Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, East Rosebud Creek is one of Montana's most picturesque and popular streams. It is located in Carbon County, Montana, just north of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in the Custer National Forest. It provides important habitat for fish and wildlife as well as a myriad of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking, and climbing.

My bill designates a 13-mile section of East Rosebud Creek beginning at its source, the East Rosebud Lake, as a wild river. A second 7-mile section from the outlet of East Rosebud Lake to the point where the waterway enters private property would be designated as a recreational river.

This legislation specifically applies only to the segments of the creek that lie within public lands. Important historical uses outside of the wild and scenic river boundary are protected by this bill.

Finally, H.R. 4645 explicitly prevents the creation of a buffer zone to restrict land use outside of the designated area.

This legislation represents a great compromise that has earned support from a diverse coalition that includes local ranchers, sportsmen, conservationists, businesses owners, and others. Companion legislation has been introduced with the support of the entire Montana delegation, including both Senators.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this measure.

Mr. Speaker, the Bureau of Reclamation built the original Gibson Dam on the Sun River between 1926 and 1929. The dam has served to capture spring snowmelt for irrigation and to prevent flooding in the region. This bill would extend the FERC license to build a 15-megawatt turbine at the base of the existing Gibson Dam.

The ability to produce clean energy off Gibson Dam will benefit the county and the State by creating a new source of revenue. Furthermore, the construction of the powerhouse will bring jobs to Montana. Finally, the turbine will be built in such a way that helps the environment and enhances fish and wildlife opportunities. By granting an extension of this permit, we are giving a community in Montana a chance to create jobs and a benefit to the environment.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the Senate to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

President Trump considered many well-qualified judges and legal scholars for the High Court, and he selected the best of the best.

Judge Kavanaugh has outstanding academic credentials and an impressive professional record, including clerking for Justice Kennedy and serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia since 2006.

Judge Kavanaugh is a constitutional conservative who will interpret our Nation's laws as our Founders intended and not make laws from the bench.

Judge Kavanaugh offers a sound approach to issues important to Montana. Judge Kavanaugh has defended private property rights from governmental interference, protected landowners from outrageous regulations, and rejected Federal overreach, including from the previous administration's overzealous EPA.

Mr. Speaker, Judge Kavanaugh enjoyed bipartisan support when the Senate confirmed him 12 years ago. I urge the Senate to avoid political games, sideshows, and stunts and confirm Judge Kavanaugh to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Steve Fetveit, an award-winning broadcaster who served for decades as a trusted source for Montana news.

Steve retired as a television news anchor for NBC Montana last week, capping a distinguished 42-year broadcast career that took him throughout the state.

Steve was born and raised in Montana, graduated from Montana State University, and understands what is important to Montanans. Viewers recognized and appreciated his knowledge of our state, his easygoing personality, and his credibility.

The Greater Montana Foundation and the Montana Broadcasters Association recognized Steve as Montana's ``Television On-Air Broadcaster of the Year'' in 2006.

Steve has served the wider community of broadcast journalists, including as a board member and chairman of the Montana Broadcasters Association. His experience and professionalism are an example to the young broadcasters he mentors. He dedicates his time to up-and-coming journalists, promoting their careers and reinforcing the importance of the profession's ethics.

Dewey Bruce, president and CEO of the Montana Broadcasters Association, said, ``Steve is a fantastic newsman, very fair, and has made valuable contributions to broadcasters and the state of the Montana. He is very deserving of recognition.''

For his outstanding career as a broadcast journalist and his dedication to serving our Montana communities, I recognize Steve Fetveit for embodying the spirit of Montana.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association. The organization started Big Hearts Under the Big Sky, a program providing guided and outfitted trips at no charge to recipients. The recipients include breast cancer patients and survivors, children with serious illnesses, and veterans.

The association identifies families and matches their recreation wishes with member organizations. Recipients get to experience Montana's breath-taking scenery in backcountry outings. Some choose to fly fish the Yellowstone River, while others hunt trophy elk, moose, and other big game.

Celebrating its tenth year, Big Hearts Under the Big Sky is a testament to the restorative power of Montana's outdoors, to the hard work of Montana's more than 200 licensed outfitters and guides, and to the selflessness of the volunteers and sponsors who make this program possible.

