url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5609,Tester Announces Bozeman Sixth-Grader Will Light U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree [press_release],2017-12-30,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,".(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that he has selected Bozeman sixth-grader Ridley Brandmayr to light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree at the annual holiday ceremony in Washington, D.C., on December 6. As the senior Senator from the tree's state, Tester is tasked with selecting the tree lighter and helping organize this year's celebration. ""Ridley has shown incredible strength, determination, perseverance, and passion,"" said Tester. ""Ridley will represent Montana well and I look forward to celebrating this Christmas season with the Brandmayr family and every Montanan."" The public is invited to celebrate the lighting of the ""People's Tree"" on: U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting CeremonyDecember 6 | 6 p.m.West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Washington D.C. Earlier this year, Ridley tragically lost all of the fingers on his right hand in an accident. Despite the accident, Ridley has continued swimming and playing music. Tester, a former music teacher, lost three fingers on his left hand when he was a child. ""I'm grateful for this opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. and light the Capitol Christmas tree,"" said Ridley, 11, who enjoys hunting, fishing, swimming and playing his cello. ""I am honored that Senator Tester reached out to me, and I'm excited to represent Montana."" The Kootenai National Forest and Choose Outdoors are sponsoring the ceremony, which is free, and open to the public. Montana supplied the nation's tree in 2008 and 1989. The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree kicked off its journey in Yaak, Montana on December 8. It will betraveling 3,000 miles from the Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana to Washington, D.C. by way of Whitewood Transport, a Billings-based trucking company.And folks in Big Sky Country will have a chance to see the tree as it stops in 12 different cities across Montana this week. You can track the tree HERE, the schedule of stops is below. Monday, Nov. 13: Eureka, MT11:00 a.m. |Eureka Town Hall | 11 Dewey Avenue Whitefish, MT2:30 pm | Don K Whitefish Dealership | 6219 Highway 93 South Tuesday, Nov. 14: Libby, MT9:00 a.m. | Libby High School | 150 Education Way Troy, MT11:30 a.m. | Troy Museum | 141 St. Regis Haul Rd. Trout Creek, MT3:30 pm | 11 Park Street Wednesday, Nov. 15: Thursday, Nov. 16: Helena, MT11:00 a.m. | 1301 E 6th Ave between Montana Ave | Roberts Street Great Falls, MT6:00 p.m. | Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center | 4201 Giant Springs Road Friday, Nov. 17: Saturday, Nov. 18: Glendive, MT8:00 a.m. | Albertsons parking lot | 307 Harmon Street For more information on the U.S. Captiol Christmas Tree, you can visit its WEBSITE or follow the tree on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.",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-the-community-of-glasgow,Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: The Community of Glasgow,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.17 Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: The Community of Glasgow U.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized thecommunity of Glasgow for leading the way with their generosity during the holiday season. Daines recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere. 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 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. President, this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing the community of Glasgow for leading the way with their generosity during the holiday season. Earlier this month, members of the community successfully conducted their annual Block of Bucks program to help raise funds for local families to have warm clothing during the winter months. This charitable effort brought together a broad collection of the community, including the Glasgow Soroptimists, student council leaders from Glasgow High School, members of the National Guard, the local Elks Club, a host of local businesses and dozens of other volunteers.Through their focused actions, the community of Glasgow raised over thirty thousand dollars to provide more than three hundred children with winter clothing.If you have ever experienced winter along the Hi-Line in northeast Montana, you will know how important it is to have the proper gear.The generosity of neighbors in towns like Glasgow is something that we can all appreciate. It is a Montana hallmark for neighbors to identify a need and then gather the people and resources to meet that need at a local level. Going into Christmas, I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to the folks in Glasgow for giving their time and talents to help others by adding warmth to the holiday season. Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5764,Tester Sends 11th Bill to President Trumps Desk [press_release],2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester's bipartisan bill to recruit, train, and equip firefighters in Montana is headed to President Trump's desk to become law. Tester's Fire Grants Reauthorization Act-co-sponsored by Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.)-will be the eleventh bill Tester has sent to the President's desk this year The bill reauthorizes two critical grant initiatives that have helped dozens of Montana fire departments and are currently set to expire on January 2, 2018. ""These resources have made a great impact on fire departments across Montana,"" Tester said. ""Reauthorizing them will ensure our firefighters have the training, equipment, and resources they need when emergency strikes. I'm proud to partner with Senator McCain to get this bill across the finish line."" Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grants provide rural fire departments with the resources they need to properly train and equip firefighters for emergency situations. Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants provide funding directly to professional and volunteer fire departments to help increase and maintain the number of trained firefighters in rural communities. Tester recently secured AFG grants for fire departments in Red Lodge, Miles City & Bozeman and SAFER grants for fire departments in Helena and Big Sky. Last year, Montana fire departments received more than $2 million in AFG and SAFER grants, including fire departments in Missoula, Paradise Valley, Livingston, Deer Lodge, and Great Falls.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/congress-votes-to-avoid-shutdown-preserve-important-services-for-montanans_,"Congress Votes to Avoid Shutdown, Preserve Important Services for Montanans",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.17 Congress Votes to Avoid Shutdown, Preserve Important Services for Montanans U.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines todayvoted to avoid a government shut down and to preserve and protect services import to Montanas children, seniors, and local communities. This is a necessary vote to keep the government open and to fund CHIP,said Daines. Additionally, the bill will: Provide $2.85 billion for theChildrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Provide $550 million in funding for Community Health Centers. Prevent $23 million in cuts to mineral royalty penalties. Prevent cuts to Medicare. Provide $4.7 billion in funding for missile defense and other defense priorities. ### 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-demands-highest-quality-health-care-for-montana-service-members,Daines Demands Highest Quality Health Care for Montana Service Members,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.17 Daines Demands Highest Quality Health Care for Montana Service Members U.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines today led a letter to President and CEO of Health Net Federal Services, the current administrator for the Veterans Choice Program in Montana, and will assume responsibility for TRICARE in Montana in 2018. As you assume responsibility for the TRICARE beneficiaries in our states, we expect nothing short of excellence from your company in providing access to the highest quality medical care for the men and women who have worn the uniform of our nation,the Members wrote. The letter was also signed by Sens. Enzi (WY), Crapo (ID), Barrasso (WY) and Gardner (CO). The letter is available below and to downloadHERE. Billy Maynard President and Chief Executive Officer Health Net Federal Services, LLC 2107 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 900 Arlington, VA 22201 Dear Mr. Maynard: We write to you today regarding changes to the TRICARE health care program that will impact more than 9.4 million uniformed service members, veterans, and their families on January 1, 2018. As you assume responsibility for the TRICARE beneficiaries in our states, we expect nothing short of excellence from your company in providing access to the highest quality medical care for the men and women who have worn the uniform of our nation. On January 1st, the three existing TRICARE service regions will consolidate into two: East and West. Concurrent with this change, Health Net Federal Services (HNFS) will become the regional provider for the West region, administering health care plans for approximately 2.8 million beneficiaries in 21 states. This includes 357,495 in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Idaho. While HNFS historical performance administering TRICARE in the northeastern U.S. is promising, its more recent performance administering the Veterans Choice Program has left doubt in the minds of healthcare providers in large, rural western states such as ours. The Veterans Choice Program was intended to provide a common sense solution for those who live hours from the nearest Veterans Affairs (VA) facility by allowing them to receive treatment from qualified providers within their local communities. This lifeline would extend access to thousands of veterans in small towns and rural areas across our states. Yet, the value of this program has not been realized in the communities we serve. We routinely receive calls and letters from our constituents regarding overdue balances, misrouted payments, cancelled appointments, and other bureaucratic hurdles they face with Health Net. These experiences have led some healthcare providers to declare they will not participate in the new TRICARE construct in 2018, despite significant programmatic distinctions between the Department of Defense and VA healthcare systems. This lost confidence translates to limited healthcare options for military families in our states who dont live in close proximity to a military installation. As these new changes take effect in 2018, we expect regular updates on how your company is using the $49.2 million our taxpayers have provided to ensure a seamless transition for TRICARE beneficiaries, and to restore trust and confidence back into the communities. We would also like to meet with you as soon as possible to discuss this transition, your plan to reach TRICARE members outside of the prime network service areas, and the ongoing issues still facing the Veterans Choice Program. ### 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-bill-to-combat-meth-use-in-montana,Daines Introduces Bill to Combat Meth Use in Montana,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.17 Daines Introduces Bill to Combat Meth Use in Montana U.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced bipartisan legislation, the Mitigating the Methamphetamine Epidemic and Promoting Tribal Health Act, or the Mitigating METH Act, to combat methamphetamine use across Montana and strengthen Indian tribesability to fight this epidemic. Methamphetamine use in Montana is tearing apart families and taking lives,said Daines.This is a crisis that needs immediate attention and more resources. Background: In the 21stCentury Cures Act, enacted in 2016, Congress authorized $1 billion in funding over two years to address the opioid epidemic. Daines legislation would make efforts to combat methamphetamine use, alongside opioid abuse, eligible for funding under the 21st Century Cures Act. The Mitigating METH Act would also make tribes, like states, eligible to be direct grantees of this funding, better reflecting the government-to-government relationship between Indian tribes and the United States. Methamphetamine Crisis in Montana: Montana saw a 427% increase in methamphetamine violations from 2010-2015. 54% of all criminal investigations in Montana involve meth. 46% of all substances indicated in childrens placements in the foster care system in Montana involve meth, a higher rate than any other drug. There are 11 drug task forces in Montana, all reporting methamphetamine as the primary drug encountered. Statements of Support: The methamphetamine and opioid epidemics have claimed many lives in Indian Country and have torn at the fabric of our families and communities. While we experience disproportionate risk from the opioid crisis, Tribes have been prevented from accessing resources available to other populations.The National Indian Health Board applauds Senator Daines for introducing this important legislation which will open up funding pathways to Tribes to address the crisis and save lives.-- Stacy A. Bohlen, Executive Director of the National Indian Health Board Its no accident that there is an epidemic of both opioid and stimulant methamphetamine type disorder in Montana. The peak of the methamphetamine epidemic was in the early 2000s, and Montana, even prior to the meth epidemic was experiencing an abnormally high level of use. Opioid use disorder epidemics historically follow stimulant use disorder epidemics, dating back to the 60s. Furthermore, this situation is complicated by problems in the prescriptive practice related to opioids adding to the opioid use disorder epidemic. There are effective Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders, but not for methamphetamine (stimulant) use disorders. What evidencedoesdemonstrate is that long term engagement in treatment (up to one year) requires safe transitional living environments is effective in the treatment and long-term success of methamphetamine (stimulant) use disorder recovery. We support increasing access to MAT in the native communities and strongly support the need for increased access to transitional sober living environments. We stress that there is little clinical evidence regarding the effective treatment of the combined use disorder (opioid and methamphetamine disorders) as this has been primarily a western and rural American problem.-- Tammera Nauts, Executive Director of the Western Montana Health Center/Recovery Center Missoula The Fort Belknap Indian Community Council wishes to express our gratitude to Senator Daines for his continued recognition of the government-to-government relationship between Indian tribes and the federal government as demonstrated with his proposed amendment to the 2l't Century Cures Act to include Indian tribes on the same basis as states and to expand the named drugs to include methamphetamine.-- Resolution of Support from Fort Belknap Indian CommunityCouncil.Read full resolutionHERE. I am writing to express my support for the draft legislation sponsored by Senator Daines to add Indian tribes to the Cures Act for federal grants to respond to the opioid crisis. I have extensive experience treating addiction in Montana, and I have observed that opioid addiction is a serious problem on Indian reservations, where multiple barriers (such as unemployment, rural geography, and lack of local medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction) make providing services on the reservations especially difficult.-- Robert C. Sherrick, MD, FASAM, Chief Medical Officer of Community Medical Services in Kalispell, MT.Read full letter of supportHERE. This bill is music to my ears. I really appreciate the fact that Sen. Daines is being mindful of our government-to-government relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes. I appreciate that hes trying to amend the Cures Act to help us access resources and funding to combat the meth and opioid epidemics not just at Fort Belknap but all across the state of Montana. We are working with the resources we have to combat the meth and opioid epidemics and any additional resources we can benefit from will be good for our communitys health and wellness. Senator Daines, we appreciate it very much.-- Andrew Werk, Jr., President of Fort Belknap Indian Community. On behalf of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, we appreciate your efforts to ensure that tribes will be able to obtain funding to develop and implement a plan to fight the war on drugs, not only for our programs, but for our schools and health facilities. As a Tribe, we want to insure the people of Rocky Boys Reservation that they can live in a healthy community, free from the environment causes by the misuses of drugs.-- Harlan Baker, Chairman of the Chippewa Cree Tribe.Read full letter of supportHERE. In Crow, we have seen the devastating effects of opioid addiction this legislation will have a positive impact on our community.By putting Tribes on par with States, Congress will increase our access to drug treatment and prevention funds. And by expanding the use of these funds to treat meth addiction, as well as opioid abuse, we can fight both scourges. We thank Senator Daines for supporting these important improvements to the Cures Act. --AJ Not Afraid, Chairman of the Crow Tribe ### Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/malmstrom-air-force-base-commander-confirmed-by-us-senate,Malmstrom Air Force Base Commander Confirmed by U.S. Senate,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.17 Malmstrom Air Force Base Commander Confirmed by U.S. Senate U.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines voted this week to confirm Colonel Ronald G. Allen, Jr. for promotion to Brigadier General in the United States Air Force. Col. Allen has led the men and women at Malmstrom on missions critical to our national security with distinction,said Daines.It is my honor to support his confirmation as a Brigadier General. Its a great honor to serve with someone of Colonel Allens caliber and character,said Col. Peter Bonetti, 341st Vice Commander.Im grateful to see the Senate confirmation. Its an acknowledgement that Colonel Allens senior leadership is vital to the Air Force and the United States. Colonel Allen has served as the Commander of the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana since April 2016. The wing's 4,000 personnel defend the United States with combat-ready Airmen and nuclear forces. They are responsible for base support, maintenance, security and operation of 150 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles located throughout a 13,800 square-mile complex in central Montana. ### 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=5762,"Tester: Stop Putting Band-Aids on the VA, Fix it Now [press_release]",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)- Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Jon Tester today took to the Senate floor to demand that his colleagues stop passing short-term bills that temporarily plug holes in the Veterans Choice Program. Instead, Tester called for the passage of his bipartisan Caring for Our Veterans Act. Tester partnered with Veterans Affairs' Committee Chairman Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) to draft the legislation that replaces the Veterans Choice Program with one, easy-to-navigate, community health care system that puts the decision of where to seek care in the hands of the veteran and their doctor. The legislation would also help address mental health workforce shortages in places like Montana and extend caregiver services to veterans of all eras. ""We don't need another band-aid fix,"" said Tester on the Senate floor. ""The Caring for Our Veterans Act is a long term solution that provides the VA with the ability to hire staff for top notch care. It provides an integrated network of community providers to fill in the gaps for that care, and it is a balance between those two so the veterans win."" Tester's call to action comes as the VA asks Congress for another round of emergency funding for the Choice Program. Tester is demanding that Congress stop dumping billions of dollars into the Program, which has been a bureaucratic mess for veterans and providers. ""We're going to pass a temporary stop-gap measure for our budget, and VA Choice funding will be a part of it probably,"" said Tester. ""I will tell you that this is the last band-aid that I am willing to put on the Choice Program. We need a long term solution, and if we don't get that long term solution we're not doing right by our veterans in this country."" Tester's entire floor speech is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-daines-and-tester-call-forest-service-prioritize-kootenai,"Gianforte, Daines, and Tester Call on Forest Service to Prioritize Kootenai Forestland Project",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Greg Gianforte,G000584,gianforte.house.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)U.S. Senators Jon Tester, Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte are urging the Forest Service to prioritize a conservation easement in northwest Montana that will strengthen the local economy and create jobs. The Montana delegation threw their support behind an agreement between Stimson Lumber Company and the state of Montana to preserve more than 22,000 acres of private land for timber harvest, wildlife habitat, and recreational access. The Kootenai Forestlands Project will not only have significant economic benefits, but will also provide critical conservation gains, wrote the members. Protecting these lands also means protecting our states clean water, and the protected and game species that support our outdoor heritage. At the request of local businesses, the delegation is asking the Forest Service to approve funding for the conservation easement under the Forest Legacy Program, which maximizes public benefits of privately owned forests. Obtaining a conservation easement for this site would protect these lands from development, and allow sustainable timber harvest to keep producing four million board feet of timber and $5.25 million in economic activity each year, along with 20 full-time jobs, wrote Tester, Daines and Gianforte. The delegations letter to Forest Service Chief Tony Tooke can be read HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-five-montana-schools-to-receive-computers-through-senate-program,Daines Announces Five Montana Schools to Receive Computers Through Senate Program,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.17 Daines Announces Five Montana Schools to Receive Computers Through Senate Program U.S. SENATE U.S. Senator Steve Daines todayannounced that he has helped facilitate a donation of 25 computers to five Montana public schools as part of the United States Senates Computers for Schools Program. Our children are the future of America and our greatest investment,said DainesThe Computers for Schools program gives them the tools to compete and succeed in the 21stcentury economy. Recipients include: Big Sandy Public Schools will receive 5 computers Greenfield School will receive 5 computers Hardin School Districts 17-H&1 will receive 5 computers Hot Springs School District 14-J will receive 5 computers Winnett Public School District #1 will receive 5 computers On behalf of Big Sandy Schools we would like to thank Senator Daines' office for their generous donation of computers to our school.It is greatly appreciated.-- Brad Moore, Superintendent Big Sandy Public Schools In the ever-changing world of technology in schools, it seems like we are constantly aiming at a moving target when trying to keep our equipment updated for both teachers and students.This generous gift is greatly appreciated by everyone at Greenfield School.Thank you!-- Paul Wilson, Principal Greenfield School ""On behalf of the Hardin School District we would like to thank Senator Daines for this generous donation to our schools.""-- Dennis Gerke, Superintendent Hardin School Districts 17-H&1 ""The students and faculty at Hot Springs Schools appreciate the computers we are receiving and would like Senator Daines to know that we appreciate his efforts in supporting public education.""