{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"MT\" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-congratulates-stephen-reynolds-of-missoula-on-naval-academy-appointment", "Daines Congratulates Stephen Reynolds of Missoula on Naval Academy Appointment", "2015-12-28", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.28.15\n\t\t\t Daines Congratulates Stephen Reynolds of Missoula on Naval Academy Appointment \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today congratulated Missoula student Stephen Reynolds on his appointment to the United States Naval Academy.\r\nReynolds, a senior at Sentinel High School in Missoula, received a nomination to the Naval and Air Force Academies from Daines earlier this month. Reynolds is currently the student body class president, captain of the varsity football team as well as member of both the National Honor Society and Key Club.\r\nStephen Reynolds is a hardworking student excelling both inside and outside of the classroom who exemplifies the best of our state's commitment to service, Daines stated. I am proud to congratulate Steve on his extensive accomplishments in high school and looking forward to watching him become a future leader in the Navy.\r\nThe United States Naval Academy is located in Annapolis, Maryland.\r\nMontana students interested in applying to any of our nation's service academy can find more information by visiting Daines' website at:http://www.daines.senate.gov/serving-you/for-students/academy-nominations.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-wishes-montanans-a-merry-christmas", "Daines Wishes Montanans a Merry Christmas", "2015-12-23", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.15\n\t\t\t Daines Wishes Montanans a Merry Christmas \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. Senator Steve Daines is wishing all Montanans a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year:\r\n\r\nClick here to watch Daines' Christmas greeting.\r\nClick here to download Daines' Christmas greeting.\r\nDaines' full Christmas greeting is below:\r\nI want to wish all Montanans a very Merry Christmas and especially to the servicemen and women serving far away and in harm's way.\r\nAs we gather together with our family, friends and neighbors, join me in saying thank you' to the brave men and women giving so much to defend our freedoms. For their service, and the sacrifices made by our military families, we are especially grateful.\r\nAs Montanans look toward the New Year, I look forward to continuing to serve you. It's truly an honor to represent the people of Montana in the United States Senate.\r\nFrom the Daines family to yours have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-week-mark-gollinger-of-butte-silver-bow", "Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Mark Gollinger of Butte-Silver Bow", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.15\n\t\t\t Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Mark Gollinger of Butte-Silver Bow \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines today recognizedMark Gollinger for his faithful devotion to the veterans of Butte-Silver Bow.\r\nMark is a US Navy retired Senior Chief who runs the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) from the Butte Job Service. One of the chief responsibilities of his position is communicating with veterans in the area and keeping them informed of what is happening around the community.\r\nThrough his Montanan of the Week initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.\r\n\r\n\r\nDaines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere.\r\nDaines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines' Montanan of the Week program by calling Daines' office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines' website:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve\r\nThe following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record:\r\nMONTANAN OF THE WEEK\r\nMr. DAINES. Mr. President, I would like to honor Mark Gollinger for his faithful devotion to the veterans of Butte-Silver Bow, Montana. Mark has tirelessly served countless veterans over the years by serving as a liaison between veterans and veteran providers.\r\nMark is a US Navy retired Senior Chief who now runs the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) from the Butte Job Service. One of the chief responsibilities of his position is communicating with veterans in the area and keeping them informed of what is happening around the community. Some of his most recent efforts have included free tax preparation for veterans and active duty military members, virtual career fairs with the Forest Service and a career mini-summit.\r\nMark also hosts a quarterly Veteran Service Provider (VSP) meetings in Butte, at which presentations are given with information to help veterans learn more about the providers in the area, in addition to sharing any other relevant information for veterans.\r\nAs a strong advocate for ensuring our veterans are cared and provided for, it is my honor to have someone like Mark Gollinger call Montana home. I am grateful for his exceptional work and look forward to hearing about the continued impact he is having in the Butte community. \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-votes-against-trillion-dollar-backroom-spending-deal", "Daines Votes Against Trillion Dollar Backroom Spending Deal", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.15\n\t\t\t Daines Votes Against Trillion Dollar Backroom Spending Deal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after voting in opposition to a $1.1 trillion backroom spending bill that fails to rein in the national debt:\r\nOnce again, Washington's inaction and govern-by-crisis strategy is getting in the way of providing the American people with the long-term solutions they deserve. We need an open discussion about how to support our nation's priorities while also cutting wasteful Washington spending and reining in the nation's debt. This 2000-page backroom deal fails to do either and only takes our nation further down an unsustainable path of more unbridled spending and more debt.\r\nI am pleased to see that several Montana priorities I worked for were included in this final package a three-year reauthorization of LWCF, a lifting of the oil export ban and permanent tax relief provisions for Montana families, farmers, tribes and small businesses. However, this same bill fails to address critical wildfire funding challenges facing the Forest Service and does nothing to secure much-needed reforms to the way our forests are managed. And it includes CISA a controversial cybersecurity bill that threatens Montanans' privacy and civil liberties. It's irresponsible for Washington to continue increasing government spending and our national debt, while doing nothing to secure necessary savings and long-overdue reforms to Washington's broken culture.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4245", "Tester votes no on $680 billion unpaid-for spending bill [press_release]", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement after voting against an end-of-year tax and spending bill that he says would saddle future generations with $680 billion in new debt: \"There are many things in this bill that I like, many things that I fought for, and even wrote myself. There are things that aren't in this bill that should have been, but instead they got sidelined. Then there is also some crap in here, garbage that should have been tossed out, but wasn't. But when I look at the whole package, my biggest concern is that fact that this bill saddles our kids and grandkids with over $680 billion in additional debt.\" Tester helped author the VA/Military Construction portion of the bill to increase support for veterans services and to address military construction priorities in Montana. He also successfully added provisions of his Visa Waiver legislation, additional funding for rural water projects, one more year of PILT funding, and Title X funding. However, calling this a \"tough vote,\" Tester said that the bad outweighed the good in the legislation. The Senator pointed to the hundreds of billions of dollars in new debt in the package as the largest reason he could not support it, including special tax breaks for corporations, racehorse owners, NASCAR track owners, and Hollywood filmmakers. You can read the Senator's full remarks on the bill HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4246", "Tester secures important provisions for Montana veterans, national security in year-end spending bill [press_release]", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester secured multiple provisions for Montana veterans and national security priorities in a year-end spending bill that was passed by Congress today and is on its way to the President's desk.\nTester used his seat as the Ranking Member of the Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee to ensure the bill makes a historic investment in the delivery of care to veterans, while helping the VA eliminate its disability claims backlog, expand access to care for more veterans, and construct new facilities, including Vet Centers and veterans homes in places like Montana. The bill will also allow for critical upgrades to the Montana Air National Guard's C-130 fleet and to modernize the ICBMs at Malmstrom.\nTester supported the year-end spending bill until it was attached at the last minute to a tax package that will increase the national debt by more than $680 billion over the next decade, not including additional interest payments that will be required.\n\"There are many critical provisions in this bill that will help Montana veterans and strengthen the mission at Malmstrom and MANG,\" Tester said. \"I joined in on some of the early negotiations, but I haven't been in the smoke filled room where leadership and the President chose to hatch out a deal behind closed doors. I pushed hard to keep this massive debt proposal off of the appropriations bill because we should not saddle our kids and grandkids with over $680 billion in new debt.\"\nAfter the vote, Tester remained disappointed that Congress moved forward with the debt package, but pointed to several of his veteran provisions that were included in the final version of the bill.\nTester's provisions in the bill will: \tConstruct a $19.7 million Air Force Tactical Response Force Alert Facility at Malmstrom Air Force Base. \tInvest an additional $60 million to address the growing need for state-run veterans' homes across the country, including rural areas. \tInvests an additional $15 million in Vet Centers, which provide critical mental health services to veterans and their families. \tIncrease protections for VA whistleblowers who report issues that are blocking veterans from seeking timely care. \tEnsure that the VA is more capable of addressing the specific needs of female veterans. \tCreate a VA nurse call center that will provide medical advice and appointment and cancellations services for veterans. \tInvest an additional $25 million for STARBASE to help children of military families take a more active role in STEM fields. \tRequire regular updates from the Air Force and Federal Aviation Administration on efforts to address communication and safety concerns regarding the expansion of the Powder River Training Complex.\nTester voted to separate the omnibus appropriations bill from the tax package, but that vote failed, 25-73.\nTester supported the omnibus appropriations bill, but voted no on the final bill once the tax package was included to avoid passing down an additional $680 billion of new debt to the next generation of Montanans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-congratulates-distinguished-student-on-us-naval-academy-appointment", "Daines Congratulates Distinguished Student on U.S. Naval Academy Appointment", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.15\n\t\t\t Daines Congratulates Distinguished Student on U.S. Naval Academy Appointment \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator Steve Daines today congratulated Lucas Figi on his offer of appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.\r\nFigi, whose family is from Bozeman, Montana, received nominations to the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point from Daines. Figi is currently a student at Charterhouse, a boarding school in England.\r\nDaines called Figi today to inform him of his offer and give his congratulations.\r\nLucas has proved himself as an exceptional student, a tremendous athlete and a leader in his community. It is my honor to congratulate him on his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy,Daines said.I look forward to continuing to watch Lucas as he honors Montana through his future service to our great state and nation.\r\nFigi is a champion rifleman and the captain of his shooting team at Charterhouse. He is also on the rowing team and is a member of the school's Royal Marines Cadet Corps.\r\nMontana students interested in applying to any of our nation's military academies can find more information by visiting Daines' website at:http://www.daines.senate.gov/serving-you/for-students/academy-nominations\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-slams-fcc-rebuff-of-montana-small-businesses", "Daines Slams FCC Rebuff of Montana Small Businesses", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.15\n\t\t\t Daines Slams FCC Rebuff of Montana Small Businesses \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines slammed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for failing to permanently protect Montana small businesses from burdensome regulations found in the FCC's 317-page net neutrality rules.\r\nEarlier today, the FCC rebuffed Daines' request to provide small Internet service providers with a permanent exemption from their new so-called enhanced transparency requirements, which requires Internet service providers to disclose an excess of information about their network performance.\r\nThe FCC offered a one-year extension of the exemption, which disregards numerous Congressional requests and the recommendation of the Obama administration's Small Business Administration to provide a permanent exemption of the rule.\r\nSmall Montana businesses should be focused on infrastructure deployment and serving their customers, not complying with unnecessary and burdensome regulatory requirements from an unchecked fourth branch of government,Daines stated.The FCC's rules are a solution in search of a problem. By failing to provide a permanent exemption to these requirements, the FCC has only added to the regulatory uncertainty facing small Internet service providers and worked in direct opposition of our hardworking small businesses.\r\nDaines' concerns were also echoed by FCC Commissioner Mike O'Rielly and Montana provider Grizzly Internet:\r\nFCC Commissioner Mike O'Rielly:Senator Daines is right to champion this measure through new legislation. I am at a loss to understand why the Bureau would kick the can down the road instead of recognizing the obvious need to extricate small businesses from this element of the crushing Net Neutrality regulatory regime once and for all. I don't expect that anyone will be any better equipped to deal with the daunting paperwork, incalculable liabilities, and high costs of compliance twelve months from now. Maybe by then the Commission will be ready to face reality.\r\nGrizzly Internet President Jason Pond:The FCC's decision to extend the temporary exemption is a missed opportunity to make the exemption permanent. We should not have to spend man-hours and attorney fees to fix a problem that doesn't exist. Hopefully, the FCC will get it right next year.\r\nInNovember, Daines introduced the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015,which would have made the temporary exemption permanent so that small businesses would not have to comply with the FCC's unnecessary and burdensome regulations that would cost small businesses time and money. \r\nThe exception is supported by the Small Business Administration, American Cable Association, Rural Wireless Association, Competitive Carriers Association, NTCA The Rural Broadband Association,Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, CTIA, Rural Broadband Provider Coalition and WTA Advocates for Rural Broadband.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4242", "Tester statement on LWCFs temporary reauthorization [press_release]", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester statement on LWCFs temporary reauthorization \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t(U.S. Senate) - As Senator Jon Tester reviews the 2016 omnibus spending bill to see if it works for Montana, he released the following statement about the temporary reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): \"LWCF remains one of the best ways to increase public access to public lands, and for months I've been hearing from Montanans about the importance of permanent reauthorization and full funding. While I'm relieved that LWCF may be revived, this temporary authorization and short-term funding misses the mark in what should have been an easy bullseye.\"\nIf passed by the House and Senate, the omnibus will reauthorize LWCF for three years and increase fiscal year 2016 funding to $450 million.\nLWCF, which funds conservation projects in all 50 states using offshore oil and gas receipts, expired this year for the first time in its 50-year history.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4243", "Tester meets with head of U.S. Marine Corps to discuss ISIL, national security [press_release]", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester meets with head of U.S. Marine Corps to discuss ISIL, national security \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Senator and General also discuss militarys budget priorities \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t(U.S. Senate) - In the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, Senator Jon Tester met with Marine Corps Commandant General Robert Neller to discuss efforts to combat ISIL and ensure America's national security. Tester and Neller discussed what's being done internationally to defeat the Islamic State. The Senator also asked for assurances that the U.S. military has a clear plan to avoid being engaged in a Middle Eastern conflict indefinitely. \"America has the best fighting force in the world, and we have to make sure they have the tools they need to defeat ISIL and other threats around the world,\" Tester said. \"Hearing directly from our military leaders ensures that Congress can do a better job strengthening our national security and supporting the men and women bravely serving in our military.\" Tester and Neller also discussed the Marine Corps' budget priorities for next year, as well as the Pentagon's recent decision to expand the role of women in combat roles. Tester is the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee tasked with funding military construction projects and the VA. He also serves on the Defense Appropriations subcommittee, which provides funding for our troops and supports the ongoing efforts of the military to protect our nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4244", "Tester bill empowers small businesses to reimburse employees health care costs [press_release]", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester is looking to give small businesses the power to create Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) to help their employees pay for health care costs. Standalone HRAs are not currently permitted because they do not meet the Affordable Care Act's standards for employer-sponsored health insurance plans.\nUnder current law, businesses would be penalized for trying to provide an HRA if they don't also offer health insurance, even if the business has fewer than 50 employees and is not required to provide insurance otherwise. More than 95 percent of Montana businesses have fewer than 50 employees. To fix this, Tester is sponsoring the bipartisan Small Business Healthcare Relief Act which will improve upon the Affordable Care Act by allowing small businesses to provide HRAs for their employees. \"As we work to improve upon the Affordable Care Act, we must reduce the burden on small businesses that want to provide benefits to their employees,\" Tester said. \"This bipartisan bill will help employers support their employees and compete for the best talent.\" The measure is supported by the National Association of Home Builders, and the American Farm Bureau Federation.\nTester has long called on Congress to improve upon the ACA, instead of returning to the old system where many Montanans could not afford to get sick. Earlier this year, the Senator's PACE Act became law, giving states greater power to oversee small group health insurance markets. The Senator also recently introduced the Healthy MOM Act to create a special enrollment period for pregnant women so they can change or purchase health insurance on the Marketplace throughout the year. Tester's Small Business Healthcare Relief Act is available online HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-secures-crucial-reforms-for-montana-pilots", "Daines Secures Crucial Reforms for Montana Pilots", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.15\n\t\t\t Daines Secures Crucial Reforms for Montana Pilots \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the unanimous Senate passage of his bill to protect and expand protections for Montana pilots.\r\nDaines' bill, S. 571 - the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 (PBOR 2), increases protections for general aviation pilots by expanding the 3rd class medical exemption for recreational pilots and broadening the protections provided in the original Pilot's Bill of Rights signed into law in 2012.\r\nToday's unanimous vote is a victory for those working to contribute to Montana aviation and make our skies safer,Daines stated.I am proud to see the Senate prioritize legislation that protects the aviation industry and works to further expands the rights of hardworking pilots nationwide. This bill cuts down unnecessary bureaucratic regulations and institutes commonsense and necessary reforms to protectgeneral aviationpilots.\r\nThe Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 will:\r\n \r\nReform FAA's overly burdensome medical certification process by expanding an existing FAA medical standard to include more qualified, trained pilots.?\r\nExtend the due process rights preserved in the first Pilots Bill of Rights to all FAA certificate holders, and enhance those rights by ensuring certificate holders have the right to appeal a FAA decision through a new, merit-based trial in Federal Court.?\r\nIncrease transparency for all FAA certificate holders subject to an investigation or enforcement action by holding FAA accountable for communicating with certificate holders. FAA is required to articulate a specific description of the incident or incidents under investigation to parties involved in the investigation, and provide specific documentation relevant to its investigation.\r\nExpedite updates to the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) Improvement Program required in the first Pilot's Bill of Rights and directs FAA to develop a prioritization system organizing NOTAMs by urgency and importance, as well as include the effective duration of temporary flight restrictions. This ensures the most relevant and important information reaches the pilot. The legislation also mandates that FAA certify the accuracy of posted NOTAMs.\r\nEnsure the accessibility of flight data such as air traffic communication tapes and radar information produced by contract towers, flight service stations and controller training programs, giving certificate holders the ability to use this information to defend themselves during an enforcement action proceeding.\r\n \r\nDaines' efforts were applauded across Montana:\r\nMontana Pilots Association President Scott Newpower:The Montana Pilots Association applauds the Senate for passing the Pilots Bill of Rights 2. We believe this bill, once signed into law, will go a long ways to keeping pilots in the air without unnecessary and expensive medical bureaucracy.\r\nRocky Mountain College Director of Aviation Dan Hargrove:The Rocky Mountain College Aviation Program teachers and students are thrilled that the Senate has unanimously voted to pass the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2. Reforming 3rd class medical exemptions will safely reduce unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that hinder recreational pilots and will remove barriers to entry for the next generation of pilots. Sen. Daines' efforts through the entire legislative process from introduction to passage is greatly appreciated by the Montana aviation community.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4241", "Tester: Blind spot in immigration vetting process exposes U.S. to significant risk [press_release]", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - Following shocking news reports about the San Bernardino shooters' use of social media, Senator Jon Tester today demanded that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) begin reviewing social media data to better identify potential terrorists and prevent them from entering the country. News reports this week revealed that one of the two San Bernardino shooters, Tashfeen Malik, was granted a U.S. visa last year despite her expressed support for violent jihad against the West via social media. Those social media postings were never reviewed during any of Malik's three background check screenings. Tester, in a letter to DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson, called the current background check system \"outdated and inadequate\" and demanded the department update its immigration vetting policies to include a rigorous review of a visa applicant's social media accounts. \"We continue to face threats in this country from those spouting violent extremist thoughts on social media,\" said Tester, a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. \"The Department must ensure that terrorist speech and terrorist content on social media are reviewed by U.S. officials as they conduct background investigation screenings on potential immigrants to the United States.\" Tester last week outlined his national security agenda, which included enhancing the visa waiver program and closing a loophole to prevent suspected terrorists from buying guns. Tester's letter to Secretary Jeh Johnson is available online HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-bill-to-protect-consumers-from-backlash-over-online-reviews-unanimously-passes-senate", "Daines Bill to Protect Consumers from Backlash Over Online Reviews Unanimously Passes Senate", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.15\n\t\t\t Daines' Bill to Protect Consumers from Backlash Over Online Reviews Unanimously Passes Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the unanimous Senate passage of his legislation to protect consumers who want to write honest online reviews of companies, without fear of financial repercussions from the businesses being reviewed.\r\nDaines' bill, S. 2044 - the Consumer Review Freedom Act, would prohibit the use of non-disparagement clauses referred to as gag clauses, which are often found in little-read online user agreements.\r\nThe Senate took an important step forward in protecting the First Amendment rights of Americans who want to provide honest feedback about the products and services they purchase,Daines stated.We should encourage competition and let consumers' voices be heard on a free and open Internet. I'm excited to see the Senate stand united behind this commonsense bill.\r\nWe greatly appreciate the Senator's efforts in this regard,Montana Consumer Law Center's Jessie Lundberg stated.Protecting consumers' rights to publicly share their experience with a product or service ensures a level playing field in the marketplace. Consumers must be informed if they are to make smart spending decisions, and responsible businesses should welcome customer feedback, not hide behind fine print in a contract to prohibit it. When our clients pay for something, they assume they have the right to speak their mind about it, as they should, because they are the paying customer and deserve that right.\r\nBy approving the Consumer Review Freedom Act, the Senate has taken a significant step forward to protect consumers from unfair contract terms,National Association of Consumer Advocates' Legislative Director Christine Hines stated.The bill will prevent businesses from using the fine print to restrict customer reviews, which are a helpful online tool when we research and buy products and services in the marketplace. It's important that Congress eliminate these and other anti-consumer clauses in contracts before they proliferate any further.\r\nDaines is acosponsor of the bipartisanConsumer Review Freedom Act. The bill received its first legislative hearing in the Committee on November 4, 2015 and was passed out of the Senate Committee, Science and Transportation Committee onNovember 18, 2015on a large bipartisan vote. \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4239", "Tester sponsors bill to strengthen Montanans voting rights [press_release]", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester sponsors bill to strengthen Montanans voting rights \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Voting Rights Advancement Act also expands voter protections in Indian Country \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester is sponsoring legislation to strengthen Montanans' voting rights and expand voter protections in Indian Country. The Voting Rights Advancement Act will ensure ballots can be translated into Native languages while promoting equal opportunities to register and vote on and off Indian Reservations. The bill will also roll back the harmful changes the Supreme Court made to the Voting Rights Act in 2013 and require states that have committed voting violations to consult with the Justice Department before changing voting laws. \"Keeping folks from exercising their constitutional right to vote is shameful and un-American,\" said Tester, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. \"This bill protects those who have too often been marginalized and disenfranchised at the voting booth and guarantees that everyone can have a fair say in their government.\" In July, Tester introduced the Native American Voting Rights Act, which requires states to establish early voting sites on or near reservations and directs state election administrators to mail absentee ballots to the homes of all registered voters on reservations if requested by the tribe. The Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Native American Voting Rights Act are both endorsed by the National Congress of American Indians.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4240", "Tester nominates Montana students to military academies [press_release]", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today announced that he is nominating over two dozen Montana students who are applying to the nation's prestigious military academies.\nA nomination from a member of Congress is the first step in applying to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.\n\"It is an honor to nominate some of Montana's most accomplished students to represent our state at the nation's military academies,\" Tester said. \"Montana has a proud tradition of service and these young leaders are the latest generation of those willing to serve. These students make our state proud, and I wish them well on their journey to becoming outstanding leaders in our military.\"\nTester nominated the following students based on their academic achievement, leadership, community service, and participation in extracurricular activities.\nMontana students interested in applying to a military academy is encouraged to do so HERE.