Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today introduced legislation to provide free postage to families and friends of American soldiers serving in combat zones. The Correspondence with Our Heroes Act creates a program to provide postal benefits in the form of coupons or vouchers to soldiers’ families and friends.

“I’ve traveled to the combat zones to speak directly to Montana soldiers serving overseas, and they tell me how uplifting and important it is for them to keep in close touch with their loved ones at home,” said Rehberg a member of the House State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. “Letters from home brighten a soldier’s day, and help the soldiers and their families cope with long absences. My bill would make it easier for their family and friends to encourage and inform those on the battle front.”

Currently, members of the armed forces on duty in combat zones can send correspondence to addresses in the United States free of postal charges. There has yet to be a comparable provision for postage-free letters and packages sent from family members to their loved ones serving abroad.

The measure would direct the Department of Defense to initiate a reimbursement program with the U.S. Postal Service for mailings and packages under fifteen pounds. To be eligible, the recipient would need to be a member of the Armed Forces on active duty in a combat zone (Iraq or Afghanistan) or hospitalized in a facility under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces with a combat related injury.

“I regularly hear from Montanans who have family members serving overseas that they want their loved ones to be encouraged by their support from home,” Rehberg said. “This is fitting way to say thanks.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, released the following statement today after voting against Speaker Pelosi’s final budget. The $3.6 trillion proposal paves the way for a nearly half-trillion dollar tax hike, and the largest spending levels in U.S. history other than World War II.

“For thousands of Montana families who live within their means and stick to the family budget each month, Pelosi’s budget would be more aptly described as a child’s Christmas wish-list that includes every fancy new toy with no regard for how much it costs or how it will be paid for. Montanans are rightfully fed up with irresponsible spending, and while some politicians are eager to say they ‘get it’, actions speak louder than words.”

To read more about the responsible budget Congressman Rehberg supported go here: http://rightmontana.com/dennyrehberg/2009/04/02/2809/

Prevents application of Anti-Deficiency Act to Universal Service Funds

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-MT-AL) and Congresswoman Betsy Markey (D-CO-04) today introduced bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House that would permanently exempt the Universal Service Fund (USF) from the Anti-Deficiency Act.  Although Congress has exempted USF from the Anti-Deficiency Act (ADA) annually since 2004, this bill creates continuity by making that exemption permanent.

“Rural communities depend on Universal Service for more than their telephone service,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Rural Education Caucus.  “These funds also help rural schools provide students with vital internet access and technology that will prepare them to compete on a level playing field.  I’m not willing to look Montana’s rural students in the eye and tell them their internet access is gone because of some bureaucratic bungling in Washington, D.C.”

“This bill helps us continue to close America’s digital divide,” said Rep. Markey. “Our communities’ schools, libraries, businesses and families – particularly in rural areas – rely on affordable telecommunications services. Since its creation, the Universal Service Fund has fundamentally transformed our education and communications systems, and ensuring its future strength will help children all across America succeed in a 21st century economy.”

USF subsidizes telephone rates for millions of consumers and businesses located in rural areas where phone service would otherwise be prohibitively expensive.  It also provides discounts to schools and libraries on their Internet service through the E-Rate program.  The funds are collected and redistributed by the telecommunications industry, not the United States Treasury.

Nevertheless, in 2004 the Office of Management and Budget decided USF must comply with the Anti-Deficiency Act and its special government accounting rules.  The ADA is a valuable measure that prevents over-spending by federal agencies by preventing them from promising funding in advance of appropriations, or spending more federal dollars than have been appropriated.

Each year since, Congress has passed a temporary exemption for USF from ADA, although rural schools find it difficult to make financial plans not knowing whether that exemption will be made in the future or whether that funding will cease.  Rehberg and Markey’s legislation finally settles this question for good.

“We applaud Representatives Rehberg and Markey for taking the lead on protecting the E-Rate program from unnecessary and damaging funding disruptions,” said Don Knezek, CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education and Keith Krueger, CEO of the Consortium for School Networking in a joint statement.  “Students at Montana’s schools and patrons at its libraries rely on Internet connectivity for distance learning courses, research and day-to-day communication. Service interruptions or wholesale shutdowns — as happened in 2004 to the E-Rate with the application of the Anti Deficiency Act (ADA) — would work significant harm on Montana’s K12 students and libraries. This bill is critical to ensuring that students and library patrons gain access to the tools and technology that they need to compete in the global economy. Our members appreciate Rep. Rehberg’s and Markey’s legislation and we will work hard to pass it.”

“A permanent exemption will protect the integrity of the Universal Service Fund and ensure that access to affordable telecommunications services remains available to all Americans,” said Tom Wacker the Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association.  “If this exemption is not approved, the universal service contribution factor could soar and might be reflected in higher monthly telephone bills.  I thank Representatives Rehberg and Markey for their leadership on this important issue.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced that his office is soliciting applications for federal funding to be included in the FY2010 Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill. Each member of Congress can submit several High Priority Projects for consideration as the legislation moves forward. Congressman Rehberg is urging interested parties to submit projects by May 6, 2009 via the following website: http://www.house.gov/rehberg/HPP.doc.

