Denny Rehberg

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2638, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2008. Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg, H.R. 2638. The Bill Number: H.R. 2638. The Account: RTD&E, Army. Project: Mariah II Hypersonic Wind Tunnel Development. Amount: $3,200,000. The entity to receive funding for this project is MSE Technology Applications, located at 200 Technology Way, Butte, MT 59701. The funding would be used for continued development of a true air hypersonic wind tunnel. Budget Task 1: Project Management. This task includes program management, reporting, Risk management, ES&H, and Quality. Estimated Cost: $500,000. Task 2: Technology Integration. This task includes technology and system integration, development of the overall Technology Development Plan, preparation of topical reports on technologies to be developed, and technology advocacy. Estimated Cost: $350,000. Task 3: Facility Development. This task includes the development of testing facilities at various levels. This includes Ultra-high pressure test facility development, pilot plant development and MSHWT development. Estimated Cost: $400,000. Task 4: Gas Supply System Technology. This task includes gland seal development, cross bore/check valve development/flow starting valve development, storage heater development, seal ring/clamp seal development, coaxial flow manifold development and gas supply system dynamic analysis. Estimated Cost: $950,000. Continue development and evaluation of adaptable ``Data Management'' network interoperability services based on emerging commercial communications technologies and technology developed by MSU. To: 12/10, Production (LRP) delivery system to Navy platforms-- Development Location: AAC, MT Operations and U.S. Navy Test Platform. Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg, H.R. 2638. The Bill Number: H.R. 2638. The Account: RTD&E, Navy (MC). Project: Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad--Sensor Integrated, Modular Protection, Combat Helmet (MERS-SIMP). Amount: $1,600,000. The entity to receive funding for this project is Western Computer Services, Inc., located at 648 North Jackson, Helena, MT, 59601. The funding would be used for the development of single system that incorporates communications, protection, and sensors for a combat helmet. Budget Contract Award. Design Engineering (30 Days). Production Engineering (60 Days). Production of 15 Sensor Integrated, Modular Protection (SIMP/ Prototype) Systems. Includes ordering of components, unique component fabrication, system build and test. (180 Days) User Testing (30 days) Refurbishment and final delivery (60 Days). Cost Breakdown Program Management: 500 Design Engineering: 250 Human Systems Integration: 50 Production Engineering: 100 Production 15 Systems, Plus Spares/Components: 375 Design and Fabrication Ruggedized SIMP containers: 25 System Test Support: 25 Refurbishment and Repair: 25 Knowledge Management, System (KMS), data entry, customized access/ retrieval, and system development: 250 $ Total in 000s: 1,600 Task 5: Electron Beam Energy Addition Technology. This task includes energy generation development; energy transport development, energy deposition technology development, and thermal & fluid Mechanics E-Beam/Fluid interaction development. Estimated Cost: $500,000. Task 6: Throat and Nozzle Survivability. This task includes thermal and fluid mechanics throat/Nozzle survivability, heat protection analysis, Model development, validation and training. Estimated Cost: $500,000. Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg, H.R. 2638. The Bill Number: H.R. 2638. The Account: RTD&E, Navy. Project: Supportability Training Services Infrastructure. Amount: $1,600,000. The entity to receive funding for this project is Advanced Acoustic Concepts, located at 910 Technology Blvd., Suite A, Bozeman, Montana 59718. The funding would be used for the development of system design and software for the supportability data management system. Budget FY09 Development and Testing Timeline, Date, FY09 Estimate (AAC/MSU), and Notes: Milestone Demo 1 FY09--Initiate efforts to integrate sensors, data, control systems, weapons and platforms into the Supportability System, From: 10/08 To: 10/09, $600,000, Development Location; AAC, MT Operations and U.S. Navy Test Platform. Milestone Demo 2 FY09/FY10--Demonstrate operation effectiveness, From: 10/09 To; 04/10, $500,000, Full-scale development demonstration showing all the capabilities of the Supportability system. Development Location: AAC, MT Operations and U.S. Navy Test Platform. Milestone 3--FY09/FY10, From 04/10, $500,000, Initial ``Limited'' Rate. Requesting Member: Denny Rehberg, H.R. 2638. The Bill Number: H.R. 2638. The Account: RTD&E, Air Force. Project: Watchkeeper. Amount: $800,000. The entity to receive funding for this project is General Atomics, located at 1899 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 300, Washington DC. The funding would be used by multiple Montana subcontractors to focus on technologies for completion of motion sensing radar with day/night video capture and transmission capability. Budget The final RDT&E phase/segment requires completion of the system software, downsizing and packaging the equipment, final development of the ASIC chip, and demonstration of the Watchkeeper system in real environment. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $(M) 2Q FY09 3Q FY09 4Q FY09 1Q FY10 Subtotals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Labor.......................................... 1.0 0.8 0.85 0.9 3.55 Materials and Services......................... 1.1 0.6 0.5 0.6 2.8 Admin.......................................... 0.175 0.15 0.15 0.175 0.65 Subtotals...................................... 2.275 1.55 1.5 1.675 7.0 (Total) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: Budget is based off the original request of $7 million and will be adjusted proportionally to the secured earmark of $800,000.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th Anniversary of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation. Nearly 25 years ago Congress passed legislation authorizing funds for a foundation that would advance the lifelong efforts of Maureen and Mike Mansfield to promote understanding and cooperation between the nations and peoples of Asia and the United States. Mike Mansfield is one of Montana's most distinguished citizens, a remarkable public servant and accomplished statesman who helped guide the United States through important transitions in the domestic arena and in its relationship with Asia. His interest in Asia, ignited when military service took him to China in 1922, was bolstered by academic credentials from what is now The University of Montana in Missoula. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1942 and the Senate in 1952, he was a leading Asia expert in Congress and went on to become the longest-serving U.S. ambassador to Japan. Maureen Mansfield not only supported Mike's career, she inspired it. For this reason, the Foundation established by Congress to honor Mike begins with Maureen's name. Maureen and Mike Mansfield's values, ideals and vision for U.S.-Asia relations continue through the exchanges, dialogues and publications of the Mansfield Foundation. For 25 years the Foundation has helped create networks among U.S. and Asian leaders, explored the underlying issues influencing public policies, and increased awareness about the nations and peoples of Asia. A centerpiece of the Foundation's work is the Mansfield Fellowship Program, established by Congress in 1994 to build a corps of U.S. Federal Government officials with substantial Japan experience. Each year this government-to-government exchange allows a select group of Federal employees to gain proficiency in the Japanese language and practical experience working in the Japanese government. Since the Fellowships were established, 86 Fellows from 22 U.S. agencies and departments have entered the program. The Foundation is also instrumental in a number of other programs. The Mansfield Congressional Study Tour in Asia is a program that has provided opportunities for Senators and their staff to develop an authoritative understanding of Asia through meetings with government officials, business leaders, and NGO representatives in major cities and rural areas. To date, the Foundation has led 11 senatorial study trips to approximately 30 cities in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. The Foundation and the Center recently co-sponsored the 24th annual Mansfield Conference, which addressed a timely and critical issue--the security implications of climate change in Asia. The Mansfield Foundation was established in 1983 with a single focus and mission--to promote understanding and cooperation in U.S.-Asia relations. I believe both Mike and Maureen would be proud of all the Mansfield Foundation has done to advance that goal in the last 25 years.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major General Randall D. Mosley, Adjutant General for the State of Montana. General Mosley has served our nation and Montana for more than thirty eight years, recently retiring from the highest military position in the Montana National Guard. His long and distinguished career epitomizes each of the Army's core values and truly lives up to the Guard's motto of a ``Citizen Soldier.'' General Mosley not only answered the call of duty to serve his country, but he also worked tirelessly to support the community he lives in. The challenges created by the deployment of thousands of Montana National Guard members over the past five years demanded many changes in the way the Montana National Guard operates. Major General Mosley confronted these challenges with professionalism and complete dedication to the men and women under his command. He was instrumental in overhauling the process used for post deployment health assessments for Guard members returning home from combat deployments. Significant mental health resources have since been made available to Guardsmen and their families as well as organized events to help them transition back to everyday life. These changes are leading the way in how our country treats returning service men and women. For his efforts, Major General Mosley was recognized by the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. I can think of no better ambassador for the State of Montana. Over the past 14 years, Montana has worked with United States Central Command to develop a partnership with the country of Kyrgyzstan. Under General Mosley's leadership, the Montana National Guard has helped Kyrgyzstan train a capable force of noncommissioned officers. More importantly, Major General Mosley has helped Kyrgyzstan leadership understand the vital role military personnel plays in coordinating and assisting civilian government. Through his efforts the partnership between Montana and Kyrgyzstan has grown dramatically and will no doubt help their democratic future. While I am sad to see him leave, I thank Major General Mosley for all he has done. Through all the challenges he has faced he has been an excellent commander and ambassador. I have no doubt the Montana National Guard's new leadership will continue his example.