-- Mike Perry,Ed.D.Superintendent Hot Springs Schools District 14-J On behalf of Winnett Schools I would like to thank Senator Daines and his office for his support of public education.--Walt Stevens, Superintendent/Math Instructor Winnett Public SchoolsDistrict #1 The United States Senates Computers for Schools Program helps public schools take advantage of the information technology age by channeling surplus computers into classrooms across the country. All registered publicschools in the United States and territories are eligible. ### 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-tester-and-gianforte-call-on-forest-service-to-prioritize-kootenai-forestland-project,"Daines, Tester and Gianforte Call on Forest Service to Prioritize Kootenai Forestland Project",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.17 Daines, Tester and Gianforte Call on Forest Service to Prioritize Kootenai Forestland Project U.S. SENATE -U.S. Senators Steve Daines, John Tester and Congressman Greg Gianforte are urging the Forest Service to prioritize a conservation easement in northwest Montana that will strengthen the local economy and create jobs. The Montana delegation threw their support behind an agreement between Stimson Lumber Company and the state of Montana to preserve more than 22,000 acres of private land for timber harvest, wildlife habitat, and recreational access. The Kootenai Forestlands Project will not only have significant economic benefits, but will also provide critical conservation gains,wrote the members.Protecting these lands also means protecting our states clean water, and the protected and game species that support our outdoor heritage. At the request of local businesses, the delegation is asking the Forest Service to approve funding for the conservation easement under the Forest Legacy Program, which maximizes public benefits of privately owned forests. Obtaining a conservation easement for this site would allow sustainable timber harvest to keep producing four million board feet of timber and $5.25 million in economic activity each year, along with 20 full-time jobs,wrote Daines, Tester and Gianforte. The delegations letter to Forest Service Chief Tony Tooke can be readHERE. ### 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/montana-delegations-bill-to-name-peak-in-diekmanns-honor-passes-us-senate,Montana Delegations Bill to Name Peak in Diekmanns Honor Passes U.S. Senate,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.17 Montana Delegations Bill to Name Peak in Diekmanns Honor Passes U.S. Senate U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and U.S. Representative Greg Gianforte today hailed U.S. Senate passage of their bill to honor the life of renowned Montana conservationist, Alex Diekmann, by naming an unnamed peak in his memory. The U.S. Senate today passed a bill to name an unnamed 9,765-foot peak as Alex Diekmann Peak. Alex Diekmann brought Montanans together to balance the needs of local landowners, ranchers and foresters, local cities and towns, county commissions, and federal and state interests to protect our public lands,Daines stated.I look forward to visiting and climbing Alex Diekmann Peak in Alexs honor with his family to commemorate his life. Alex Diekmanns contributions to Montana must always be remembered,Tester said. His impact to conservation and outdoor recreation will be felt for generations to come. Renaming this wild peak in his honor will ensure Alexs legacy will remain a part of Montanas outdoor heritage. Naming the peak after Alex Diekmann is a tribute to a man who united people to protect our public lands. Alex embodied the spirit of working together that defines Montana,Gianforte said.I will continue working with my colleagues in the House to honor Alex, his work, and his memory. Background: In Bozeman, Diekmann worked as a senior project manager for the Trust for Public Land. He worked for 16 years to protect the Madison and Greater Yellowstone Area, which includes the Taylor Fork in the Gallatin Canyon, Three Dollar Bridge, Chestnut Mountain and Frog Rock, and the restoration of ODell Creek in the Madison Valley. Diekmann also worked on more than 55 projects and helped to preserve more than 100,000 acres during his time with the Trust for Public Lands. Some of his accomplishments also include conserving 23,000 acres of forested lands surrounding Whitefish, Montana. In addition, he sought to protect of The Offline Ranch, The Sun Ranch, The Granger Ranches, The Boltz Ranch, The Gecho Ranch and The Crumley Ranch. Statements of Support: Jeff Laszlo, Granger Ranches, Ennis, Montana:I support and advocate for the naming of Alex Diekmann Peak in honor of one of the greatest conservationist and people our area has ever been so fortunate to know and to have working on our behalf. Alex was responsible for many landmark conservation projects in Madison Valley and in Montana that protected and preserved working lands, open space, natural resources, and public access for generations to come. Alexs unique talents made it possible to put together complex land deals to conserve the Madison Valley. He remained engaged and involved with his heart and soul in the Valleys protection until his very final days. Naming the peak after him is a fitting tribute and reminder to all of us of his commitment, legacy, and dedication that will be needed in the future. Glenn Marx, Executive Director of the Montana Association of Land Trusts:The designation of Alex Diekmann Peak will be a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy of conservation and public service will permanently contribute to Montanas economy, landscape and outdoor recreation. The Montana land trust community is truly grateful to the Montana Congressional Delegation for their leadership and commitment to finalize this designation and officially create Alex Diekmann Peak. Dave Schulz, Former Chairman, Madison County Commission:Alex Diekmann was responsible for the conservation of more than 50 distinct areas in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, securing for the future over 100,000 acres of iconic mountains and valleys, rivers and creeks, ranches and farms, and historic sites and open spaces. Alex possessed a truly unique set of gifts and without his community spirit, tremendous skills, and conservation commitment, many of these places surely would have been lost. Chuck Roady, Vice President and General Manager of F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company:Alex crossed all barriers, working with everyone, to get things done for whats best for the land. I am proud to be a part of this effort to commemorate his lifes work. Thanks to Senators Daines, Tester, and Rep. Gianforte for coming together to pass this bill through the Senate. I hope it can become law quickly. The delegations bill is supported by: City of Whitefish The Madison River Foundation Montana Trout Unlimited Montana Association of Land Trusts The Trust for Public Land American Fly Fishing Trade Association Gallatin County Commission The text of the bill is available to downloadhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5750,"Tester, Daines and Gianforte Call on Forest Service to Prioritize Kootenai Forestland Project [press_release]",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senators Jon Tester, Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte are urging the Forest Service to prioritize a conservation easement in northwest Montana that will strengthen the local economy and create jobs. The Montana delegation threw their support behind an agreement between Stimson Lumber Company and the state of Montana to preserve more than 22,000 acres of private land for timber harvest, wildlife habitat, and recreational access. ""The Kootenai Forestlands Project will not only have significant economic benefits, but will also provide critical conservation gains,"" wrote the members. ""Protecting these lands also means protecting our state's clean water, and the protected and game species that support our outdoor heritage."" At the request of local businesses, the delegation is asking the Forest Service to approve funding for the conservation easement under the Forest Legacy Program, which maximizes public benefits of privately owned forests. ""Obtaining a conservation easement for this site would protect these lands from development, and allow sustainable timber harvest to keep producing four million board feet of timber and $5.25 million in economic activity each year, along with 20 full-time jobs,"" wrote Tester, Daines and Gianforte. The delegation's letter to Forest Service Chief Tony Tooke can be read HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5759,Tester Champions Bill to Promote Public Access to Public Lands [press_release],2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Champions Bill to Promote Public Access to Public Lands Senators Recreation Not Red-Tape Act Will Boost Outdoor Recreation Across Montana (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is sponsoring the Recreation Not Red-Tape Act to increase public access to outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands. ""Montana is home to world-class public lands that support our state's economy and good-paying jobs, and Washington bureaucracy should never hinder our booming businesses,"" Tester said. ""This bill will make government work better for folks who want to hunt, hike, and explore our public lands."" Tester's legislation opens new opportunities for outdoor recreation and modernizes aspects of the permitting process. Tester's bill would: Allow land management agencies to expand recreational use of seasonal recreational lands during the offseason. Make special recreation permit applications for guides and outfitters available online Allow the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass to be available online. Create outdoor recreation metrics for the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to evaluate the performance of land managers. Encourage the Armed Forces to provide information on outdoor recreation to servicemembers and veterans, and strongly encourage land management agencies to hire veterans. Tester's bill is supported by members of the outdoor recreation community. ""Senator Tester has long been a champion for public lands, and Outdoor Alliance and the human powered recreation community greatly appreciate his support for innovative solutions like Recreation Not Red-Tape that protect more landscapes for outdoor recreation,"" said Louis Geltman with the Outdoor Alliance. ""Public access opportunities, or the lack thereof, have a huge impact on opportunities for sportsmen and women to spend time afield,"" said Land Tawney President & CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. ""This legislation is a win for our community. Senator Tester's tireless advocacy on behalf of our public lands and waters - and for those of us enjoy hunting and fishing on them - deserves our heartfelt thanks.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5760,"Tester, Daines Pass Legislation through Senate to Protect East Rosebud Creek [press_release]",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines today announced that their bipartisan legislation to protect the East Rosebud Creek for future generations has cleared the Senate. The Senators' bill will protect 20 miles of creek in south-central Montana as part of the Wild and Scenic River System. ""This is a historic day for the next generation of Montanans,"" said Tester. ""This bipartisan bill will protect a true treasure and ensure our kids and grandkids can enjoy the wonders of East Rosebud Creek for years to come."" ""East Rosebud Creek is a place where families fish, hike, and take in Montana views,"" said Daines. ""It is one of Montana's - and our country's - natural treasures and it must be preserved for our grandchildren and future generations to enjoy."" East Rosebud Creek originates in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and flows out to the prairie where it joins the Yellowstone River just west of Columbus. No private land will be impacted by this legislation. ""We greatly appreciate Senator Tester's and Senator Daines' leadership and determination to get the East Rosebud protection bill approved by the US Senate,"" said Frank Annighofer with Friends of East Rosebud. ""East Rosebud is a special place for the families who live here, some for many generations. It's stunning beauty attracts visitors from all over the world, yielding significant economic value to surrounding communities and to our State. This bill when signed into law will ensure that it stays that way for generations to come."" Congressman Gianforte has introduced companion legislation in the House. ""The Senate's action is a good first step in protecting East Rosebud Creek. Conserving the area will strengthen our economy, protect our way of life, and fulfill the clear wishes of the community,"" Gianforte said. ""I will continue working to move the bill forward in the House."" In 1968, Congress passed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to preserve rivers with cultural and recreational value in their free-flowing condition for present and future generations. Less than one-half of one percent of Montana's approximately 170,000 miles of river is designated as ""wild and scenic.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5761,Montana Delegations Bill to Name Peak in Diekmanns Honor Passes U.S. Senate [press_release],2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. SenatorsJon TesterandSteve Dainesand U.S. Representative Greg Gianforte today hailed U.S. Senate passage of their bill to honor the life of renowned Montana conservationist, Alex Diekmann, by naming an unnamed peak in his memory. The U.S. Senate today passed a bill to name an unnamed 9,765-foot peak as ""Alex Diekmann Peak."" ""Alex Diekmann's contributions to Montana must always be remembered,"" Tester said. ""His impact to conservation and outdoor recreation will be felt for generations to come. Renaming this wild peak in his honor will ensure Alex's legacy will remain a part of Montana's outdoor heritage."" ""Alex Diekmann brought Montanans together to balance the needs of local landowners, ranchers and foresters, local cities and towns, county commissions, and federal and state interests to protect our public lands,"" Daines stated. ""I look forward to visiting and climbing Alex Diekmann Peak in Alex's honor with his family to commemorate his life."" ""Naming the peak after Alex Diekmann is a tribute to a man who united people to protect our public lands. Alex embodied the spirit of working together that defines Montana,"" Gianforte said. ""I will continue working with my colleagues in the House to honor Alex, his work, and his memory."" Background: In Bozeman, Diekmann worked as a senior project manager for the Trust for Public Land. He worked for 16 years to protect the Madison and Greater Yellowstone Area, which includes the Taylor Fork in the Gallatin Canyon, Three Dollar Bridge, Chestnut Mountain and Frog Rock, and the restoration of O'Dell Creek in the Madison Valley. Diekmann also worked on more than 55 projects and helped to preserve more than 100,000 acres during his time with the Trust for Public Lands. Some of his accomplishments also include conserving 23,000 acres of forested lands surrounding Whitefish, Montana. In addition, he sought to protect of The Offline Ranch, The Sun Ranch, The Granger Ranches, The Boltz Ranch, The Gecho Ranch and The Crumley Ranch. Statements of Support: Jeff Laszlo, Granger Ranches, Ennis, Montana: ""I support and advocate for the naming of Alex Diekmann Peak in honor of one of the greatest conservationist and people our area has ever been so fortunate to know and to have working on our behalf. Alex was responsible for many landmark conservation projects in Madison Valley and in Montana that protected and preserved working lands, open space, natural resources, and public access for generations to come. Alex's unique talents made it possible to put together complex land deals to conserve the Madison Valley. He remained engaged and involved with his heart and soul in the Valley's protection until his very final days. Naming the peak after him is a fitting tribute and reminder to all of us of his commitment, legacy, and dedication that will be needed in the future."" Glenn Marx, Executive Director of the Montana Association of Land Trusts: ""The designation of Alex Diekmann Peak will be a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy of conservation and public service will permanently contribute to Montana's economy, landscape and outdoor recreation. The Montana land trust community is truly grateful to the Montana Congressional Delegation for their leadership and commitment to finalize this designation and officially create Alex Diekmann Peak."" Dave Schulz, Former Chairman, Madison County Commission: ""Alex Diekmann was responsible for the conservation of more than 50 distinct areas in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, securing for the future over 100,000 acres of iconic mountains and valleys, rivers and creeks, ranches and farms, and historic sites and open spaces. Alex possessed a truly unique set of gifts and without his community spirit, tremendous skills, and conservation commitment, many of these places surely would have been lost."" Chuck Roady, Vice President and General Manager of F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company: ""Alex crossed all barriers, working with everyone, to get things done for what's best for the land. I am proud to be a part of this effort to commemorate his life's work. Thanks to Senators Daines, Tester, and Rep. Gianforte for coming together to pass this bill through the Senate. I hope it can become law quickly."" The delegation's bill is supported by: City of Whitefish The Madison River Foundation Montana Trout Unlimited Montana Association of Land Trusts The Trust for Public Land American Fly Fishing Trade Association Gallatin County Commission The text of the bill is available to download here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/santa-came-early-hardworking-montanans-gianforte-tax-reform,"Santa Came Early for Hardworking Montanans, Gianforte on Tax Reform",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Greg Gianforte,G000584,gianforte.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte today voted for pro-family, pro-growth tax reform. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act cuts tax rates for Montanans at all income levels, provides relief to Montana families, and helps our small businesses grow and create jobs. Santa came early for hardworking Montanans with tax reform that will let them keep more of what they earn, Gianforte said. Montanans of all income levels will see their taxes cut. These tax cuts keep $800 million in the hands of Montanans, not sent 2,000 miles to the federal governments coffers. With tax reform, Montana families will be able to better afford the rising costs of raising their children with the doubling of the child tax credit, Gianforte said. And Montanas small businesses will have more incentives to invest and grow, creating Montana jobs and jumpstarting our sluggish economy. Tax reform will make taxes fairer for Montanans by eliminating special interest loopholes that Washington lobbyists have carved out. We have delivered on our promise to reform our tax code to benefit hardworking Americans, and I will continue to look for ways to boost our economy and create Montana jobs, Gianforte said. The bill cuts tax rates for hardworking Montanans at all income levels and doubles the standard deduction. It also doubles the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000, which will benefit the nearly 70,000 Montana taxpayers who claim the credit. The measure preserves the adoption tax credit, the home mortgage interest deduction, the deduction for charitable contributions, the deduction for state and local property taxes, and the medical expense deduction. The legislation also benefits and protects Montanas family farmers, ranchers, and small business owners by doubling the death taxs exemption level. The measure makes America more competitive, keeping American jobs here and bringing overseas profits back home. The bill lowers Americas business tax rate from 35 percent, the highest in the industrialized world, to 21 percent. The legislation encourages investment by allowing businesses to immediately write off the full cost of their business investments, including vehicles, equipment, software, combines, facilities, and buildings. Montana stakeholders welcomed the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Webb Brown, president and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce: The Montana Chamber of Commerce thanks Rep. Gianforte for passage of significant federal tax reform in the US House of Representatives. Simplifying the tax code at low, broad-based rates will meet several objectives in our 10-year strategic plan, Envision 2026. Pairing tax reform with responsible management of the deficit will spur economic growth, raise gross state product, and boost per-capita income for Montana's small businesses and families. Steve Bryan, executive director of Child Bridge: Child Bridge works with foster and adoptive families from across Montana on a daily basis. These families are heroes offering opportunities of hope and healing to our states children who have been victims of abuse and neglect. We are so thankful that the adoption tax credit has been preserved in the final tax reform bill. When children in vulnerable circumstances are brought into nurturing, safe environments, outcomes are improved not only for the child, but also for our state and the country as a whole. Riley Johnson, Montana state director of the National Federation of Independent Business: NFIB would like to thank Congressman Gianforte for his support for the most important small business tax cut plan in more than 30 years. His support for Main Street businesses means they will be able to reinvest their money, grow, and create jobs. Jeff Laszloffy, president of the Montana Family Foundation: We appreciate congressional Republicans keeping their promise and standing up for American families. Letting hardworking mothers and fathers keep more of their own money is good for families and good for the country. Liz Marchi, small business investor and former hospital board member: Private-activity bonds enable cost effective financing of critical infrastructure like hospitals and treatment centers in states like Montana. These bonds have financed aver $2.5 billion in hospitals and clinics over the last 12 years in Montana. The MFFA has the expertise and oversight to offer and administer these bonds which have an excellent track record. Thank you to Congressman Gianforte for his support of retaining this very important tool for maintaining quality health care facilities in Montana. Hans McPherson, president of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation: Comprehensive tax reform was long overdue so we appreciate all the work that Congressman Gianforte and others have done to see it through. This bill will benefit individuals and businesses in our country, including Montanas family farms and ranches. Keeping more dollars in the hands of farmers and ranchers will insure that they are able to reinvest in their businesses, benefiting their families and the local community. Bryan Mussard, president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association: The Montana Stockgrowers Association applauds Congressman Gianforte for working to pass comprehensive tax reform. Many of the tax provisions are important to Montanas ranchers, including doubling the death tax exemption levels, bonus depreciation, section 179 and interest deductions. Following passage in the Senate, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will go to President Trump to be signed into law. Background information on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: For Individuals and Families, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act: Lowers individual taxes and sets the rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% so people can keep more of their hard-earned money. Significantly lowers the tax burden by nearly doubling the standard deduction to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively. Doubles the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. Preserves the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help families care for their children and older dependents such as a disabled grandparent. Preserves the Adoption Tax Credit so parents can continue to receive additional tax relief as they open their hearts and homes to an adopted child. Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes up to $10,000. Preserves the mortgage interest deduction providing tax relief to current and aspiring homeowners. Continues and expands the deduction for charitable contributions so people can continue to donate to their local church, charity, or community organization. Maintains the Earned Income Tax Credit to provide important tax relief for low-income Americans. Improves savings vehicles for education by allowing families to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary and higher education. Provides support for graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes. Retains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) so Americans can continue to save for their future. Provides immediate relief from the Death Tax by doubling the amount of the current exemption to reduce uncertainty and costs for many family-owned farms and businesses when they pass down their lifes work to the next generation. For job creators of all sizes, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% down from 35%, which today is the highest in the industrialized world. Delivers significant tax relief to Main Street job creators by offering a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to joint income earned by most small businesses. Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers unleashing the growth of jobs, productivity, and paychecks. Preserves the Research & Development Tax Credit that encourages businesses and workers to develop cutting-edge Made in America products and services. Retains the tax-preferred status of private-activity bonds that are used to finance valuable infrastructure projects. Makes it easier for American businesses to bring home foreign earnings to invest in growing jobs and paychecks in our local communities. Prevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad. For more information on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, visit the Committee on Ways and Means website here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-votes-to-return-over-700-million-in-tax-cuts-to-montana-families,Daines Votes to Return over $700 Million in Tax Cuts to Montana Families,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.17 Daines Votes to Return over $700 Million in Tax Cuts to Montana Families U.S. SENATE - U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted to send the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to the Presidents desk and return over $700 million in tax cuts to Montanans. Getting the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act across the finish line means families will see bigger paychecks, Main Street businesses will be able to hire more workers, and America will compete and win on the world stage,said Daines.Montanans hard-earned dollars belong in their pockets not in Washington, D.C.s coffers. Highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Relief for Montanans: Montanans will keep more than $700 million in tax relief. The average Montanan will save $1,600 in taxes. 99 percent of Montanans will receive a tax cut. Eliminates the poverty tax: Montanansmaking under $50,000make up 80 percent of the people in Montana who pay the individual mandate penalty. Montanans have paid nearly $7.8 million to the IRS. Doubles the standard deduction, which over 71 percent of Montanans have used. Relief for Montana Agriculture: Doubles the amount farmers and ranchers can deduct from new equipment and allows for immediate 100 percent expensing. Doubles the exemption on the death tax so family-owned farms can pass down their livelihood. Increases the exemption amount from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) to reduce the complexity and tax burden on farmers and ranchers. Reduces tax burdens on craft beer producers by lowering the excise tax on beer to $3.50 a barrel on the first 60,000 barrels for brewers producing less than two million barrels per year. Relief for Montana Businesses: Gives tax cuts to American businesses:Senator Dainessecured$100 billion in tax cuts for Main Street businesses. These are Montanas farmers, ranchers and bakers. Main Street provides 68 percent of private sector jobs in Montana higher than any other state. Four-fifths of manufacturing businesses in America are Main Street. Two-thirds of all new jobs in America are Main Street Businesses. Makes American businesses competitive globally:Lowers the corporate income tax from 35 percent, the highest rate in the industrialized world, to 21 percent. This will allow American businesses to compete and win against global competitors and bring American jobs back home. Relief for Montana Hardworking Families: Lowers rates on middle income Americans:Allows Americans to keep more of their hard-earned dollars. A family of four with income of around $73,000 (median family income) will see a tax cut of nearly $2,200. Doubles the child tax credit:Provides families a break by doubling the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 - giving working moms and dads with two kids an extra two thousand dollars to help make ends meet. For over 49,000 Montanan tax-payers who receive child tax credits, these increases could double total returns from $73,500,000 to $147,000,000. Making America Energy Dominant: Opens the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR): Allows for oil and gas exploration. Raises tens of billions of dollars for deficit reduction. Creates thousands of new jobs. Reduces dependence on foreign oil. Keeps energy affordable for American families and businesses. Statements of Support: The Montana Chamber of Commerce thanks Sen. Daines for passage of significant federal tax reform in the US Senate. Simplifying the tax code at low, broad-based rates will meet several objectives in our 10-year strategic plan, Envision 2026. Pairing tax reform with responsible management of the deficit will spur economic growth, raise gross state product, and boost per-capita income for Montana's small businesses and families.--Webb Brown, President and CEO of the Montana Chamber ""I applaud Senator Daine's support of Montana's and our Nation's small and independent craft brewers. The passage of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act will allow small, rural breweries like mine, Cabinet Mountain Brewing Co., the ability to reinvest in our business, hire new employees and give us the flexibility to grow. Cheers Senator Daines!""-- Sarah Sorensen, Co-Owner Cabinet Mountain Brewing Company, Libby Nearly half of the apartments that are affordable to working families and seniors are funded in part by private activity bonds, so NeighborWorks Great Falls is pleased that PABs were included in the conference tax bill. The bonds will be used to create 92 much-needed new apartments in Great Falls over the next two years, so businesses can hire new employees and the homeless population will decrease.-- NeighborWorks Great Falls ""This Bill stimulate Business and job creation with Tax cuts for most Americans. When the middle class and job creators have more money in their pockets the economy roars and more tax dollars are created. I am so grateful to a Congress that has worked hard to compromise with one another and get a Bill we can all be proud of. This is huge for our Country and its citizens""-- Don Kaltschmidt, Owner of Don K Chevrolet Subaru Chrysler With the design of a new terminal underway Missoula International Airport is extremely grateful to Senator Daines and to Congress for protecting the exempt status of Private Activity Bonds for airports. This protection will result in a potential cost savings of over $2 million in additional expense which is money that can be spent on much needed infrastructure as opposed to interest.-- Cris Jensen, A.A.E. Airport Director Missoula International Airport The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides tax relief to Montana engineering firms across the board, including the vast majority of our members organized as passthrough firms. These tend to be the smaller engineering firms in our industry, and we greatly appreciate the support from Senator Daines in helping them to be more competitive in the marketplace.-- ACEC/Montana Executive Director Jay Skoog. Montanas community bankers thank Senator Daines for standing up for and advocating for meaningful tax relief. We particularly commend Senator Daines for addressing the odious federal estate tax, a tax which works substantial hardship on the ability of families to pass their banking business on to subsequent generations.-- Tom Christnacht, President of MIB, Deer Lodge Sen. Daines is to be commended for going to bat for Montanas small businesses who are not C-Corps. With his change, smaller businesses will have extra money to grow and hire more people.-- Brad Anderson, President - Anderson Management Group, Franchisee of Buffalo Wild Wings Montana As a fourth generation Montanan, I applaud the efforts of Senator Daines to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This important legislation will deliver meaningful changes to the U.S. tax code that will drive growth and create jobs for hardworking Montanans who are helping to power the country. -- Joe Micheletti, Chief Operating Officer, Westmoreland Coal Company (Anaconda, MT native) The tax reform plan you voted for has the potential to boost wages by $2,500 and create close to 3,000 jobs. MPI is also encouraged by the inclusion of a repeal of the Obamacare individual mandate tax. This tax disproportionately impacts lower income Montanans. Finally, thank you for supporting a tax package that cuts taxes for allincome levels and whose benefits are proportionally concentrated on the middle-class. This is no small feat.-- Montana Policy Institute The Montana Taxpayers Association is delighted, that after 30 years, Congress is addressing much needed tax reform. Reforming the U.S. tax system is critical to insuring growth the and expansion of our economy and maintaining America's world leadership. A more competitive tax system will benefit small business owners and workers.-- Montana Taxpayers Association Were pleased to see that the industry responsible for lowering energy costs for millions of Americans, creating countless jobs, and generating significant revenue was not left out of what will be the most significant tax reform effort since the Reagan era. Meaningful reforms, like lowering the corporate tax rate and strong cost-recovery provisions, will be an important shot in the arm for the U.S. economy and will help independent oil and natural gas producers of all sizes succeed. This legislation ensures that the U.S. tax code is modernized, pro-growth, and benefits American consumers, businesses, and the economy. Specifically, protecting longstanding necessary and ordinary tax treatments, like percentage depletion, intangible drilling costs, and other capital recovery provisions are critical to ensuring that the industry can continue to reinvest in American energy production. The reforms include concessions on a few of the tax provisions for oil and gas operators, while maintaining mechanisms to allow businesses to recoup capital investments for future development. We are also happy to see that small, independent operators were not left out of the mix. This legislation represents a fair compromise, and will spur the extraction of American oil from American soil.-- Alan Olson, Executive Director, Montana Petroleum Association ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-whose-money-is-it-anyway,Daines: Whose Money is it Anyway?,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.17 Daines: Whose Money is it Anyway? U.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke on the Senate floor in anticipation of a vote on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which will give 99 percent of Montanans a tax cut. To watch the video clickHERE. To download the videoclickHERE. Background: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will keep over $700 million dollars in Montanans' pockets instead of lining the pockets of Washington, D.C. According to the Montana Department of Revenue, nearly 99% of Montanans will see a tax cut under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts. On average, Montanans will keep $1,600 of their hard-earned money. It eliminates Obamacares individual mandatepoverty tax, which has cost Montanans nearly $7.8 million. ### 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=5747,"Tester Introduces Bill to Support Montana Hunters, Fight the Spread of Chronic Wasting Disease [press_release]",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today introduced legislation to defend Montana's hunting heritage and fight the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease as more cases of the neurological virus are identified in Montana. Chronic Wasting Disease has been prevalent in 21 states across the west, infecting white-tail and mule deer, elk, and moose-including in multiple states that border Montana. Tester's bill will immediately provide wildlife management agencies with resources to stop the spread of the disease that could impact big-game hunting and diminish Montana's growing outdoor economy. ""In Montana, hunting is a part of our way of life because it helps provide our families with food, manage our wildlife, and sustain rural economies,"" Tester said. ""It is critically important that we stop the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease before it diminishes our big-game herds and undercuts our outdoor economy."" Sportsmen from across Montana have endorsed Tester's bill. ""Senator Tester's bill will give Fish, Wildlife and Parks and wildlife managers around the country the resources they need to aggressively tackle this deadly disease,"" said Dave Chadwick, Executive Director of the Montana Wildlife Federation. ""Montana hunters are lucky to have a leader like Jon Tester, who is willing to put the spotlight on this issue and work toward a practical, on-the-ground response."" ""As chairman of Montana's Fish and Wildlife Commission, I want to thank Sen. Tester for taking a leadership role in helping Montana address the emergence of chronic wasting disease in our state,"" said Dan Vermillion, Chairman of the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Commission. ""Montana has the expertise in its department, but we are in dire need of funding to fight this deadly wildlife disease."" ""Chronic wasting disease represents a great threat to the health of our elk, deer, moose and other ungulate populations,"" said David Allen, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation President and CEO. ""If passed, this bill will provide critical funding for state wildlife agencies and researchers to help find a cure in a more timely manner."" ""Montana sportsmen and women-plus anyone who cares about wildlife-should be alarmed by the recent discovery of Chronic Wasting Disease within the borders of our state,"" said Joel Webster, Director of Western Lands for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. ""We need to do everything we can to more fully understand and control this disease, and Senator Tester's newly introduced legislation would help us do just that."" ""Chronic Wasting Disease may pose the greatest risk to the sustainability of North America's deer, elk, and moose populations,"" said Matt Dunfee, Project Coordinator at the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance. ""This proposed legislation is critically needed to secure the tools wildlife managers need to fight Chronic Wasting Disease at a level appropriate to the severity of the disease."" ""Of the challenges our wildlife populations face today, chronic wasting disease is one of the most urgent,"" said Collin O'Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. ""The contagious, always-fatal neurological disease has now been found in elk, deer and moose herds from the northern Rockies to the Midwest to the Northeast. State and tribal wildlife agencies need help in combating this grave threat to our outdoor and sporting heritage and the bill by Sen. Jon Tester would provide much-needed funding and tools to do that. Sen. Tester's bill is an important companion to one by Reps. Ron Kind and Jim Sensenbrenner and will help halt the spread of this devastating disease."" Tester's bill will authorize $60 million to help state and tribal wildlife management agencies stop the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease. These funds create new research grants to better understand the disease, allow states and tribes to develop and implement management plans, and establish a rapid response for newly infected areas. There have been at least five identified cases of Chronic Wasting Disease in Montana, four along the Montana-Wyoming border and one north of the Hi-Line near Canada. Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks recently sold 1,200 additional deer licenses for a special hunt to determine the prevalence of Chronic Wasting Disease in Montana. In Wyoming, Chronic Wasting Disease has led to a 21 percent annual decline in the mule deer population and a 10 percent decline in the white-tail deer population. There is not a known cure for the disease. Before the recent infection of Montana deer, Montana was Chronic Wasting Disease free for nearly 20 years. Hunting is a major component of Montana's outdoor economy, which sustains more than 70,000 jobs and generates $7.1 billion in economic activity annually. Tester's bill is available online HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5749,Tester to Vote Against Massive Tax Giveaway to the Wealthy [press_release],2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) -U.S. Senator Jon Tester tonight will vote against a massive tax giveaway to the wealthy that will add more than $1 trillion to the national debt. Tester scolded colleagues on the Senate floor prior to the vote for supporting a partisan bill that will add to the deficit and saddle future generations with more crushing debt. ""Those of you who vote yes on this bill will do so at the expense of our kids and grandkids,"" Tester said. ""They will be paying this tab long after we are gone. This bill will limit their opportunities and cap their potential."" Tester blasted the tax giveaway that will force cuts as high as $25 billion to Medicare, rip health insurance away from Montanans, and raise health insurance premiums next year by 10 percent. ""This bill also destroys the foundation of our health care system,"" Tester added. ""Thirteen million Americans will become uninsured and everyone else's premiums will go up by 10 percent. It will become more expensive to see your doctor. It will be harder for rural hospitals and clinics to keep their doors open. And more folks will end up in the emergency room-they will be sicker and their treatment will be more expensive and the rest of us will be forced to pay for it."" Tester criticized the closed-door, partisan bill drafting process, which included no public hearings and no public input. Tester directly asked President Trump to work together on tax reform provisions that work for Montanans, but his requests were never answered. ""There was no effort to reach across the aisle and build consensus for this bill,"" Tester said. ""Once again, folks chose to draw a line in the sand. They chose to empower the fringes and leave those of us in the middle out in the cold. That is not what our founding fathers had in mind."" Tester also slammed Congress for passing a tax bill that favors large multi-national corporations over Montana families. The bill creates permanent tax cuts for corporations, but all individual income tax cuts are set to expire by 2025. Within the next ten years, a majority of Montanans will see their taxes rise as a result of this bill. After independent analysis, the tax bill contains the following provisions: Adds more than $1 trillion to the national debt. Triggers cuts to Medicare of up to $25 billion. Rips health insurance away from 13 million Americans. Forces health insurance premiums to rise ten percent next year. Provides 83 percent of the tax cuts will go to the top one percent of wage earners. Reduces state revenues and put critical initiatives at risk. Raises taxes on majority of households by 2027. The tax bill is expected to pass on a party-line vote after 9:30 p.m. MT.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-applauds-new-direct-flights-from-mso-to-dallas-and-chicago_,Daines Applauds New Direct Flights from MSO to Dallas and Chicago,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.17 Daines Applauds New Direct Flights from MSO to Dallas and Chicago U.S. SENATEU.S.Senator Steve Daines todayapplauded American Airlines' announcement that it will offer direct flights from Missoula (MSO)toDallas (DFW) and Chicago (ORD). Tourism is one of the Treasure States greatest economic drivers and now travelers from Dallas and Chicago will be just one stop away from everything Montana has to offer,said Daines.More flights in and out of Missoula also means more choices for Montana families and more business and job opportunities in our state. ""We are thrilled to welcome American Airlines to Missoula and Western Montana today,said Cris Jensen, Airport Director at Missoula International Airport.These flights would not be possible without community support. Theyprovide an excellent opportunity for travelers to access Dallas (DFW) and Chicago (ORD) with easy connections to international destinations and a new opportunity for the rest of the country and world to witness the beauty of Montana. American Airlines willstart daily year-round service from Dallas to Missoula on June 7, 2018 and will also begin summer daily seasonal service from Chicago to Missoula. ### 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-bennet-introduce-bill-to-expand-outdoor-recreation-opportunities-,"Daines, Bennet Introduce Bill to Expand Outdoor Recreation Opportunities",2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.17 Daines, Bennet Introduce Bill to Expand Outdoor Recreation Opportunities U.S. SENATEU.S.Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) today introduced legislation that will expand opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking and other wildlife-dependent activitiesin Montana, Colorado and across the country. Nothing beats spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, backpacking, its the Montana way of life,said Daines.This bill will strengthen Montanas outdoor recreation economy and open up more space for families and sportsmen to enjoy local wildlife. This program has rewarded Colorados farmers and ranchers for providing new opportunities for the next generation of sportsmen and women and improving wildlife habitat across our state,Bennet said.As we work on the next Farm Bill, well continue to prioritize funding for this successful program. The Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act is supported by over 30 sportsmen, conservation, and outdoor recreation groups and organizations. You can find their letter of supportHERE. ""Dependable access to quality habitat is the foundation of hunting and fishing; without it, the outdoor recreation economy stops at the locked gate. The Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act helps to continue the legacy of the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentives Program (VPA-HIP), a one-of-a-kind Farm Bill program that has opened millions of productive acres to America's sportsmen and women in states across the country. With today's introduction, Senator Daines and Senator Bennet have taken the first crucial steps towards assuring this high priority sportsmen's program has the funding it needs to meet demand and keep hunters and anglers afield."" -Whit Fosburgh, President and CEO, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership We applaud Senators Daines and Bennett for their leadership in addressing one of our organizations top priorities: providing more access for hunters. In addition to providing voluntary access to high-quality habitats, including Conservation Reserve Program lands, VPA-HIP benefits farmers and ranchers. This combination is crucial to wildlife, Americas outdoor quality of life and the rural economy.