Great Falls Tribune: Defense bill includes Huey provisions for Malmstrom
The U.S. Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act with a 85-13 vote. The bill included a provision from Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., requiring that the Department of Defense certify any security shortfalls of the UH-1N helicopter currently used to support nuclear security at missile bases, including Malmstrom Air Force Base. The provision also requires DOD to report to Congress how it will mitigate those shortfalls with outside resources until the acquisition process for new helicopters is complete. The Air Force announced in May that it would use a normal acquisition process to replace the Hueys flown at missile bases.
Daines Announces $400,000 for Blackfeet Community College
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $400,000 in funding for the Blackfeet Community College (BCC) to train students on heavy equipment to complete highway construction projects. “It’s critical we support Montana students with necessary training programs to assist them in getting good-paying jobs upon graduation,” Daines stated. “I’m excited that Blackfeet Community College will have additional funds to help their students succeed.” The Montana Department of Transportation and BCC’s Workforce Highway Construction Training seeks to train 45 local community members in Commercial Drivers License, Heavy Equipment and Flagger to meet the growing demand of the highway construction projects on the
Daines’ PIPES Act Passes Senate, Heads to President’s Desk
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ bill to help ensure the safety of America’s pipeline network unanimously passed the U.S. Senate this evening. The bill, known as S.2276, the PIPES Act, would reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) through fiscal year (FY) 2019. The final agreement now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. “A safe, secure and efficient pipeline infrastructure is critical for energy security, creating and maintaining jobs and providing safeguards to protect the environment,” Daines stated. “It’s great news to see the passage of important bipartisan legislation that protects our economic and environmental
Daines Statement on Orlando Shooting
BOZEMAN, Mont. — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement in response to the shooting in Orlando, Florida: “My deepest condolences are with the victims and families of this appalling attack. I’m grateful for our law enforcement officials and first responders who put their lives on the line to save others. “The senseless hate of ISIS and radical Islam will not defeat, but rather strengthen our resolve and commitment to freedom.” ###
Bozeman Daily Chronicle: World War II Veteran Honored with Posthumous Medals in Bozeman
Ted Williams fondly recalled his older brother Robert, eight years his senior, and riding on the handlebars of Robert’s green bicycle. “I loved him very much but I was jealous of the things he got to do,” said 89-year-old Ted to a crowd of a few dozen friends, family and military members gathered at Bozeman’s American Legion on Friday afternoon. Just prior to speaking, Ted was presented with a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, among other accolades, in honor of his brother Robert’s service during World War II. U.S. Army Air Corps Private First Class Robert E. Williams Jr.
Morning Consult: Senate Democrats Warily Accept Small ISP Transparency Exemption
Senate Democrats harbor concerns about a bill that would give small businesses an exemption from the Federal Communications Commission’s transparency requirements for three years, but they are standing pat for now. The Senate Commerce Committee unanimously advanced the measure Wednesday in a voice vote, although two Democrats noted their opposition before allowing the bill to pass on a voice vote. The enhanced transparency requirements are part of the commission’s 2015 net neutrality rules. The legislation aims to ease the burden that they place on small internet service providers in rural areas. Supporters argue that these providers might not have the money or resources to hire teams of
Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Colter Scully of Powell County
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized Colter Scully, a rising senior at Powell County High School. Colter is currently preparing for his board of reviews to complete his Eagle Scout application. Three years ago, Colter was inspired to create a frisbee-golf course in his community. Thanks to his leadership and perseverance, the course was opened on May 31st, 2016. Daines’ recognition in the Congressional Record is available here. Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of
Montana Congressional Delegation Pushes Forest Service to Advance Permitting Process for Rock Creek Mine
(U.S. Congress)—Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines and Congressman Ryan Zinke this week pushed the U.S. Forest Service to finalize an important document and advance a decades-old permitting process for the Rock Creek Mine in northwest Montana. In a letter to Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Chris Savage, the Montana congressional delegation encouraged the Forest Service to finalize the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) in a timely manner. The SEIS must be finalized before the Rock Creek Mine project can move forward in the federal permitting process. “The permitting process is a necessary step towards ensuring that the project’s proposed operations
Great Falls Tribune: Lawmakers want VA Montana Vacancies Made Top Priority
Following the announcement that the VA Montana director is resigning, Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke sent a letter Thursday morning to Secretary Bob McDonald of the Department of Veterans Affairs asking him to prioritize finding a replacement. John Ginnity submitted his resignation to VA officials Tuesday, and the resignation was announced Wednesday. His last day is July 8 and if a replacement isn’t found before then, the position will join the vacant associate director and chief of staff positions. “This is simply unacceptable and we request you make filling these positions a top priority for the sake of