Congressman Denny Rehberg

BILLINGS, MT – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, released the following statement in honor of Thanksgiving Day.

“It’s easy to be thankful when times are good, but it’s when times are tough that giving thanks for what you have is the most important.  Those who celebrated the first Thanksgiving struggled greatly but found joy in a day of thanks.  Today, we can be grateful to their pioneering lives, to the foresight and courage of the American Founders and to the men and women who have and continue to give their lives for our freedom.  Today, we can be thankful for our families and loved ones.  Today, we can be thankful to live together here, in the Last Best Place in the world.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has joined the Natural Gas Caucus, a bipartisan effort to increase the job-creating use of environmentally-friendly natural gas and help move America toward energy independence.  The House Natural Gas Caucus will promote awareness of the advances in the natural gas industry and better educate members on the abundant, low-emission energy source.

“Natural gas is one of Montana’s many energy options that plays an important part in our economy,” said Rehberg a member of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee.  “It’s a clean, abundant, energy source and responsible development of natural gas is a critical part of a balanced energy plan that will create jobs and help make America less dependent on foreign oil.”

Advancements in technologies have helped unlock new natural gas reserves, vastly increasing America’s domestic supply.  Due to increasing demand for use in buses and fleet vehicles, natural gas accounts for 25% of power production in the country.

“The natural gas industry in Montana accounts for hundreds of good-paying, family-supporting jobs, and Montana received over $5.5 million in natural gas royalties last year, which directly benefits local communities.” said Rehberg.  “I’m proud to join my House colleagues in a bipartisan effort to help champion a cleaner, more energy independent America while creating millions of new American jobs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is sponsoring legislation to assist Montana’s schools and veterans take advantage of a program that helps train vets to become teachers. The Post 9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act (H.R. 3934) expands the Troops to Teachers program to include veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, while also increasing the number of eligible schools.

“Montana’s schools and communities greatly benefit from the experience of our troops,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “This bill not only opens up more opportunities to bring great educators into the classroom, it also helps fill positions in rural and low-income areas that often see teacher shortages.”

The Troops to Teachers program provides veterans with a $5,000 stipend to help cover the cost of obtaining teaching certification when they agree to teach in an eligible school for three years.  Since being authorized in 1993, nearly 12,000 veterans have participated in the program.  If approved, the measure could increase the number of eligible school districts in Montana from 190 to 382.

You’ve probably seen the slick, negative ads on TV, claiming that I voted against the “American Clean Energy and Security Act” because of contributions from “big oil and energy interests.” These accusations are dishonest and false. They are designed to confuse you and disparage me. The legislation these ads endorse is bad for America and even worse for Montana.

The ad doesn’t tell you that I joined 212 Members of Congress, including 44 Democrats, in voting against this legislation. The ad doesn’t tell you that not a single Representative, Republican or Democrat, from Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, North Dakota or South Dakota voted for this bill. And the ad doesn’t tell you that Senator Max Baucus voted against similar legislation in the Senate when it came before his committee.

In addition to those important facts, which were conveniently left out, there are a few other things you need to know about this attack ad.

First, it’s important to understand who’s behind these ads. Although the ad claims to be funded by the Montana Conservation Voters, this campaign is actually part of a massive multi-state effort orchestrated by the Washington, D.C.-based League of Conservation Voters (LCV).

Since 2000, LCV has spent more than $6.8 million peddling influence among elected officials. They’ve also spent untold millions on “issue ads” like this one, including approximately $150,000 to run these ads in Montana. If you’re wondering why you can’t see the actor’s face, it’s because LCV is also running the very same ad in other states against five other Members of Congress. They just swap out the name.

Second, we need to clarify what legislation we’re talking about. The ad refers to the “American Clean Energy and Security Act,” but this legislation is more commonly known as the “Cap and Trade Bill” or the “Cap and Tax Bill.” It’s a bill that will impose enormous costs and hidden taxes on oil, gas and coal energy production. While these traditional energy sources remain an integral part of our energy supply, I support the comprehensive use of our vast energy resources and all other options to achieve true energy independence for America. This means an “all-of-the-above” energy plan that includes oil, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal, biomass, solar and nuclear energy.

Cap and Tax is particularly bad for Montana and other rural Western states. At a time when our economy is hemorrhaging jobs, the non-partisan Heritage Foundation warns that Cap and Tax will cost more than 8,600 jobs in Montana alone. In places like Sidney or Colstrip, real Montanans work real jobs that depend on traditional sources of energy. Montanans sit on a huge stockpile of energy – including oil – and we are ready and willing to meet a growing national demand. That’s why I’m proud to support oil and coal production in Montana.

I also support the development of alternative energy sources, but not through a government-controlled Cap & Tax program that distorts the market and increases costs on an already overburdened and struggling economy.

In 2005 I helped pass The Energy Policy Act, which included support for ethanol and other clean fuels, new federal standards for increased energy efficiency, permanent tax incentives for wind and solar energy production and increased production of domestic energy to reduce our reliance on unstable foreign sources of oil. It also created cash incentives for the development of new technologies including the first economically feasible 100 miles-per-gallon vehicle.

