Agriculture

Throughout my years of public service, I've made it a top priority to expand the opportunities available to Montana's farmers and ranchers. Montana's producers and rural communities are the backbone of our state's economy and I'll continue to use my seniority and leadership in the Senate and on the Agriculture Committee to provide producers with the support they deserve and need.

Appropriations

On December 26th, the Consolidated Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2008 was signed into law.  In combination with a Defense appropriations measure that became law in November, this bill contained over $140 million for  over 100 projects across Montana.  Montanans will see these federal dollars put to work on the local level in the coming year, creating jobs, providing educational programs, improving transportation and water infrastructure, and growing small businesses.  These are difficult budget times, but I am proud of my work to secure these critically important funds for our great state.  Money will be tight again this year, but I look forward to working hard once again on behalf of Montana’s priority projects.

Defense

During these times it's critical that we have a strong national defense. We must ensure that our troops at home and abroad have the tools they need to protect freedom and democracy across the globe. I'm committed to working together to ensure our military and our men and women in uniform have what they need to do their jobs.

Economic Development

A state's economy has a direct impact on its residents, on their families, and on the success of their businesses, farms and ranches. Unfortunately, like many areas of the country, Montana has experienced tough economic times during the past twenty years. And that's why, as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, it's my top priority to boost Montana's economy and bring more good-paying jobs to our state. Our economy is the foundation upon which our state rests and I'll continue to put principles over politics and do all that I can to continue strengthening our state's foundation.

Education

Montanans are fortunate to have some of the best students and teachers in America. In fact, our eighth graders earned the top scores in the country in the science portion of a recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) evaluation. They placed second in the math section. These latest scores build on a history of outstanding performances on national exams. Our hard-working, high-quality teachers are the key to these successes; their dedication to their profession and to our children drives our education system. Moreover, our students' high test scores are a good sign that Montana's students are being prepared to meet the challenges they will face in the new millennium.

Energy

Montana is the Treasure State.  We have some of the largest coal reserves in the world.  We have the fourth largest wind energy potential in the country.  There are many exciting possibilities for Montana’s small businesses and local energy produces as role players in securing our nation’s energy independence.  Our wealth of energy resources will power our Main Streets both literally and economically.

Montanans are already taking advantage of their resources to produce energy and create new opportunities.  Wind power production is increasing.  Folks across the state are talking about energy production using switchgrass, camelina, and barley for ethanol and biodiesel production.  Our refineries and power plants are working to increase their capacity in an environmentally-responsible manner.

As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I will work hard to promote tax incentives for the development of Montana energy resources such as wind, biofuels, and clean coal technologies.  Our rural coops and farmers can take advantage of these incentives to increase efficiencies, develop local resources, and take the lead in our country’s clean energy future.

Outdoors

As Montanans, we are defined by our close connection to the land. From hiking through Glacier Park, climbing up or skiing down Big Mountain or Big Sky, picnicking in Hyalite Canyon, boating down the Yellowstone and Gallatin Rivers, or hunting and fishing throughout the state, our opportunities in the great outdoors are endless. These lands are part of our Montana Legacy - a legacy that we must pass on to our children and grandchildren. It's a top goal of mine to protect our lands for generations to come, while making sure that today's generations have free and open access to enjoy our public lands.

Forest Products

Montana's small, independent and family-owned mills provide jobs and the economic backbone of Montana's rural timber-dependent communities. I'll continue to work hard with Montana's small timber industry to improve the SBA timber set-aside program.

Health Care

Whether it's improving access to prescription drugs, keeping rural health care facilities open, expanding health insurance coverage or ensuring that the needs of places like Libby, Montana are met, I'm committed to ensuring access to quality, affordable health care.

Native American Issues

The Big Sky state has seven Indian Reservations and nine federally recognized tribes. Montana's tribes bring a rich history and culture full of long-standing traditions to our state. I'm committed to boosting the economic health of our reservations and in our Indian communities -- while also protecting their heritage and sovereignty and strengthening our government-to-government relationship.

Technology

New communications technologies are bringing economic opportunities to our state, and I'm working to develop a system to ensure that we can take advantage of these opportunities. As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I have the rare opportunity to craft the U.S. tax code to provide incentives for technological innovation and development. I'm committed to using my influence to narrow the digital divide and bring high-paying technology jobs to our state.

Trade

Growing up on a ranch outside of Helena, I quickly learned that the success of farmers, ranchers and other producers depends on more than just the success of their crops. Their success is also tied to the market and the international trade opportunities that are available to them. In order to protect our state's producers and provide them with additional markets to sell their goods, I've worked hard over the years to enact strong and effective trade policies for Montana and the nation.

Transportation

Montana is a highway state and our jobs, economy, and way of life depends on a strong transportation infrastructure. Having served, over the years, as Chairman and ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and its Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I have had the opportunity to shape national transportation policy and provide our state with the necessary programs and funding to improve all areas of Montana's transportation system.

Veterans

I have tremendous gratitude for the service our veterans perform and believe it's essential for the United States to take care of them the way they have taken care of us. I have worked hard throughout my career to provide our veterans with the benefits and health care they need and deserve, and the recognition they've earned. There are more than 100,000 veterans residing in Montana. Protecting these heroes is of utmost importance to me and I will continue to do everything I can here in Washington D.C. and at home in Montana to fulfill this commitment.