Author: Reilly Lowery

Daines calls for budget reform before Joint Select Committee on Budget Appropriations  U.S. SENATE – Today, at a Joint Select Committee on Budget Appropriations open hearing, U.S. Senator Steve Daines called for reforms to the budget process including withholding pay from congressional members if they are unable to pass a balanced budget. “It’s simple, we don’t pass a balanced budget, we don’t get paid,” said Daines. “I believe that by passing no budget, no pay members of Congress will clearly understand the consequences of continual deficit spending. There are at least 46 out of 50 states require a balanced budget. If 46

Rural communities in Montana are receiving $40.1 million under the Payments in Lieu of Taxes Program (PILT)  U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s announcement of funds to support vital services in rural communities across Montana.  “From firefighters to school and road construction, Montana’s residents rely on their communities for critical services,” said Daines. “I’m glad Secretary Zinke is making this critical investment that lends a helping hand to our many rural communities across Montana.”   Under the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program, Montana rural communities will receive $40.1 million to support essential

Daines’ bill will increase government transparency, accountability, and strengthen security at the Capitol U.S. SENATE — Under the leadership of U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee, the U.S. Senate passed the first Legislative Branch appropriations bill through regular order in nearly a decade. The 2019 Fiscal Year Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, which was secured by Daines, includes provisions to create an E-file system for U.S. Senate candidates, investments to help meet the Capitol’s security needs, and directs the Congressional Budget Office to be transparent with its studies. Prior to its passage, Daines spoke on the

Closing of Colstrip Plants would lead to loss of nearly 3,300 Jobs, cost Montana $1.2 billion in over 16 Years U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today called a recent report outlining the devastating consequences of the early retirement of Colstrip Units 3 and 4 a “chilling wake-up call” and pressed for immediate action to help protect the future of Montana’s Colstrip Power Plant. Today, the Montana Chamber of Commerce Foundation released a report showing that closing Colstrip Units 3 and 4 in the year 2027 is predicted to result in the loss of nearly 3,300 Montana jobs and cost the state $1.2 billion in lost

U.S. SENATE – Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced a $2,499,999.00 grant for the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) in Libby. The Center for Asbestos Related Disease is a vital nonprofit resource that helps with identification treatment, and research for those with asbestos exposure. “Too many Montana families have suffered at the hands of asbestos,” said Daines. “Through this additional funding the Center for Asbestos Related Disease will be able to continue the excellent work they have been doing and the people of Libby will have the support they need to fight the consequences of this deadly carcinogen.” Background: In 2009,

U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines secured $7.23 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund in the 2019 Homeland Security Appropriations Act.  These critical funds are used for Fire Management Assistance Grants, which Montana applies for after devastating wildfires. “Montana’s wildfires and floods have harmed families and cost our state millions,” said Daines. “These important funds will help communities rebuild and address Montana’s unique challenges.” Daines also secured additional Montana wins in appropriations bills, including additional disaster relief funding, provisions to combat the trafficking of meth across borders and initiatives to preserve rural post offices. The

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today condemned the United States Supreme Court decision allowing states to implement an Internet sales tax on small businesses physically located outside of the state’s borders. The 5-4 decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair will increase tax burdens on small businesses and raise prices for consumers. This decision could lead to Internet retailers in all states being forced to become tax collectors for over 10,000 tax jurisdictions across the country. “Today’s Supreme Court decision means unnecessary and complex burdens on small businesses, as well as a tax increase on consumers across the country,” said Daines.