I’ve also used my influence on the Appropriations Committee to provide funding for the Center for Zero Emissions Technology (ZERT), at Montana State University. Clean coal, carbon sequestration and increased wind energy production are just some of the ways that Montanans are making themselves a part of the solution.

Instead of working toward common sense solutions, Cap and Tax will actually increase the cost of energy by thousands of dollars for Montana families. More than 60 percent of our energy comes from coal, which will also be impacted negatively by Cap & Tax. Even Montana’s ag producers will pay more for their fertilizers. This means fewer dollars in your pocket at the end of the day.

This legislation, combined with the other taxes, deficit spending, and debts that are being recklessly forced on taxpayers through health care bills, stimulus bills, bank bailouts, auto company bailouts and budget increases, are threatening America’s jobs and our children’s futures.

A 30-second attack ad written by a suit on Madison Avenue in New York City and paid for by a Washington, D.C. special interest group won’t drive the debate for what’s good for Montana. We can support clean energy and reduce pollution without Washington D.C. raising our taxes and our energy bills. Let’s do what’s right not only for Montana, but for the environment and for America. And let’s do it honestly.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has joined forces with others in Congress through the Military Family Caucus to help support the families of America’s armed forces.  Rehberg has been a vocal advocate on behalf of the families left at home when soldiers are deployed.

“We should never forget the sacrifice our troops make for this country, nor should we forget the sacrifices their families make every day,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “The Military Family Caucus helps me work with like-minded representatives from around the country to ensure Congress acknowledges what the families of military members go through, and to help pass legislation that will show our gratitude and provide support.”

Among the goals of the Military Family Caucus are improving education, childcare, health care, employment, and other support services for the families of active-duty military men and women. 

Rehberg is already leading the way through his Montana Battle Buddies program, which acts as a supplement to existing support structures for the families of soldiers deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan.  Montana Battle Buddies connects businesses and organizations with military families in their community to help with everyday tasks like mowing the lawn, keeping up the house, babysitting or even help with tax preparation. See Rehberg’s congressional website for more information on Montana Battle Buddies.

The Military Family Caucus has been endorsed by Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and is supported by The Military Family Association, the Red Cross, US Cares, among others.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, joined House colleagues from both parties today in passing a five-year Fire Grants Reauthorization Act.  Rehberg has consistently used his influential position on the House Appropriations Committee to ensure these important programs receive adequate resources.

“While all Montanans need firefighters’ services, there are a lot of communities that just can’t afford to run a fire department locally,” said Rehberg a member of the House Appropriations Committee, and the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “This critical source of funding can help all of Montana’s fire departments save lives and safely protect our communities.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program comes from the Department of Homeland Security and is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). AFG grants are designed to assist local fire departments and emergency medical organizations with operational expenses, personnel training, and safety equipment and vehicles purchases. Montana has received $44.46 million in AFG grants since 2001.

In Montana the SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant Program provides direct funding to fire departments and volunteer organizations to help improve emergency responses and increase the number of trained, “front-line” firefighters.  Since 2005, when SAFER began, Montana has been awarded $5.88 million in SAFER funding.

Chief Rich Cowger, Chairperson of the Montana State Fire Chiefs Association and Chief of Columbus Fire and Rescue, stressed that these fire grants provide essential funding to local fire departments particularly during lean times.

“Due to the downturn in the economy, local budgets can’t keep up with our equipment and staffing needs,” he said.  “These grants are a lifesaver for our local fire departments and they keep our communities and our firefighters safe.  I can’t thank Representative Rehberg enough for supporting these programs and helping Montana’s firefighters.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg and Baby Caucus co-chair Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), hosted a briefing today with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, to assist states with establishing comprehensive and coordinated systems for health care, education, and family support services for young children. 

“The Baby Caucus has generated a lot of great buzz, and for very good reason,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee and a co-founder of the Congressional Baby Caucus with DeLauro in July.  “The early years of life are critical to a child’s development.  It is crucial that policy makers accept our role in ensuring that every American child grows up in a safe and healthy environment with the resources they need to grow into strong, productive adults.  I will continue to work across the aisle to find bipartisan solutions to the challenges facing infants, toddlers, and their families.”

“I know from watching my own grandchildren, that the earliest of experiences are essential, and supportive environments critical, to long term outcomes for children,” said Congresswoman DeLauro.  “Guaranteeing that infants, toddlers, and their families have access to a broad range of services, from basic nutrition, to Head Start, to quality and affordable child care is a great way to help them grow up safe and healthy. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides to address the needs of children across the country.”

More than 30 bipartisan members of the Baby Caucus are champions for awareness and early investment – promoting what is best for children, from the beginning, rather than have the effect of policies on infants and toddlers as afterthoughts. The Caucus focuses on a broad range of areas, including nutrition and basic needs for babies; the effects of trauma; and federal programs.

