{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"MT\" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/trump-tweets-about-little-shell-tribe-recognition", "Trump tweets about Little Shell Tribe recognition", "2019-12-27", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "After the signing of the National Defense Authorization act for 2020 the Little Shell Tribe is now federally recognized after more than 100 years.\nOn December 27, President Donald Trump posted a Tweet saying that he recently signed three bills to support tribal sovereignty and native culture, one of those bills federally recognizing the Little Shell Tribe.\nLittle Shell Chairman Gerald Graysaid in a releasethat their fight is over, and the Little Shell Tribe can now focus on building a strong and sovereign Nation.\nJon Tester, Steve Daines and Greg Gianforte all said in a release that they were all honored to work towards the Little Shell Tribe's recognition as well.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/montanas-delegation-celebrates-new-law-cracking-down-annoying-and-often", "Montana's delegation celebrates new law cracking down on annoying and often dangerous robocalls", "2019-12-26", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Calls identified by telecoms as spam aren't supposed to ring through under the new law, which lawmakers say won't deliver results for several months. Spam robocalls are the target of the new law, which leaves a lane open for telemarketers.\n\n\tRoughly 54 billion robocalls were made to American cellphones in the first 11 months of 2019, according to YouMail, which offers a call blocking service. In Montana, during November alone there were more than 429,000 robocalls per day, or 17,900 per hour, according to YouMail. Seven of the top 20 robocalls placed to Montanans last month came from numbers with an in-state 406 area code.\n\t\n\t\tYouMail identified nearly 56% of Montana's robocalls in November as scams.\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tMontana's only U.S. Representative, Republican Greg Gianforte, praised the robocall bill for including language that he had proposed in a House bill earlier in the year. During a House speech in May, Gianforte told the story of a Bozeman woman who received a robocall from a phone number once belonging to her deceased brother.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tMontanans hate robocalls, Gianforte said before Dec. 4 House vote on the TRACED Act. This bill includes language from my bipartisan bill that helps prosecute illegal robocall companies.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tVoters cried foul in 2017 when robocalls featuring Vice President Mike Pence endorsing Gianforte's election were placed with Montanans. Gianforte denounced the political calls, which Montana prohibits, but doesn't enforce the prohibition. At the time, Gianforte's campaign said it wasn't the sources of the calls. A federal appeals court has since ruledMontana's banon political robocallsviolates the First Amendment.\n\t\t\t(Click HERE to view full story)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/httpswwwbozemandailychroniclecomnewsbusinessbill-blocking-robocalls", "https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/business/bill-blocking-robocalls-supported-by-montana-delegation-heads-to-president/article_fd8aeeed-540c-5421-bb4a-0411ba7cf9c5.html", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Pallone-ThuneTRACED Act, which was introduced in January 2019 by Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota, intends to crack down on robocalls by requiring phone companies to authenticate incoming calls and allow people to block robocalls for free, according to a news release from the office of Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester. The bill is cosponsored by 84 senators and 53 representatives.\n\n\tRobocalls are a nuisance that has become the new normal for most Americans  and we've got to stop them, Tester said in the release. Today is a huge step forward to do that.\n\t\n\t\tThe bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to create rules to help curb calls and texts from unauthenticated numbers by mandating when providers can block calls and creating a verification process to authenticate calls. It also gives the FCC more time to catch and punish those who intentionally break the law, according to a news release from Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines' office.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tMontanans are tired of being bombarded day and night by illegal robocalls, Daines said in the release. I look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tThe bill passed in the House on Dec. 4 with a vote of 417 to 3. After its passing, Montana Republican Rep. Greg Gianforte said in a news release that the bill gives consumers tools to block illegal robocalls at no cost.\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\tIt also holds illegal robocallers accountable for their scams, including higher fines and more prison time, Gianforte said.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tFor a time, Montana did have a ban blockingcertain types of robocalls, including calls that tried to sell things, ones soliciting information and gathering data, and ones connected to political campaigns. However, in September, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the state's ban on political campaign robocalls violated the First Amendment by banning calls by content, according to theNational Law Review.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7165", "Tester Secures $1.5 Billion for Farmers, Fixes Disaster Assistance Program to Include Montanans Facing Losses This Season [press_release]", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As a part of the year-end appropriations package that passed out of the Senate this week, U.S. Senator Jon Tester secured critical wins for Northeastern Montana farmers facing crop losses this season by expanding the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) to include quality loss, drought, and excessive moisture and by increasing funding for the program by $1.5 billion to cover the new categories. Tester's fix also ensures that affected sugar beet farmers will get their indemnity payments through their co-ops.\nTester's fix clears the way for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue an emergency declaration and provide assistance to Montana farmers. Tester was the only member of Montana's delegation to vote for the domestic government funding package that included this language.\n\"The USDA should have provided assistance to Montana farmers back in September when we first brought this crisis to their attention,\" said Tester. \"Now there is no shadow of a doubt that these producers qualify for WHIP+, so the USDA needs to get it in gear and immediately provide support to folks in Northeastern Montana because family farms are on the line. We're done asking-now we're telling.\" \nIn September, Senator Tester sent Secretary Perdue a letter asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to clarify that WHIP+ includes value and quality losses, and that farmers in Northeast Montana facing those losses were eligible for the program. Nearly eight weeks later, USDA finally responded that they would not provide assistance to Montana farmers because excessive moisture was not covered under WHIP+.\nThen, following two weeks of heavy snow in Northeast Montana in early December, Tester urged Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to reconsider his decision not to extend disaster assistance to the region's wheat farmers who were forced to leave their crop in the ground or were left with unsellable product due to excessive moisture this harvest season.\n\"I am extremely disappointed in your decision to exclude Montana farmers from the WHIP+ program for quality loss related to excessive moisture,\" wrote Tester. \"In a time of extreme market volatility and trade uncertainty, USDA's mission is to mitigate the significant risks of farming.' In Northeast Montana, USDA is failing to deliver that objective for struggling farmers.\"\nThe USDA has not yet replied to Tester's second letter.\nAs the only working farmer in the U.S. Senate, Tester has been a champion for farmers and ranchers across the country. Earlier this year, he introduced his Seeding Rural Resilience Act to help combat rising rates of farmer suicide, and The Trump Administration recently adopted his Restoring Rural Residencies Act into a rule change to bring more medical professionals into rural hospitals.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7166", "Tester Secures Big Wins to Increase Safety, Bolster Education, and Improve Health Care in Indian Country as Part of Government Funding Bill [press_release]", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester, a member of both the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, secured a number of wins for Indian Country as a part legislation to fund the federal government that passed the Senate this week and now heads to the President's desk. Tester is the only member of the Montana delegation to support the domestic funding legislation.\nTester delivered significant resources to increase safety and address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in Indian Country, and improve health care and education outcomes, among other priorities.\n\"These resources will help make a real, tangible difference in Native American communities across our state,\" Tester said. \"These bills aren't perfect, but they'll go a long way towards helping give Montana families, survivors, law enforcement, educators, health care providers, and Tribal governments the tools they need to recover, succeed, and thrive in Indian Country.\"\nAs a member of the Appropriations Committee, Tester is responsible for writing the 12 bills that fund the federal government each year. Among the Indian Country provisions Tester successfully secured are:\nAddressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Crisis\n\n \n$2.64 billion for the Crime Victims Fund, with a five percent Tribal set aside, to help provide medical, legal, and housing assistance to victims of crimes\n$7 million to help Tribes implement special Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) tribal jurisdiction over domestic violence crimes \n$1 million to investigate and provide services related to missing persons and murder cold cases in Indian Country\n$1 million for new Department of Justice research on preventing violence against Native women\nDirects the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to designate an official in the Office of Justice Services to develop a set of guidelines on how to best collect statistics on missing, murdered, and trafficked women\n \n\nSecuring Native American Communities \n\n \n$434 million for BIA Public Safety and Justice Initiatives, a $27 million increase \n$25.7 million for Tribal Justice Support, a $3.5 million increase, to provide guidance and support to Tribal courts\n$2 million to hire additional detention and corrections staff at BIA facilities\n$2 million for equipment to help Tribal law enforcement collect and preserve evidence at crime scenes\n$3 million for the Tribal Access Program, which enables Tribes to access national crime information systems\n$2.5 million for BIA to operate new advanced training for detectives and forensics\n$1 million to reduce the BIA background check backlog\n \n\nHealth Care and Education\n\n \n$944 million for the Bureau of Indian Education\n$6 billion for the Indian Health Service (IHS), a four percent increase from FY19\n$57.7 million for Urban Indian Health services, the highest-ever increase for urban Indian health\n$8 million in new funding for recruitment and retention at IHS to address vacancies across the country\n$40 million for the Section 108 Loan Repayment Program, a $4 million increase that will be used to recruit and retain providers at IHS facilities \n$21 million for Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country grants operated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \nSpecial Diabetes Program for Indians funded to May 22, 2020\n \n\nHousing and Economic Development\n\n \n$1 million for the Tribal HUD-VASH demonstration program to provide rental assistance and support to homeless Native veterans\n$746 million for Native American Housing Block Grants for affordable housing in Indian Country\n$70 million for Indian Community Development Block Grants\n$16 million for Native Community Development Financial Institutions\n \n\nPublic Lands and Environment\n\n \n$145 million for Rural Water Projects, including Fort Peck/Dry Prairie Rural Water System, and Rocky Boys/North Central Rural Water System\n$12.7 million for the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement\n$10 million for the Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7169", "Tester Pays Tribute to Vietnam Veteran on Senate Floor [press_release]", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, took to the Senate floor yesterday to pay tribute to the life of Chief Warrant Officer Second Class William C. Ebeltoft, a decorated Vietnam veteran and Montana resident. Tester read a powerful family obituary written about Bill, which tells the compelling story of his life \"before, during, and after service.\"  \"It's incredibly powerful,\" Tester said of the obituary. \"Because quite frankly it's about one man, but it's actually about a generation of men and women who served in Vietnam.\" William Ebeltoft earned numerous medals for his valiant acts during the Vietnam War. Like many Vietnam veterans who returned home from service, Bill struggled to adjust to civilian life. He suffered from both mental and physical ailments that followed him throughout his life. In 1994, Bill became a resident of the Montana Veterans' Home in Columbia Falls where he lived comfortably for 26 years. Bill passed away at 73 years old on December 15, 2019.  \"Bill was always a proud man, remembering himself as he was in 1969, not as he became,\" Tester read from the obituary. \"Who are we to suggest differently? His was not a life that many would wish for, but in some ways, Bill was a lucky man. He was surrounded to the end by staff who enjoyed and respected him. He had a chance to be helpful to others who were doing less well than he... Bill's losses were greater than most of us could endure. Yet, to those who love him, his brother and his brother's wife, and their sons, he will always be a brave, accomplished man, more generous than was wise, more trusting than was safe. It is not possible to wrap your arms around a loved one who leaves. But it is possible to wrap your heart around a memory.\" Read the original obituary as published HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7170", "President Signs Little Shell Recognition Into Law After Tester, Daines, Gianforte Efforts [press_release]", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Following more than a century of efforts by Tribal members and dedicated efforts by U.S. Senators Jon Tester, Steve Daines, and Congressman Greg Gianforte, federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians officially became law today after President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\nMore than 100 years of tireless advocacy by generations of Little Shell members has led to this long-overdue momentand now, finally, the Tribe has been recognized by the United States as a sovereign nation, said Tester. Little Shell recognition was the first bill I introduced in the United States Senate, and I've been honored to fight alongside them for the last 12 years to get this done. This is truly a historic day for the Little Shell Tribe, for the state of Montana, and for our country.\nToday will forever be remembered by the Little Shell Tribe and all of Montana. After more than a century of perseverance, the Little Shell Tribe is finally federally recognized, Daines said. Congratulations to Chairman Gray who has fought this fight with grace and patience. It's been an honor to work with him over the years to get this done. I thank President Trump for signing this into law, and I look forward to celebrating with the Tribe in Montana.\nWith President Trump signing this bill into law, today marks a historic day for the Little Shell Tribe who have worked tirelessly for more than a century to receive the federal recognition they deserve. It's been an honor to work alongside my friend, Chairman Gray, and the Little Shell people to get their bill through the House and to make their long overdue federal recognition a reality, Gianforte said. I look forward to celebrating with them soon.\nTester's first bill introduction as a U.S. Senator in 2007 sought federal recognition for the Little Shell Tribe, and he has reintroduced the same legislation every Congress since. Daines signed on to the legislation when he got to Congress and both Senators successfully pushed to include the bill as an amendment to the NDAA, a must-pass defense bill, which the Senate passed in June.\nIn September 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Greg Gianforte's bill providing federal recognition to the Little Shell Tribe, marking the first time ever such a bill passed either the House or Senate. Tester kept the pressure on with a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees requesting that they include recognition language in any final version of the NDAA. Last week, the House unveiled final text of NDAA, which included the Little Shell provision, and passed the bill.\nThe Little Shell Tribe is headquartered in Great Falls and has more than 5,400 members across Montana. They were recognized by the State of Montana in 2000 but have sought federal recognition for more than a century.\nNative American Tribes must be recognized as sovereign nations by the federal government to exercise full self-governance. This nation-to-nation relationship allows them to access critical resources for economic development, health care, education, and regulate affairs on tribal lands on terms that are socially and culturally appropriate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/gianforte-votes-us-mexico-canada-trade-deal", "Gianforte votes for U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., helped the House passthe United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)on Thursday, the new trade deal that will replace NAFTA, but expressed frustration that it took Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi so long to bring it up for a vote.\nThe U.S. House of Representatives passed the measure 385-41, the day after the House voted to impeach President Donald Trump. Gianforte, Montana's lone member of the House, joined fellow Republicans in opposing impeachment.The Senate will likely take up the trade legislation when members return to Washington after the holidays and after dealing with impeachment.\nUSMCA is a win for Montana and America. The trade deal secures access to our top trading partners, creates 176,000 new American jobs, and increases ag exports by more than 2 billion dollars. USMCA will build upon our already strong national economy, Gianforte said in an email, adding it should have been before House members sooner.\nIt took more than a year for Nancy Pelosi to act on this critical trade deal, leaving Montana farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and business owners waiting, Gianforte said.\nBy putting her partisan impeachment sham ahead of a deal with America's top trading partners, she revealed her misplaced priorities. I'm grateful to Speaker Pelosi for finally stepping up and doing her job.\nThe Associated Press reported that Pelosi and colleagues won key concessions from the Trump administration.The deal is expected to have only a modest impact on the economy, AP said. But it is an agreement sought by farmers, ranchers and business owners anxious to move past the months of trade tensions that have complicated spending and hiring decisions.\nTrump made tearing up the North American Free Trade Agreement a hallmark of his presidential run in 2016 as he tried to win over working-class voters, AP reported.\nIn May, Gianforte asked Pelosi to drop her opposition to USMCA and work with the White House to move the trade deal forward, noting the requirements set by both Democrats and Republicans had been met.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/president-signs-bill-name-post-office-after-jeannette-rankin", "President signs bill to name post office after Jeannette Rankin", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Donald Trump has signed a bill into law to namea Missoula post office in honor of Jeannette Rankin,the first woman elected to Congress, it was announced Thursday.\nRankinwas born near Missoula on June 11, 1880. She studied at the University of Montana, graduating in 1902 with a bachelor's of science degree in biology and was a social worker before becoming involved in the women's suffrage movement.\nRankin's advocacy work was instrumental in granting women the right to vote in Montana in 1914 and was significant in initiating legislation that eventually became the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting voting rights to women, according to a state House bill passed earlier this year to namea piece of Interstate 90 in Montana in her honor.\nShe was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1916 and again in 1940. Rankin, a Republican, voted against the United States entering World War I and World War II, saying she could not vote for war.\nRankindied in 1973.There are statues in her honor in the state Capitol in Helena and in the National Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C.\nRep. Greg Gianforte, fellow Republican U.S. Sen.Steve Daines and Democratic Sen. Jon Tester celebrated Trump signing their bipartisan bill Dec. 13 that names the post office at 1100 W. Kent Ave. after Rankin.\nJeannette Rankin was a trailblazer for women's rights in America. It's my honor to recognize her and her lasting contributions to our country, Gianforte said.\nDaines saidRankin is a true source of inspiration to young women in Montana and across the country, and thanked the president.\nTester said Jeanette Rankin left a larger-than-life legacy, one that all Montanans should be proud of.\"\n\"Today we're enshrining into law a permanent reminder of her steadfast commitment to peace, her trailblazing path, and her dedication to what she believed in, he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/trade-agreement-rural-broadband-mapping-bills-advance-congress", "Trade agreement, rural broadband-mapping bills advance in Congress", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The House overwhelmingly approved the refashioned U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, with Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte of Montana voting for it.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI think it's a good deal for Montana, with over a thousand agricultural groups across America supporting it, he told MTN News.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnd, the Senate unanimously passed Montana Sen. Jon Tester's broadband mapping bill, which intends to create more accurate data on where investments are needed to expand rural high-speed Internet service.\n\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\tA bill sponsored by U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., to help improve broadband access in rural Montana passes the Senate.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTester said the bill will require better mapping of underserved areas by the Federal Communications Commission, whose data dictates where federal subsidies are spent to expand rural Internet access.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRight now, they're getting their information from the (broadband) providers, and there's no penalty if they screw it up, he told MTN News. This is going to help hold the FCC and those providers accountable  Everyone on the (Senate) committee knows the information they give now is a joke.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe broadband mapping bill must go back to the House for another vote, before advancing to President Trump's desk for his signature.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTester, a Democrat, said consumers and independent groups will help provide the data for the new mapping and investment in broadband infrastructure,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe trade agreement, which passed the House Thursday on a 385-41 vote, must go to the Senate for a final vote.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGianforte said he worked to get provisions in the bill that are good for Montana, such as changing the grading protocol for Montana grain that is exported to Canada.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRight now, it's rated as a low-priced feed quality grain, no matter its actual quality. Under the bill, the exported grain will get a realistic rating, enabling Montana growers to get a fair price for their grant, Gianforte said.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUSMCA is a win for Montana and America, he said. The trade deal secures access to our top trading partners, creates 176,000 new American jobs and increases ag exports by more than $2 billion. USMCA will build upon our already strong national economy.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA bill sponsored by U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., to help improve broadband access in rural Montana passes the Senate.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTester said the bill will require better mapping of underserved areas by the Federal Communications Commission, whose data dictates where federal subsidies are spent to expand rural Internet access.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRight now, they're getting their information from the (broadband) providers, and there's no penalty if they screw it up, he told MTN News. This is going to help hold the FCC and those providers accountable  Everyone on the (Senate) committee knows the information they give now is a joke.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe broadband mapping bill must go back to the House for another vote, before advancing to President Trump's desk for his signature.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTester, a Democrat, said consumers and independent groups will help provide the data for the new mapping and investment in broadband infrastructure,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe trade agreement, which passed the House Thursday on a 385-41 vote, must go to the Senate for a final vote.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGianforte said he worked to get provisions in the bill that are good for Montana, such as changing the grading protocol for Montana grain that is exported to Canada.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRight now, it's rated as a low-priced feed quality grain, no matter its actual quality. Under the bill, the exported grain will get a realistic rating, enabling Montana growers to get a fair price for their grant, Gianforte said.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUSMCA is a win for Montana and America, he said. The trade deal secures access to our top trading partners, creates 176,000 new American jobs and increases ag exports by more than $2 billion. USMCA will build upon our already strong national economy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-marks-50th-spirit-montana-award", "Gianforte Marks 50th Spirit of Montana Award", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.) recently presented the Spirit of Montana award to its 50th recipient, Buffy Smith of Helena.\nThe 50 recipients of the Spirit of Montana have made lasting, positive impacts in their communities, Gianforte said. Many have demonstrated a selfless dedication to public service. Some have shown an entrepreneurial spirit that brings jobs and greater prosperity to their communities. Others have persevered through extraordinary hardships. They make Montana a better place, and I'm honored to recognize them.\nGianforte launched the Spirit of Montana award in 2018 to recognize Montanans for their accomplishments, dedication, or service. Gianforte highlights the recipient in the U.S. House of Representatives and personally contacts the honorees.\nGianforte encourages anyone to nominate Montanans for the Spirit of Montana award by contacting his office at 202-225-3211 or by email at https://gianforte.house.gov/contact/email.\nHere is a list of the 50 Spirit of Montana award winners:\nBillings\nLonnie Bell, April 20, 2018\nKyla Johnston and Karlee Alberton, June 24, 2019\nJay Kohn, January 11, 2019\nKirstin and Matthew Lundgren, September 13, 2019\nPerry Jones and Jim Markel, July 20, 2018\nVicki Massie, June 7, 2019\nJames Thompson, March 8, 2019\nStella and Ziggy Ziegler, October 29, 2019\nBigfork\nFaith Blackaby and Jillian and Julia Wynne, January 25, 2019\nBig Timber\nBig Timber Grade School & Sweet Grass County High School, February 9, 2019\nBozeman\nMason Stimatze, November 21, 2019\nBrowning\nBetty Cooper, May 9, 2019\nButte\nEllen Crain, June 28, 2019\nBridget Mallo, May 3, 2019\nColstrip\nColstrip United, May 25, 2018\nColumbus\nJoan Nye, November 16, 2018\nDillon\nMontana Youth ChalleNGe Academy, June 18, 2019\nEureka\nAlicja Edwards, January 18, 2019\nGerryowen\nPeggy White Well Known Buffalo and Susan Kelly, December 2, 2019\nGlasgow\nTanja Fransen, May 17, 2019\nLynne and Myron Malnaa, November 14, 2019\nGreat Falls\nJim Sargent, May 31, 2019\nDave Snuggs, March 1, 2019\nPatricia Piano Pat Spoonheim, May 18, 2018\nGib Swan, September 28, 2018\nPat Volkmar, June 8, 2018\nHays\nBetty Campbell, September 7, 2018\nHelena\nHarold Blattie, April 27, 2018\nWebb Brown, November 30, 2018\nTroy McGee, April 1, 2019\nBuffy Smith, December 4, 2019\nJudith Gap\nAmerican Legion Auxiliary Unit 70, June 15, 2018\nKalispell\nEmma Anderson, July 27, 2018\nAllen and Linda Erickson, October 18, 2019\nDevin Rich and Kiersten Bare, December 14, 2018\nLivingston\nJohn Morford, September 17, 2019\nLloyd\nFrank and Bettie Barber, June 22, 2018\nMalta\nJack Stenswick, February 15, 2019\nMiles City\nHaven Meged, July 24, 2019\nMissoula\nBenjamin Brunsvold, Andrew Drobeck and Blake Meyers, September 14, 2018\nLola Olie Else, May 11, 2018\nSteve Fetveit, July 13, 2018\nMolt\nJustin Downs, April 5, 2019\nTroy McGee, April 1, 2019\nMontana City\nMontana Outfitters and Guides Association, June 29, 2018\nRonan\nJudy Preston, September 25, 2019\nSidney\nKatie Dasinger, December 21, 2018\nPlains\nChris McGuigan, April 12, 2019\nWhitefish\nDoug Follett, July 16, 2019\nWinnett\nWinnett ACES, March 15, 2019", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-votes-usmca-thanks-nancy-pelosi-finally-stepping", "Gianforte Votes for USMCA, Thanks Nancy Pelosi for Finally Stepping up", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.) today voted for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the new trade deal that will replace NAFTA. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the measure 385-41.\nUSMCA is a win for Montana and America. The trade deal secures access to our top trading partners, creates 176,000 new American jobs, and increases ag exports by more than 2 billion dollars. USMCA will build upon our already strong national economy, Gianforte said.\nGianforte, however, expressed frustration that it took so long for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to bring USMCA before the U.S. House of Representatives.\nIt took more than a year for Nancy Pelosi to act on this critical trade deal, leaving Montana farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and business owners waiting, Gianforte said. By putting her partisan impeachment sham ahead of a deal with America's top trading partners, she revealed her misplaced priorities. I'm grateful to Speaker Pelosi for finally stepping up and doing her job.\nBackground:\nAccording to a report from the United States International Trade Commission, USMCA will create 176,000 new jobs, grow the U.S. economy by $68.2 billion, and increase agricultural exports by $2.2 billion.\nNearly 1,000 agricultural groups across the U.S. have endorsed USMCA, including the Montana Farm Bureau, Montana Grain Elevator Association, Montana Pork Producers Council, National Association of Wheat Growers, and National Cattlemen's Beef Association.\nCanada is Montana's top trading partner. According to the U.S. Trade Representative, Montana exported $692 million in goods to Canada in 2018, representing 42 percent of the state's total goods exports.\nGianforte repeatedly asked Pelosi to have the House consider USMCA.\n In May, Gianforte asked Pelosi to drop her opposition to USMCA and work with the White House to move the trade deal forward, noting the requirements set by both Democrats and Republicans had been met.\n\tIn September, Gianforte spoke on the House floor urging Pelosi to work with the White House to get USMCA passed. He noted that it had been a full year since the U.S., Mexico, and Canada has concluded negotiations and announced the agreement.\n\tIn November, Gianforte and U.S. Senator Steve Daines took to the floor of their respective chambers to urge immediate action on USMCA, citing the trade deal's benefits to Montana.\n\tIn December, Gianforte and 158 other lawmakers pressed Pelosi to stop dithering and bring up USMCA for a vote in the U.S. House this year.\n In May 2017, the Trump administration notified Congress of the start of negotiations to modernize NAFTA.\nIn September 2018, negotiations concluded with an agreement between all three countries and the final text was published online.\nIn November 2018, President Trump and the leaders of Canada and Mexico signed the agreement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-trump-signs-delegation-s-bill-naming-missoula-post-office", "President Trump Signs Delegations Bill Naming Missoula Post Office After Jeannette Rankin", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On December 13, 2019, President Trump signed into law the Montana delegation's bill, H.R. 1972, designating a Missoula post office in honor Jeannette Rankin.