Congressman Denny Rehberg

Schedules Stops in Billings, Laurel, Livingston & Bozeman

BILLINGS, MT – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, will be talking jobs in four Montana cities over the next two days. On Wednesday, February 17 he will be in Billings and Laurel, and on Thursday, February 18 he will visit Livingston and Bozeman. At each stop, he will be meeting with local businesses and organizations to discuss the creation of new jobs.

“It’s been more than a year since the ‘so-called’ stimulus was signed into law, and unemployment remains the most pressing barrier to economic recovery,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, who supported a true stimulus that was timely, targeted, temporary and transparent. “Montanans understand that jobs don’t come from Washington, D.C. They come from the hard work of small businesses, which is why it’s so important for elected officials to put boots on the ground and learn directly from the horse’s mouth exactly what will stimulate job growth.”

Rehberg’s tour will include:

Wednesday, February 17

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Montana Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award ceremony at Wyo-Ben, Inc. (Billings)
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Tour of the Northern Hotel Project (Billings)
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. – Visit Beartooth Harley (Billings)
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Tour Cenex Refinery (Laurel)

Thursday, February 18

9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Tour of Printing for Less (Livingston)
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Visit Mystery Ranch (Bozeman)
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Visit the Bozeman Job Service and Workforce Center (Bozeman)

For press inquiries, please contact Tom Schultz:
tom.schultz@mail.house.gov, (406) 543-9550

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, went to bat on behalf of Billings American Legion Post 4 to host the 2011 and 2012 regional baseball tournaments. Rehberg, a lifelong Billings resident, wrote a letter of support to the national organization.

“Hosting this tournament in Billings would boost the local economy, sustain jobs and give residents the opportunity to partake in America’s pastime,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Billings has a long tradition of great baseball, and the new Dehler Park, in downtown Billings, offers a perfect venue for a regional tournament.”

American Legion Post 4 will present its bid, along with letters of support from Rehberg and others, this month. The bids will be awarded on May 5, 2010. This is the first time Legion Baseball has opened the bidding process to all states within a region for the right to host the tournament for a two-year period. Previously, the regional tournaments were rotated among each state on a yearly basis and Legion programs within the state would compete for the right to host. Montana is part of the Northwest region, which also includes Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.

“The people of Billings have a well-deserved reputation for rolling out the red carpet for our visitors,” said Rehberg. “I whole-heartedly support the tournament bid, and look forward to catching some American Legion tournament baseball real soon.”

“Billings American Legion Baseball is thrilled with Congressman Rehberg’s support of our bid to host the 2011 and 2012 Northwest Regional tournament,” said Jeff Ballard, Chairman, Billings American Legion Baseball. “Congressman Rehberg exemplifies the support that we receive from the Billings community and shows why Billings would be an excellent choice to host the tournament for 2 years.”

LETTER:

To Whom It May Concern:

It’s a privilege to offer my support to Billings American Legion Baseball and its bid to host the 2011-2012 Northwest Regional Tournament.

As Montana’s Congressman and a lifelong resident of Billings, I can attest to the many contributions Billings could offer as a host city to the Northwest Regional Tournament. In November 2006, voters passed a bond to replace Billings’ former baseball venue, Cobb Field, which hosted the local minor league team since its first season in 1948.

Located in close proximity to downtown Billings, the new Dehler Field offers easy access to dining, lodging and entertainment venues, in addition to being a great place to watch a baseball game. Since opening in 2008, it has quickly gained widespread support from baseball fans across Montana, and I’m confident it would make a great host to the tournament.

I’m proud to support Billings American Legion Baseball and its bid to host the Northwest Regional Tournament. Thank you for offering them every consideration, and please don’t hesitate to contact my office if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, amid increased unemployment rates in Montana and across the country, has sponsored the Small Business Formation and Job Creation Act.

“These days, it seems like every bill is being sold as a jobs bill, but this one actually is,” said Rehberg a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “From the start, I’ve said that the key to new jobs in Montana is boosting small business, and this legislation will actually help create jobs instead of just paying lip-service to economic recovery.”

