Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, met with officials from the State Department and the Agency for International Development this week to continue fighting to streamline the process for Haitian orphans waiting to be adopted by families in Montana and elsewhere in the Untied States. Approximately 40 Haitian children are already in the process of being adopted, and Rehberg is requesting federal assistance in clearing the final hurdles and arranging safe passage out of the earthquake-torn country.

“These orphans are not only going to be American citizens, but Montanans as well, and I’m working with the State Department and USAID to help ensure their safety,” said Rehberg, a member of the House State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. “There is understandably fear and frustration on part of the families who want to get their children home. I’m asking the State Department to speed up the paperwork, and that USAID use its resources to unite these orphans with their adoptive parents.”

Rehberg met this week with Ambassador Craig Kelly, of the State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, and Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator Designate with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Rehberg noted there are around 140 humanitarian flights into Haiti on a daily basis, and is asking the agencies to look into the possibility of using those departing planes as an emergency means of transportation to the U.S. for the orphans. In a letter to Dr. Shah, Rehberg also asked the organization to do whatever is necessary to see that these parents have access to USAID flights into Haiti to assist in the rescue.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, was recognized for promoting “the principles of liberty and the strength of the Constitution,” by the American Conservative Union (ACU), the nation’s oldest and largest conservative grassroots organization.  Rehberg was named an “ACU Conservative” with an 84% percent rating in 2008 based on 25 votes covering taxes, wasteful government spending, cultural issues, defense, and foreign policy.  Rehberg has a 90% lifetime rating with the ACU.

“This award recognizes my core belief that government cannot solve problems alone, and that government is most effective when it empowers individuals with freedom and opportunity,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “It’s these ideals, along with input from Montanans, that shape my voting record.”

The American Conservative Union was founded in 1964 as a grassroots organization promoting traditional values, a market economy, a strong national defense, and the doctrines of the Constitution.  The ACU has published an annual rating of Congress since 1971 based on 25 votes each in the House and Senate.  Key issues in the second session of the 110th Congress included the financial industry bailouts, stimulus spending, energy policy, illegal immigration, and 2nd Amendment rights.  Rehberg is the only member of the Montana delegation to vote against every bailout and the $1 trillion so-called stimulus package.

“Congressman Rehberg received the ACU Ratings Award for 2008 for his support of conservative principles on a wide range of issues,” said ACU Chairman David A. Keene.  “Congressman Rehberg’s lifetime rating of “90” over 8 years of service reflects a consistent devotion to conservative principles of government.  Denny is a member of Congress that grass roots conservatives in Montana and across the country can look to for leadership.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today released the full text from his address to a Joint Session of the Montana State Legislature.  Rehberg, a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, served in the Montana Legislature for three terms beginning in 1984.

The speech is available for download at http://www.house.gov/rehberg/Rehberg_Address2009.pdf and included below.

The text of the speech, except for the excerpts distributed yesterday, is embargoed until the speech is delivered at around 2 pm, Friday, March 13, 2009.

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WASHINGTON, DC – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, will fill an expanded role on the powerful House Appropriations Committee in the 111th Congress. He will retain his appointments on the Energy & Water Subcommittee and the Labor, Health & Human Services, Education Subcommittee, while picking up a seat on the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Subcommittee. All three subcommittee assignments give Rehberg leverage on issues of importance to Montana.

“The seniority I’ve been able to gain in the Appropriations Committee means that Montana’s values have a loud voice in Washington, D.C.,” said Rehberg. “Montanans offer the common-sense perspectives that Congress needs, and I’m proud to sit at these negotiating tables on their behalf.”

The Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development plays a key roll in crafting a comprehensive energy policy that secures our energy future without relying on unstable and unfriendly regions of the world. “Montana is a warehouse of energy opportunities, but we have to act quickly and decisively if we’re going to realize them,” said Rehberg. The Committee also funds several important Montana water projects, such as the St. Mary’s Diversion, the Ft. Peck/Dry Prairie Regional Water System, and the Rocky Boys/North Central Regional Water System.

The Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education provides funding that keeps Montana on the forefront of innovative solutions to the unique problems faced by rural America. “Montana faces many challenges in healthcare and education,” said Rehberg. “I will continue to work with my colleagues to find solutions to these important issues.”

The Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs oversees spending through various agencies involved with all aspects of U.S. foreign policy. Rehberg is returning to the Committee, where he previously served in 2005 and 2006. “When it comes to foreign aid, Montanans are generous,” said Rehberg. “But we also demand accountability for the money that we spend. This subcommittee allows me broad oversight to ensure that our tax dollars are not being wasted.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, joined House colleagues in contacting House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey and Ranking Member Jerry Lewis urging them to oppose anti-hunting language included in the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill.
The language included in the bill would prohibit any U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funds from going to Africa for “programs that support or promote recreational, sport, or trophy hunting as a conservation tool.” USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance to countries around the world.

“Hunting has been proven to be both an effective means of conservation and an economic stimulus for communities across the African continent,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “It’s critical that as part of our international support of wildlife conservation abroad, we continue to utilize this tool. This language would allow the anti-hunting political ideology of a few member of Congress to get in the way of the effective wildlife management being done in Africa.”

“We disapprove of this language because hunting is, in fact, a proven and useful tool for wildlife conservation,” said Rehberg in a letter. “Hunting operations conserve wildlife on 540,000 square miles, which is 22 percent more land than is found in the national parks of Africa. Trophy hunting by 18,500 hunters generates $200 million annually for remote rural areas in the 23 African countries that allow hunting. This revenue funds local, national, and international conservation efforts, but also flows to the local people and economy.”

Letter:

Dear Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Lewis:

We write in opposition to language included in the committee report for H.R. 2764, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008, and ask that it not be included in any future conference committee report or omnibus legislation.

The language we refer to prohibits the use of funds from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to support conservation programs in Africa that utilize hunting as a conservation tool, and begins at the end of page 61:

The Committee is concerned about reports that USAID directly and indirectly supports recreational, sport and trophy hunting in its assistance programs in Africa. The Committee directs USAID to provide no funds to programs that support or promote recreational, sport, or trophy hunting as a conservation tool.

We disapprove of this language because hunting is, in fact, a proven and useful tool for wildlife conservation. Hunting operations conserve wildlife on 540,000 square miles, which is 22 percent more land than is found in the national parks of Africa. Trophy hunting by 18,500 hunters generates $200 million annually for remote rural areas in the 23 African countries that allow hunting. This revenue funds local, national, and international conservation efforts, but also flows to the local people and economy.

U.S. federal law recognizes the value of hunting to conservation, as evidenced by the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1996 and the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. Furthermore, a series of laws passed since 1987, beginning with the African Elephant Conservation Act, provide funding for foreign activities that benefit wildlife, including hunting.

These U.S. statutes, along with non-governmental organizations around the world and the African governments and people who benefit from such programs, all acknowledge that hunting provides an economic incentive for wildlife and habitat conservation in areas where no other means of conservation have succeeded. Therefore, we urge you to reject the above language and ensure that it remains out of future reports and legislation.

Sincerely,

As an elected representative of our brave men and women serving in harm’s way, every vote regarding war is a solemn matter. Debate about the war in Iraq is necessary, even required, and many important points have been brought up since the war began in 2003.

There is no denying there have been setbacks in Iraq, and mistakes have been made on the ground and in Washington. All of us – the President, the Congress, and the American people – wish we could have achieved stability in the region sooner.

However, I believe it is necessary to get beyond partisan politics and look at the real issue. The real issue is that a failed state in Iraq would present a serious threat to the United States’ national security interests, would allow terrorists to further establish safe-havens in Iraq, and would create regional and global unrest for many years to come. This is a threat we must not pass on to our children and grandchildren. September 11th showed us that terrorists can reach our soil and kill innocent Americans. We must fight this war on our terms, but on their turf.