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, finally a Democrat bill. Will Rogers once said a conclusion is a place where you finally got tired of thinking. It looks like the Democrat leadership has gotten tired of thinking. They just got back from a 5-week vacation, while gas prices prevented many of their constituents from taking a vacation. I joined my Republican colleagues here in Washington, D.C. We were here every day of the week during those days with no lights, no cameras, no microphone, and no Democrats. Last week, the first week we were back, we worked just 3 days, just 3 days, and they did not give us an energy bill. I come from the energy State of Montana. We have oil, gas, coal, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and ethanol. We are part of the solution. But the Democrats are standing in our way. Allow us an opportunity to drill for oil and dig our coal. It is time we pass a bill. After 5 weeks of vacation, another week of no energy votes, they finally come up with a 290-page energy bill that doesn't create any energy. We can only conclude the Democrats are tired of thinking.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Thank you, Mr. Moran, for your leadership. I want to add my kudos. Whenever we talk about rural issues, it's the same people that usually stand up: Somebody from Colorado, South Dakota, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Kansas, and Nebraska. We have certain issues confronting us that other places do not. Let me real briefly describe my district to you. My district spans the distance of 147,000 square miles. The distance of my district is Washington, D.C. to Chicago, and I have 104,000 veterans living in that area. It's very difficult for them to access and, kid no one, we ration health care in the veterans' system. This is a perfect bill for showing what can be done if we would just use a little initiative within the United States Congress. Mr. Filner, thank you for bringing this forward. Everyone knows that nothing moves without the chairman's blessing, and we thank you for bringing this forward so we would have the opportunity to explain it a little bit. Montana is surrounded by some wonderful States, like Idaho and Wyoming and South Dakota, but when we have major medical, there are no facilities within those States, so we have to travel to Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, and Seattle. The distances are great, and usually the illnesses are so great, it's very difficult for our veterans to travel that distance. I want to take issue with one of the comments from CBO. They suggest that local health care providers would hesitate to invest in expanded facilities to accommodate veterans. Clearly, the CBO does not understand the plight of rural health care because my rural health care providers are doing everything they can to keep their doors open in the first place because of a diminishing population; not a population of seniors or veterans, but a population of youth. And so the veterans and the seniors are staying in the community and it's going to be harder for my facilities to stay open. If these veterans are having to ride on buses for many, many miles to get to Fort Harrison, and I want to say I am not suggesting that we don't have tremendous veterans' health care in Montana. We do. We have Fort Harrison in Helena. But it's not adequate when it comes to the distances they are having to travel. Please support this bill. Thank you, Mr. Moran.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Thank you, and I would like to thank the gentleman from Texas for all his hard work in drafting this important piece of legislation. Beginning in 1962, the Department of Defense commenced a number of chemical and biological tests involving nearly 6,000 American military personnel. These tests, known as Project 112 and Project SHAD, exposed servicemembers to toxic agents such as Vx nerve gas, sarin nerve gas and E. Coli. Not surprising, many of the veterans unknowingly exposed to deadly agents are suffering from serious medical conditions. Yet for over 40 years the Department of Defense denied the existence of these tests. All the while, these veterans continued to suffer. Finally, in 2001, DOD admitted to conducting Project 112 and Project SHAD, but they still refused to take responsibility for their care. Enough is enough. As we approach the end of this Congress, we can do our part to care for these veterans by extending an expiring provision which allows for Project 112 and Project SHAD veterans to receive care at VA facilities without proving service connection. My constituent, John Olson, a veteran of Project SHAD, spent all day Tuesday undergoing tests for a possible aneurysm. This is the latest in a long line of medical problems since leaving the service. Yet, as my friend from California will state, the VA is approving claims at an embarrassingly low rate. We can and should do everything we can to care for these veterans. I want to thank Mr. Thompson of California for keeping this issue in front of the press, keeping this issue in front of the Congress, and keeping this issue in front of the American people.

