Congressman Denny Rehberg

BILLINGS, MT – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today released the following statement in response to recent flooding on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.

“While the flooding will recede, the damage it leaves behind will remain.  I’ve been in close contact with my staff in the area, and have contacted the Chairman and Tribal Council Members and offered whatever assistance I can provide.  As always, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work to make sure that the federal government’s response is as fast and effective as possible.  Jan and my thoughts and prayers are with those families that are displaced, and with the entire community as they begin the rebuilding process.”

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.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, this week pressed the Bureau of Reclamation for information pertaining to their priorities and funding of Montana water projects.  The Bureau testified before the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, on which Rehberg sits.

“For tens of thousands of Montanans, water is the key to economic prosperity, job creation and a better quality of life that some in more urban areas take for granted,” said Rehberg.  “It’s my job to ensure Montana gets the biggest bang for its buck.  Unfortunately, this budget request makes Montana a donor state, and it’s my job to ask tough questions and hold Washington bureaucrats accountable for their decisions.”

At the hearing, Rehberg asked why the Bureau requested only $3 million for Montana’s rural water projects in Fiscal Year 2011 despite Montanans having paid roughly $50 million into the Reclamation Fund in previous years.  He asked how the Bureau prioritized projects and whether the budget request reflects the Bureau’s priorities.

Rehberg also asked how long he expected it to take to finish the Rocky Boy’s/North Central and Fort Peck/Dry Prairie projects at the current rate of $1-2 million a year, emphasizing that a more rapid investment in authorized projects would be preferable.  He emphasized that the Bureau should take a more proactive approach to completing construction on its ongoing projects to ensure these projects are completed in a timely manner.

“The Fort Peck Tribes and DryPrairie really appreciate Congressman Rehberg raising the issue of why Montana’s taxpayers are only getting back a fraction of what they pay into the BOR fund,” said Clint Jacobs, Manager, Dry Prairie Rural Water.  “Reclamation needs to do more, and the Tribes and Dry Prairie appreciate Denny’s efforts and support over the years to provide safe drinking water for Northeast Montana.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Natural Resources urging action on the settlement reached in the case of Cobell v. Salazar.

“We’ve acknowledged the injustice and agreed to make appropriate restitution,” said Rehberg.  “As is too often the case, justice delayed can be justice denied.  Hearings should be held and the settlement’s provisions debated.  But before this can happen, a bill needs to be introduced, and this is long past due.”

Last December, the government and plaintiffs reached a $3.4 billion settlement in Cobell v. Salazar.  The settlement requires congressional approval and the original terms gave lawmakers until December 31, 2009 to finish the necessary legislation.  That deadline has been extended three times and is now set for May 31, 2010.

“Tribal members have waited long enough,” wrote Rehberg in his letter.  “It took more than three months after the settlement was announced for the Committee to hold a public hearing on this matter.  For nearly five months, there has been no legislative text before either body of Congress.  This legislation needs to be moved in the light of day, in an open and transparent manner.”

The letter is below:

Dear Chairman Rahall and Ranking Member Hastings:

As Montana’s Congressman, I’m writing to urge your action on an important issue to Native Americans in Montana and across America.  On December 7th of last year, I was happy to hear news of a settlement in the case of Cobell v. Salazar.  This settlement has been years in the making, and it’s good to know that a final resolution is around the corner.

Despite this good news, I’m concerned with the progress Congress has made in moving a bill forward to approve the settlement.  The original deadline, December 31st, passed long ago.  It was then extended to February 28th.  After failing to pass a bill before the second deadline, a new expiration date of April 16th was set and later extended to May 31st.  Meanwhile, account holders are left shaking their heads and confused about when a bill will be introduced—let alone pass.

Tribal members have waited long enough.  It took more than three months after the settlement was announced for the Committee to hold a public hearing on this matter.  For nearly five months, there has been no legislative text before either body of Congress.  This legislation needs to be moved in the light of day, in an open and transparent manner. 

I’m not asking the Committee and Congress to consider such legislation in a manner that hastily ignores the important implications of this settlement.  Hearings should be held and the settlement’s provisions debated.  Before this can happen, however, a bill needs to be introduced.  Account holders are seeking more information on what this settlement means.  Unfortunately, they’re left without answers.

