{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4909", "Tester, Daines, Zinke, Bullock, Fox Stand Against Anti-Semitism and White Nationalism [press_release]", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester, Daines, Zinke, Bullock, Fox Stand Against Anti-Semitism and White Nationalism \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n  \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n(Montana) \u2013 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.\n\u00a0\nIn an open letter to the nation, Montana\u2019s top elected leaders stood together to send a bipartisan message condemning attacks on the Jewish community.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe 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,\u201d\u00a0Montana\u2019s elected officials wrote.\u00a0\u201cWe say to those few who seek to publicize anti-Semitic views that they shall find no safe haven here.\u201d\n\u00a0\nYou can read the entire letter HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4908", "Tester Lands Major Security Upgrades for Helena, Great Falls Airports [press_release]", "2016-12-26", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Big Sandy, Mont.) \u2013 Senator Jon Tester today landed major security upgrades for the Helena Regional Airport and Great Falls International Airport to better ensure the safety of passengers flying out of Montana.\nTester, Montana\u2019s only member of the Homeland Security Committee, has received notification that after a year of pressuring the agency, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be delivering full body scanners to Helena and Great Falls.\u00a0 Currently, the airports only have metal detectors to screen passengers before boarding a plane.\nToday\u2019s announcement comes after several Homeland Security hearings where Senator Tester\u00a0grilled the TSA Administrator\u00a0and demanded the agency deliver full body scanners to Helena and Great Falls airports.\n\u201cWe know that the bad guys will go to the weakest link when they want to inflict harm on our nation,\u201d\u00a0said Tester.\u00a0\u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s critically important that we stay tough and ensure our airports are secure so Montana families are kept safe.\u00a0 I was pleased to work closely with folks in Helena and Great Falls on these important national security upgrades.\u201d\nCurrently, the TSA prioritizes installing full body scanners in urban airports, which had \u200eleft the airports\u00a0in Helena\u00a0and Great Falls\u00a0without the most up-to-date security equipment.\u00a0\nTester also\u00a0successfully added an amendment\u00a0to the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that was signed into law in July to study the feasibility of installing full body scanners in every airport across the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4907", "Tester Slams Wells Fargo for Dodging Questions, Demands Answers [press_release]", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Helena, Mont.) - Senator Jon Tester is calling on the Wells Fargo Board of Directors to respond to questions about the bank's ongoing fraud investigation over deceptive sales practices.\nIn a letter to the bank and its board, Tester demanded answers, accountability and transparency.\"As you know, continued failure to answer questions - especially basic questions - about the causes and consequences of the fraud that Wells Fargo permitted for many years does nothing to restore the trust of Wells Fargo's customers and shareholders, many of whom are our constituents,\" Tester wrote.The letter goes on to demand that the Wells Fargo Board answer the Senate Banking Committee's questions, including who's leading the investigation, why the investigation wasn't launched earlier, and what the board is doing to ensure this kind of systematic fraud and abuse does not happen again. This letter is a follow-up to the one Tester and his colleagues sent back in September and includes many similar questions that the bank has so far failed or refused to answer.\nBack in September, Tester grilled former Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf during a Banking Committee hearing, which was called after it was discovered that the bank had opened over two million deposit and credit card accounts without customers' knowledge and 5,300 bank employees were terminated over the course of several years.\"Fifty-three hundred people is more people than live in most towns in Montana,\" Tester told Stumpf during the hearing. \"Two million is twice the population of the entire state. This is a major screw up that went on for far, far, far too long.\"Tester has also created a portal for constituents to submit their stories, questions and concerns regarding the scandal-particularly if they think they might have been affected.\nAnd earlier this month Tester introduced legislation to ensure Wells Fargo victims could seek justice through the courts.\nYou can read the letter HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4906", "Tester Announces Funding for Crow Oral History Project [press_release]", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Big Sandy, Mont.) - As part of his ongoing efforts to help preserve and support the culture, legacy, and history of Montana's Native American tribes, Senator Jon Tester announced today that Little Big Horn College will receive $99,990 to fund its Crow Oral History project.\n\"The legacies and histories of Montana's Native communities are fundamental to the legacy and history of Montana,\" said Tester, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. \"By funding this project, we can help ensure that the history of the Crow Tribe is passed on for generations to come.\"\nThe name of the project is \"Creating and Perpetuating Crow Oral History in the Classroom and Beyond\" and the grant comes from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through its Humanities Initiatives at Tribal Colleges and Universities. The grant is a highly competitive one, with less than a third of applicants accepted.\n\"The NEH grant will allow faculty and staff at Little Big Horn College to work with elders in the Crow community to create new oral histories based on their life experiences since the end of World War II,\" said Jon Ille, Program Director & Archivist for Little Big Horn College. \"With this grant, we will be able to generate local histories on a wide range of topics for future generations of Crow community members to appreciate.\"\nTester also sponsored the Native Language Immersion Student Achievement Act and the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act this Congress.  Both bills provide grant opportunities for tribes to establish or expand Native language immersion programs, helping revitalize and preserve a fundamental part of tribal cultures while expanding educational opportunities for Native students. The Native Language Immersion Student Achievement Act was ultimately incorporated into the Every Student Succeeds Act, which was enacted earlier this Congress. Eligible schools will be able to apply for the first round of grants under this program in 2017.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4905", "Tester Calls on Senate to Investigate Russian Cyberattacks [press_release]", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester Calls on Senate to Investigate Russian Cyberattacks \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n  \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Requests Bipartisan Committee Take Action to Prevent Tampering with Elections \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t(Havre, Mont.) - Senator Jon Tester today is requesting that the Senate begin a comprehensive investigation into American intelligence reports that Russia carried out coordinated cyberattacks on America during the most recent election.Tester is asking Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to create a temporary Select Committee made up of Republicans and Democrats to investigate cyber intrusions, and to come up with recommendations to prevent future cyberattacks.\"The security of our nation and democracy come before any political affiliation. That's why we must work together and send a strong message to the world that we will not stand for tampering with our elections,\" wrote Tester. \"Americans expect us to do everything within our power to safeguard our nation's economy, security and democracy from foreign threats.\"\nTester noted that Congress has a responsibility to conduct nonpartisan oversight and only an independent committee to investigate cybersecurity will bring clarity to this issue.Tester joins Republicans and Democrats in calling for this bipartisan Committee.  You can read Tester's letter HERE.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4904", "Tester, Daines Announce Appointment of Two Montanans to National Aviation Commission [press_release]", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines announced today that two Montanans\u2014Mike Tooley, Director of the Montana Department of Transportation and Brian Sprenger, Director of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport\u2014will be advising Congress on how to better enhance air transportation in small communities.\n\"In 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.\"\n\"Air 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.