Congressman Denny Rehberg

BILLINGS, MT – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today contacted Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano urging her to immediately freeze additional funding for the soon-to-be-one-way Port of Entry at Whitetail in Montana and to conduct a review before completing the $8.5 million project. The funding for the port has been a matter of national criticism for some time, all the more now that Canada has decided to close its side of the port, effectively making the port available only for Canadian entry into the United States.

“After hearing from the folks who live in northeast Montana, I can say that despite the popular myth that government waste is embraced by those who are supposed to benefit from it, Montanans aren’t happy about how their tax dollars are being wasted,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “$8.5 million is too much to spend for a press release and a ribbon cutting ceremony, and at this point, that looks to be the only benefit this project has. It’s my job to safeguard tax dollars, and I’m making sure this boondoggle doesn’t slip through the cracks.”

When it comes to the ‘so-called’ Stimulus, Rehberg has been a vocal critic of ongoing waste and an advocate for accountability and transparency. For example, he expressed frustration when the cost of the Billings Federal Courthouse ballooned from $35 million to almost $60 million as a result of the influx of stimulus funding. He has also fought against wasting millions of dollars creating the political highway signs crediting the ‘so-called’ Stimulus with funding for construction projects.

“I recommend that the Department of Homeland Security conduct a thorough review to determine whether the Port of Whitetail should remain open,” wrote Rehberg in his letter. “Furthermore, I recommend that the Department freeze any further ARRA spending at the Port of Whitetail until this review can be completed. I believe the Department would do a great disservice to the American taxpayer if it completed construction at the Port of Whitetail and later closed the Port due to lack of use.”

Dear Secretary Napolitano:

Last week, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced its intention to close Saskatchewan’s Port of Big Beaver on April 1, 2011. As you know, Big Beaver is the sister location to Montana’s Whitetail Port of Entry.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allocated $420 million for the modernization of land ports operated by Customs and Border Patrol. According to Recovery.gov, $8.5 million of this allocation is to be spent modernizing and upgrading the Port of Whitetail.

Given that fewer than five vehicles per day pass through Whitetail, its proximity to the Port of Scobey just 12 miles away, and the upcoming closure of its Canadian counterpart; my constituents and I question the wisdom of spending millions of taxpayer dollars modernizing the Port of Whitetail.

Last Fall, following widespread concern about the cost of port modernization projects on the Northern Border, your office appointed an independent committee to conduct a 30-day review of the project allocations. During this review, the independent committee visited the Port of Whitetail and a handful of other ports before making several recommendations in a document entitled 30-Day CBP Port Modernization Review: Summary and Department Response. Among their recommendations, the independent committee suggested that:

“The Department should conduct periodic studies to determine whether any ports of entry should be closed. Although permanent closure of a port of entry involves a number of complex considerations (international relations and impacts on local residents to name just two), some of the facilities that currently exist are separated by only several miles and have low traffic volumes.”

According to that same document, the Department of Homeland Security responded to this suggestion, saying that: “This recommendation will be taken under advisement and reviewed in consultation with the interagency.”

While I understand the need for interagency consultation, I believe that CBSA’s closure of the Big Beaver port dramatically impacts the current plans for the rehabilitation and expansion of the Port.

Due to the Canadian decision to close the Port of Big Beaver, I recommend that the Department of Homeland Security conduct a thorough review to determine whether the Port of Whitetail should remain open. Furthermore, I recommend that the Department freeze any further ARRA spending at the Port of Whitetail until this review can be completed. I believe the Department would do a great disservice to the American taxpayer if it completed construction at the Port of Whitetail and later closed the Port due to lack of use.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-3211.

Sincerely,

BILLINGS, MT - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, released the following statement regarding the closure of the Canadian border crossing at the Whitetail Port of Entry near Scobey, MT. The port made national news (http://www.nyegateway.com/2009/09/wasting-millions-of-stimulus-money-on-remote-montana-canada-border-posts.html) recently when it was announced that $8.5 million in stimulus funds are being spent to modernize the port, which averages only five vehicles per day making it the least used port of entry on the U.S./Canadian Border.

Rehberg hosted listening sessions yesterday in Daniels and Sheridan Counties where the port situation was a hot topic of conversation. With the news that the Canadian government was closing its side of the border, the Whitetail Port will now only allow cars to enter the United States from Canada. U.S. travelers will be unable to enter Canada at that crossing. However, the Scobey Port of Entry remains open, just 12 miles away.

“You might expect the folks actually living near the Whitetail Port to be the port modernization’s biggest cheerleaders, but after personally talking with many of them, that’s just not the case. As taxpayers, they’re on the hook to pay for these wasteful projects, and they’re not happy about it.

“In fact, the ’so-called’ stimulus has literally wasted billions of dollars on projects that were approved with little to no public input or Congressional oversight. This money should have been used to pay down America’s huge national debt or beef up security along the northern border instead of being used to remodel a barely utilized, one-way port of entry. It’s no wonder Montanans from across the state are telling me they’re outraged by the wasteful spending going on in Washington. They rightly believe their tax dollars shouldn’t be wasted building a nicer, more modern port for Canadian travelers.”

