With tax vote, Republicans fail in their attempt to appear fiscally responsible
Washington Post: August 19 South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint proposed a permanent extension of the Bush era tax cuts. Sen. Max Baucus commented on proposal: “This is a stunt. It is a gimmick,” he said. “It is not serious and it is very sad.” More…
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Increases in energy taxes could cost Latinos jobs
Houston Chronicle: Victoria DeFrancesco Soto: “Amid the deepest recession we have seen in 70 years, every effort should be made to balance environmental, security and economic concerns. These goals are not mutually exclusive; however, recent legislation seeks to make them so.
For example, an amendment added earlier this month to the Senate’s “Small Business Jobs” bill by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., repeals a tax credit currently available to all American manufacturers. If passed, this amendment would have the perverse effect of cutting U.S. jobs, increasing our energy prices, and providing foreign firms a competitive advantage. I invite Baucus to come to Harris County, Texas, and see for himself how his proposal fares with the thousands of people whose livelihood depends on American oil and gas companies.” More…
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Sebelius, Baucus rebuked in Mont. over health care
AP: Instead of saying thanks, some residents of a Montana town rebuked Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Sen. Max Baucus on Monday for the law that made health coverage for local asbestos victims possible.
The two officials visited to tout new Medicare coverage that could extend to potentially thousands of people in Libby, where years of asbestos pollution from a mine made this the nation’s deadliest Superfund site.
But many of those from the northwestern Montana town of 3,000 appeared to be less concerned about how the new law helps those with asbestos illnesses than with the legislation itself.
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Key Senate Democrat suggests that he didn’t read entire healthcare reform bill
The Hill: Jordan Fabian: “I don’t think you want me to waste my time to read every page of the healthcare bill,” Baucus said, according to the Flathead Beacon. “You know why? It’s statutory language. … We hire experts.”
Baucus’s office said that his comments did not mean that he does not know what it is in the law. More…
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100 Most Powerful People in Healthcare – 2010
Modern Healthcare: Sen. Max Baucus is listed as the 4th most powerful person in Healthcare-2010. More…
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House lawmakers want bid details of durable medical equipment program
The Hill: “Without knowing the identity as well as the appropriate overall qualifications of these providers, we cannot evaluate the program’s impact in terms of quality and access to care for seniors we represent,” the lawmakers wrote in an Aug. 11 letter to Donald Berwick, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Last month, CMS announced that Medicare patients in the nine regions affected by the first round of the DME competitive bidding program would save, on average, 32 percent on items including oxygen supplies, power wheelchairs and hospital beds.
Not all lawmakers are wary of the competitive bidding program. “I’m very pleased with these strong results,” Baucus said in a statement last month, “and America’s seniors and taxpayers should be as well.” More…
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Dems split with state House candidate
Billings Gazette: “Within the last 24 hours, the MDP became aware of discrepancies in DuPont’s campaign expenditures after community members close to DuPont’s campaign brought it to the party’s attention,” said Martin Kidston, Montana Democratic Party spokesman. “Also on Tuesday, Bette Wiley resigned her volunteer position as Du Pont’s treasurer when she, too, became aware of discrepancies between DuPont’s campaign account and her” state campaign reports.
