its entire network, and maintain the commitment to support and improve long distance train travel. 

          Amtrak’s Empire Builder serves as many as 150,000 Montanans annually. Additionally, the Empire Builder contributes nearly $14 million annually in economic benefits to Montana and accounts for approximately $3 million in wages for Amtrak employees living in Montana.  In 2007, ridership on the Empire Builder increased by 1.6% to 504,977, continuing its run as the most popular Amtrak long-distance train for the fourth consecutive year.

          “Montana’s a huge state, and with gas prices the way they are folks are looking for travel alternatives.  Anything that can help keep travel costs down and give people options is good for Montana.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced the inclusion of $31,633,000 for Montana in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding in the House-passed Continuing Resolution.  This is an increase of more than $17 million from last year. LIHEAP is the Federal government’s primary means of helping low-income households pay home energy bills and prevent utility shut-offs.

          “With energy costs expected to reach record highs this winter, it’s now more important than ever to help Montanans in need,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “In Montana, keeping warm in the winter isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.  With winter right around the corner, this LIHEAP funding is critical.”

          The Energy Information Administration forecasts that households using home heating oil will pay an average of $2,524 this winter, nearly triple the amount in 2004.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced today the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded Montana more than $2.1 million to assist homeless veterans in the state.  The money will help fund two new 20-bed homeless centers in Montana and three new vehicles. 

            “We owe our vets a tremendous debt of gratitude and that means making sure they have good, safe housing,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “It’s vital the federal government uphold its promises to our veterans and work with the local communities to combat the problem of homelessness.”

            Volunteers of America of Wyoming and Montana, headquartered in Sheridan, Wyoming, will receive $1,320,540 for a new building in Billings, and to purchase a van to transport veterans for supportive services like healthcare appointments.  The Crow Tribe will receive $765,390 for a new building and for the purchase of a van.  The Missoula Housing Authority will receive $14,745 for the purchase of a new multi-passenger vehicle for veterans.

            “We’re thankful for Congressman Rehberg’s support and very excited to be able to move the project forward,” said Heath Steel, Vice President of the Volunteers of America of Wyoming and Montana.  “There is a strong need for veteran transitional and residential living services and this funding will help make a tremendous impact for our homeless veterans.”

            The Billings facility will be located along Lake Elmo Road, and will cost approximately $2.5 million when finished.  Steel hopes it will be completed in 12-14 months.  The organization also secured $636,637 for a new 10-bed facility in Sheridan, Wyoming.  Montana and Wyoming boast among the highest percentage of veterans per capita in the nation.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, issued the following statement praising the end of the Congressional Moratorium on oil exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf.  In July, the Bush Administration ended the executive ban on off-shore drilling leaving only the Congressional Moratorium between Americans and more domestic energy to lower gas prices.  This moratorium required annual Congressional extensions – and such an extension was not included in the recently-passed Continuing Resolution.

“Montanans have been demanding action to bring down the cost of energy, but in this case it was inaction that was needed.  The failure to extend the unpopular Congressional Moratorium on off-shore drilling means that Americans finally have access to our own energy off the coasts.  This allows us to reduce dependence on foreign oil, increase energy supplies and reduce the price at the pump.  This is what my colleagues and I were demanding in August when we asked House Leaders to come back from vacation to vote on the American Energy Act – and our efforts made a difference.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced $7.2 Million for Montana projects.  Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee secured these funds in the Department of Defense Appropriations bill for FY 2009 which was passed as a part of the Continuing Resolution package.

“Montanans pull more than our fair share when it comes to the cutting-edge technology that drives the economy of the future,” said Rehberg.  “Defense spending has always been a nest for technological innovation and I work hard to ensure that the innovative spirit of Montana receives appropriate federal support.  Defense projects are vital to the security of the nation, and Montanans can be proud of their participation.”

The following Montana projects are also funded:

Watchkeeper                                                                      $800,000

Butte, Pablo, Belgrade

The Watchkeeper will be capable of continuous monitoring for up to six months, making it the first unattended ground sensor system flexible enough to withstand diverse mission needs from combat missions to border control.  The Watchkeeper project is bringing high technology jobs to the State of Montana in the form of software development, mechanical design, electronics assembly/test and sensor data collection and evaluation.

“We commend Representative Rehberg for his efforts to focus federal funding on development of a technology that will address the vulnerabilities along the northern border, the largest open border in the world,” said Brad Bean, President, Turn Key Operations Inc., Belgrade, MT.  TKO’s Montana software engineers are currently providing development services for the project.  “Montana maintains a 562 mile border with Canada, along with 42 ports of entry. The Watchkeeper technology will play a critical role in ensuring the security of that border.”

Mariah II                                                                                $3.2 million

Butte

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).

The Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad                         $1.6 million

Helena

The Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad was created to plan for and treat the infantry rifle squad as a “system” – much as other complex systems including tanks and aircraft.  FY09 funding will allow for the incorporation of a Virtual Reality (VR) environment to allow up to four individuals, Squad Leaders, Fire team Leaders, or a platoon structure to “fight the fight, in the lab, to test equipment and concepts without having to leave the building.   The VR systems will also help determine the “best” way to conduct individual and unit level training to maximize the combat effectiveness of the Marine.