\"\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.\"\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.\"\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.\nThe working group was created by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization that both Tester and Daines supported.\nThe intent of the working group is to:\n \nto identify obstacles to attracting and maintaining air transportation service to and from small communities; and\nto develop recommendations for maintaining and improving air transportation service to and from small communities.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4903", "Montana Health Care: Whats At Risk [press_release]", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jon Wants to Know How the Affordable Care Act has Helped You \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n  \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tU.S. Senate and House leadership have made it clear that one of the first items on their \"To Do\" list this January is to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), despite having no plan to replace it.\u00a0\nThat's why I've launched this webpage, so Montanans can submit their personal stories about #WhatsAtRisk if Congress repeals the ACA without a plan to cover the thousands of Montanans who are benefitting from the law.\nI know our healthcare system isn't perfect, we still have a lot of work to do to make it more affordable for working families and to hold insurance and drug companies accountable.\u00a0But repealing all the progress we've made without a plan to cover Montana families is reckless and irresponsible.\nSince the ACA was signed into law...\n \nMore Montanans have access to healthcare than ever before.\nMontanans who have life threatening diseases, like cancer, can now finish their treatments without hitting an arbitrary cap on care.\u00a0\nMontana seniors have saved $56 million in prescription drug costs.\u00a0\n152,000 Montanans with pre-existing conditions now have access to health insurance.\n61,000 low income Montanans have health insurance through Medicaid expansion.\nMontanans under the age of 26 can get health coverage under their parents' plans.\nMontana's uninsured rate has dropped from 22 percent to 7 percent.\n \nAfter holding healthcare roundtables in Billings, Great Falls and Helena, I want to ensure all Montanans have a chance to tell Congress #WhatsAtRisk if they repeal the ACA.\u00a0\nFind out more about #WhatsAtRisk HERE.\nPlease email your personal health care story to healthcare@tester.senate.gov or fill out the questionnaire below.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4900", "Tester Wants to Hear What Montanans Think About Trump's Nominees [press_release]", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester Wants to Hear What Montanans Think About Trump's Nominees \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n  \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Posts Portal on His Website to Take Questions, Comments on the President-elect's Cabinet \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSenator Jon Tester today is launching a portal on his website where Montanans can post questions and comments regarding President-elect Donald Trump's nominees.\nOver the next few weeks it is expected that Trump will nominate 15 people to head up executive departments, and dozens of others to lower spots in his administration.  Those nominees are then expected to come before the Senate in 2017 for a hearing and a vote.\n\"In the coming weeks and months, I will be thoroughly reviewing the resumes of dozens of nominees to ensure they understand the issues that matter to Montana,\" said Tester.  \"It's my hope that folks from across Big Sky Country will join me in asking these potential leaders tough questions to ensure they are fully prepared to lead our state and nation.\"\nTester will consider Montanans' questions and comments throughout the confirmation process.\nSubmit your feedback below:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4901", "Tester to Introduce Legislation to Protect Injured First Responders' Pensions [press_release]", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Helena, Mont.)-In the upcoming Congress, Senator Jon Tester will be introducing bipartisan legislation to protect the pensions of hard working first responders who have been injured on the job.Tester's bill, the Fair RETIRE Act, will help federal firefighters, law enforcement officers, Border Patrol officials, and other federal employees with physically demanding jobs receive their full retirement benefits if they are injured on the job.  Currently, federal employees who are injured in the line of service and return to work for the federal government are not eligible to access the benefits they had earned before their injury.\"Firefighters and law enforcement officers sacrifice every day to keep folks safe, and they shouldn't be financially punished if they are hurt on the job,\" Tester said.  \"This bill is about fairness, and it ensure that the folks who help keep our communities safe are able to access the full amount of their pensions that they have been paying into for years.\"  \"Law enforcement officers and other federal public safety employees who suffer a disabling injury in the line of duty should not be penalized by the very retirement system that ought to be honoring their sacrifice and service,\" wrote Nathan Catura in a letter to Tester, the National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.  \"Thank you again for your strong leadership on this important issue.  We look forward to continuing to work with you to ensure that the Fair RETIRE Act is enacted into law as quickly as possible.\"\"This is a very important piece of legislation to many of our members and those we represent who work in federal land management agencies, who fall under special retirement due to the nature of the work they perform,\" said William Dougan, President of the National Federation of Federal Employees.  \"This legislation will fix a long-standing problem these dedicated first responder civil servants have had which has caused them to be moved from their retirement system to the standard federal retirement system should they incur any injury in the performance of their duties resulting in their inability to continue on in their position.\"\n\"We are happy that Senator Tester has taken on this issue that is so important to the Federal workers who put their health and safety on the line protecting American lives and resources every day.  It's extremely important to our firefighter and law enforcement workers, that they not lose the benefits that they were promised when they hired on to do this work and have paid for during their career,\" added Melissa Baumann, President of NFFE's Forest Service Council.Federal employees with physically demanding jobs, known as \"6c\" occupations, have a mandatory retirement age, and they pay an additional portion of each paycheck towards their retirement.If 6c employees, such as firefighters and law enforcement officers, are injured on the job and unable to return to work before they fulfill their mandatory 20-25 years of service, they lose all of the benefits they have paid into the early retirement system-even if they return to work for the federal government in a non 6c designated occupation.Tester's bipartisan bill will help these injured employees by allowing them to continue to pay into their 6c retirement account even if they don't return to work in a 6c designated occupation.Additionally, Tester's bill will allow those public servants who were hurt while performing a 6c designated occupation to retire after 20-25 years of federal service and be eligible for a lump sum payment of the benefits owed to them from their 6c retirement funds.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4898", "Tester Urges VA to Cover Emergency Care for Montana Veterans [press_release]", "2016-12-11", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Jon Tester is demanding that the VA follow the law and cover the costs of emergency care for hundreds of thousands of veterans across the nation. In a letter to VA Secretary Robert McDonald, Tester is strongly urging the VA to comply with the Emergency Care Fairness Act (ECFA). The ECFA was enacted in 2010 and directs the VA to cover veterans with third-party health insurance when that insurance doesn't cover the full amount of non-VA emergency care. Yet since 2010, the VA has not complied with the law, denying hundreds of thousands of veterans' reimbursement claims for emergency care.    \"Most troubling is the fact that those who are most affected by the VA's non-compliance with the ECFA are our elderly veterans, many of whom are living on fixed incomes and have limited resources to pay medical bills,\" wrote Tester, incoming Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.  \"Often, these veterans find themselves dealing with collection agencies as a result of emergency care received in the community. This potentially increases stress for these veterans, causes them to lose faith in the VA and keeps them from seeking future medical attention out of fear of acquiring additional medical bills for which they would be financially responsible.\" In addition to urging the VA to comply with the law, Tester also requested that the agency reopen all previously-denied claims.   