{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"MT\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-renewal-of-skywest-airlines-for-west-yellowstone", "Daines Announces Renewal of SkyWest Airlines for West Yellowstone", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.29.16\n\t\t\t Daines Announces Renewal of SkyWest Airlines for West Yellowstone \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont.U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that SkyWest Airlines has been re-approved as the Essential Air Service (EAS) provider for West Yellowstone for the four-month summer seasons of 2017 and 2018.\r\nSkyWest Airlines provides a critical transportation service for the Greater Yellowstone Region and community,Daines stated.By maintaining their service and working with the West Yellowstone community, SkyWest has made it easier for folks to get to and from the region. I'm pleased that their contract has been renewed and that no disruptions will be made to their service.\r\nSkyWest will continue its service with 12 weekly nonstop round trips to Salt Lake City, as Delta Connection for the summer seasons, from June 1 through September 30, 2017 and 2018, utilizing 50-passenger Canadair Regional Jets (CRJ-200 LR) aircraft. The annual subsidy rate will be $580,957 for the next two summer seasons.\r\nDaines has been integral in renewing the contact. He serves on both the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations and the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, both the appropriating and authorizing committees. Daines also secured $150 for Fiscal Year 2017 to maintain the current level of service and execute current contracts.\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-zinke-bullock-fox-stand-against-anti-semitism-and-white-nationalism", "Tester, Daines, Zinke, Bullock, Fox Stand Against Anti-Semitism and White Nationalism", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.27.16\n\t\t\t Tester, Daines, Zinke, Bullock, Fox Stand Against Anti-Semitism and White Nationalism \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Montana)  U.S. Senators Jon Tester, Steve Daines, U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke, Governor Steve Bullock and Attorney General Tim Fox are standing together against anti-Semitism and white nationalism in Montana and across the nation.\r\nIn an open letter to the nation, Montana's top elected leaders stood together to send a bipartisan message condemning attacks on the Jewish community.\r\nWe stand firmly together to send a clear message that ignorance, hatred and threats of violence are unacceptable and have no place in the town of Whitefish, or in any other community in Montana or across this nation,Montana's elected officials wrote.We say to those few who seek to publicize anti-Semitic views that they shall find no safe haven here.\r\nThe letter is available below:\r\nDecember 27, 2016\r\nDear Fellow Americans,\r\nAs we close out this year and look toward the future, we as Montana's elected leaders are focused on the values that reflect our true character. Therefore, we condemn attacks on our religious freedom manifesting in a group of anti-Semites. We stand firmly together to send a clear message that ignorance, hatred and threats of violence are unacceptable and have no place in the town of Whitefish, or in any other community in Montana or across this nation. We say to those few who seek to publicize anti-Semitic views that they shall find no safe haven here.\r\nWe offer our full support to the Jewish community, Montana families, businesses, faith organizations and law enforcement officers as they ensure the security of all our communities. We will address these threats directly and forcefully, putting our political differences aside to stand up for what's right. That's the Montana way, and the American way.\r\nRest assured, any demonstration or threat of intimidation against any Montanan's religious liberty will not be tolerated. It takes all Montanans working together to eradicate religious intolerance.\r\nWe are encouraged that so many Montanans from a variety of religious backgrounds have joined us in condemning this extreme ideology.\r\nGod bless the great state of Montana and the United States of America.\r\nU.S. Senator Jon Tester\r\nU.S. Senator Steve Daines\r\nU.S. Representative Ryan Zinke\r\nGovernor Steve Bullock\r\nAttorney General Tim Fox\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-secures-expansion-of-wireless-broadband-to-rural-montana", "Daines Secures Expansion of Wireless Broadband to Rural Montana", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.16\n\t\t\t Daines Secures Expansion of Wireless Broadband to Rural Montana \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont.U.S. Senator Steve Daines today secured the expansion of wireless broadband access in rural Montana.\r\nAfter months of hard work by Daines, today the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provided final regulatory approval for T-Mobile to provide 4G LTE service to areas covering over one million people in Montana and Wyoming.\r\nMontanans know all too well the feeling of seeing your call dropped, pressing send on text messages that will never get sent in the rural parts of our state,Daines stated.Today's announcement that T-Mobile will be able to expand their coverage to the underserved part of our state is great news for connectivity and the safety of Montanans on our roadways.\r\nT-Mobile is grateful to Senator Daines and the FCC for giving us the opportunity to expand broadband across Montana,said Kathleen Ham, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for T-Mobile.\r\nDaines met with T-Mobile CEO John Legere in his Washington, D.C. office onNovember 30, 2016.\r\nThe FCC's approval follows a letterDaines sent to the FCC, urging it to take action on T-Mobile's plan to offer expanded service.\r\nDaines has been a vocal advocate to deploy unused spectrum in Montana.Daines calledon nationwide wireless companies to improve their service in rural America over a year ago at a U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing. Healso urgedthe FCC to update the Universal Service Fund's (USF) Mobility Fund, which is aimed at providing broadband service to rural and underserved areas.\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-tester-announce-appointment-of-two-montanans-to-national-aviation-commission", "Daines, Tester Announce Appointment of Two Montanans to National Aviation Commission", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.16\n\t\t\t Daines, Tester Announce Appointment of Two Montanans to National Aviation Commission \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today announced that two MontanansMike Tooley, Director of the Montana Department of Transportation and Brian Sprenger, Director of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport will be advising Congress on how to better enhance air transportation in small communities.\r\nAir travel makes it easier to do business, travel across our great state and connects our communities,Daines stated.Montanans have a unique perspective on the importance of air travel and I look forward to Mike and Brian bringing the Montana ingenuity to a national stage.\r\nIn a state as sprawling as Montana, air travel connects folks, creates jobs, and helps smaller communities thrive,Tester said.That's why it is so important to me that Montana has a seat at the table when it comes time to advising Congress on the unique needs of small town air travel.I'm pleased Mike and Brian were chosen and I look forward to hearing their recommendations.       \r\nBrian Sprenger, Airport Director, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport:Small communities throughout the nation require access to the air transportation system to thrive and prosper. Bozeman Yellowstone Int'l Airport has seen success in developing air service over the last decade and we are hopeful that sharing innovative ideas can be helpful in in replicating success in other small communities.\r\nMontana Department of Transportation Director Mike Tooley:Air service is very important to Montana citizens, and to have representation from our great state is incredibly important to strengthening our travel economy. It's an honor to have a voice on this Commission, and I'm grateful we have a chance to help shape transportation policy.\r\nSprenger and Tooley will be two of the 25 members who make up the U.S. Department of Transportation's new Working Group on Improving Air Service to Small Communities. The group will advise Congress on issues related to small town air service, including issues like the pilot shortage that has plagued Montana's essential air towns over the last few years.\r\nThe working group was created by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization that both Daines and Tester supported.\r\nThe intent of the working group is to:\r\n(1) to identify obstacles to attracting and maintaining air transportation service to and from small communities; and\r\n(2) to develop recommendations for maintaining and improving air transportation service to and from small communities.\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-stream-protection-is-one-last-bad-act-from-obama", "Daines: Stream Protection is One Last Bad Act from Obama", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.16\n\t\t\t Daines: Stream Protection is One Last Bad Act from Obama \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont.U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement of the U.S. Department of the Interior's (DOI) Stream Protection Rule:\r\nThe good news is in 31 days President Obama will no longer be in office,Daines stated.This final rule will be devastating for hardworking miners in Montana like the Crow tribal members working at the Absaloka Mine and create more challenges to operations at our other federal coal operations which provide critical sources of tax revenue and good-paying jobs throughout our state.\r\nIn arecent letterto President-elect Donald J. Trump, Daines urged the President-elect to halt finalization of the Office of Surface Mining's Stream Protection Rule.\r\nDuring Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing onOctober 27, 2015, Daines raised concerns about DOI's proposed Stream Protection Rule and its potential impact on Montana coal mining.\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-slams-fccs-overregulation-of-small-businesses", "Daines Slams FCCs Overregulation of Small Businesses", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.16\n\t\t\t Daines Slams FCC's Overregulation of Small Businesses \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today slammed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for failing to relieve small businesses of burdensome regulations found in the FCC's 317-page net neutrality rules.\r\nThe FCC failed to extend a small business exemption to the so-called enhanced transparency requirements, which requires internet service providers to disclose an excess of information about their network performance, some of which may require investing in new equipment and hiring an engineer.\r\nThe FCC's decision to subject small businesses to the enhanced transparency rules purely for political reasons is inexcusable,Daines stated.These small businesses are run by hardworking Americans who provide essential services and create jobs. These businesses will now be subject to an excess of new regulations due to a baseless decision by unelected bureaucrats.\r\nThe small business exemption has strong bipartisan support, the House of Representatives voted in favor of the exemption 411-0. The exemption is also supported by the Small Business Administration.\r\nDaines has long advocated for a small business exemption to the enhanced transparency requirements. Last year, Daines introduced the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act, which would have made the exemption permanent. He also led a bipartisan, bicameral effort urging the FCC to take action before the existing exemption expired.\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-legislation-to-protect-injured-wildland-firefighters-retirements", "Daines Announces Legislation to Protect Injured Wildland Firefighters Retirements", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.16\n\t\t\t Daines Announces Legislation to Protect Injured Wildland Firefighters Retirements \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHELENA, Mont.U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced legislation to protect wildland firefighters retirement.\r\nCurrently, if injured and not able to return to a firefighting position, federal wildland firefighters must switch from the 20-year retirement track authorized for federal employees with certain hazardous jobs to the 30-year retirement track for ordinary federal employees.\r\nDaines' fix will allow wildland firefighters to remain on the 20-year retirement track if they're injured on the job. Additionally, Daines' fix requires that overtime pay be considered as income for purposes of calculating worker's compensation disability benefits since overtime pay constitutes a significant portion of wildland firefighter compensation.\r\nProtecting our communities and forests is a brave responsibility and injuries that our firefighters suffer shouldn't affect their livelihoods,Daines stated.When firefighters go to work they should do so without fear of losing their benefits.\r\n\r\nDaines with Shane Ralston and Brendan Mullen in Helena today.\r\nShane Ralston, Forest Service Smokejumper, Stevensville:As an injured firefighter with several unknowns in my future with the Forest Service, it would be a positive opportunity to be able to apply for non-fire jobs and still maintain the retirement I have worked toward my whole career. Personally I cannot see myself getting injured in the line of duty, and applying for a job with retirement benefits that cannot support everything I have risked myself for.\r\nBrendan Mullen, Forest Service Helitack Firefighter, Bozeman:It would be a major improvement to consider overtime for injured employee work comp benefits. There is a major gap right now in the entry level jobs' benefits pay scale. Currently a GS-3 could be severely injured at work and not be able to afford to live on his/her own while in the rehabilitation process. Their income would be limited enough to put them below a minimum wage annual income. These employees have enough burdens, money to live on should not add to their stresses.\r\nVicki Minor, Executive Director, Wildland Firefighter Foundation:Steve Daines been the most active Senator in the United States to help support Wildland Firefighters, and this is just one more example. We thank Senator Daines for understanding that a fireline injury is not only physically devastating for the firefighter, it can also be financially devastating. When firefighters regularly work 10 to 14-hour days for 14 days straight, the overtime pay is part of their family budget. When a severe injury ends a firefighter's career, the Daines' Fix will at least ensure firefighters have the financial support they need.The physical demands of this job means that these firefighters are usually young men and women with young families at home to support. Senator Daines understands that firefighters depend on their overtime to make ends meet. The Daines Fix will provide that extra measure of support when things go terribly wrong and a firefighter endures a severe injury.\r\nCasey Judd, President, Federal Wildland Fire Service Association: Because firefighting is so physically demanding, federal firefighters make larger retirement contributions and are permitted to retire earlier. If a severely-injured wildland firefighter returns to work in a non-firefighting position because the injury prevents returning to firefighting work, that firefighter loses those extra contributions and fire retirement benefits.These brave men & women deserve the benefits they have earned as a result of their service to America. The Daines' Fix would ensure injured federal wildland firefighters would retain their fire retirement provisions as if the firefighter had not been injured or disabled.\r\nThe text of Daines' bill is availableHERE.\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-comments-on-latest-yahoo-security-breach", "Daines Comments on Latest Yahoo Security Breach", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.16\n\t\t\t Daines Comments on Latest Yahoo Security Breach \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tGREAT FALLS, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines released the following statement onYahoo's disclosurethat more than 1 billion accounts were attacked:\r\nThe Yahoo breach is a glaring example of how vulnerable our digital information is,Daines stated.Private companies must uphold the highest standard to combat cyber criminals and prevent future breaches.\r\nInSeptember, Yahoo disclosed that 500 million users were attacked in 2014.\r\nBefore serving in Congress, Daines worked in the technology sector for more than twelve years. He served as vice president of Montana-based RightNow Technologies, aglobal leader in cloud computing andmulti-billion dollar technology company that becameBozeman, Montana's largest commercial employer.\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-meets-with-va-montana-director", "Daines Meets with VA Montana Director", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.16\n\t\t\t Daines Meets with VA Montana Director \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHELENA, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today met with Dr. Kathy Berger, the director of the Montana VA Healthcare System, to discuss prioritizing Montana veterans and ensuring they receive the care they deserve.\r\nDaines pressed Berger on holding officials at the VA accountable and ensuring those who have served receives the best possible care. They also discussed the unique challenges facing veterans living in rural areas, issues related to Health Net and third party providers, as well as the obstacles that exist in providing quality care, regardless of a veteran's residence or location.\r\nDr. Berger has a tall order ahead of her to ensure that veterans not only receive the care they deserve, but they receive quality care in a timely manner,Daines stated.I appreciated the opportunity to speak with Dr. Berger and look forward to remaining in close communication to guarantee our veterans needs are met.\r\n\r\n\r\nBerger's first day was December 12, 2016.\r\nOnOctober 28, 2016, Daines released a statement on Berger's appointment wishing her the best in her new role.\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-perry-will-restore-balance-to-energy", "Daines: Perry Will Restore Balance to Energy", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.16\n\t\t\t Daines: Perry Will Restore Balance to Energy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCIRCLE, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on former Texas Governor Rick Perry, President-elect Donald J. Trump's nominee for Secretary of the Department of Energy:\r\nGovernor Perry will restore balance to the Department of Energy so that its priorities better reflect our nation's all-of-the-above energy mix,Daines stated.We need to encourage federal investments in fossil fuel research and make the United States a leader in clean coal technologyto make our nation energy secure. I look forward to supporting his nomination and making America an energy leader.\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-calls-for-regulatory-relief-for-small-businesses", "Daines Calls for Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.16\n\t\t\t Daines Calls for Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCOLUMBUS, Mont.U.S. Senator Steve Daines today urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to exempt small business from burdensome regulations found in their 317-page net neutrality rules.\r\nDaines led the effortin the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to extend a temporary exemption from the FCC's 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 investing in new equipment and hiring an engineer.\r\nIf the FCC doesn't take action by December 15, 2016, small businesses will be subject to these burdensome requirements. In a bipartisan, bicameral letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, Daines implored the FCC to extend their exemption for small businesses immediately.\r\nWithout Commission action, small businesses soon face regulatory uncertainty and will potentially be subject to burdensome requirements,Daines wrote.When the Commission adopted this exemption, it acknowledged that requiring small businesses with limited resources to comply with the complex disclosure requirements would have been particularly burdensome.\r\nThe letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Jim Risch (R-ID), Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and U.S. Representatives Greg Walden (R-OR), Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and Bob Latta (R-OH).\r\nThe exemption is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, American Cable Association, Rural Wireless Association, Competitive Carriers Association, Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, CTIA  The Wireless Association, Rural Broadband Provider Coalition, NTCA  the Rural Broadband Association, and WTA  Advocates for Rural Broadband.\r\nDaines letter is available to downloadHEREand below:\r\nDear Chairman Wheeler:\r\nWe write to urge the Commission to focus its resources in the coming weeks on items and matters thatmustbe addressed, including those with statutory or regulatory deadlines. One such issue is the extension  until December 15, 2016  that the Commission's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau granted last year to small businesses, which exempted those entities from the enhanced transparency requirements of the 2015Open Internet Order. Without Commission action, small businesses soon face regulatory uncertainty and will potentially be subject to burdensome requirements.\r\nWhen the Commission adopted this exemption, it acknowledged that requiring small businesses with limited resources to comply with the complex disclosure requirements would have been particularly burdensome. Before the current extension expires, the Commission should extend the enhanced transparency exemption and begin the process of considering whether the exemption should be made permanent and whether the definition of the small business entities to which the exemption applies should be modified.\r\nCongress has expressed its position on this issue. Both S. 2283, which has been reported out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House counterpart, H.R. 4596, which passed the House with no opposition, would extend the exemption and expand the definition of small business. We therefore urge the Commission to follow the direction that Congress expressed and take action soon, before the current extension expires.\r\nWe appreciate your consideration of this important issue.\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-ryan-zinke-outstanding-pick-for-secretary-of-the-interior", "Daines: Ryan Zinke Outstanding Pick for Secretary of the Interior", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.16\n\t\t\t Daines: Ryan Zinke Outstanding Pick for Secretary of the Interior \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBILLINGS, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke, President-elect Donald J. Trump's nominee for Secretary of the Department of Interior:\r\nRyan Zinke protected us abroad and in combat and I know he will do the same for our treasured public lands as Secretary of the Interior,Daines stated.In Congress, I've seen Ryan stand up and fight to protect our way of life. As a westerner, Ryan understands the challenges of having the federal government as your largest neighbor and I couldn't think of a better fit for Secretary of the Interior.\r\nAudio of Daines' statement is available to downloadHERE.\r\nVideo of Daines' statement is available to 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-hails-passage-of-blackfeet-water-compact-applauded-by-senate-leaders", "Daines Hails Passage of Blackfeet Water Compact, Applauded By Senate Leaders", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.16\n\t\t\t Daines Hails Passage of Blackfeet Water Compact, Applauded By Senate Leaders \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the passage of the Blackfeet water compact in theWater Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN) Act.\r\nThe authorization of Blackfeet water compact is included in theWater Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN) Act,whichincludes the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).\r\nThe WIIN Act authorizes the Blackfeet water compact and ends decades of litigation and paves the way for more than 400 million of investment water, irrigation and infrastructure projects.\r\n\"Today is a historic day for the BlackfeetTribe, Montana farmers, ranchers and families, Daines stated.The Blackfeet watercompact will update decades old infrastructure, strengthen irrigation for agriculture and protect habitat.\r\nEarlier tonight, Daines spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of the Blackfeet water compact to Montana farmers, ranchers, families and the Blackfeet Tribe.\r\n\r\n\r\nClickhereto download Daines' remarks.\r\nClickhereto watch Daines' remarks.\r\nThe U.S. House Natural Resource Committee passed this legislation onNovember 16, 2016and passed the WIIN Act on December 8, 2016.\r\nI'm incredibly proud and humbled to work with our Senators and the Tribe to deliver this historic victory for the Blackfeet Nation,said Congressman Zinke.The Blackfeet are warriors and they have given up so much during this long process. Water is more than a drinking source to the Blackfeet, it's their life source and we must respect and honor their culture and rights. I'm grateful for the guidance of Chairman Barnes through this process. The Blackfeet have waited long enough for this compact, but their day has finally come.\r\nBlackfeet Tribal Chairman Harry Barnes:On behalf of the Blackfeet Nation, as Chairman, I extend my congratulations and deepest gratitude to Senator Daines, Senator Tester and Representative Zinke for helping us to shepherd the Blackfeet water compact through Congress.It's been a somewhat tumultuous journey, but all of the Montana delegation has steadfast supported the Blackfeet for which we are indebted. This is an historic event for the Blackfeet. While we still have steps, we have never been this far. For a ten year battle, we finally see some sunlight and we owe that in a large part to the Montana delegation.We as the Blackfeet tribe look forward to continuing to work with Senator Daines, Senator Tester and Representative Zinke on the issues that are good for not only the Blackfeet Tribe but for the state of Montana.\r\nThe chairmen of the committees with jurisdiction over the bill, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs John Barrasso (R-WY) and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Jim Inhofe (R-OK), praised Daines' efforts.\r\nI want to commend Senator Daines for securing the inclusion of the Blackfeet water settlement in the Water Resources Development Act,said Chairman Barrasso.This important bill will authorize, ratify, and confirm the Blackfeet-Montana water rights compact.\r\nThe Blackfeet water compact balances the need of the state and the local community,Chairman Inhofe stated.I appreciate Senator Daines' dedication to seeing the Blackfeet water compact included in this bipartisan bicameral bill.\r\nThe House and Senate both overwhelmingly passed WRDA bills earlier this year, and the WIIN Act is the product of the resulting bicameral negotiations.\r\nAmong the benefits the legislation will bring about, it will improve six significant drainages and several federal water structures that are some of the oldest and most in need of repair in the country. The compact will also keep wildlife and fish habitat healthier and municipal water supplies cleaner. Furthermore, it upholds agreements by the state that will strengthen irrigation for neighboring farmlands called Montana's Golden Triangle for its wheat production, in addition to its rich barley and hay.\r\nThe Blackfeet Water Settlement Act, accompanied with the State of Montana's investments, also upholds the Birch Creek Agreement, which ensured that water would remain deliverable to nearby farmlands, such as the Pondera County Canal and Reservoir Company which supplies water to approximately 450 water users for irrigation and stock watering purposes and provides municipal water to the citizens of the City of Conrad, Montana (pop. 2570) and area residents. This agreement ensures nearby productive farmlands remain productive well into the future by providing federal investment in the Four Horns infrastructure.\r\nThe Compact also helps spur more investment in the St. Mary's Facilities of the Milk River Projectwhich helps provide water to over 14,000 Montanans and irrigates over 100,000 acres on 600 plus farms across the Hi-Line.\r\nTimeline on the Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement:\r\n \r\nModern efforts to quantify the Blackfeet Tribe's reserved water rights began in 1979 when the State of Montana filed suit in State court as part of the statewide water rights adjudication proceeding. \r\nAt the same time, the United States filed a case in federal court in Montana to adjudicate the Tribe's reserved water rights claims.\r\nThe question of jurisdiction that arose as a result of the two lawsuits was decided in 1983 by the United States Supreme Court, which held that state court was the appropriate forum to adjudicate tribal reserved water rights pursuant to the McCarran Amendment, 43 U.S.C.  666.\r\nIn 1989, the Tribe initiated negotiations with the Montana Compact Commission.\r\nIn 1990, the Department of the Interior appointed a federal Negotiation Team to assist in achieving a negotiated settlement of the Tribe's reserved water rights claims. \r\nThe State of Montana and the Tribe reached an agreement in 2007 in the form of a Compact.\r\nOn March 16, 2009, the Montana State House passed the agreement by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 87-12.\r\nOn March 20, 2009, the Montana State Senate passed the agreement by a nearly unanimous vote of 48-2.\r\nFederal legislation to authorize the Compact was first introduced in 2010 and has been reintroduced every Congress since, including on April 28, 2015 by Senators Tester and Daines.\r\nSince its initial introduction, the administration has been negotiating with the Tribe and the State to resolve important federal concerns relating to cost, cost sharing, federal interests, and federal responsibilities.\r\nOn February 3, 2016 the legislation passed the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for the first time, marking the first committee vote on Indian water rights legislation in more than five years.\r\nOn May 24, 2016, the House Committee on Natural Resources held its first-ever hearing on the legislation.\r\nOn November 15, 2016, the House Committee on Natural Resources passed the legislation out of committee.\r\nOn September 15, 2016, the Senate passed the legislation as part of Water Resources Development Act.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-secures-provision-to-stop-spread-of-invasive-mussels", "Daines Secures Provision to Stop Spread of Invasive Mussels", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.16\n\t\t\t Daines Secures Provision to Stop Spread of Invasive Mussels \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today secured passage of legislation to combat the spread of invasive mussels in Montana.\r\nDaines secured language in theWater Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN) Act, clarifying congressional intent that inspection stations are not just intended to be in the Columbia River Basin, they must be strategically located across Montana and the West to prevent transmission of these invasive species from all bodies of water.\r\nIf these invasive mussels continue to mature and spread it will have a costly impact on Montana's ecosystem, obstructing irrigation and hydropower infrastructure and negatively impacting our economy,Daines stated.Watercraft inspection stations are one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of invasive mussels and I'm working to ensure the needed resources are delivered.\r\nDaines took to the Senate floor to talk about the importance of stopping the spread of the invasive mussels.\r\n\r\nClickhereto download Daines' remarks.\r\nClickhereto view Daines' remarks.\r\nEarlier this week, Daines met with the Commander of the Northwest Division Brigadier General Scott Spellmon to pressure the release of funds for watercraft inspection stations to combat the spread of adult mussels wreaking havoc on Montana's ecosystem.\r\nOnNovember 29, 2016, Daines' staff met with Seattle District Commander Colonel Buck to request Col. Buck's personal attention to this matter.\r\nOnNovember 21, 2016, Daines authored a letter to the Corps demanding they expedite implementation and distribution of funds for watercraft inspection stations as codified in Section 1039 of the Water Resource Reform Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014.