Daines, Hirono Launch Congressional Inventions Caucus
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) today launched the Congressional Inventions Caucus in the U.S. Senate. The Congressional Inventions Caucus will provide a forum for inventors to showcase innovative products, have candid and balanced conversations about barriers to economic growth, and educate members and staff about the innovation ecosystem. In addition, the Caucus will seek to provide a platform for inventors, startups, and businesses (large and
Daines Presses FDA on Access to Affordable Medicine for Montanans
U.S. SENATE — Following recent reports of the sky-high price hikes for lifesaving EpiPens, U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sought to ensure that Montanans had access to affordable lifesaving medication. During an Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration & Related Agencies hearing on the Food and Drug Administration’s role in the generic drug marketplace, Daines pressed FDA Director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Dr. Janet Woodcock on competition in the medical marketplace. “We are here because of huge spikes in the price of specific prescription medication. Most significantly, a 400% increase in the price of the
Daines Moves Indian Health Service Reforms Forward
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today helped move forward reforms that would improve patient safety and care by increasing accountability and transparency at the Indian Health Service (IHS). This afternoon, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs passed S. 2953, the Indian Health Service Accountability Act of 2016. Daines is a co-sponsor of the legislation. Video of Daines’ remarks is available to watch here and download here. Daines: “During the July and August work period back in our state, I had the opportunity to meet with a number of Montana’s tribal communities. In fact, I got to nearly every reservation in Montana. And the consensus
Shelby Promoter: Shelby Amtrak stop slated for $953,954 in improvements
U.S. Senator Steve Daines recently announced that $953,954 in funding has been granted to make needed safety improvements at the Amtrak stop in Shelby. “Improving the safety and reliability of Montana’s rail network is critical to connecting people in our communities,” Daines stated. “Folks depend on public transportation and these funds will go a long way towards ensuring that Shelby is able to maintain their Amtrak stop.” This project will upgrade two pedestrian and motor vehicle crossings by extending the existing Amtrak platform and installing fencing, signage, two quadrant gates, and wayside horn advance warning systems to provide safe and
NBC Montana: Veteran’s family demands change from VA health
MISSOULA, Mont. – U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines introduced a new measure to let the Veterans Administration expand its Missoula outpatient clinic. The expansion plan would increase the clinic by 24 percent. Both Tester and Daines say the clinic is too crowded, offers little privacy and veterans cannot get the help they need when they need it. Turns out the clinic project has been waiting for one year for congressional approval. Missoula is not alone. The senators say another 24 VA medical facilities in 15 states are faced with a similar problem. It is not the only challenge
Tester and Daines Introduce Legislation to Increase Access to Care for Western Montana Veterans
(U.S. Senate) – Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines introduced legislation today to allow the VA to move forward with expanding its planned outpatient clinic in Missoula. The Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act will authorize the VA to move forward with leasing space in Missoula to expand the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) by 24 percent. That expansion will allow the VA to see more patients, provide more privacy to veterans seeking care, and better ensure doctors, nurses and medical personnel have the space they need to effectively do their jobs. “When I visited the Missoula CBOC with Secretary McDonald, I showed
KLYQ: Sapphire Community Health Grows into Bigger Building
Sapphire Community Health Center has moved across the street on North 3rd in Hamilton. In fact, it’s a situation of trading places with Human Resource Council. The health center is moving across North 3rd Street into the Ravalli County Human Resource Council building at 316 North 3rd. At the same time, the Human Resource Council is moving into the former health center. The community health services agency accepts all patients and assigns fees on a sliding scale, based on household size and income. Recently, mental health services were added to infant care, cancer screening, women’s care and other medical issues.
E&E: Sen. Daines wants conferees to take up disputed drought bill
Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) is pressing House and Senate conferees to consider controversial drought legislation for inclusion in any compromise energy bill. In a lengthy letter to top conferees, Daines yesterday urged the adoption of a bill, S. 2902, that seeks to overhaul the Army Corps of Engineers’ forecasting methods to improve planning for water storage in times of drought. “This legislation would improve the efficiency of existing water supply infrastructure, ease the regulatory burden on new projects and protect water rights that are critical to the prosperity of the western United States,” Daines wrote, noting that it would authorize the Dry-Redwater Rural
Daines Announces $104,602 for the Crow Tribe to Prevent Suicide and Combat Meth Addiction
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $104,602.00 in funding for the Crow Tribe to reduce and prevent methamphetamine abuse and suicide prevention strategies in Native youth. “By working together we can ensure that Montanans dealing with drug abuse and addiction have the support and resources they need to get help and care in their local communities,”Daines stated. “We need to keep investing in mental healthcare services.” “We are thrilled that we received this grant and we will do our best to meet its objectives,” Crow Tribe Executive Director of Health and Human Services Todd Wilson stated. “This grant is something we