Tester supported ECFA when it passed Congress in 2010.Tester's letter is supported by The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4897", "Tester Delivers Big Blow to Invasive Species [press_release]", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Jon Tester today helped pass legislation to ensure new and established watercraft inspection stations in western Montana are eligible for resources to prevent the spread of damaging aquatic mussels.\"Montana is under attack from invasive mussels that can destroy irrigation systems, reduce opportunities to fish and float, and cause irreversible damage to our state's economy,\" Tester said.  \"This legislation ensures that there will be inspection stations in western Montana that will contain invasive species, one of the first steps to protecting our world-class rivers, lakes, and streams.\"The Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN) Act allows the Army Corps of Engineers to support ongoing operations at existing watercraft inspection stations and establish new stations in western Montana, as well as Idaho, Oregon, and Washington to prevent the spread of invasive species.  Additionally, the Corps is specifically instructed to assist these western states in early detection and rapid response of zebra and quagga mussels, as well as other aquatic invasive species.Tester's legislation will help prevent the spread of the zebra and quagga mussels that were recently discovered in Tiber Reservoir and Canyon Ferry Lake, as well as other invasive species like the Eurasian Watermilfoil.The Columbia River Basin, which includes the Clark Fork, Flathead, and Kootenai Rivers, is the last major river basin in the country that hasn't been exposed to invasive zebra and quagga mussels.  Mussel infestation in that basin could cost hundreds of millions annually for hydroelectric facilities alone.This week, Tester also sent a letter to the Department of the Interior urging the agency to make invasive species prevention its top priority and take swift action to prevent the spread of mussels to the watersheds west of the Continental Divide.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4893", "Tester Secures Victory for Montana Producers: Port of Raymond to Remain Open 24-Hours [press_release]", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - After more than a year of advocacy, Senator Tester received confirmation from U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske that a proposed reduction in hours of service at Northeast Montana's Port of Raymond would be scrapped.\n\"They say the squeaky wheel gets the grease and I know we've been squeaking for a while on this, so I am pleased to see the folks of Northeastern Montana will continue to have a 24-hour port at Raymond.  This is a huge victory for our economy, Northeast Montana, and producers who will continue to be able to move their quality products to market,\" Tester said.  \"I applaud the Commissioner's decision and will work hard to ensure this is not reversed by the next Administration.\"\nTester repeatedly beat back proposals by CBP to cut the hours of operation for the Port of Raymond.\n\"We thank Jon for his efforts to protect farmers and ranchers in northeast Montana.  Protecting the 24-hour status at the Port of Raymond allows producers to continue receiving seed and other essential products without being forced to travel long distances,\" said Gordon Stoner, President of the National Association of Wheat Growers and a farmer from Outlook.\nA tireless advocate for the Port of Raymond, Tester sent Commissioner Kerlikowske a letter urging CBP to keep the Port of Raymond as a 24-hour port last year.\nIn March, Tester grilled Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson on the importance of the Port of Raymond to Montana's economy.\nThe Port of Raymond is one of three 24-hour ports along Montana's northern border.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4894", "Tester Receives Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service [press_release]", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester today received the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service from Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James for fighting for new helicopters at Malmstrom, critical C-130 and ICBM modernization funding, and on behalf of men and women in uniform every day. \"It is truly humbling to receive this honor from the Department of Defense and Secretary James,\" Tester said.  \"Our brave men and women put their lives on the line each and every day for our freedoms and by working together we have successfully fought to ensure Malmstrom and the Montana Air National Guard have the resources they need to keep our nation safe. \"The Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service is the highest award a private citizen, politician, non-career Federal employee, or foreign national can receive.  It is presented for exceptionally distinguished service of significance to the Department of Defense as a whole.\"Senator Tester has exhibited extraordinary leadership and vision that has ensured America's Air Force remained the pre-eminent air, space, and cyberspace force in the world,\" Secretary James wrote.  \"Senator Tester's outstanding, career-long, contributions have ensured an enduring heritage and unlimited horizons for the United States Air Force.\"Secretary James also awarded the Distinguished Public Service Medal to Tester's fellow Senate Air Force Caucus co-chairs, Sens. John Boozman (R-Ark.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).\nThis week, Tester secured a pay raise for America's troops, improved the security of Malmstrom Air Force Base, and passed legislation to protect National Guardsmen and women from repaying bonuses.  As the Ranking Member of the Milcon/VA Subcommittee, Tester has secured funding for military construction projects across Montana.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4888", "Four Years Later, Tester Examines Impact of the Land Buy-Back Program [press_release]", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Four years after the launch of the historic Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations, Senator Jon Tester heard from tribal leaders who were impacted by the $1.9 billion initiative to restore fractionated land into tribal control.\nDuring a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing, Tester heard testimony and questioned the Interior Department's Deputy Secretary, as well as Montana Tribal Leaders Fort Peck Chairman Floyd Azure and Blackfeet Vice-Chairman Terry Tatsey on the impacts they have seen with the land buy-back program.\n\"Addressing the problems of land fractionation is an important step for Indian Country,\" Tester said in the hearing.  \"By returning these lands to tribes, the Land Buy-Back program has helped tribal governments in a number of ways from addressing jurisdictional issues and protecting cultural and natural resources to developing key infrastructure.\"\nThe Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations was the result of a settlement from a class-action lawsuit brought to federal court by Elouise Cobell, a Montanan, an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe, and recent Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient.\nThe land buy-back program aims to purchase fractional interests in trust or restricted land from willing sellers at a fair market value, which has provided tribal governments greater control of their land.\nSince the land buy-back program began making offers to tribal members in 2013, nearly $900 million has been paid to land owners for roughly 1.7 million acres that has been restored to tribal governments.\nThis month, the Interior Department sent out over $270 million in offers to Blackfeet tribal members who own fractionated land interests on the Blackfeet Reservation.  Tribal members from the Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Flathead, Fort Belknap, and Fort Peck Reservations have already received payouts from the land buy-back program.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4889", "Senate Air Force Caucus Members Discuss Priorities with Senior Members of Air Force [press_release]", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - Members of the Senate Air Force Caucus met with U.S. Air Force leaders at the caucus' biannual breakfast in Washington to discuss upcoming priorities and challenges of the Air Force.\nChief of Staff of the Air Force General David Goldfein, Vice Chief General Steven Wilson, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Cody were among the senior Air Force leaders at the breakfast. The session afforded Members the opportunity to talk about a wide range of topics, from modernization and manning issues to the future of cyber operations and budgetary challenges.\nU.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), John Boozman (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and John Hoeven (R-ND) are leaders of the Senate Air Force Caucus.\n\"Our Air Force plays a unique and unparalleled role in ensuring our national security,\" Senator Jon Tester said. \"The Airmen at Malmstrom and around the world ensure our freedoms are protected and our families are safe. I am proud to co-chair the Air Force Caucus, which helps ensure these brave men and women have the resources and support they need to keep this country and its citizens safe.