The expenses in question were not included in Du Pont’s campaign spending, or C-5 reports, filed with the state Commissioner of Political Practices. Du Pont reported $1,090.04 in the bank after her unopposed June primary election. She had received several small donations from individual donors as well as money from Montana Conservation Voters and Montana Sen. Max Baucus’ Glacier Political Action Committee. More…
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My Voice: Taxing trend on companies disconcerting
Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Ron Kraft: “Not to be outdone, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., recently announced plans to pay for provisions in a small business jobs bill by raising tax on domestic energy production. The provision would repeal the Section 199 manufacturing deduction for American oil and natural gas companies. Under the Baucus proposal, these legitimate Section 199 deductions would be stripped away only from American oil and natural gas producers and not any other industry. This amounts to a major tax increase on a vital national industry with a strong record of creating jobs and generating economic growth, not eliminating jobs and seeking government handouts. According to a September 2009 report by Price Waterhouse Coopers, United States petroleum and natural gas producers support more than 9 million American jobs and add more than $1 trillion a year to our economy. I, once again am sorry if the logic escapes me.” More…
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BACON: Casualties heavy at hospitals
Washington Times: James Bacon: “Obamacare architect Sen. Max Baucus, Montana Democrat, proposed to pay for Obamacare‘s massive expansion of entitlements in part by imposing a 20 percent cut in Medicare fees for hospital services over the decade. Understandably, the American Hospital Association and the Federation of American Hospitals protested the arbitrary nature of the cost savings. So, the Baucus caucus threw the big hospitals a bone – the crackdown on physician-owned hospitals – in exchange for putting a muzzle on their opposition. Neutralizing the hospital lobby was crucial for the law’s passage.” More…
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Baucus, Tester announce boost to weatherization program
August 27: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: Weatherization agencies in Helena, Butte and Kalispell have been selected to receive more than $900,000 to install various energy efficiency technologies in low-income homes. “This is the kind of smart investment Montana communities need most right now. We’ve got to create the right conditions to boost the construction industry and help folks save money on their utility bills,” said Baucus. More…
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Baucus Touts Butte Jobs Summit
September 1: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Baucus: Montana’s senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus issued a Public Service Announcement today inviting all Montanans to attend this year’s Montana Economic Development Summit on the MT Tech campus in Butte September 13 and 14. More…
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Baucus, Tester announce upgrades for Black Sandy State Park
September 2: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: The grant, delivered today, provided $55,000 toward a $110,000 project to establish electrical service at 29 of Black Sandy’s 34 campsites. “This grant will help make much-needed electrical upgrades a reality at one of Montana’s most treasured state parks. This investment in our outdoor heritage also supports good-paying Montana jobs,” Baucus said. “I have been fighting hard to secure funding for the LWCF to ensure Montana will continue to have opportunities for important grants like this one in the future.” More…
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U.S. Sen. Jon Tester
Tester posts his latest ethics review online
August 20: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: Retired Montana District Court Judge Gordon Bennett of Helena conducted Tester’s latest ethics review for the current session of Congress, after carefully examining Tester’s office policies and records, Senate ethics rules and other requested documents.
Judge Bennett’s review, conducted at no charge and no cost to taxpayers, is available online HERE. More…
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Egg recall is a golden opportunity to whip food safety into shape
CNNMoney: Some small business owners, however, see those “smaller” companies as part of the big agribusiness machine — and argue that the bill could impose costly regulations on tiny jam makers and apple farms. “The standards could become something that could become impossible for these farms to function under,” says Judith McGeary, executive director of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance. McGeary, along with other small business groups, supports an amendment proposed by Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mon.) that would limit regulations for companies making less than $500,000 a year. More…
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Celebration marks start of clean-water project
Great Falls Tribune: Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., who attended the event, touted the $20 million in funding that came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which more than doubled the funding the project has received since it was authorized in 2002. Tester said the stimulus money is “strengthening rural America and putting folks back to work.” More…
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Napolitano: Ill-fated border crossing ‘solvable’
BusinessWeek: AP: Napolitano said she understands ports are economic engines for the local economies, but the U.S. can’t keep the Whitetail port open if Canadians close their Big Beaver Port of Entry.
“We will obviously not build a port where there is nowhere to port on the other side,” she said. “But this one, I think, is fixable.”
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, who prompted the temporary construction halt earlier this month, pointed out that security improvements are needed in a new era of security.
“It’s no secret that 9/11 changed everything,” Tester said. “The days of putting three cones in the road, well, unfortunately they are over.” More…
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Baucus, Tester announce boost to weatherization program
August 27: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: Weatherization agencies in Helena, Butte and Kalispell have been selected to receive more than $900,000 to install various energy efficiency technologies in low-income homes. “This project will go a long way in making Montana’s homes more efficient, and it’s a common sense way to cut costs and make our state a better place to live, work and raise a family,” said Tester. More…
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Tester shoots down petition for EPA to ban lead bullets, shot and sinkers
August 27: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “I encourage all Montanans to weigh in on this issue because it’s critical for all of us to sound off on any plan that targets our gun rights. This a terrible idea that doesn’t even come close to passing as common sense in Montana, and I’ll do everything I can to keep it from moving forward.”More…
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EPA rejects effort to ban lead in bullets
The Hill: Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) had also criticized the petition, calling Friday for Montana residents to weigh in against it with EPA, stating, “It’s critical for all of us to sound off on any plan that targets our gun rights.” More…
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Gazette opinion: Montanans treasure land, open dialogue
Billings Gazette: Documents came to light in February revealing that the Bureau of Land Management had compiled a list of BLM lands that could be given special protection as “treasured landscapes” without involving the public. Presidential proclamation could trigger the designation as national monuments.