“We’ve got a lot of miles between towns in Montana, and federal funding fills a vital role in making sure those roads are well maintained and safe,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Our national highways are the arteries of our economy – without this vital investment in our infrastructure, Montanans lose more than a few hours on the road; we lose jobs.”

In 2005, Congress passed the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act- a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), the current law directing federal surface transportation programs and policies. The bill will expire on September 30, 2009 and Congress is beginning to consider what role the federal government will play in transportation over the next several years.

Interested parties should submit the completed committee application form to Jaime Graham at jaime.graham@mail.house.gov. The form can be downloaded online at http://www.house.gov/rehberg/HPP.doc.

Prevents Application of Anti-Deficiency Act to Universal Service Funds

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-MT-AL) and Congresswoman Betsy Markey (D-CO-04) today introduced bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House that would permanently exempt the Universal Service Fund (USF) from the Anti-Deficiency Act. Although Congress has exempted USF from the Anti-Deficiency Act (ADA) annually since 2004, this bill creates continuity by making that exemption permanent.

“Rural communities depend on Universal Service for more than their telephone service,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Rural Education Caucus. “These funds also help rural schools provide students with vital internet access and technology that will prepare them to compete on a level playing field. I’m not willing to look Montana’s rural students in the eye and tell them their internet access is gone because of some bureaucratic bungling in Washington, D.C.”

“This bill helps us continue to close America’s digital divide,” said Rep. Markey. “Our communities’ schools, libraries, businesses and families – particularly in rural areas – rely on affordable telecommunications services. Since its creation, the Universal Service Fund has fundamentally transformed our education and communications systems, and ensuring its future strength will help children all across America succeed in a 21st century economy.”

USF subsidizes telephone rates for millions of consumers and businesses located in rural areas where phone service would otherwise be prohibitively expensive. It also provides discounts to schools and libraries on their Internet service through the E-Rate program. The funds are collected and redistributed by the telecommunications industry, not the United States Treasury.

Nevertheless, in 2004 the Office of Management and Budget decided USF must comply with the Anti-Deficiency Act and its special government accounting rules. The ADA is a valuable measure that prevents over-spending by federal agencies by preventing them from promising funding in advance of appropriations, or spending more federal dollars than have been appropriated.

Each year since, Congress has passed a temporary exemption for USF from ADA, although rural schools find it difficult to make financial plans not knowing whether that exemption will be made in the future or whether that funding will cease. Rehberg and Markey’s legislation finally settles this question for good.

“We applaud Representatives Rehberg and Markey for taking the lead on protecting the E-Rate program from unnecessary and damaging funding disruptions,” said Don Knezek, CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education and Keith Krueger, CEO of the Consortium for School Networking in a joint statement. “Students at Montana’s schools and patrons at its libraries rely on Internet connectivity for distance learning courses, research and day-to-day communication. Service interruptions or wholesale shutdowns — as happened in 2004 to the E-Rate with the application of the Anti Deficiency Act (ADA) — would work significant harm on Montana’s K12 students and libraries. This bill is critical to ensuring that students and library patrons gain access to the tools and technology that they need to compete in the global economy. Our members appreciate Rep. Rehberg’s and Markey’s legislation and we will work hard to pass it.”

“A permanent exemption will protect the integrity of the Universal Service Fund and ensure that access to affordable telecommunications services remains available to all Americans,” said Tom Wacker the Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association. “If this exemption is not approved, the universal service contribution factor could soar and might be reflected in higher monthly telephone bills. I thank Representatives Rehberg and Markey for their leadership on this important issue.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $598,624 to four Montana healthcare providers through the Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program.

“Montana is a big state, and providing healthcare across a great distance can be a real challenge,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “These providers are working to expand their outreach services and improve the availability of quality health care for area residents. These grants are well deserved.”

The Rural Health Care Services Outreach Program promotes the development of health care delivery systems in rural communities through collaborative partnerships with other providers. This program allows the healthcare community to provide rural Americans increased services like hospice, dental care for children, and prenatal care.

The grant program awarded $150,000 to Butte Silver Bow Primary Health Care Clinic, $149,558 to St. James Healthcare Foundation of Butte, $149,066 to Granite County Medical Center of Philipsburg, and $150,000 to Wheatland Memorial Healthcare of Harlowton.

By Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg

Today, (April 26), the United States Federal Government will run out of money. It won’t, however, stop spending.

April 26 is “Debt Day” – the day on which federal spending for the 2009 fiscal year reaches the end of the available revenue and begins to finance itself with borrowed money. Money borrowed against the futures of our children and grandchildren. Money borrowed from countries like China.

Congress just passed a budget that exacerbates the problem – adding an estimated $13 trillion to the federal debt over the next ten years. Just months before, after billions in federal bailouts, Congress passed an $800 billion so-called stimulus package that was sold to the American people as a “jobs” bill. Unemployment continues to rise. In fact, the only sector that gained jobs last month was the government.