\"\n\"National security must be a top priority. To ensure our Air Force personnel have the resources needed to accomplish their missions Congress and the Air Force must maintain an open dialogue. I'm proud to be a leader of the Senate Air Force Caucus and serve as a voice for the brave men and women who serve our country in uniform and protect us every day,\" Senator John Boozman said.\nThe bipartisan group includes 49 members and oversees issues impacting the U.S. Air Force. The caucus sponsors specialized briefings, base visits and outreach opportunities with Air Force stakeholders throughout the year\n\"Our men and women in uniform work hard to protect our country and keep American families safe, and I'm proud to work with the Senate Air Force Caucus to support them,\" Senator Heidi Heitkamp said. \"In the U.S. Senate, I've pushed for tough, smart national security strategies to strengthen Air Force bases in North Dakota and beyond. Airmen and women make valuable contributions to our communities each day in addition to their lasting contributions to our national security.\"\"Our Air Force has been engaged in combat operations for over 25 years, the average age of our aircraft is at an all-time high, readiness rates are at all-time lows, and costs to sustain legacy aircraft are increasing,\" Senator Jim Inhofe said. \"Our Air Force has suffered through eight years of budget, procurement, development and personnel cuts.  It is time to grow, rebuild and modernize our Air Force and I look forward to working with my fellow Senators on this caucus and the United States Air Force to achieve these goals.\"\"I thank Air Force leaders for taking time out of their day to discuss steps we can take to make sure our Air Force has every tool it needs to be successful,\" said Senator Mike Rounds. \"From critical missions being conducted at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota to important aerospace research being done to assure U.S. air superiority, the Air Force plays an important role in our long-term defense strategy. As a member of the Senate Armed Forces Committee and the Senate Air Force Caucus, I remain committed to fully supporting our Air Force.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4890", "Tester Helps Secure Highest Pay Raise for Troops in Six Years [press_release]", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester today helped bolster national security, support Montana's service members, and increase military readiness by securing key provisions in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\nThe 2017 NDAA authorizes critical military equipment and resources while also providing a 2.1 percent pay raise for troops and their families. Congress has been working together to resolve differences between the House and Senate NDAA bills passed by each chamber in June. Several Tester provisions were included in the final bill.\n\"This bill authorizes the biggest pay raise for our troops in six years, and guarantees that Malmstrom's assets and infrastructure will be strong and secure for decades to come,\" said Tester, a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. \"Our troops and their families have sacrificed so much for our country, and this bill does right by them.\"\nTester secured the following provisions for Malmstrom in final the NDAA:  \n \nProvides for the replacement of Malmstrom's Vietnam-era Huey helicopters by 2019.\u00a0\nAuthorizes a new Missile Maintenance Dispatch facility that will house and maintain the Huey replacement aircraft. Tester secured funding for this project in his 2017 Military Construction and Appropriations Bill, which was signed into law in September.\u00a0\nProvides for the modernization of the ICBMs at Malmstrom.\n \nOther Key Tester Provisions Included in the NDAA:  \n \nLegislation to protect National Guard members from repaying improper bonuses.\nProvisions to ensure that service members who are unfairly discharged from the armed services after experiencing combat or sexual trauma resulting in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injuries are granted their proper due process.\nLegislation that strengthens whistleblower protections and enhances safeguards for survivors of military sexual assault. Tester's bill will better protect service members from retaliation after reporting instances of waste, fraud or abuse, and will protect military sexual assault survivors against retaliation for reporting they were sexually assaulted.\n \nTester voted in support of the 2017 NDAA, which passed the Senate 92-7.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4883", "Tester Blasts Pentagon for Hiding Information About How to Reduce Spending [press_release]", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - Following a Washington Post investigation, Senator Jon Tester is blasting the Pentagon for its troubling decision to bury an internal study which exposed as much as $125 billion in potential savings for U.S. taxpayers.\n\"This is a complete slap in the face to the American taxpayer.  As teachers, border patrol agents, and firefighters tighten their belts, and as our deficits grow, the Pentagon is avoiding transparency and irresponsibly shoving billions of taxpayer dollars into dark corners of the Pentagon,\" said Tester, a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. \"I am demanding a full, public, audit of the Defense Department budget and calling on Congress to immediately fill the vacant Inspector General position at the agency so we can hold these folks accountable.\"\nThe Washington Post reports that this plan to save billions \"would not have required layoffs of civil servants or reductions in military personnel. Instead, it would have streamlined the bureaucracy through attrition and early retirements, curtailed high-priced contractors, and made better use of information technology.\"\nJust last week, Senator Tester called on Senate leadership to confirm the eight pending Inspectors General nominees.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4884", "Tester Holds Wells Fargo Accountable, Fights for Fraud Victims to Get Their Day in Court [press_release]", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester has introduced legislation to hold Wells Fargo accountable after the company opened over two million fraudulent deposit and credit card accounts without customers' knowledge or consent.\nWells Fargo is attempting to use a forced arbitration clause, which was included in the contracts that customers signed when they opened their legitimate accounts, that blocks them from suing the bank over fraudulent accounts.  Tester in response has introduced legislation to eliminate the ability of any bank to force customers into arbitration on any issue associated with fraudulent accounts.\n\"It is unacceptable that Wells Fargo is hiding behind fine print and denying folks the ability to seek justice for the bank's fraudulent actions,\" said Tester, a member of the Senate Banking Committee.  \"Wells Fargo's irresponsible and reckless business model has put people's credit at risk, and in some cases may have caused irreversible damage.  Wells Fargo must clean up their act.\"\nTester's Justice for Victims of Fraud Act will retroactively apply a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule to Wells Fargo's victims that allows them to seek their day in court-even if they signed a contract that restricts them to forced arbitration.\nThe CFPB rule currently only applies to contracts signed after the rule was put in place earlier this year.\nIn September, Tester grilled former Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf during a Senate Banking Committee hearing for the bank's actions that jeopardized the finances of thousands of Americans.\nAfter Stumpf was unable to answer Tester's questions about Wells Fargo's fraudulent actions, Tester sent a letter to the former CEO with further questions about the potential impacts Wells Fargo's actions are having on families who have been forced to pay higher interest rates on loans as a result of negative information that was reported to credit bureaus.\nAdditionally, Tester's announced that his office is taking casework from Montanans who believe they have been impacted by Wells Fargo's actions.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4882", "Tester Reaches Across the Aisle to Outline VA Priorities [press_release]", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today met with Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) to outline his priorities for veterans in advance of taking over as the committee's Ranking Member in January.\n\"I look forward to continuing to work with the Republicans, Democrats, and Independents on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to hold the VA accountable, improve care, and ensure we are delivering on this nation's commitment to our veterans,\" Tester said.  \"I have a great relationship with Chairman Isakson, and I am excited to get to work on behalf of Montana's veterans and their families.\"\nTester's priorities for the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee include reforming the Veterans' Choice Program, streamlining duplicative care in the community programs, strengthening accountability, and addressing medical workforce shortages at the VA.