“As long as I am secretary of the interior, there will be no recommendation for designation of national monuments in Montana unless there is significant public involvement, discussion, and debate over any such proposal,” Salazar wrote.
Those words haven’t eased concerns in communities that are wary of the government’s intentions. Earlier this month, several pages of a BLM discussion paper were released and said that up to 140 million acres of federal land could be worthy of consideration for special protection. More…
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Tester brings Homeland Security chief to border to hear from Montanans
August 27: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: Senator Jon Tester hosted the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security in Montana this week, where they heard directly from Montanans on border security, commerce, ports of entry and the fight against illegal drugs.
“This was a great opportunity to hear directly from a lot of folks about what’s happening on the ground,” Tester said. “Nobody knows better how to better secure the border than the men and women on the front lines of that effort. I’m glad Secretary Napolitano was able to hear their ideas. Now we’ll get to work to keep bolstering border security in a way that’s careful about taxpayer dollars.”
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Tester tours Missoula stimulus projects, holds public meeting
The Missoulian: Tester was in town on Monday to see the project’s results and hear from other Missoulians about how the economy fares. He got a thank you from Worden’s Market owner Tim France, who helped convince the city’s Business Improvement Board to take on the $1.4 million project even though it scrambled downtown traffic for much of the summer. Tester supported the federal stimulus bill that provided the money. More…
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Tester response to end of combat operations in Iraq
August 31: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “The end of combat operations in Iraq is a significant, long-awaited milestone. We are winding down our presence there responsibly. And now we can fully focus America’s combat forces—the most powerful in the world—on keeping our country safe from terrorism.” More…
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Tester gets earful at listening session
Helena Independent Record: “People are concerned. People know we’re not out of the woods yet,” Tester, a Democrat, said after the 70-minute meeting.
Several speakers shared the frustrations of John Richardson, a 61-year-old Helena veteran.
“I think the citizens in our country are sick and tired of all the excuses. It’s not Republican, it’s not Democrat. Our government needs to be held accountable,” he said. “We’ve got to quit bowing down to the rest of the world. We’ve got to go back to taking care of America first.” More…
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Baucus, Tester announce upgrades for Black Sandy State Park
September 2: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: The grant, delivered today, provided $55,000 toward a $110,000 project to establish electrical service at 29 of Black Sandy’s 34 campsites. “Upgrading and strengthening Montana’s state parks and campgrounds is a smart way to create Montana jobs and preserve our traditions for our kids and grandkids,” said Tester. More…
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Tester’s panel clears several measures for Montana’s veterans
August 5: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: Sen. Max Baucus said, “I’m especially pleased that my provision to study the feasibility of building a traumatic brain injury center in Montana was included. These measures are one more step towards making sure every Montana service member has access to the quality health care they deserve, so they can get back to their lives.” More…
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Baucus Fights to Deliver $30 Million For Montana Schools
August 5: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Baucus: “The bill I worked to pass today will deliver $30 million for Montana schools by tightening the belt on federal spending and making sure foreign corporations pay their fair share of U.S. taxes,” Baucus said. More…
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Senate Finance Republicans make another push for tax provisions mark-up
The Hill: “The committee process would provide the members the ability to use the committee’s collective expertise to produce a consensus product that is the result of a deliberative process rather than a partisan bill that is hastily written behind closed doors,” Senate Republicans wrote in a letter to Sen. Baucus today. More…
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Sen. Baucus operates heavy machinery on stimulus funded road project
KXLF Butte News: August 9: Baucus spent the day helping road construction crews in Bozeman, including operating some heavy machinery for stimulus funded project on East Valley Center Road. “We’re a highway state and I want to learn all I can about our roads to make sure I’m doing what’s best by getting as many dollars as I possibly can for Montana,” Baucus said. More…
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Baucus discusses progress of curbing meth use
August 10: Billings Gazette: Baucus, speaking to the Billings Downtown Exchange Club, said the state had made progress fighting methamphetamine crime in the past few years, improving the lives of children and the community. “It’s just been a cause of mine to do all we can to boost drug enforcement,” Baucus said. More…
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Baucus, Tester statements on FEMA decision on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation
August 13: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester released the following statements today in response to the news that FEMA will fully pay for the damage associated with the July 10, 2010 flooding: “I’m happy FEMA responded to our requests to grant these folks an extra boost when they need it most,” Baucus said. More…
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Baucus Meets With Tribal Leaders
NBC Montana: Confederate Salish and Kootenai tribal leaders urged Senator Max Baucus to make sure Native Americans can access quality health care.”When the Senate goes back into session in September, boy it is at the top of my list, to get the Eloise Cobell legislation passed, because it is long past due,” says Sen. Baucus. More…
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The Port to Nowhere
Flathead Beacon: Kelly Brown: “The Port to Nowhere: Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester originally took credit for securing stimulus dollars for border projects in the state. But after the Associated Press published an investigation into dubious port funding and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano denied anyone influenced her decision to fund the projects, the two Democrats backpedaled. Tester has since asked for more transparency on proposed border upgrades.” More…
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Stealth Energy Tax Hike on Senate Agenda for September
August 14: Big Government: Capital Confidential: “In a little remarked upon move earlier this month, Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) put forward a legislative proposal to raise taxes on energy companies by stripping them of the ability to claim a key tax deduction.” More…
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At Baucus Town Hall, a Distinct Lack of Screaming
Flathead Beacon: August 16: “How is it that you believe the government you’re running is somehow exempt from the cash in before the cash out?” Bledsoe asked. “Why do you keep running up the national deficit?”
Baucus replied that the federal government must cut spending, but figuring out where to do so is difficult, and suggested cutting defense spending and closing certain overseas bases.
“America spends more on defense than all the rest of the countries in the world combined,” Baucus said. “Do we want to keep doing that? I don’t know.” More…
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Senators seek continued wolf management in Montana, tri-state talks
August 19: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “In the pursuit of finding a lasting solution, we strongly support state management and believe that it can be used to achieve a healthy population of gray wolves while balancing the needs of the communities in this region,” the Senators wrote to Salazar. “To this end, we ask you to convene discussions between all stakeholders in the tri-state region in Montana this fall. Working through a collaborative process can bring resolution to this problem if all the relevant parties are engaged.” More…
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U.S. Sen. Jon Tester
Tester to EPA: Use local Montanans as ‘true partners’ in cleanup of Superior
August 5: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “I am disappointed to learn that the EPA is not making the local labor force a true partner in the agency’s cleanup efforts, but is instead contracting and getting resources from outside the local community and Montana,” Tester wrote in a letter to Julie Dalsolgio with the EPA. More…
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Tester’s panel clears several measures for Montana’s veterans
August 5: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “From taking another step forward on Phase II of the Billings VA Clinic, to giving more support to veterans who depend on telehealth, to making the disability claims process work a little bit better, it was a good day for Montana’s veterans,” Tester said. “I know Montana’s veterans expect our delegation to work for them every day.” More…
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Tester statement on wolf decision
August 6: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: Sen. Tester today released the following statement in response to Judge Donald Molloy’s decision to re-list the gray wolf on the endangered species list:
“This decision misses the mark. I’ve always supported Montana’s common-sense wolf management plan—and its wolf hunt—because it’s a home-grown solution to an issue important to a whole lot of Montanans. If Montana is going to be home to wolves, they’ve got to be managed in a way that works for the folks who live and work here.” More…
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$8.5M upgrade to Montana border post halted after Canadians announce plans to close their side
Canadian Press: It’s one of five Montana border posts that the U.S. government is upgrading with more than $23 million in Recovery Act funding. Critics have called the project a waste of taxpayer money.”They’ll figure out what folks in that area want and what’s the best course of action for the port,” Tester spokeswoman Andrea Helling said. More…
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Border post losing its Canadian partner; stimulus millions on hold
CNN: Even Sen. Jon Tester, a Montana Democrat who last year was one of the biggest supporters of the plan to spend millions on Montana’s border crossings, is now backtracking. “A year ago, unilateral plans to close the Canadian side weren’t part of the equation,” Tester spokeswoman Andrea Heller told CNN. “The news that the Canadians are closing their side of the port changes the situation.” More…
