Montana has a rich legacy of service, and I’m proud to represent our state’s veterans in Congress. I’m dedicated to ensuring that our veterans receive the care and benefits that they fought for and greatly deserve.
As the son of a United States Marine, I believe the United States must honor the commitment we’ve made to the men and women of the armed forces, active duty troops and older veterans alike. While we can never repay the debt we owe to those who fight for our freedoms, we must ensure that we uphold the promises we’ve made. I’m dedicated to opening up new employment prospects for returning service members, improving medical care for wounded warriors, and ensuring support for veterans in need of assistance.
Daines Secures Provision to Protect Servicemembers from COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate in 2023 Defense Bill
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines successfully secured a provision in the must-pass defense bill, known as the “National Defense Authorization Act” or “NDAA,” which would rescind the Biden administration’s overreaching COVID-19 vaccine mandate for Montana servicemembers. “Montana servicemembers selflessly defend our nation and our freedoms——now we’re one step closer to defending their liberties and rights to make personal decisions when it comes to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine,” Daines said. Background: On May 13, 2021, Daines introduced a bill to counter the Biden administration’s efforts to coerce and punish Montana servicemembers who decline the COVID-19 vaccine, and include accountability measures in response to DoD efforts to undermine transparency. Contact: Rachel Dumke, Blake
Daines, Colleagues Call Out VA for Politicizing Veterans’ Healthcare
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines and a group of Republican senators issued the following statement after receiving a late, inadequate response from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that failed to address the senators’ concerns with veterans’ access to community care. “Not only does this weak response show a lack of respect for Congress’ role to advocate on behalf of our constituents, including veterans, it shows that the VA under Biden has no intent to move past political differences to better serve America’s heroes or work in good faith with those of us across the aisle. Our veterans deserve better,” the senators said. In July, Daines sent a letter
Daines Calls on Biden Admin to Protect Montana Veterans’ Access to Air Ambulance Services
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today called on the Biden administration to reevaluate a recent rule that could jeopardize rural Montana veterans’ access to air ambulances. “With the number of instances of emergency care being provided by the VA exponentially increasing, it is critical the VA explores sustainable options for the future and ensures veterans living in rural areas have access to care. Unfortunately, I am concerned that the VA has not done due diligence in developing this rule, nor does it recognize the significant impact it will have on a full spectrum of emergency services, ultimately leading to air ambulances
Daines: Don’t Draft Our Daughters
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines helped introduce an amendment to this year’s defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), that would remove a provision requiring women to register for the Selective Service System. “Brave Montana men and women carry out the Treasure State’s rich legacy of service by voluntarily joining our nation’s military,” Daines said. “There is no need to force our nation’s daughters to enter the draft.” Last year, Daines helped introduce the “Don’t Draft Our Daughters” resolution in the United States Senate. Contact: Rachel Dumke, Blake Kernen
Daines Statement on VA Health Care Announcement to Better Serve Montana Veterans
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announcement that they would delay further implementation of the Oracle Cerner electronic health record system to address recurring problems with the rollout. This announcement follows Daines’ push to ensure the VA is providing Montana veterans with the quality care they deserve. “I’m pleased to see the VA take steps to ensure Montana veterans are receiving the quality service they deserve by reassessing the VA Electronic Health Care Management System (EHRM),” Daines said. “It is unacceptable that until now Biden’s VA has failed to seriously address critical issues
Daines Demands Biden Admin’s Illegal VA Abortion Rule Be Reversed
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today is demanding the Biden administration reverse a recent rule purporting to allow VA clinics to provide abortions after the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) determined such an action would be illegal. “I insist that you immediately rescind the illegal IFR and revert the VA’s policies to the long-standing prior regulation excluding abortion from the VA’s medical benefits package as well as the CHAMPVA program, in conformity with the law and Congressional intent,” Daines wrote. Daines also issued the following statement. “Instead of focusing on improving care for our nation’s veterans, the Biden administration wants
Daines Statement on Bipartisan Opposition to the Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission Process
U.S. Senate – U.S. Senator Steve Daines joined a bipartisan group of his Senate colleagues in releasing the following joint statement announcing their collective opposition to the Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission process moving forward in the Senate, which signifies the end of the AIR Commission: “As Senators, we share a commitment to expanding and strengthening modern VA infrastructure in a way that upholds our obligations to America’s veterans. We believe the recommendations put forth to the AIR Commission are not reflective of that goal, and would put veterans in both rural and urban areas at a disadvantage, which is
Daines Supports Historic Veterans’ Health Bill
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement on the bipartisan “Honoring Our PACT Act” that would provide care and support to Montana veterans suffering from toxic exposure and other related health conditions. “Montana veterans served our nation with honor, and it is our duty to ensure they have the care and services they need when they return home. The ‘Honoring Our PACT Act’ will ensure that the men and women who have suffered from toxic exposure while bravely defending our country receive the support they deserve. I look forward to seeing this bipartisan bill signed into law,” Daines said. Read
Daines Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Honor Montana WWII Nurses with a Congressional Gold Medal
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines introduced a bipartisan bill to honor Montanans who served in World War II as members of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and U.S. Navy Nurse Corps with a Congressional Gold Medal. “America’s nurses who served our nation during World War II did so with honor and distinction,” Daines said. “The compassion and care they gave undoubtedly contributed to America’s victory, and for that they have earned Congress’ highest honor—the Congressional Gold Medal.” Read the bill text HERE. ### Contact: Rachel Dumke, Katie Schoettler