As clock runs out, Rehberg’s failed leadership hurts Montana

Congressman puts wrong priorities ahead of Montana farmers, ranchers, post offices

BILLINGS, Mont. – Already under fire for his controversial plan to eliminate funding for cancer screenings and other health care services, Congressman Dennis Rehberg is now refusing to stand up for Montana’s farmers, ranchers, families—even post offices.

And the clock is ticking.

In the U.S. Senate, Montana farmer Jon Tester worked across the aisle to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill before the current one expires amid a record drought. Tester voted with Republicans and Democrats to extend the Violence Against Women Act. And he passed a bipartisan plan protecting Montana’s rural post offices.

But in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rehberg is now holding up all three measures and instead prioritizing tax cuts for fellow millionaires.

“Jon Tester’s only agenda is Montana’s agenda, which is why he worked together to pass responsible policies that are right for Montanans,” said Tester spokesman Aaron Murphy. “With time running out, Congressman Rehberg is failing to stand up for Montana. His wrong priorities are now hurting Montana’s families.”

FARM BILL

Amid a record drought crisis, Tester earlier this year supported a responsible, bipartisan five-year Farm Bill to provide certainty for Montana’s farmers and ranchers.

Today there’s word that Rehberg won’t even pass a one-year extension of the current farm bill. Rehberg’s failure to pass a farm bill will leave many Montana farmers and ranchers with uncertainty and without a safety net during one of the driest summers on record.

POSTAL SERVICE REFORM

News reports say the U.S. Postal Service will not be able to prefund employee retirement accounts with a $5.5 billion payment tomorrow—as required by a 2006 law Rehberg supported. Without House action, the Postal Service will run out of money next year. In contrast, Tester’s bipartisan Postal Service reform would have prevented the payment lapse and protected rural post offices.

Rehberg refuses to explain why he doesn’t support Montana’s post offices. His failure of leadership may result in post office closures and service cuts across Montana.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT

Rehberg and his colleagues also refused to pass the Senate’s extension of the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act, which includes key protections for American Indian women. Rehberg’s decision has put the entire bill in jeopardy—putting Montana families at risk.

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