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Tester legislation would remove hurdles for energy development on Indian lands
August 10: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “If we can get rid of some of these bureaucratic obstacles, then folks in Indian Country can help Montana realize our state’s great potential with energy,” said Tester, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee said about the recently introduced Indian Energy Parity Act. More…
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Committee clears Tester’s legislation for energy efficient, affordable housing
August 11: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: Tester’s Energy-Efficient Manufactured Housing Act, which has passed the Senate Energy Committee, would provide up to a $7,500 rebate to owners of mobile homes built before 1976 who choose to purchase “Energy Star” homes. “This is an opportunity to cut back on energy costs, while getting a lot of folks in Montana and across the country into better housing,” Tester said. More…
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Baucus, Tester statements on FEMA decision on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation
August 13: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester released the following statements today in response to the news that FEMA will fully pay for the damage associated with the July 10, 2010 flooding: “This is the right decision from FEMA and the administration because it will help get the recovery money to the ground faster, which will mean a faster timeline for rebuilding the clinic, homes, and businesses that were damaged or destroyed during the flooding,” Tester said. More…
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Tester posts full draft Interior memo to his website
August 16: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: In the name of transparency, Senator Jon Tester has posted to his website all pages of the U.S. Interior Department’s draft “Treasured Landscapes” document, part of which was leaked earlier this year. More…
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Tester to Obama: Put Westerner on Amtrak Board
August 17: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: Senator Jon Tester is urging the White House to fill the last open spot on Amtrak’s Board of Directors with someone who lives in the American West.
Amtrak’s importance in Western states should not be ignored,” Tester wrote in a letter today to the President. “Some of Amtrak’s busiest routes and stations are in the West—as are some of its greatest opportunities for growth and expansion.”More…
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Senators seek continued wolf management in Montana, tri-state talks
August 19: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “In the pursuit of finding a lasting solution, we strongly support state management and believe that it can be used to achieve a healthy population of gray wolves while balancing the needs of the communities in this region,” the Senators wrote to Salazar. “To this end, we ask you to convene discussions between all stakeholders in the tri-state region in Montana this fall. Working through a collaborative process can bring resolution to this problem if all the relevant parties are engaged.” More…
Committee clears technology funding for Butte company to benefit emergency services
July 22: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “These resources will go a long way toward making Montana a safer place for our families,” Baucus said. “Investments in better technology and cleaner energy, keep our state a national leader in these industries, and also stand as an investment in future generations of Montanans.”More…
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Senate panel advances funding for Agri-Tech Park, stronger emergency response for Great Falls
July 22: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “This is about making sure emergency responders can better communicate and work together during emergencies. And it’s about looking out for our small producers. It’s a win-win for the Great Falls area.” More…
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Senate panel advances funding to revitalize abandoned Missoula mill site
July 22: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: This is great news for the City of Missoula, the YWCA, and the University,” Baucus said. “These are three very worthwhile appropriations that will make Missoula stronger and safer. I’m proud of this funding because it exemplifies a very smart use of federal resources in the name of public safety and infrastructure improvement.”More…
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Committee clears funding for Shelby Intermodal Hub
July 23: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “This is good news for Shelby and for the surrounding communities,” Baucus said. “I’m proud of this funding because it’s a win-win for Montana, and exemplifies a very smart use of federal resources in the name of infrastructure improvement and business development.”More…
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Senate panel advances funding for stronger public safety in Dawson County
July 23: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “This is good news for residents of Dawson County and the surrounding communities,” Baucus said. “I’m proud of this funding, which means that the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our streets safe will be better equipped to do their jobs. Investments like this benefit all Montanans.”More…
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10 Things You Didn’t Know About Max Baucus
US News and World Report: July 26: More…
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Senate GOP blocks campaign-finance bill