- Howard K. Vincent President and CEO, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Access to quality wildlife habitat remains one of the most important challenges facing hunters. Programs like this allow conservation organizations, state agencies and private landowners to work together to provide hunters access to lands offering opportunities for harvest. This is critical for maintaining interest and participation in hunting.- David Allen, President & CEO, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation We applaud Senators Daines and Bennet for their work towards reauthorizing the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, which harnesses the power of partnerships to benefit private landowners, fish and wildlife conservation, and the public. By enabling state agencies to create or expand local access programs, this vital program increases opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreation while also strengthening and supporting rural economies. -Virgil Moore, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Background: The Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act would reauthorize and strengthen the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) by increasing funding from $40 million to $150 millionover 5 years. The VPA-HIP provides competitive grants to states and tribal governments to be used to incentivize private landowners to voluntarily open their lands for public usewhile upholding private property rights. These grants have helped facilitate the opening of 76,860 acres for hunting and increased public access in Montana. You can find the text of the billHERE. Print Email Tweet 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-bob-burnison-of-richland-county,Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Bob Burnison of Richland County,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.15.17 Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Bob Burnison of Richland County U.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognizedBob Burnison of Richland County for his many years of volunteer service and leadership in his local community, including 39 years of volunteering for the Salvation Army. Daines recognition in the Congressional Record is availablehere. 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 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. President, this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing Bob Burnison of Richland County for his many years of volunteer service and leadership in his local community.Bob has a long history of supporting charitable activities in northeastern Montana.His efforts have inspired others to volunteer their time and have strengthened the spirit of giving.When folks like Bob come together to help others, it brightens the holiday season for everyone. This Christmas is the 39thyear that Bob has been involved with collecting donations for the Salvation Army.Over the years Bob has organized scores of volunteers to help make each giving season a success.This commitment to helping others is commendable considering Bobs professional obligations as the undersheriff of Richland County.He has given over four decades of service in law enforcement.The vast majority of the donations Bob has helped generate have remained in the local community to help offset essential living costs for those in need.Neighbors helping neighbors is a cornerstone for sustaining healthy communities, and local leaders like Bob are often a catalyst for this type of activity. With nearly four decades of volunteer service and over four decades of public service, Bob has done a good job leading by example.Organizations across Richland County have pitched in to make sure the spirit of giving remains strong, and the next generation of volunteers are finding the joy that comes with helping others.Merry Christmas Bob, and thank you for preserving the charitable traditions in your community. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5745,Tester Nominates Montana Students to U.S. Military Service Academies [press_release],2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced he is nominating 27 Montana students for admission to the country's four prestigious military service academies. To attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, a student must be nominated by a member of Congress. ""One of the greatest privileges I have as a Senator is to help some of Montana's best and brightest students become the next generation of American military leaders,"" said Tester. ""I have full confidence that these exemplary young Montanans will rise to meet the challenge of a United States Service Academy appointment."" Tester nominated the following students based on their academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and a demonstrated commitment to serving and leading in the United States military. Montana students who are interested in applying to a military academy can request a nomination from Senator Tester HERE. Senator Jon Tester's 2018 Academy Nominations: Anaconda Rose Tracy: U.S. Naval Academy Baker Madison Reddick: U.S. Merchant Marines Academy Billings Micah Andrews: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy Bozeman Sage Lindsay: U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Erik Manning: U.S. Naval Academy Jackson Redmon: US. Military Academy Ennis William Gilmore: U.S. Military Academy Florence Alexandra Weisenburger: U. S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy Kourtney Zeiler: U.S. Military Academy Great Falls Jack Dresel, U.S. Air Force Academy Hamilton James Baggett III: U.S. Air Force Academy Helena Claudia Downing: U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U. S. Merchant Marine Academy Maggie Smiedala: U.S. Military Academy Kamrin Rosling: U.S. Military Academy Grayson Weber: U.S. Naval Academy Taylor Sullivan: U.S. Military Academy James Riley Johnson III: U.S. Military Academy Christopher Bokovoy: U.S. Air Force Academy Kalispell Payton Hume: U.S. Air Force Academy Manhattan Alexa Arthun: U.S. Naval Academy Cody Dykstra: U.S. Naval Academy Missoula Matthew Fritz: U.S. Naval Academy Bryar Newbary: U.S. Military Academy Gabriel Jourdonnais: U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Sidney Breanna Frank: U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Two Dot Amanda Martin: U.S. Air Force Academy Montana Active Duty Military Dependent Madison Ward: U.S. Naval Academy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-moves-protect-greater-yellowstone-ecosystem-economy,"Gianforte Moves to Protect Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Economy",2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Greg Gianforte,G000584,gianforte.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte today introduced legislation to protect a vital part of Montana’s recreation and tourism economy near Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act (H.R. 4644) withdraws mineral rights and bans mining operations on public land in an area north of the park. The permanent moratorium enjoys widespread support from the community. “As the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, Paradise Valley is well known for its fishing, hunting, hiking, and recreation that are cornerstones of the area’s growing tourism industry. The area is both a natural treasure and a natural resource for the valley’s economy,” Gianforte said. “The fact is not every place is the right place for a mine, and we must protect our public lands and Yellowstone National Park. The consensus of the community has been clear which is why I introduced today’s legislation,” Gianforte said. “A permanent ban on mining in Paradise Valley will protect this natural treasure, Montana jobs, and our way of life for generations to come,” Gianforte said. Gianforte has been in regular discussions with residents and members of the Yellowstone Gateway Business Coalition, which has built strong public support for protection of the public lands surrounding Yellowstone National Park. The park has attracted record visitation with over 4 million people annually over the past two years. The park is a vital part of Montana’s overall $6 billion recreation and tourism industry. Yellowstone Park visitors spent an estimated $196 million in Park County alone in 2014. Withdrawing mineral rights on public lands will not impact public access to those lands. Strong local support for the proposal is a key component of Gianforte’s decision to introduce the legislation, but he stresses the importance of building a coalition in the U.S. House of Representatives. “It’s not enough just to introduce this important bill. I’ve been working with my colleagues in the House to build consensus and get this bill passed,” Gianforte said. Community leaders and stakeholders welcomed Gianforte’s efforts and legislation: “I’m glad to see our state representatives work on behalf of the local community and people worldwide to designate the best use of these public lands by passing the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act,” said Park County Commissioner Clint Tinsley. “Our community has been united in asking for a permanent solution to protect our public lands and the growing economy they fuel here in Park County. That’s exactly what Congressman Gianforte is delivering by introducing the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act in the U.S. House. Our community is grateful, and we look forward to working with our entire delegation to get this done,” said Michelle Uberuaga, Executive Director of Park County Environmental Council. “We are thankful that Congressman Greg Gianforte heard our concerns loud and clear and is working to protect our jobs and way of life,” said Bryan Wells, owner of Emigrant Creek Cabins. “It’s time to get the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act over the finish line.” “We’ve always said if our delegation could unite, we would stand a much better chance of passing the Yellowstone Protection Act into law and I’m hopeful we can now finish the job this year,” said Tracy Raich, a local business owner in the Paradise Valley. “On behalf of Simms nearly 200 employees and our partners here in Montana, we thank Congressman Gianforte,” said K.C. Walsh, Executive Chairman of Simms Fishing Products. “It is important to respect local voices when making land use decisions, and we appreciate that Congressman Gianforte has responded to the strong opposition to mining in this sensitive area. The Yellowstone River is one of the most significant fisheries in our state, and it is critical to our business in Montana.” “Thank you, Representative Greg Gianforte, for your efforts to protect our multi-million-dollar fly fishing industry on the Yellowstone River. The Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act is straightforward and commonsense legislation that protects the people and the economy of Yellowstone’s Gateway,” said Ben Bulis, President and CEO of American Fly Fishing Trade Association. “We commend steps taken today by Congressman Gianforte to safeguard the Paradise Valley near Yellowstone National Park,” said Joel Webster, Western lands director for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “We greatly appreciate that the Congressman listened to the hunting and fishing community about the future management of Paradise Valley, as well as East Rosebud Creek, and we encourage Congress to advance this legislation in the near future.” “This bill protecting Yellowstone’s gateway from gold mining is just what we’ve asked for as part of the broad, bipartisan coalition of Montanans who’ve said for two years: Yellowstone is more valuable than gold. We’re grateful to Congressman Gianforte for standing with his constituents, and for introducing this bill that will protect Yellowstone’s gateway and the healthy local economy it fuels,” said Caroline Byrd, Executive Director of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-seeks-designation-east-rosebud-creek,Gianforte Seeks Designation for East Rosebud Creek,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Greg Gianforte,G000584,gianforte.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte today introduced the East Rosebud Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (H.R. 4645) to conserve a portion of the East Rosebud Creek, north of Yellowstone National Park, under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The creek is a popular recreation destination and an important part of Montana’s $6 billion recreation and tourism industry. “Being responsive to our local communities, strengthening our economy, and protecting our way of life are among my top priorities as I represent Montanans in Washington,” said Gianforte, a member of the House Natural Resources Committee. “In some areas, the best use of our natural resources and treasures is conservation and recreation. This standard applies to the East Rosebud Creek which is why I introduced today’s legislation,” Gianforte said. East Rosebud Creek flows through the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness into Stillwater River and eventually into the Yellowstone River. The U.S. Forest Service has approved a portion of East Rosebud Creek as eligible for the wild and scenic designation. Reports by the U.S. Geological Survey and other agencies have indicated there is little potential for oil and gas development in the designation area. Three hydropower proposals for the area never materialized, and the 2009 permit for the most recent proposal expired in 2013. Gianforte, who has hiked the area extensively with his family, met with Friends of East Rosebud in late July. Members of the organization have developed a coalition of local business and public support for the wild and scenic river designation. The group has been working with state and federal agencies and government officials since 2009. Frank Annighofer, Vice President of Friends of East Rosebud, said, “We greatly appreciate Congressman Gianforte reintroducing the House bill to protect the East Rosebud Creek. This area is a special place where many Montanans have chosen to live and raise our families – some folks have been here for generations. The East Rosebud attracts visitors from all over the world, yielding significant economic value to surrounding communities and our state. This bill will ensure the East Rosebud stays a special place for generations to come.” Other local leaders and stakeholders also welcomed Gianforte’s efforts. “On the eve of the 50th Anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act next year, I can think of no better way to celebrate than by designating East Rosebud Creek as Montana’s first new wild and scenic river in four decades. We thank Congressman Gianforte for taking an important step toward permanently protecting this beloved creek, proving again that Montanans can come together across party lines to get things done,” said Michael Fiebig, Associate Director of American Rivers. “From cowboys to kayakers, Montanans are united in an effort to protect East Rosebud Creek. The Greater Yellowstone Coalition applauds Rep. Greg Gianforte for listening to Montanans and introducing legislation to permanently protect East Rosebud Creek as a Wild and Scenic River,” said Caroline Byrd, Executive Director of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. If the bill is enacted, East Rosebud Creek would be the first waterway in Montana since 1976 to be approved as a Wild and Scenic River. A similar bill is under consideration in the U.S. Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-funding-to-strengthen-northern-cheyenne-tribe-transit-communications,Daines Announces Funding to Strengthen Northern Cheyenne Tribe Transit Communications,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.17 Daines Announces Funding to Strengthen Northern Cheyenne Tribe Transit Communications U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the Northern Cheyenne Tribe will receive $ 40,644.00 to purchase a radio-frequency-based transit communications system. The tribe currently does not have a transit communications system and must use personal cell phones to communicate with one another regarding driver, bus or passenger needs. “Our transportations systems should not be threatened by bad cell phone service,” said Daines. “These dollars will help ensure members of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe can get to and from work or wherever they need to go safely and efficiently.”    ### Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5734,Tester Fights for More Resources to Combat Montana Wildfires [press_release],2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today joined with the Montana National Guard in requesting additional equipment to combat wildfires and to control fires on federal military training areas. Tester lent his support for the Montana National Guard's request to provide seven new firefighting buckets for its helicopter fleet. ""This past wildfire season pushed the Montana National Guard's firefighting equipment to its limit,"" said Tester. ""We need to secure the equipment for firefighters now before we head into what could be another devastating season. The cost of this equipment is a fraction of the damage from this past summer, but could vastly increase the National Guard's ability to protect communities and citizens across Montana."" The Montana National Guard requested two firefighting bucket kits for CH-47 helicopters and five firefighting bucket kits for UH-60 helicopters from the National Guard Bureau. The Montana National Guard mobilized multiple times this year to fight wildfires across Montana, and its equipment was pushed to the limit of its serviceability. Currently, to fully support potential mission requirements, the Montana National Guard could be forced to rely on equipment that belong to other states. More than one million acres burned across Montana this year, resulting in an estimated $44 million in damages. Tester's letter to General Joseph Lengyel, head of the National Guard Bureau, can be found online HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5735,Tester Slams Federal Communications Commission Decision to End Free and Open Internet [press_release],2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - In an online video, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today blasted the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for repealing net neutrality rules. Tester's remarks are as follows: ""Net Neutrality is the principle that no matter who you are or how you connect, everyone should have equal access to the Internet. Without Net Neutrality, internet service providers could charge you more to view certain content, block your favorite websites, or even slow down your internet speed altogether. These big internet providers could also sell access to certain websites separately. So, you could end up having to pay three different fees for access to Google, Facebook, and Amazon-all of which you get today for free. And when it comes to economic development, Net Neutrality allows small businesses to reach their customers online at the same speed as big corporations. Without those protections, rural businesses and entrepreneurs could be forced to pay huge corporate rates or be cut off from their customers altogether. That's why Net Neutrality is so important. Because without it, we are at the whim of big corporations. They can favor websites that make them a profit, while blocking or slowing down websites that can't pay their fees. So I'm demanding the FCC listen to the thousands of Montanans who have contacted my office and preserve our free and open internet. Ending Net Neutrality ends the internet as we know it."" Tester'svideo isposted HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-education-savings-plans-to-skilled-workers,Daines Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Education Savings Plans to Skilled Workers,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.17 Daines Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Education Savings Plans to Skilled Workers U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines introduced bipartisan legislation with Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) to expand education savings plans to skilled workers to help cover training costs, including, tools, books and equipment. “My bill will better empower people to pursue the job they want by removing barriers like training costs and will give them the support and resources necessary to make them competitive in their profession of choice,” said Daines. “These are good-paying jobs.” Statements of Support: “An IBEW apprenticeship equipped me with the skills I needed for a good paying and rewarding career. Giving families and apprentices access to 529s can help others change their lives for the better as well.” -- John Gordon, IBEW Helena Local 233 Business Manager “More than ever, Montana’s economy needs skilled trades workers. This legislation gives individuals more of an incentive to enroll in apprentice programs and help make sure Montana has the skilled workforce we need to thrive and compete in today’s globalized economy.” -- Mark Maki, State Training Director for the Montana Electrical Training Alliance “Our contractors face a severe skilled labor shortage all across the state, and the country; Senator Daines' efforts are common sense and most welcome.” -- Jim Michlig, Manager/Owner  Kalispell Electric Inc., Kalispell “The 529 reform offered by Senators Daines is the type of leadership our contractors in Montana need in order to get back to work.” -- Curtis Butts, President, Service Electric Inc., Bozeman  Background: Named after Section 529 of the IRS Code, a 529 plan is a tax advantaged savings account intended to be used for higher and continuing education institutions, as well as costs associated with them. Currently, Montanans who attend an apprentice program to master the trade are locked out from accessing 529 plan savings. Daines’ bill will give workers who attend an apprenticeship training program over higher education the same access to savings. Daines’ bill would expand 529 plans to include credited apprenticeship programs for skill-based jobs, including professions like construction, mechanics, plumbing and bricklaying. The Legislation is Supported By: Construction Employers of America? FCA International? International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers? Mechanical Contractors Association of America? National Electrical Contractors Association? Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association Signatory Wall and Ceiling Contractors Alliance?The Association of Union Contractors? United Brotherhood of Carpenters    ### Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-urges-for-protections-against-terrorist-threats-to-montana-farmers-and-ranchers,Daines Urges for Protections Against Terrorist Threats to Montana Farmers and Ranchers,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.17 Daines Urges for Protections Against Terrorist Threats to Montana Farmers and Ranchers U.