The Small Business Formation and Job Creation Act would raise the new business start-up deduction from $5,000 to $20,000 for the tax years 2009-2011. Businesses would be able to deduct expenses related to advertising, obtaining licenses, permits and fees, paying rent, hiring business and financial consultants and providing employee training. By freeing up additional capital for small businesses to grow and create new jobs, while encouraging entrepreneurs who may be waiting out the recession and start their business now, this legislation will stimulate economic growth by being timely, targeted, temporary and transparent.

“It’s encouraging to know that members of Congress like Denny Rehberg realize how costly starting a small business can be for entrepreneurs,” said Brad Close, NFIB Vice President, Federal Public Policy. “As the nation struggles with the economic downturn, small business owners, our nation’s job creators, stand ready and willing to lead the country to stronger economic times. Passing this legislation would help small business owners to do just that.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, released the following statement following his vote to extend funding to the Cash for Clunkers program which provides consumers with $3,500-$4,500 rebates to trade in their inefficient cars for newer models with better gas mileage.

“While Montanans are still waiting to see much of the money the state will reportedly receive from the $1 trillion so-called stimulus that Congress passed almost six months ago, Cash for Clunkers works because it puts money directly into the pockets of the consumer allowing them to make choices in the marketplace. Economic recovery is often pinned on large purchases like cars and homes, since they have a multiplying economic impact through credit systems, product suppliers, service-providers and after after-market retailers. If anything, the Cash for Clunkers program works for the same reason the stimulus has not. It is timely, targeted, temporary and transparent.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, called for a hearing in the House Committee on Natural Resources to “examine why government-owned General Motors would choose to void a contract with domestic miners in favor of minerals from foreign countries.” The request for a hearing would provide subpoena authority to compel representatives from GM to answer questions, something they flatly refused to do when asked last week.

“There are some tough questions that need answers, and if we can’t get them voluntarily, we’ll get them by force of law,” said Rehberg a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Montanans deserve to know why GM decided American jobs weren’t important anymore, and why they think it’s acceptable to skirt environmental regulations, worker safety and fair labor agreements.”

Rehberg’s letter to Rep. Nick Rahall (WV-03) who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee and Rep. Jim Costa (CA-20) who chairs the Subcommittee on Energy and Minerals was also signed by the Ranking Member of the Full Committee Rep. Doc Hastings (WA-04) as well as Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05).

“Frankly, GM is owned by the American taxpayer now,” concluded Rehberg. “They ought to be subjected to the same rigorous oversight we exercise over any other government agency. When a member of Congress asks them to answer some questions on behalf of their constituents, ‘no’ is not an acceptable answer.”

Letter:

July 24, 2009

The Honorable Nick Rahall
Chairman
House Committee on Natural Resources
1324 Longworth House office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Jim Costa
Chairman
Subcommittee on Energy and Minerals
1626 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairman Rahall and Chairman Costa,

Yesterday, numerous articles reported that U.S. taxpayer-subsidized and federally-owned General Motors Company recently decided to void a contract and cut ties with a Montana mining company, Stillwater Mining, in favor of importing minerals from foreign nations. We are deeply concerned about this development and its impact on American jobs.

We request that the Committee on Natural Resources hold a hearing as soon as possible, at either the full or subcommittee level, and next week if at all possible, to examine why government-owned General Motors would choose to void a contract with domestic miners in favor of minerals from foreign countries. As you know, the Mineral Policy Act says the “continuing policy of the Federal Government [and] in the national interest to foster and encourage private enterprise in (1) the development of economically sound and stable domestic mining, minerals, metal and mineral reclamation industries.”

Specifically, we are asking for a panel which includes:

A representative of the President’s Auto Task Force;
A representative of General Motors Corporation;
A representative of Stillwater Mining Company;
A representative from the United States Geological Survey who can address domestic mineral commodity prices, supply and demand; and
A representative from the Department of Commerce who can address global trade issues related to domestic mineral requirements.

