Daines to Kerry: Congress Doesn’t Make Laws With Iranian Interests in Mind
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today criticized Secretary of State John Kerry for his recent attempts to placate Iran’s concerns over the United States’ Visa Waiver Program (VWP) restrictions. Daines also called on Kerry to press the Iranian government, the largest state sponsor of terrorism, to cease its support for terrorist activity and provide tangible evidence of such action. In a letter to Secretary Kerry, Daines and 13 of his colleagues ask the Secretary to make clear to Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif that U.S. national security interests, not Iranian interests, were the impetus for changes to the VWP. The letter is
ABC Fox: Montana delegates vote against Waters of the U.S. rule
Montana’s delegates have voted for a bipartisan bill which would block the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the United States rule. Congressman Ryan Zinke is calling WOTUS an “unconstitutional abuse of executive power.” Although not delving into specific flaws, Zinke fears that WOTUS will harm the economy by negatively impacting farmers, ranchers and builders in the Big Sky state. Senator Steve Daines addressed more specific concerns on WOTUS in November 2015. He cited the hefty bill that comes with the Act, an estimated $158 million and $465 million a year in indirect costs. For farmers, he says, WOTUS could results in fees for assessments and
Daines Applauds House Action to Stop Obama’s WOTUS Power Grab
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today applauded the House of Representatives’ passage of bipartisan legislation nullifying the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) greatly expanded Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The House today joined the Senate in passing S.J.Res.22, a joint resolution Daines helped introduced to disapprove of the EPA’s new, overreaching WOTUS rules. The bill now heads to President Obama’s desk. “I’m pleased to see the House join the Senate in passing bipartisan legislation to stop yet another Obama administration power grab that harms our farmers, ranchers and landowners,” Daines stated. “The EPA’s latest overreach is a direct threat to Montanans’ way of
Tester, Daines continue delivering on their promises to “Blue Water Navy” veterans
(U.S. Senate) – Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines are working to deliver on the promises they’ve made to “Blue Water Navy” veterans by restoring their eligibility for service-connected disability benefits and health care as a result of Agent Orange exposure. “Blue Water Navy” veterans served in the waters offshore during the Vietnam War. In a letter to VA Secretary Bob McDonald, Tester and Daines urged the VA to reverse a 2002 rule that excluded “Blue Water Navy” veterans from the VA benefits and care to which they should be entitled. The 2002 rule extended coverage only to Vietnam veterans
Daines: President Obama Cemented His Failed Legacy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines tonight called out President Obama for his empty rhetoric, noting the President’s final State of the Union address was just “politics as usual.” Daines’ full statement is as follows: “Rather than fighting for solutions that strengthen our economy, tonight President Obama cemented his failed legacy. “Rather than presenting concrete solutions that bolster our national security, President Obama chose to lead from behind. “Rather than supporting hardworking farmers and ranchers, President Obama doubled down on his administration’s bureaucratic land grabs that infringe on Montanans’ livelihoods. “Rather than using the largest national stage to fight
Daines: Capture of U.S. Navy Boats is Further Proof Iran Can’t Be Trusted
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines tonight released the following statement regarding the recent capture of U.S. Navy boats by Iranian military forces: “This is yet another reminder that the Iranian regime cannot and should not be trusted. Given this latest provocation, it is unthinkable to lift any sanctions on Iran. We cannot placate Iran — the world’s biggest state sponsor of terrorism — with its current leadership in place. It should outrage all Americans that President Obama intends to completely ignore this serious issue during his State of the Union remarks tonight and has provided no confidence in his ability
Daines: It’s Past Time to ‘Audit the Fed’
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today expressed his disappointment following the Senate’s failure to advance to debate on the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015, widely known as “Audit the Fed.” Daines is an original co-sponsor of S. 2232, which eliminates restrictions on Government Accountability Office audits of the Federal Reserve and mandates that the Federal Reserve’s credit facilities, securities purchases, and quantitative easing activities be subject to congressional oversight. “We must ensure that the Federal Reserve is transparent and accountable to the American people,” Daines stated. “Americans deserve answers about how our government creates its monetary policy, not the current status quo of making
KMMS: Daines: It’s Past Time to Audit the Fed
Senator Steve Daines today expressed his disappointment following the Senate’s failure to advance to debate on the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015, widely known as “Audit the Fed.” Daines is an original co-sponsor of S. 2232, which eliminates restrictions on Government Accountability Office audits of the Federal Reserve and mandates that the Federal Reserve’s credit facilities, securities purchases, and quantitative easing activities be subject to congressional oversight. “We must ensure that the Federal Reserve is transparent and accountable to the American people,” Daines stated. “Americans deserve answers about how our government creates its monetary policy, not the current status
The Hill: Bill filed to overturn TSA driver’s license mandate
A trio of Montana lawmakers has filed a bill to overturn a mandate that would prevent airline passengers in several states from using their driver’s licenses at Transportation Security Agency (TSA) checkpoints in two years. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which overseas the TSA, said last week it would begin enforcing a post-Sept. 11 law in 2018 that directs federal agencies to only accept state-issued identifications that meet federal security standards that were enacted in 2005. Montana Sens. Steve Daines (R), Jon Tester (D) and Rep. Ryan Zinke (R) said Tuesday that the mandate is an intrusion of their state and other’s sovereignty, although Montana’s licenses are