\nTester also emphasized that he will work closely with Veteran Service Organizations-like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America-to increase timely access to care at the VA and increase opportunities for veterans after they leave the armed services.\nTester and Isakson worked together earlier this year to craft the Veterans First Act, a bipartisan bill to fix the VA's Choice Program, bring more accountability and transparency to the VA, and enhance benefits and care for more veterans and their families.  The Veterans First Act was unanimously passed by the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, but was never brought up for a vote on the Senate floor.\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Tester will be responsible for holding the VA accountable to veterans across the country-including overseeing the confirmation process of the next VA Secretary and holding regular hearings on critical issues facing veterans.\nAfter his meeting with Chairman Isakson, Tester took to the Senate floor to reassure veterans that he will oppose any efforts to privatize or otherwise dismantle the VA.  Tester expressed concerns that President-elect Trump is being advised by a Koch Brothers-backed organization, Concerned Veterans for America, which supports privatization of the VA.  Tester told his colleagues that efforts to privatize and dismantle the VA will lead to longer wait times for veterans, and higher costs for taxpayers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4885", "Tester, Daines Introduce Legislation to Honor the 100th Anniversary of the First Woman Elected to Congress [press_release]", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S Senate) - U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines today introduced legislation to honor the 100th anniversary of the first woman elected to Congress.\nThe 100 Years of Women in Congress Act would pay tribute to former Representative Jeannette 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.\n\"Jeannette 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.\"\n\"Jeannette 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.\"\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.\nU.S. Representative Ryan Zinke (R-MT) introduced companion legislation that passed the U.S. House of Representatives on April 18, 2016.\n\"Rep. 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.\"\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.\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.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4881", "Tester Calls for the Immediate Approval of Government Watchdogs [press_release]", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today pushed Senate leadership to fill the vacant positions that are responsible for holding federal government agencies accountable.Tester sent a letter pushing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and Senator Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to confirm the eight current Inspector General (IG) nominations pending before the Senate.  IGs are non-partisan, independent officers within federal government agencies whose goal is to increase efficiency and effectiveness in government programs.\"In order to keep our promise to the American people to hold government entities accountable and ensure taxpayer dollars are well spent, we must ensure these vacant IG positions are filled in a timely manner,\" Tester wrote.  \"As permanent leadership slots get filled throughout government agencies in the coming months, IGs oversight role is critical.\"The Senate has received nominations for eight of the current nine IG vacancies across the federal government, but the Senate has not brought these nominees up for a confirmation vote.  Agencies that do not have a permanent IG currently include the Department of Defense, Central Intelligence Agency, and Department of Energy.In 2014, IGs across the federal government saved taxpayers $46.5 billion through audits, program improvements, and investigations.Earlier this year, Tester led the push to confirm Michael Missal as the IG of the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA).  Prior to Missal's confirmation, the VA had operated for over two years without a permanent IG.Tester's letter to McConnell and Reid is available HERE.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4877", "Tester Answers Tough Questions from #Montennials via Facebook Live [press_release]", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - As part of his newly launched initiative to engage with Montana millennials, Senator Jon Tester hosted his first-ever online town hall tonight via Facebook Live.  The Senator took questions from dozens of Facebook users-many responding in real time-on topics ranging from college affordability to healthcare to honoring our veterans.\n\"This town hall was a great opportunity to hear from the next generation of Montana leaders,\" Tester said. \"This type of event opens up a whole new universe of possibilities when it comes to connecting with folks on the ground-and all over the world-who share a common goal of mine, and that's helping Montana thrive.\"\nA total of 5,657 users logged on to watch and participate in the event over the course of 55 minutes.  Some of the most popular topics and responses included spurring job growth, the importance of a quality education, and the need to combat climate change. In addition to answering dozens of questions, the Senator took time to thank our troops for their service.  He also riffed about his time as an elementary school music teacher.\nFeedback from viewers was overwhelmingly positive.\nScott Proctor of Billings commented, \"This is pretty cool, I would like to see more of our elected representatives do a live Facebook stream!\"\n\"Thanks for this meeting, let's have more,\" said Kathleen Olear of Stevensville.\nAnd Heidi Davis from Missoula wrote, \"This was very cool, let's do it again!\"\nThe Senator launched his #Montennial tour back in October to hear directly from Montana millennials about the issues that are most important to them. In addition to visiting coffee shops and college campuses throughout the state, the Senator hopes tonight's event will encourage and promote Montanans to engage with him in a variety of ways, including online.\nThose who missed the live event can watch the town hall in its entirety HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4879", "As Federal Government Gains Spying Authority, Tester Blasts Congress for Inaction [press_release]", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As Federal Government Gains Spying Authority, Tester Blasts Congress for Inaction \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n  \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t(U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester today blasted Congress for refusing to take up his legislation that would have blocked the government's increasing ability to conduct electronic surveillance against Montanans.\nStarting today, the government will have increased authority to access Americans' personal information on their computers due to procedural changes for obtaining a search warrant in federal court.\n\"Like all Montanans, I'm deeply concerned about the federal government's increasing authority to spy on its citizens,\" said Tester.  \"We must do everything in our power to keep our nation safe while also protecting our right to privacy and other civil liberties.\"\nTester's bipartisan Stopping Mass Hacking Act would have prevented the changes from going into effect today that allow the government to get a single warrant to remotely search, copy, and seize information from computers without the consent or knowledge of their owners.  The new changes could allow one judge to issue a warrant allowing a search of hundreds, thousands, or millions of devices located across the country.\nTester called on Congress to immediately take up his legislation to protect Montanans' right to privacy.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4875", "Tester Holds Border Patrol Chief Accountable and Fights to Beef Up Border Security [press_release]", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today continued his push to improve security and strengthen law enforcement along the northern border by directly questioning the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol.Tester pushed Chief Mark Morgan during a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing to provide specific updates on initiatives the agency has implemented to improve security along the northern border. Tester directly asked him if the Border Patrol has the sufficient staff to secure the northern border and keep towns across Montana's Hi-Line safe. \"The process the Border Patrol goes through to hire folks can be long and cumbersome, and do you have any recommendations to expedite that process?\" Tester asked.After Chief Morgan was unable to provide specifics, Tester called on him to produce a plan to improve the Border Patrol's ability to recruit and retain local law enforcement officers and pressed him to work more closely with public schools across the Hi-Line to recruit Montana natives to protect the northern border.\"A lot of people don't know about the career opportunities you have in the Customs and Border Protection,\" Tester added.  \"You need to get folks on board who not only live on the border, but want to live there.\"During his testimony, Tester also highlighted the importance of Stonegarden grants to local communities, which are used to enhance cooperation between the local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies that defend the country's borders. Tester helped secure over $870,000 in Stonegarden grants for Montana counties along the northern border this year.Tester closed the hearing by encouraging Chief Morgan to strengthen the relationship between the Border Patrol and local farmers and ranchers to help ensure the entire 545 miles along the Montana-Canadian border is secured.As Montana's only member of the Homeland Security Committee, Tester has worked closely with law enforcement officials to increase norther border security.In September, Tester pushed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to eliminate communication \"dead zones\" that exist along the norther border, which prevents Border Patrol agents from communicating internally and with local law enforcement.Tester has also outlined a series of steps DHS should take in response to a new travel policy that allows Mexican nationals to enter Canada more easily. Tester asked DHS to identify additional resources that will be needed to patrol remote areas of the northern border in Montana, pinpoint additional national security threats that will arise from an increase of travelers from Mexico, and track and enforce security plans for Mexican travelers who overstay the six-months they are permitted to visit Canada.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4870", "Tester Calls on President-elect Trump to Meet with Veterans Service Organizations Before Nominating Next VA Secretary [press_release]", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester Calls on President-elect Trump to Meet with Veterans Service Organizations Before Nominating Next VA Secretary \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n  \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Senator Will Lead VA Secretary Confirmation Hearing as Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans\u00e2?? Affairs Committee \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today called on President-elect Trump to meet with Veterans Service Organization leaders before nominating the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.\n\"The next VA Secretary must fulfill our nation's commitment to those who served,\" Tester said.  \"It is absolutely critical that President-elect Trump gathers input directly from veterans and Veteran Service Organizations before choosing the next leader of the VA, and that he understands the urgent challenges that many veterans face across the country-especially in rural states like Montana.\"\nTester has served on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee for a decade and will become its Ranking Member in January.  He will help lead the confirmation hearing of the next VA Secretary.  Tester has a strong track record of working with VA Secretaries under both Republican and Democratic Presidents.\nTester has been working with Veterans Service Organizations as Montana's only member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee to better hold the VA accountable, get meaningful reforms passed, and increase access to care for rural veterans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4871", "Tester Introduces Legislation to Increase Transparency of Public Records [press_release]", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester Introduces Legislation to Increase Transparency of Public Records \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n  \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Senator\u00e2??s Bill Will Hold Federal Government Accountable \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t(U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester today introduced legislation to increase transparency of public records and hold the federal government accountable.Tester's Public Online Information Act will make all public records from the Executive Branch permanently available on the Internet in a searchable database at no cost to constituents. \"Unfortunately, the federal government can be a black hole of information and bureaucracy,\" said Tester.  \"It's time we shine some light on government and hold federal agencies accountable to the public.  This legislation is a strong step forward in transparency and ensuring government works for Montana.\"Tester's bill aligns with the Freedom of Information Act in exempting matters of national security, personnel records, and pending law enforcement investigations from the database.This legislation is endorsed by the Sunlight Foundation and can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4872", "Tester to Hold Online Townhall Wednesday [press_release]", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - As part of his recently launched #Montennial initiative, Senator Jon Tester will be hosting his first ever online townhall via Facebook Live, where he will take questions and comments from constituents through Facebook and Twitter. Tester will be responding, in real time, to comments and questions being posted during the event, as well as questions posted on the Facebook event beforehand.\n#Montennial Online TownhallWednesday, November 30, 20166-7 p.m. MSTFacebook Live\n\"I launched my #Montennial tour to have a conversation with the next generation of our state's leaders-Montana's millennials,\" Tester said. \"That's why I'm hosting my first ever online townhall, to hear directly from the folks who will be most impacted by today's policy decisions, and hear about the issues that matter most to them.\"\nWhile the focus will be on issues impacting millennials, Montanans of all ages are encouraged to participate in Tester's online townhall and can submit a question in advance on Twitter or Facebook, just remember to include #Montennial!", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4867", "Tester Helps Secure Job Training Resources for Former Weyerhaeuser Employees [press_release]", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today announced that employees who were laid off by Weyerhaeuser earlier this year are now eligible to apply for critical job retraining resources known as Trade Adjustment Assistance.\n\"Every Montanan who was laid off by Weyerhaeuser deserves an opportunity to land a new good-paying job at home in the Flathead Valley,\" said Tester.  \"I'm pleased to have worked with folks on the ground to secure this important job training resource for workers who were unfairly laid off.  I'll continue working with folks in Columbia Falls and the surrounding communities to ensure they have a renewed shot at success.\"\nTester's Trade Adjustment Assistance Act was signed into law last year to help assist manufacturing, agriculture, timber, and service employees retrain for new jobs if their job is outsourced or if their employers go out of business due to trade.\nEarlier this year during a roundtable in Columbia Falls, Tester called on the Montana Department of Labor to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance on behalf of the over 100 employees who were terminated.\nTester's bill also provides funding which community colleges and other career training programs can use to retrain workers in skilled work fields and provides health care tax credits to help eligible unemployed workers afford health insurance.\nFormer Weyerhaeuser employees are now eligible to apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance through the Kalispell Job Service.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4865", "Tester, Daines Call for More Reliable Mail Service in Rural Montana [press_release]", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester, Daines Call for More Reliable Mail Service in Rural Montana \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n  \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Senators Raise Concerns Over House Postal Bill \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t(U.S. Senate) - 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.In 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.\"The 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.\"Tester and Daines are pushing for key provisions to be included in any postal reform legislation that Congress considers:  \nMaking mail delivery more reliable - USPS needs a performance target system to make sure measurements of mail delivery are accurate across the country.\nImproving accountability and transparency - USPS must publish performance information online and make a plan to address inefficiencies when goals are not met.\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.\u00a0\n \nYou can read the Senators' letter HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-week-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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4862", "Tester's Bill to Strengthen National Security Passes Senate [press_release]", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Missoula, Mont.) -Senator Jon Tester's bill to strengthen national security and reform the security clearance process has been passed by the U.S. Senate.