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19:26:49 05/17/12
Baucus Secures Commitment to Reopen Great Falls Social Security Hearing Site
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Baucus Secures Commitment to Reopen Great Falls Social Security Hearing Site
May 17, 2012 ***For Immediate Release*** BAUCUS SECURES COMMITMENT TO REOPEN GREAT FALLS SOCIAL SECURITY HEARING SITE Senator Calls Social Security Commissioner before Committee to Press for Faster Service for Disabled Montanans, Veterans (Washington, DC) -- Montana's senior US Senator Max Baucus called Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue before his committee today after hearing concerns over Montanans having to spend years wading through bureaucratic backlog to receive the disability benefits they are entitled to. During the hearing Baucus secured a commitment from Astrue to reopen the Great Falls hearing site that was closed last year. Since the closure, Great Falls area residents -- many of them veterans -- have had to travel to as far as Billings to appeal decisions to deny them benefits. "These folks have suffered enough hardships, and they don't have the time or extra income to travel halfway across the state to fight for the benefits they deserve, so I'm glad we were able to convince the Commissioner to get the Great Falls site back up and running" Baucus said. Montana Senator Jon Tester has also pressed the Social Security Administration to reopen the Great Falls site, and sent a letter to Astrue in April. During today's hearing Baucus also highlighted the story of Helena veteran Michael Clouse who has been waiting seven years to receive his benefits (click video to hear more of Clouse's story). And Baucus pressed the Commissioner on complaints from ... From: SenatorBaucus Views: 22 0 ratings Time: 02:51 More in News & Politics
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21:33:21 05/08/12
Baucus Urges Quick Action to Support Highway Jobs
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Baucus Urges Quick Action to Support Highway Jobs
Opening Statement of Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus On the Senate's Surface Transportation Bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, May 8, 2012 Chairman Boxer, thank you for your leadership. I spent last week at home with the people I work for. And my Montana bosses sent me back with one clear priority: jobs. The Flathead Valley in Northwestern Montana is a tourism hub and an interstate and international trade corridor. It's also home to Montana's highest unemployment rate. On Thursday, I sat down with business leaders, local officials, and contractors to discuss the Kalispell Bypass. This truck thoroughfare skirts west around town, allowing traffic to move more efficiently from surrounding communities. That means easier access for trucks moving goods that support American jobs. Less time for tourists sitting in their cars and more time spending money at local businesses. And, dozens of construction jobs in a community that needs them. Construction season has started. Fourteen thousand Montana jobs and 1.6 million jobs across America depend on this Highway Bill. The bipartisan Senate bill received a unanimous vote from the Environment and Public Works Committee's 18 urban, rural, western, eastern, northern, southern, progressive and conservative Senators. And, 75 percent of the Senate supported it. It provides certainty communities need to plan and begin construction. And it invests in highway jobs, without adding a dime to the deficit. In fact, our ... From: SenatorBaucus Views: 25 0 ratings Time: 03:25 More in News & Politics
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20:39:00 04/27/12
Baucus: Zero Tolerance for Violence Against Women
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Baucus: Zero Tolerance for Violence Against Women
From: SenatorBaucus Views: 27 1 ratings Time: 07:21 More in News & Politics
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19:22:04 04/27/12
Baucus: Zero Tolerance for Violence Against Women
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Baucus: Zero Tolerance for Violence Against Women
From: SenatorBaucus Views: 12 0 ratings Time: 01:06 More in News & Politics
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18:27:56 04/27/12
Baucus Secures Montana Victories In Farm Bill
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Baucus Secures Montana Victories In Farm Bill
From: SenatorBaucus Views: 47 1 ratings Time: 01:37 More in News & Politics
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16:31:15 04/18/12
Baucus Rails against Wasteful GSA Spending
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Baucus Rails against Wasteful GSA Spending
