Press
Daines Highlights Importance of Critical Mineral Mining to Montana and to our National Security
U.S. SENATE -U.S. Senator Steve Daines today highlighted the importance of critical mineral mining to Montana and to our national security during an Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing. WATCH HERE DOWNLOAD HERE "We talk in this committee a lot about reducing our dependence and our allies' dependence on Russia and other countries for oil and natural gas, but I believe we are not focusing enough on our dependence on critical minerals. I gave the examples of my phone and energy sto… Continue Reading
07.17.18
Montana Delegation Gibson Dam Hydro Bill Passes House Now heads to President Donald J. Trump’s Desk
U.S. SENATE -U.S House of Representatives passes U.S. Senators Steve Daines, Jon Tester and Congressman Greg Gianforte bill on the Gibson Dam Hydro Project. The bill will now be sent to President Donald J. Trump for signature. "Hydropower is critical to Montana's 'all-of-the-above' energy approach and is an important source of tax revenue, jobs and national security," said Daines. "Completion of the Gibson Dam will not only power Montana homes, but will power our economy and provide Montanan… Continue Reading
07.12.18
Daines Fights for Montana Jobs, Clean Coal
Calls for opening of Millennium Bulk Terminal U.S. SENATE - Today, in a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Steve Daines urged Congress to take action to stop the abuse of power by Washington State who is blocking the building of the Millennium Bulk Terminal and stopping coal from Montana's Crow tribe from getting to market. Watch video HERE. Download video HERE. "Montana is a net energy exporter - that means we need to have the ability to transmit, ship, an… Continue Reading
07.11.18
Chairman Daines Calls for Action to Address National Park Maintenance Backlog
U.S. SENATE - Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources' Subcommittee on National Parks, chaired a congressional hearing to discuss his bill, the Restore Our Parks Act, and call for action of the National Park System's maintenance backlog. The Restore Our Parks Act would create a National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund that would receive revenue from energy development and private donors. Currently, the National Park Service backlog is $11.6 bi… Continue Reading
07.09.18
Daines Statement on Supreme Court Nomination
U.S. SENATE - U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the below statement following President Donald Trump's announcement of Brett M. Kavanaugh as his nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. Watch video HERE. Download video HERE. "As a United States Senator, confirming a Supreme Court justice is one of the most consequential votes I will take," said Daines. "Brett Kavanaugh has an impressive background and excellent experience. I look forward to meeting with the nominee and reviewing his judi… Continue Reading
07.02.18
Daines, Gianforte Announce Approval of Kootenai National Forest Restoration Project
Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte announced the Forest Service's approval of a project to help restore areas of the Kootenai National Forest that were damaged in last year's West Fork Fire. The West Fork Fire Salvage and Restoration Project will begin implementation in August. Last fall, the West Fork Fire burned 21,800 acres seven miles northwest of Libby. Approximately 42 percent of trees in the most severely burned areas - over 9,000 acres - are dead or expected… Continue Reading
06.29.18
Daines, Tester Bill to Complete Gibson Dam Near Augusta Passes Senate
U.S. SENATE - The U.S. Senate passed U.S. Sens. Steve Daines' and Jon Tester's bill to ensure the completion of the Gibson Dam Hydro Project near Augusta. The bill will provide for the six-year extension of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license for the dam. "Hydropower is critical to Montana's 'all-of-the-above' energy approach and is an important source of tax revenue and jobs," said Daines. "Completion of the Gibson Dam will not only power Montana homes, but will power our … Continue Reading
06.29.18
Daines Secures Essential Support for Montana Defense Priorities
Defense Appropriations Act will fund critical missions performed by Montana service members, utilize Montana innovation to advance military readiness U.S. SENATE - U.S. Senator Steve Daines today advanced the Fiscal Year 2019 Department of Defense Appropriation Act, which provides robust funding for Montana's military priorities and enables Montana researchers and small businesses to continue supporting U.S. military readiness. The funding measure, which was reported out of the Senate Appropr… Continue Reading
06.29.18
Daines Resolution to Recognize the Great Outdoors Passes Senate
Resolution establishes June 2018 as "Great Outdoors Month" U.S. SENATE - The U.S. Senate passed a resolution sponsored by U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Chairman of the U.S. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, which recognizes June 2018 as national "Great Outdoors Month." "For Montanans, nothing beats getting outdoors for some hunting, skiing, fishing, backpacking, you name it - it's our way of life," said Daines. "That's why I'm excited June is National Great… Continue Reading
06.28.18
Daines Fights for Montana Agriculture and Secures Wins for Montana Farmers and Ranchers in Farm Bill
Underscores the importance of needed action on forest reform Among other Montana priorities secured by Daines, the Farm Bill included: Critical safety net programs such as crop insurance and the sugar program; ag research funding for land grant universities, such as Montana State University and ag research stations across Montana; prioritization of rural broadband for Montana's unserved communities; an important vaccine bank to help better respond to animal disease outbreaks, and, support for… Continue Reading
