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December 2006 Issue: Final Report of the 109th Congress (and some great news)

Just one year ago, the Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund launched Congressional Watch to track and report the key conservation and environmental votes and actions of Montana's federal delegation. Eight publications later, we're celebrating our first anniversary of this free webpage service.

From the feedback we've received from many of the over 2,000 individuals who request regular updates about the webpage, Congressional Watch has proved a worthy tool for citizens to stay connected to the important issues being decided in Washington, D.C. - and to the elected officials making the decisions.

It's been a little while since the Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund last posted Congressional Watch. When Congress recessed for the election, we suspended publication of Congressional Watch. In the weeks leading up to Montana's 2006 local, state and federal elections, MCVEF helped citizens navigate voter registration and absentee voting requirements and procedures and informed voters about important conservation and environmental issues affected by local, state and federal elected officials.

Now that the dust has settled from Election Day, it's time to report on the final votes and actions of the 109th "lame duck" Congress as it finishes up its business, heads home for the holidays, and makes way for the incoming Senate and House of Representatives members on January 4th, 2007.

In November, Montana voters elected a new U.S. senator, former Montana Senate president and organic farmer, Jon Tester, to join its congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. As we've done for the past year, the Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund will continue to keep you in the loop on the activities and votes of Montana's federal delegation, including its newest member, Senator-elect Tester.

But before we bid farewell to 2006, we have a wonderful conservation victory and great news to share with you, plus a big "Thank You" to send out to Senator Max Baucus!

As always, we've included links to the conservation organizations working on the issues included here, as well as Montana's congressional delegation, if you need more information - or if you want to contact the delegation about their votes. We also have news about U.S. Senate and House of Representative Committee assignments for the 110th Congress:

Senator Max Baucus

  • Senate Finance (Chair)
  • Agriculture
  • Environment and Public Works, subcommittee

Senator-elect Jon Tester

  • Energy and Natural Resources
  • Banking
  • Veterans
  • Homeland and Government Affairs
  • Small Business
  • Indian Affairs

Representative Denny Rehberg Assignments not confirmed as of 12/15/06. Interested individuals may check back after Jan 1: www.house.gov/rehberg

The Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund wishes our Congressional Watch readers a happy holidays and New Year!