Daines Statement on Department of Interior’s Sage Grouse Announcement
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on the Department of the Interior’s sage grouse announcement: “While it is good news that the sage grouse is not listed as an endangered species, I remain concerned that the Obama administration’s land-use plans will have a harmful impact on Montana’s economy, our land users and Montanans’ way of life. The fact remains, sage grouse numbers have increased in the west by nearly two-thirds since 2013. Montana needs to continue take the lead on sage grouse conservation and I hope BLM can revise their plans to allow Montana to do so. Because a sage
Bozeman Daily Chronicle: Tech Industry Ready to Boom
For two days in September, Montana State University’s Strand Union Building ballroom was the richest room in the state. The local business world’s elite — including RightNow Technologies founder Greg Gianforte, senior Oracle executive Laef Olson and former Intel board chairman Craig Barrett — shared miniature cupcakes with officials ranging from San Francisco British Consul General Priya Guha to FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai and NASA Deputy Administrator Dava Newman. The gathering of more than 500 people represented the first biannual Montana high tech jobs summit — aimed at discussing the state of the region’s high tech sector and encouraging expansion
Washington Examiner: Senator Says U.S. Under Attack by Cyber Enemies
The United States is “actively under attack” by enemies in the cyber world, a senator said on Tuesday. “We are actively under attack. Everyone knows that,” said Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., in remarks delivered at the Chamber of Commerce. “Americans see it every day.” Daines referenced the Office of Personnel Management breach that took place earlier this year, and argued that the government can’t keep pace with cyber threats without assistance from the private sector. “As somebody who in 28 years never had my data hacked as a private sector employee until I became a federal employee … I was
Daines: We Must Continue to be a Voice for Those Who Don’t Have a Voice
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines took to the Senate floor to underscore the importance of Senate passage of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which will prevent late-term abortion nationwide beyond 20 weeks. Click here to watch Daines’ remarks. Click here to download Daines’ remarks. Daines is an original cosponsor of the commonsense Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. This legislation would prevent late-term abortion nationwide beyond 20 weeks – more than halfway through pregnancy when a baby can feel pain. Daines’ made the following remarks on the Senate floor: “The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act will do exactly that: protect unborn children who can feel pain. “Studies have shown that babies can feel pain by
Daines Applauds Senate Passage of Federal Grain Inspection Reforms
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today applauded the Senate passage of the United States Grain Standards Act Reauthorization Act of 2015, which contains key reforms secured by Daines to ensure Montana farmers are protected from disruptions in federally mandated grain inspections, like what occurred last summer at the Port of Vancouver. Daines’ provisions maintain continuous required grain inspection for farmers, ranchers and producers. The legislation was passed by the Senate today without opposition. The House is expected to take up the legislation in coming days. “Today’s passage of the U.S. Grain Standards Act Reauthorization Act is good news for Montana
Daines Leads Montana, North Dakota Congressional Delegations in Urging Army Corps of Engineers to Prioritize the Yellowstone Intake Diversion Dam
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today led the Montana and North Dakota congressional delegations in urging the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) and Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to prioritize concerns at the Yellowstone Intake Diversion Dam. In a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy and BOR Commissioner Estevan Lopez, the bipartisan delegations emphasized the economic benefit that the dam provides to both Montana and North Dakota. On September 8, a federal judge blocked construction of the planned dam along the Yellowstone River near the Montana-North Dakota border due to environmental concerns. “We urge ACE and BOR to address the
Daines Investigates Pipeline Safety, PHMSA Reauthorization at Montana Field Hearing
BILLINGS, Mont. — Senator Steve Daines today held a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation field hearing in Billings, Montana to discuss the upcoming reauthorization of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The hearing examined current issues and challenges relating to the inspection and safe management of the nation’s pipeline network, as well as the importance of safely transporting our natural resources through pipelines, highways and rail lines. Daines and witnesses also examined the upcoming reauthorization of PHMSA and its efficacy in overseeing and enforcing federal regulations in light of recent pipeline ruptures in eastern Montana. “I’m thankful that we were
Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Principal Jacob Francom of Troy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines honored Jacob Francom as the Montanan of the Week today at Daines’ office in Washington, D.C. Jacob Francom was recently named 2015 Montana Principal of the Year. Click here to download a high-resolution photo of Daines and Francom. 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’ recognition in the Congressional Record is available here. Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Week” program
KULR8: Sen. Daines Holds Pipeline Safety Hearing in Billings
BILLINGS – Senator Steve Daines said holding the hearing in Montana is important because issues and concerns can directly get to the pipeline administration. He said one of the concerns he heard today is that it’s taking a year, from the time the inspection of the pipeline is completed until when it’s given to the operators, to make corrective actions. Daines said this delay is completely unacceptable and has to change. “The most important thing is to get the voice of Montana, Montana’s viewpoint here, into the records, and I think we’ve accomplished that here today,” said Daines. Senator Daines