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today questioned General Richard Myers, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for President George W. Bush, about threats to Montanas farmers and ranchers and U.S. agriculture infrastructure and food supply. To watch thevideoclick HERE. To download thevideoclick HERE. Background: Research from Rocky Mountain Research Lab, the state of the art biomedical research facility in Hamilton, Montana, has helped the country fight zoonotic diseases and has conducted substantial research into developing an Ebola vaccine. Montana has 28,000 farms and ranches. Agriculture is a $4.2 billion industry in Montana and the number one economic driver in the state. ### 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=5731,"Tester, Schatz, and Advocates Call for Budget Deal that Honors Veterans [press_release]",2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Brian Schatz are calling on Congress to pass a year-end budget deal that honors veterans. After Congress passed a short-term funding bill, set to run out December 22, the Senators are calling for responsible, long-term funding that provides more stability and certainty to veterans who rely on VA health care and benefits. The Senators are joined by leading Veterans Service Organizations to demand responsible investments in the VA's staff and medical research, efforts to prevent veteran homelessness, and to move forward on comprehensive legislative to streamline VA community care programs and expand caregiver services. ""We must empower the VA to hire more doctors, nurses, specialists and mental health care professionals, and we must cut the red tape and barriers to VA care,"" said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. ""The year-end budget deal must provide the VA with resources to live up to the promises our nation made to those who stepped up to serve, and Congress has to hold VA accountable for doing exactly that."" ""Everybody pays lip service to veterans. But let's be clear. This fight right now is about whether the Department of Defense-and the Department of Defense only-gets more resources,"" said Schatz, Ranking Member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. ""What we're saying is, if you stand by service members, you stand by veterans. And that means funding defense and non-defense on an equal basis. That means the VA gets the resources it needs to fund programs, upgrade systems and improve infrastructure, and give our veterans the best quality care possible."" Joining the Senators were Matt Shuman of the American Legion, Carlos Fuentes of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Garry Augustine of DAV. ""The reality is very clear. The men and women who have selflessly worn the fabric of our military deserve better,"" said Matt Shuman, Director of the Legislative Division at the American Legion. ""They proudly served this country and now this country needs to keep the promise it made to our veterans. Congress needs to make sure that the VA is in a position to treat veterans with quality and respect, including medical services, G.I. Bill benefits and preventing homelessness. Whatever budget package is passed this month, it must include appropriate funding to provide the best care for veterans."" ""VA is better situation than most other federal departments under a continuing resolution because it receives advanced appropriations, but there is still a $2.6 billion difference between the advance appropriations VA is given under the current CR and the amount VA has requested and the Senate MilConVA bill would appropriate,"" said Carlos Fuentes, National Legislative Service Director for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. ""This means veterans are waiting longer or even being denied access to needed health care and benefits simply because Congress is unable to pass full year appropriations. Congress must reach a budget deal that fully funds the benefits and service our nation's veterans have earned and deserve."" ""It's imperative that Congress pass, and the President sign, a full year budget that adequately funds veterans programs, benefits and services in order to keep our promises to the men and women who served,"" said Garry J. Augustine, Executive Director of the DAV. ""VA must be provided sufficient resources to fill vacancies, bolster infrastructure, modernize IT and finally provide equity and fairness for caregivers of severely disabled veterans of all eras.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-pushes-for-job-creating-projects-in-northwest-montana,Daines Pushes for Job Creating Projects in Northwest Montana,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.17 Daines Pushes for Job Creating Projects in Northwest Montana U.S. SENATEU.S. Senator Steve Daines today at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing questioned Luke Russell, the Vice President of External Affairs at Hecla Mining Company, about the excessively long permitting process for the Montanore and Rock Creek projects located in Lincoln and Sanders Counties in Montana. Watch the videoHERE. Download the videoHERE. Daines Work to Streamline Mining Permitting Process: On June 6th2017, Daines questioned U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwellon the progress of the Montanore Mine project. On September 7th2017, Daines highlighted his concerns over the stalled mining projects in a letter to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tony Tooke. On September 28th2017, Daines sent Secretary Purdue and Secretary Zinke a letter, urging the Administration to prioritize the approval process for the Rock Creek and Montanore Mines. Additional Background: The Montanore and Rock Creek projects produce two ofonly four world-class silver and copper deposits in the U.S The vetting process began in the early 1990s for Rock Creek Project and 2001 for the Montanore project ### 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=5730,Tester Slams Federal Agency as Rates of Homelessness Rise [press_release],2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)—Following a new report that shows homelessness in Montana is on the rise, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is demanding that the U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development (HUD) ensure families have roofs over their heads as winter hits. Tester is pushing HUD Secretary Ben Carson to work with Congress and address the rising rate of homelessness in Montana. In a letter to Carson, Tester criticizes the Department’s attempt to eliminate homeless initiatives and pushes for more affordable housing resources for Montana families, seniors, and veterans. “Affordable housing provides economic security for families, empowering students to perform better in school and helping parents keep their jobs,” wrote Tester, Montana’s only member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. “At a time when our economy is recovering, it is very troubling to see a rising number of Montanans with no safe or warm place to call home.” HUD released a report last week showing homelessness in Montana increased by nearly eight percent over the past year. This is the first time since 2010 that homelessness is on the rise across the nation. Tester specifically expressed concern that homelessness among veterans in Montana grew by 24 percent over the last year. “Congress and the Administration must do everything we can to ensure that veterans facing homelessness have the resources they need to get back on their feet,” Tester added. Tester pressed Carson to increase resources for affordable housing initiatives and boost opportunities for homeless veterans in next year’s federal budget. The Trump Administration proposed cutting more than 13 percent from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Important housing initiatives such as the Interagency Council on Homelessness, Community Development Block Grants, the HOME Program, Choice Neighborhoods, and the Self-Help Homeownership Program would have all been eliminated under this budget. Tester used his position on the Appropriations Committee to reverse the Trump Administration’s proposed budget cuts and support an appropriations bill that increases investments in critical housing initiatives. That appropriations bill has yet to receive a vote on the Senate floor. Tester met with Carson in Montana in August to highlight the need for more affordable housing. Tester’s letter to Carson is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5732,Trump Signs Testers Ninth Bill Into Law [press_release],2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - President Trump today signed into law the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes U.S. Senator Jon Tester's Gary Deloney and John Olsen Toxic Exposure Declassification Act. ""This is a momentous day for John Olsen and all veterans who deserve accountability,"" said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. ""Mr. Olsen and I have worked for years to get the records of his service declassified, and he will now be able to use his military records to apply for VA health care and benefits that he has fought so long for."" ""Finally! It's taken a long time, but I'm happy that we've reached this point,"" said Olsen. ""I appreciate Jon Tester's work to get my records declassified. We've finally gotten to the point we should have gotten to 50 years ago. There are a lot of people that will be excited to hear about this."" Tester's bipartisan Gary Deloney and John Olsen Toxic Exposure Declassification Act declassifies the records of Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense), allowing Olsen to use his records to apply for VA disability benefits and care. Olsen participated in Project SHAD in the mid-1960s. The classified project included a series of tests to gauge the vulnerability of naval vessels and personnel to chemical and biological attacks. During these tests Olsen was regularly exposed to highly toxic carcinogens, and has since battled cancer four times. Because the records of Project SHAD have remained classified, the VA has denied Olsen his benefits and refused to administer care related to his exposure. Tester's other bills that have become law under President Trump can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-hold-telephone-town-hall-tuesday,Gianforte to Hold Telephone Town Hall Tuesday,2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Greg Gianforte,G000584,gianforte.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte will hold a telephone town hall tomorrow to connect with Montanans and discuss issues important to them. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. MST on Tuesday, December 12, 2017. “Staying in touch with Montanans is the only way I know to serve them in the U.S. House of Representatives,” Gianforte said. “Telephone town halls have already allowed me to connect with tens of thousands of Montanans. I will continue holding them regularly and invite all Montanans to participate.” Montanans interested in joining the telephone town hall can participate by visiting Gianforte’s website or by texting REPGIANFORTE to 828282.   WHO:    Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte WHAT: Telephone Town Hall WHEN: Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. MST HOW:    Please visit gianforte.house.gov or text REPGIANFORTE to 828282",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-montana-energy-summit-2018,Daines Announces Montana Energy Summit 2018,2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.17 Daines Announces Montana Energy Summit 2018 U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced he will be co-sponsoring the 2018 Energy Summit in Billings, Montana on May 30th and 31st.   The Energy Summit will bring together energy thought leaders from around the country to continue discussing Montana's integral role in energy. Senator Daines co-sponsored the Montana Energy Summit two years ago.  “Made-in-Montana energy means less reliance on the Middle East and more good-paying Montana jobs,” said Daines. “America is home to the world’s brightest minds and innovators and we are going to bring them together here in Montana. I am looking forward to working with these leaders to unlock Montana’s energy potential.” To learn more about the Summit and to stay updated about speakers and events, click HERE.    ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-announces-military-academy-nominations,Gianforte Announces Military Academy Nominations,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Greg Gianforte,G000584,gianforte.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte today announced his nominations for 31 students applying for enrollment into the U.S. military academies. “It is a tremendous honor to nominate these dedicated young individuals for appointment to a U.S. service academy,” said Gianforte. “They have demonstrated a high commitment to personal excellence and principled public service. I am confident they possess the necessary qualities needed to successfully graduate from a service academy, and equally confident in their abilities to meet the rigorous challenges as future officers in our armed forces.” A service academy nomination from Congressman Gianforte meets an admittance requirement for Montanans seeking officer training in one of one of the nation’s four military academies: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY.  Students applying through Gianforte’s congressional office for an academy nomination completed an extensive application process that examined their academic, civic and physical abilities, as well as their commitment to military service. Montana students interested in applying to a U.S. military academy are encouraged to contact Congressman Gianforte at his Billings District Office at 406-969-1736 or visit his congressional website at gianforte.house.gov/services The following is a complete list of Gianforte’s 2017 academy nominations by county: Cascade County Logan Reiman, Great Falls – U.S. Air Force Academy Fergus County Tanner Mannin, Lewistown – U.S. Air Force Academy Flathead County Trey Baumgartner-Siers, Whitefish – U.S. Naval Academy Isabelle Sherman, Whitefish – U.S. Naval Academy Gallatin County Alexa Arthun, Manhattan – U.S. Naval Academy Cody Dykstra, Manhattan – U.S. Naval Academy Sage Lindsay, Bozeman – U.S. Air Force Academy Erik Manning, Bozeman – U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Jackson Redmon, Bozeman – U.S. Military Academy Jefferson County Claudia Downing, Helena – U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy & U.S. Naval Academy Kamrin Rosling, Helena – U.S. Military Academy Maggie Smiedala, Helena – U.S. Military Academy Taylor Sullivan, Helena – U.S. Military Academy Grayson Weber, Helena – U.S. Naval Academy Lincoln County Justin Ramey, Fortine – U.S. Air Force Academy Madison County Will Gilmore, Ennis – U.S. Military Academy Missoula County Matthew Fritz, Missoula – U.S. Naval Academy Gabe Jourdonnais, Missoula – U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy Julia Riekena, Missoula – U.S. Military Academy Ravalli County Jimmy Baggett, Hamilton – U.S. Air Force Academy Alexandra Weisenburger, Florence – U.S. Military Academy Kourtney Zeiler, Florence – U.S. Military Academy Richland County Breanna Frank, Sidney – U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Wheatland County Amanda Martin, Two Dot – U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy Yellowstone County Madison Klaudt, Billings – U.S. Naval Academy Charles Morledge-Hampton, Billings – U.S. Naval Academy Joshua Triplett, Billings – U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy Montana Active Duty Military Dependents Marshall Beatty – U.S. Military Academy Gabby Gerving – U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy Riley Johnson – U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Madison Ward – U.S. Naval Academy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-2017-montana-student-us-military-academy-nominations,Daines Announces 2017 Montana Student U.S. Military Academy Nominations,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.08.17 Daines Announces 2017 Montana Student U.S. Military Academy Nominations U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced his nominations of 22 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 is an honor and a privilege to nominate some of Montana’s most capable and brightest young people to attend one of our nation’s military academies,” Daines said. “I am encouraged by their achievements, sense of duty, and commitment to continuing Montana’s legacy of service.” 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’ 2017 academy nominations: Alexa Arthun, Manhattan -- Navy Jimmy Baggett, Hamilton -- Air Force Claudia Downing, Helena -- Navy, Merchant Marines, Army, Air Force  Cody Dykstra, Manhattan -- Navy Breanna Frank, Sidney -- Merchant Marines Matthew Fritz, Missoula -- Navy Gabby Gerving, Montgomery -- Air Force William Gilmore, Ennis -- Army Riley Johnson, Stuttgart, Germany -- Army, Navy Gabe Jourdonnais, Missoula -- Merchant Marines, Navy, Air Force Sage Lindsay, Bozeman -- Navy, Air Force E. J. Manning, Bozeman -- Army, Navy Amanda Martin, Two Dot -- Air Force, Army Charlie Morledge-Hampton, Billings -- Navy Justin Ramey, Fortine -- Air Force Jackson Redmon, Bozeman -- Army Logan Reiman, Great Falls – Air Force Taylor Sullivan, Helena -- Army Joshua Triplett, Billings -- Army, Air Force Madison Ward, Newport, RI -- Navy Alex Weisenburger, Forence -- Air Force Kourtney Zeiler, Florence -- Army   ###     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-june-rychalski-of-lewis-and-clark-county,Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: June Rychalski of Lewis and Clark County,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.08.17 Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: June Rychalski of Lewis and Clark County U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized June Rychalski of Lewis and Clark County for her distinguished 35-year career in the Montana Department of Military Affairs. Daines’ recognition in the Congressional Record is available here. 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 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. President, this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing June Rychalski for her service with the Montana Department of Military Affairs. She has served Montana with grace, diligence, a positive attitude and genuine care for the people of the Treasure State. During her 35 years of service, June has been secretary to the Senior Army Advisor, administrative assistant to The Adjutant General and next month will complete her career with the Montana Veterans Affairs Division. June demonstrated compassion and professionalism on a daily basis. Her ability to help a grieving family member navigate the challenges of veteran burial honors, or steer a distressed veteran in the right direction to attain benefits, is highly commendable. Her presence in the in the Montana Department of Military Affairs will be missed, but the mentorship she provided agency personnel over the years will ensure that her legacy endures. To her co-workers – June was regarded as their greatest advocate. When June retires, she plans to do what she has always done, continue to take good care of others. At age 83, June’s example is inspiring. Her work ethic, compassion and commitment to excellence represent the best of Montana values. Thank you, June, for your service. I wish you the best in retirement, and appreciate all you have done for our state. When June retires, she plans to do what she has always done, continue to take good care of others. At age 83, June’s example is inspiring. Her work ethic, compassion and commitment to excellence represent the best of Montana values. Thank you, June, for your service. I wish you the best in retirement, and appreciate all you have done for our state. ### 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/epa-meets-daines-request-includes-montana-among-targeted-superfund-sites,"EPA Meets Daines Request, Includes Montana Among Targeted Superfund Sites",2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.08.17 EPA Meets Daines’ Request, Includes Montana Among Targeted Superfund Sites U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today made the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) included both Montana’s Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area and Anaconda Co. Smelter Superfund sites in its list of sites that Administrator Scott Pruitt has targeted for immediate and intense attention. This comes in response to a letter Senator Daines sent to Pruitt urging the agency to do so. “By including the Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area and Anaconda Co. Smelter sites among the EPA's targeted Superfund sites, these sites will now receive the attention, focus and prioritization that these communities deserve,” said Daines. “With an additional sixteen National Priority List sites still in Montana, I will continue to work with the EPA to clean up these sites more expeditiously and safely.” Daines' Actions to Prioritize Montana Superfind Sites: On June 27, 2017, Daines sent a letter to Pruitt that included recommendations for improvements to the Superfund program. On July 25, the EPA met Danies’ request in its Superfund Task Force report. Additional Background: At the Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area site, EPA has taken steps to accelerate the process of reaching an agreement on a specific portion of the larger site—the Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit—and has set the end of January as a deadline for parties to do so. If an agreement cannot be reached, EPA will issue an order to ensure the remaining work is completed in a timely fashion.  At the Anaconda Co. Smelter site, EPA has directed Atlantic Richfield Co. to complete residential and commercial property sampling and cleanup of lead and arsenic. EPA will start sampling, and where necessary, cleaning up lead and arsenic at school facilities early next year. For more information about the sites and the EPA’s cleanup efforts, click HERE.    ###  Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5721,Tester Fights to Reauthorize Critical Funding for Montana Counties [press_release],2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is fighting to secure critical funding for Montana counties. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Tester is demanding Congress reauthorize Secure Rural Schools (SRS) to ensure Montana counties can afford essential services. ""We are now witnessing firsthand the hardships rural counties face as a result of SRS authorization lapsing,"" Tester wrote. ""Without the certainty of SRS payments, schools, libraries and jails are in danger of closing."" SRS was enacted in 2000 and provides funds to counties with federal land to compensate for declining timber production. SRS, which is supported by both Republicans and Democrats, contributed nearly $16 million to rural counties' budgets in Fiscal Year 2015. SRS funds are used to help cover the costs of schools, road maintenance, law enforcement and search and rescue operations. However, the program expired in 2015 and counties have been forced to rely on revenue from declining federal timber sales since the last SRS payment in early 2016. ""Schools that remain open will see a reduction of teachers. Roads go unpaved and become unsafe. Mental and physical health services are scaled back or even ended,"" Tester continued. ""The SRS program continues to be a critical safety-net for forest counties."" You can read the full text of the letter HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5723,Tester Stands with Montana Lumber Mills [press_release],2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Stands with Montana Lumber Mills Senator Applauds International Trade Commission Decision Maintaining Tariffs (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement applauding a decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to move forward on duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports: ""This decision helps level the playing field, keep the market competitive, and ensure Montana's lumber producers have a fair shot going forward. Timber jobs are critically important to Montana's economy and our hardworking families."" The ruling by the ITC will formally place duties on Canadian lumber after a Department of Commerce investigation determined the Canadian government unfairly subsidizes its lumber. Canadian timber is primarily located on government-owned land, allowing lumber producers to pay less than what U.S. producers pay for timber located on private land in the United States.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-introduces-legislation-to-protect-public-use-of-public-lands,Daines Introduces Legislation to Protect Public Use of Public Lands,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.17 Daines Introduces Legislation to Protect Public Use of Public Lands Bottom-Up Legislation Will Allow More Montanans to Access Public Lands U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced legislation, the Protect Public Use of Public Lands Act, to protect public access and use of Montana’s public lands by implementing the Forest Service’srecommendation to release 449,500 acres of Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) in Montana. “As a fifth-generation Montanan and an avid outdoorsman, I know how important public use of our public lands is to Montanans,” Daines stated. “Forty years of DC paralysis has frozen our access and use of public lands. It’s time to keep public lands in public hands.”  