Washington Times: Sen. Baucus said he will now introduce a constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in January that said corporations and unions have a right to spend money on “electioneering communication.”More…
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Baucus Makes Bold Move to Protect Voice of Montanans
July 27: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Baucus: “We have got to make sure elections remain in the hands of the people, it’s a simple as that,” Baucus said. “We Montanans learned our lesson almost a century ago when the copper kings leveraged their corporate power to effectively buy elections. As a result, we have some of the toughest campaign finance laws in the land — and they work. This is about standing up for the rights of regular folks, and I’m going to fight like the dickens to protect those rights.” More…
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House Dems mull break on Obama’s tax pledge
The Hill: Walter Alarkon: July 28: Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and other Democrats in the panel met Tuesday to discuss crafting the tax legislation. More…
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Senate panel approves funding to fight suicide in Montana
July 29: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “I’m proud to go to bat for Bozeman Deaconess. The hospital plays an important role in providing quality health care across Gallatin County and the region,” Baucus said. “Keeping our hospitals equipped with the technology needed to serve Montana’s families is something I’ll always fight for in the Senate.”More…
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Senate advances funding to boost opportunities for Montana businesses, students
July 29: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “It’s very important to prepare Montana’s students to deal with financial aid and to make sure they have access to online and high-tech opportunities,” Baucus said. “This is funding that will go a long way in rebuilding Montana’s economy and keeping our state at the forefront of a fast-changing world.” More…
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Senate panel approves funding for better pediatric health care in Montana
July 29: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “I’m proud to go to bat for St. Vincent Healthcare because they’ve always had a strong vision for the future of quality health care for Montana,” Baucus said. “Montana’s kids are in good hands thanks to St. V’s.”More…
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Senate panel advances funding for western Montana mental health project
July 29: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “The Outpatient Mental Health Network will serve so many people in western Montana because it takes the best technology out there to connect rural emergency rooms with top-flight specialists at St. Pat’s,” Baucus said. More…
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Payroll Tax Increase Dropped From Senate Bill
Wall Street Journal: Sen. Baucus has removed the payroll tax provision from the tax cut extension bill. More…
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Senate panel approves first step for new hospital in Livingston
July 29: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: High quality healthcare is critical for all of our communities and one of the ways we make sure health care is top quality is by making sure the facilities are top notch,” Baucus said. More…
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Senate panel approves funding to boost Whitehall jobs, small business development
July 29: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “As the Whitehall community continues recovering from last year, this funding is a needed boost for local businesses,” Baucus sad. More…
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Sen. Nelson Questions BP Tax Break for Oil Disaster Cleanup Costs
Insurance Journal: “I was appalled upon learning that BP intends to shift nearly $10 billion of the costs related to the Gulf oil spill to the backs of American taxpayers, including the very taxpayers whose lives have been devastated by the spill,” Nelson, a Democratic member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, wrote to the panel’s chairman, Max Baucus. More…
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Senate advances funding to boost health care in rural communities
July 30: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “It’s very important that Montanans have access to high quality infrastructure, regardless of where they live,” Baucus said. “This funding will go a long way toward strengthening rural medical clinics and expanding nursing and dental programs at Salish Kootenai College.” More…
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Senate panel advances funding for CARD Clinic to improve patient care, upgrade technology
July 29: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “This is a smart investment for Libby residents still struggling with the effects of asbestos,” said Max Baucus. More…
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Columnist: Too many forked tongues in politics today
Bozeman Daily Chronicle: Alanna Kathleen Brown: “I am also struck by the assertions of Montana Sen. Max Baucus about being a servant of the people, he who was the linchpin vote that enabled the Bush tax cuts to go through. There is not an apology deep enough to make up for that self-serving choice.” More…
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Baucus, Tester to support Kagan for Supreme Court