After investing billions into General Motors for the purpose of “job preservation,” the American people deserve to hear why their tax dollars are being spent to actually eliminate American mining jobs.

Sincerely,

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, released the following statement in response to the legal approval of the decision by GM to cancel its contract for palladium with Stillwater Mining Co. in Montana. Stillwater is the only supplier of Palladium in the United States.

“The president’s “car czar” has a lot of explaining to do. A decision like this clearly demonstrates what happens when you give the federal government the keys to private industry. Seemingly taking a cue from the national addiction to foreign oil, General Motors is now putting its fate in the hands of foreign suppliers of palladium. I can remember when GM wanted everyone to ‘Buy American’ – perhaps it and its new owners in Washington should take their own advice.”

On July 10, Rehberg sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Geithner and National Economic Council Director Larry Summers urging them to preserve the contract along with the 1,300 American jobs it helps create.

WASHINGTON D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, attached an amendment to the House Financial Services Appropriations Bill which prevents the enforcement of an overreaching prohibition of lead in ATVs, off-highway motorcycles and snowmobiles. Rehberg’s amendment, which passed unanimously, mirrors a bill he introduced in March, 2009 to permanently exempt ATVs, off-highway motorcycles and snowmobiles from the onerous regulations.

“It’s clear the Consumer Product Safety Commission overstepped the intent the law,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “The original legislation Congress passed was meant to keep kids safe from lead content in toys. Ironically, the overreaching enforcement wound up putting kids at risk by forcing them to use larger more dangerous machines that are intended only for adults. If the Commission is confused about Congressional intent, this legislative directive will clarify the situation for them once and for all.”

Rehberg has taken a two-pronged approach to exempt youth off-road vehicles from overregulation. Legislatively, he introduced a popular measure to permanently exempt ATVs, off-highway motorcycles and snowmobiles from enforcement under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

He has also asked the CPSC to act on its own to exempt off-road vehicles from enforcement. In April, the CPSC rejected a permanent exclusion for all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles from the lead content limits and instead imposed a two-year stay of enforcement – which can be arbitrarily lifted at any time. That flexibility creates a need for a legislative backup, which Rehberg provided with his amendment.

“This is a question of redundancy that ensures ATV enthusiasts won’t get punished by political bickering in Washington, D.C.,” explained Rehberg. “We’ve seen what happens when bureaucrats are left to make decisions on their own, so I’m not going to take any chances.”

“Congressman Rehberg has been one of the strongest allies for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, and we appreciate his efforts to rectify this problem,” said Ed Moreland, American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) vice president for government relations. “While the fight isn’t over, Rehberg’s amendment is a big step in the right direction to end the lead ban on youth model off-road motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.

“The stakes are huge,” said Moreland. “To enhance the safety of America’s youth when participating in a treasured American pastime, they must have appropriately sized off-highway vehicles to ride. Also in jeopardy is the livelihood of the thousands of small businesses and their employees that sell and service youth model off-road motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles throughout the country. That is why the AMA strongly urges the adoption of this amendment.”

Legislation provides for Veteran, Women and Native American Entrepreneurship

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined colleagues in bipartisan support of the Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act, which reauthorizes the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) entrepreneurial development programs, and creates a new small business assistance program for veterans and Native Americans.

“While Montanans work to make ends meet, any effort to stimulate job growth must take into account that small businesses and entrepreneurs are the engine of job creation, not government,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “This legislation empowers real economic opportunity and permanent growth that will strengthen our economy, create jobs and lay the foundation for the future.”

The legislation includes funding for education centers as well as special programs for Veterans, Women and Native Americans.

Veterans Business Center Program: These centers, funded by federal grants, provide veterans and their surviving spouses with entrepreneurial training and counseling.  Funding is also provided for capital grants, procurement assessment grants, and grants tailored to service-disabled veterans.  The legislation provides $10 million in Fiscal Year 2011 and $12 million in Fiscal Year 2012.

