Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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373 rows where state = "MT" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending
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| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-congratulates-stephen-reynolds-of-missoula-on-naval-academy-appointment | Daines Congratulates Stephen Reynolds of Missoula on Naval Academy Appointment | 2015-12-28 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.28.15 Daines Congratulates Stephen Reynolds of Missoula on Naval Academy Appointment WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today congratulated Missoula student Stephen Reynolds on his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Reynolds, a senior at Sentinel High School in Missoula, received a nomination to the Naval and Air Force Academies from Daines earlier this month. Reynolds is currently the student body class president, captain of the varsity football team as well as member of both the National Honor Society and Key Club. Stephen Reynolds is a hardworking student excelling both inside and outside of the classroom who exemplifies the best of our state's commitment to service, Daines stated. I am proud to congratulate Steve on his extensive accomplishments in high school and looking forward to watching him become a future leader in the Navy. The United States Naval Academy is located in Annapolis, Maryland. Montana students interested in applying to any of our nation's service academy can find more information by visiting Daines' website at:http://www.daines.senate.gov/serving-you/for-students/academy-nominations. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-wishes-montanans-a-merry-christmas | Daines Wishes Montanans a Merry Christmas | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.23.15 Daines Wishes Montanans a Merry Christmas BOZEMAN, Mont. Senator Steve Daines is wishing all Montanans a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year: Click here to watch Daines' Christmas greeting. Click here to download Daines' Christmas greeting. Daines' full Christmas greeting is below: I want to wish all Montanans a very Merry Christmas and especially to the servicemen and women serving far away and in harm's way. As we gather together with our family, friends and neighbors, join me in saying thank you' to the brave men and women giving so much to defend our freedoms. For their service, and the sacrifices made by our military families, we are especially grateful. As Montanans look toward the New Year, I look forward to continuing to serve you. It's truly an honor to represent the people of Montana in the United States Senate. From the Daines family to yours have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-week-mark-gollinger-of-butte-silver-bow | Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Mark Gollinger of Butte-Silver Bow | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.15 Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Mark Gollinger of Butte-Silver Bow WASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines today recognizedMark Gollinger for his faithful devotion to the veterans of Butte-Silver Bow. Mark is a US Navy retired Senior Chief who runs the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) from the Butte Job Service. One of the chief responsibilities of his position is communicating with veterans in the area and keeping them informed of what is happening around the community. Through his Montanan of the Week initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. Daines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere. Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines' Montanan of the Week program by calling Daines' office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines' website:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve The following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record: MONTANAN OF THE WEEK Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I would like to honor Mark Gollinger for his faithful devotion to the veterans of Butte-Silver Bow, Montana. Mark has tirelessly served countless veterans over the years by serving as a liaison between veterans and veteran providers. Mark is a US Navy retired Senior Chief who now runs the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) from the Butte Job Service. One of the chief responsibilities of his position is communicating with veterans in the area and keeping them informed of what is happening around the community. Some of his most recent efforts have included free tax preparation for veterans and active duty military members, virtual career fairs with the Forest Service and a career mini-summit. Mark also hosts a quarterly Veteran Service Provider (VSP) meetings in Butte, at which presentations are given with information to help veterans learn more about the p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-votes-against-trillion-dollar-backroom-spending-deal | Daines Votes Against Trillion Dollar Backroom Spending Deal | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.15 Daines Votes Against Trillion Dollar Backroom Spending Deal WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after voting in opposition to a $1.1 trillion backroom spending bill that fails to rein in the national debt: Once again, Washington's inaction and govern-by-crisis strategy is getting in the way of providing the American people with the long-term solutions they deserve. We need an open discussion about how to support our nation's priorities while also cutting wasteful Washington spending and reining in the nation's debt. This 2000-page backroom deal fails to do either and only takes our nation further down an unsustainable path of more unbridled spending and more debt. I am pleased to see that several Montana priorities I worked for were included in this final package a three-year reauthorization of LWCF, a lifting of the oil export ban and permanent tax relief provisions for Montana families, farmers, tribes and small businesses. However, this same bill fails to address critical wildfire funding challenges facing the Forest Service and does nothing to secure much-needed reforms to the way our forests are managed. And it includes CISA a controversial cybersecurity bill that threatens Montanans' privacy and civil liberties. It's irresponsible for Washington to continue increasing government spending and our national debt, while doing nothing to secure necessary savings and long-overdue reforms to Washington's broken culture. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4245 | Tester votes no on $680 billion unpaid-for spending bill [press_release] | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement after voting against an end-of-year tax and spending bill that he says would saddle future generations with $680 billion in new debt: "There are many things in this bill that I like, many things that I fought for, and even wrote myself. There are things that aren't in this bill that should have been, but instead they got sidelined. Then there is also some crap in here, garbage that should have been tossed out, but wasn't. But when I look at the whole package, my biggest concern is that fact that this bill saddles our kids and grandkids with over $680 billion in additional debt." Tester helped author the VA/Military Construction portion of the bill to increase support for veterans services and to address military construction priorities in Montana. He also successfully added provisions of his Visa Waiver legislation, additional funding for rural water projects, one more year of PILT funding, and Title X funding. However, calling this a "tough vote," Tester said that the bad outweighed the good in the legislation. The Senator pointed to the hundreds of billions of dollars in new debt in the package as the largest reason he could not support it, including special tax breaks for corporations, racehorse owners, NASCAR track owners, and Hollywood filmmakers. You can read the Senator's full remarks on the bill HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4246 | Tester secures important provisions for Montana veterans, national security in year-end spending bill [press_release] | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester secured multiple provisions for Montana veterans and national security priorities in a year-end spending bill that was passed by Congress today and is on its way to the President's desk. Tester used his seat as the Ranking Member of the Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee to ensure the bill makes a historic investment in the delivery of care to veterans, while helping the VA eliminate its disability claims backlog, expand access to care for more veterans, and construct new facilities, including Vet Centers and veterans homes in places like Montana. The bill will also allow for critical upgrades to the Montana Air National Guard's C-130 fleet and to modernize the ICBMs at Malmstrom. Tester supported the year-end spending bill until it was attached at the last minute to a tax package that will increase the national debt by more than $680 billion over the next decade, not including additional interest payments that will be required. "There are many critical provisions in this bill that will help Montana veterans and strengthen the mission at Malmstrom and MANG," Tester said. "I joined in on some of the early negotiations, but I haven't been in the smoke filled room where leadership and the President chose to hatch out a deal behind closed doors. I pushed hard to keep this massive debt proposal off of the appropriations bill because we should not saddle our kids and grandkids with over $680 billion in new debt." After the vote, Tester remained disappointed that Congress moved forward with the debt package, but pointed to several of his veteran provisions that were included in the final version of the bill. Tester's provisions in the bill will: Construct a $19.7 million Air Force Tactical Response Force Alert Facility at Malmstrom Air Force Base. Invest an additional $60 million to address the growing need for state-run veterans' homes across the country, including rural areas. Invests an additional $15 million in Vet Centers, which provide … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-congratulates-distinguished-student-on-us-naval-academy-appointment | Daines Congratulates Distinguished Student on U.S. Naval Academy Appointment | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.16.15 Daines Congratulates Distinguished Student on U.S. Naval Academy Appointment Senator Steve Daines today congratulated Lucas Figi on his offer of appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Figi, whose family is from Bozeman, Montana, received nominations to the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point from Daines. Figi is currently a student at Charterhouse, a boarding school in England. Daines called Figi today to inform him of his offer and give his congratulations. Lucas has proved himself as an exceptional student, a tremendous athlete and a leader in his community. It is my honor to congratulate him on his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy,Daines said.I look forward to continuing to watch Lucas as he honors Montana through his future service to our great state and nation. Figi is a champion rifleman and the captain of his shooting team at Charterhouse. He is also on the rowing team and is a member of the school's Royal Marines Cadet Corps. Montana students interested in applying to any of our nation's military academies can find more information by visiting Daines' website at:http://www.daines.senate.gov/serving-you/for-students/academy-nominations ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-slams-fcc-rebuff-of-montana-small-businesses | Daines Slams FCC Rebuff of Montana Small Businesses | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.16.15 Daines Slams FCC Rebuff of Montana Small Businesses WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines slammed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for failing to permanently protect Montana small businesses from burdensome regulations found in the FCC's 317-page net neutrality rules. Earlier today, the FCC rebuffed Daines' request to provide small Internet service providers with a permanent exemption from their new so-called enhanced transparency requirements, which requires Internet service providers to disclose an excess of information about their network performance. The FCC offered a one-year extension of the exemption, which disregards numerous Congressional requests and the recommendation of the Obama administration's Small Business Administration to provide a permanent exemption of the rule. Small Montana businesses should be focused on infrastructure deployment and serving their customers, not complying with unnecessary and burdensome regulatory requirements from an unchecked fourth branch of government,Daines stated.The FCC's rules are a solution in search of a problem. By failing to provide a permanent exemption to these requirements, the FCC has only added to the regulatory uncertainty facing small Internet service providers and worked in direct opposition of our hardworking small businesses. Daines' concerns were also echoed by FCC Commissioner Mike O'Rielly and Montana provider Grizzly Internet: FCC Commissioner Mike O'Rielly:Senator Daines is right to champion this measure through new legislation. I am at a loss to understand why the Bureau would kick the can down the road instead of recognizing the obvious need to extricate small businesses from this element of the crushing Net Neutrality regulatory regime once and for all. I don't expect that anyone will be any better equipped to deal with the daunting paperwork, incalculable liabilities, and high costs of compliance twelve months from now. Maybe by then the Commission will be ready to face reality. Grizzly Internet President… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4242 | Tester statement on LWCFs temporary reauthorization [press_release] | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester statement on LWCFs temporary reauthorization (U.S. Senate) - As Senator Jon Tester reviews the 2016 omnibus spending bill to see if it works for Montana, he released the following statement about the temporary reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): "LWCF remains one of the best ways to increase public access to public lands, and for months I've been hearing from Montanans about the importance of permanent reauthorization and full funding. While I'm relieved that LWCF may be revived, this temporary authorization and short-term funding misses the mark in what should have been an easy bullseye." If passed by the House and Senate, the omnibus will reauthorize LWCF for three years and increase fiscal year 2016 funding to $450 million. LWCF, which funds conservation projects in all 50 states using offshore oil and gas receipts, expired this year for the first time in its 50-year history. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4243 | Tester meets with head of U.S. Marine Corps to discuss ISIL, national security [press_release] | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester meets with head of U.S. Marine Corps to discuss ISIL, national security Senator and General also discuss militarys budget priorities (U.S. Senate) - In the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, Senator Jon Tester met with Marine Corps Commandant General Robert Neller to discuss efforts to combat ISIL and ensure America's national security. Tester and Neller discussed what's being done internationally to defeat the Islamic State. The Senator also asked for assurances that the U.S. military has a clear plan to avoid being engaged in a Middle Eastern conflict indefinitely. "America has the best fighting force in the world, and we have to make sure they have the tools they need to defeat ISIL and other threats around the world," Tester said. "Hearing directly from our military leaders ensures that Congress can do a better job strengthening our national security and supporting the men and women bravely serving in our military." Tester and Neller also discussed the Marine Corps' budget priorities for next year, as well as the Pentagon's recent decision to expand the role of women in combat roles. Tester is the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee tasked with funding milit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4244 | Tester bill empowers small businesses to reimburse employees health care costs [press_release] | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester is looking to give small businesses the power to create Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) to help their employees pay for health care costs. Standalone HRAs are not currently permitted because they do not meet the Affordable Care Act's standards for employer-sponsored health insurance plans. Under current law, businesses would be penalized for trying to provide an HRA if they don't also offer health insurance, even if the business has fewer than 50 employees and is not required to provide insurance otherwise. More than 95 percent of Montana businesses have fewer than 50 employees. To fix this, Tester is sponsoring the bipartisan Small Business Healthcare Relief Act which will improve upon the Affordable Care Act by allowing small businesses to provide HRAs for their employees. "As we work to improve upon the Affordable Care Act, we must reduce the burden on small businesses that want to provide benefits to their employees," Tester said. "This bipartisan bill will help employers support their employees and compete for the best talent." The measure is supported by the National Association of Home Builders, and the American Farm Bureau Federation. Tester has long called on Congress to improve upon the ACA, instead of returning to the old system where many Montanans could not afford to get sick. Earlier this year, the Senator's PACE Act became law, giving states greater power to oversee small group health insurance markets. The Senator also recently introduced the Healthy MOM Act to create a special enrollment period for pregnant women so they can change or purchase health insurance on the Marketplace throughout the year. Tester's Small Business Healthcare Relief Act is available online HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-secures-crucial-reforms-for-montana-pilots | Daines Secures Crucial Reforms for Montana Pilots | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.15.15 Daines Secures Crucial Reforms for Montana Pilots WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the unanimous Senate passage of his bill to protect and expand protections for Montana pilots. Daines' bill, S. 571 - the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 (PBOR 2), increases protections for general aviation pilots by expanding the 3rd class medical exemption for recreational pilots and broadening the protections provided in the original Pilot's Bill of Rights signed into law in 2012. Today's unanimous vote is a victory for those working to contribute to Montana aviation and make our skies safer,Daines stated.I am proud to see the Senate prioritize legislation that protects the aviation industry and works to further expands the rights of hardworking pilots nationwide. This bill cuts down unnecessary bureaucratic regulations and institutes commonsense and necessary reforms to protectgeneral aviationpilots. The Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 will: Reform FAA's overly burdensome medical certification process by expanding an existing FAA medical standard to include more qualified, trained pilots.? Extend the due process rights preserved in the first Pilots Bill of Rights to all FAA certificate holders, and enhance those rights by ensuring certificate holders have the right to appeal a FAA decision through a new, merit-based trial in Federal Court.? Increase transparency for all FAA certificate holders subject to an investigation or enforcement action by holding FAA accountable for communicating with certificate holders. FAA is required to articulate a specific description of the incident or incidents under investigation to parties involved in the investigation, and provide specific documentation relevant to its investigation. Expedite updates to the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) Improvement Program required in the first Pilot's Bill of Rights and directs FAA to develop a prioritization system organizing NOTAMs by urgency and importance, as well as include the effective duration of temporary flight restrict… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4241 | Tester: Blind spot in immigration vetting process exposes U.S. to significant risk [press_release] | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - Following shocking news reports about the San Bernardino shooters' use of social media, Senator Jon Tester today demanded that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) begin reviewing social media data to better identify potential terrorists and prevent them from entering the country. News reports this week revealed that one of the two San Bernardino shooters, Tashfeen Malik, was granted a U.S. visa last year despite her expressed support for violent jihad against the West via social media. Those social media postings were never reviewed during any of Malik's three background check screenings. Tester, in a letter to DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson, called the current background check system "outdated and inadequate" and demanded the department update its immigration vetting policies to include a rigorous review of a visa applicant's social media accounts. "We continue to face threats in this country from those spouting violent extremist thoughts on social media," said Tester, a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. "The Department must ensure that terrorist speech and terrorist content on social media are reviewed by U.S. officials as they conduct background investigation screenings on potential immigrants to the United States." Tester last week outlined his national security agenda, which included enhancing the visa waiver program and closing a loophole to prevent suspected terrorists from buying guns. Tester's letter to Secretary Jeh Johnson is available online HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-bill-to-protect-consumers-from-backlash-over-online-reviews-unanimously-passes-senate | Daines Bill to Protect Consumers from Backlash Over Online Reviews Unanimously Passes Senate | 2015-12-14 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.14.15 Daines' Bill to Protect Consumers from Backlash Over Online Reviews Unanimously Passes Senate WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the unanimous Senate passage of his legislation to protect consumers who want to write honest online reviews of companies, without fear of financial repercussions from the businesses being reviewed. Daines' bill, S. 2044 - the Consumer Review Freedom Act, would prohibit the use of non-disparagement clauses referred to as gag clauses, which are often found in little-read online user agreements. The Senate took an important step forward in protecting the First Amendment rights of Americans who want to provide honest feedback about the products and services they purchase,Daines stated.We should encourage competition and let consumers' voices be heard on a free and open Internet. I'm excited to see the Senate stand united behind this commonsense bill. We greatly appreciate the Senator's efforts in this regard,Montana Consumer Law Center's Jessie Lundberg stated.Protecting consumers' rights to publicly share their experience with a product or service ensures a level playing field in the marketplace. Consumers must be informed if they are to make smart spending decisions, and responsible businesses should welcome customer feedback, not hide behind fine print in a contract to prohibit it. When our clients pay for something, they assume they have the right to speak their mind about it, as they should, because they are the paying customer and deserve that right. By approving the Consumer Review Freedom Act, the Senate has taken a significant step forward to protect consumers from unfair contract terms,National Association of Consumer Advocates' Legislative Director Christine Hines stated.The bill will prevent businesses from using the fine print to restrict customer reviews, which are a helpful online tool when we research and buy products and services in the marketplace. It's important that Congress eliminate these and other anti-consumer clauses in c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4239 | Tester sponsors bill to strengthen Montanans voting rights [press_release] | 2015-12-14 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester sponsors bill to strengthen Montanans voting rights Voting Rights Advancement Act also expands voter protections in Indian Country (U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester is sponsoring legislation to strengthen Montanans' voting rights and expand voter protections in Indian Country. The Voting Rights Advancement Act will ensure ballots can be translated into Native languages while promoting equal opportunities to register and vote on and off Indian Reservations. The bill will also roll back the harmful changes the Supreme Court made to the Voting Rights Act in 2013 and require states that have committed voting violations to consult with the Justice Department before changing voting laws. "Keeping folks from exercising their constitutional right to vote is shameful and un-American," said Tester, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. "This bill protects those who have too often been marginalized and disenfranchised at the voting booth and guarantees that everyone can have a fair say in their government." In July, Tester introduced the Native American Voting Rights Act, which requires states to establish early voting sites on or near reservations and directs state election administrators to mail absentee ballots to the homes of all registered voters on reservations i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4240 | Tester nominates Montana students to military academies [press_release] | 2015-12-14 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today announced that he is nominating over two dozen Montana students who are applying to the nation's prestigious military academies. A nomination from a member of Congress is the first step in applying to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. "It is an honor to nominate some of Montana's most accomplished students to represent our state at the nation's military academies," Tester said. "Montana has a proud tradition of service and these young leaders are the latest generation of those willing to serve. These students make our state proud, and I wish them well on their journey to becoming outstanding leaders in our military." Tester nominated the following students based on their academic achievement, leadership, community service, and participation in extracurricular activities. Montana students interested in applying to a military academy is encouraged to do so HERE. Big Arm Nicholas Becker, Polson High School U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy Baker Theodore Austin, Carter County High School (Ekalaka) U.S. Naval Academy Big Timber Ryan Morgan, Sweet Grass County High School U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Billings Maren Kirkland, Billings Senior High School U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy Bozeman Lucas Figi, Charterhouse School (England) U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy Daniel Perdaems, Bozeman High School U.S. Air Force Academy Columbus Ryland Stampfel, Columbus High School U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Conrad Will Early, Montana State University U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Divide Eric Malmquist, Beaverhead County High School (Dillon) U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy East Helena Jacob O'Malley, Helena High School U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy Ennis Char… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-week-rocky-mountain-rifle-club | Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Rocky Mountain Rifle Club | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.11.15 Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Rocky Mountain Rifle Club WASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines today recognized theRocky Mountain Rifle Club (RMRC) for their efforts to support the Teton County 4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle and Air Pistol clubs. The Rocky Mountain Rifle Club has been a strong supporter of the Teton County 4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle and Air Pistol clubs, and is currently raising funds to purchase top-of-the-line air rifles and air pistols, in addition to target equipment, for the 4-H program. Through his Montanan of the Week initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. Daines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere. Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines' Montanan of the Week program by calling Daines' office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines' website:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve The following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record: MONTANAN OF THE WEEK Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I would like to recognize the Rocky Mountain Rifle Club (RMRC) for their efforts to support the Teton County 4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle and Air Pistol clubs. I appreciate RMRC's efforts to honor Montana's strong hunting legacy and protect our Second Amendment rights. There are currently 20 Montana kids enrolled in the Teton program. Three students are among the top 10 Montana shooters for their age groups: Berit Bedord, age 14; Ashley Pearson, age 13; and Luke Ostberg, age 12. These three have been the longest-lasting members of the Teton club and have steadily earned top scores in state competitions. The aim of the Teton County 4-H program is to introduce young Montanans to shooting with a focus on safety and the proper and ethical use of firearms. The shooting sports program is one of the most popular 4-H programs in t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4237 | Senate unanimously passes Testers bipartisan tribal energy bill [press_release] | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester's bipartisan legislation that reduces red tape and provides more resources to tribes to further develop their natural resources has unanimously passed the Senate. The Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act clarifies and streamlines the Department of Interior process that tribes must go through to develop energy projects. The bill establishes deadlines and approval criteria that the Interior Secretary must follow. "Tribes should be in control of their energy resources," said Tester, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. "This bipartisan bill increases self-determination and allows tribes to build a sustainable energy plan that will create good-paying jobs and a more stable economy." Tester's bill would also provide greater federal technical assistance to tribes for developing their energy resources. In October Tester expressed frustration over the federal government's failure to uphold its trust responsibility and assist tribes who are pushing to increase energy development on tribal lands at an Indian Affairs Committee hearing. The Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act is cosponsored by Senators Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Bennet (D-Colo.), Enzi (R-Wyo.), Fischer (R-Neb.), Gardner (R-Colo.), Hoeven (R-N.D.), McCain (R-Ariz.), Moran (R-Kan.), and Murkowski (R-Alaska). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-works-to-protect-american-energy-security | Daines Works to Protect American Energy Security | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.10.15 Daines Works to Protect American Energy Security Clickhereto watch Daines' remarks. Clickhereto download Daines' remarks. Senator Steve Daines today spoke out about the critical role that American energy independence holds in winning the war on terrorism and strengthening American security both at home and abroad. Our national securityprotecting our families from terrible acts of terrorismI can tell you is on many Montanans' minds every day as I travel around the state. It's telling to us today how important American energy independence and security is to our safety and prosperitynot just ours, but the world's. During a Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing on examining terrorism and global oil markets, Daines stressed how removing oil as the primary source of revenue for ISIS is critical to the United States' efforts to defeat the Islamic extremist organization and win the global fight against terrorism: As we look at what's going on right now with ISIS the testimony we heard today that one of their leading sources of revenue certaintly is from oil production. It seems like its pretty clear there's two parts of our strategy one would be to increase U.S. oil production which hopefully will be working to address that through removing the oil export ban. The second would be destroying ISIS oil production and revenues in that two pronged attack. Daines also expressed his concern over reports that the Obama administration has been reluctant to aggressively attack ISIS oil wells due to environmental concerns. Daineshas repeatedly stressedthe importance of North American energy independence in not only creating more good paying jobs, but also bolstering national security. He has a been a vocal advocate of theKeystone XL pipelineand has advocated for increased research for technological advances to put America on the forefront of creating clean coal technology. ### Print Email Tweet … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4236 | Tester: All women have right to seek healthcare without fear [press_release] | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)- Following the recent Planned Parenthood shooting in Colorado, Senator Jon Tester is taking steps to affirm that all women have the right to seek healthcare without fear. Tester is cosponsoring a Senate Resolution that emphasizes the importance of the health care services millions of women receive from Planned Parenthood. The resolution also outlines the increase in threats, harassment, and violence taking place at these clinics. Tester is demanding the Senate take a vote on this resolution before the end of the year. "It is unacceptable that folks have to fear for their safety when they are trying to access basic health care," Tester said. "The inflated rhetoric in Washington is putting people's lives at risk and it is instigating a climate that is dangerous to health care providers and their patients. I demand that Congress vote on this resolution before the end of the year and show women across the country that we stand with them and their individual rights." Last week Congress voted to defund Planned Parenthood which will reduce access to basic healthcare services for those who need it most. Tester opposed this measure. The Facts: One in five women in the United States will access healthcare at Planned Parenthood in their lifetime. In 2013 Planned Parenthood administered over 4.5 million tests and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases and performed over 900,000 cervical cancers streaming and breast exams. Since 1977 there have been more than 190,000 acts of disruption and 7,000 violent acts that include bombings, arson, kidnapping, and assault at Planned Parenthood. Since 1993 there have been 11 murders and numerous attempted murders of health care providers and patients at Planned Parenthood. Last month a gunman murdered three people, including a police officer, and wounded nine others at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs, Colo. Tester's Senate Resolution has 33 cosponsors and is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-over-700000-in-funding-for-tribal-transportation | Daines Announces over $700,000 in Funding for Tribal Transportation | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.09.15 Daines Announces over $700,000 in Funding for Tribal Transportation WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today announced more than $700,000 in funding for tribal public transit services for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the Fort Belknap Indian Community and the Crow Tribe. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides approximately $5 million competitive grant funding through the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program) for FY14/15 to support planning, capital, and, in limited circumstances, operating assistance for tribal public transit services. Three Montana tribes were selected for these competitive grants, totaling: $300,000 for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes $220,000 for the Fort Belknap Indian Community $193,731 for the Crow Tribe These grants will provide Montana tribes with critical funding to improve and increase the efficiency of public transit services for tribal members,Daines stated.I'm glad to see the Crow Tribe, the Fort Belknap Indian Community and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes succeed in this competitive grant process and appreciate their commitment to meeting the transportation needs of Montana's tribal communities. The Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that was signed into law onDecember 4, 2015, authorized $35 million annually from FY2016 through FY2020 for the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program, a $5 million increase over previous years. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-bill-to-protect-pilots-passes-senate-commerce-committee | Daines Bill to Protect Pilots Passes Senate Commerce Committee | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.09.15 Daines' Bill to Protect Pilots Passes Senate Commerce Committee WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the bipartisan passage of his measure to protect and expand protections for Montana pilots. Daines' bill, S. 571 the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 (PBOR 2) passed the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee today on a large bipartisan vote. It increases protections for recreational and volunteer pilots by expanding the 3rd class medical exemption for recreational pilots and broadening the protections provided in the original Pilot's Bill of Rights signed into law in 2012. I am proud to see the Committee rally around bipartisan legislation that prioritizes our robust aviation industry and expands the rights of hardworking pilots nationwide,Daines stated.This bill cuts down burdensome bureaucratic regulations and institutes commonsense and necessary reforms to protect recreational and volunteer pilots. I urge Congressional leadership to quickly take up and pass this measure that supports Montana aviation. The Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 will: Reform FAA's overly burdensome medical certification process by expanding an existing FAA medical standard to include more qualified, trained pilots. Extend the due process rights preserved in the first Pilots Bill of Rights to all FAA certificate holders, and enhance those rights by ensuring certificate holders have the right to appeal a FAA decision through a new, merit-based trial in Federal Court. Increase transparency for all FAA certificate holders subject to an investigation or enforcement action by holding FAA accountable for communicating with certificate holders. FAA is required to articulate a specific description of the incident or incidents under investigation to parties involved in the investigation, and provide specific documentation relevant to its investigation. Expedite updates to the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) Improvement Program required in the first Pilot's Bill of Rights and directs FAA to develop a prioriti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-bill-to-reauthorize-phmsa-passes-senate-commerce-committee | Daines Bill to Reauthorize PHMSA Passes Senate Commerce Committee | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.09.15 Daines' Bill to Reauthorize PHMSA Passes Senate Commerce Committee WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the overwhelming bipartisan passage of his legislation to help ensure the safety of America's pipeline network. The bipartisan SAFE PIPES Actpassed out of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee this morning. The bill would reauthorize Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) from Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 through FY 2019. "The SAFE PIPES Act is an important step forward to improve the protection of pipeline river crossings, fill vacant inspector positions and facilitate communication between PHMSA and state agencies,Daines stated.This is a strong, bipartisan bill that will enhance pipeline safety, promote economic opportunity and help protect our environment. It is imperative to Montana that we continue to promote safe, environmentally responsible and efficient operation and oversight of our nation's pipelines." Key provisions of the bill include: Improving inspection report turnaround times and requiring dialogue sooner from PHMSA to an operator following an inspection Adding river crossing considerations to integrity management review Providing direct hire authority so PHMSA can better leverage its resources to fill vacant inspector positions Ensuring coordination and collaboration on safety research, development and technology between PHMSA, industry, and public sector stakeholders. Encouraging the establishment of a national database for PHMSA to share data with state agencies Requiring PHMSA to prioritize statutory requirements for new rulemaking Requesting that PHMSA conduct an assessment of Integrity Management programs for natural gas and liquid pipelines Encouraging PHMSA to investigate and report on advanced mapping technologies for pipeline networks Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund:Sen. Daines' efforts to improve the efficacy of PHMSA and safety practices is appreciated. The Senate field hearing i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4233 | Tester votes to replace No Child Left Behind and strengthen local control to classrooms [press_release] | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-Montana's teacher-turned-Senator Jon Tester today helped pass legislation to replace No Child Left Behind and return control of the classroom back to state and local leaders. The Every Student Succeeds Act curbs the powers of the Department of Education and eliminates the punishments that were handed out to schools who failed to hit unreasonable national scoring benchmarks. The bill includes Tester's amendment that pushes the Education Secretary to receive input from local stakeholders, like school boards, before developing new rules. "This bill relieves students, parents, and teachers from the pressures caused by the failure of No Child Left Behind and puts decision making back in the hands of folks on the ground," Tester said. "These reforms are not perfect, but they are a step in the right direction to ensuring our kids and grandkids receive the quality education they deserve." The Every Student Succeeds Act allows states to create their own performance standards to identify underperforming schools. Test scores will no longer be the primary indicator of whether schools are underperforming, like they were under No Child Left Behind. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, states can also choose to consider other important indicators like graduation rates. Each state will be responsible for tracking the performance of their schools and identifying which schools need additional resources. Schools will be eligible for additional support and resources if they are performing in the bottom five percent of schools in their state, or their graduation rate is lower than 67 percent. Upon passage of the bill, Tester pledged to continue his fight to replace the federal annual testing requirement and replace it with fewer tests. Montana's education leaders applauded the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act and Tester's efforts to reduce the education burdens on Montana's schools. "We are grateful Senator Tester has been a leader in the now, finally, long-overdue, successful reauthorization of the Element… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4234 | Tester demands details on Visa Waiver Program from Homeland Security officials [press_release] | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today continued his push to strengthen national security by demanding additional details from high-ranking Department of Homeland Security and State Department officials on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). During a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing Tester questioned the Homeland Security Deputy Assistant Secretary on the timeline of the VWP's screening process and asked her to identify the specific constraints that keep nations from sharing critical data with one another regarding the prior travel of individuals visiting the U.S. under the VWP. "We must crack down on terrorists entering our country," Tester said after the hearing. "The safety and security of the American people is my top priority, and loopholes in the Visa Waiver Program are completely unacceptable. The Visa Waiver Program is only as strong as its weakest link." Last week Tester introduced bipartisan legislation that requires additional layers of security, like more rigorous background checks on foreign travelers from countries participating in the VWP who have visited Syria or Iraq before they are allowed to enter the United States. Currently, citizens from the 38 countries participating in the VWP can travel to the United States as a temporary visitor with less oversight, regardless of their recent travel history. In addition to cracking down on the VWP, Tester is currently pushing three other specific proposals to strengthen national security: Prevent suspected terrorists from buying guns by giving law enforcement the tools they need to deny the sale of guns to individuals on the terrorist watch list. Strengthen the northern and southern borders and increase interoperability between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to prevent individuals from entering the country illegally and fully fund Operation Stonegarden grants that support local and state law enforcement Prohibit untrustworthy individuals from accessing America's most sensitive national security information and locations … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4235 | Committee approves Tester provisions to improve veterans access to care [press_release] | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Committee approves Tester provisions to improve veterans access to care Several provisions of DOCS for Vets Act receive vote of support (U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester today saw seven of his provisions to improve care for veterans pass out of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. The provisions that passed the committee today: Ensure that the VA is more capable of addressing vacancies in its health care leadership, such as the Director position at Fort Harrison that was recently vacant for more than 240 days Extend the VA's authority to expand and fill medical residencies