For opening Montana's outdoor treasures to those who need it most, I recognize the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association for embodying the spirit of Montana.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring this body's attention to a war on coal that jeopardizes our Montana communities, jobs, and economy.

Environmental extremists want to eliminate the diversity of Montana's energy generation. Their radical agenda threatens our Montana way of life, particularly in eastern Montana.

This week, the Montana Chamber Foundation released a report that reveals the alarming impact a continued war on coal would have in Montana.

If Colstrip's Units 3 and 4 were closed prematurely, the impact would be devastating to Montana. Montana would lose about 3,300 jobs. Our State's population would shrink by 7,000 individuals. Montanans would lose over $5 billion in income and all Montanans would face higher electricity prices. Also, the loss of this source of reliable baseload power would threaten the stability of our electric grid.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to end this war on coal once and for all. Montanans, our communities, and our economy require that we not raise the white flag.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank and Bettie Barber of Lloyd. Since 1998, the Barbers volunteer their working ranch in the Bearpaw Mountains to host the Bear Paw Bowmen Archery Club's annual Barber Ranch Two-Day Archery Shoot. Last weekend marked the competition's 20th anniversary.

Hundreds of archers spread out over different courses throughout the Barbers' ranch during the event. The competition ends with a community dinner.

Proceeds support local causes. Last year, funds from the Barber Ranch Two-Day Archery Shoot helped local volunteer fire departments following the devastating East Fork Fire in the Bearpaw Mountains.

Beyond their involvement in their local hunting community, the Barbers established a college scholarship. Since 2009, the Frank and Bettie Barber Scholarship has awarded more than $9,000 to Montana State University-Northern agriculture students. Contributions from the Barbers benefit a growing number of students and create further opportunities for agricultural education in Montana.

Frank, a retired Marine, and Bettie, the daughter of a career Navy veteran, are also well known for their love of our country.

For their dedication to their community, commitment to agriculture scholarship, and generosity, I recognize Frank and Bettie Barber of Lloyd for representing the spirit of Montana.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Roger Holmes, who is celebrating his 100th birthday today. This remarkable milestone gives us the opportunity to recognize Mr. Holmes' contributions to his community and his country.

Mr. Holmes a veteran of World War Two, served as a Tech Sergeant and Section Chief of Ordinance Cadre in the 9th Airforce Division in Holland, France, and England between 1942 and 1944. His service in World War II helped preserve the great freedoms that we enjoy today.

I want to express my gratitude for Mr. Holmes' dedication to the community of Whitehall. He retired as the U.S. Postmaster after working for the local post office for almost thirty years. Mr. Holmes and his wife Edna will celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary in July. It is leaders like him who sustain the character and integrity of our communities.

Mr. Holmes' contributions to his country leave us in his debt.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on Flag Day, to recognize American Legion Auxiliary Unit 70 in Judith Gap for its patriotism and successful efforts to honor our nation and flag.

In 2014, the auxiliary unit teamed up with American Legion Post 70 to begin Flags on Main Street. Flags on Main Street is a grassroots, community-driven project. The initial goal of the program was to mark patriotic holidays with the American flag flying on every business, home, and building on the main street passing through Judith Gap. The ALA unit purchased flag holders and flags, and members went door-to- door to bring the program to life.

Businesses and residents along the main street welcomed the unit's patriotic spirit, and the people of Judith Gap began placing flag holders on prominent locations beyond the main corridor so that our flag could fly throughout the town on patriotic holidays. American Legion Post 70 coupled Flags on Main Street with their local flag education program. Flags on Main Street continues to enjoy widespread, enthusiastic support in Judith Gap.

The flag of the United States of America is a symbol of freedom. Its stars and stripes represent our founding, our republic, and our unity. As Ronald Reagan said, ``The colors of our flag signify the qualities of the human spirit we Americans cherish. Red for courage and readiness to sacrifice; white for pure intentions and high ideals; and blue for vigilance and justice.''

It is my honor to recognize American Legion Auxiliary Unit 70 in Judith Gap for its patriotism, dedication to its community, and its spirit of Montana.

I thank the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Speaker, for leading this effort. It is a pleasure for me to share with this body the benefits Montanans are seeing from tax reform.

It has been 6 months since President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law, and we are already seeing the results. The benefits of the tax cuts are not a theory. I see it when I meet with Montanans throughout the State.