\nRankin grew up on a family ranch just outside of Missoula and was the first woman elected to Congress.\nCongressman Greg Gianforte and U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester celebrated President Trump signing their bipartisan bill.\nJeannette Rankin was a trailblazer for women's rights in America. It's my honor to recognize her and her lasting contributions to our country, Gianforte said. Naming a Missoula post office after Jeannette Rankin will serve as a reminder of her legacy and leadership.\nJeannette Rankin is a true source of inspiration to young women in Montana and across the country, Daines said. I thank President Trump for signing our bipartisan bill into law so her legacy can be remembered for generations to come.\nJeanette Rankin left a larger-than-life legacy, one that all Montanans should be proud of, Tester said. Today we're enshrining into law a permanent reminder of her steadfast commitment to peace, her trailblazing path, and her dedication to what she believed in.\nThe new law names the post office at 1100 West Kent Avenue in Missoula after Rankin.\nBackground: \nDuring this year's Women's History Month, Gianforte and Daines in March introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, H.R. 1972, and the U.S. Senate, S. 953, to name a Missoula post office in honor of Jeannette Rankin.\nOn October 16, 2019,the U.S. House unanimously passed Gianforte's bill to rename a Missoula post office in honor of Jeannette Rankin.\nOn October 22, 2019, Tester joined as a cosponsor of Daines' bill.\nOn November 21, 2019, the Senate unanimously passed H.R. 1972.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-bipartisan-bill-to-end-illegal-robocalls-headed-to-president-trumps-desk-", "Daines\u2019 Bipartisan Bill to End Illegal Robocalls Headed to President Trump\u2019s Desk", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.19\n\t\t\t Daines' Bipartisan Bill to End Illegal Robocalls Headed to President Trump's Desk  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines celebrated Senate passage of his bipartisan bill, the TRACED Act, which will help protect Montanans from illegal robocalls. The bill now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law.\r\nMontanans are tired of being bombarded night and day by illegal robocalls, Daines said. My bipartisan bill will help stop these illegal calls and protect Montanans. I look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law.\r\nDaines' bill does the following:\r\n \r\nExtends the time frame in which the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) can catch and punish companies or individuals that intentionally break telemarketing restrictions\r\nRequires voice service providers to implement an authentication framework to verify that incoming calls are legitimate before they reach consumers' phones\r\nDirects the FCC to craft a plan to block calls that cannot be authenticated through the framework\r\n \r\nBackground:\r\nIn late May, Daines first voted to clear his bipartisan TRACED Act out of the U.S. Senate.\r\nIn early May, Daines pressed FCC Chairman Pai and FTC Chairman Simons on the need to pass and quickly implement the TRACED Act.\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    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-votes-to-support-malmstrom-troops-and-border-security-", "Daines Votes to Support Malmstrom, Troops & Border Security", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.19\n\t\t\t Daines Votes to Support Malmstrom, Troops & Border Security  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted for a bipartisan bill that will help strengthen Montana's military units, secure the southern border and combat Montana's meth crisis. The bill also gives a 3.1% pay raise for troops.\r\nToday I voted to give our troops a 3.1% pay raise, secure our southern border, combat Montana's meth crisis and support Malmstrom and our national defense. This is a good day for Montana, Daines said.\r\nThe bill will now be sent to President Trump to be signed into law.\r\nAmong many Montana wins, the bill does the following:\r\nStrengthens Montana's and the Nation's Defense Forces: \r\n \r\nGives the military pay raise of 3.1 percent\r\nSupports Air Force nuclear modernization by funding and supporting the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program ($557 million)\r\nProvides critical defense funding:\r\n\r\n$170 million for UH-1NHuey aircraft replacement program\r\n$1.4 billion for 74 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters\r\n$1.3 billion for the National Guard and Reserve Equipment\r\n$7 million to support wildfire training in the National Guard\r\n\r\n \r\nBeefs up Border Security:\r\n \r\nProvides $1.375 billion to build the Southern Border Wall\r\nHelps safeguard Port of Raymond Entry Hours by directing the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to consult with state and local elected officials, community members, and industry stakeholders prior to making changes in hours of operation. Also states that CBP shall refrain from reducing hours of operation at any land port of entry unless CBP can demonstrate that such a reduction will not impede local or regional commerce or unduly impede local resident traffic.\r\n \r\nHelps Combat Montana's Meth Crisis: \r\n \r\nSecures $13 million for the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program to combat the meth epidemic.\r\nProvides $285 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program  a $5 million increase from last year.\r\n \r\nAddresses the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Crisis:\r\n \r\nSecures improvements and funding towards data sharing, training, and technical assistance with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service to better address and prevent violent crime in Indian Country, and combat the MMIW crisis.\r\n \r\nPrioritizes Rural Broadband: \r\n \r\nPrioritizes unserved areas for broadband access and reduces waste, fraud and abuse in the Universal Service Programs.\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \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=7161", "Tester Introduces Historic Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Compact [press_release]", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester today introduced the historic Fort Belknap Indian Community (FBIC) Water Compact in the United States Senate. The FBIC Water Compact will ratify the FBIC water rights settlement with the State of Montana, establish resources for critical water infrastructure development, provide for Tribal and non-Tribal irrigation rights, and return sacred FBIC lands to federal trust. \"The FBIC Water Compact will provide certainty for water users, help boost our state's economy, and protect the rights of irrigators in northcentral Montana-all with the support of a broad array of stakeholders across the state,\" Tester said. \"It took years of hard work and negotiation to get here, and I look forward to working with our Tribal leaders, businesses, and recreationists to preserve our state's most valuable resource and get this bill signed into law.\" The Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes of the Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2019 will provide nearly $630 million to improve infrastructure and economic development for the FBIC and improve the efficiency of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Milk River Project, which furnishes water for the irrigation of about 121,000 acres of Tribal and non-Tribal land. The bill will also restore tribal management to 58,553 acres of state and federal land for the FBIC. Tester's bill is supported by the Fort Belknap Indian Community, the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, and conservation and sportsmen groups across the state. A water rights settlement is also supported by local irrigators.\nAfter more than a decade of negotiations, the FBIC Tribal Council approved its Water Compact with the State of Montana in 2001.  The Montana Legislature approved the Compact later that spring.  FBIC and Senator Tester have worked together for years to bring together partners to advance this critical settlement.  The Compact must now pass through Congress, be approved by a simple majority vote of FBIC members, and be entered into the Montana Water Court as a final decree.\n\"We are grateful for Senator Tester's support of our Water Rights Settlement Act. Settlement is long overdue,\" said Andy Werk, Fort Belknap Indian Community President. \"The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed our water rights on the Milk River more than 100 years ago in the \"Winters\" case that also affirmed water rights for reservation tribes establishing permanent homelands. Then, almost 20 years ago, our Water Compact overwhelmingly passed the Montana Legislature on a bipartisan basis. The settlement will provide important water infrastructure on our Reservation, certainty for Montana water users, and economic opportunities that will benefit our Reservation and the entire region. Approval by Congress is needed and will provide the resources we need to settle our claims and provide water to our Reservation.\"\n\"Senator Tester deserves great credit for crafting this important legislation that secures both Tribal and non-Tribal water rights and rights a historic wrong by returning the Grinnell Notch to the Tribes,\" said Tom France, Regional Executive Director for the National Wildlife Federation.\n\"After a century of injustice, it is time to remedy the historic inequities faced by the Fort Belknap Indian Community. We support this important legislation which will resolve tribal water rights, support the tribe's economic development, and restore land to the reservation that was unjustly removed. We thank Senator Tester for his leadership and look forward to ensuring that the legislation is improved and signed into law,\" said Paul Spitler, Director of Wilderness Policy at The Wilderness Society.\n\"For more than 150 years, the U.S. government repeatedly violated the water rights and mismanaged the water resources of the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes, allowing some of those resources to become contaminated by gold mining,\" said John Todd, Deputy Director of the Montana Wilderness Association. \"The government also forced the Tribes off of land that is sacred to the members of the Tribes, land that had been part of their reservation until gold was discovered there. Senator Tester's legislation acknowledges this history of injustice the Tribes have suffered and offers them reparations they should have received long ago.\" \"In addition to honoring some long overdue Tribal claims, this proposal will benefit wildlife populations, habitat integrity, and water quality,\" said Dave Chadwick, Executive Director of the Montana Wildlife Federation. \"We are also grateful to Tribal leaders for their commitment to protecting hunting and fishing access by non-Tribal citizens, and making this proposal a real win for all Montanans.\"\nAs a former Chairman and long-time member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Tester is a steadfast champion for Tribes and Montana water users. He originally sponsored the Blackfeet Water Compact in 2010 and guided it to the President's desk to be signed into law in 2016. He also sponsored the Crow Water Compact, which was signed into law and ratified in 2010. Earlier this month, Tester introduced the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Water Compact along with Senator Steve Daines. Hefirst introduced the CSKT Water Compact in 2016, but this is the first time it has gotten bipartisan support.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7162", "Testers Bill to Silence Robocalls Clears Senate, Bound for Presidents Desk [press_release]", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester's bill to curb harassing robocalls unanimously passed the Senate today and heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law.\nTester's TRACED Act will cut down on unwanted calls by requiring phone companies to authenticate incoming calls, and requiring them to allow consumers to block illegitimate ones at no extra cost. It also directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make a plan for blocking calls that can't be authenticated, and boosts the FCC's enforcement powers to crack down on violators.\n\"Robocalls are a nuisance that has become the new normal for most Americans - and we've got to stop them,\" Tester said. \"Today is a huge step forward to do that-passing the TRACED Act will cut down on these unwanted calls, protect our personal information from scammers, and give us the tools to prosecute violators, so we can give these abusive robocallers the boot.\"\nThe TRACED Act also extends the timeframe the FCC can catch and punish robocallers, and directs the U.S. Department of Justice to establish a working group charged with making recommendations to Congress on how to improve deterrence and criminal prosecution of robocall scams at the federal and state levels. The TRACED Act cleared the U.S. House of Representatives last week by a margin of 417-3.\nMore than 26 billion robocalls were placed in the U.S. alone in 2018.\nAs Montana's only member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Tester has taken the lead on stopping the scourge of robocalls. In addition to the TRACED Act, Tester helped introduce the Robocall Enforcement Enhancement Act last Congress and pushed the FCC to take action against a Miami man accused of making nearly 100 million robocalls in less than three months last year.\nWatch Tester discuss unwanted robocalls HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7163", "Tester Delivers Big Wins for Montana Law Enforcement, Education, Infrastructure, Public Lands in Government Funding Bills [press_release]", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester used his seat as a member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee to deliver a number of big wins for Montana as part of a package of bills to fund the government that cleared the U.S. Senate today. Tester is the only member of the Montana delegation to support the domestic funding legislation. Tester secured resources to boost safety and security in Montana, invest in public education, improve crime victims services, combat the meth and opioid epidemic, upgrade Montana's infrastructure, and provide for additional affordable housing, in addition to other priorities with direct impacts on Montanans. \"These bills are a huge step forward when it comes to delivering for Montana,\" Tester said. \"For Montanans to remain safe and have the tools to thrive and get ahead, we need to invest in the priorities that make our state the Last Best Place. Educating our kids, improving our infrastructure, keeping folks healthy, providing housing Montanans can afford, securing our communities - are all critical to our success as a state and as a nation. While these bills are not perfect, it's an example of what we can get done when we work across the aisle to give certainty to thousands of federal programs and the millions who rely on them.\"      As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Tester is responsible for writing the 12 bills that fund the federal government each year. Among the Montana provisions Tester successfully secured are: Law Enforcement and Northern Border Security\n \n$343 million for Community Oriented Policing Services, including $13 million for the COPS Anti-Meth Task Force.\n$285 million for High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, which fund regional task forces made up of local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies to combat the drug epidemic in Montana communities.\n$222 million for new technology for use between and at ports of entry, including innovative border technologies and non-intrusive inspection technology to scan vehicles for drugs as they cross the border.\n$104.4 million to support over 800 positions in Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Office of Field Operations, including 600 additional Officers and Agriculture Specialists at Ports of Entry.\n$1.5 million for CBP to initiate comprehensive testing of imported honey to verify the country of origin and detect adulteration. This is an important step to help identify fraudulent importation of Chinese honey and level the playing field for American honey producers.\nRestores $46 million for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to partially reimburse airports for providing law enforcement officer staffing.\n$2 million for TSA to initiate development of reduced sized explosives detection systems for use in small and rural airports.\n$547 million for the Byrne JAG program, which offers flexible funding to states and localities to help combat crime in their communities.\n$90 million for Operation Stonegarden, which provides funding to state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies to enhance border protection and defend Montana's northern border.\n \nEnvironment and Public Lands\n \n$495 million for the Land & Water Conservation Fund, including over $18 million for Montana projects. Tester has expressed frustration that this funding is well below the authorized $900 million and continues to push for Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring full funding up for a vote. \n$3.6 billion for wildfire suppression.\n$500 million for Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), a critical program that makes payments to rural counties with large amounts of untaxable federal land for services like law enforcement and mental health programs.\n2 year reauthorization for the Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Act, which compensates forested counties with federal land for lost revenue due to declining timber production.\n$15 million for Corps of Engineers to support watercraft inspection stations to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive mussels.\n$5 million to support state efforts to monitor and contain chronic wasting disease outbreaks in wild deer populations.\n$1.5 million for transboundary streamgages to assist with monitoring pollution in the Kootenai, and a requirement for the EPA and State Department to coordinate on finding a path forward to getting the watershed cleaned up.\nLanguage to protect Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers-which Tester successfully fought to keep open earlier this year-by directing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide 30 days notification in advance of any action to lose or deactivate a Job Corps Center.\n \nVictim Services and Substance Use Treatment  \n  Education\n\n \n$1.09 billion for TRIO funding, which helps low-income, first-generation college students earn college degrees - a $30 million increase.\n$10.6 billion for Head Start, a $550 million increase and a record number to expand education, health, and social services.\n$10 million for state and local education agencies to increase the number of counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health care professionals to serve students.\n$13.6 billion for grants to states to support special education grants under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which represents a $410 million increase and an important step toward achieving funding levels set out in Senator Tester's IDEA Full Funding Act\n \n\nAffordable Housing\n \n$3.4 billion for Community Development Block Grants that Montana communities can use to address barriers to housing and other serious challenges.\n$1.35 billion for the HOME program to improve affordable housing production and rental assistance.\n$1.3 billion for Rural Housing Program Rental Assistance to keep low-income families in rural areas in their homes.\n \nHealth Care and First Responders\nTransportation & Telecommunications\n\nAgriculture and Nutrition\n\n \nExpands the WHIP+ program to provide indemnity payments for producers who incurred losses as a result of quality loss, drought and excessive moisture. \n$1.5 billion in additional funding for WHIP+ to allow producers in northeast Montana who suffered significant losses this harvest to receive a payment. \n$16.5 million for the implementation of the federal hemp program.\nDirects the USDA Agricultural Research Service to fill vacant positions so that research goals are met at stations like the Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory in Sidney and Fort Keogh.\nExtends the Craft Beverage Reduced Excise Tax and simplifies record keeping for beer, wine, and distilled spirit makers\nEnables growers who are legally growing hemp to move hemp between states.\nSecures an exemption for livestock haulers from Electronic Logging Device regulations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7164", "Tester Secures Big Wins for Montana Veterans, Defense Installations, Military Research in Year-End Government Funding Deal [press_release]", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) secured major wins today in a bipartisan government funding agreement that supports veterans and strengthens critical defense installations in Montana. After weeks of negotiating, the U.S. Senate passed the agreement today, which now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\nAs a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tester is responsible for writing the 12 bills that fund the federal government each year. Tester secured millions in funding to support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and successfully included additional funding for resources to support caregivers, women veterans, and mental health initiatives.\n\"Serving our veterans is a cost of war, and we can never back down from that responsibility,\" said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. \"This bill does right by our veterans in Montana and across the country by making sure VA has the resources and tools to provide quality care and benefits to those who served. Today, we are doing right by the thousands of men and women who valiantly answered the call of duty and fought to defend our freedom.\"\nTester fought to include the following provisions for veterans:\n \n$92.1 billion for VA & related agencies, an increase of $5.4 billion. \n$51.4 billion for in-house VA medical care, an increase of $1.5 billion. \n$710 million for the VA Caregiver Support Program. \n$585 million for resources and care for women veterans, an increase of $89 million. \n$9.4 billion to provide mental health care and improve VA's suicide prevention efforts, an increase of $445 million.\n$300 million for rural health care, an increase of $30 million.\n$1.1 billion for telehealth care, particularly in rural and remote areas, an increase of $135 million.\n$120 million for Office of Inspector General, an increase of $18 million.\n \nTester also doubled down on his efforts to strengthen Malmstrom Air Force Base by securing $120 million to construct a new Weapons Storage Facility and $170.1 million for the UH-1N replace program. He also included funding to facilitate research at Montana universities to increase our nation's defense capabilities and strengthen border security operations through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).\n\"Few things I do here in Washington are as important as ensuring that Montanans are safe and secure,\" said Tester. \"This bill protects our nation from threats near and far by making investments in critical defense installations, and universities on the forefront of cutting-edge military research. It also provides our men and women in uniform the highest pay raise in over a decade, following through on our duty to serve those who serve us every day.\"\nAmong the Montana defense and homeland security provisions Tester successfully included in the federal spending bill are:\n \nNational Guard: $338 million for four new C-130J aircraft for the Air National Guard and $134 million in C-130H modernization for new engines and eight bladed propellers for the Air Guard.\nMalmstrom Air Force Base: Investments to support Air Force nuclear modernization, including an additional $65 million for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program and $105 million for Minute Man III modernization and maintenance; $170 million for the replacement of the Vietnam-era Huey helicopters at Malmstrom and $2 million for civil engineering equipment utilized by the 819th and 219th REDHORSE units; and a $85 million increase for Counter-Drug Programs in the National Guard. \nMilitary Personnel:  Includes a 3.1 percent military pay raise. \nMontana State University:o\t$10 million for the Army Research Laboratory to support Montana State University's research in extreme battery production; improving battery materials and chemistry to make them inherently more rugged while meeting energy and power requirements.o\t$4 million to help small businesses partner with DOD research laboratories through Techlink at Montana State University. o\t$8 million to support Montana State University's development of new carbon fiber materials for rotary aircraft.o\t$4 million for Montana State University's request of funding for Advanced Manufacturing, Space, and Optics laboratories, which are capable of providing new and innovative light detection and ranging (LIDAR) technologies.o\t$7 million to support a partnership between DHS Science and Technology (S&T) and Montana State University to develop innovative technologies. o\t$3 million to support collaboration between DHS S&T and Montana State University to develop security mechanisms that can quickly respond to cyberattacks.\nUniversity of Montana: o\t$15 million for critical language and culture training at the University of Montana for Special Operations forces and members of the intelligence community.o\t$5 million to support research into Noise Induced Hearing Loss Research and Development Initiative. \nBorder and other Security Operations: o\t$15 million for next generation mobile surveillance systems, like the FLIR lightweight vehicle surveillance system. o\t$8 million for enhanced situational awareness and network security and resilience capabilities, work that is intended to be performed by S2 Corporation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congress-approves-little-shell-tribe-recognition-montana", "Congress approves Little Shell Tribe recognition in Montana", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester thanked Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., for making Little Shell recognition a priority. Proposed amendments to the National Defense Reauthorization Act are many and only a few make the cut. It's McConnell who most influences what amendments are considered. The request had Daines, a Republican up for re-election in 2020, as its lead author.\n\t\t\tThis happened because Leader McConnell made it a priority and was able to put it on a bill that was a must-pass piece of legislation. And through his work through his side, through Sen. Daines, and through our work on my side we're able to get it done, Tester said. There were no deals cut here. It's pretty straight up. We didn't give up anything for this. We didn't say you can have this, I'll vote this way. None of that garbage happened. This is just straight up recognition of the Little Shell Tribe.\n\t\t\n\t\t\tTester first tried to get recognition for the Little Shell in 2007. There have been several attempts by Montana's delegation since then, including a 2019 try that failed by one vote.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDaines recalled how Gray handed the senator a tin can after a previous attempt failed to get the Little Shell recognized. The can had the words Little Shell written on the side. Gray's message was that Congress needed to quit kicking recognition for the tribe down the road, as it had for multiple sessions. Daines said that can has sat on his desk as a reminder that there was work to be done for the Little Shell.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tI told Chairman Gray, Chairman Gray, we're going to get this done. And when we do, we're going to do it the Montana way. We're going to take that tin can somewhere outside Great Falls. We're going to put it on a post and we're going to shoot it.'  Daines said. So Chairman Gray, I look forward to taking that tin can back to Montana and we'll have a celebratory moment when we destroy that tin can with the recognition that you so richly deserve.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tIn the House, Montana's only U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte, twice secured votes for recognizing the Little Shell, first in a stand-alone bill, which easily passed, second as an amendment to the House version of the National Defense Reauthorization Act.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tToday marks an important day for the Little Shell Tribe. They've waited for more than eight decades for federal recognition, which is now one step closer to reality, Gianforte said in a press release Dec. 11 after the House passed the NDAA. I appreciate the hard work and dedication of Chairman Gray and the Little Shell people who have been strong advocates for their worthy cause. I'm proud to have stood with them and to work in the House to deliver on their long-overdue federal recognition.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tIn 1892,the Chippewa Council was presented with the \"10 cent treaty,\" an U.S. government proposal to offer the Chippewa 10 cents an acre for more than a million acres. Chief Little Shell objected to the treaty, and was subsequently cut out of council negotiations. The council not only agreed to accept the treaty, but also to cut the Little Shell's band out the agreement.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Little Shell maintain a rented office and a small staff, according to tribe's Facebook page.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/kalispell-middle-school-girls-win-app-challenge", "Kalispell Middle School Girls Win App Challenge", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "To close out Computer Science Education Week last week, Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., announced Montana's winners of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge  Zoe Wendt, Beatrix Poitra and Anna Bergstedt from Kalispell Middle School.\nCongratulations to Zoe, Beatrix, and Anna, who used block code to create an interactive app that showcases Montana's birds, Gianforte said in a press release. They developed a fantastic app to serve as a resource for birders. The talent and creativity of our young programmers really impresses me. Thank you to Montana's educators and mentors who encourage our students to learn computer science and other STEM fields.\nThe three students designed their app to help birders identify birds in Northwest Montana by their calls.\nThe Congressional App Challenge is an annual contest to engage student creativity and encourage their participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education fields. This nationwide event allows high school students from across the country to compete against their peers by creating and exhibiting their software application for mobile, tablet or computer device on a platform of their choice.\nWinning apps from each congressional district will be on display in the U.S. Capitol.\nThe Congressional App Challenge is sponsored by the Internet Education Foundation. For more information on the Congressional App Challenge, visit Gianforte's website, gianforte.house.gov/appchallenge.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-votes-against-most-partisan-baseless-articles-impeachment-our", "Gianforte Votes Against Most Partisan, Baseless Articles of Impeachment in Our History", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.) today voted against the articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump.\nAhead of the vote, Gianforte addressed lawmakers on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.\nToday, this chamber is pushing through the most partisan, baseless articles of impeachment in our history, Gianforte said. House Democrats' hyper-partisan impeachment has been a sham since day one, driven by those whose bitter rage against President Trump has blinded their better judgement. The fact is they resolved to overturn the results of the 2016 election the day President Trump won.\nDownload video of Gianforte's remarks HERE\nGianforte's full remarks follow:\nToday, this chamber is pushing through the most partisan, baseless articles of impeachment in our history.\nHouse Democrats' hyper-partisan impeachment has been a sham since day one, driven by those whose bitter rage against President Trump has blinded their better judgement. The fact is they resolved to overturn the results of the 2016 election the day President Trump won. \nEarlier this year, Speaker Pelosi said, Impeachment is so divisive to the country that unless there's something so compelling and overwhelming and bipartisan, I don't think we should go down that path. \nNone of those standards have been met. None.\nThe committee hearings were a scripted, substance-free, made-for-tv show. They would be comedy, if impeachment weren't so serious and grave.\nWitnesses denied awareness of an impeachable offense.\nAnd because the majority has failed to make a case for impeachment, there is no bipartisanship.\nCompelling? Overwhelming? Bipartisan? Speaker Pelosi has not met her own criteria for impeachment. But here we are.\nDespite Democrats testing and tweaking their impeachment message, the American people have rejected it.\nI will vote against this partisan impeachment sham. Let's get back to the work the American people sent us here to do. \nOn this sad day of an impeachment charade, I yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-statement-on-house-impeachment-vote", "Daines Statement on House Impeachment Vote", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.19\n\t\t\t Daines Statement on House Impeachment Vote \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after the U.S. House voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump.\r\n\r\n\r\nTo download the full video, click HERE.\r\nDemocrats have been obsessed with impeaching President Trump and overturning the will of the American people since before he was even sworn into office, Daines said. This unprecedented impeachment sham has now been dumped on the lap of the United States Senate. It's time to put an end to this and get back to work for the American people.