News

TC Energy announces start of Keystone pipeline

TC Energy announced March 31, a final decision to build the Keystone XL Pipeline Project. According to Montana Sen. Steve Daines, the pipeline will be a huge boost for Montana’s and the United States’ energy economy, bringing in approximately $8 billion as well as providing new job opportunities for Montanans. “This is great news for Montana jobs and for our nation’s energy security,” Daines said. “Construction of the Keystone XL pipeline will create good paying jobs for working Montanans in our energy and construction sectors. I look forward to seeing this important project completed,” the senator said in a release.

Daines Urges HHS, CMS to Protect Montana Medicare Beneficiaries During the Coronavirus Pandemic

U.S. SENATE –U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter to Secretary Azar and Administrator Verma encouraging both the U.S Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to consider solutions to protect Medicare beneficiaries and ensure they receive the care they need in the safest possible setting during the COVID-19 public health emergency. “As we seek additional options for protecting the lives of those most negatively affected by the pandemic, we are writing to encourage you to continue engaging with our offices and relevant stakeholders to build upon these productive steps through effective

Daines Urges Forest Service to Provide Relief to Outdoor Recreation Industry Impacted by Coronavirus

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today urged U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen to provide immediate relief to folks in the outdoor recreation industry amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. “As the Forest Service continues enacting measures in response to the COVID-19 National Emergency, I request you also exercise appropriate authorities to provide immediate relief to guides, outfitters, and the outdoor industry, that now face uncertainty and economic hardship due to a shortened season,” Daines wrote. “I look forward to partnering with you to provide relief to the outdoor industry and rural communities that it sustains.”   To read the full

Daines: Keep Montana Ports of Entry Open During Coronavirus Pandemic for Montana Ag, Trade

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today urged the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan to consider the impact of the proposed temporary reduction of hours at a number of Montana Ports of Entry on Montana ag and Montana’s rural communities. “While reducing non-essential travel is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting public health, a reduction in hours at these critical ports would harm our farmers and ranchers and disrupt essential services and commerce for the Montana communities that rely upon these ports,” Daines wrote. “I urge you to take into account the

Daines Announces Expanded SNAP Benefits for Montana Families During Coronavirus Pandemic

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that SNAP benefits will be increased for Montana families during the Coronavirus pandemic. “This is about delivering relief for families struggling during the Coronavirus pandemic and I will continue working to ensure that Montanans have access to the resources they need during this crisis,” Daines said. Montana being eligible for SNAP Emergency Allotments means that all SNAP recipients in Montana would now be eligible to receive the maximum SNAP benefits by household size per month. To see the maximum SNAP benefits, click HERE. Background:    Daines has been leading the efforts

Congressional delegation urges National Guard funding approval

WASHINGTON — Montana’s delegates in Congress are urging President Donald Trump to approve federal funding that would allow the Montana National Guard to assist in efforts against the coronavirus. MT Delegation Letter to President Trump National Guard by NBC Montana on Scribd The following is a press release from the offices of Rep. Greg Gianforte, Sen. Steve Daines and Sen. Jon Tester: Congressman Greg Gianforte and U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today sent a letter to President Trump urging him to swiftly approve federal funding for the Montana National Guard to help combat the COVID-19 outbreak. “We write to urge you to quickly approve

All American Pharmaceutical produces hand sanitizer

BILLINGS, Mont. — Many businesses, both small and large, are being forced to adapt during the coronavirus pandemic.  One of those businesses is a manufacturing company in Billings.  All American Pharmaceutical has completely changed its supply chain to meet Montana’s demand for hand sanitizer. Dr. Jeff Golini of All American Pharmaceutical says, “I just woke up in the middle of the night and realized their was a need and I thought, you know, we produce liquids, we have packaging equipment, large tanks, doesn’t seem like the formulation was that difficult, looked at a bottle of sanitizer, came into the lab,

Daines Urges SBA to Ensure That Ag Businesses Receive Coronavirus Relief Funding

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today urged the Small Business Administration (SBA) to ensure that agricultural businesses are eligible for Coronavirus relief programs. “Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses in Montana and across the country are facing substantial market challenges due to the pandemic,” Daines wrote. “Small businesses, whether they are involved in agriculture or otherwise, need assistance in these unprecedented times and SBA can play an integral role in mitigating disruptions to our nation’s food supply and our economy more broadly.”   To read the full letter, click HERE.  Background:    Daines has been leading the efforts in Congress

Daines Secures Over $48 Million for Montana Transit During the Coronavirus Pandemic

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that $48,935,981 will be made available for Montana transit during the Coronavirus pandemic. “This critical funding helps Montana transit and transportation during this pandemic,” Daines said. “This is about ensuring our transportation industry has the resources and relief they need to get through the Coronavirus outbreak. I will continue working to ensure Montana’s vital industries are protected during this crisis.” Daines fought to secure this funding in the Coronavirus Economic Recovery Package that was signed into law last week. The funding will be provided through the Federal Transit Administration. Background: