EXCLUSIVE: How the Senate GOP is scrambling to ‘strengthen’ 2nd Amendment in face of Biden ‘threat’
Sen. Steve Daines, Montana Republican, on Tuesday reintroduced legislation to strengthen protections for gun owners legally bringing their firearms across state lines amid concerns about President Biden’s call for stricter gun laws. The 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act [FOPA] allows for the interstate transportation of ammunition and firearms, provided they are unloaded and out of reach, but critics point out that lawful owners have been detained and even arrested for bringing guns across state lines in certain jurisdictions, notably New York. “Montanans have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms,” Mr. Daines said in a statement. “I will always
Daines Named Top Republican of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today was renamed top Republican of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. “Our national parks are what help set us apart from the rest of the world—they’re also part of our Montana way of life,” Daines stated. “I look forward to being Montana’s voice on important energy, natural resources, public lands and forest management issues in the Senate. I also look forward to serving as the top Republican on the National Parks Subcommittee to bolster our parks and public lands so Montanans and all Americans can enjoy our great outdoors for generations
Daines, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Permanently Ban Earmarks
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines and his Senate colleagues today introduced legislation to permanently ban earmarks. This follows a partisan agreement between Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy and House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro to bring the practice back to Congress. “Earmarks do nothing but add to the toxic, swampy culture that DC’s known for,” Daines said. “These back-room deals promote pay-for-play behavior that make lobbyists rich on the taxpayer’s dime. It’s time we get rid of earmarks once and for all.” “Earmarks allow lobbyists and politicians to belly up to the pork barrel buffet in order to fund pet projects that are
Tester, Daines introduce resolution designating National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines led a bipartisan group of colleagues Monday in designating the week beginning Feb. 28 as “National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week” to highlight the importance of higher education in Indian Country. “As a former educator, I know how critical it is that every Montanan has the opportunity to unlock their potential through a quality education,” Sen. Tester said in a press release. “Tribal Colleges and Universities give students the tools they need to succeed, especially as they’ve had to find new ways to keep their doors open and serve their
Bozeman scientific equipment supplier continues to grow in booming industry
BOZEMAN, Mont. – Montana Instruments started in 2010 looking to be a leader in the state and hopefully the country for cutting edge scientific equipment design and manufacturing. After graduating from Montana State University, Luke Mauritsen founded Montana Instruments which has grown to around 50 employees being cryogenic partners for quantum materials research and technology development. “To make it simple,” Mauritsen said, “We make really, really, really cold stuff… and cryogenics is the science at low temperatures.” Making some of the most high-tech computer systems in the world requires workers and Mauritsen said they are looking no further than here
Daines Secures More Than $15 Million in Funding for Montana Airports
U.S. SENATE– U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that more than $15 million will be directed towards strengthening Montana’s air travel infrastructure. “COVID-19 has been hard on Montana’s tourism and aviation sectors. As we’re working our way out of this pandemic and Montana airports begin to recover, it’s critical that we support local infrastructure,” Daines said. “These grants will deliver much needed economic relief to our airports and in turn help support hospitality jobs by bringing more visitors to our great state.” The funding is part of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) under the Department of Transportation. At the time of passage, Daines
Daines Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill Making Tax Relief for Small Businesses Permanent
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to make the 20 percent pass-through small business tax deduction permanent. His bill, the “Main Street Tax Certainty Act,” will support small businesses, help create jobs and strengthen our economy. Without congressional action the tax deduction will expire at the end of 2025. “Montana small businesses help our communities thrive and prosper–they’re what make our hometowns feel like home,” Daines said. “Making this main street tax relief permanent will provide the certainty needed to help Montana small businesses stay afloat, create more jobs, and expand their operations.” Read the full text HERE. The 2017 Tax Cuts
More than $20 million secured to help MT airports keep up with costs during pandemic
MONTANA – U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines announced via press release Friday that 68 airports across the state will receive a total of $20,034,965 in grant funding to keep up with costs and continue projects amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding was secured as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) that was signed into law in late December. The grants are provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Coronavirus Response Grant Program to provide economic relief to airports across the United States, according to the release. “Communities across Montana rely on airports
Daines honors Butte cop’s heroism during visit to Butte
Butte Police Officer Nick Butorovich had a good reason to wear his dress blues Friday. He accepted honors from a United States senator. Sen. Steve Daines, in Butte to speak to the Montana Association of Counties at their winter conference, took time immediately afterward to hand Butorovich something the officer will doubtless treasure all his life: A Congressional Record honoring him for pulling an unconscious woman out of a burning car last September, saving her life and burning himself in the process. That night, Butorovich arrived at the scene of an accident to find an SUV rolled over and burning.