\nBig Arm Nicholas Becker, Polson High School U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy\nBaker Theodore Austin, Carter County High School (Ekalaka) U.S. Naval Academy \nBig Timber Ryan Morgan, Sweet Grass County High School U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy\nBillings Maren Kirkland, Billings Senior High School U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy \nBozeman Lucas Figi, Charterhouse School (England) U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy Daniel Perdaems, Bozeman High School U.S. Air Force Academy\nColumbus Ryland Stampfel, Columbus High School U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\nConrad Will Early, Montana State University U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy\nDivide Eric Malmquist, Beaverhead County High School (Dillon) U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy\nEast Helena Jacob O'Malley, Helena High School U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy\nEnnis Charles Buus, Harrison High School U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy\nFlorence John Winters, Admiral Farragut Academy (St. Petersburg, Florida) U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy\nFrenchtown Michael Sewell, Frenchtown High School U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\nFromberg Triston Barker, Fromberg High School U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy \nGreat Falls Ashleigh-Nicolle Lehotsky, C.M. Russell High School U.S. Air Force Academy Alliemarinda Phillips, Great Falls Central Catholic High School U.S. Military Academy\nHamilton Cailtlin Gillespie, Hamilton High School U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy\nHelena Keller Balsam, Helena High School U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Grace Berner, Capital High School U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy Robert McCarvel, Capital High School U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Christian Palmer, St. Andrew School U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy Scott Sponholz, St. Andrew School U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\nLaurel Myles Stricker, Laurel High School U.S. Military Academy\nLibby Declan Faulkner, Libby High School U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy\nMissoula Macey Newbary, Big Sky High School U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy Michael Nolan, Loyala Sacred Heart High School U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy Jack Noonan, Hellgate High School U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy Stephen Reynolds, Sentinel High School U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy\nPlentywood Mollie Simonson, Plentywood High School U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\nPolson Nathan Young, Polson High School U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-week-rocky-mountain-rifle-club", "Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Rocky Mountain Rifle Club", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.15\n\t\t\t Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Rocky Mountain Rifle Club \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines today recognized theRocky Mountain Rifle Club (RMRC) for their efforts to support the Teton County 4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle and Air Pistol clubs.\r\nThe Rocky Mountain Rifle Club has been a strong supporter of the Teton County 4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle and Air Pistol clubs, and is currently raising funds to purchase top-of-the-line air rifles and air pistols, in addition to target equipment, for the 4-H program.\r\nThrough his Montanan of the Week initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.\r\n\r\n\r\nDaines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere.\r\nDaines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines' Montanan of the Week program by calling Daines' office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines' website:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve\r\nThe following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record:\r\n MONTANAN OF THE WEEK\r\n Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I would like to recognize the Rocky Mountain Rifle Club (RMRC) for their efforts to support the Teton County 4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle and Air Pistol clubs. I appreciate RMRC's efforts to honor Montana's strong hunting legacy and protect our Second Amendment rights.\r\n There are currently 20 Montana kids enrolled in the Teton program. Three students are among the top 10 Montana shooters for their age groups: Berit Bedord, age 14; Ashley Pearson, age 13; and Luke Ostberg, age 12. These three have been the longest-lasting members of the Teton club and have steadily earned top scores in state competitions.\r\n The aim of the Teton County 4-H program is to introduce young Montanans to shooting with a focus on safety and the proper and ethical use of firearms. The shooting sports program is one of the most popular 4-H programs in the country, according to Brian Bedord, the coordinator for the Teton 4-H shooting program.\r\n The Rocky Mountain Rifle Club has been a strong supporter of the Teton County 4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle and Air Pistol clubs, and is currently raising funds to purchase top-of-the-line air rifles and air pistols, in addition to target equipment, for the 4-H program.\r\n It is my honor to thank the Rocky Mountain Rifle Club and all of its members and employees for continuing to work towards the responsible education of firearms for young Montanans. The right to keep and bear arms is an issue that is of upmost importance to me and the people of Montana. I am grateful for all of RMRC's hard work to educate Montanans and support our state's strong tradition of responsible firearm ownership.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4237", "Senate unanimously passes Testers bipartisan tribal energy bill [press_release]", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester's bipartisan legislation that reduces red tape and provides more resources to tribes to further develop their natural resources has unanimously passed the Senate.\nThe Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act clarifies and streamlines the Department of Interior process that tribes must go through to develop energy projects. The bill establishes deadlines and approval criteria that the Interior Secretary must follow.\n\"Tribes should be in control of their energy resources,\" said Tester, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. \"This bipartisan bill increases self-determination and allows tribes to build a sustainable energy plan that will create good-paying jobs and a more stable economy.\"\nTester's bill would also provide greater federal technical assistance to tribes for developing their energy resources.\nIn October Tester expressed frustration over the federal government's failure to uphold its trust responsibility and assist tribes who are pushing to increase energy development on tribal lands at an Indian Affairs Committee hearing.\nThe Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act is cosponsored by Senators Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Bennet (D-Colo.), Enzi (R-Wyo.), Fischer (R-Neb.), Gardner (R-Colo.), Hoeven (R-N.D.), McCain (R-Ariz.), Moran (R-Kan.), and Murkowski (R-Alaska).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-works-to-protect-american-energy-security", "Daines Works to Protect American Energy Security", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.15\n\t\t\t Daines Works to Protect American Energy Security \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nClickhereto watch Daines' remarks.\r\nClickhereto download Daines' remarks.\r\nSenator Steve Daines today spoke out about the critical role that American energy independence holds in winning the war on terrorism and strengthening American security both at home and abroad.\r\nOur national securityprotecting our families from terrible acts of terrorismI can tell you is on many Montanans' minds every day as I travel around the state. It's telling to us today how important American energy independence and security is to our safety and prosperitynot just ours, but the world's.\r\nDuring a Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing on examining terrorism and global oil markets, Daines stressed how removing oil as the primary source of revenue for ISIS is critical to the United States' efforts to defeat the Islamic extremist organization and win the global fight against terrorism:\r\nAs we look at what's going on right now with ISIS the testimony we heard today that one of their leading sources of revenue certaintly is from oil production. It seems like its pretty clear there's two parts of our strategy one would be to increase U.S. oil production which hopefully will be working to address that through removing the oil export ban. The second would be destroying ISIS oil production and revenues in that two pronged attack.\r\nDaines also expressed his concern over reports that the Obama administration has been reluctant to aggressively attack ISIS oil wells due to environmental concerns.\r\nDaineshas repeatedly stressedthe importance of North American energy independence in not only creating more good paying jobs, but also bolstering national security. He has a been a vocal advocate of theKeystone XL pipelineand has advocated for increased research for technological advances to put America on the forefront of creating clean coal technology. \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4236", "Tester: All women have right to seek healthcare without fear [press_release]", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)- Following the recent Planned Parenthood shooting in Colorado, Senator Jon Tester is taking steps to affirm that all women have the right to seek healthcare without fear.\nTester is cosponsoring a Senate Resolution that emphasizes the importance of the health care services millions of women receive from Planned Parenthood. The resolution also outlines the increase in threats, harassment, and violence taking place at these clinics. Tester is demanding the Senate take a vote on this resolution before the end of the year.\n\"It is unacceptable that folks have to fear for their safety when they are trying to access basic health care,\" Tester said. \"The inflated rhetoric in Washington is putting people's lives at risk and it is instigating a climate that is dangerous to health care providers and their patients. I demand that Congress vote on this resolution before the end of the year and show women across the country that we stand with them and their individual rights.\"\nLast week Congress voted to defund Planned Parenthood which will reduce access to basic healthcare services for those who need it most. Tester opposed this measure.\nThe Facts: \tOne in five women in the United States will access healthcare at Planned Parenthood in their lifetime.\n\tIn 2013 Planned Parenthood administered over 4.5 million tests and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases and performed over 900,000 cervical cancers streaming and breast exams.\n\tSince 1977 there have been more than 190,000 acts of disruption and 7,000 violent acts that include bombings, arson, kidnapping, and assault at Planned Parenthood. Since 1993 there have been 11 murders and numerous attempted murders of health care providers and patients at Planned Parenthood.\n\tLast month a gunman murdered three people, including a police officer, and wounded nine others at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs, Colo.\nTester's Senate Resolution has 33 cosponsors and is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-over-700000-in-funding-for-tribal-transportation", "Daines Announces over $700,000 in Funding for Tribal Transportation", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.15\n\t\t\t Daines Announces over $700,000 in Funding for Tribal Transportation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today announced more than $700,000 in funding for tribal public transit services for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the Fort Belknap Indian Community and the Crow Tribe.\r\nThe Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides approximately $5 million competitive grant funding through the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program) for FY14/15 to support planning, capital, and, in limited circumstances, operating assistance for tribal public transit services.\r\nThree Montana tribes were selected for these competitive grants, totaling:\r\n \r\n$300,000 for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes\r\n$220,000 for the Fort Belknap Indian Community\r\n$193,731 for the Crow Tribe\r\n \r\nThese grants will provide Montana tribes with critical funding to improve and increase the efficiency of public transit services for tribal members,Daines stated.I'm glad to see the Crow Tribe, the Fort Belknap Indian Community and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes succeed in this competitive grant process and appreciate their commitment to meeting the transportation needs of Montana's tribal communities.\r\nThe Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that was signed into law onDecember 4, 2015, authorized $35 million annually from FY2016 through FY2020 for the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program, a $5 million increase over previous years.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-bill-to-protect-pilots-passes-senate-commerce-committee", "Daines Bill to Protect Pilots Passes Senate Commerce Committee", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.15\n\t\t\t Daines' Bill to Protect Pilots Passes Senate Commerce Committee \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the bipartisan passage of his measure to protect and expand protections for Montana pilots.\r\nDaines' bill, S. 571 the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 (PBOR 2) passed the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee today on a large bipartisan vote. It increases protections for recreational and volunteer pilots by expanding the 3rd class medical exemption for recreational pilots and broadening the protections provided in the original Pilot's Bill of Rights signed into law in 2012.\r\nI am proud to see the Committee rally around bipartisan legislation that prioritizes our robust aviation industry and expands the rights of hardworking pilots nationwide,Daines stated.This bill cuts down burdensome bureaucratic regulations and institutes commonsense and necessary reforms to protect recreational and volunteer pilots. I urge Congressional leadership to quickly take up and pass this measure that supports Montana aviation.\r\nThe Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 will:\r\n \r\nReform FAA's overly burdensome medical certification process by expanding an existing FAA medical standard to include more qualified, trained pilots.\r\nExtend the due process rights preserved in the first Pilots Bill of Rights to all FAA certificate holders, and enhance those rights by ensuring certificate holders have the right to appeal a FAA decision through a new, merit-based trial in Federal Court.\r\nIncrease transparency for all FAA certificate holders subject to an investigation or enforcement action by holding FAA accountable for communicating with certificate holders. FAA is required to articulate a specific description of the incident or incidents under investigation to parties involved in the investigation, and provide specific documentation relevant to its investigation.\r\nExpedite updates to the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) Improvement Program required in the first Pilot's Bill of Rights and directs FAA to develop a prioritization system organizing NOTAMs by urgency and importance, as well as include the effective duration of temporary flight restrictions. This ensures the most relevant and important information reaches the pilot. The legislation also mandates that FAA certify the accuracy of posted NOTAMs.\r\nEnsure the accessibility of flight data such as air traffic communication tapes and radar information produced by contract towers, flight service stations and controller training programs, giving certificate holders the ability to use this information to defend themselves during an enforcement action proceeding.\r\n \r\nDaines' efforts were applauded across Montana:\r\nBillings Flying Service:Billings Flying Service, Inc. is pleased with the passing of the Pilot Bill of Rights 2. We believe it will be a phenomenal score for General Aviation. Aviation Medicals have become more difficult to obtain and to locate a qualified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) is challenging. The restrictions to operate an aircraft have become too stringent preventing capable pilots from contributing to the industry. We look forward to these restrictions being lifted, allowing new pilots into the industry while keeping the pioneers of aviation flying.\r\nMontana Pilots Association President Scott Newpower:The Montana Pilots Association and it's many members wholeheartedly support the Pilots Bill of Rights 2. Countless millions of dollars are wasted each year by pilots all over the country on needless. The current FAA medical certification process has evolved into a costly and onerous one. More than 10 years ago the FAA recognized this when the Sport Pilot license was created, this allowed pilots to operate many kinds of aircraft without an FAA medical. In those 10 years thousands of pilots have flown tens of thousands of hours safely. Not only does this bill reduce unnecessary costs to pilots it also saves the FAA millions of dollars a year. This money can better be spent on training, aircraft maintenance, upgrades and increased flying hours. The aviation industry contributes billions of dollars a year into the economy and this bill will help to increase that.\r\nRocky Mountain College Director of Aviation Dan Hargrove:As the only 4-year collegiate aviation program in Montana, Rocky Mountain College supports this legislation because it is good for the entire aviation profession. We need more people interested in flying both recreationally and professionally. Reducing the burden to safely enter the exciting world of flight and creating common sense laws that protect pilots will reduce costs, create jobs, and help attract people to this critical profession.\r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-bill-to-reauthorize-phmsa-passes-senate-commerce-committee", "Daines Bill to Reauthorize PHMSA Passes Senate Commerce Committee", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.15\n\t\t\t Daines' Bill to Reauthorize PHMSA Passes Senate Commerce Committee \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the overwhelming bipartisan passage of his legislation to help ensure the safety of America's pipeline network.\r\nThe bipartisan SAFE PIPES Actpassed out of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee this morning. The bill would reauthorize Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) from Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 through FY 2019.\r\n\"The SAFE PIPES Act is an important step forward to improve the protection of pipeline river crossings, fill vacant inspector positions and facilitate communication between PHMSA and state agencies,Daines stated.This is a strong, bipartisan bill that will enhance pipeline safety, promote economic opportunity and help protect our environment. It is imperative to Montana that we continue to promote safe, environmentally responsible and efficient operation and oversight of our nation's pipelines.\"\r\nKey provisions of the bill include:\r\n \r\nImproving inspection report turnaround times and requiring dialogue sooner from PHMSA to an operator following an inspection\r\nAdding river crossing considerations to integrity management review\r\nProviding direct hire authority so PHMSA can better leverage its resources to fill vacant inspector positions\r\nEnsuring coordination and collaboration on safety research, development and technology between PHMSA, industry, and public sector stakeholders.\r\nEncouraging the establishment of a national database for PHMSA to share data with state agencies\r\nRequiring PHMSA to prioritize statutory requirements for new rulemaking\r\nRequesting that PHMSA conduct an assessment of Integrity Management programs for natural gas and liquid pipelines\r\nEncouraging PHMSA to investigate and report on advanced mapping technologies for pipeline networks\r\n \r\nYellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund:Sen. Daines' efforts to improve the efficacy of PHMSA and safety practices is appreciated. The Senate field hearing in Billings really shed light on Montana's proactive efforts in pipeline safety and enabled DC bureaucrats to learn from those with first hand experiences. Introduction of the SAFE PIPES Act is another step in that direction, to keep PHMSA accountable and enhance safety. Our rivers are invaluable. I am grateful Sen. Daines is proactive in protecting these special wild places and increasing their priority in pipeline operators' integrity management programs. As an employee of the State of Montana, I am grateful Sen. Daines is working to help create a forum for PHMSA to better communicate with State entities. We often are overlooked in rural communities. This will help keep the lines of communication open.\r\nDainesintroducedthe SAFE PIPES Act on November 11, 2015 along with Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Gary Peters (D-MI).\r\nThis fall, Dainesheld a field hearingin Billings, Montana to examine current issues and challenges relating to theinspection and safe management of the nation's pipeline network, as well as the importance of safely transporting our natural resources.\r\nPHMSA's jurisdiction covers approximately 2.6 million miles of pipeline across the United States. Nearly 19,000 miles crisscrosses Montana, delivering natural gas to over 262,000 homes, gasoline and diesel to the pumps, gas and oil to businesses and facilitating exports.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4233", "Tester votes to replace No Child Left Behind and strengthen local control to classrooms [press_release]", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Montana's teacher-turned-Senator Jon Tester today helped pass legislation to replace No Child Left Behind and return control of the classroom back to state and local leaders.\nThe Every Student Succeeds Act curbs the powers of the Department of Education and eliminates the punishments that were handed out to schools who failed to hit unreasonable national scoring benchmarks. The bill includes Tester's amendment that pushes the Education Secretary to receive input from local stakeholders, like school boards, before developing new rules.\n\"This bill relieves students, parents, and teachers from the pressures caused by the failure of No Child Left Behind and puts decision making back in the hands of folks on the ground,\" Tester said. \"These reforms are not perfect, but they are a step in the right direction to ensuring our kids and grandkids receive the quality education they deserve.\"\nThe Every Student Succeeds Act allows states to create their own performance standards to identify underperforming schools. Test scores will no longer be the primary indicator of whether schools are underperforming, like they were under No Child Left Behind. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, states can also choose to consider other important indicators like graduation rates.\nEach state will be responsible for tracking the performance of their schools and identifying which schools need additional resources. Schools will be eligible for additional support and resources if they are performing in the bottom five percent of schools in their state, or their graduation rate is lower than 67 percent.\nUpon passage of the bill, Tester pledged to continue his fight to replace the federal annual testing requirement and replace it with fewer tests.\nMontana's education leaders applauded the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act and Tester's efforts to reduce the education burdens on Montana's schools.\n\"We are grateful Senator Tester has been a leader in the now, finally, long-overdue, successful reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. We believe the Every Student Succeeds Act which replaces the overreaching, federally oriented, No Child Left Behind Act will restore balance to how we here on the ground in Montana govern, administer, and teach in our excellent public schools,\" said MEA-MFT President Eric Feaver.\n\"We really appreciate Senator Tester's advocacy on behalf of Montana's school districts, including his sponsorship of an important amendment that remains in the Every Student Succeeds Act, which returns more flexibility to states and local districts in key areas of testing and accountability. He worked to make the bill better for Montana. Senator Tester understands how important it is to empower local communities in determining what is best for their public school students,\" said Lance Melton, Executive Director of the Montana School Board Association.\n\"School Administrators of Montana is pleased with the Senate passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Reauthorization is crucial to providing Montana's schools with relief from the current law, No Child Left Behind. The Every Student Succeeds Act is a strong step in the right direction because it restores a more proper balance between federal, state and local government in public education, taking the pendulum of federal overreach and prescription and placing it more squarely in the area of state and local expertise and autonomy. The Every Student Succeeds Act recognizes the importance of empowering state and local Montana leaders to use their professional knowledge and local control to make the decisions necessary to successfully provide a great education for our children. Thanks Senator Tester for being a champion of the effort to reauthorize. This is important for Montana and Montana's children so we are thankful for the vote to move this bill on to the President,\" said Kirk Miller, President of the School Administrators of Montana.\n\"NSBA applauds lawmakers in the House and Senate for their commitment to passing a modernized law that preserves important federal cornerstones, such as equity and excellence, while establishing a new federalism' in education policy - upholding local governance and creating a new federal-state-local partnership to ensure that states and local school board members are better positioned to provide all students with a world class public education,\" stated Thomas J. Gentzel, Executive Director of the National School Boards Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4234", "Tester demands details on Visa Waiver Program from Homeland Security officials [press_release]", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today continued his push to strengthen national security by demanding additional details from high-ranking Department of Homeland Security and State Department officials on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).\nDuring a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing Tester questioned the Homeland Security Deputy Assistant Secretary on the timeline of the VWP's screening process and asked her to identify the specific constraints that keep nations from sharing critical data with one another regarding the prior travel of individuals visiting the U.S. under the VWP.\n\"We must crack down on terrorists entering our country,\" Tester said after the hearing. \"The safety and security of the American people is my top priority, and loopholes in the Visa Waiver Program are completely unacceptable. The Visa Waiver Program is only as strong as its weakest link.\"\nLast week Tester introduced bipartisan legislation that requires additional layers of security, like more rigorous background checks on foreign travelers from countries participating in the VWP who have visited Syria or Iraq before they are allowed to enter the United States.\nCurrently, citizens from the 38 countries participating in the VWP can travel to the United States as a temporary visitor with less oversight, regardless of their recent travel history.\nIn addition to cracking down on the VWP, Tester is currently pushing three other specific proposals to strengthen national security: \tPrevent suspected terrorists from buying guns by giving law enforcement the tools they need to deny the sale of guns to individuals on the terrorist watch list. \tStrengthen the northern and southern borders and increase interoperability between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to prevent individuals from entering the country illegally and fully fund Operation Stonegarden grants that support local and state law enforcement \tProhibit untrustworthy individuals from accessing America's most sensitive national security information and locations by intensifying the security clearance background check process and barring federal contractors and employees who have compromised the integrity of a background investigation from performing security clearance investigations in the future.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4235", "Committee approves Tester provisions to improve veterans access to care [press_release]", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Committee approves Tester provisions to improve veterans access to care \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Several provisions of DOCS for Vets Act receive vote of support \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t(U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester today saw seven of his provisions to improve care for veterans pass out of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. The provisions that passed the committee today: Ensure that the VA is more capable of addressing vacancies in its health care leadership, such as the Director position at Fort Harrison that was recently vacant for more than 240 days Extend the VA's authority to expand and fill medical residencies and create a pipeline of medical professionals into the VA Update the VA's pay system to help recruit and retain physician assistants and better compete with the private sector Expedite the process through which the VA provides survivor and burial benefits to recently widowed spouses of disabled veterans Reauthorize the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program so the VA can partner with local organizations to provide critical job training and support to veterans, and expand program access to more Native American veterans Ensure the VA is providing safer and more effective pain management services to Montana veterans. Expand eligibility for caregiver support services for more veterans Three of those provisions came from Tester's DOCS for Veterans Act to address chronic workforce issues that affect veterans' access to care. \"We are demanding more and more from the VA, but Congress has to make sure we are providing the VA with the tools and resources necessary to meet the increased needs of veterans,\" said Tester, Montana's only member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. \"By giving the VA the tools it needs to recruit physicians and fill vacancies, we are improving access to care for veterans.\" The measure now heads to the Senate floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-montana-student-us-military-academy-nominations", "Daines Announces Montana Student U.S. Military Academy Nominations", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.15\n\t\t\t Daines Announces Montana Student U.S. Military Academy Nominations \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today announced his nominations of 19 Montana students who are applying for enrollment into U.S. military academies.\r\nA congressional nomination is a critical step in the process for Montanans seeking admission to one of the nation's four military academies: the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.\r\nIt's an honor and a privilege to nominate these outstanding young Montanans to compete for an appointment to one of our nation's military academies,Daines said.I commend these hardworking students for their commitment to continuing Montana's strong legacy of service and wish them the best as they continue in this extremely competitive process.\r\nStudents interested in applying to a U.S. military academy submitted an extensive application that documents their academic, civic and athletic abilities, as well as their commitment to military service. An academy selection board assembled by Daines reviewed the applications and conducted interviews of the applicants.