This process is the first step in restoring affected tribal members’ confidence in the federal government.  As Members of Congress, it’s our job now to mend the broken trust, address the accounting problems and provide a fair solution.  With seven Indian reservations spanning Montana, Native Americans play an important role in our heritage and culture.  As such, I urge your timely action on this issue and thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, sent a letter requesting a legislative markup for four tribal recognition bills including his effort to acquire federal recognition for the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe. Rehberg, who has introduced legislation on behalf of the Tribe in each of the last two Congresses, successfully obtained a hearing on this bill last July in the House Committee on Natural Resources.  He also testified at the hearing, where he presented a strong case in favor of recognition.  Committee approval is the next step toward final passage.

“The Little Shell have waited long enough for their rightful recognition,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Native American Caucus. “While the legislative process is almost always slow, after more than 30 years of waiting, we’re closer to the finish line than we’ve been in a long time.  We’ll keep fighting until we’re done.”

The Little Shell Tribe is made up of approximately 4,300 members, mostly in the Great Falls area. In 2000, the same year the tribe was recognized by the state of Montana, the Department of Interior issued a positive finding for the tribe making them eligible for recognition. Since then, little progress has been made due to bureaucratic obstacles. Rehberg’s bill expedites recognition through the legislative process.

The full letter is below:

Dear Chairman Rahall,

We request an expeditious markup for the following bills which are currently under consideration in the Committee on Natural Resources: the Duwamish Tribal Recognition Act (H.R. 2678), the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Reaffirmation Act (H.R. 1358), the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act (H.R. 3120), and the Chinook Restoration Act (H.R. 3084).

As Members of Congress, we have worked on these bills for many years, in some cases more than a decade.  Each of the tribes has contributed significantly to the culture, history, and character of the regions which we represent, and federal recognition would be a step toward righting a historical wrong.

We believe that these bills are ready to advance through the legislative process to a vote on the floor of the House.  On July 15, 2009, the Committee on Natural Resources held a hearing examining all four of these bills.  Concerns which arose from this hearing have since been addressed, and we believe that a markup should now be scheduled without delay.

We respectfully request a meeting to discuss how we may work with you and House Leadership to move this legislation to a final vote in Committee and on the House floor as quickly as possible.  We strongly believe in the importance and caliber of these bills.  Passage of these bills is of the highest priority for each of us, and we urge swift action by our colleagues in the House.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, sent a letter to the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Water and Power requesting action on the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act, which he sponsored.  On September 22 of last year, that Subcommittee held a legislative hearing, although since then no action has been taken.

“This is an important piece of legislation, and I’ll keep fighting until it’s signed by the President,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Native American Caucus.  “I’ve worked with the Crow to address the concerns that were brought up at last year’s hearing, and it’s only fair to give this bill a chance to be heard at the full committee level.”

Rehberg’s legislation authorizes the federal component of a comprehensive settlement of the reserved water rights claimed by the Crow.  The bill approves the Crow Tribe Water Rights Compact reached between the tribe and other non-federal parties quantifying water rights and authorizing economic development projects.

The Montana Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission was established by the Montana legislature in 1979 to resolve water compacts between the state and tribes.   The Commission and the Crow Tribe negotiated the Crow Tribe-Montana Compact in 1999.  The Montana Legislature ratified a Compact that same year.

“This water settlement is extremely important to the Crow Tribe and to the State of Montana,” said Cedric Black Eagle, Chairman of the Crow Tribe.  “We are deeply appreciative of Representative Rehberg’s efforts to keep this legislation moving as quickly as possible through the legislative process.”

LETTER:

Dear Chairwoman Napolitano and Ranking Member McClintock:  

I am writing to request your consideration of the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2009 (H.R. 3563), which was heard by the Subcommittee on September 22, 2009.  Since that time, the parties to the compact have worked to address concerns raised during the hearing and in subsequent meetings with administration staff.  As such, I urge your action to move this bill through the committee process.

This legislation ratifies the water rights compact between the Crow Tribe and the State of Montana, which was agreed upon in 1999.  H.R. 3563 would help rehabilitate and improve the Crow Irrigation Project, and create jobs and lasting infrastructure for future generations.  Members of the Crow Tribe have long awaited a final resolution, and I urge your action to ensure this bill moves forward in a timely manner.

