Daines, FCC commissioner tour fire technology center in Missoula
The U.S. Forest Service has deployed land mobile radios on the fireline since the Vietnam War, and the equipment hasn’t changed much over the years. But Colin Watts, assistant director for land mobile radio at the Missoula Technology and Development Center, said the future is about to change. “The future is digital and the future is data,” Watts said. “Real-time telemetry and data management is going to be a growing concern. The ability to extend that data envelope into the forest where we operate is key to us in the future.” Watts and other experts in firefighting technology led Sen.
FCC Commissioner and Daines meet in Missoula
MISSOULA – FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr visited Missoula Tuesday as part of his week-long trip through Montana and Wyoming where he’s hearing from rural areas about internet and cell service connectivity issues. Carr was joined by Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) at the Montana Children’s Specialist, where they discussed the benefits and roadblocks of telehealth where patients can visit a doctor remotely. Doctors and patients video chat, and can have a full appointment from miles away. “This can save lives literally, by closing that gap,” Sen. Daines said. There are only six major hospitals in Montana; Kalispell Regional Medical Center and the Billings
Daines Visit Focuses on Montanore
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines visited the Montanore offices in Libby Friday to discuss the progress of the mine project with members of local government and the community. Along with Daines, State Sen. Mike Cuffe, District 1, and State Rep. Steve Gunderson, District 1, were also in attendance, alongside county government and school officials, as well as members of the community associated with various organizations and boards. Doug Stiles, manager of Montana Operations for Hecla Mining, gave a short update on progress with the Montanore and Rock Creek mine projects. Hecla is working with the U.S. Forest Service to update their
Daines, Gianforte thank Shining Honor Project workers
KALISPELL, Mont. — Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember Americans who died in active duty in the military, but one group in the Flathead does that year-round. Residents of the Lighthouse Christian Home participate in the Shining Honor Project, which gives jobs to developmentally challenged adults. Their job is to keep veterans’ gravesites clean and tidy at Glacier Memorial Gardens and Whitefish City Cemetery. “It’s a great way to get Memorial Day headstones ready for this important day,” U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana) said. “It’s a day of remembrance, and to have these Montanans who have developmental challenge
Border patrol backtracks on plan to cut hours on Montana’s northern ports of entry
BILLINGS- Agriculture and business are the reasons the U.S. Customs and Border Protection decided to not cut hours at ports entries on Montana’s northern border, U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte and Sen. Steve Daines announced jointly Friday. In February, the CBP announced it was decreasing hours that ports would be open. However, after meetings with U.S. citizens living along the border, the agency will hold pat with its original schedule, according to a news release from Daines and Gianforte, both Montana Republicans. The Port of Raymond will be open 24 hours. Ports in Morgan, Opheim and Scobey will be open from 9
Daines Fights for Montana’s Wildland Firefighters
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced The Wildland Firefighter Recognition Act and The Wildland Firefighter Fairness Act. “I have heard the challenges our wildland firefighters face and I am taking action,” Daines said. “The two bills I introduced are aimed at strengthening our preparedness for future wildfires and ensures we are recruiting and retaining the folks who put it all on the line for our safety.” The legislation would direct the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create a “Wildland Firefighter” job series and would address several technical problems wildland firefighters face. To read The Wildland Firefighter
Daines , Tester Vote to Hang Up on Robocalls
(U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester voted to hang up on robocalls today, helping pass the bipartisan Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act?—also known as the TRACED Act—through the Senate today. “Across Montana, folks are being inundated by illegal robocalls,” Daines said. “It’s long overdue that Montanans are protected from these illegal calls. I’m glad my Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle supported this important legislation. We must crack down on these bad actors and stop this abuse once and for all!” “We’ve got to stop the incessant ring of robocalls,” Tester said. “The TRACED Act will do that by empowering regulators to identify robocalls before
Daines Fights to Remove Barriers for Montana’s Skilled Workers
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand the education savings plans to skilled workers. To download video, click HERE. “This legislation will lead to more jobs and higher wages for hardworking Montanans,” Daines said. “Those who want to join an apprenticeship program ought to be given the same opportunities afforded to those who go to traditional colleges and universities.” Under Daines’ legislation, skilled workers enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program would have access to the same tax advantaged savings account that those attending colleges and universities receive under Section 529 of the IRS Code.
Daines, Gianforte Urge Agency to Prevent Crisis at Northern Border
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte today sent a letter to the acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) opposing cuts in hours of operation at four Montana ports of entry. “Cuts in hours of service should not be implemented and the current hours of service should continue. While we remain willing to work with you on the needs of your service to protect America and resolve the crisis at the southern border, we encourage you to refrain from causing a crisis at the northern border at the same time,” Daines and Gianforte wrote. To download