Representative Greg Gianforte (R-MT) stopped by Montana This Morning to discuss a number of issues impacting the Treasure State.
The conversation began with a question about Gianforte’s future in the 2020 gubernatorial race; he replied that he was ‘seriously considering’ running for governor, but was still collecting input.
He then discussed bipartisan legislation recently passed regarding the Milk River Project and the importance of the river to Montanans.
“The entire Montana delegation – Senator Tester, Senator Daines and myself – introduced legislation to make sure the federal government pays their fair share in rebuilding this,” he added. “So we can preserve domestic water all along the Hi-Line.”
The discussion then moved on to Gianforte’s recent meeting in Glasgow with Customs and Border Protection about the ports of entry hours along the Canadian border.
He noted the ports are critical for agriculture, for the economy, and for tourism.
“Customs and Border Patrol got ahead of themselves,” he said. “They came out and they did what they called ‘listening sessions.’ In reality they were just ‘telling sessions,’ they’d already made up their mind.”
Gianforte noted he was able to fully reinstate the Port of Raymond’s operational hours after contacting Acting Commissioner of CBP John Sanders.
“They did that, they heard us when we spoke to them there, and then (we) asked them to come back and do the listening sessions.
He said there are sessions Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday regarding the issue.
The conversation ended with Gianforte’s plans to tour Benefis Health System in Great Falls to discuss health care reform.
He stressed the importance of rural access to health care, protecting those with pre-existing conditions and lowering costs of prescription drugs.
“I want to hear from the folks at Benefis what can we do with the federal government to do those three things,” he said.
Gianforte noted his bipartisan efforts on a bill introduced last week to lower drug prices; he said the bill passed out of committee.
He was also touring Benefis Teton Medical Center in Choteau Monday.
-Reported by Keeley Van Middendorp/MTN News