\r\nThe articles of impeachment will now be sent to the U.S. Senate where an official trial will take place.\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    \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=7159", "Tester, Blackburn, Klobuchar Toxic Exposure Bill Heads to Presidents Desk [press_release]", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan legislation from U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) to deliver relief to veterans exposed to toxic substances passed the Senate 86-8 as a part of this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Occupational and Environmental Transparency Health (OATH) Act now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\nThe Senators introduced their legislation earlier this year, requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to track active duty military personnel and veterans' exposed to Occupational Environmental Health (OEH) hazards in the line of duty, ensuring that they get the necessary medical care and benefits they need.\nThis victory is for thousands of post-9/11 veterans who have been waiting for years for their government to do right by them, said Senator Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. Passage of the OATH Act ensures that our men and women in uniform are never faced with uncertainty when it comes to documenting their toxic exposures and receiving proper treatment. I urge the President to sign this bill quickly into law, following through on our commitment to those who have served and sacrificed at a great cost.\nThe passage of the OATH Act marks a positive change in the lives of all our military men and women who are exposed to environmental hazards while in the line of duty, said Senator Blackburn. Currently, servicemembers' records are missing important health and exposure information that should be tracked. This legislation ensures that a servicemember's health file notes all instances of dangerous exposure, and makes that record available to servicemembers and their doctors.\nThe health and safety of our brave servicemembers is one of my top prioritiesthat's why we must learn from the lessons of the devastating use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and protect our military from dangerous chemicals, said Senator Klobuchar. The OATH Act will ensure that the Defense Department is tracking and documenting the exposure of active duty military personnel and veterans to toxins while serving our country at home or abroad, so they can get the proper help they need.\nCurrently, individuals who have been exposed to toxic chemicals such as mold, caustic fumes, open air burn pits, and airborne chemicals during military operations are not being properly documented and tracked by DoD of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Out of a total of more than three million post-9/11 veterans, only 175,000 veterans and service members are registered under VA's Airborne and Open Burn Pit Registry.\nThe OATH Act includes the following provisions:\n \nRequires the DoD to input any OEH exposure into the servicemember's records while deployed, following the servicemember throughout his or her career and into veteran status; and\nMandates that the DoD and VA retroactively update their health records based on information contained in the Burn Pit Registry.\n \nThe bill is supported by Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Reserve Officers Association, Association of the United States Navy, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and Air Force Sergeants Association.\nIt is critical that veterans who have been exposed to environmental and occupational hazards like burn pits have accurately documented service and medical records in order to get their full earned health care and benefits, said DAV National Legislative Director Joy Ilem. The OATH Act would require the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to include all available information on such exposures in a servicemember's electronic health record, impacting not only their medical treatment but also potential VA disability claims in the future. Signing the OATH Act in law is an important step in bringing justice to those men and women exposed to airborne toxins from burn pits and other hazards.\n\"I am thrilled at the passage of the OATH Act,\" said IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler. \"IAVA strongly supported this bill, which will require DoD and VA to retroactively update medical records with toxic exposures. This is an important complement to the IAVA-led Burn Pits Accountability Act.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7160", "Tester, Jones, Collins Bill Repealing Military Widows Tax Heads to Presidents Desk [press_release]", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ending an 18-year battle, a bipartisan bill from U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), and Susan Collins (R-Maine) to repeal the Military Widow's Tax passed the U.S. Senate yesterday as a part of the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law, delivering critical support to Montana's military spouses.\nThis is an exciting day for more than 67,000 military widows and widowers who have been waiting years for the survivor benefits they are owed, said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. When brave men and women pay the ultimate sacrifice serving our nation, it's our duty to provide economic security for their loved ones. The Widow's Tax Elimination Act follows through on this important obligation, and ensures that military families who have sacrificed the unimaginable are provided more financial certainty.\nWhen we introduced this legislation, we knew we were fighting an uphill battle on behalf of these surviving spouses. But together, we were undeterred by the task and committed to them that this was the year it would finally get done. There is no more noble cause than to do the right thing for military families who have lost their loved one in service to our country. We took up this fight for those surviving spouses and their families, and I'm honored to be standing with them as we finally put this injustice behind us, said Jones, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\nThis provision we secured in the NDAA is a major victory for surviving military and retiree spouses to whom we are deeply indebted. The Military Widow's Tax was an unfair offset that prevented as many as 67,000 surviving spousesincluding more than 260 from Mainefrom receiving the full benefits they deserve, said Collins. This problem goes back decades, but this year we finally solved it once and for all. I appreciate the overwhelming support we received from our colleagues as well as veterans advocates who helped make this possible.\nAs a result of the widow's tax, 67,000 surviving spouses are prevented from collecting their full insurance benefits due to a system where survivor benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs are deducted from annuities provided by the Survivor Benefit Plan funded by the Defense Department. The Senators' provision would undo this unfair offset over the course of three years, providing tens of thousands of military spouses their full survivor benefits.\nLegislation to repeal the Military Widow's Tax, which was enacted in 1972, has been repeatedly introduced in the Senate for nearly two decades. Earlier this year, Tester joined his colleagues in a bipartisan press conference to highlight the urgent need to pass long-overdue legislation to roll back the tax.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/representative-greg-gianforte-issues-warning-about-medicare-all", "Representative Greg Gianforte Issues Warning About Medicare for All at Congressional Hearing", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "During a recent Congressional hearing on Medicare for all Representative Greg Gianforte issued a warning about what he says would be the destructive impact it would have on Montana and its residents.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-announces-2019-military-academy-nominations", "Gianforte Announces 2019 Military Academy Nominations", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.) today announced his nominations for 20 Montana students applying for enrollment into U.S. military academies.\nOne of my greatest honors is to nominate dedicated, patriotic young Montanans to compete for an appointment to one of our nation's military academies, Gianforte said. I commend these remarkable students for their commitment to serving our nation. Their willingness to lead and serve is in keeping with Montana's strong legacy of service, and I wish them success as they continue in this extremely competitive process.\nA service academy nomination from a member of Congress is required of students seeking officer training at one of the nation's four military academies: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.\nStudents applying through Gianforte's congressional office for an academy nomination completed an extensive application process that examined their academic, civic, and physical abilities as well as their commitment to military service.\nThe following is a complete list of Gianforte's 2019 military academy nominations by county: \nBroadwater County\nBrock McDaid, Townsend  U.S. Military Academy\nCascade County\nDaniel Brannon, Great Falls  U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\nAlexis Tri, Great Falls  U.S. Air Force Academy\nFlathead County\nSophia Smith, Kalispell  U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy\nShaela Tuell, Columbia Falls  U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy\nGallatin County\nDavid Hogenson, Bozeman  U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy\nTayt Rogers, Bozeman  U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy\nHill County\nCameron Pleninger, Havre  U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\nLewis & Clark County\nKadyn Craigle, Helena  U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy\nClaudia Downing, Helena  U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy\nVivenne Johnson, Helena  U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\nMadison County\nRobinson Dale, Sheridan  U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy\nMissoula County\nDane Becker, Missoula  U.S. Air Force Academy\nAbraham Johnson, Missoula  U.S. Military Academy\nWhitney Morrison, Missoula  U.S. Air Force Academy\nSamuel Weisenburger, Seeley Lake  U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\nRavalli County\nGabriel Bennett, Florence  U.S. Naval Academy\nStillwater County\nNathan Palmer, Columbus  U.S. Naval Academy\nTeton County\nJacob Boetticher, Power  U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy\nYellowstone County\nPete Saliaras, Billings  U.S. Merchant Marine Academy", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-introduces-bipartisan-bill-hold-middlemen-accountable-reduce", "Gianforte Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Hold Middlemen Accountable, Reduce Drug Prices", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.) recently introduced the bipartisan PBM Transparency and Prescription Drug Costs Act, H.R. 5304, with Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.). The bill will increase transparency, hold pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) accountable, and help lower prescription drug prices.\nThis bipartisan bill will mandate quarterly reports on the costs, fees, and rebate information associated with PBM contracts. This reform ensures employers know the true costs of the services they are paying for and passes on savings to consumers.\nStates, local governments, organizations, and businesses use PBMs to negotiate lower drug prices for the individuals on their health insurance plans. Three organizations control 85 percent of this market. While PBMs play a crucial role in the drug supply chain, the lack of transparency into their practices has long contributed to the rising cost of prescription drugs.\nToo many PBMs operate as middlemen who negotiate deals out of the public eye and too often at the expense of consumers, Congressman Gianforte said. This bipartisan bill shines a light on PBM's secretive process. This commonsense legislation increases transparency, puts consumers first, and is a step in reducing prescription drug prices.\nAs the cost of pharmaceuticals continues to escalate exponentially, the opaque process, rebates, discounts and claw-back fees have become part of the problem and do not give consumers the best deals possible, said Rep. Schrader. My bill with Mr. Gianforte will provide certainty to employers and consumers by ensuring greater transparency in the calculations of drug costs. This bipartisan legislation will reign in pricing schemes that hide the true cost of medications and prevent the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs.\nThe PBM Transparency and Prescription Drug Costs Act requires that employers receive a report at least every six months from the health issuer or entity providing PBM services including an array of prescription pricing and utilization data for the enrollees of their plan.\nUnder the bill, PBMs will no longer be able to utilize spread pricing as the default contracting model a practice in which the PBM charges the plan sponsor more for a drug than the PBM paid the pharmacy for dispensing the drug. When contracting with a group health plan, a PBM must pass all rebates and discounts received from a pharmaceutical manufacturer, distributor, or other third party through to the health plan.\nThe bill also addresses a practice of shifting costs into non-transparent fees. Reporting will be structured to safeguard the release of information that could lead to higher drug prices.\nIn a July 2019 report, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will lower private health insurance premiums and increase competition in the marketplace.\nLeaders and stakeholders in Montana, as well as public interest advocates, welcomed Gianforte's bill to lower prescription drug prices:\nMontana State Auditor Matt Rosendale said, I appreciate Congressman Gianforte's efforts to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for the people of Montana. As we continue our fight to lower health care costs, we need prescription drug reform to address one of the biggest cost-drivers in the industry.\nJosh Morris, who owns four independent pharmacies in Montana, said, PBMs have many practices that raise costs for consumers and put independent pharmacies, like mine, in rural communities at risk. We need to ensure that these PBMs are held accountable and Congressman Gianforte's bill does just that. I look forward to continuing to work with the Congressman to lower costs and increase transparency for our independent pharmacies.\nVince Colucci, professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice in the Skaggs School of Pharmacy at the University of Montana, said, I endorse the legislation introduced by Congressman Gianforte requiring health plan oversight of pharmacy benefit managers. This legislation, if enacted properly, will assist in economizing drug therapy and optimizing patient outcomes.\nAnnette Guarisco Fildes, president and CEO of the ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), an association that aids employers with employee benefit policies, said, As an association that exclusively represents large employers who sponsor health benefits for their employees and families, ERIC is committed to advancing legislation that improves health care quality and lowers costs, especially the costs of prescription drugs. Transparency in all aspects of the health care system, including the drug supply chain, is critical to those ends. ERIC believes that the PBM Transparency in Prescription Drug Costs Act takes a measured, reasonable approach to addresses transparency in the drug supply chain, and we strongly support the bill.\nDavid Balto, a public interest advocate and former policy director with the Federal Trade Commission, said, Consumers, unions and employers applaud these long overdue reforms. For too long PBMs have been manipulating rebate schemes to pad their profits and consumers have paid the price in higher prices and less choice. This is a sound careful approach to making the market work.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-votes-for-montana-defense-priorities-little-shell-recognition-in-defense-bill-", "Daines Votes for Montana Defense Priorities, Little Shell Recognition in Defense Bill", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.19\n\t\t\t Daines Votes for Montana Defense Priorities, Little Shell Recognition in Defense Bill  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\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\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bill Heads to President Trump's Desk to be Signed into Law\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Dainestoday voted for a major defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a 3.1% pay raise for the military, critical defense priorities for Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls and federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians.\r\nDaines fought to include provisions that will preserve and protect Malmstrom's mission, while safeguarding national security for generations to come.\r\nThis legislation strengthens Montana's defense priorities and gives our men and women in uniform a much deserved 3.1% pay raise, Daines said. This is about peace through strength. Our nuclear deterrents must be modernized so we are prepared to face the challenges of the 21st century.\r\nMontana Defense Wins in the NDAA:\r\n \r\n3.1% pay increase for service members\r\nPrioritizes nuclear deterrence--\r\n\r\n$552 million for Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD)\r\n$27 million for nuclear weapon modernization\r\n\r\nRolls back the widow's tax that limits the amount of benefits a gold star family can get\r\nExtends reimbursement for spouse license and certification costs by two years\r\nAligns the modernization of the W87-1 warhead with the development schedule for the GBSD\r\nExpresses the sense of the Senate on support for a robust and modern ICBM force to maximize value of the nuclear triad\r\n$46 million for CH-47 advanced procurement\r\n$1.397 million for UH-60M Blackhawk helicopter procurement\r\n$5.566 million for F-35 procurement\r\n$55 million for C-130 8 bladed propeller upgrade\r\n$170 million for the UH-1N Replacement program\r\n$435 million for the Defense Logistics Agency\r\n \r\nDaines fought for years to help get federal recognition for the Little Shell Tribe. Earlier this year, Daines successfully fought to include federal recognition of the Tribe as an amendment in the Senate passed NDAA. Earlier this month Daines announced he successfully preserved Little Shell recognition in the final NDAA.\r\nToday is a historic day for the Little Shell Tribe and the State of Montana,Daines said. For far too long, Congress kicked the can down the road and failed to federally recognize Little Shell. That's why I made it my top priority to help get federal recognition across the finish line. I look forward to President Trump signing this huge victory for the Little Shell Tribe into law!\r\nDaines' Little Shell Efforts:\r\n \r\nIn early December, Dainessuccessfully preserved big wins for Montana in the finalNDAA including the federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians and critical defense priorities for Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls.\r\nIn early September, Daines wrote a letter calling on the leaders of the Armed Services Committees to retain a provision in the final version of the NDAA.\r\nIn late June, the Senate overwhelmingly passed the NDAA which included an amendment proposed by Daines that secured federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe.\r\nIn early June, Daines successful included the Little Shell recognition into the must pass NDAA bill\r\nIn late January, Daines voted to advance the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act out of the U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee.\r\nIn early January, Daines and Tester reintroduced the bipartisan legislation to grant the Little Shell Tribe federal recognition.\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    \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=7156", "BREAKING: Senate Sends Little Shell Recognition to Presidents Desk After Tester, Daines Efforts [press_release]", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Following more than a century of efforts by Tribal members and dedicated efforts by U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines, federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians passed the U.S. Senate today 86-8 as a part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\nWe're at the finish line: the Little Shell Tribe has fought for more than a century to claim their rightful place as a sovereign nation, and for the last 12 years I've been honored to work alongside them to get it done, said Tester. This is a historic day for the Tribe and for Montana, and now it's finally time for the President to sign this bill into law and officially recognize the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians.\nToday is a historic day for the Little Shell Tribe and the State of Montana, Daines said. For far too long, Congress kicked the can down the road and failed to federally recognize Little Shell. That's why I made it my top priority to help get federal recognition across the finish line. I look forward to President Trump signing this huge victory for the Little Shell Tribe into law!\nThis is a momentous day, Little Shell Chairman Gerald Gray said. Today is the day that Chief Little Shell fought so hard to make a reality. Our ancestors are smiling today because this fight is over. The Little Shell Tribe can now continue forward in ensuring that our future generations will thrive and that our traditions and cultural values never disappear.\nTester's first bill introduction as a U.S. Senator in 2007 sought federal recognition for the Little Shell Tribe, and he has reintroduced the same legislation every Congress since. Daines signed on to the legislation when he got to Congress and both Senators successfully pushed to include the bill as an amendment to the NDAA, a must-pass defense bill, which the Senate passed in June.\nAfter the U.S House passed Congressman Greg Gianforte's Little Shell recognition in March 2019, Tester kept the pressure on with a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees requesting that they include recognition language in any final version of the NDAA. Last week, the House unveiled final text of NDAA, which included the Little Shell provision, and passed the bill.\nThe Little Shell Tribe is headquartered in Great Falls and has more than 5,400 members across Montana. They were recognized by the State of Montana in 2000 but have sought federal recognition for more than a century.\nNative American Tribes must be recognized as sovereign nations by the federal government to exercise full self-governance. This nation-to-nation relationship allows them to access critical resources for economic development, health care, education, and regulate affairs on tribal lands on terms that are socially and culturally appropriate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7158", "Key Tester Defense Priorities for Malmstrom, Veterans Headed to Presidents Desk [press_release]", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The U.S. Senate today passed key defense priorities championed by U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) as a part of the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law, delivering critical support for Montana's military installations, servicemembers, and veterans.\nThis year's defense bill includes a number of big ticket items that will keep Montanans safe and follow through on our commitment to our men and women in uniform, said Tester. We've secured new investments at Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Montana National Guard, ensuring that our military continues to fire on all cylinders and remain an effective deterrent to foreign threats well into the future. I urge the President to sign this bill quickly into law and deliver on our promise to the servicemembers, veterans, and American civilians who keep us safe abroad and at home.\nThe NDAA includes a number of Tester-backed provisions that will strengthen military bases across the country, including Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Montana Air National Guard. The 2020 annual defense bill provides:\n \n$552 million for research and development of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), our nation's future nuclear deterrent program.\n$171 million to fully support the Air Force's UH-1N Huey replacement program.\n$78 million for procurement of Minuteman Man III modernization to ensure the viability of our nation's current strategic deterrent.\n$75 million to support the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, which will provide grants, conclude cooperative agreements, and supplemental funds available under other federal programs to assist states and local governments in addressing deficiencies in community infrastructure projects or facilities that are located outside of military installations but that support military installations.\n$59 million authorized for the construction of a Weapons Storage and Maintenance Facility at Malmstrom Air Force Base.\n$27 million for nuclear weapon modernization research and development.\n \nTester additionally secured provisions in the NDAA to support military spouses through the Widow's Tax Elimination Act, a push to help the more than 65,000 military widows and widowers nationwide receive the full survivor benefits they are due. The defense bill also includes protections for active duty and National Guard and Reserve members transferring their education benefits, which Tester continues to fight for in his Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability Entitlement Act. As a part of his larger push to support military families, he also included language to increase accountability and oversight of privatized military housing and improve the household goods movement program.\nTo help combat the veteran suicide epidemic, Tester included language authorizing the National Guard to establish a Suicide Prevention Pilot program to ensure Guard members receive prompt support and immediate access to behavior health professional on any mobile device.\nIn addition to providing a 3.1 percent pay raise to servicemembers, the largest pay raise for U.S. troops in a decade, the annual defense bill also includes Tester's Occupational and Environmental Transparency Health (OATH) Act. As Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Tester has led the effort in Congress to ensure that servicemembers and veterans exposed to Occupational Environmental Health hazards in the line of duty get the necessary medical care and benefits they need. His bipartisan bill requires DOD to track active duty military personnel and veterans' exposed to harmful chemicals in a system.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-announces-winners-2019-congressional-app-challenge", "Gianforte Announces Winners of 2019 Congressional App Challenge", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "To close out Computer Science Education Week, Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.) on Friday announced Montana's winners of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge, Zoe Wendt, Beatrix Poitra, and Anna Bergstedt from Kalispell Middle School.\nCongratulations to Zoe, Beatrix, and Anna who used block code to create an interactive app that showcases Montana's birds. They developed a fantastic app to serve as a resource for birders, Gianforte said. The talent and creativity of our young programmers really impresses me. Thank you to Montana's educators and mentors who encourage our students to learn computer science and other STEM fields.\nZoe, Beatrix, and Anna designed their app to help birders identify birds in northwest Montana by their calls. Learn more about Zoe, Beatrix, and Anna's app HERE.\nThe Congressional App Challenge is an annual contest to engage student creativity and encourage their participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education fields. This nationwide event allows high school students from across the country to compete against their peers by creating and exhibiting their software application for mobile, tablet, or computer device on a platform of their choice.\nWinning apps from each congressional district will be on display in the U.S. Capitol.\nThe Congressional App Challenge is sponsored by the Internet Education Foundation. For more information on the Congressional App Challenge, visit Gianforte's website.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-over-213000-to-help-end-veterans-homelessness-in-missoula-", "Daines Announces Over $213,000 to Help End Veterans Homelessness in Missoula", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.19\n\t\t\t Daines Announces Over $213,000 to Help End Veterans Homelessness in Missoula  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $213,744 will go towards ending veterans homelessness in Missoula through the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program.\r\nThe fact that we have veterans living on the streets with nowhere to turn is heartbreaking,Daines said.This grant will help get our homeless veterans in Missoula off the streets and provide them with greater access to the resources and services they need.\r\nDaines voted for the funding in the appropriations process.\r\nTo follow Daines' latest actions on veterans issues, click HERE.\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    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-helps-secure-over-1-million-for-the-career-training-institute-in-helena", "Daines Helps Secure Over $1 Million for the Career Training Institute in Helena", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.19\n\t\t\t Daines Helps Secure Over $1 Million for the Career Training Institute in Helena \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the Career Training Institute in Helena will receive a $1,180,800 to support the YouthBuild program.\r\nThis important grant will help get young Montanans the training they need for the jobs of tomorrow, while in turn increasing the quality and quantity of housing for those in need,Daines said.Investing in workforce development and training is critical to filling the growing jobs gap and getting young Montanans ready to enter the workforce.\r\nThis grant is part of the Department of Labor's YouthBuild program. The Department has administered the YouthBuild program since 2006. Program participants learn construction skills while constructing or rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods, as well as other occupational skills for in-demand industries that also require real-world work experience components.\r\nYoung people split their time between the occupational skills training site and the classroom, where they earn their high school diploma or equivalency degree and prepare for postsecondary opportunities.\r\nBackground:\r\nIn late July, Daines sent a letter supporting the grant application.\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=7151", "Tester Secures More Than $2.1 Million for Blackfeet and Fort Belknap Housing Authorities [press_release]", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today that the Blackfeet Housing Authority and the Fort Belknap Housing Authority will receive a combined $2,120,751 to further expand and maintain affordable housing in their communities.\nEvery family in Montana deserves affordable and safe housing, regardless of where they are from, Tester said. These grants will allow the Fort Belknap and Blackfeet communities to continue their efforts to ensure that every family's needs are met, no matter their income.\nThis interim funding was awarded under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 with the expressed goal of helping Tribal communities construct and maintain affordable housing units in Indian Country. The Blackfeet Housing Authority will receive $1,633,261 and the Fort Belknap Housing Authority will receive $487,490.\nTester has long supported the development of affordable housing in Indian Country. Earlier this month, he announced more than $13.5 million in grants through another U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development competitive grant program for the Fort Peck, Rocky Boy's and Flathead Reservations. Earlier this year, he secured more than $26 million to bolster affordable housing on Montana's seven reservations. He also introduced and helped pass the Tribal HUD-VASH Act earlier this Congress to formally codify the Tribal HUD-VASH program, which provides rental and housing assistance to homeless and at-risk homeless veterans in Indian Country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7152", "Tester, Enzi Bipartisan Bill Would Bring Transparency to Cell-Culture Meat Products [press_release]", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Mike Enzi (R-Wy.) today introduced a bill to ensure transparency in a new line of food products created using animal cell-culture technology.\nTester and Enzi's Food Safety Modernization for Innovative Technologies Act works to ensure that a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agreementdesigned to ensure that products are safe and accurately labeledwould have legal authority over animal cell-based products created in a laboratory, rather than raised on a ranch.\nAmericans shouldn't have to guess what they are buying at the grocery store checkout line, Tester said. If cell-based meat is sold next to real Montana beef at the store, the labeling should be clear to consumers so that folks can make informed choices about what they're feeding their families.