Paychecks are growing. Montana businesses are making investments and creating jobs. In fact, since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law, 1 million new jobs have been created. The national unemployment rate matches the 49-year low, and Montanans' unemployment rate has dropped. America's economic growth is exceeding expectations.

Hardworking Montanans across the State, whether at the UPS facility in Missoula, at Big Sky Wholesale Seeds in Shelby, or at the Billings Flying

Service, have told me their paychecks have grown thanks to the tax reform act.

The owner of 11 fast-food restaurants throughout Montana told me in Great Falls that he was giving his employees a raise and increasing starting wages for all new employees.

A teacher in Billings in a public school there told me her monthly paycheck grew by over $130.

Mr. Speaker, certain leaders have described the benefits from tax reform, whether bonuses or larger paychecks, as just crumbs. They call them crumbs. Tell that to the teacher in Billings who will keep nearly $1,600 a year more of her hard-earned money.

According to a recent survey, small business optimism has reached another record high. That confidence is translating into investments and more jobs.

The owner of Westland Seed in Ronan reports he is hiring more people because of tax reform.

At a roundtable discussion about agriculture in Bozeman, a local farmer and food processor said tax reform contributed to his decision to double his staff from 6 to 12 employees.

Senior officials at the Boeing facility in Helena indicate they will add over 20 new employees this year.

Montana small businesses credit tax reform for their decisions to expand.

At a roundtable with women small-business owners in Bozeman, one entrepreneur said the new tax policies were a big part of her decision to launch two new businesses this year.

Other Montana businesses are making investments thanks to tax reform.

Loenbro, a Great Falls industrial construction and manufacturing firm that employs more than 600, said the tax reform immediately added 15 percent to their bottom line. Tax reform is leading them to increase worker benefits, enhance training programs, and invest in construction equipment that will create more jobs.

Billings Flying Service credits the full expensing provision for its decision to purchase new equipment. The company is also investing in new research and development for enhanced firefighting equipment

In addition to larger paychecks, increased investment, greater small business confidence, and more good-paying jobs, more than 87 million utility customers are seeing lower energy prices.

Utility companies cite tax reform as the reason they are reducing their rates. Montanans are among those benefiting. According to recent reports, NorthWestern Energy and Montana-Dakota Utilities have proposed cutting their rates thanks to the new tax law.

Mr. Speaker, certain leaders in this Chamber warned that the tax cuts would be Armageddon. I don't know any hardworking Montanans who would agree that keeping more of their hard-earned money is Armageddon or that job creation is Armageddon or that small businesses succeeding is Armageddon or that a lower utility bill is Armageddon.

Tax reform isn't producing crumbs. Tax reform isn't leading to Armageddon. Mr. Speaker, tax reform is working in Montana.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pat Volkmar, a middle school teacher in Great Falls, whose passion for education takes his students beyond the classroom and into the business world.

Through support from the Great Falls community, Pat Volkmar launched and advises Grizz Biz, a program that provides students with opportunities to learn valuable skills, operate a business, and earn a paycheck.

Middle school students, young men and women from 12 to 14 years old, run every aspect of Grizz Biz, including hiring, production, marketing, management, and accounting. Students develop important trade skills, including woodworking, engraving, and ceramics.

Those wishing to join Grizz Biz must prepare and submit resumes as well as interview with their peers.

The program provides the next generation with experience they will carry with them into their future careers and endeavors. They develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills as well as confidence for opportunities beyond the classroom.

Grizz Biz will build on its success at North Middle School by expanding to East Middle School next school year. Pat Volkmar is the driving force behind it all.

For his commitment to create a unique, valuable education experience and the countless hours he spends inspiring young Montanans, I recognize Pat Volkmar for representing the spirit of Montana.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today urging the Senate to take up the forest reforms that this Chamber passed more than 7 months ago.

Last year, wildfires burned more than 1.2 million acres in Montana, an area the size of the State of Delaware. I met with the firefighters on the ground and saw the devastation. I heard from families anxious about the dangerous air quality impacting their kids. I listened to the hardworking Montanans worried that their livelihoods would go up in flames.

Montana survived last year's devastating fire season. Our communities pulled together, helping neighbor to neighbor, just as Montanans do.