\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/us-senate-passes-daines-bipartisan-bill-to-promote-open-science-and-innovation-in-government", "U.S. Senate Passes Daines Bipartisan Bill to Promote Open Science and Innovation in Government", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.16\n\t\t\t U.S. Senate Passes Daines' Bipartisan Bill to Promote Open Science and Innovation in Government \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines' bipartisan bill to encourage and increase the use of crowdsourcing and citizen science within the federal government to advance and accelerate scientific research, literacy and diplomacy passed the U.S. Senate this evening.\r\nThis is the first ever legislation to grant explicit authority to the government to use these methods. Daines' bill is included in S. 3084 American Innovation and Competitiveness Act.\r\nThe best solutions to the challenges facing our country are going to come from hardworking folks  not the federal bureaucracy,Daines stated.By encouraging the federal government to pursue citizen-driven solutions we will be able to yield better results more efficiently.\r\nTheCrowdsourcing and Citizen Science Act of 2015provides clarification and guidelines for government agencies to utilize the resourcefulness and innovation of the public to solve problems without requiring any new funding or authorizations.\r\nProvisions included in the bill would:\r\n \r\nClarify that executive branch agencies, commissions, and all military branches have the explicit authority to make use of crowdsourcing and citizen science projects;\r\nProvide guidelines for how to carry out these projects, and make sure that all volunteer participants know what they will do and how their contributions and data will be used;\r\nAnswer unresolved questions about data access and availability, technology and code access, data ownership, data publishing, and data use;\r\nEncourage agencies to design projects across agencies and in partnership with the private sector, educational institutions or other local agencies.\r\n \r\nThe bill is endorsed by Genetic Alliance, Sage Bionetworks, SciStarter, the American Geophysical Union, the American Geosciences Institute, the American Society of Agronomy, the Crop Science Society of America, the Foundation for Earth Science, and the Soil Science Society of America.\r\nIt is also supported by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Citizen Science Association.\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-1-million-grant-for-cskt-healthcare-program", "Daines Announces Over $1 Million Grant for CSKT Healthcare Program", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Daines Announces Over $1 Million Grant for CSKT Healthcare Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $1,040,808 in funding for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) for diabetes treatment and prevention.\r\nDiabetes sadly plagues many in Montana's Native communities, and through this funding the CSKT can continue to improve care for tribal members living with this disease,Daines stated.\r\nNative Americans have the highest rate of Type 2 diabetes in the United States.\r\nDaines is a supporter of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). The 301 SDPI Community-Directed grant programs help to implement diabetes prevention and treatment interventions in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.\r\nOnSeptember 20, 2016, Daines authored a letter to the U.S. Senate leadership underscoring the importance of federal investments in this program.\r\nBrenda Bodnar, CSKT Diabetes Program Manager: \"Over the years the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' Tribal Health Department's Diabetes Program has observed the number of people with diabetes increase.With the increase in numbers follows the cost of complications.The cost is measured both in dollars and quality of life.Diabetes care here has expanded to include Integrated Care where patients can be seen for behavioral health therapy.The use of intense case management and care coordinators improves people with diabetes' ability to be seen more quickly for medical care.\"\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-congratulates-student-on-appointment-to-us-naval-academy", "Daines Congratulates Student on Appointment to U.S. Naval Academy", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Daines Congratulates Student on Appointment to U.S. Naval Academy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today congratulated Andrew Sorenson on his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy located in Annapolis, Maryland.\r\nDaines called Sorenson today to inform him of the appointment and offer his congratulations. Sorenson is an Eagle Scout and entrepreneur who owns and operates his own lawn care business and has earned varsity letters in wrestling, tennis, football, indoor track and cross country.\r\nAndrew has shown himself to be a leader both on the field and in the classroom, and I look forward to watching him become a leader in our armed forces,Daines stated.\r\nSorenson, whose family is from Columbia Falls, is currently a senior at Ocean Lakes High school in Virginia where his family is stationed with the U.S. Navy.\r\nMontana students interested in applying to any of our nation's military academies can find more information by visitingDaines' website.\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-lisa-cline-of-broadus", "Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Lisa Cline of Broadus", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Lisa Cline of Broadus \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines todayrecognizededucator Lisa M. Cline for over 30 years of service as a K-6 STEM educator throughout the State of Montana.\r\n\r\n\r\nDaines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere.\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 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 wish to recognize educator Lisa M. Cline for over 30 years of service as a K-6 STEM educator throughout the State of Montana. Mrs. Cline's love of STEM, particularly biology, was inspired by her mother, Nancy Yonkee, who grew up on a ranch during the Great Depression-era and was among the first women to study Pre-Medicine at her university in the 1950's.\r\nMrs. Cline grew up on a ranch near Broadus, andstudied animal science at Montana State University, with the goal of becoming a veterinarian. Later, Mrs. Clinedecided that she could have the greatest impact on her communities by sharing her love of STEM with children, and earned an additional degree, also from MSU, in education. In her time as an educator throughout the state, including in the communities of Bozeman, Plevna, Great Falls, and Cut Bank, Mrs. Cline has passionately brought to her students a love for the STEM disciplines that is grounded in her agricultural upbringing, her background in biology, and her genuine excitement about asking tough questions, solving tricky problems, and learning along the way.\r\nThroughout her career, Mrs. Cline strived to bring a rigor to her classroom that prepares her students to become the best scientists, engineers and mathematicians. She does this both inside and outside of the classroom, working tirelessly over the years to organize innovative, inquiry-based assignments, student debates, local science fairs, field trips to archaeological sites, and voyages into the mountains. Most recently, she brought her sixth-graders to Glacier National Park, where they learned about its intricate ecosystems and rich geological history.\r\nI want to express my deep gratitude to Mrs. Cline for her dedication and service to educating our country's youth, particularly for cultivating within them a love for STEM and inquiry-based learning. And a big thank you to Dr. Angela Person for her nomination of Mrs. Kline for Montanan of the Week.\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-bring-integrity-to-federal-budget-process", "Daines Introduces Legislation to Bring Integrity to Federal Budget Process", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Daines Introduces Legislation to Bring Integrity to Federal Budget Process \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE As the Federal Reserve is expected to increase the interest rate next week, U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced legislation that would require congressional budgetary scorekeepers to account for interest costs incurred on borrowed funds needed for legislative proposals.\r\nThe Budgetary Accuracy in Scoring Interest Costs (BASIC) Act will include the cost of debt in both Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) analysis so that Congress can have the full picture of legislative costs to the American taxpayer.\r\nIf I told you that when Congress employs gimmicks to shield you from knowing exactly how much it was spending you would be angry,Daines stated.Government spending is bloated and far exceeds the fiscal sanity that a Montana family would use for their household. It's time Congress had a true account the true debt burden it was leaving for our kids and grandkids.\r\nEarlier today, Daines spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of the BASIC Act.\r\n\r\nClickhereto watch Daines' remarks.\r\nClickhereto download Daines' remarks.\r\nUnder current practice, CBO and JCT are tasked with providing budgetary and revenue scores, but do not reflect economic reality  because their scoring methodologies doesn't include interest costs.\r\nThe U.S. must borrow funds to pay for new legislative proposals, and borrowed funds must be paid back with interest. Interest payment on the nation's debt is expected to be $712 billion by Fiscal Year 2026.\r\nThe text of the BASIC 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/daines-port-of-raymond-will-remain-open-24-hours", "Daines: Port of Raymond Will Remain Open 24-Hours", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Daines: Port of Raymond Will Remain Open 24-Hours \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE After more than a year of work by U.S. Senator Steve Daines, today the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that the Port of Raymond will remain a 24-hour entryway into Canada.\r\nThe announcement that the Port of Raymond will remain open 24-hours is welcome news for Montana farmers and ranchers who need to get their goods to market,Daines stated.I'm pleased that the CBP heard my frustration and that of Montanans and reversed their misguided decision to reduce their hours.\r\nOn March 5, 2016, Daines and U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke met with CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske, Commissioner urging him to abandon reduced hours at the Port of Raymond.\r\nOnFebruary 5, 2016, Daines and Zinke urged CBP officials to reverse their plans to reduce operating hours at the Port of Raymond and terminate the northeastern Montana border crossing's 24-hour operating status. \r\nOn November 23, 2015, 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\nThe 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.\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-tester-zinke-introduce-legislation-to-reverse-disastrous-court-ruling", "Daines, Tester, Zinke Introduce Legislation to Reverse Disastrous Court Ruling", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Daines, Tester, Zinke Introduce Legislation to Reverse Disastrous Court Ruling \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. CONGRESSU.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke today underscored the urgency in reversing the ruling of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals inCottonwood Environmental Law Center v. U.S. Forest Serviceby introducing bipartisan bicameral legislation to do just that.\r\nThe bill seeks to codify the Obama administration's position that federal agencies are not required to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service at a programmatic level when new critical habitat is designated or a new species is listed.\r\nCongress needs to take urgent action to reverse the disastrous activist court ruling for the sake of forest health, recreation, and watershed and habitat protection,Daines stated.By seeking a simple fix and codifying the Obama administration's own position into law we can protect Montana jobs and continue with commonsense collaborative forest management projects that have been harmed by this court decision.\r\nThis bipartisan bill starts the conversation about how to address the Cottonwood decision, and is the first step in ensuring Montana's outdoor economy isn't crippled by unnecessary red tape,said Tester. The Cottonwood decision could not only handcuff responsible timber projects, but it could also stifle trail maintenance, critical conservation efforts, and efforts to increase public access to our favorite hunting and fishing spots.\r\nOur forests are in poor health in part because of activist judges who would rather see them burn to the ground than properly managed,Zinke stated.The legislative fix the senators and I are proposing is simple and noncontroversial. I see no reason why we cannot reverse this decision as quickly as possible to protect jobs, recreation, and habitat.\r\nCurrently there are conflicting circuit court interpretations in the Ninth (Cottonwood Environmental Law Center v. Forest Service) and Tenth Circuits (Forest Guardians v. Forsgren) on this matter of wide-ranging import, but the Supreme Court denied the Department of Justice's petition to settle the discrepancy.\r\nJulia Altemus, Montana Wood Products Association:This disastrous Court ruling could cripple access to wood for Montana's mills who are already struggling to survive and undermine many collaborative projects that are already in process.Thank you to Senator Daines, Senator Tester and Representative Zinke for working to reverse this job-killing court ruling.\r\nMac Minard, Executive Director Montana Outfitters and Guides Association:Montana's outfitters and guides rely on Montana's treasured landscape and the management of that asset. The delegations effort to mitigate process requirements for land managers and allow them to manage and restore our National Forests is vital to the continued success of the many small business across Montana that rely on the great outdoors.\r\nErrol Rice, Executive Vice President, Montana Stockgrowers:The implications that the Cottonwood decision could have on not only forest management projects in Montana, but also on efforts to improve grazing or outdoor recreational opportunities are dire. The Montana Stockgrowers Association thanks Sen. Daines, Sen. Tester and Representative Zinke for introducing this bill to reverse this harmful decision and for their efforts on behalf of Montana's ranchers.\r\nRavalli County Commissioner Greg Chilcott, Coalition of Forested Counties, Montana Association of Counties:The Ninth Circuit Court's ruling in Cottonwood Environmental Law Center vs. U.S. Forest Service, if left to stand, would drastically increase the regulatory burden on federal agencies and further delay needed forest management. This bipartisan legislation to reverse this unnecessary requirement will allow the Forest Service to continue their important restoration work to increase the health and resiliency of our national forest lands.\r\nDale Bosworth, Retired Chief of the United States Forest Service:With a career dedicated to managing the health of our national forests, I greatly appreciate the delegation's efforts to reverse a crippling 9th circuit decision that would further reduce the Forest Service's capacity to carry out their mission. With robust analysis on the ground in every project, the Forest Service is held to high standards in regards to critical habitat and endangered species and additional regulatory burdens courtesy of the 9th Circuit court are unwarranted and unnecessary. This legislation will allow the agency to continue their important work and get more restoration work done across Montana.\r\nDavid Allen, President & CEO, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation applauds Senator Daines, Senator Tester and Representative Zinke for introducing legislation to reverse the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Cottonwood v. U.S. Forest Service decision. The court's decision will delay management projects on federal lands that are needed to reduce wildfire risks, improve forest health and wildlife habitat and enhance recreational opportunities. The decision encourages endless litigation to stop projects that have already been evaluated and approved by federal agencies. We need legislation like this to keep frivolous lawsuits from delaying and stopping important federal land management projects.\r\nJoel Webster, Director, Center for Western Lands, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership:TRCP and, moreover, America's sportsmen and women are committed to finding sensible ways of improving our national forests to the point that they support not only thriving populations of fish and wildlife, but also our hunting and fishing opportunities. A variety of factors have slowed the active management of our national forests dramatically, negatively impacting forest health, including wildlife populations. Bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Daines, Senator Tester, and Representative Zinke, which would reverse the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in the case ofCottonwood v. United States Forest Service,addresses one of the challenges to increasing management and restoration of our national forests, and we hope that Congress will act on this reasonable legislation.\r\nDoug Ferrell, Board Chairman, The Friends Of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness:The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness applauds and supports the work of Sen. Daines and Tester and Rep. Zinke on bipartisan legislation to minimize problems and delays from the recent Cottonwood court decision. Based on our extensive participation in forest collaborative groups in both Idaho and Montana, we are aware that forest projects receive rigorous analysis of resource impacts. More layers of analysis are clearly not needed and would only serve to add expense and delay.\r\nBecky Humphries, Chief Conservation and Operations Officer for the National Wild Turkey Foundation:The National Wild Turkey Federation strongly supports the efforts of Senator Daines, Senator Tester and Representative Zinke to reverse the ninth Circuit decision pertaining to the Endangered Species Act, Section 7 consultation for an approved National Forest Plan.\r\nAccording to the U.S. Forest Service, 80 vegetation management projects and hundreds of millions of board feet are at risk due to Cottonwood.\r\nThe text of the bill can be foundHERE.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-discusses-montana-transportation-priorities-with-secretary-of-transportation-nominee-elaine-chao-", "Daines Discusses Montana Transportation Priorities with Secretary of Transportation Nominee Elaine Chao", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.16\n\t\t\t Daines Discusses Montana Transportation Priorities with Secretary of Transportation Nominee Elaine Chao  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on President-elect Donald J. Trump's nominee for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Elaine Chao.\r\n\r\nSecretary Chao has the proven experience that the Department of Transportation needs to implement bold policies that reinvigorate our roads, bridges, railroads and pipelines,Daines stated.After speaking with Secretary Chao, I am excited to support her confirmation and look forward to working with her to empower states to create new construction and manufacturing jobs.\r\nDaines and Chao discussed the importance of prioritizing rural America, specifically the need to ensure equity between urban and rural infrastructure development. They also discussed to the importance of improving telecommunications in rural America.\r\nDaines is a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, which has jurisdiction for the Department of Transportation including nominations subject to Senate confirmation.\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-highlights-importance-of-consolidated-tribal-land-ownership-at-senate-hearing", "Daines Highlights Importance of Consolidated Tribal Land Ownership at Senate Hearing", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.16\n\t\t\t Daines Highlights Importance of Consolidated Tribal Land Ownership at Senate Hearing \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today highlighted the importance of reducing divided land ownership on Indian reservations.\r\nDuring a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Daines questioned two Montana tribal leaders testifying at the hearing, Chairman Floyd Azure of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes and Vice Chairman Terry Tatsey of the Blackfeet Tribe, on the value of the U.S. Department of the Interior Land Buy-Back Program to their communities and how they would want to see the program improved.\r\nMontana is home to Indian reservations with some of the most divided ownership in the nation and the Land Buy-Back Program has benefitted nearly all of them,Daines stated.Consolidating interests in Indian trust lands is crucial to economic prosperity in Native communities and eradicating outdated remnants of the allotment era.\r\n\r\nClickhereto watch Daines' remarks.\r\nThe principal goal of the Buy-Back Program is to reduce the number of fractional land interests through voluntary sales that place purchased interests into trust for tribes. These transfers consolidate trust land bases for conservation, stewardship, economic development, or other uses deemed beneficial by sovereign tribal nations.\r\nIn Montana, the program has been implemented on the Crow, Fort Belknap, Flathead Fort Peck, and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations. The program has begun to be implemented on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.\r\nEarlier this month, Interior released the2016 Status Reportfor the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations, which highlights the steps taken to date to strengthen tribal sovereignty, consolidate fractional interests, and provide new opportunities to Native American communities.\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-congratulates-two-montana-students-on-appointments-to-us-naval-academy", "Daines Congratulates Two Montana Students on Appointments to U.S. Naval Academy", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Daines Congratulates Two Montana Students on Appointments to U.S. Naval Academy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today congratulated Cade Wessel of Bozeman and Travis Catina of Whitefish on receiving an offer of appointment from the U.S. Naval Academy, located in Annapolis, Maryland.\r\nDaines called Wessel and Catina today to inform them of the offer and give his congratulations.\r\nWessel, a senior at Bozeman High School is a four-year letter winner on the football team, varsity football team captain and starting linebacker for the state championship football team. Wessel is also the throwing captain for varsity track. He has volunteered as a coach for youth basketball, Special Olympics and organized the Bozeman Hawk's football Military Veteran's Appreciation game to donate funds to the Troop Dreams organization.\r\nCade has shown to be a student that challenges himself both on the field and in the classroom,Daines stated.Cade's determination and leadership will serve him well in the armed forces.\r\nCatina, a senior at Whitefish High School, is the senior class president, a member of the fly fishing club, Key Club, Little Guy Wrestling Coach and attended Boys State in 2016. Catina is also varsity wrestler and member of the football team. His father is a retired Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army Special Forces and his mother served as a colonel in the Army and retired after 26 years.\r\nTravis understands the service and dedication of putting country first,Daines stated.I look forward to watch Travis become a future in our armed force.\"\r\nMontana students interested in applying to any of our nation's military academies can find more information by visitingDaines' website.\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-passage-of-medical-innovation-bill", "Daines Hails Passage of Medical Innovation Bill", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Daines Hails Passage of Medical Innovation Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the passage of bipartisan legislation to bring medicine into the 21stcentury:\r\nAround every kitchen table in Montana are moms and dads worried about healthcare,Daines stated. This bill helps folks gain access to life saving drugs, provides help for family members struggling with depression and gain access to equipment needed for an elderly parent. Working together in a bipartisan fashion we took an important step in helping these families.\r\nS. Kevin Howlett, Director, CSKT Health Department:We are pleased that the Senate has recognized and supported the need for resources to address the epidemic of suicide in Indian country. We applaud congressional efforts to address the maze of staggering health disparities in the Native American population.\r\nAlesha Rate President Big Sky Ames:On behalf of Big Sky Association of Home Medical Equipment Suppliers, I want to thank Senator Daines for supporting the durable medical equipment elements stated in the Cures Act. The impacts of these cuts have been very detrimental to companies and their patients in our rural communities. We know this isn't a long term fix but it will help companies avoid shut down and help assist patients in getting their equipment in the upcoming months. We look forward to continue working with you on a permanent fix.\r\nMichael R. Btz, Ph.D., Federal Advocacy Coordinator, Montana Psychological Association:The Montana Psychological Association applauds Senator Daines for supporting the 21st Century Cures Act. This legislation brings forward the work of many across the past four years who have sought to pass meaningful and substantial mental health legislation that would provide essential prevention services, treatment for populations in need, and support for research, education and training. It is a major step forward for our country, and for our fellow Montanans.\r\nLester \"Dale\" DeCoteau,Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Health Promotion Disease Prevention, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes: The Health Promotion Disease Prevention, Mental Health Department/Suicide Prevention, has witnessed and identified many new opportunities from the support of the previous GLS grant participants and staff. The cooperative efforts have allowed us identify the needs of our Public schools and their relationships to our local communities in regard to the safety of our children and families, suicide protocols and crises response. The continuation of the grant, with community input, will allow to us to have constant interaction and a continuity of care with everyone, especially our children.\r\nTamara Kittelson-Aldred, a Physical Therapist from Missoula:I am an occupational therapist specializing in wheelchair seating and mobility, and a mother who for 12 years raised a daughter who required a complex rehab wheelchair. Adequate funding for specialized equipment makes the difference between life and death, a good life and one of poor quality. This is an investment in real people; we are all only one accident, illness or childbirth away from needing this gear for ourselves or a loved one.\r\nDick Brown, President and CEO, Montana Hospital Association:MHA applauds passage of the Cures bill. It includes important provisions that give rural health care providers flexibility in how they deliver health care in their communities. It also takes a good first step toward improving access to mental health services in our state. We look forward to continuing our work with the Montana congressional delegation to address the challenges we face in ensuring that Montanans have access to high quality health care.\r\nThe 21stCentury CURES Act supports Montana's healthcare priorities:\r\nProtects rural Montana providers by:\r\n \r\nGrandfathering Hospital Outpatient Departments that were being built when the site-neutral provision went into effect.\r\nProtects access to care in critical access hospitals by prohibiting the Medicare direct supervision rule for 2016.\r\nProtects access to durable medical equipment and complex rehabilitation technology for rural Medicare beneficiaries by delaying competitive bidding pricing and requiring that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) take into consideration the unique challenges of providing rural healthcare. \r\n \r\nHelping mental health in Montana:\r\n \r\nRaises the level of priority for dealing with the mental health crisis by establishing an Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use to heat the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.\r\nPrioritizes community-based and other mental health services, increasing research, and making sure that research findings and evidence-based practices are getting to providers to improve treatment and prevention services.\r\nGives states more flexibility in using mental health block grants and strengthens community-based resources.\r\nProvides resources for mental health care by reauthorizing numerous grants and programs, including:\r\n\r\nGrants to support integrated care models for primary care and behavioral healththat have helped numerous community health centers across Montana to integrate care.\r\n\r\n\r\nGarrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support suicide prevention training and theYouth Suicide Early Intervention and Prevention Strategies grants to states and tribes. TheConfederated Salish Kootenai and Fort Peck tribes currently have active grants to provide support for tribal youth. Both Montana State University and University of Montana also have active grants to support Montana's youth. Previous Montana grant recipients include the Chippewa Cree Tribe, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Wyoming Tribal Leaders Council, and the Northern Cheyenne Board of Health.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Program and National Treatment Referral Routing Service.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCreates a drug and mental health court pilot program which will function similar to veterans court so that individuals can be diverted from jail and into treatment for mental health and drug addiction.\r\n \r\nStreamlines FDA by modernizing clinic trials and putting patients at the heart of the regulatoryreview process:\r\n \r\nIncentivizes the development of new drugs, including for pediatric diseases and medical countermeasures, and empowers FDA to utilize flexible approaches, in reviewing medical devices that represent breakthrough technologies.\r\nStrengthens Medical Countermeasures Innovation by streamlining public-private partnerships and providing stability for innovators like GSK that manufacturers an adjuvant in Hamilton.\r\n \r\nMedicare:\r\n \r\nIncreases Medicare price transparency by allowing beneficiaries to shop for the most cost-effective treatments to be able to control out-of-pocket expenses.\r\nIncreases accountability and oversight for Medicare vendors and supports increasing the efficiency in use of technology, such as electronic health records.\r\nPromotes the use of telehealth in Medicare by requiring CMS and other agencies to develop long-term solutions for telehealth.\r\n\r\nThis year,Billings Clinic launchedthe Montana-based Project ECHO hub to in an effort to address a lack of access to mental health and substance abuse resources. This connects rural providers with a team of specialists to be able to collaborate, share case studies, and offer support. The hub is built to be flexible to allow its design to be used for tele-clinics in any topic or disease. It also allows Montana's providers to collaborate with experts and specialists at academic centers like the University of Washington and the University of New Mexico to disseminate evidence-based practices in psychiatry and addictions.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nSmall business healthcare:\r\n \r\nSupports Small Businesses in their options for providing health care allowing them to reimburse employees for purchasing their own insurance.\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-meets-todd-ricketts-looks-forward-to-confirming-nomination", "Daines Meets Todd Ricketts, Looks Forward to Confirming Nomination", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Daines Meets Todd Ricketts, Looks Forward to Confirming Nomination \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on Todd Ricketts, President-elect Donald J. Trump's nominee for Deputy Secretary of Commerce following their meeting in his Washington, D.C. office.\r\n\r\n\r\nMr. Ricketts knows how to win and will get the job done at Commerce,Dainesstated.I look forward to watching him bring his decades of proven business experience to the government to create more good-paying American jobs.\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-pruitt-will-support-coal-jobs", "Daines: Pruitt Will Support Coal Jobs", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Daines: Pruitt Will Support Coal Jobs \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, President-elect Donald J. Trump's nominee for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator:\r\nI greatly appreciate the leadership Attorney General Pruitt has shown in suing to stop the EPA's Clean Power Plan and look forward to watching him dismantle it piece by piece as EPA Administrator. \r\nA University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research study found the Clean Power Plan would lead to the biggest economic disaster in Montana in 30 yearsincluding the closure of the Colstrip plant, the reduction of over 7,000 jobs, and more than a $1.5 billion loss in economic outputall for a negligible impact on the environment according to the EPA.