\nEmerging technologies may reshape the food industry in the coming years, Enzi said. Existing food safety laws were drafted long before these technologies were contemplated. Our legislation would create an up-to-date framework in law so agencies appropriately work together to ensure folks know what they are eating and that it is safe.\nCell-culture technology allows developers to lab-produce consumable animal tissue from cell cultures, which could become purchasable in grocery stores within the coming years. Under the agreement, the FDA would be charged with overseeing the process of multiplying collected cells to make tissue and the USDA would oversee processing, packaging, and labeling. The FDA would oversee all phases of development and production for products not derived from livestock or poultry cells.\nAs the only working farmer in the U.S. Senate, Tester has been a champion for ensuring consumers know exactly what's in their food and where it comes from. Earlier this year, he introduced a resolution to support reinstating country of origin labeling on beef and pork, and he previously introduced legislation that would require products containing GMOs to be clearly labeled.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7153", "Tester, Thune, Brown, Perdue Introduce Bill to Recognize Unique Housing Needs of Veterans  Rural America [press_release]", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and David Perdue (R-Ga.) introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that the housing needs of veterans and folks in rural America are reflected when Federal agencies are setting policies that affect homeowners.\nCurrently, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) are not represented on the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council. The Senators' bill adds VA and USDA's RHS to the Appraisal Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, to help address the persistent delays in appraisals for those purchasing a home through loan programs at both agencies.\nFolks looking to buy a home in rural areas frequently find themselves waiting too long for home appraisals, said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. Veterans in Montana are especially affected their appraisals are often delayed or come to a complete standstill. Our bill expands VA and USDA representation where industry standards are set to ensure these delays are addressed to help our veterans and folks in rural America. I'm continuing to work to push this bill over the finish line in Congress, to help speed up the process to provide more timely appraisals for prospective buyers.\nFederal agencies that administer programs requiring appraisals should have a seat at the table when the Appraisal Subcommittee conducts its oversight activities and other statutory functions, said Senator Thune. This bill achieves that by ensuring membership of the Appraisal Subcommittee is inclusive to designees of these other federal agencies.\nRural Ohioans and veterans face unique challenges throughout the home buying process, said Senator Brown, Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. This legislation will help ensure the interest of rural communities and veterans are fully considered as appraisal standards are set.\nWhen it comes to tackling housing problems, it's important to have the right voices at the table, including farmers and veterans, said Senator Perdue, Chairman of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development. As we've seen in Georgia, metropolitan areas and rural communities have very different housing needs. Bringing together all stakeholders is an important step toward creating positive change in America's underserved communities.\nLast fiscal year, VA-registered appraisers executed more than 500,000 VA home loans valued at $161 billion and RHS executed over 123,000 loans last year valued at $18 billion. Although VA and RHS execute a significant number of home loans, appraisals have historically been lengthy and burdensome processes in rural communities as a result of a shortage of licensed and certified appraisers. Earlier this month, Tester sent a letter to VA Secretary Wilkie, requesting additional information regarding the Department's efforts to facilitate appraisals for veterans seeking VA Home Loans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-all-2019-montana-student-u-s-military-academy-nominations", "Daines Announces All 2019 Montana Student U. S. Military Academy Nominations", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.19\n\t\t\t Daines Announces All 2019 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 15 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 (USAFA), the U.S. Military Academy at West Point (USMA), the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis (USNA) or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point (USMMA).\r\nOne of my greatest honors as a U. S. Senator is to nominate 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' 2019 academy nominations by county:\r\nCascade:\r\nAlexis Tri, Great Falls USAFA\r\nDaniel Brannon, Great Falls USMMA\r\nFlathead:\r\nSophia Smith, Kalispell USNA, USMA\r\nShaela Tuell, Columbia Falls USMA, USAFA, USNA\r\nGallatin:\r\nTayt Rogers, Bozeman USMA, USAFA, USNA\r\nDavid Hogenson, Bozeman USMA, USAFA, USMA, USMMA\r\nHill:\r\nCameron Pleninger, Havre USMMA\r\nLake:\r\nKyla Blixt, Polson USMA\r\nLewis & Clark:\r\nGrant Eckerson, E. Helena USMA, USMMA*\r\nKadyn Craigle, Helena USAFA, USMA, USNA*\r\nClaudia Downing, Helena USNA, USAFA*\r\nVivienne Johnson, Helena USMMA\r\nMadison:\r\nRobinson Dale, Sheridan USMA, USAF, USNA\r\nMissoula County:\r\nSamuel Weisenburger, Seeley Lake USMA, USAFA, USNA\r\nDane Becker, Missoula USAFA \r\nWhitney Morrison, Missoula USAFA\r\nStillwater County:\r\nNathan Palmer, Columbus USNA\r\nTeton County:\r\nJacob Boetticher, Fairfield USNA*\r\nYellowstone County:\r\nPete Salaris, Billings USMMA\r\nThose with * by their names were granted The Principle Nomination.\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    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-helps-secure-over-4-million-for-bozeman-yellowstone-international-stevensville-airports", "Daines Helps Secure Over $4 Million for Bozeman Yellowstone International, Stevensville Airports", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.19\n\t\t\t Daines Helps Secure Over $4 Million for Bozeman Yellowstone International, Stevensville Airports \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that $4,831,837 will be designated towards the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and Stevensville Airport.\r\nThis is great news for the folks at Bozeman Yellowstone International and Stevensville airports,Daines said.These grants will strengthen our infrastructure to help improve travel to Montana, and support our vital tourism economy.\r\nDaines helped secure the resources for the following grants through the appropriations process.\r\nOf the $4,831,837 grant, $650,000 will be designated towards Stevensville Airport. $4,181,837 will be designate towards Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.\r\nFor more information on the grants, click HERE and HERE.\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=7149", "Tester Announces More Than $213,000 to Curb Veteran Homelessness in Missoula [press_release]", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) today announced a grant of $213,744 through the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program to increase access to safe and affordable housing for veterans in Missoula.\n\"Missoula Housing Authority has been a critical component in addressing homelessness in the community,\" said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. \"This grant will enable homeless veterans in Missoula access to affordable housing and supportive services from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our men and women who defended this country in uniform deserve nothing less from their city and their government.\" \n\"We've been committed to ending veteran homelessness in Missoula for a long time and the HUD-VASH program is integral to that effort,\" said Missoula Mayor John Engen. \"This additional funding, simply put, means that more men and women who served our country can live with the dignity and security they earned.\"\nHUD-VASH is a collaborative program between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) combining HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive services to help homeless veterans and their families find permanent housing.\nTester is a strong advocate for expanding affordable housing opportunities in Montana. Through his position on the Senate Appropriations Committee, he played a key role in negotiating a bipartisan budget deal that made substantial investments into affordable housing initiatives including the HOME and CDBG programs. Earlier this year he helped secure more than $4 million for Public Housing Authorities across Montana and more than $26 million for affordable housing in Indian Country.\nRead more about Tester's efforts to expand affordable housing in Montana HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7150", "Testers FUTURE Act to Renew Tribal College Funding Approved by Congress, Headed to Presidents Desk [press_release]", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) -  U.S. Senator Jon Tester's bill to bolster higher education in Indian Country is heading to the President's desk, after earning final Congressional approval this week. The Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act passed the Senate unanimously and will provide permanent mandatory federal funding of $255 million annually for Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), as well as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions.\n\"Tribal Colleges and Universities are critical to training and preparing the next generation of Native American leaders for their careers,\" Tester said. \"Today these institutions will finally get much-needed certainty to continue providing the tools and resources to help students across Indian Country succeed.\"\nThis critical funding expired on September 30th as a result of Senate inaction, despite receiving unanimous approval in the House of Representatives earlier in the month. Tester led the charge in the Senate for TCU funding after it expired and called on Senate leadership to pass the FUTURE Act in a letter cosigned by 36 of his Senate colleagues. As a result, the amended version that passed the Senate this week provides permanent funding to strengthen TCUs and other Minority-Serving Institutions' academic, financial, and administrative capabilities. The seven TCUs across Montana rely heavily on this funding to provide student support services, strengthen campus infrastructure, and provide for the unique needs of the communities, families, and students they serve.  A longtime proponent of education initiatives in Indian Country, Tester recently reintroduced his Native Educator Support and Training (NEST) Act to recruit more Native American teachers and retain qualified educators in Indian Country, and he was instrumental in negotiating a budget deal that brought millions to Native American education programs earlier this year. Tester also secured $663,106 this year in U.S. Department of Agriculture Tribal College Initiative Grants for five TCUs in Montana for campus improvement projects. Montana's seven TCUs are most of any state. These institutions serve thousands of Native students and hundreds of non-Native students each year, and they are critical in helping Tribes address workforce needs and provide postsecondary educational opportunities for Tribal members. Across the country, there are 37 TCUs operating 75 campuses in 16 states.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-votes-to-advance-bipartisan-b-47-ridge-pilt-bills-", "Daines Votes to Advance Bipartisan B-47 Ridge, PILT Bills", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.19\n\t\t\t Daines Votes to Advance Bipartisan B-47 Ridge, PILT Bills  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE  U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted to advancetwo big Montana wins out of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee,including his bipartisan bill to name the B-47 Ridge in honor of the four servicemen who lost their lives in an Air Force B-47 Bomber crash in Montana.\r\n\r\nClick HERE to download full video.\r\nThis is about honoring and remembering the story of the brave men who tragically lost their lives in a B-47 Bomber Crash in SW Montana in 1962, Daines said. After over a half century, it is time we get them the memorial and recognition they so rightfully deserve for their service and sacrifice to our country. I look forward to getting this across the finish line for the families.\r\nDaines also voted to advance his bipartisan bill, theSmall County Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Parity Act,which will bring parity to the PILT program, and ensure smaller populated counties receive more resources to strengthen local law enforcement, fire departments, schools, roads, search and rescue, and more.\r\nToo often, Montana's rural communities are pushed aside and short changed on the resources they need, Daines said. Ensuring we get our fair share of PILT means delivering critical services to folks in our smaller, rural Montana counties. I will continue working until we get this important bill signed into law.\r\nStatements of Support:\r\nB-47:On behalf of myself and the families that lost their loved ones in this B-47 crash. We say thank you Senator Daines for all of your hard work these last four years to honor these men and their families. We can never have enough reminders of the cost of freedom. -Bryan Wells\r\nPILT: \"I applaud Senator Daines, the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Leadership, and all its members for addressing the unforeseen inequities in the current PILT formula by their support for S. 2108, the Small County PILT Parity Act. This bill makes an important change to the existing PILT formula to ensure that small, rural counties like Prairie County, Montana are on a level playing field with counties whose populations exceed 5,000 people. S. 2108 accomplishes this without reducing payments to those larger counties, as well. Rural counties in Montana hope to see the U.S. Senate take up this important piece of legislation in the near future. - Todd Devlin, County Commissioner, Prairie County.\r\nPILT: PILT supports important services for visitors and residents in nearly 1,900 counties with large tracts of untaxable federal land. Counties with fewer than 5,000 residents are on an uneven playing field because of the PILT formula's population and monetary caps. This bill would increase payments to small, rural counties without impacting payments to counties with populations above 5,000. We applaud Senator Steve Daines for his leadership on this issue, as well as Chairman Murkowski and the other members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for supporting this legislation. We hope to see it pass the full Senate soon. - Matthew Chase, Executive Director, National Association of Counties.\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    \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=7146", "Tester, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish Grant Program Honoring Veterans [press_release]", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced the Memorializing Veterans Act today, bipartisan legislation establishing a grant program to help honor the lives of our nation's veterans.\nThe Veterans' Legacy Program (VLP) is an educational initiative from the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) under U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) which commemorates veterans interred in NCA cemeteries through partnerships with institutions of higher learning. Under current law, institutions of higher education experience difficulty obtaining and utilizing federal funding through VLP. This bill would establish a grant program to administer funds more efficiently, facilitating research and developing educational tools to increase public awareness of veteran service and sacrifice.\n\"Since 2016, the Veterans Legacy Program has been expanding and deepening our understanding of the men and women who fought to protect our freedom,\" said Senator Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. \"Our bipartisan bill creates a user-friendly system that streamlines funding for universities who have made it their priority to document, share, and honor the lives of our veterans. This grant program will allow students, teachers, and researchers in Montana to focus on what's at the core of this nation: memorializing those who served our armed forces and inspiring future generations to do the same.\"\n\"For more than 40 years, the United States has maintained its military superiority thanks to an all-volunteer force stepping up to the plate,\" said Senator Rounds. \"Educating the next generation about the service and sacrifices made by our veterans is one way we can encourage young people to join the armed forces and continue this proud tradition. Many South Dakotans have proudly served our country. Sharing their stories can show our state's young people the honor of serving in our armed forces.\"\nThe Memorializing Veterans Act would makes grants available to recipients such as institutions of higher learning, local education agencies, and non-profit entities with a history of community engagement. These grants could be used for research related to national, State or Tribal veterans' cemeteries, to produce educational materials or to promote community engagement about the history of the veterans interred at those cemeteries.\n\"The American Legion is proud to support efforts to properly memorialize America's veterans and educate future generations on the legacy of our nation's heroes,\" said Ralph P. Bozella, Chairman of The American Legion Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission. \"This legislation does just that by allowing VA to issue grants to conduct cemetery research and produce educational materials for the Veterans Legacy Program. It is imperative that we continue to invest in programs that honor and preserve the memory of America's veterans.\n\"Perpetuating the memory and history of our dead is one of the VFW's founding principles,\" said Carlos Fuentes, Director National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). \"The Veterans Legacy Program ensures the memories and stories of the brave men and women who have worn our nation's uniform are preserved in perpetuity. The VFW is proud to sponsor this important legislation, which would improve the Veterans Legacy Program.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7147", "Tester: Suicide Prevention Hotline should be a household number [press_release]", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester joined a bipartisan group of colleagues to pass legislation through the Senate Commerce Committee that would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate 9-8-8' as the dialing code for a National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Hotline. The FCC quickly followed suit, voting in support of the measure earlier today. \"Having someone to talk to can mean the difference between life and death for folks going through a mental health crisis,\" Tester said. \"The National Suicide Prevention Hotline should be a household number-much like 9-1-1-so that everyone knows exactly where to call if they find themselves or a loved one in a situation where they need immediate access to mental health and suicide prevention resources.\" The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019 would make getting help significantly easier for those dealing with a mental health crisis by creating an easy-to-remember phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. The legislation would also create a Veterans Crisis Line for veteran-specific mental health support, and authorizes the states to collect fees to ensure local call centers are able to support increased volume. Currently, to reach the Hotline, those in crisis must dial the 11 digit 1-800-273-8255 number.\nMontana holds the highest rate of suicide in the country per capita, and Tester has worked tirelessly to combat suicide and bring more resources to those experiencing mental health crises. Earlier this year, he introduced his Seeding Rural Resilience Act to combat rising rates of farmer suicide in rural areas, and he introduced his Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act to improve veteran's access to mental health care and ensure no more veterans are lost to suicide.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-votes-defense-bill-includes-his-little-shell-recognition", "Gianforte Votes for Defense Bill That Includes His Little Shell Recognition Measure", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.) today voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes his measure to provide federal recognition to the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a 377-48 vote.\nToday marks an important day for the Little Shell Tribe. They've waited for more than eight decades for federal recognition, which is now one step closer to reality. I appreciate the hard work and dedication of Chairman Gray and the Little Shell people who have been strong advocates for their worthy cause, Gianforte said. I'm proud to have stood with them and to work in the House to deliver on their long-overdue federal recognition.\nNDAA also supports a 3.1 percent pay raise for troops, the largest increase in a decade, and includes an overhaul of privatized military housing.\nNDAA ends the Widow's Tax, a current policy that requires the surviving spouses of members killed in the line of duty or from a service-connected cause to forfeit the Survivor Benefit Pension annuity.\nNDAA also includes Gianforte's measure that provides a path to improvements at Malmstrom Air Force Base for greater potential capacity. Gianforte worked with Congressman Mike Turner (R-Ohio), Republican leader on the House Armed Services Committee's Strategic Forces Subcommittee, on the measure which directs the Secretary of the Air Force to consider how to use existing funds to improve facilities, like Malmstrom, instead of building new ones in an effort to reduce costs and speed up the basing process for future flying missions. It also includes $59 million to fund construction on the Weapons and Maintenance Facility at Malmstrom.\nThis legislation will make our country safer, implement the president's National Defense Strategy to confront our adversaries, and gives our men and women in uniform a much-needed raise. Important to Montana and particularly to Great Falls, it also provides a path to improvements at Malmstrom, Gianforte said. Thankfully, this is a bipartisan measure to ensure we defend our country without all the hyper-partisan elements House Democrats included in their bill earlier this year.\nBackground:\nGianforte's Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act restores the federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe and allows the Tribe to purchase 200 acres of land to serve as its reservation. The legislation makes the Little Shell Tribe eligible for federal resources for economic development, health, and education.\nThe Little Shell Tribe petitioned the federal government in the 1930s and 1940s for a formal reservation and to be allowed to organize under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934.\nIn March 2019, Gianforte's legislation to provide federal recognition to the Little Shell Tribe, H.R. 297, passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a 403-21 vote. It marked the second time a bill providing federal recognition to the tribe passed either chamber of Congress.\nIn January 2019, Gianforte reintroduced the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act.\nIn September 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed Gianforte's bill. The successful vote marked the first time a bill restoring federal recognition to the Little Shell Tribe passed either the House or Senate. Despite passing the U.S. House, it failed to pass the U.S. Senate.\nIn September 2017, Gianforte introduced the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act, H.R. 3764.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-tester-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-permanently-settle-cskt-water-dispute-protect-water-rights-of-all-montanans", "Daines, Tester Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Permanently Settle CSKT Water Dispute, Protect Water Rights of All Montanans", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.19\n\t\t\t Daines, Tester Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Permanently Settle CSKT Water Dispute, Protect Water Rights of All Montanans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE  U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today introduced the bipartisanMontana Water Rights Protection Act(MWRPA), a new agreement to permanently settle the century-old CSKT water dispute, and protect the water rights of all Montanans.\r\nAfter years of hard work and negotiations with the Tribe and other stakeholders across Montana, I'm pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation today that will permanently protect the water rights of all Montanans,Daines said.This bipartisan bill and settlement is a good-faith compromise that will bring final resolution to a century long water dispute, avoid years of costly litigation, and save taxpayers over $400 million. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress, as well as the Trump administration, to get this important settlement for all of Montana across the finish line and signed into law.\r\nThis bill will help bring years of uncertainty for the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, taxpayers, farmers, and ranchers to an end, Tester said. I'm glad the CSKT Water Compact now has the backing of folks on both sides ofthe aisle as well as the Trump Administrationso we can move full-steam ahead to honor our trust and treaty responsibilities, prevent costly litigation, boost economic development in the region, and give long-overdue piece of mind to everyone in Northwest Montana who uses our state's most valuable resource.\r\nThis bipartisan legislation will not have to be voted on by the State of Montana.\r\nTo download a copy of the bill, click HERE.\r\nKey Facts of MWRPA:\r\n \r\nProtects water rights of all Montanans across the state\r\nUpholds the United States' treaty and trust obligations to the Salish and Kootenai people\r\nPermanently relinquishes 97% of all CSKT's water claim rights with prejudice across Montana\r\nSaves taxpayers over $400 million\r\nProhibits the sale of water outside the State of Montana\r\n \r\n \r\nReturns management of the National Bison Range to CSKT, while protecting public access to the Range in statute. No such provision currently exists.\r\n \r\n \r\nProvides critical resources to upgrade and improve water infrastructure\r\nConserves critical fish habitat across NW Montana\r\nAuthorizes a process where the Department of the Interior, on behalf of CSKT, can negotiate with the State for future land swaps.\r\nProvides CSKT with $1.9 billionto settle damages and rehabilitate the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project\r\nProvides$10 million in road infrastructure funds to Lake and Sanders Counties\r\nAvoids litigation on over 10,000 claims in the state water court\r\nRequiresthe Unitary Management Board to dual-file water records with Montana DNRCand requires all meetings and proceedings open to the public\r\n \r\nBackground:\r\n \r\nLast week, Daines announced theframeworkof an agreement he'd reached with CSKT to settle the CSKT water dispute, and Senator Tester announced his support.\r\nEarlier this month, the Trump Administrationexpressed supportfor a settlement that would avoid litigation.\r\nInOctober, Daines sent a letter to the Department of the Interior requesting a formal review and guidance of alternative proposals.\r\nIn 2018, Daines met with legislators and irrigators who were proposing the People's Compact, and worked to address their concerns with the state passed compact.\r\nIn 2016, Tester first introduced a CSKT water compact in the Senate.\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    \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=7145", "Tester, Sullivan Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill Heads to Presidents Desk [press_release]", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) are today celebrating the unanimous passage of the Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act a bipartisan, bicameral effort to help tackle one of the nation's most pressing health concerns veteran suicide. The Senators' legislation requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the responsibilities, workload, training, and vacancy rates of Suicide Prevention Coordinators at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Tester and Sullivan took to the Senate floor today urging colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support the bill.\nSuicide Prevention Coordinators are specially trained employees at VA medical centers who identify, and connect, high-risk veterans with the care that they need. Across the nation, these VA professionals conduct outreach, promote awareness, and disseminate suicide prevention best practices. Due to the growing number of veterans seeking care, many Suicide Prevention Coordinators report being overworked and unable to keep up with their many responsibilities. The Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act will provide necessary information that will help ensure VA has the tools and resources they need to provide veterans with critical mental health resources.\nFar too many of our country's heroes return home from service suffering from invisible wounds of war, said Senator Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. VA employees and suicide prevention professionals are our nation's first line of defense when it comes to combatting veteran suicide. Our bill ensures a comprehensive approach to help connect veterans with the urgent, life-saving care they need, by identifying and addressing staffing needs for these vital frontline employees. I urge the President to sign this bill quickly into law, ensuring no veteran slips through the cracks.\nIt is a tragedy for our country that so many brave veterans, who sacrifice on behalf of all of us, feel as though they have no one to turn to when dealing with the unseen wounds of war, said Senator Sullivan, member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. In order to stem the crisis of veteran suicide, it's important that the people who help them are given the support they need. The VA must have the skilled professionals available who are trained to recognize the warning signs of a veteran in crisis and able to connect a veteran with the numerous resources available to them before it is too late. Our legislation will compel the completion of a comprehensive look at how suicide prevention coordinators are serving the needs of veterans, and which additional resources they need in order to support veterans and defeat the ongoing crisis of veteran suicide.\nEarlier this year, Tester helped introduce the bipartisan Care and Readiness Enhancement (CARE) for Reservists Act to address the high rate of suicide among members of the National Guard and Reserve. Currently, members of the National Guard and Reserves undergo annual health assessments to identify medical issues that could impact their ability to deploy, but any follow-up care is often pursued at their own expense. The bipartisan CARE for Reservists Act will authorize the Department of Defense to improve Guardsmen and Reservists' access to consistent mental health, regardless of their deployment status.\nDoubling down on his efforts to address the veteran suicide epidemic, Tester is also continuing to push the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, which takes a comprehensive approach to address mental health care and prevent suicide by ensuring veterans can utilize alternative therapies including yoga, acupuncture, animal therapy, and outdoor sports and recreation therapy.\nWatch Senator Sullivan's floor speech HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7148", "Indian Affairs Committee Advances Two Key Tester Bills to Senate Floor [press_release]", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(U.S. Senate) - The Senate Indian Affairs Committee passed two bipartisan bills today backed by U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) to expand health care access for Native American veterans and provide more resources for Tribal law enforcement agencies across Montana.\nTester worked with Republicans and Democrats to advance the Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act of 2019 and the Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act out of committee and to the Senate floor.\n\"Native Americans serve in our military at the highest rates, but often face unique barriers when they return home from service,\" said Tester. \"These bills provide Native American veterans in Montana with the care they earned, and help clear roadblocks to safe, healthy communities by streamlining the process for hiring new Tribal officers. I urge Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring these desperately-needed bills to the Senate floor for a vote, because sitting on our hands isn't an option when it comes to serving our Tribal communities.\"\nCurrently, federal law allows the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse federally-operated and Tribally-operated Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities for services they provide to Native American veterans. However, the law does not allow Urban Indian Organizations to participate in the same service reimbursement agreements. This exclusion limits the ability of these urban facilities to maintain and expand services sought by Native American veterans and patients.\nThe Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act would correct this exclusion, allowing Native American veterans to receive quality care at urban Indian health centers while simultaneously relieving some of the patient burden on VA.