U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale chose not to deliver a farewell speech despite his imminent departure from Congress. Known for his staunch positions, Rosendale was elected as Montana’s at-large representative in 2020 and became the first representative for Montana’s new eastern House district in 2022. His notable actions include joining efforts to unseat former GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in October 2023, a move supported by Democrats.
This week, Rosendale maintained his opposition to a $98 billion presidential disaster relief package, which included $37 million earmarked for the St. Mary siphon of the Milk River Project. The infrastructure is vital for 18,000 Hi-Line residents. He expressed on social media his disapproval of allocating funds to what he described as Democratic priorities. Additionally, he rejected the National Defense Authorization Act, citing objections to the military’s current policy on abortion services. The NDAA also included substantial funding for Malmstrom Air Force Base and a Malta Readiness Center.
Montana Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines sponsored an amendment to the NDAA to fully fund Milk River Project repairs and ratify a water compact for Fort Belknap Reservation tribes. Rosendale is known for prioritizing principle over practicality, evident on January 6, 2021, when he opposed certifying the 2020 presidential election results due to allegations of voter fraud, while Daines ultimately supported the results.
In early 2023, Rosendale gained attention for declining a phone call from Donald Trump, who was urging Republican support for McCarthy during a House Speaker vote. Rosendale later explained that phone calls were prohibited in the House chamber, and he adhered to this rule. His decision to not seek reelection, despite a successful tenure, followed a brief Senate campaign which ended after Trump’s endorsement of Tim Sheehy. Rosendale later announced the decision to not run for the House again, honoring commitments to fellow Republican candidates.
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