Hearing Statement of Montana Senator Max Baucus Environment and Public Works Committee: "Oversight Hearing on the General Services Administration (GSA)." (as prepared for delivery) Thank you, Chairman Boxer, for holding this important oversight hearing. Thomas Jefferson summarized the basic principle of public service, saying: "When a man assumes a public trust he should consider himself a public property." I am offended by the abuse of taxpayer dollars that we have seen here. I am offended for myself, but more importantly I am offended for my constituents whose tax dollars were misused here. That includes the many hard-working public employees in Montana who commit day-in and day-out to a culture of service. %bull Just yesterday, 145 members of the Montana National Guard deployed to Afghanistan. It is remarkable to think that $800000 blown on GSA's Western Regions Conference could provide these troops, all 145 of them and their families, with enrollment in the TRICARE Prime program for 12 years. %bull Two weeks ago, I was in Great Falls, Montana meeting with the ranchers and farmers who get dirt under their nails every day to put food on our tables. They were working hard to find ways to Sacrifice In The Next Farm Bill To help solve our Nation's debt, while news was spreading about mind readers and lavish entertainment in Vegas for GSA. %bull Then I traveled out to Eastern Montana, to places like Sidney where they desperately need more resources to deal with the population boom from ... From: SenatorBaucus Views: 70 1 ratings Time: 02:50 More in News & Politics
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21:52:23 04/16/12
Baucus Honors Montana Guardsmen as 240 Troops Prepare to Deploy this Month
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Baucus Honors Montana Guardsmen as 240 Troops Prepare to Deploy this Month
From: SenatorBaucus Views: 16 1 ratings Time: 06:09 More in News & Politics
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21:15:38 03/29/12
Baucus Introduces 'Made In Montana' Farm Bill Proposal
[LESS INFO] 1 VIEWS | ADDED 21:15:38 03/29/12
Baucus Introduces 'Made In Montana' Farm Bill Proposal
March 29, 2012 ***For Immediate Release*** BAUCUS INTRODUCES 'MADE IN MONTANA' FARM BILL PROPOSAL Senator Puts Montana Farmers and Ranchers' Priorities Into Bipartisan Bill (Washington, DC) -- Montana's senior US Senator Max Baucus introduced a major component of the upcoming Farm Bill today along with North Dakota Senators Kent Conrad and John Hoeven. Baucus molded the legislation from the input of Montana farmers and ranchers at listening sessions across the state. He is attending another listening session hosted by the Montana Farmers Union in Great Falls, Monday, April 2. During the session, Baucus will go over his proposal with Montana producers and look for ways to make it work even better before rolling it into the larger Agriculture Committee Farm Bill. "I've spent a lot of time over the last year traveling around Montana and talking to producers about what's important to them -- things like the Livestock Disaster Assistance program I created in 2008 and a fair plan to chip in on deficit reduction while still making sure our farmers and ranchers are protected from volatile markets and weather," Baucus said. "This bill is made in Montana by the farmers and ranchers who get dirt under their nails every day to keep food on our tables, and now that we've got something down on paper I look forward to working with them to make it even better." Baucus' bill includes four main Montana priorities: 1. Baucus' bill makes the Livestock Disaster Assistance program Baucus ... From: SenatorBaucus Views: 57 0 ratings Time: 00:19 More in News & Politics
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16:51:10 03/28/12
Baucus Launches "I Hire Veterans" Initiative, After Passing Vets Jobs Tax Cut
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Baucus Launches "I Hire Veterans" Initiative, After Passing Vets Jobs Tax Cut
Baucus Launches "I Hire Veterans" Initiative, After Passing Vets Jobs Tax Cut Senator Teams up with Montana Chamber, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Veterans and Businesses to Encourage Montana Employers to Hire Montana Veterans (Washington, DC) -- Montana's senior US Senator Max Baucus is teaming up with the Montana Chamber of Commerce, the Montana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, veterans and businesses to encourage Montana employers to hire veterans. Baucus is asking businesses who currently employ veterans to display the 'I Hire Veterans' logo in their windows and front offices and help spread the word about the Vets Jobs Tax Credit he passed last year to help even more employers hire veterans. "A deep sense of duty and patriotism runs through all Montanans," Baucus said. "We had more Montanans volunteer for service after 9/11 than any other state in the country, per capita. And many of our Montana businesses have stepped up as well by supporting Guard and Reserve members on their staffs and hiring our veterans when they come home. I'm proud to have veterans on my staff, and I'm proud to display this sign in my office. I'm asking Montana businesses to join me so that together we can help spread the word and encourage other folks to do the same. Businesses who don't have any veterans on staff right now, should know they can get a tax credit to help them hire a vet. And if Montana businesses have other idea about ways we can make it easier for them ... From: SenatorBaucus Views: 51 1 ratings Time: 00:40 More in News & Politics
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20:13:56 03/26/12
Baucus Calls on US House to Give the Highway Bill the Green Light
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Baucus Calls on US House to Give the Highway Bill the Green Light