\nNative communities are currently suffering from law enforcement shortages due in part to lengthy background check processes for prospective Tribal officers. Tester's BADGES Act would give the Bureau of Indian Affairs authority to conduct its own background checks on applicants, streamlining the hiring process. The bill would also improve federal information sharing, create a Tribal Liaison position, establish grants for Tribes and states to address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis, and require the Department of Justice to provide more information about law enforcement staffing and resources across Indian Country.\nMore information on Tester's work to combat the MMIW crisis is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/gianforte-responds-us-houses-plan-vote-trade-deal", "Gianforte responds to U.S. House's plan to vote on trade deal", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In response to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-Calif.) announcement the U.S. House of Representatives will consider the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, Republican Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte issued the following statement Tuesday:\n\n\tAfter repeatedly asking her to act, I can announce today that Speaker Pelosi is finally bringing USMCA up for a vote in the U.S. House. The Trump administration did their job with this critical trade deal, and Speaker Pelosi is finally doing hers  better late than never. USMCA works for Montana and our country, securing access to our top trading partners, creating 176,000 new American jobs, and increasing ag exports by more than $2 billion. USMCA will make our already strong national economy even stronger.\n\t\n\t\tAccording to a report from the United States International Trade Commission, USMCA will create 176,000 new jobs, grow the U.S. economy by $68.2 billion, and increase agricultural exports by $2.2 billion.\n\t\t\n\t\t\tNearly 1,000 agricultural groups across the U.S. have endorsed USMCA, including the Montana Farm Bureau, Montana Grain Elevator Association, Montana Pork Producers Council, National Association of Wheat Growers, and National Cattlemen's Beef Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/little-shell-recognition-bill-close-passage", "Little Shell recognition bill close to passage", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians are two steps away from federal recognition.\nRecognition was included in a defense appropriations bill that came out of a joint committee Monday, and now needs approval from the House and Senate and the president's signature for the tribe to be federally recognized after more than a century of effort by the Little Shell.\nThe recognition was kept in a defense appropriations bill by the joint committee resolving differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill.\n\nThe tribe has been seeking federal recognition for decades, with Montana recognizing the Little Shell as a tribe in 2001. The Department of the Interior has refused to recognize the tribe, leading to efforts in Congress to recognize the tribe.\nThe Little Shell Tribe is headquartered in Great Falls and has more than 5,400 enrolled members across Montana and outside of the state.\nLast year, a bill sponsored by Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., was the first Little Shell recognition bill to pass out of the U.S. House of Representatives, but it was killed in the Senate by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, who blocked a vote on Little Shell recognition.\nA bill sponsored by Gianforte this year again passed the House, but was not taken up in the Senate.\nGianforte praised the recognition's inclusion in the defense approtiations.\n\"For too long, the Little Shell Tribe has had to wait for federal recognition, he said this morning. The efforts of Chairman Gray and the Little Shell people have put this overdue recognition closer to reality. I'm proud to have worked with Chairman Gray to clear this bill through the U.S. House in 2018 and 2019, and to get where we are today. Working together, we're nearing the finish line for this worthy cause.\"\n\nRecognition would allow the tribe to receive the same benefits allowed to other federally recognized tribes across the country.\nNative American Tribes must be recognized as sovereign nations by the federal government in order to exercise full self-governance. This nation-to-nation relationship allows tribes to access critical resources for economic development, health care and education and regulate affairs on tribal lands on terms that are socially and culturally appropriate.\n\n(Click here to view the full story)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/better-late-never-gianforte-says-pelosi-s-usmca-announcement", "\u201cBetter Late Than Never,\u201d Gianforte Says of Pelosi\u2019s USMCA Announcement", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In response to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-Calif.) announcement that the U.S. House of Representatives will consider the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.) released the following statement:\nAfter repeatedly asking her to act, I can announce today that Speaker Pelosi is finally bringing USMCA up for a vote in the U.S. House. The Trump administration did their job with this critical trade deal, and Speaker Pelosi is finally doing hers -- better late than never. USMCA works for Montana and our country, securing access to our top trading partners, creating 176,000 new American jobs, and increasing ag exports by more than 2 billion dollars. USMCA will make our already strong national economy even stronger.\nBackground:\nAccording to a report from the United States International Trade Commission, USMCA will create 176,000 new jobs, grow the U.S. economy by $68.2 billion, and increase agricultural exports by $2.2 billion.\nNearly 1,000 agricultural groups across the U.S. have endorsed USMCA, including the Montana Farm Bureau, Montana Grain Elevator Association, Montana Pork Producers Council, National Association of Wheat Growers, and National Cattlemen's Beef Association.\nCanada is Montana's top trading partner. According to the U.S. Trade Representative, Montana exported $692 million in goods to Canada in 2018, representing 42 percent of the state's total goods exports.\nGianforte repeatedly asked Pelosi to have the House consider USMCA.\n In May, Gianforte asked Pelosi to drop her opposition to USMCA and work with the White House to move the trade deal forward, noting the requirements set by both Democrats and Republicans had been met.\n\tIn September, Gianforte spoke on the House floor urging Pelosi to work with the White House to get USMCA passed. He noted that it had been a full year since the U.S., Mexico, and Canada has concluded negotiations and announced the agreement.\n\tIn November, Gianforte and U.S. Senator Steve Daines took to the floor of their respective chambers to urge immediate action on USMCA, citing the trade deal's benefits to Montana.\n\tIn December, Gianforte and 158 other lawmakers pressed Pelosi to stop dithering and bring up USMCA for a vote in the U.S. House this year.\n In May 2017, the Trump administration notified Congress of the start of negotiations to modernize NAFTA.\nIn September 2018, negotiations concluded with an agreement between all three countries and the final text was published online.\nIn November 2018, President Trump and the leaders of Canada and Mexico signed the agreement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/end-socialist-charade-gianforte-says-medicare-all", "End This Socialist Charade, Gianforte Says of Medicare for All", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At a congressional hearing today on Medicare for All, Congressman Greg Gianforte issued a warning about the destructive impact Medicare for All would have on Montana.\nMedicare is critical to Montana seniors, and we should work to protect the benefits they've earned. I believe the federal government must honor the commitment it made to our seniors. But Medicare for All will destroy Medicare as we know it, Gianforte warned.\nDownload video of Gianforte's remarks HERE\nGianforte described the impact Medicare for All will have on Montana seniors.\nMedicare for All will gut Medicare, end the VA as we know it, and put Montana seniors at the back of the line. To force the over 225,000 Montanans who rely on Medicare to share their pool with everyone isn't fair to Montana seniors, Gianforte said.\nGianforte went on to describe the effect Medicare for All will have on rural health care, particularly reducing access to health care.\nHe discussed how Medicare for All will bring a hefty, budget-busting price tag of 52 trillion dollars and ban private health insurance.\nGianforte closed by calling for bipartisan solutions to fix America's health care system, not a socialist charade.\nIn reality, Medicare for All is Medicare for none. Instead of a reckless government takeover of our health care system, we should take a bipartisan approach to fix our broken health care system. We should protect patients with preexisting conditions, increase transparency and choice, preserve rural access to care, and lower costs. Let's get to work on that, and end this socialist charade, Gianforte said.\nBackground:\nAccording to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 231,592 Montana seniors are enrolled in Medicare.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-recognizes-buffy-smith-helena-spirit-montana-commendation", "Gianforte Recognizes Buffy Smith of Helena With Spirit of Montana Commendation", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "During Computer Science Education Week, Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.) recognized Buffy Smith of Helena for her dedication to educating Montana students and for encouraging more young people, particularly young women, to study computer science and other STEM fields.\nAn educator for 27 years, Buffy is breaking down barriers, paving the way for female and minority students to find their way into computer science. With her commitment to her students and her knowledge of computer science, Buffy has created an all-inclusive approach to the subject. She prioritizes encouraging students to work with others who have different views and thus enhance the outcome of a project.\nGianforte's Spirit of Montana is a weekly recognition of Montanans for their accomplishments, dedication, or service. Gianforte highlights the recipient in the U.S. House of Representatives and personally contacts the honorees.\nGianforte encourages anyone to nominate Montanans for the Spirit of Montana award by contacting his office at 202-225-3211 or by email at https://gianforte.house.gov/contact/email.\nGianforte's statement in the Congressional Record follows:\n\nRECOGNIZING BUFFY SMITH OF HELENA\nMadam Speaker, I rise today to honor Buffy Smith of Helena for encouraging female students to study computer science and for emphasizing the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. \nBuffy grew up in and graduated high school in Gardiner. She then went to Carroll College where she majored in English and minored in Computer Science. Following her undergraduate studies, she earned a secondary high school teaching endorsement in computer science. It was there she found her call to teach.\nAs an educator for 27 years, Buffy is breaking down barriers, paving the way for female and minority students to find their way into computer science. \nThis year, Buffy received the National Educator Award from the National Center for Women and Information Technology. The award honors educators who encourage underrepresented students to participate in computer science. Buffy won statewide awards in 2014, 2015, and 2017.\nWhen Buffy began teaching, she thought she would focus mostly on academics. Years later, she came to believe the relationships developed in the classroom are as critical. \nWith her commitment to her students and her knowledge of computer science, Buffy has created an all-inclusive approach to the subject. She prioritizes encouraging students to work with others who have different views and thus enhance the outcome of a project.\nBuffy mentors girls in her class and encourages them to explore computer science and technology careers. She says, as with her classroom, computer science and other STEM fields can only improve with greater diversification. \nMadam Speaker, for her dedication to educating Montana students and for encouraging more young people, particularly young women, to study computer science and other STEM fields, I recognize Buffy Smith of Helena for her Spirit of Montana.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-statement-on-northwestern-energys-planned-investment-in-colstrip-", "Daines Statement on NorthWestern Energy\u2019s Planned Investment in Colstrip", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.19\n\t\t\t Daines Statement on NorthWestern Energy's Planned Investment in Colstrip  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Dainestoday released the following statement in response to NorthWestern Energy's plan to invest in Colstrip.\r\nNorthWestern Energy's plan to invest in Colstrip is good news for the Colstrip community and all of Montana, Daines said. The power coming out of Colstrip is essential to Montanans' access to more low-cost, reliable energy. NorthWestern's increased ownership in Unit 4 will ensure affordable rates for their customers and a strong partnership with the Colstrip community. I will continue working with folks in Colstrip and Rosebud County to ensure Colstrip, and Montana's energy portfolio, remains strong.\r\nDaines has been tirelessly working to find a path forward to ensure Colstrip's Generating Station remained an asset to Montana and the surrounding communities. Daines is committed to ensuring Montana has a strong balanced energy portfolio.\r\nTo follow Daines recent action on Montana energy, click HERE.\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    \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=7140", "Little Shell Tribal Recognition on Track to Become Law After More Than a Decade of Tester-Led Efforts [press_release]", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clearing the way for U.S. Senator Jon Tester's Little Shell tribal recognition bill to become law, the U.S. House of Representatives last night unveiled their final legislative text for the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes the Little Shell legislation. The House is expected to pass the bill Wednesday and send it to the Senate where it is also expected to pass.\nThe bill was the first bill Tester introduced when he arrived in the Senate in 2007.\nWhen I got to the Senate in 2007, federal recognition for the Little Shell Tribe was the very first bill I introduced, Tester said. But my 12 years working to get this bill signed into law is nothing compared to the century-long fight the Tribe has waged to be recognized as a sovereign nation.  So this is a monumental daylong-overdue federal recognition for the Tribe's more than 5,000 Montana members is headed to the President's desk.\nTester's first bill introduction as a U.S. Senator in 2007 sought federal recognition for the Little Shell Tribe, and he has reintroduced the same legislation every Congress since. Earlier this year, he successfully pushed to include recognition of the Tribe as an amendment to the Senate's must-pass defense bill: the National Defense Authorization Act. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell agreed to include Little Shell recognition only if the amendment was led by a Republican, so Tester joined with Senator Steve Daines to help the Tribe get the bill across the finish line.\nThe NDAA passed the Senate in June, but Tester kept the pressure on throughout the bill's reconciliation process with the version passed by the House of Representatives. Tester sent a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees requesting that they include language recognizing the Little Shell Tribe in any final version of the legislation.\nThe Little Shell Tribe is headquartered in Great Falls and has more than 5,400 members across Montana. They were recognized by the State of Montana in 2000 but have sought federal recognition for more than a century.\nTester's bill granting federal recognition to the Tribe was set to pass the Senate in the closing days of the 115th Congress until Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) blocked the legislation from receiving a vote.\nNative American Tribes must be recognized as sovereign nations by the federal government to exercise full self-governance. This nation-to-nation relationship allows them to access critical resources for economic development, health care, education, and regulate affairs on tribal lands on terms that are socially and culturally appropriate.\nA copy of Senator Tester's 2007 Little Shell bill can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7141", "Tester Secures Key Montana Priorities in Annual Defense Bill, Including at Malmstrom  for Veterans [press_release]", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A number of key defense priorities spearheaded by U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) were included in the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference agreement. The House is expected to pass the bill Wednesday and send it to the Senate where it is also expected to pass.\nThe NDAA sets funding levels and policies for the Department of Defense (DOD). The bill includes a number of important provisions championed by Tester that will strengthen military bases across the country, including Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Montana Air National Guard, and expand services for servicemembers, veterans, and military families.\nFolks in Montana can breathe easy knowing that we scored big in this year's annual defense bill, said Tester. Ensuring our safety and security starts with making critical investments in our military and national defense at home and this bill does just that. It not only strengthens our defense capabilities at Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Montana National Guard, it also does right by our troops and their families who make sacrifices every day to keep us safe. I will continue to push this comprehensive bill over the finish line in Congress, so that we can continue to keep Americans safe.\"\nMontana's Malmstrom Air Force Base is one of only three military bases across the country that house intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The current fleet of ICBMs were first developed in the 1960s. Tester has been working closely with Republican and Democrats to ensure that U.S. nuclear forces remain a credible deterrent well into the future. The NDAA includes a number of Tester-backed investments in the maintenance and modernization of our nation's ICBM force, including those at Malmstrom:\n \n$552 million for research and development of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), our nation's future nuclear deterrent program.\n$171 million to fully support the replacement of the Air Force's UH-1N Huey replacement program.\n$78 million for procurement of Minuteman Man III modernization to ensure the viability of our nation's current strategic deterrent.\n$75 million to support the Defense Community Infrastructure Program which will provide grants, conclude cooperative agreements, and supplemental funds available under other federal programs to assist states and local governments in addressing deficiencies in community infrastructure projects or facilities that are located outside of military installations but that support military installations.\n$59 million authorized for the construction of a Weapons Storage and Maintenance Facility at Malmstrom Air Force Base.\n$27 million for nuclear weapon modernization research and development.\n \nTester additionally included provisions in the bill to support military spouses through the Widow's Tax Elimination Act, a push to help the more than 65,000 military widows and widowers nationwide receive the full survivor benefits they are due. The NDAA also includes protections for active duty and National Guard and Reserve members transferring their education benefits, which Tester continues to fight for in his Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability Entitlement Act. As a part of his larger push to support military families, he also included language to increase accountability and oversight of privatized military housing and improve the household goods movement program.\nTo help combat the veteran suicide epidemic, Tester included language authorizing the National Guard to establish a Suicide Prevention Pilot program to ensure Guard members receive prompt support and immediate access to behavior health professional on any mobile device.\nIn addition to providing a 3.1 percent pay raise to servicemembers, the largest pay raise to U.S. troops in a decade, the annual defense bill also includes Tester's Occupational and Environmental Transparency Health (OATH) Act. As Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Tester has been leading the effort in Congress to ensure that servicemembers and veterans exposed to Occupational Environmental Health hazards in the line of duty get the necessary medical care and benefits they need. His bipartisan bill requires DOD to track active duty military personnel and veterans' exposed to harmful chemicals in a system.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7143", "On the Senate Floor, Tester Urges Colleagues to Follow in Montanas Footsteps and Reject VanDyke for Ninth Circuit Court [press_release]", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Before the Senate confirmation vote on former Montana Solicitor General and failed Montana Supreme Court candidate Lawrence VanDyke to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, U.S. Senator Jon Tester took to the Senate floor, urging his colleagues to follow Montana's lead and reject the nomination. The Ninth Circuit has jurisdiction over Montana.\nIn an impassioned speech, Tester called out VanDyke's lack of experience, poor work ethic, and problematic policy positions, and demanded that his colleagues put partisan politics aside and do what's right for Montana. VanDyke previously ran for a position on the Montana Supreme Court, but lost the election by a significant margin.\nMontanans can separate the wheat from the chaff pretty well, and after examining his record and judgment, they found Mr. VanDyke unqualified to serve on our state's highest court, said Tester. Montanans rejected him overwhelmingly at the ballot box, but now the Majority Leader wants to give him a lifetime seat on the bench.\nTester cited VanDyke's problematic record of supporting mining and drilling in public lands, supporting unchecked money in elections, opposition to same-sex marriage, and VanDyke's belief that the government should insert itself between a woman and her doctor.\nTester also brought up VanDyke's lack of any judicial experience and poor work ethic, citing his not qualified rating from the nonpartisan, nonpolitical American Bar Association as well as opposition from his former coworkers in the Montana Solicitor General's office and past Montana Supreme Court Justices.\nIt is doubtful that he understands that judicial decisions must be based solely on the facts of the case and on the law, wrote six former Montana Supreme Court Justices in a letter to the Senate. We strongly believe that Mr. Van Dyke has demonstrated that he has neither the qualifications nor the temperament to serve as a federal court of appeals judge.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-tells-pelosi-stop-dithering-trade-deal-again-fourth-time", "Gianforte Tells Pelosi to \u201cStop Dithering\u201d on Trade Deal. Again. For the Fourth Time.", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.) today urged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to stop dithering and bring up the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for a vote in the U.S. House this year.\nRecognizing the importance of ratifying the trade deal for Montana farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and businesses, Gianforte asked Pelosi, for the fourth time since May, to move forward with USMCA.\nGianforte and 158 other lawmakers, including leaders of the House Agriculture and Ways and Means committees, today sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi.\nPointing to the urgency of considering USMCA, they write, The undersigned Republican Members strongly urge you to ensure that the House of Representatives takes up and passes the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement this year. With just three weeks remaining, the House has so far squandered the first session of the 116th Congress.\nGianforte and the lawmakers continued, Thankfully, it's not too late for House Democrats to do the right thing. For starters, the House should finally stop dithering on USMCA and pass this critically important trade agreement.\nThe trade agreement will give the United States an opportunity to expand on current trade successes during a time when farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and business owners need it most.\nThey also highlighted the positive impact USMCA will have on agriculture producers, writing, Under USMCA, U.S. agricultural exports alone are expected to increase by more than $2 billion annually, helping to build on the 325,000 American jobs that are already reliant on our nation's exports to Mexico and Canada.\nUntil Pelosi brings up USMCA for consideration in the House, Gianforte will remain vigilant and continue to press Pelosi on the issue.\nThe letter to Speaker Pelosi follows and is available HERE:\nDear Speaker Pelosi: \nThe undersigned Republican Members strongly urge you to ensure that the House of Representatives takes up and passes the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement this year.\nWith just three weeks remaining, the House has so far squandered the first session of the 116th Congress. \nRather than working together to pass bipartisan measures that could be signed into law, House Democrats have instead obsessed over a partisan impeachment process of which the sole purpose is to overturn the decision of voters in the 2016 election. The little remaining time has largely been consumed by passing partisan messaging bills that have no chance of enactment, even in the case where common ground could easily have been found. \nThankfully,it is not too late for House Democrats to do the right thing. For starters, the House should finally stop dithering on USMCA and pass this critically important trade agreement. \nNearly every agriculture group in America has called on Congress to pass USMCA which significantly improves trade relations with our two largest trading partners that together purchase about one-third of all U.S. agricultural exports. Under USMCA, U.S. agricultural exports alone are expected to increase by more than $2 billion annually, helping to build on the 325,000 American jobs that are already reliant on our nation's exports to Mexico and Canada. \nSignificant new market access for U.S. dairy, chicken, eggs, and turkey producers is expected under the agreement while strides are also made in favor of our wheat farmers. These and other improvements will greatly benefit U.S. farmers and ranchers who are struggling under the weight of a recession that began in late 2014. \nExpanding U.S. agriculture exports through truly free and fair-trade agreements will help put American agriculture back on its feet. \nMexico is already our corn growers' number one customer, while Canada and Mexico buy close to half of our pork products. And beef sales to our immediate neighbors is estimated to add about $70 per head to the bottom line of U.S. cattlemen. Under USMCA, the United States has a real opportunity to expand on these successes at a time when U.S. farmers and ranchers and rural America need help the most. \nUSMCA already contains the strongest labor provisions of any trade agreement considered by the U.S. to date and the Trump Administration has worked diligently and in good faith to address these issues because the President is absolutely focused on ensuring a level playing field for all U.S. workers. \nPassing USMCA is a chance for the House to chalk up one critically important victory for the American people and we urge you to seize this opportunity.\nBackground:\nAccording to a report from the United States International Trade Commission, USMCA will create 176,000 new jobs, grow the U.S. economy by $68.2 billon, and increase agricultural exports by $2.2 billon.\nNearly 1,000 agricultural groups across the U.S. have endorsed USCMA, including the Montana Farm Bureau, Montana Grain Elevator Association, Montana Pork Producers Council, National Association of Wheat Growers, and National Cattlemen's Beef Association.\nIn May, Gianforte asked Pelosi to drop her opposition to USMCA and work with the White House to move the trade deal forward, noting the requirements set by both Democrats and Republicans had been met.\nIn September, Gianforte spoke on the House floor urging Pelosi to work with the White House to get USMCA passed. He noted that it had been a full year since the U.S., Mexico, and Canada has concluded negotiations and announced the agreement.\nIn November, Gianforte and U.S. Senator Steve Daines took to the floor of their respective chambers to urge immediate action on USMCA, citing the trade deal's benefits to Montana.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-successfully-retains-little-shell-recognition-montana-defense-priorities-in-final-ndaa-", "Daines Successfully Retains Little Shell Recognition, Montana Defense Priorities in Final NDAA", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.19\n\t\t\t Daines Successfully Retains Little Shell Recognition, Montana Defense Priorities in Final NDAA  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Dainestoday announced that he successfully preserved big wins for Montana in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) including the federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians and critical defense priorities for Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls.\r\nDaines fought for years to help get federal recognition for the Little Shell Tribe. Earlier this year, Daines successfully fought to include federal recognition of the Tribe as an amendment in the Senate passed NDAA. Daines then successfully demanded it be included in the final NDAA.\r\nToday is great news for Montana. After a decades long fight, federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe is one step closer to becoming a reality,Daines said.I fought hard to ensure Little Shell recognition was retained in the final NDAA. Now, I'm going to keep working until it gets across the finish line and signed into law by President Trump. I look forward to celebrating with Chairman Gray very soon. To download the audio of the Little Shell quote, click HERE.\r\nDaines also fought to include provisions that will preserve and protect Malmstrom's mission while safeguarding national security for generations to come.\r\nWe must ensure that the effectiveness of our nuclear deterrent is reliable, capable, and ahead of the capabilities of our enemies abroad,Daines said.I fought hard to ensure we keep critical Montana provisions in the bill that preserve a robust program of nuclear modernization across the next five-year defense plan, and we continue articulating the value of strategic deterrence and the need for nuclear modernization in the face of a wide array of strategic challenges facing the United States and our allies.\r\nMontana Defense Wins in the NDAA:\r\n \r\nPrioritizes nuclear deterrence--\r\n\r\n$552 million for Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD)\r\n$27 million for nuclear weapon modernization\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nExtends reimbursement for spouse license and certification costs by two years\r\nAligns the modernization of the W87-1 warhead with the development schedule for the GBSD\r\n \r\n \r\nExpresses the sense of the Senate on support for a robust and modern ICBM force to maximize value of the nuclear triad\r\n \r\n \r\nRolls back the widow's tax that limits the amount of benefits a gold star family can get\r\n \r\nDaines has made it one of his top priorities to get Little Shell the federal recognition they deserve:\r\n \r\nIn early September, Daines wrote a letter calling on the leaders of the Armed Services Committees to retain a provision in the final version of the NDAA.\r\nIn late June, the Senate overwhelmingly passed the NDAA which included an amendment proposed by Daines that secured federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe.\r\nIn early June, Daines successful included the Little Shell recognition into the must pass NDAA bill\r\nIn late January, Daines voted to advance the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act out of the U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee.\r\nIn early January, Daines and Tester reintroduced the bipartisan legislation to grant the Little Shell Tribe federal recognition.\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    \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=7138", "Tester Statement on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day [press_release]", "2019-12-07", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester Statement on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day \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\tU.S. Senator Jon Tester, Ranking Member and Montana's only member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, today released the following statement in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day:\n \"78 years ago, Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor thrust the United States into World War II, marking a date which will live in infamy.' Beginning that day, Americans made tremendous sacrifices for our freedom, earning a place in history as this nation's Greatest Generation. Many of them- including nearly 1,900 Montanans- sacrificed everything. Our nation has an enduring responsibility to honor their great heroism and patriotism by continuing to ensure that veterans of all wars get the care, benefits, and resources they earned.