Mr. REHBERG. We thank the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, per House Republican earmark disclosure rules, I submit the following to be entered into the Congressional Record: Requesting Member: Congressman Denny Rehberg. Bill Number: H.R. 5658. Account: MILCON, Army National Guard. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Montana Army National Guard. Address of Requesting Entity: 1900 Williams St., Fort Harrison, Montana 59636. Description of Request: I received an earmark of $621,000 for the construction of the Miles City Readiness Center. This is the first year authorization of a multi-year construction project. Specifically, funding for this project includes: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cost (in Item $1,OOOs) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Primary Facility............................................. 10,134 Readiness Center......................................... 6,326 Flammable Materials Facility............................. 20 Controlled Waste Facility................................ 60 Unheated Metal Storage Bldg.............................. 551 Unheated Enclosure/Vehicle Storage....................... 1,977 Circulation and Access................................... 75 Support Facilities........................................... 1,872 Electric Service......................................... 125 Water, Sewer, Gas........................................ 200 Steam/Chilled Water Distribution......................... 10 Paving, Walks, Curbs, Gutters............................ 568 Storm Drainage........................................... 50 Site Imp................................................. 836 Information Systems...................................... 54 Antiterrorism Measures................................... 29 Est. Contract Cost........................................... 12,006 Contingency (5%)......................................... 600 Subtotal..................................................... 12,606 Supervision, Inspection, Overhead (3%)................... 378 Design Contract Not Used................................. 0 Contract Commission (1% Primary Fac)..................... 101 Total Request........................................ 13,086 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The existing Miles City Readiness Center was originally constructed for an Armored Cavalry Unit in 1957 and consists of 8,481 square feet of administrative, training, supply and arms vaults, locker rooms, classrooms and drill floor. The facility is a concrete masonry structure constructed on a single floor. As a result of Force Structure Transformation, the current unit occupying this facility is the 260th Engineer Company, for which the facility is improperly designed and grossly undersized. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the MILCON, Army National Guard account. Matching funds are not required as the Montana Army National Guard is a unit of the Government of the State of Montana.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, I move to reconsider the vote. Motion to Table Offered by Ms. Castor

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bridger High School of Bridger, Montana for their 2008 Grammy Signature School Enterprise Award. With this prestigious award for academic excellence in music, Bridger High School receives a $5,000 grant to use for improvement in their music department. These funds will also help this school's music department improve the quality of their program to a level that will allow them to compete for Grammy Signature School status in years to come. The Grammy Signature School program was created by the Grammy Foundation in 1998. Through a stringent application process that begins in September with notifying over 20,000 schools nation-wide each school year, public high schools from a variety of large, small, urban, and rural districts are encouraged to send information regarding each school's music program. After each application is reviewed, finalists are chosen and then required to submit additional documentation including recordings of school concerts and programs. The Grammy screening committee then reviews each finalist to determine the winners. Bridger High School is the first school in Montana history to win the Enterprise Award. Bridger, Montana is a small agricultural community of approximately 750 residents located in south-central Montana. Bridger High School is part of a K-12 school with 199 students. The music department has one teacher, Mrs. Michel Sticka. Since Mrs. Sticka joined the staff six years ago, the music department has grown from a handful of students to the exceptional program it is today. The fact that Mrs. Sticka has built this music program from the ground up is phenomenal, especially considering the relatively small size of the school. Her music program consists of a high school choir, band, pep band, and jazz band, as well as a junior high cadet jazz band, 5th grade band and 6th-8th grade music. All Montanans can be proud of this outstanding contribution to music education. The hard work and dedication of Mrs. Sticka and her students is certainly well-deserving of the 2008 Grammy Signature School Enterprise Award. I ask that Mrs. Michel Sticka, Bridger High School, and the high school music students be added in my comments today. Music Teacher: Mrs. Michel Sticka Superintendent: Mr. John Ballard Students: Benton Asbury, Katryna Asbury, Samantha Bobby, Jon Bostwick, Devon Cabellero, Jenny Cooke, Jessica Denney, Karissa DeRudder, Sommer Dykstra, Rebekah Edelman, Hayden Forsythe, Hannah Goetz, Jacey Griswold, Elliott McCarthy, Forrest McCarthy, Kimberly McClurg, Heidi Mudd, Wendi Mudd, Taran Murray, Lenore Pierson, Cole Schwend, Edward Stevenson, Andrea Sticka, Bailee Vaughn, Ryan Witt, Kyla Young, Tyler Young, Brittany Zentner.