\nTester's Security Clearance Accountability, Reform, and Enhancement (SCARE) Act prohibits federal contractors and employees who have compromised the integrity of a background investigation from performing future background investigations.\n\"As the Trump Administration begins to take shape and a new crop of folks start requesting security clearances, it's more important than ever to make sure this process is thorough,\" said Tester, a member of the Homeland Security Committee. \"We must protect our nation's most sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands and the SCARE Act will better ensure our nation is protected from insider threats.\"\nNoting that more than 4 million Americans have a security clearance, Tester's SCARE Act also forces the federal government to update policies determining which positions and contracts require a security clearance.\nTester introduced the SCARE Act after the high-profile cases of Edward Snowden and Aaron Alexis revealed serious lapses in the screening process.\nLast Congress, the President signed into law Tester's SCORE Act that brought greater transparency into the background investigation process for security clearances.\nYou can read about Senator Tester's work reforming the background security clearance process HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4864", "Tester Fights to Protect Montana Family Farmers and Ranchers from Harmful Government Regulation [press_release]", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester is fighting to protect Montana family farmers and ranchers from a proposed regulation that could limit their ability to pass-on their operations to the next generation.\nIn a letter to Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, Tester pushed back on proposed changes to the tax code that could prevent family-owned farms and ranches from being able to pass their operations down from one generation to the next without being forced to pay a significant estate tax.\n\"While I support the Treasury Department's efforts to weed out loopholes which are often only used by the wealthiest among us, we must do this in a way that won't be detrimental to our family farms and ranches,\" Tester wrote.\n\"We appreciate Senator Tester's leadership in ensuring the tax code works for small businesses,\" said Tracy Brunner, National Cattlemen's Beef Association President.  \"Family farms and ranches in Montana, and across the country, are small businesses that rely on a stable tax code that allows us to make sound financial decisions for the future and remain in business from one generation to the next.\"\nThe Treasury Department's proposed regulation would make it more difficult to discount minority shares when passing down business interests to family members.\nSince 1990, owners of family farms and ranches have been able to pass minority stakes in their businesses to family members, which then allows them to pass their entire operation down to their family at a later date without having to pay the estate tax.\nWhen family members transfer minority stakes of ownership in their farms or ranches they often come with prohibitions that prevent those shares from being sold outside of the family.\nThese rules help keep farms and ranches within the family, and help prevent families from being forced into a situation where they have to liquidate parts of their operation to pay the estate tax.\nThe estate tax currently only applies to estates that are valued over $10.9 million in 2016 and $10.98 million in 2017 per couple.\nTester's letter to Secretary Lew is available HERE.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4859", "Tester to Help Lead Veterans Affairs Committee [press_release]", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - After spending the last 10 years fighting for Montana's veterans as the state's only member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Senator Jon Tester has doubled-down on his commitment to our service men and women by becoming Ranking Member of the Senate's Veterans Affairs Committee.\n\"Giving a voice to Montana's veterans is one of the most important jobs I have as a Senator,\" Tester said. \"This next Congress I will work with Republicans, Democrats and veterans advocates to hold the VA accountable and deliver for the brave men and women who risked life and limb to protect our most fundamental liberties.\"\nBy accepting one of the Committee's two top leadership positions, Tester has committed to working with both Republican and Democrats, as well as the Veterans Service Organizations, to hold the VA accountable, get meaningful reforms passed, and make sure our country fulfills its promise to the men and women who have served.\n\"The VFW wants to congratulate Senator Jon Tester on his selection as the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs\" said Bob Wallace, the Adjutant General of the VFW. \"Senator Tester has been a strong advocate for America's veterans and we look forward to working with him in the 115th Congress.\"\n\"I couldn't be prouder of Jon's accomplishments while representing the veterans of Montana on Capitol Hill.  His accomplishments on veterans' issues are second to none. On behalf of all the veterans I work with and serve, we thank him and wish him the very best in all of his endeavors,\" said Joe Parsetich, former Head of Montana DAV and current Mentor Coordinator for the Veterans Treatment Court in Great Falls.\nTester is widely known as one of the Senate's most vocal advocates for veterans.  As Ranking Member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, Tester just spearheaded the passage of major legislation that increases funding for veterans health care by $3.3 billion.\n\"Senator Tester has long been an advocate for troops, veterans and their families and his appointment as the Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs is great news.  MOAA looks forward working with Senator Tester in his new role and with the Committee to do all we can to help improve the health and well-being of our Nation's veterans and their families,\" said Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, USAF (Ret), President/CEO of the Military Officers Association of America.\n\"I am pleased to hear Senator Tester will help lead the Senate Veterans Affairs committee as the ranking Democrat.  Regardless of which side of the aisle a person sits, veterans need the voice of experience, moderation, and reason on Capitol Hill. Jon Tester is that man,\" said Ed Saunders LTC (ret) US Army and member of Billings DAV.\nTester also worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to craft and introduce the Veterans First Act, which will fix the VA's Choice Program, bring more accountability and transparency to the VA, and enhance benefits and care to more veterans and their families.  Despite the fact that this bill was introduced and unanimously passed out of Committee back in April, leadership still hasn't brought it to the floor for a vote.\n\"NAMI Montana is excited to have Senator Tester as the ranking member of the Senate Veterans Committee,\" said Matt Kuntz, Executive Director of NAMI Montana. \"We've worked with Senator Tester for years on both issues of national significance to veterans and those of individual Montana veterans in need of help. He's proven his willingness to go to bat over and over again for our nation's veterans.\"\nIn addition to being a strong voice for veterans in Washington, Tester is also a constant presence in the state, working directly with veterans on the ground to help them get the care and benefits they've earned.  Earlier this year Tester launched his Veterans' Choice Outreach Tour to hear directly from veterans across 28 rural Montana communities. Tester also recently held a Small Business Opportunity Workshop in Great Falls, specifically aimed and helping veterans and entrepreneurs connect. And after more than five years of effort, Tester recently announced that the VA will establish a brand new Vets Center in Helena.\nYou can read more about Tester's work on behalf of veterans HERE, HERE and HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4860", "Tester Announces $90 Million to Strengthen Business and Boost Economy [press_release]", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today announced the Montana Community Development Corporation has received $90 million in New Market Tax Credits to help create jobs and grow rural communities across the Treasure State.\n\"This job creating investment will help small businesses open their doors in the pockets of our state that need it the most,\" Tester said.  \"I have seen firsthand the important role New Market Tax Credits play in Montana's economy, and I will continue to ensure that the folks at the Montana Community Development Corporation are able to access this critical tool to help create jobs and increase economic activity.\"\nAs a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tester was able to secure this historic investment that will help create jobs and increase economic activity in underdeveloped and low-income areas.\nThe Montana Community Development Corporation participated in a highly competitive nationwide application process to secure $90 million in New Market Tax Credits.\nIn recent years, New Market Tax Credits have been used to revitalize numerous commercial districts across Montana, including the new Cameron Family Center in Great Falls, historic Sears Building in Butte, and the Garlington Building in downtown Missoula.