\r\nThe following is a complete list of Daines' 2015 academy nominations by county:\r\nCascade County:\r\n \r\nAshleigh Lehotsky,Great Falls Air Force\r\nAlliemarinda Phillips,Great Falls Army\r\n \r\nGallatin County:\r\n \r\nLucas Figi,Bozeman Navy, Army\r\n \r\nLake County:\r\n \r\nNicholas Becker, Big Arm Merchant Marine\r\nNathaniel Young, Polson Air Force\r\n \r\nLewis and Clark County:\r\n \r\nKeller Balsam, Helena Air Force, Navy, Army, Merchant Marine\r\nGrace Berner,Helena Air Force, Army\r\nRobert McCarvel,Helena Army, Navy\r\n \r\nMadison County:\r\n \r\nCharles Buus, Ennis Army\r\n \r\nMissoula County:\r\n \r\nMacey Newbary, Missoula Army\r\nStephen Reynolds,Missoula Air Force, Navy\r\nMichael Sewell,Frenchtown Army, Navy\r\n \r\nPondera County:\r\n \r\nWill Early,Conrad Air Force\r\n \r\nRavalli County:\r\n \r\nCaitlin Gillespie,Hamilton Air Force, Navy\r\nJohn Winters,Florence Air Force, Navy, Merchant Marine\r\n \r\nSweet Grass County:\r\n \r\nRyan Morgan, Big Timber Air Force, Army\r\n \r\nYellowstone County:\r\n \r\nMaren Kirkland,Billings Air Force, Navy\r\n \r\nMontana Active Duty Military Dependents:\r\n \r\nTyler Heath Navy\r\nNathaniel Loos Army, Navy\r\n \r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-to-lead-montana-energy-2016", "Daines to Lead Montana Energy 2016", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.15\n\t\t\t Daines to Lead Montana Energy 2016 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines announced that he will be spearheadingMontana Energy 2016in Billings this upcoming spring.\r\nThe summit, sponsored by Daines, the Montana Contractors' Association, the Montana Coal Council, the Montana Petroleum Association, the Montana Chamber Foundation and KLJ, will take place in Billings, Montana on March 30 and 31, 2016.\r\nMontana holds a vital role in securing our nation's all-of-the-above energy strategy and it's vital that we work together to ensure our state remains an energy leader for years to come,Daines stated.Montana Energy 2016will bring together key stakeholders to help increase innovation and move Montana's energy opportunities to the next level.Montana can help power the world but only if we work together to increase opportunity and limit efforts to hinder any part of Montana's diverse energy portfolio. ThroughMontana Energy 2016, we will keep Montana at the forefront of the nation's energy conversation.\r\nMontana Energy 2016,the largest avenue to discuss Montana's energy potential, is back for a third round this spring with a fresh new look and perspective. Led by Daines, the two-day comprehensive conference will continue the discussion around state and national energy opportunities and provide an all-encompassing look at Montana's energy potential. The conference will include energy professionals, policy and decision makers at all levels, contractors and associated industry professionals.\r\nMore information about the summit can be found atwww.montanaenergy.net, or by following Montana Energy onFacebookandTwitter.\r\nDaines serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and has long been a leader in moving forward policies that help secure all-of-the-above energy solutions. Daines is a leading proponent of the Keystone XL pipeline, has sponsored legislation to lift the oil export ban and is helping lead legislative efforts to push back on regulations that hurt Montana's energy potential, including the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new regulations on coal-fired power plants.\r\nThe University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) recently released a study on the economic implications of implementing the EPA new regulations in Montana. The study shows that the EPA's new regulations will have a dramatic effect on Montana's economy and will likely cause the loss of more than 7,000 good-paying Montana jobs.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4231", "Tester statement following Oval Office address [press_release]", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester statement following Oval Office address \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t(U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester released the following statement after the President's Oval Office address to the nation tonight: \"Keeping Americans safe and protecting the homeland are never-ending tasks and my highest priorities as Montana's senator. As we face real threats abroad and here at home, Congress must do more to ensure our national security. In the days ahead, I'll look for partners to pass legislation updating the visa waiver program, preventing suspected terrorists from buying guns, and strengthening our northern and southern borders to prevent folks who would do us harm from entering this country.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4232", "Tester outlines national security agenda [press_release]", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - After calling on Congress to pass legislation to protect Americans against terrorist threats overseas and at home, Senator Jon Tester today outlined his national security agenda. Tester, who called keeping Americans safe his \"highest priority\" as a U.S. Senator, is demanding that Congress do more to ensure America's national security. Tester is pushing Congress to: \n \nEnhance the Visa Waiver Program to exclude individuals who have visited Iraq or Syria within the past five years and to require certain higher risk travelers trying to enter the U.S. to undergo increased screening.\nPrevent suspected terrorists from buying guns by giving law enforcement the tools it needs to ban gun sales to individuals on the terrorist watch list.\nStrengthen the northern and southern borders and increase interoperability between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to prevent individuals from entering the country illegally and fully fund Operation Stonegarden grants to support local and state law enforcement\nProhibit untrustworthy individuals from accessing America's most sensitive national security information and locations by intensifying security clearance background checks and barring federal contractors and employees who have compromised the integrity of a background investigation from performing security clearance investigations in the future.\n \n \"Congress must do more to combat the growing threats at home and abroad, and we need to act quickly,\" said Tester, a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. \"Cracking down on potential terrorists trying to enter the country, preventing them from buying weapons, and securing the border and stopping insider threats are common sense solutions to very serious threats. All of us have a responsibility to keep Americans safe, and I'm going to do everything I can to ensure we are protecting the homeland.\" Tester, after the Paris attacks three weeks ago, asked Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson specific questions to ensure the process used to screen refugees is stringent and prevents potential threats to Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-responds-to-president-obamas-address-to-the-nation", "Daines Responds to President Obamas Address to the Nation", "2015-12-06", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.15\n\t\t\t Daines Responds to President Obama's Address to the Nation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Following President Obama's address to the nation, Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement:\r\nCindy and I are deeply saddened by the acts of terrorism that took place in San Bernardino this past week. It is abundantly clear that we need a strong and aggressive strategy to extinguish the growing threat of Islamic extremism both here at home and overseas. I am disappointed that once again, President Obama is choosing to lead from behind. Rather than establishing a clear strategy to defeat ISIS, the President is using this tragedy to pursue misguided firearm restrictions that would undermine our Second Amendment protections while doing nothing to address the most significant factors behind terrorism.I remain committed to protecting Montanans' Second Amendment rights and will stand strong against efforts to dismantle those freedoms.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-challenges-hoeven-to-friendly-wager-on-upcoming-griz-bison-football-game", "Daines Challenges Hoeven to Friendly Wager on Upcoming Griz, Bison Football Game", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.15\n\t\t\t Daines Challenges Hoeven to Friendly Wager on Upcoming Griz, Bison Football Game \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines and North Dakota Senator John Hoeven have entered into a wager on Saturday's second round, Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoff game between the University of Montana Grizzlies and the North Dakota State University Bison.\r\nIf the Grizzlies win the game, Daines will receive Dakota Growers pasta made from North Dakota durum wheat. If the NDSU Bison win, Hoeven will be drinking Moose Drool beer from Missoula's Big Sky Brewing.\r\nEvery Montanan knows that a bison is no match for a grizzly bear I'm confident that Saturday's game will be no exception,Daines stated.I look forward to cheering on the Griz to victory this weekend and enjoying a nice celebration dinner of Dakota Growers pasta following the game.\r\nThe Bison won a historic fourth straight national title last year, and they're looking to make it five-in-a-row,Hoeven said.I'm looking forward to enjoying some authentic Moose Drool Beer from Senator Daines when the Thundering Herd rolls over the Grizzlies on Saturday. Go Bison!\r\nThe game will take place at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota on Saturday, December 5 at 1:30 MDT and will be broadcast on ESPN 3.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-week-rick-young-of-forsyth", "Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Rick Young of Forsyth", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.15\n\t\t\t Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Rick Young of Forsyth \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines today honored Rick Young of Forsyth, a U.S. Marine, for his dedicated efforts to expand quality health care for all Montana veterans.\r\nDespite suffering from a serious illness himself, Rick was able to successfully advocate for area veterans to receive long-term care through theRosebud Health Care Center (RHCC) in Forsyth.RHCC recently established a contract with the VA, which now allows for veterans to receive long-term care in Forsyth rather than having to travel a greater distance to theapproved Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility in Glendive.\r\nThrough his Montanan of the Week initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.\r\n\r\n\r\nDaines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere.\r\nDaines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines' Montanan of the Week program by calling Daines' office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines' website:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve\r\nThe following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record:\r\n MONTANAN OF THE WEEK\r\n MR. DAINES. Mr. PRESIDENT, I want to recognize Rick Young, a proud veteran from Forsyth, Montana. Montana is blessed with a rich legacy of service and it is my honor to recognize not only Rick's service to our country but his work to make quality health care accessible for all Montana veterans.\r\n Rick proudly served our country as a Marine from January 1971 to January 1975. Unfortunately, his current illness requires constant care and attention. His wife Sharon long served as his primary round-the-clock caretaker and was confined to their home due to Rick's condition, which required an external ventilator to breathe at all times. Eventually his needs surpassed his ability to stay home and he had to move into a long-term care facility.\r\n While Rick was still at home, the Rosebud Health Care Center (RHCC) facility initiated a contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be able to provide care and services to veterans in its long-term care unit. The previous aging and resource center for Rosebud County was in Glendive, MT, about one hour and forty minutes away from Rick's home in Forsyth, MT. Thankfully, RHCC received approval from the VA to provide care services close to home for Rick on November 1, 2015.\r\n Rick's persistence and advocacy throughout his illness helped serve as the catalyst for RHCC establishing a contract with the VA that allows for veterans to receive long-term care in Forsyth. Our state has one of the largest populations of veterans per capita and Rick's efforts have led the VA to create additional resources to help to provide health care services to Montana's extensive veteran population.\r\n I am so proud to have advocates like Rick and Sharon fighting for veterans in Montana. Through his inspiring work to increase veterans' access to care, Rick Young has created an unmatchable legacy that will leave a lasting mark on our state. Keep fighting Rick, I'm rooting for you.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-zinke-urge-canadian-pm-to-prioritize-montana-issues", "Daines, Zinke Urge Canadian PM to Prioritize Montana Issues", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.15\n\t\t\t Daines, Zinke Urge Canadian PM to Prioritize Montana Issues \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, 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.\r\nIn a letter, Daines and Zinke congratulated Trudeau on his recent election and underscored the treasured and crucial relationship between Canada and Montana.\r\nThe 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 trade, natural resources, agriculture, and national security concerns. We have found Canada to be a resourceful and respected partner, and it is our sincerest hope that moving forward, we can maintain this rapport.\r\nDaines and Zinke asked Trudeau for his cooperation on several issues important to Montana, including the Softwood Lumber Agreement, the Columbia River Treaty, wheat grading and construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.\r\nWe look forward to working with you on these issues further and appreciate your consideration of our requests, Daines and Zinke continued.\r\nRead the full text of the letter below or download ithere:\r\nDear Prime Minister Trudeau:\r\nWe congratulate you on your successful election to the position of Prime Minister of Canada. The state of Montana has a great appreciation for the conducive working relationship we have fostered with our neighbors to the North. We not only share a border, but we frequently work together to address pertinent trade, natural resources, agriculture, and national security concerns. We have found Canada to be a resourceful and respected partner, and it is our sincerest hope that moving forward, we can maintain this rapport. As you begin to identify your nation's priorities, we ask that you take into consideration a few pending issues that are of great importance to our constituents.\r\nThe expiration of the Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) poses tremendous challenges for Montana's twelve sawmills, millwork, and treating facilities, and five engineered wood and panel product facilities. Our state's wood product industry has been consistent in their message that a new agreement is of necessity. The global market has changed since the agreement's original inception; therefore, we believe it is of utmost importance that we come together as swiftly as possible to identity new terms to the SLA. We urge your administration to deem this agreement as a priority, particularly in light of the challenges both our timber industries face in our local, national, and global markets.\r\nOur countries have also begun separate efforts to identify regional and national priorities prior to the commencement of negotiations for the Columbia River Treaty (CRT). The U.S. State Department recently identified a Chief Negotiator, who along with the U.S. Entity and its Northwest partners, are anxious to begin conversations with counterparts from your administration. We support their efforts to modernize the treaty in a manner that is balanced and reasonable, and ask that our nations come to the table ahead of the treaty's expiration.\r\nAdditionally, as you know, the U.S. is Canada's largest wheat export market and Canadian producers compete equally with their U.S. counterparts when exporting into the U.S. As the Canada Grains Act and Varietal Registration System requires imported wheat to be graded at the lowest standard established, the result is that imported U.S. wheat is treated less favorably when compared to Canadian product. We support efforts to establish reciprocal grading standards of wheat and barley between the U.S. and Canada and look forward to working together to resolve this issue.\r\nLastly, while we remain disappointed by our President's rejection of TransCanada's application to complete the Keystone XL pipeline, you may rest assured this remains a top priority for the people of Montana. We see its merits and understand it is mutually beneficial. Not only would Montana gain much needed direct and indirect jobs to support the pipeline, but our countries would have the capacity to promote mutual economic development and resourcefulness in the face of global uncertainty. We respectfully request that you do not authorize any contingency plans for Keystone XL until our election process is complete.\r\n\r\nWe look forward to working with you on these issues further and appreciate your consideration of our requests.\r\n###\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4229", "Tester fights to keep heat on for thousands of Montanans [press_release]", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - As lawmakers draft budget bills ahead of the December 11th deadline, Senator Jon Tester is urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to provide critical support for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in the final appropriations bill of the year. LIHEAP provides grants to eligible low-income households who need help paying their heating bills. LIHEAP is a vital source of heat for children, disabled individuals, and seniors living on fixed incomes. The program helped 20,000 households across Montana keep the heat on last winter.\"It's December, and temperatures have begun to drop well below freezing,\" Tester said. \"Now is the time to make sure that every Montana family can stay warm again this winter.\"According to the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association, at its current funding level LIHEAP is only able to serve 20 percent of the eligible population. And even among the households that LIHEAP does serve, the average amount they're awarded has decreased by nearly $100 since 2010. Tester is requesting that the Appropriations Committee shore up the funding so more low income Montana families have access to LIHEAP. Tester was the only member of Montana's Congressional delegation who supported the bipartisan budget deal last month that lifted the budget caps allowing Congress to provide responsible investments in energy assistance.Tester's letter is signed by 35 other Senators and is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4230", "Tester to Canadian Minister: Montana farmers deserve a fair market [press_release]", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)- Montana Farmer and Senator Jon Tester today continued his fight to protect family farmers against unfair Canadian trade practices that deny Montana wheat growers a fair price.In a letter to newly appointed Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay, Tester urged Canada's new administration to make Canada's grain regulations more equitable for American grown wheat. Tester highlighted the fact that current policies unfairly allow Canadian grain buyers to pay Montana wheat growers significantly less than Canadian wheat growers for the same product. He also requested a meeting with the Minister to directly discuss this important trade issue. \"I remain concerned about Canada's wheat grading system and its effect on agricultural trade between our nations,\" Tester wrote. \"I know Montanans stand ready to work with Canada to strengthen our mutually beneficial exchange of agricultural goods, and I believe both sides stand to benefit from a direct discussion on grading and trading grain.\"\nGrain producers across Montana are hailing Tester's efforts.\n\"Montana farmers and ranchers contribute billions each year to the national economy, and we export 20 percent of all agriculture products as foreign exports. Montana farmers depend on equitable grain pricing to put food on the table for people all over the world,\" said Alan Merill, President of the Montana Farmers Union. \"We applaud Senator Tester's commitment to Montana agriculture.\"\n\"Canadian law discriminates against US grain through their grain grading and variety registration systems,\" said Rob Davis, President of the Montana Grain Growers Association and a grain producer from Larslan, Montana. \" In order for a true and open market to function, growers and consumers on each side of the border must operate in a regulatory environment that allows fair competition.\" Currently, Canadian law forces American wheat to be automatically downgraded to the lowest quality of designation known as \"feed wheat\" when exported to Canada without considering its variety or overall quality. The United States does not have similar restrictions on Canadian wheat imports which are graded by the same standards as locally grown wheat.Canada is Montana's largest trade partner, and bulk wheat is Montana's largest exported commodity.Tester's letter to the Canadian Agriculture Minister is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-applauds-passage-of-multi-year-highway-bill", "Daines Applauds Passage of Multi-Year Highway Bill", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.03.15\n\t\t\t Daines Applauds Passage of Multi-Year Highway Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the passage of a multi-year highway bill that provides Montanans much-needed certainty in infrastructure investments:\r\nThe long-overdue passage of a multi-year highway bill is great news for Montana and a critical step forward in providing our state with the certainty needed to make long-term infrastructure investments,Daines stated.Our transportation infrastructure is a critical component of our state's economy and given Montana's short construction season, it's imperative that communities and contractors alike have the certainty needed to move forward with badly-needed infrastructure improvement projects.This bill ends Congress's irresponsible trend of short-term Band-Aids and temporary extensions and provides long-term support for our nation's vast transportation network. I am proud to see this important legislation garner overwhelming bipartisan support and I urge the President to swiftly sign it into law.\r\nThe Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act is a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill. Its passage marks the first time Congress has passed a long-term highway funding bill since 2009.\r\nNearly 90 percent of Montana's highway program funding is supported by federal dollars. The FAST Act will provide an estimated $2.28 billion over the next five years to Montana. Montanahad425 existing infrastructure projects that were at risk without federal support.\r\nDaines helped secure several critical provisions in the FAST Act, including:\r\n \r\nNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) Grant Flexibility- Provides states the option to qualify for impaired driving grants for 24/7 sobriety. The 24/7 Sobriety Program that began in 2011 after two troopers were killed by a drunk driver.Through this program over 5,000 Montana participants have tested twice a day, totaling almost 700,000 breath tests 99.3% of these tests administered have been clean. For Montana, the 24/7 Sobriety Program has reduced alcohol related fatalities and is countering the culture of drinking and driving.\r\nElectronic Odometer Disclosure-Allows states to voluntarily proceed with their own odometer disclosure programs, as long as their processes provide equivalent security to the current paper and ink process.\r\nWireless Roadside Inspection (WRI) System Report-Requires the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to report to Congress on the design and implementation of their WRI system.Montana and 39 other states already have state and private systems in place, specifically in Montana since 1998 the non-federal system saved motor carriers 340,000 hours of commercial driver time, more than 1.6 million gallons of fuel and more than 3,500 tons of emissions. This provision requires FMSCA to clarify how it is not a duplicative system and how they will safeguard another federal database of private driver and business data.\r\nEastern Montana Amtrak Station Report- Requires Amtrak to evaluate options for establishing additional Amtrak stops that would have a positive financial impact to Amtrak, including a potential station in Culbertson, Montana. It also requires evaluation of options to enhance economic development and accessibility of Amtrak stations and their surrounding areas.\r\nCrop Insurance Reverses $3 billion in cuts to the federal crop insurance program.\r\n \r\nMontanans applauded Daines' efforts to secure these provisions and pass a five-year bill:\r\nAttorney General Tim Fox:The 24/7 Sobriety Program is one of our most effective tools for combatting repeat DUI, and this important new language in the federal highway bill will bring state 24/7 programs like Montana's to statutory parity with ignition interlock devices. This means, among other things, that we will have more access to funds for fighting impaired driving. This is victory for Montana and I'm grateful to Sen. Steve Daines for his help in our efforts to get this provision into the highway bill.\r\nChief of the Montana Highway Patrol Colonel Tom Butler:24/7 is a peer-reviewed accountability program that brings documented reductions in repeat DUI offenses. The program greatly enhances our effectiveness in tackling alcohol-related crimes, and this addition to the federal highway bill is another big step forward in expanding 24/7 to more Montana counties.\r\nMontana DOT Director Mike Tooley:For the first time in a decade, Montana hasdependable and long term federal funding to help build and maintain our vast transportation system. This is good for families, business, and safety. I know that Montana's congressional delegation worked hard to make this happen, and they deserve our thanks.\r\nMontana Farm Bureau Director of National Affairs Nicole Rolf:Crop insurance is a vital program for Montana's farmers and ranchers. The Montana Farm Bureau thanks Senator Daines for his vote to restore unwarranted cuts to the crop insurance program and for being a strong supporter and advocate for Montana agriculture in the U.S. Senate.\r\nBill Underriner of Underriner Motors of Billings:Sen. Daines' amendment removed an outdated impediment for a state to move from paper to electronic odometer titling. This amendment will help save consumers money and time at the dealership. Montana auto dealers commend Sen. Daines for his efforts.\r\nDaines haslong pressedfor a multi-year highway bill that provides Montana and the country with the certainty needed to make long-term infrastructure investments. OnJuly 15, 2015, Daines, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, approved key components of a multi-year transportation bill.\r\nOn July 30, 2015, the U.S. Senate approved the DRIVE Act on a bipartisan vote of 65-34. After House passage of similar legislation, the Senate and House formed a conference committee to produce the bipartisan FAST Act.\r\nVideo of Daines' statement is available for downloadhere.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-upholds-promise-to-montanans-to-repeal-obamacare", "Daines Upholds Promise to Montanans to Repeal Obamacare", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.03.15\n\t\t\t Daines Upholds Promise to Montanans to Repeal Obamacare \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the passage of legislation that repeals the President's failed health care law and puts states on a glide path toward creating locally driven health care solutions, upholding the promise Daines made to Montanans to continue fighting to repeal Obamacare.\r\nLast year, when I decided to run for Montana's open Senate seat, I promised the people of Montana that I would work tirelessly to repeal Obamacare. Today, I upheld that promise and voted to repeal President Obama's broken health care law,\"Daines stated.President Obama will now have to decide whether to put the American people first, or if he'll continue imposing fines and substandard care on the hardworking people of this country. If the President rejects the will of the American people and vetoes this bill, I will continue working to protect Montanans from rising health care costs.\r\nPassage of this legislation marks the first time an Obamacare repeal bill will be on President Obama's desk for his signature.\r\nYesterday,Daines took to the Senate floorto outline the path forward to repeal the President's failed health care law and create patient-centered solutions that protect Montanans' access to their doctors and the health care plans they want.\r\nThis bill dismantles President Obama's bungled health care law. It also puts states on a glide pathaway from Obamacare,Daines stated.It will build a bridge to replace this broken law with state-led solutions that put patients back in the center of the health care equation and return health care decisions to Americans and their doctors, and away from federal bureaucrats.\r\n\r\nDaines has long been an outspoken critic of the bungled health care law. On November 11, 2015, Daines delivered theWeekly Republican Addresson the Senate's vote to repeal the President's unpopular health care law and work to replace Obamacare with state-led solutions that put patients back in the center of the health equation.\r\nFor 2016, more than 40,000 Montanans purchasing health insurance through the Obamacare exchange will facedouble-digit rate increasesfor their health insurance. The average increase across such plans range between 22 percent and 34 percent across all insurance companies.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4227", "Tester to Congress: Quit playing political games with the health of Montanans [press_release]", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester released the following statement after the Senate passed a bill that strips tens of thousands of Montanans access to health insurance by repealing major parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA):\"We are less than two weeks away from another costly government shutdown and rather than investing in education, infrastructure, or our national security, there are folks in Congress whose top priority is eliminating access to health care for tens of thousands of Montanans. Instead of playing political games with the health of our families, I will continue to work to improve the ACA to reduce the cost of healthcare for all Montanans.\" If signed into law these provisions will: \u2022\tEliminate tax credits for health insurance, raising costs and jeopardizing health care for more than 48,000 Montanans \u2022\tRepeal Medicaid expansion denying access to health care for up to 70,000 Montanans \u2022\tGut funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund which provides states with funds to develop public health strategies that work best for them. In Montana, this Fund has supported diabetes prevention in Indian Country. \u2022\tDefund Planned ParenthoodSince becoming law, the ACA has lowered Montana's uninsured rate to 15 percent.Tester has introduced multiple bills to improve the ACA, including the PACE Act, which was signed into law in October.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4228", "Tester praises final passage of Highway Bill [press_release]", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester praises final passage of Highway Bill \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t(U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement after Congress passed a compromise five-year Highway Bill:\n\"This long-term highway bill will help drive Montana's economy by making critical new investments and create good-paying jobs that can't be outsourced. It will provide certainty for construction workers, small businesses and local governments, and improve the safety for all Montanans who drive on our roads and bridges each day.