March 26, 2012 ***For Immediate Release*** Baucus Calls on US House to Give the Highway Bill the Green Light Senator: "Montana Jobs Cannot Afford More Delays" (Washington, DC) -- Montana's senior US Senator Max Baucus is calling on the US House to pass the bipartisan Highway Bill which he steered through the US Senate last week. Baucus, who was a key architect of the bill and who led the Senate in passing the highway bill, says it's now time for the US House to work together and get the job done. "The current Highway Bill expires at the end of this month and construction season is starting soon. We cannot afford to put jobs on hold by kicking the can down the road -- especially when we don't have to, especially when we don't have much more road to kick the can down," Baucus said. "The Highway Bill will cut through red tape to put people to work on good-paying construction projects right away. It's time for the House to do its part and turn on the green light." In a statement delivered on the floor of the US Senate today, Baucus urged members of the US House to pass the Highway Bill without further delay. From: SenatorBaucus Views: 25 0 ratings Time: 02:13 More in News & Politics
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22:41:09 03/22/12
Baucus, Choteau Rancher Testify to Uphold Montana's Outdoor Heritage
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Baucus, Choteau Rancher Testify to Uphold Montana's Outdoor Heritage
March 22, 2012 ***For Immediate Release*** Baucus, Choteau Rancher Testify to Uphold Montana's Outdoor Heritage Senator Honors "Rugged Cooperators" Behind Made-in-Montana Bill (Washington, DC) -- Montana's senior US Senator Max Baucus continued his work today to pass the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act during a hearing before a key Senate committee. The bill is the result of a wide variety of Montanans working together since 2007 on a cooperative effort to protect the Front, while protecting grazing opportunities for ranchers and public access for hunters, fisherman, and outdoor enthusiasts. "This is a Made-in-Montana bill and it's important to give credit to all the folks who have worked together and worked hard to bring this forward. The Rocky Mountain Front is part of who we are as Montanans and we owe it to our kids and grandkids to protect our outdoor heritage," said Baucus. "This bill is about doing the right thing today that will pay dividends for tomorrow, which is why I'm doing all I can to bring it to the finish line." Baucus also invited Choteau rancher Dusty Crary to testify before the Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee today. The following is an excerpt from his testimony: "This legislation was not generated at the federal level and sent down for comment. If ever there was a start from scratch, kitchen table proposal, this is it. We wanted this legislation to do just what it needs to and not one thing more. And that quite simply is the goal of the Rocky ... From: SenatorBaucus Views: 97 1 ratings Time: 09:29 More in News & Politics
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20:48:57 03/15/12
Baucus Brings Montana Rancher before Senate to Highlight Opportunities under Russian Trade Deal
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Baucus Brings Montana Rancher before Senate to Highlight Opportunities under Russian Trade Deal
From: SenatorBaucus Views: 32 1 ratings Time: 02:40 More in News & Politics
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18:34:34 03/15/12
Baucus Fights for Livestock Disaster Assistance in Next Farm Bill
[LESS INFO] 2 VIEWS | ADDED 18:34:34 03/15/12
Baucus Fights for Livestock Disaster Assistance in Next Farm Bill
March 15, 2012 ***For Immediate Release*** BAUCUS FIGHTS FOR LIVESTOCK DISASTER ASSISTANCE IN NEXT FARM BILL Senator Makes the Case at Final Ag Committee Hearing ahead of Writing Upcoming Farm Bill (Washington, DC) -- Montana's senior US Senator Max Baucus made the case for continuing the Livestock Disaster programs he created in the 2008 Farm Bill today as the Senate Agriculture Committee wrapped up its final hearing ahead of writing the next Farm Bill. US Department of Agriculture Acting Undersecretary Michael Scuse said he, "couldn't agree more," with Baucus on the importance of the programs for ranchers. Baucus is the only member of the Montana Congressional Delegation on the Agriculture Committee that writes the Farm Bill. "It is very clear to me that the disaster programs we enacted in 2008 are an improvement over prior years. In prior years whenever there was a disaster, producers -- whether grain or livestock -- had to wait for Congress to decide whether or not there's going to be any assistance. And when Congress finally did act, if it did, producers had to choose between certain years. It was sort of a hodgepodge, frankly. And it wasn't appropriate for the sophisticated farm program American farmers and ranchers deserve," Baucus told his colleagues today. "Thank you Senator. I could not agree with you more," Undersecretary Scuse replied. "These programs are essential to our livestock producers. The issues we have faced since 2008 with the extreme cold in areas ... From: SenatorBaucus Views: 36 1 ratings Time: 01:55 More in News & Politics
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19:33:01 03/14/12
Baucus Steers Highway Bill Through US Senate
