Rehberg claims 'not enough time' to read budget after admitting he never read it

Helena, MT -- After ten days of praising and not reading the budget proposal by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, R-WI, millionaire Congressman Dennis Rehberg voted against it today. This vote follows Congressman Rehberg’s vote yesterday against a bi-partisan compromise budget.

Montana Democratic Party Executive Director Ted Dick released this statement in response to Congressman Rehberg's vote:

    "Congressman Rehberg says he's wants budget solutions, but his 'none of the above' strategy won't fix the problem.  Montanans deserve responsible, clear-headed leadership in Washington DC, not career politicians who change their minds to suit their interests. Congressman Rehberg needs to stop playing DC games with the Montana seniors who expect their leaders to put them first."

TIMELINE
April 5 - Rehberg praises the Ryan budget: "A fresh set of ideas were brought to the table today." [Rehberg Press Release, 4/5/11]

April 6 - Rehberg, who is chairman of an Appropriations Subcommittee, says he hasn't read the Ryan budget: "Rehberg told reporters Tuesday he hasn't yet had the opportunity to fully digest the Ryan plan and that he wouldn't react to it until he's had time to read it in full." [The Hill, 4/6/11]

April 8 - In a conference call with Montana reporters, Rehberg admits he still hasn't read the Ryan budget: "I'm aware of Paul's plan," Rehberg said.  "I've got it sitting on my desk. It's over 60 pages." [Rehberg conference call, 4/8/11]

April 14 - Rehberg votes against a bipartisan budget agreement that includes a provision to delist Montana's wolves: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll268.xml

April 15 - Rehberg votes against the Ryan budget: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll277.xml