Wednesday’s event, “Some Assembly Required: Building State Systems for Infants and Toddlers,” featured the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and a panel of Early Childhood Development experts from around the country.  During her remarks, the Secretary encouraged state and federal policymakers to work with community organizations, non-profit foundations and local educators to develop and fund innovative solutions to the challenges impacting infants and toddlers.  She also encouraged policymakers from the health and education fields to work together to streamline the process of gathering information on and assessing a child’s educational development from infancy through their school years. 

Also attending the forum was Billie Warford who served as the Director of the Montana Early Childhood Project at Montana State University for 22 years.  During that time she also served as Director of the HRDC Head Start Program, MSU Child Development Center and the MSU Infant and Toddler Program.  Billie has come out of retirement to work on rural issues in early care and education.  She is currently Director of Early Childhood Solutions in Bozeman.  Billie has written or co-written several publications regarding early childhood care, programs and resources in rural areas.  She is a graduate of Western Kentucky University and Montana State University.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced that his office is soliciting applications for federal authorizations of funding to be included in the Water Resources Development Act bill.  He is urging interested parties to submit projects by November 30, 2009 via the “Transparency” tab of his official website at http://rehberg.house.gov/.
 
“The size and scope of a lot of Montana’s water projects make them virtually impossible to fund exclusively at a local, state or tribal level,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Committee.  “A project that’s been included in the Water Resources Development Act will have a leg up when it comes to securing the necessary federal funding.”

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is a biennial legislative process dedicated to authorizing Army Corps of Engineers activities and establishing policies for Corps civil works activities, such as cost-share activities.   Authorizations in WRDA usually fall under four general categories: studies, projects, modifications to existing authorizations, and programmatic authorizations.

WRDA does not fund projects, but instead deems a project eligible for future funding.

Specifically, the following types of Corps projects can be authorized:

• Chief reports – projects have already gone through a full study, Corps has signed off and they’re ready to go
• Project modifications – projects that have had a timing or funding change
• Study level project – releases the Corps to do a study on the future project
• Major programmatic – large scale projects so include more than one state (for example a wetlands study in a large region, Missouri River studies)

Interested parties should complete the online application form.  Any questions should be directed to Mary Heller at mary.heller@mail.house.gov. The online form can be found at http://rehberg.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=83&sectiontree=2,9,83

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, released the following transcript of a speech he delivered to the House of Representatives on Tuesday.  His remarks address recently released figures on the website recovery.gov which is being roundly criticized for claiming the so-called stimulus created jobs in non-existent Congressional Districts.

“When Congress passed the trillion dollar “so called” stimulus, the national unemployment rate was 7.6 percent.  Some politicians warned that without the stimulus unemployment could pass 8 percent.  This month, unemployment blew past 10 percent, and like you, I’m wondering where the jobs are.

In the infinite wisdom of government, $18 million was spent on a website to tracks jobs.  The just-released job figures for Montana are listed by Congressional District.  Montana, of course, has only one district.  Yet, the federal government spent $372 thousand to create one single job in Montana’s nonexistent 8th  Congressional  District.  Our imaginary 16th District did better with 32.5 jobs.  Only a bureaucrat would count half a job  in a district that does not exist.

The government spent a trillion dollars to save and create jobs, and the opposite has happened.  Millions more Americans have lost their jobs , and now, they want to fix health care like they fixed the economy.”

The site, which Rehberg has previously criticized for its $18 million price tag and biased perspective on stimulus spending listed jobs in several Montana Congressional Districts.  Montana has only one At-Large district.

The $18 million website lists stimulus money spent and jobs created in the following Montana Congressional Districts: 00, 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 12, 14 and 16.  It also identifies money spent in the following districts without creating jobs: 6, 11, 30 and 87.

The Montana section of recovery.gov can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/yzvtmjk (The site was referenced on 11/17/09, and was amended after published reports of the glaring inaccuracy.)

BILLINGS, MT. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is inviting area residents to share their thoughts during a series of public listening sessions to be held in Madison and Broadwater Counties on Tuesday, November 24, and in Powell and Deer Lodge Counties on Wednesday, November 25.

“I visit each of Montana’s 56 counties every congressional term so I can hear directly from Montanans.  I encourage everyone to join me to discuss the important issues facing Montana and the nation,” said Rehberg, a Montana rancher and member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “These public listening sessions are geared toward exchanging ideas and gathering input that I take to Washington D.C.  I’m looking forward to my visits.”  Rehberg has held eighteen public listening sessions around the state since the beginning of summer.

Congressman Denny Rehberg Public Listening Sessions

Tuesday, November 24

Ennis – 10:00 a.m.
Madison Valley Rural Fire Station #1
537 U.S. Hwy. 287

Townsend – 2:30 p.m.
Broadwater County High School, Community Room
201 N. Spruce

Wednesday, November 25

Deer Lodge – 10:30 a.m.
William K. Kohrs Memorial Library, Meeting Room
501 Missouri Avenue

 Anaconda – 1:30 p.m.
Community Service Center, Conference Room #1
118 East 7th Street