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Baucus Steers Highway Bill Through US Senate
March 14, 2012 ***For Immediate Release*** Baucus Steers Highway Bill Through US Senate Senator Leads Bipartisan Momentum to Focus on Jobs, Support Highway Bill (Washington, DC) -- Montana's senior US Senator Max Baucus helped lead the US Senate in passing the Highway Bill today. After calling on his colleagues to get focused on the transportation infrastructure the nation needs to stay competitive, he hailed today's passage as critical for highway jobs. The measure cleared the Senate by a vote of 74-22. "Highways are our lifeblood in Montana which is why this bill is so important for good-paying jobs, our small businesses and our families. There's very little under the Big Sky that doesn't depend on our highways which is why I've fought so hard to get bring the highway bill to the finish line," Baucus said. As a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, Baucus helped pass the policy framework for the bill unanimously through the panel in November. As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Baucus worked to come up with a bipartisan plan to responsibly pay for the investments in the Highway Bill. The Highway Bill: Montana facts at-a-glance - The bill includes provisions to cut through red tape to speed up infrastructure projects and put people to work faster. - The legislation also includes Baucus' amendment two vital programs for Montana's rural forest counties -- restoring Secure Rural Schools and Payment in Lieu of Taxes which together brought ... From: SenatorBaucus Views: 65 1 ratings Time: 01:38 More in News & Politics
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18:07:49 03/12/12
Baucus: Montana Highway Jobs Cannot Afford Unnecessary Delays
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Baucus: Montana Highway Jobs Cannot Afford Unnecessary Delays
March 12, 2012 ***For Immediate Release*** Baucus: Montana Highway Jobs Cannot Afford Unnecessary Delays Senator Issues Call-to-Action to Congress: Focus on Jobs, Support Highway Bill (Washington, DC) -- Montana's senior US Senator Max Baucus is calling on his colleagues to focus on jobs and pass the Highway Bill. In a speech on the floor of the US Senate, Baucus urged his colleagues to stay focused on highway jobs and the important transportation infrastructure investments the nation needs to stay competitive. The current highway bill expires at the end of March. Last week, Baucus helped lead the charge to stop an amendment to the highway bill that targeted women's health insurance coverage. "I'm urging my colleagues to stay focused on this important bill that supports our roads, bridges and good-paying jobs. We've got a lot of dirt between stop signs in Montana and there's very little under the Big Sky that doesn't depend on our highways. Montana jobs rely on the highway bill because Montana is a highway state -- it's that simple," Baucus said. The last Highway Bill, passed in 2005, brought more than $2.3 billion to Montana for highway construction projects and helped create and sustain more than 18000 good-paying jobs across the state. As a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, Baucus helped pass the policy framework for the bill unanimously through the panel in November. As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Baucus worked to come up with ... From: SenatorBaucus Views: 22 1 ratings Time: 01:04 More in News & Politics
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20:40:17 03/08/12
Baucus Secures Overwhelming Bipartisan Support for Rural Schools, Jobs
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Baucus Secures Overwhelming Bipartisan Support for Rural Schools, Jobs
March 8, 2012 ***For Immediate Release*** Baucus Secures Overwhelming Bipartisan Support for Rural Schools, Jobs Senator Cheers Senate Passage of his Plan to Renew Support for Montana's Forest Counties (Washington, DC) -- Montana's senior US Senator Max Baucus secured an 82-16 Senate passage today of his plan to renew the commitment to rural forest communities through the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) programs that brought nearly $50 million to Montana counties last year. Baucus' plan to extend both programs for one year is fully paid for and passed the Senate today as part of an amendment to the Highway Bill. The programs expired at the end of 2011, and without this extension, rural Montana would lose funding for schools, roads, search and rescue crews and other important county programs. "For counties like Lincoln, Beaverhead, and Ravalli, these investments are the lifeline that keeps teachers in the classroom, lights on at the road department and emergency crews on the job. I'm glad the Senate stood up with me today to keep that lifeline intact in a responsible way, without adding a dime to the federal deficit," Baucus said. "These investments are rightfully due to rural counties that are home to large areas of federal lands, and now is not the time to pull the rug out from under them." The SRS and PILT programs are designed to compensate rural counties for the loss of local tax revenue due to federal landholding. As a lead architect of ... From: SenatorBaucus Views: 41 2 ratings Time: 01:37 More in News & Politics
02/07/12