We owe it to our troops and their families to provide the necessary oversight to ensure any new strategy is successful, while at the same time giving our troops confidence that Congress will not cut off their funding to settle policy disputes while they are separated from their families by distance and danger. I continue to stand ready, willing, and able to contribute to that oversight.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, released the following statement regarding his vote against the Iraq Resolution which was voted on in the House today:
“As an elected representative of our brave men and women serving in harm’s way, every vote regarding war is a solemn matter.

Debate about the war in Iraq is necessary, required, and many important points were brought up over the more than forty hours of discussion.

No doubt about it, there have been setbacks in Iraq. And mistakes have been made on the ground and here in Washington. It’s safe to say that all of us- - the President, the Congress, and the American people wish we could have achieved stability in the region sooner.

However, I believe it’s necessary to separate the resolution being debated in the House from the real issue. The real issue is that a failed state in Iraq would present a serious threat to the United States’ national security interests, could allow terrorists to further establish safe-havens in Iraq, and could create regional and global unrest for many years to come. This is a threat we must not pass on to our children and grandchildren. September 11th showed us that terrorists can reach our soil and kill innocent Americans. We must fight this war on our terms, but on their turf.

This non-binding resolution, H.Con.Res. 63, is nothing more than an opinion about a strategy.

While opinions are interesting, solutions are necessary.

So I say to those who want to support this non-binding resolution: If you disagree with the strategy — put forward a plan; if you disagree with the tactics- -put forward an alternative; if you disagree with the mission — put forward a solution.”

A non-binding resolution means non-leadership; a non-binding resolution means non-accountability. A non-binding resolution is not a plan for victory.

This week, Congress has spent a lot of time debating one of the most important issues facing this body. Unfortunately, this legislation limited a true debate on the alternatives and direction we can take.
A real resolution on Iraq needs to include real benchmarks and real guidelines, not simply a vote of no confidence.

There are those of us who are willing to disagree with the President at the strategic, tactical or project level, and a true solution would be for Congress to debate the McCain-Lieberman proposal. This bipartisan alternative not only reaffirms Congressional support for our troops, but provides military, political, and social benchmarks for the Iraqi government. This approach lays the groundwork for not only victory, but also brings our troops home as soon as possible.

We owe it to our troops and their families to provide the necessary oversight to ensure any new strategy is successful, while at the same time giving our troops confidence that Congress will not cut off their funding to settle policy disputes while they are separated from their families by distance and danger. I continue to stand, ready, willing and able to contribute to that oversight.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, helped delay efforts to require U.S. citizens entering Canada to have a passport.  Rehberg’s efforts will benefit Montana’s Hi-Line communities that depend on trade with Canada to sustain their local economies.  More than 16,000 Montana jobs are supported by trade with Canada.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will now be delayed until June of 2009, or until the Departments of Homeland Security and State can meet standards for affordable and safe identification cards.  The Department of Homeland Security has been directed to develop a plan that will expedite border crossings for frequent travelers and will eventually lead to a registered traveler program available to those living in border communities.  In addition, Congress has directed the Department of Homeland Security to develop an alternative way for groups of children to travel across an international border under adult supervision to facilitate educational and youth activities.

“I firmly believe it’s possible to shore up our borders without crippling Montana communities that rely on trade and tourism with Canada,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “It appears the passport requirement wasn’t well thought out because endangering a relationship that accounts for thousands of Montana jobs just isn’t practical.”

Under the 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will be delayed to ensure any changes to identification requirements have little effect on border trade.  Currently, less than 30 percent of U.S. citizens have passports.  Passports cost approximately $100 and take up to six weeks to receive.

“We need to find the best possible solution for border identification and I’m convinced that solution shouldn’t  harm Montana’s local economies,” said Rehberg.

