Tag: Indian Affairs

Daines Successfully Retains Little Shell Recognition, Montana Defense Priorities in Final NDAA

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that he successfully preserved big wins for Montana in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) including the federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians and critical defense priorities for Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls. Daines fought for years to help get federal recognition for the Little Shell Tribe. Earlier this year, Daines successfully fought to include federal recognition of the Tribe as an amendment in the Senate passed NDAA. Daines then successfully demanded it be included in the final NDAA. “Today is great news for Montana. After

HHS Responds to Daines’ Demand to Revoke Government Pension of Convicted Pedophile

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines received a letter from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in response to the Senator’s call for action to take away convicted pedophile Stanley Patrick Weber’s government pension. “I’m glad to see HHS respond to my demand and take action in finding a way to prevent this convicted pedophile from receiving a dime of his government pension,” Daines said. “This disgusting situation should never have happened in the first place – that’s why I’ve introduced and am fighting for legislation that would prevent future convicted pedophiles from receiving a government pension.” To read the

Daines, Gianforte Fight for Jobs in Indian Country

U.S. CONGRESS – U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte reintroduced legislation to permanently extend the Indian Coal Production Tax Credit (ICPTC). “This is about bringing economic opportunity and jobs to Indian country” Daines said. “This tax credit will create good, high paying jobs, generate vital local tax revenue to support essential services, and promote tribal self-determination and energy independence.” “The Indian Coal Production Tax Credit benefits the Crow Tribe, its members, and the people of Montana,” said Gianforte. “I am proud to introduce legislation to permanently extend the tax credit, support tribal development, and help strengthen Montana’s economy with

Senate Approves Federal Recognition of Little Shell Tribe After Years-Long Push by Daines & Tester

(U.S. Senate) – The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians is one step closer to achieving federal recognition today, thanks to a legislative push by U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester. The Senators’ legislation passed today as a Daines amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act—the Senate’s must-pass annual defense bill. “Today is a historic day for Montana’s Little Shell Tribe,” Daines said. “For the first time in history, our bill to federally recognize the Tribe passed the Senate. This is a major milestone for the Little Shell Tribe, and I’ll continue pushing until we get this done once

Daines Advances Key Montana Priorities in Senate Defense Bill

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today advanced key Montana priorities with U.S. Senate passage of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA passed with a vote of 86-8. “The Senate defense bill protects and promotes Montana’s critical contributions to our national security,” Daines said. “I look forward to working with the House to ensure we keep critical Montana provisions that strengthens our nuclear deterrence, empowers our standing on the world stage and gets the men and women who serve in Montana the resources they need.” Key Highlights in the Senate passed NDAA: Prioritizes nuclear deterrence– $22 million increase for GBSD $8.9 million increase for Minuteman upgrades $29 million

Daines Launches Bills to Mitigate MMIW Crisis in Indian Country

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today in a U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing continued his fight to combat the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis occurring across Montana’s Tribal communities and the West. In conjunction with the hearing, Daines introduced two pieces of legislation, the Finding and Investigating Native Disappearance Act (FIND) and The Tribal Reporting and Accountability to Congress Act (TRAC). Click HERE to download. “I want to thank you all for coming before us today as we continue to work to put an end to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis,” Daines said. “[T]oday I

Little Shell Federal Recognition Bill One Step Closer to Becoming Law after Push by Daines & Tester

(U.S. Senate) – Federal recognition for the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians has advanced further than ever before after a push by U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester to successfully include their bill as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act—the Senate’s must-pass annual defense legislation. The Little Shell Tribe has sought federal recognition for nearly four decades, and has been recognized by the State of Montana since 2000. “Great news today for Montana’s Little Shell Tribe,” Daines said. “After decades of fighting for the federal recognition they deserved, we’re one step closer to making it a reality.  I’m honored to have

Daines: We Must Shed Light on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Crisis

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced a resolution designating May 5, 2019 as a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls.  “What’s happening in Indian Country must be addressed and brought to the national stage,” Daines said. “We must work together to stop the crisis of missing and murdered Native women and girls. I will continue to strongly voice their stories so that we may commemorate their lives, raise awareness of this issue, and help put an end to this horrible tragedy.” Daines will headline the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s March in Billings, Montana tomorrow, April 5th. To read the full resolution, click HERE. Background: On February 7th,

Daines to HHS: Convicted Pedophile Should Not Receive One Cent of Taxpayer Money

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), urging he stop Stanley Patrick Weber, a former Indian Health Service (IHS) pediatrician recently convicted for molesting children while working on the Blackfeet Reservation, from continuing to receive a government pension in prison. “If the Department of Health and Human Services cannot stop Mr. Weber’s pension payments, then we stand ready to provide any assistance necessary from Congress that will fix this flawed system,” the letter states. “A convicted pedophile should not receive one cent of taxpayer money while serving

Daines Honors Native Women in Montana, Across the Nation

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States. The resolution celebrates the heritage, culture, and history of Native women and recognizes the many contributions Native women have made to our nation. “Native women have made a profound impact in Montana and across our country,” Daines said. “By honoring the importance of their contributions, we can ensure that future generations of young women can learn from the legacies of these great leaders.”  The full resolution can be found HERE.   ###