\r\nNo commercially available technology can achieve the Clean Power Plan's required level of emissions at a coal plant, and certainly not by the EPA-mandated timeline for compliance. Montana would be forced to restructure its energy economy accordingly and jeopardize the grid's reliability while doing so. Whether through executive action or through Congress, the United States should unleash American innovation by incentivizing clean coal technology instead of wiping the industry out of business.\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-secures-important-defense-priorities-for-montana", "Daines Secures Important Defense Priorities for Montana", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Daines Secures Important Defense Priorities for Montana \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the bipartisan agreement for final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\r\nThe NDAA provides critical support and security for our servicemembers in uniform to carry out their missions,Daines stated.It's great to see Congress prioritize the needs of our servicemembers, while protecting the important role that Montana holds in our national defense.\r\nThe bill now heads to President Obama's desk for his signature.\r\nDaines secured the following priorities for Montana:\r\n \r\nCyber Command:Daines' amendmentto elevate U.S. Cyber Command to a Combatant Command was included in the NDAA. U.S. Cyber Command it is currently a subordinate unit to U.S. Strategic Command.\r\n\r\n\r\nMental Health:Secured languageto help veterans who may have been erroneously given a less than honorable discharge from the military due to negative behavior resulting from mental traumas such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The amendment has broad support from 10 major veteran groups.\r\n\r\n\r\nNuclear Site Security:Along with U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke, Dainessecured languagethat requires the Department of Defense to certify what security shortfalls the UH-1N has created, and identify how it will alleviate those risks until the acquisition process for new helicopters is complete. \r\nPay Raise for Troops:Provides a 2.1 percent pay raise for the troops. Breaking the four-year trend of having a pay raise of less than 2% and a three-year trend of having a pay raise below the Employment Cost Index (ECI).\r\nModernization of Nuclear Arsenal:Provides critical funds for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program, which replaces the Minuteman III missiles, and includes provisions ensuring that the modernization program continues to move forward.\r\nDual Status Technicians:Secured a provision delaying the mandate that states 20 percent of Title 32 Dual Status Technicians must be transferred to Title 5 employees. Dainessent a letterto the Senate Armed Services Committee in April requesting his provision be included due to the transfer of National Guard employees to federal employee's being a drastic federal overreach without a plan in place.\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-outlines-montana-priorities-for-president-elect-trump", "Daines Outlines Montana Priorities for President-Elect Trump", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.16\n\t\t\t Daines Outlines Montana Priorities for President-Elect Trump \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today outlined specific priorities that could bring jobs back to Montana. \r\nIn a letter sent to President-elect Donald J. Trump today, Daines enumerated 49 executive actions he would like to see President-elect Trump take starting on Day One.\r\nOne of your driving principles is rolling back the countless Obama administration regulations and policies that have stifled job creation, economic growth, and innovation,Daines wrote.I could not agree more that reversing such misguided policies is critically needed. In addition to enacting harmful policies, the current administration has failed to support commonsense reforms needed to improve the lives of hardworking Americans and protecting our way of life. While not exhaustive, I would like to draw your attention to several policies where the status quo is unacceptable and urge you to take prompt, decisive actions to change course on behalf of Montanans and all Americans.\r\nAmong the priorities, Daines specified six areas of concern and identified how the President-elect can remove the regulatory morass.\r\n \r\nSecuring our nation's energy future\r\nKeeping Americans safe\r\nProtecting taxpayers and rights of conscience\r\nPreserving our privacy and fostering innovation\r\nBolstering America's agricultural economy\r\nStanding up for small businesses and the workforce\r\n \r\nDaines' letter to the President-elect is available to downloadHEREand below.\r\nDecember 6, 2016\r\nThe Honorable Donald J. Trump\r\nThe President-elect\r\nNew York, NY\r\nDear President-elect Trump:\r\nCongratulations on your historic election as the next President of the United States. I look forward to working together closely to address the many challenges facing the United States at home and abroad.\r\nOne of your driving principles is rolling back the countless Obama administration regulations and policies that have stifled job creation, economic growth, and innovation. I could not agree more that reversing such misguided policies is critically needed. In addition to enacting harmful policies, the current administration has failed to support commonsense reforms needed to improve the lives of hardworking Americans and protecting our way of life. While not exhaustive, I would like to draw your attention to several policies where the status quo is unacceptable and urge you to take prompt, decisive actions to change course on behalf of Montanans and all Americans.\r\nSecuring our nation's energy future\r\n \r\nTerminate the Clean Power Plan and unleash American innovation.A University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research study found the Clean Power Plan would lead to the biggest economic disaster in Montana in 30 yearsincluding the closure of the Colstrip plant, the reduction of over 7,000 jobs, and more than a $1.5 billion loss in economic outputall for a negligible impact on the environment according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). No commercially available technology can achieve the Clean Power Plan's required level of emissions at a coal plant, and certainly not by the EPA-mandated timeline for compliance. Montana would be forced to restructure its energy economy accordingly and jeopardize the grid's reliability while doing so. Whether through executive action or through Congress, the United States should unleash American innovation by incentivizing clean coal technology instead of wiping the industry out of business.\r\n  \r\nApprove the Keystone XL pipeline.Whether through an Act of Congress or through executive action, this pipeline must be approved. The Keystone XLpipeline will be a much-needed lifeline to many rural Montana communities, entering the United States through Phillips County, traveling about 284 miles across eastern Montana to South Dakota. The Obama administration unconscionably vetoed this project, which would create about 800 jobs in Montana, help keep electricity prices affordable for families, and generate more than $80 million in Montana property taxes, more than $16 million of which would be distributed to Montana's schools and university system.\r\n  \r\nTerminate Secretarial Order 3338.This order imposed a moratorium on federal coal leasing, paused ongoing lease applications and modification reviews, and launched a programmatic review of the federal coal leasing program, including overhauling the leasing process and changing royalty rates. This moratorium and Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement will put nearly 65,000 direct and indirect mining jobs at risk, as well as impact the billions of dollars in revenues to states like Montana, as well as to Indian tribes, used to pay for schools, reclamation, and other infrastructure projects. I urge you to rescind this damaging order.  \r\n  \r\nUtilize coal export terminals.Powder River Basin coal is lower in sulfur content than Indonesian coal. Currently, Montana coal producers must rely on Canadian ports to bring our coal to market. I urge you to approve applications for coal export terminal permits in a timely manner. Doing so will help Montana coal reach Asian demand, thereby creating more American jobs here at home instead of across our border while keeping global emissions down.\r\n  \r\nHalt finalization of the Office of Surface Mining's Stream Protection Rule.This wholly unnecessary and unsupported Obama administration rule would affect both surface and underground coal mines, substantially impairing domestic industry's ability to meet our nation's energy needs and devastating Montana's coal development, which is a pillar of our state's economy. Furthermore, the proposed rule was developed without sufficient tribal consultation and consideration of potential harm to Indian tribes'economies, some of which in Montana would suffer.\r\n  \r\nEmpower states and tribes to take the lead in natural resource development and protecting the environment.The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) recently released Methane and Waste Reduction Rule is duplicative and unnecessary, conflicts with current state laws, such as those put in place in Montana, and would discourage state-driven solutions to managing methane emissions. I urge you to rescind this rule before implementation. The BLM hydraulic fracturing rule also represents overreach into states' and Indian tribes' efforts. With respect to its impact on Indian tribes in particular, this rule would make it harder to do business with Native nations and make them less competitive in energy markets. Furthermore, the BLM Sage-Grouse Conservation Plans are yet another example of federal requirements' dissonance with work states have already done. Whether through regulation of methane emissions, hydraulic fracturing, or approaches to wildlife management, I believe stateand tribal governments are best suited to lead in addressing these issues, not an overreaching and out-of-touch federal bureaucracy.\r\n  \r\nStrengthen our nation's critical mineral supply.Our foreign mineral dependence is a mounting threat to our economy, our national security, and our international competitiveness. Despite our nation's abundant resources, including Montana's supply of palladium, platinum, molybdenum, and other important minerals, our nation's permitting process for mineral development remains one of the longest in the world. I believe there are ways to streamline our critical mineral production while protecting our environment and urge you to work with Congress toward that end by prioritizing formulating a robust domestic critical mineral strategy.\r\n  \r\nTerminate the EPA rulemaking under Section 108(b) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).The financial assurance regulations established by this rulemaking directly threaten the very industries that are a backbone of our economy and are essential to our energy security. They should be halted immediately.\r\n \r\nKeeping Americans safe\r\n \r\nPrioritize nuclear deterrence.The Obama administration has consistently jeopardized the nuclear triad, which is an essential aspect of our national defense and serves as a critical strategic deterrent to our enemies. I urge you instead to support and fully modernize our Intercontinental Ballistic Missile arsenal and the other components of the nuclear triad.\r\n  \r\nRenegotiate the Iran deal.The poorly formed and negotiated Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action provided billions of dollars to the world's leading state sponsor of terror. It is critical that this agreement is renegotiated to ensure that Iran is held to account for its actions that have destabilized the region, threatened our allies, and resulted in Americans being held hostage or even killed.\r\n  \r\nUphold the promises made to our veterans.Over the course of the past eight years, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been plagued by scandal after scandal that has oftentimes resulted in our veterans not receiving the care they deserve. I urge you to hold officials at the VA accountable and ensure those who have served receive the best possible care. Additionally, veterans living in Montana and other rural regions of the country face unique challenges. I encourage you to prioritize care for veterans in these rural areas and ensure that their concerns are considered as you move forward with establishing new leadership at the VA.\r\n  \r\nDefend the Second Amendment.This constitutional right is essential to our way of life in Montana and our country as a whole. It is clear that the Obama administration has been intent on heavily restricting our Second Amendment rights through limits on access to ammunition, unnecessary regulations, artificially keeping common firearms on the United States Munitions List, and overreaching application of the International Trade in Arms Regulations. I urge you to instruct agencies, especially the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to defend our Second Amendment rights and protect the lawful purchase, ownership, and use of firearms.\r\n  \r\nImplement strong immigration policies.The Obama administration's executive actions related to immigration degraded the rule of law and encouraged individuals to enter our country illegally. I request that you immediately rescind related executive orders; strengthen border security, including for northern states like Montana that must not be left vulnerable; enforce existing laws; and preclude sanctuary cities from receiving federal funding.\r\n \r\nProtecting taxpayers and rights of conscience\r\n \r\nRepeal and replace Obamacare. Obamacare has driven up the costs of health insurance premiums and has increased the financial burden on American middle class families. It is a story of broken promises and failed policy. I urge your administration to repeal and replace this law and spare the American people the severe hardships they have had to endure as a result of it.\r\n  \r\nReinstate the Mexico City Policy. This policy, first established by President Reagan, prevents organizations that receive American taxpayer dollars from performing or promoting abortions abroad, even if done with non-United States government funding. The United States should seek to support the value of life among all nations and no taxpayer funds should be used to support programs such as forced abortion or for the promotion of abortion anywhere.\r\n  \r\nEnforce the Weldon Amendment. This amendment prohibits funds from going to any federal agency or program, state government, or local government that discriminates against a physician, a health care professional, a hospital, a provider-sponsored organization, a health maintenance organization, a health insurance plan, or any other kind of health care facility, organization, or plan on the basis that it does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Failure to enforce would allow states like California to continue to force churches, religious organizations, and other groups to provide coverage for abortions against their consciences.\r\n  \r\nStrictly enforce the Hyde Amendment. The Hyde Amendment prohibits any taxpayer dollars from being used for abortion except for specific cases. This includes taxpayer dollars used to provide health care plans for federal employees. Enforcement would follow the express will of Americans for the use of their taxpayer dollars.\r\n  \r\nRescind the Department of Health and Human Services rule on the coverage of certain preventive services under the Affordable Care Act issued on July 2, 2013. This rule is a direct violation of religious freedom and is duplicative in coverage for the services offered. Coverage for contraceptives should be the choice of individuals and organizations according to their conscience as the Supreme Court found inBurwell v. Hobby Lobby.\r\n  \r\nRescind the Department of Education Title IX Guidance. I urge you to immediately rescind the Department of Education's guidance that Title IX's prohibition of sexdiscrimination encompassesgender identity. This guidance did not undergo public scrutiny and represents the epitome of government overreach. The Department of Education's interpretation of Title IX to include gender identity is an unwarranted expansion of federal powers and related regulations should be developed and determined by local governments and schools.\r\n \r\nPreserving our privacy and fostering innovation\r\n \r\nReplace the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) consumer privacy rules.The FCC privacy rules arbitrarily put in place burdensome regulations on internet service providers. This approach creates an unworkable framework for businesses and a confusing internet ecosystem for consumers. Further, these rules have a particularly disparate impact on small businesses.\r\n  \r\nReverse net neutrality rules. The Obama administration's net neutrality rules are an unprecedented attempt to exert government control over the internet. The rules attempt to apply 20thcentury regulations to an open and vibrant ecosystem that all Americans have grown to rely on. These policies will chill innovation, slow investment, and harm consumers.\r\n  \r\nStop implementation of changes to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 41.The Obama administration's proposed changes to Rule 41 will greatly expand the government's hacking powers and will substantially impact Americans'Fourth Amendment rights. The rule change was made behind closed doors without any consideration by Congress. Implementation of the rule change must be stopped in order to give Congress the time it needs to review potential changes through a transparent process.\r\n \r\nBolstering America's agricultural economy\r\n \r\nRevise the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.The overreaching WOTUS rule seeks to regulate virtually every ditch and pond that may be occasionally wet across the United States and would have a significant negative impact on farmers, ranchers, and landowners across the country. I urge you to support efforts to rollback WOTUS and issue a revised rule that protects traditional navigable waters from water pollution while protecting Montanans' private property rights.\r\n  \r\nLevel the playing field for Montana producers.Ensuring that Montana producers are treated fairly in foreign markets is of utmost importance and we need stronger leadership on this issue. For example, Montana ranchers must be able to sell beef into the Chinese market and Canada should not be able to unfairly subsidize its timber production to the detriment of Montana lumber mills. I urge you to prioritize both of those issues and work to reduce barriers to trade for Montana producers as they compete for the 95% of the world's consumers that live outside of the United States. I also call on your administration to fight for a level playing field for our nation's producers and consumers within any future trade negotiations.\r\n \r\n\r\nStanding up for small business and the workforce\r\n \r\nReduce overburdensome regulations that stifle job creation and discourage ingenuity.In order to reduce harmful regulations, I urge you to consider implementing the following executive policies: 1) sunset all regulations that are not reviewed and updated every ten years, 2) rescind unnecessary interpretive rules written by the Obama administration that significantly changed previously standing interpretive rules, and 3) eliminate two regulatory rules for each new rule adopted. Implementing such reforms will stimulate our currently anemic economy and help all Americans prosper.\r\n  \r\nExempt Indian tribes from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which is enforced by the NLRB, provides workers with the right to collectively bargain with employers and requires employers to bargain in good faith. It does not, however, specify whether Indian tribal employers are covered. As a matter of tribal sovereignty and tribes'right of self-government, I urge you to exercise your prosecutorial discretion to not enforce the NLRA against federally recognized Indian tribes in Montana and across the country.\r\n  \r\nReverse the NLRB ruling inSpecialty Healthcare and Rehab. Ctr. of Mobile. This decision, also known as the micro-union rule, creates an artificial bargaining group within the group of individuals employed. It creates a heavy burden for employers, reducing their capacity and resources to truly engage in collective bargaining, as the deck is stacked against them.\r\n  \r\nRescind the NLRB final rule on Representation-Case Procedures. This rule, also known as the ambush election rule, creates a significant and artificial disadvantage for employers in negotiations with employees by allowing individuals seeking elections on representation to blindside employers and negate the possibility for true discussion. Ultimately, it puts a thumb on the scales against achieving a mutually beneficial outcome.\r\n  \r\nReverse the NLRB Browning-Ferris decision of August 27, 2015. This rule, also known as the joint employer rule, single-handedly vitiated relationships between businesses and their vendors, franchisees, or staffing agencies. It introduced significant volatility into the employment market and created uncertainty for job creators navigating the ever increasing regulations placed on them.\r\n  \r\nEliminate the Department of Labor Overtime Rule.Thisrule sets a national income threshold that is unfair to employers and employees alike in Montana since relatively more employees will qualify under the rule than in other parts of the country. As a result of the rule, Montana employers will be encouraged to automate unskilled jobs with salaries under the income threshold.\r\n  \r\nRescind the Department of Labor's Fiduciary Duty Rule.The current administration's rule negatively impacts Montanans' ability to save for their retirement and will harm those it claims to help.Without the use of commission fees, the final rule gives financial advisors an incentive to shun small balance retirement accounts because they will become economically infeasible.Small balance account holders are often the very individuals that can afford to lose the least.As a result of the rule, many people will be forced to use robo-advisors, but many in rural America do not have internet access, putting them at a disadvantage when preparing for retirement.Rescinding the rule will allow financial advisors to better serve their clients. Montanans saving for retirement should not have to jump through unnecessary hoops or deal with complicated and confusing government regulations when seeking sound financial retirement advice.\r\n \r\nThank you for your consideration and I look forward to working together to bring these items to fruition.\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-pushes-army-corps-on-spread-of-invasive-mussels", "Daines Pushes Army Corps on Spread of Invasive Mussels", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.16\n\t\t\t Daines Pushes Army Corps on Spread of Invasive Mussels \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today pushed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to expedite the deployment of funds for watercraft inspection stations to combat the spread of adult mussels wreaking havoc on Montana's ecosystem.\r\nDaines met with the Commander of the Northwest Division Brigadier General Scott Spellmon, Director-Programs Directorate, Northwestern DivisionDave PonganisandEngineering Officer, Aide-de-Camp, First Lieutenant Eric Chu.\r\nIt's important we get these watercraft inspection stations up and operating  its one of the most effective ways we can stop the spread of invasive mussels,Daines stated.We need to cut through the bureaucratic chatter and talk about what we need to do now to stop the spread of the invasive mussels which is negatively impacting our ecosystem and economy.\r\nThe Northwest Division has jurisdiction over Seattle, Omaha, Portland, Walla Walla and Kansas City Districts, includes 14 states, 107 tribes and entirety of both the Columbia and Missouri River Basins.\r\nRecently, invasive mussel larvae was confirmed in the Tiber Reservoir and possibly found in the Canyon Ferry as well. If adult mussels spread, they can block hydropower and irrigation ducts, as well as wreak havoc on the ecosystem, recreation and tourism.\r\nOn November 29, 2016, Daines staff met with Seattle District Commander Colonel Buck to request Col. Buck's personal attention to this matter.\r\nOnNovember 21, 2016, Daines authored a letter to the Corps requesting them to expedite implementation and distribution of funds for watercraft inspection stations as codified in Section 1039 of the Water Resource Reform Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014.\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-2016-montana-student-us-military-academy-nominations", "Daines Announces 2016 Montana Student U.S. Military Academy Nominations", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.16\n\t\t\t Daines Announces 2016 Montana Student U.S. Military Academy Nominations \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced his nominations for 25 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\nOne of my greatest honors as Montana's U.S. Senator is nominating committed young Montanans to compete for an appointment to one of our nation's military academies,Daines said.I commend these remarkable students for their commitment to serving our nation in keeping with Montana's strong legacy of service and I 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' 2016 academy nominations by county:\r\nCascade County:\r\n \r\nJordan Christian, Great Falls  U. S. Air Force Academy\r\nMax Sechena, Great Falls  U. S. Military Academy & U. S. Naval Academy\r\n \r\nDaniels County:\r\n \r\nDean Cole, Scobey  U. S. Naval Academy\r\n \r\nFlathead County:\r\n \r\nTravis Catina, Whitefish U. S. Military Academy & U. S. Naval Academy\r\nDeagan Muth, Whitefish  U. S. Air Force Academy\r\n \r\nGallatin County:\r\n \r\nAlexa Arthun, Manhattan  U. S. Air Force Academy & U. S. Naval Academy\r\nCody Dykstra, Manhattan  U. S. Naval Academy & U. S. Air Force Academy\r\nCole Lower, Bozeman  U. S. Air Force Academy, U. S. Merchant Marine Academy & U. S. Naval Academy\r\nEvan Morris, Bozeman  U. S. Naval Academy\r\nCade Wessel, Bozeman  U. S. Naval Academy, U. S. Military Academy & U. S. Air Force Academy\r\n \r\nJefferson County:\r\n \r\nJacob Rasch, Clancy  U. S. Military Academy\r\n \r\nLincoln County:\r\n \r\nColin Maloney, Libby  U. S. Air Force Academy\r\n \r\nMissoula County:\r\n \r\nMarshall Beatty, Missoula  U. S. Military Academy\r\nBekah Joy, Missoula  U. S. Air Force Academy\r\nGriffin Line, Missoula  U. S. Air Force Academy\r\nMax Triepke, Missoula  U. S. Air Force Academy\r\n \r\nPondera County:\r\n \r\nBen Rauscher, Conrad  U. S. Naval Academy & U. S. Air Force Academy\r\n \r\nWheatland County:\r\n \r\nAlly Martin, Two Dot  U. S. Military Academy & U. S. Naval Academy\r\n \r\nYellowstone County:\r\n \r\nAdam Barrie, Billings  U. S. Air Force Academy, U. S. Naval Academy, & U. S. Military Academy.\r\nTanner Branstetter, Laurel  U. S. Naval Academy, U. S. Military Academy, U. S. Air Force Academy\r\nTyler Gurchiek, Billings  U. S. Air Force Academy\r\nSimon Petsch, Billings  U. S. Naval Academy\r\n \r\nMontana Active Duty Military Dependents:\r\n \r\nMiriam Smith U. S. Military Academy\r\nAndrew Sorenson U. S. Naval Academy & U. S. Military Academy\r\nMadison Ward U. S. Naval Academy\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-announces-amtrak-report-on-potential-stop-in-culbertson", "Daines Announces Amtrak Report on Potential Stop in Culbertson", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.16\n\t\t\t Daines Announces Amtrak Report on Potential Stop in Culbertson \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced the release of an Amtrak report on developing passenger rail service in the Bakken Region.\r\nThis reportwas required by languagedrafted by Daines in the Fiscal Year 2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill, reported out of Committee on June 25, 2015.\r\nAmtrak plays a critical role in connectivity along Montana's Hi-Line. Reinstating the stop in Culbertson will increase the transportation options for people in northeastern MontanaDaines stated.I am glad Amtrak has publicly agreed to this concept and recognizes the net positive benefit of this stop to their budget.\r\nI'm excited to see that Amtrak still recognizes the potential for adding a stop to theEmpire Builderline in Culbertson despite the current downturn in the Bakken,Culbertson Mayor Gordon Oelkers.I'm grateful for Senator Daines' commitment to helping our area add this stop and I am eager to continue to work with his staff, Amtrak, BNSF, and others to move this project forward.\r\nDaineshas also calledon Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Boardman to work with Eastern Montana stakeholders and reinstate the Empire Builder stop.\r\nDaines is a member of both the authorizing and appropriating committees in the U.S. Senate responsible for federal transportation programs, both the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations.\r\nDaines was a strong advocate for the FAST Act, a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill which also authorized operation grants to Amtrak  the first long-term highway funding bill since 2009.\r\nDaines alsosecured languagein the FAST Act requiring Amtrak to evaluate options for establishing additional Amtrak stops that would have a positive financial impact to Amtrak, including the 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\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-booker-introduce-bill-to-increase-transparency-in-air-travel", "Daines, Booker Introduce Bill to Increase Transparency in Air Travel", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.16\n\t\t\t Daines, Booker Introduce Bill to Increase Transparency in Air Travel \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nU.S. SENATE U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) today introduced legislation to require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) measure performance goals for new technology shaping America's air traffic control system.\r\nThe Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) will make air travel safer by moving from a radar-basedsystemwith radio communication to a satellite-based one. NextGen deployment has been bogged with delays and cost overruns since it was first congressionally mandated in 2003. The final implementation is to be completed by 2025. Daines' and Booker's bill would create measurable performance goals and hold federal officials liable annually for these goals through implementation.\r\nBy increasing transparency, setting measurable goals and holding the FAA accountable to meeting their performance goals, we can make air transportation safer and more efficient for pilots and passengers,Sen. Daines stated.It's critical we prioritize passage of this bill to improve the safety of air travel for all Americans.\r\nSwift and successful implementation of the NextGen program promises to increase safety, diminish congestion, and ensure our air traffic control system keeps pace with new innovations,Sen. Booker said.Passage of this bill will ensure a more open process and give the ongoing task of modernizing our aviation network the urgent attention it needs to succeed.\r\nOnApril 19, 2016, the U.S. Senate passed the FAA reauthorization that included Daines' amendmentto hold those Federal employees responsible for NextGen implementation accountable for poor performance and delays.\r\nIn order to facilitate deployment and accountability of Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) air traffic control systems, the bill would:\r\n \r\nrequire the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish quantifiable annual NextGen performance goals for existing performance matrices,\r\nrequire the FAA to add to existing reports progress made on meeting these annual goals; and,\r\ncodify that the Chief NextGen Officer's bonuses must consider performance in meeting the annual goals.\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-tester-introduce-legislation-to-honor-the-100th-anniversary-of-the-first-woman-elected-to-congress", "Daines, Tester Introduce Legislation to Honor the 100th Anniversary of the First Woman Elected to Congress", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.16\n\t\t\t Daines, Tester Introduce Legislation to Honor the 100th Anniversary of the First Woman Elected to Congress \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. CONGRESS U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today introduced legislation to honor the 100th anniversary of the first woman elected to Congress.\r\nThe 100 Years of Women in Congress Act would pay tribute to formerRepresentativeJeannette Rankin  who was elected to the House in 1916  by renaming in her honor a key science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program that provides grants to colleges and universities who encourage women and minorities to pursue degrees and careers in STEM fields.