"The report is disconcerting, but we have to be creative and stay focused on Malmstrom’s strengths and assets," said Rehberg, a member of the Military Quality of Life Appropriations Subcommittee. "Malmstrom makes crucial contributions to the community and plays a vital role in our national defense, and I will work to make sure it remains a key player on each of these fronts."

     Anticipating the QDR, Rehberg consistently voiced his support for Malmstrom’s ICBM force by sending letters to the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and the Secretary of Defense. Last April, Rehberg traveled to Colorado Springs to meet with Space Commander General Lord to advocate on behalf of Malmstrom. Throughout the summer, Rehberg met with Air Force Procurement Generals Wood and Fletcher to discuss new missions for Malmstrom. Last fall, Rehberg authored legislation to make the maintenance of 500 ICBMs official U.S. policy. In 2004, Rehberg worked to form the Malmstrom Advisory Council on Base Realignment and Closure (MACBRAC), a body which worked to promote Malmstrom missions during the base realignment and closure process.

     "Conrad, Max and I will work together to map out a strategy for Malmstrom’s future," Rehberg said. "The future could include shifting warheads from nuclear to conventional, which would allow us to maintain the global protection, precision, and reliability that our ICBM’s currently provide."

     "I know Malmstrom will continue to be a major asset for our national defense as well as the Great Falls region," Rehberg said. "I look forward to working with the delegation to ensure a secure future for the base."