06.27.18
Daines Statement on Retirement of Justice Kennedy
U.S. SENATE - Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines released the following statement regarding the retirement of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. "During his over 40 years on the federal bench, Justice Anthony Kennedy spoke of the importance of the First Amendment and we are forever grateful for his service to our country and his time on the bench." said Daines. On the next Supreme Court Justice: "With Justice Kennedy's retirement, voting on the next Supreme Court Justice is the most conse… Continue Reading
06.27.18
Daines: No Balanced Budget, No Pay
Daines calls for budget reform before Joint Select Committee on Budget Appropriations U.S. SENATE - Today, at a Joint Select Committee on Budget Appropriations open hearing, U.S. Senator Steve Daines called for reforms to the budget process including withholding pay from congressional members if they are unable to pass a balanced budget. "It's simple, we don't pass a balanced budget, we don't get paid," said Daines. "I believe that by passing no budget, no pay members of Congress will clearly… Continue Reading
06.27.18
Daines Applauds Secretary Zinke’s Commitment to Rural Communities
Rural communities in Montana are receiving $40.1 million under the Payments in Lieu of Taxes Program (PILT) U.S. SENATE - U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's announcement of funds to support vital services in rural communities across Montana. "From firefighters to school and road construction, Montana's residents rely on their communities for critical services," said Daines. "I'm glad Secretary Zinke is making this critical investment t… Continue Reading
06.25.18
Under Chairman Daines First Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill Passes through Regular Order in Nearly a Decade
Daines' bill will increase government transparency, accountability, and strengthen security at the Capitol U.S. SENATE - Under the leadership of U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee, the U.S. Senate passed the first Legislative Branch appropriations bill through regular order in nearly a decade. The 2019 Fiscal Year Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, which was secured by Daines, includes provisions to create an E-file system … Continue Reading
06.25.18
Daines: New Report Reaffirms Need to Protect Colstrip's Future in Montana
Closing of Colstrip Plants would lead to loss of nearly 3,300 Jobs, cost Montana $1.2 billion in over 16 Years U.S. SENATE - U.S. Senator Steve Daines today called a recent report outlining the devastating consequences of the early retirement of Colstrip Units 3 and 4 a "chilling wake-up call" and pressed for immediate action to help protect the future of Montana's Colstrip Power Plant. Today, the Montana Chamber of Commerce Foundation released a report showing that closing Colstrip Units 3 an… Continue Reading
06.25.18
Daines to Wilkie: Give Veterans the Care They Deserve
U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on President Donald J. Trump's nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Robert Wilkie. "Robert Wilkie has proven he is committed to keeping the promises we've made to our nation's veterans," Daines stated. "I look forward to working with him to ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve at the Department of Veterans Affairs." Daines and Wilkie discussed the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center, the VA Mission… Continue Reading
06.22.18
Daines Announces $2,499,999 for Asbestos Health Screening in Libby
U.S. SENATE - Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced a $2,499,999.00 grant for the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) in Libby. The Center for Asbestos Related Disease is a vital nonprofit resource that helps with identification treatment, and research for those with asbestos exposure. "Too many Montana families have suffered at the hands of asbestos," said Daines. "Through this additional funding the Center for Asbestos Related Disease will be able to continue the excellent work th… Continue Reading
06.21.18
Daines Secures Critical Funds to Support Montana Wildfire, Flood Disaster Relief
U.S. SENATE - Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines secured $7.23 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund in the 2019 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. These critical funds are used for Fire Management Assistance Grants, which Montana applies for after devastating wildfires. "Montana's wildfires and floods have harmed families and cost our state millions," said Daines. "These important funds will help communities rebuild and address Montana's unique chal… Continue Reading
06.21.18
Daines Condemns SCOTUS Decision on Internet Sales Tax
U.S. SENATE - U.S. Senator Steve Daines today condemned the United States Supreme Court decision allowing states to implement an Internet sales tax on small businesses physically located outside of the state's borders. The 5-4 decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair will increase tax burdens on small businesses and raise prices for consumers. This decision could lead to Internet retailers in all states being forced to become tax collectors for over 10,000 tax jurisdictions across the country. "Tod… Continue Reading
06.20.18
Daines Calls for Permanent Reauthorization and Full Funding of LWCF
U.S. SENATE - U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined a bipartisan group of Members of Congress, sportsmen, and conservationists in calling for the permanent reauthorization and full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The conservation program expires 100 days from today. Watch press conference HERE. "Since I first came to Congress, I have been committed to permanently reauthorizing the LWCF," said Daines. "The LWCF does not cost taxpayers a penny and is critical to Montan… Continue Reading
