Denny Rehberg

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. As some are toasting the success of the so-called stimulus, unemployment rates spiral out of control. Now the White House plans to spend 18 million taxpayer dollars to redesign the Web site that tracks how many jobs have been ``saved or created'' by the stimulus. Montanans shouldn't be asked to foot the bill for a Web site that only serves as political damage control for a failing big government policy. We'd rather know the reality on the ground. That's why I launched a Web site that lets my constituents report their experiences with the stimulus. Montana Stimulus Watch didn't cost taxpayers millions of dollars, but it did bring to light that a company had to lay off 24 workers because stimulus dollars went to an out-of-State contractor to pave a Montana road. I doubt those layoffs will be counted in the slippery ``saved or created'' formula, but then again, $18 million can't buy credibility.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3082--Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2010: Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 3082 Account: Army NG Name and Address: Montana Army National Guard, 1956 Mt Majo Street, Fort Harrison, Helena, MT 59636-4789 Description: An increased number of Periodic Health Assessments has led to serious overcrowding of waiting areas, exam rooms, treatment facilities and administrative areas at the Fort Harrison Troop Medical Facility in Helena, Montana. This overcrowding presents both a risk to patient safety and patient privacy as required by HIPAA. The $1.75 million in funding will be used to expand and renovate the current facility to handle the increased patient load and improve both safety and patient privacy.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2997--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: Rural cooperative development Grants Name and Address: National Center for Appropriate Technology, 3040 Continental Dr., Butte, MT 59701 Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) provides information, educational resources and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and agricultural information providers across the U.S., with a special focus on sustainable ag technologies, farm energy, and information on marketing and adding value to farm products. Amount: $2,582,000 Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: Buildings and facilities Name and Address: Montana State University--Bozeman, 202 Linfield Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717 The progressive evolution of animal and range sciences has generated increasingly complex opportunities for research, teaching and outreach. The Animal Biosciences Research Facility will use the bovine genome sequence to identify ways to improve economic and environmental sustainability in the production of safe, high quality and consistent beef products by: identifying genes and their function; developing tools to control disease; improving nutrient utilization, management and production efficiency; and enhancing the nutrient composition of a safe supply of beef for the consumers in the United States and abroad. Amount: $3,654,000 Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: Science and Research Grant Name and Address: Montana State University & National Barley Improvement Committee, 209 Plant Biosciences Building, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 This project addresses the critical need of growers in production agriculture to increase economic yield and on-farm income, enhance domestic and international market access, improve production technologies, and better compete with Canadian and European barley and barley value-added imports, and with Australia, Canada, and Europe in world export markets. Amount: $514,000 Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: Science and Research Grants Name and Address: Montana State University--Bozeman, 202 Linfield Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717 B. abortus is a communicable disease that has already affected Montana's livestock industry and will continue to pose future threats until improved vaccines are developed. Montana must regain its Brucella-free status in order for the livestock industry to prosper. Furthermore, the presence of Brucella abortus in YNP poses a biosafety hazard to tourists that could impact the state's tourism industry, particularly, for southwestern Montana. Thus, efforts spearheaded by MSU are warranted, and the development of novel vaccines and study of livestock and bison immune responses will have a tremendously positive impact for Montana agriculture. Amount: $305,000 Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: Science and Research Grants Name and Address: Montana State University--Bozeman, 202 Linfield Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717 Improving beef quality depends upon: (1) assisting producers with selection and management techniques to produce cattle that fit customer expectations for marbling, red meat yield and weight, (2) developing a cattle ID system that facilitates data collection and information feedback and reduces reliance on hot-iron branding and (3) continuing to develop and apply technology to enhance the safety of beef. The Montana Beef Network addresses each of these areas. Montana's beef cattle industry generates approximately $900M dollars in yearly income and accounts for approximately one-half of the state's total agricultural income. The stockgrowers of the state own approximately 1.6 million beef cows. It has been suggested that in the future, producer ability to market calves may require process verification of calves from birth until slaughter, so that vaccination history, breed, age and weight can be factored into subsequent management programs to guarantee food safety and ensure product quality and consistency. Amount: $682,000 Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: EPA--Salaries and expenses Name and Address: The Montana Department of Livestock, PO Box 202001, Helena, MT 59620-2001 To conduct brucellosis prevention, surveillance, control and eradication activities in Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA), and to develop and implement brucellosis herd unit management plans. Amount: $650,000

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project Name and Address: Em-Kayan County Water and Sewer District, 910 Greers Ferry Road, Libby, Montana 59923. Description: The Em-Kayan community water system consists of three springs, two wells, five steel storage tanks and a water distribution system inclusive of fire hydrants. The original water system was constructed in the 1960s. Funding would be used to replace badly corroded steel water main with PVC water main, install additional fire hydrants to meet fire flow requirements, install water meters to better account for the District's water resource and install a control system. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: National Park Service--Save America's Treasures Name and Address: City of Bozeman, 121 North Rouse Avenue, Bozeman, Montana 59771 Description: Historic Downtown Bozeman suffered a devastating loss due to a natural gas pipeline explosion in March, 2009. The explosion and subsequent fire destroyed four historic building, and significantly damaged three others. All building are in the Bozeman Main Street Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The destroyed buildings covered 150 linear feet of historic streetscape. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: BLM--Land Acquisition Name and Address: The Conservation Fund, 125 Bank Street, Suite #612, Missoula, Montana 59802. Description: Funding would be used for the BLM to purchase Phase II of this project. Located in Carbon County, near Red Lodge, the wind- blasted stone pinnacles of the Meeteetse Spires reach hundreds of feet into the sky and provide a unique backdrop to a scenic hanging valley as part of the Meeteetse Spires Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). In partnership with the BLM, The Conservation Fund has reached an agreement to acquire a 560-acre private inholding from a willing seller within the ACEC with the goal of conveying the property to the BLM through an appropriation. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: U.S. Forest Service--Land Acquisition Name and Address: The Nature Conservancy, 32 S. Ewing, Helena, Montana 59601. Description: This funding would be used for the U.S. Forest Service to acquire lands critical for protecting the existing federal investment in the Blackfoot Community--Nora Gulch--project area, including wildlife habitat for grizzly bears, elk, and threatened trout species. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: EPA--Science and Technology Name and Address: Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research Inc., 100 Sylvan Drive, Suite #210, St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522. Description: Partnering with Montana State University, this funding would be used to fund university research and technology transfer for phytoremediation and environmentally friendly industries. Working with The Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research, Inc., it will develop new and improved technologies that range from ``green'' chemicals and industrial manufacturing processes to environmental remediation. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: EPA--Science and Technology Name and Address: The Water Research Foundation, 6666 Quincy Street, Denver, Colorado 80235. Description: Partnering with the Mountain Water Company of Missoula, Montana, this funding would be used to sponsor individual research projects that enable utilities to provide safe, affordable and sustainable water to their customers.These projects will help water utilities address challenges such as climate change impacts on water supply, pharmaceutical contaminants in drinking water, aging infrastructure, and protection of watersheds. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service--Land Acquisition Name and Address: The Nature Conservancy, 32 S. Ewing, Helena, Montana 59601. Description: This funding will be used for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to acquire conservation easements along the Montana's Rocky Mountain Front. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: BLM--Land Acquisition Name and Address: The Nature Conservancy, 32 S. Ewing, Helena, Montana 59601. Description: This funding will be used for acquiring lands for the Bureau of Land Management to protect the existing federal investment in the project area, including wildlife habitat for grizzly bears, elk, and threatened trout species near the Blackfoot River. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: U.S. Forest Service--Land Acquisition Name and Address: The Trust for Public Land, 111 South Grand Avenue, Suite #203, Bozeman, Montana 59715. Description: This funding will be used as an acquisition project for the United States Forest Service to purchase mining claims within the Yellowstone National Park ecosystem. These lands offer natural and recreational resources that will be protected by the United States Forest Service.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Russ Davidson of Colstrip, Montana, for 25 years of dedicated service to the Close Up Foundation. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and Montana, it's a privilege to thank Russ for his many years of service. As a high school teacher of history and government, Russ has traveled to Washington, D.C. with his students many times over the course of his career. According to his students and all who know him, Russ is an excellent teacher with years of experience in the classroom. Each year, I enjoy meeting with hundreds of Close Up students in Washington, D.C., and I appreciate the extent to which Close Up sponsors promote informed participation in the democratic process. Close Up gives students the unique opportunity to learn about the democratic process as they are introduced to lawmakers, public interest groups and personnel from all branches of government. Thanks to people like Russ, students from across America are able to meet with their elected leaders and understand how they can make a positive difference through democratic participation. Once again, I thank Russ for his dedication as an educator and Close Up sponsor, and it's a privilege to formally recognize his efforts.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2892, the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act: Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2892 Account: FEMA Name and Address: Butte-Silver Bow Government (155 W. Granite, Butte, MT 59701) Description: A formal analysis of Butte-Silver Bow's current emergency operations center revealed deficiencies in all critical areas: the physical facility lacks adequate space, sustainability, survivability, and interoperable communications equipment. This $800,000 will be used to construct a facility that meets Dept. of Homeland Security standards and upgrade communications equipment to provide Butte-Silver Bow with a functional emergency operations center. Serving a community of 40,000 people, in an area that is at risk of experiencing environmental (forest fire, earthquake, etc.) and man-made disasters, it is critical that the current emergency operations center be replaced to provide for a timely and proper response in the event of a catastrophic event.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2647--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010: Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2892 Account: Army NG Name and Address: Montana Army National Guard, 1956 Mt Majo Street, Fort Harrison, -Helena, MT 59636-4789 Description: An increased number of Periodic Health Assessments has led to serious overcrowding of waiting areas, exam rooms, treatment facilities and administrative areas at the Fort Harrison Troop Medical Facility in Helena, Montana. This overcrowding presents both a risk to patient safety and patient privacy as required by HIPAA. The $1.75 million in funding will be used to expand and renovate the current facility to handle the increased patient load and improve both safety and patient privacy.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, let me take this opportunity to pay tribute to retiring Major General Thomas F. Deppe. General Deppe became Vice Commander of Air Force Space Command in August, 2007. As Vice Commander, he provides leadership to the world's greatest space and missile force. General Deppe began his Air Force career in 1967 when he graduated from Basic Military Training. His distinguished career is characterized by his Master Missileer Badge, Command Space Badge, Space Professional Level III certification, operational space experience in nuclear operations and spacelift, weapon systems expertise in the Minuteman II, Minuteman III and Peacekeeper ICBMs, Hound Dog and Quail Air-Launched Cruise Missiles, the Ground-Launched Cruise Missile and the Atlas III, Titan IV, Delta II and Delta III boosters. General Deppe's exemplary career is marked by command, operational and leadership positions in a variety of Air Force and Joint assignments. General Deppe began his illustrious Air Force career as a Missile Instrumentation Electronics Technician. He had a series of aircraft munition assignments and rounded out his enlisted service with an Air Force recruiting position, achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant. In 1977, General Deppe received his commission through the Officer Training School. This led him to his first assignment in Montana at Malmstrom Air Force Base. General Deppe's Air Force journey as an officer would take Eileen and him through a series of Wing, Air Staff and Joint assignments relating to strategic and tactical missile and space systems. He operated the Ground-Launched Cruise Missile in Europe and later served as the Commander of the 351st Organizational Missile Maintenance Squadron in Missouri at Whiteman Air Force Base. Additionally, he commanded the 90th Logistics Group at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming and the 341st Space Wing in Montana. While assigned to the National Military Command Center, he directed actions during the early days of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and the Space Shuttle Columbia recovery effort. General Deppe went on to command the Air Force's land-based strategic deterrent force at 20th Air Force in Wyoming before his present assignment as the Vice Commander of Air Force Space Command. During General Deppe's tenure as Vice Commander, Air Force Space Command, he provided inspirational leadership to over 39,000 personnel responsible for a global network of satellite command and control, communications, missile warning and space launch facilities, and ensured the combat readiness of America's ICBM force. Exploiting his unique blend of operational experience and staffing acumen, General Deppe championed the implementation of a new Management Headquarters construct through Air Force Space Command's ``Lanes-In-The Road'' initiative. The results clearly aligned the Command's headquarters organizations with its own functional concepts as well as the operational mission areas outlined in the United States Air Force Concept of Operations. In addition, he guaranteed the future viability of the Air Force Nuclear Enterprise by driving major system revitalization initiatives, to include the Air Force Chief of Staff- approved creation of an ICBM Weapons Instructor Course at the United States Air Force Weapons School. He was instrumental in successfully implementing visionary space mission area initiatives with wide-ranging national and international implications, to include the Launch and Range Enterprise Transformation effort, the Commercial and Foreign Entities Support Pilot Program and the operational expansion of on- orbit Global Positioning System and Wideband Global Satellite communications capabilities. Finally, General Deppe oversaw the command's lead role to stand-up the 24th Air Force to execute the Air Force's cyberspace mission. Madam Speaker, the American people have been fortunate to have General Deppe serving as the Vice Commander of Air Force Space Command for the past two years. General Deppe's leadership was an essential element in winning the Cold War and vital to Air Force Space Command's support of combat operations around the world to include Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, the Global War on Terrorism and Overseas Contingency Operations. His exemplary character and dedication to service have resulted in a career of which he, his wife Eileen, and their three children, Lisa, Tom and Ken, can be very proud. I know my fellow Members of the House of Representatives will join me in thanking him for his commitment to his Nation and in wishing him all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2847, the Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriation Act: Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: OJP-JJ Name and Address: Watson Children's Shelter, 2901 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, Montana 59804 Description: The Watson Children's Shelter (WCS) is Western Montana's only emergency children shelter, serving nearly 100 children per year who escape from abuse, neglect, abandonment, family crisis, and other traumatic situations. The substantial population growth in Western Montana coupled with the subsequent increase in methamphetamine abuse, poverty, and related issues has significantly increased the need for children-oriented emergency shelter services. This request will facilitate the continued fulfillment of its mission of providing a safe haven for all children in crisis in Western Montana and meet increased demand. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: OJP-JJ Name and Address: University of Montana, University Hall 116; Missoula, MT 59812 Description: The Montana Safe Schools Center (MSSC) will work with schools, state agencies and Tribes on the interrelated issues of childhood trauma and victimization, suicide prevention, threat assessment, behavioral health and bullying. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: OJP-JJ Name and Address: Youth and District Court Services Bureau, 301 South Park Avenue, Suite 328 Description: This project will integrate the MONTS Program into the Montana Youth Justice System by training staff in the appropriate application and use of MONTS & OTTER Notifications to divert Montana youth from custody and into appropriate alternative solutions. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: OJP Byrne Name and Address: East Helena Police Department, 316 East Main East Helena, Montana 59635 Description: This funding will allow the East Helena Police Department to hire Certified Police Officers. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: COPS Tech Name and Address: Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, P.O. Box 35017, Billings, Montana 59107 Description: The mobile digital video camera project will fund the purchase of new mobile video digital cameras to augment current systems and replace VHS formatted video systems. The information that is recorded can be used as evidence in court proceedings, assist the prosecution of D.U.I. arrests, gang activity, traffic and criminal offenses. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: OJP Byrne Name and Address: Gallatin County, 311 West Main Street, Bozeman, MT, 59715 Description: This funding will allow the Gallatin Country Treatment Court to expand the capacity of our program by adding case management, mental health access, treatment access, and housing and education assistance for program participants willing to seriously address their chemical dependency issues. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: COPS Meth Name and Address: Montana Meth Project, PO Box 8944, Missoula, MT 59807 Description: Funding will support the Montana Meth Project campaign's commitment to solve the meth usage problem using prevention as the first line of defense. Requesting Member: Rep. Denny Rehberg Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: OJP Byrne Name and Address: Billings Clinic, PO Box 31031, Billings, MT 59107 Description: Funding will support the operation of the Billings Clinic Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program specializes in collecting evidence and caring for victims of sexual assault. Billings Clinic's SANE unit was recently in March of 2007 and is the only unit in the service area. The SANE unit is equipped with all necessary equipment for forensic evidence collection and provides a safe and private room specifically designed for victims of sexual assault.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, in order to seem like they are keeping the promise of no new taxes, some Democrats have simply stopped calling their tax policies taxes. For example, this week they're calling a $645 billion tax increase cap-and-trade. But the Democratic chairman emeritus of the House Energy Committee, Congressman Dingell, warned that most Americans didn't know that cap-and-trade was--quote--``a tax, and a great big one.'' Cap-and-tax supporters suggest this money is pulled out of thin air. The truth is that each year under cap-and-tax, every American household will have to come up with an additional $3,100 just to heat the house, run the washing machine or use energy. Most families don't have an extra $3,100 just sitting around. Americans are struggling to make ends meet. I ask my colleagues not to raise taxes on those who can least afford it.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Across the country, we're seeing problems with the so- called ``stimulus package.'' When I voted against this bill, I warned that time would reveal its inherent flaws. While Americans were told that spending almost $1 trillion would create jobs, unemployment continues to rise. It would make sense to spend stimulus money in the hardest hit counties, but the Associated Press reports that's not what's happening. Instead, the massive and inflexible bill is causing waste. The Billings Gazette reported that a new Federal courthouse in Billings, Montana, will cost taxpayers an additional $45 million as a result of the stimulus rules. And now, Americans are denied the transparency we were promised. USA Today reports that the Web site meant to allow us to track every dime of stimulus spending won't be up and running for another 5 months. How many more jobs will we lose while we're waiting? How much more money will we waste? We can't afford any more of these flawed policies.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, I hope some day I can come to the floor of the House of Representatives to report that meth abuse is no longer a problem in rural America. I would like to say some day that our families and communities are no longer subject to the total devastation caused by methamphetamine addiction. But we're not there yet. So today I urge my colleagues to join me in the fight against meth abuse. I have introduced the Family-Based Meth Treatment Access Act, a bill which would fund programs aimed at helping families recover together from the Nation's most dangerous drug. Studies show that family-based treatment increases effectiveness of long-term recovery, employment, and educational enrollment, while decreasing crime. The Family-Based Treatment Access Act helps take back what meth has stolen from our families. Please join me by cosponsoring the Family-Based Meth Treatment Access Act.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Congress is moving forward on the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act. Montanans have a long and proud heritage as good stewards of our land. Working together, folks in Montana have found solutions that work for everyone--without top-down meddling from Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, this bill throws that consensus approach out the window. Take a look at the cosponsors. The vast majority of them are from districts east of the Mississippi, and 17 cosponsors are from California; none from the districts actually impacted by the legislation such as Idaho, Wyoming, Eastern Oregon, Eastern Washington, and, of course, Montana. That is right. None. Montanans don't tell folks from New York or San Francisco how high to build their skyscrapers or how many lanes their freeways need. We let you deal with your problems, and we respectfully ask that when it comes to the Northern Rockies, you take into consideration the opinions of those of us who live there.