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the continued excellence of a speech and debate program in Montana that has won 25 state championships in a row. With this quarter-century milestone, the Loyola Sacred Heart High School speech and debate team is building on the longest streak of such state championships in United States history. Speech and debate is an activity that fosters valuable skills such as public speaking, bolstering confidence and poise, and critical thinking while showing an awareness of current events. Students compete in two debate events--team debate and Lincoln-Douglas debate--and seven individual public speaking events--extemporaneous speaking, impromptu speaking, original oratory, memorized public address, expository speaking, serious oral interpretation of literature, and humorous oral interpretation of literature. Team scores are accumulated by individual performances in each of these events, so just like this championship streak is made up of many teams, each team is made up of many talented students. This year's championship team included five individual state champions. Dan Evans won the state in Extemporaneous Speaking for an unprecedented third time. Nick Corn, Will Blair, Emily Mihalic and Emilie Loran also took home individual gold for Loyola. They are joined by the remainder of the team, Mike Tarbert, Kevin Conley, Katie Neher, Mary Callahan-Baumstark, Matt Eddy, Myles Dauterive, Dillon Linhart, Dan Cloninger, Nick Mihalic, Lyle Pocha, Laura Snook, Tricia Karsky, Erik Kappelman, Mike Evans, Mariah Rys-Sikora, Brooke Sauro, Kyle Doyle, Justin Dart, Dylan Hyland, Alex Hughes, Ashley Wegener, Ali Hege, Erich Dieziger, Erik Dale, Rachel Lee, Erik Loran, Shawnae Stanton, Griffin Woodall, Alex Ward and Matt Dollar. The team is coached by Head Coach Matt Stergios and Assistant Coaches Sarah Jennings, Stephanie Mansanti, Chuck Hansberry and Theresa Stergios. I am proud to recognize the achievements of this year's team, building on the shoulders of 24 championship teams before them.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the oldest registered Republican residing in Phillips County, Montana, Mrs. Imogene Cotter. On February 10, Mrs. Cotter celebrated her 100th birthday. Arriving in Montana on an immigrant train from Missouri when she was a young child, Imogene homesteaded with her family and her husband William until the ranch sold in 1970. Whether it was serving as an election clerk for Phillips County for over 30 years, working as a State officer for several different years in the Cattle Women's organization ``Cow Belles'', or being heavily involved in her husband's career as a county commissioner and school board president, Imogene's contributions to the Republican Party, Phillips County, and the State of Montana are endless. Reaching this significant milestone is something that should not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Please accept my wishes for a very happy birthday--and my sincere congratulations for the good life you are living. It is the compassion, dedication, courage, and commitment of people such as you that is truly the Spirit of America. Your experiences of the past 100 years qualify you to educate and pass your wisdom on to those of younger generations. I hope you will tell your stories--and I hope they will listen.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, I don't know if you've had a chance to see this week's Sports Illustrated Magazine. On the cover is a picture of Brandon Day, a football player for the Carroll College Fighting Saints--who on December 15 won their fifth National Title in six years. Carroll College plays in Helena. Montana as a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. This year, they had a perfect 11 and 0 record in the regular season and survived the playoffs to defeat the Sioux Falls Cougars by a score of 17 to 9 to win the Championship. They say that defense wins championships--the Saints' defense allowed only 5.1 points per game, the fewest points allowed in all of college football. They shut out opponents five times during the year including once during the playoffs. But it wasn't just a powerful defense that earned this Championship--a well-balanced offense scored an average of 26.4 points per game. I would like to congratulate Coach Mike Van Diest, his team, his school and their fans on a truly remarkable season. Next year, the Saints will be building on the longest win streak in college football at fifteen games. I ask that the team roster be added to the record with my comments. Team Roster: John Camino, Brian Sloan, John McKenna, Zack Gill, Justin Smith, Chase Gill, Travis Browne, Zach Richardson, Cody Zimmerman, Wilson Bowlby, Shane Van Diest, Marcus Miller, Andrew Lopez, Bryce Picard, Jon Von Eschen. Zach Schaal, John Barnett, Will Barnett, Gary