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4856", "Tester Praises Permanent Protection of Badger-Two Medicine [press_release]", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "*** VIDEO | AUDIO ***\n(U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement after he joined Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, Blackfeet Tribal leaders, and Devon Energy to celebrate the cancellation of 15 more oil and gas leases in the Badger-Two Medicine:\"There are special places in this world where we just shouldn't drill, and the Badger-Two Medicine is one of those places.  This region carries great cultural and historical significance to the Blackfeet Tribe and today's announcement will ensure that the Badger-Two Medicine will remain pristine for both the Tribe and the folks who love to hunt, hike, and fish near Glacier Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.\"Tester joins the Blackfeet tribe, sportsmen, conservationists, and local oil and gas developers in supporting the protection of the Badger Two Medicine.  Tester attended today's signing ceremony in Washington D.C. with Interior Secretary Sally Jewel, Blackfeet Tribal Chairman Harry Barnes, and Devon Energy CEO Dave Hager. After the Interior Department cancelled the controversial Solonex lease in March, only 17 of the original 47 oil and gas leases that were granted by the federal government in the Badger-Two Medicine remained active.  Prior to the cancellation of the Solonex lease, nearly two-thirds of the original leases were voluntarily relinquished.  In 1982, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service granted 47 oil and gas leases. Two years later, a drilling permit was approved on one of the leases, though drilling was stalled when a moratorium was placed on oil and gas drilling in the area.Tester is the only member of Montana's Congressional delegation to support cancelling the leases. He has long supported protecting the area, and last year he formally called on the Interior Department to cancel the remaining leases in the Badger Two Medicine, citing its importance to the Blackfeet Tribe and Montana's sportsmen and women.The Badger-Two Medicine area is located at the intersection of the Blackfeet Reservation, Glacier National Park, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4857", "Tester Sponsors Bill to Clean Up Washington [press_release]", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester is continuing his push to clean up Washington, D.C. and increase accountability in the federal government by leading an effort to permanently ban former members of Congress from becoming registered lobbyists.\nTester is sponsoring the Close the Revolving Door Act.  This bill will ban former members of Congress from becoming lobbyists, while also increasing the period of time staffers are prohibited from registering as lobbyists after leaving Congress.\n\"Folks across Montana expect their government to be open and honest,\" Tester said.  \"This bill will help clean up Washington, increase transparency, and hold folks in Congress accountable to their real bosses-the American people.\"\nAdditionally, the bill would create a website, lobbyists.gov, to provide easily searchable information on lobbying activities. It also increases the maximum penalty for violating the Lobbying Disclosure Act from $200,000 to $500,000.\nTester has been a champion of government accountability and transparency throughout his tenure in the Senate, pushing countless pieces of reform legislation over the last 10 years.  These include the STOCK Act, which prohibits members of Congress or their staff from using knowledge gained through their Congressional work for personal financial gain.  Tester has also fought hard to require Senate candidates to post their quarterly campaign finance reports online - something he already does voluntarily.\nTester was the first member of Congress and is still the only member of Montana's Congressional Delegation to post his daily public schedule on his website.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4858", "Tester Announces Elouise Cobell Honored with Presidential Medal of Freedom [press_release]", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today announced that Elouise Cobell has been recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.\nTester recommended Cobell earlier this year to receive the nation's highest civilian honor for her leadership and fight for justice for Native American families.\n\"Elouise Cobell was a champion for change and a fierce advocate for Native American families,\" Tester said.  \"Elouise has now joined some of the most influential Americans in our nation's history by receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and her legacy is guaranteed to live on for generations to come.\"\nCobell's case against the federal government was settled in 2009, thirteen years after it was originally filed in U.S. District Court. Cobell passed away just two years later in 2011. Tester attended her funeral.\nThe first distribution of Cobell payments was made to Native American families in 2013. Additional payments through the Department of the Interior's Land Buy-Back Program are ongoing, and to date, over $900 million in payments through the Buy-Back Program have been made to tens of thousands of Native American landowners for selling their fractional interests in land to their respective tribe.\nAs Treasurer of the Blackfeet Nation, Cobell also founded the first tribally-owned national bank located on an Indian reservation. The Blackfeet National Bank is now the Native American Bank and provides access to capital and financial services to more than 20 tribes across the nation.\nThe Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award that can be presented by the United States. According to the White House, the award may be presented \"to any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, or world peace, or cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.\"\nIn 2008, Tester recommended Crow tribal historian and veteran Joe Medicine Crow for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was honored by President Obama in August of 2009.", 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.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4832", "Tester Helps Preserve and Promote Stories about Montana Veterans [press_release]", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today helped expand the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project to better preserve and promote the stories of Montana veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.Tester supported the bipartisan bill on the Senate floor, which will allow the family members of fallen service members to participate in the Veterans History Project to ensure the stories of their loved ones are collected and stored at the Library of Congress.\"The folks who served this nation have deployed around the globe to topple oppression and promote freedom,\" Tester said.  \"It is critical that future generations understand the bravery and selflessness of our veterans and their families.\" The Veterans History Project was created in 2000 to collect and catalog the stories of American war veterans.  In 2010, Tester launched an effort to help recruit Montana veterans to participate in the Veterans History Project and preserve their firsthand stories of their service for future generations.The project currently only includes firsthand narratives in its collection but the bill Tester helped pass today would allow the families of fallen service members to share the stories of those who died or went missing in action during their service.  The Veterans History Project has collected the records of nearly 100,000 veterans to date, including firsthand accounts of veterans serving in all U.S. military engagements since World War I.To submit a recording to the Veterans History Project, veterans or family members can download a field kit HERE.", 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"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 613, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "MT", "p1": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?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&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 235, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2016&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 613, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "MT", "label": "MT", "count": 613, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 613, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MT", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-11-03,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Edaines~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fdaines-urges-colleagues-to-reverse-the-ninths-circuit-cottonwood-decision", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2016&_next=2016-11-03%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Edaines~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fdaines-urges-colleagues-to-reverse-the-ninths-circuit-cottonwood-decision&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 150.40455386042595, "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"}