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/jobs-report-tremendous-news-montana-workers-gianforte-says", "Jobs Report \u201cTremendous News for Montana Workers,\u201d Gianforte Says", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Greg Gianforte released the following statement in response to today's November 2019 jobs report from the U.S. Department of Labor:\nNovember's jobs report is tremendous news for Montana workers and proof our economy continues to grow stronger. Unemployment is at a 50-year low, and wages are growing. The tax cuts and regulatory relief President Trump and Republicans have delivered are working, and I'll continue working so that Montanans in every corner of our state have access to more opportunities and greater prosperity.  Background:\nAccording to the U.S. Department of Labor, 266,000 new American jobs were created in November, exceeding projections by more than 40 percent.\nSince President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law, nearly 8.7 million new American jobs have been created, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.\nThe U.S. Department of Labor also reports the unemployment rate is 3.5 percent, matching a 50-year low.\nIn the past 12 months, wages for private sector workers increased 3.1 percent, including a 3.6 percent increase for nonsupervisory workers.\nIn Gianforte's September statewide town hall, 71 percent of Montanans rated the current state of the national economy as either very good or good.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7131", "Tester, Collins, Casey, Daines Fight to Protect Veterans from Predatory Pension Poachers [press_release]", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced legislation this week requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to systematically track victims, scammers, and trends to proactively protect veterans and survivors across the country from predatory pension poachers.\nOur nation's aging veterans represent a segment of vulnerable individuals increasingly targeted by bad actors preying on the VA pension benefits they've earned. While veterans are often victims of scams including being overcharged for home care, charged for services they did not receive, or given bad investment advice, a recent report from the non-partisan Government Accountability Office found that VA has not taken an aggressive approach to prevent this exploitation.\nThe Veteran Pension Protection Act will require VA to take a more central and active role in identifying the prevalence of these scams, educating veterans, survivors, and VA claims processors, and tracking the effectiveness of VA's current system of reporting complaints to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the Department of Justice (DOJ).\nIt is unacceptable that scammers continue to exploit vulnerable veterans who sacrificed to protect our freedom, said Senator Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. Our bill holds VA accountable by requiring the Department to proactively identify and track bad actors looking to take advantage of our nation's heroes. Veterans in Montana and across the country deserve to have Congress and VA in their corner, fighting tooth and nail to protect their hard-earned benefits. I'll be continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that we protect those who protected us.\nVeterans and their families have a right to expect that the nation they protected will fight to protect them from criminals seeking to rob them of the benefits they have earned through their service, said Senator Collins. I recently chaired a hearing to raise awareness about the disproportionate number of scams targeting veterans. This bipartisan bill would address several issues raised at our hearing by requiring the VA to strengthen its fraud response as well as to educate veterans on ways to identify scams.\nOur Veterans have honorably served our country with valor and it is our responsibility to serve veterans in return, said Senator Casey. So, it is unconscionable to me that anyone would stoop so low as to deceive those who have sacrificed so much for our country. We must fight back against these scams by ensuring the VA identifies and tracks these schemes. The Veteran Pension Protection Act is a first step to combatting scams against Veterans.\nIt is heartbreaking to hear stories of the hardships our veterans face because of scam artists, said Senator Daines. It's been one of my top priorities in Congress to protect Montana's veterans from pension scammers, and I'll continue working with my colleagues and with the Administration to hold those who take advantage of our veterans accountable.\nThe Veteran Pension Protection Act will:\n \nRequire VA to collect information on potential financial exploitation from all departments within the VA then create a plan to address trends apparent within this data.\nCall for VA to regularly update guidance and training curriculum to claims processors regarding the definition and examples of questionable medical expenses in pension claims.\nRequire VA to develop a mechanism for tracking the number of individuals receiving pension benefits for which they are not eligible and provide an annual report to Congress.\nRequire a report on additional steps that can be taken to verify direct deposit information.\nCreate an annual report on the number of pension recipients that are identified by the Department as likely or proven victims of financial exploitation.\nRequire VA to report on the result of referrals of financial exploitation that they submit to the FTC's Consumer Sentinel network, the DOJ, and the OIG.\nRequire any educational or application material created by the Department to inform applicants that the Department does not charge fees in connection with applying for pension benefits.\nRequire an educational outreach plan, in collaboration with Veterans Service Organizations, for reaching individuals vulnerable to financial exploitation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7132", "Tester Secures Nearly $4 Million to Boost Affordable Housing on Flathead Reservation [press_release]", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced he secured a $3.9 million grant to help expand safe, affordable housing on the Flathead Reservation.\nThe competitive grant is awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and will benefit the Salish & Kootenai Housing Authority.\nEvery Montanan deserves to have a place they can call home, Tester said. This grant will help the Chippewa Cree Tribe make that goal a reality for families, and will give more folks in Indian Country a safe, affordable place to live.\nThe grant was awarded under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996.\nTester has long supported the development of affordable housing in Indian Country. Earlier this year, he secured more than $26 million to bolster affordable housing on Montana's seven reservations, and he introduced the Tribal HUD-VASH Act this Congress, which passed the Senate in February, to formally codify Tribal HUD-VASH, providing rental and housing assistance to homeless and at-risk homeless veterans in Indian Country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7133", "Tester Secures Nearly $5 Million to Boost Affordable Housing on Rocky Boys Reservation [press_release]", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced he secured a $4.9 million grant to help expand safe, affordable housing on the Rocky Boy's Reservation.\nThe competitive grant is awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and will benefit the Chippewa Cree Tribe.\nEvery Montanan deserves to have a place they can call home, Tester said. This grant will help the Salish & Kootenai Housing Authority make that goal a reality for families, and will give more folks in Indian Country a safe, affordable place to live.\nThe grant was awarded under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996.\nTester has long supported the development of affordable housing in Indian Country. Earlier this year, he secured more than $26 million to bolster affordable housing on Montana's seven reservations, and he introduced the Tribal HUD-VASH Act this Congress, which passed the Senate in February, to formally codify Tribal HUD-VASH, providing rental and housing assistance to homeless and at-risk homeless veterans in Indian Country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7134", "Tester Secures $5 Million to Boost Affordable Housing on Fort Peck Reservation [press_release]", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced he secured a $5 million grant to help expand safe, affordable housing on Fort Peck.\nThe competitive grant is awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and will benefit the Fort Peck Reservation.\nEvery Montanan deserves to have a place they can call home, Tester said. This grant will help the Fort Peck Housing Authority make that goal a reality for families, and will give more folks in Indian Country a safe, affordable place to live.\nThe grant was awarded under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996.\nTester has long supported the development of affordable housing in Indian Country. Earlier this year, he secured more than $26 million to bolster affordable housing on Montana's seven reservations, and he introduced the Tribal HUD-VASH Act this Congress, which passed the Senate in February, to formally codify Tribal HUD-VASH, providing rental and housing assistance to homeless and at-risk homeless veterans in Indian Country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7135", "U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Testers FUTURE Act to Renew Tribal College Funding [press_release]", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester's bill to bolster higher education in Indian Country passed the U.S. Senate this week with unanimous support.\nThe Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act would provide $255 million annually in mandatory federal funding for two years for Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), as well as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions. This critical funding expired on September 30th as a result of Senate inaction, despite receiving unanimous approval in the House of Representatives earlier in the month.\nTribal Colleges and Universities provide critical resources and training to the next generation of leaders in Indian Country, Tester said. I'm happy to see that my colleagues finally agree, and look forward to the continued success of these institutions as they help students learn, grow, and gain the skills that will help them succeed.\nTester has led the charge in the Senate for Tribal College funding since it expired on September 30, and called on Senate leadership to pass the FUTURE Act in a letter cosigned by 36 of his Senate colleagues. As a result, the amended version that passed the Senate this week provides for permanent funding for the FUTURE Act to strengthen TCUs and other Minority-Serving Institutions' academic, financial, and administrative capabilities.\nA longtime proponent of education initiatives in Indian Country, Tester recently reintroduced his Native Educator Support and Training (NEST) Act to recruit more Native American teachers and retain qualified educators in Indian Country, and he was instrumental in negotiating a budget deal that brought millions to Native American education programs earlier this year. Tester also secured $663,106 in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tribal College Initiative Grants for five TCUs in Montana for campus improvement projects.\nMontana is home to seven Tribal Colleges and Universities, the most of any state. These institutions serve thousands of Native students and hundreds of non-Native students each year and are critical in helping Tribes address workforce needs and provide postsecondary educational opportunities for Tribal members. Across the country, there are 37 Tribal Colleges and Universities operating 75 campuses in 16 states.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7137", "Tester: Folks in rural Montana waited years for Wireless Investments that Never Came [press_release]", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Folks in rural Montana waited years for promised investments in rural wireless infrastructure that never came, U.S. Senator Jon Tester pressed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this week. Tester's statement comes after Chairman Ajit Pai's announcement that the agency is shuttering a program promised to rural America and replacing it with a $9 billion investment into building 5G infrastructurea tall order for areas in Montana that have yet to get any cell coverage at all.\nDuring this week's Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Tester called attention to the FCC's history of breaking promises to rural America by not getting work done on the ground, specifically pointing to the failure of the $4.5 billion mobility fund to bring 4G to rural areas. Though he welcomed yesterday's announcement of the $9 billion project, the agency's recent history shows potential for funding to be perpetually delayed at great cost to rural carriers and consumers.\nFolks in rural Montana waited years and years for the mobility fund phase-two money to get out the door, and as you well know, it never happened, said Tester. another year has gone by with zero progress for wireless infrastructure in rural Americaand another year where Washington bureaucracy and gridlock in the Senate is shortchanging rural America. While I believe everybody supports Chairman Pai's good intentions to spend $9 billion in rural America, I've got some serious concerns about their ability to execute, because I haven't seen it happen.\nOne reason the FCC failed to deliver mobility fund phase two funds is the lack of accurate coverage maps. As a solution, Tester pressed the Senate to take action on the Broadband DATA Act, which passed the Commerce Committee earlier this year, in order to improve broadband data maps and hold providers accountable for inaccurate mapping. The bill would create a singular Broadband Map from granular data collected by the FCC and third-parties that will be updated biannually and instructs the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to consult this map before distributing funding. It also develops an online system where incorrect data can be challenged and regularly updated, and requires regular audits of provider-submitted data using crowdsourcing for verification.\nThe Broadband DATA Act also forces the FCC to issue new rules for collecting deployment data from broadband providers and makes it easier for individuals and other entities to challenge coverage maps in a way that is non-burdensome. The FCC will be ordered to submit a report to Congress on their efforts to enforce new rules on providers that knowingly and intentionally misreport data.\nAs a working farmer in an area that doesn't have cell service, Tester has long pushed the FCC to improve broadband access to rural America. Earlier this year, he pushed the FCC to take concrete steps to improve the accuracy of broadband maps and grilled Chairman Ajit Pai on the agency's inaction to expand broadband in rural areas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/gianforte-blasts-pelosi-impeachment-announcement-2020-house-candidates", "Gianforte blasts Pelosi impeachment announcement, 2020 House candidates weigh in", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Greg Gianforte criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's announcement Thursday to draft articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, calling it \"hyper-partisan impeachment fever\" that distracts from other important issues.\nTheir overly political process has been a sham since day one, reaffirming that (Rep.) Adam Schiff, Nancy Pelosi, and House Democrats have been obsessed with overturning the results of the 2016 election since President Trump won, Gianforte, a Republican now serving in the state's lone House seat, said on a Facebook posting. Congress should be focused on what the American people elected us to do -- passing critical trade deals, funding our military, and reducing prescription drug prices -- not indulging in Democrats' hyper-partisan impeachment fever.\nThis is the fourth time in U.S. history Congress has tried to remove a president. The impeachment probe was sparked by July call with the president of Ukraine, in which Trump pressed the leader to investigate Democrats and political rival Joe Biden as the White House was withholding military aid to the country bordering an aggressive Russia.\n'Our democracy is what is at stake,\" Pelosi said, according to the Associated Press. The president leaves us no choice but to act.\nGianforte is running for governor in 2020 and five Republicans and three Democrats are running for his seat. The primary is June 2 and the general election is Nov. 3.\nSome of those candidates were weighing in Thursday about Pelosi's decision.\nThe only thing this impeachment sham has proven is that Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats will do whatever it takes to overturn the will of the people and obstruct the Trump agenda,\" Republican candidate Matt Rosendale wrote in an email. \"It's all a partisan, liberal witch hunt that underscores why we must win this race, take back the House of Representatives, and get to work on lowering health care costs, reducing prescription drug prices, and passing USMCA. We stand with President Trump and look forward to helping him advance his agenda and continue his good work on behalf of the American people.\nRepublican Joe Dooling said this country's forefathers did not want this process of a partisan impeachment.\nIt's a partisan move, he said. It's the kind of stuff that makes Washington, D.C., broke. We need to elect somebody with the temperament and ability to get things done and stop the partisan bickering.  \n\tDooling, calling from the Grain Growers Association Convention, said it's 11 months from the election and Pelosi wants to talk about impeaching rather than trade deals that would help farmers and ranchers. He said he is calling the trade war Nancy Pelosi's trade war and not Trump's trade war because deals are on her desk.\nFellow Republican Debra Lamm said in an email that \"Pelosi's witch hunt comes drastically short of meeting her own standard for impeachment. The hypocrisy of the socialist Democrat party is mind-boggling.\"\nCorey Stapleton, now Montana secretary of state, said he opposed impeachment.\n\"I'm running to partner with President Trump and stand against Pelosi, AOC (Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.) and their socialist agenda,\" he said in an email. \"The radical Left are only pushing a shampeachment to distract from their own failed liberal policies.\"\nDemocrat Matt Rains said he supported the impeachment process for three reasons.\n\"First and most importantly, the United States of America should never waiver on holding every public official to the highest standard of morals and ethical behavior. Economic growth does not justify questionable judgment,\" he said in an email. \"Second, impeachment exists to ensure law and order in government. Enough facts and evidence have emerged to justify a review for law and order.\n\"Third, I believe the majority of those opposed to the impeachment process (of which Montana has a significant number) would be calling for at least investigations if the party symbols were swapped on identical actions,\" he said. \"With a House Democratic majority and Senate Republican majority, we have about as fair system as possible.\nDemocrat Tom Winter approved of Pelosi's decision and said Trump has been credibly accused of using tax money to try and bribe a foreign government.\n\"It's not in the best interest of Montana, it's not in the best interest of a democracy, not in best interest of Congress,\" he said, adding it's a complete \"malpractice.\"\n\"There is a point where you have to stand for your values, and if you do not stand for your values now, how can voters be convinced you will stand for them when the going gets tough?\nWinter said he wants the president to do well, but trying to bribe foreign officials was \"unconscionable.\"\nDemocrat Kathleen Williams and Republican Timothy Alan Johnson did not respond to queries seeking comment.\nDon Kaltschmidt, head of the Montana Republican Party, criticized Pelosi's decision.\n\"The Democrats' obsession with removing President Trump from office by any means necessary is precisely why we need to elect a conservative to Montana's congressional seat and retire Nancy Pelosi as Speaker,\" he said in an email.\n\"Rather than kowtowing to the Radical Left and trying to negate the 63 million votes that elected the president, Democrats should join their Republican colleagues in rejecting this manufactured witch-hunt and get to work on issues that will actually better the lives of everyday Americans,\" he said", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-resolves-century-old-dispute-proposes-new-settlement-framework-to-permanently-protect-water-rights-for-all-montanans", "Daines Resolves Century Old Dispute, Proposes New Settlement Framework to Permanently Protect Water Rights for All Montanans", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.19\n\t\t\t Daines Resolves Century Old Dispute, Proposes New Settlement Framework to Permanently Protect Water Rights for All Montanans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\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\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Requires CSKT Tribe to Permanently Relinquish 97% of all Water Rights Claims Across Montana, Save Taxpayers Over $400 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. SENATE After years of negotiations, U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that he has reached an agreement with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) on a new framework for a permanent water settlement. Daines will introduce the Montana Water Rights Protection Act which permanently eliminates 97% of all CSKT's water rights claims across Montana, saves taxpayers over $400 million and protects the water rights of all Montanans.\r\nAfter years of negotiations and hard work, I'm pleased to announce we have reached a new agreement that permanently settles a century old water dispute in Montana and protects the water rights of all Montanans, Daines said. The Montana Water Rights Protection Act' will permanently eliminate almost all of CSKT's water claim rights across Montana with prejudice, save taxpayers over $400 million, and give all water users across Montana protection and certainty.\r\nThe elimination of 97% of all CSKT's water rights claims across Montana is with prejudice, meaning they are permanently relinquished.\r\nLast month, the Trump Administration expressed support for a settlement that would avoid litigation.\r\nThe Montana Water Rights Protection Act protects Montanans' due process by giving them access to state courts over water disputes between tribal and non-tribal members. It also affirms Montanans' Constitutional protection that the water of the State of Montana belongs to all the people for their common benefit (Article IX, Section 3). It will prevent years of costly litigation for Montana water users, and provide much needed certainty for all parties involved.\r\nSince coming to Congress, Daines has been actively engaged with members of the CSKT, Montana State Legislators, irrigators, and other stakeholders in reaching an agreement.  Key Facts of the Montana Water Rights Protection Act:\r\n \r\nProtects water rights of all Montanans across the state\r\nPermanently relinquishes 97% of all CSKT's water claim rights with prejudice across Montana\r\n\r\nRequires further 2.7% of remaining claims to be co-owned by the state of Montana and the remaining .3% will be limited to protecting fishing habitat by maintaining in stream flows and protecting outdoor economy\r\n\r\nSaves taxpayers over $400 million vs. alternative proposals\r\nProhibits the sale of water out of the State of Montana\r\nProvides critical resources to upgrade and improve water infrastructure\r\nConserves critical fish habitat across NW Montana\r\n \r\nKey Differences from Alternative Proposals:\r\n \r\nReduces settlement costs by over $400 million vs. alternative proposals\r\nAgreement by CSKT to permanently relinquish 97% of all water rights claims with prejudice across Montana\r\n\r\nRequires further 2.7% of remaining claims to be co-owned by the state of Montana and the remaining .3% will be limited to protecting fishing habitat by maintaining in stream flows and protecting outdoor economy\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nProtect Montanans' due process by giving them access to state courts over water disputes between tribal and non-tribal members\r\nAgreement by CKST of language that affirms Montanans' Constitutional protection that the water of the State of Montana belongs to all the people for their common benefit\r\n \r\nMore Details:\r\n \r\nProvides CSKT with $1.9 billion to settle damages and rehabilitate the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project (FIIP)\r\nProvides $10 million in road infrastructure funds to Lake and Sanders Counties\r\nRequires the Unitary Management Board to cross-file water records with Montana DNRC and requires all meetings and proceedings open to the public\r\n \r\nBackground:\r\n \r\nEarlier this month, the Trump Administration expressed support for a settlement that would avoid litigation.\r\nIn October, Daines sent a letter to the Department of the Interior requesting a formal review and guidance of alternative proposals.\r\nIn 2018, Daines met with legislators and irrigators who were proposing the People's Compact, and worked to address their concerns with the state passed compact.\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    \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=7128", "Tester Urges USDA to Act on Northeast Montana Wheat Crisis [press_release]", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Following two weeks of heavy snow in Northeast Montana, U.S. Senator Jon Tester this week urged Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to reconsider his decision not to extend disaster assistance to the region's wheat farmers who were forced to leave their crop in the ground or were left with unsellable product due to excessive moisture this harvest season.\nIn the last two weeks, Northeast Montana received more than a foot of heavy, wet snowThe Additional Supplemental Appropriators for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 2157) extends the [Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus] to expenses related to losses of crops as a consequence of hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, typhoons, volcanic activity, snowstorms, and wildfires.' The language in this bill could not be clearer, and as such I urge you to act on it immediately and extend WHIP+ assistance to these producers.\nIn September, Senator Tester sent Secretary Perdue a letter asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to clarify that the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) includes value and quality losses, and that farmers in Northeast Montana facing those losses were eligible for the program. Nearly eight weeks later, USDA finally responded that they would not provide WHIP+ assistance to Montana farmers.\nI am extremely disappointed in your decision to exclude Montana farmers from the WHIP+ program for quality loss related to excessive moisture, wrote Tester in his letter this week. In a time of extreme market volatility and trade uncertainty, USDA's mission is to mitigate the significant risks of farming.' In Northeast Montana, USDA is failing to deliver that objective for struggling farmers.\nAs the only working farmer in the U.S. Senate, Tester has been a champion for farmers and ranchers across the country. Earlier this year, he introduced his Seeding Rural Resilience Act to help combat rising rates of farmer suicide, and The Trump Administration recently adopted his Restoring Rural Residencies Act into a rule change to bring more medical professionals into rural hospitals.\nRead the full letter HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7129", "Tester Welcomes Deal to Introduce CSKT Water Compact [press_release]", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester today welcomed bipartisan interest in introducing the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) Water Compact in the United States Senate, after years of uncertainty for CSKT, landowners, and Montana water users. Tester first introduced the Water Compact in 2016, but this is the first time it would receive bipartisan support in the Senate.\nToday's deal is long-overdue good news for Tribes, farmers, ranchers, and Montana taxpayers, said Tester. I'm glad we're all now on the same page about the importance of getting this done, but the clock is ticking on our ability to prevent costly litigation and protect our state's most valuable resource. It's critical we get the CSKT Compact introduced and moving so we can provide certainty for all water users and boost economic development in Northwest Montana.\nTester has been a steadfast champion for Tribes and Montana water users. As a former Chairman and long-time member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Tester originally sponsored the Blackfeet Water Compact in 2010 and guided it to the President's desk to be signed into law in 2016. He also sponsored the Crow Water Compact, which was signed into law and ratified in 2010.\nBefore being implemented, Tribal water rights compacts must pass the state legislature and both chambers of Congress, and be approved by the Tribe and Montana water court. In 2015, after a decade of negotiations between CSKT, the State of Montana, and local landowners, the Montana legislature passed the bipartisan CSKT Water Compact.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-gianforte-s-bipartisan-bill-cracking-down-illegal-robocalls", "House Passes Gianforte\u2019s Bipartisan Bill Cracking Down on Illegal Robocalls", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On a vote of 417-3, the U.S. House of Representatives today passed Congressman Greg Gianforte's bipartisan bill to crack down on illegal robocalls. \n Robocalls are not only a nuisance, they're a threat to honest, hardworking Montanans. Illegal robocalls seek to exploit them and steal their personal, private information and their money, Gianforte said. It's time to put an end to the stories I hear too often from Montanans about illegal robocalls.\nDownload video of Gianforte's remarks HERE\nToday, we're taking a huge step toward providing relief from robocalls with the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act,  Gianforte said.It gives consumers tools to block illegal robocalls at no cost. It also holds illegal robocallers accountable for their scams, including higher fines and more prison time.\nThe Pallone-Thune TRACED Act requires carriers to offer call-authentication technology to consumers and small businesses at no additional charge; requires opt-in or opt-out robocall blocking be offered at no additional charge to consumers; and requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to work to stop one-ring scams. \nThe bill also increases penalties against illegal robocallers, including higher fines, more jail time, and a longer statute of limitations.\nThe legislation included Gianforte's bipartisan Tracing Back and Catching Unlawful Robocalls Act, which requires the FCC to publish an annual report on the telecommunication industry's efforts to trace suspected illegal robocalls to their origins and provide a list of voice service providers who are not sufficiently participating in efforts to stop illegal calls.\nBackground:\nIn 2018, Americans received 26.3 billion robocalls, or about 50,000 robocalls per minute, according to a study study released in January. Robocalls increased in 2018 by 46 percent from 2017.\nIn July 2019, the U.S. House passed the bipartisan Stopping Bad Robocalls Act which included Gianforte's Tracing Back and Catching Unlawful Robocalls Act, on a vote of 429-3. Earlier in the month, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed  the bill by a vote of 48-0.\nIn June 2019, Gianforte introduced the bipartisan Tracing Back and Catching Unlawful Robocallers Act, H.R. 3434.\nIn May 2019, Gianforte pressed officials from the Federal Trade Commission  and the FCC about what steps they are taking to prevent illegal robocalls.\nEarlier in May, Gianforte shared  with lawmakers the story of a young woman from Bozeman who received a call from her little brother's phone number, but it was from a robocall scammer. The woman was shaken since her brother had died of a heroin overdose a couple of months before the call.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-tester-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-stop-spread-of-aquatic-invasive-species-protect-montana-water-recreation-economy-", "Daines, Tester Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Stop Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, Protect Montana Water Recreation Economy", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.19\n\t\t\t Daines, Tester Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Stop Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, Protect Montana Water Recreation Economy  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today introduced a bipartisan bill, the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act of 2019, to stop the movement of aquatic invasive species, like zebra and quagga mussels, into Montana to protect Montana's water recreation economy.\r\nWater is the most essential need of Montana communities, and a powerhouse for our recreation economy, Daines said. Our bipartisan bill helps continue the fight to prevent aquatic invasive species, like quagga and zebra mussels, from damaging pristine Montana ecosystems. Empowering our local communities with the resources they need to ensure our waterways, rivers, and lakes remain free from these invasive species is critical to our Montana way of life\r\nInvasive aquatic mussels present a serious threat to Montana's water infrastructure and outdoor economy, and we've got to do more to stop them at the source, Tester said. This bill is simpleit helps do that by building and staffing new inspection stations so we can better contain their spread and avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in mitigation down the line.