I respectfully request this bill be brought before the Subcommittee for markup at the earliest available date and referred to the full Committee on Natural Resources for its consideration.  Thank you for your attention to this matter, and please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has cosponsored legislation to preserve the Impact Aid program in its current, successful form. The Fair Funding for Schools Act of 2009 (H.R. 2280) maintains the funding mechanisms that benefit Montana’s federally impacted schools. The bill also protects Montana’s schools from changes that would hurt rural districts and result in less funding for many Montana communities.

“Montana kids deserve the best education no matter where they live,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee and the Impact Aid Coalition. “Impact Aid plays a vital role for school districts located on Montana’s seven reservations and in all the state’s federally impacted communities. These districts often lack the funding that typically comes from property taxes. Impact Aid fills that funding gap so Montana students receive a quality education.”

Impact Aid is a program designed to ensure that military children, children residing on Indian lands, and children living in federally-owned low-rent housing facilities receive a quality education by providing funding to school districts that have lost tax revenue as a result of the federal presence in their district. In 2007, Impact Aid provided $38 million in funding to 75 Montana school districts.

H.R. 2280 highlights the federal government’s obligation to communities impacted by a federal presence and provides a proposal to address the changing needs of the program. It makes necessary changes to streamline the program while recognizing that the needs of federally impacted school districts differ. At its heart, this bill seeks to maintain Impact Aid as a “need based” program and resists attempts to restructure the program in a way that would hurt rural schools and rural children.

The legislation is broadly supported by Montana school districts including those in Browning, Frazer, Box Elder, Hardin, Lame Deer, Harlem, Valier and Wolf Point.

“As Superintendent of Browning Public Schools I would like to say that we are very appreciative that Representative Rehberg has chosen to sign on to HR 2280, a bill that clearly supports the best interest of Montana Impact Aid schools,” said Mary Johnson. “Representative Rehberg has long recognized that Impact Aid is vital to the funding of Indian land schools and has been a strong advocate for Impact Aid and education. We appreciate his continued support.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today released the following statement following the failure of Bureau of Indian Affairs to formally recognize the Little Shell Tribe in Montana. In 1978, the Little Shell Tribe filed a Federal Recognition petition with the Department of Interior. Nine years ago, the state of Montana formally recognized the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Since that time, Rehberg has worked across the aisle with Montana’s Democrat Senators, introducing the bill in two Congresses, to push the federal designation through at the federal level.

“Although this decision is disappointing, it’s hardly surprising from a federal agency that’s procrastinated for more than 30 years. This decision makes it all the more important to pass my legislation which would circumvent this red-tape once and for all and secure the Little Shell the recognition they have in Montana for almost a decade.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today participated in a legislative hearing held by the Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power to discuss Rehberg’s bill, H.R. 3563, the “Crow Tribe Water Settlements Act of 2009.”  Testifying on behalf of the bill were The Honorable Cedric Black Eagle, Chairman of the Crow Tribe and Crow Agency, and Mr. Chris Tweeten, Chairman of the Montana Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission.  The hearing moves the bill one step closer to final passage in the House.

“Montanans understand the importance of water and the importance of Native American issues in a way that the federal government doesn’t always grasp,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the House Native American Caucus.  “I requested a hearing on this bill because it’s the right thing to do for the Crow Tribe.  I’ll keep working across the aisle get this bill passed and signed into law.”

Rehberg’s legislation authorizes the federal component of a comprehensive settlement of the Federal Indian reserved water rights claims of the Crow Tribe in Montana. The bill has two major components. First, it approves the Crow Tribe Water Rights Compact reached between the tribe and other non-federal parties quantifying the Tribe’s water rights. Second, it authorizes economic development projects.

The Montana Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission was established by the Montana legislature in 1979 for purposes of concluding compacts for the equitable division and apportionment of waters between the State and its peoples and the Indian Tribes claiming reserved water rights within the State.   The Commission and the Crow Tribe negotiated the Crow Tribe-Montana Compact in 1999.  Montana’s state legislature ratified a Compact that same year.

The Crow Tribe has a membership of approximately 11,000 people, 7,900 of which live on the Crow Indian Reservation located in Big Horn County in south-central Montana.

“This is a great day for the Crow Tribe,” said Chairman Black Eagle.  “It is yet another significant step toward vindication of our water rights. Congressman Rehberg has been a staunch friend and supporter of the tribe and we would not be where we are without him. We look forward to his assistance in obtaining final enactment of this bill, which is important not just for the Crow Tribe but for the entire State of Montana.”