\"\nThe five-year Highway Bill: \u2022\tInvests nearly $2.3 billion into Montana's transportation infrastructure \u2022\tIncreases Montana highway funding by 5.1 percent in the first year \u2022\tReauthorizes the Export-Import Bank which has been expired since June\nThe Highway Bill now heads to the President's desk where he is expected to sign it into law. More details about the bill are attached.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4226", "On Senate floor Tester demands no GMO rider in omnibus [press_release]", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Jon Tester, the United States Senate's only working farmer, today took to the Senate floor to demand that a controversial genetically modified organism (GMO) bill not be included as a rider to the omnibus appropriations bill.\nThe DARK Act removes the public's ability to know if the food they are buying is genetically modified.\n\"I am a farmer and I know exactly where my food comes from, but not all Americans have that ability,\" Tester said. \"This bill allows the federal government to undermine local stakeholders and denies consumers the right to know what is in the food they eat. This bill is not fair to consumers and it is not fair to the folks who produce food in this country.\"\nCurrently there is no federal requirement for companies using genetically engineered ingredients to disclose that information on food labels. Sixty-four countries across the world require GMO labeling including Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia.\nIn 2013 Tester led the charge to remove the controversial \"Monsanto Protection Act\" rider from a funding bill that directed the U.S. Agriculture Department to ignore any judicial ruling that blocked the planting of genetically-modified crops.\nTester is cosponsoring the Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act, which requires labeling of genetically engineered food.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-applauds-house-rebuke-of-president-obamas-unaffordable-energy-regulations", "Daines Applauds House Rebuke of President Obamas Unaffordable Energy Regulations", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.15\n\t\t\t Daines Applauds House Rebuke of President Obama's Unaffordable Energy Regulations \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the House of Representative's bipartisan vote to fully nullify President Obama's anti-coal regulations that threaten more than 7,000 Montana jobs.\r\nToday Congress sent a clear message to President Obama that the American people don't want and can't afford his job-killing, anti-energy agenda. The United States should be on the cutting edge of technological advances in energy development not actively working against American entrepreneurs who can help our country power the world,Daines stated.While it would be no surprise to see President Obama once against reject the will of the American people, I urge him to drop his veto threat and sign into law this commonsense legislation to rein in the unchecked fourth branch of government and protect thousands of good-paying union and tribal jobs.\r\nThe House of Representatives today joined the Senate in passing two bipartisan resolutions disapproving of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed Clean Power Plan regulations on new and existing power sources. The Congressional Review Act resolutions of disapproval will block the Obama administration's regulations on new and existing coal-fired power plants. \r\nDaines is anoriginal cosponsorof both bipartisan resolutions of disapproval. The resolutions passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote onNovember 17, 2015. The resolutions now head to President Obama's desk.\r\nThe University of Montana (UM) Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER)recently releaseda study on the economic implications of implementing the EPA's new regulations in Montana.The study shows that the EPA's new regulations will likely lead to the full closure of Montana's Colstrip Power Plant and the loss of more than 7,000 good-paying Montana jobs.\r\nDaines has long fought to protect Montana jobs and access to low-cost energy from the Obama administration's overreach.Daines is anoriginal cosponsorof theAffordable Reliable Energy Now Act(ARENA),which holds the EPA accountable and protects states' rights by requiring the EPA to demonstrate how their proposed regulations could impact each state.\r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-works-to-provide-tax-relief-for-montana-farmers-small-businesses-families-and-tribes", "Daines Works to Provide Tax Relief for Montana Farmers, Small Businesses, Families and Tribes", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.15\n\t\t\t Daines Works to Provide Tax Relief for Montana Farmers, Small Businesses, Families and Tribes \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. On Tax Relief Tuesday, Senator Steve Daines spoke out on the need to pass bipartisan, comprehensive solutions that permanently protect Montana families, famers and ranchers, small businesses and tribes from burdensome and uncertain tax hikes.\r\nDaines emphasized his continued commitment to working toward reforms that end Washington's habit of passing last-minute extensions of critical tax provisions and instead provide the long-term certainty needed to generate new economic investment and innovation in Montana.\r\nOur tax code is nearly five times as long as the Bible, but with none of the good news,Daines stated.Congress needs to provide hardworking small businesses, farmers, ranchers, tribes and families long-term certainty in planning for the future and not continue to govern by crisis. As Congress moves towards comprehensive tax reform, we need to ensure that the tax code is fairer, simpler and works for all hardworking Montanans.\r\nDaines has long worked to provide Montanans with long-term certainty on numerous tax provisions. Important Montana provisions that are awaiting Congressional action include:\r\nIndian Coal Production Tax Credit (ICPTC):The ICPTC provides a crucial tax incentive to level the playing field for future development of the tribal coal resources that are currently subject to more regulatory requirements than comparable development on private, state or federal lands. The credit protects the economic viability of existing tribal coal mining projects, which support much-needed tribal jobs and provide a major source of non-federal revenue for coal-producing tribes.Daines and Senator Jon Testerintroduced legislationto permanently extend the ICPTC on May 18, 2015.\r\nNew Markets Tax Credit (NMTC):The NMTC attracts capital to low-income communities by providing private investors with a 39 percent federal tax creditfor investments made in businesses or economic development projects. The NMTC program can be credited directly or indirectly with the creation of over 1,000 construction jobs and over 700 full time positions.More than 13 businessesin Montana have received financing from the NMTC since 2003. Daines is acosponsorof the New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2015 that would make permanent the NMTC program.\r\nWork Opportunity Tax Credit:The provision provides businesses with an incentive to hire otherwise disadvantaged job applicants who have faced barriers to employment, including veterans.\r\nSection 179:The provision reduces the initial cost of equipment purchases and encourages capital investment growth. The credit allows farmers, ranchers and small businesses to immediately deduct their equipment purchases up to $500,000 rather than depreciation over an extended period.\r\nConservation Easement Tax Incentive:The provision encourages landowners to donate their land and allow for public access and enjoyment. The changes include both increasing the deduction size limit and extending the deduction carry-forward period from 5-years to 15-years. Daines is a cosponsor of the Conservation Easement Incentive Act of 2015 that would make the provision permanent.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4223", "Tester introduces legislation to strengthen national security [press_release]", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen national security and protect America from terrorism by addressing potential vulnerabilities in the Visa Waiver Program.\nTester's bill requires additional layers of security, like more rigorous background checks on foreign travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program who have visited Syria or Iraq before they are allowed to enter the United States. Currently, those participating in the Visa Waiver Program can freely travel to the United States as a temporary visitor regardless of their previous travel history.\n\"The most important job Congress has is to provide real solutions that will keep Americans safe,\" Tester said. \"When it comes to national security, we don't have time for partisan games. This bipartisan bill beefs up national security, reduces the terror threat and will help keep Montana families safe.\"\nThe Visa Waiver Program allows citizens from certain countries to enter the United States as a temporary visitor without first obtaining a visa from a United States consulate. Travelers from countries under the Visa Waiver Program must first obtain a visa from the State Department and are subject to more rigorous background checks before coming to the United States.\nTester's bill requires:\n\u2022\tAll travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries to acquire a visa if they have traveled to Iraq or Syria within the past five years.\n\u2022\tThe use of e-passports that are machine-readable by all countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program.\n\u2022\tStrengthened information sharing standards between the Department of Homeland Security and countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program to collect and share information about potentially dangerous individuals and stolen passports.\n\u2022\tAll travelers visiting the United States under the Visa Waiver Program to submit biometric information that includes a photograph and fingerprints.\nCurrently there are 38 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.\nEarlier this month Tester pressed senior national security officials about how to best keep Americans safe from terrorist threats.\nTester's bill is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4224", "Testers rural water bill passes Congress [press_release]", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - After unanimously passing the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Senator Jon Tester's rural water bill is on its way to the President's desk and is set to become law.Tester's Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Act reauthorizes a $15 million per year grant for five years to provide technical assistance for rural public water infrastructure systems and training for their employees in an effort to ensure rural communities have clean drinking water. \"There is nothing more important for the health of a town than having access to clean water,\" Tester said, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. \"My bill takes a step in making sure water systems have the resources they need to provide safe drinking water to the families and small businesses in their communities. I urge the President to sign it so we can support these important public health resources on the ground in rural Montana.\"Tester's bill reauthorizes a provision of the Safe Water Act Amendments of 1996 that expired in 2004, establishing grants for non-profit organizations that provide onsite technical, circuit-rider, and training assistance to rural and small community water systems to ensure they can comply with federal safe drinking water standards.Over 77 percent of all community water systems across the country serve populations with fewer than 3,300 people, and over 90 percent of community water systems serve populations of fewer than 10,000. This spring Tester introduced a bipartisan bill that establishes a guaranteed annual investment to construct congressionally authorized rural water systems.Last month Tester sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee urging them to better support rural water projects.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-continues-fight-to-block-internet-sales-tax", "Daines Continues Fight to Block Internet Sales Tax", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.30.15\n\t\t\t Daines Continues Fight to Block Internet Sales Tax \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDaines, Ayotte, Rubio, Lee urge congressional leaders to oppose so-called Marketplace Fairness Act\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. On Cyber Monday,Senator Steve Daines urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) to reject any legislation to impose onerous Internet sales tax requirements that would hurt online retailers in Montana and across the nation.\r\nIn a letter to Congressional leadership, Daines joined Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Mike Lee (R-UT) to underscore the detrimental impact that a federal Internet sales tax would have on Montana small businesses that rely on the Internet to grow their businesses and create good-paying jobs. The so-called Marketplace Fairness Act could result in Montana small businesses that sell goods online being forced to collect sales tax on behalf of 9,600 cities and states nationwide.\r\nAs people across our nation make online purchases today as part of Cyber Monday, we write to urge Republican leadership to reject any efforts to impose a misguided and destructive Internet tax collection scheme on our small businesses that rely on the Internet to tap into growing markets, expand their operations, and create jobs,the senators wrote.\r\nThey continued:We should be focused on policies that encourage economic growth and job creation, instead of imposing new financial burdens and onerous regulations on businesses and interstate commerce. Instead of protecting and fostering e-commerce, online sales tax legislation would stifle small business growth and job creation.\r\nDaines has long led efforts in Congress to block the implementation of federal Internet sales tax legislation. He has been outspoken in his opposition to theMarketplace Fairness Actsince its introduction and while serving in the House, led several rallies in opposition to this proposal.\r\nThe full text of the letter is below:\r\nDear Majority Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan:\r\nAs people across our nation make online purchases today as part of Cyber Monday, we write to urge Republican leadership to reject any efforts to impose a misguided and destructive Internet tax collection scheme on our small businesses that rely on the Internet to tap into growing markets, expand their operations, and create jobs.\r\nThe Marketplace Fairness Act would allow states to force retailers that have zero physical presence in a state outside of their own to collect and remit sales tax to it. This would be especially devastating for Internet retailers in states without a sales tax. The bill could lead to Internet retailers in all states being forced to become tax collectors for nearly 10,000 tax jurisdictions across the country. Only in Washington would such a proposal be labeled as the Marketplace Fairness Act.\r\nUnder this new tax, online retailers would be vulnerable to audits from thousands of municipalities nationwide - presenting compliance and legal costs that could easily skyrocket as businesses are force to defend themselves against audits from money-hungry regulators in faraway places.\r\nThe Internet has been a bright spot in our economy, opening up new markets for our nation's small businesses and breaking down barriers to entry for aspiring entrepreneurs. Small businesses in our nation's most rural areas can now sell products to customers across the country and around the world.\r\nAnd now politicians see these growing Internet businesses as a new source of tax revenue to fund bigger government and fill budget holes created by their own reckless spending decisions. President Ronald Reagan diagnosed this problem long ago when he said: \"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.\"\r\nWe should be focused on policies that encourage economic growth and job creation, instead of imposing new financial burdens and onerous regulations on businesses and interstate commerce. Instead of protecting and fostering e-commerce, online sales tax legislation would stifle small business growth and job creation.\r\nAs Congress looks for responsible ways to foster economic growth and promote innovation, we urge you to oppose any effort to tax and regulate our nation's Internet small businesses.\r\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4220", "Tester releases Thanksgiving Day statement [press_release]", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester releases Thanksgiving Day statement \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t(Big Sandy, Mont.) - Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement to honor the Thanksgiving holiday:\"We give thanks to our families, friends, and neighbors who contribute daily to Montana's unmatched sense of community. As Montanans enjoy their time together today we are grateful for our freedoms and we recognize the sacrifices of those who came before us. Especially in our thoughts are those who serve in the armed forces and are spending this Thanksgiving away from their home and loved ones.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4221", "Tester sponsors Small Business Saturday Resolution [press_release]", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Big Sandy, Mont.) - As the holiday shopping season kicks into full swing, Senator Jon Tester is encouraging Montanans to shop locally.Tester recently sponsored a resolution declaring, today, November 28, 2015 as \"Small Business Saturday.\" This initiative seeks to strengthen the economies of local communities while also raising awareness about important role small businesses play in the American marketplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, small businesses are responsible for over 60 percent of job growth in the past 20 years and employ almost 50 percent of all the employees in the private sector.\"Small businesses drive Montana's economy,\" said Tester, a small business owner. \"As we spend time with our families this weekend and gear up for the holiday season, I encourage folks to support the small businesses who are hiring our friends and family and strengthening our communities.\"Tester regularly hosts Small Business Opportunity Workshops to connect Montana businesses with the tools they need to start and grow their operations. A copy of Tester's \"Small Business Saturday\" resolution is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4222", "Tester, Bullock help lead cleanup efforts in Columbia Falls [press_release]", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Montana) - After continued prodding from Senator Jon Tester and Governor Steve Bullock, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Glencore announced an agreement today to move forward with cleanup plans for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company (CFAC) site. Senator Tester and Governor Bullock have been urging Glencore to come to the table and work with local stakeholders to ensure the contaminated land would be cleaned up. In January, after Glencore walked away from negotiations, Senator Tester sent a letter to the EPA asking them to list CFAC as a superfund site. \"I'm pleased Glencore has finally realized it has an obligation to the people of Columbia Falls,\" Tester said. \"As this process moves forward, I will continue to hold the company and the EPA responsible for ensuring this site is cleaned up and revitalized so we can continue to strengthen the economy in the Flathead.\"In February, Governor Bullock also urged the EPA to list CFAC as a superfund site.\n\"I welcome the news that Glencore has recognized its obligations to clean the site and make it ready to once again become a driver of the Flathead economy,\" Bullock said. \"The plant was a critical part of the economy of Columbia Falls and the site has been idle for too long. It has tremendous potential for redevelopment and will be an important anchor in the future of the region.\" Local stakeholders from across the region thanked Senator Tester and Governor Bullock for their continued efforts in the Flathead Valley.\n\"It's good news. We've come to a \"trust but verify\" comfort level. The CFAC people have been straightforward, but the more you know about the corporate culture of the parent company Glencore, you just have to be watchful. We could never have gotten to this place without public officials bringing pressure. From Senator Tester and Governor Bullock to our city officials, they really have served the public here with exemplary determination and focus,\" said Columbia Falls Resident and Broker of RE/MAX Mountain View Real Estate Bill Daikin.\"The community of Columbia Falls had no assurances from Glencore that CFAC would ever get cleaned up until Senator Tester and Governor Bullock stepped up. As all parties work toward clean up, we must remain diligent because the health of our land, water, and economy depend on it,\" said University of Montana Institute on Ecosystems Senior Scientist Erin Sexton.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-encourages-montanans-to-shop-small-on-november-28-", "Daines Encourages Montanans to Shop Small on November 28", "2015-11-27", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.27.15\n\t\t\t Daines Encourages Montanans to Shop Small on November 28 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. In recognition of Small Business Saturday, Senator Steve Daines is encouraging his fellow Montanans to shop small and join him in highlighting the important contributions that Montana's small businesses make to Montana's economy year round.\r\nDaines is an original cosponsor of a bipartisan resolution to recognize November 28, 2015 as Small Business Saturday and to increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses. S.Res. 304 unanimously passed the United States Senate.\r\nSmall businesses are the backbone of Montana's economy,Daines stated.When small businesses grow, our economy grows. Our country was founded on hard work and entrepreneurship and I'm proud that Montana small businesses continue to lead the way and exemplify the best of our country's heritage. I encourage my fellow Montanans to shop small and join me in supporting Montana small businesses not just this Saturday, but every day.\r\nBy designating November 28, 2015 as Small Business Saturday, Daines' resolution aims to encourage consumers to shop locally this holiday season and to increase awareness of the impact of locally-owned small businesses on the United States' economy.\r\nAccording to the Small Business Administration, small businesses significantly impact Montana's economy. Small businesses represent 97.5 percent of all Montana employers and employ 68.4 percent of Montana's private-sector labor force.\r\nBefore serving in Congress, Daines spent more than 27 years in business. He helped grow a Montana-based cloud computing startup, RightNow Technologies, into Bozeman, Montana's largest commercial employer.\r\nThe full text of the resolution is availablehere.?\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-zinke-work-to-protect-port-of-raymond-operational-hours", "Daines, Zinke Work to Protect Port of Raymond Operational Hours", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.23.15\n\t\t\t Daines, Zinke Work to Protect Port of Raymond Operational Hours \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, 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.\r\nIn 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 surroundingCBP's recent decisionto reduce operating hours.\r\nTerminating 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 and Zinke wrote.We therefore stand with local elected leaders, including Montana State Senator John Brenden and Sheridan County Commissioners Bill Nyby, Keith Clawson, and Bob Nikolaisen, in urging CBP to reverse this shortsighted decision.\r\nDaines and Zinke urged the CBP to immediately suspend its misguided plan to reduce hours at the Port of Raymond and emphasized the potential negative economic ramifications of the CBP's revised operating schedule.\r\nAs voices for Montana in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives we are strongly concerned that reducing hours at the Port of Raymond will have adverse impacts on both the rural community and on the broader economy,Daines and Zinke continued.Accordingly, we urge CBP to suspend any final decisions on this proposal until more options can be considered.\r\nDaines' and Zinke's efforts were commendedby Montana State Senator John Brenden.\r\nI appreciate Senator Daines' and Representative Zinke's work to prevent U.S. Customs and Border Patrol from moving forward with its shortsighted plan to reduce operating hours at the Port of Raymond,Montana State Senator John Brenden stated.The consequences of the CBP's decision will be felt across Sheridan County and northeastern Montana. I urge the CBP to immediately suspend its plan and prioritize working with local Montana leaders to find a better solution.\"\r\nRead the full text of the letter below or download ithere:\r\nDear Commissioner Kerlikowske:\r\nWe write to express our opposition to the Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) decision to reduce the operating hours at the Port of Raymond in Northeast Montana.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. We therefore stand with local elected leaders, including Montana State Senator John Brenden and Sheridan County Commissioners Bill Nyby, Keith Clawson, and Bob Nikolaisen, in urging CBP to reverse this shortsighted decision.\r\nWe understand that CBP plans to eliminate the midnight to 8:00 a.m. shift as early as next month. This is particularly concerning considering that the Port of Raymond is one of three major border crossings that are part of the commercial Ports-to-Plains trade corridor and the only port in the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway, a congressionally delegated high priority corridor. Further, reducing the hours at the Port of Raymond would create significant hurdles for local businesses, because the closest port with 24-hour entry is more than 90 miles away. The looming decision would also leave a gap of more than 500 miles between 24-hour ports on the U.S.-Canada border, which would likewise create costly impediments to commerce and slow economic activity.\r\nAs voices for Montana in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives we are strongly concerned that reducing hours at the Port of Raymond will have adverse impacts on both the rural community and on the broader economy. Accordingly, we urge CBP to suspend any final decisions on this proposal until more options can be considered.Thankyou for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to hearing from you.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/tester-daines-call-on-senate-to-fully-fund-critical-payments-to-montana-counties", "Tester, Daines call on Senate to fully fund critical payments to Montana counties", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.23.15\n\t\t\t Tester, Daines call on Senate to fully fund critical payments to Montana counties \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tPILT helps 55 Montana counties pay for essential services\r\n(Montana) SenatorsJon Tester and Steve Daines are calling on Senate leaders to fully fund a critical tool for Montana counties.\r\nTester and Daines urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to fully fund Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) for the 2016 Fiscal Year.\r\nPILT payments are made by the Department of the Interior to 55 Montana counties with federal lands that are not taxable by local governments, but the lands' presence creates demands for local government services, such as law enforcement and infrastructure.\r\nWithout full funding for the PILT program before the end of the year, counties across the nation will be unable to provide essential services to residents and millions of federal lands visitors alike,the Senators wrote.As the end of the year approaches, enacting full-funding for PILT in FY 2016 is essential in order to provide counties with the certainty they need to plan their own budgets and continue providing essential county services.\r\nMontana counties received approximately $29.2 million in PILT payments in 2015.\r\nTester and Daines letter, which is cosigned by 35 senators who represent counties with federal lands, is available onlineHERE.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4217", "Tester, Daines call on Senate to fully fund critical payments to Montana counties [press_release]", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Montana) - Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines are calling on Senate leaders to fully fund a critical tool for Montana counties. Tester and Daines urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to fully fund Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) for the 2016 Fiscal Year. PILT payments are made by the Department of the Interior to 55 Montana counties with federal lands that are not taxable by local governments, but the lands' presence creates demands for local government services, such as law enforcement and infrastructure. \"Without full funding for the PILT program before the end of the year, counties across the nation will be unable to provide essential services to residents and millions of federal lands visitors alike,\" the Senators wrote. \"As the end of the year approaches, enacting full-funding for PILT in FY 2016 is essential in order to provide counties with the certainty they need to plan their own budgets and continue providing essential county services.\"Montana counties received approximately $29.2 million in PILT payments in 2015.Tester and Daines letter, which is cosigned by 35 senators who represent counties with federal lands, is available online HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4218", "Tester hails Badger-Two Medicine decision [press_release]", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester hails Badger-Two Medicine decision \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Senator\u0092s efforts help lead to preservation of historical area of Montana \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t(Great Falls, Mont.) - Senator Jon Tester released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Interior filed its plan in federal court to cancel an oil and gas lease in the Badger-Two Medicine, a sacred area to the Blackfeet Tribe adjacent to Glacier National Park:\"Today's decision is a step toward protecting the Badger-Two Medicine for future generations. This area is a unique region that has cultural, historical, spiritual, and recreational significance to the people of the Blackfeet Nation and Montana. For too long the oil and gas leases in Badger-Two Medicine have caused uncertainty in this pristine landscape. I applaud all of the folks in Browning and across Montana who have worked so hard on this issue.\" In March, Tester sent a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urging them to cancel all of the existing oil and gas leases in the Badger-Two Medicine. Last year, Tester passed historic conservation legislation to permanently protect the Rocky Mountain Front and the North Fork of the Flathead River, ensuring no oil and gas leases will be permitted on those pristine lands.A map of the Badger-Two Medicine leases can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4219", "Tester fights to protect trade in northeast Montana [press_release]", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Great Falls, Mont.) - Senator Jon Tester today is fighting to protect trade across Montana's northern border by urging the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) not to reduce hours at the Port of Raymond in northeast Montana.In a letter to CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske, Tester noted that the Port of Raymond is a 24 hour port, but CBP is expected to close the port from 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. beginning next month. \"I strongly believe a reduction in hours at this facility harms the United States' potential to maximize economic growth through increased trade with Canada,\" Tester wrote. \"This proposal fails to recognize the importance of 24-hour ports in rural areas.