Daines Statement on Inexcusable IRS Security Breach
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines slammed President Obama’s failure to expeditiously inform Congress after yet another security breach occurred at the Internal Revenue Service in January. “The President has a duty to inform Congress of cyber attacks on federal infrastructure, yet once again has tried to sweep this under the rug,” Daines stated. “It’s no coincidence that on President Obama’s watch, two federal agencies within the past year have suffered large-scale and inexcusable breaches in security. He has failed to demonstrate needed leadership and has neglected to take tangible steps to address these persistent cyberinfrastructure challenges – a failure that has permeated into
Daines, Blumenthal Resolution Recognizes February 17 as Digital Learning Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today sought to affirm the importance of student data privacy by recognizing February 17, 2016 as Digital Learning Day. Last night, Daines and Blumenthal successfully passed a bipartisan resolution recognizing February 17 as Digital Learning Day. The senators’ resolution, which passed by unanimous consent, highlights the many ways in which technology can enhance the classroom experience while striking the right balance in protecting the personal information of students. “Everyday, students around the globe use technology to enhance the classroom learning experience,” Daines stated. “Digital Learning Day provides the opportunity to raise awareness about
Daines Applauds U.S. Supreme Court Decision to Issue Nationwide Stay on Clean Power Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today applauded the U.S. Supreme Court decision to issue a nationwide stay on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan – successfully blocking implementation of the plan while it’s being challenged in court. “The Supreme Court decision to issue a nationwide stay on the Obama administration’s misguided, job-killing rule is great news for Montana. The so-called Clean Power Plan will kill Montana jobs and leads our country in the wrong direction—away from being an energy leader,” Daines stated. “I appreciate Attorney General Tim Fox’s continued leadership to fight these anti-coal regulations. While
Daines Statement on President Obama’s Budget Proposal
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on President Obama’s budget proposal that once again fails to balance: “President Obama’s budget is full of the same failed policies that has led our country down a path of reckless bloated spending, burdensome regulations and higher taxes. This is President Obama’s eighth consecutive unbalanced budget that only serves to bolster his liberal agenda instead of lifting up hardworking American families. The American people deserve real solutions and a balanced budget – not an unworkable liberal messaging document.” The first bill Daines introduced in both the Senate and House is the Balanced Budget
Daines Reaffirms Importance of Splitting the Ninth Circuit
“We need to ensure all Americans have access to the justice they deserve. It’s time to split the Ninth.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines recently took to the Senate floor to bring to light the crushing caseload of the Ninth Circuit and reaffirm the need to split the Ninth Circuit to provide quality service and expeditious justice for the American people. Click here to download Daines’ remarks. Click here to watch Daines’ remarks. Daines joined Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) last night to discuss their two recently introduced bills to address failures in America’s system of justice by restructuring the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which,
Daines Marks Beginning of National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today marked the beginning of “National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week” by recognizing the critical role these institutions hold in providing access to high-quality postsecondary educational opportunities for Montana tribal members. Montana is home to seven Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Daines is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan “National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week” resolution that unanimously passed the Senate last week. On Wednesday, Daines will be meeting with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) to discuss issues pertinent to the success of American Indian education. “I’m pleased to see the Senate recognize the importance
Daines, Gillibrand Call on Senate Veterans Affairs Committee to Act on Their Bill to Help Thousands of “Blue Water” Vietnam Vets
Senators’ Call Follows VA Officials’ Refusal to Reverse Ruling to Extend VA Benefits to “Blue Water” Vets WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) today called on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee to immediately take up their legislation to ensure “Blue Water” Navy veterans are made eligible for service-connected disability Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and health care as a result of Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War. Daines’ and Gillibrand’s call follows a request urging the VA to reverse a 2002 rule excluding “Blue Water” veterans from the VA benefits to which they should be entitled.
Daines, Zinke Fight Latest Effort to Terminate Port of Raymond 24-Hour Operating Status
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Montana Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke today urged U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials to reverse their latest plans to reduce operating hours at the Port of Raymond and terminate the northeastern Montana border crossing’s 24-hour operating status. CBP recently announced new plans to implement a pilot program closing the Port of Raymond for six hours per day, between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. In a letter to CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske, Daines and Zinke criticized CBP for their short-sighted efforts to once again reduce operating hours following their failed efforts to do so last November. “Past
Daines Slams President Obama’s Plan to Raise Energy Taxes on Montana Families
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today slammed President Obama’s proposal to place a $10 tax on every barrel of oil—marking a 30 percent tax on oil at current prices. “This is yet another step in President Obama’s anti-energy agenda and further proof that he’s more concerned about cementing his failed legacy than standing with the hardworking Montana families who will be directly hit by these senseless policies,” Daines stated. “We should be encouraging American innovation and energy independence—not placing more regulatory barriers and financial obstacles to it. I have no doubt that this 30 percent tax will face tough bipartisan opposition in