Surface Training Services Infrastructure                                $1.6 million

Bozeman

This project implements and builds on the previous technology significantly improving sailor records’ management and shore based response time.  It enables Performance Based Logistics and reduces total infrastructure costs.  Funds will provide multiple high paying engineering and software development jobs in Bozeman, Montana.

“The funding secured by Congressman Rehberg expands the technical relationship between Montana State University and industry,” said Bob Testut, General Manager for Montana Operations at ACC.  “The proposed project is a joint effort that enhances the U.S. Navy’s training capabilities and improves the military personnel’s quality of life.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today issued the following statement about the House approval of the Billings Courthouse GSA Proposal by the House Transportation Committee by a unanimous voice vote.  This approval is the final action required in the House.

“I spent a lot of time working hard with Republicans and Democrats on the House Transportation Committee so we could get this project approved quickly.  I look forward to the construction of a new Courthouse in Billings to serve the people of Montana.”

In April, Rehberg sent a letter to the Transportation Committee requesting rapid action on this issue:

April 30, 2008

The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chairwoman

The Honorable Sam Graves, Ranking Member

Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

U.S. House of Representatives

2165 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairwoman Norton and Ranking Member Graves:

I am writing to request the Committee’s approval of the Courthouse Lease Prospectus for the Federal District Nine Courthouse in Billings, Montana.

This project requires prompt attention as a result of serious safety concerns.  As you may know, the Battin Building which currently serves as the courthouse location has become extremely deficient in its ability to serve its function.  In June, 2006, the chief judge of the District of Montana and the Ninth Circuit Judicial Council requested that the facility in Billings be designated as a judicial space emergency due to unsafe levels of asbestos within the building.  Specifically, the building contains friable asbestos above the ceiling – an area that also serves as the return air plenum for the building.  This condition has resulted in multiple emergency evacuations over the last couple of years and has prevented all but the most essential maintenance and repair work from moving forward.

In response to these concerns, General Services Administration has recommended the ultimate disposal of the current building replacing it with the acquisition of a new courthouse on a leased basis.  Over a 30-year period, it is estimated that this approach would save approximately $24 million – when compared to a previously considered “three tiered strategy” which would involve temporary relocation, renovation of the old building and return to the renovated building.

I look forward to working with you to find a rapid solution to the problems facing the courthouse in Billings, Montana.

Sincerely,

Denny Rehberg

Member of Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, last week sent a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) requesting a one-year extension of the Secure Rural Schools program in the Continuing Resolution expected to be voted on this week in the House.  This program provides federal funding to counties for local schools and transportation projects throughout Montana.

“It’s essential that Congressional leaders do not lose sight the unique needs of Montana’s rural communities,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “I’m working with colleagues from rural districts in both parties to ensure that Montana and other rural states are not overlooked.  This isn’t a partisan issue.  This is about providing the best education for all our children.”

The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, signed into law in 2000, provides an alternative source of funding to counties that were once dependent on timber sales from federal lands. At the time the law was passed, it was estimated to provide assistance to 700 counties in 39 states.

“We’ve been working on this for three years now,” said Harold Blattie, the Executive Director of the Montana Association of Counties.  “This is a real problem with a direct impact for Montana.  I have heard about more budget difficulties this year than ever before.  If the counties that receive this money can’t anticipate the funding they are forced to lay people off – it’s costing Montana jobs.  This especially impacts rural communities. I want to express my great gratitude to Congressman Rehberg for his understanding and his willingness to step up and fight for our counties.”

Letter Text:

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi

Speaker of the House

H-232 Capitol

Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Steny Hoyer

House Democrat Majority Leader

H-107 Capitol

Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable David Obey

Chairman, House Appropriations Committee

2314 Rayburn House Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C.  20515

Dear Madam Speaker, Majority Leader Hoyer, and Chairman Obey:

We write to you today to ask for your support for inclusion of a one-year extension of the Secure Rural Schools program (county payments program) in any upcoming Continuing Resolution (CR) that can be signed into law.  A year ago, Congress authorized, and the President supported, a short term extension of the Secure Rural Schools legislation in the emergency supplemental appropriations bill.  Please know that this not a partisan issue and should never be treated as such.  Too much is at stake in our rural counties, and we come to you in bipartisan spirit hoping you will help as you graciously have in the past. 

The Secure Rural Schools program aids over 600 rural counties and 4,400 school districts in 42 states.  Most of these counties have fiscal years that begin in July.  The expiration and loss of federal Secure Rural Schools funds has resulted in layoffs of critical county personnel and the cessation of a number of county services.  These counties have closed libraries, curtailed sheriff’s patrols, released prisoners from jails, ceased search and rescue operations, eliminated mental health care services, and several are considering declaring bankruptcy and giving up their county status.  

Until Congress enacts legislation which allows forested communities to properly manage federal forests to generate revenue locally and rebuild rural economies, they need our help.  As the timeline and fate of the long-term county payments provision currently under consideration in the Senate as part of a tax extenders package is still uncertain, we urge you to at least ensure a one-year emergency extension is included in a CR that can be signed into law.

Thank you again for your assistance and support in reauthorizing the critically important Secure Rural Schools program in the past, and we look forward to continuing to work with you in the very near future to bring this process to a close.

Best regards,