\"Tester highlighted that terminating the Port of Raymond's 24-hour status will force trucks to travel an additional 100 miles to North Dakota or more than 400 miles across Montana to access the nearest 24 hour port. Revoking the Port of Raymond's 24-hour status would leave a nearly 550 mile gap between 24-hour ports on the northern border.\n\"To put this in perspective, 550 miles is a greater distance than Detroit to Washington, D.C.,\" Tester added. Tester, Montana's only member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, brought Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Montana-Canadian border in August to see the challenges rural Customs and Border Protection employees are facing.\u200e\nCanada is Montana's largest trade partner. In 2014 Montana exported $549 million worth of goods to Canada, which represents almost 36 percent of Montana's total exports.Tester's letter to CBP Commissioner Kerlikowske is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-week-mary-crawford-of-stevensville", "Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Mary Crawford of Stevensville", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.20.15\n\t\t\t Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Mary Crawford of Stevensville \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.In honor of National Adoption Month, Senator Steve Daines todayhonored Mrs. Mary Crawford, an adoptive parent from Stevensville, Montana. Mary and her husband have selflessly opened their homes and hearts to nine foster children, six of whom they have since adopted.\r\nDaines is an original cosponsor of S.Res. 315, a resolution to designate November as National Adoption Month and November 21 as National Adoption Day. The resolution passed the Senate unanimously this week. There are 415,000 children currently in the United States foster care system and 108,000 of those are waiting to be adopted.\r\nThrough his Montanan of the Week initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.\r\nDaines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere.\r\nDaines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines' Montanan of the Week program by calling Daines' office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines' website:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve\r\nThe following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record:\r\n MONTANAN OF THE WEEK\r\n MR. DAINES. Mr. PRESIDENT, in honor of National Adoption Month, I wanted to recognize one member of Montana's community who has opened her home and heart to be an adoptive parent. Mrs. Mary Crawford is, what I believe, one of the best Montana has to offer.\r\n As an original cosponsor of a resolution to designate November as National Adoption Month and November 21 as National Adoption Day that passed the Senateunanimouslythis week, I could find no better time than this to honor Mary. This month we honor selfless individuals like Mary who have dedicated themselves towards comforting, protecting and improving the lives of children they have welcomed into their homes.\r\n Like most foster parents who later become adoptive parents, the process isn't easy. But the resolve of both Mary and husband to continue to provide a loving home for nine children is nothing short of admirable. Mary has provided a family that has made a huge difference in these children's livesgiving them a family for life, beyond just their childhood years. These children are safe today in the arms of loving, adopting parents, because of Mary.\r\n Montana has kids that are ready and waiting to be adopted. In fact, there are 415,000 children currently in the United States foster care system and 108,000 of those are waiting to be adopted. Mary has taken tremendous steps in providing six children with a forever home to give them the stability and love that she and her husband could provide.\r\n I am unbelievably proud to have a citizen like Mary Crawford in the great state of Montana. I am thankful for the love and support she has shown these children.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-350000-in-grants-to-improve-rural-montana-mental-health-services", "Daines Announces $350,000 in Grants to Improve Rural Montana Mental Health Services", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.19.15\n\t\t\t Daines Announces $350,000 in Grants to Improve Rural Montana Mental Health Services \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. On National Rural Health Day, Senator Steve Daines announced more than $350,000 in funding for rural Montana telehealth and mental health services.\r\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants have been awarded to Western Montana Mental Health Center and St. Patrick Hospital Foundation.\r\nDaineswrote a letterof support for St. Patrick Hospital's plan to build the Western Montana Telepsychiatry Network a partnership between St. Patrick Hospital and rural Montana hospitals. By providing access to high-quality behavioral health professionals and services through telepsychiatry and distance learning, St. Patrick Hospital can address the behavioral health needs of rural hospitals and clinics, care providers and patients.\r\nTelemedicine provides a timely, realistic and cost-effective way for hospitals and clinics in Montana's rural counties to access needed high-quality behavioral health care,Daines stated.These grants will provide needed resources to expand these services across Montana and ensure our rural residents have access to the mental health services they need.\r\nSt. Patrick Hospital Foundation has been granted $72,870 to purchase equipment necessary to build the telenetwork.\r\nUSDA has also granted $288,061 to Western Montana Mental Health Center to provide a range of mental health services, including routine behavioral health medication management, to Montana residents.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-helps-move-forward-key-legislation-to-reauthorize-lwcf-expand-access-to-public-lands", "Daines Helps Move Forward Key Legislation to Reauthorize LWCF, Expand Access to Public Lands", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.19.15\n\t\t\t Daines Helps Move Forward Key Legislation to Reauthorize LWCF, Expand Access to Public Lands \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today helped move forward critical bipartisan solutions to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and protect and preserve Montana's outdoors heritage.\r\nTheBipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015passed out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this morning on a large bipartisan vote. This bill promotes and protects access to Montana's public lands and increases recreational opportunities for hunters and anglers.\r\nAdditionally, theBipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015would shine a light on how the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) payments are empowering obstructionists who frequently litigate forest management projects in Montana and the west. The bill creates a transparent online database detailing the recipients and amount of EAJA payments, allowing Congress and the American people to assess the scope and impact of these payments. \r\nMontanans know how precious our public lands are and how important it is that we work together to protect and promote access to them,Daines stated.The Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act will benefit thousands of Montanans who enjoy fishing, hunting and hiking in Montana's great outdoors and I'm proud to see it move through the legislative process.\r\nThisBipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015is thesecond billincluding permanent reauthorization of LWCF that the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has successfully passed out of Committee. Both bills now await action on the Senate floor.\r\nAs Montana's sole member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I'm pleased that Committee has twice approved bipartisan bills to permanently reauthorize LWCF,Daines stated.It is imperative that Senate leadership take up and pass permanent reauthorization as quickly as possible.\r\nDaines is anoriginal cosponsorof theBipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015. Itcontains 14 bipartisan provisions to support sportsmen's access to public lands and recreational opportunities, including a measure Daines sponsored while serving in the House to utilize LWCF to increase Montanans' access to public lands.\r\nA full list of the measures included in theBipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015is available on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee'swebsite.\r\nDaines has been actively working to secure strong funding for LWCF.\r\nYesterday,Daines sent a letterto Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) urging them to take up and pass permanent LWCF reauthorization. Daines is also a cosponsor of S.338, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) to secure a permanent solution for LWCF.\r\nDainessuccessfully includedan amendment in this year'sInterior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to increase LWCF programs by nearly $14 million, bringing the overall total funding for LWCF to the FY2015 enacted level of $306 million.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-25-million-for-montana-tribal-schools", "Daines Announces $2.5 Million for Montana Tribal Schools", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.15\n\t\t\t Daines Announces $2.5 Million for Montana Tribal Schools \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today announced that Lodge Grass Elementary School District and Heart Butte School District were awarded nearly $2.5 million in construction grants for FY2016.\r\nHeart Butte and Lodge Grass Elementary school districts are among seven educational agencies nationwide to receive Impact Aid Discretionary Construction Grants this year. The funding will be used to address emergency health and safety conditions in school facilities.\r\nThese grants will provide Heart Butte and Lodge Grass schools with additional resources to ensure the safety of their students and to better serve their communities,Daines stated.This additional support will help students on the Blackfeet and Crow Reservations to have the resources they need to learn.\r\nHeart Butte School District will receive $1,764,973 to replace the existing deteriorated and leaking roofs of the high school and elementary school portion of the buildings. The district educates 169 students in grades K through 12 and is on the Blackfeet Reservation. The district will contribute $1,025,274 of its own funds to the cost of the project.\r\nLodge Grass Elementary School District will receive $734,483 to replace the building's water related plumbing fixtures which have reached their useful life expectancy. The district serves 186 students on the Crow Reservation.\r\nDaines is a member of the Senate Impact Aid Coalition and has long advocated for robust Impact Aid funding, both as a Senator and while serving in the House of Representatives.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-bill-to-protect-consumers-passes-senate-commerce-committee", "Daines Bill to Protect Consumers Passes Senate Commerce Committee", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.15\n\t\t\t Daines' Bill to Protect Consumers Passes Senate Commerce Committee \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the bipartisan passage of his legislation to protect and expand protections for consumers.\r\nThe bipartisanConsumer Review Freedom Actunanimously passed the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee this morning. The bill would prohibit the use of non-disparagement clauses referred to as gag clauses, which are often found in little-read online user agreements.\r\nFeedback from consumers provides valuable insights not only for companies but for other consumers looking for honest firsthand information,Daines stated.We should encourage competition and let consumers' voices be heard on a free and open Internet. I'm pleased to see this commonsense legislation move forward and will continue working to get this bill on the President's desk.\r\nDaines is acosponsor of the bipartisanConsumer Review Freedom Act. The bill received its first legislative hearing in the Committee on November 4, 2015.\r\nTheConsumer Review Freedom Actwould prohibit business practices like the example above, while still allowing business owners to sue reviewers who make dishonest misrepresentations about their business.\r\nClickherefor a copy of the legislation as amended in today's markup.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-capito-king-call-on-fcc-to-increase-transparency-enforcement-for-rural-broadband-funding", "Daines, Capito, King Call on FCC to Increase Transparency, Enforcement for Rural Broadband Funding", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.15\n\t\t\t Daines, Capito, King Call on FCC to Increase Transparency, Enforcement for Rural Broadband Funding \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Angus King (I-ME) today urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to consider strict enforcement measures and increase transparency for the recently announced Connect America Fund funding. The FCC recently announced more than $1.5 billion in annual funding as part of the second phase of the Connect America Fund to expand and support broadband service in rural areas.\r\nWe believe strict enforcement measures, coupled with transparency around how, where, and when the funds are used are necessary to ensure the integrity of the [Connect America Fund] program and the success of the FCC's efforts to advance rural broadband. We seek to maximize the success of the program and ensure that these limited funds are put to the best, appropriate use, the senators wrote.\r\nIn a bipartisan letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, the senators call on the FCC to provide a publically available list of accountability measures for proper use of the funds, and to explain what enforcement mechanisms will be implemented if carriers fail to meet their obligation under the Connect America Fund program.\r\nRead the full text of the letter below or download ithere:\r\nDear Chairman Wheeler:\r\nThe Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plays an imperative and unique role in supporting rural connectivity. In the 21stcentury economy, robust telecommunications networks are increasingly important for today's users, and serve as the foundation of future innovation and economic progress. As the Commission continues to reform its universal service funding mechanisms to adapt to a changing technological environment, we commend the Commission's ongoing attention and support of underserved rural areas.\r\nUnfortunately, deployment of these networks in rural communities continues to lag behind those in urban areas. Recently, the Commission announced over $1.5 billion in annual funding as part of the second phase of the Connect America Fund (CAF). The primary purpose of these funds is supporting investments in the most underserved communities. The Commission has announced that ten telecommunications carriers have accepted this support, which will direct over $9 billion to rural broadband development over the next six years.The high cost to deploy networks in rural areas creates a heavy reliance on the federal funding provided by the FCC, and it is important that these funds are used efficiently.\r\nWe agree with your recent remarks at the NTCA Fall Conference on the importance of ensuring accountability within the Commission's universal service program. While your statement was directed at reports of fraud and abuse by a handful of carriers, we believe the same commitment to responsible and efficient use of federal funds should be applied to all carriers who benefit from universal service program funding, including those supported by CAF. We also applaud your recent Public Notice reminding carriers to not use their funding in wasteful or fraudulent ways. Should we need stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure that the Fund is used appropriately to advance rural broadband deployment, we would look forward to working with you on identifying the right solutions.\r\nCAF is designed to advance critical broadband deployment in our rural communities and improve rural access. In order to ensure the success of the CAF program, we respectfully request a list of accountability mechanisms currently in place to ensure that recipients are using the funds for their intended purpose, that build-out requirements are being met, and that locations reported as newly served are actually receiving service that meets CAF II standards. As you may be aware, the general public has an increasing interest in the outcomes of CAF investments, and we believe making these measures of accountability publicly available would be well received. We would also like to know what enforcement mechanisms will be implemented in cases where carriers fail to meet their obligations.\r\nWe believe strict enforcement measures, coupled with transparency around how, where, and when the funds are used, are necessary to ensure the integrity of the CAF program and the success of the FCC's efforts to advance rural broadband. We seek to maximize the success of the program and ensure that these limited funds are put to the best, appropriate use. We look forward to working with you to promote the continued adoption and expansion of broadband services, and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Connect America Fund.\r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-um-bber-report-reaffirms-devastating-impact-of-obamas-war-on-affordable-energy", "Daines: UM BBER Report Reaffirms Devastating Impact of Obamas War on Affordable Energy", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.15\n\t\t\t Daines: UM BBER Report Reaffirms Devastating Impact of Obama's War on Affordable Energy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tAnnounces telephone townhall to discuss alarming UM report, Daines' efforts to block anti-coal regulations\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today called a new report on the impact of President Obama's anti-coal regulations devastating for Montana and announced that he will hold a telephone townhall meeting this evening to discuss the alarming report with Montanans.\r\nThe University of Montana (UM) Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) today released a study on the economic implications of implementing the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Power Plan in Montana.\r\nThe study shows that the EPA's new regulations will likely lead to the full closure of Montana's Colstrip Power Plant and the loss of more than 7,000 good-paying Montana jobs. The implementation of the regulations will also likely result in in the loss of $500 million in annual income for Montana households and the loss of $145 million per year in state and local revenues.\r\nThe report also details that the EPA's regulations will change Montana from being asignificant energy exporter to relying on imported power from other regions much of the time.\r\nThis report reaffirms what Montanans have long known: Montanans can't afford President Obama's anti-coal agendaand this could be the biggest economic impact in Montana in decades,Daines stated.President Obama's job-killing, anti-affordable energy regulations will devastate significant parts of Montana's economy and likely shutter the Colstrip Power Plant. They will destroy thousands of family-wage union and tribal jobs, cause energy bills to skyrocket for Montana families and result in the loss of millions of dollars in tax revenue for our schools and roads. This report proves that President Obama's war on energy is devastating for Montana and must be stopped.\r\nIn light of this news, Daines also announced that he will hold a telephone townhall meeting this evening to discuss the alarming BBER report and his work to stop the EPA regulations. During the event, Daines will share his views on the report and take questions and comments from Montanans.\r\nThe telephone townhall meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:00PM MT.\r\nMontanans interested in participating in tonight's telephone townhall meeting may sign uphere. Members of the press interested in listening in can RSVP and receive call-in information by emailingpress@daines.senate.gov.\r\nDaines is anoriginal cosponsorof two bipartisan Congressional Review Act resolutions of disapproval that will block the Obama administration's regulations on new and existing coal-fired power plants. The two resolutionspassed the Senatelast night on bipartisan vote of 52-46.\r\nDaines has long fought to protect Montana jobs and access to low-cost energy from the Obama administration's overreach.Daines is anoriginal cosponsorof theAffordable Reliable Energy Now Act(ARENA),which holds the EPA accountable and protects states' rights by requiring the EPA to demonstrate how their proposed regulations could impact each state.\r\nIn April, Daines took EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to task for pushing forward new EPA carbon regulations without fully consulting affected states and tribes or addressing the plan's detrimental impacts on coal production and jobs in Montana.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-zinke-urge-governor-bullock-to-block-the-relocation-of-syrian-refugees-to-montana", "Daines, Zinke Urge Governor Bullock to Block the Relocation of Syrian Refugees to Montana", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.15\n\t\t\t Daines, Zinke Urge Governor Bullock to Block the Relocation of Syrian Refugees to Montana \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.Montana Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke today urged Montana Governor Steve Bullock to block any efforts from the federal government to move Syrian refugees to Montana until exhaustive and comprehensive background checks can be completed.\r\nIn a letter to Bullock, Daines and Zinke stressed the importance of prioritizing Montanans' safety and security by refusing Syrian refugees until there is 100 percent confidence in these refugees' backgrounds. At present, the state of Montana has not disallowed Syrian refugees from settling in Montana.\r\nWe write to urge you to object to any efforts by the federal government to place Syrian refugees in Montana,Daines and Zinke wrote.Until the processes and methods used to screen potential refugees are thoroughly reviewed and a vastly improved background check protocol is implemented, we believe the risk is too great. We believe it is imperative that you object to President Obama's Syrian refugee proposal and direct the Human and Community Services Division of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to utilize any lawful means to prevent those refugees from being placed in the State of Montana.\r\nDaines and Zinke urged Bullock to join a majority of governors in acting to protect their states from potential security risks.\r\nAs Congress promptly moves to act on proposals to review and strengthen refugee vetting procedures, we ask that you prioritize the safety and security of Montanans and join the majority of governors from across this nation in resisting the placement of Syrian refugees in the state until security concerns are met,Daines and Zinke continued.\r\nEarlier this week,DainesandZinkeboth announced their opposition to President Obama's misguided plan to bring 10,000 Syrian refugees to America.\r\nIn October,FBI Director James Comey testifiedbefore a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing that they do see a risk in the current vetting process for Syrian refugees entering the United States.During House Homeland Security Committee Hearingsthe FBI also admittedthat they couldnot properly vetthese individuals.\r\nRead the full text of the letter below or download ithere:\r\nDear Governor Bullock:\r\nWe write to urge you to object to any efforts by the federal government to place Syrian refugees in Montana. Until the processes and methods used to screen potential refugees are thoroughly reviewed and a vastly improved background check protocol is implemented, we believe the risk is too great. While we have the deepest sympathies for those impacted by the conflict in Syria and the surrounding region, we strongly believe the President's proposal to bring 10,000 Syrian refugees into the United States unduly opens up our state and nation to unacceptable security risks.\r\nFollowing the recent tragic terrorist attacks in Paris, our offices have received thousands of calls, letters, and emails from Montanans expressing serious concerns regarding the security risk posed by accepting Syrian refugees into Montana. As Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey testified before a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing this October, there are flaws and uncertainties in the current process conducted for allowing Syrian refugees to enter the United States. With that being the case, and without absolute confidence in the existing procedures being utilized to screen incoming refugees, we believe it is imperative that you object to President Obama's Syrian refugee proposal and direct the Human and Community Services Division of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to utilize any lawful means to prevent those refugees from being placed in the State of Montana.\r\nAs Congress promptly moves to act on proposals to review and strengthen refugee vetting procedures, we ask that you prioritize the safety and security of Montanans and join the majority of governors from across this nation in resisting the placement of Syrian refugees in the state until security concerns are met. Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to your prompt response on this critically important issue.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/tester-daines-urge-senate-to-permanently-reauthorize-and-fully-fund-lwcf", "Tester, Daines urge Senate to permanently reauthorize and fully fund LWCF", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.15\n\t\t\t Tester, Daines urge Senate to permanently reauthorize and fully fund LWCF \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenators: LWCF is one of the country's best conservation programs\r\n(U.S. Senate) Montana Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines are urging Senate leaders to permanently reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to protect more of Montana's best outdoor places.\r\nLWCF, which expired October 1, funds conservation projects in all 50 states using offshore oil and gas receipts.\r\nTester and Daines, in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), called LWCFone of the country's best conservation programs,pointing out that the fund has supported over 41,000 state and local projects.\r\nLWCF was recently used to preserve more than 8,000 acres of elk habitat in Meagher County, known as the Tenderfoot.\r\nFor the economy, sportsmen, veterans, wildlife, and our kids and grandkids, we must permanently reauthorize LWCF -- America's must successful conservation program,the Senators wrote.We also strongly request that you include mandatory full funding in any must-pass year end legislation.\r\nMontana has received $540 million from LWCF over the last five decades.\r\nTester and Daines' letter to McConnell and Reid is available onlineHERE.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-coal-keeps-the-lights-on", "Daines: Coal Keeps the Lights On", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.17.15\n\t\t\t Daines: Coal Keeps the Lights On \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe Obama administration's war on energy isn't just a war on coal it's a war on American jobs, American families and our national security.\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. Ahead of today's vote to fully nullify President Obama's so-called Clean Power Plan, Senator Steve Daines took to the Senate floor to urge his colleagues to join him in standing up for American energy independence.\r\n\r\nClickhereto watch Daines' remarks.\r\nClickhereto download Daines' remarks.\r\nLater tonight, the Senate is expected to pass two bipartisan resolutions disapproving of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed Clean Power Plan regulations on new and existing power sources. The Congressional Review Act resolutions of disapproval will block the Obama administration's regulations on new and existing coal-fired power plants. \r\nCoal keeps the lights on. It will continue to power the world for decades to come. In Montana, it provides more than half our electricity,Daines stated. Rather than dismissing this reality, the United States should be on the cutting edge of technological advances in energy development. We should be leading the way in powering the world, not disengaging. Unfortunately, President Obama's out-of-touch regulations take us in the opposite direction. It's exciting to see bipartisan effort in the Senate to stop the President's job-killing regulations on affordable energy.\r\nDaines is anoriginal cosponsorof both bipartisan resolutions of disapproval. The resolutions only require a simple majority to pass.\r\nDaines has long fought to protect Montana jobs and access to low-cost energy from the Obama administration's overreach.Daines is anoriginal cosponsorof theAffordable Reliable Energy Now Act(ARENA),which holds the EPA accountable and protects states' rights by requiring the EPA to demonstrate how their proposed regulations could impact each state.\r\nIn April, Daines took EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to task for pushing forward new EPA carbon regulations without fully consulting affected states and tribes or addressing the plan's detrimental impacts on coal production and jobs in Montana.\r\nDaines delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\r\nThe Obama administration's war on energy isn't just a war on coal it's a war on American jobs, American families and our national security.\r\nThat's why it's no surprise that the President's anti-energy agenda is gaining opposition from both sides of the aisle.\r\nI'm thankful for the bipartisan leadership demonstrated by Leader McConnell, Senator Capito two Republicans as well as Senator Manchin and Senator Heitkamp two Democrats in standing up against the President's harmful regulations on our nation's coal-fired power plants.\r\nAnd I'm proud have joined them as a co-sponsor of the two bipartisan resolutions to stop the EPA from imposing its anti-coal regulations.\r\nThe Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval we are considering today will block the Obama administration's regulations on existing coal-fired plants.\r\nWe're also seeing strong opposition from more than half of the states in the country including my home state of Montanathat, through three different lawsuits, have requested an initial stay on the rule.\r\nThe Obama Administration's reckless agenda is shutting down coal-fired power plants across the United States. It's killing family wage jobs for union workers and tribal members in my state of Montana and it's stifling investments that could lead to innovation to make coal cleaner here in the United States.\r\nPresident Obama calls it the Clean Power Plan, that's not named correctly. It should be called the Unaffordable Energy Plan.'The Unaffordable Energy Plan' will have a negligible impact on global coal demand and global emissions.\r\nBut itwilllead to devastating consequences for affordable energy and good-paying union and tribal jobs.\r\nHere are the facts: the United States mines just 11 percent of world's coal and consumes only 10.5 percent of world's coal. Said another way, approximately 90 percent of the world's coal is consumed outside the United States.\r\nGlobal demand for coal-fired energy will not disappear even if the United States were to shut down every last coal mine and coal-fired power plant.