\r\nJeannette Rankin was a true trailblazer who encouraged other women to pursue their dreams,said Daines, the only chemical engineer in Congress.As a proud Montanan and the first woman to serve in Congress, she left a lasting mark on our nation's democratic process and this is a great way to honor by renaming a key STEM program in her honor.\r\nJeannette Rankin was a wrecking ball to the status quo, and she still serves as inspiration to all Montanans who dare to venture where they were unwelcome,Tester said.Her influence went far beyond the halls of Congress and it is more than fitting to rename this national STEM initiative after a champion of public education.\r\nThe bill would rename the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Women and Minorities in STEM Fields Program (WAMS) to the Jeannette Rankin Women and Minorities in STEM Fields Program. Rankin was a pioneer in STEM, having graduated with a bachelor of science degree in biology in 1902.\r\nU.S. Representative Ryan Zinke (R-MT) introduced companion legislation that passedthe U.S. House of Representativeson April 18, 2016.\r\nRep. Rankin was a true Montanan, embodying the pioneer spirit we know and love. Rankin led the way for women in both STEM and politics,Zinke stated.She was the first woman ever elected to the House of Representatives, and that was at a time in our nation when many women didn't even have the right to vote. This grant program is an important tool for young women of today to continue their education in STEM and possibly break new ground and blaze new trails for the young women of tomorrow. I was proud to get this bill passed in the House and am thrilled to partner with my Senate colleagues to get the job done.\r\nIf renamed, the program would remain a competitive grants program supporting research and extension projects that seek to increase the participation of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up 47 percent of the total U.S. workforce. Although gains have been made in the STEM fields, women still comprise only 39 percent of chemists and material scientists, 28 percent of environmental scientists and geoscientists, 16 percent of chemical engineers and 12 percent of civil engineers.\r\nBorn in 1880, Jeannette Rankin represented one of Montana's two at-large House seats. She was elected on November 7, 1916, almost four years prior to ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that gave women the right to 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.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-inclusion-of-important-nuclear-arsenal-security-in-defense-bill", "Daines Announces Inclusion of Important Nuclear Arsenal Security in Defense Bill", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.16\n\t\t\t Daines Announces Inclusion of Important Nuclear Arsenal Security in Defense Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced the inclusion of his amendment to provide security for nuclear sites in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\nThis will improve accountability and bring needed security improvements for our nuclear arsenal,Daines stated.We have an obligation to secure our nuclear weapons at Malmstrom and this will begin doing so.\r\nDaines' amendment requires the Department of Defense to certify what security shortfalls the UH-1N has created, and how it will alleviate those risks with outside resources until the acquisition process for new helicopters is complete.\r\nDaines has long been pushing the Air Force to choose the most expeditious path to replace the Vietnam-era UH-1N's that provide security for our ICBMs.\r\nOn May 5, Dainessent a letterto the Air Force requesting the consideration of utilizing National Guard and their HH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.\r\nOn May 18, 2016,Daines ledthe bipartisan ICBM coalition urging the Department of Defense to outline a clear plan for the security of the nuclear missiles stationed in Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming following the news that the Department of Defense failed to approve the Air Forces' request for a faster acquisition process. \r\nIn March,Daines led the Senate ICBM coalitionin calling on the Air Force to expedite their decision on the course of action to replace Vietnamera UH-1N helicopters.\r\nThe NDAA contains the following provision to strengthen nuclear sites:\r\nREQUESTS FOR FORCES TO MEET SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR LAND-BASED NUCLEAR FORCES\r\n(a) EXPEDITEDDECISION FORSECURINGLAND-BASEDMISSILEFIELDS.To mitigate any risk posed to the nuclear forces of the United States by the failure to replace the UH1N helicopter, the Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff\r\n(1) decide if the land-based missile fields using UH1N helicopters meet security requirements and if there are any shortfalls or gaps in meeting such requirements;\r\n(2) not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to Congress a report on the decision relating to a request for forces required by paragraph (1); and\r\n(3) if the Chairman determines the implementation of the decision to be warranted to mitigate any risk posed to the nuclear forces of the United States\r\n(A) not later than 60 days after such date of enactment, implement that decision; or\r\n (B) if the Secretary cannot implement that decision during the period specified in subparagraph (A), not later than 45 days after such date of enactment, submit to Congress a report that includes a proposal for the date by which the Secretary can implement that decision and a plan to carry out that proposal.\r\n(b) LIMITATION.Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2017 for the travel and representational expenses of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, not more than 75 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Under Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that there is an acquisition process in place to ensure that a UH1N replacement aircraft is under contract in fiscal year 2018.\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-royce-perrett-of-wibaux", "Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Royce Perrett of Wibaux", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.16\n\t\t\t Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Royce Perrett of Wibaux \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines todayrecognizedRoyce Perrett of Wibaux County, a true American cowboy, who will celebrate his 93rdbirthday this weekend.\r\n\r\nDaines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere.\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 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, this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizingRoyce Perrett of Wibaux County, a true American cowboy, who will celebrate his 93rdbirthday this weekend. While ranching has been his profession for most of his life, he is also a Navy veteran, a devoted husband of over 70 years, a father of three children, and a valued member of the ranching community between Sidney and Wibaux.\r\n Growing up in rural Nebraska, Mr. Perrett made due without many of the modern comforts we enjoy today: electricity, refrigeration, and modern transportation. When courting Nell Anderson, who would later become his wife, he traveled 10 miles by horse on the weekend to spend time with her and on his way home Sunday night he would sleep on his horse, waking up when the horse would stop to open gates.\r\n After WWII, and his service in the Navy was completed, Mr. Perrett returned to doing what he loves: ranching. His pursuits took him and his family from the Sandhills of Nebraska, to Isabel, South Dakota and then in his early 60s, when most would be considering retirement, Mr. Perrett came to Montana to manage the Blue Mountain Ranch, a 13,000-acre ranch north of Wibaux. While Mr. Perrett has had to trade in his saddle for a seat in a side-by-side ATV in recent years, he still manages the Blue Mountain Ranch full time for Gartner-Denowh Angus Ranch and puts in long hours fixing fences, checking water, and watching over 500 cows that graze there in the summer and fall.\r\n When he isn't busy working he enjoys collecting Western memorabilia and sharing his many stories about ranching, his lifeadventures, and his self-described greatest achievement: his marriage of over 70 years. As I found out recently when I stopped to visit Mr. Perrett, his door is always open to visitors and you had better be ready for a good conversation and history lesson if you stop by.\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-zinke-statement-on-draft-proposal-to-move-forward-with-uh-1n-acquisition", "Daines, Zinke Statement on Draft Proposal to Move Forward with UH-1N Acquisition", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.16\n\t\t\t Daines, Zinke Statement on Draft Proposal to Move Forward with UH-1N Acquisition \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. CONGRESSU.S. Senator Steve Daines and U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke today released the following statement on the U.S. Air Force's (USAF) draft request for proposal (RFP) for the UH-1N Replacement Program.\r\nThe USAF intends to conduct a full and open competition to procure up to 84 replacement helicopters.\r\nIt's welcome news to see forward movement in replacing the Vietnam-era helicopters to enhance the security of our nuclear weapons,Daines stated.These aircraft are a much needed tool in protecting our ICBMs and I will continue pressing the Air Force to complete this process as expeditiously as possible.\r\nAfter years of delays, I'm thrilled to see the Air Force take this critical step to secure our nuclear missile fields,Zinke stated.As a member of the Armed Services committee, I've made it my top priority to replace these aging aircraft in a timely and efficient manner. This RFP is a step in the right direction and I will remain dedicated to getting this project across the finish line.\r\nThe replacement helicopter must be able to carry at least 9 combat loaded troops with the necessary equipment, sustain a speed of at least 135 knots, and fly for a minimum distance of 225 nautical miles and at least 3 hours unrefueled. Additionally, the replacement aircraft will be both armored and armed to mitigate anticipated threats. The contract awardee will present the USAF with a sustainment plan and provide all necessary training devices and courseware to support the new platform.\r\n\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-applauds-bipartisan-passage-to-reauthorize-iran-sanctions", "Daines Applauds Bipartisan Passage to Reauthorize Iran Sanctions", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.16\n\t\t\t Daines Applauds Bipartisan Passage to Reauthorize Iran Sanctions \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded bipartisan passage of a bill to provide a long-term extension of the Iran Sanctions Act:\r\nThese sanctions are an important tool in holding Iran - the world's leading state sponsor of terror - accountable in maintaining our strength in the region,Daines stated.Iran is not a friend to our country or our allies and it's critical they aren't treated like a normal country until they behave like a normal country.\r\nThe Iran Sanctions Extension Act:\r\n \r\nExtends sanctions on Iran for 10 years\r\nTargets Iran's energy sector\r\nPressures Iran to cease developing weapons of mass destruction\r\n \r\nThis legislation passed the House of Representatives on November 15 by a vote of 419-1.\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/manufacturing-day-highlights-opportunity-to-bolster-good-paying-jobs", "Manufacturing Day Highlights Opportunity to Bolster Good-Paying Jobs", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.16\n\t\t\t Manufacturing Day Highlights Opportunity to Bolster Good-Paying Jobs \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the unanimous passage of a resolution to mark October 6, 2016 as National Manufacturing Day.\r\nManufacturing Day is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.\r\nManufacturing plays an integral role in supporting hardworking families across our state,Daines stated.Manufacturing jobs pay an average of 17 percent higher wages than non-manufacturing jobs and I'm proud to support funding to create more of these high-paying jobs.\r\nPaddy Fleming Center Director Montana Manufacturing Extension Center:This is great to news to the 2,841 manufacturers of Montana, who provide 23,931 high paying jobs that support another 61,742 Montana jobs. Having the Senator Daines and the US Senate recognize the importance of manufacturing in the US economy will do wonders to help change the perception of manufacturing. This will in turn, help Montana's manufacturers recruit the employees that they desperately need to continue their growth.\r\nIn Montana, manufacturing plays a critical role in creating good-paying jobs:\r\nIn 1996, there were 1,489 manufacturers in the state of Montana employing 22,500 people.\r\nIn 2016, there are 2,841 manufacturers in the state of Montana employing 23,931 people.\r\n81% of Montana's manufacturers have less than 10 employees\r\n55% of Montana's manufacturers have been in business for less than 20 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-announces-nearly-15-million-for-msu-to-increase-public-transportation", "Daines Announces Nearly $1.5 Million for MSU to Increase Public Transportation", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.30.16\n\t\t\t Daines Announces Nearly $1.5 Million for MSU to Increase Public Transportation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $1,402,200.00 for the Western Transportation Institute (WTI) to study how best to improve accessibility and efficiency of rural public transportation.\r\n\r\nIt's great to see additional funds being sent to an organization that has been an advocate for rural transportation efficiency and safety for over 20 years,Daines stated.As a graduate of MSU's College of Engineering, I am proud their contributions are recognized and these funds will be used to improve mobility in Montana and rural America.\r\nThe Western Transportation Institute (WTI) is a department within Montana State University's (MSU) College of Engineering. They have been designated one of the top 10 National University Transportation Centers by the US DOT's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology. This is the second competitive USDOT grant WTI has been awarded. The first being the Small Urban and Rural Livability Center, which provided $4.2 million over three years.\r\nThe purpose of SURTCOM is to increase the mobility of residents and goods in small urban, rural, and tribal communities through improved public transportation and infrastructure.\r\nDavid Kack, Director, Small Urban and Rural Livability Center, Western Transportation Institute:This funding will help us address mobility (transportation) issues for both people and goods in small urban, rural and tribal areas. These areas are often overlooked, as many people focus on potential mega-regions and large urbanized areas. We look forward to providing leadership in addressing mobility issues; focusing on research, education, workforce development and technology transfer.\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-amendment-to-elevate-cyber-command-included-in-ndaa", "Daines' Amendment to Elevate Cyber Command Included in NDAA", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.29.16\n\t\t\t Daines' Amendment to Elevate Cyber Command Included in NDAA \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced the inclusion of his amendment to elevate U.S. Cyber Command to a Combatant Command in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). U.S. Cyber Command it is currently a subordinate unit to U.S. Strategic Command.\r\nThe elevation of CYBERCOM will ensure that we are always one step ahead of the enemies who seek to destroy us and our way of life,Daines stated.As radical Islamic extremists continue to recruit online, it is imperative now more than ever that CYBERCOM has the tools to react quickly and defeat the enemy.\r\nCongress established U.S. Strategic Command to address a rapidly growing need, strengthen the warfighter and to unify forces. Today, with cyber threats being one of the fastest growing national security threats we face, the need for another Combatant Command is clear\r\nDaines' amendment elevates the command so it can respond to one of the fastest growing threats facing our nation and ensures that Cyber Command is a national commitment receiving sufficient support to complete the ever-expanding cyber missions our warfighters face.\r\nDaines urged the bicameral conferees of NDAA to ensure that thefinal legislation sent to the president includes his provision elevating Cyber Command to a Combatant Command.\r\nDaines led Senator John McCain and seven other bipartisan senators in calling for the elevation of the command which is currently wagingone of the most critical battles against ISIL online. Daines spoke about the importance of his provision on the Senate floor, view his remarkshere.\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-promote-telehealth-passes-senate", "Daines' Bill to Promote Telehealth Passes Senate", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.29.16\n\t\t\t Daines' Bill to Promote Telehealth Passes Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines' bipartisan bill to promote the use of telehealth today passed the U.S. Senate.\r\nThe Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Actrequires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Health Resources and Services Administration, to study technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models and the ability of those models to improve patient care and provider education.\r\nGeographic location should not dictate quality of care,Daines stated.This bill will promote opportunities to increasingly open up access to high-quality care in rural communities that is not currently available, such as access to specialists; support and training for rural healthcare providers; and increased resources in healthcare shortage areas.\r\nShortly before the vote, Daines took to the Senate floor to highlight the importance of the ECHO Act.\r\n\r\nClickhereto watch Daines' remarks.\r\nClickhereto download Daines' remarks.\r\nThe ECHO Act:\r\n \r\nAims to integrate the Project ECHO model into health systems across the country.\r\nProject ECHO is an innovative continuing medical education model that uses interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams with primary care providers in rural and underserved areas.\r\nRequires a study at HHS regarding the model and its impact on addressing certain disease conditions, health care workforce issues, the implementation of public health programs, and the delivery of health care services in underserved areas.   \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/us-senate-passes-daines-outdoors-recreation-bill-heads-to-presidents-desk", "U.S. Senate Passes Daines Outdoors Recreation Bill, Heads to Presidents Desk", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.28.16\n\t\t\t U.S. Senate Passes Daines' Outdoors Recreation Bill, Heads to President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines' bill that allows federal, state and local policymakers to better understand the economic impact outdoor recreation has to the American economyunanimouslypassed the U.S. Senate this evening.\r\nThis legislation would inform policymakers and business leaders on the jobs created, and the consumer spending driven by, the outdoor recreation economy.\r\nMontana is well-known for our world-class outdoor recreation that is critical to our state's economy,Daines stated.This legislation will help us to better understand the economic impact of outdoor recreation andthe good paying jobs it supports.I look forward to the President swiftly signing this bill into law to protect our outdoor economy.\r\nIn April, the U.S. Department of the Interiorannouncedthe Federal Recreation Council will work with the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis to assess the economic impact of the outdoor recreation industry.Before this announcement, the federal government had never measured outdoor recreation's impact on the nation's economy. This sector generates $5.8 billion in consumer spending each year and supports 64,000 jobs in Montana every year.\r\nDaines' legislation will ensure this assessment is codified. The Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act is supported by over 60 organizations and businesses, including the Outdoor Industry Association and the U.S. Travel Association. \r\nThe U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed Daines' bill onJune 29, 2016.\r\nThe bill now heads to the President's desk for his signature.\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/us-senate-sends-daines-bill-protecting-consumer-reviews-to-president", "U.S. Senate Sends Daines' Bill Protecting Consumer Reviews to President", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.28.16\n\t\t\t U.S. Senate Sends Daines' Bill Protecting Consumer Reviews to President \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the unanimous U.S. 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, 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\nToday was a good day for the First Amendment rights of Americans,Daines stated.This legislation protects folks who provide honest feedback about the products and services they purchase. I look forward to continuing to read open and honest reviews online.\r\nDaines is acosponsor of the bipartisanConsumer Review Freedom Act.\r\nThe U.S. Senate passed the measure unanimously last year.The U.S. Senate today approved the companion U.S. House of Representatives version, H.R. 5111.\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-latest-court-decision-to-halt-red-lodge-forest-management-project", "Daines Statement on Latest Court Decision to Halt Red Lodge Forest Management Project", "2016-11-25", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.25.16\n\t\t\t Daines Statement on Latest Court Decision to Halt Red Lodge Forest Management Project \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris's ruling on Alliance for the Wild Rockies et al v. Marten et al.\r\nYet another ruling confirms that we need urgent action to reverse the disastrous Cottonwood decision,Daines stated.Too many commonsense forest management projects have been halted because of lawsuits from fringe environmentalists that do more to harm forest health.\r\nU.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris on Tuesday cited the Ninth Circuit's Cottonwood ruling to halt the Red Lodge forest management project through an injunction order. The project would reduce the risk of wildfire and improve forest health.\r\nOnNovember 3, Daines urged the members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to reverse the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals disastrous Cottonwood Decision.\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-tester-encourage-montana-to-shop-small-on-november-26", "Daines, Tester Encourage Montana to Shop Small on November 26", "2016-11-25", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.25.16\n\t\t\t Daines, Tester Encourage Montana to Shop Small on November 26 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEIn recognition of Small Business Saturday, U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester are encouraging their fellow Montanans to shop small.\r\nDaines and Tester are original co-sponsors of a bipartisan resolution to recognize November 26, 2016 as Small Business Saturday and to increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses. S.Res. 569 unanimously passed the United States Senate.\r\nWhen small businesses grow, our economy grows,Daines stated.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\nMontana's small businesses help drive our economy and create jobs,Tester said.This holiday season I hope folks will support their local businesses and pump money back into their communities. When Main Street thrives Montana thrives.\r\nAccording to the Small Business Administration, small businesses significantly impact Montana's economy. Small businesses represent 97.4 percent of all Montana employers and employ 67.4 percent of Montana's private-sector labor force. \r\nThe U.S. Senate first recognized Small Business Saturday in 2011 when it unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the day.\r\nClick here to read the resolution.\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-releases-thanksgiving-video-message", "Daines Releases Thanksgiving Video Message", "2016-11-24", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.24.16\n\t\t\t Daines Releases Thanksgiving Video Message \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following video message wishing Montanans a happy Thanksgiving.\r\n\r\n\r\nClickhereto watch the video.\r\nClickhereto download the video.\r\nBelow is a transcript of Daines' message:\r\nFrom my family to yours, I want to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.\r\nOn this day of Thanksgiving we celebrate and we give thanks to God for our many blessings.\r\nWe can be so thankful for this great country we are blessed to live in, and for our freedom  and for the hardworking men and women who make it so.\r\nLike our men and women in the armed forces who are serving far away from home today protecting the ideals our nation holds dear.\r\nHappy Thanksgiving 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-fox-statement-dhs-rejection-of-montanas-application-for-real-id-extension", "Daines, Fox Statement DHS Rejection of Montanas Application for REAL ID Extension", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.16\n\t\t\t Daines, Fox Statement DHS Rejection of Montana's Application for REAL ID Extension \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Montana Attorney General Tim Fox today released the following statement on the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) rejection of Montana's application for an extension on REAL ID compliance:\r\nMontanans have spoken loud and clear: we don't want REAL ID and we don't want the federal government infringing on our personal privacy,Daines stated.I'm going to work to pursue every legislative fix I can to safeguard Montanans' civil liberties and personal privacy.\r\nMontana has emphatically rejected the invasion of personal privacy by requiring sharing of private information with the federal government, and other states, through the REAL ID Act, and I fully support that decision,Fox stated.I ask Congress to respect the basic rights of all Americans and support Senator Daines' efforts to repeal this law.\r\nEarlier this year, Dainesintroduced legislationto repeal the REAL ID Act of 2005. Daines' legislation will ensure that the 2007 Montana law banning compliance with REAL ID drivers license mandates is protected.\r\nREAL ID's will be required to access federal installations on January 30, 2017.\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-moves-to-combat-spread-of-invasive-mussel-larvae", "Daines Moves to Combat Spread of Invasive Mussel Larvae", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.16\n\t\t\t Daines Moves to Combat Spread of Invasive Mussel Larvae \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today requested expedited implementation and distribution of funds for watercraft inspection stations to combat the spread of adult mussels wreaking havoc on Montana's ecosystem.\r\nRecently, invasive mussel larvae was confirmed in the Tiber Reservoir and possibly found in the Canyon Ferry as well. If adult mussels spread, they can block hydropower and irrigation ducts, as well as wreak havoc on the ecosystem, recreation and tourism.\r\nIn a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Daines requests the Corps to expedite implementation and distribution of funds for watercraft inspection stations as codified in Section 1039 of the Water Resource Reform Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014.\r\nThe State of Montana has already spent nearly $1 million on operating 16 inspection stations this year,Daines stated.Montana has plans to expand the number and hours of inspections stations to further mitigate this threat. However, the federal match is urgently needed by April 1st, 2017, before next year's water recreation season begins and Montana sees an exponential increase in boat traffic and risk. I urge the Corps to expeditiously complete any necessary guidance documents and release these critical funds to states, so they can conduct this imperative work.\r\nMontana's mussel invasion created headlines at the Pacific Northwest Economic Region meeting in Boise on Thursday and Friday,said Montana Representative Mike Cuffe, a Vice President of PNWER.It's the nightmare you don't want. So we desperately need these preventative dollars released for the good of Montana and the other northwest states. Thank you to Senator Daines for his important work on this issue.\r\nDaines' letter is available to downloadHEREand below.\r\nMajor General Donald E. Jackson Jr., P.E.\r\nDeputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations\r\nU.S. Army Corps of Engineers\r\n441 G Street NW\r\nWashington, DC 20314\r\nDear General Jackson,\r\nI write to request that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) expedite implementation and distribution of funds for watercraft inspection stations as codified in Section 1039 of the Water Resource Reform Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014. Congress has continued to reiterate its intent explicitly in both Fiscal Years 2016 and 2017 Energy and Water Development Appropriations report language, as early as May 2015. These preventative measures are critical to maintaining a healthy ecosystem as well as economic and recreational activities in Montana.\r\nNews last week of invasive mussel larvae being detected in Montana waters was alarming. Should the larvae propagate, it will have detrimental impacts on Montana's ecosystem, obstruct irrigation and hydropower infrastructure, and negatively impact our economy. Following this discovery, boating has been temporarily banned on both Glacier National Park and Blackfeet Tribe waters.\r\nWRRDA requires the non-Federal share to be 50 percent of constructing, operating, and maintaining watercraft inspection stations. My understanding is the State of Montana has already spent nearly $1 million on operating 16 inspection stations this year. Montana has plans to expand the number and hours of inspections stations to further mitigate this threat. However, the federal match is urgently needed by April 1st, 2017, before next year's water recreation season begins and Montana sees an exponential increase in boat traffic and risk.\r\n\r\nWith these factors in mind, I urge the Corps to expeditiously complete any necessary guidance documents and release these critical funds to states, so they can conduct this imperative work. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt response and staying in close contact on this crucially important issue.\r\n Sincerely,\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-for-more-reliable-mail-service-in-rural-montana", "Tester, Daines Call for More Reliable Mail Service in Rural Montana", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.16\n\t\t\t Tester, Daines Call for More Reliable Mail Service in Rural Montana \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(U.S. Senate)  Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines are calling on Congress to improve mail service in rural Montana so families can stay connected and businesses can get their products to market.\r\nIn a letter to Senate leadership, Tester and Daines also raised concerns over the House's proposed postal reform bill which they say lacks key service improvements.\r\nThe United States Postal Service is a critical lifeline throughout our country, connecting loved ones and families, delivering prescription drugs and other critical items, and allowing our businesses to ship products all over the world,Tester and Daines wrote.Continued poor mail service hurts rural America, businesses, and our economy. Congress should take action to preserve and protect the vibrant institution that is our Postal Service so it, in turn, can help our communities and families truly thrive.\r\nTester and Daines are pushing for key provisions to be included in any postal reform legislation that Congress considers:\r\n \r\nMaking mail delivery more reliable USPS needs a performance target system to make sure measurements of mail delivery are accurate across the country.\r\n \r\n \r\nImproving accountability and transparency USPS must publish performance information online and make a plan to address inefficiencies when goals are not met.\r\n \r\n \r\nAddressing the fiscal state of the Postal Service USPS must provide regular updates on a long-term solvency plan that would analyze the Postal Service's finances and make recommendations regarding affordable service options.\r\n \r\nYou can read the Senators' letterHERE.\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-jeremiah-kennedy-of-glacier", "Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Jeremiah Kennedy of Glacier", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.16\n\t\t\t Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Jeremiah Kennedy of Glacier \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines todayrecognizedJeremiah Kennedy of Glacier County, for his years in service in the United State Navy.\r\n\r\nDaines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere.\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 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 wish to recognize veteran, Jeremiah Kennedy, for his years in service in the United State Navy. Mr. Kennedy was inspired by his grandfather, the late Jerry Kennedy, who was also in the Navy during Vietnam and played a role in his decision of which branch to join.\r\n Mr. Kennedy joined the Navy and left for boot camp in June of 2007. He then went on to an advanced training course to become an Aviation Ordnanceman, responsible for loading and building fighter jets with bombs and missiles, as well as maintaining all of the equipment that is used to transport those bombs and missiles from the magazines to the flight deck.\r\nAs an Aviation Ordnanceman, Mr. Kennedy was stationed aboard the nuclear aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. George Washington, which was sent out to replace the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk, an aircraft carrier located in Yokosuka, Japan. There, he remained in a forward deployed status, subject to being deployed anywhere in the world within 72 hours upon the President's request. Mr. Kennedy was stationed overseas in Japan, as well as nine other different countries, and he considers the chance to experience different ways of life and traditions a truly incredible opportunity. After five years of service, Mr. Kennedy was honorably discharged from the Navy in June of 2012.\r\n I want to express my deep gratitude to Mr. Kennedy for his dedication and service to our country.\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-secures-12-million-for-crow-tribe-for-diabetes-treatment-and-prevention", "Daines Secures $1.2 Million for Crow Tribe for Diabetes Treatment and Prevention", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.16\n\t\t\t Daines Secures $1.2 Million for Crow Tribe for Diabetes Treatment and Prevention \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $1,224,949.00 in funding for the Crow Tribe for diabetes treatment and prevention.\r\nThrough this funding, the Crow Tribe can continue to improve care for tribal members living with diabetes, a disease which sadly plagues so many in Montana's Native communitiesDaines stated.\r\nNative Americans have the highest rates of Type 2 diabetes in the United States.\r\nDaines is a strong supporter of the Special Diabetes Program. OnSeptember 20, 2016, Daines authored a letter to U.S. Senate leadership underscoring the importance of federal investments in this program.\r\nThe 301 Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) Community-Directed grant programs help to implement diabetes prevention and treatment interventions in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.\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-tester-introduce-resolution-to-mark-november-as-national-native-american-heritage-month", "Daines, Tester Introduce Resolution to Mark November as National Native American Heritage Month", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.16\n\t\t\t Daines, Tester Introduce Resolution to Mark November as National Native American Heritage Month \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today introduced a Senate resolution to recognize the month of November as National Native American Heritage Month. The resolution celebrates the heritage, culture, and history of Native Americans and recognizes the many contributions Native Americans have made to our nation.\r\nThe resolution was unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate.\r\nNational Native American Heritage Month celebrates the rich history, culture and legacy of Indian tribes to our country,Daines stated.By honoring the importance of tribal self-governance, preserving indigenous languages, we can continue to strengthen and preserve the United States' commitment of government-to-government relationships.\r\nNative Americans maintain vibrant cultures that are rich with tradition and a strong sense of community,Tester said.Recognizing National Native American Heritage Month helps celebrate Native American cultures and better educate folks about the treaty and trust responsibilities owed to folks in Indian Country.\r\nThe resolution is sponsored by U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) and co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Al Franken (D-MN), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Dean Heller (R-NV), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John McCain (R-AZ), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Harry Reid (D-NV), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\r\nDaines and Tester also co-sponsored this legislation in2015.\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-bill-to-improve-access-to-montanas-outdoors-heads-to-presidents-desk", "Daines Bill to Improve Access to Montanas Outdoors Heads to Presidents Desk", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.17.16\n\t\t\t Daines' Bill to Improve Access to Montana's Outdoors Heads to President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the U.S. Senate's unanimous passage of his legislation to improve maintenance of Montana's National Forest trails.\r\nTheNational Forest System Trails Stewardship Actwould ensure existing Forest Service resources are better used to maintain National Forest trails. It would also significantly increase the role of volunteers and local partners in maintaining the usability and sustainability of the National Forest trail system.\r\nToo many of our National Forest trails are left unmaintained, making it difficult for Montanans to enjoy our state's treasured lands,Daines stated.This bill will make incremental progress in protecting and maintain our nation's trail system so Montanans can continue to enjoy and appreciate our public lands for generations to come.\r\nOnly one-quarter of the 158,000 miles of National Forest trails are actively maintained by the Forest Service, preventing Montanans from using many designated trails for hiking, hunting, mountain biking, motorized vehicle use, horseback riding and other outdoor activities. TheNational Forest System Trails Stewardship Actrequires the development of a national strategy to maximize the use of volunteers and local partners in trail maintenance, while also addressing liability concerns that restrict outside groups and individuals working on National Forest trails.\r\nThis legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives with Congressman Ryan Zinke's support on September 26, 2016. It now heads to President Obama's desk for his signature.\r\nThe bill is supported by dozens of sportsmen, recreation, conservation, and governance groups in Montana and across the country. Below is a partial list:\r\nGovernmental Organizations\r\nWestern Governors' Association\r\nMontana Association of Counties\r\nRecreation Organizations\r\nAmerican Council of Snowmobile Associations\r\nAmerican Motorcyclist Association\r\nAmerican Whitewater\r\nAgricultural Organizations\r\nRural and Agricultural Council of America\r\nUnited States Cattlemen's Association\r\nOutfitters and Guides\r\nAmerica Outdoors Association\r\nMontana Outfitters and Guides Association\r\nProfessional Wilderness Outfitters Association\r\nBack Country Horsemen of Montana\r\nHunting and Fishing Organizations\r\nMontana Wildlife Federation\r\nNational Wild Turkey Federation\r\nNational Wildlife Federation\r\nRocky Mountain Elk Foundation\r\nTheodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership\r\nTrout Unlimited\r\nConservation Organizations\r\nMontana Wilderness Alliance\r\nNatural Resources Defense Council\r\nThe Wilderness Society\r\nWyoming Outdoor Council\r\nTrails Organizations\r\nAmerican Hiking Society\r\nContinental Divide Trail Coalition\r\nCorvallis-to-the-Sea Trails Partnership\r\nNational Coast Trail Association\r\nOther Organizations\r\nAssoc. of Outdoor Recreation and Education\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-bicameral-bill-to-delay-changes-to-government-hacking-powers", "Daines Introduces Bipartisan Bicameral Bill to Delay Changes to Government Hacking Powers", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.17.16\n\t\t\t Daines Introduces Bipartisan Bicameral Bill to Delay Changes to Government Hacking Powers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced legislation to provide Congress the time necessary to seriously consider and debate the proposed changes to Rule 41 that would expand the government's ability to search computers and other digital devices.\r\nThe Review the Rule Act would delay the proposed changes to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 41 from going into effect until July 1, 2017. Without congressional action, the proposed changes will go into effect on December 1, 2016.\r\nWe cannot give thefederal governmenta blank check to infringe on Americans' civil liberties,Daines stated.Congress needs the appropriate time to investigate the implications of this rule on Americans' Fourth Amendment rights.\r\n\r\nClickhereto watch Daines' remarks.\r\nClickhereto download Daines' remarks.\r\nFederal Rule of Criminal Procedure 41 governs the procedures and parameters for issuing search warrants. Under current law, a federal judge may issue a warrant to search property located within a specific judicial district. At the urging of the Department of Justice, the Supreme Court ultimately approved two sweeping amendments to Rule 41:\r\n \r\nA judge may issue a warrant to remotely search, copy, and seize information from a device that does not have a known location (and may not be in the district) because the location has been concealed through technological means; and\r\nA single judge may issue a warrant to remotely search and copy information from suspected devices across five or more districts.\r\n \r\nDaines was joined by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and U.S. Representatives John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Ted Poe (R-Texas).\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-house-committee-passage-of-blackfeet-water-compact", "Daines Applauds House Committee Passage of Blackfeet Water Compact", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.16.16\n\t\t\t Daines Applauds House Committee Passage of Blackfeet Water Compact \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee's passage of the Blackfeet water compact.\r\nEarlier today, the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 5633 the \"Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement Act.\" The bill would authorize and implement the water rights compact among the Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, the State of Montana, and the United States. Thecompact passed by a unanimous vote.\r\nI'm thrilled to see this milestone for the Blackfeet water rights settlement,Daines stated.This compact is long overdue and I remain committed to seeing it enacted into law.\r\nDaines worked to include authorizationfor the Blackfeet Water Compact in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which passed the Senate 95-3 onSeptember 15, 2016.\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-ticket-availability-for-presidential-inauguration", "Daines Announces Ticket Availability for Presidential Inauguration", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.16\n\t\t\t Daines Announces Ticket Availability for Presidential Inauguration \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced ticket availability for Montanans interested in attending the inauguration of the 45thpresident of the United States, Donald J. Trump.\r\nThe President-elect will take the oath of office Friday, January 20, 2017 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.\r\nMontanans interested in attending the inauguration of President-elect Trump can do so by submitting a ticket request at:https://www.daines.senate.gov/2017-inauguration.\r\nThe inauguration is a time honored American tradition and I look forward to seeing many Montanans in our nation's Capitol,Daines stated.Montanans interested in attending the swearing in of the President-elect can do so free of charge by contacting our office.\r\nMontanans will be notified in January if you will be receiving tickets. The maximum number of tickets that can be requested is 4.\r\nTickets must be picked up in person from Daines' Washington, D.C. office on January 19, 2017. A photo ID will be required to receive tickets.\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-hails-passage-of-legislation-honoring-gold-star-families", "Daines Hails Passage of Legislation Honoring Gold Star Families", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.16\n\t\t\t Daines Hails Passage of Legislation Honoring Gold Star Families \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the U.S. Senate passage of legislation to preserve the stories of servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the United States.\r\nH.R. 4511, the Gold Star Families Voices Act, will allow the parents, spouses, siblings and children of fallen heroes to participate in the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress and tell the stories of their loved onesensuring the preservation of the lives and sacrifices of servicemembers.\r\nBy preserving the legacy of the brave men and women who fought on behalf of our nation, we can better understand the realities of past wars and pass their stories along to future generations,Daines stated.If you are a Gold Star family and are willing to tell your family's story, I encourage you to participate in this important project.\r\nDonna Koontz of Troy, MT:As a Gold Star mother, I often look at current events and issues of the day and sadly doubt if the people of the world are worth the sacrifice my son made. The public does not know his deep voice, the sound of his laughter, the determined look in his eyes, his happiness while fishing with his brothers, his gentle touch while sleeping with his baby girl in his arms. These very personal stories need to be preserved, not only for Gold Star families, but for future generations. The image of the American soldier has been tarnished around the world. These young men and women were not imperial soldiers out to conquer the world. They were our beloved sons and daughters who wanted the world to be a better place, a place where everyone had the right to be free, to raise their own families in peace, without fear and oppression. Their life stories must be remembered, honored and used as guide posts for the path of our future. Senator Daines, you efforts to pass this bill would be greatly appreciated by the mother of Sgt Scott Dykman, kia Baghdad, Iraq, December 20th, 2006.\r\nGary White, State Adjutant, American Legion of Montana:The American Legion of Montana believes the voices of the Gold Star Families should be heard, they have a unique perspective on the lives of the fallen. We thank Sen. Daines for his support of the Gold Star Families Voices Act and his efforts to help veterans tell their stories.\r\nDaines kicked off the Veterans History Project in Montana onSeptember 30, 2015. Congress created the Veterans History Project (VHP) in 2000 as part of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.\r\nTo date, the VHP has recorded over 100,000 stories from veterans who have served in military engagements since World War I, including 274 Montanans.\r\nThe U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed this legislation on September 6, 2016. The bill now heads to President Obama's desk for his signature.\r\nIf you are a Gold Star family willing to tell your story, please contact Daines' Great Falls office by calling (406) 453-0148 or by visiting Daines' website:https://www.daines.senate.gov/serving-you/veterans-history-project.\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-slams-blms-methane-and-waste-prevention-rule", "Daines Slams BLMs Methane and Waste Prevention Rule", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.16\n\t\t\t Daines Slams BLM's Methane and Waste Prevention Rule \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today slammed the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) newly issued methane and waste prevention rule that stifles Montana's energy future.\r\nThis is yet another example of the Obama administration getting dangerously close to regulating this industry out of business in the U.S., Daines stated. I look forward to seeing President-elect Trump and Congress stop this assault on energy innovation.\r\nAlan Olson, Montana Petroleum Association: The Montana Petroleum Association and their member producing companies are extremely disappointed that the Bureau of Land Management has concluded rulemaking on venting and flaring of natural gas. The State of Montana adopted rules regarding venting, flaring, and waste of gas in the 1980's recognizing gas as a resource to conserve. Many other states have also enacted rules to conserve natural gas resources while also taking into account the financial and environmental burdens to the oil and gas operator. If the goal is to shut down the small independent operator, this is the tool to do it.\r\nOn April 14, 2016, Daines pressed the Obama administration onburdensome costs to American innovation and that further stifle oil and gas production in Montana while having a miniscule impact on global climate change.\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-urges-bia-to-approve-ag-leases-in-timely-manner", "Daines Urges BIA to Approve Ag Leases in Timely Manner", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.14.16\n\t\t\t Daines Urges BIA to Approve Ag Leases in Timely Manner \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today stressed the importance of processing agricultural leases on Native American lands in a more timely manner. \r\nIn a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Director Bruce Loudermilk, Daines urges BIA to process and approve Native Americans' agricultural lease applications in a more timely manner. Current leases can take months to process, which results much-needed economic revenue being lost or delayed.\r\nDaines' letter is available to downloadHEREand below:\r\nDear Mr. Loudermilk:\r\nI write expressing concern regarding the length of time it takes for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to approve agricultural leases on Montana Indian reservations. Montana tribal members rely heavily on their rich land resources for much-needed financial revenue and the elongated process under 25 CFR 162hampers potential for stronger agricultural economies in Native communities. Montana is home to 1,787 American Indian agricultural operators cultivating 5,111,311 acres of farm land. Montana's tribal economies depend on this sector to support their day-to-day operations and the services tribal governments provide to their members. For some Montana reservations, agriculture is the primary source of employment. This is why it is critical that the BIA work with Montana tribes to approve leases in a timely manner.\r\nIn a recent StrikeForce Town Hall meeting hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), my office heard firsthand from Native Americans in Montana about the challenges they face as a result of a slow lease-approval process, concerns which have also been echoed by at least one tribal agriculture organization in the state. I have heard that it can take up to eight months to approve a lease, resulting in lost or delayed revenue. This is unacceptable. I urge you to prioritize staff and budgetary resources such that these leases are approved in a reasonable amount of time in order to prevent further missed economic opportunity for Montana's tribal communities.\r\nThe Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC), based in Billings, MT, put it well: Land-based agricultural resources are vital to the economic and social welfare of many Native American and Alaskan Tribes. The harmonies of man, soil, water, air, vegetation and wildlife that collectively make-up the American Indian agriculture community, influence our emotional and spiritual well being. As part of the government-to-government trust relationship between the United States and Native nations, it is critical that the BIA fulfill its responsibilities in tribes' pursuit of self-sufficiency and economic prosperity.\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-congratulating-president-elect-donald-j-trump", "Daines Statement Congratulating President-Elect Donald J. Trump", "2016-11-09", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.09.16\n\t\t\t Daines Statement Congratulating President-Elect Donald J. Trump \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement congratulating President-elect Donald J. Trump:\r\nCongratulations to President-elect Donald Trump on winning Montana and the presidency.Now the hard work really begins as we bring our nation together and move our country forward for hardworking families.\r\nAudio of Daines' statement is available to 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-statement-on-crow-tribe-elections", "Daines Statement on Crow Tribe Elections", "2016-11-06", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.06.16\n\t\t\t Daines Statement on Crow Tribe Elections \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on the Crow Tribe's recent elections:\r\nCongratulations to Chairman-elect AJ Not Afraid on his election. I appreciated the opportunity to work with him as Secretary of the Crow Tribe and I look forward to continuing to do so in his new role.\r\nAnd I want to thank Chairman Old Coyote for inviting me to his home and welcoming me to Indian Country. I deeply respect the Chairman's dedication to the sovereignty and economic security of his 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-urges-colleagues-to-reverse-the-ninths-circuit-cottonwood-decision", "Daines Urges Colleagues to Reverse the Ninths Circuit Cottonwood Decision", "2016-11-03", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.03.16\n\t\t\t Daines Urges Colleagues to Reverse the Ninth's Circuit Cottonwood Decision \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today urged the members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to reverse the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals disastrous Cottonwood Decision.\r\nIn a memo to his colleagues, Daines underscored the critical nature of quick action to avoid further crippling of federal land management across Ninth Circuit states, and demonstrate why Congress should statutorily reverse the decision this year.\r\nTo avoid the crippling' impacts on federal land management across Ninth Circuit states, Congress should statutorily reverse theCottonwooddecision by amending federal law to codify DOJ's legal position in legislation enacted this year,Daines wrote.\r\nOnOctober 11, Daines expressed his dismay upon hearing the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to deny the appeal of the U.S. Forest Service in challenging the ruling of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cottonwood v. U.S. Forest Service.\r\nDaines' memo is available to downloadHERE.\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-asks-share-your-obamacare-story", "Daines Asks Share Your Obamacare Story", "2016-11-02", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.02.16\n\t\t\t Daines Asks Share Your Obamacare Story \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBILLINGS, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced a new opportunity for Montanans to share their experiences on the Obamacare exchange with his office.\r\nSince Obamacare became the unhappy law of the land, Montanans have been hit with higher costs and fewer choices,Daines stated.I want to make sure Montanans feel heard and represented in Congress  that's why I'm asking for them to share with me their story on how Obamacare has affected their lives.\r\nMontanans who want to share their story can do so by visiting Daines' website:https://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/share-your-story\r\nEarlier today, Daines held a roundtable in Billings with local business owners on increasing healthcare costs on Montana's businesses.\r\n\r\nDaines at Underriner Motors with local business owners.\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-statement-on-latest-ninth-circuit-decision", "Daines Statement on Latest Ninth Circuit Decision", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.01.16\n\t\t\t Daines Statement on Latest Ninth Circuit Decision \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals applied their decision in Cottonwood Environmental Law Center v. Forest Service to rule against a forest health restoration project near Bozeman.\r\nToday's disastrous ruling against a commonsense project to reduce wildfire risk and protect Bozeman's watershed makes it even more urgent that we enact meaningful forest reform that will remove this sort of absurd regulatory burden. \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-celebrates-completion-of-the-kalispell-bypass", "Daines Celebrates Completion of the Kalispell Bypass", "2016-10-28", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.28.16\n\t\t\t Daines Celebrates Completion of the Kalispell Bypass \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement upon the completion of the Kalispell Bypass.\r\nDowntown Kalispell is an economic engine for northwest Montana and the whole state,Daines stated.This engine runs on our transportation network, allowing residents, visitors, freight and natural resources to traverse the state. It's great to see infrastructure growing in Kalispell. This bypass may only add seven miles of road, but it will increase safety downtown and generate efficiency gains impacting the region. Not only will it enable downtown Kalispell to further flourish, it will support the local and regional economy that relies on moving natural resources.\r\n\r\nDaines is a member of both the authorizing and appropriating committees in the U.S. Senate responsible for federal transportation programs  the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations.\r\nDaines was astrong advocatefor the FAST Act, a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill  the first long-term highway funding bill since 2009.The FAST Act provided critical funding for the bypass as well as numerous highway projects across 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-demands-transparency-around-colstrip-closure", "Daines Demands Transparency Around Colstrip Closure", "2016-10-28", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.28.16\n\t\t\t Daines Demands Transparency Around Colstrip Closure \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today demanded transparency around the closure of Colstrip Units 1 and 2 to provide certainty to hardworking Montana families who rely on good-paying jobs at Colstrip.\r\nIn a letter to Paul Farr, the President and CEO of Talen Energy Corporation, Daines sought clarificationif adecision had already been made to close Colstrip Units 1 and 2 at the earliest opportunity in 2017 andifthe disclosure of this decision is being withheld. \r\nDaines requested Farr to confirm that:\r\n \r\nNo decision by Talen has been made to close these facilities in 2017 or any other future date;\r\nNo communication has occurred with the State of Montana regarding any closure date or timeframe that has not also been disclosed to the general public; and,\r\nThe families and communitiesaffectedwill be notified at least 24 months in advance of any closure date.\r\n \r\nA response was requested within the week.\r\nDaines' letter is available to downloadHEREand below:\r\nDear Mr. Farr:\r\nFour months ago Montanans and the Colstrip community were disappointed to learn that Units 1 and 2 of the Colstrip power plant must be closed on orbefore July 1, 2022 due to lawsuits from fringe environmental groups.As you know, Colstrip Units 1 and 2 employ 200 people, provide over $17 million in tax revenue to state andlocal governments,and provide many Montanans and major industrial businesses affordable and reliable electricity. Absent this power, these consumers and families must begin to plan for other options.\r\nHowever, some of my constituents are concerned that a decision has already been made to close Units 1 and 2 at the earliest opportunity in 2017 and that the disclosure of this decision is being delayed until early next year.\r\nGiven theimpactthis closurewill have on the way of life of theseMontanans, I am confident thatweshare the followingobjectives: first, to keepUnits 1 and 2 open as long aspossible, allowing the greatest amount of transition time; and second, to be open and transparent with all those impacted about any plans to close Units 1 and 2 in advance ofJuly 1, 2022.\r\nOn behalf of the hardworking Montana families that would be impacted by a secretdecision, I request thatyou confirm that:\r\n \r\nNo decision by Talen has been made to close these facilities in 2017 or any other future date;\r\nNo communication has occurred with the State of Montana regarding any closure date or timeframe that has not also been disclosed to the general public;and\r\nThe families and communitiesaffectedwill be notified at least 24 months in advance of any closure date.\r\n \r\nI am determined to work together to keep Units 1 and 2 open as long as agreement allows. I look forward to a response within the next week.\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-statement-on-fbi-reopening-clinton-email-investigation", "Daines Statement on FBI Reopening Clinton Email Investigation", "2016-10-28", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.28.16\n\t\t\t Daines Statement on FBI Reopening Clinton Email Investigation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey informed the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary that Hillary Rodham Clinton is back under investigation.\r\nHillary Rodham Clinton's reckless conduct put our national security at risk,Daines stated.The citizens of our country deserve an honest and transparent investigation to hold the former Secretary accountable.\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-statement-on-the-appointment-of-dr-kathy-berger-as-director-of-va-montana", "Daines Statement on the Appointment of Dr. Kathy Berger as Director of VA Montana", "2016-10-28", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.28.16\n\t\t\t Daines Statement on the Appointment of Dr. Kathy Berger as Director of VA Montana \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement upon Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announcement of Dr. Kathy Berger's appointment as permanent Director of VA Montana Health Care System.\r\nThe appointment of a new VA Montana Director is welcome news for Montana's veterans and I wish Dr. Berger the best,Daines stated.Now that our veterans have a new director I look forward to seeing a commitment and change to ensure their needs are not only being met, but that Montana's veterans receive the best possible care.\r\nDaines met with VA Secretary Bob McDonald on September 26, 2016 on the need to appoint a new director that prioritizes Montana's veterans.\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-tester-fight-for-montanans-right-to-privacy", "Daines, Tester Fight for Montanans Right to Privacy", "2016-10-27", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.27.16\n\t\t\t Daines, Tester Fight for Montanans' Right to Privacy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today stood up for Montanans' right to privacy and pressed Attorney General Loretta Lynch to provide Congress with more information about a proposed expansion of government hacking and surveillance powers.\r\nIn the letter to AG Lynch, Daines and Tester ask for more information about how the government would use the new hacking authority, formally known as amendments to Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Unless Congress acts, these new amendments are scheduled to go into effect on December 1.\r\nWe are concerned about the full scope of the new authority that would be provided to the Department of Justice,Daines and Tester wrote.We believe that Congress -- and the American public -- must better understand the Department's need for the proposed amendments, how the Department intends to use its proposed new powers, and the potential consequences to our digital security before these rules go into effect.\r\nThe lawmakers ask the Department of Justice (DOJ) a number of questions about how Rule 41 will be used, including:\r\n \r\nHow the government intends to prevent forum shoppingby prosecutors seeking court approval to hack into Americans' devices;\r\nHow the government will prevent collateral damage to innocent Americans' devices and electronic datawhen it remotely search devices such as smartphones or medical devices;\r\nWhether the government intends to use this new authority to search andclean Americans' computers;\r\nHow the government willmaintain a chain of custody when searching or removing evidence from a device;\r\nHow the government will notify Americans who are the subjects of remote government searches.\r\n \r\nDaines and Testerintroducedthe Stop Mass Hacking Act on May 19, 2016 that would prevent changes to Rule 41 from going into effect.\r\nThe letter was signed by: Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, and Rep. John Conyers, Jr., D-Mich., Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich., Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah., Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., Rep. Suan DelBene, D-Wash., Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., and Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y.