Senate approves Keystone XL, fracking amendments
Early flashpoints in the Biden administration’s environmental agenda came to a head last night on the Senate floor, as Republicans used a marathon session of budget votes to put Democrats on the record on drilling and the Keystone XL pipeline. While nonbinding and largely symbolic, the handful of energy and environment votes during the budget resolution “vote-a-rama” that went into this morning’s early hours offered a preview of the legislative fights to come, with Republicans seeking to wield tensions within the Democratic caucus against Biden’s early executive actions. Democrats initially turned the tables on one attack by uniting as a
Senate Democrats flip-flop on Keystone pipeline in COVID-19 ‘vote-a-rama’
Two Senate Democrats are facing criticism for voting to defy President Biden and overrule his decision to kill the Keystone XL oil pipeline — before later voting to reverse themselves. Sens. Jon Tester of Montana and Joe Manchin of West Virginia initially voted for a Republican amendment that would have put support for the pipeline in the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill that Democrats are drafting under budget reconciliation. Their votes meant the amendment passed 52-48 just before midnight, threatening to reverse Biden’s decision last month to end construction of the pipeline from Canada, citing environmental concerns but costing thousands
Daines Joins Bipartisan Effort to Support Enhanced Research, Development of Methamphetamine Treatment Option
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined a group of bipartisan senators in sending a letter to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in support of efforts to research and develop effective medication treatment options for those struggling with addiction to methamphetamine and other stimulants. Overdose cases due to opioids, meth and polysubstance use are on the rise, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. There are currently no FDA-approved medication options for those in treatment for methamphetamine use disorder. “The usage of medications, as evidenced by numerous studies, has been a powerful tool in the effort to combat opioid addiction. Supporting
Manchin seeks to protect military retirees
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) on Tuesday introduced the bipartisan TRICARE Retiree Protection Act to ensure that America’s military retirees will not lose their healthcare as a result of new policy changes that took effect on January 1st, 2021. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) cosponsored the legislation. “Our servicemembers bravely fought for our nation and as they retire after years of selfless service, it is our duty to ensure they’re taken care of,” Manchin said. “I introduced the TRICARE Retiree Protection Act to extend the grace period from 180 days to 12 months to enroll in a payment
Congress reintroduces USPS reform bill to eliminate pre-funding mandate
The Postal Service seeks to cut costs and its regulator gave the agency greater flexibility setting higher mail rates, but Congress could have a far greater impact putting the Postal Service on firmer financial footing — if it chooses to act. Members of the House and Senate have introduced variations of the same postal reform bill in recent years, but nearly all failed gain much momentum. Lawmakers this week, however, brought forward the first major postal reform bill of the new Congress. Reintroduction of this bill, which passed the House last year — along with other recent postal actions on
Daines Lands Critical Committee Assignments for Montana in the 117th Congress
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced his committee assignments for the 117th Congress. Daines will serve on the U.S. Senate Committees on Finance, Energy and Natural Resources, Banking, and Indian Affairs. “It’s an honor to serve Montanans in the United States Senate,” Daines stated. “It’s a privilege to represent Montana on four important U.S. Senate committees where I will fight to protect Montana jobs and our Montana way of life. From policies overseeing trade and taxes, small businesses and banks, to energy development, public lands, national parks and forest management, to Tribal communities, I will continue fighting to put Montana first and bring Montana commonsense practices to Washington.” Daines’ committee assignments include
Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Dale Hankins of Chouteau County
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized Dale Hankins of Chouteau County for volunteering countless hours in support of his fellow veterans. Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, each week Daines will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Week” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: HERE. The following is a statement submitted to the Congressional Record: TRIBUTE TO DALE HANKINS OF CHOUTEAU COUNTY
Daines Announces Harlem, Montana’s Alaynee Hawley Offer of Appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced academy nominee Alaynee Hawley of Harlem, Montana has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. “Alaynee is an incredible young Montanan with a bright future ahead of her. It’s clear that with her long list of achievements that include being a Western Aerospace Scholar, playing multiple sports in high school, and even co-founding her local robotics club, she’s ready for anything,” Daines said. “Congratulations on your offer of appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy and I wish you the best of luck in your future career.” Alaynee is currently attending
Committee approves Granholm with bipartisan support
Energy Secretary nominee Jennifer Granholm easily moved out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this morning on a bipartisan 13-4 vote. Lawmakers will now race to see whether they can get her approved by the full Senate before the chamber gets bogged down by impeachment next week. That vote has not yet been scheduled. The former Michigan governor earned bipartisan praise from lawmakers on the committee. Incoming Chairman Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) heralded her leadership during the 2008 financial crisis and its effects on the auto industry. “She helped save the auto industry. She helped diversify Michigan’s economy. She