Rehberg is the co-chairman of the House Northern Border Caucus.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has contacted the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator, John Pistole, urging a decision on the application of three Montana airports to participate in the Screening Partnership Program (SPP). This program allows small airports to contract with private security screeners instead of TSA officials in order to save money and improve service. Airports in Butte, Kalispell and West Yellowstone have been waiting for Homeland Security approval for too long. The Missoula airport has also applied to join SPP, though their application is more recent.

“Sometimes it takes a little nudge to get the federal government moving on something they should be doing on their own,” said Rehberg, a member of the House General Aviation Caucus. “In this case, these airports have been waiting for far too long to know whether or not they’ve been approved. A favorable decision to allow these airports to employ private security screeners will save money and create private sector jobs. Frankly, it’s time for Homeland Security to make a decision.”

In 2004, the TSA established a program to allow small airports to employ private security screeners instead of TSA officials if the Department of Homeland Security deemed it more cost effective to do so. This program was based on a pilot program started in 2001.

Since then, 17 airports and one heliport have been approved to join the program including seven EAS airports in Montana.

Four other Montana airports – Missoula, Butte, Kalispell, West Yellowstone – have submitted requests to join the Screening Partnership Program, but none of these airports has received a final decision. Butte has been waiting since Spring 2009 and West Yellowstone and Kalispell have been waiting since Fall 2009.

“The Flathead Municipal Airport Authority, following a considerable amount of due diligence, submitted an application to participate in the SPP program in October 2009,” said Glacier Park International Airport Director Cindi Martin. “The Authority firmly believes that this program will meet our customer service and security staffing needs - now and in the future. But because of lengthy and unexplained delays on TSA’s part, we are unable to move forward. We thank Denny for his attention to this matter, and we hope that TSA will finally address this issue.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today issued the following statement regarding the leadership changes for the U.S. military in Afghanistan.

“As Commander-in-Chief, the president has the authority to make changes in command.  No matter who is in charge on the ground, the mission in Afghanistan must continue to focus on winning the war and bringing our troops home.  I have full faith that our brave men and women in uniform will succeed in the liberation of Afghanistan.  It’s now time for Congress to do its job and pass the overdue troop-funding bill providing our men and women in uniform with the necessary tools and resources they need.” 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has cosponsored legislation to prohibit the Department of Interior (DOI) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) from preventing the U.S. Border Patrol from fulfilling its congressionally mandated mission to control our borders.  Some DOI and USDA policies, including forbidding the use of motorized vehicles on certain lands, have seriously undermined border control efforts on the northern border.

“Once again, bungling bureaucrats have put Montana families at risk,” said Rehberg, a co-chair of the House Northern Border Caucus.  “As long as we have holes in our border security, they will be exploited by terrorists, drug smugglers and human traffickers.  It’s one thing to deal with the logistics of protecting ourselves, but it’s another thing to enact policies that actively prevent controlling the border.”

While Americans are demanding border control, inflexible environmental policies instituted on DOI and Forest Service lands have closed off large segments of the border to necessary control efforts.  More than 1,000 miles of the U.S.-Canada border are on federal lands, crossing 13 states, 12 National Parks and 4 Indian reservations.

Unfortunately, Border Patrol access has been limited by public land managers who have literally locked out Border Patrol vehicles.  To address this serious problem, Rehberg joined Western Caucus colleagues in sponsoring H.R. 5016, which would prohibit DOI and USDA from impeding the Border Patrol.

“No state other than Alaska has a longer border with Canada,” said Rehberg.  “That makes Montana particularly vulnerable to the consequences of failing to control our border.  Let’s get the federal government on the same page, and get our borders secured.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined House Republican colleagues in unveiling America Speaking Out.  By providing an online forum for Montanans to voice their opinions in setting priorities for a national agenda, this initiative mirrors the public input that Rehberg has solicited at 44 public listening sessions and through online social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

“Montanans are sick and tired of the vote-first-ask-questions-later approach to lawmaking that Speaker Pelosi has adopted.  It’s a recipe for bad laws, and worse, it’s a sign of an unresponsive government that serves its own interests before the interests of the people.  That’s why I hosted 44 public listening sessions.  That’s why I asked for 30 days to come back to Montana and listen before any vote on a health care bill.  That’s why, on a daily basis, I interact with thousands of Montanans on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.  It’s time Washington, D.C. listens to the people.  We want to know what you think.  And that’s what America Speaking Out is all about.”

America Speaking Out is the first legislative website of its kind.  Using modern online tools, it empowers users to submit their own ideas or weigh in on the ideas of others.  It creates a one-of-a-kind pipeline to Washington, D.C. that will help make Congress look a lot more like Montana.  Montanans can access America Speaking Out online at http://www.americaspeakingout.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has been 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 a 92% percent rating in 2009 based on 25 votes covering government bailouts, wasteful spending, taxes, and health care reform.  Rehberg has a 90% lifetime rating with the ACU.