Recent data shows $1.4 billion in trade and 300,000 people cross the U.S. - Canada border everyday.

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, wrapped up a Montana trade mission to South Korea and China today by meeting with Chinese business groups that could make up to $100 million in investments in Montana.  The meeting culminated an eight-day Montana trade mission organized by Rehberg, the Montana World Trade Center (MWTC), and the U.S. Export Assistance Center.

“We’re looking for the opportunity to create jobs for Montana, and the way you do that is to help Montana businesses expand beyond the local market,” said Rehberg, who led a similar trade expedition to Europe last year that resulted in $20 million dollars in on-going contracts and agreements for Montana businesses, according to Arnie Sherman, MWTC Executive Director, who also coordinated the mission last year.

“One of the highlights from the World Trade Center perspective is that we are in discussions with one of the most respected business groups in the area that is interested in potentially making up to $100 million in investments in Montana,” said Sherman, of the business meeting which took place Friday in Tianjin.  “We’re very excited about the possibility,” he said.

Earlier this week, Rehberg also met with South Korean agricultural trade officials regarding the country’s three-year trade restriction on U.S. beef.  South Korean officials told Rehberg they are sending a delegation to inspect numerous U.S. meat processing plants, and could re-open their markets to U.S. beef in about a month if the plants pass the inspections.

Other Trade Highlights:

John Ryan, of Armor Auto, (Missoula), makes protective coating products for automobiles.  Ryan said this trade mission has left him with overwhelming possibilities for his company in South Korea after meeting with 13 different companies, all of which asked to be the exclusive distributor of his product in the country.  “The Korean businessmen who wanted to do business with my company were very large in scale, and based on what I’ve seen, I’ll wait and see which one wants to place the largest order, and that’s probably the direction I’ll go,” Ryan said.

Jeff Ruffner, CEO of MSE Technology Applications, (Butte), an engineering and technology firm, met with the Korea Hydro, Nuclear and Power Company in Seoul.  MSE previously sold a system to the company and is in negotiations to sell a second system worth $4 million.  MSE also met with Japanese officials in China about a waste treatment facility in Okinawa, Japan.

Today’s meeting Agenda:

* Meeting “Montana-Tianjin Economic & Technological Interchange” organized by CEO Organization at the Hua Yuan Industrial Area
* Meeting with Mr. Zhang Jian Xing - Chairman of Tianjin Newspaper Group

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is leading a Montana trade mission to Korea and China, August 4 - 12 along with the Montana World Trade Center, and the U.S. Export Assistance Center of Montana.  Several Montana manufacturing, technology, and real estate interests will accompany Rehberg to promote their business, as well as the benefits of forging international partnerships with Montana companies.

“This is an opportunity to open more doors for Montana businesses,” said Rehberg.  “The products and services produced by the people of Montana more than pass the test of global competition, and it’s important to promote that quality.  I also believe that trade missions can demonstrate the business integrity and work ethic of the people of Montana, and that’s a very positive factor in helping to establish long-lasting international relationships that will benefit Montana’s economy well into the future,” he said.

This will be Rehberg’s second international Montana trade mission.  In July of last year, Rehberg led a trade expedition to Germany, Spain, and Ireland, resulting in $20 million dollars in on-going contracts and agreements, according to Arnie Sherman, Executive Director of the Montana World Trade Center, who also coordinated the mission last year.

Following the 2005 trade mission, Rehberg helped launch “EnterpriseMontana.”  Modeled after a similar program in Ireland, EnterpriseMontana is a private-public trade initiative that helps develop overseas markets for Montana businesses.  Rehberg secured a $500,000 federal appropriation in the FY 2006 budget to promote Montana businesses through EnterpriseMontana, and secured another $250,000 for the venture in the FY 2007 budget.  EnterpriseMontana is housed at the Montana World Trade Center.

2006 Trade Mission Participants:
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