In The News
Sens. Daines, Braun: Speaker Pelosi, send impeachment articles to Senate in 25 days or end this partisan game
Nearly three weeks ago, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and her liberal Democratic Party cohorts voted to impeach President Trump. But rather than fulfill their constitutional duty and send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, House Democrats have decided to play more partisan games. Every step of the way, Democrats like House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff warned that President Trump is a "clear and present danger" to dem… Continue Reading
12.12.19
Bill to designate B-47 Ridge advances in Senate
A bill to name a ridge on the east side of the Paradise Valley for an Air Force bomber that crashed there in 1962 has advanced in the U.S. Senate. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee unanimously backed S. 490, which would name the southwestern arm of Emigrant Peak B-47 Ridge. With the vote Thursday, the bill advances to the Senate Floor. Naming the ridge is meant to honor the four pilots who died in the crash - Capt. Bill Faulconer, Lt. Fred Hixenbaugh, Lt. David Sutton a… Continue Reading
12.11.19
Little Shell Tribe moves closer to federal recognition
The Little Shell Tribe of the Chippewa Indians is once again on the verge of winning a generations-long battle to be recognized by the federal government. Legislation granting the Great Falls-based tribe federal recognition is attached to the National Defense Authorization Act. Federal recognition is required for the tribe and its 5,400 members in order for them to be eligible for federal resources for economic development, health, and education. The journey to federal recognition for the Lit… Continue Reading
12.10.19
Federal recognition likely as Little Shell Chippewa Tribe bill moves forward
The National Defense Authorization Act, which contains an amendment giving federal recognition for the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe, cleared a congressional conference committee Monday, bringing optimism from Montana's federal delegation that the bill will finally pass. Reuters reported the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate Armed Services Committees said they reached an agreement on the $738-billion spending bill for the Department of Defense, considered a must-pass piece of legislation, … Continue Reading
12.06.19
Daines to introduce sweeping legislation to settle CSKT's Flathead water claims
Senator Steve Daines says a newly-developed settlement would bring a permanent solution to the dispute over tribal water rights claims in Western Montana, in a deal worth upwards of $2 billion. The settlement, which forms the framework of a new agreement with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, would replace the pending Flathead Water Compact . News of the agreement came Thursday after recent statements from Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and US Attorney General William Barr gave… Continue Reading
12.06.19
Daines’ bipartisan bill prioritizes elimination of invasive aquatic species
Bipartisan legislation introduced on Dec. 4 by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) would prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in America's western waters, including in his home state of Montana. "Empowering our local communities with the resources they need to ensure our waterways, rivers and lakes remain free from these invasive species is critical to our Montana way of life," Sen. Daines said. The Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act of 2019, S. 2975, offered by lead original cosponso… Continue Reading
12.05.19
Daines says he’ll introduce new agreement to settle CSKT water dispute
An agreement between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the federal government over long-disputed water rights took a major step forward Thursday when Montana Sen. Steve Daines said he plans to introduce a bill that would implement a new settlement framework. "Today is a really important step. We've reached a historic compromise on a century-old dispute that protects the water rights of all Montanans," Daines said Thursday in a telephone interview from Washington, D.C. "We've reach… Continue Reading
12.05.19
Montana delegation urges pro baseball to reconsider plan to cut minor league teams
Montana's congressional delegation this week joined a growing list of officials urging Major League Baseball to reconsider its plans to slash a number of minor league teams, including those in Montana - home to the Pioneer League. Under the proposal, MLB would reduce its affiliated teams from 160 to 120. Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines each sent letters to MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred on Tuesday opposing the plan. "Our communities are deeply invested in our minor league teams," Tester wro… Continue Reading
12.05.19
New Bill to Keep Mussels Out of Lakes and Streams Read More: New Bill to Keep Mussels Out of Lakes and Streams
A new bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Montana Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester. "Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act of 2019" is targeted at such organisms as zebra and quagga mussels in waterways. In a news release the bipartisan bill was explained as a way to strengthen prevention efforts by the Bureau of Reclamation by partnering with states and cities to fund watercraft inspection and decontamination stations, which have become a common sight along Western Montana high… Continue Reading
12.03.19
Thankful to those who served
The holiday season is upon us. Montana families across our state are giving thanks and enjoying quality time with their families and loved ones. As we gather around the dining table this year to express our gratitude, let us not forget the extraordinary privilege we have as free Americans. I want to give thanks to our Montana service members currently deployed, unable to be home for the holidays this year. Thank you for protecting our nation. I also want to express my gratitude to thei… Continue Reading