Wagner, Brian Murphy, Stevie Sloan, Jeren Starr, Thomas Dolan, Cody Lamb, Kody Swartz, Gabe Le, Zach Thiry, Jeff Deal, Nick Milodragovich, Christian Prosperie, Mike Waldenberg, Tyson Bogumill, Jake Whetzel, Body Whetzel, Pat Regan, James Byrd, Kurt Stoll, T.J. Lehman, Tucker Vezina, Corey Peterson, Shawn Holland, Greg Bosick, Jake Orrino, Chanler Buck, Colton Sherley Sean Herrin, Brandon Day, Kyle Ferebee, Travis Schmidt, Ellis Beckwith, Ryan Egan, Matt Tummel, Thomas Robinson, Mac Gordon, Tyler Espinosa, Scotty Rice, Bubba Bartlett, Greg Thompson, Marshall McEwen, Tyler Pasha, Nick Gilchrist, Phil Lenoue, Ted Morigeau, Andy Fjeseth, Owen Koeppen, Trever Hass, Spencer Savage, Rick Young, Garret Garrels, Nick Petrusha, Ron Baze, Doug Adams, Alex Pfannanstiel, Bryson Pelc, Ben Wahl, Conrad Addison, Kolten Knatterud, Dan Layton, Kerry Cicero, Chad McMillan, Conor Fox, Justin Howe, Brent Williams, Mike Pafthausen, Mike Vickhammer, Ryan Gilmore, Adam Brockway, Scott Holbrook, Donald Phipps, Leonard Thurmond, Bryan Camino. David Whitmoyer, Kipp Curtis, Lat Wipplinger, Tyler Sanders, Mac Kirk, Dan Lovin, Roman Morris, Isiah Linnell, Luke DenHerder, Kyle Moore, Kris Drumheller, Zach Zosal, Casey Sternhagen, Cole Whitmoyer, A.J. Allen, Garret Thompson, Ryan DeKruyf, Mike Ogrin, Mason Siddick, Will Hamilton. President: Dr. Thomas Trebon; Athletic Director: Bruce M. Parker; Sports Information Director: Brandon Veltri; Head Football Coach: Mike Van Diest; Assistant Coaches: Nick Howlett, Jim Hogan, Jarrod Wirt, Gary Cooper, Tyler Emmert, Nick Hammond, Mark Lenhardt, Tim LeRoy, Jed Thomas.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Montana's most dedicated public servants, former Lieutenant Governor Karl Ohs. Last month Karl passed away in his Helena home due to complications caused by brain cancer. Born in Malta, Montana, in 1946, Karl was the portrait of a Montana farmer and rancher. Whether it was studying agricultural economics at Montana State University, meeting with fellow ag producers to discuss economic opportunities in the State, or working the ranch, Karl was a vital supporter of our leading industry. His work on behalf of rural priorities didn't stop there. During his three terms in the House of Representatives and his 4 years as Lieutenant Governor, Karl was a proven leader. As a member of the Governor's advisory task force on drought and chairman of the National Lieutenant Governors Association, Karl represented Montana's needs not only on the State but on the national level. Additionally, his prominent role as mediator between the antigovernment Freeman and the FBI during a 1996 standoff, for which he was awarded the FBI's highest civil service award, solidified Karl's status as a hardworking, straight-shooting cowboy. Finally, in 2006, as chairman of the Montana Republican Party, Karl helped Republicans regain control of the State House, the only State in the Nation to see a legislative body change from Democrat to Republican control. Most importantly, Karl was a dedicated father, a loving husband, and a good friend, who left a permanent impression on those who knew him. God rest his soul.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 968, I was unavoidably detained in a meeting with Governor Blanco and Mayor Nagin discussing Hurricane Katrina Relief. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Chairman, in light of the distressing statistics regarding the Office of National Drug Control Policy's National Youth Media Campaign, and its subsequent reduction within our committee, I rise today to let my colleagues know that it is possible to design, implement and evaluate youth anti-drug marketing. Methamphetamine is a real problem across this great Nation, and no State is immune to its horrible effects. Montana ranks among the top 10 States nationally in per capita treatment admissions for methamphetamine use. The statistics in Montana are truly staggering. Fifty-two percent of the children who are placed in out-of-home care are there because of meth. Fifty percent of adults incarcerated at State prisons are there due to meth. Twenty percent of Montanans in addiction treatment are there because of meth. While many people would simply nod their heads and agree this is a terrible problem, some good people in Montana have taken it upon themselves to do something about it. Tom Siebel, who lives in Wolf Creek, is an outstanding Montanan who did something that many of us could not do. He decided to use his own money to fund a prevention campaign to help raise awareness about the dangers of first time methamphetamine use. Tom Siebel founded the Montana Meth Project in 2005, which has been conducting research and running a statewide multi-media public awareness campaign aimed at significantly reducing first-time methamphetamine use through public service messaging, public policy, and community outreach. Results from the Montana Meth Use & Attitudes Survey conducted earlier this year show the dramatic and successful impact that the Montana Meth Project's public education campaign has had on its intended audience. Over the past 2 years, there has also been a dramatic shift in the perception of methamphetamine use, more frequent parent-child communications about the dangers of methamphetamine, and greater societal disapproval. For the first time, meth use and associated crime in Montana has declined. The States of Arizona and Idaho are using Montana's hard-hitting ads and successful approach, launching similar youth media campaigns. Clearly, the efforts of the Montana Meth Project are working.