\r\nCoal use around the world has grown about four times faster than renewables.\r\n1,200 coal plants are planned across 59 countries, with about three-fourths in China and India.\r\nChina consumes 4 billion tons per year four times the United States' 1 billion.\r\nChina is building a new coal plant every 10 days for the next 10 years.\r\nLook at Japan for example. After the great quake there in Japan, they lost their nuclear power capability. Japan is currently building 43 coal-fired power plants.\r\nAnd by 2020, India may have built 2.5 times as much coal capacity as the U.S. is about to lose.\r\nThe Obama administration's reckless war on energy will have little impact on global emissions.\r\nBut here's what it will do. It will devastate significant parts of our economy, causing energy bills to skyrocket, a loss of tax revenue for our schools and roads and destroying family-wage union and tribal jobs.\r\nIf this rule moves forward, countless coal-fired power plants, like Colstrip Power Plant in Montana, will likely be shuttered, putting thousands of jobs at risk.It also makes new coal-fired plants incredibly difficult to build.\r\nCoal keeps the lights on. It will continue to power the world for decades to come.\r\nIn Montana, it provides more than half our electricity. I've told my kids we have four children when they plug in their iPhones, odds are it's coal that's providing power to their phones.\r\nRather than dismissing this reality, the United States should be on the cutting edge of technological advances in energy development. We should be leading the way in powering the world, not disengaging.\r\nUnfortunately, President Obama's out-of-touch regulations take us in the opposite direction.\r\nThe people who can afford it the least will be impacted the greatest.\r\nI urge my Senate colleagues to join in this bipartisan effort to stop the President's job-killing regulations on affordable energy.\r\nJoin us in standing up for American energy independence. With what we've seen happen in the world in the last week, our national security and energy independence are tied together.\r\nStand up for American jobs. Stand up for hardworking American families.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-we-need-forest-management-reform", "Daines: We Need Forest Management Reform", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.17.15\n\t\t\t Daines: We Need Forest Management Reform \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today fervently implored his Senate colleagues to take long-neededaction and move forward bipartisan legislation that includes both a solution for wildfire funding and responsible forest management reforms.\r\n\r\nClickhereto watch Daines' remarks.\r\nClickhereto download Daines' remarks.\r\nDuring a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on wildfire management strategies, Daines reiterated the need for comprehensive, bipartisan solutions that address the wildfire funding challenges facing the Forest Service, implement litigation reforms and improve the health of the National Forest system through increased active forest management.\r\nI urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, let's come together and pass a wildfire funding solution as well as timber management that includes some litigation reform so we can move forward here and protect our forests, protect our jobs and protect the lives of the men and women who fight these fires,Daines stated.\r\nDaines stressed the detrimental impact that frivolous litigation has had on Montana's struggling timber industry and the Forest Service's ability to properly manage Montana's National Forests. Daines highlighted the Spotted Bear River project as an example of a project was hamstrung by litigation for several years.\r\nAccording to nonpartisan research done by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at the University of Montana, the case was in court for over 1,000 days. Instead of planning new forest restoration projects, eighteen Forest Service personnel spent nearly 2,000 hours responding to a lawsuit,Daines stated.The impacts of litigation against this projectand many, many othersare extensive and severe, and they should not be accepted.\"\r\nThe study also concluded that the litigation increased the fire risk in the Spotted Bear River project area.Daines' statement on the BBER study is availablehere.\r\nIn August,Daines attended a briefingon the Thompson-Divide Complex fires and toured the Incident Command Post at West Glacier.\r\nIn a recent editorial, Daines alsooutlined the necessityof implementing comprehensive forest management reforms and ensuring the Forest Service has the resources necessary to fight fires and implement preventative measures.\r\nDaines is a cosponsor of the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act, which overhauls federal wildfire policy, increases funding for fire prevention and ensures large forest fires are treated and funded as natural disasters. Daines' release on the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act is availablehere.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-daines-and-attorney-general-foxs-brawl-of-the-wild-rivalry-continues-", "Senator Daines and Attorney General Foxs Brawl of the Wild Rivalry Continues", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.17.15\n\t\t\t Senator Daines' and Attorney General Fox's Brawl of the Wild Rivalry Continues \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMontana Senator Steve Daines and Attorney General Tim Fox have entered into their third annual wager over the upcoming University of Montana Montana State University football game.\r\nIf the Bobcats win the Brawl of the Wild, Attorney General Fox will be forced to wear a blue and gold Montana State necktie for a full day of work. Should the Grizzlies prevail, Senator Daines will likewise wear a University of Montana tie for a full workday.\r\nAs Fox has won this bet in both of the past two years, the pressure is on to see if the Bobcats can pull through and break the Grizzlies' streak.\r\nOur Attorney General has gotten lucky these past two years, but that streak is about to end,Daines stated.I'm excited to see him sporting a blue and gold tie around the Montana Department of Justice office.\r\nI think Steve will enjoy wearing his new Griz necktie after Saturday,Fox said.Whether he's working on the Senate floor or walking the streets of Bozeman, he should wear it with pride!\r\n\r\nSenator Daines, the first Bobcat elected to Congress, graduated from Montana State University in 1984 with a degree in chemical engineering. Attorney General Fox graduated from the University of Montana in 1981 with a degree in geology and in 1987 with a law degree.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-introduces-legislation-to-roll-back-red-tape-for-small-businesses", "Daines Introduces Legislation to Roll Back Red Tape for Small Businesses", "2015-11-16", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.16.15\n\t\t\t Daines Introduces Legislation to Roll Back Red Tape for Small Businesses \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today introduced legislation to protect Montana small businesses from burdensome regulations found in the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) 317-page net neutrality rules.\r\nTheSmall Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015would make permanent a temporary exemption from the FCC's new so-called enhanced transparency requirements, which would require Internet service providers to disclose an excess of information about their network performance, some of which may require hiring an engineer.\r\nDaines' bill makes the temporary exemption permanent so that small businesses don't have to comply with unnecessary and burdensome regulations that would cost small businesses time and money.\r\nBurdensome regulations like the FCC's net neutrality rules are strangling our small businesses and preventing growth and investment,Daines stated.Thanks to technology, geography is no longer a constraint to economic growth and entrepreneurs have been able to build world-class companies without leaving Montana.Providing relief for our small businesses from over 300 pages of burdensome regulations will allow them to focus on deploying infrastructure and serving their customers, rather than spend time on regulatory compliance.\r\nThe Blackfoot Telecommunications Group supports Senator Daines' bill to make permanent the temporary small business exception to the FCC's new enhanced transparency rules,said Bill Squires, CEO of Blackfoot.Requiring smaller, regional ISPs, like Blackfoot, to comply with the net neutrality transparency standards would be overly burdensome and unnecessarily drive up the costs of broadband services for Montana consumers.\r\nSmall businesses often have only a few employees serving thousands of customers and do not have the resources to comply with regulations intended for Internet service providers (ISP) with millions of customers. The bill uses the Small Business Administration's definition of small ISP less than 1,500 employees, or less than 500,000 subscribers.\r\nDaines' legislation is cosponsoredby Senator James Risch (R-ID).\r\nThe exception is supported by the Small Business Administration, American Cable Association, Rural Wireless Association, Competitive Carriers Association, Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, CTIA, Rural Broadband Provider Coalition and WTA Advocates for Rural Broadband.\r\nThe full text of the legislation is availablehere.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-to-president-obama-us-should-not-accept-syrian-refugees", "Daines to President Obama: U.S. Should Not Accept Syrian Refugees", "2015-11-16", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.16.15\n\t\t\t Daines to President Obama: U.S. Should Not Accept Syrian Refugees \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today called on President Obama to stop the United States from taking in Syrian refugees:\r\nUntil we have the capability to complete comprehensive and exhaustive background checks on Syrian refugees before they reach our shores, the United States should immediately stop taking in new refugees from the region. We are at war with Islamic extremists and anything less than 100% verification of theserefugees' backgrounds putsour national security at risk.\r\nWhile I have strong sympathy for those caught in the conflict in Syria and the region, the President's current plan to take in 10,000 Syrian refugees only serves to open up our homeland to increased security risks, while doingnothing to solve the root cause of the crisis, which is the civil war in Syria.We should instead be focusing our resources on helping refugees in Syria's neighboring countries, like Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan, so that refugees in need don't have to risk their lives fleeing to Europe.\r\nIn October, FBI Director James Comey testified before a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing that they do see a risk in the current vetting process for Syrian refugees entering the United States\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-to-deliver-weekly-republican-address", "Daines to Deliver Weekly Republican Address", "2015-11-14", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.14.15\n\t\t\t Daines to Deliver Weekly Republican Address \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFor too many hardworking American families, 2016 is proving to be yet another disappointment. Premiums are rising once again and in states like Montana, folks purchasing plans from the Obamacare exchanges are getting hit with double-digit rate increases.\r\nBOZEMAN, MT Senator Steve Daines will deliver the Weekly Republican Address on Saturday, November 14, 2015. He will highlight his work to protect Americans from rising health care costs under Obamacare, and to make sure that families receive the quality health care they deserve.\r\nIn his remarks, Daines notes that the Senate will be voting soon to repeal the President's unpopular health care law and will work to replace Obamacare with state-led solutions that put patients back in the center of the health equation.\r\nWhen the federal government takes over our health care system and puts the whims of Washington bureaucrats over the needs of hardworking American families, prices go up and the quality of care goes down, Daines stated. After five years of seeing President Obama's experiment with Americans' health care result in failure and embarrassment, the American people know that it's time to stop putting more Band-Aids on something that's so far beyond repair.\r\nThe audio of the address is available here, the video is available here and you may download the address here.\r\nA full transcript of Daines' address follows:\r\nI'm Senator Steve Daines, and I have the great honor of representing Montana in the U.S. Senate.\r\nOpen season for health insurance enrollment began early this month, and millions of Americans will spend the next few weeks working to find affordable health coverage for themselves, for their spouse, and for their children.\r\nBut for too many hardworking American families, 2016 is proving to be yet another disappointment.\r\nPremiums are rising once again and in states like Montana, folks purchasing plans from the Obamacare exchanges are getting hit with double-digit rate increases.\r\nTake Cindy from Missoula, Montana like all Americans, President Obama promised her lower health care premiums under Obamacare.\r\nBut when Cindy opened her mailbox this past month, she saw a letter from her health insurer telling her that next year, she will face a staggering 40 percent increase in her health care premiums.\r\nObamacare is just one more bill she can't afford.\r\nSadly, those impacted the hardest by these steep rate increases are those who can least afford it.\r\nThe Congressional Budget Office recently projected that 20 million people would sign up on the Obamacare exchanges by 2016, yet only half of that number is enrolled today.\r\nThe last thing uninsured Americans need is a heavy tax penalty to force them into purchasing sub-par health care coverage.\r\nThey need access to affordable care. But Obamacare not only takes uninsured Americans in the wrong direction it's failing to reliably provide the basic coverage that Americans deserve.\r\nOf the 23 co-ops established under Obamacare, all but one lost money in the last year.\r\nIn fact over the past few weeks, more than half of our nation's health insurance co-ops have collapsed forcing more than 700,000 Americans across the country to find new health insurance options.\r\nIt's just another example of how Obamacare is not only costing taxpayers billions of dollars, it's failing to provide the American people with reliable access to affordable care.\r\nAmericans are once again forced off the health care plans they liked and away from the doctors they trusted.\r\nWhen the federal government takes over our health care system and puts the whims of Washington bureaucrats over the needs of hardworking American families, prices go up and the quality of care goes down.\r\nAfter five years of seeing President Obama's experiment with Americans' health care result in failure and embarrassment, the American people know that it's time to stop putting more Band-Aids on something that's so far beyond repair.\r\nIn the coming weeks, Republicans will work to ensure that the voice of hardworking moms and dads, union workers and tribal members, and all families who face higher costs and substandard care is heard.\r\nWe will uphold our promise to the American people and vote to repeal President Obama's broken health care law.\r\nGrowing up in Montana, I was fly-fishing before Brad Pitt made it cool in the movie A River Runs Through It,' which was filmed in southwest Montana.\r\nI know that when your fishing line gets tangled up, you've got two options.\r\nSometimes you can take some time, untangle it and cast again.\r\nBut other times, it gets so tangled up that the only option is to cut the line and start over.\r\nThe American people know that after more than five years of President Obama's health care law and its tangled mess, it's time to cut the line.\r\nWe need to repeal Obamacare and tie on a new fly.\r\nAnd we need to replace this broken law with state-led solutions that put patients back in the center of the health care equation.\r\nLast year, when I decided to run for Montana's open Senate seat, I promised the people of Montana that I would work tirelessly to repeal Obamacare.\r\nIn 2014, the American people spoke loud and clear and elected a Republican majority to dismantle the failure that Obamacare has become.\r\nObamacare isn't working. The American people don't want it.\r\nI have a message for all Americans working day in and day out to provide for their families and achieve the American dream.\r\nWe are working to protect you from rising health care costs. And we are working to ensure you receive the quality health care you deserve.\r\nWe are fighting for you and I promise we won't stop until we have health care that works for all.\r\nThank you and God Bless.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-week-tess-brady-of-stanford", "Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Tess Brady of Stanford", "2015-11-13", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.13.15\n\t\t\t Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Tess Brady of Stanford \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines todayhonored Tess Brady of Stanford, Montana for her dedication to making the Stanford community a better place through her non-profit, Stanford Beautification.\r\nThrough his Montanan of the Week initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.\r\n\r\n\r\nDaines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere.\r\nDaines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines' Montanan of the Week program by calling Daines' office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines' website:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve\r\nThe following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record:\r\nMONTANAN OF THE WEEK\r\n Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Tess Brady, a lifelong resident of Stanford, Montana. Montanans pride themselves in their care and deep respect for all aspects of our communities, and Tess Brady's commitment to bettering Stanford is no exception.\r\n Tess is the founder of Stanford Beautification, a non-profit effort that continuously provides service to improve the appearance of Main Street in Stanford. Tess does an amazing job multi-tasking the various ongoing projects she directs. While her many loyal and generous helpers are critical to these efforts, she is the real fireball behind the projects.\r\n One ongoing project Tess devotes herself to is the planting and upkeep of flower displays along Main Street and at the Stanford Courthouse. She takes a water tank on the back of an ATV every day during the summer and waters the flowers a loving gesture that takes her most of the day.\r\n When fall comes around, you can find Tess working and delegating tasks for the Scarecrow Festival a seasonal event that began as a competition among businesses and town people to decorate Main Street. In winter, Tess devotes her time to maintaining Christmas decorations throughout the season, despite Montana's snowy winters.\r\n It makes me incredibly proud to see a Montanan so devoted and loyal to her town. Tess truly represents the fundamental Montana values of hard work and service, and I'm grateful for the work she does for the Stanford community.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/tester-daines-lead-effort-to-combat-native-american-veteran-homelessness", "Tester, Daines lead effort to combat Native American veteran homelessness", "2015-11-11", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.11.15\n\t\t\t Tester, Daines lead effort to combat Native American veteran homelessness \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMontana senators sponsor bill to permanently reauthorize successful tribal housing initiative\r\n(Montana) - To honor the contributions Native American veterans have made to this nation, Vice Chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee Jon Tester and Senator Steve Daines have introduced bipartisan legislation to combat veteran homelessness in Indian Country.\r\nThe Senators' bipartisan bill will make HUD-VASH funds, which provide rental assistance to homeless or at-risk homeless veterans, permanently available to Native American tribes and tribal housing authorities.\r\nNative Americans serve in the military at the highest rate per capita of any group in the United States, Tester said. This year the tribal HUD-VASH initiative helped establish affordable housing for veterans in Indian Country and it is critical that these resources remain available for the Native American veterans who bravely served our nation.\r\n\"Several thousand Montana tribal members are veterans and serve as true examples of bravery, service and patriotism. Unfortunately, far too many are without a home to call their own. This bill will help ensure that we continue to honor these veterans' service by providing the support they need during difficult times,\" Daines said.\r\nSince 2008 the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has administered the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) initiative to support homeless veterans. But prior to 2015 tribes and tribal housing authorities had been unable to receive HUD-VASH funds.\r\nLast year Tester and Daines sponsored legislation that forced HUD-VASH to set aside up to five percent of HUD funds for Native American tribes. That authorization is set to expire at the end of the year. This bill permanently reauthorizes that set aside fund for Native American tribes and tribal housing authorities.\r\nThe HUD-VASH initiative provides housing vouchers to tribes and tribal housing authorities to construct affordable housing, provide rental assistance, and assist homeless veterans with services that aid recovery from physical and mental health conditions resulting from homelessness.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-hails-strong-bipartisan-passage-of-critical-defense-legislation", "Daines Hails Strong Bipartisan Passage of Critical Defense Legislation", "2015-11-10", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.10.15\n\t\t\t Daines Hails Strong Bipartisan Passage of Critical Defense Legislation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines today applauded the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the Senate today with strong bipartisan support after President Obama dropped his senseless veto threat of the legislation:\r\nMontana plays a critical role in meeting our nation's security and military needs. The NDAA provides the critical support our men and women in uniform need to carry out their missions,Daines stated.I'm glad the President has dropped his senseless veto threat and joined a bipartisan Congress in prioritizing the needs of our service members, while protecting the important role that Montana holds in our national defense.\r\nThe Senate today once again passed the NDAA after President Obama vetoed the original bill onOctober 22, 2015.\r\nThe NDAA provides much-needed support for Montana's military missions, including:\r\n \r\n$19.7 million for the Tactical Response Force Alert Facility at Malmstrom.\r\n$4.26 million for an energy conservation project at Malmstrom.\r\nAuthorizes funding for AMP Increments I and II to ensure that our C-130s are able to stay in the air.\r\nAuthorizes funding for C-130 engine modifications.\r\nIt expresses the sense of theCongress that the nuclear triad plays a critical role in ensuring national security and that it is the policy of the U.S. to operate, sustain, and modernize or replace the triad and to operate and modernize or replace a capability to forward-deploy nuclear weapons and dual-cable fighter-bomberaircraft.\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-introduces-bipartisan-pipeline-safety-bill", "Daines Introduces Bipartisan Pipeline Safety Bill", "2015-11-10", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.10.15\n\t\t\t Daines Introduces Bipartisan Pipeline Safety Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSAFE PIPES Act Would Reauthorize PHMSA Through 2019\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today introduced bipartisan legislation to help ensure the safety of America's pipeline network.\r\nThe legislation, known as the Securing America's Future Energy: Protecting Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (SAFE PIPES) Act, would reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) through 2019. The SAFE PIPES Act is also sponsored by U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).\r\nSafe and secure pipeline infrastructure is critical to our nation and is especially important to Montanans both for economic opportunity and environmental protection in our state,Daines stated.The SAFE PIPES Act will improve the protection of pipeline river crossings, help fill vacant inspector positions and better facilitate communications between PHMSA and state agencies. I appreciate Senators Fischer, Booker and Peters for working with me on this important legislation to enhance pipeline safety and protect our economic and environmental resources.\r\nThe SAFE PIPES Actwould reauthorize PHMSA from Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 through FY 2019. Key provisions of the bill include:\r\n \r\nImproving inspection report turnaround times and requiring dialogue sooner from PHMSA to an operator following an inspection\r\nAdding river crossing considerations to integrity management review\r\nProviding direct hire authority so PHMSA can better leverage its resources to fill vacant inspector positions\r\nEnsuring coordination and collaboration on safety research, development and technology between PHMSA, industry, and public sector stakeholders.\r\nEncouraging the establishment of a national database for PHMSA to share data with state agencies\r\nRequiring PHMSA to prioritize statutory requirements for new rulemaking\r\nRequesting that PHMSA conduct an assessment of Integrity Management programs for natural gas and liquid pipelines\r\nEncouraging PHMSA to investigate and report on advanced mapping technologies for pipeline networks\r\n \r\nDan Rostad of the Yellowstone River Conservation District Council commended Daines' work, stating:Montana Conservation Districts and the Yellowstone River Conservation Districts Council are on the front lines providing local oversight and protections for Montana's waterways. We are grateful to Senator Daines for standing with us in our continued efforts to protect our rivers and neighborhoods in this Last Best Place.\r\nThis fall, Dainesheld a field hearingin Billings, Montana to examine current issues and challenges relating to theinspection and safe management of the nation's pipeline network, as well as the importance of safely transporting our natural resources.\r\nSenator Fischer, chairman of the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee, also released the following statement regarding the introduction of the SAFE PIPES Act:\r\nAmerica's pipelines move critical energy resources to our homes and businesses. Congress must conduct robust oversight to ensure the safety of this important network. That is why I'm proud to join my colleagues today to introduce bipartisan pro-safety legislation to reauthorize PHMSA. Our bill would require the agency to prioritize significant safety objectives, facilitate the hiring of new pipeline inspectors, and bolster communication between PHMSA and the industry, states, and safety stakeholders.\r\nPHMSA's jurisdiction covers approximately 2.6 million miles of pipeline across the United States. Nearly 19,000 miles crisscrosses Montana, delivering natural gas to over 262,000 homes, gasoline and diesel to the pumps, gas and oil to businesses and facilitating exports.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-senate-working-to-uphold-promises-to-our-veterans", "Daines: Senate Working to Uphold Promises to Our Veterans", "2015-11-10", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.10.15\n\t\t\t Daines: Senate Working to Uphold Promises to Our Veterans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today commended the unanimous passage of critical veterans' funding legislation that addresses several of Montana veterans' long-standing concerns.\r\nThe Senate today passed the bipartisan FY 2016 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that secures important reforms to increase Montana veterans' access to health care services and ensure that all Montana veterans are treated with the utmost care and respect.\r\nToday Republicans and Democrats joined together to ensure our nation's veterans have access to the services and support they deserve,Daines stated.Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect, which is why Congress must work diligently to keep the promises made to them. Passage of this bill is an important step in that direction, but there is still work to be done. I will continue to work steadfastly to implement commonsense reforms at the VA to ensure our veterans receive quality medical care and the health care services they have earned and well deserve.\r\nDaines also reaffirmed his frustration with Senate Democrats for blocking all other appropriations bills from being considered on the Senate floor:\r\nIt is no mistake that a day before Veterans Day, Democrats finally allowed passage of just one of twelve appropriations bills to ensure funding of critical government services,Daines stated.While I'm proud that we were able to secure important provisions for our veterans today, it is deplorable that Senate Democrats continue to use our troops, our rural water projects and other vital programs as political pawns. I hope Senate Democrats will join Republicans in passing the remaining appropriations bills in the coming weeks.\r\nDaines successfully included an amendment in today's appropriations bill to protect veterans' ability to discuss with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) physicians the use of medical marijuana in states where it is legal. Daines' amendment passed the Committee on a bipartisan vote. The amendment would allow for parity between VA and non-VA facilities in states like Montana, which have medical marijuana programs. It does not change current laws preventing the possession or dispensing of marijuana on VA property, but simply allows veterans to discuss all options that are legally available in their state with their VA doctor.\r\nOther priorities Daines, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured in this appropriations bill include:\r\n \r\nEnsures that veterans with service animals can bring those animals into VA facilities\r\nDirects the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to take into account the situations of large rural states when determining where to build new veterans' homes\r\nEnsures Montana's veterans without next-of-kin aren't denied a VA-issued headstone\r\n \r\nLast week, Daines applauded Senate Democrats for dropping their filibuster of this legislation andreiterated his callfor Democrats to end their block on the bipartisan Defense Appropriations bill.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-statement-in-honor-of-veterans-day", "Daines Statement in Honor of Veterans Day", "2015-11-10", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.10.15\n\t\t\t Daines Statement in Honor of Veterans Day \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement to honor America's heroes ahead of Veterans Day:\r\nOn Veterans Day, we gather across Montana and all around America to show our respect and gratitude for those who have served our country. Veterans Day is a special day for our nation. It is a day in which we pause and thank those who have served and continue to serve.\r\nFor decades, our enemies have tested our strength, yet we continue to demonstrate our resolve. America and the world are better places because of the courage our veterans and service members have shown. They answered the call to serve and because of them, the world knows America will fight against evil and oppression and for the advancement of freedom from sea to shining sea.