WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today issued the following statement explaining his vote on a tax bill that includes a provision to ban energy exploration in the Rocky Mountain Front.           

“This is policymaking at its worst.  It's no wonder there is a lot of cynicism about politics right now.   The proposal to ban potential energy exploration in the Front was attached to a very important piece of legislation that affects the pocketbook of every American.  That's why I voted today to send the bill back to Committee.  When that effort failed I voted to pass the overall bill because taxpayers don't deserve to be punished just because a rider was attached to a bill that puts more money in folks' pockets 

My vote in favor of the overall bill does not mean I condone the backroom, dark of night dealings that created the Rocky Mountain Front rider.  There wasn’t a single minute of congressional debate or hearings in either the House or Senate about the Front rider.  Montanans weren't even allowed a seat at the table and were deprived of the opportunity to participate in the debate.  The way this rider came about is shameful.”