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, I would like to associate myself with Mr. Walden and Mr. Simpson when I say the President is dead wrong. In fact, he is almost to the level of being cruel, when an administration doesn't clearly understand a sense of urgency, when you only have 3 minutes to talk about something as serious as the lives of family members within places like Montana. Rural schools, it hits 33 of my counties of the 56. The disaster with the farmers and ranchers hits the rest of the State. Virtually our entire State has been under a disaster since 2005. It is always interesting to me when we debate on the floor the seriousness of Hurricane Katrina, or we talk about the hurricanes and we talk about floods. Drought sneaks up on you. It occurs during a period of years. I can tell you in Montana we have seriously had to consider setting up crisis counseling for farmers and ranchers because of the emotionalism of not being able to pay for your children's food, their clothing, their shoes, their college education or even your own retirement, because it continually eats away at you. It doesn't happen overnight like a flood or a tornado. It creeps up on you like a cancer. And to have an administration that doesn't have any more sense of urgency to understand that 2005 still has not been addressed, 2006 has not been addressed, and now we are in 2007 and we are arguing about the fact we want to veto this bill? That's cruel. Clearly the administration needs to understand that there are emergencies beyond. Now, it's not without some criticism I level on the majority party when they tied it to the timelines in the Iraq supplemental. That's cruel as well, because essentially it held them hostage. And not one farmer or ranch group in Montana came up and said I want you to vote for the timelines in the Iraq supplemental because we need our money. They were smarter than that. They can't be bribed. They don't want to be held hostage. They did not apply pressure. I thought it was unfair to tie it together in the first place. So we finally come to where we need to be, and I want to thank the majority party for recognizing that. I hope they won't tie it again, because ultimately this is too important. We are in fact talking about lives and families and futures. The future of the State of Montana, it is an agricultural State. We need the opportunity to become whole by being able to go to the bank and to borrow the money to stay in business. Please support this bill.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, today I'm introducing legislation to recognize the 125th anniversary of the City of Billings, Montana. First discovered by Lewis and Clark on the famous expedition, Billings is now the most populous city in the Northern Rocky Mountain Region of the United States. I know for many U.S. cities, 125 years isn't very long. However, for Billings, these years have created a rich history that stretches beyond its age. Historically, Billings has been the gateway to the Pacific northwest. Even its name, which originated with the former president of the Northern Pacific Railroad, Frederic Billings, is a description of the city's historical role as an important railway link to the northwest. Billings has also been home to many notable people. For instance, in 1907, famous cowboy, author and illustrator, Will James came to Billings, where he lived and worked for years. Finally, the city is home to the oldest higher education institution in the State of Montana, Rocky Mountain College. Today the city serves as an example of an all-American city through both its flourishing economy and its continued growth. I congratulate the city of Billings, Montana, and its years of rich history.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Madam Speaker, as an elected representative of our brave men and women serving in harm's way, every vote regarding war is a solemn matter. Debate about the war in Iraq is necessary, required, and many important points were brought up over the more than forty hours of discussion. No doubt about it, there have been setbacks in Iraq. And mistakes have been made on the ground and here in Washington. It's safe to say that all of us--the President, the Congress, and the American people wish we could have achieved stability in the region sooner. However, I believe it's necessary to separate the resolution being debated in the House from the real issue. The real issue is that a failed state in Iraq would present a serious threat to the United States' national security interests, could allow terrorists to further establish safe-havens in Iraq, and could create regional and global unrest for many years to come. This is a threat we must not pass on to our children and grandchildren. September 11th showed us that terrorists can reach our soil and kill innocent Americans. We must fight this war on our terms, but on their turf. This non-binding resolution, H. Con. Res. 63, is nothing more than an opinion about a strategy. While opinions are interesting, solutions are necessary. So I say to those who want to support this non-binding resolution: If