I’m proud to report that I voted against them all.
Spending in Washington, D.C. is out of control, and folks in Montana are fed up. On April 15, many of them from across the state took to the streets in protest of this reckless spending and the increased taxes that must follow. For many, this was the first time in their lives they were motivated to activism.

In the battle against reckless spending, we should beware of the temptation to label all sides equally at fault and to ignore the historic spending impulses of Speaker Pelosi’s majority. In truth, Montanans have profound choices in spending philosophies between the parties. The suggestion of equal culpability is a dangerous oversimplification that turns a blind eye to history. It’s like giving a designated driver a DUI because his passenger is intoxicated.

I’ll be the first to acknowledge that Republicans deserve some criticism for the spending that happened on our watch, but it’s a mistake to ignore the spending alternatives supported by many Democrats during those same years. While criticizing irresponsible Republican spending on campaign trails, many Democrats routinely proposed and voted for alternatives that doubled and tripled spending for the same programs. Their annual budgets called for hundreds of billions of dollars in new spending and established massive new government programs.

For more than a decade as the minority, Democrats fought to expand government spending. At most turns their spending habit was checked by the Republican majority, but now that has changed, they are in power, and all bets are off.

As Montana’s Congressman, I’ll continue to fight to bring some of Montana’s fiscal values to Washington, D.C. Montana never has a “Debt Day” because the Montana Constitution requires state government to balance its budget. Similarly, Montana’s families don’t spend more than they make, and there’s no reason Congress can’t do the same.

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-MT-AL) and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA-01) today introduced legislation in the U.S. House that would require every soldier to have a face-to-face mental health screening before they are deployed on a combat mission, upon their return, and every six months for two years following their return. The bill is the companion legislation to a measure introduced in the Senate by Senator Max Baucus (D-MT).

“The psychological toll that combat takes on our soldiers is not a new phenomenon – it was known as Shell Shock in World War I and by various other names throughout history,” said Rehberg a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Fortunately, modern medicine can identify and help treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder allowing the men and women who serve our country to put their lives back together. While on the Appropriations Committee, I have fought for PTSD treatment funding, but money can only solve part of the problem. Soldiers need in-person treatment to ensure that no one falls through the cracks.”

“At least one in five new veterans are experiencing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or major depression, but there isn’t a system in place that can adequately address this crisis,” said Congressman Thompson. “This legislation will fill this void. It is a practical solution and has already been successfully tested in the field. We owe it to our brave men and women serving our country to make sure that they get the services they have earned, and I will do all I can do to get this bill passed into law.”

The Post-Deployment Health Assessment Act of 2009 creates new requirements for identification of PTSD among soldiers. Prior to deployment, a soldier would be interviewed in order to establish a baseline against which a subsequent interview upon return from a combat theater could be measured. By requiring these interviews to be timely and personal, the likelihood of identifying PTSD in order to begin treatment is dramatically increased.

“This legislation’s intensive face-to-face screening program will provide the military with a powerful tool to help our injured heroes get help for their post-traumatic stress injuries,” said Matt Kuntz, Montana’s executive director of The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “Congressman Rehberg’s leadership is critical because he is in position to build a bipartisan coalition to help stop our military’s suicide epidemic.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined colleagues in the House in the bipartisan approval of legislation establishing a “Troops-to-Cops Program” to make it easier for honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces to serve as community law enforcement officers.

“Through their training and active duty, the men and women serving our country in the Armed Forces have proven trustworthy and capable in the most critical of circumstances,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “They have protected our country from harm, and will be welcome additions in the law enforcement profession should they choose to continue serving as protectors of our families and communities.”

The measure also authorizes the “COPS on the Beat” grant program to help state and local law enforcement agencies develop new technologies in crime prevention and training. The programs will be administered through the Community Oriented Policing Services program, (COPS), which has provided more than $73.6 million in grants to Montana law enforcement agencies since 2001.

“Local law enforcement agencies are the backbone of safe communities and schools, and I know the COPS funding programs have proven a valuable asset for the officers who put their lives on the line everyday for our safety,” said Rehberg.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman Denny Rehberg has introduced legislation in the U.S. House to eliminate the requirement that states collect Social Security Numbers (SSN) from applicants for recreational licenses. Under current law, sportsmen, hunters and fishermen seeking recreational licenses must provide the license vendor with their Social Security Number at the time of purchase.

“At a time when identity theft is on the rise, Social Security numbers should be protected,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Congressional Sportsman’s Caucus. “Requiring the disclosure of Social Security numbers is an invasion of privacy and needlessly puts additional Montanans at risk.”

Rehberg’s bill, H.R.1865, would make a simple change to the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement that states collect Social Security numbers from applicants for recreational licenses. In 2007, Montana was granted an exemption allowing them to collect only the last four digits of an applicant’s SSN. Many sportsmen remain concerned that the last four digits of a person’s SSN are often used as passwords for financial transactions. A 2009 court ruling declared that Montana had a compelling interest to comply with federal mandates for SSN collection if non-compliance meant losing federal dollars.

“The federal government should not be subjecting Montana’s sportsman to increased risk of identity theft and a general invasion of privacy,” said Rehberg.