\r\nAquatic invasive species pose a significant threat to Western rivers and reservoirs. Once established, these intruders are nearly impossible to eradicate and wreak havoc on crucial water infrastructure, limit recreation opportunities, and harm ecosystems and local economies. As invasive mussels spread across the West, preventative measures  like watercraft inspection and decontamination stations  are key to limiting their spread.\r\nDaines and Tester introduced the bill with Senator Michael Bennet (Colo.). The bipartisan bill will:\r\n \r\nStrengthen prevention efforts by providing the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) explicit authority to partner with states and municipalities to fund watercraft inspection and decontamination stations\r\nProvide all federal agencies who participate in the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force the same authorities to limit the movement of invasive species into and out of U.S. waters, eliminating problematic differences between the various agencies\r\nEnsure that all at-risk basins are eligible and prioritized for watercraft inspection and decontamination funding\r\n \r\nTo read the full bill, click HERE.\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    \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=7127", "On Senate Floor, Ranking Member Tester Pays Tribute to Chairman Isaksons Service to Veterans [press_release]", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Jon Tester (D-Mont.) took to the Senate floor yesterday to pay tribute to Chairman Johnny Isakson's (R-Ga.) 45-year political career, legislative accomplishments, and their continued friendship.\nThe reason we're all here today is because Johnny Isakson is a very special guy and he's special for a number of reasons, Tester said. He treats everybody with respect and because of that, everybody treats him with respectAnd Johnny is someone who can get things done. I speak from experience, being Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. He has shepherded through many, many difficult pieces of legislation and he's done it because he's developed trust.\nTester addressed Isakson directly: I can tell you that if we ever get in a foxhole together Johnny, I've got your back and you know what, I know you've got mine, because you've exhibited it before. And I just want to say it's been such an incredible pleasure to be in this body and serving with you because you're one of those guys that if you disagree, you can disagree, but you don't have to be disagreeable. And I just want to say thank you very much.\nIsakson became chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee in January 2015. Under Isakson's leadership, the Senators worked in a bipartisan manner to pass meaningful legislative reforms, helping pass 57 pieces of legislation that were signed into law. Together, Tester and Isakson successfully tackled a variety of challenges at the Department of Veterans Affairs on behalf of veterans across the nation they passed significant bipartisan reforms to increase accountability, expand education benefits, modernize the process for veterans' appeals of benefits, provide additional health care options, and deliver justice for Blue Water Navy veterans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7121", "Tester to Major League Baseball: now is not the time for MLB to reduce its role in baseball in rural America [press_release]", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester today sent a letter to Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Robert Manfred opposing the League's proposed plan to sever ties with dozens of Minor League Baseball (MiLB) teams, including Pioneer League baseball clubs in Billings, Great Falls, and Missoula.\nOur communities are deeply invested in our minor league teams, wrote Tester.  These teams keep Montanans connected to [Major League Baseball], provide affordable family entertainment, and spur economic development and job growth across many business sectors.  I urge you to reverse course on this proposal.\nMontana is one of only two states that does not have a single major league professional sports team or border a state that has a major league professional sports team. Montana's Pioneer League ball clubs build connections between Treasure State communities and baseball, and dozens of small businesses invest in marketing with Montana's teams to support the franchises and grow their customer bases.\nTester added: As MLB examines ways to grow the sport and deal with the decline in younger viewers, I believe it is vital for MLB to invest in rural communities by maintaining MiLB affiliates I strongly believe that now is not the time for MLB to reduce its role in baseball in rural America.\nSenator Tester met with Deputy MLB Commissioner of Baseball Administration Dan Halem this week to discuss the League's proposal. Tester, a Montreal Exposand later, Washington Nationalsfan since the 1980s, would watch games broadcast from Canada after long days working on his farm in Big Sandy.\nRead the full letter HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7122", "Tester, Colleagues Spearhead Legislation to Improve Transportation Services for Rural Veterans [press_release]", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) are spearheading bipartisan legislation to help rural veterans travel to and from their medical appointments more easily.\nThe Senators introduced the Rural Veterans Travel Enhancement Act of 2019 today, which will expand successful initiatives that provide veterans living in rural areas transportation services and reimbursement for their travel to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and Vet Centers. The bill will also develop a national protocol for administering medical exams for volunteer drivers, clarifying requirements and streamlining the certification process. Not only do these initiatives ease the burden for veterans traveling lengthy distances for care, but they have proven to save taxpayer dollars and reduce the number of missed medical appointments at VA.\nAll veterans deserve the same access to quality health care, regardless of whether they live in Big Sandy or the Big Apple, said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. Our bill expands creative and successful initiatives that are helping rural veterans get to their doctor appointments on time, no matter the distance. I look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats to make sure every veteran has access to the care they have earned.\nVeterans deserve nothing less than the best health care our country has to offer, but offering them quality care does them no good if they are unable to travel to receive those services, said Senator Cramer. Expanding and codifying successful transportation programs would help ease the difficulty of traveling to medical appointments, especially in rural states like North Dakota.\nWe make a promise to take care of our veterans in return for their service to our country, and that includes ensuring they are able to get the health care that they need and have earned, no matter where they live, said Senator Murray. I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Rural Veterans Travel Enhancement Act to get us one step closer to fulfilling that promise, and I'll keep fighting to strengthen health care and federal resources for veterans in rural communities, and in all communities, across Washington state and across the country.\nOur nation made a promise to care for its veterans, regardless of their zip code, said Senator Hoeven. For veterans living in rural areas, transportation can often be an obstacle for accessing VA care. This legislation will allow eligible veterans to be reimbursed for travel to and from Vet Centers and clarify requirements for volunteer drivers. This bill is all about helping veterans in rural communities reach important VA health care services.\nI'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan bill that will make it easier and more accessible for Veterans to travel to VA facilities, said Senator Manchin. I have heard more about travel and transportation from Veterans in West Virginia than almost any other Veterans issue due to the recent change in the state veterans van program back to the Disabled American Veterans transportation network. This legislation will help ensure our Veterans in rural areas have the access to services even if they are hard to get to. This is just common sense and I look forward to passing this bipartisan legislation into law.\nAs a Senator for a large, rural state with the second highest number of veterans per capita, it is one of my top priorities to ensure our veterans have convenient access to medical care and other services, said Senator Collins. I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan bill that will improve transportation programs for rural veterans to reach medical appointments and receive support at veterans centers in their communities.\nThe Rural Veterans Transportation Enhancement Act will:\n \nExpand a pilot program that reimburses veterans and eligible beneficiaries for travel to Vet Centers for mental health care and counseling.\nMake permanent the Veterans Transportation Service program, which allows local VA facilities to hire drivers and purchase vehicles to transport veterans to their appointments.\nExtend a grant that allows Veterans Service Organizations and State Veterans Service Agencies to explore new approaches to provide transportation or travel assistance.\nExpedite the certification process for volunteer drivers serving veterans through the Veterans Transportation Service program.\n \nDAV has long advocated for all veterans to have access to high-quality health care no matter where they live, said Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Washington Executive Director Randy Reese. We applaud the introduction of this legislation as it would help expand the reach of DAV's transportation network, which provided veterans with more than 625,000 rides to VA medical centers last year alone, to better serve those in rural areas. We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Tester, Cramer, Murray, Hoeven, Manchin and Collins for their leadership in ensuring all veterans can attend their scheduled VA appointments no matter where they might be.\nTester originally introduced the Rural Veterans Transportation Enhancement Act in 2015 to permanently authorize VA to transport individuals to and from VA facilities for care, and has reintroduced it every Congress since:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7123", "Tester Secures Nearly $700,000 For Five Montana Tribal Colleges [press_release]", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester Secures Nearly $700,000 For Five Montana Tribal Colleges \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 Funds will go towards campus improvement projects \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\tU.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today that $663,106 in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tribal College Initiative Grants have been awarded to five Tribal Colleges across Montana for much-needed campus improvement projects.\nEvery Montanan deserves access to a quality education, and Tribal Colleges play a critical role in making sure that Native students get the tools they need to succeed in a 21st century economy, said Tester, a long-time member and former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. These investments will provide much-needed facility upgrades that will allow these Colleges to focus on what they do best: helping their students thrive.\nThe funding will go to support projects at the following colleges:\n \nAaniiih Nakoda College: $125,000 to renovate a college classroom and convert it to a science lab.\nBlackfeet Community College: $137,702 for campus improvement projects, including paving a parking lot and painting four campus buildings.\nStone Child College: $125,000 to purchase materials and equipment, including a gym score board, exercise equipment, steel doors, and computers.\nChief Dull Knife College: $137,702 to buy equipment for the STEM lab, including computers, protective floor mats, and tables.\nSalish Kootenai College: $137,702 to update college vans and purchase heavy duty lawn mowers.\n \nTester has long been a champion for Montana's Tribal Colleges and Universities and has consistently fought to see their operations receive the support they need to best serve their students and communities. Just last month, Tester led 37 of his colleagues in sending a letter to Senate Leadership demanding the renewal of critical federal funding for Montana's TCUs.\nHe also recently secured $3.5 million for Chief Dull Knife College to expand its STEM program and provide critical environmental assessment research to the community as well as $3.5 million for Salish Kootenai College's Indigenous Research Center.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7124", "Following Tester Push, $2 Million Headed to Billings for Economic Development [press_release]", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Following a push by U.S. Senator Jon Tester, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced today the Big Sky Economic Development Authority of Billings will receive a $2 million grant to support its Rock 31 Connect Build Grow business incubator. It is expected to create 95 jobs and generate $6.6 million in private investment.\nTester wrote a letter of support for the project in June to support the purchase and renovation of a historic building in downtown Billings, which will house the Rock 31 Connect Build Grow business incubator and spur economic activity in Billings.\nThis is great news for folks looking to start and grow businesses in Billings, Tester said. This grant will help create jobs, spur economic development, and provide the needed boost folks need to get their businesses off the ground.\nThe funding is administered through the Economic Development Administration, and will be matched with $2 million in local funds.\nTester is a longtime supporter of Big Sky EDA, a public-private partnership that aims to grow the region's economy and improve quality of life by offering economic development services like the Small Business Development Center and Rock 31, which will provide training and resources to develop new businesses. In 2017 Tester helped locate a Veterans Business Outreach Center within Big Sky EDA to provide training and technical support to veteran-owned businesses and veterans considering starting a business.\nTester's letter supporting the project is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7125", "Tester Successfully Cuts Red Tape for Hemp Farmers, Provides Access to Banking Services [press_release]", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Following his repeated efforts to get federal regulators to cut red tape for hemp farmers, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is announcing that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will issue a guidance allowing hemp producers to bank at financial institutions.\nThe announcement comes on the heels of a sustained push by Tester to make the FDIC and FinCEN clarify the legal status of hemp growth and production. In a statement issued today, the organizations did exactly that, emphasizing that banks are no longer required to file suspicious activity reports for customers solely because they grow or cultivate hemp.\nMontana farmers have been growing hemp for the better part of five years, and it's been an uphill battle to get them access to banks ever since, said Tester. This is great news for our hemp producers who will now have access to capital and financial institutions that were previously blocked by unnecessary red tape.\nEarlier this year, Tester successfully pressured the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to publish its long awaited hemp rule that would ease regulations for Montana farmers. In a March 12th letter to USDA Secretary Perdue, Tester was the first member of Montana's Congressional delegation to ask federal agencies to provide certainty for farmers by implementing the hemp guidance mandated by the 2018 Farm Bill.\nTester has been a champion for Montana hemp producers since they started cultivating the plant as part of a 2014 pilot program. He recently secured nearly $165,000 to research hemp and establish Canadian markets for the crop, and earlier this spring, he successfully pushed Customs and Border Protection to update their hemp guidance to allow Montana producers to purchase hemp seeds from Canada.\nHemp was removed from the list of Schedule I controlled substances a year ago, following the passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which permits producers to grow the crop. In August, the National Credit Union Administration announced that it will provide financial services to legally operating hemp businesses and farmers. The Fiscal Year 2020 Senate Appropriations package that recently passed the Senate provides access to guaranteed loans for hemp producers and encourages hemp research and education.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-recognizes-peggy-white-well-known-buffalo-and-susan-kelly", "Gianforte Recognizes Peggy White Well Known Buffalo and Susan Kelly of Garryowen", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Greg Gianforte recognized Peggy White Well Known Buffalo and Susan Kelly of Garryowen for their work to fight hunger in their community.\nPeggy and Susan created a community food bank that is a part of the Center Pole Foundation they launched in 1999. The food bank feeds more than 300 people a week, serving not only the Crow Indian Reservation but also the surrounding community.\nGianforte's Spirit of Montana is a weekly recognition of Montanans for their accomplishments, dedication, or service. Gianforte highlights the recipient in the U.S. House of Representatives and personally contacts the honorees.\nGianforte encourages anyone to nominate Montanans for the Spirit of Montana award by contacting his office at 202-225-3211 or by email at https://gianforte.house.gov/contact/email.\nGianforte's statement in the Congressional Record follows:\n\nRECOGNIZING PEGGY WHITE WELL KNOWN BUFFALO AND SUSAN KELLY OF GARRYOWEN\n\nMadam Speaker, I rise today to honor Peggy White Well Known Buffalo and Susan Kelly of Garryowen for their work to fight hunger in their community.\nIn 1999, Peggy and Susan launched the Center Pole Foundation, a Native grassroots organization that promotes knowledge, justice, and sovereignty in Native communities. The foundation seeks to serve the needs of the community, including hunger within the Crow Indian Reservation. \nAs part of the foundation, Peggy and Susan created a community food bank which serves not only the reservation but also the surrounding community.\nTheir mission to fulfill a fundamental need, such as nourishment, is personal for Peggy and Susan. \nFor Peggy, confronting hunger began when she attended a boarding school. There, she experienced hunger and made it a life mission to feed people in a loving and kind environment.\nFor Susan, she has seen firsthand how hunger impedes a child's progress. Wanting every kid to do well in school, Susan says a kid can't be creative if his or her stomach isn't full. \nEach week, the food bank's staff goes to Billings to collect food from grocery stores. Their efforts provide food to the reservation and surrounding communities, feeding more than 300 people a week. \nTo Peggy and Susan, their work is about more than providing people with food. It's about providing their community nourishment, boosting its health, helping combat illness, and reinforcing the benefits of a healthy, positive lifestyle. Their commitment to the future of their communities is front and center of all they do through Center Pole Foundation. \nMadam Speaker, for their dedicated work to fight hunger in their community, I recognize Peggy White Well Known Buffalo and Susan Kelly of Garryowen for their Spirit of Montana.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7115", "Tester Nominates Butte-Area Students to Military Service Academies [press_release]", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that he is nominating two students from the Butte area to the nation's most prestigious U.S. military service academies.\nTester selected the total of 34 Montana nominees to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy based on their academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and commitment to serving and leading in the United States military. A nomination from a member of Congress is the first step in students' applications to the four schools.\n\"I'm proud to nominate Montana's best and brightest students to our nation's most prestigious military academies each year, Tester said. These young men and women have earned this honor through their hard work in and out of the classroom, and I'm looking forward to watching them become the next generation of leaders to serve our state and this country.\nMontana students interested in applying for a military academy nomination in the future can request a nomination from Tester HERE.\nSenator Jon Tester's Butte-area 2020 military academy nominations:\nRobinson Dale - U.S. Military Academy & U.S. Air Force Academy. Robinson is a member of the National Honor Society, captain of his club soccer team, and class president. He also participates in his high school robotics program, and Business Professionals of America. He attends Twin Bridges High School.\nChristian Sherman - U.S. Merchant Marine Academy & U.S. Air Force Academy. Christian is a musician as well as a varsity athlete in both soccer and wrestling. He is also part of the Civil Air Patrol and the Western Aerospace Scholars program, in addition to being a member of the National Honor Society. He attends Butte High School.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7116", "Tester Nominates Helena-Area Students to Military Service Academies [press_release]", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that he is nominating seven students from the Helena region to the nation's most prestigious U.S. military service academies.\nTester selected the total of 34 Montana nominees to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy based on their academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and commitment to serving and leading in the United States military. A nomination from a member of Congress is the first step in students' applications to the four schools.\n\"I'm proud to nominate Montana's best and brightest students to our nation's most prestigious military academies each year, Tester said. These young men and women have earned this honor through their hard work in and out of the classroom, and I'm looking forward to watching them become the next generation of leaders to serve our state and this country.\nMontana students interested in applying for a military academy nomination in the future can request a nomination from Tester HERE.\nSenator Jon Tester's Helena region 2020 military academy nominations:\nKadyn Craigle - U.S. Air Force Academy. Kadyn is a baseball, powerlifting, and varsity football athlete. He is an Eagle Mount Ski Instructor for disabled skiers, National Honor Society, Key Club, and Science Club member, and a Boys State Delegate. He attends Capital High School.\nGrant Eckerson - U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Grant is a varsity soccer and track athlete. He participates in SkillsUSA, the Rotary Club, and the National Honor Society. He attends Helena High School.\nKaitlyn Edwards - U.S. Military Academy & U.S. Air Force Academy. Kaitlyn is a varsity Track and Field, Cross Country, and swimming athlete. She also participates in 4-H Club, is a junior instructor for Bow Hunters Ed., and won a Presidential Education Outstanding Achievement Award. She attends Capital High School.\nMathilda Inman - U.S. Air Force Academy. Mathilda is ballet dancer. She is involved in National Honor Society, Scouts BSA, Civil Air Patrol, the Science Olympiad Team, and Band Council.\nBrock McDaid - U.S. Military Academy. Brock is a varsity football and wrestling athlete. He is a SkillsUSA National Competitor and a member of the National Honor Society. He attends Broadwater High School.\nVivienne Johnson - U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Vivienne is a varsity cheerleader, track and field, and volleyball athlete. She is Student Body Vice President, School Delegate to the International Student Leadership Institute, Lead Delegate to the European Model UN, and a YMCA Camp Counselor.\nTamara O'Leary - U.S. Air Force Academy. Tamara is a varsity cross country and swimming athlete. She participates in Speech and Debate, DECA, Scouts BSA, and National Honor Society. She attends Helena High School.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7118", "Tester Nominates Great Falls Area Students to Military Service Academies [press_release]", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that he is nominating four students from the Great Falls area to the nation's most prestigious U.S. military service academies.\nTester selected the total of 34 Montana nominees to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy based on their academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and commitment to serving and leading in the United States military. A nomination from a member of Congress is the first step in students' applications to the four schools.\n\"I'm proud to nominate Montana's best and brightest students to our nation's most prestigious military academies each year, Tester said. These young men and women have earned this honor through their hard work in and out of the classroom, and I'm looking forward to watching them become the next generation of leaders to serve our state and this country.\nMontana students interested in applying for a military academy nomination in the future can request a nomination from Tester HERE.\nSenator Jon Tester's Great Falls-area 2020 military academy nominations:\nJacob Boetticher - U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Jacob is involved in varsity football, basketball, and track. He is also a member of both high school and community theatre, where he participates in choir and band. He attends Power High School.\nKian Lynde - U.S. Naval Academy. Kian is a member of the varsity hockey and lacrosse teams and a volunteer for the Lions Park Fun Fest and 2019 Suicide Prevention Walk. He attends Charles M. Russell High School.\nCameron Pleninger - U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Cameron is a member of the varsity wresting, cross country, and track teams. He was accepted into the 2019 United States Coast Guard Academy's AIM Program. He attends Havre High School.\nAlexis Tri - U.S. Air Force Academy. Alexis plays varsity soccer, lacrosse, basketball, track and field. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and an elementary school volunteer for children of military servicemembers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7119", "Tester Nominates Five Billings-Area Students to Military Service Academies [press_release]", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that he is nominating five students from the Billings region to the nation's most prestigious U.S. military service academies.\nTester selected the total of 34 Montana nominees to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy based on their academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and commitment to serving and leading in the United States military. A nomination from a member of Congress is the first step in students' applications to the four schools.\n\"I'm proud to nominate Montana's best and brightest students to our nation's most prestigious military academies each year, Tester said. These young men and women have earned this honor through their hard work in and out of the classroom, and I'm looking forward to watching them become the next generation of leaders to serve our state and this country.\nMontana students interested in applying for a military academy nomination in the future can request a nomination from Tester HERE.\nSenator Jon Tester's Billings-area 2020 military academy nominations:\nGentry Lamb - U.S. Merchant Marine Academy & U.S. Air Force Academy. Gentry serves as Vice President of his school's National Honor Society Chapter, a class Senator, and the captain of both the varsity cross country and wrestling teams. He attends Skyview High School.\nEmma Martinsen - U.S. Naval Academy. Emma is a member of the National Honor Society, varsity debate, and cross country teams. She is also a recipient of the YMCA leadership award. She attends Billings Senior High School.\nCarson Seiler - U.S. Air Force Academy & U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Carson is a member of both the symphonic and pep bands. He is also the captain of the varsity baseball team and a member of the National Honor Society. He attends Billings West High School.\nPanagiotis (Pete) Saliaris - U.S. Military Academy & U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Pete is a member of the varsity wrestling, track, and cross country teams. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and founding member of the Billings High Environmental Club. He attends Billings Central Catholic High School.\nTyler Vannatta - U.S. Air Force Academy. Tyler is a member of the National Honor Society, Business Professionals of America, and Senior Class President. He is also captain of the varsity cross country and track and field teams. He attends Billings West High School.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7120", "Tester Nominates 34 Montanans to Military Service Academies [press_release]", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester Nominates 34 Montanans to Military Service Academies \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 announces 2020 student nominees for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies \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\tU.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) today announced he is nominating 34 students across Montana to the nation's most prestigious U.S. military service academies.\nTester selected the 34 nominees to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy based on their academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and commitment to serving and leading in the United States military. A nomination from a member of Congress is the first step in students' applications to the four schools.\n\"I'm proud to nominate Montana's best and brightest students to our nation's most prestigious military academies each year, Tester said. These young men and women have earned this honor through their hard work in and out of the classroom, and I'm looking forward to watching them become the next generation of leaders to serve our state and this country.\nMontana students interested in applying for a military academy nomination in the future can request a nomination from Tester HERE.\nSenator Jon Tester's 2020 military academy nominations:\nU.S. Air Force Academy\n \nDane Becker, Missoula\nKadyn Craigle, Helena\nRobinson Dale, Sheridan\nGustavo de Souza, Kalispell\nGrant Eckerson, Helena\nKaitlyn Edwards, Helena\nRobert Hartley, Bozeman\nDavid Hogenson, Bozeman\nRiley Horton, Missoula\nGentry Lamb, Shepherd\nMathilda Inman, Montana City\nTamara O'Leary, Helena\nTayt Rogers, Bozeman\nCarson Seiler, Billings\nChristian Sherman, Butte\nAlexis Tri, Great Falls\nShaela Tuell, Columbia Falls\nTyler Vannatta, Billings\nSam Weisenburger, Seeley\nCharles Yeager, Livingston\n \nU.S. Military Academy\n \nRobinson Dale, Sheridan\nGrant Eckerson, Helena\nKaitlyn Edwards, Helena\nDavid Hogenson, Bozeman\nBrock McDaid, East Helena\nSimon McMahon, Missoula\nAlexander Redmon, Bozeman\nPanagiotis Saliaris, Billings\nSophie Smith, Kalispell\nSam Weisenburger, Seeley\n \nU.S. Naval Academy\n \nJacob Bailey, Whitefish\nMax Cole, Scobey\nGustavo de Souza, Kalispell\nKian Lynde, Great Falls\nEmma Martinsen, Billings\nChristopher Miller, Missoula\nTanner Russell, Kalispell\nSophie Smith, Kalispell\nShaela Tuell, Columbia Falls\nSam Weisenburger, Seeley\n \nU.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n \nJacob Boetticher, Power\nGrant Eckerson, Helena\nDavid Hogenson, Bozeman\nVivienne Johnson, Helena\nGentry Lamb, Shepherd\nCameron Pleninger, Havre\nPanagiotis Saliaris, Billings\nCarson Seiler, Billings\nChristian Sherman, Butte\nSamuel Weisenburger, Seeley", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rankin-post-office-receives-us-senates-blessing", "Rankin post office receives U.S. Senate's blessing", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The legislation, introduced last March in the Senate by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and in the U.S. House by Rep. Greg Gianforte, was unanimously passed in the House on Oct. 16. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, the delegation's lone Democrat, joined in late October as a co-sponsor of Daines' bill.\n\t\tIt cleared its biggest hurdle in the Senate's Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee on Nov. 7, the 103rd anniversary of Rankin's election into the Senate. The act waits on President Donald Trump's desk to be signed into law.\n\t\n\t\tOnly one other federal post office in Montana bears the name of a famous Montanan. Even before it was built in 1974, the Charles M. Russell Station on 9th Avenue in Great Falls was christened for the western artist who made his home in that city.\n\t\n\t\tRussell's art career was at its zenith in 1914 when Rankin led a movement that attained women in Montana the right to vote. Two years later, running on the Republican ticket, Rankin became what is believed to be the first female in the world to be elected to a national legislative body when Montana sent her to the U.S. House of Representatives. Nearly a quarter of a century later, in 1940, she was again elected to the U.S. House and served one term.\n\t\t\n\t\t\tBoth Daines and Gianforte, in introducing their respective bills, called Rankin a trailblazer for women's rights.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tShe was a leader for all Montanans, Daines said last week in a press release.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tI'm glad to see our bipartisan bill honoring her legacy head to President Trump's desk to be signed into law, he said.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tGianforte said Rankin is a national icon, and the bill to name a post office honors her lasting contributions to our country.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tOne hundred years ago, Jeannette Rankin completed her first term as the first woman elected to Congress, Tester said in the joint statement. In those two short years she started to build a legacy that continues to inspire folks across the country, and as our bill heads to the President's desk, we should do our best to embody the values she stood for: equality, civil rights, and peace.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tJames Boxrud of Denver, communications director for the U.S. Postal Service in Montana, said several post office naming bills sit on Trump's desk, five of them from Colorado alone. Last year Trump signed all such bills on Dec. 23, the first day of a 35-day government shutdown.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tA dedication and naming ceremony of the post office at 1100 West Kent Ave. in Missoula has yet to be scheduled.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tOnce it becomes law, I get some information sent to me from (postal service) headquarters, and we start working with the community, the post office and congressional officials to have a ceremony, Boxrud said. We do a plaque and try to find family members of hers if there are any around.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tOne possible date for the dedication would be next Aug. 26, the 100th anniversary of the day the 19th Amendment was officially adopted, granting women across the nation the right to vote.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tEarlier this year the Montana Legislature passed an act to name a stretch of Interstate 90 through Missoula in Rankin's memory. That dedication has been set for June 12, 2020, on what would be Rankin's 140th birthday. New Jeannette Rankin elementary schools opened last year in Missoula and Kalispell.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-staff-hold-mobile-office-hours-eight-counties-december", "Gianforte Staff to Hold Mobile Office Hours in Eight Counties in December", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Greg Gianforte announced that a member of his staff will conduct mobile office hours in December in eight counties, including Dawson, Flathead, Lake, Prairie, Roosevelt, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, and Valley counties.\n\nPOLSON\nTUESDAY, DECEMBER 3\n10 a.m.\nLake County Courthouse\nCommissioners Chambers\n106 4th Avenue East\nGianforte Staff: Sonny Capece\n\nKALISPELL\nTUESDAY, DECEMBER 3\n2 p.m.\nFlathead County Courthouse\n3rd Floor Conference Room\n800 South Main Street\nGianforte Staff: Sonny Capece\n\nBIG TIMBER\nWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4\n8 a.m.\nSweet Grass County Annex\nConference Room\n115 W 5th Ave\nGianforte Staff: Casey Collins\n\nCOLUMBUS\nWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4\n12 p.m.\nStillwater Courthouse\nDownstairs Conference Room\n400 E 3rd Ave N\nGianforte Staff: Casey Collins\n\nGLASGOW\nTUESDAY, DECEMBER 17\n10 a.m.\nValley County Courthouse\nCommunity Room\n501 Court Square\nGianforte Staff: Melissa Dean\n\nWOLF POINT\nTUESDAY, DECEMBER 17\n1 p.m.\nRoosevelt County Courthouse\n400 2nd Avenue South\nGianforte Staff: Melissa Dean\n\nTERRY\nWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18\n10 a.m.\nPrairie County Hospital\nCafeteria\n312 Adams Avenue South\nGianforte Staff: Melissa Dean\n\nGLENDIVE\nWEDNESDAY DECEMBER 18\n1 p.m.\nDawson County Courthouse\nConference Room\n207 Bell Street\nGianforte Staff: Melissa Dean\n\n\nArea residents are invited to visit members of Gianforte's staff on an individual basis and share their views, questions, or concerns regarding the federal government. These comments will be shared with Congressman Gianforte.\nResidents may also inquire about federal programs or seek help with a federal agency, such as the Social Security Administration or the Veterans Administration.\nResidents may drop by the location or make an appointment by calling Gianforte's Helena office at (406) 502-1435.\nIf residents are unable to attend and would like information or assistance, they should contact Gianforte's Helena office at (406) 502-1435.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7112", "Tester Urges Timely and Confidential Mental Health Care for Servicemembers in Need [press_release]", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Following reports of delayed care, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Jon Tester (D-Mont.) is urging the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide timely and confidential health care for servicemembers suffering from mental health conditions.\nReports show that servicemembers often do not receive timely care after identifying mental health concerns to providers. In one recent case, a servicemember detailed his personal experience with the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and its contractors' failing to refer him for behavioral health care in a timely manner while protecting his confidentiality. This servicemember self-identified mental health concerns and expressed a need for treatment to a provider. Only after numerous attemptsover the course of multiple weekswas the servicemember successful in scheduling a behavioral health appointment.\nNot only was this servicemember's request for a mental health referral ignored, a digital profile was made, which could have jeopardized his privacy within his unit, rather than a direct communication between his provider and his command, wrote Tester. When mental health concerns and suicide ideation are not handled properly, whether through a servicemember's chain or behavioral health team, that individual can fall through the cracks, have privacy compromised, or have a career negatively affected.\nIn his letter, Tester requested that DoD and DHA review their process for mental health referrals, including when a contractor is involved, in order to ensure all servicemembers get the mental health care they need.\nThis servicemember's situation is cautionary as the results could have been far worse, even as he was actively seeking help, Tester continued. All servicemembers need to be taken seriously and know that they can rely on the Department and its contractors to provide the health care they need and deserve.\nIn 2018, 325 active duty servicemembers, along with 81 Reservists and 135 members of the National Guard, died by suicide. Guardsmen and Reservists often struggle to access the same care as their active duty counterparts because they often live far from military installations. Tester introduced the Care and Readiness Enhancement (CARE) for Reservists Act to address the high rate of suicide among members of the National Guard and Reserve by providing readjustment counseling, related outpatient services, and mental health programs to help them return to civilian life. The bill would allow DoD to fund critical behavioral or mental care, regardless of whether that Reservist is within his or her pre-deployment window.\nSenator Tester also introduced the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act in an effort to assist military members and veterans struggling with unseen wounds of war when transitioning to civilian life. This bipartisan and comprehensive legislation would improve U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mental health care services by expanding access to care for veterans including telehealth and alternative therapies, and increase oversight over VA's mental health programs.\nRead Tester's full letter to Secretary Esper HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7113", "Tester Secures $200,000 For Lake County Businesses [press_release]", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester Secures $200,000 For Lake County Businesses \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 Lake County Community Development Corporation will use grant to provide technical assistance for rural cooperative development \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\tU.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today that the USDA awarded a $200,0000 grant to the Lake County Community Development Corporation (LCCDC), which will use the money to foster growth for cooperative businesses in the Flathead region and the Flathead Indian Reservation.\nRural development cooperatives are a critical boon to small businesses and entrepreneurs, and the economic growth they drive benefits frontier communities across Montana, said Tester. This investment will help Lake County Community Development Corp provide businesses in Northwest Montana and on the Flathead Reservation with the support they need to grow their bottom lines and create good paying jobs.\nThe LCCDC will use this grant to provide technical assistance and capital to new and expanding businesses in the Flathead Region and on the Flathead Reservation. These funds will improve their ability to provide rural co-ops with expertise aimed at growing and perfecting business operations of any size in the region.\nSenator Tester is committed to growing Montana's thriving small business community. He recently introduced the Stop Taxing Our Potential Act (STOP), which would overturn a Supreme Court decision that forces local business to collect sales tax on behalf of other states, and is highly unpopular among small business owners in Montana.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/senate-passes-bill-rename-bozeman-va-clinic-travis-atkins", "Senate passes bill to rename Bozeman VA clinic for Travis Atkins", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The House must also approve the bill before the facility at 300 N. Willson Ave., becomes the Travis W. Atkins Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic. The clinic is one of 14 in the state that provides outpatient services to veterans.\n\n\tI'm hopeful this bill will be quickly signed into law, so that folks in Bozeman and across this grateful nation may properly honor Sgt. Atkins' courage  and legacy  for generations to come, said Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat and ranking member of the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee.\n\t\n\t\tSen. Steve Daines, a Republican, said, I'm happy to see my colleagues in the U.S. Senate support this important bill recognizing Atkins' bravery by renaming the VA clinic in his hometown of Bozeman in his honor.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tDaines and Testerintroduced the legislationin the Senate, and Rep. Greg Gianforte introduced the same bill in the House in March.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tGianforte, a Republican, will continue to work to secure passage of the bill in the House. The bill would then go to President Donald Trump for a signature.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRenaming the VA clinic in Bozeman after (Atkins) will serve as a lasting tribute to Travis' legacy of valor, Gianforte said. I'm committed to getting this bipartisan, commonsense bill across the finish line in the House.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tDaines, Tester and Gianforte introduced the bills around the same time as Trump posthumously awarded Atkins, 31, a Medal of Honor, the country's highest award for battlefield valor.\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\tAtkins, an Army staff sergeant, enlisted in 2000 and served in Afghanistan. He was honorably discharged in 2003 and reenlisted two years later. While serving in Iraq in 2007, he shielded his fellow soldiers from a suicide bomber, saving three lives but losing his own\n\t\n\t\n\t\tIn his lifetime, he received several honors, including the Purple Heart and Army Achievement Medal.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tA year after his death, he received the Distinguished Service Cross. After a Department of Defense review, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-daines-tester-bill-honoring-jeannette-rankin-heads-president-s", "Gianforte, Daines, Tester Bill Honoring Jeannette Rankin Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Greg Gianforte and U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Testercelebrated Senate passage of their bipartisan bill yesterday, designating a Missoula post office in honor of Jeannette Rankin. Rankin, from Montana, was the first woman elected to Congress.\nCongressman Greg Gianforte introduced the bill, H.R. 1972, in the U.S. House of Representatives, which passed the House earlier this fall. Gianforte issued the following statement following today's senate passage:Jeannette Rankin was a trailblazer for women's rights in America and is a national icon,Gianforte said.I appreciate the Senate advancing this bipartisan bill to rename a post office after her in her hometown of Missoula. I look forward to President Trump signing the bill into law to honor Rankin's lasting contributionsto our country.\nJeannette Rankin was a trailblazer for women's rights and a leader for all Montanans,Daines said.I'm glad to see our bipartisan bill honoring her legacy head to President Trump's desk to be signed into law.\n100 years ago, Jeannette Rankin completed her first term as the first woman elected to Congress, Tester said. In those two short years she started to build a legacy that continues to inspire folks across the country, and as our bill heads to the President's desk, we should do our best to embody the values she stood for: equality, civil rights, and peace.\nThe legislation names the post office at 1100 West Kent Avenue in Missoula after Rankin.\nRankin grew up on a family ranch just outside of Missoula.\nBackground:\nIn early November, Daines, Tester, Gianforte celebrated the advancement of the bill out of U.S. Senate committee.\nInlate March2019, Daines and Gianforte both introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to rename a Missoula post office in honor of Jeannette Rankin.\nInearly October, the U.S. House unanimously passed the Gianforte's bill to rename a Missoula post office in honor of Jeannette Rankin.\nIn late October, Tester joined as a co-sponsor of Daines' bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-tester-gianforte-bill-honoring-jeannette-rankin-heads-to-presidents-desk", "Daines, Tester, Gianforte Bill Honoring Jeannette Rankin Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.19\n\t\t\t Daines, Tester, Gianforte Bill Honoring Jeannette Rankin Heads to President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\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\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bipartisan Bill Renaming Missoula Post Office Passes out of U.S. Senate\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. CONGRESS U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Congressman Greg Gianforte celebrated Senate passage of their bipartisan bill yesterday, designating a Missoula post office in honor of Jeannette Rankin. Rankin, from Montana, was the first woman elected to Congress.\r\nJeannette Rankin was a trailblazer for women's rights and a leader for all Montanans,Daines said.I'm glad to see our bipartisan bill honoring her legacy head to President Trump's desk to be signed into law.\r\n100 years ago, Jeannette Rankin completed her first term as the first woman elected to Congress, Tester said. In those two short years she started to build a legacy that continues to inspire folks across the country, and as our bill heads to the President's desk, we should do our best to embody the values she stood for: equality, civil rights, and peace.\r\nCongressman Greg Gianforte introduced the bill, H.R. 1972, in the U.S. House of Representatives, which passed the House earlier this fall. Gianforte issued the following statement following today's senate passage: Jeanette Rankin was a trailblazer for women's rights in America and is a national icon, Gianforte said. I appreciate the Senate advancing this bipartisan bill to rename a post office after her in her hometown of Missoula. I look forward to President Trump signing the bill into law to honor Rankin's lasting contributions to our country.\r\nThe legislation names the post office at 1100 West Kent Avenue in Missoula after Rankin.\r\nRankin grew up on a family ranch just outside of Missoula.\r\nBackground:\r\nIn early November, Daines, Tester, Gianforte celebrated the advancement of the bill out of U.S. Senate committee.\r\nInlate March2019, Daines and Gianforte both introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to rename a Missoula post office in honor of Jeannette Rankin.\r\nInearly October, the U.S. House unanimously passed the Gianforte's bill to rename a Missoula post office in honor of Jeannette Rankin.\r\nIn late October, Tester joined as a co-sponsor of Daines' bill.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \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=7107", "Tester to Attorney General Barr: Glad you will see firsthand the deep impact of the Justice Departments failure to address the public safety needs of our state [press_release]", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7108", "Tester Blasts FBI for Failing to Keep Indian Country Safe [press_release]", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jon Tester today blasted the FBI for failing to keep Indian Country safe and neglecting to provide help to local jurisdictions when crimes occur outside of an Indian reservation.\nTester wrote to FBI Director Christopher Wray in response to the death of Kaysera Stops at Pretty Places in Hardin, Mont., just off the Crow Reservation  at least the 27th missing or murdered Indigenous woman case in Big Horn County.\nThe violence that Native people experience does not stop at Indian reservation borders, and neither do the FBI's responsibilities, Tester wrote. With such a high number of cases occurring short distances from Indian reservations, the FBI must be more proactive and provide all available resources to counties investigating crimes against Native Americans.\nTester pressed Wray on what resources the FBI provides to local jurisdictions to investigate violent crimes against Native people, and whether the FBI provides assistance or training to jurisdictions near Indian reservations or with high Native American populations.\nHe also asked what actions the FBI has taken to prioritize preventing, investigating, and prosecuting crimes against Native Americans, and whether the agency has increased the number of FBI agents in Indian Country.\nThe federal government has a trust and treaty responsibility to keep Native communities safe, Tester continued. To meet this responsibility, the FBI must work with Tribes, state and local law enforcement, and surrounding communities to combat the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis.\nAs a member and former chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Tester has led the charge to address the MMIW crisis. Two Tester-backed bills to improve public safety in Indian Country passed through the Senate Indian Affairs Committee earlier today, and he criticized Attorney General William Barr for failing to address Montana's public safety needs and neglecting to address the MMIW crisis, human trafficking, and methamphetamine use.\nTester is also calling on Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Republican Leadership to bring up and pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019 to ensure that Tribes have the authority to bring perpetrators to justice and provide survivors with the resources they need.\nMore information on Tester's work to combat the MMIW crisis is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7109", "In Kalispell, Tester Fields Unvetted Questions from More Than 200 Montanans at Yet Another Public Town Hall [press_release]", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In his 8th public, in-person town hall this year, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today answered questions and solicited feedback from a crowd of more than 200 constituents in Kalispell.\nThese public forums are the best way for me to get feedback from the folks I was elected to represent: the people of Montana, said Tester. The input you give me at this event will inform my decisions back in Washington, because no one knows better than you what's working and what isn't.\nPrior to taking questions, Tester spoke about the importance of holding in-person town halls to the democratic process, the current state of the U.S. Senate, and the importance of communicating with your elected officials to hold them accountable. He is the only member of the Montana delegation to host an in-person town hall this year.\nTester then opened up the floor for feedback and answered questions ranging from health care, to dark money in politics, robocalls, mental health, and food insecurity.\nIn response to a question about high numbers of robocalls flooding into Montana, Tester said: These robocalls are insane. They're being done by the tens of millions and they're a pain in the neck. And when you get so many you stop answering, and that can be dangerous. We're going to keep pushing bills to cut it out, because it just has to stop. \nThis is Tester's 8th in-person, public town hall this yearfollowing those in Bozeman, Missoula, Helena, Great Falls, Billings, Livingston, and Butteand his 13th since President Trump took office. He has held dozens of Facebook Live town halls and public forums since 2016, ranging on topics from health care reform to Farm Bill reauthorization, VA community care, the ongoing trade war, and local infrastructure priorities across Montana.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7110", "Tester Announces $4.1 Million for Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport [press_release]", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester Announces $4.1 Million for Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport \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 Grant will go towards the construction of a new runway apron \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\tU.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today that Bozeman's Yellowstone International Airport will receive a $4.1 million grant to construct a new runway apron at Montana's busiest airport.\nBozeman is seeing lots of air traffic these days, and more traffic means more planes that need places to park, Tester said. A new apron will help reduce congestion at Yellowstone International, and allow more folks to come enjoy everything the Treasure State has to offer.\nThe grants were awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides grants to airports across the country in order to expand and improve America's air travel infrastructure. As the Gallatin Valley's economy and population continue to grow, improvements like this will help Bozeman accommodate the rise in traffic.\nTester has played a consistent role in getting Montana airports the funding they need to improve and expand their facilities. Earlier this year, he introduced a bipartisan amendment to the U.S. Senate Appropriations package that would address staffing issues at Bozeman Yellowstone, and announced a $3 million grant to expand the main terminal and improve safety. He has also been instrumental in securing funding for improvements at airports in Billings, Flathead, and ten other airports across Montana.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=7111", "Tester Secures $650,000 Grant For Stevensville Airport Repairs [press_release]", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester Secures $650,000 Grant For Stevensville Airport Repairs \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 Grant will go towards much needed apron repairs \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\tU.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today that the Stevensville Airport will receive a $650,000 grant to repair cracks in the airport's apron and address other safety concerns.\nStevensville Airport is a gateway to Ravalli County, and this funding will provide them with the resources they need to make critical repairs to their apron, Tester said. This will not only improve safety, but also make it easier for folks to come visit Stevensville.\nThe grants were awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides grants to airports across the country in order to expand and improve America's air travel infrastructure. As the Gallatin Valley's economy and population continue to grow, improvements like this will help Bozeman accommodate the rise in traffic.\nTester has played a consistent role in getting Montana airports the funding they need to improve and expand their facilities. Earlier this year, he introduced a bipartisan amendment to the U.S. Senate Appropriations package that would address staffing issues at Bozeman Yellowstone, and announced a $3 million grant to expand the main terminal and improve safety. He has also been instrumental in securing funding for improvements at airports in Billings, Flathead, and ten other airports across Montana.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-daines-tester-celebrate-senate-passage-travis-atkins-bill", "Gianforte, Daines, Tester Celebrate Senate Passage of Travis Atkins Bill", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Greg Gianforte and U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Testertoday celebrated the U.S. Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation to rename the VA clinic in Bozeman after fallen Montana war hero, Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins.\nGianforte introduced legislation in the U.S. House, H.R. 1918, and will work to secure passage before the bill heads to the President's desk.\nStaff Sergeant Travis Atkins showed unparalleled courage and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the soldiers he served with in Iraq,Gianforte said.Renaming the VA clinic in Bozeman after him will serve as a lasting tribute to Travis' legacy of valor. I'm committed to getting this bipartisan, commonsense bill across the finish line in the House.\nStaff Sergeant Travis Atkins' bravery and service in to our nation is a true inspiration for Montanans and Americans nationwide, Daines said. I'm happy to see my colleagues in the U.S. Senate support this important bill recognizing Atkins' bravery by renaming the VA clinic in his hometown of Bozeman in his honor. His selfless sacrifice will never be forgotten. \nToday, with the support of our Senate colleagues, we've finally gotten through the Senate our bill to support naming the Bozeman VA clinic after Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins, a Medal of Honor recipient and distinguished Montanan. Sergeant Atkins is an American hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. I'm hopeful this bill will be quickly signed into law, so that folks in Bozeman and across this grateful nation may properly honor Sergeant Atkins' courage and legacy for generations to come, said Tester, who serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.\nBorn and raised in Montana, SSG Travis Atkins enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2000 at age 24. He served in Afghanistan, was honorably discharged in 2003, and reenlisted two years later. Shielding his fellow soldiers from a terrorist attack in Iraq, Atkins died on June 1, 2007 as he tackled and pinned down a suicide bomber who detonated a bomb. Atkins' quick thinking and selfless actions saved the lives of his fellow soldiers. Atkins initially received a Distinguished Service Cross for his heroism, but after a review by the Department of Defense, he was awarded a Medal of Honor.\nBackground:\nDaines' tie with Atkins dates back to 2007 after he was killed in Iraq. At the time, Denny Lenoir, Daines' current Director of Veteran & Military Affairs, was the Montana State Director of Military Funeral Honors. Denny worked with the parents to get Travis home to Montana. Denny was the first to receive Travis when he landed at the Belgrade airport, and the last person to leave the cemetery after his funeral service.\nDaines has since spent time with Atkins' family, including at the Bozeman American Legion on Memorial Day last year.\nIn late March, Daines and Gianforte attended a White House Ceremony that posthumously awarded Army Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins with the Medal of Honor. In conjunction with the ceremony, Daines, Gianforte, and Tester introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and House to rename the VA clinic in Bozeman after the fallen Montana war hero.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-recognizes-mason-stimatze-bozeman-spirit-montana-commendation", "Gianforte Recognizes Mason Stimatze of Bozeman With Spirit of Montana Commendation", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Greg Gianforte", "G000584", "gianforte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Greg Gianforte recognized Mason Stimatze of Bozeman for his quick thinking and bravery that saved his family in the face of a house fire.\nTen-year-old Mason awoke in the early hours of a June morning to the sound of crackling and the smell of smoke. His swift actions saved his parents, brother, and sister from what could have been a tragic outcome.\nGianforte's Spirit of Montana is a weekly recognition of Montanans for their accomplishments, dedication, or service. Gianforte highlights the recipient in the U.S. House of Representatives and personally contacts the honorees.\nGianforte encourages anyone to nominate Montanans for the Spirit of Montana award by contacting his office at 202-225-3211 or by email at https://gianforte.house.gov/contact/email.\nGianforte's statement in the Congressional Record follows:\nRECOGNIZING MASON STIMATZE OF BOZEMAN\nMadam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mason Stimatze of Bozeman for his quick thinking and bravery that saved his family.\nIn the early hours of a June morning, Mason woke up to the sound of crackling and the smell of smoke. He looked out his bedroom door and saw fire. The flames in the hallway blocked his path to his parents' bedroom. Mason ran outside and started banging on his parents' bedroom window. Mason's father, Nathan, and mother, Sabrina, woke up, broke the window, and safely climbed outside.\nMason's brother and sister, however, were still in their home. Mason and his parents ran to their bedroom window and got them out safely.\nMason's swift actions saved what is irreplaceable  family. His father said if it wasn't for Mason alerting them quickly to the danger, the story would have had a tragic ending.\nFor someone to have the presence of mind to act calmly and swiftly in such a tense moment is remarkable. For a ten-year-old to do it is amazing. His family calls him a hero, and I couldn't agree more.\nMadam Speaker, for saving his family's life through his bravery and quick thinking, I recognize Mason Stimatze for his Spirit of Montana.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-over-740000-for-rural-education-and-telemedicine-in-montana", "Daines Announces Over $740,000 for Rural Education and Telemedicine in Montana", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "MT", "Steve Daines", "D000618", "www.daines.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.19\n\t\t\t Daines Announces Over $740,000 for Rural Education and Telemedicine in Montana \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $742,904 in Montana to support distance learning and telemedicine projects at the University of Providence and Benefits Hospitals, Inc.\r\nExpanding access to telemedicine is critical for getting Montanans the health care they need in our rural communities, Daines said. This funding will help expand wireless and telehealth services that will improve access to specialty medical care for 164,000 rural Montanans. It will also create a distance learning system to help educate our nurses and nursing students in rural Montana.\r\n$441,357 will be designated to the University of Providence to install a distance learning system to deliver advanced classes and educate nurses and nursing students in rural Montana. It will help serve an estimated 8,720 students.\r\n$301,547 will be designated to Benefis Hospitals, Inc. to expand wireless and telehealth services through the REACH Montana Telehealth Network that will improve access to specialty medical care for 164,000 rural residents of thirteen north central Montana counties.\r\nFor more information on the grants, click HERE.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 884, "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": "2019"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 458, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2019&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 426, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2019&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 884, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2019&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "MT", "label": "MT", "count": 884, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 884, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MT", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2019-11-21,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Edaines~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fdaines-announces-over-740000-for-rural-education-and-telemedicine-in-montana", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MT&year=2019&_next=2019-11-21%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Edaines~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fdaines-announces-over-740000-for-rural-education-and-telemedicine-in-montana&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 132.89123633876443, "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"}