Water Archives - Senator Steve Daines

Daines, Sheehy, Zinke, Downing Send Letter to Bureau of Reclamation Requesting Funds to Repair St. Mary Diversion Dam and Canal

April 28, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy, as well as Congressmen Ryan Zinke (MT-01) and Troy Downing (MT-02) today sent a letter to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation requesting funding to repair the St. Mary Diversion Dam and Canal. “We write to urge full and fair consideration of the St. Mary Diversion Dam and Canal of the Milk River Project (Project) in northwestern Montana to be an authorized recipient of funding as appropriated in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, titled under “Water Conveyance and Surface Water Storage Enhancement.” When the Canal was originally constructed in 1915, it had

Daines in Senate Indian Affairs Committee: Complete the Fort Belknap Water Settlement, Support Montana’s Hi-Line

March 11, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke with the Department of the Interior Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Scott Cameron in a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing. The two discussed the necessity of completing the Fort Belknap water rights settlement and supporting irrigation and infrastructure on the Milk River. Watch the full exchange HERE. Daines on the importance of the Fort Belknap water rights settlement: Daines: The Fort Belknap have waited over a century to settle their water rights. In fact, they are the original tribe that led to the Winters Doctrine. They completed their settlement negotiations decades ago and have been waiting

Daines, Sheehy Introduce Bill Ensuring Clean Water for Northeastern Montana

January 14, 2026

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy today introduced a bill to reauthorize the Fort Peck Dry Prairie Rural Water System. The bill extends authority for the Bureau of Reclamation to continue constructing essential water infrastructure in the Fort Peck Reservation and in Roosevelt, Sheridan, Valley, and Daniels counties from December 2026 to December 2028. “Water infrastructure is especially important for Montana’s tribes and rural communities, and I’m pleased this bill will help provide these areas clean, safe water,” said Daines. “As I work alongside Senator Daines to make life more safe, prosperous, and affordable for all Montanans, it’s

Senate Democrats Block Daines’ Bill to Increase Traditional & Renewable American Energy Production

March 3, 2022

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today doubled down on his push to support Made in America energy. Daines slammed Senate Democrats after they blocked his bill that would increase traditional and renewable American energy production and help America’s partners and allies be less dependent on Russia. Daines’ bill would require the Biden administration to restart oil and gas leases on federal lands which were banned last year. Daines’ bill would also kickstart renewable energy development on federal lands and waters. To watch Daines’ remarks, click HERE. “All in one year, President Biden killed the Keystone XL pipeline, banned new oil

Daines Makes Important Gains for Montana Farmers and Ranchers

May 19, 2016

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today secured key provisions for Montana farmers and ranchers. “As a steadfast champion of our state’s number one industry, I work everyday to ensure that our farmers and ranchers are being heard and well represented,” Daines stated. “I was able to secure important provisions to sustain funding for initiatives to help farmers and ranchers with loans, help stop diseases that are encroaching our forests and expand employment opportunities for veterans in agriculture.” “The Montana Grain Growers Association thanks Sen. Daines’ for protecting the ARS Insect Research Unit in Sidney and for his efforts to secure increased funding for the

Daines Rallies Support for Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans

May 18, 2016

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Representatives Chris Gibson (R-NY) and David Valadao (R-CA) to rally support for their legislation to ensure Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans are eligible to receive benefits linked to Agent Orange Exposure. Daines at the U.S. Capitol with Senate and House co-sponsors and veterans. Click here to download. Click here to watch Daines’ remarks. Click here to download Daines’ remarks. Daines introduced legislation to ensure thousands of Vietnam-era Navy veterans, known as “Blue Water” vets, who were exposed to the powerful toxin Agent Orange will be eligible to receive disability and health care benefits

Daines Hails Passage of Legislation to Improve Montana’s Energy Future

May 12, 2016

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the passage of bipartisan legislation that works to improve the future of Montana energy. “I’m proud to see the passage of bipartisan legislation that protects Montana energy jobs, is critical to irrigate over 50,000 acres of cropland in the eastern part of our state and strengthens rural water systems that serve tens of thousands of Montana families,” Daines stated. “I’m working to provide certainty for our farmers, ranchers and communities by reducing bureaucratic red tape.” Click here to watch Daines’ statement. Click here to download Daines’ statement. The Senate today passed the FY 2017 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act

Daines Introduces Rural Water Projects Legislation

May 10, 2016

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced legislation that would move Montana rural water projects forward and ensure the completion of authorized projects across Montana. The Western Water Supply and Planning Enhancement Act is a bill that would help improve the efficiency of existing water supply infrastructure, ease the regulatory burden on new projects and protect water rights that are critical to the prosperity of the western United States. The bill also accelerates implementation of Montana-made forest management projects that enhance watersheds and reduce the risk of wildfires. “If I told you that today, over 22,000 Montanans lack access to a steady supply

Daines Defends Montana Farmers, Ranchers and Land Owners

April 21, 2016

U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today worked to defend Montana farmers, ranchers and land owners from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) greatly expanded Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Senate Democrats once again blocked efforts to stop President Obama’s WOTUS rule that is a direct threat to Montana’s agriculture and natural resources industries, jobs and water rights. “It is shameful that once again Senate Democrats would rather defend President Obama’s overreaching policies than stand up for hardworking farmers, ranchers and land owners,” Daines stated. “Montanans who live and work on the land every day know how to best manage our state’s resources

Montana Receives Almost $900,000 for Local LWCF Projects

April 18, 2016

U.S. SENATE – Senator Steve Daines today announced that Montana will receive $896,436 in fiscal year 2016 stateside funding from the United States Department of Interior (DOI) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to support conservation and recreation projects in local communities. “Like so many Montanans, I know firsthand that hunting, fishing and access to public lands is part of our way of life and the LWCF is an important and successful tool that expands access and increase recreational opportunities on our public land,” said Daines, Montana’s only member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “I’m pleased that Montana will

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