12.03.19
Montana deputy received national honor for saving baby
They risk their lives every day to protect our communities-- law enforcement officers, deputies and troopers. On Tuesday, one member of the Missoula County Sheriff's Office received national recognition for saving a baby buried alive in the woods outside Lolo. Deputy Ross Jessop was among 19 men and women to receive the Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service in Policing in front of a packed crowd during a ceremony at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. Jessop and U.… Continue Reading
11.27.19
Daines Introduces 'Free Veterans Act' to Battle Pension Poaching
Montana Senator Steve Daines was visiting with a widow of a Montana military veteran recently when he learned about an activity called 'pension poaching'. Patricia Perdue had nearly all of her pension benefits stripped away by a scam artist. After looking at her case, Daines crafted the 'Free Veterans Act' to raise awareness on an issue that is impacting many vulnerable veterans and their families. Daines said there are not only individuals but also organizations that preying on veterans and t… Continue Reading
11.26.19
Rankin post office receives U.S. Senate's blessing
Jeannette Rankin and Charlie Russell are linked again. The U.S. Senate passed by unanimous consent a bipartisan bill last week naming the Missoula post office on West Kent Avenue in honor of Rankin (1880-1973), the peace-preaching pioneer and suffragist from Missoula who became America's first Congresswoman. The legislation, introduced last March in the Senate by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and in the U.S. House by Rep. Greg Gianforte, was unanimously passed in the House on Oct. 16. U.S. Se… Continue Reading
11.25.19
Billings MET Transit receives $840,000 federal grant
The Christmas tree at the Billings MET Transit station is going to have make room underneath for two new buses. The city learned last week it has received a $840,000 federal transportation grant, which will be used to buy two new buses and install several of tech upgrades for its bus fleet to make riding easier for passengers with disabilities. The federal Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program is competitive, and Kevin Ploehn, director of transportation for the city, said it wa… Continue Reading
11.25.19
Montana native, Billings grad joins NASA as senior adviser
NASA's newest senior adviser will tell anyone who'll listen that he grew up in Poplar, Montana. The way Mike Gold sees it, if he can start in rural Eastern Montana, graduate from Senior High and make it all the way to Washington, D.C., then other kids growing up in equally underserved or overlooked communities can do it too. "It's so important that we not leave rural America behind," he said. Gold was sworn in earlier this week by Sen. Steve Daines to serve as NASA's senior advi… Continue Reading
11.23.19
US Attorney General Barr talks meth epidemic with Montana law enforcement
KALISPELL - U.S. Senator Steve Daines hosted U.S. Attorney General William Barr in Kalispell Friday to discuss Montana's meth crisis. Local law enforcement voiced concerns to the Attorney General including Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino and Kalispell Police Chief Doug Overman. Research from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services shows 23 deaths were attributed to methamphetamine in Montana in 2017. The study shows more than 1,800 criminal violations involved meth in … Continue Reading
11.22.19
Bill naming Missoula post office after U.S. Rep. Rankin heading to Trump’s desk
The three members of Montana's congressional delegation on Friday praised the passage of a bill this week renaming the Missoula post office in honor of the nation's first congresswoman, Jeannette Rankin. The U.S. House passed the measure in mid-October and the U.S. Senate followed suit on Thursday, drawing praise from Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines. The bill is going to President Donald Trump for signature. "Jeannette Rankin was a trailblazer for women's rights and a leader for all Montana… Continue Reading
11.22.19
Senate passes bill to rename Bozeman VA clinic for Travis Atkins
The U.S. Senate passed a bill this week to rename Bozeman's Department of Veterans Affairs clinic after local Medal of Honor recipient Travis Atkins. The House must also approve the bill before the facility at 300 N. Willson Ave., becomes the Travis W. Atkins Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic. The clinic is one of 14 in the state that provides outpatient services to veterans. "I'm hopeful this bill will be quickly signed into law, so that folks in Bozeman and across this grateful n… Continue Reading
11.22.19
AG Barr unveils plan on missing, murdered Native Americans
PABLO - U.S. Attorney General William Barr announced a new federal strategy to address missing and murdered Indigenous people Friday during a visit to the Flathead Indian Reservation. On his visit, Barr also discussed methamphetamine-related problems with Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, expressed support for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai water compact, and visited an overlook of the National Bison Range, where he heard the tribes' goals for the area. A report released last ye… Continue Reading
11.19.19
Bills to fund LWCF, national parks pass committee
Two pieces of major conservation legislation reached a "milestone" Tuesday, Republican Sen. Steve Daines told the Montana media after a Senate committee advanced legislation that would fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and address the maintenance backlog at national parks. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing Tuesday morning to consider the two bills and offer amendments. Tuesday's action follows the passage of a lands package … Continue Reading