\r\nThe full letter is available to downloadHEREand below:\r\nDear Attorney General Lynch:\r\nWe write to request information regarding the Department of Justice's proposed amendments to Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. These amendments were approved by the Supreme Court and transmitted to Congress pursuant to the Rules Enabling Act on April 30, 2016. Absent congressional action the amendments will take effect on December 1, 2016.\r\nThe proposed amendments to Rule 41 have the potential to significantly expand the Department's ability to obtain a warrant to engage in remote access, or hacking of computers and other electronic devices. We are concerned about the full scope of the new authority that would be provided to the Department of Justice. We believe that Congress -- and the American public -- must better understand the Department's need for the proposed amendments, how the Department intends to use its proposed new powers, and the potential consequences to our digital security before these rules go into effect. In light of the limited time for congressional consideration of the proposed amendments, we request that you provide us with the following information two weeks after your receipt of this letter.\r\n \r\nHow would the government prevent forum shopping under the proposed amendments? The proposed amendments would allow prosecutors to seek a warrant in any district where activities related to a crime may have occurred. Will the Department issue guidance to prosecutors on how this should be interpreted?\r\nWe are concerned that the deployment of software to search for and possibly disable a botnet may have unintended consequences on internet-connected devices, from smartphones to medical devices. Please describe the testing that is conducted on the viability of network investigative techniques' (NITs) to safely search devices such as phones, tablets, hospital information systems, and internet-connected video monitoring systems.\r\nWill law enforcement use authority under the proposed amendments to disable or otherwise render inoperable software that is damaging or has damaged a protected device? In other words, will network investigative techniques be used to clean infected devices, including devices that belong to innocent Americans? Has the Department ever attempted to clean infected computers in the past? If so, under what legal authority?\r\nWhat methods will the Department use to notify users and owners of devices that have been searched, particularly in potential cases where tens of thousands of devices are searched?\r\nHow will the Department maintain proper chain of custody when analyzing or removing evidence from a suspect's device? Please describe how the Department intends to address technical issues such as fluctuations of internet speed and limitations on the ability to securely transfer data.\r\nPlease describe any differences in legal requirements between obtaining a warrant for a physical search versus obtaining a warrant for a remote electronic search. In particular, and if applicable, please describe how the principle of probable cause may be used to justify the remote search of tens of thousands of devices. Is it sufficient probable cause for a search that a device merely be damaged and connected to a crime?\r\nIf the Department were to search devices belonging to innocent Americans to combat a complicated computer crime, please describe what procedures the Department would use to protect the private information of victims and prevent further damage to accessed devices.\r\n \r\nSincerely,\r\n###\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-zinke-work-to-ensure-healthcare-delivery-for-rural-montanans", "Daines, Zinke Work to Ensure Healthcare Delivery for Rural Montanans", "2016-10-27", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.27.16\n\t\t\t Daines, Zinke Work to Ensure Healthcare Delivery for Rural Montanans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. CONGRESSU.S. Senator Steve Daines and U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke today worked to ensure equitable healthcare delivery for rural Montanans.\r\nIn a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt, Daines and Zinke seek to clarify why certain Montana zip codes are not designate as rural for ground ambulances despite meeting qualifications and having rural designations for most other Medicare programs.\r\nThere are currently 16 zip codes throughout Montana, which meet criteria, but have not been designated as rural for purposes of ground ambulance reimbursement.\r\nWith lower population density and increased travel times, it is important that rural areas have the appropriate designation,Daines and Zinke wrote.Without this, it puts access to care for not only the Medicare patients but all who are served by the provider in jeopardy. We urge CMS to apply a methodology consistent with ORHP [Office of Rural Health Policy] and other Medicare programs for ambulance service providers and the patients they serve.\r\nDaines' and Zinke's letter is available to downloadHEREand below:\r\nDear Acting Administrator Slavitt,\r\nWe are concerned that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has not altered the designation of zip codes under the Medicare ambulance fee schedule to appropriately account for rural census tracts to align with methodology utilized by nearly all Department of Health and Human Service programs, including most Medicare payment systems. In particular, it is concerning that CMS has not taken into consideration 132 rural census tracts that the Health Resources & Services Administrations' Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP) designates as rural due to having a land area greater than 400 square miles and a population density no more than 35 persons per square mile despite having a Rural Urban Community Area Code (RUCA) of 2 or 3 in guidance issued November 20, 2015.\r\nIn Montana, there are 16 zip codes that would be considered rural if CMS were to properly align the census tracts with the designations put forward by ORHP.\r\nOn December 30, 2014, CMS issued a final rule for CY2015 that included a revised list of the zip codes to change on January 1, 2015 from being rural to urban, and urban to rural. The changes were a result of an update based on 2010 census data, but failed to use the ORHP methodology. Again, the methodology was not used in the final rule for CY2016, despite ORHP's guidance.\r\nA zip code being rural has a significant impact on the services that are able to be provided to Medicare beneficiaries due to reimbursement under the Medicare ambulance fee schedule. With lower population density and increased travel times, it is important that rural areas have the appropriate designation. Without this, it puts access to care for not only the Medicare patients but all who are served by the provider in jeopardy.\r\n\r\nWe urge CMS to apply a methodology consistent with ORHP and other Medicare programs for ambulance service providers and the patients they serve.\r\nSincerely,\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-and-tester-push-obama-to-update-icbm-fleet", "Daines and Tester Push Obama to Update ICBM Fleet", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.25.16\n\t\t\t Daines and Tester Push Obama to Update ICBM Fleet \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(U.S. Senate)Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines are pushing the Obama Administration to take steps forward and update the ICBM fleet at Malmstrom Air Force Base.\r\nIn a letter to President Obama, Montana's Senators reiterated their support for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program, which is scheduled to replace the Minuteman III fleet and provide a next generation land component of the U.S. nuclear triad for decades to come. Tester and Daines both agree that modernizing Malmstrom's ICBM fleet is the best way to ensure that we are able to maintain a safe, reliable, and cost-effective deterrent that contributes to our national security.\r\nWe write to reiterate our strong support of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program, and to seek an assurance that the Administration will in no way delay that critical program from moving forward on schedule,Tester and Daines wrote. Given the wide array of strategic challenges facing the United States, we believe that anything less could dramatically degrade the value of our nation's strategic deterrent, and could unnecessarily hinder our ability to protect this nation from the growing capabilities of our adversaries.\r\nIn their letter, Tester and Daines wrote that pursuing the upgrades and additional capabilities associated with the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program makes more sense from a national security and budget perspective that simply extending the life of the Minuteman III fleet.\r\nLast month, Tester and Dainescalled onboth the House and Senate Armed Services Committee leadership to include important ICBM modernization provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act.\r\nIn July, Tester and DainesurgedDefense Secretary Ash Carter to advance ICBM nuclear modernization as expeditiously as possible, including taking critical steps to develop and procure the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent.\r\nTester and Daines' letter to President Obama is availableHERE.\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-statement-on-obamacare-rate-increases", "Daines Statement on Obamacare Rate Increases", "2016-10-24", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.24.16\n\t\t\t Daines Statement on Obamacare Rate Increases \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after the Obama administrationannouncedthat premiums for Obamacare will increase by an average of 25 percent next year.\r\nMontanans are stuck with insurance rate hikes that are more than the jaw dropping 25 percent national average for next year,Daines stated.Obamacare isn't affordable and needs to be replaced with state-driven solutions that puts patients at the center of the healthcare equation.\r\nAverage increases for Montana's top three insurance providers range from 27 to 58 percent, with the highest increase for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana policies.\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-demands-response-to-lapsed-softwood-lumber-agreement", "Daines Demands Response to Lapsed Softwood Lumber Agreement", "2016-10-21", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.21.16\n\t\t\t Daines Demands Response to Lapsed Softwood Lumber Agreement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMoratorium on litigation related to U.S. - Canada softwood lumber trade lapsed at midnight, October 12, 2016\r\nU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined 26 Senators in urging President Obama to prioritize ongoing negotiations to obtain a new softwood lumber trade agreement with Canada.\r\nIn a letter to President Obama, Daines underscored the need to reach a new deal to prioritize American jobs and help forested counties.\r\nWe are disappointed that Canada appears reluctant to follow through on this commitment which has significantly undermined USTR's efforts to reach a final agreement,\"Daineswrote.\"We urge you to encourage Canada to fulfill Prime Minister Trudeau's commitment as contained in the Joint Statement and bring the negotiations process to successful conclusion with a new, stable, and sustainable agreement.\r\nA timeline of Daines' efforts to renegotiate a new SLA for Montana's sawmills is below:\r\nApril 27, 2006:SLA signed  seven year agreement that went into force on October 12, 2006\r\nJanuary 23, 2012:SLA extended until October 12, 2015.\r\nSeptember 17, 2015:Daines sent a letter to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell urging him to provide much needed certainty for Montana sawmills facing the expiration of the SLA.\r\nOctober 12, 2015:Expiration of the SLA.\r\nOctober 21, 2015:Daines met with Canadian Ambassador Gary Doer to urge him to begin negotiating a new SLA.\r\nDecember 3, 2015:Daines wrote newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to emphasize Montana priorities and ensure continued economic growth on both sides of the northern border.\r\nFebruary 22, 2016:In advance of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's first state visit to Washington, D.C., Daines urged the USTR to prioritize Montana issues in discussions with Canada.\r\nJune 23, 2016:Daines spoke to United States Trade Represetnative Ambassador Froman regarding SLA in advance of President Obama and PM Trudeau meeting in Ottawa.\r\nJuly 19, 2016:In a letter to U.S. Trade Ambassador Michael Froman, Daines pushed for a new SLA with Canada.\r\nSeptember 13, 2016:Daines met with Gitane De Silva, Alberta's new Senior Representative to the United States to discuss the expiring SLA.\r\nOctober 13, 2016:Daines issued a statement at midnight at the expiration of the moratorium on trade litigation related to the SLA.\r\nThe full letter is available to downloadHEREand below:\r\nDear President Obama:\r\nWe are writing with regard to ongoing negotiations to obtain a new softwood lumber trade agreement with Canada. We appreciate the efforts by you, Ambassador Froman and others in the Administration to insist on an agreement that will fully and effectively address the market effects of subsidized Canadian lumber exported to the United States. We also welcome the commitment made by you and Prime Minister Trudeau in June to seek a new agreement with an appropriate structure, designed to maintain Canadian exports at or below an agreed U.S. market share to be negotiated, with the stability, consistency and flexibility necessary to achieve the confidence of both industries. We are disappointed that Canada appears reluctant to follow through on this commitment which has significantly undermined USTR's efforts to reach a final agreement. We urge you to encourage Canada to fulfill Prime Minister Trudeau's commitment as contained in the Joint Statement and bring the negotiations process to successful conclusion with a new, stable, and sustainable agreement.\r\nUnder the terms of the now-expired 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement (2006 SLA) the U.S. industry is precluded from filing new antidumping and countervailing duty cases until after October 12, 2016, one year after the expiration of that agreement. We had hoped that Canada would use this one-year period to negotiate a new agreement consistent with the commitment you made with Prime Minister Trudeau. Only this type of agreement will allow U.S. lumber mills the opportunity to compete fairly in our own market and to make the investments necessary to grow the domestic industry to its natural levels of production and employment.\r\nWe are concerned, however, that since you and Prime Minister Trudeau announced this shared goal the Canadian government has been unwilling to put forth or seriously consider proposals consistent with that statement. In contrast, we understand that the U.S. government has submitted detailed proposals to the Canadian government that would establish an agreement consistent with the terms of the Joint Statement. These proposals are designed to ensure that Canadian lumber imports would enter the U.S. market at or below an agreed U.S. market share and to provide appropriate flexibility for the Canadian government to administer such a program. Most importantly, the agreement would provide stability and certainty for the industries on both sides of the border. We appreciate these efforts by U.S. negotiators and urge the Administration remain firm in its resolve to obtain an agreement fully consistent with the goals established by you and Prime Minister Trudeau.\r\nFurther, if an agreement cannot be reached with the Canadian government that is fully consistent with these principles and the U.S. lumber industry exercises its rights to file new trade cases, the U.S. trade laws must be fully enforced to respond to subsidized and dumped Canadian lumber imports.\r\nThe U.S.  Canada softwood lumber trade issue is foremost a jobs and fairness issue. Hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs and thousands of U.S. rural communities depend on fairness in trade in softwood lumber. That is why we will continue to urge you, and any future Administration, to seek a fair, effective, and sustainable agreement with Canada on softwood lumber trade, and in the absence of such an agreement, to fully enforce U.S. trade laws.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-welcomes-montana-telecom-leaders-to-dc", "Daines Welcomes Montana Telecom Leaders to DC", "2016-10-20", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.20.16\n\t\t\t Daines Welcomes Montana Telecom Leaders to DC \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE This week, U.S. Senator Steve Daines welcomed two Montana telecommunications industry leaders to Washington, D.C. for a forum to discuss rural connectivity. \r\nThe #Solutions2020 Policy Forum, hosted by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, gathered communications specialists from around the country to discuss connectivity issues facing America. Participants discussed issues such as: digital inclusion, communications affordability, 5G technology and digital healthcare.\r\nDiane Smith, Founder and CEO of American Rural shared her firsthand experiences with infrastructure and affordability issues in rural communities and Mike Kilgore CEO, Sagebrush Cellular and Nemont Telephone Cooperative discussed challenges in providing quality communication services to rural America.\r\nI'm excited to have two Montana leaders in Washington, D.C. sharing the Montana perspective for rural connectivity,Daines stated.It's critical Montana's rural and tribal communities aren't left behind as we move forward to next generation technologies.\r\n\r\n\r\nSmith and Kilgore speaking at #Solutions2020 Policy Forum.\r\nDiane Smith, Founder & CEO, American Rural:As a rural Montana tech entrepreneur, I'm grateful to have the chance to discuss rural technology challenges and opportunities with Commissioner Clyburn and the awesome group of thought leaders she assembled for this event. Low population densities in rural and small communities pose unique challenges for our tech infrastructure deployment and the entire nation benefits when we develop strategically sound solutions. \r\nMike Kilgore, CEO of Nemont/Sagebrush Cellular:While there is much to be excited about with 5G, we must recognize that we still need 3G and 4G to support the future of 5G. With access to capital through universal service funding and access to high band spectrum we can begin to solve the dilemma of bringing 5G technology to First Responders for public safety needs; health care providers for telemedicine and telehealth services; farmers and ranchers for precision agriculture and for Smart Ag applications; and energy producers utilizing sustainable energy sources (solar, wind, hydraulic, biofuel) and fossil fuels (natural gas, petroleum and coal) for producing electricity used to power our lives. Advanced wireless broadband services like 5G are important for rural Montanans. It was an honor to provide a rural voice to Commissioner Clyburn's Solution 2020 Policy Forum.'\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-seeks-to-level-trade-playing-field", "Daines Seeks to Level Trade Playing Field", "2016-10-19", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.19.16\n\t\t\t Daines Seeks to Level Trade Playing Field \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined a bipartisan group of 14 Senators in deriding the Obama administration's decision to increase the costs of production for Montana companies by excluding many Generalized System of Preferences countries from duty relief on exports of backpacks, luggage and other related travel goods.\r\nIn a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, Daines pressed for the criteria that were used in making a decision that negatively impacts Montana companies by placing duties on these goods.\r\nThe Obama administration needs to clearly define why and how they decide to prioritize additional expenses on Montana products,Daines stated.The uncertainty surrounding which countries are eligible for duty relief puts significant strain on Montana businesses that are reliant upon having access to these goods. It's critically important we remain competitive on the international marketplace to create more good-paying jobs.\r\nLee Fromson, Executive Vice President for Product and Operations, Simms Fishing:Simms thanks Senator Daines for supporting the modernization of the Generalized System of Preferences. We strongly support adding backpacks, fishing bags and sports bags to the duty-free eligible items under the Generalized System of Preferences. This will help us remain competitive while we continue to manufacture our world-renowned Made in the USA waders.\r\nAlex Kutches, Vice President, Mystery Ranch Backpacks:Mystery Ranch thanks Senator Daines for his support of our industry. We continue to research, design, innovate, develop and market all of our packs in Bozeman, providing higher paying jobs. We also continue to manufacture some of our military packs in Bozeman. Efforts to add these products to the Generalized System of Preferences will make our commercial packs more cost effective and will help us compete, increase sales, and hire more hardworking Montanans!\r\nDaines' letter is available to downloadHEREand below:\r\nDear Ambassador Froman,\r\nWe are writing in regards to recent actions taken, and announcements made, by the Obama Administration concerning the duty treatment of certain luggage and travel articles imported into the United States.\r\nOn June 30, 2016, the President designated 28 luggage and travel articles as eligible for duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). However, the President extended eligibility for such treatment only to imports from countries designated as least-developed beneficiary developing countries (LDBDCs) and imports from sub-Saharan countries designated as beneficiaries of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).\r\nThe Administration's decision was disappointing for several reasons. First, the decision did not comport with the expansion of duty-free treatment that Congress envisioned when it passed the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 (TPEA) with overwhelming and bipartisan support. Section 204 of the TPEA authorized the President to designate all 28 articles at issue as eligible for duty-free treatment for all GSP beneficiaries.\r\nSecond, it remains unclear how the Administration, upon thoughtful and objective analysis of the statutory criteria to be considered when determining GSP eligibility, arrived at its decision to extend duty-free treatment only to LDBDCs and AGOA beneficiaries. These criteria, outlined in section 501 of the Trade Act of 1974, can be summarized as follows: (i) the effect of such action on furthering the economic development of developing countries through export expansion; (ii) the extent to which other major developed countries grant similar preferences; (iii) the anticipated impact of such action on U.S. producers of like or directly competitive products; and (iv) the extent of the beneficiary developing country's competitiveness concerning the articles at issue. The Administration has not articulated how, based on an analysis of these criteria, it arrived at its decision.\r\nThird, the decision unnecessarily perplexed and understandably frustrated U.S. businesses and consumers. Through multiple hearing testimonies and written submissions, many stakeholders expressed support for extending eligibility for duty-free treatment to imports from all GSP beneficiaries. Although the Administration recently stated that it deferred a decision on eligibility for GSP beneficiaries other than LDBDCs and AGOA beneficiaries, the President's June 30 announcement included no information or guidance regarding if or when the Administration intended to consider eligibility for the GSP countries to which duty-free treatment was not extended. Businesses have difficulty planning, investing, and making other meaningful commercial decisions amidst this uncertainty.\r\nFor these reasons, we welcomed USTR's announcement on August 25, 2016 that it would seek public comments and convene a public hearing to receive additional information and stakeholder views regarding the potential addition of travel and luggage goods products for more economically advanced GSP beneficiary countries. We understand that the hearing is scheduled to occur on October 18, 2016. While we continue to question the soundness of the Administration's initial decision, we are pleased that it has elected to review this issue further and are hopeful that a decision will be reached that comports with Congress' intent, encourages economic growth in developing countries, and provides economic certainty and more meaningful opportunities for U.S. businesses, workers, and consumers.\r\nSincerely,\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-support-native-children-signed-into-law", "Daines Bill to Support Native Children Signed into Law", "2016-10-18", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.18.16\n\t\t\t Daines' Bill to Support Native Children Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont.U.S. Senator Steve Daines' bill to support Native children was signed into law on Friday, October 14, 2016.\r\nThe bipartisan Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children Act creates a Commission on Native Children, which will conduct a comprehensive study on the programs, grants, and supports available for Native children, both at government agencies and on the ground in Native communities. The goal is to develop a sustainable system that delivers wrap-around services to Native children.\r\nI am thrilled to see my bill to help Native children enacted into law,Daines stated.This bill is an important step in improving the quality of life for Native children so that they can in turn strengthen the promise of a brighter future for tribal communities.\r\nThe Commission will examine the unique challenges Native children face and make recommendations on how to improve the current system by building on the strengths of Native communities.\r\nThe Commission is named in honor of Alyce Spotted Bear, former tribal chairwoman of the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation in North Dakota -- a passionate advocate for Native children and a recognized leader in education -- and Walter Soboleff, Alaska Native Elder and statesman from the Tlingit tribe in Alaska.\r\nThe bill cleared both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives unanimously.\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-marks-national-forest-products-week", "Daines Marks National Forest Products Week", "2016-10-18", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.18.16\n\t\t\t Daines Marks National Forest Products Week \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont.U.S. Senator Steve Daines today celebrated National Forest Products Week by highlighting the important impact forestry has on Montana's economy. Montana's National Forests are a treasured part of the state's heritage for generations and provide timber-surrounded counties with good-paying jobs and a vital revenue source to fund schools and infrastructure projects.\r\nNational Forest Products Week occurs the third week in October as designated by Public Law 86-753 (36 U.S.C. 123), and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week each year. The Montana Legislature established this week in 2011 to honor our forest products industry and extend its appreciation for providing locally made wood products, stewardship of our private and public forests and gainful employment.\r\nMontana's National Forests are an important piece of our Montana heritage and play a critical role in supporting good-paying jobs,Daines stated.As Montana's only member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I'm working tirelessly to advance commonsense forest management practices to improve the health of our National Forests by increasing Forest Service management authorities and advocating for reforms to treat wildfires as natural disasters.\r\nMontana used to boast of a robust timber economy.The deteriorating health of Montana's National Forests jeopardizes public safety, undermines recreation and hunting and is harmful to habitat:\r\n \r\nHarvests on Montana's National Forests are down 78 percent since 1987  624 million feet down in FY 1987 compared to 140 million board feet in FY 2015.\r\nSince 1990 Montana has lost over 40% of its forest industry workforce (12,000 to 7,000 jobs) and two-thirds of its mills.\r\nAccording to the U.S. Forest Service, as of October 2016 there are 24 National Environmental Policy Act decisions impacted by litigation encumbering forest health projects in Region 1. Sixteen of these projects were developed through a collaborative process.\r\nNearly 5 million acres in Montana's National Forests are impacted by insect infestation and disease and are eligible for expedited restoration work utilizing authorities established by the 2014 Farm Bill. Through FY16, only 6200 acres are in process of approval.\r\n \r\nDaines has been actively working to reform outdated forest management policy to increase timber harvests:\r\nOnOctober 4, 2016, Daines and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) called on S.2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act Conferees to accelerate forest management reforms, fix wildfire funding and addressthelitigation challenges in NationalForests.\r\nOnSeptember 19, 2016, Daines urged the conferees of S.2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act to support Montana priorities: a wildfire funding fix, Montana's National Parks, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), rural water projects, theBipartisan Sportsmen's Act, hydropower development and forest management reform that includes litigation relief.\r\nOnSeptember 13, 2016, Daines introduced bipartisan legislation to encourage cross boundary management of forests to protect water resources, enhance wildlife habitat, restore forest health, and strengthen local economies. The bipartisanEnvironmental and Economic Benefits Restoration Act of 2016would encourage a landscape approach to forest management. \r\nOnJuly 12, 2016, the U.S. Senate took an important step toward forest management reform by authorizing final negotiations with the U.S. House of Representatives on energy legislation that contains important steps forward for accomplishing forestry reform.\r\nOnMay 2, 2016, Daines introduced legislation that would help accelerateresearchand development of tall wood buildings in the United States. The Timber Innovation Act will focus on finding innovative ways to use wood in the construction of buildings above 85 feet in height or roughly seven or more stories. \r\nIn the FY2017 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill,Daines secured languagethat highlights the importance of the forest products sector to the U.S. economy and the need to develop and utilize new and improved forest products.\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-statement-on-expiration-of-softwood-lumber-agreement", "Daines Statement on Expiration of Softwood Lumber Agreement", "2016-10-13", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.13.16\n\t\t\t Daines Statement on Expiration of Softwood Lumber Agreement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines released the following statement after the expiration of the Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA):\r\nSubsidized and unfairly traded lumber imports continue to severely harm Montana mills, workers and communities. President Obama needs to remain committed to reaching a new trade agreement that prioritizes the American worker and fights for good-paying jobs.\r\nThe SLA expired on October 12, 2015 with a one-year moratorium on complaints or lawsuitsending on October 12, 2016.\r\nA timeline of Daines' efforts to renegotiate a new SLA for Montana's sawmills is below:\r\nApril 27, 2006:SLA signed  seven year agreement that went into force on October 12, 2006\r\nJanuary 23, 2012:SLA extended until October 12, 2015.\r\nSeptember 17, 2015:Daines sent a letter to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell urging him to provide much needed certainty for Montana sawmills facing the expiration of the SLA.\r\nOctober 12, 2015:Expiration of the SLA.\r\nOctober 21, 2015:Daines met with Canadian Ambassador Gary Doer to urge him to begin negotiating a new SLA.\r\nDecember 3, 2015:Daines wrote newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to emphasize Montana priorities and ensure continued economic growth on both sides of the northern border.\r\nFebruary 22, 2016:In advance of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's first state visit to Washington, D.C., Daines urged the USTR to prioritize Montana issues in discussions with Canada.\r\nJune 23, 2016:Daines spoke to United States Trade Represetnative Ambassador Froman regarding SLA in advance of President Obama and PM Trudeau meeting in Ottawa.\r\nJuly 19, 2016:In a letter to U.S. Trade Ambassador Michael Froman, Daines pushed for a new SLA with Canada.\r\nSeptmeber 13, 2016:Daines met with Gitane De Silva, Alberta's new Senior Representative to the United States to discuss the expiring SLA.