Author: Reilly Lowery

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 communities safer places to live and prosper.” In Montana, the

U.S. SENATE — After pressure from U.S. Senator Steve Daines, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is continuing the environmental review for the Millennium Bulk Terminal Project in Washington State. The project would allow Montana and Wyoming coal to be exported to international markets.   “Montana is rich in natural resources and has the largest coal reserves of any state in the nation,” Daines said. “The Millennium Bulk Terminal would provide access to international markets for Montana coal and agriculture products, and would mean more high paying jobs for Montanans, including the Crow Tribe. Unfortunately, liberal regulators in Washington continue to try to block this important project for Montana.  I’m glad that the Army Corps listened and is taking

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines brought together community leaders and the National Park Service yesterday in Gardiner, Montana to discuss the challenges that national parks have on gateway communities. The discussion was part of an official Senate Subcommittee on National Parks Field Hearing. Panelists included Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cam Sholly, West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce Director Marysue Costello, Cooke City Water District President Deb Purvis, Flathead County Emergency Manager Rick Sacca, and Gardiner Public Schools Board of Trustees Chairman Pat Baltzley. To watch the full hearing click HERE. Background:  Gardiner, MT only has 875 residents, while the community accommodates

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted to improve Montana’s water infrastructure to help make communities safer and grow the economy. The bipartisan legislation will also help prevent transmission of aquatic invasive species in the Columbia River Basin and increase responsible energy development in Montana.  “Water is the most basic building block for 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. This bill also creates jobs and grows the economy.” The legislation is the most pro-Western water infrastructure

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke for listening to Montanans and announcing a 20-year mineral withdrawal of mining claims in the Paradise Valley and Gardiner Basin near Yellowstone National Park. The announcement comes after Daines urged the administration to finalize the withdrawal.  “Some places are just too special to mine, and the Paradise Valley and Gardiner Basin near Yellowstone, is one of them,”Daines said. “I’m very happy to see the Interior Department follow the recommendation of the Forest Service and my request, to withdraw these special areas from development. I want to thank Secretary Zinke for following through on his promise

U.S. SENATE — President Donald J. Trump signed a five-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) into law. U.S. Senator Steve Daines secured several wins for Montana in the five-year extension including the reauthorization of the Small Community Air Service Development Program critical to growing Montana’s air service and the authorization of West Yellowstone Airport to receive increased Airport Improvement Program grants. Daines also secured a requirement for sanitary “Mother’s Rooms” for nursing mothers in all large and medium commercial airports. “The FAA reauthorization provides much-needed certainty for the aviation community, Montanans and visitors. It also contains important wins for Montana’s

U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement on the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court:  “Congratulations to Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh. He will be an outstanding Justice.”  Last night, Daines spoke to President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on the phone who thanked him for his continuous and vocal support of Kavanaugh throughout this process.  See President Trump’s statement on Daines HERE.  Kavanaugh is expected to be sworn in later today.

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted on landmark legislation to help combat the devastating meth and opioid epidemic across Montana and the nation. The bill is now on the way to the president’s desk for signature.   Download HERE Watch HERE   “Way too often we’re seeing stories of Montana tribes, families and communities being destroyed by meth and opioids,” Daines said. “This landmark legislation will give our communities the much-needed resources to curb this devastating epidemic. This bill will also help stop the drugs from crossing the southern border and coming into Montana in the first place.”