Helena Independent Record: “As a strong supporter of Montana gun rights, Senator Baucus has closely reviewed Ms. Kagan’s response to questions on the Second Amendment,” Baucus spokeswoman Kate Downen said. “In her confirmation hearing, Ms. Kagan responded that she views the Supreme Court’s two recent Second Amendment cases reasserting the right of Americans to keep and bear firearms as settled law.”More…
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Baucus, Tester demand answers from Army Corps on Ft. Peck Lake cabin sales
August 4: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “We are concerned that the proposed costs by the Army Corps of Engineers for appraisals and transfer fees may be unacceptably high, especially in light of the substantial funds appropriated by Congress,” the Senators wrote to Lieutenant General Robert L. Van Antwerp with the Army Corps. More…
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Montana Senators’ North Fork bill passes committee
August 5: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “Nothing is closer to my heart then getting this area protected forever, and we are getting closer and closer,” Baucus said. More…
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Businesses Split Over Tax Credits
Wall Street Journal: In a letter to Senate leaders Monday, 22 firms including Bank of America Corp., General Electric Co. and Hewlett-Packard support Sen. Max Baucus’ proposal that aims to end foreign tax credit. “Employers are speaking out because they agree we shouldn’t let partisan politics get in the way of passing a bill supported by Democrats, Republicans and businesses that will help create the jobs our economy needs,” said Sen. Baucus. More…
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It’s ‘Camp Baucus’ time
POLITICO: “I hear they’re quite popular for families of lobbyists. They set up all kinds of different types of event so it turns into somewhat of a vacation for the families,” said Craig Holman of Public Citizen. “Although it’s certainly a working vacation for the lobbyists.” More…
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Baucus Fights to Deliver $30 Million For Montana Schools
August 5: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Baucus: “I fought hard to pass this funding in the Senate and deliver much-needed federal support for Montana’s schools responsibly, without adding a dime to the federal debt. The bill I worked to pass today will deliver $30 million for Montana schools by tightening the belt on federal spending and making sure foreign corporations pay their fair share of U.S. taxes,” Baucus said. More…
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U.S. Sen. Jon Tester
Committee clears technology funding for Butte company to benefit emergency services
July 22: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “Montana is home to some of the most innovative self-starters in the nation,” Tester said. “This funding will be put to good use, helping put more cutting edge technologies in the hands of Montanans so we can build safer and cleaner communities. It’s exactly the kind of project I’m proud to be fighting for.”More…
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Senate panel advances funding for Agri-Tech Park, stronger emergency response for Great Falls
July 22: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “These resources also mean a safer community for families. These are smart investments that I’ll go to bat for it as it works its way through Congress.”
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Senate panel advances funding to revitalize abandoned Missoula mill site
July 22: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “Revitalizing this part of the city while adding additional roads increases public safety is a good investment in the long term economic strength of Missoula,” Tester said. More…
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Committee clears funding for Shelby Intermodal Hub
July 23: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “These dollars will go a long way for folks across the region who will now see greater economic opportunity,” Tester said. “This is a smart investment in Montana’s transportation infrastructure in order to create jobs and grow business for Montana’s ag producers.” More…
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Senate panel advances funding for stronger public safety in Dawson County
July 23: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “Giving our law enforcement all the tools they need to keep our communities safe is a smart investment,” Tester said. “Rural areas in places like Montana present unique situations when it comes to public safety. These dollars mean the folks we charge with protecting our families can do their jobs more effectively.” More…
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Tester urges Coast Guard to use Montana company’s technology in Gulf Coast cleanup
July 23: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “Montana is home to a lot of great ideas and brilliant minds. They’re doing good work, creating good jobs and making the world a better place for our kids and grandkids.”More…
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Yellowstone snowmobile proposals face scrutiny
Billings Gazette: “Two of these proposals aren’t going to fly in my book because, like most Montanans, I believe snowmobiles and snowcoaches have an important place in Yellowstone,” Tester said in a media statement. More…
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Tester statement on DISCLOSE Act vote
July 27: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “Today I voted to shine more sunlight on political campaigns and give the American people—not large and even foreign-owned corporations—control over America’s elections. More…
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Reform a success!