\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-comments-on-us-supreme-court-decision-to-deny-appeal-of-cottonwood-case", "Daines Comments on U.S. Supreme Court Decision to Deny Appeal of Cottonwood Case", "2016-10-11", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.11.16\n\t\t\t Daines Comments on U.S. Supreme Court Decision to Deny Appeal of Cottonwood Case \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE - U.S. Senator Steve Daines today made the following statement after hearing the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to deny the appeal of the U.S. Forest Service in challenging the ruling of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cottonwood v. U.S. Forest Service:\r\n\"I'm very disappointed that the Supreme Court declined to hear this case. Allowing the Ninth Circuit's disastrous ruling to stand will greatly increase needless paperwork on the Forest Service and further delay much-needed restorative management work. This development makes it especially critical that Congress act toexplicitly remove this crippling regulatory burden, and I will continue to fight toward that end.\r\nDaines recently wrote a letter to the Energy Conferees outlining the importance of this case.\r\nBackground:\r\n \r\nAccording to the Forest Service there are773 ESA species in national forests of the Ninth Circuit that could potentially require consultation re-initiations.\r\nFurther, there are 26 pending Notices of Intent (NOI) and 11 pending lawsuits have been filed under the ESA for consultation re-initiation for lynx and bull trout since 2009 in the Ninth Circuit.\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-hosts-roundtable-in-billings-to-protect-consumers-from-online-booking-scams", "Daines Hosts Roundtable in Billings to Protect Consumers from Online Booking Scams", "2016-10-11", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.11.16\n\t\t\t Daines Hosts Roundtable in Billings to Protect Consumers from Online Booking Scams \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Steve Daines today hosted a roundtable discussion with the leaders of the Montana Lodging & Hospitality Association (MLHA) on growing Montana's tourism industry and protecting consumers from online booking scams.\r\nDaines sought to raise awareness and crack down on operators of that trick consumers into thinking they are making reservations directly with hotels. On September 27, Daines introduced bipartisan legislation to address this problem and protect consumers from online booking scams. \r\nAccording to the University of Montana Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research, in 2014, tourists spent $3.98 billion and which helped support more than 55,000 jobs.\r\nTourism is an important part of our state's economy and we must ensure folks have the tools they need to keep Montana's businesses in business, Daines stated. I want to make sure that when folks come to Montana they know why we are the Treasure State  not only because of our vast public lands, but because of the people who live and work here.\r\n\r\nDaines receives a first-hand demonstration of how a third party booking website can mislead Montana tourists and travelers.\r\nClick here to download a high resolution photo\r\nSteve Wahrlich, Chair of the Montana Lodging & Hospitality Association and owner of the Best Western Plus ClockTower Inn in Billings: The lodging industry is a major player in Montana's economy - responsible for providing $135 million in tax revenue and supporting nearly $700 million in total sales throughout the state. Unscrupulous actors that seek to take advantage of unsuspecting travelers jeopardize that. We are grateful to Senator Daines for recognizing this growing threat and introducing the Stop Online Booking Scams Act with his colleague Senator Nelson. We look forward to working with them to protect Montana travelers by moving this commonsense legislation through the legislative process.\r\nMaryam Cope, American Hotel & Lodging Association's Vice President of Government Affairs: Consumers should always have the utmost confidence in the online booking process from start to finish and they should feel safe and protected when booking travel online. We applaud Senator Daines for his leadership in introducing bipartisan legislation that sends a clear message this kind of deceptive behavior will not be tolerated. As the digital marketplace continues to grow and evolve, consumers in Montana and across the country deserve transparency, and every minute we wait to pass this legislation, more people fall victim to these deceptive practices.\r\n\r\nMHLA Chair Steve Wahrlich, MLHA Executive Director Stuart Doggett, U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Voices of Montana Tourism Director Dax Schieffer ( from left to right).\r\nClick here to download a high resolution photo\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-wraps-up-eastern-montana-tour", "Daines Wraps Up Eastern Montana Tour", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.07.16\n\t\t\t Daines Wraps Up Eastern Montana Tour \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. This week, U.S. Senator Steve Daines traveled 648 miles across Eastern Montana with stops in Malta, Glasgow, Scobey, Westby, Plentywood, Culbertson, Sidney, Glendive, Wibaux, Baker, Ekalaka, Broadus and Ashland.\r\nMalta:Daines discussed critical issues facing Phillips County in Malta at breakfast with the Rotary Club and local elected officials at the Great Northern. During the breakfast, the conversation focused on developing Montana's vast natural resources and the good-paying jobs it supports, ensuring Montanans voices are heard in any future national monument designations and the development of the Keystone XL Pipeline.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGlasgow:Daines spoke with local leaders, business owners, farmers and ranchers at Farm Equipment Sales. During the townhall, Daines discussed the importance of the end to China's ban on U.S. beef imports, Obamacare and his efforts to work for Montana's veterans.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nScobey:Daines met with Daniels County Commissioners to hear about issues facing farmers, ranchers and business owners to take their voices to Washington, D.C.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWestby:Daines toured Westby School and took questions from high school students about the upcoming election and how he became Montana's U.S. Senator.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPlentywood:Daines met with local officials, the Border Patrol Agent in Charge of Plentywood station and the Sheridan County Sheriff and heard about law enforcement challenges resulting from mental health issues and increased drug use in the community.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCulbertson:Daines toured the newly expanded United Grain Company facility that nearly doubles grain storage capacity to provide needed infrastructure so Montana farmers can more efficiently get their products to market.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSidney:Daines met with local sugar beet growers and factory personnel to hear concerns about the sugar industry and learn more about how the sugar factory operates. Additionally, Daines hosted a roundtable discussion on law enforcement needs coordination, and approaches to combating the continuing criminal activity in the Bakken region, as well as the need for the temporary FBI agent presence in Sidney to be made permanent. Federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies were in attendance.Daines also toured Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project's Intake Diversion Dam and received an update on the proposed fish bypass.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGlendive:Daines visited Mid-Rivers Communications to discuss how he can work to ensure all Montanans have access to cellular and broadband coverage. Daines also sat down withDorothySturlaugson for 'Let's Talk About It' forKXGNTV.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWibaux:Daines met with local elected officials and community leaders and heard about the need to push back on the Obama administration's egregious overreach.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBaker:Daines met with local elected officials and community leaders over dinner to discuss the positive impact of the end of China's ban on U.S. beef imports on Montana's farmers and ranchers. Daines also sat down with Robert Pfund of 960AM.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEkalaka:At breakfast at the Wagon Wheel Caf, Daines met with local officials and community leaders and discussed the need to push back on the Obama administration's overreach. Daines also toured the new Ekalaka school that was built with tax revenues from pipelines. After visiting the school, Daines toured the airport and discussed challenges and opportunities for the airport.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBroadus:Daines met with local elected officials and community leaders and heard the need for new infrastructure projects to update highways and roads in the community. He also discussed the Obama administration's overregulation of federal land.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAshland:Daines toured Ashland District of Custer-Gallatin National Forest and saw firsthand the need for forest thinning projects that reduce the severity of wildfire. During the tour, Daines saw an untreated forest and aforest that had been treated with controlled burns and how a managed forest is a healthier forest.\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-tester-urge-fcc-to-approve-application-to-expand-broadband-to-rural-montana", "Daines, Tester Urge FCC to Approve Application to Expand Broadband to Rural Montana", "2016-10-06", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.06.16\n\t\t\t Daines, Tester Urge FCC to Approve Application to Expand Broadband to Rural Montana \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to approve T-Mobile's waiver application to allow them to expand broadband access in rural Montana.\r\nIn a letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, Daines and Tester underscored the importance of ensuring that underserved, rural areas have access to broadband and that T-Mobile has a proven track record building facilities to serve this part of the country.\r\nThis transaction will provide wireless competition in the state and will enable T-Mobile to provide 4G LTE service to unserved areas covering over 1 million people in Montana and Wyoming\r\nIn our home state, the unique geography, low-density population and extreme weather conditions make it significantly more challenging to provide residents there with the communications services most Americans take for granted,Daines and Tester wrote.Approving the transfer of licenses from Charter to T-Mobile will help achieve our goal of quick deployment of the spectrum and enhancing the service to these areas.\r\nDaines has been a vocal advocate to deploy unused spectrum in Montana. Earlier this year,Daines calledon nationwide wireless companies to improve their service in rural America over a year ago at a U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing. Healso urgedthe FCC to update the Universal Service Fund's (USF) Mobility Fund, which is aimed at providing broadband service to rural and underserved areas.\r\nTester recently brought FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler to Montana to see the need for broadband deployment in rural areas. Tester also recently launched his#ConnectMT initiativeto ensure Montana families have access to broadband.\r\nDaines' and Tester's letter is available to downloadHEREand below.\r\nDear Chairman Wheeler, We write to urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to approve the transfer of Charter's three 700 MHz licenses to T-Mobile and the accompanying request to waive acceleration of the final buildout deadline for these licenses. Unlike Charter, T-Mobile can quickly deploy this spectrum and bring better service and additional competition to rural areas in Montana. The sale of this spectrum and the requested waiver are consistent with Commission precedent and will further our shared goal of increasing access to advanced communications services for rural Americans.\r\nIn our home state, the unique geography, low-density population, and extreme weather conditions make it significantly more challenging to provide residents with the communications services most Americans take for granted. Charter incidentally obtained these spectrum licenses when it purchased another cable company, Bresnan Communications. And while the unusual characteristics of our state make deployment especially challenging for a company like Charter that is not a major wireless carrier, T-Mobile is well positioned to deploy this spectrum quickly. T-Mobile enjoys a proven track record building facilities to serve this part of the country and desires to buttress its coverage in these areas.\r\nGranting the requested waiver is warranted under Commission rules, and T-Mobile has made significant commitments regarding build-out that will ensure the licenses are quickly put to use. T-Mobile has committed to cover 40 percent of the geographic area covered by the licenses by the later of June 13, 2017 or six months from the time the Commission's grant becomes final, to cover 70 percent of the licensed geographic area by the later of December 13, 2018, or two years from the time the Commission's grant becomes final, and to file an interim progress report. Importantly, if the FCC moves expeditiously on the applications, T-Mobile's commitments will result in the final buildout milestone being completed a year ahead of schedule.   \r\nT-Mobile states in its filings to you that, without the requested waiver, it could not meet the accelerated buildout deadlines that would otherwise apply and is therefore unwilling to purchase the licenses from Charter. Importantly, the filing also states that it is unlikely that Charter or, indeed, anyone, would be able to meet the deadlinelikely postponing use of this spectrum for years.This would be an unfortunae outcome for the citizens of Montana. We urge you to grant the license transfers and extension as quickly as possible and thereby allow T-Mobile to deploy the spectrum and provide advanced services to rural consumers who need them the most. \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-holds-roundtable-in-sidney-on-law-enforcement-needs", "Daines Holds Roundtable in Sidney on Law Enforcement Needs", "2016-10-05", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.05.16\n\t\t\t Daines Holds Roundtable in Sidney on Law Enforcement Needs \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSIDNEY, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today held a roundtable discussion to discuss law enforcement needs, coordination and approaches to combating the continuing criminal activity in the Bakken region, as well as the need for the temporaryFederal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) agent presence in Sidney to be made permanent.\r\nDuring the roundtable, Daines presented John Dynneson, Richland County Sheriff with a letter he sent today to FBI Director James Comey requesting a meeting to discuss the need to maintain a permanent FBI presence in Sidney.\r\nI heard loud and clear the need to maintain the FBI presence in Sidney to protect the safety of Montanans,Daines stated.One of my highest priorities is keeping Montanans safe and this FBI office serves an integral role in reaching that goal.\r\nI'm really appreciative of the fact that Senator Daines took the time to meet with us and hear from us directly about how important and needed the FBI presence is in Sidney,Frank Difanzo, Sidney Police Department Chief stated.I appreciate the opportunity to share our thoughts with Senator Daines  who is going to take them straight to the top in DC.\r\nI appreciate the Senator making the trip to visit Sidney and taking the time to learn about the challenges facing all levels of law enforcement in eastern Montana,Julia Meredith, FBI Agent in Sidney stated.The FBI has been welcomed by the community, and has been able to make inroads in the narcotics trafficking in the area. We are carefully evaluating the best way to provide federal law enforcement support to Sidney and the surrounding area over the next several years.\r\nAttendees at the rountable included:\r\n \r\nJohn Dynneson, Richland County Sheriff\r\nFrank Difanzo, Sidney Police Department Chief\r\nJulia Meredith, FBI Agent in Sidney\r\nArlin Kaul, Border Patrol Agent in Charge- Plentywood\r\nBob Burnison, Richland County Undersheriff\r\nShane Gorder, Richland County Commissioner\r\nLoren Young, Richland County Commissioner\r\nDuane Mitchell, Richland County Commissioner\r\nRick Norby, Sidney Mayor\r\n \r\n\r\nInJanuary 2014, Daines sent a letter to FBI Director James Comey urging the FBI to maintain its current presence in Sidney.\r\nDaines' letter is available below or to downloadHERE.\r\nDear Director Comey:\r\nI am writing to request a meeting with you to discuss the need to maintain a permanent Federal Bureau of Investigation presence in Sidney, Montana. It is my understanding that the current temporary duty station in Sidney is scheduled to terminate in July 2017.\r\nRemoval of the physical presence of FBI agents from the region is ill-advised and would be detrimental to the ongoing work of law enforcement in the region. Area law enforcement officials have conveyed their concerns over high rates of ongoing crime, despite the ebb and flow of commerce, and shared the critical need for federal law enforcement support in Eastern Montana. After conversations with them, it is clear to me that an FBI presence there is critical for our region's safety and growth. Accordingly, I strongly urge you to maintain your current presence in Sidney.\r\nWhile the establishment of a permanent field office in Williston, ND, will certainly contribute to law enforcement efforts in the region, it is not well positioned to impact the crime in Sidney. The Williston office may be an hour's drive away in summer, but it serves a different federal judicial district  lacking relationships with the courts and federal prosecutors in the District of Montana. Additionally, it lacks the physical presence which bolsters local law enforcement efforts and increases the local community's trust. Williston-based agents will face numerous barriers to being the needed assets in Sidney, including the existing demands of crime in Williston, covering an extensive region, and facing often impassable winter roads.\r\nThough crime spiked in 2012, crime continues to remain at a concerning high. According to the Montana Board of Crime Control'sCrime in Montana: 2012-2013andCrime in Montana: 2013-2014reports, crime in the Bakken Region surrounding Sidney was 40% higher in 2014 than 2009. Richland County alone had 125 times the number of offenses in 2014 than it did in 2009, and Sidney sits at the heart of Richland County. Further, the prevalence of crime continues to cause calls for an added High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force in Eastern Montana, a request that I believe further corroborates the importance of maintaining the FBI agents in Sidney.\r\nFor these reasons, I respectfully request a meeting with you to discuss the FBI maintaining its presence in Sidney. I appreciate your consideration of this request and I will have my staff reach out to schedule a meeting time.\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-introduce-legislation-to-encourage-carbon-sequestration", "Daines, Zinke Introduce Legislation to Encourage Carbon Sequestration", "2016-10-05", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.05.16\n\t\t\t Daines, Zinke Introduce Legislation to Encourage Carbon Sequestration \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSIDNEY, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines and U.S. Representive Ryan Zinke today announced that they have introduced legislation to encourage carbon sequestration.\r\nTheCO2Regulatory Certainty Act of 2016aligns tax guidelines with existing federal regulations to ensure taxpayers are better able to utilize the Section 45Q carbon sequestration tax credit. By accelerating work on carbon sequestration projects, this bill is helping to provide one of the energy technologies needed to utilize America's abundant coal resources.\r\nCurrently, project developers can claim credit for CO2sequestration, however, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance does not reflect differences between the two existing sequestration methods, permanent or geological storage and enhanced oil and gas recovery. The IRS guidelines subject enhanced oil and gas recovery applications to regulations meant for geological storage, making it difficult to access the tax credit.\r\nThe bill clarifies and aligns IRS guidelines with current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that already reflect operational and legal differences between enhanced oil and gas recovery and geological storage under the Clean Air Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.\r\nThis bill will help ensure carbon captured from places like Colstrip using a Section 45Q tax credit can be used in a responsible, innovative, and economical way to unlock made-in-Montana energy,Daines stated.\"I am proud to join Representative Zinke in stopping yet another misguided, and backward policy guidance from the Obama administration that obstructs commonsense innovative solutions to save Montana's coal jobs and produce more American energy.\r\nDespite this Administration's perpetual war on fossil fuels, we need coal more than ever to keep energy costs reliable and affordable,said Zinke.We as a Congress must find more ways to utilize Montana's coal reserves with innovative, clean technologies. This is why the CO2Regulatory Certainty Act of 2016 is crucial. The current 45Q tax credit, which incentivizes carbon capture technologies, is unusable to companies who want to sequester carbon through geological storage. I am supportive of 45Q, but I want for companies in Montana to actually be able to utilize it. We introduced this legislation to create new economic opportunities, protect our environment, and keep our coal, oil, and gas communities viable for generations to come.\r\nAttorney General Time Fox:The so-called Clean Power Plan rule contains a provision that makes it impossible for carbon dioxide captured in power plant operations to be sequestered underground by being used in enhanced oil and gas recovery operations. This makes no sense, and that's why my office petitioned EPA to reconsider the rule and brought it to the Court's attention in the Clean Power Plan litigation, which was argued before the DC Circuit Court of Appeals last week. This bill would make it more likely that captured carbon could be put to an economic use. That would be beneficial to Montana, and I commend Senators Daines and Hoeven, and Rep. Zinke, for taking this action.\r\nAlan Olson Executive Director of Montana Petroleum Association:The Montana Petroleum Association appreciates Senator Daines' and Representative Zinke's support of this legislation. We support the effort to clarify 45Q in tax code so that it allows CO2 EOR to be counted as a means to achieve compliance under the credit. The legislation appropriately recognizes the states' role in oil and gas regulation and protects private property mineral interests. In so doing, the legislation opens up new opportunities to utilize captured CO2 for EOR while protecting the environment. Carbon Dioxide used for enhanced oil recovery in compliance with conditions of the Safe Drinking Water Act and Underground injection Control (UIC) rules governing class two injection wells does provide for the safe injection of carbon dioxide used in enhanced oil recovery.\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-feinstein-call-on-energy-conferees-to-accelerate-forest-management-fix-wildfire-funding", "Daines, Feinstein Call on Energy Conferees to Accelerate Forest Management, Fix Wildfire Funding", "2016-10-04", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.04.16\n\t\t\t Daines, Feinstein Call on Energy Conferees to Accelerate Forest Management, Fix Wildfire Funding \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) today called on on Energy Bill Conferees to accelerate forest management reforms and fix wildfire funding.\r\nDaines and Feinstein penned a letter to the leadership of the conference committee for S.2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act.\r\nAs cosponsors of theWildfire Disaster Funding Act, we urge you to include reforms in the final energy bill to enable the Forest Service to pay for fighting extraordinary wildfires similarly to how other agencies pay for disaster responses  through funding that is unconstrained by stringent spending caps,Daines and Feinstein wrote.We also recognize that increasing the pace and scale of forest management can reduce the severity of wildfires.\r\nThe letter is available below and for downloadHERE.\r\nDear Chairmen Murkowski, Upton, and Bishop and Ranking Members Cantwell, Pallone, and Grijalva:\r\nAs conference negotiations on comprehensive energy legislation continue, we write to share our common priorities and urge you to include strong reforms that are needed to improve the health of forests in our states and address the chronic challenges that are impeding current forest restoration efforts.\r\nSimilar to previous years, the 2016 fire season has had devastating impacts in California. Over 630,000 acres have burned in 6,434 wildfires thus far, hundreds of homes have been destroyed, and, worst of all, seven Californians have lost their lives. Persistent drought, warming temperatures, and insect infestations, among other challenges, have resulted in tens of millions of dead trees and a forest health crisis that increases the likelihood of additional severe wildfires in the future. Meanwhile, in Montana, over seven million federally controlled acres are at high risk of wildfire, with nearly five million impacted by beetle kill, and fires this year have resulted in nearly 100,000 acres burned and the loss of sixteen homes.\r\nAs you know, over half of the Forest Service's budget is now spent on preparing for wildfires, performing hazardous fuels reduction, or suppressing fires. The share of the agency's budget related to wildfire is projected only to grow, threatening to further crowd out other management and multiple-use priorities. As cosponsors of theWildfire Disaster Funding Act, we urge you to include reforms in the final energy bill to enable the Forest Service to pay for fighting extraordinary wildfires similarly to how other agencies pay for disaster responses  through funding that is unconstrained by stringent spending caps. We believe this reform is critically needed and appropriate considering that natural conditions such as chronic drought unquestionably elevate the risk and severity of wildfires.\r\nWe also recognize that increasing the pace and scale of forest management can reduce the severity of wildfires. We support several avenues contained in Chairman Murkowski's and Ranking Member Cantwell's discussion draft (ENR draft) and urge the inclusion of the following:\r\n \r\nThe ponderosa pine and dry-site mixed conifer pilot project.\r\n\r\n\r\nApply the 3,000-acre categorical exclusion contained in the 2014 Farm Bill to include collaboratively developed projects that reduce hazardous fuel loads and protect watersheds in drought-stricken and other impaired areas.\r\n\r\n\r\nAllow federal agencies to utilize an Action and No Action analysis for collaboratively developed projects that require an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.\r\nSupport additional funding for fire-risk mapping.\r\nInclude provisions that enable the productive use of dead trees in high hazard areas, whether as energy feedstocks or wood products, including by authorizing the Forest Service to enter into twenty-year forest stewardship contracts (as included in ENR draft Sec. 331) in order to facilitate long-term investment decisions, and by encouraging mobile processing technologies.\r\nProvide additional opportunities to expand markets for biomass products and beetle-strained timber by streamlining forest product certifications, increasing public awareness and marketability of biomass and wood products produced from areas impacted by drought and beetles, and increasing export opportunities.\r\nInclude and strengthen ENR draft language, Sec. 331(c)(5), requiring courts to give substantial deference to the expertise of the Secretary when determining whether federal agencies' actions were arbitrary and capricious under theAdministrative Procedures Act.\r\n \r\nIn addition, we urge inclusion of provisions that the Forest Service has called for to incentivize its collaborative planning processes, as stated in Chief Tidwell's July 16, 2015, testimony on S. 1691. In his testimony, Chief Tidwell expressed support for a pilot arbitration program. There are nearly thirty active lawsuits in Region 1 and Region 5 that slow the Forest Service's consensus-driven, science-based forest management efforts. \r\nFinally, and consistent with S. 3310, we support expanding landscape-scale restoration and cross-boundary projects to assist with the management of privately owned lands and further reduce wildfire risks on federal, state, county, tribal, or private lands that are in proximity to each other. We support empowering state foresters to carry out such projects using Good Neighbor Authority contracts and the hazardous fuels funds that the Forest Service provides them. We also encourage implementing cross-boundary projects that leverage multiple programs, initiatives, and funding sources.\r\nThank you for your consideration of our views and for your work on the energy conference. We look forward to further discussions with you as your deliberations continue.\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-138878-to-enhance-response-to-hazardous-materials-transportation-incidents", "Daines Announces $138,878 to Enhance Response to Hazardous Materials Transportation Incidents", "2016-10-03", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.03.16\n\t\t\t Daines Announces $138,878 to Enhance Response to Hazardous Materials Transportation Incidents \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Dainestoday announced $138,878 in funding to maintain the safety of emergency personnel and the public when responding to hazardous materials related emergencies.\r\nThe Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) grantwill train emergency responders to respond to pipeline, rail and other surface accidents that cause a release of hazardous materials.This was authorized by theFAST Act.Further, safe transportation of Montana's energy resources is critically important to Daines.Daines' PIPES Actthat was signed into law on June 22, 2016, authorized the Pipeline Safety programs of PHMSA. \r\nIn addition to needing a safe, secure and efficient pipeline infrastructure we must have the necessary training and qualified workers on the job,Daines stated.This funding will go a long way towardsenhancingcommunication between PHMSA and state agencies.\r\nThe partnerships between the Public Service Commission and PHMSA has worked well here in Montana. Involvement on the local level goes a long way to ensure the effective use of public funds, and I'm very pleased that the Montana PSC was able to be a part of this process,said Commissioner Kirk Bushman, R-Billings.Adequate pipeline and hazardous material safety should always be a top priority of policymakers at all levels of government, and I'm thankful these resources are helping to improve the safety of our communities.\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-alan-charles-of-miles-city", "Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Alan Charles of Miles City", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.30.16\n\t\t\t Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Alan Charles of Miles City \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines todayrecognizedAlan Charles of Miles City for his tireless work at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Alan served in the agency's Helena office for the last twenty years, helping maintain Montanans' access to quality hunting grounds: an integral part of our way of life.\r\n\r\nDaines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere.\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 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, today I would like to recognize Alan Charles of Miles City for his tireless work at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Alan served in the agency's Helena office for the last twenty years, helping maintain Montanans' access to quality hunting grounds: an integral part of our way of life.\r\n In his role, Alan oversaw the Block Management Program, which enabled landowners to enroll 7,234,628 acres of land for public hunting. He also provided oversight for critical access programs to ensure Montanans were able to enjoy our great outdoors and participate our favorite pastimes. Over the course of 10 legislative sessions, he also provided testimony and background on legislation dealing with access and game issues in our great state.\r\nAlan was also a community builder, helping bring together between landowners, the state government, and sportsmen, finding common ground between these groups.\r\n I'm grateful for Alan's service to our state and its vast natural resources. After all, they are what make Montana the Treasure State. It takes a dedicated person to accomplish what Alan did and I profoundly appreciate his time and efforts to preserve the Montanan way of life.\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-198506-for-educational-training-for-fort-peck-community-college", "Daines Announces $198,506 for Educational Training for Fort Peck Community College", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.29.16\n\t\t\t Daines Announces $198,506 for Educational Training for Fort Peck Community College \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $198,506.00 in funding for Fort Peck Community College to help train new farmers and ranchers and building on their existing curriculum, especially tailoring it to the Fort Peck community.