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
Daines, Western Senators Introduce Bill to Reverse Biden’s Anti-Energy Action, Authorize Keystone XL Pipeline
U.S. SENATE— U.S. Senator Steve Daines and several western senators today formally introduced the “Keystone XL Pipeline Construction and Jobs Preservation Act” to authorize the continued construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline following President Biden’s decision to revoke the cross-border operation permit. Daines introduced the legislation with Senators Mike Crapo (Idaho), James Risch (Idaho), John Barrasso (Wyo.), Cynthia Lummis (Wyo.), Roger Marshall (Kan.), Jerry Moran (Kan.), James Inhofe (Okla.), John Hoeven (N.D.), Kevin Cramer (N.D.), Tom Cotton (Ark.), Bill Cassidy (La.), Ted Cruz (Texas) and Dan Sullivan (Alaska). “Americans are already struggling to make ends meet and keep food on the table because of the pandemic. Yet with the stroke of a pen, President Biden killed thousands of energy and union jobs, eliminated tax revenue for impoverished communities, raised energy costs for Americans, and put
Daines, Rosendale Introduce Legislation to Reverse Biden’s Anti-Energy Action, Authorize Keystone XL Pipeline
U.S. CONGRESS— U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Matt Rosendale today introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives to authorize the continued construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline following President Biden’s decision to revoke the cross-border operation permit. “Americans are already struggling to make ends meet and keep food on the table because of the pandemic. Yet with the stroke of a pen, President Biden killed thousands of energy and union jobs, eliminated tax revenue for impoverished communities, raised energy costs for Americans, and put our national security and energy independence at risk,” Daines stated. “We must reverse Biden’s disastrous decision and send a clear message that supporting American workers is more important than supporting Saudi Arabia
Daines, Manchin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Military Retirees from Losing their Healthcare
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senators Steve Daines (Mont.) and Joe Manchin (W. Va.) today 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. “Our bipartisan bill will help ensure we take care of our veterans and continue to provide quality healthcare for their service to this nation,” Daines said. “I’ll always support and protect our veterans who have served our nation and defended our freedom.” “Our servicemembers bravely fought for our nation and as they retire after
Daines Introduces Bipartisan Bills to Support Montana Veterans
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines introduced two bipartisan bills to support Montana veterans, the bipartisan “Tricare Retiree Protection Act,” which protects Montana veterans from losing their healthcare and the bipartisan “Hire Student Veterans Act,” which provides a tax credit to businesses that employ veterans currently attending school and looking for internships and other job opportunities. “My bipartisan legislation will ensure Montana veterans continue to have the healthcare they‘ve earned, as well as increase employment opportunities for student veterans,” Daines said. “I’ll always support and protect Montana veterans who have served our nation and defended our freedom.” Tricare Retiree