Trade Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Senator Steve Daines

Daines, Zinke Urge Canadian PM to Prioritize Montana Issues

December 4, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Montana Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke are reaching out to newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to emphasize Montana priorities and ensure continued economic growth on both sides of the northern border. In a letter, Daines and Zinke congratulated Trudeau on his recent election and underscored the treasured and crucial relationship between Canada and Montana. “The state of Montana has a great appreciation for the conducive working relationship we have fostered with our neighbors to the North,” Daines and Zinke wrote. “We not only share a border, but we frequently work together to address pertinent

Daines, Zinke Work to Protect Port of Raymond Operational Hours

November 23, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Montana Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke today urged U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials to reverse plans to reduce operating hours at the Port of Raymond and terminate the northeastern Montana border crossing’s 24-hour operating status. In a letter to CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske, Daines and Zinke highlighted the important role that the Port of Raymond holds for regional economic activity and the overwhelming local concern surrounding CBP’s recent decision to reduce operating hours. “Terminating the Port of Raymond’s 24-hour status would create costly route diversions and impair the flow of goods in an important economic corridor,” Daines

Daines Calls for Montanans’ Feedback on Trans Pacific Partnership

November 5, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today posted the complete text of the newly released Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and is encouraging Montanans to read the trade agreement and provide him with feedback. The bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority legislation passed earlier this year was an important first step in establishing clear guidelines that enforce transparency, maintain Congress’ important role in the process and ensure Montanans’ voices are heard in all trade negotiations. The full text of the Trans Pacific Partnership is available here. The text will be available for several months before Congress considers it for a vote. “I’m pleased that the

Montana Congressional Delegation Secures Reversal of India Restrictions on Pulse Exports

November 3, 2015

Following pressure from Montana Senator Steve Daines, Senator Jon Tester and Congressman Ryan Zinke, India has reversed its regulatory restrictions on pulse crop stock limits – clearing the way for exports of Montana pulse crops to India to resume. India’s policy reversal follows a letter sent last week by the Montana delegation urging the resolution of issues surrounding India’s recent regulatory changes that would have negatively affected Montana pulse producers’ ability to export peas, lentils and chickpeas to Indian markets. “The Indian government’s reversal of these regulatory restrictions is welcome news for Montana pulse farmers whose livelihoods depend on reliable

Tester, Daines, and Zinke unite to protect Butte workers

October 29, 2015

(U.S. Senate) – Senator Jon Tester, Senator Steve Daines, and Congressman Ryan Zinke are pushing to resolve a trade dispute between China and the United States that could negatively impact REC Silicon, one of Butte-Silver Bow’s largest employers. The Montana Congressional delegation has sent a letter to Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai urging him to work with the China Ministry of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to resolve the trade dispute that is preventing China from purchasing polysilicon from REC Silicon to manufacture solar panels. “Industries in both countries stand to benefit greatly from a mutually-agreeable settlement of this trade

Montana Congressional Delegation Works to Remove Trade Barriers for Montana Pulse Producers

October 28, 2015

Senator Steve Daines, Senator Jon Tester and Congressman Ryan Zinke are actively working to resolve regulatory barriers that threaten Montana pulse crop producers’ access to international markets. The Montana Congressional delegation sent a letter urging Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Department of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker to resolve issues surrounding India’s recent regulatory changes that will negatively affect Montana pulse producers’ ability to export peas, lentils and chickpeas to Indian markets. The delegation is working to preempt the economic hardships that pulse producers may face as a result of reduced access to critical markets abroad. “Montana produces more

Daines Discusses Montana Trade Opportunities With Taiwanese Business Leaders

September 16, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today met with Taiwanese business leaders to discuss future opportunities to export Montana goods to Taiwan. Taiwan is Montana’s fourth largest export market in Asia and seventh largest export market in the world. In 2014, Montana’s exports to Taiwan reached $44 million in exports. Taiwan is one of Montana’s top foreign markets for agricultural products, especially the state’s hard red winter and hard red spring wheat crops, as well as barley and durum. Taiwan is Montana’s second largest market for grains in Asia, after Japan. “I enjoyed the opportunity to discuss expanding markets for Montana goods

Daines, Alexander Introduce Legislation to Halt Over-Regulation of Legal Ivory

July 15, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) today introduced legislation to halt the Obama administration’s over-regulation of lawfully owned ivory found in antique firearms, musical instruments and other family heirlooms and antiques often sought by collectors. The African Elephant Conservation and Legal Ivory Possession Act of 2015 ends the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s unilateral moratorium on the importation, exportation, and sale of lawfully possessed ivory, while also making significant efforts to assist anti-poaching efforts in countries with elephant populations. “It’s senseless that the Obama administration wants to retroactively penalize Montanans who have legally owned ivory-containing antique firearms, musical

Daines, Montana Ag & Business Leaders Call for Passage of Trade Legislation

May 14, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today joined Montana farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and business leaders in calling for the swift passage of bipartisan legislation to give Congress and the American people a greater voice in trade negotiations. “Montanans know the importance of trade to our state’s economy. Montana ag producers, manufacturers and small businesses need fair and transparent trade policies that increase access to new markets and help grow their businesses,” Daines stated. “This bipartisan trade legislation is an important first step in establishing clear guidelines that enforce transparency, maintain Congress’ important role in the process and ensure Montanans’ voices

Billings Gazette: Daines: Fast-tracking trade agreements right for Montana’s economy

May 14, 2015

Because exports to the Asian Pacific are crucial to Montana’s economy, Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines said Thursday he will support fast-tracking trade agreements for President Barack Obama. The announcement made between votes on the Senate floor was the first time Daines publicly confirmed granting Obama trade promotion authority, or TPA. TPA would bind Congress to an up or down vote on two major upcoming trade agreements, meaning Congressional amendments would be off limits on agreements negotiated by the Democratic president. The first trade agreement coming up, the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, would have the biggest effect on Montana, particularly agriculture,

Tag: Trade