\r\nToday, as we enjoy time with our family and friends, let us not forget those who remain in harm's way. They are our moms and dads, sisters and brothers and our dear friends. Today we remember and honor the courage and sacrifice of these brave men and women. We recognize their bravery, their honor and their commitment. To all of Montana's veterans thank you for your service.\r\nDaines will commemorate Veterans Day in Manhattan, Montana at the Legion Post #87 ceremony.\r\nIn the Senate, Daines has fought tirelessly for America's veterans and those on active duty. Issues Daines has worked to address for Montana's veterans and service members include:\r\nMontana Priorities in Veterans Affairs Appropriations:\r\n \r\nEnsures that veterans with service animals can bring those animals into Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities.\r\nDirects the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to take into account the situations of large rural states when determining where to build new veterans' homes.\r\nEnsures Montana's veterans without next-of-kin aren't denied a VA-issued headstone.\r\nProtects veterans' ability to discuss with VA physicians the use of medical marijuana in states where it is legal.\r\n \r\nNational Defense Authorization Act:\r\n \r\n$19.7 million for the Tactical Response Force Alert Facility at Malmstrom.\r\n$4.26 million for an energy conservation project at Malmstrom.\r\nAuthorizes funding for AMP Increments I and II to ensure that our C-130s are able to stay in the air.\r\nAuthorizes funding for C-130 engine modifications.\r\nIt expresses the sense of the Congress that the nuclear triad plays a critical role in ensuring national security and that it is the policy of the U.S. to operate, sustain, and modernize or replace the triad and to operate and modernize or replace a capability to forward-deploy nuclear weapons and dual-cable fighter-bomber aircraft.\r\n \r\nVA Change in Service Dog Policy:\r\n \r\nVeterans in some states, including Montana, have had difficulty bringing their animals into VA medical facilities.\r\nDaines haslong pushedfor the VA to update its service dog policies and acknowledge their value for veterans.\r\nDainescommended newsthat the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has revised its rules regarding veterans' ability to bring service animals to VA facilities.\r\nThe VA's new rule will put clear guidance in place that allows the presence of service animals at VA facilities across the United States.\r\n \r\nVA Office of the Inspector General September Report:\r\n \r\nDainesexpressed his deep concernsregarding this VA Inspector General report, noting that it \"paints a disturbing pattern of incompetence at the Department of the Veterans Affairs.\"\r\nThe report was intended to respond to specific allegations about care at the VA, but found that record keeping was so terrible that it couldn't accurately assess many of those allegations.\r\nDaines believes it is unconscionable that America's veterans have not been able to effectively access the health care services that was promised to them.\r\n \r\nThe Securing Military Personnel Response Firearm Initiative (SEMPER FI) Act:\r\n \r\nIn light of the tragic events in Chattanooga, TN,Daines joined Rep. Duncan Hunter(R-CA) to introduce the Securing Military Personnel Response Firearm Initiative (SEMPER FI) Act, S. 1819.\r\nThis bill would allow the military to authorize recruiters to be armed with a service-issue sidearm when they're at recruitment centers. The bill also limits the carrying of a sidearm to officers and non-commissioned officers.\r\nDaines' provisionwas includedin the National Defense Authorization Act that allows military officers the ability to carry weapons at military recruitment centers.\r\n \r\nBipartisan Bill to Correct Erroneous Discharges:\r\n \r\nDaines joined Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) tointroduce bipartisan legislationthat will ensuredue process for veterans who suffer from mental health illnesses who may have been erroneously given an administrative discharge, rather than an honorable discharge.\r\nThe bill creates a presumption in favor of the veteran when petitioning the Secretary of Defense for an upgrade in discharge status based on medical evidence certified by the VA.\r\nIndividuals who are given an administrative discharge make them ineligible for certain benefits, including G.I. benefits and VA home loans.\r\n \r\nBlue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act:\r\n \r\nDaines has been working with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)to pass legislationthat will force the VA to recognize the Agent-Orange-related conditions of blue water' Vietnam veterans.\r\nIt would clarify existing law so thatblue water' veterans would be fully covered by the VA if they served within the territorial seas, or approximately 12 miles offshore of Vietnam.\r\nThe bill would make it easier for VA to process Vietnam War veterans' claims for service-connected conditions and alleviate a portion of the VA's backlog by extending presumptive coverage of Agent Orange benefits to these veterans.\r\nDainesrecently testifiedat a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on the importance of passing this legislation.\r\n \r\nVeterans History Project:\r\n \r\nDaines isworking to expandthe American Folklife Center's Veterans History Project (VHP) to Montana to collect and preserve the stories of Montana's wartime veterans in the Library of Congress. \r\nThe recordings and documents that are collected ensure that Montana veterans' stories are preserved for future generations.\r\nDaines kicked off the Veterans History Project in Helena onOctober 10, 2015.\r\n \r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-helps-recognize-november-as-national-native-american-heritage-month", "Daines Helps Recognize November as National Native American Heritage Month", "2015-11-09", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.09.15\n\t\t\t Daines Helps Recognize November as National Native American Heritage Month \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines has helped introduced a Senate resolution to recognize the month of November as National Native American Heritage Month. The resolution celebrates the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and recognizes their many contributions to the United States.\r\nThe resolution was unanimously passed by the Senate.\r\nNational Native American Heritage Month honors the importance of tribal self-governance, preserving indigenous languages, the United States' commitment to strengthening the government-to-government relationship and the importance of Native Americans' heritage to our country at large,Daines stated.This resolution also honors Native American veterans like the Crow Tribe Code Talkers, who played an integral role in transmitting and receiving military intelligence during World War II. It is an honor to join Montanans in celebrating National Native American Heritage Month.\r\nNative Americans have the highest rate of military service of any ethnicity in the United States.\r\nThe resolution was sponsored by Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY) resolution and is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Al Franken (D-MN), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Dean Heller (R-NV), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), James Lankford (R-OK), John McCain (R-AZ), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Harry Reid (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Jon Tester (D-MT), John Thune (R-SD), Tom Udall (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\r\nRead the full resolutionhere.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-works-to-protect-consumers-from-backlash-over-online-reviews", "Daines Works to Protect Consumers from Backlash Over Online Reviews", "2015-11-09", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.09.15\n\t\t\t Daines Works to Protect Consumers from Backlash Over Online Reviews \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today announced that he has signed onto bipartisan legislation to protect consumers who want to write honest online reviews of companies, without fear of financial repercussions from the businesses being reviewed.\r\nDaines is a cosponsor of the bipartisanConsumer Review Freedom Act, which would prohibit the use of non-disparagement clauses referred to as gag clauses, which are often found in little-read online user agreements.\r\nBusinesses can use these clauses to penalize or fine customers for negative but honest reviews of their services on websites such as Yelp or TripAdvisor. Non-disparagement clauses stifle consumer speech by silencing fair criticism in public forums, particularly on websites.\r\nTheConsumer Review Freedom Actreceived its first Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation legislative hearing last week. At the hearing, Daines underscored the importance of protecting consumers who seek to write online reviews.\r\n\r\nClickhereto download Daines' remarks.\r\nClickhereto watch Daines' remarks.\r\nFeedback is a gift,Daines stated.I think it's insecure companies, like bullies on a playground that are insecure, that have these anti-disparagement clauses. Welcome to the free markets of the Internet. Let's compete and let the consumer have its voice.\r\nAn example of a non-disparagement clause was found in the Utah case of Palmer v. KlearGear.com, where a website demanded a customer remove a negative online review or pay $3,500 in damages because the website's terms of service included a non-disparagement clause. When the customer refused to pay the penalty, the website reported the $3,500 to credit reporting agencies as an unpaid debt.\r\nTheConsumer Review Freedom Actwould prohibit business practices like the example above, while still allowing business owners to sue reviewers who make dishonest misrepresentations about their business.\r\nSimilar bipartisan legislation, H.R. 2110, has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Blake Farenthold (R-Texas), Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.).\r\nClickherefor a copy of the legislation.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-week-pete-gardzina-of-montana-city", "Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Pete Gardzina of Montana City", "2015-11-06", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.06.15\n\t\t\t Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Pete Gardzina of Montana City \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines todayhonored Pete Gardzina from Montana City. Pete is the current Transition Assistance Advisor for the Montana National Guard and works to help Montana veterans transition to civilian life after returning from deployment.\r\nThrough his Montanan of the Week initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.\r\n\r\nDaines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere.\r\nDaines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines' Montanan of the Week program by calling Daines' office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines' website:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve\r\nThe following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record:\r\n MONTANAN OF THE WEEK\r\n Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Pete Gardzina. Pete is the Transition Assistance Advisor for the Montana National Guard and an honorable representation of the passion and service we honor in Montana.\r\n Pete aids in the readjustment of our veterans after they return from their deployment. This form of outreach not only touches the lives of Montana's service men and women, but the families they are returning to. He works alongside the Veteran Affairs Committee and community organizations to build a network of support for returned veterans. This network offers continued support for those who fought for us and the freedoms we take for granted every day.\r\n Pete has helped improve the lives of multiple veterans by ensuring that when they return, they are well taken care of, are quickly connected to the right people, and are supported throughout their adjustment back into civilian life.\r\n I am so grateful to have someone in our community with such passion for serving Montana's service members and veterans. On behalf of the many veterans Pete has helped, and their families, it is my honor to recognize his service. I am truly grateful to have someone in Montana fighting for those who fought for us.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-president-obamas-rejection-of-the-keystone-xl-is-an-affront-to-the-american-people", "Daines: President Obamas Rejection of the Keystone XL is an Affront to the American People", "2015-11-06", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.06.15\n\t\t\t Daines: President Obama's Rejection of the Keystone XL is an Affront to the American People \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today admonished President Barack Obama for rejecting TransCanada's application to build the job-creating Keystone XL pipeline:\r\nIt has taken more than seven years for President Obama to come clean with the American people and admit his anti-energy and anti-American jobs agenda. President Obama had an opportunity to help create good-paying jobs with the construction of the Keystone pipeline, but instead he chose to blatantly disregard the economic needs of this nation, the need for good-paying jobs, like union jobs, energy costs for Montana families and the will of the American people. The rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline by President Obama is an affront to the American people.\r\nDaines was original cosponsor of S. 1, the bill to approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, that was vetoed on February 24, 2015.\r\nDaines has long been a leading proponent of the Keystone XL pipeline, which would first enter the United States through Montanaand createtens of thousands of good paying jobs, bring much needed economic opportunity to Montana and move the nation one step closer to North American energy independence. According to the State Department, the pipeline will support 42,000 jobs during its construction.\r\nIn the House,Dainescosponsored theNorthern Route Approval Act, bipartisan legislation that also would permit construction of the KeystoneXL pipeline.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-over-500000-in-education-funding-for-confederated-salish-and-kootenai-tribes", "Daines Announces Over $500,000 in Education Funding for Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.05.15\n\t\t\t Daines Announces Over $500,000 in Education Funding for Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today announced more than $500,000 in federal funds for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) to bolster their educational programs and provide additional tools to advance self-determination in an educational setting.\r\nThe Salish Kootenai College (SKC) was awarded $220,000 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) the Tribal College Research Grants Program (TCRGP), which was created by the 2014 Farm Bill.The tribe was separately awarded $287,769 through the Department of Education's State-Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) program.\r\nThese grants will provide Salish Kootenai College and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes with additional resources to better serve students,Daines stated.This additional support will help students attending schools on the Flathead Reservation have access to the job-training and educational services they need,while incorporating CSKT culture, language and history.\"\r\nThe TCRGP program was designed to assist 1994 Land-Grant Institutions (Tribal Colleges) in building institutional research capacity through applied projects that address student educational needs and solve community, reservation or regional problems.\r\nThe STEP program provides funding to five Native American communities in Idaho, Montana and Oklahoma to assist tribal schools in partnering with states and local school districts to develop culturally sensitive teaching strategies, curriculum materials and data-sharing that can improve attendance, raise graduation rates and reduce dropouts among Native youth. The grant provides funding from 2015 to 2019.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-bipartisan-vote-to-move-forward-veterans-funding-bill-is-how-washington-should-work", "Daines: Bipartisan Vote to Move Forward Veterans Funding Bill Is How Washington Should Work", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.05.15\n\t\t\t Daines: Bipartisan Vote to Move Forward Veterans Funding Bill Is How Washington Should Work \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDaines urges Senate Democrats to end block of critical defense funding legislation\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines today applauded the bipartisan Senate vote to move forward debate on legislation to fund critical veterans' services and noted that bipartisan cooperation on spending bills is how Washington should work.\r\nDaines also reaffirmed the need for Senate Democrats to end their political block on Defense Appropriations legislation, which Democrats doubled-down on earlier today by voting to block consideration of the funding bill.\r\nIt is welcome news that Senate Democrats are joining Republican in prioritizing the needs of our nation's veterans.These selfless men and women should have easy access to the resources, services and medical care that they need moving forward debate on this critical bill is a step in that direction,Daines stated.Butit's not enough to just care for our service members after they have retired we need to ensure our men and women in uniform have the support they need to protect our nation in this increasingly dangerous world. It's time for Senate Democrats to end their senseless block on the bipartisan Defense Appropriations bill and do what's right for the men and women who fight for our freedoms every day.\r\nDaines noted that both appropriations bills considered by the Senate today contain critical support for Montana's military missions and Montana veterans.\r\nMore information on Montana priorities contained in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act can be foundhere. Montana priorities in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act are availablehere.\r\nBefore today's votes, Daines took to the Senate floor to reaffirm his frustration with Senate Democrats' refusal to allow consideration of FY16 Department of Defense Appropriations legislation.\r\n\r\nClickhereto download Daines' remarks.\r\nClickhereto watch Daines' remarks.\r\nAs we approach Veterans Day next week, today marks the third time that Democrats have blocked this critical legislation to fund our troops,Daines stated on the Senate floor.This comes at a time when our troops are actively engaged in multiple theaters abroad and they need the critical support for our nation's growing missions overseas. But rather than passing this vital funding bill, my Democrat colleagues would rather play politics and perpetuate the obstruction that plagues their party.\r\nDaines gave the following remarks on the Senate floor this morning:\r\nFor months, we've called for Senate Democrats to stand and support our troops and pass the Defense Appropriations legislation.\r\nIn fact, this is the first time since 2009 that all 12 appropriations bills were reported out of committeemost with strong bipartisan support.\r\nI serve on the Appropriations Committee, in fact I serve on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.\r\nBut today we are once again considering opening debate on the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2016 a bill that passed out of the Appropriations Committee on June 11 with a very strong bipartisan vote of 27-3.\r\nAs we approach Veterans Day next week, today could mark the third time that Democrats have blocked this critical legislation to fund our troops.\r\nThis comes at a time when our troops are actively engaged in multiple theaters abroad and they need the critical support for our nation's growing missions overseas.\r\nBut rather than passing this vital funding bill, my Democrat colleagues would rather play politics and perpetuate the obstruction that plagues their party.\r\nThe Minority Leader's constituents in Nevada deserve more. Montanans deserve more. Americans deserve more.\r\nHere we are debating for the third time simply to proceed on Defense Appropriations legislation and open it up for the debate.\r\nLet's be clear, the way the process works we first have to vote to bring the bill to the floor to begin deliberation this the greatest deliberative body in the world we can't even deliberate on the Defense Appropriations bill because our friends across the aisle are blocking it.\r\nIt is time to open it up for debate, open it up for amendments this is the process of the United States Senate. The American people, the troops deserve better.\r\nBut it appears that the Democrat Leader and his Democrat colleagues would rather huddle in backrooms somewhere and concoct yet another deal behind closed doors because they would rather negotiate in private than engage in an open and honest debate in front of the American people.\r\nUnfortunately today, Senate Democrats will put partisan politics ahead of funding for troops.\r\nThe Senior Senator from New York the likely next Senate Democrat leader, has already foretold that Democrats would rather throw together another massive spending package than allow for open consideration of each part of the nation's budget.\r\n\"No wonder we are $18 going on $19 trillion in debt.\r\nHe said: We could pass a defense bill and then they could say, Well, we'll do a [continuing resolution] on the rest of it, violating the 50-50 deal. We need to negotiate an omnibus all at once and all together.'\r\nI reject that.\r\nMontanans know firsthand the importance of supporting our men and women in uniform. The passage of this legislation is critical to carrying out our missions in an increasingly dangerous world.\r\nIt's important to the missions we support in Montana.\r\nThis Defense Appropriations bill protectsMontana Air National Guard's C-130 missionby moving forward with Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) Increments 1 and 2, which are improvements from the original, costly AMP program.\r\nThis will ensure that the C-130s at the Montana Air National Guard will be certified to continue flying by 2020 and provide a pathway for a full-scale avionics upgrade that addresses outdated components.\r\nIt also funds key engine modifications for those C-130s.\r\nBut Senate Democrats would prefer to once again obstruct regular order much in the same fashion they did during the past few years, which became the hallmark of a failed Democrat led Senate majority.\r\nAs the Senate heads home for the weekend I challenge my Democrat colleagues to look their veterans, active duty troops, and military families in the eye and ask yourselves: did I serve these selfless men and women, or the Washington establishment?\r\nI think we know which one they will choose.\r\nI encourage my Senate Democrat colleagues to change course, we have a chance to change course on this upcoming vote, and vote yes on moving this critical defense legislation forward.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-calls-for-montanans-feedback-on-trans-pacific-partnership", "Daines Calls for Montanans Feedback on Trans Pacific Partnership", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.05.15\n\t\t\t Daines Calls for Montanans' Feedback on Trans Pacific Partnership \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, 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.\r\nThe 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.\r\nThe full text of the Trans Pacific Partnership is availablehere. The text will be available for several months before Congress considers it for a vote.\r\nI'm pleased that the Trans Pacific Partnership will be considered in a transparent process and will be available to the public in its entirety for several months before Congress votes on it,Daines stated.I will closely scrutinize the TPP and work with Montanans to understand the impact the finalized agreement will have on Montana and the country as a whole. I will continue to fight to ensure that any final trade agreement works for Montana and I will not support any agreement that does not benefit the farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, small businesses and hard working families across our state.\r\nDaines encourages all Montanans toread the trade agreementand share their thoughts and concerns by calling his Washington, D.C. or Montana offices or by sending him an email here:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve\r\nInternational trade holds an important role in Montana's economy:\r\n \r\n80 percent of Montana's wheat is exported annually\r\nIn Montana, more than $900 million in bulk wheat and $130 million in beef is exported every year\r\nTrade policies helps save the average Montana family of four more than $10,000 per year\r\nInternational trade supports 1 in 5 Montana jobs\r\nTrade-related employment grew 2.7 times faster than total state employment from 2004 to 2013\r\nCustomers in 176 countries and territories buy Montana-made goods and services\r\n \r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-helps-reintroduce-audit-the-fed", "Daines Helps Reintroduce Audit the Fed", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.05.15\n\t\t\t Daines Helps Reintroduce Audit the Fed \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today helped reintroduce the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015, widely known as Audit the Fed.\r\nThe bill eliminatesrestrictions on Government Accountability Office audits of the Federal Reserve and mandates that the Federal Reserve's credit facilities, securities purchases, and quantitative easing activities be subject to congressional oversight.\r\nThe Federal Reserve System was established one hundred years ago with the intent of managing our country's money supply for greater financial stability. We need to conduct a serious review of our nation's monetary policy with a view of returning to normalcy,Daines stated.We must have an open and honest dialogue on the monetary issues facing our nation and ensure that the Fed is transparent and accountable. It's time to Audit the Fed.\r\nIn the House, Daines was a cosponsor of H.R. 24, the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2014.\r\nThe Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015 was introduced by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and cosponsored by: U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), John Barrasso (R-WY), Roy Blunt (R-MO), John Boozman (R-AR), Shelley Capito (R-WV),John Cornyn (R-TX),Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Dean Heller (R-NV), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Mike Lee (R-UT), Rob Portman (R-OH),James Risch (R-ID), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Pat Toomey (R-PA), and David Vitter (R-LA).\r\nClickhereto read the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015 in its entirety.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-applauds-senate-passage-of-legislation-stopping-wotus-rule", "Daines Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation Stopping WOTUS Rule", "2015-11-04", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.04.15\n\t\t\t Daines Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation Stopping WOTUS Rule \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tReaffirms Commitment to Stopping Obama Administration Overreach\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the bipartisan Senate passage of legislation nullifying the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) greatly expanded Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and reaffirmed his commitment to stopping the Obama administration's overreach through any means possible.\r\nToday a bipartisan Senate spoke loud and clear: President Obama's Waters of the United States power grab is unacceptable and infringes on the rights of our farmers, ranchers and landowners,Daines stated.But the fight to protect Americans from the Obama administration's extreme overreach isn't over. I'm thankful that 31 states, including Montana, are fighting against this power grab in the courts and have been granted a temporary nationwide stay on this rule. I will continue to forcefully fight against President Obama's power grabs, just as forcefully as they are trying to control Montanans' way of life.\r\nLast night, Daines took to the Senate floor to discuss his work to stop the Obama administration's overreach and its devastating impacts on Montana jobs, natural resources and agriculture industries and Montana property rights.\r\n\r\nClickhereto download Daines' remarks.\r\nClickhereto watch Daines' remarks.\r\nEarlier this morning,Daines also appearedon FOX Business to stand up for the rights of land owners, ranchers and farmers across the country.\r\nDaines' efforts to stop President Obama's egregious power grab wereapplauded across Montana, including by the Montana Chamber of Commerce, Montana Stockgrowers Assocation, Montana Grain Growers Association, Montana Farm Bureau, Montana Wool Growers Association, Montana Mining Association, Montana Petroleum Association and the Montana Building Industry.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-montana-counties-set-to-receive-23-million-in-additional-pilt-payments", "Daines: Montana Counties Set to Receive $2.3 Million in Additional PILT Payments", "2015-11-04", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.04.15\n\t\t\t Daines: Montana Counties Set to Receive $2.3 Million in Additional PILT Payments \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the Department of Interior has allocated nearly $2.3 million in additional Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funds to Montana rural counties.\r\nThe Department of Interior has issued nationwide an additional $34,484,000 in payments under the 2015 PILT program. The funds have been made available as a result of a technical fix Daines fought for in the Continuing Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2015 passed on September 30, 2015.\r\nThese payments are welcome news for numerous Montana communities who have suffered from severe economic challenges due to declining timber harvests and natural resource production,Daines stated.The PILT program provides critical support for Montana's rural and forested counties, but long-term certainty and permanent solutions are still needed. I'll keep working toward comprehensive forest management reforms and balanced resource development that improves the health of our National Forests, creates thousands of good-paying jobs and provides Montanans with the economic certainty they deserve.\r\nComplete information on theDepartment of Interior'sadditional PILT payments, including a state-by-state breakdown, is availablehere.\r\nDaines has long fought to protect funding for the PILT program to ensure that rural Montana counties receive the support they need for essential services. While serving in the House, Daines voted against efforts to fully zero-out the PILT program and spearheaded efforts to reverse the cuts and fund the program in the Farm Bill.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-statement-on-state-departments-rejection-of-transcanada-request-to-suspend-keystone-xl-application", "Daines Statement on State Departments Rejection of TransCanada Request to Suspend Keystone XL Application", "2015-11-04", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.04.15\n\t\t\t Daines Statement on State Department's Rejection of TransCanada Request to Suspend Keystone XL Application \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today denounced the State Department's decision to reject TransCanada's request to suspend their application's review to build the job-creating Keystone XL pipeline:\r\nPresident Obama has made clear that he has no intention of approving the Keystone XL pipeline. The State Department's rejection of TransCanada's request to suspend the Keystone application's review is just another political move in the Obama administration's long-standing war on American energy. Once again, President Obama is working directly against American energy independence, American jobs and the will of the American people.