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate and honor two young students from my district who have achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in their communities. Cheyne Valentine of Bigfork, Montana and Pamela Fawns of Corvallis, Montana, have been named as Montana's top youth volunteers by The 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. This is an annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers in each state and the District of Columbia. Mr. Valentine was nominated by the American Red Cross of Montana in Great Falls, and Pamela was nominated by the Ravalli County 4-H in Hamilton. As State Honorees, each will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion and an all-expenses-paid trip in early May to Washington, D.C., where they will join honorees from each of the other states and District of Columbia for several days of national recognition events. Ten of them will be named America's top youth volunteers for 2009 at that time. As a member of the American Red Cross of Montana and a senior at Bigfork High School, Cheyne helped spearhead a community campaign that collected $4,400 to purchase two heart defibrillators for his school and provide CPR training for coaches, after his best friend suffered a heart attack during football practice and later died. When his friend, Jeff, collapsed on the field, Cheyne discovered that school personnel had neither the training nor equipment to deal with such an emergency. ``I am certain that if the coach had been trained in CPR and there had been a defibrillator on the field, the outcome for my friend would have been different,'' he said. Cheyne began seeking donations to pay for two automatic external defibrillators and training for his school's coaches. He and his mother posted 500 fliers, spoke to hundreds of community members and wrote columns and letters to editors of local newspapers. The defibrillators purchased with the donations from the fundraising drive were presented to Bigfork High School in December, 2008. Meanwhile, Cheyne also has begun working to persuade state legislators to pass a law requiring AEDs at all school athletic events and training for all coaches in Montana. ``I have started the ball rolling in this community,'' said Cheyne, ``and it will continue until all schools in Montana make these safety changes.'' Ms. Fawns, a member of the Ravalli County 4-H and a seventh grader at Valley Oak Academy High School in Corvallis, creates floral arrangements to promote and raise funds for 4-H and other school projects. `` I have always had a joy in creating art with flowers because flower arrangements lighten up your mood and can make people feel happy when they are ill or sad,'' said Pamela, who comes from a long line of horticulturists. To gain more experience in floral design, Pamela persuaded a local florist to let her work as a volunteer intern. After learning first-hand about selecting, processing and arranging flowers, she started to think about ways she could use her skills to raise money for community projects. Through flower sales, Pamela was able to generate funds for a community meal project and new sports equipment for her school. She also realized how effective flowers are in motivating volunteers, so she began making arrangements for adult volunteers in her community. ``I recognized that flowers, unlike other gifts, could really have a brightening effect on people's lives,'' she said. In light of numerous statistics indicating Americans today are less involved in their communities than they once were, it is vital that we encourage and support the kind of selfless contributions these young citizens have made. People of all ages need to think more about how we, as individual citizens, can work together at the local level to ensure the health and vitality of our own communities. Young volunteers like Cheyne and Pamela are inspiring examples to all of us, and are among our brightest hopes for a better tomorrow. The program that brought these young volunteers to our attention--The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards--was created by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1995 to impress upon all youth volunteers that their contributions are critically important and highly valued, and to inspire other young people to follow their example. Over the past 14 years, the program has become the nation's largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service and has honored more than 80,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level. Mr. Valentine and Ms. Fawns should be extremely proud to have been singled out from the thousands of dedicated volunteers who participated in this year's program. I heartily applaud both of them for their initiative in seeking to make their communities better places to live. Their actions show that young Americans can--and do--play important roles in our communities.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, a few weeks ago, I stood on the floor of the House of Representatives to express the outrage I'm hearing from Montanans regarding H.R. 45 and similar bills that erode our Second Amendment rights and make eventual confiscation of firearms easier. Even gun-control advocates understand that this bill goes too far. They promise that H.R. 45 will never pass. Notice, they don't say it shouldn't pass--only that it won't. Some of my colleagues here in Washington, D.C. wish it could pass. And that's why it remains so important to stand our ground against The Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act and similar measures. Thomas Jefferson wrote, ``The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.'' While public outcry has made H.R. 45 a politically unattractive proposal for now, make no mistake about it: if we ease back, even for a moment, opponents of the Second Amendment will take advantage. I recently created a user-group on the popular social networking website Facebook entitled ``Fight to Protect the 2nd Amendment Against H.R. 45.'' It has been incredible to watch the response as friends have invited friends to join and people posted their opinions on ``The Wall'' for others to read. In a little over two weeks, the group has more than 1,500 members, with more joining every day. Sadly a bill like H.R. 45 isn't politically unattractive because it's a bad idea. Congress passes bad ideas every day. It's politically unattractive because Americans like those in my Facebook group are taking Thomas Jefferson's advice and remaining vigilant. It's politically unattractive because of the grassroots advocacy that has arisen against it. To make it clear that advocates of liberty will pay the price of vigilance for our freedom, here is a sampling of some of the comments that were written on the wall in that angry little corner of Facebook. ``The ability to bear arms has much more to do with being able to protect one's self then it does for those hunting. I used a 22 rifle once to keep an invader out of my apartment. I didn't have any ammo but all the guy needed to see was my gun pointing at him when he broke into my front door, he promptly left and I was one less victim of who knows what crime. Don't take that right to defend myself away from me. I don't want to be a statistic!''--Jaclyn Colebank ``As once was written, `If guns kill people then pencils misspell words.' As an avid gun owner and 25 year old female I appreciate the constitution and the rights we have been given. The second amendment assists us in protecting the first. If someone decides to break into my home and deprive me of my life, liberty and/or happiness, I am going to protect those rights using a firearm if necessary.''--Amanda Barta ``I use to never want to have a gun in my home. They always scared me. My husband is a trucker and over a year I am pretty much alone with just my son in the home. I am disabled so I can't really get away from someone if they were to break in. A couple of guys threatened my son and myself. Immediately I told my husband that soon as he came home we were going to get me a gun and he was going to teach me to shoot. I need to know how to protect my family and myself. I also realize that an unarmed society is nothing but slaves to the government. The Founding Fathers knew that the people needed a way to protect themselves from a government gone wild which is why they made sure we have the 2nd amendment. I am now a member of the NRA and I will not be disarmed. Statistics prove that areas that have gun bans have a much higher crime rate. I am a rape survivor and had I carried a gun then maybe I would not have been a victim. Never again.''--Anita Calbert ``If I'm a violent criminal all set to ply my trade, I'd rather operate in an unarmed helpless community than your basic Montana town. What is it about an armed populace that is so frightening?''--Randy Nankivel ``The second amendment states, ``A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.'' While H.R 45 does not outright ban guns, it would impair the purchase and ownership of arms to the point to where it would have the same effect as a ban, and as such H.R. 45 should be considered unconstitutional. Opponents will claim as long as there is the opportunity to buy a gun, however small, the second amendment would not be violated. This is an abuse of the definition and meaning of the second amendment, unfairly restricting the scope of amendment and marginalizing it until rendered ineffective.''