and create a pipeline of medical professionals into the VA Update the VA's pay system to help recruit and retain physician assistants and better compete with the private sector Expedite the process through which the VA provides survivor and burial benefits to recently widowed spouses of disabled veterans Reauthorize the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program so the VA can partner with local organizations to provide critical job training and support to veterans, and expand program access to more Native American veterans Ensure the VA is providing safer and more effective pain management servic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-montana-student-us-military-academy-nominations | Daines Announces Montana Student U.S. Military Academy Nominations | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.07.15 Daines Announces Montana Student U.S. Military Academy Nominations WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today announced his nominations of 19 Montana students who are applying for enrollment into U.S. military academies. A congressional nomination is a critical step in the process for Montanans seeking admission to one of the nation's four military academies: the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. It's an honor and a privilege to nominate these outstanding young Montanans to compete for an appointment to one of our nation's military academies,Daines said.I commend these hardworking students for their commitment to continuing Montana's strong legacy of service and wish them the best as they continue in this extremely competitive process. Students 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. The following is a complete list of Daines' 2015 academy nominations by county: Cascade County: Ashleigh Lehotsky,Great Falls Air Force Alliemarinda Phillips,Great Falls Army Gallatin County: Lucas Figi,Bozeman Navy, Army Lake County: Nicholas Becker, Big Arm Merchant Marine Nathaniel Young, Polson Air Force Lewis and Clark County: Keller Balsam, Helena Air Force, Navy, Army, Merchant Marine Grace Berner,Helena Air Force, Army Robert McCarvel,Helena Army, Navy Madison County: Charles Buus, Ennis Army Missoula County: Macey Newbary, Missoula Army Stephen Reynolds,Missoula Air Force, Navy Michael Sewell,Frenchtown Army, Navy Pondera County: Will Early,Conrad Air Force Ravalli County: Caitlin Gillespie,Hamilton Air Force, Navy … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-to-lead-montana-energy-2016 | Daines to Lead Montana Energy 2016 | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.07.15 Daines to Lead Montana Energy 2016 WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines announced that he will be spearheadingMontana Energy 2016in Billings this upcoming spring. The summit, sponsored by Daines, the Montana Contractors' Association, the Montana Coal Council, the Montana Petroleum Association, the Montana Chamber Foundation and KLJ, will take place in Billings, Montana on March 30 and 31, 2016. Montana holds a vital role in securing our nation's all-of-the-above energy strategy and it's vital that we work together to ensure our state remains an energy leader for years to come,Daines stated.Montana Energy 2016will bring together key stakeholders to help increase innovation and move Montana's energy opportunities to the next level.Montana can help power the world but only if we work together to increase opportunity and limit efforts to hinder any part of Montana's diverse energy portfolio. ThroughMontana Energy 2016, we will keep Montana at the forefront of the nation's energy conversation. Montana Energy 2016,the largest avenue to discuss Montana's energy potential, is back for a third round this spring with a fresh new look and perspective. Led by Daines, the two-day comprehensive conference will continue the discussion around state and national energy opportunities and provide an all-encompassing look at Montana's energy potential. The conference will include energy professionals, policy and decision makers at all levels, contractors and associated industry professionals. More information about the summit can be found atwww.montanaenergy.net, or by following Montana Energy onFacebookandTwitter. Daines serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and has long been a leader in moving forward policies that help secure all-of-the-above energy solutions. Daines is a leading proponent of the Keystone XL pipeline, has sponsored legislation to lift the oil export ban and is helping lead legislative efforts to push back on regulations that hurt Montana's energy potential, includ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4231 | Tester statement following Oval Office address [press_release] | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester statement following Oval Office address (U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester released the following statement after the President's Oval Office address to the nation tonight: "Keeping Americans safe and protecting the homeland are never-ending tasks and my highest priorities as Montana's senator. As we face real threats abroad and here at home, Congress must do more to ensure our national security. In the days ahead, I'll look for partners to pass legislation updating the visa waiver program, preventing suspected terrorists from buying guns, and strengthening our northern and southern borders to prevent folks who would do us harm from entering this country." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4232 | Tester outlines national security agenda [press_release] | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - After calling on Congress to pass legislation to protect Americans against terrorist threats overseas and at home, Senator Jon Tester today outlined his national security agenda. Tester, who called keeping Americans safe his "highest priority" as a U.S. Senator, is demanding that Congress do more to ensure America's national security. Tester is pushing Congress to: Enhance the Visa Waiver Program to exclude individuals who have visited Iraq or Syria within the past five years and to require certain higher risk travelers trying to enter the U.S. to undergo increased screening. Prevent suspected terrorists from buying guns by giving law enforcement the tools it needs to ban gun sales to individuals on the terrorist watch list. Strengthen the northern and southern borders and increase interoperability between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to prevent individuals from entering the country illegally and fully fund Operation Stonegarden grants to support local and state law enforcement Prohibit untrustworthy individuals from accessing America's most sensitive national security information and locations by intensifying security clearance background checks and barring federal contractors and employees who have compromised the integrity of a background investigation from performing security clearance investigations in the future. "Congress must do more to combat the growing threats at home and abroad, and we need to act quickly," said Tester, a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. "Cracking down on potential terrorists trying to enter the country, preventing them from buying weapons, and securing the border and stopping insider threats are common sense solutions to very serious threats. All of us have a responsibility to keep Americans safe, and I'm going to do everything I can to ensure we are protecting the homeland." Tester, after the Paris attacks three weeks ago, asked Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson specific questions to ensure the process used… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-responds-to-president-obamas-address-to-the-nation | Daines Responds to President Obamas Address to the Nation | 2015-12-06 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.06.15 Daines Responds to President Obama's Address to the Nation WASHINGTON, D.C. Following President Obama's address to the nation, Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement: Cindy and I are deeply saddened by the acts of terrorism that took place in San Bernardino this past week. It is abundantly clear that we need a strong and aggressive strategy to extinguish the growing threat of Islamic extremism both here at home and overseas. I am disappointed that once again, President Obama is choosing to lead from behind. Rather than establishing a clear strategy to defeat ISIS, the President is using this tragedy to pursue misguided firearm restrictions that would undermine our Second Amendment protections while doing nothing to address the most significant factors behind terrorism.I remain committed to protecting Montanans' Second Amendment rights and will stand strong against efforts to dismantle those freedoms. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-challenges-hoeven-to-friendly-wager-on-upcoming-griz-bison-football-game | Daines Challenges Hoeven to Friendly Wager on Upcoming Griz, Bison Football Game | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.04.15 Daines Challenges Hoeven to Friendly Wager on Upcoming Griz, Bison Football Game WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines and North Dakota Senator John Hoeven have entered into a wager on Saturday's second round, Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoff game between the University of Montana Grizzlies and the North Dakota State University Bison. If the Grizzlies win the game, Daines will receive Dakota Growers pasta made from North Dakota durum wheat. If the NDSU Bison win, Hoeven will be drinking Moose Drool beer from Missoula's Big Sky Brewing. Every Montanan knows that a bison is no match for a grizzly bear I'm confident that Saturday's game will be no exception,Daines stated.I look forward to cheering on the Griz to victory this weekend and enjoying a nice celebration dinner of Dakota Growers pasta following the game. The Bison won a historic fourth straight national title last year, and they're looking to make it five-in-a-row,Hoeven said.I'm looking forward to enjoying some authentic Moose Drool Beer from Senator Daines when the Thundering Herd rolls over the Grizzlies on Saturday. Go Bison! The game will take place at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota on Saturday, December 5 at 1:30 MDT and will be broadcast on ESPN 3. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-week-rick-young-of-forsyth | Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Rick Young of Forsyth | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.04.15 Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Rick Young of Forsyth WASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines today honored Rick Young of Forsyth, a U.S. Marine, for his dedicated efforts to expand quality health care for all Montana veterans. Despite suffering from a serious illness himself, Rick was able to successfully advocate for area veterans to receive long-term care through theRosebud Health Care Center (RHCC) in Forsyth.RHCC recently established a contract with the VA, which now allows for veterans to receive long-term care in Forsyth rather than having to travel a greater distance to theapproved Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility in Glendive. Through his Montanan of the Week initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. Daines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere. Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines' Montanan of the Week program by calling Daines' office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines' website:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve The following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record: MONTANAN OF THE WEEK MR. DAINES. Mr. PRESIDENT, I want to recognize Rick Young, a proud veteran from Forsyth, Montana. Montana is blessed with a rich legacy of service and it is my honor to recognize not only Rick's service to our country but his work to make quality health care accessible for all Montana veterans. Rick proudly served our country as a Marine from January 1971 to January 1975. Unfortunately, his current illness requires constant care and attention. His wife Sharon long served as his primary round-the-clock caretaker and was confined to their home due to Rick's condition, which required an external ventilator to breathe at all times. Eventually his needs surpassed his ability to stay home and he had to move into a long-term c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-zinke-urge-canadian-pm-to-prioritize-montana-issues | Daines, Zinke Urge Canadian PM to Prioritize Montana Issues | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.04.15 Daines, Zinke Urge Canadian PM to Prioritize Montana Issues WASHINGTON, D.C. Montana Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke are reaching out to newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to emphasize Montana priorities and ensure continued economic growth on both sides of the northern border. In a letter, Daines and Zinke congratulated Trudeau on his recent election and underscored the treasured and crucial relationship between Canada and Montana. The state of Montana has a great appreciation for the conducive working relationship we have fostered with our neighbors to the North, Daines and Zinke wrote. We not only share a border, but we frequently work together to address pertinent trade, natural resources, agriculture, and national security concerns. We have found Canada to be a resourceful and respected partner, and it is our sincerest hope that moving forward, we can maintain this rapport. Daines and Zinke asked Trudeau for his cooperation on several issues important to Montana, including the Softwood Lumber Agreement, the Columbia River Treaty, wheat grading and construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. We look forward to working with you on these issues further and appreciate your consideration of our requests, Daines and Zinke continued. Read the full text of the letter below or download ithere: Dear Prime Minister Trudeau: We congratulate you on your successful election to the position of Prime Minister of Canada. The state of Montana has a great appreciation for the conducive working relationship we have fostered with our neighbors to the North. We not only share a border, but we frequently work together to address pertinent trade, natural resources, agriculture, and national security concerns. We have found Canada to be a resourceful and respected partner, and it is our sincerest hope that moving forward, we can maintain this rapport. As you begin to identify your nation's priorities, we ask that you take into consideration a few pending issues that are … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4229 | Tester fights to keep heat on for thousands of Montanans [press_release] | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - As lawmakers draft budget bills ahead of the December 11th deadline, Senator Jon Tester is urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to provide critical support for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in the final appropriations bill of the year. LIHEAP provides grants to eligible low-income households who need help paying their heating bills. LIHEAP is a vital source of heat for children, disabled individuals, and seniors living on fixed incomes. The program helped 20,000 households across Montana keep the heat on last winter."It's December, and temperatures have begun to drop well below freezing," Tester said. "Now is the time to make sure that every Montana family can stay warm again this winter."According to the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association, at its current funding level LIHEAP is only able to serve 20 percent of the eligible population. And even among the households that LIHEAP does serve, the average amount they're awarded has decreased by nearly $100 since 2010. Tester is requesting that the Appropriations Committee shore up the funding so more low income Montana families have access to LIHEAP. Tester was the only member of Montana's Congressional delegation who supported the bipartisan budget deal last month that lifted the budget caps allowing Congress to provide responsible investments in energy assistance.Tester's letter is signed by 35 other Senators and is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4230 | Tester to Canadian Minister: Montana farmers deserve a fair market [press_release] | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)- Montana Farmer and Senator Jon Tester today continued his fight to protect family farmers against unfair Canadian trade practices that deny Montana wheat growers a fair price.In a letter to newly appointed Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay, Tester urged Canada's new administration to make Canada's grain regulations more equitable for American grown wheat. Tester highlighted the fact that current policies unfairly allow Canadian grain buyers to pay Montana wheat growers significantly less than Canadian wheat growers for the same product. He also requested a meeting with the Minister to directly discuss this important trade issue. "I remain concerned about Canada's wheat grading system and its effect on agricultural trade between our nations," Tester wrote. "I know Montanans stand ready to work with Canada to strengthen our mutually beneficial exchange of agricultural goods, and I believe both sides stand to benefit from a direct discussion on grading and trading grain." Grain producers across Montana are hailing Tester's efforts. "Montana farmers and ranchers contribute billions each year to the national economy, and we export 20 percent of all agriculture products as foreign exports. Montana farmers depend on equitable grain pricing to put food on the table for people all over the world," said Alan Merill, President of the Montana Farmers Union. "We applaud Senator Tester's commitment to Montana agriculture." "Canadian law discriminates against US grain through their grain grading and variety registration systems," said Rob Davis, President of the Montana Grain Growers Association and a grain producer from Larslan, Montana. " In order for a true and open market to function, growers and consumers on each side of the border must operate in a regulatory environment that allows fair competition." Currently, Canadian law forces American wheat to be automatically downgraded to the lowest quality of designation known as "feed wheat" when exported to Canada without con… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-applauds-passage-of-multi-year-highway-bill | Daines Applauds Passage of Multi-Year Highway Bill | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.03.15 Daines Applauds Passage of Multi-Year Highway Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the passage of a multi-year highway bill that provides Montanans much-needed certainty in infrastructure investments: The long-overdue passage of a multi-year highway bill is great news for Montana and a critical step forward in providing our state with the certainty needed to make long-term infrastructure investments,Daines stated.Our transportation infrastructure is a critical component of our state's economy and given Montana's short construction season, it's imperative that communities and contractors alike have the certainty needed to move forward with badly-needed infrastructure improvement projects.This bill ends Congress's irresponsible trend of short-term Band-Aids and temporary extensions and provides long-term support for our nation's vast transportation network. I am proud to see this important legislation garner overwhelming bipartisan support and I urge the President to swiftly sign it into law. The Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act is a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill. Its passage marks the first time Congress has passed a long-term highway funding bill since 2009. Nearly 90 percent of Montana's highway program funding is supported by federal dollars. The FAST Act will provide an estimated $2.28 billion over the next five years to Montana. Montanahad425 existing infrastructure projects that were at risk without federal support. Daines helped secure several critical provisions in the FAST Act, including: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) Grant Flexibility- Provides states the option to qualify for impaired driving grants for 24/7 sobriety. The 24/7 Sobriety Program that began in 2011 after two troopers were killed by a drunk driver.Through this program over 5,000 Montana participants have tested twice a day, totaling almost 700,000 breath tests 99.3% of these tests administered have been clean. For Montana, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-upholds-promise-to-montanans-to-repeal-obamacare | Daines Upholds Promise to Montanans to Repeal Obamacare | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.03.15 Daines Upholds Promise to Montanans to Repeal Obamacare WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the passage of legislation that repeals the President's failed health care law and puts states on a glide path toward creating locally driven health care solutions, upholding the promise Daines made to Montanans to continue fighting to repeal Obamacare. Last year, when I decided to run for Montana's open Senate seat, I promised the people of Montana that I would work tirelessly to repeal Obamacare. Today, I upheld that promise and voted to repeal President Obama's broken health care law,"Daines stated.President Obama will now have to decide whether to put the American people first, or if he'll continue imposing fines and substandard care on the hardworking people of this country. If the President rejects the will of the American people and vetoes this bill, I will continue working to protect Montanans from rising health care costs. Passage of this legislation marks the first time an Obamacare repeal bill will be on President Obama's desk for his signature. Yesterday,Daines took to the Senate floorto outline the path forward to repeal the President's failed health care law and create patient-centered solutions that protect Montanans' access to their doctors and the health care plans they want. This bill dismantles President Obama's bungled health care law. It also puts states on a glide pathaway from Obamacare,Daines stated.It will build a bridge to replace this broken law with state-led solutions that put patients back in the center of the health care equation and return health care decisions to Americans and their doctors, and away from federal bureaucrats. Daines has long been an outspoken critic of the bungled health care law. On November 11, 2015, Daines delivered theWeekly Republican Addresson the Senate's vote to repeal the President's unpopular health care law and work to replace Obamacare with state-led solutions that put patients back in the center of the health equation.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4227 | Tester to Congress: Quit playing political games with the health of Montanans [press_release] | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester released the following statement after the Senate passed a bill that strips tens of thousands of Montanans access to health insurance by repealing major parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA):"We are less than two weeks away from another costly government shutdown and rather than investing in education, infrastructure, or our national security, there are folks in Congress whose top priority is eliminating access to health care for tens of thousands of Montanans. Instead of playing political games with the health of our families, I will continue to work to improve the ACA to reduce the cost of healthcare for all Montanans." If signed into law these provisions will: • Eliminate tax credits for health insurance, raising costs and jeopardizing health care for more than 48,000 Montanans • Repeal Medicaid expansion denying access to health care for up to 70,000 Montanans • Gut funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund which provides states with funds to develop public health strategies that work best for them. In Montana, this Fund has supported diabetes prevention in Indian Country. • Defund Planned ParenthoodSince becoming law, the ACA has lowered Montana's uninsured rate to 15 percent.Tester has introduced multiple bills to improve the ACA, including the PACE Act, which was signed into law in October. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4228 | Tester praises final passage of Highway Bill [press_release] | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester praises final passage of Highway Bill (U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement after Congress passed a compromise five-year Highway Bill: "This long-term highway bill will help drive Montana's economy by making critical new investments and create good-paying jobs that can't be outsourced. It will provide certainty for construction workers, small businesses and local governments, and improve the safety for all Montanans who drive on our roads and bridges each day." The five-year Highway Bill: • Invests nearly $2.3 billion into Montana's transportation infrastructure • Increases Montana highway funding by 5.1 percent in the first year • Reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank which has been expired since June The Highway Bill now heads to the President's desk where he is expected to sign it into law. More details about the bill are attached. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4226 | On Senate floor Tester demands no GMO rider in omnibus [press_release] | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-Jon Tester, the United States Senate's only working farmer, today took to the Senate floor to demand that a controversial genetically modified organism (GMO) bill not be included as a rider to the omnibus appropriations bill. The DARK Act removes the public's ability to know if the food they are buying is genetically modified. "I am a farmer and I know exactly where my food comes from, but not all Americans have that ability," Tester said. "This bill allows the federal government to undermine local stakeholders and denies consumers the right to know what is in the food they eat. This bill is not fair to consumers and it is not fair to the folks who produce food in this country." Currently there is no federal requirement for companies using genetically engineered ingredients to disclose that information on food labels. Sixty-four countries across the world require GMO labeling including Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia. In 2013 Tester led the charge to remove the controversial "Monsanto Protection Act" rider from a funding bill that directed the U.S. Agriculture Department to ignore any judicial ruling that blocked the planting of genetically-modified crops. Tester is cosponsoring the Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act, which requires labeling of genetically engineered food. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-applauds-house-rebuke-of-president-obamas-unaffordable-energy-regulations | Daines Applauds House Rebuke of President Obamas Unaffordable Energy Regulations | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.01.15 Daines Applauds House Rebuke of President Obama's Unaffordable Energy Regulations WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the House of Representative's bipartisan vote to fully nullify President Obama's anti-coal regulations that threaten more than 7,000 Montana jobs. Today Congress sent a clear message to President Obama that the American people don't want and can't afford his job-killing, anti-energy agenda. The United States should be on the cutting edge of technological advances in energy development not actively working against American entrepreneurs who can help our country power the world,Daines stated.While it would be no surprise to see President Obama once against reject the will of the American people, I urge him to drop his veto threat and sign into law this commonsense legislation to rein in the unchecked fourth branch of government and protect thousands of good-paying union and tribal jobs. The House of Representatives today joined the Senate in passing two bipartisan resolutions disapproving of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed Clean Power Plan regulations on new and existing power sources. The Congressional Review Act resolutions of disapproval will block the Obama administration's regulations on new and existing coal-fired power plants. Daines is anoriginal cosponsorof both bipartisan resolutions of disapproval. The resolutions passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote onNovember 17, 2015. The resolutions now head to President Obama's desk. The University of Montana (UM) Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER)recently releaseda study on the economic implications of implementing the EPA's new regulations in Montana.The study shows that the EPA's new regulations will likely lead to the full closure of Montana's Colstrip Power Plant and the loss of more than 7,000 good-paying Montana jobs. Daines has long fought to protect Montana jobs and access to low-cost energy from the Obama administration's overreach.Daines is anoriginal cospons… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-works-to-provide-tax-relief-for-montana-farmers-small-businesses-families-and-tribes | Daines Works to Provide Tax Relief for Montana Farmers, Small Businesses, Families and Tribes | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 12.01.15 Daines Works to Provide Tax Relief for Montana Farmers, Small Businesses, Families and Tribes WASHINGTON, D.C. On Tax Relief Tuesday, Senator Steve Daines spoke out on the need to pass bipartisan, comprehensive solutions that permanently protect Montana families, famers and ranchers, small businesses and tribes from burdensome and uncertain tax hikes. Daines emphasized his continued commitment to working toward reforms that end Washington's habit of passing last-minute extensions of critical tax provisions and instead provide the long-term certainty needed to generate new economic investment and innovation in Montana. Our tax code is nearly five times as long as the Bible, but with none of the good news,Daines stated.Congress needs to provide hardworking small businesses, farmers, ranchers, tribes and families long-term certainty in planning for the future and not continue to govern by crisis. As Congress moves towards comprehensive tax reform, we need to ensure that the tax code is fairer, simpler and works for all hardworking Montanans. Daines has long worked to provide Montanans with long-term certainty on numerous tax provisions. Important Montana provisions that are awaiting Congressional action include: Indian Coal Production Tax Credit (ICPTC):The ICPTC provides a crucial tax incentive to level the playing field for future development of the tribal coal resources that are currently subject to more regulatory requirements than comparable development on private, state or federal lands. The credit protects the economic viability of existing tribal coal mining projects, which support much-needed tribal jobs and provide a major source of non-federal revenue for coal-producing tribes.Daines and Senator Jon Testerintroduced legislationto permanently extend the ICPTC on May 18, 2015. New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC):The NMTC attracts capital to low-income communities by providing private investors with a 39 percent federal tax creditfor investments made in businesses or economic development … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4223 | Tester introduces legislation to strengthen national security [press_release] | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen national security and protect America from terrorism by addressing potential vulnerabilities in the Visa Waiver Program. Tester's bill requires additional layers of security, like more rigorous background checks on foreign travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program who have visited Syria or Iraq before they are allowed to enter the United States. Currently, those participating in the Visa Waiver Program can freely travel to the United States as a temporary visitor regardless of their previous travel history. "The most important job Congress has is to provide real solutions that will keep Americans safe," Tester said. "When it comes to national security, we don't have time for partisan games. This bipartisan bill beefs up national security, reduces the terror threat and will help keep Montana families safe." The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens from certain countries to enter the United States as a temporary visitor without first obtaining a visa from a United States consulate. Travelers from countries under the Visa Waiver Program must first obtain a visa from the State Department and are subject to more rigorous background checks before coming to the United States. Tester's bill requires: • All travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries to acquire a visa if they have traveled to Iraq or Syria within the past five years. • The use of e-passports that are machine-readable by all countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program. • Strengthened information sharing standards between the Department of Homeland Security and countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program to collect and share information about potentially dangerous individuals and stolen passports. • All travelers visiting the United States under the Visa Waiver Program to submit biometric information that includes a photograph and fingerprints. Currently there are 38 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. Earlier t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4224 | Testers rural water bill passes Congress [press_release] | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - After unanimously passing the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Senator Jon Tester's rural water bill is on its way to the President's desk and is set to become law.Tester's Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Act reauthorizes a $15 million per year grant for five years to provide technical assistance for rural public water infrastructure systems and training for their employees in an effort to ensure rural communities have clean drinking water. "There is nothing more important for the health of a town than having access to clean water," Tester said, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "My bill takes a step in making sure water systems have the resources they need to provide safe drinking water to the families and small businesses in their communities. I urge the President to sign it so we can support these important public health resources on the ground in rural Montana."Tester's bill reauthorizes a provision of the Safe Water Act Amendments of 1996 that expired in 2004, establishing grants for non-profit organizations that provide onsite technical, circuit-rider, and training assistance to rural and small community water systems to ensure they can comply with federal safe drinking water standards.Over 77 percent of all community water systems across the country serve populations with fewer than 3,300 people, and over 90 percent of community water systems serve populations of fewer than 10,000. This spring Tester introduced a bipartisan bill that establishes a guaranteed annual investment to construct congressionally authorized rural water systems.Last month Tester sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee urging them to better support rural water projects. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-continues-fight-to-block-internet-sales-tax | Daines Continues Fight to Block Internet Sales Tax | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.30.15 Daines Continues Fight to Block Internet Sales Tax Daines, Ayotte, Rubio, Lee urge congressional leaders to oppose so-called Marketplace Fairness Act WASHINGTON, D.C. On Cyber Monday,Senator Steve Daines urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) to reject any legislation to impose onerous Internet sales tax requirements that would hurt online retailers in Montana and across the nation. In a letter to Congressional leadership, Daines joined Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Mike Lee (R-UT) to underscore the detrimental impact that a federal Internet sales tax would have on Montana small businesses that rely on the Internet to grow their businesses and create good-paying jobs. The so-called Marketplace Fairness Act could result in Montana small businesses that sell goods online being forced to collect sales tax on behalf of 9,600 cities and states nationwide. As people across our nation make online purchases today as part of Cyber Monday, we write to urge Republican leadership to reject any efforts to impose a misguided and destructive Internet tax collection scheme on our small businesses that rely on the Internet to tap into growing markets, expand their operations, and create jobs,the senators wrote. They continued:We should be focused on policies that encourage economic growth and job creation, instead of imposing new financial burdens and onerous regulations on businesses and interstate commerce. Instead of protecting and fostering e-commerce, online sales tax legislation would stifle small business growth and job creation. Daines has long led efforts in Congress to block the implementation of federal Internet sales tax legislation. He has been outspoken in his opposition to theMarketplace Fairness Actsince its introduction and while serving in the House, led several rallies in opposition to this proposal. The full text of the letter is below: Dear Majority Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan: As people across our nation… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4220 | Tester releases Thanksgiving Day statement [press_release] | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester releases Thanksgiving Day statement (Big Sandy, Mont.) - Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement to honor the Thanksgiving holiday:"We give thanks to our families, friends, and neighbors who contribute daily to Montana's unmatched sense of community. As Montanans enjoy their time together today we are grateful for our freedoms and we recognize the sacrifices of those who came before us. Especially in our thoughts are those who serve in the armed forces and are spending this Thanksgiving away from their home and loved ones." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4221 | Tester sponsors Small Business Saturday Resolution [press_release] | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Big Sandy, Mont.) - As the holiday shopping season kicks into full swing, Senator Jon Tester is encouraging Montanans to shop locally.Tester recently sponsored a resolution declaring, today, November 28, 2015 as "Small Business Saturday." This initiative seeks to strengthen the economies of local communities while also raising awareness about important role small businesses play in the American marketplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, small businesses are responsible for over 60 percent of job growth in the past 20 years and employ almost 50 percent of all the employees in the private sector."Small businesses drive Montana's economy," said Tester, a small business owner. "As we spend time with our families this weekend and gear up for the holiday season, I encourage folks to support the small businesses who are hiring our friends and family and strengthening our communities."Tester regularly hosts Small Business Opportunity Workshops to connect Montana businesses with the tools they need to start and grow their operations. A copy of Tester's "Small Business Saturday" resolution is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4222 | Tester, Bullock help lead cleanup efforts in Columbia Falls [press_release] | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Montana) - After continued prodding from Senator Jon Tester and Governor Steve Bullock, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Glencore announced an agreement today to move forward with cleanup plans for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company (CFAC) site. Senator Tester and Governor Bullock have been urging Glencore to come to the table and work with local stakeholders to ensure the contaminated land would be cleaned up. In January, after Glencore walked away from negotiations, Senator Tester sent a letter to the EPA asking them to list CFAC as a superfund site. "I'm pleased Glencore has finally realized it has an obligation to the people of Columbia Falls," Tester said. "As this process moves forward, I will continue to hold the company and the EPA responsible for ensuring this site is cleaned up and revitalized so we can continue to strengthen the economy in the Flathead."In February, Governor Bullock also urged the EPA to list CFAC as a superfund site. "I welcome the news that Glencore has recognized its obligations to clean the site and make it ready to once again become a driver of the Flathead economy," Bullock said. "The plant was a critical part of the economy of Columbia Falls and the site has been idle for too long. It has tremendous potential for redevelopment and will be an important anchor in the future of the region." Local stakeholders from across the region thanked Senator Tester and Governor Bullock for their continued efforts in the Flathead Valley. "It's good news. We've come to a "trust but verify" comfort level. The CFAC people have been straightforward, but the more you know about the corporate culture of the parent company Glencore, you just have to be watchful. We could never have gotten to this place without public officials bringing pressure. From Senator Tester and Governor Bullock to our city officials, they really have served the public here with exemplary determination and focus," said Columbia Falls Resident and Broker of RE/MAX Mountain View Real Estate Bill Daikin."… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-encourages-montanans-to-shop-small-on-november-28- | Daines Encourages Montanans to Shop Small on November 28 | 2015-11-27 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.27.15 Daines Encourages Montanans to Shop Small on November 28 BOZEMAN, Mont. In recognition of Small Business Saturday, Senator Steve Daines is encouraging his fellow Montanans to shop small and join him in highlighting the important contributions that Montana's small businesses make to Montana's economy year round. Daines is an original cosponsor of a bipartisan resolution to recognize November 28, 2015 as Small Business Saturday and to increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses. S.Res. 304 unanimously passed the United States Senate. Small businesses are the backbone of Montana's economy,Daines stated.When small businesses grow, our economy grows. Our country was founded on hard work and entrepreneurship and I'm proud that Montana small businesses continue to lead the way and exemplify the best of our country's heritage. I encourage my fellow Montanans to shop small and join me in supporting Montana small businesses not just this Saturday, but every day. By designating November 28, 2015 as Small Business Saturday, Daines' resolution aims to encourage consumers to shop locally this holiday season and to increase awareness of the impact of locally-owned small businesses on the United States' economy. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses significantly impact Montana's economy. Small businesses represent 97.5 percent of all Montana employers and employ 68.4 percent of Montana's private-sector labor force. Before serving in Congress, Daines spent more than 27 years in business. He helped grow a Montana-based cloud computing startup, RightNow Technologies, into Bozeman, Montana's largest commercial employer. The full text of the resolution is availablehere.? ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-zinke-work-to-protect-port-of-raymond-operational-hours | Daines, Zinke Work to Protect Port of Raymond Operational Hours | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.23.15 Daines, Zinke Work to Protect Port of Raymond Operational Hours WASHINGTON, D.C. Montana Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke today urged U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials to reverse plans to reduce operating hours at the Port of Raymond and terminate the northeastern Montana border crossing's 24-hour operating status. In a letter to CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske, Daines and Zinke highlighted the important role that the Port of Raymond holds for regional economic activity and the overwhelming local concern surroundingCBP's recent decisionto reduce operating hours. Terminating the Port of Raymond's 24-hour status would create costly route diversions and impair the flow of goods in an important economic corridor,Daines and Zinke wrote.We therefore stand with local elected leaders, including Montana State Senator John Brenden and Sheridan County Commissioners Bill Nyby, Keith Clawson, and Bob Nikolaisen, in urging CBP to reverse this shortsighted decision. Daines and Zinke urged the CBP to immediately suspend its misguided plan to reduce hours at the Port of Raymond and emphasized the potential negative economic ramifications of the CBP's revised operating schedule. As voices for Montana in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives we are strongly concerned that reducing hours at the Port of Raymond will have adverse impacts on both the rural community and on the broader economy,Daines and Zinke continued.Accordingly, we urge CBP to suspend any final decisions on this proposal until more options can be considered. Daines' and Zinke's efforts were commendedby Montana State Senator John Brenden. I appreciate Senator Daines' and Representative Zinke's work to prevent U.S. Customs and Border Patrol from moving forward with its shortsighted plan to reduce operating hours at the Port of Raymond,Montana State Senator John Brenden stated.The consequences of the CBP's decision will be felt across Sheridan County and northeastern Montana. I urge the CBP … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/tester-daines-call-on-senate-to-fully-fund-critical-payments-to-montana-counties | Tester, Daines call on Senate to fully fund critical payments to Montana counties | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.23.15 Tester, Daines call on Senate to fully fund critical payments to Montana counties PILT helps 55 Montana counties pay for essential services (Montana) SenatorsJon Tester and Steve Daines are calling on Senate leaders to fully fund a critical tool for Montana counties. Tester and Daines urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to fully fund Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) for the 2016 Fiscal Year. PILT payments are made by the Department of the Interior to 55 Montana counties with federal lands that are not taxable by local governments, but the lands' presence creates demands for local government services, such as law enforcement and infrastructure. Without full funding for the PILT program before the end of the year, counties across the nation will be unable to provide essential services to residents and millions of federal lands visitors alike,the Senators wrote.As the end of the year approaches, enacting full-funding for PILT in FY 2016 is essential in order to provide counties with the certainty they need to plan their own budgets and continue providing essential county services. Montana counties received approximately $29.2 million in PILT payments in 2015. Tester and Daines letter, which is cosigned by 35 senators who represent counties with federal lands, is available onlineHERE. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4217 | Tester, Daines call on Senate to fully fund critical payments to Montana counties [press_release] | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Montana) - Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines are calling on Senate leaders to fully fund a critical tool for Montana counties. Tester and Daines urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to fully fund Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) for the 2016 Fiscal Year. PILT payments are made by the Department of the Interior to 55 Montana counties with federal lands that are not taxable by local governments, but the lands' presence creates demands for local government services, such as law enforcement and infrastructure. "Without full funding for the PILT program before the end of the year, counties across the nation will be unable to provide essential services to residents and millions of federal lands visitors alike," the Senators wrote. "As the end of the year approaches, enacting full-funding for PILT in FY 2016 is essential in order to provide counties with the certainty they need to plan their own budgets and continue providing essential county services."Montana counties received approximately $29.2 million in PILT payments in 2015.Tester and Daines letter, which is cosigned by 35 senators who represent counties with federal lands, is available online HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4218 | Tester hails Badger-Two Medicine decision [press_release] | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester hails Badger-Two Medicine decision Senators efforts help lead to preservation of historical area of Montana (Great Falls, Mont.) - Senator Jon Tester released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Interior filed its plan in federal court to cancel an oil and gas lease in the Badger-Two Medicine, a sacred area to the Blackfeet Tribe adjacent to Glacier National Park:"Today's decision is a step toward protecting the Badger-Two Medicine for future generations. This area is a unique region that has cultural, historical, spiritual, and recreational significance to the people of the Blackfeet Nation and Montana. For too long the oil and gas leases in Badger-Two Medicine have caused uncertainty in this pristine landscape. I applaud all of the folks in Browning and across Montana who have worked so hard on this issue." In March, Tester sent a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urging them to cancel all of the existing oil and gas leases in the Badger-Two Medicine. Last year, Tester passed historic conservation legislation to permanently protect the Rocky Mountain Front and the North Fork of the Flathead River, ensuring no oil and gas leases will be permitted on those pristine lands.A map of the Badger-Two Medicine lease… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4219 | Tester fights to protect trade in northeast Montana [press_release] | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Great Falls, Mont.) - Senator Jon Tester today is fighting to protect trade across Montana's northern border by urging the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) not to reduce hours at the Port of Raymond in northeast Montana.In a letter to CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske, Tester noted that the Port of Raymond is a 24 hour port, but CBP is expected to close the port from 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. beginning next month. "I strongly believe a reduction in hours at this facility harms the United States' potential to maximize economic growth through increased trade with Canada," Tester wrote. "This proposal fails to recognize the importance of 24-hour ports in rural areas."Tester highlighted that terminating the Port of Raymond's 24-hour status will force trucks to travel an additional 100 miles to North Dakota or more than 400 miles across Montana to access the nearest 24 hour port. Revoking the Port of Raymond's 24-hour status would leave a nearly 550 mile gap between 24-hour ports on the northern border. "To put this in perspective, 550 miles is a greater distance than Detroit to Washington, D.C.," Tester added. Tester, Montana's only member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, brought Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Montana-Canadian border in August to see the challenges rural Customs and Border Protection employees are facing. Canada is Montana's largest trade partner. In 2014 Montana exported $549 million worth of goods to Canada, which represents almost 36 percent of Montana's total exports.Tester's letter to CBP Commissioner Kerlikowske is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-week-mary-crawford-of-stevensville | Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Mary Crawford of Stevensville | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.20.15 Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Mary Crawford of Stevensville WASHINGTON, D.C.In honor of National Adoption Month, Senator Steve Daines todayhonored Mrs. Mary Crawford, an adoptive parent from Stevensville, Montana. Mary and her husband have selflessly opened their homes and hearts to nine foster children, six of whom they have since adopted. Daines is an original cosponsor of S.Res. 315, a resolution to designate November as National Adoption Month and November 21 as National Adoption Day. The resolution passed the Senate unanimously this week. There are 415,000 children currently in the United States foster care system and 108,000 of those are waiting to be adopted. Through his Montanan of the Week initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. Daines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere. Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines' Montanan of the Week program by calling Daines' office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines' website:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve The following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record: MONTANAN OF THE WEEK MR. DAINES. Mr. PRESIDENT, in honor of National Adoption Month, I wanted to recognize one member of Montana's community who has opened her home and heart to be an adoptive parent. Mrs. Mary Crawford is, what I believe, one of the best Montana has to offer. As an original cosponsor of a resolution to designate November as National Adoption Month and November 21 as National Adoption Day that passed the Senateunanimouslythis week, I could find no better time than this to honor Mary. This month we honor selfless individuals like Mary who have dedicated themselves towards comforting, protecting and improving the lives of children they have welcomed into their homes. Like most foster parents who later b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-350000-in-grants-to-improve-rural-montana-mental-health-services | Daines Announces $350,000 in Grants to Improve Rural Montana Mental Health Services | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.19.15 Daines Announces $350,000 in Grants to Improve Rural Montana Mental Health Services WASHINGTON, D.C. On National Rural Health Day, Senator Steve Daines announced more than $350,000 in funding for rural Montana telehealth and mental health services. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants have been awarded to Western Montana Mental Health Center and St. Patrick Hospital Foundation. Daineswrote a letterof support for St. Patrick Hospital's plan to build the Western Montana Telepsychiatry Network a partnership between St. Patrick Hospital and rural Montana hospitals. By providing access to high-quality behavioral health professionals and services through telepsychiatry and distance learning, St. Patrick Hospital can address the behavioral health needs of rural hospitals and clinics, care providers and patients. Telemedicine provides a timely, realistic and cost-effective way for hospitals and clinics in Montana's rural counties to access needed high-quality behavioral health care,Daines stated.These grants will provide needed resources to expand these services across Montana and ensure our rural residents have access to the mental health services they need. St. Patrick Hospital Foundation has been granted $72,870 to purchase equipment necessary to build the telenetwork. USDA has also granted $288,061 to Western Montana Mental Health Center to provide a range of mental health services, including routine behavioral health medication management, to Montana residents. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-helps-move-forward-key-legislation-to-reauthorize-lwcf-expand-access-to-public-lands | Daines Helps Move Forward Key Legislation to Reauthorize LWCF, Expand Access to Public Lands | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.19.15 Daines Helps Move Forward Key Legislation to Reauthorize LWCF, Expand Access to Public Lands WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today helped move forward critical bipartisan solutions to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and protect and preserve Montana's outdoors heritage. TheBipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015passed out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this morning on a large bipartisan vote. This bill promotes and protects access to Montana's public lands and increases recreational opportunities for hunters and anglers. Additionally, theBipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015would shine a light on how the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) payments are empowering obstructionists who frequently litigate forest management projects in Montana and the west. The bill creates a transparent online database detailing the recipients and amount of EAJA payments, allowing Congress and the American people to assess the scope and impact of these payments. Montanans know how precious our public lands are and how important it is that we work together to protect and promote access to them,Daines stated.The Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act will benefit thousands of Montanans who enjoy fishing, hunting and hiking in Montana's great outdoors and I'm proud to see it move through the legislative process. ThisBipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015is thesecond billincluding permanent reauthorization of LWCF that the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has successfully passed out of Committee. Both bills now await action on the Senate floor. As Montana's sole member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I'm pleased that Committee has twice approved bipartisan bills to permanently reauthorize LWCF,Daines stated.It is imperative that Senate leadership take up and pass permanent reauthorization as quickly as possible. Daines is anoriginal cosponsorof theBipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015. Itcontains 14 bipartisan provisions to support sportsme… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-25-million-for-montana-tribal-schools | Daines Announces $2.5 Million for Montana Tribal Schools | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.18.15 Daines Announces $2.5 Million for Montana Tribal Schools WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today announced that Lodge Grass Elementary School District and Heart Butte School District were awarded nearly $2.5 million in construction grants for FY2016. Heart Butte and Lodge Grass Elementary school districts are among seven educational agencies nationwide to receive Impact Aid Discretionary Construction Grants this year. The funding will be used to address emergency health and safety conditions in school facilities. These grants will provide Heart Butte and Lodge Grass schools with additional resources to ensure the safety of their students and to better serve their communities,Daines stated.This additional support will help students on the Blackfeet and Crow Reservations to have the resources they need to learn. Heart Butte School District will receive $1,764,973 to replace the existing deteriorated and leaking roofs of the high school and elementary school portion of the buildings. The district educates 169 students in grades K through 12 and is on the Blackfeet Reservation. The district will contribute $1,025,274 of its own funds to the cost of the project. Lodge Grass Elementary School District will receive $734,483 to replace the building's water related plumbing fixtures which have reached their useful life expectancy. The district serves 186 students on the Crow Reservation. Daines is a member of the Senate Impact Aid Coalition and has long advocated for robust Impact Aid funding, both as a Senator and while serving in the House of Representatives. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-bill-to-protect-consumers-passes-senate-commerce-committee | Daines Bill to Protect Consumers Passes Senate Commerce Committee | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.18.15 Daines' Bill to Protect Consumers Passes Senate Commerce Committee WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the bipartisan passage of his legislation to protect and expand protections for consumers. The bipartisanConsumer Review Freedom Actunanimously passed the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee this morning. The bill would prohibit the use of non-disparagement clauses referred to as gag clauses, which are often found in little-read online user agreements. Feedback from consumers provides valuable insights not only for companies but for other consumers looking for honest firsthand information,Daines stated.We should encourage competition and let consumers' voices be heard on a free and open Internet. I'm pleased to see this commonsense legislation move forward and will continue working to get this bill on the President's desk. Daines is acosponsor of the bipartisanConsumer Review Freedom Act. The bill received its first legislative hearing in the Committee on November 4, 2015. TheConsumer Review Freedom Actwould prohibit business practices like the example above, while still allowing business owners to sue reviewers who make dishonest misrepresentations about their business. Clickherefor a copy of the legislation as amended in today's markup. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-capito-king-call-on-fcc-to-increase-transparency-enforcement-for-rural-broadband-funding | Daines, Capito, King Call on FCC to Increase Transparency, Enforcement for Rural Broadband Funding | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.18.15 Daines, Capito, King Call on FCC to Increase Transparency, Enforcement for Rural Broadband Funding WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Angus King (I-ME) today urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to consider strict enforcement measures and increase transparency for the recently announced Connect America Fund funding. The FCC recently announced more than $1.5 billion in annual funding as part of the second phase of the Connect America Fund to expand and support broadband service in rural areas. We believe strict enforcement measures, coupled with transparency around how, where, and when the funds are used are necessary to ensure the integrity of the [Connect America Fund] program and the success of the FCC's efforts to advance rural broadband. We seek to maximize the success of the program and ensure that these limited funds are put to the best, appropriate use, the senators wrote. In a bipartisan letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, the senators call on the FCC to provide a publically available list of accountability measures for proper use of the funds, and to explain what enforcement mechanisms will be implemented if carriers fail to meet their obligation under the Connect America Fund program. Read the full text of the letter below or download ithere: Dear Chairman Wheeler: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plays an imperative and unique role in supporting rural connectivity. In the 21stcentury economy, robust telecommunications networks are increasingly important for today's users, and serve as the foundation of future innovation and economic progress. As the Commission continues to reform its universal service funding mechanisms to adapt to a changing technological environment, we commend the Commission's ongoing attention and support of underserved rural areas. Unfortunately, deployment of these networks in rural communities continues to lag behind those in urban areas. Recently, the Commission announced over $1.5 bi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-um-bber-report-reaffirms-devastating-impact-of-obamas-war-on-affordable-energy | Daines: UM BBER Report Reaffirms Devastating Impact of Obamas War on Affordable Energy | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.18.15 Daines: UM BBER Report Reaffirms Devastating Impact of Obama's War on Affordable Energy Announces telephone townhall to discuss alarming UM report, Daines' efforts to block anti-coal regulations WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today called a new report on the impact of President Obama's anti-coal regulations devastating for Montana and announced that he will hold a telephone townhall meeting this evening to discuss the alarming report with Montanans. The University of Montana (UM) Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) today released a study on the economic implications of implementing the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Power Plan in Montana. The study shows that the EPA's new regulations will likely lead to the full closure of Montana's Colstrip Power Plant and the loss of more than 7,000 good-paying Montana jobs. The implementation of the regulations will also likely result in in the loss of $500 million in annual income for Montana households and the loss of $145 million per year in state and local revenues. The report also details that the EPA's regulations will change Montana from being asignificant energy exporter to relying on imported power from other regions much of the time. This report reaffirms what Montanans have long known: Montanans can't afford President Obama's anti-coal agendaand this could be the biggest economic impact in Montana in decades,Daines stated.President Obama's job-killing, anti-affordable energy regulations will devastate significant parts of Montana's economy and likely shutter the Colstrip Power Plant. They will destroy thousands of family-wage union and tribal jobs, cause energy bills to skyrocket for Montana families and result in the loss of millions of dollars in tax revenue for our schools and roads. This report proves that President Obama's war on energy is devastating for Montana and must be stopped. In light of this news, Daines also announced that he will hold a telephone townhall meeting this evening to discuss th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-zinke-urge-governor-bullock-to-block-the-relocation-of-syrian-refugees-to-montana | Daines, Zinke Urge Governor Bullock to Block the Relocation of Syrian Refugees to Montana | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.18.15 Daines, Zinke Urge Governor Bullock to Block the Relocation of Syrian Refugees to Montana WASHINGTON, D.C.Montana Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke today urged Montana Governor Steve Bullock to block any efforts from the federal government to move Syrian refugees to Montana until exhaustive and comprehensive background checks can be completed. In a letter to Bullock, Daines and Zinke stressed the importance of prioritizing Montanans' safety and security by refusing Syrian refugees until there is 100 percent confidence in these refugees' backgrounds. At present, the state of Montana has not disallowed Syrian refugees from settling in Montana. We write to urge you to object to any efforts by the federal government to place Syrian refugees in Montana,Daines and Zinke wrote.Until the processes and methods used to screen potential refugees are thoroughly reviewed and a vastly improved background check protocol is implemented, we believe the risk is too great. We believe it is imperative that you object to President Obama's Syrian refugee proposal and direct the Human and Community Services Division of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to utilize any lawful means to prevent those refugees from being placed in the State of Montana. Daines and Zinke urged Bullock to join a majority of governors in acting to protect their states from potential security risks. As Congress promptly moves to act on proposals to review and strengthen refugee vetting procedures, we ask that you prioritize the safety and security of Montanans and join the majority of governors from across this nation in resisting the placement of Syrian refugees in the state until security concerns are met,Daines and Zinke continued. Earlier this week,DainesandZinkeboth announced their opposition to President Obama's misguided plan to bring 10,000 Syrian refugees to America. In October,FBI Director James Comey testifiedbefore a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/tester-daines-urge-senate-to-permanently-reauthorize-and-fully-fund-lwcf | Tester, Daines urge Senate to permanently reauthorize and fully fund LWCF | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.18.15 Tester, Daines urge Senate to permanently reauthorize and fully fund LWCF Senators: LWCF is one of the country's best conservation programs (U.S. Senate) Montana Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines are urging Senate leaders to permanently reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to protect more of Montana's best outdoor places. LWCF, which expired October 1, funds conservation projects in all 50 states using offshore oil and gas receipts. Tester and Daines, in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), called LWCFone of the country's best conservation programs,pointing out that the fund has supported over 41,000 state and local projects. LWCF was recently used to preserve more than 8,000 acres of elk habitat in Meagher County, known as the Tenderfoot. For the economy, sportsmen, veterans, wildlife, and our kids and grandkids, we must permanently reauthorize LWCF -- America's must successful conservation program,the Senators wrote.We also strongly request that you include mandatory full funding in any must-pass year end legislation. Montana has received $540 million from LWCF over the last five decades. Tester and Daines' letter to McConnell and Reid is available onlineHERE. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-coal-keeps-the-lights-on | Daines: Coal Keeps the Lights On | 2015-11-17 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.17.15 Daines: Coal Keeps the Lights On The Obama administration's war on energy isn't just a war on coal it's a war on American jobs, American families and our national security. WASHINGTON, D.C. Ahead of today's vote to fully nullify President Obama's so-called Clean Power Plan, Senator Steve Daines took to the Senate floor to urge his colleagues to join him in standing up for American energy independence. Clickhereto watch Daines' remarks. Clickhereto download Daines' remarks. Later tonight, the Senate is expected to pass two bipartisan resolutions disapproving of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed Clean Power Plan regulations on new and existing power sources. The Congressional Review Act resolutions of disapproval will block the Obama administration's regulations on new and existing coal-fired power plants. Coal keeps the lights on. It will continue to power the world for decades to come. In Montana, it provides more than half our electricity,Daines stated. Rather than dismissing this reality, the United States should be on the cutting edge of technological advances in energy development. We should be leading the way in powering the world, not disengaging. Unfortunately, President Obama's out-of-touch regulations take us in the opposite direction. It's exciting to see bipartisan effort in the Senate to stop the President's job-killing regulations on affordable energy. Daines is anoriginal cosponsorof both bipartisan resolutions of disapproval. The resolutions only require a simple majority to pass. Daines has long fought to protect Montana jobs and access to low-cost energy from the Obama administration's overreach.Daines is anoriginal cosponsorof theAffordable Reliable Energy Now Act(ARENA),which holds the EPA accountable and protects states' rights by requiring the EPA to demonstrate how their proposed regulations could impact each state. In April, Daines took EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to task for pushing forward new EPA carbon regulations without fully con… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-we-need-forest-management-reform | Daines: We Need Forest Management Reform | 2015-11-17 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.17.15 Daines: We Need Forest Management Reform WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today fervently implored his Senate colleagues to take long-neededaction and move forward bipartisan legislation that includes both a solution for wildfire funding and responsible forest management reforms. Clickhereto watch Daines' remarks. Clickhereto download Daines' remarks. During a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on wildfire management strategies, Daines reiterated the need for comprehensive, bipartisan solutions that address the wildfire funding challenges facing the Forest Service, implement litigation reforms and improve the health of the National Forest system through increased active forest management. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, let's come together and pass a wildfire funding solution as well as timber management that includes some litigation reform so we can move forward here and protect our forests, protect our jobs and protect the lives of the men and women who fight these fires,Daines stated. Daines stressed the detrimental impact that frivolous litigation has had on Montana's struggling timber industry and the Forest Service's ability to properly manage Montana's National Forests. Daines highlighted the Spotted Bear River project as an example of a project was hamstrung by litigation for several years. According to nonpartisan research done by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at the University of Montana, the case was in court for over 1,000 days. Instead of planning new forest restoration projects, eighteen Forest Service personnel spent nearly 2,000 hours responding to a lawsuit,Daines stated.The impacts of litigation against this projectand many, many othersare extensive and severe, and they should not be accepted." The study also concluded that the litigation increased the fire risk in the Spotted Bear River project area.Daines' statement on the BBER study is availablehere. In August,Daines attended a briefingon the Thomps… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-daines-and-attorney-general-foxs-brawl-of-the-wild-rivalry-continues- | Senator Daines and Attorney General Foxs Brawl of the Wild Rivalry Continues | 2015-11-17 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.17.15 Senator Daines' and Attorney General Fox's Brawl of the Wild Rivalry Continues Montana Senator Steve Daines and Attorney General Tim Fox have entered into their third annual wager over the upcoming University of Montana Montana State University football game. If the Bobcats win the Brawl of the Wild, Attorney General Fox will be forced to wear a blue and gold Montana State necktie for a full day of work. Should the Grizzlies prevail, Senator Daines will likewise wear a University of Montana tie for a full workday. As Fox has won this bet in both of the past two years, the pressure is on to see if the Bobcats can pull through and break the Grizzlies' streak. Our Attorney General has gotten lucky these past two years, but that streak is about to end,Daines stated.I'm excited to see him sporting a blue and gold tie around the Montana Department of Justice office. I think Steve will enjoy wearing his new Griz necktie after Saturday,Fox said.Whether he's working on the Senate floor or walking the streets of Bozeman, he should wear it with pride! Senator Daines, the first Bobcat elected to Congress, graduated from Montana State University in 1984 with a degree in chemical engineering. Attorney General Fox graduated from the University of Montana in 1981 with a degree in geology and in 1987 with a law degree. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-introduces-legislation-to-roll-back-red-tape-for-small-businesses | Daines Introduces Legislation to Roll Back Red Tape for Small Businesses | 2015-11-16 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.16.15 Daines Introduces Legislation to Roll Back Red Tape for Small Businesses WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today introduced legislation to protect Montana small businesses from burdensome regulations found in the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) 317-page net neutrality rules. TheSmall Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015would make permanent a temporary exemption from the FCC's new so-called enhanced transparency requirements, which would require Internet service providers to disclose an excess of information about their network performance, some of which may require hiring an engineer. Daines' bill makes the temporary exemption permanent so that small businesses don't have to comply with unnecessary and burdensome regulations that would cost small businesses time and money. Burdensome regulations like the FCC's net neutrality rules are strangling our small businesses and preventing growth and investment,Daines stated.Thanks to technology, geography is no longer a constraint to economic growth and entrepreneurs have been able to build world-class companies without leaving Montana.Providing relief for our small businesses from over 300 pages of burdensome regulations will allow them to focus on deploying infrastructure and serving their customers, rather than spend time on regulatory compliance. The Blackfoot Telecommunications Group supports Senator Daines' bill to make permanent the temporary small business exception to the FCC's new enhanced transparency rules,said Bill Squires, CEO of Blackfoot.Requiring smaller, regional ISPs, like Blackfoot, to comply with the net neutrality transparency standards would be overly burdensome and unnecessarily drive up the costs of broadband services for Montana consumers. Small businesses often have only a few employees serving thousands of customers and do not have the resources to comply with regulations intended for Internet service providers (ISP) with millions of customers. The bill uses the Small Business Administration's defin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-to-president-obama-us-should-not-accept-syrian-refugees | Daines to President Obama: U.S. Should Not Accept Syrian Refugees | 2015-11-16 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.16.15 Daines to President Obama: U.S. Should Not Accept Syrian Refugees WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today called on President Obama to stop the United States from taking in Syrian refugees: Until we have the capability to complete comprehensive and exhaustive background checks on Syrian refugees before they reach our shores, the United States should immediately stop taking in new refugees from the region. We are at war with Islamic extremists and anything less than 100% verification of theserefugees' backgrounds putsour national security at risk. While I have strong sympathy for those caught in the conflict in Syria and the region, the President's current plan to take in 10,000 Syrian refugees only serves to open up our homeland to increased security risks, while doingnothing to solve the root cause of the crisis, which is the civil war in Syria.We should instead be focusing our resources on helping refugees in Syria's neighboring countries, like Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan, so that refugees in need don't have to risk their lives fleeing to Europe. In October, FBI Director James Comey testified before a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing that they do see a risk in the current vetting process for Syrian refugees entering the United States ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-to-deliver-weekly-republican-address | Daines to Deliver Weekly Republican Address | 2015-11-14 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.14.15 Daines to Deliver Weekly Republican Address For too many hardworking American families, 2016 is proving to be yet another disappointment. Premiums are rising once again and in states like Montana, folks purchasing plans from the Obamacare exchanges are getting hit with double-digit rate increases. BOZEMAN, MT Senator Steve Daines will deliver the Weekly Republican Address on Saturday, November 14, 2015. He will highlight his work to protect Americans from rising health care costs under Obamacare, and to make sure that families receive the quality health care they deserve. In his remarks, Daines notes that the Senate will be voting soon to repeal the President's unpopular health care law and will work to replace Obamacare with state-led solutions that put patients back in the center of the health equation. When the federal government takes over our health care system and puts the whims of Washington bureaucrats over the needs of hardworking American families, prices go up and the quality of care goes down, Daines stated. After five years of seeing President Obama's experiment with Americans' health care result in failure and embarrassment, the American people know that it's time to stop putting more Band-Aids on something that's so far beyond repair. The audio of the address is available here, the video is available here and you may download the address here. A full transcript of Daines' address follows: I'm Senator Steve Daines, and I have the great honor of representing Montana in the U.S. Senate. Open season for health insurance enrollment began early this month, and millions of Americans will spend the next few weeks working to find affordable health coverage for themselves, for their spouse, and for their children. But for too many hardworking American families, 2016 is proving to be yet another disappointment. Premiums are rising once again and in states like Montana, folks purchasing plans from the Obamacare exchanges are getting hit with double-digit rate increases. Take Ci… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-week-tess-brady-of-stanford | Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Tess Brady of Stanford | 2015-11-13 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.13.15 Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Tess Brady of Stanford WASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines todayhonored Tess Brady of Stanford, Montana for her dedication to making the Stanford community a better place through her non-profit, Stanford Beautification. Through his Montanan of the Week initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. Daines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere. Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines' Montanan of the Week program by calling Daines' office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines' website:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve The following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record: MONTANAN OF THE WEEK Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Tess Brady, a lifelong resident of Stanford, Montana. Montanans pride themselves in their care and deep respect for all aspects of our communities, and Tess Brady's commitment to bettering Stanford is no exception. Tess is the founder of Stanford Beautification, a non-profit effort that continuously provides service to improve the appearance of Main Street in Stanford. Tess does an amazing job multi-tasking the various ongoing projects she directs. While her many loyal and generous helpers are critical to these efforts, she is the real fireball behind the projects. One ongoing project Tess devotes herself to is the planting and upkeep of flower displays along Main Street and at the Stanford Courthouse. She takes a water tank on the back of an ATV every day during the summer and waters the flowers a loving gesture that takes her most of the day. When fall comes around, you can find Tess working and delegating tasks for the Scarecrow Festival a seasonal event that began as a competition among businesses and town people to decorate Main Street. In winter, Tes… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/tester-daines-lead-effort-to-combat-native-american-veteran-homelessness | Tester, Daines lead effort to combat Native American veteran homelessness | 2015-11-11 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.11.15 Tester, Daines lead effort to combat Native American veteran homelessness Montana senators sponsor bill to permanently reauthorize successful tribal housing initiative (Montana) - To honor the contributions Native American veterans have made to this nation, Vice Chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee Jon Tester and Senator Steve Daines have introduced bipartisan legislation to combat veteran homelessness in Indian Country. The Senators' bipartisan bill will make HUD-VASH funds, which provide rental assistance to homeless or at-risk homeless veterans, permanently available to Native American tribes and tribal housing authorities. Native Americans serve in the military at the highest rate per capita of any group in the United States, Tester said. This year the tribal HUD-VASH initiative helped establish affordable housing for veterans in Indian Country and it is critical that these resources remain available for the Native American veterans who bravely served our nation. "Several thousand Montana tribal members are veterans and serve as true examples of bravery, service and patriotism. Unfortunately, far too many are without a home to call their own. This bill will help ensure that we continue to honor these veterans' service by providing the support they need during difficult times," Daines said. Since 2008 the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has administered the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) initiative to support homeless veterans. But prior to 2015 tribes and tribal housing authorities had been unable to receive HUD-VASH funds. Last year Tester and Daines sponsored legislation that forced HUD-VASH to set aside up to five percent of HUD funds for Native American tribes. That authorization is set to expire at the end of the year. This bill permanently reauthorizes that set aside fund for Native American tribes and tribal housing authorities. The HUD-VASH initiative provides housing vouchers to tribes and tribal housing authorities to construct affor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-hails-strong-bipartisan-passage-of-critical-defense-legislation | Daines Hails Strong Bipartisan Passage of Critical Defense Legislation | 2015-11-10 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.10.15 Daines Hails Strong Bipartisan Passage of Critical Defense Legislation WASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines today applauded the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the Senate today with strong bipartisan support after President Obama dropped his senseless veto threat of the legislation: Montana plays a critical role in meeting our nation's security and military needs. The NDAA provides the critical support our men and women in uniform need to carry out their missions,Daines stated.I'm glad the President has dropped his senseless veto threat and joined a bipartisan Congress in prioritizing the needs of our service members, while protecting the important role that Montana holds in our national defense. The Senate today once again passed the NDAA after President Obama vetoed the original bill onOctober 22, 2015. The NDAA provides much-needed support for Montana's military missions, including: $19.7 million for the Tactical Response Force Alert Facility at Malmstrom. $4.26 million for an energy conservation project at Malmstrom. Authorizes funding for AMP Increments I and II to ensure that our C-130s are able to stay in the air. Authorizes funding for C-130 engine modifications. It expresses the sense of theCongress that the nuclear triad plays a critical role in ensuring national security and that it is the policy of the U.S. to operate, sustain, and modernize or replace the triad and to operate and modernize or replace a capability to forward-deploy nuclear weapons and dual-cable fighter-bomberaircraft. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-introduces-bipartisan-pipeline-safety-bill | Daines Introduces Bipartisan Pipeline Safety Bill | 2015-11-10 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.10.15 Daines Introduces Bipartisan Pipeline Safety Bill SAFE PIPES Act Would Reauthorize PHMSA Through 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today introduced bipartisan legislation to help ensure the safety of America's pipeline network. The legislation, known as the Securing America's Future Energy: Protecting Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (SAFE PIPES) Act, would reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) through 2019. The SAFE PIPES Act is also sponsored by U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.). Safe and secure pipeline infrastructure is critical to our nation and is especially important to Montanans both for economic opportunity and environmental protection in our state,Daines stated.The SAFE PIPES Act will improve the protection of pipeline river crossings, help fill vacant inspector positions and better facilitate communications between PHMSA and state agencies. I appreciate Senators Fischer, Booker and Peters for working with me on this important legislation to enhance pipeline safety and protect our economic and environmental resources. The SAFE PIPES Actwould reauthorize PHMSA from Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 through FY 2019. Key provisions of the bill include: Improving inspection report turnaround times and requiring dialogue sooner from PHMSA to an operator following an inspection Adding river crossing considerations to integrity management review Providing direct hire authority so PHMSA can better leverage its resources to fill vacant inspector positions Ensuring coordination and collaboration on safety research, development and technology between PHMSA, industry, and public sector stakeholders. Encouraging the establishment of a national database for PHMSA to share data with state agencies Requiring PHMSA to prioritize statutory requirements for new rulemaking Requesting that PHMSA conduct an assessment of Integrity Management programs for natural gas and liquid pipelines En… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-senate-working-to-uphold-promises-to-our-veterans | Daines: Senate Working to Uphold Promises to Our Veterans | 2015-11-10 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.10.15 Daines: Senate Working to Uphold Promises to Our Veterans WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today commended the unanimous passage of critical veterans' funding legislation that addresses several of Montana veterans' long-standing concerns. The Senate today passed the bipartisan FY 2016 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that secures important reforms to increase Montana veterans' access to health care services and ensure that all Montana veterans are treated with the utmost care and respect. Today Republicans and Democrats joined together to ensure our nation's veterans have access to the services and support they deserve,Daines stated.Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect, which is why Congress must work diligently to keep the promises made to them. Passage of this bill is an important step in that direction, but there is still work to be done. I will continue to work steadfastly to implement commonsense reforms at the VA to ensure our veterans receive quality medical care and the health care services they have earned and well deserve. Daines also reaffirmed his frustration with Senate Democrats for blocking all other appropriations bills from being considered on the Senate floor: It is no mistake that a day before Veterans Day, Democrats finally allowed passage of just one of twelve appropriations bills to ensure funding of critical government services,Daines stated.While I'm proud that we were able to secure important provisions for our veterans today, it is deplorable that Senate Democrats continue to use our troops, our rural water projects and other vital programs as political pawns. I hope Senate Democrats will join Republicans in passing the remaining appropriations bills in the coming weeks. Daines successfully included an amendment in today's appropriations bill to protect veterans' ability to discuss with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) physicians the use of medical marijuana in states where it is legal. Daines' … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-statement-in-honor-of-veterans-day | Daines Statement in Honor of Veterans Day | 2015-11-10 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.10.15 Daines Statement in Honor of Veterans Day WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement to honor America's heroes ahead of Veterans Day: On Veterans Day, we gather across Montana and all around America to show our respect and gratitude for those who have served our country. Veterans Day is a special day for our nation. It is a day in which we pause and thank those who have served and continue to serve. For decades, our enemies have tested our strength, yet we continue to demonstrate our resolve. America and the world are better places because of the courage our veterans and service members have shown. They answered the call to serve and because of them, the world knows America will fight against evil and oppression and for the advancement of freedom from sea to shining sea. Today, as we enjoy time with our family and friends, let us not forget those who remain in harm's way. They are our moms and dads, sisters and brothers and our dear friends. Today we remember and honor the courage and sacrifice of these brave men and women. We recognize their bravery, their honor and their commitment. To all of Montana's veterans thank you for your service. Daines will commemorate Veterans Day in Manhattan, Montana at the Legion Post #87 ceremony. In the Senate, Daines has fought tirelessly for America's veterans and those on active duty. Issues Daines has worked to address for Montana's veterans and service members include: Montana Priorities in Veterans Affairs Appropriations: Ensures that veterans with service animals can bring those animals into Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to take into account the situations of large rural states when determining where to build new veterans' homes. Ensures Montana's veterans without next-of-kin aren't denied a VA-issued headstone. Protects veterans' ability to discuss with VA physicians the use of medical marijuana in states where it is legal. National Defense… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-helps-recognize-november-as-national-native-american-heritage-month | Daines Helps Recognize November as National Native American Heritage Month | 2015-11-09 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.09.15 Daines Helps Recognize November as National Native American Heritage Month WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines has helped introduced a Senate resolution to recognize the month of November as National Native American Heritage Month. The resolution celebrates the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and recognizes their many contributions to the United States. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Senate. National Native American Heritage Month honors the importance of tribal self-governance, preserving indigenous languages, the United States' commitment to strengthening the government-to-government relationship and the importance of Native Americans' heritage to our country at large,Daines stated.This resolution also honors Native American veterans like the Crow Tribe Code Talkers, who played an integral role in transmitting and receiving military intelligence during World War II. It is an honor to join Montanans in celebrating National Native American Heritage Month. Native Americans have the highest rate of military service of any ethnicity in the United States. The resolution was sponsored by Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY) resolution and is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Al Franken (D-MN), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Dean Heller (R-NV), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), James Lankford (R-OK), John McCain (R-AZ), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Harry Reid (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Jon Tester (D-MT), John Thune (R-SD), Tom Udall (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). Read the full resolutionhere. ### Print Email … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-works-to-protect-consumers-from-backlash-over-online-reviews | Daines Works to Protect Consumers from Backlash Over Online Reviews | 2015-11-09 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.09.15 Daines Works to Protect Consumers from Backlash Over Online Reviews WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today announced that he has signed onto bipartisan legislation to protect consumers who want to write honest online reviews of companies, without fear of financial repercussions from the businesses being reviewed. Daines is a cosponsor of the bipartisanConsumer Review Freedom Act, which would prohibit the use of non-disparagement clauses referred to as gag clauses, which are often found in little-read online user agreements. Businesses can use these clauses to penalize or fine customers for negative but honest reviews of their services on websites such as Yelp or TripAdvisor. Non-disparagement clauses stifle consumer speech by silencing fair criticism in public forums, particularly on websites. TheConsumer Review Freedom Actreceived its first Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation legislative hearing last week. At the hearing, Daines underscored the importance of protecting consumers who seek to write online reviews. Clickhereto download Daines' remarks. Clickhereto watch Daines' remarks. Feedback is a gift,Daines stated.I think it's insecure companies, like bullies on a playground that are insecure, that have these anti-disparagement clauses. Welcome to the free markets of the Internet. Let's compete and let the consumer have its voice. An example of a non-disparagement clause was found in the Utah case of Palmer v. KlearGear.com, where a website demanded a customer remove a negative online review or pay $3,500 in damages because the website's terms of service included a non-disparagement clause. When the customer refused to pay the penalty, the website reported the $3,500 to credit reporting agencies as an unpaid debt. TheConsumer Review Freedom Actwould prohibit business practices like the example above, while still allowing business owners to sue reviewers who make dishonest misrepresentations about their business. Similar bipartisan legislation, H.R. 2110, has been in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-week-pete-gardzina-of-montana-city | Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Pete Gardzina of Montana City | 2015-11-06 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.06.15 Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Pete Gardzina of Montana City WASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines todayhonored Pete Gardzina from Montana City. Pete is the current Transition Assistance Advisor for the Montana National Guard and works to help Montana veterans transition to civilian life after returning from deployment. Through his Montanan of the Week initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. Daines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere. Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines' Montanan of the Week program by calling Daines' office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines' website:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve The following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record: MONTANAN OF THE WEEK Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Pete Gardzina. Pete is the Transition Assistance Advisor for the Montana National Guard and an honorable representation of the passion and service we honor in Montana. Pete aids in the readjustment of our veterans after they return from their deployment. This form of outreach not only touches the lives of Montana's service men and women, but the families they are returning to. He works alongside the Veteran Affairs Committee and community organizations to build a network of support for returned veterans. This network offers continued support for those who fought for us and the freedoms we take for granted every day. Pete has helped improve the lives of multiple veterans by ensuring that when they return, they are well taken care of, are quickly connected to the right people, and are supported throughout their adjustment back into civilian life. I am so grateful to have someone in our community with such passion for serving Montana's service members and veterans. On behalf of the many vetera… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-president-obamas-rejection-of-the-keystone-xl-is-an-affront-to-the-american-people | Daines: President Obamas Rejection of the Keystone XL is an Affront to the American People | 2015-11-06 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.06.15 Daines: President Obama's Rejection of the Keystone XL is an Affront to the American People WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today admonished President Barack Obama for rejecting TransCanada's application to build the job-creating Keystone XL pipeline: It has taken more than seven years for President Obama to come clean with the American people and admit his anti-energy and anti-American jobs agenda. President Obama had an opportunity to help create good-paying jobs with the construction of the Keystone pipeline, but instead he chose to blatantly disregard the economic needs of this nation, the need for good-paying jobs, like union jobs, energy costs for Montana families and the will of the American people. The rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline by President Obama is an affront to the American people. Daines was original cosponsor of S. 1, the bill to approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, that was vetoed on February 24, 2015. Daines has long been a leading proponent of the Keystone XL pipeline, which would first enter the United States through Montanaand createtens of thousands of good paying jobs, bring much needed economic opportunity to Montana and move the nation one step closer to North American energy independence. According to the State Department, the pipeline will support 42,000 jobs during its construction. In the House,Dainescosponsored theNorthern Route Approval Act, bipartisan legislation that also would permit construction of the KeystoneXL pipeline. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-over-500000-in-education-funding-for-confederated-salish-and-kootenai-tribes | Daines Announces Over $500,000 in Education Funding for Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes | 2015-11-05 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.05.15 Daines Announces Over $500,000 in Education Funding for Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today announced more than $500,000 in federal funds for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) to bolster their educational programs and provide additional tools to advance self-determination in an educational setting. The Salish Kootenai College (SKC) was awarded $220,000 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) the Tribal College Research Grants Program (TCRGP), which was created by the 2014 Farm Bill.The tribe was separately awarded $287,769 through the Department of Education's State-Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) program. These grants will provide Salish Kootenai College and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes with additional resources to better serve students,Daines stated.This additional support will help students attending schools on the Flathead Reservation have access to the job-training and educational services they need,while incorporating CSKT culture, language and history." The TCRGP program was designed to assist 1994 Land-Grant Institutions (Tribal Colleges) in building institutional research capacity through applied projects that address student educational needs and solve community, reservation or regional problems. The STEP program provides funding to five Native American communities in Idaho, Montana and Oklahoma to assist tribal schools in partnering with states and local school districts to develop culturally sensitive teaching strategies, curriculum materials and data-sharing that can improve attendance, raise graduation rates and reduce dropouts among Native youth. The grant provides funding from 2015 to 2019. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-bipartisan-vote-to-move-forward-veterans-funding-bill-is-how-washington-should-work | Daines: Bipartisan Vote to Move Forward Veterans Funding Bill Is How Washington Should Work | 2015-11-05 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.05.15 Daines: Bipartisan Vote to Move Forward Veterans Funding Bill Is How Washington Should Work Daines urges Senate Democrats to end block of critical defense funding legislation WASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines today applauded the bipartisan Senate vote to move forward debate on legislation to fund critical veterans' services and noted that bipartisan cooperation on spending bills is how Washington should work. Daines also reaffirmed the need for Senate Democrats to end their political block on Defense Appropriations legislation, which Democrats doubled-down on earlier today by voting to block consideration of the funding bill. It is welcome news that Senate Democrats are joining Republican in prioritizing the needs of our nation's veterans.These selfless men and women should have easy access to the resources, services and medical care that they need moving forward debate on this critical bill is a step in that direction,Daines stated.Butit's not enough to just care for our service members after they have retired we need to ensure our men and women in uniform have the support they need to protect our nation in this increasingly dangerous world. It's time for Senate Democrats to end their senseless block on the bipartisan Defense Appropriations bill and do what's right for the men and women who fight for our freedoms every day. Daines noted that both appropriations bills considered by the Senate today contain critical support for Montana's military missions and Montana veterans. More information on Montana priorities contained in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act can be foundhere. Montana priorities in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act are availablehere. Before today's votes, Daines took to the Senate floor to reaffirm his frustration with Senate Democrats' refusal to allow consideration of FY16 Department of Defense Appropriations legislation. Clickhereto download Daines' remarks. Clickhereto watch Daines' remarks. As … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-calls-for-montanans-feedback-on-trans-pacific-partnership | Daines Calls for Montanans Feedback on Trans Pacific Partnership | 2015-11-05 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.05.15 Daines Calls for Montanans' Feedback on Trans Pacific Partnership WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today posted the complete text of the newly released Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and is encouraging Montanans to read the trade agreement and provide him with feedback. The bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority legislation passed earlier this year was an important first step in establishing clear guidelines that enforce transparency, maintain Congress' important role in the process and ensure Montanans' voices are heard in all trade negotiations. The full text of the Trans Pacific Partnership is availablehere. The text will be available for several months before Congress considers it for a vote. I'm pleased that the Trans Pacific Partnership will be considered in a transparent process and will be available to the public in its entirety for several months before Congress votes on it,Daines stated.I will closely scrutinize the TPP and work with Montanans to understand the impact the finalized agreement will have on Montana and the country as a whole. I will continue to fight to ensure that any final trade agreement works for Montana and I will not support any agreement that does not benefit the farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, small businesses and hard working families across our state. Daines encourages all Montanans toread the trade agreementand share their thoughts and concerns by calling his Washington, D.C. or Montana offices or by sending him an email here:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve International trade holds an important role in Montana's economy: 80 percent of Montana's wheat is exported annually In Montana, more than $900 million in bulk wheat and $130 million in beef is exported every year Trade policies helps save the average Montana family of four more than $10,000 per year International trade supports 1 in 5 Montana jobs Trade-related employment grew 2.7 times faster than total state employment from 2004 to 2013 Customers in 176 countries an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-helps-reintroduce-audit-the-fed | Daines Helps Reintroduce Audit the Fed | 2015-11-05 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.05.15 Daines Helps Reintroduce Audit the Fed WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today helped reintroduce the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015, widely known as Audit the Fed. The bill eliminatesrestrictions on Government Accountability Office audits of the Federal Reserve and mandates that the Federal Reserve's credit facilities, securities purchases, and quantitative easing activities be subject to congressional oversight. The Federal Reserve System was established one hundred years ago with the intent of managing our country's money supply for greater financial stability. We need to conduct a serious review of our nation's monetary policy with a view of returning to normalcy,Daines stated.We must have an open and honest dialogue on the monetary issues facing our nation and ensure that the Fed is transparent and accountable. It's time to Audit the Fed. In the House, Daines was a cosponsor of H.R. 24, the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2014. The Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015 was introduced by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and cosponsored by: U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), John Barrasso (R-WY), Roy Blunt (R-MO), John Boozman (R-AR), Shelley Capito (R-WV),John Cornyn (R-TX),Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Dean Heller (R-NV), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Mike Lee (R-UT), Rob Portman (R-OH),James Risch (R-ID), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Pat Toomey (R-PA), and David Vitter (R-LA). Clickhereto read the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015 in its entirety. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-applauds-senate-passage-of-legislation-stopping-wotus-rule | Daines Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation Stopping WOTUS Rule | 2015-11-04 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.04.15 Daines Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation Stopping WOTUS Rule Reaffirms Commitment to Stopping Obama Administration Overreach WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the bipartisan Senate passage of legislation nullifying the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) greatly expanded Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and reaffirmed his commitment to stopping the Obama administration's overreach through any means possible. Today a bipartisan Senate spoke loud and clear: President Obama's Waters of the United States power grab is unacceptable and infringes on the rights of our farmers, ranchers and landowners,Daines stated.But the fight to protect Americans from the Obama administration's extreme overreach isn't over. I'm thankful that 31 states, including Montana, are fighting against this power grab in the courts and have been granted a temporary nationwide stay on this rule. I will continue to forcefully fight against President Obama's power grabs, just as forcefully as they are trying to control Montanans' way of life. Last night, Daines took to the Senate floor to discuss his work to stop the Obama administration's overreach and its devastating impacts on Montana jobs, natural resources and agriculture industries and Montana property rights. Clickhereto download Daines' remarks. Clickhereto watch Daines' remarks. Earlier this morning,Daines also appearedon FOX Business to stand up for the rights of land owners, ranchers and farmers across the country. Daines' efforts to stop President Obama's egregious power grab wereapplauded across Montana, including by the Montana Chamber of Commerce, Montana Stockgrowers Assocation, Montana Grain Growers Association, Montana Farm Bureau, Montana Wool Growers Association, Montana Mining Association, Montana Petroleum Association and the Montana Building Industry. ### Print Email Tweet … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-montana-counties-set-to-receive-23-million-in-additional-pilt-payments | Daines: Montana Counties Set to Receive $2.3 Million in Additional PILT Payments | 2015-11-04 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.04.15 Daines: Montana Counties Set to Receive $2.3 Million in Additional PILT Payments WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the Department of Interior has allocated nearly $2.3 million in additional Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funds to Montana rural counties. The Department of Interior has issued nationwide an additional $34,484,000 in payments under the 2015 PILT program. The funds have been made available as a result of a technical fix Daines fought for in the Continuing Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2015 passed on September 30, 2015. These payments are welcome news for numerous Montana communities who have suffered from severe economic challenges due to declining timber harvests and natural resource production,Daines stated.The PILT program provides critical support for Montana's rural and forested counties, but long-term certainty and permanent solutions are still needed. I'll keep working toward comprehensive forest management reforms and balanced resource development that improves the health of our National Forests, creates thousands of good-paying jobs and provides Montanans with the economic certainty they deserve. Complete information on theDepartment of Interior'sadditional PILT payments, including a state-by-state breakdown, is availablehere. Daines has long fought to protect funding for the PILT program to ensure that rural Montana counties receive the support they need for essential services. While serving in the House, Daines voted against efforts to fully zero-out the PILT program and spearheaded efforts to reverse the cuts and fund the program in the Farm Bill. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-statement-on-state-departments-rejection-of-transcanada-request-to-suspend-keystone-xl-application | Daines Statement on State Departments Rejection of TransCanada Request to Suspend Keystone XL Application | 2015-11-04 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.04.15 Daines Statement on State Department's Rejection of TransCanada Request to Suspend Keystone XL Application WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today denounced the State Department's decision to reject TransCanada's request to suspend their application's review to build the job-creating Keystone XL pipeline: President Obama has made clear that he has no intention of approving the Keystone XL pipeline. The State Department's rejection of TransCanada's request to suspend the Keystone application's review is just another political move in the Obama administration's long-standing war on American energy. Once again, President Obama is working directly against American energy independence, American jobs and the will of the American people. Daines has been a vocal proponent of building the Keystone XL pipeline. Daines recently expressed his disappointment in the Obama administration's refusal to approve the pipeline, following TransCanada's request for a suspension. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-slams-senate-democrats-failure-to-protect-americans-from-obama-administration-wotus | Daines Slams Senate Democrats' Failure to Protect Americans from Obama Administration WOTUS Power Grab | 2015-11-03 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.03.15 Daines Slams Senate Democrats' Failure to Protect Americans from Obama Administration WOTUS Power Grab Senator Steve Daines today slammed Senate Democrats after all but four members of the Democrat caucus blocked legislation that would have directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a revised Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule: Today the Senate came just a few votes shy of passing legislation to protect our farmers, ranchers and small business owners from major new costs and regulatory burdens. I appreciate the bipartisan support demonstrated today by four key Senate Democrats and am disappointed that others chose instead to put President Obama's agenda ahead of doing what's right. Montanans know that this power grab has more to do with controlling Montanans' land use decisions than ensuring access to clean water like the Clean Water Act intended. I will continue working to protect Montanans from the Obama administration's WOTUS power grab and look forward to casting my vote tomorrow to permanently stop this misguided rule. This afternoon, the Senate failed to advance S. 1140, theFederal Water Quality Protection Actthat would direct the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to issue a revised WOTUS rule that protects traditional navigable water from water pollution, while also protecting farmers, ranchers and private landowners. Daines is a cosponsor of S. 1140. Tomorrow, the Senate will vote on a joint resolution disapproving the WOTUS release. The resolution, which would nullify the EPA's expanded WOTUS rule, requires a simple majority vote to pass. Daines' efforts to stop President Obama's egregious power grab were applauded across Montana: Montana Farm Bureau's Director of National Affairs Nicole Rolf: The Montana Farm Bureau has been opposed to the EPA's WOTUS rule ever since it was proposed because it extends federal jurisdiction to most water and even land in Montana and the rest of the U.S. S. 1140 will block implementation of the EPA's overreaching and harmful W… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/montana-congressional-delegation-secures-reversal-of-india-restrictions-on-pulse-exports | Montana Congressional Delegation Secures Reversal of India Restrictions on Pulse Exports | 2015-11-03 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.03.15 Montana Congressional Delegation Secures Reversal of India Restrictions on Pulse Exports Following pressure from Montana Senator Steve Daines, Senator Jon Tester and Congressman Ryan Zinke, India has reversed its regulatory restrictions on pulse crop stock limits clearing the way for exports of Montana pulse crops to India to resume. India's policy reversal follows a letter sent last week by the Montana delegation urging the resolution of issues surrounding India's recent regulatory changes that would have negatively affected Montana pulse producers' ability to export peas, lentils and chickpeas to Indian markets. The Indian government's reversal of these regulatory restrictions is welcome news for Montana pulse farmers whose livelihoods depend on reliable access to international markets, Daines stated. Montana produces more pulse crops than any other state. I'm glad that this issue has been swiftly resolved and our farmers now have the certainty they deserve. This announcement is good news for Montana pulse growers who depend on fair trade opportunities with folks around the world, said Tester, the Senate's only working farmer.All businesses need certainty, and now Montana farmers have the predictability they need to continue to produce the crops that America and the world need. I'm happy to work with Senators Daines and Tester to increase exports of Montana peas, lentils and chickpeas to Indian markets, said Rep. Zinke. Agriculture is our biggest industry and we are the largest pulse producer in the nation. I'm proud to fight for fair trade practices that grow our industry and the thousands of jobs it supports. On October 18, 2015, India's central government reduced the allowable amount of pulse crops that can be stored in India before being sold on the market. This directly threatened U.S. pulse exports to India and the future of more than 200,000 metric tons of pulses that are currently being held at Indian ports. Columbia Grain Inc. would like thank the State of Montana Departmen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-statement-on-transcanada-suspension-of-keystone-xl-application | Daines Statement on TransCanada Suspension of Keystone XL Application | 2015-11-02 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 11.02.15 Daines Statement on TransCanada Suspension of Keystone XL Application WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today expressed his disappointment following TransCanada's decision to suspend their application to build the commonsense Keystone XL pipeline: "The Obama administration has waged a full on assault on American energy independence that has resulted in TransCanada's decision to suspend its application to build the commonsense Keystone XL pipeline. This pipeline would have created new opportunities for good-paying jobs, helped advance American energy independence and lowered American energy prices. While this suspension is bad news, it is not the end of the line I will keep fighting for this shovel-ready project that has the overwhelming bipartisan approval of Congress as well as the support of the American people. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-montanan-of-the-week-alex-collie-of-mackenzie | Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Alex Collie of Mackenzie | 2015-10-30 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 10.30.15 Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Alex Collie of Mackenzie WASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines todayhonored the service of Alex Collie of Mackenzie, Montana. Mr. Collie is the recipient of the National Weather Service's General Albert J. Myer award for completing 65 years of service as a Cooperative Weather Observer. On November 4th, the National Weather Service will recognize Mr. Collie with the General Albert J. Myer award at the Rib and Chop House in Miles City. Through his Montanan of the Week initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. Daines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere. Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines' Montanan of the Week program by calling Daines' office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines' website:http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve The following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record: MONTANAN OF THE WEEK Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I rise to recognize the incredible service of Alex Collie from Mackenzie, Montana. Mr. Collie is the recipient of the National Weather Service's General Albert J. Myer award for completing 65 years of service as a Cooperative Weather Observer. The Cooperative Weather Observers consists of 11,000 nationwide volunteers who record official weather observations across the country. Mr. Collie joins an elite group of Cooperative Weather Observers and is currently the longest serving Observer in Montana's history. Nationally, only 16 others have served in Mr. Collie's capacity or 65 years or longer. His services are critical to Montana from supporting our farmers and ranchers by providing accurate forecasts and helping our truck drivers complete their routes safely and on schedule. This prestigious award was established in honor of General Myer, who was an observer at Eagle Pas… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-crow-war-chief-in-congressional-record-on-his-102nd-birthday | Daines Honors Crow War Chief in Congressional Record on His 102nd Birthday | 2015-10-29 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 10.29.15 Daines Honors Crow War Chief in Congressional Record on His 102nd Birthday WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines honored Crow War Chief Joseph Medicine Crow by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record on his 102ndbirthday. Medicine Crow comes from a long line of relatives living past 100 years of age, and has proudly served as the Crow Tribe's historian and storyteller. The Congressional Record reflects the official proceedings of Congress and will now include Daines' recognition of Medicine Crow. Daines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere. The following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record: IN RECOGNITION OF WAR CHIEF MEDICINE CROW Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I'd like to wish happy birthday to the last Crow War Chief Joseph Medicine Crow, who is celebrating his 102ndbirthday today. He has served proudly as the Crow Tribe's historian and storyteller, is a decorated World War II veteran and was the first in his tribe to attain a master's degree. Medicine Crow has lived a life filled with numerous accomplishments He is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The White House identified him as both a warrior and living legend when he received the Medal of Freedom in 2009. In 2006, his personal memoir, Counting Coup, was published by National Geographic. He is considered one of the most celebrated Native American soldiers due to his selfless service in World War II. With his great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and uncle all living past 100 years of age, Medicine Crow credits his long life to his strong family roots. Medicine Crow's secret advice to living such a long and full life? He advises going to sleep early, sleeping eight hours, eating breakfast, keeping busy at work and eating healthy and generously. He also touched on the positive influences of his wife, who urged him to maintain good habits. His positive, endearing spirit and sense of humor truly keeps him young. Medicine Crow's spirit, h… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-honors-fort-peck-chairman-rusty-stafne-in-congressional-record | Daines Honors Fort Peck Chairman Rusty Stafne in Congressional Record | 2015-10-29 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 10.29.15 Daines Honors Fort Peck Chairman Rusty Stafne in Congressional Record WASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines today honored A.T. Rusty Stafne, Chairman of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. Chairman Stafne has completed his term as Chairman and will not be seeking re-election. Daines honored Chairman Stafne by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. Daines' recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere. The following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record: IN RECOGNITION OF CHAIRMAN RUSTY STAFNE MR. DAINES. Mr. President, I rise in recognition of the loyal service of A.T. Rusty Stafne, Chairman of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. Stafne ended his term yesterday and will not be running for re-election as Chairman. I am proud to honor to congratulate him on his service and successes. As Chairman, Stafne has worked diligently for the Assiniboine and Sioux people on the Fort Peck Reservation and has held firm in his priorities. He has worked to honor veterans, specifically those who served in World War II, and has worked tirelessly to protect wildlife in Montana and on the Fort Peck Reservation. We thank Chairman Stafne for his involvement in the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. He has been a tireless advocate for rural water projects and other challenges facing the tribes. He has traveled to Washington, D.C. to testify in front of Congress and has broadened the eyes of many giving new and better insight into the life of tribal men and women, so that we can work together to better serve and protect our tribal nations. I am thankful for Chairman Stafne's work on behalf of the tribe. His loyalty, priorities, and hard work set an amazing example to the rest of Montana, and our great nation as a whole. ### Print Email Tweet … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-remembers-world-war-ii-veteran-charles-decrane | Daines Remembers World War II Veteran Charles DeCrane | 2015-10-29 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 10.29.15 Daines Remembers World War II Veteran Charles DeCrane Click here to watch Daines' remarks. Click here to download Daines' remarks. Earlier today, Senator Steve Daines took to the Senate floor in honor of Montana World War II veteran Charles DeCrane, a member of the Crow Tribe, who passed away earlier this week in Billings, Montana. Daines made the following remarks on the Senate floor this morning: Today I rise in honor of Montana World War II veteran Charles DeCrane, a member of the Crow Tribe, who passed away earlier this week in Billings, Montana. Charlie was an incredible person he was hardworking, he dedicated his life to serving his country and his Tribe. He was a quiet and gentle spirit and that was apparent to anyone that comes into contact with him. Charlie was a man of principle and honor. I had the privilege of spending time with Charlie last year in Washington, D.C. when he accompanied me as my one special guest to the State of the Union Address. I was able to witness firsthand truly what an amazing man he was. Our walk from my office to the House Chambers is one I'll never forget. To personally know a man who fought so courageously in World War II was a great honor. Many freedoms we have today stem from the sacrifices made by Charlie and men and women like him, because his accomplishments in his life will continue to live on. It is my hope that through Charlie's life we remember how important our veterans are, and how much respect and care they deserve. His passing is one that will affect many, not just his close family and friends. Cindy and I will be keeping Charlie's family and the entire Crow community in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-speaks-out-against-debt-limit-deal | Daines Speaks Out Against Debt Limit Deal | 2015-10-29 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 10.29.15 Daines Speaks Out Against Debt Limit Deal Senator Steve Daines today spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to the debt limit deal and reaffirmed his intention to vote no on the deal. Watch Daines' remarks here. The people of Montana deserve real solutions to address Washington's failures, not more budget gimmicks and backroom deals, Daines stated. This deal takes our nation in the wrong direction. That's why I'm voting no. Video of Daines' full remarks is available for download here. Yesterday, Daines outlined his concerns regarding the debt limit deal and his intention to vote no. To read more of Daines' thoughts on the debt limit deal, click here. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/tester-daines-and-zinke-unite-to-protect-butte-workers | Tester, Daines, and Zinke unite to protect Butte workers | 2015-10-29 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 10.29.15 Tester, Daines, and Zinke unite to protect Butte workers (U.S. Senate) - Senator Jon Tester, Senator Steve Daines, and Congressman Ryan Zinke are pushing to resolve a trade dispute between China and the United States that could negatively impact REC Silicon, one of Butte-Silver Bow's largest employers. The Montana Congressional delegation has sent a letter to Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai urging him to work with the China Ministry of Commerce and the United States Trade Representativeto resolve the trade dispute that is preventing China from purchasing polysilicon from REC Silicon to manufacture solar panels. Industries in both countries stand to benefit greatly from a mutually-agreeable settlement of this trade dispute that restores meaningful market access both for Chinese solar panel manufacturers exporting their products to the U.S. and for U.S. polysilicon manufacturers exporting their products to their Chinese customers,the Montana delegation wrote.A prompt settlement of this dispute will repair and deepen economic ties between our two nations in a global industry that is playing a critical role developing clean, renewable energy sources. The trade dispute began in 2012 when the United States imposed tariffs on imported Chinese solar panels after they were found to be intentionally driving the cost of manufacturing down by using unfair subsidies.In 2013, the Chinese responded by applying heavy tariffs on U.S. solar-grade polysilicon, the polysilicon manufactured by REC silicon. REC Silicon makes polysilicon and silane gases for electronic manufacturers and employs over 300 people in Butte-Silver Bow. The Montana Congressional delegation's letter to Chinese Ambassador Tiankai is availableHERE. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-pushes-to-expand-rural-broadband | Daines Pushes to Expand Rural Broadband | 2015-10-28 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 10.28.15 Daines Pushes to Expand Rural Broadband Click here to watch Daines' remarks. Click here to download Daines' remarks. Senator Steve Daines today pushed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to close the gap in connectivity between rural and urban areas. Daines called on the FCC to expand connectivity in rural regions to minimize the divide that currently exists in delivery of broadband service. Access to technology removes geography as a constraint and allows Montanans to start and grow world-class companies, Daines stated. But we still have a lot of issues to overcome to connect our unserved communities and the FCC plays a big role. Last week, Daines pressed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development and Rural Utilities Service officials on the need for swift action to provide broadband for thousands of rural Montanans who currently are without service. Earlier this summer, Daines led a bipartisan effort to ensure the federal government prioritizes high-speed broadband access for rural Americans. In a letter signed by more than a dozen Senators, Daines pressed Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Co-Chairs of the Broadband Opportunity Council, for a detailed analysis of the various federal broadband initiatives that can be coordinated across agencies to bridge the digital divide and bring rural America into the 21st century. This report was released on August 20. Daines is an original cosponsor of the Streamlining and Investing in Broadband Infrastructure Act that would ensure states simultaneously install broadband conduits as part of certain federal transportation projects known as dig once. Daines also successfully worked to include provisions in the FY2016 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act that addresses the lack of broadband deployment in rural areas and in tribal communities, as well as call completion issues that continues to affect rural communities. Pr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/montana-congressional-delegation-works-to-remove-trade-barriers-for-montana-pulse-producers | Montana Congressional Delegation Works to Remove Trade Barriers for Montana Pulse Producers | 2015-10-28 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 10.28.15 Montana Congressional Delegation Works to Remove Trade Barriers for Montana Pulse Producers Senator Steve Daines, Senator Jon Tester and Congressman Ryan Zinke are actively working to resolve regulatory barriers that threaten Montana pulse crop producers' access to international markets. The Montana Congressional delegation sent a letter urging Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Department of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker to resolve issues surrounding India's recent regulatory changes that will negatively affect Montana pulse producers' ability to export peas, lentils and chickpeas to Indian markets. The delegation is working to preempt the economic hardships that pulse producers may face as a result of reduced access to critical markets abroad. Montana produces more pulse crops than any other state in the nation,the Montana delegation wrote.This industry is a rapidly growing and integral aspect of our economy as producers in the state planted over 680,000 acres worth of pulses worth over $100 million in 2014. We request that USDA and Commerce engage with the Indian government to resolve this situation as quickly as possible and provide pulse producers in Montana and across the country the certainty they deserve. On October 18, 2015, India's central government reduced the allowable amount of pulse crops that can be stored in India before being sold on the market. This directly threatens U.S. pulse exports to India and the future of more than 200,000 metric tons of pulses that are currently being held at Indian ports. Pulse crops play an integral role in Montana's economy: Montana is the number one pulse producing state in the country. Montanansplanted over 680,000 acres of pulses in 2014, an increase of 38 percent from the previous year. Montana'spulse crops were valued at $140 million in 2013. The Montana Congressional delegation's letter is availablehere. Print Email … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-cisa-fails-to-protect-americans-personal-privacy | Daines: CISA Fails to Protect Americans Personal Privacy | 2015-10-27 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 10.27.15 Daines: CISA Fails to Protect Americans' Personal Privacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Senator Steve Daines today expressed his disappointment after the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) passed the United States Senate and reaffirmed his concerns that the legislation failed to sufficiently protect Americans' privacy and civil liberties: I have serious concerns that this legislation fails to fully protect Montanans' right to privacy from government overreach. As someone who spent nearly 13 years in the technology sector, I know firsthand the cybersecurity risks facing Montanans and agree that we must adopt real reforms that better protect Americans from these threats. But these reforms must not come at the expense of Montanans' personal privacy and civil liberties. In light of recent and massive breaches of the federal government's cybersecurity, it is obvious the federal government is woefully unable to protect even more Americans' data. By becoming a storage hub of consumer and individual data under this legislation, the federal government will become extremely vulnerable to new cyber attacks.I will continue fighting for real solutions that protect Americans from growing cyber threats, while also upholding our Constitutional rights and civil liberties. Daines supported several bipartisan amendments to CISA that would have implemented much-needed privacy safeguards.All failed to be included in the final piece of legislation: Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) amendment: would ensure CISA does not supersede existing privacy agreements with consumers. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) amendment: would require the government and companies to remove all personally identifiable information from shared cyber threat indicators, unless it is necessary to identify a cybersecurity threat. Senator Al Franken (D-MN) amendment: limits the types of information that may be shared. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) amendment: requires the government to remove additional personally identifiable information before sharing cybe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-fights-to-protect-montana-coal-jobs | Daines Fights to Protect Montana Coal Jobs | 2015-10-27 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Republican | House | MT | Steve Daines | D000618 | www.daines.senate.gov | legacy | 10.27.15 Daines Fights to Protect Montana Coal Jobs WASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Steve Daines today went to bat for Montana coal jobs by formally introducing measures to block implementation of new rules on coal-fired power plants and calling the Obama administration's myriad of anti-coal regulations a direct attack on Montana energy. This afternoon, Daines and 48 other Senators introduced two bipartisan resolutions disapproving of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed Clean Power Plan regulations on new and existing power sources. The Congressional Review Act resolutions of disapproval will block the Obama administration's regulations on new and existing coal-fired power plants. Daines joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues including, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Inhofe (R-OK) Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) to introduce the resolutions on the Senate floor. Clickhereto watch Daines' remarks. Clickhereto download Daines' remarks. The so-called Clean Power Plan is part of an all-fronts assault on affordable energy, good-paying union and tribal jobs.Global demand for coal-fired energy will not disappear even if the United States were to shut down every last coal mine and coal-fired power plant,Daines stated.It is short-sighted and misguided to move forward an agenda that will devastate significant parts of our economy, raise energy prices and destroy union and tribal jobs. Ironically, some of the first impacted by the Obama administration's new regulations are those who least can afford it. Daines also raised concerns about the Department of Interior's proposed Stream Protection Rule and its potential impact on Montana coal mining. During an Energy and Natural Resources hearing earlier this morning, Daines warned about the unintended consequences this rule may have on hardworking Montanans. Clickhereto watch Daines' remarks. Clickhereto download Daines' remarks. Daines has long fought to protect Montana jobs an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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