Author: Reilly Lowery

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that Bozeman business Bridger Photonics is receiving $100,000 in funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop technology that makes it easier to discover leaks in oil and gas wells. The project is expected to create new jobs in the community, while also better protecting the environment.  “The technology being developed at Bridger Photonics will help oil and gas wells be more efficient while also better protecting the environment,” Daines said. “I’m glad that the EPA recognized the good work being done at this Montana business and awarded them this funding.”   “This

U.S. SENATE — After requests from U.S. Senator Steve Daines and U.S. Representative Greg Gianforte, President Donald J. Trump today approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Montana counties impacted by this year’s severe flooding. The announcement comes after Daines and Gianforte sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Lock urging the agency to reconsider the denial of impacted counties in Montana. “This is great news, and I’m thankful the President responded to our request,” Daines said. “This year’s flooding devastated communities and infrastructure across our state. This declaration will help expedite cleanup and recovery efforts and will help restore the way

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter to Congressional Leadership today urging the passage of several bills critical to Montana including legislation to permanently reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), combat wildfires, permanently protect the Paradise Valley and Gardiner Basin from mining, and restore aging infrastructure in national parks. “As we enter the remaining weeks of the 115th Congress, I urge passage of several Montana priorities in any public lands legislative package or other legislative vehicle that emerges… I find it critical for the Senate and House to produce tangible and meaningful results for

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines issued the following statement on the hoax bomb device found outside of KTVQ News yesterday in Billings, Montana. “I have contacted KTVQ News Director Jon Stepanek, Billings Chief of Police Rich St. John, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, and County Attorney Scott Twito about the hoax device discovered last night outside of KTVQ. I have also requested a briefing from the FBI and will be monitoring the situation as details develop. I am keeping all of those involved in my prayers, and I thank Jon Stepanek for acting swiftly last night and alerting authorities,” Daines said. “The violence in

U.S. SENATE — After U.S. Senator Steve Daines urged them to take action, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted earlier this week on rules that will allow more Montanan wireless carriers to buy spectrum to provide broadband to rural communities.  “Without access to broadband and cell service our rural communities are being left behind,” Daines said. “Access to reliable broadband and cell service is vital for Montana’s future economic growth. I’m glad the FCC listened and implemented a plan that will expand broadband access for more Montanans.”This week, the FCC voted to create county sized licenses for the 3.5 GHz spectrum band. This

MONTANA — U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Attorney General Tim Fox announced a $946,981 grant for critical anti-meth enforcement in Montana. The grant was formally authorized in the opioids legislation that was signed into law yesterday by President Trump. Montana is one of just nine states chosen to receive the funds through the CAMP (COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program). The state was selected for its high rate of seized finished meth, meth lab materials, and precursor chemicals for meth production. Over the next two years these funds will help the Montana Department of Justice investigate Meth production and distribution. “I am grateful for the

U.S. SENATE —President Donald J. Trump today signed legislation to help combat the devastating opioid epidemic across Montana and the nation. Daines fought to ensure the now law also includes specific provisions that address the meth crisis in Montana.   Download Video Statement HERE “Far too often we’re seeing stories of Montana tribes, families and communities being destroyed by meth and opioids. Enough is enough,” Daines said. “That is why I worked hard to get this bipartisan legislation across the finish line which will help give our communities the resources they need to curb this epidemic. I want to thank President Trump for signing this important

U.S. SENATE — President Donald J. Trump today signed into law a bill that will improve Montana’s water infrastructure to help make communities safer and grow the economy. The new law will also help prevent the transmission of aquatic invasive species in the Columbia River Basin and increase responsible energy development in Montana.  “Water is the most basic need of any Montana community,” Daines said. “This bipartisan bill prioritizes important water infrastructure projects in Montana, helps fight against aquatic invasive species harming Montana ecosystems and increases access to water for Montana farmers and ranchers. I’m grateful that President Trump signed this important bill into

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today touted the 25 new Opportunity Zones that now exist across Montana thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  “The designation of these Opportunity Zones will help Montana flourish economically by boosting wages and creating jobs in low income communities,” Daines said. “This is yet another positive impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act championed by the Republicans and the Trump administration, which is putting more money in the pockets of Montanans and folks across the nation.” Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s Opportunity Zone Program, low-income communities receive certain tax benefits that encourage

U.S. SENATE — After U.S. Senator Steve Daines introduced bipartisan legislation to expand tribes’ access to national crime databases, the U.S. Departments of Justice and the Interior announced today that they are expanding the Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information (TAP) to an additional 25 tribes. TAP provides Native American tribes direct access to national crime information databases. “This is good news for Indian country. It’s critical for Indian tribes to have direct access to national crime data in order to help protect public safety,” Daines said. “I’m pleased to lead legislation that supports this goal and will help make tribal