The bad news is that forecasters project another severe fire season this year. We need to start managing our forests again. While there has been some progress, more work remains to improve the health of our forests and reduce the severity of wildfires.

I call on the Senate to end the obstruction and pass forest management reforms. Montanans need them to act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of Montanans who banded together to protect their livelihoods and our communities against the war on coal.

Colstrip United emphasizes the importance of coal in Montana and the United States. The grassroots group counters false, anti-coal claims pushed by special interest groups and ensures the voices of their close-knit community are heard. Two members of the Colstrip community, Lori Shaw and Ashley Dennehy, lead Colstrip United to empower their community.

The hardworking folks at Colstrip supply the energy that keeps the lights on for millions of Americans. Colstrip United helps us remember the faces and communities behind the flick of a switch.

The group continues to grow its membership by advocating responsible development of our natural resources to grow our economy and protect our way of life. Colstrip United extends its focus beyond Colstrip, drawing attention to similar communities that are the backbone of our energy sector.

The group's motto is ``Inform. Promote. Inspire.'' Colstrip United is about neighbor helping neighbor, a characteristic that defines the spirit of Montana.

Today, I pay tribute to the Montanans who are Colstrip United for their inspiring work to promote and protect our Montana way of life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our liberties, our freedoms, and our precious way of life.

Montanans are a proud and patriotic people who always answer the call to serve their Nation. They are mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons

and daughters. Some did not return from the theater of conflict, giving their lives for our country and our liberty.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to them and to their families. We owe them a debt we can never fully repay, as much as we try.

As we mark Memorial Day, we pray for the families of the veterans whose sacrifices have secured our freedoms, and we give thanks for the blessings of life and liberty, peace and prosperity that their service has secured for all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation, as well as legislation I introduced along with the Montana Senate delegation to honor three Montana veterans by renaming three Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in their honor. These three veterans have shown the true spirit and dedication all Montanans and Americans should aspire to.

Ben Steele from Roundup, Montana, joined the Army Air Corps and was stationed at Clark Field in the Philippines in 1941 when he was 24. Following the Japanese invasion, Ben fought on Bataan and survived the Bataan Death March. He was held prisoner for 3\1/2\ years, and sketched with charcoal scenes on concrete and secret scraps of paper. Some of his work is still on display in the MacArthur Museum in Norfolk. After the war, he continued his passion for art and taught at MSU-Billings for 33 years.

Mr. Steele passed away in September of 2016 at the age of 98. The only thing he liked more than art was fishing. I am proud that the Billings Community Based Specialty Clinic will be renamed in honor of Benjamin Charles Steele.

David Thatcher enlisted in the Army Air Corps in December of 1940. Following the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Mr. Thatcher volunteered for a secret mission joining Jimmy Doolittle in a bombing mission over Tokyo. Serving as a B-25 tail gunner on the Ruptured Duck, Thatcher saved the lives of his crew when the plane crashed into the sea trying to make landfall in China after the raid. For his actions, Thatcher was awarded the Silver Star.

The Ruptured Duck was piloted by Lieutenant Ted Lawson, who wrote ``Thirty Seconds over Tokyo.'' Robert Walker played Thatcher in the movie.

Thatcher flew in the African and European theaters for the rest of the war. Thatcher worked for the Postal Service for 30 years following his Army career and was an avid outdoorsman. He passed away in June, 2016, at the age of 94. The community-based outpatient clinic in Missoula will be designated in his honor.

The community-based outpatient clinic on Spring Creek Lane in Billings will be designated in honor of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow. Dr. Medicine Crow was born in the Crow Indian Reservation in 1913 and was the first member of the tribe to receive a master's degree, graduating from the University of Southern California in 1939.

After working in the naval shipyard in Bremerton, Medicine Crow joined the Army in 1943 and served as a scout in the 103rd Infantry Division in Europe. He became the last surviving war chief of the Crow Nation, having successfully led a war party, stolen horses from the Nazi SS, disarming an enemy and capturing him without killing him. For his service in World War II, he received the Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor.

After the war, he worked for the Crow Agency and the Bureau of Indian Affairs as well as the Little Big Horn College. He has served on numerous boards and educational commissions. He even addressed the United Nations. He passed away in April of 2016.

Mr. Speaker, while their friends and families know their great deeds, I am honored to share this story with you and the rest of the country.