Helena Independent Record: Beth Murphy: “I also want to thank our own Sen. Jon Tester for taking a lead role in the Wall Street Reform. Despite a huge lobbying effort by the banks and corporations, Sen. Tester held his ground and stood up for us during the heat of this debate. This Wall Street legislation finally makes criminal the new tactics banks invented to gamble with investors’ money and deceive people and deceive regulators.” More…
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Earmark transparency bill gets bipartisan support in Senate committee vote
The Hill: Walter Alarkon: “Two appropriators, Sens. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) also voted against the measure Wednesday. Members of the House and Senate Appropriations committees tend to be proficient earmarkers because of their control over spending bills.” More…
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Tester statement on Air Force’s C-27J announcement
July 29: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: The Montana Air National Guard has both the airspace and the high-quality personnel needed to keep our nation secure—with every mission they’re assigned. There’s more work to be done, but I’ll keep fighting for our Airmen, for Great Falls, and for the continued success of MANG.”More…
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Some senators expected to block Postal Service’s proposal to limit mail delivery
Washington Post: AP: July 29: Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) said Wednesday that senators who oversee the U.S. Postal Service’s budget will block a proposal by the head of that agency to drop Saturday mail delivery. More…
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Senate panel approves funding to fight suicide in Montana
July 29: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “Investing in the Help Center is investing in Montana’s health care infrastructure. It’s an investment in all Montanans.”More…
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Senate advances funding to boost opportunities for Montana businesses, students
July 29: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “Investing in loan funds for Montana businesses is an investment in our economy, in good-paying jobs statewide, and in new opportunities for the future.”More…
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Senate panel approves funding for better pediatric health care in Montana
July 29: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “St. V’s pediatric unit is a tremendous service that keeps Montana at the forefront of top-notch health care,” Tester said. “The PICU is a smart investment in Montanans, our kids, and the good-paying jobs that keep our economy strong.”More…
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Senate panel advances funding for western Montana mental health project
July 29: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “This is a smart investment in communities throughout western Montana because we are utilizing state-of-the-art technology to improve patient care while keeping folks in their own communities,” Tester said. “This new network will help rural communities offer the kind of mental health services that before were only available in larger cities.”More…
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Lawyer in Rehberg lawsuit stops his donations to Democratic party
Great Falls Tribune: Montana’s Democratic Party will lose the donations from a long-time supporter. Cliff Edwards, who represents Republican U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg in a wildfire lawsuit, will withhold donations after a Democratic candidate Dennis McDonald criticized Rehberg over the lawsuit. “I do not want a penny of mine going to him,” Edwards wrote in a recent letter to both the party and to Sen. Tester that was obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press. More…
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Senate panel approves first step for new hospital in Livingston
July 29: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “Livingston clearly needs a new hospital where all of the patient care and hospital employees are housed under one roof,” Tester said. “This is a great first step towards building a state-of-the-art hospital for Park County, and it’s a smart investment in Montana’s families and our health care infrastructure.”More…
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Senate panel approves funding to boost Whitehall jobs, small business development
July 29: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “Putting folks in Montana back to work while bolstering our local economies are exactly the kinds of projects I’m proud to support,” Tester said. “These dollars are another step towards helping the families of Whitehall get back on their feet.”More…
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Timothy P. Carney: How GOP can trump Dems on special interests
San Francisco Examiner: Timothy P. Carney: “Republicans should support the bill sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., which would close the most tawdry of Washington’s revolving doors — congressmen and senators cashing out to become lobbyists.”More…
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Senate advances funding to boost health care in rural communities
July 30: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: These are common sense investments in Montana’s health care infrastructure that will keep our rural communities strong,” Tester said. More…
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Senate panel advances funding for CARD Clinic to improve patient care, upgrade technology
July 29: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “The families in Libby have seen some good steps lately toward getting them the help they need, but there’s more work to be done,” Tester said. More…
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Baucus, Tester to support Kagan for Supreme Court
Helena Independent Record: “When Sen. Tester met with her in May, she demonstrated a clear understanding of the values that are important to Montanans, like common sense, hard work and working together,” Tester spokesman Aaron Murphy said. “Like any Supreme Court justice, Jon expects Ms. Kagan to respect the court’s decisions already on the books upholding Second Amendment rights for all law-abiding Americans, no matter where they live.”More…
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Baucus, Tester demand answers from Army Corps on Ft. Peck Lake cabin sales
August 4: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “We are concerned that the proposed costs by the Army Corps of Engineers for appraisals and transfer fees may be unacceptably high, especially in light of the substantial funds appropriated by Congress,” the Senators wrote to Lieutenant General Robert L. Van Antwerp with the Army Corps. More…
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Tester: TransCanada decision a ‘triple play’ for Montana
August 5: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “This is a win for energy development in eastern Montana, a win for the good-paying jobs that come with it, and a win for higher safety standards in rural America,” Tester said. “This decision is a triple play for Montana.”More…
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Montana Senators’ North Fork bill passes committee
August 5: Newsroom: U.S. Senator Tester: “Now the next step is go get this bill passed by the whole Senate and signed into law so that we can forever ensure that our kids and grandkids can have the same opportunities to hunt, fish, hike and camp in the Flathead that we enjoy today.”More…
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U.S. Senate Confirms Anti-gun Radical to the Supreme Court
Ammo Land: “Senators who voted for Elena Kagan cannot claim ignorance. They voted anti-gun, and we need to let them know that we, the American people, are coming to take back our government on Election Day.” More…
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