Daines to FBI Director: Must Not Compromise Safety of Montanans
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Christopher Wray urging the FBI not to reduce focus on human trafficking in Montana, while also providing further support in Indian Country. “Fighting human trafficking and reducing crime in Indian Country are both critical challenges in Montana. Each area requires undivided attention and additional action,” Daines wrote. “I urge you to assign a full-time agent to focus on human trafficking cases in Montana and another full-time agent to focus on Indian Country cases in Montana.” Daines sent the letter in
Daines asks FBI not to cut trafficking, Indian Country agents
Sen. Steve Daines said he sent a letter Monday to the FBI Director Christopher Wray urging the agency not to reduce resources on human trafficking in Montana. The Billings Gazette recently reported the special agent who had worked full-time on human trafficking will now spend half his time on Indian Country cases. An FBI spokeswoman said it is not uncommon for agents to focus on different areas during their careers. Some have called the change “a blow” to Montana anti-trafficking efforts. While he said he applauded the FBI for providing urgently needed law enforcement in Indian Country, he said human trafficking
Bill to help Kinsey, Sidney water users passed out of committee
Sen. Steve Daines, who is a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, has been successful in passing an issue out of that committee to keep power costs for the Kinsey Irrigation and Sidney Water Users districts at an affordable rate. The two groups have been part of the Pick Sloan power group for going on eight decades, but in 2017 received a notice from the Bureau of Reclamation that the agency would not renew their contracts. Jack Connor, an administrative officer for the Bureau of Reclamation, said an audit determined that neither of the two
Daines Secures $2 Million for Billings Logan International Airport
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that $2,000,000 will be directed towards strengthening Montana’s air travel infrastructure at the Billings Logan International Airport. “Strong air infrastructure is vital to Montana’s economy and jobs,” Daines said. “This grant is great news for Montana, as it will further strengthen tourism in Montana and continue to drive economic growth for folks in Billings and the state.” The funding is part of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) under the Department of Transportation. As a member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, Daines was instrumental in securing funding for the Airport
Daines Fighting To Ensure Replacement For The Minuteman III Stays On Track
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Daines joined a bipartisan group of senators today on a letter urging Department of Defense Secretary Mark Esper to prevent any delays for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), which will replace the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls. “We write to emphasize the importance of delivering the Air Force’s long-overdue Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) replacement effort,” Daines wrote. “To deter a nuclear attack on the United States and its allies in today’s multipolar nuclear security environment, comprehensive U.S. nuclear modernization to include each leg of the triad
Daines’ Montana Water Bills Move to Senate Floor for a Vote
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today secured passage of two critical bills with direct impacts to Montana communities, the Clean Water for Rural Communities Act and a bill (S.1882) to allow Sidney Water Users Irrigation District and Kinsey Irrigation Company to continue receiving Pick-Sloan power out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. As a member of the Committee, Daines was instrumental in moving them through the legislative process. To download the full video, click HERE. “Clean, reliable drinking water is one of the most basic needs of life yet many of our rural communities
Daines Celebrates Major Step Towards Finalized Trade Deal with Japan, Win for Montana Ag
U.S. SENATE– U.S. Senator Steve Daines today celebrated a major step forward towards finalization of a U.S. trade agreement with Japan. To download the full video statement, click HERE. “Today’s announcement is a big win for Montana ag and jobs, and a major step forward for opening critical markets for our producers,” Daines said. “It has been a privilege to be the voice of Montana’s farmers and ranchers during trade negotiations between the U.S. and Japan. I’m happy to see President Trump and Prime Minister Abe announce they reached a deal that will help level the playing field for Montana
U.S.-Japan trade terms a needed win, Montana farmers and ranchers say
Montana farm and ranch groups described U.S.-Japan trade terms announced Wednesday as a must-have win for the state’s agriculture economy, which has been battered by trade disputes. Japan is the biggest foreign buyer of Montana wheat and the largest purchaser of U.S. beef. Tariffs against U.S. wheat have put the state’s grain growers at a disadvantage in the key market. The trade terms were released ahead of a scheduled Wednesday announcement by President Donald Trump and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The trade terms are expected to be finalized in October. In the agreement, Japan received more favorable terms for
Daines Leads Bipartisan Effort Urging DOD to Restore Education Benefits for Guard & Reserve Members
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper urging the Department to restore full education benefits for members of the National Guard and Reserve. “The brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces choose to serve for a number of reasons and make many sacrifices in the defense of our country,” Daines wrote. “The benefits provided by the Montgomery GI Bill and DoD-funded TA are valuable incentives that can help the Reserve components meet their recruiting and retention goals by providing financial means for servicemembers to obtain a college