“As the only member of the Montana delegation with a seat at the table on federal funding issues, I’ve worked hard all year to ensure our state’s priorities get the recognition they deserve,” said Rehberg, a member of the Appropriations Committee.  “This legislation provides critical funding for Montana’s Empire Builder and includes a provision I sponsored earlier this year to bolster funding for EAS.  It’s a major piece of the puzzle in bringing many essential funds back to Montana’s rural areas.”

            In 2006, Congress passed the Deficit Reduction Act which included language authorizing an additional $15 million for EAS in 2007 and 2008.  Unfortunately, language included in the 2005 Deficit Reduction Act also contained a trigger that required Congress to fund EAS at no less than $110 million in those years in order for the $15 million to be made available.  The comprehensive appropriations bill, passed by the House this week, included a provision sponsored by Rehberg that would increase the EAS funding level to $110 million which would then trigger the additional $15 million in funding.