Great Falls Tribune: Senators say FAA bill tightens security, benefits economy
The U.S. Senate voted to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration on a 95-3 vote Tuesday with amendments that Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines said would strengthen security for travelers and benefit Montana airports. “This bipartisan bill will strengthen America’s national security, boost tourism and support meaningful infrastructure investments in our state’s transportation system,” Tester said. “Our airports serve as gateways to Montana’s treasured places and an important line of defense against folks who want to do us harm. This bill is a strong step toward keeping families safe and encouraging economic growth.” Tester offered a successful amendment to
Boilermakers: L-11 president attends Obama State of Union
JASON SMALL, PRESIDENT of Local 11 (East Helena, Mont.) enjoyed a bird’s eye view of one of the nation’s top political events when he attended the annual State of the Union (SOTU) at the U.S. Capitol January 13. Small, who is politically active, especially on matters pertaining to the future of coal and opportunities for Native Americans (he is a member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation), attended the SOTU as a special guest of U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana. “I was actually out feeding my cows when I got a text from Senator Daines’ chief of staff, asking if
Montana Receives Almost $900,000 for Local LWCF Projects
U.S. SENATE – Senator Steve Daines today announced that Montana will receive $896,436 in fiscal year 2016 stateside funding from the United States Department of Interior (DOI) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to support conservation and recreation projects in local communities. “Like so many Montanans, I know firsthand that hunting, fishing and access to public lands is part of our way of life and the LWCF is an important and successful tool that expands access and increase recreational opportunities on our public land,” said Daines, Montana’s only member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “I’m pleased that Montana will
Daines’ Office ‘Purple Up’ for Military Kids
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines and his office today honored the sacrifices military and veteran children make on behalf of the country by wearing purple to “Purple Up For Military Kids” on April 15. “Our offices in Montana and Washington are proud to Purple Up to help raise awareness and build support for military and veteran kids and families,”Daines stated. “We can’t thank our military heroes enough for their service to our country, including the tremendous sacrifice of their families. Thank you to all military children for their heroism and sacrifice on behalf of our country.” Daines and his Washington, D.C.
Daines Honors Montanans of the Week: Shirley and Dale of the Sweet Palace in Philipsburg
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today recognized Shirley Beck and Dale Siegford for contributing to many Montanans’ sweet tooth at the Sweet Palace in Philipsburg, MT. Click here to download photos of Shirley Beck and Dale Siegford at the Sweet Palace. 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 Congress. Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Week” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by
Daines Announces Increase in Forest Service Trail Funding
U.S. SENATE —At Senator Steve Daines’ urging, the U.S. Forest Service is increasing the FY 2016 trail funding for Montana’s National Forests, reversing their previous decision to cut funding by 30 percent over the next three years. “Montana’s National Forests and public lands are a treasured part of our state and today’s news ensures that Montanans will continue to enjoy our great outdoors,” Daines stated. “As an avid outdoorsman, I know how important maintaining and expanding access to our public lands are for our way of life. This is a welcome step to see the Forest Service value Montanans’ feedback and I will
Flathead Beacon: Forest Service Drops Proposal to Reduce Montana Trail Funding
The U.S. Forest Service has dropped its proposal to reduce funding for trail maintenance in Montana. The agency originally planned to reduce appropriations for Region One, which includes Montana, by 30 percent over the next three years. This included a potential loss of $1 million to Montana’s federal trail budget this year. U.S. Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester criticized Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell last week for failing to prioritize trail maintenance in Montana. The agency proposed revising its formula for funding trail maintenance across the U.S. with an added emphasis on higher population centers. In Region One, there are 28,000 miles
Helena Independent Record: Forest Service restores trails’ funding, Montana’s senators say
The U.S. Forest Service has reportedly reversed plans to deeply cut trail maintenance funding for the region including Montana, according to Montana’s senators. The Forest Service earlier this year announced a change to its allocation formula for trail maintenance. Historically, funding weighted the expense of maintaining remote trails in wilderness areas, which favored the Northern Region including Montana and Idaho. The new formula focused more heavily on population and visitor days, giving more populous areas a funding boost. The reallocation meant a 30 percent cut for the Northern Region phased in over three years, triggering a backlash from regional trail users
Missoulian: Senators tout Montana benefits of coming energy bills
Two bills up for votes in the U.S. Senate next week contain a lot of money for Montana’s power production sector. Montana senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester each said the 2017 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act and the 2016 Energy Policy Modernization Act will bring assistance to both state programs and energy issues that Montana has a stake in. The 2017 appropriations bill would allocate $37.5 billion for the Department of Energy and the Army Corps of Engineers. It cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday with a nearly unanimous approval. Direct Montana projects in the bill include