The ever-changing growth of technology continues to enhance how we communicate with one another and we must ensure that Americans are protected each and every step of the way. At the same time, we must stand united against Washington D.C.’s attempts to tax the Internet, limit innovation, and put more senseless regulations on Montana-based small businesses.
The Internet is a laboratory of innovation for Montana small businesses – yet Washington D.C. wants to tie our entrepreneurs’ hands by forcing them to collect internet sales taxes for 9,600 different tax jurisdictions, rather than focusing their time and energy on growing their business and creating jobs.
Technology has removed geography as a constraint and has allowed us to grow more good-paying jobs that allow Montanans to stay in the state we love. Yet we must not forget about our rural and underserved communities in Montana. While we continue to innovate, we must work to ensure that all Montanans have access to technology, by increasing their access to rural broadband.
Daines Bill to Prevent Loss of Cell Service, Strengthen National Security Passes Senate
Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) along with Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) announced that their bill to fully fund the “Rip and Replace” program has passed the U.S. Senate. The legislation was included in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is expected to be signed into law. This bill will ensure providers in rural areas have the resources they need to implement the congressional directive to replace Chinese manufactured infrastructure in our telecommunications industry, helping protect Americans from espionage and service blackouts. Download Daines’ video statement HERE. “I am glad to see this commonsense legislation included
Daines, Pfluger Call on Congress to Fully Fund Rip and Replace Program
U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) led a letter urging Congress to pass the “Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act” to fully fund the Rip and Replace program. “It is estimated that there are over 6,000 sites across the United States in need of this funding. Without it, Chinese equipment will continue to pose a significant national security risk to the United States homeland. Additionally, several recipients of previously deployed funding would have to shut down their networks, leaving many rural and remote areas of the country without access to basic broadband services,” they wrote. Read the full
Daines Introduces Bill to Boost Montana Science, Tech Jobs
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced the bipartisan “DOE Quantum Energy Act of 2024” to promote quantum research, development, and jobs in Montana. The bill renews and expands Daines’ “National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018” to ensure that the United States remains the world’s leader in technology and energy security. “Our National Quantum Initiative Program is essential in maintaining our position as global leaders in science and technology, and also supports hundreds of Montana jobs,” said Daines. “I’m glad to work with my colleagues on renewing this bipartisan legislation that will accelerate quantum research, increase our national security, and
Daines Introduces Bill to Boost Montana Science, Tech Jobs
U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced the bipartisan “DOE Quantum Energy Act of 2024” to promote quantum research, development, and jobs in Montana. The bill renews and expands Daines’ “National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018” to ensure that the United States remains the world’s leader in technology and energy security. “Our National Quantum Initiative Program is essential in maintaining our position as global leaders in science and technology, and also supports hundreds of Montana jobs,” said Daines. “I’m glad to work with my colleagues on renewing this bipartisan legislation that will accelerate quantum research, increase our national security, and bolster the
Daines’ Bipartisan Bill to Protect Young Montanans’ Privacy Online Passes U.S. Senate
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded passage of a bipartisan package that will safeguard minors using online platforms, provide parental control tools and create disclosure requirements for platforms on the harms potentially faced by users. Daines helped introduce the “Kids Online Safety Act,” and has been working on this issue since he first introduced the bipartisan “Safeguarding American Families from Exposure by Keeping Information and Data Secure (SAFE KIDS) Act” in 2015. Download a video statement HERE. “As the father of four and grandfather of six, I’m glad to see the Senate pass my bill to ensure that our children’s privacy and safety is protected as
Daines Announces Landmark Funding for Montana Headwaters Hub
Daines’ “Endless Frontier Act” Helps Montana Secure more than $40 Million, Further Strengthening Montana’s Leadership in the Tech Sector U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that following passage of his bipartisan “Endless Frontier Act,” Montana secured $41 million in funding for the Montana Headwaters Hub, which is led by Accelerate Montana. The “Endless Frontier Act” is helping Montana lead the nation in tech innovation and playing a vital role in helping the United States advance innovation, research and development in the race against China. “Montana is leading the country in tech innovation, which will help us win the race against China,
Daines Introduces Amendment to Prevent Cell Service Loss in Rural Montana Communities
U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced an amendment to the foreign aid emergency funding bill that would fully fund the “Rip and Replace” program that would remove Chinese components from the United States’ wireless communications systems. Without full funding, wireless and broadband providers across the United States will be saddled with billions of dollars in costs that could result in service blackouts and companies closing down, including many in eastern Montana. “Wireless security is national security, said Daines. “To that end, removing Chinese telecom equipment from our wireless networks is a matter of national security. Rural providers must have the resources and ability to
Daines Tech Bills One Step Closer to Becoming Law
Bill to Support Multi-Cloud Technology, Bill to Modernize DHS Technology Pass Out of Senate Committee U.S. SENATE – Today two of U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ bipartisan bills passed out of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs. Daines’ “Multi-Cloud Innovation and Advancement Act” modernizes and streamlines the adoption of cloud computing technology in federal agencies and Daines’ “BEST Technology for the Homeland Act” reauthorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to extend its use of a procurement tool for acquiring leading-edge technology. “Ensuring our federal government has access to the latest cutting-edge technology helps bolster our national security, increase efficiency, spur innovation and
Daines Helps Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize and Reform Key Surveillance Law, Secure Protections for Montanans’ Rights
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines helped introduce the “Government Surveillance Reform Act” to establish new safeguards for government surveillance and accountability for abuse, reauthorize and reform FISA section 702, and establish protections for Montanans whose private information is collected under other intelligence authorities. “Americans have a constitutional right to be protected from unreasonable searches and seizures that is nonnegotiable,” said Daines. “As the federal government is increasingly sticking it’s nose into Americans’ private conversations and records, we must put an end to illegitimate searches and protect this fundamental right.” The bill’s reforms include: A one-page summary of the bill is HERE.