House Transportation Committee Concurred on Bill to Name Libby Bridge for Silver Star Recipient Arthur J. Rambo

The House Transportation Committee voted to concur in Senate Bill 59 on a voice vote, advancing a proposal to name the Highway 37 bridge over the Kootenai River near Libby, Montana, for Staff Sergeant Arthur J. Rambo, a Vietnam War Silver Star recipient.

Senator Mike Cuff, sponsor of the bill, opened the hearing with personal remarks about Rambo’s service and said the designation was meant to honor his sacrifice and provide a visible memorial for the community. "This is a story ... it's a sad story," Cuff said in his opening remarks as he introduced family members and veterans who testified in favor of the measure.

Several relatives and friends gave emotional testimony in support. Mandy Rambo, who identified herself as a relative and said she was appearing in a personal capacity though she serves as deputy director at the Montana Department of Commerce, recounted Rambo’s education and military record and urged the committee to move the bill forward. "That designation of this memorial bridge would be another way to keep Art's sacrifice and the memories of his bravery alive for future generations," she told the committee.

Amy Christiansen, Rambo’s daughter, described the bridge’s proximity to Libby and to her father’s gravesite and asked lawmakers to approve the honor. Dan Rambo, Arthur’s brother, and Patty Rambo, his sister, both recounted family memories and described scholarship and memorial activities established in Arthur’s name. Tony Smith, Mark Roscoe and other longtime friends and veterans also spoke in support.

Major General J. Peter Ronick, Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard, provided informational testimony about the Silver Star Medal’s history and vetting process and confirmed Department of Defense records recognizing Arthur J. Rambo’s award for actions on Nov. 26, 1969.

Chris Dorrington, director of the Montana Department of Transportation, told the committee there is a fiscal note of $6,000 on the state revenue/expenditure side related to the memorial plaque and associated work, and that the department would absorb that cost so there is no net budgetary impact. "There is a fiscal note ... $6,000," Dorrington said, adding there is no requirement of revenue leaving a net impact of zero.

After testimony, Senator Cuff closed and asked the committee to take executive action. Chair Durham read the Silver Star citation aloud for the record, including the department of defense citation language describing Sergeant Rambo's actions and posthumous award.

Vice Chair Wirth moved that the committee concur in Senate Bill 59, and the committee proceeded with a voice vote. Committee members present responded "aye," and Chair Durham recorded two proxy aye votes: Representative Sullivan and Representative Fitzpatrick. The committee announced that Senate Bill 59 had been concurred in and concluded the hearing. Senator Cuff outlined an expedited schedule he expected if the committee report moved forward, with floor readings and a possible governor’s signature in the subsequent week.

The bill will now proceed according to legislative scheduling; the committee’s concurrence sends the measure to the next steps of the House process.