Daines, Senate Freshmen Decry Democratic Filibuster of Critical Troop Funding
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) today joined Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in a colloquy on the Senate floor to speak about the Democratic filibuster of the FY 2017 Defense Appropriations Bill. The funding bill came out of the Senate Committee on Appropriations with the unanimous support of Democrat and Republican members. However, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said that his members are blocking critical funding for our troops so that his party wouldn’t be at the “mercy” of Republicans. As all of the members said in the colloquy, this filibuster comes
Daines Statement on Closure of Colstrip Units 1 & 2
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on the upcoming closure of Colstrip Units 1 & 2: “The closure of Colstrip units 1 and 2 is devastating news. Colstrip provides hundreds of good paying jobs, is an anchor to the entire economy and tax base of Montana and because of fringe environmental extremists and the onslaught of anti-energy regulations from the Obama administration we are seeing this important plant, one of the largest coal-fired generating stations in the West and our largest industrial facility in Montana, lose significant part of its generating capacity. We need to stop the
Daines: Senate Moving Forward on Energy Bill
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today welcomed the next step to go to conference on S.2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act, which passed the U.S. Senate in April by a bipartisan vote of 85-12. The U.S. Senate today overwhelmingly voted to appoint conferees and go to conference on S. 2012, the next step in the legislative process. “It’s great to see momentum to permanently reauthorize LWCF, move forward critical forest reform to improve forest health and protect good-paying Montana energy jobs,” Daines stated. This key legislation will help expand Montana energy production and at Daines’ request will permanently reauthorize the Land and
KMMS: U.S. Senate Moving Forward on Energy Bill
Senator Steve Daines today welcomed the next step to go to conference on, the next step in the legislative process, the Energy Policy Modernization Act, which passed the U.S. Senate in April by a bipartisan vote of 85-12. “It’s great to see momentum to permanently reauthorize LWCF, move forward critical forest reform to improve forest health and protect good-paying Montana energy jobs,” Daines stated. This key legislation will help expand Montana energy production and at Daines’ request will permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). In addition to the permanent reauthorization of LWCF, the Energy Policy Modernization Act
Bozeman Daily Chronicle: Bozeman airport gets federal grant for new runway
The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport has been awarded a $2.3 million federal grant to help cover the cost of building a new runway. The grant, issued to the Gallatin Airport Authority by the Federal Aviation Administration, will fund earthwork and drainage construction for a new 5,050-foot runway at the airport, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The additional runway will help improve congestion during peak traffic periods, the agency says. “These funds will help fulfill the needs of the airport’s capital improvement plan and provide the necessary infrastructure for the traveling public in the near future,” airport director Brian
Daines Announces over $7 Million for Four Montana Airports
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $7,348,4900.00 in funding for critical construction upgrades for four Montana airports. Grants will be awarded to airports in Stevensville, Great Falls, Kalispell and Bozeman. “This funding will ensure that our airports can continue to serve their communities and keep Montana as a top travel destination for tourists,” Daines stated. Grants awarded today by the U.S. Department of Transportation include: Stevensville Airport: $1,999,142.00 Great Falls International Airport: In addition to the $7,175,439.00 secured by Great Falls International last week, they will receive an additional $1,820,614.00. Glacier Park International: $1,204,079.00 Bozeman Yellowstone International: $2,324,655.00 More information
KGVO: Sen. Steve Daines Responds to Montana Health Insurance Rate Requests
Last week Montana Inusrance and Exchange Commissioner Monica Lindeen announced higher rate requests for the three health insurance providers on the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace. Sen. Steve Daines responded to the rate request today. “President Obama promised that Obamacare would drive down the cost of healthcare premiums, but instead, we are seeing astronomical proposed increases for Montana,” Daines said. “Obamacare continues to take money out of the pockets of hardworking Montana families, with no relief in sight. Obamacare is failing Montanans and we must repeal it.” Lindeen said Friday that her office will be holding a hearing in Helena to answer any questions
Daines to FCC: Close the Rural Broadband Gap
Daines Joins Bipartisan Call to Expand Mobile Network in Rural America U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined a bipartisan effort urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to update the Universal Service Fund’s (USF) Mobility Fund, which is aimed at providing broadband service to rural and underserved areas. Daines was joined by 27 Senators in a letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler calling for the agency to prioritize new mobile broadband deployment in areas that support agricultural activity as well as preserve and upgrade mobile broadband where it is currently available. “Without the certainty that essential mobile broadband infrastructure
Daines Statement on Double-Digit Obamacare Rate Request Increase
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after Montana State Auditor Montana Lindeen announced the double-digit requested rate increases under Obamacare insurance plans. “President Obama promised Obamacare would drive down the cost of healthcare premiums, instead we are seeing astronomical proposed increases in Montana,” Daines stated. “Obamacare continues to take money out of the pockets of hardworking Montana families with no relief in sight. Obamacare is failing Montanans, and we must repeal it.” The average proposed rate filings for 2017 plans for the individual market is a 34.6 percent increase with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana requesting a 62.1 percent increase.