Daines: The IRS is Failing Montanans
Daines Underscores Need to Reform IRS Services, Tax Code as Tax Season Begins WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the first day of tax season, Senator Steve Daines is calling for reforms to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) operations in light of a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealing that nearly 62 percent of callers who wanted to speak with an IRS representative were unable to receive assistance. “As this year’s tax season begins today, we are once again reminded of the consistent shortcomings displayed by the IRS,” Daines stated. “Our tax code is nearly five times as long as the Bible, but with none of
Daines, Forbes Highlight Resolution to Celebrate Religious Freedom Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and Representative Randy Forbes (R-VA) today highlighted their resolution to celebrate and reaffirm the role of religious freedom as a fundamental human and Constitutional right. The resolution recognizes the 230th anniversary of the enactment of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and commemorates January 16, 2016 as Religious Freedom Day by an act of Congress. The Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom was authored by Thomas Jefferson and served as the model for the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. “America sets the standard across the globe for upholding the fundamental human right to
Daines Blasts Obama Moratorium on New Coal Leases
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today slammed President Obama’s decision to place a moratorium on new coal leasing on federal lands, which will likely end coal mining in the west and destroy the thousands of good-paying jobs coal supports in Montana. “This moratorium is almost exclusively focused at destroying Montana and Wyoming coal. It is an unprecedented assault on one of Montana’s most important sources of good paying jobs and tax revenue that will likely shut down coal development in Montana and Wyoming’s Powder River Basin. Rather than forcing his ideology on the American people through executive fiat, President Obama should instead spend his remaining time in office helping America power the
Daines Applauds American Airlines Expansion to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today applauded the announcement that American Airlines will expand their air services to the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and create an additional travel route for Montanans. “This is exciting news for the Bozeman community and the thousands of Montanans who rely on Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport for reliable air travel,” Daines stated. “This new partnership with American Airlines won’t just increase options for Montanans, but will also make it easier for Montanans to access global destinations at lower costs. It will further open Bozeman’s door to economic opportunities and job creation, unlocking markets for Montana small businesses.”
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
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