“I voted with Montanans who believe that government isn’t the solution to all our problems and that government is most effective when it empowers individuals with freedom and opportunity,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Liberty Caucus.  “It’s these ideals, shaped by the input from Montanans at 44 listening sessions 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 first session of the 111th Congress included the financial industry bailouts, stimulus spending, energy policy, federal abortion funding, and health care reform.  Rehberg is the only member of the Montana delegation to vote against every bailout and the $1 trillion so-called stimulus package.

“This award is a reflection of Representative Denny Rehberg’s consistent support of conservative principles on a wide range of issues of concern to grass roots conservatives in 2009,” said David A. Keene, Chairman of the American Conservative Union.  “At a challenging time when the fundamental principles on which the American system of government are being challenged, Representative Denny Rehberg stands with those who are trying to preserve those principles.”

BILLINGS, MT - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, is hosting an informational meeting for Montana students interested in attending a U.S. Military Academy, or joining an armed forces ROTC program . Academy Day will take place Saturday, April 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Billings Armed Forces Reserve Center, 2917 Gabel Road.

“Service in America’s Armed Forces is one of the most honored callings a young man or woman can answer,” said Rehberg, a member of the House State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. “It’s a privilege for me to recommend dedicated Montanans to the service academies, but the entrance requirements are challenging and competitive. Academy Day can help better prepare a possible candidate.”

Representatives from the academies (Naval, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines), along with representatives of the Army, Navy, and Air Force ROTC programs will be on hand to make presentations and answer questions. Interested high school and middle school students are encouraged to attend, along with the student’s parents and school guidance counselors. No pre-registration is required.

Along with other requirements, admittance to military academies, (except the Coast Guard), requires a nomination from a U.S. Representative or U.S. Senator. Rehberg appoints and works with a volunteer Academy Review Board consisting of military and civilian personnel to ensure that Montana students are afforded the maximum opportunity to receive one of the highly sought after nominations. Each candidate for nomination is interviewed by the Board and scored according to academic performance, leadership qualities, and community involvement.

Interested students are asked to submit their nomination application to Rehberg’s office by November 1. For more information, contact Linda Price in Rehberg’s Billings District Office, toll free at 1-888-232-2626 .

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman Denny Rehberg issued the following statement on the President’s 2010 State of the Union Address to a Joint Session of Congress.

“ America must look forward not backward, but we also must remember the lessons of the past.  Last year, we saw reckless deficit spending with no tangible benefit to the taxpayers.  While unemployment reached double digits, government spending increased 66% - in a single year.  Clearly, we can’t spend our way into prosperity.

“Last year, I called for ‘bipartisan restraint.’  We must balance the budget by cutting spending, not raising taxes.  Without Congressional action, Americans will face the largest tax increase in our history.  It will further harm our economy and cost real jobs.  There’s never a good time to raise taxes, but I can’t think of a worse time than now.

“It’s time for Congress to abandon its pursuit of job-killing policies.  Whether it’s cap and tax legislation or a government takeover of health care we can’t continue to saddle small businesses with the burden of special interest priorities.  It’s time for a real economic stimulus that empowers small businesses and families.

“Finally, we must not turn our back to the real threat of terrorism.  Recent events have demonstrated the need to increase our national vigilance in order to protect our lives and our way of life.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, sponsored a resolution to honor the three Navy SEALs who successfully completed a mission to capture the believed mastermind of the 2004 murder of four U.S. security contractors. The three officers are facing a court-martial after the suspected terrorist, Ahmed Hasim Abed, accused them of punching him during his capture.

“The trial of these brave soldiers is not only unwarranted, but is a slap in the face to real American heroes,” said Rehberg, a member of the House State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. “Terrorists are instructed to make abuse allegations when captured to disrupt their prosecution. This case sends a terrible message to those we ask to risk their lives to fight terrorism. It’s important to affirm our commitment to our military.”

The resolution, (H.Res. 988), “recognizes the exemplary service, devotion to country, and selfless sacrifice” of petty officers Matthew McCabe, Jonathan Keefe, and Julio Huertas in the capture of Abed, and pledges continued support to members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Abed is accused of leading numerous attacks against U.S. and coalition forces, including the brutal killing of four Blackwater guards in Fallujah, whose bodies were mutilated and put on public display.

In court rulings this month, Huertas and Keefe were granted the right to face their accuser in court, and their trial was moved overseas to a U.S. military base in Iraq. McCabe’s defense team has said they don’t need to question the detainee, and McCabe’s trial is scheduled to be held in Virginia.

The three Navy SEALs have not only received support from members of Congress but more than 200,000 people have joined a Facebook page to show their support. Rehberg has used his Facebook page to urge others to join their support group.