Senator Conrad Burns’ Montana eNewsLetter Friday, September 9, 2005 version 5, edition 88

Helping Victims of Hurricane Katrina

Like all Americans, my thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the indescribably catastrophic events of Hurricane Katrina. Folks in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama have been hit extremely hard by this storm, and first responders and citizens alike are working tirelessly to rescue victims and bring food and water to areas where it’s needed, and I applaud their efforts. I’d also like to provide you with a way to help. My staff and I have compiled a list of organizations that you can contribute to in order to aid the relief effort, and I truly hope you’ll do all you can. Please visit the "Hurricane Katrina, Information and How You Can Help" page of my website by pointing your browser to this file.

High Gas Prices

This week, I attended an Energy Committee hearing that addressed high gas prices. As we work to help the families and individuals who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina, and face many other important responsibilities here in the Senate, I am glad we were able to sit down and discuss the issue of high fuel prices. This is something that affects every single American, and I appreciated hearing the insight of all of our witnesses. As I traveled across Montana during the August recess, I spoke to people from every corner of the state and repeatedly heard their concerns about the cost of fuel. One solution which I have long supported, and will continue to push for, is diversifying our domestic supply of fuel to places like the Rocky Mountain West and ANWR. And in addition to new development, we should all be looking at our own consumption habits. When you get behind the wheel of your vehicle, ask yourself "do I need to make this trip?" Conservation and personal responsibility will be an important part of any long-term strategy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

‘Last Best Place’ is Public Domain

On Thursday, I included language in the Senate version of the Commerce, Justice, and State Appropriations Bill that would forbid the usage of any federal dollars to trademark the phrase “Last Best Place”. As a senior member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, I included the provision after a controversial attempt by a Nevada businessman to trademark the phrase so commonly used to describe Montana. The fact is, if anyone has ownership rights, it’s the citizens of Montana. This phrase so aptly describes our beautiful state, I can’t see it going into the hands of one operator. Now with this language in place, the phrase will be protected from a trademark so we can all continue to call our State the ‘Last Best Place’ without concern for copyright violations. Once passed by the Senate, the Appropriations Bill must be reconciled with the House version, then will go on to final passage and the President’s signature. I intend to keep an eye on this language to ensure it stays intact.

Burlington Northern Should Suspend Fuel Surcharges

In a letter sent on September 2, I challenged Matthew K. Rose, President and CEO of Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Company, to lead the transportation industry in responding to high diesel prices by suspending fuel surcharges for the immediate future. High oil prices are hurting everyone, and I don’t doubt that BNSF feels that pinch as well. But in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the rail industry can contribute tremendously to recovery efforts by suspending these fuel charges and allowing freight to move quickly and efficiently across the country. Transportation is vital to our nation, and by allowing rail transportation to remain feasible for shippers with limited options, BNSF can help keep America moving and limit the impact of this hurricane to our economy. To see a copy of the letter, please visit the press release section of my website by going to: http://www.burns.senate.gov.

Billings Bus Depot Funds Released

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced that it is releasing $3,707,861 to the City of Billings to fund the construction of a new downtown Met Transit Bus Facility. I’m glad we were able to get these funds for my home town. I’ve been told the city has worked out a good location for the new transfer facility, and I think it will be a great addition to the public transportation infrastructure in Billings. MET Transit has done a good job improving the bus lines around town, and this is yet another step forward. MET Transit service runs fourteen hours a day, six days a week, and provides approximately 750,000 rides every year, predominantly for the elderly, handicapped, and school-age children.

Outreach Hours in Belgrade

I’m pleased to announce that my field representative, Misti Pilster, will hold community outreach hours in Belgrade on Wednesday, September 14, in the Conference Room of the Belgrade Chamber of Commerce, 10 East Main. She will be available to meet with anyone who has a problem with a federal agency or questions or concerns regarding issues before Congress. This is a great opportunity for folks in these areas to speak with Misti, and let her know their questions and concerns. I know it’s often hard with work and home obligations for people to make it to my Bozeman field office, so I wanted Misti to visit you. She will relay all the questions and concerns to me, so I can find out what’s on the mind of folks in Gallatin County and to see if there’s something I can do to help them. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Misti Pilster at (406) 586-4450 or (800) 344-1513.

Fire Fighting Grants for Chester and Hingham

On Wednesday I announced two fire fighting grants for Montana through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Awards Program. The Town of Hingham will receive $299,915 and Chester Volunteer Fire Department will receive $24,966, both for operations and safety. As our hearts go out to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama after the terrible destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, we are reminded how important it is to make sure our first responders have the training and equipment they need to save lives. This type of funding goes directly towards improving the capabilities of the brave men and women who risk their lives to fight fires on a daily basis, and I am happy to see Chester and Hingham receive grants today. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), administers the Assistance for Fire Fighters Grant Program. The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. A list of current award recipients announced to date is posted on the USFA web site at: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fire-service/grants/. Future grant recipients will be listed as awards are made.

Military Service Academy Nominations

Each year I look forward to another round of nominations for bright, young Montana students wanting to attend our U.S. Service Academies. As a former Marine, and now as your United States Senator, I enjoy the opportunity to assist those future American leaders who want to attend a U.S. Service Academy. If you are, or know of, a young man or woman interested in a top-of-the-line education and a commission to the United States Armed Forces, please contact my Academy Advisor, Lisa Wheeler, at (406) 723-3277 or (800) 344-1513. The deadline is November 1st for the following years entering class. For more information, visit my website by going to: http://www.senate.gov/~burns/index.cfm?.FuseAction=Academies.Home.