\r\nOur ag industry is of critical importance to our state, and our farmers play a key role in feeding not only Montana, but the world,Daines stated.It's important that we support the next generation of Montana farmers and ranchers and I'm glad to see the Fort Peck community have the opportunity to utilize these resources.\r\nHaven Gourneau, President, Fort Peck Community College:Fort Peck Community College is excited and honored to be selected as a recipient of the USDA Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program grant. FPCC is ready to put into action the unique and exciting agricultural related activities proposed in the grant. Building and increasing capacity in the area of agriculture has been in the forefront of FPCC's community commitment and will continue to be a major goal of ours.\r\nThe funding is made available through the United States Department of Agriculture Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, also known as the 2501 Program and administered by USDA's Office of Advocacy and Outreach (OAO).\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-encourages-administration-to-abandon-proposed-estate-tax-regulations", "Daines Encourages Administration to Abandon Proposed Estate Tax Regulations", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.29.16\n\t\t\t Daines Encourages Administration to Abandon Proposed Estate Tax Regulations \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tProposed Regulations Would Have Severe Chilling Effect on Family Farms and Businesses\r\nBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today wrote to Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew encouraging the Treasury Department to abandon proposed regulations that would significantly increase the estate tax burden on family farms and businesses. The proposed regulations, if finalized, would contradict long-standing legal precedent and greatly discourage families from continuing to operate and grow their farms and businesses for eventual transfer to future generations.\r\nTreasury should pursue policies that encourage the creation and growth of family businesses and not propose regulatory changes that make it more difficult and costly for families to transfer ownership to future generations,Daines wrote.We thus request that Treasury withdraw the proposed regulations and ask that any regulations that Treasury may issue in the future more directly target perceived abuses in the valuation of transferred interests in family businesses.\r\nThe letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah.)Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), David Vitter (R-La.), and Ben Sasse (R-Neb.).\r\nFull text of the letter can be found below.\r\nThe Honorable Jacob Lew\r\nUnited States Treasury Secretary\r\nU.S. Department of the Treasury\r\n1500 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.\r\nWashington, D.C. 20220\r\nDear Secretary Lew:\r\nWe write to express our serious concerns over proposed regulations (REG-163113-02) published on August 4, 2016, under Internal Revenue Code section 2704 (proposed regulations) that, if finalized in their current form, will significantly increase the estate tax burden on family businesses. The proposed regulations eliminate or greatly reduce the discounts for lack of control and lack of marketability for family farms and businesses and will thus discourage families from continuing to operate and build their businesses. We ask that the proposed regulations not be finalized in their current form as they directly contradict long-standing legal precedent, create new uncertainty for taxpayers, and put family-owned businesses at a disadvantage relative to other types of businesses.\r\nIn an October 3, 2014, letter, a number of us communicated to the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service our strong opposition to any regulatory effort that would artificially inflate the valuation of estates and eliminate the benefits of estate tax relief legislation that was enacted on a bipartisan basis by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. By raising taxes on family farms and businesses, the proposed regulations represent a step back from the recently enacted permanent estate tax relief.\r\nTreasury should pursue policies that encourage the creation and growth of family businesses and not propose regulatory changes that make it more difficult and costly for families to transfer ownership to future generations. We thus request that Treasury withdraw the proposed regulations and ask that any regulations that Treasury may issue in the future more directly target perceived abuses in the valuation of transferred interests in family businesses.\r\nSincerely,\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-bill-to-enhance-crowdfunding-for-startups", "Daines Introduces Bill to Enhance Crowdfunding for Startups", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.29.16\n\t\t\t Daines Introduces Bill to Enhance Crowdfunding for Startups \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced legislation to better the way entrepreneurs raise funds through crowdfunding, a way that prevents expensive regulatory red tape from keeping startups from getting off the ground.\r\nCrowdfunding is the basic idea of raising money by relatively small contributions from a large number of people - combining the best of microfinance and crowdsourcing.\r\nThe Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a rule last October to give entrepreneurs an important tool in their belt to get their dreams up and running. As a result, the crowdfunding rule allows entrepreneurs to raise up to $1 million annually without having to incur the costs of expensive SEC registration.\r\nStartups shouldn't be penalized with costly paperwork by growing too fast,Daines stated.This bill makes sure startups do not fall victims to their success by reaching the current crowdfunding limits too quickly. This bill is a win for Montana and all our entrepreneurs. Enhanced crowdfunding can better give Montanans the tools they need to create more good-paying jobs and allow them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.\r\nEric Fulton, CEO of Treasure State Internet & Telegraph:Crowdfunding enables TSI&T to grow at the level our support and the need of our community, not just our debt to asset ratio. Raising the ceiling that triggers SEC reporting is incredibly helpful to grow our business. The cost of triggering those reports is extremely high, both in time and money, and while our company is so small, we have everyone working in all areas of the business. Burdensome reporting requirements can take your focus from growing your business.\r\nMatt Gorecki, COO of Treasure State Internet & Telegraph:Being able to include third-party crowdfunding as a line-item group instead of a stack of individuals in our reporting not only streamlines the reports, but keeps our growth and investment information clean and clear. When larger investors review our current list, seeing that we use crowdfunding sources is a benefit, and they know the great work these organizations do for start-ups like ours.\r\nAccording to the Small Business Administration Montana has over 115,000 small businesses in the state, making up 97.4 percent of all businesses. These organizations employ nearly 236,000 Montanans, or 67.4 percent of the state workforce.\r\nThe bill passed the U.S. House of Represenatives with overwhelming bipartisan support on July 5, 2016.\r\nCrowdfunding Enhancement Act:\r\n \r\nAllows for a startup to crowdfund through a combined interest entity. When a startup is ready to grow beyond the use of crowdfunding, this entity keeps institutional investors from being scared off. This is because instead of seeing potentially thousands of private individual investors with different ownership allocations, the institutional investors will only see the ownership interest of the combined interest entity.This provision ultimately allows for a simplified cap table, which shows the ownership interests of each investor.\r\nIncreases the limits that require a startup to register with the SEC, which requires a significant and burdensome costs. This provision ensures that startups do not fall victim to their own success by raising $1 million and growing so quickly that they surpass the limitation threshold.\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-and-bipartisan-bicameral-coalition-introduce-bill-to-protect-law-abiding-gun-owners", "Daines and Bipartisan Bicameral Coalition Introduce Bill to Protect Law-Abiding Gun Owners", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.28.16\n\t\t\t Daines and Bipartisan Bicameral Coalition Introduce Bill to Protect Law-Abiding Gun Owners \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced theExport Control Reform Act of 2016, which transfers regulatory responsibility for non-military-grade firearms from the U.S. Department of State to the U.S. Department of Commerce.\r\nThe Obama administration is continually making attempts at restricting the rights of law-abiding Americans to own guns,Daines stated.Their latest heavy-handed policy unduly targetsgunsmiths, most of whom make little to no income and simply do it for the love of the trade, oraresmall business owners who will be negatively impacted by this burdensome cost.This bill protects both our Second Amendment rights and our small businesses from government overreach.\r\nTheExport Control Reform Act of 2016moves export licensing control, oversight and enforcement for commercial and sporting (non-military) firearms and related items from the Department of State to the Department of Commerce. Commerce already licenses the export of shotguns and shot shells. The Export Control Reform Act simply completes theAdministration's export control reform (ECR) initiative's review of the three categories of articles currently controlled by the State Department for export licensing (U.S. Munitions List Categories I - III) thatthe administration has yet to address as part of its overall ECR initiative.\r\nGary Marbut, President Montana Shooting Sports Association:Montana gun owners are ever so pleased that Senator Daines is taking action to fix this problem, a problem that threatens to put Montana gunsmiths out of business and seriously dampen the Right to Keep and Bear Arms that the people have reserved to themselves from government interference in the U.S. and Montana constitutions.\r\nChris Bonner, Accu-Arms, Missoula, Montana:The State Department's change of regulation could make it much more difficult for me to stay in business. As a federally licensed dealer, I have enough regulations to comply with. Having this regulatory stuff transferred to the Department of Commerce will eliminate one more burden that hampers my business and every other small business owner that deals with firearms.\r\nThe companion bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) with U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mt.), U.S. Representative Tom Marino (R-Pa.);U.S. RepresentativeSteve Stivers (R-Oh.);U.S. RepresentativeHenry Cuellar (D-Tx.); andU.S. RepresentativeGene Green (D-Tx.).\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-announces-12-million-to-address-domestic-violence-safety-for-indian-women", "Daines Announces $1.2 Million to Address Domestic Violence Safety for Indian Women", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.28.16\n\t\t\t Daines Announces $1.2 Million to Address Domestic Violence Safety for Indian Women \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $1,260,000.00 in funding for theNational Indigenous Women's Resource Center, Inc. in Lame Deer to address domestic violence and improve safety for Indian women.\r\nI am committed to ensuring American Indian women have access to the resources they need to feel safe in their communities,Daines stated.\r\nPaula Julian, Policy Specialist National Indigenous Women's Resource Center: We are honored and humbled to continue to serve as the National Indian Resource Center addressing domestic violence and the safety of Native women. We look forward to continuing to work with tribes, tribal coalitions, Native organizations, our lawmakers, like Sen. Daines, and many others across the country to end the violence. With respect to the grant: We look forward to continuing to provide critical technical assistance and training, policy development, and system engagement, and resource development for Indian tribes and Native Hawaiians addressing their local responses to domestic violence and violence against women.\r\nIn June, Daines, U.S. Senator Jon Tester and U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke introduceda resolutionto designate May 5, 2017 as National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls in memory of the birthday ofHanna Harris, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe who was murdered in July 2013.The resolution seeks to commemorate the lives of missing and murdered American Indian and Alaska Native women whose cases are documented and undocumented in public records and the media.\r\nDaines is also an original co-sponsor ofS. 1704, the Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment Act (SURVIVE) Act, which supports Indian victims of crime by requiring the Department of the Interior to use a dedicated funding stream from the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) to administer a competitive tribal grant program for crime victim services and assistance.\r\nIn the House of Representatives, Daines provided critical support and was key to securing passage of the Violence Against Women Act.\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-to-give-9/11-victims-justice", "Daines Votes to Give 9/11 Victims Justice", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.28.16\n\t\t\t Daines Votes to Give 9/11 Victims Justice \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after voting to override President Obama's veto of legislation that would allow families of victims of terror attacks on U.S. soil to sue the foreign states that fund terrorism and permit them to hold accountable those who aid and abet terrorism. The vote was 97-1.\r\nIt has been 15 years since the horrific terror attack of Sept. 11, 2001, that rocked our nation and forever changed our world  that is 15 years too long for justice for these victims,Daines stated.These families deserve long-overdue closure and to seek justice against countries that aided the terrorists responsible for this atrocity.\r\nThe U.S. Senate today voted to override President Obama's veto of theJustice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA)that would give victims of terrorist attacks on U.S. soil tools to hold those who sponsor terrorism accountable and, in particular, permit families of the September 11, 2001 victims to seek financial compensation against foreign state sponsors of terror.\r\nJASTA receivedunanimous supportin both the Senate and the House of Representatives earlier this 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-announces-over-150000-for-cskt-employment-program", "Daines Announces over $150,000 for CSKT Employment Program", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.27.16\n\t\t\t Daines Announces over $150,000 for CSKT Employment Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $156,202 in funding for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe (CSKT) to implement an employment and economic development program.\r\n\r\nThe funding is for the CSKT's Pilot Project Implementation Plan and Pilot Training Initiative, which is the third phase of their Sustainable Economic Development Project funded by the Administration for Native Americans (ANA).\r\nThis grant is good news to help CSKT complete the final phase of their project that will increase sustainable employment and economic development opportunities,Daines stated.\r\nJanet Camel, Planning Director, CSKT Economic Development Office:The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are very pleased to hear about our recent grant award from the Administration for Native Americans.The Employment and Entrepreneurship Project funded by the grant builds on our Strategic Plan to improve the Reservation economy and help Tribal members obtain the training needed to reach their career goals and earn a living wage.\r\nGypsy Ray, Executive Director of Lake County Community Development Corporation (LCCDC):The results of the CSKT Sustainable Economic Development Study showcased multiple opportunities for LCCDC to partner with CSKT. The training needs identified in the study were a natural fit to leverage both state and federal funding within our program areas to support trainings for small business owners and developmental services for entrepreneurs. CSKT is a major employer in Lake County and we are very pleased to see the ongoing support from ANA's SEEDS grant in the community. We are committed to enhancing the quality of life and sustainable economic well-being of all residents of the communities we serve. We look forward to continue our work with CSKT.\r\nLeonard Smith, Executive Director of the Native American Development Corporation:NADC recognizes that entrepreneurship is a strong component for economic development and sustainability on reservations. This grant will give CSKT the ability to build capacity to support entrepreneurship and jobs on the reservation.\r\nThe program will provide timely, customized workforce training and other support to meet the training needs of tribal members and tribal member entrepreneurs on the Flathead Reservation. Instruction will include professional skills training and business development support and resources.\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-nelson-patrons-should-be-protected-from-online-booking-scams", "Daines, Nelson: Patrons Should Be Protected from Online Booking Scams", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.27.16\n\t\t\t Daines, Nelson: Patrons Should Be Protected from Online Booking Scams \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDaines and Nelson introduce legislation to protect consumers from online booking scams\r\nU.S. SENATEU.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) today introduced legislation to protect consumers from online booking scams. \r\nDaines and Nelson introduced The Stop Online Booking Scams Act that protects consumers from illegitimate third party websites that trick consumers into thinking they are making reservations directly with hotels.\r\nOnline booking sites have created a marketplace where consumers can shop for hotels across thousands of brands on a single platform. With the rise of online booking (480 bookings per minute) has come an increase in online booking scams. Fraudulent websites give the appearance of being connected to a hotel, but actually have no relationship with them. Transactions on these sites can result in additional hidden fees, loss of expected loyalty points, or even confirmation of reservations that were never made. The Stop Online Booking Scams Act addresses this problem.\r\nTourism is an important part of Montana's economy and we need to make sure that folks are getting what was promised to them,Daines stated.Legitimate online booking sites provide consumers with a valuable tool for comparison shopping, but deceptive websites trick consumers and scam them into paying for reservations that don't exist.\r\nThis bill intends to crackdown on crooks and fraudsters who trick consumers into booking hotel rooms that don't exist,said Nelson. Millions of consumers use the Internet to easily compare prices and find great deals on hotel rooms. We can't have a few bad actors ruin this for everyone else.\r\nSteve Wahrlich, Chair of the Montana Lodging & Hospitality Association: The lodging industry is a major player in Montana's economy  responsible for, providing $135 million in tax revenue and supporting nearly a billion dollars in total sales throughout the state. Unscrupulous actors that seek to take advantage of unsuspecting travelers jeopardize that. We are grateful to Senator Daines for recognizing this growing threat and introducing the Stop Online Booking Scams Act with his colleague Senator Nelson. We look forward to working with them to protect Montana travelers by moving this commonsense legislation through the legislative process.\r\nDaniel Schuman, Policy Director, Demand Progress: We commend Sen. Daines and Sen. Nelson for their legislation that, if enacted, will help protect travelers from scam hotel reservations. Consumers deserve transparency, and the Stop Online Booking Scams Act of 2016 will reduce fraudulent transactions and provide more tools for states and the FTC to take action against illegitimate sites.\r\nThe Stop Online Booking Scams Act:\r\nRecognizes the Consumer Benefits of Legitimate Booking Sites:\r\n \r\nIncludes a sense of Congress that recognizes the robust online marketplace that allows consumers to easily compare brands and make reservations\r\nNotes that actions by third party sellers that misappropriate brand identity or use deceptive sales tactics are harmful to consumers\r\n \r\nNarrowly Targets Illegitimate Third Party Reservation Sellers:\r\n \r\nMakes it unlawful for a third party online hotel reservation seller who is not affiliated with the hotel to accept payment for a reservation unless the seller discloses that they are not affiliated with the hotel\r\nA third party seller may achieve this by:\r\n \r\n \r\nIncluding conspicuous language throughout the transaction\r\nIncluding prominent display of the seller's brand identity\r\n \r\nGives Enforcement Authority to the Federal Trade Commission and State Attorney Generals:\r\n \r\nMakes a failure to comply with the third party disclosure requirements an unfair or deceptive act under the Federal Trade Commission Act\r\nGives state AGs the authority to bring a civil action against companies who violate this provision\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-following-clean-power-plan-oral-arguments", "Daines Statement Following Clean Power Plan Oral Arguments", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.27.16\n\t\t\t Daines Statement Following Clean Power Plan Oral Arguments \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement after the conclusion of oral arguments inWest Virginia v. EPAbefore the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.\r\nUnder President Obama's Unaffordable Power Plan, Montanans who can afford it the least are paying the steepest price,Daines stated.I'm thankful for our Attorney General Tim Fox who is working tirelessly to ensure that this rule is stopped to protect coal jobs and the hardworking families coal supports.       \r\nEarlier tonight,Daines took partin a bipartisan press conference joined by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Joe Manchin (D-WV) and U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-OK) along with Attorneys General suing to stop President Obama's overreach. Thirty-nine lawsuits seeking review of the final rule have been consolidated in the D.C. Circuit. The final rule was stayed by the Supreme Court on Feb. 9.\r\nDaines has long fought to protect Montana jobs and access to low-cost energy from the Obama administration's overreach.Daines signedan amicus brief in support of petitions filed by 27 states, including Montana, seeking to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency's so-called Clean Power Plan. An amicus brief, or friend of the court brief, can be filed in order to address concerns and advise the Court on a matter of law that directly affects the case at hand. \r\nDaines is anoriginal cosponsorof two bipartisan resolutions disapproving of the EPA's so-called Clean Power Plan regulations on new and existing power sources.\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-1094800-for-law-enforcement-for-the-chippewa-cree-tribe-crow-tribe", "Daines Announces $1,094,800 for Law Enforcement for the Chippewa Cree Tribe, Crow Tribe", "2016-09-26", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.26.16\n\t\t\t Daines Announces $1,094,800 for Law Enforcement for the Chippewa Cree Tribe, Crow Tribe \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $1,094,800in funding for the Chippewa Cree Tribe and the Crow Tribe to enhance law enforcement practices and sustain crime prevention and intervention efforts in nine purpose areas including public safety and community policing; justice systems planning; alcohol and substance abuse; corrections and correctional alternatives; violence against women; juvenile justice; and tribal youth programs.\r\nThe funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. The Chippewa Cree Tribe received $480,223 and the Crow Tribe received $505,125.\r\nThis funding will provide additional resources to help tribes' public safety needs,Daines stated.\r\nHenry Rides Horse Jr, Crow Land Security/Public Safety Cabinet Head:I'm very pleased that we are receiving the grant because we need it. We lack law enforcement funding and it will be a great help.\r\nIn Fiscal Year 2010 The Department of Justice launched the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), which encompassed most of the Department's available Tribal government-specific grant programs. The Tribes are using these funds to enhance law enforcement, bolster justice systems, prevent and control delinquency and strengthen the juvenile justice system, serve sexual assault and elder victims, and support other efforts to combat crime.\r\nDaines is also an original co-sponsor ofS. 1704, the Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment Act (SURVIVE) Act, which supports Indian victims of crime by requiring the Department of the Interior to use a dedicated funding stream from the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) to administer a competitive tribal grant program for crime victim services and assistance.\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-implores-energy-chairman-to-prioritize-lwcf-permanent-reauthorization", "Daines Implores Energy Chairman to Prioritize LWCF Permanent Reauthorization", "2016-09-26", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.26.16\n\t\t\t Daines Implores Energy Chairman to Prioritize LWCF Permanent Reauthorization \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today implored Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to preserve permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) in the Senate passed S. 2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act.\r\nLWCF was created in the spirit of reinvesting the revenues from the sale of our national resources into future resources for all Americans  asset for asset,Daines wrote.Like many of the 85 members who voted in support of S. 2012 on the floor, we consider LWCF a top policy priority in the context of the Energy bill and believe maintaining this provision is crucial to advancing a conference report through the Senate.\r\nS.2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act will help expand Montana energy production and at Daines' request willpermanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).\r\nDaines is a cosponsor of S.338 bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) to secure a permanent solution for LWCF.\r\nDaines has been actively working to secure funding for LWCF. Dainessuccessfully includedan amendment in the FY2016 Interior, 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\nAdditionally, Daines has consistently championed LWCF both in the House and the Senate. Daines recently sent a letter to Interior Appropriations leaders urging for robust funding for LWCF. Daines' letter is availablehere.\r\nThe letter is available for downloadHEREand below:\r\nDear Chairman Murkowski:\r\nAs strong supporters of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), we are writing to thank you for your leadership in crafting S. 2012 theEnergy Policy Modernization Act of 2016, and to urge you to ensure that Section 5002 of the bill is included in any final legislation that emerges from the Energy bill conference.\r\nAs you know, LWCF was created in the spirit of reinvesting the revenues from the sale of our national resources into future resources for all Americans  asset for asset. The Committee recognized the fundamental soundness of this approach  and the compelling need for continued conservation investments in all our states  when it adopted the LWCF language, Section 5002, and rejected weakening amendments. Like many of the 85 members who voted in support of S. 2012 on the floor, we consider LWCF a top policy priority in the context of the Energy bill and believe maintaining this provision is crucial to advancing a conference report through the Senate.\r\nLWCF has had incredible bipartisan success over its near half-century of existence, touching all 50 states and nearly every county in America. It is a continuing investment in the economic driver that our federal, state, and local public lands represent. The parks, trails, forests, wildlife refuges, battlefields, historic sites, and working lands sustained by LWCF funding support an outdoor recreation and tourism sector that contributes a total of $646 billion annually to the American economy, supporting 6.1 million jobs (1 out of every 15 jobs in the U.S.).\r\nThis well-envisioned toolbox is critical for all Americans as it fosters successful partnerships with states, localities, private organizations and landowners to meet unique and pressing conservation, recreation, and historic preservation needs across the country. LWCF has increased access for hunters and anglers on public lands, and has protected fish and game habitat for sportsmen. It preserves historical treasures from Civil War battlefields to our most recent history, such as the United Flight 93 Memorial in Pennsylvania. It helps to ensure that our ranchers and forest owners can keep working the land, and that our local communities can have parks and outdoor recreation sites.\r\nWe deeply appreciate the ways in which Section 5002 of the bill will sustain these benefits by permanently reauthorizing LWCF; refining the program's focus on prioritization, cost efficiency, and accountability; and ensuring that this highly successful program continues to meet communities' conservation needs while helping to protect and maintain our shared heritage. We also enthusiastically support the 1.5 percent sportsmen's access provision which is critical to increase public access to public lands, as changing land use and ownership patterns create challenges to historic and much-needed access for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. \r\nThe importance of these provisions is reflected in their bipartisan passage, not once but twice, by the Committee, and by the full Senate's decisive rejection of a proposed amendment to alter these provisions on the floor, by a wide bipartisan margin, before approving the bill by an overwhelming vote of 85 to 12.\r\nWe appreciate your leadership as conference discussions continue, and we want to reaffirm our support for retaining the LWCF provision in any final Energy conference agreement. Please accept our thanks for your efforts to date, and please let us know how we can help you advance this priority program so it can continue to meet the needs of communities across America.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-statement-on-the-passing-of-ben-steele", "Daines Statement on the Passing of Ben Steele", "2016-09-25", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.25.16\n\t\t\t Daines Statement on the Passing of Ben Steele \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBOZEMAN, Mont. U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement in memory of the life of World War II POW and Bataan Death March survivor, Ben Steele:\r\nMontana has lost an American hero and a state treasure,Daines stated.Ben Steele will be remembered for his service, his courage and his artistic legacy.\r\nOnJuly 10, 2015, Daines honored Steele as Montanan of the Weekfor his exceptional service to the nation and the Billings community.\r\nDaines met Steele onSeptember 9, 2013in Washington, D.C. for the Big Sky Honor Flight.\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"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 378, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "MT", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MT&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 378, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MT&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 378, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MT&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MT&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "MT", "label": "MT", "count": 378, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MT&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 378, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MT", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-09-25,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Edaines~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fdaines-statement-on-the-passing-of-ben-steele", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MT&year=2016&_next=2016-09-25%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Edaines~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fdaines-statement-on-the-passing-of-ben-steele&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 117.59743513539433, "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"}