you disagree with the strategy--put forward a plan; if you disagree with the tactics--put forward an alternative; if you disagree with the mission--put forward a solution.'' A non-binding resolution means non-leadership; a non-binding resolution means non-accountability. A non-binding resolution is not a plan for victory. This week, Congress has spent a lot of time debating one of the most important issues facing this body. Unfortunately, this legislation limited a true debate on the alternatives and direction we can take. A real resolution on Iraq needs to include real benchmarks and real guidelines, not simply a vote of no confidence. There are those of us who are willing to disagree with the President at the strategic, tactical or project level, and a true solution would be for Congress to debate the McCain-lieberman proposal. This bipartisan alternative not only reaffirms Congressional support for our troops, but provides military, political, and social benchmarks for the Iraqi government. This approach lays the groundwork for not only victory, but also brings our troops home as soon as possible. We owe it to our troops and their families to provide the necessary oversight to ensure any new strategy is successful, while at the same time giving our troops confidence that Congress will not cut off their funding to settle policy disputes while they are separated from their families by distance and danger. I continue to stand, ready, willing and able to contribute to that oversight.

Mr. REHBERG

Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the gentleman for his kind words. And there are times in this responsibility of being a Congressman that sometimes you forget why you are here. It gives me tingles up the middle of my spine to think about the Galt family and how much they have contributed to the State of Montana and to this Nation over the years. This legislation would name the Armed Forces Readiness Center in Great Falls, Montana, in honor of Captain William Wylie Galt, a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, as was said. The Armed Forces Readiness Center will house the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve units who have spent recent tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom. William Galt was born on December 19 of 1919 in Geyser, Montana. He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant, Infantry, through the Army ROTC program upon graduation from Montana State University in the spring of 1942. I sometimes give Mr. Hunter a hard time because he did in fact attend the University of Montana for 1 year. And I can tell you, Missoula has not been the same since he left. Captain Galt was in Italy during World War II. For conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty, Captain Galt, at a particularly critical period following two unsuccessful attacks by his battalion, of his own volition went forward and ascertained just how critical the situation was. He volunteered, at the risk of his life, personally, to lead the battalion against the objective. When the lone remaining tank destroyer refused to go forward, Captain Galt jumped on the tank destroyer and ordered it to attack. As the tank destroyer moved forward, followed by a company of riflemen, Captain Galt manned the .30 caliber machine gun in the turret of the tank destroyer, located and directed fire on an enemy anti-tank gun, and destroyed it. Nearing the enemy positions, Captain Galt stood fully exposed in the turret, ceaselessly firing his machine gun and tossing hand grenades into the enemy's zigzag series of trenches despite the hail of sniper and machine gun bullets ricocheting off the tank destroyer. As the tank destroyer moved, Captain Galt so maneuvered it that 40 of the enemy were trapped in one of the trenches. When they refused to surrender, Captain Galt pressed the trigger of the machine gun and dispatched every one of them. A few minutes later, an 88-millimeter shell struck the tank destroyer and Captain Galt fell mortally wounded across his machine gun. He had personally killed 40 Germans and wounded many more. Captain Galt pitted his judgment and superb courage against overwhelming odds, exemplifying the highest measure of devotion to his country and the finest traditions of the U.S. Army. His courage and unrivaled determination to win for his country led to a win for America that day, but at the cost of his own life. William Galt is a true example of not only a Montana hero, but an American hero. We are proud to honor him and the great sacrifice he gave to this country. The U.S. Army Reserve Center on Gore Hill was dedicated to Captain Galt in 1958. Unfortunately, in 2005, the Base Realignment Closure Commission, BRAC, decided to permanently close Galt Hall U.S. Army Reserve Center on Gore Hill in Great Falls, Montana and relocate units to a new Armed Forces Readiness Center near Malmstrom Air Force Base across town. I believe it is a fitting tribute to name the U.S. Armed Forces Readiness Center in Great Falls, Montana, the Captain William Wylie Galt Great Falls Armed Forces Readiness Center. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to have this legislation passed. Mr. Skelton, Mr. Hunter, thank you for your patience, thank you for your cooperation. Thanks for all that you did. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.