Press Releases

Daines, Fischer Call for Field Hearing on PHMSA Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) have formally requested that the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hold a field hearing in Billings, Montana to discuss the reauthorization of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the agency’s efficacy in overseeing the transportation of hazardous materials. Before the hearing will be scheduled, the request must receive approval from the Commerce Committee Chairman and Ranking member. In a letter to Chairman John Thune (R-SD) and Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL), Daines and Fischer urged the Committee to convene a field hearing on PHMSA’s responsibility in ensuring

Daines Calls for Defunding Planned Parenthood, Safeguarding Women’s Health Care

“Planned Parenthood has clearly articulated the value they place on babies’ organs and limbs, but what they fail to acknowledge is the value that the American people know full well, and that is the value of our children.  And that is priceless.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines took to the Senate floor to speak out about legislation he helped introduce to defund of Planned Parenthood and ensure that there is no overall reduction in federal funds for women’s health care services. Daines is a cosponsor of S. 1881, which was introduced this week following the release of gruesome footage showcasing

Daines: Montana Needs a Multi-Year Highway Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the DRIVE Act, which lays the groundwork for a multi-year highway bill, and the 34th short-term extension of the Highway Trust Fund since 2009: “Today the Senate took an important step in moving forward a bipartisan, multi-year bill to address our nation’s infrastructure needs. Montanans deserve a long-term solution that provides needed certainty, improves our infrastructure country, and most importantly, helps create jobs. “I am disappointed that Congress also had to once again pass a short-term extension of the Highway Trust Fund, but I’m thankful that we are

Daines, Energy Committee Move Forward Key Energy Reforms

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today helped pass multiple pieces of legislation that will help expand Montana energy production, permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and rein in the Obama administration’s overreaching anti-energy regulations.  “This bipartisan legislation will not only strengthen our country’s global competitiveness, but also empower our tribes to develop their energy resources, expand Montana families’ access to affordable energy and create good-paying energy jobs,” Daines stated. “I am committed to continue working for commonsense solutions that protect Montanans’ access to public lands and keep energy prices low for hardworking Montana families.” Daines also worked to secure

Daines’ Bills to Expand Montana Hydro Power Pass Out of Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines’ bills to ensure the completion of two hydroelectric facilities in Montana today unanimously passed out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Daines’ bills provide for the reinstatement and three-year extension of a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license for Clark Canyon Dam Hydro Project in Dillon, Montana and a six-year extension of the FERC license for the Gibson Dam Hydro Project near Augusta, Montana. “Hydropower is a critical component of an all-of-the-above energy portfolio that provides a reliable and affordable source of electricity for hardworking Montana families,” Daines stated. “I’m pleased to

Daines, Zinke Call on Army Corps of Engineers to Complete Environmental Study on Gateway Pacific Terminal

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and Representative Ryan Zinke (R-MT) today led a bipartisan group of sixteen Senators and seventeen House members in urging the Army Corps of Engineers to complete the required review process for the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal before making any decisions that could impact the project’s future. Daines’ and Zinke’s letters come in the wake of news that the Seattle District of the Corps may make an atypical final determination on key components of the project before completing the required Environmental Impact Study (EIS).  Such action not only threatens the future of the project,

Daines, Alexander Statements on Proposed Rule to Regulate Ivory

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29 — Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) made the following statements today on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposed rule to regulate domestic ivory trade: “I’m pleased that the proposed rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service more clearly focuses on addressing the real threat of poachers and those who are violating our laws,” Daines stated. “While this proposed rule appears to mitigate some of the concerns from law-abiding citizens who would have been penalized for owning items containing lawful ivory, I will continue to carefully inspect this rule to ensure it does not implement any further burdens on

Daines Helps Introduce Legislation to Defund Planned Parenthood, Safeguard Women’s Health Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines has helped introduce legislation to protect women’s access to health services and defund Planned Parenthood.  This legislation, S.1881, follows the release of gruesome footage showcasing Planned Parenthood’s role in the harvesting of the organs of unborn babies. The Senate is expected to vote on this legislation in the next week. The bill is sponsored by Senator Joni Ernst (IA) and cosponsored by Senators Mitch McConnell (KY), John Barrasso (WY), Roy Blunt (MO), John Boozman (AR), Richard Burr (NC) Dan Coats (IN), Tom Cotton (AR) John Cornyn (TX), Ted Cruz (TX), Mike Enzi (WY), Deb

Daines Applauds House Passage of the REINS Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today applauded the House passage of H.R. 427, the Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, commonsense legislation that will bring much-needed accountability and transparency to the federal regulatory process: “It’s time to rein in Washington’s overbearing, costly regulations and provide Montana families, business owners, and hardworking taxpayers with the relief they deserve,” Daines stated. “Montana small businesses know far too well the cost of Washington’s top-down unchecked ability to issue burdensome regulations. Today, the House took the necessary step forward to bring much-needed accountability to the regulatory process and I urge Senate leadership to take up