Women’s Business Centers Program: These centers provide women with management and technical assistance, comprehensive training and counseling for entrepreneurial activity.  Efforts are targeted toward women in economically depressed areas around the state and country.  This legislation authorizes $20 million in Fiscal Year 2010 and $22 million in Fiscal Year 2011.

Enhancing Native American Entrepreneurship: These centers assist Native Americans to start and expand small businesses.  The legislation authorizes $7 million in each of Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010 for grants of up to $300,000 for SBDCs in States with populations made up of over 1 percent Indian tribe members.

“We need to get this bill signed into law quickly and efficiently,” said Rehberg.  “I am hopeful the Senate will move fast on it so entrepreneurs in Montana can have access to the assistance they need to help get the engines of economic recovery going.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today released the following statements following the House’s passage of the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act in the House of Representatives.

“It’s time to stop punishing consumers for the deceptive and unfair practices of some major credit card providers.  Credit cards have been one of the most common consumer complaints my office receives from Montanans.  This bill looks out for their interests.  While folks have no problem paying interest and fees that are fairly assessed, the current system has not been fair.”

Included in the legislation by the U.S. Senate was a provision to restore Second Amendment Rights to federally controlled National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges.

“Americans shouldn’t lose their Constitutional rights when they visit a national park or wildlife refuge and I want to thank the Senate for adding this long overdue provision. But as Thomas Jefferson observed, the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.  That’s why it’s vital Congress continues to stand up for the Second Amendment by opposing bills like H.R. 45 which would, among other things, create onerous federal requirements for gun ownership and establish a national database to track gun owners.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, this week voted for a bill to place tobacco products under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act is funded through a user fee paid by tobacco companies and protects children from tobacco marketing.

“It’s really a matter of common sense to tackle the issue of tobacco products and their impact on the health of Montanans,” said Rehberg a member of the House Health Appropriations Subcommittee.  “The fact is, tobacco related illness costs thousands of lives and millions in tax dollars every year.  The least we can do is make sure the best agency for the job is on the case.”

The popular legislation is supported by hundreds of organizations in Montana and nationally, representing thousands of individuals.  Below are a sampling of organizations supporting Rehberg’s position:

Montana Hospital Association, An Association of MT Health Care Providers
Casey Blumenthal, Vice President

“HR 1256, the Waxman-Platts bill, provides for effective FDA regulation of tobacco products.  This bill is critical to help protect the health of our residents in Montana and nationwide.  Tobacco is one of the most dangerous, but legal, drugs we have in this country–yet it has the potential to cause the most deleterious impact on our health status, outcomes, and costs. If we can minimize the introduction of tobacco to our children, and create some controls around marketing and production of the product, we are taking a step in the right direction. MHA, an Association of Montana Health Care Providers, applauds Rep. Rehberg for taking this step in his support of HR 1256.”

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Kristin Page Nei, Montana Government Relations Director

“We thank Congressman Rehberg for his continued support of protecting our children.  It is past time for tobacco to be regulated in the manner we regulate all other products that are consumed.  We are pleased that our U.S. Representative understands the importance of this serious health issue.  These sensible restrictions are why more than 1,000 organizations support the legislation.”

The American Lung Association
Paul G. Billings, Vice President National Policy & Advocacy

“The American Lung Association thanks Congressman Denny Rehberg for his support of HR 1256.  This bill will finally give the Food and Drug Administration regulatory oversight of tobacco products and curb tobacco marketing to kids.  This legislation will save lives.”

American Heart Association
Suzanne Ffolkes, Director of Media Advocacy

“This vote is a tremendous victory for the public health community as we try to protect Americans from heart disease, stroke and other chronic illnesses associated with tobacco use.  We praise Representative Denny Rehberg and congressional leadership for their support and strongly urge the Senate to take action so we can block the tobacco industry’s efforts to target children and increase addiction nationwide.”

A full list of supporting organizations is Below.

Montana
American Cancer Society- Montana
American Lung Association in Montana
Big Sky Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society – MT
Montana Chapter, American College of Cardiology
Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Montana Dental Association
Montana Dental Hygienists’ Association
National Public Health Organizations (91)

National
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