\r\nDaines has been a vocal proponent of building the Keystone XL pipeline. Daines recently expressed his disappointment in the Obama administration's refusal to approve the pipeline, following TransCanada's request for a suspension.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-slams-senate-democrats-failure-to-protect-americans-from-obama-administration-wotus", "Daines Slams Senate Democrats' Failure to Protect Americans from Obama Administration WOTUS Power Grab", "2015-11-03", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.03.15\n\t\t\t Daines Slams Senate Democrats' Failure to Protect Americans from Obama Administration WOTUS Power Grab \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator Steve Daines today slammed Senate Democrats after all but four members of the Democrat caucus blocked legislation that would have directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a revised Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule:\r\nToday the Senate came just a few votes shy of passing legislation to protect our farmers, ranchers and small business owners from major new costs and regulatory burdens. I appreciate the bipartisan support demonstrated today by four key Senate Democrats and am disappointed that others chose instead to put President Obama's agenda ahead of doing what's right. Montanans know that this power grab has more to do with controlling Montanans' land use decisions than ensuring access to clean water like the Clean Water Act intended. I will continue working to protect Montanans from the Obama administration's WOTUS power grab and look forward to casting my vote tomorrow to permanently stop this misguided rule.\r\nThis afternoon, the Senate failed to advance S. 1140, theFederal Water Quality Protection Actthat would direct the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to issue a revised WOTUS rule that protects traditional navigable water from water pollution, while also protecting farmers, ranchers and private landowners. Daines is a cosponsor of S. 1140.\r\nTomorrow, the Senate will vote on a joint resolution disapproving the WOTUS release. The resolution, which would nullify the EPA's expanded WOTUS rule, requires a simple majority vote to pass.\r\nDaines' efforts to stop President Obama's egregious power grab were applauded across Montana:\r\nMontana Farm Bureau's Director of National Affairs Nicole Rolf: The Montana Farm Bureau has been opposed to the EPA's WOTUS rule ever since it was proposed because it extends federal jurisdiction to most water and even land in Montana and the rest of the U.S. S. 1140 will block implementation of the EPA's overreaching and harmful WOTUS rule and we thank Senator Daines for his long-standing support of that bill and his work on behalf of Montana's farmers and ranchers.\r\nMontana Chamber President and CEO Webb Brown: \"If this rule stands, there will be tremendous cost to our states, our economies, and our employers and their employees' families. Under this unprecedented extension of federal power, land and water use decisions will be made in Washington, D.C., far from the affected local communities. Our business, industry, and community members take seriously their collective responsibilities to wisely use and manage water within their jurisdictions We oppose this federal regulatory overreach and thank Senator Daines for his support of S. 1140 and his efforts to overturn this rule.\r\nMontana Stockgrowers Association President Gene Curry: The Montana Stockgrowers Association thanks Senator Daines for supporting S. 1140, the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, and his continued opposition to work to stop the final WOTUS rule. This rule is an unwise and unwarranted expansion of EPA's regulatory authority over Montana's waters, and would have a significant detrimental impact on Montana's ranchers.\r\nMontana Grain Growers Association President Charlie Bumgarner: If implemented, the final WOTUS rule would have a devastating impact on grain growers across the state. The Montana Grain Growers Association appreciates Sen. Daines efforts to block this rule and his ongoing work to ensure that farmers across the state are not unduly burdened by unnecessary EPA regulations.\r\nMontana Mining Association Executive Director Tammy Johnson: The proposed regulation broadens the scope of EPA jurisdiction beyond constitutional and statutory limits established by Congress and recognized by the Supreme Court. In addition to raising serious legal issues, the proposed rule fails to provide clarity or predictability, and raises practical concerns with regard to how the rule will be implemented. The change in scope of federal jurisdiction far exceeds the resources available to implement and will have a substantial effect on our members' ability to finance and develop new projects or to maintain existing infrastructure and facilities. We applaud Senator Daines for his leadership and sponsorship of legislation that will stop EPA's power grab.\r\nMontana Building Industry Executive Director Dustin Stewart: The EPA's Waters of the U.S. regulation is an incurably flawed rule that will impact 370,000 miles of ephemeral streams and 18 million acres of land across Montana, negatively impacting farmers, ranchers, homeowners and homebuilders. The Montana Building Industry Association thanks Sen. Daines for once again standing with small businesses to fight overreaching regulations and protect Montanan's property rights.\r\nMontana Petroleum Association Executive Director Dave Galt: The EPA's new water rule is an unnecessary expansion of jurisdiction for the federal government. The EPA's rule will negatively impact all land-use industries including agriculture and energy production. We join a wide-range of Montana groups to support Montana property rights and jobs.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/montana-congressional-delegation-secures-reversal-of-india-restrictions-on-pulse-exports", "Montana Congressional Delegation Secures Reversal of India Restrictions on Pulse Exports", "2015-11-03", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.03.15\n\t\t\t Montana Congressional Delegation Secures Reversal of India Restrictions on Pulse Exports \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFollowing 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.\r\nIndia'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.\r\nThe Indian government's reversal of these regulatory restrictions is welcome news for Montana pulse farmers whose livelihoods depend on reliable access to international markets, Daines stated. Montana produces more pulse crops than any other state. I'm glad that this issue has been swiftly resolved and our farmers now have the certainty they deserve. \r\nThis announcement is good news for Montana pulse growers who depend on fair trade opportunities with folks around the world, said Tester, the Senate's only working farmer.All businesses need certainty, and now Montana farmers have the predictability they need to continue to produce the crops that America and the world need.\r\nI'm happy to work with Senators Daines and Tester to increase exports of Montana peas, lentils and chickpeas to Indian markets, said Rep. Zinke. Agriculture is our biggest industry and we are the largest pulse producer in the nation. I'm proud to fight for fair trade practices that grow our industry and the thousands of jobs it supports.\r\nOn October 18, 2015, India's central government reduced the allowable amount of pulse crops that can be stored in India before being sold on the market. This directly threatened U.S. pulse exports to India and the future of more than 200,000 metric tons of pulses that are currently being held at Indian ports.\r\nColumbia Grain Inc. would like thank the State of Montana Department of Agriculture,Senators Daines and Tester and Congressman Zinke, who all reacted swiftly in order to keep viable markets for Montana and all US pulse farmers, as well as try and help reduce some of the risk that is inherent in the pulse export business for companies like ourselves, stated Jeff Van Pevenage, Senior Vice President of Columbia Grain. Several of our buyers commented that inquiries placed upon the Indian Government by the Montana congressional delegation definitely helped to bring about a swifter decision. India needs product, and disruptions to market flow just add volatility to our markets. Partnerships from the commercial side to our government help solve this issue for our farmers and for our markets.\r\nPulse crops play an integral role in Montana's economy:\r\n \r\n\r\nMontana is the number one pulse producing state in the country\r\nMontanansplanted over 680,000 acres of pulses in 2014, an increase of 38 percent from the previous year\r\nMontana'spulse crops were valued at $140 million in 2013.\r\n\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-statement-on-transcanada-suspension-of-keystone-xl-application", "Daines Statement on TransCanada Suspension of Keystone XL Application", "2015-11-02", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.02.15\n\t\t\t Daines Statement on TransCanada Suspension of Keystone XL Application \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today expressed his disappointment following TransCanada's decision to suspend their application to build the commonsense Keystone XL pipeline:\r\n\"The Obama administration has waged a full on assault on American energy independence that has resulted in TransCanada's decision to suspend its application to build the commonsense Keystone XL pipeline. This pipeline would have created new opportunities for good-paying jobs, helped advance American energy independence and lowered American energy prices. While this suspension is bad news, it is not the end of the line I will keep fighting for this shovel-ready project that has the overwhelming bipartisan approval of Congress as well as the support of the American people.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-week-alex-collie-of-mackenzie", "Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Alex Collie of Mackenzie", "2015-10-30", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.30.15\n\t\t\t Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Alex Collie of Mackenzie \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines todayhonored the service of Alex Collie of Mackenzie, Montana. Mr. Collie is the recipient of the National Weather Service's General Albert J. Myer award for completing 65 years of service as a Cooperative Weather Observer.\r\nOn November 4th, the National Weather Service will recognize Mr. Collie with the General Albert J. Myer award at the Rib and Chop House in Miles City.\r\nThrough his Montanan of the Week initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.\r\n\r\n\r\nDaines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere.\r\nDaines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines' Montanan of the Week program by calling Daines' office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines' website:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve\r\nThe following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record:\r\n MONTANAN OF THE WEEK\r\nMr. DAINES. Mr. President, I rise to recognize the incredible service of Alex Collie from Mackenzie, Montana. Mr. Collie is the recipient of the National Weather Service's General Albert J. Myer award for completing 65 years of service as a Cooperative Weather Observer.\r\n The Cooperative Weather Observers consists of 11,000 nationwide volunteers who record official weather observations across the country. Mr. Collie joins an elite group of Cooperative Weather Observers and is currently the longest serving Observer in Montana's history. Nationally, only 16 others have served in Mr. Collie's capacity or 65 years or longer. His services are critical to Montana from supporting our farmers and ranchers by providing accurate forecasts and helping our truck drivers complete their routes safely and on schedule.\r\n This prestigious award was established in honor of General Myer, who was an observer at Eagle Pass, Texas and became the chief of the Signal Service. In 1870, by a joint resolution of Congress and signed by President Ulysses S. Grant, General Myer was appointed to establish and direct the Division of Telegrams and Reports for the Benefit of Commerce, now known as the National Weather Service. Mr. Collie is truly following in tremendous footsteps.\r\n Mr. Collie has shown provided a valuable service not only to his neighbors, but the entire state of Montana. Thank you Mr. Collie and I look forward to seeing your work continue in the years to come.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-crow-war-chief-in-congressional-record-on-his-102nd-birthday", "Daines Honors Crow War Chief in Congressional Record on His 102nd Birthday", "2015-10-29", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.29.15\n\t\t\t Daines Honors Crow War Chief in Congressional Record on His 102nd Birthday \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines honored Crow War Chief Joseph Medicine Crow by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record on his 102ndbirthday.\r\nMedicine Crow comes from a long line of relatives living past 100 years of age, and has proudly served as the Crow Tribe's historian and storyteller.\r\nThe Congressional Record reflects the official proceedings of Congress and will now include Daines' recognition of Medicine Crow.\r\n\r\nDaines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere.\r\nThe following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record:\r\n IN RECOGNITION OF WAR CHIEF MEDICINE CROW\r\n Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I'd like to wish happy birthday to the last Crow War Chief Joseph Medicine Crow, who is celebrating his 102ndbirthday today. He has served proudly as the Crow Tribe's historian and storyteller, is a decorated World War II veteran and was the first in his tribe to attain a master's degree.\r\n Medicine Crow has lived a life filled with numerous accomplishments He is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The White House identified him as both a warrior and living legend when he received the Medal of Freedom in 2009. In 2006, his personal memoir, Counting Coup, was published by National Geographic. He is considered one of the most celebrated Native American soldiers due to his selfless service in World War II.\r\nWith his great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and uncle all living past 100 years of age, Medicine Crow credits his long life to his strong family roots. Medicine Crow's secret advice to living such a long and full life? He advises going to sleep early, sleeping eight hours, eating breakfast, keeping busy at work and eating healthy and generously. He also touched on the positive influences of his wife, who urged him to maintain good habits. His positive, endearing spirit and sense of humor truly keeps him young.\r\nMedicine Crow's spirit, humility, kind disposition, and many incredible life achievements is a model for all Montanans. Happy Birthday, Chief Medicine Crow. I look forward to celebrating many more.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-fort-peck-chairman-rusty-stafne-in-congressional-record", "Daines Honors Fort Peck Chairman Rusty Stafne in Congressional Record", "2015-10-29", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.29.15\n\t\t\t Daines Honors Fort Peck Chairman Rusty Stafne in Congressional Record \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines today honored A.T. Rusty Stafne, Chairman of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. Chairman Stafne has completed his term as Chairman and will not be seeking re-election.\r\nDaines honored Chairman Stafne by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.\r\n\r\n\r\nDaines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere.\r\nThe following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record:\r\nIN RECOGNITION OF CHAIRMAN RUSTY STAFNE\r\nMR. DAINES. Mr. President, I rise in recognition of the loyal service of A.T. Rusty Stafne, Chairman of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. Stafne ended his term yesterday and will not be running for re-election as Chairman. I am proud to honor to congratulate him on his service and successes.\r\n As Chairman, Stafne has worked diligently for the Assiniboine and Sioux people on the Fort Peck Reservation and has held firm in his priorities. He has worked to honor veterans, specifically those who served in World War II, and has worked tirelessly to protect wildlife in Montana and on the Fort Peck Reservation.\r\n We thank Chairman Stafne for his involvement in the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. He has been a tireless advocate for rural water projects and other challenges facing the tribes. He has traveled to Washington, D.C. to testify in front of Congress and has broadened the eyes of many giving new and better insight into the life of tribal men and women, so that we can work together to better serve and protect our tribal nations.\r\n I am thankful for Chairman Stafne's work on behalf of the tribe. His loyalty, priorities, and hard work set an amazing example to the rest of Montana, and our great nation as a whole.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-remembers-world-war-ii-veteran-charles-decrane", "Daines Remembers World War II Veteran Charles DeCrane", "2015-10-29", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.29.15\n\t\t\t Daines Remembers World War II Veteran Charles DeCrane \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nClick here to watch Daines' remarks.\r\nClick here to download Daines' remarks.\r\nEarlier today, Senator Steve Daines took to the Senate floor in honor of Montana World War II veteran Charles DeCrane, a member of the Crow Tribe, who passed away earlier this week in Billings, Montana.\r\nDaines made the following remarks on the Senate floor this morning:\r\nToday I rise in honor of Montana World War II veteran Charles DeCrane, a member of the Crow Tribe, who passed away earlier this week in Billings, Montana.\r\nCharlie was an incredible person he was hardworking, he dedicated his life to serving his country and his Tribe. \r\nHe was a quiet and gentle spirit and that was apparent to anyone that comes into contact with him.\r\nCharlie was a man of principle and honor.\r\nI had the privilege of spending time with Charlie last year in Washington, D.C. when he accompanied me as my one special guest to the State of the Union Address.\r\nI was able to witness firsthand truly what an amazing man he was.\r\nOur walk from my office to the House Chambers is one I'll never forget.\r\nTo personally know a man who fought so courageously in World War II was a great honor. \r\nMany freedoms we have today stem from the sacrifices made by Charlie and men and women like him, because his accomplishments in his life will continue to live on.\r\nIt is my hope that through Charlie's life we remember how important our veterans are, and how much respect and care they deserve.\r\nHis passing is one that will affect many, not just his close family and friends.\r\nCindy and I will be keeping Charlie's family and the entire Crow community in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-speaks-out-against-debt-limit-deal", "Daines Speaks Out Against Debt Limit Deal", "2015-10-29", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.29.15\n\t\t\t Daines Speaks Out Against Debt Limit Deal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator Steve Daines today spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to the debt limit deal and reaffirmed his intention to vote no on the deal.\r\n\r\nWatch Daines' remarks here.\r\nThe people of Montana deserve real solutions to address Washington's failures, not more budget gimmicks and backroom deals, Daines stated. This deal takes our nation in the wrong direction. That's why I'm voting no.\r\nVideo of Daines' full remarks is available for download here.\r\nYesterday, Daines outlined his concerns regarding the debt limit deal and his intention to vote no. To read more of Daines' thoughts on the debt limit deal, click here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/tester-daines-and-zinke-unite-to-protect-butte-workers", "Tester, Daines, and Zinke unite to protect Butte workers", "2015-10-29", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.29.15\n\t\t\t Tester, Daines, and Zinke unite to protect Butte workers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(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.\r\nThe 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 Representativeto resolve the trade dispute that is preventing China from purchasing polysilicon from REC Silicon to manufacture solar panels.\r\nIndustries in both countries stand to benefit greatly from a mutually-agreeable settlement of this trade dispute that restores meaningful market access both for Chinese solar panel manufacturers exporting their products to the U.S. and for U.S. polysilicon manufacturers exporting their products to their Chinese customers,the Montana delegation wrote.A prompt settlement of this dispute will repair and deepen economic ties between our two nations in a global industry that is playing a critical role developing clean, renewable energy sources.\r\nThe trade dispute began in 2012 when the United States imposed tariffs on imported Chinese solar panels after they were found to be intentionally driving the cost of manufacturing down by using unfair subsidies.In 2013, the Chinese responded by applying heavy tariffs on U.S. solar-grade polysilicon, the polysilicon manufactured by REC silicon.\r\nREC Silicon makes polysilicon and silane gases for electronic manufacturers and employs over 300 people in Butte-Silver Bow.\r\nThe Montana Congressional delegation's letter to Chinese Ambassador Tiankai is availableHERE.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-pushes-to-expand-rural-broadband", "Daines Pushes to Expand Rural Broadband", "2015-10-28", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.28.15\n\t\t\t Daines Pushes to Expand Rural Broadband \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nClick here to watch Daines' remarks.\r\nClick here to download Daines' remarks.\r\nSenator 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.\r\nAccess 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.\r\nLast week, Daines pressed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development and Rural Utilities Service officials on the need for swift action to provide broadband for thousands of rural Montanans who currently are without service. Earlier this summer, Daines led a bipartisan effort to ensure the federal government prioritizes high-speed broadband access for rural Americans.\r\nIn a letter signed by more than a dozen Senators, Daines pressed Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Co-Chairs of the Broadband Opportunity Council, for a detailed analysis of the various federal broadband initiatives that can be coordinated across agencies to bridge the digital divide and bring rural America into the 21st century. This report was released on August 20.\r\nDaines is an original cosponsor of the Streamlining and Investing in Broadband Infrastructure Act that would ensure states simultaneously install broadband conduits as part of certain federal transportation projects known as dig once.\r\nDaines also successfully worked to include provisions in the FY2016 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act that addresses the lack of broadband deployment in rural areas and in tribal communities, as well as call completion issues that continues to affect rural communities.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/montana-congressional-delegation-works-to-remove-trade-barriers-for-montana-pulse-producers", "Montana Congressional Delegation Works to Remove Trade Barriers for Montana Pulse Producers", "2015-10-28", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.28.15\n\t\t\t Montana Congressional Delegation Works to Remove Trade Barriers for Montana Pulse Producers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator 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.\r\nThe 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.\r\nMontana produces more pulse crops than any other state in the nation,the Montana delegation wrote.This industry is a rapidly growing and integral aspect of our economy as producers in the state planted over 680,000 acres worth of pulses worth over $100 million in 2014. We request that USDA and Commerce engage with the Indian government to resolve this situation as quickly as possible and provide pulse producers in Montana and across the country the certainty they deserve.\r\nOn October 18, 2015, India's central government reduced the allowable amount of pulse crops that can be stored in India before being sold on the market. This directly threatens U.S. pulse exports to India and the future of more than 200,000 metric tons of pulses that are currently being held at Indian ports.\r\nPulse crops play an integral role in Montana's economy:\r\n \r\nMontana is the number one pulse producing state in the country.\r\nMontanansplanted over 680,000 acres of pulses in 2014, an increase of 38 percent from the previous year.\r\nMontana'spulse crops were valued at $140 million in 2013.\r\n \r\nThe Montana Congressional delegation's letter is availablehere.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-cisa-fails-to-protect-americans-personal-privacy", "Daines: CISA Fails to Protect Americans Personal Privacy", "2015-10-27", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.27.15\n\t\t\t Daines: CISA Fails to Protect Americans' Personal Privacy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today expressed his disappointment after the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) passed the United States Senate and reaffirmed his concerns that the legislation failed to sufficiently protect Americans' privacy and civil liberties:\r\nI have serious concerns that this legislation fails to fully protect Montanans' right to privacy from government overreach. As someone who spent nearly 13 years in the technology sector, I know firsthand the cybersecurity risks facing Montanans and agree that we must adopt real reforms that better protect Americans from these threats. But these reforms must not come at the expense of Montanans' personal privacy and civil liberties.\r\nIn light of recent and massive breaches of the federal government's cybersecurity, it is obvious the federal government is woefully unable to protect even more Americans' data. By becoming a storage hub of consumer and individual data under this legislation, the federal government will become extremely vulnerable to new cyber attacks.I will continue fighting for real solutions that protect Americans from growing cyber threats, while also upholding our Constitutional rights and civil liberties.\r\nDaines supported several bipartisan amendments to CISA that would have implemented much-needed privacy safeguards.All failed to be included in the final piece of legislation:\r\n \r\nSenator Rand Paul (R-KY) amendment: would ensure CISA does not supersede existing privacy agreements with consumers.\r\nSenator Ron Wyden (D-OR) amendment: would require the government and companies to remove all personally identifiable information from shared cyber threat indicators, unless it is necessary to identify a cybersecurity threat.\r\nSenator Al Franken (D-MN) amendment: limits the types of information that may be shared.\r\nSenator Dean Heller (R-NV) amendment: requires the government to remove additional personally identifiable information before sharing cyber threat indicators.\r\n \r\nDaines has long worked to protect Americans' civil liberties and Fourth Amendment rights. Daines is an original cosponsor of the USA Freedom Act of 2015, bipartisan legislation that ends the bulk collection of Americans' phone records.\r\nIn the House, Daines was a vocal critic of the National Security Agency's (NSA) bulk meta-data collection and was a supporter of the original USA Freedom Act that would have ended the NSA's abuses and overreach.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-fights-to-protect-montana-coal-jobs", "Daines Fights to Protect Montana Coal Jobs", "2015-10-27", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.27.15\n\t\t\t Daines Fights to Protect Montana Coal Jobs \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines today went to bat for Montana coal jobs by formally introducing measures to block implementation of new rules on coal-fired power plants and calling the Obama administration's myriad of anti-coal regulations a direct attack on Montana energy.\r\nThis afternoon, Daines and 48 other Senators introduced two bipartisan resolutions disapproving of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed Clean Power Plan regulations on new and existing power sources. The Congressional Review Act resolutions of disapproval will block the Obama administration's regulations on new and existing coal-fired power plants.\r\nDaines joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues including, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Inhofe (R-OK) Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) to introduce the resolutions on the Senate floor.\r\n\r\nClickhereto watch Daines' remarks.\r\nClickhereto download Daines' remarks.\r\nThe so-called Clean Power Plan is part of an all-fronts assault on affordable energy, good-paying union and tribal jobs.Global demand for coal-fired energy will not disappear even if the United States were to shut down every last coal mine and coal-fired power plant,Daines stated.It is short-sighted and misguided to move forward an agenda that will devastate significant parts of our economy, raise energy prices and destroy union and tribal jobs. Ironically, some of the first impacted by the Obama administration's new regulations are those who least can afford it.\r\nDaines also raised concerns about the Department of Interior's proposed Stream Protection Rule and its potential impact on Montana coal mining. During an Energy and Natural Resources hearing earlier this morning, Daines warned about the unintended consequences this rule may have on hardworking Montanans.\r\n\r\nClickhereto watch Daines' remarks.\r\nClickhereto download Daines' remarks.\r\nDaines has long fought to protect Montana jobs and access to low-cost energy from the Obama administration's overreach.Daines is anoriginal cosponsorof theAffordable Reliable Energy Now Act(ARENA),which holds the EPA accountable and protects states' rights by requiring the EPA to demonstrate how their proposed regulations could impact each state.\r\nIn April, Daines took EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to task for pushing forward new EPA carbon regulations without fully consulting affected states and tribes or addressing the plan's detrimental impacts on coal production and jobs in Montana.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \t\n \t\n\t \t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tPrevious Article\n\t\t \n\t\t \n\t\t \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 373, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "MT", "p2": "2015"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MT&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 345, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MT&year=2015&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 28, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MT&year=2015&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MT&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 373, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MT&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "MT", "label": "MT", "count": 373, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MT&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 373, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MT", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2015-10-27,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Edaines~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fdaines-fights-to-protect-montana-coal-jobs", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MT&year=2015&_next=2015-10-27%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Edaines~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fdaines-fights-to-protect-montana-coal-jobs&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 96.68299090117216, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}