--Eric Fulton ``Being a gun owner is not only a privilege but my right. Anyone who wants to take our gun rights has forgotten how the birth of our great country came about. I enjoy target shooting as well as hunting. It is something my husband and I do to spend time together. If we let Congress pass any bill allowing them to take our guns, it would be detrimental to the well being of every American. The criminals will have them anyway and the hard working citizens will have no way to protect themselves, not to mention being able to hunt. Hunting is a way of life for a lot of families, especially families who cannot afford to buy beef etc. I see absolutely nothing positive being gained by taking our gun rights.''-- Tara Preshinger ``Guns have been a part of my life and my family's life since we have lived in the US. It has been a useful tool in feeding my family since we have been here. I am a soldier, hunter, brother, son and many other things and I refuse to let this right be taken from me when all that will happen is it will take firearms from people who use them as tools and a way of life and those who use them for bad will get them one way or another. If guns are outlawed only outlaws will have guns and we will have nothing to protect ourselves with. That's way I say this right is important to me. I am here to protect my family, friends, and the US from all enemies and I feel sorry for the poor sap that tries to take this right away from me.''--Clint Dean ``As a U.S. Soldier and a Montanan guns have always been a part of my life. I will never give up the right to keep and bear arms. I say if anyone wants to take my guns. . .. . .. . ...You can try but you might want to wait till I'm reloading!!!!!''--Matt Calnan ``There are so many reasons to oppose gun control, it's hard to pick a favorite. I would say that the main reason is that it simply doesn't work. Look at places like Great Britain and Mexico--have they become violence-free Utopias, or do their defenseless citizens now suffer exploded rates of violent crimes committed with total impunity since having been disarmed? If civil disarmament worked well, then Great Britain wouldn't need 40 cameras on every street corner; and they wouldn't try to do it either for fear of armed revolt. What do our leaders hope to accomplish with gun control? Also, how many of them are willing to give up their own guns, or the guns of their bodyguards? Finally, if they take our weapons, will they legislate to overturn Castle Rock v. Gonzales? If not, then WHO will protect us?''--Ian Sean Montgomery ``Whether you are for or against gun control you can still recognize that H.R. 45 is simply unconstitutional''--Joe Chollak ``A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity.''--Sigmund Freud ``I live in Montana and I enjoy [spending] my time in the outdoors. I grew up learning the responsibilities of firearm ownership from my father and my grandfather. I use those same responsibilities in my everyday life. I spend my fall hunting and the meat that I harvest rarely remains in my freezer because I like to donate it to local charities like the rescue missions and the food banks in my hometown. If this regulation becomes readily available and can later be used as but step in the ladder to complete firearm [eradication]. If this bill is put into I know that many families who rely on groups like the food bank for meat will go without because this form of charity will become a distant memory.''--Ryan Belke ``Once freedom is given up, or even compromised, it can never be taken back. Compromise, even in the deceitful form of regulations, is not an infringement on the ownership of guns, but an infringement on what it means to be an American and the rights granted, declared, and (supposedly) defended by the government whom the people support. These are our rights as Americans. Take them away, and you take America away. You take away life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness . . . because that is what Americans are promised. Take away the promise, and you leave us with nothing.''-- Justin Countryman ``If the right to bear arms is taken away, what will be next? One by one other freedom will be stripped away. The right to bear arms gives citizens the right and ability to defend themselves against criminals, and even if necessary our own government. In these uncertain times this is definitely a right we don't want taken away. I've heard a quote and don't know the exact source that `if guns are outlawed only outlaws will have guns.' ''--Niki Griffis ``HR 45 makes the jobs of criminals easier and threatens the safety of all law abiding citizens, with it you can also say goodbye to your 2nd and 4th amendment rights! It also hurts a family tradition of target shooting and hunting that so many people share.''--Brant Manley ``Honest citizens use the right to bear arms as a source of recreation through hunting, trap shooting, etc. as well as a for an essential source of protection in dangerous situations. We follow the firearm regulations that are already in place. Criminals, however, do not. The only people who will be affected by further restrictions against our right to bear arms will be law-abiding citizens. HR 45 will have no affect on criminals. Instead, the only people left with firearms will be the ones who should not possess them in the first place.''--Christine Hodges ``I have seen it argued that HR 45 is simply a bill proposing gun registration. That contention is absolutely false. HR 45 is nothing less than a backdoor attempt to circumvent the 2nd Amendment, by harassing law-abiding citizens into giving up their firearms. Criminals don't register guns anyway. It's quite obvious who this bill is directed toward . . . and it isn't criminals. HR 45 addresses only law-abiding citizens; yet, treats them no better than convicted sex offenders or other felons just because they own a firearm. When the government starts using heavy-handed tactics to suppress the freedoms of law-abiding citizens, then those citizens need to stand firm in defense of their rights, and preserve the integrity of the US Constitution.''--Debra Sullivan

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, each year there are two things that can get in the way of thousands of visitors seeking the picturesque vistas of Montana and all that it has to offer: high energy prices that make the trip too expensive and a blanket of smoke from out-of-control wildfires. I've introduced legislation that brings some Montana common sense to those problems by literally harnessing the energy of a forest fire to generate electricity. You see, nature wants to let the fires burn in order to preserve healthy forests, while man continues to try and put them out. When we interfere with nature, we wind up with overgrown forests that burn hotter and longer, wasting a potential renewable energy source. My bill restores these forests to a more natural and healthy density, while using the excess wood to create biomass energy. Join me in cosponsoring H.R. 1111 to reduce the cost of wildfires and the cost of energy.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, Montanans can enjoy our beautiful State from the convenience of a road; but to really get out and experience it, we often have to leave the roads behind. That is why off-roading has become a major part of Montana's heritage, and our economy. Unfortunately, the Consumer Products Safety Commission has erected a bureaucratic off-road block for young all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts. ATV parts, which are unlikely to be handled by children, have been banned, forcing ATV and motorcycle dealers to remove these products from their showrooms. And now couldn't be a worse time as many of these dealers are just trying to stay afloat through the slow economic times. I have introduced legislation to fix this problem. We all want to ensure the safety of our kids, but let's put our efforts into protecting them from real threats, not bureaucratic bungling.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act: Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: DOJ--COPS Law Enforcement Technology Project: Missoula Public Safety Operations and Training Center Amount: $750,000 Description: The entity to receive funding for this project is the County of Missoula at 200 West Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802. Funding would be used in development and construction of a multi-use facility for local law enforcement, fire, and public health agencies. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Impact Aid Project: Heart Butte School District Amount: $91,000 Description: The entity to receive funding for this project is Heart Butte School District located at Heart Butte School Road in Heart Butte, MT 59448. Impact Aid is a program designed to ensure military children, children residing on Indian lands, and children residing on federally-owned low rent housing facilities receive a quality education by helping school districts, which have lost tax revenue as a result of the federal presence in their district.