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Tag: Appropriations

Daines Pushes to Expand Rural Broadband

October 28, 2015

Click here to watch Daines’ remarks. Click here to download Daines’ remarks.  Senator Steve Daines today pushed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to close the gap in connectivity between rural and urban areas. Daines called on the FCC to expand connectivity in rural regions to minimize the divide that currently exists in delivery of broadband service. “Access to technology removes geography as a constraint and allows Montanans to start and grow world-class companies,” Daines stated. “But we still have a lot of issues to overcome to connect our unserved communities and the FCC plays a big role.” Last week, Daines

Daines Calls on Senate to Take Up Rural Water Bills

October 8, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  Senator Steve Daines today reaffirmed his commitment to moving forward Montana rural water projects and called on the Senate to take up his bills to ensure the completion of authorized projects across Montana. During today’s Energy and Natural Resources hearing on western water legislation, Daines emphasized the challenges associated with inadequate water management in western communities, including many regions in Montana. “My bills would facilitate water delivery to over 23 million acres in Montana and millions more acres across the West for rural communities without good access to quality water supply today,” Daines stated. “If we are going to address

Daines: Democrats Blocking Funding for Water, Infrastructure Projects is Shameful

October 8, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today slammed Senate Democrats for blocking the FY2016 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill, which funds critical infrastructure projects administered by the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation – including Montana rural water projects.  “Despite the vast majority of Democrats supporting this bill during an Appropriations Committee vote this summer, once again Democrats have chosen to block legislation that protects Montanans’ interests and strengthens our national security through increased energy and water security,” Daines stated. “This legislation works to enhance our energy efficiency while funding important projects that modernize our nation’s energy and water infrastructure. It’s

Daines Applauds Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act

October 7, 2015

Senator Steve Daines today applauded the overwhelming bipartisan passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which provides critical support for the nation’s military and national security. “Montana is playing a critical role in meeting our nation’s security and military needs and this bill provides the support our men and women in uniform need to carry out their missions,” Daines stated. “The NDAA prioritizes the needs of our service members, while protecting the important role that Montana holds in our national defense. I urge President Obama to drop his veto threat and stand with Congress, the American people and our

Daines Calls for Passage of National Defense Authorization Act

October 6, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today took to the Senate floor to call on the Senate to swiftly pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes critical support for Montana’s military missions. Daines also called on Senate Democrats to stop blocking the Department of Defense Appropriations Act and fund the military.   Click here to watch Daines’ remarks. Click here to download Daines’ remarks. Daines made the following remarks on the Senate floor this afternoon: “Montana has a rich legacy of service to our country— from maintaining our nation’s ‘peace through strength’ strategy at Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base, where we oversee one-third of

Daines Blasts Senate Democrats’ Refusal to Fund the Department of Veterans Affairs

October 1, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today blasted Senate Democrats’ obstruction of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which provides critical funding for veterans services:  “Our nation’s heroes should have easy access to the resources, services and medical care that they need and deserve. It’s unconscionable that Senate Democrats would rather make our veterans pawns in political games. This legislation contains numerous important provisions to address Montana veterans’ long-standing concerns and it would be shameful to see these much-needed reforms fall victim to Democrats’ obstructionism. I urge Senate Democrats to quickly pass this legislation, which contains increased

Daines Announces Over $2 Million in Funding for Billings Logan International Airport

September 11, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today announced over $2 million in funding for Billings Logan International Airport in light of recent flooding and infrastructure challenges facing the airport. The Department of Transportation’s $2,068,668 grant will fund much-needed drainage improvements at the airport, which serves as a major air transportation hub in Montana and is vital to commercial and general aviation. In the last reported year (2013), there were over 380,000 enplanements and 76,000 aircraft operations at Billings Logan International Airport. “Billings Logan Airport provides critical transportation services to thousands of Montanans every year. This grant will go a long

Daines Announces $10.2 Million in Grants for Montana Tribal Colleges

August 28, 2015

U.S. SENATE – Senator Steve Daines, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, today announced that Montana’s tribal colleges have been awarded more than $10.2 million in grants through the U.S. Department of Education. Grants will be awarded to tribal colleges in Box Elder, Browning, Crow Agency, Harlem, Lame Deer, Pablo and Poplar. The formula-based grants will provide Montana’s tribal colleges with additional resources to expand academic opportunity for Montana tribal members. “Montana’s tribal colleges provide valuable educational and job training services to Native American students across our state,” Daines stated. “These grants will help our tribal colleges continue

Daines Secures Much-Needed Reforms for America’s Cybersecurity, Postal Service, Financial Services Sector

July 23, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today secured provisions to safeguard American’s cyber infrastructure, protect rural postal service, reduce regulatory burdens and help Montana community banks and credit unions better serve their customers.  Daines joined the Senate Appropriations Committee today in approving the FY2016 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act. Daines secured key provisions to maintain six-day delivery through FY16 and urge the U.S. Postal Service to make good-faith efforts to either renew postal contract station agreements or find suitable alternatives to serve rural areas. In light of the Office and Personnel Management’s failure to report on numerous occasions

Daines Fights to Give Montana Farmers Certainty in Federally Mandated Grain Inspections

July 16, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today fought to secure key provisions for Montana farmers and ranchers and provide farmers greater certainty in federally mandated grain inspections to protect against disruptions like those that occurred last summer at the Port of Vancouver. Daines successfully worked to include provisions addressing concerns voiced by Montana’s farmers and ranchers in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2016, which was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee this morning by a vote of 28-2. “Montana’s hardworking farmers deserve certainty that their grain can get to market in a timely