Gianforte Swings Through Eastern Montana Last Week, Makes Stop In Sidney

Northern Plains Independent Staff U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., discussed Coronavirus, transportation and substance abuse issues during a swing through eastern Montana late last week.

The Republican noted it was his 51st trip to eastern Montana during the last three years. He visits each of Montana’s 56 counties at least once each year. “I’m here mainly to listen,” Gianforte told officials in Sidney on Friday.

He offered his condolences to Sidney Mayor Rick Norby, who lost his brother Rocky in a train accident near Bainville on May 29.

Gianforte said his office has been having discussions with BNSF regarding having crossing signals at the location.

“There’s money available to get the crossing fixed,” Gianforte said. “We’ve gotten feedback that action will be done shortly.”

As far as Coronavirus, Gianforte said he supported the CARES Act. He’s optimistic because three vaccines are going through clinical trials.

“That’s a game changer,” Gianforte said of a possible vaccine.

He credits President Trump for getting a vaccine done in warp-speed. He hears that a vaccine could be at scale by the end of this year or early next year.

Although some people complain about how the federal deficit is growing because of funding during the crisis, Gianforte noted, “The first step is to get the economy going again. But we won’t sustain our economy with government checks.”

Gianforte said he supports the building of the Keystone XL pipeline. He explained that pipelines are the most economic and environmental sensible way to transport oil.

When Gianforte asked Sidney’s law enforcement about the drug epidemic, he was told that meth use is rapid. The meth is high purity and at a low financial cost in the area.

Gianforte said Essential Air Service got renewed and he strongly supports the rural airport transportation program. “From my perspective, Essential Air Service is like infrastructure. It’s how we get rural areas connected.”