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Here in Washington, D.C., we are always reminded that freedom isn't free. Whether it's the self-reflective Vietnam War Memorial or the solemn Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, the freedom we Americans enjoy today was paid for by the blood and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. While our veterans have paid this price with their sacrifices, there is another price they must pay which we can now alleviate. I have introduced the Veterans Pass Act, which will provide veterans an annual National Parks and Federal Lands pass at a sharp discount of $10, down from the normal cost of $80. I encourage my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this legislation. The majestic beauty of our Nation's national parks are just as fitting a monument to the sacrifices of our soldiers as is a monument made of marble. We should make visiting these living monuments easier for our veterans. Please join me in cosponsoring the Veterans Pass Act.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, from hunting to protecting our families and property, the right to keep and bear arms is a part of America's heritage. This weekend, as I traveled around Montana, I heard concern in my constituents' voices as we cussed and discussed House Resolution 45. This bill criminalizes gun ownership as we know it. It requires gun owners to register with the Federal Government after completing a list of government certifications. Gun owners and the firearms they own would be tracked in a government database, a database that would make eventual collection of guns by government agents an easy task. This is the first step, but it's one we must not take. Gun owners are not criminals. They are patriots. I will oppose this measure and others like it as an affront to our liberty and the Constitution.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act: Interior Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: DOI--Bureau of Land Management Land Acquisition Project: Meeteetse Spires Area of Critical Environmental Concern. Requesting Entity: The entity to receive funding for this project is the Bureau of Land Management. Amount: $1,000,000 Description: The funding will enable the Bureau of Land Management to purchase a private in holding within the Meeteetse Spires Area of Critical Environmental Concern. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: NPS--Save America's Treasures Project: Historic Havre United States Post Office and Federal Courthouse Revitalization Requesting Entity: Society for the Preservation of Historic Structures, located at 306 Third Avenue, Suite 103, Havre, MT 59501. Amount: $100,000 Description: The funding would be used for the restoration and revitalization of the Havre United States Post Office and Federal Courthouse. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: EPA--STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project Project: City of Hamilton Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades Phase I Requesting Entity: City of Hamilton, located at 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 Amount: $500,000 Description: The funding will be used for improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant which will allow for better solids handling and improve water quality in the Bitterroot River Energy and Water Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: BOR--Water and Related Resources Project: North Central/Rocky Regional Water System Requesting Entity: Chippewa-Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Reservation, R.R. 1, Box 544, Box Elder, MT 59521 and the North Central Montana Regional Water Authority, P.O. Box 170, Havre, MT 59501 Amount: $7,000,000 Description: Authorized construction of a water system to provide safe rural, municipal and industrial water for residents of the Rocky Boy's Reservation, Choteau, Glacier, Hill, Liberty, Pondera, Teton and Toole Counties, Montana. The Project is being jointly developed with the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation. The completed system would serve about 30,000 North Central Montana residents. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: BOR--Water and Related Resources Project: Ft. Peck Dry Prairie Rural Water Requesting Entity: Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation, P.O. Box 1027, Poplar, MT 59255 and the Dry Prairie Rural Water Authority, P.O. Box 577, Culbertson, MT 59218. Amount: $10,000,000 Description: The project involves construction of a water distribution system on the reservation of the Fort Peck Tribes and the surrounding communities. The new system will supply clean water to 30,000 residents of Northeast Montana. The FY 2009 funding will finance an ongoing contract for construction of the water treatment plant and construction of treated water pipelines from the water treatment plant to Poplar and Wolf Point needed to deliver treated water on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and for construction of branch lines in the Dry Prairie Project. The local share is nearly one-fourth of the total off- reservation cost. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: BOR--Water and Related Resources Project: St. Mary's Rehabilitation Requesting Entity: St. Mary Rehabilitation Group, 74 4th Street North, Glasgow, MT 59230 Amount: $500,000 Description: Funding request is for the first phase of a multi-year effort to rehabilitate the St. Mary Diversion Facilities and address associated environmental impacts on the Blackfeet Reservation. As authorized under Section 5103 of WRDA 2007, funding will be used to address project coordination and planning, NEPA studies, engineering design, emergency response planning, and right-of-way issues. The St. Mary Diversion Facilities import water from the St. Mary River Basin to the Milk River Basin in north-central Montana serving the drinking water needs for 15,000 in municipalities and 140,000 irrigated acres. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Fossil Energy R and D Project: MSU--Center for Zero Emissions Research and Technology Requesting Entity: Montana State University, 207 Montana Hall, P.O. Box 172460, Bozeman, MT 59717 Amount: $5,709,000 Description: New technologies hold great promise to significantly reduce emissions from fossil fuels, but the engineering, economic, and environmental viability of these zero emission fossil energy technologies must be validated. This virtual center encompasses three national labs (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL)) and two research universities (Montana State University (MSU) and West Virginia University (WVU)) in heavy coal producing states to monitor and validate deep geological carbon dioxide sequestration and clean power and hydrogen generation from coal. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup Project: MSE--Western Environmental Tech Office (WETO) Requesting Entity: MSE Technology Applications Inc., P.O. Box 4078, 200 Technology Way, Butte, MT 59701 Amount: $1,903,000 Description: DOE, through their Western Energy Technology Office, has contracted with MSE Technology Applications, Inc., (MSE) to provide support to DOE's environmental cleanup and closure missions. A typical project would develop this way: MSE and the DOE site would jointly identify a high priority mission need (for instance, unexpectedly unearthing unknown hazardous liquid chemicals during pit cleanup at Idaho National Laboratory and needing a method for solidification without chemical analysis). MSE would propose an approach, and upon acceptance by the DOE site and DOE-HQ. MSE would evaluate the technical approach at the Butte facility and then along with DOE site personnel test and implement the solution. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Corps of Engineers, Construction Project: Fort Peck Cabin Conveyance Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District, P.O. Box 5, Omaha, NE 68101 Amount: $1,500,000 Description: Funds will be used to contract for sanitation, assessments/engineering services, surveys, appraisals, contract administration, and deed preparation. Funding will be used to continue communication strategy with stakeholders, specifically cabin owners, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Peck Lake Association, BLM, and MT DEQ. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Corps, General Investigations Project: Yellowstone River Corridor Comprehensive Study Requesting Entity: Yellowstone River Conservation District Council, 1371 Rimtop Drive, Billings, MT 59105 Amount: $430,000 Description: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Yellowstone River Conservation District Council, composed of 12 conservation districts along the Yellowstone River in Montana and North Dakota, are conducting a partnered feasibility study for 716,800 acres and 560 river miles in the Yellowstone River Valley. The study, authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 1999, looks at how human actions have affected the river and its banks over the last 100 years. Once complete, it will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to make defendable ``404'' permitting decisions for railroads, governments and landowners along the river that take into account the cumulative impacts of development, and design appropriate mitigating measures. (Corps decisions on riverbank structures following the floods of 1996 and 1997 were found deficient in federal court because the Corps could not determine the overall cumulative effect of the permitting decisions.) It will also help local conservation districts define Best Management Practices for managing the river and riparian area. Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-- Health Facilities and Services Project: Benefis Cardiology Suite Requesting Entity: Benefis Healthcare Systems located at 2800 llth Avenue South, Great Falls, MT 59405 Amount: $761,000 Description: Funds will provide bricks and mortar for a new Cardiology Suite, which will house catheritization labs, operating rooms, outpatient diagnostics, pre and post procedure rooms, and a patient education center, as part of the Benefis Heart and Vascular Institute. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-- Health Facilities and Services Project: Community Medical Center (CMC) mammography unit Requesting Entity: Community Medical Center located at 2827 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, Montana 59804 Amount: $476,000 Description: This funding would allow CMC to redevelop and modernize its endoscopy department. The current endoscopy department lacks adequate space that makes it difficult for patient access and compromises patient and treatment separation. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-- Health Facilities and Services Project: North Country Medical Clinic-Eureka Requesting Entity: North Valley Hospital Foundation located at 1600 Hospital Way, Whitefish, MT 59937. Amount: $404,000 Description: The North County Medical Clinic allows for expanded services in obstetrics, urology, cardiology, orthopedics, physical therapy, ultrasound imaging, full time laboratory and other imaging services such as mobile CAT scan. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-- Health Facilities and Services Project: Roundup Memorial Healthcare health facilities and construction Requesting Entity: Roundup Memorial Healthcare located at 1202 2nd Street West, Roundup, MT 59072. Amount: $333,000 Description: The medical clinic in Roundup, which was built in the 1970s, is in need of a remodel and renovation. Space limitations make it difficult for patients with wheelchairs to navigate throughout the clinic. Funds will be used to expand the facilities so that they are ADA compliant. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA-- Health Facilities and Services) Project: Beartooth Hospital Requesting Entity: Beartooth Hospital and Health Center located at 600 West 21st Street, Red Lodge, MT 59068 Amount: $333,000 Description: The current Beartooth Hospital and Health Center is an outdated facility--the patient rooms are too small, nursing stations are crowded, and that clinical information systems are substandard. These funds will support construction of a new hospital, including eight inpatient rooms, a larger emergency department to manage the hospital's exceptionally high rate of emergency care, a larger rehabilitation department to assist persons returning home from either Billings hospital after procedures such as hip or knee replacements or cardiac surgery, and a larger laboratory. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Higher Education Project: Salish Kootenai College Requesting Entity: Salish Kootenai College located at P.O. Box 70, Pablo, Montana, 59855. Amount: $238,000 Description: Funds will be used to develop training and certification programs in multiple nondestructive inspection disciplines for aging infrastructure. The curriculum will include necessary classroom courses, laboratory courses and at least one quarter of apprenticeship. No similar college training programs for NDI careers are available in the state of Montana. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA-- Health Facilities and Services) Project: Saint Patrick Hospital mental health facility Requesting Entity: Saint Patrick Hospital located at 500 West Broadway, Missoula, MT, 59802. Amount: $285,000 Description: To meet the growing need for mental health services in Western Montana, Saint Patrick Hospital is constructing a new mental health care unit within the hospital's emergency department. Funds will support the construction of three mental health/substance abuse rooms, a nurses' station, utility rooms and a security office, storage rooms for restraints and other equipment, a ``sally port garage'' with automatic doors that close to prevent flight by patients who might injure themselves or others at the facility, a state-of-the- art camera monitoring system for security purposes, and a supervisor station at the emergency department for mental health cases. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA-- Health Facilities and Services) Project: Billings Clinic cancer facility Requesting Entity: Billings Clinic located at 2917 Tenth Avenue North, Billings, MT 59103. Amount: $285,000 Description: Billings Clinic will use funds to build a facility for cancer patients and their families as they undergo treatments at the Cancer Center. Through this service, Billings Clinic can provide access to the most up-to-date and innovative oncology therapies available. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA-- Health Facilities and Services) Project: St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation Requesting Entity: St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation is located at 1106 North 30th, Billings, MT 59101 Amount: $95,000 Description: St. Vincent Healthcare will use these funds to construct a digital mammography unit housed in a mobile van to deliver mammography services to underserved women of Eastern Montana. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA-- Health Facilities and Services) Project: Sidney Health Center Requesting Entity: Sidney Health Center located at 216 14th Ave SW, Sidney, MT 59270 Amount: $95,000 Description: Sidney Health Center is in the process of upgrading and enhancing essential medical care for rural northeast Montana. These funds will support new digital radiology equipment, laboratory equipment and other diagnostic equipment within an electronic medical record. Agriculture Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Agricultural Research Service, Buildings and Facilities Project: Animal BioSciences Research Facility Requesting Entity: Montana State University, located at 207 Montana Hall, P.O. Box 172460, Bozeman, MT 59717 Amount: $2,192,000 Description: The funding will be used for construction of a new Animal BioSciences Research Facility that would include meeting rooms, distance learning delivery rooms, offices and research laboratories. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service, Research and Education Project: Montana Beef Network Requesting Entity: Montana State University, 207 Montana Hall, P.O. Box 172460, Bozeman, MT 59717 Amount: $682,000 Description: The funding would be used for continuing educational programs aimed at meeting Beef Quality Assurance standards and information dissemination. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service, Research and Education Project: Brucellosis Vaccines for Bison Requesting Entity: Montana State University, 207 Montana Hall, P.O. Box 172460, Bozeman, MT 59717 Amount: $305,000 Description: The funding will be used to aid in eliminating the threat of brucellosis infections in wildlife and livestock through the development of effective new vaccines and vaccine delivery systems. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service, Research and Education Project: Barley for Rural Development Requesting Entity: Montana State University, 207 Montana Hall, P.O. Box 172460, Bozeman, MT 59717 Amount: $514,000 Description: The funding will be used in collaboration with University of Idaho and North Dakota State University to develop improved malt, feed, cellulosic ethanol and food barley varieties for barley growers in rural communities. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Salaries and Expenses Project: Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee Requesting Entity: Montana Department of Livestock, 301 North Roberts Street, P.O. Box 202001, Helena, MT 59620 Amount: $650,000 Description: The funding will support research and activities to reduce the prevalence of brucellosis in wildlife as well as to reduce the risk of transmission of brucellosis from wildlife to cattle. Requesting Member: Representative Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: H.R. 1105 The Account: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Cooperative Development Grants Project: Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) Requesting Entity: National Center for Appropriate Technology, 3040 Continental Drive, P.O. Box 3838, Butte, MT 59702 Amount: $2,582,000 Description: The funding will be used for ATTRA which offers technical information and assistance to farmers, ranchers and agricultural information providers interested in sustainable agriculture technologies and marketing methods. Commerce, Justice, State Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: HR 1105 The Account: DOJ--COPS Meth Project: Montana Meth Project Amount: $1,000,000 Description: The entity to receive funding for this project is the Montana Meth Project at 305 South Fourth Street East, Missoula, MT 59801. The funding would be used in acquiring advertising promotion for the purpose of combating Meth addiction in Montana. Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: HR 1105 Account: Department of Justice--OJP--Byrne Discretionary Grants Project: Montana State University/Billings--Academic and Skills Development Amount: $350,000 Description: The entity to receive funding for this project is Montana State University, Billings at 1500 University Drive, Billings, MT 59101. The funding will be used in the continued development and implementation of an academic program for inmates at the Montana Women's Prison that offers inmates general education coursework toward certificate or associate degrees, providing them with job and life skills. Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: HR 1105 The Account: DOJ--COPS Law Enforcement Technology Project: Great Falls Regional Firearms Training Facility Amount: $282,000 Description: The entity to receive funding for this project is the Great Falls Police Department at 112 1st Street South, Great Falls, MT 59401. Funding will be used in the development and construction of a multi-agency facility to provide a realistic hands-on training environment that is conductive to protecting local and national security. Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: HR 1105 Account: Department of Justice--OJP--Byrne Discretionary Grants Project: City of Billings Digital Video Project Amount: $269,000 Description: The entity to receive funding for this project is the City of Billings at 210 N. 27th St, Billings, MT 59101. This funding will be used in purchasing digital in-car video equipment for patrol cars. Financial Services Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: HR 1105 The Account: SBA Project: Montana World Trade Center--Enterprise Amount: $300,000 Description: The entity to receive funding for this project is Enterprise--Montana at Gallagher Business Building, Suite 257, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812. The funding would be used in creating clusters of small businesses in areas including agriculture, food products, environmental and engineering services. Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: HR 1105 The Account: SBA Project: Montana State University--(MMEC) Commercialization of Bio- Products Amount: $100,000 Description: The entity to receive funding for this project is Montana State University, Bozeman at 207 Montana Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717. The funding would be used in the continued development and commercialization of bio-based products. Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: HR 1105 The Account: SBA Project: TechRanch University Centers Program Amount: $100,000 Description: The entity to receive funding for this project is Montana State University, Bozeman at 207 Montana Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717. The funding would be used in development of a pilot program for strategic business development in the rural areas throughout Montana. Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: HR 1105 The Account: FHWA--FL Project: Montana Secondary 323 from Ekalaka to Alzada Amount: $2,850,000 Description: The entity to receive funding for this project is the Montana Department of Transportation at 2701 Prospect Avenue, Helena, MT 59620. The funding would be used for the continued improvements of Secondary Highway 323 in order to upgrade the corridor for a safer and modern standard of travel in Southeastern Montana, as well as a greater enhancement for commercial and recreational transportation. Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: HR 1105 The Account: FHWA--FL Project: Livingston Railroad Grade Separation Undercrossing Amount: $332,500 Description: The entity to receive funding for this project is the City of Livingston at 414 E. Callender Street, Livingston, MT 59047. The funding would be used in the preparation of environmental documentation, development of project design, and preparation of contract documents for bidding and construction of a railroad grade separated undercrossing. Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: HR 1105 The Account: FHWA--FL Project: The Poverello Center Amount: $285,000 Description: The entity to receive funding for this project is the Poverello Center, Inc. located at 535 Ryman Street, Missoula, Montana 59802. The funding will be used in the expansion of the Poverello homeless shelter and soup kitchen. Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: HR 1105 The Account: Buses & Bus Facilities Project: Billings Replacement Paratransit Vans Amount: $247,000 Description: The entity to receive funding for this project is the City of Billings at 210 N. 27th St., Billings, MT 59101. The funding will be used in replacement of four handicapped equipped vans for the elderly and disabled community. Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg The Bill Number: HR 1105 The Account: HUD--EDI Project: Jefferson County Sunlight Business Park Amount: $142,500 Description: The entity to receive funding for this project is the Jefferson Local Development Corporation at 309 East Legion Street, Whitehall, MT 59759. The funding will be used in the development of infrastructure to foster economic diversification in the Sunlight Business Park project.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. In 1933, in the midst of the Great Depression, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, elected on a platform of change, said in his inaugural address, ``The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.'' In 1961, another President, John F. Kennedy, elected on a platform of change, said, ``Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.'' I ask my friends from both parties to heed this advice and reject the politics of fear. Let's not fear the negotiating table. Let's talk about meaningful bipartisan solutions that will benefit our country and get people back to work. As Kennedy continued, ``United there is little we cannot do, but divided there is little we can do.'' Let us work together because people won't remember how fast we fixed this problem. They will, however, remember how well we fixed it.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. During World War II and the Korean War, veterans serving overseas often brought back firearms collected on the battlefield. These were trophies of their service, not tools for criminal activity. And yet, after fighting for the preservation of our freedom, a badly written law has made criminals out of American heroes. Unless weapons have been registered with the Federal Government, the veteran, or their heir, can be convicted of illegally possessing the firearm. This is an offense of justice. That is why I have introduced the Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act, which provides a limited amnesty for veterans who possess these relics to register their firearms without fear of prosecution. This amnesty also extends to any lawful heirs who inherited these weapons. It's time to stop treating our veterans like criminals. It's time to start treating them like the heroes that they are.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Chair, while I'm going to vote against this particular version of the so-called stimulus package, doing so does not indicate that I don't support a real stimulus package that gives the economy an instantaneous jolt. Nor does it mean that I am unwilling to work closely with my friends on the other side of the aisle in the spirit of bipartisanship that President Obama has urged us all to take. We worked together and got Children's Health Insurance done. That issue, like this one, is important to Montana, and today I ask you to come to the table and listen to the ideas that people from Montana have to offer. It's what the President has asked us all to do. Working separately, we will fail. Working together, we can accomplish more for the American people.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, the State Children's Health Insurance Program is important to the people of Montana. In fact, in November, we voted to expand eligibility within our State. SCHIP was created by a Republican Congress and a Democrat President in 1997. It was one of those rare government programs that really works like its supposed to, and I am proud to support it. Unfortunately, as is often the case, when a Federal Government program works, the temptation is to add to it until pretty soon, the original program, the one that worked so well, is overwhelmed by well- intentioned changes. Eventually the good parts of the program are smothered. So let's expand SCHIP sensibly. Let's do it in a responsible way that does not undermine an effective program. Let's keep the Children's Health Insurance Program about children.