This bill follows bottom-up requests from the state legislature and local communities. Implementing the Forest Service recommendation for these WSAs will increase the value of public lands for Montana outdoor recreationists of all ages and across the board—hunters, anglers, snowmobilers, mountain bikers, off-road vehicles users and more, bolstering Montana’s $6 billion outdoor economy and balancing our iconic wildlife populations. The Protect Public Use of Public Lands Act enhances Montana’s outdoor heritage and agriculture economies. WSAs included in this legislation to protect public access and use are:  1) Supported for address by the local community; 2) Not Recommended for wilderness by the Forest Service in a final plan, 3) Included in the State Legislature Resolution that passed in 2017 (H.J.Res. 9 Passed 60-40 in House, 33-17 in Senate) asking the U.S. Congress to address Montana’s seven WSAs on National Forest System Lands.  Improperly managed public lands and statements of support to protect public use of public lands:  1. West Pioneer Wilderness Study Areas  The West Pioneer WSA comprises approximately 151,000 acres in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest just east of Wisdom, Montana. The West Pioneer WSA was recommended to be managed as non-wilderness by the Forest Service as a part of the 1981 Forest Plan. In a recent letter from the Beaverhead County Commissioners, the commissioners outlined the need for the U.S. Congress to act on the Forest Service’s decision to manage as non-wilderness and to release the West Pioneer WSA.  In the northern half (Lacy Creek north) of the WSA, 19.8 miles of single-track trails and 4.25 miles of roads have been closed to motorized wheeled travel since 1977. All roads, trails, and areas in the southern half of the WSA are closed to motorized wheeled vehicle use yearlong. These uses may be increased in the public planning process with the WSA release. This WSA was among the seven WSAs requested by the Montana Legislature to be addressed.  Beaverhead County Commissioners: “The Beaverhead County Commissioners believe that the over 10 million acres of wilderness and national parks within one day’s drive of Dillon are ample in meeting ecological, environmental, and human needs for wilderness in this region. We therefore urge the agencies to forego an agenda of adding acres to wilderness for the sake of adding acres to wilderness. As well as to manage remaining non-wilderness federal lands to allow the greatest degree of access to the widest spectrum of users, to provide the highest level of utilitarian-compatible multiple-uses, and to employ our knowledge of revenue generating methods for the benefit of Beaverhead County Citizens, the visitors who come to see this northern Rocky Mountain landscape, and all of the people of the United States.” Click HERE to download their full letter of support. 2. Sapphire Wilderness Study Area The Sapphire WSA comprises approximately 94,000 acres in the Bitterroot National Forest and parts of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Forest just east of Hamilton, Montana. The Sapphire WSA was recommended to be managed as non-wilderness by the Forest Service as part of the 1987 Forest Plan. The Ravalli County Commissioners recently sent a letter in support of releasing both WSAs in the Bitteroot Forest.  Per the 2016 Travel Management Plan, all motorized and mechanical uses have been closed in the Bitterroot portion of the Sapphire WSA. With the WSA released, these uses could be reconsidered. In the Beaverhead, since 1977 the Forest Service has closed approximately 30 miles of trails and three miles of road to motorized wheeled vehicles yearlong. These trails remain open for foot, stock, and mountain bike use. These uses could be reconsidered with the WSA released. Ravalli County Commissioners: “Ravalli County strongly supports legislation to finally address WSAs. Ravalli County has been asking Congress and the Department of Agriculture to address this critical land use issue for years...These Wilderness Area, in many cases, the origin of catastrophic forest fires that burn tens of thousands of acres of National Forest, State Forest and private property every year. The Ravalli County Commissioners strongly support and encourage federal policy reform that requires active forest management rather than the current model that results in catastrophic fires, loss of life and property, economic impacts, loss of wildlife habitat and significant impacts to our citizen’s health and safety from hazardous air quality.” Click HERE to download their full letter of support.  3. Middle Fork Judith Wilderness Study Area The Middle Fork Judith WSA is comprised of approximately 81,000 acres in the Lewis and Clark National Forest just south of Stanford, Montana. The Middle Fork Judith WSA was recommended to be managed as non-wilderness by the Forest Service in 1982 and 1986. Instead, it recommends for primitive recreation, wildlife management and development/timber management along Harrison Creek drainage. This area is well-known for multiple use, including: hunting, motorcycling and snowmobiling. The 2007 Travel Management Plan reduced the number of motorized routes and restricted season of use within the WSA. There was a reduction in acres available to snowmobiles from 100% to one approximately 8-mile route. Twelve motorized routes (4 full size, 1 ATV, 12 motorcycle) were reduced to four routes (2 full size, 1 ATV, 4 motorcycle). These uses can be reconsidered without a WSA designation.  Judith Basin County Commissioners: “The Judith Basin County Commissioners would ask Congress to remove the Wilderness Study Area classification from the Middle Fork of the Judith Basin River in the Little Belt Mountain and have the Forest Service manage the area as non-wilderness.” Russell Country Sportsmen’s Association: “Russell Country Sportsmen’s Association supports the legislation introduced by Senator Daines that would remove Wilderness Study Area designations in the Middle Fork of the Judith and the Big Snowies of the Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest.  The Forest Service study of these areas was completed over 40 years ago with the recommendation by the Forest Service that non-wilderness management be approved for both areas. The current WSA status of these areas is a roadblock to good forest management and public recreation.  Removing these designations will restore public access to our public lands and multiple-use to our forest.” 4. Big Snowies Wilderness Study Area The Big Snowies WSA comprises approximately 91,000 acres in the Lewis and Clark National Forest just south of Lewistown, Montana. The Big Snowies WSA was recommended to be managed as non-wilderness by the Forest Service in 1982. We have received extensive feedback and support from the Judith and Fergus County Commissioners, sportsmen’s groups and constituents for the release of the Big Snowies WSA. This area is well-known for multiple use, including: hunting, motorcycling and snowmobiling.   The Travel Management Plan reduced the number of motorized routes within this WSA. There is a reduction in acres available to over snow vehicles by approximately 60%. Nine motorized routes open to full size vehicles, were reduced to three open to full size vehicles. These uses can be reconsidered without a WSA designation. Fergus County Commissioners: “The Fergus County Commissioners are in support of the efforts to remove 98,000 acres from the Big Snowies Wilderness Study Area designation. We believe this area has languished under this designation long enough. It is time to allow the Forest Service to integrate the management of these lands with the rest of the national forest lands…we appreciate the consideration afforded local government when making decisions that impact our community and our way of life. Click HERE to download their full letter of support. Russell Country Sportsmen’s Association: “Russell Country Sportsmen’s Association supports the legislation introduced by Senator Daines that would remove Wilderness Study Area designations in the Middle Fork of the Judith and the Big Snowies of the Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest.  The Forest Service study of these areas was completed over 40 years ago with the recommendation by the Forest Service that non-wilderness management be approved for both areas. The current WSA status of these areas is a roadblock to good forest management and public recreation.  Removing these designations will restore public access to our public lands and multiple-use to our forest.” 5. Blue Joint Wilderness Study Area The Blue Joint WSA comprises approximately 61,000 acres in the Bitterroot National Forest south of Hamilton on the Idaho/Montana boarder. The Forest Service recommended in its 1987 Forest Plan to add 28,500 acres (of the 61,000 acres) to the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness or designate it as a separate unit. The remaining 32,500 acres were recommended to be managed as non-wilderness. This bill would release these 32,500 acres. The area is well known for multiple use, including: hunting, motorcycling, mountain biking and snowmobiling.  Per the 2016 Travel Management Plan, all motorized and mechanical travel have been closed in the Blue Joint WSA. These uses can be reconsidered with the WSA release. Ravalli County Commissioners: “Ravalli County is surrounded by millions of acres of Wilderness Area and National Parks that are located within a day’s drive. These Wilderness Area, in many cases, the origin of catastrophic forest fires that burn tens of thousands of acres of National Forest, State Forest and private property every year. The Ravalli County Commissioners strongly support and encourage federal policy reform that requires active forest management rather than the current model that results in catastrophic fires, loss of life and property, economic impacts, loss of wildlife habitat and significant impacts to our citizen’s health and safety from hazardous air quality.” Click HERE to download their full letter of support. The release of the WSAs also has support from:  Greg Chilcott, Ravalli County Commission: ""It's great to see Senator Daines address public land challenges that so many have been dealing with for decades. WSA directives have complicated land management and reduced access and use for many public land users.""  Austin Knudsen, Speaker of the Montana House of Representatives: “I’m glad that Senator Steve Daines heard the Legislature’s call for action and has introduced legislation to review hundreds of thousands of acres of Wilderness Study Area designations in Montana. The Legislature recognizes the different uses of our public lands and the multiple benefits to the diverse communities they serve, and it’s high time to ensure that lands currently designated as WSA unnecessarily are removed.” Click HERE to download his full letter of support.  Hans McPherson, President, Montana Farm Bureau Federation: ""Our members appreciate that there is a renewed focus on the management of federal lands, especially with regard to Wilderness Study Areas. MFBF supports the release of all Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) that have been designated as WSAs for more than five years but have failed to reach wilderness status.” Click HERE to download his full letter of support.  Russ Ehnes, Great Falls Trail Bike Riders Association: “The Great Falls Trail Bike Riders Association strongly supports Senator Daines effort to release Montana Wilderness Study Areas for forest management.  The forty-one years of “limbo” needs to end for these areas so our professional land managers can make decisions that are best for the land, forests, and citizens of Montana. The current status of these lands only complicates forest planning and has resulted in areas with poor forest health and few options for management.”  Senator Fred Thomas, Montana Senate Majority Leader: “As the Senate Majority Leader of Montana, I have seen first-hand the significant challenges that both the Sapphire and Blue Joint Wilderness Study Areas have presented when it comes to land management. I, along with the rest of the community, strongly support Senator Daines efforts to release portions of the WSA’s in Ravalli County. Bringing certainty to lands that have been in limbo since their analysis nearly forty years ago only creates more difficulty for local communities and land managers alike.” Jason Howell, President, Montana Snowmobile Association: “The Montana Snowmobile Association promotes responsible use of public lands for winter recreation. These landscapes are important winter recreation areas that have been previously identified as not meeting a recommendation for Wilderness and we therefore support the release of the antiquated WSA status.”  The Capital Trail Vehicle Association: “We want to bring a problem to your attention that is important to many outdoor recreationists. The problem involves two areas in the Lewis and Clark National Forest, Middle Fork of the Judith and the Big Snowies. These two areas are being held from the public by the Montana Wilderness Study Act of 1977 (MWSA 1977). The Middle Fork of the Judith in the Little Belts and the Big Snowies were designated wilderness study areas by a congressional act way back in the 1970's. The act clearly stated these areas were to be evaluated and designated as wilderness or returned to multiple- use (https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/95/s393/text). The law did not intend for these areas to remain in limbo for 40 years because of inaction but unfortunately that is what has happened. The Lewis and Clark National Forest is one of the most popular areas for outdoor recreation in Montana. Two of the most popular and scenic areas within the forest is the Middle Fork of the Judith River and the Big Snowies south of Lewistown. Unfortunately, multiple use of both areas by the public has been severely restricted by the MWSA 1977. The Act has been a critical factor in the Forest Service's inability to develop a reasonable forest plan for the area. Rescinding the MWSA 1977 designation would open the area for enjoyment by all of the public and allow the Forest Service to better manage the forest in these two areas.” Click HERE to download their full letter of support. Citizens for Balanced Use: “The 7 Wilderness Study Areas managed by the Forest Service in Montana were created 40 years ago with a timeline put in place in the Wilderness Study Act for review and action by congress. Over the past 40 years most of these areas have been studied for wilderness character and found to be not of sufficient wilderness character to be formally designated yet Congress has not acted to release these areas back to multiple use management. Because of changes in management direction by the Forest Service for Wilderness Study Areas in Montana, most historical uses of these areas has been removed. The organizations listed below showed support for the action on these 7 Wilderness Study Areas in Montana.” Citizens for Balanced Use Big Game Forever Safari Club International Montana Trail Vehicle Riders Association Montana Snowmobile Association Montana Mining Association Montana Stockgrowers Association Treasure State Resource Association Click HERE to download their full letter of support. Background: These Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) were designated by Congress in the 1970’s to be researched by the U.S. Forest Service on whether they should or should not be included in the National Wilderness Preservation System. In the 1980’s the Forest Service made their recommendations to Congress and this resulted in a non-wilderness recommendation or a partial non-wilderness designation for all of the WSAs. It has since the 1980’s been the responsibility of Congress to release the WSAs.   Montana Wilderness Facts and Findings: 3,443,038 acres of designated Wilderness 1,104,874 acres in Wilderness Study Areas 902,304 Forest Service Recommended Wilderness acres 6,290,437 acres designated as roadless areas in Forest Service lands  The Protect Public Use of Public Lands Act is available to download HERE.    ###   Contact: Marcie Kinzel, Breanna Deutsch",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5717,"Testers Bill to Improve Public Safety, Increase Support Services in Indian Country Takes Next Step Forward [press_release]",2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester's legislation to improve public safety and increase support services in Indian Country is on its way to the Senate floor. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee unanimously passed Tester's Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment (SURVIVE) Act. Tester emphasized how important this bill is to tribal law enforcement and survivors of violent crimes. ""For too long, critical public safety resources dried up before they made it to Indian Country,"" Tester said. ""This bill will guarantee that survivors of violent crimes have access to the resources they need to recover, heal, while ensuring service providers can deliver culturally appropriate services during a great time of need."" Tester's SURVIVE Act sets aside five percent of the Crime Victims Fund to establish and secure a critical funding stream not previously accessible to tribes. This tribal account would provide an additional $150 million that tribes could use to assist survivors of violent crimes. The SURVIVE Act can support domestic violence shelters, medical care, counseling, legal assistance and services, and child and elder abuse prevention. The Crime Victims Fund pays for itself by collecting criminal fines, forfeited appearance bonds, penalties, special assessments, gifts, and donations. Currently, every state in the country has access to a set-aside fund from the Crime Victims Fund, but state funds almost never reach Native American communities. The SURVIVE Act awaits a final vote on the Senate floor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5718,"Tester Secures $100,000 to Support Blackfeet Community College [press_release]",2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester has secured $100,000 in funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities to fund a tribal language and culture project at Blackfeet Community College. ""The Blackfeet Nation has a long, rich heritage in Montana,"" said Tester, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. ""This funding will help ensure their language, culture and unique identity will continue to be passed down to future generations."" The grant was awarded to Blackfeet Community College following a competitive selection process to fund a program designed to preserve cultural heritage and language over multiple learning platforms. ""The NEH ‘Enhancing Curriculum with Blackfoot Language and Culture' award will support the Liberal Arts department at Blackfeet Community College in developing, for the first time, an in-depth cultural curriculum that allows us to meet an essential aspect of our original mission statement: that of integrating nÄ«Ä«tsÄ«Ä«•á¹?o'•""sin (the Blackfoot language) and nÄ«Ä«siṫŭp•á¹?yÇ?aá¹?ii (Blackfoot lifeways) into our students' daily learning experience,"" said Sterling Schildt, the Writing Center & Liberal Arts Cultural Curriculum Director at Blackfeet Community College. ""The project we are about to embark upon will create digital, in-class learning materials that will help our students learn essential aspects of nÄ«Ä«siṫŭp•á¹?yÇ?aá¹?ii from legitimate cultural experts. These materials will allow current and future generations of Blackfeet Community College students to hear, learn and appreciate our beautiful language, culture and history while also beginning to understand themselves and their identity in a much deeper and more significant way."" Tester has been a longtime champion for preserving Native languages. He has introduced multiple bills to establish, expand and fund Native American language preservation including the Native Language Immersion Student Achievement Act to develop a streamlined grant program for native language immersion programs and the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act to fund Native language classes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5719,Tester Introduces Bill to Strengthen Education Benefits for Volunteer First Responders [press_release],2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester introduced legislation today to strengthen education benefits for volunteer first responders. Tester's bill will expand eligibility for the Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to volunteer first responders, which will pay off the entirety of their student loan debt. ""Communities across Montana rely on volunteer first responders to keep their families and their property safe,"" Tester said. ""By ensuring that these selfless heroes have access to additional benefits, we can bolster volunteer fire and law enforcement departments by recruiting more folks to serve their communities."" ""This is a good bill for volunteer fire departments across Montana because it will increase recruitment and retention, especially when it is hard to find additional volunteers,"" said Mike Doto, President of the Montana State Volunteer Fire Fighters Association. ""The Montana State Volunteer Fire Fighters Association thanks Senator Tester for sponsoring a bill to boost rural fire departments."" The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program provides student loan forgiveness for the balance of principal and interest on loans that were issued after October 1, 2007. In order to qualify for the program, public service professionals must have previously made 120 full payments towards the loan while fulfilling a commitment to public service. Over 70 percent of the fire fighters in the U.S. serve in a volunteer capacity. These volunteers spend large amounts of their own time and money training to respond to emergencies within their communities. Volunteer first responders save local taxpayers more than $30 billion annually, and most volunteer first responders serve rural communities where full-time departments are not feasible. Tester has sponsored additional legislation to recruit and retain more volunteer first responders in rural communities by expanding access to critical home loan programs. He also passed a bipartisan bill through the Senate to reauthorize two firefighting grant initiatives that help local fire departments train, equip and purchase safety gear. Tester's bill is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-defends-montanans-second-amendment-rights,Gianforte Defends Montanans Second Amendment Rights,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Greg Gianforte,G000584,gianforte.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte voted today to protect Montanans’ Second Amendment right to bear arms. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38) passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a vote of 231-198. “I will always defend Montanans’ Second Amendment rights, and I am proud to have cosponsored the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act,” Gianforte said. “The bill ensures that law-abiding Montanans keep their right to bear arms when they cross state lines.” “I encourage the Senate to act quickly to protect the rights of Montanans to carry concealed firearms,” Gianforte said. The bill allows people with a state-issued concealed carry license or permit, or individuals who are citizens of states that do not require a permit to carry a concealed firearm, to carry a concealed handgun in any other state that allowed concealed carry, as long as the individual follows the laws of the state. “Where the constitutional rights of Americans are being abridged when they travel from state to state, Congress has both the authority and the responsibility to act. That is the essence of H.R. 38,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of the National Rifle Association of America. “That legislation would cut through the byzantine patchwork of repressive state laws, and would allow traveling Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights with confidence throughout the country,” said Erich Pratt, executive director of Gun Owners of America, of H.R. 38. The National Shooting Sports Foundation supports H.R. 38: “[The legislation] would ensure that your Second Amendment rights do not end at the state line. H.R. 38 is a commonsense approach to eliminate the confusion of varying state-by-state laws and protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-bill-to-help-tribal-victims-passes-out-of-committee,Daines Bill to Help Tribal Victims Passes Out of Committee,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.17 Daines Bill to Help Tribal Victims Passes Out of Committee U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after bipartisan legislation he co-sponsored, the Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment (SURVIVE) Act, passed out of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “I am committed to ensuring that tribal members’ public safety needs are met,” said Daines. “The SURVIVE Act will provide victims with greater access to the resources and support they need to heal.” The SURVIVE Act will increase needed tribal victim assistance by creating a tribal grant program within the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime. The bill requires a five percent allocation from the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) be provided to Indian tribes. Background: In addition to extending CVF resources to Indian tribes through a fair and competitive grant program, the senator’s bill empowers tribes and Indian victims of crime by: Expanding the types of victim assistance, services and infrastructure for which the funds may be used, including domestic violence shelters, medical care, counseling, legal assistance and services, and child and elder abuse programs; Providing for significant confidentiality and privacy protections for crime victims to feel safe when receiving services; Enabling tribes to deliver critical, culturally tailored victim services; and Increasing the resources available to Indian crime victims from the CVF without increasing overall spending. History: The Crime Victims Fund was created in 1984 by the Victims of Crime Act to support services for victims of crime. Under the current system, it is estimated that no more than 0.7% of the CVF reaches Indian tribes, despite federal data showing that American Indian and Alaska Native communities face some of the highest victimization rates in the country. ### 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-intelligence-community-to-combat-cyber-attacks,Daines Pushes Intelligence Community to Combat Cyber Attacks,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.17 Daines Pushes Intelligence Community to Combat Cyber Attacks U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today questioned members of the intelligence community on what actions they are taking to combat cyber-attacks against Americans and to keep America safe.  Click HERE to watch Daines’ remarks. Click HERE to download Daines’ remarks. In his questions, he highlighted the recent attack on Montana’s Columbia Falls School District, which affected over fifteen thousand students and forced the closure of several schools.  Daines attended a Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee hearing where members discussed what actions must be taken to protect Americans from cyber-attacks by terrorists and other extremist groups online, while also protecting Americans’ constitutional liberties. ###   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-at-national-lighting-of-the-montana-christmas-tree,Daines Speaks at National Lighting of the Montana Christmas Tree,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.17 Daines Speaks at National Lighting of the Montana Christmas Tree U.S. SENATE — This evening, U.S. Senator Steve Daines spoke at the U.S. Capitol’s National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This year’s tree traveled over 3,600 miles from Montana’s Kootenai National Forest.     Click HERE to watch Daines’ remarks. Click HERE to download Daines’ remarks. If you would like to learn more about the tree and its journey to the Capitol, click HERE.  ### 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=5707,Testers Bipartisan Bill to Create Jobs and Spur Economic Growth Takes Major Step Forward [press_release],2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester’s Bipartisan Bill to Create Jobs and Spur Economic Growth Takes Major Step Forward Legislation Will Provide Regulatory Relief to Community Banks and Credit Unions Across the Country (U.S. Senate)—U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s bipartisan bill to create jobs and spur economic growth took a major step forward today. Tester’s Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act was passed by the Senate Banking Committee by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 16-7. “Last week with tax reform we saw how partisan Washington, D.C. can be,” Tester said during the markup. “I’m extremely optimistic today that we can break through all the nonsense and find common ground to do what’s right for small businesses and consumers across the country.” Tester’s opening remarks as prepared for delivery are available HERE. A fact check document related to the bill is available HERE. A summary of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act is available HERE. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act has received support from:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5716,Tester Teams Up with Bozeman Sixth Grader to Light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree [press_release],2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(West Lawn, U.S. Capitol) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester kicked off the holiday season tonight alongside Bozeman sixth-grader Ridley Brandmayr as they lit the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. ""When Senator Tester called my dad and told me, it didn't feel real. It took about five minutes for it to sink in,"" Brandmayr said. ""But it definitely became real tonight and it was an experience I will never forget."" The 79-foot Engelmann Spruce traveled nearly 3,500 miles from Montana's Kootenai National Forest to grace the lawn of the U.S. Capitol building-making stops in 13 Montana cities along the way. As the senior Senator from the tree's home state, Tester was tasked with selecting the tree lighter and helping organize this year's celebration. He asked Ridley after the Bozeman sixth grader lost his right hand in a tragic accident earlier this year. Tester lost three fingers on his left hand in a similar accident when he was a kid. ""This tree has been growing in Montana for decades - enduring brutal fire seasons, and braving harsh winters. It's reached almost 80 feet tall, nourished by Montana's rich soil and sustained by clean mountain water."" Tester said. ""This tree is more than a symbol of the natural resources the Treasure State has to offer - it represents our shared history, intertwined with our outdoor heritage and our Montana values."" The event was co-hosted by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and also featured the other two members of Montana's Congressional delegation. On hand were dozens of folks who helped shepherd the tree from Montana to D.C. ""The selection and delivery of the Capitol Christmas tree from the Kootenai National Forest has been an extreme honor for the Forest Service and State of Montana,"" said Sandi Mason, the Kootenai Forest's Capitol Christmas Tree project leader. ""We have met a ton of fantastic people across this great country of ours and this will be a journey that we will never forget. We are proud to display the tree, along with all of the ornaments and tree skirts that were handmade by people from all over the State."" Others in attendance included Larry Spiekermeier of Whitewood Transportation, the man who drove the tree across nearly a dozen state over the course of a two-week journey. Spiekermeier is a two-time Montana Motor Carriers ""driver of the year"" who hails from Plains, Montana. He will celebrate a half century on the road next year. The tree was decorated with nearly 3,000 handmade ornaments from folks across Big Sky country. It was flanked by a custom tree skirt quilted by Shawna Crawford of Lewistown and topped by a five-foot tall copper star commissioned by the Washington Companies of Missoula, fabricated by Split Mountain Metal of Belgrade, and lit by Western Montana Lighting of Missoula. Since 1970, a different national forest has been chosen each year to provide the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The last tree to hail from Montana was a Subalpine Fir from the Bitterroot National Forest in 2008. The Kootenai National Forest also provided ""The People's Tree"" in 1989. Watch a livestream of the event HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-delivers-montana-veterans-stories-to-library-of-congress-,Daines Delivers Montana Veterans Stories To Library of Congress,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.17 Daines Delivers Montana Veterans Stories To Library of Congress U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today presented a collection of 50 veterans’ interviews who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines to be preserved in Library of Congress as part of the Veterans History Project (VHP). To watch a video of Senator Daines’ remarks, clickHERE.   “The sacrifices and heroism of Montana’s veterans must not be lost with the passage of time,” said Daines. “Our future generations must recognize and appreciate what our men and women in uniform did to keep America safe and free.”   Background: The U.S. Congress created VHP in 2000 to preserve and make available personal interviews of American veterans. Daines hsa worked to expand the VHP to Montana to collect and preserve the stories of Montana veterans.  Daines kicked off the Veterans History Project in Helena on October 10, 2015.  ### 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-senate-confirmation-of-dhs-secretary-kirstjen-nielsen,Daines Statement on Senate Confirmation of DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.17 Daines Statement on Senate Confirmation of DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald J. Trump’s nominee Kirstjen Nielsen for the position of Secretary of Homeland Security.   “Secretary Nielson understands the increasing threats facing our country and has the experience to do what is necessary to keep Americans safe,” said Daines. “With her confirmation, she can now focus on taking swift action to protect our national security, including securing our border and strengthening our cybersecurity.” Background: Daines is a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, which has jurisdiction for the Department of Homeland Security including nominations subject to U.S. Senate confirmation. On October 18, 2017, Daines and Nielsen met in his Washington, D.C. and discussed strengthening cybersecurity, specifically addressing the threat facing students and families in the Flathead Valley, combatting meth abuse and securing the Northern border and Southern border. During the meeting, Daines hand-delivered a letter to Nielsen outlining the challenges facing DHS and invited her to visit Montana’s Northern border.  On October 11, 2017, Daines released a statement on Nielsen’s nomination noting that he looked forward to a quick Senate confirmation without partisan politics.    ### Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5715,"Tester Continues Work to Secure Border, Confirms President Trumps Homeland Security Secretary Nominee [press_release]",2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Continues Work to Secure Border, Confirms President Trump’s Homeland Security Secretary Nominee Senator Supports Kirstjen Nielsen to Lead the Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee and a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, today released the following statement after his vote to confirm Kirstjen Nielsen as Homeland Security Secretary: ""We must secure our borders using the best technology possible, we must make airport security failsafe, and we must stay far ahead of all cyber threats that put Montana and our nation at risk. I will be working closely with Secretary Nielsen and the Trump Administration to strengthen our national security and keep out anyone who wants to harm our country."" During a hearing earlier this year, Tester secured a commitment from Nielsen that under her leadership, the Department of Homeland Security would not advocate for an ineffective and costly coast-to-coast southern border wall. Rather, Nielsen would work with Congress to secure the southern border by utilizing technology and identifying appropriate places where a wall may be most effective-as Tester has long advocated. Nielsen was confirmed 62-37.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-urges-epa-to-prioritize-montana-in-superfund-sites-selection,Daines Urges EPA to Prioritize Montana in Superfund Sites Selection,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.04.17 Daines Urges EPA to Prioritize Montana in Superfund Sites Selection Daines Urges EPA to Prioritize Montana in Superfund Sites Selection  U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt urging him to ensure Montana is represented in the Administrator’s Top Ten list of Superfund sites which will receive the Administrator’s utmost attention. “With 17 National Priorities List (NPL) sites and one proposed NPL site in Montana, including some of the most expansive in the nation, there is a clear need for at least one Montana site to be among those to which you will pay utmost attention,” wrote Daines.  In July, U.S. Senator Steve Daines secured his recommendations for improving the Superfund program in the EPA Superfund Task Force report released by Administrator Pruitt. The report also recommended that the agency establish a Top Ten list of Superfund sites which will receive special attention from the Administrator. Below is the full text of the letter:   December 4, 2017   The Honorable Scott Pruitt Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Ave Northwest Washington, D.C. 20460 Dear Administrator Pruitt: As you compile your Top Ten list of Superfund sites to prioritize, I urge you to ensure Montana is well represented. With 17 National Priorities List (NPL) sites and one proposed NPL site in Montana, including some of the most expansive in the nation, there is a clear need for at least one Montana site to be among those to which you will pay utmost attention. Among Montana’s most severe Superfund sites is the Butte/Silverbow Creek Area. With a Record of Decision for the Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (OU) dating back to 2006, and the OU still without a consent decree for cleanup, this site serves as a strong example of one in Montana that would benefit from inclusion on your list. The Anaconda Co. Smelter site, meanwhile, has ample work to be done with respect to sampling residences and schools for lead and other chemicals and the subsequent cleanup thereof. I have also heard from the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County CEO Bill Everett repeatedly about the need for more diligence on this site. In another example, asbestos cleanup has been ongoing for 17 years and is still underway at the Libby Asbestos site, which is another where contaminants remain present in the community. While these few sites have garnered some of the most notoriety, the remainder of Montana’s NPL sites span as far as Yellowstone County and all of them continue to hurt Montana communities every day.  I also believe recent visits to Montana Superfund sites by the new Region 8 Administrator Doug Benevento, as well as his meetings with local officials and stakeholders, have been productive and positive. I applaud his involvement on the ground.  I recognize that with the number of Montana sites alone nearly double the length of your forthcoming list, not every Montana site will be included. Regardless, I urge your continued commitment to finding more expeditious—while simultaneously environmentally and healthily protective—remediation solutions to all Superfund sites in Montana, along with the listing of at least one among your Top Ten.  Thank you for your continued attention to the crucial matter of Superfund in Montana. Sincerely,   Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5705,"Tester Secures Over $500,000 to Help Young Farmers Start and Grow their Businesses [press_release]",2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester has secured $523,355 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to teach young Montana farmers how to start and grow their operations. The Community Food and Agriculture Coalition in Missoula will use the money to provide education and mentoring programs to help young farmers and ranchers build and manage successful farms. ""Montana farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our economy, and some of the best in the world,"" said Tester. ""As a farmer myself, I know how much hard work and training it takes to yield a crop. I look forward to seeing what all the young farmers will do after learning valuable skills."" The Community Food and Agriculture Coalition in Missoula will use the money to connect farmers to both classroom trainings where they can learn budgeting and finance management as well as hands on farm training. In addition, they plan to use the funds to expand their programming to reach farmers across state, beyond western Montana where they currently operate. ""In the next decade most farms will be transferred to the next generation because the average farmer is currently retirement age, so we're excited to offer services to the next generation of farmers, they're such a vital part of our future,"" said Bonnie Buckingham, the Executive Director and co-Founder of The Community Food and Agriculture Coalition. ""We want to extend a huge thank you to Senator Tester for being such a strong proponent of farming for our nation, he is a leader in the agriculture world."" The grant is funded through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, which aims to attract veterans, women and disadvantaged farmers and ranchers by providing training, education and technical assistance. The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program was established through the Farm Bill, which expires in 2018. Tester has held numerous Farm Bill listening sessions gathering input from Montanans about what they want to see in the next Farm Bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-votes-to-advance-once-in-a-generation-tax-cuts,Daines Votes to Advance Once in A Generation Tax Cuts,2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted in support of the Senate Tax Cuts and Job Act to increase wages, grow jobs and give back Americans their hard-earned dollars. “We are one step closer to a once in a generation opportunity to reignite economic growth, grow jobs and increase wages for Montana farmers, ranchers, small businesses owners and working families.” Daines said. “I worked hard to increase tax relief for Main Street businesses that are responsible for two-thirds of all new jobs. The updated Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes more than 100 billion in additional tax cuts for Main Street businesses, leveling the playing field between them and large corporations. The Senate bill prioritizes the drivers of our economy and the workers who make the engines run. I’ll continue giving Main Street and working families a voice as the Senate and House work together on a final bill.” Highlights of Senate Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Lowers rates on middle income Americans: Allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned dollars. A family of four with income of around $73,000 (median family income) will see a tax cut of nearly $2,200. Doubles the standard deduction: Increases the deduction American families can claim from $12,000 to $24,000. Eliminates the poverty tax: Obamacare’s individual mandate, which so far has cost over 5 billion dollars. Forty-two percent of the individual mandate's payers make less than $25,000 and 80 percent those make less than $50,000. Senator Daines has long been a champion of repealing this regressive tax.  Doubles the child tax credit: Gives families a break by doubling the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 - giving working moms and dads with two kids an extra two thousand dollars to help make ends meet.  Gives tax cuts to those who provide jobs: Senator Daines secured $100 billion in tax cuts for Main Street businesses, increasing their tax deduction from 17.4 percent to 23 percent. These are Montana’s farmers, ranchers, bakers, and bank owners and they provide 68 percent of private sector jobs in Montana. Makes American businesses competitive overseas: Lowers the corporate income tax from 35 percent, the highest rate in the industrialized world, to 20 percent. This will allow American businesses to compete and win against global competitors and bring American jobs back home. Daines’ work to Level the Playing Field Between Main Street and Wall Street:  On November, 27 Senator Daines announced plans to vote “no” on the Senate tax cuts bill, telling leadership he wanted “to see changes to the tax cut bill that ensure main street businesses are not put at a competitive disadvantage against large corporations.”  On November, 29 After Senator Daines secured an additional $60 billion in tax cuts for Main Street businesses, he agreed to vote to move the Senate package bill to the floor for debate. He promised to continue fighting on behalf of Main Street as the final bill was drafted. On December, 1 Senator Daines announced he secured $100 billion in tax cuts for Main Street businesses, increasing their tax deduction from 17.4 percent to 23 percent. Montana’s Main Street in Support of Senate Tax Cuts Bill: “Our contractors face a severe skilled labor shortage all across the state, and the country; Senator Daines and Murkowski’s efforts on Senate Amendment 1619 are common sense and most welcome.” -- Jim Michlig – Manager & Owner, Kalispell Electric Inc., Kalispell “Thank you for your diligent work in getting the pass-through tax allocation from 17.4 % to 23%.  This will assist all small businesses, like our $50 million, 1st Bank, Broadus, MT, a subchapter S bank, to compete with C corporation businesses.” -- John L Franklin -  President, 1st Bank, Broadus “I founded Freedom Bank in 2005 as a sub-S corporation. We are growing, doing well and making a big difference in our community. Unfortunately, we currently pay out a dividend equivalent to what our individual shareholders pay in personal taxes. If we can get a portion of that reduced, it would be great for our business because it would grow our capital and allow us to make more loans to our community.” --Don Bennett – President & CEO, Freedom Bank, Columbia Falls “The Montana Chamber of Commerce is encouraged by the passage of significant federal tax reform in the US Senate. Simplifying the tax code at low, broad-based rates will meet several objectives in our 10-year strategic plan, Envision 2026.  Pairing tax reform with responsible management of the deficit will spur economic growth, raise gross state product, and boost per-capita income for Montana families.” --Webb Brown, President and CEO of the Montana Chamber.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5704,Tester Votes No on Tax Giveaway that Adds $1.5 Trillion to National Debt [press_release],2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Votes No on Tax Giveaway that Adds $1.5 Trillion to National Senator Blasts Legislation that was Drafted in Secret and Without Public Input (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today voted against a secret tax giveaway to the wealthy that increases the national debt by adding nearly $1.5 trillion to the deficit. ""Hard-working Montanans deserve more than a bill drafted in the dark of night, that saddles our kids and grandkids with more crushing debt. Sadly, Washington dysfunction has hit a new low and Montana families and small businesses deserve better than this."" The Congressional Budget Office reported today that this bill will add nearly $1.5 trillion to the deficit. The bill was brought to the floor for amendment votes less than two hours after being released to the public and included hand-scribbled text in the margins. Tester blasted the process in a social media video that subsequently went viral.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-secures-additional-tax-cuts-for-main-street-businesses,Daines Secures Additional Tax Cuts for Main Street Businesses,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.01.17 Daines Secures Additional Tax Cuts for Main Street Businesses U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced plans to support the Senate tax cuts bill after securing additional tax cuts for Main Street businesses in Montana and across the country. “After weeks of fighting for Main Street businesses including Montana’s farmers and ranchers, I’ve decided to support the Senate tax cut bill which provides significant tax relief for Main Street businesses” said Daines. ""With 68% of Montana’s jobs created by Main Street businesses, this is much needed relief that will help spur economic growth and provide higher paying jobs.” Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5701,"Tester Delivers for Indian Country: One Bill Heads to Presidents Desk, Two through the Senate [press_release]",2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester pushed three pieces of legislation out of the Senate that will spur economic growth in Indian Country, preserve native culture, and protect families across Montana. ""We have a bipartisan responsibility to create jobs, safeguard our children, and ensure the rich heritage of Indian Country is passed down to the next generation,"" said Tester, a senior member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. ""This legislation passing the Senate is an important step in fulfilling our nation's promise to Native families and businesses."" Tester's Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act now heads to President Trump's desk for signature. This bipartisan bill will allow tribes to pool numerous federal employment and job training resources into one comprehensive program. Currently tribes receive workforce development money from multiple agencies, this bill gives tribes flexibility to combine those resources into one focused mission. ""The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council is truly grateful that Senator Tester co-sponsored a bill that better fits the employment and training needs for peoples and programs on the Blackfeet Nation,"" said Terry Tatsey, Vice Chairman of the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. ""The Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act provides an avenue to centralize job training for our people at one location and reduces program workload on researching employment training funds from multiple agencies. The employment and job training programs on the Blackfeet Nation can spend more time actually training people on gainful employment and less time administering and reporting to multiple agencies. At this time we want to share our thanks and gratitude to Senator Jon Tester for co-sponsoring this bill."" During National Native American Heritage Month, Tester, a longtime champion for preserving native culture, also passed the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act out of the Senate. Tester's legislation will reauthorize Native language grant initiatives and expand eligibility for tribes to access the grants. All of the approximately 148 Native languages that are still spoken in the United States are at risk of extinction within the next 50 to 100 years, unless drastic measures are taken. Eighty-three percent of these languages have fewer than 1,000 speakers each. Four tribes in Montana receive federal funding for Native language schools. ""Language is the carrier of culture,"" said Ramey L. Growing Thunder, Director of the Ft. Peck Language and Culture Program. ""Positive support systems promote, maintain, and revitalize Native languages and cultures within ceremonial contexts. When children are learning Native languages and cultures there is considerable hope of language and culture preservation. When the Tribal communities are involved with language revitalization or maintenance, the hope to create speakers and to strengthen language, rises higher and advancement of language shift towards Native language and culture use becomes stronger."" Also, Tester secured passage of the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act, which will require the Justice Department to work with tribal law enforcement to develop and implement AMBER Alert communication systems in tribal communities. Many tribal law enforcement agencies currently do not have the communication infrastructure to send or receive AMBER Alert messages with other local law enforcement agencies or the FBI. ""I am so pleased to hear about the AMBER Alert In Indian Country Act of 2017 passing through the Senate,"" Derek VanLuchene, President and Founder of Ryan United and Senior Associate with the National AMBER Alert Training and Technical Assistance Program said. ""This was an important hurdle in moving toward this becoming a reality. Through this legislation, Tribal Communities will get the assistance they need to improve their response and assist them in building action plans in the event of a missing or abducted child in Indian Country. It will also assist Tribal Communities with building relationships with existing state and regional AMBER Alert programs. I am hoping that it passes through the House with the same ease. I really want to thank Senator John McCain (R-AZ) Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), and Tom Udall (D-NM) for their sponsorship and unwavering support of this crucial legislation."" Tester's work on behalf of Indian Country can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5702,Tester Slams Vote on 479-Page Tax Giveaway: This is Washington D.C. at its Worst [press_release],2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)—U.S. Senator Jon Tester today slammed a 479-page tax giveaway, calling it “Washington D.C. at its worst.” In a video that went viral within minutes, Tester blasted Washington politicians for releasing the massive reform bill just hours before it is expected to receive a vote, leaving the Senate with almost no time to read the bill. “This is unbelievable,” Tester says in the video. “We are doing massive tax reform on an absolute incredible timeline. This is going to affect everyone in this country. It is going to shift money from middle-class families to the rich. We were given this bill 25 minutes ago, and we are supposed to vote on it in a couple of hours.” The Senate is currently debating the unknown bill, which has been hastily re-written behind closed doors many times this week. As they attempt to plow through nearly 500 pages of impossible-to-read, hand-scribbled text, Senators have discovered a series of secret pet projects and sweetheart deals that were snuck into the bill late Friday night. The bill was brought to the floor for amendment votes less than two hours after being released to the public.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bills-protecting-montana-coal-advance,Bills Protecting Montana Coal Advance,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Greg Gianforte,G000584,gianforte.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today the House Committee on Natural Resources passed two bills, one which included an amendment from Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte, that reassert Congress’s role to regulate coal instead of an unelected regulatory regime. “Bills that will protect Montana jobs, our communities, and affordable electricity from federal overreach today passed the House Natural Resources Committee,” Gianforte said. “For eight years, the Obama administration consistently worked to undermine Montana coal – whether it was a last-minute moratorium on coal leasing or having Washington bureaucrats employ flawed metrics to promote its anti-coal agenda,” Gianforte said. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen how this approach has played out in Montana. It has jeopardized our jobs and threatened our communities.” “The bills passed today will help Montana turn a corner from the war on coal. The bills provide greater certainty to coal miners in our state, including for the more than 2,200 Montanans with coal mining jobs,” Gianforte said. H.R. 1778 requires congressional approval of any order by the Interior Secretary imposing a moratorium on coal leasing on federal lands. Congress must act within 30 legislative days after the proposed order is received by Congress. The Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act of 2017, H.R. 3117, prohibits the use of ambiguous metrics in environmental rulemakings, such as determining the social cost of carbon, social cost of methane and social cost of nitrous oxide. Gianforte offered an amendment to H.R. 3117, which was adopted, that focuses the suggested assessment on the actual project rather than conjecturing on the upstream and downstream production effects. The amendment requires any use of the social cost of carbon metric to exclude the indirect cumulative effects and instead focus exclusively on the proposed action.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-announces-2017-montana-congressional-veteran-commendation,Gianforte Announces 2017 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation Recipients,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Greg Gianforte,G000584,gianforte.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte announced the recipients of the 2017 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation, a unique recognition of Montana veterans who served our country and continued their service in their communities. “I am humbled to represent a state with such a large veteran population, and I am honored to recognize 14 exemplary veterans with the 2017 Montana Congressional Veterans Commendation. Their service and sacrifice for our country as well as their continued dedication to improving our communities merit special recognition in Congress,” Gianforte said. “On behalf of all Montanans, I thank them for their selfless service to country and community.” Gianforte created the annual Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation in 2017 to recognize outstanding Montana veterans who have honorably served our nation and our communities. In October, Gianforte asked Montanans to help him identify nominees for the award. The 14 recipients of the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation will receive a special commemorative flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in their honor on Veterans Day. 2017 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation Recipients: Richard “Dick” Allgood of Big Sky – U.S. Air Force; Vietnam War Gene Bell of Belgrade – U.S. Marine Corps; World War II William “Bruce” Charles of De Borgia – U.S. Air Force; Vietnam War Richard Gale of Bozeman – U.S. Marine Corps; Vietnam War Gary Germundson of Scobey – U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve; Vietnam War Theron “David” Gertz of Butte – U.S. Navy; 1986-1990 Michael Lawson of Butte – U.S. Marine Corps; Vietnam War Phillip Lyons of Butte – U.S. Navy and U.S. Navy Reserve; World War II and Korean War Daniel Ritter of Bozeman – U.S. Marine Corps; Operation Restore Hope Frank Stoltz of Miles City – U.S. Army Air Corps; World War II Kevin Strickler of Belgrade – U.S. Marine Corps; 1983-1986 Kyle Sukhbir of Livingston – U.S. Army; Operation Enduring Freedom Loice “L.A.” Trotter of Libby – U.S. Army Air Corps; World War II Stanley Watson of Forsyth – U.S. Marine Corps; Vietnam War   Video of Congressman Gianforte announcing recipients of the 2017 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation may be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5650,"As Debate on Tax Bill Continues, Tester Remains Concerned About National Debt [press_release]",2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"As Debate on Tax Bill Continues, Tester Remains Concerned About National Debt Senator Offers Amendment to Eliminate Deficit Spending (U.S. Senate)—As the debate on a tax bill in the U.S. Senate extends into Friday, U.S. Senator Jon Tester remains concerned about the proposal’s impact on the national debt and future generations: “I can’t support the Senate bill as it stands today because adding over a trillion dollars to the deficit is irresponsible to future generations. It is my hope that we can work together on a bipartisan solution that prioritizes hard-working Montanans, provides relief to small businesses, and doesn’t saddle our kids and grandkids with more crushing debt.” The nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation today announced that the current version of the Senate tax bill would add $1 trillion to the national deficit even after any potential resulting economic growth is accounted for. The Joint Committee on Taxation report directly contradicts the claim that the tax bill will pay for itself. During the floor debate Thursday evening, Tester sponsored an amendment that would have sent the bill back to the Senate Finance Committee and require that it be re-written to ensure that it doesn’t add to the deficit over the next 10 years. Tester’s amendment was opposed 52-48 on a party line vote. Debate on the bill is scheduled to resume at 9:00 a.m. MDT on Friday.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-secures-funding-for-main-street,Daines Secures Funding for Main Street,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.29.17 Daines Secures Funding for Main Street U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after announcing plans to move the Senate tax cuts bill to the U.S. Senate floor for debate. ""There has been some good progress for Main Street businesses in the tax cut bill,” said Daines. “I was able to secure more than 60 billion in tax cuts for Main Street businesses. These Main Street businesses will be able to provide more jobs and higher wages in Montana and across the country. I've seen enough progress to vote yes to move the debate forward.""  Background:   The $60 billion in tax cuts for Main Street businesses moves the deductible rate from 17.4 percent to 20 percent. Senator Daines also secured the Interest Charge Domestic International Sales Corporation (IC-DISC), which is a tax provision that allows U.S. domestic companies that have export sales to foreign customers to reduce their tax burden in order to compete against foreign-based corporations.   ### Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5645,Tester: Replace Veterans Choice Program with Bipartisan Community Care Plan [press_release],2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) – Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Jon Tester today led a Senate markup on his bipartisan bill to streamline the VA’s community care programs and bolster VA care for veterans. Tester’s Caring for Our Veterans Act phases out the Choice Program while creating a single, easy-to-navigate VA community care system. It also allows the VA to invest in its medical staff and infrastructure to better serve veterans in rural areas like Montana. “Our bill ends the Choice Program as we know it today and puts veterans at the center of their health care decisions,” said Tester. “Instead of forcing veterans into a one-size-fits-all system, this plan allows them to choose with their doctors the health care that works best for them. This bill was crafted through close collaboration and compromise with veterans and advocates, Republicans and Democrats. I look forward to thorough debate on this bill so veterans in Montana have a health care system that works for them.” Tester’s Caring for Our Veterans Act modifies veterans’ access to care in their communities by: Merging the seven VA community care programs into one program that puts the veteran and their doctor at the center of medical decisions. Improving accountability and transparency of VA’s spending and third party administrators like Health Net. Providing veterans with convenient access to walk-in clinics for non-urgent health care needs. Tester’s bill will also bolster the VA’s capacity to care for veterans by: Incentivizing medical staff to work at rural, underserved and tribal VA facilities, and deploying mobile teams to provide additional care. Removing barriers for veterans to access telemedicine, including mental health care, closer to home. Bringing more nurses and heart-and-lung specialists to work at the VA, and clinical staff to work at Vet Centers.  The bill also extends the VA’s caregiver support program to veterans of all eras.Members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee today met to offer amendments to Tester’s bill. During that meeting, the Committee voted to send the bill to the Floor for full Senate consideration. The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Wounded Warrior Project have endorsed Tester’s Caring for Our Veterans Act. A summary of Tester’s Caring for Our Veterans Act can be found online HERE. More information about today’s Committee meeting can be found online HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5647,Tester Stands Up for Personal Freedoms in Landmark U.S. Supreme Court Case [press_release],2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Stands Up for Personal Freedoms in Landmark U.S. Supreme Court Case Senator: Our Daily Location is None of Your Business (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today took a strong position on a historic case being heard before the U.S. Supreme Court, Carpenter v. United States. ""When Montanans drive to school, enter a doctor's office, or hike in the mountains, the government has no business tracking us. Warrantless searches of cell phone data are a disgusting violation of our personal freedoms. The Supreme Court must do the right thing and protect our civil liberties; there is far too much at stake to forsake our right to privacy."" Carpenter v. United States asks the question of whether it's legal for the government to obtain historical cell phone records, revealing the location and movements of a cellphone user, from wireless providers without a warrant.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5649,Tester Urges Trump to Protect Montana Consumers [press_release],2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is calling on the Trump Administration to protect Montana consumers by providing clear and stable leadership at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) following Friday's resignation of Director Richard Cordray. CFPB Deputy Director Leandra English and Mick Mulvaney, the Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, are both claiming jurisdiction over the agency - each citing conflicting laws. In a letter to Trump, Tester said he has ""strong concerns"" about Mulvaney's appointment to lead the Bureau. Mulvaney has previously called the CFPB ""a sick, sad joke."" Tester called the confusion ""an avoidable distraction that ultimately undermines the Bureau's ability to stand up for hardworking Americans across the country."" ""I respectfully urge you to allow Deputy Director English to act as the sole interim director of the CFPB and nominate a worthy and capable permanent director who is committed to protecting consumers as soon as possible,"" wrote Tester, Montana's only member of the Senate Banking Committee. ""Americans need a leader at the CFPB who will fight for them, not burn the agency down from the inside out."" Congress established the CFPB in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis to protect American consumers from harmful financial products and predatory Wall Street behavior. It plays a critical role in defending Montanans from mortgage schemes, fraud, identity theft, and for-profit schools aiming to take advantage of veterans. The full text of Tester's letter is available online HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5646,Tester Blasts Federal Communications Commission Proposal to End Net Neutrality [press_release],2017-11-28,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)– U.S Senator Jon Tester blasted the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recently announced plans to end net neutrality in the coming weeks. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced a proposal called the Restoring Internet Freedom Order, which would make it possible for large multi-national corporations to block websites, slow down internet access, and routinely interfere with web traffic. “The only true freedom in your Order is the freedom for these large corporations to reduce consumer choice, control the flow of internet information and increase profits at the expense of everyday Montanans,” wrote Tester. “I strongly urge you to reverse course on your net neutrality proposal and put the American people’s ability to openly access the internet before corporate bottom lines. Montanans expect unfettered access to the web, which means absolutely no blocking websites, no paid prioritization and no throttling speeds.” Tester, a longtime champion for net neutrality, urged Chairman Pai to reconsider his proposal. “As the Commission considers your net neutrality proposal in the coming weeks, I ask that you listen to the Americans who are rightfully demanding an open internet and rescind this corporate backed proposal,” Tester said. “In order to compete in a 21st century economy, Montana businesses, students, and consumers need access to a free and open internet and they need an FCC committed to promoting infrastructure.” Tester’s full letter to Chairman Pai can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5648,"Tester Breaks Through Washington Gridlock Again, Passes Another Bipartisan Bill Through Senate [press_release]",2017-11-28,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today again broke through the Washington gridlock and passed another bipartisan bill through the Senate. The Senate unanimously passed the Tester's Honoring Hometown Heroes Act, which amends the U.S. flag code to allow the Governor of a state to order the American flag to be lowered to half-staff in the event that a local first responder dies while serving in the line of duty. The Honoring Hometown Heroes Act is the tenth bill Tester has authored this year that will be sent to President Trump's desk for signature, once the House of Representatives finalizes a procedural vote. ""When folks fall into harm's way, police officers and firefighters risk their lives to keep our communities safe,"" Tester said. ""This bipartisan bill will give our first responders who die in the line of duty to receive the recognition they deserve. I am proud that Republicans and Democrats put politics aside to pass this important bipartisan bill."" Currently, Governors only have the ability to order the American flag to fly at half-staff after the death of a government official or the death of a member of the Armed Forces during combat. Tester introduced the Honoring Hometown Heroes Act earlier this year and entered the names of 128 Montana law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty into the Congressional Record. Tester's bipartisan bill has been endorsed by police departments across Montana in addition to the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Fraternal Order of Police, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, International Association of Fire Fighters, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Volunteer Fire Council, National Honor Guard Commanders Association, National Honor Guard Academy, and National Fire Academy Alumni Association. The other nine Tester-authored bills that have been signed into law or are sitting on President Trump's desk are: Government Accountability Office Access and Oversight Act VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act Veterans Choice Program Improvement Act Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act VA Expiring Authorities Act Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act Gary Deloney and John Olsen Toxic Exposure Declassification Act",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-negotiating-concerns-on-tax-cuts-for-main-street-businesses,Daines Negotiating Concerns on Tax Cuts for Main Street Businesses,2017-11-27,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.27.17 Daines Negotiating Concerns on Tax Cuts for Main Street Businesses U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Senate’s current tax plan. “When Congress took on tax cuts, we promised to create more high paying jobs and to grow the economy” said Daines. “I want to see changes to the tax cut bill that ensure main street businesses are not put at a competitive disadvantage against large corporations.  Two-thirds of our job creation comes from main street businesses and I’m doing what I can to make sure all of America is stronger and more competitive.  Before I can support this bill, this improvement needs to be made. I remain optimistic and will continue working with my colleagues to find a solution.”  Background: In Montana, main street jobs make up 68% of all private sector employment. This makes Montana number one in the nation for main street job creation. Nationally, main street businesses are responsible for 55% of private sector jobs. Two-thirds of new jobs created in America come from main street businesses.        ### Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-applauds-new-direct-flights-from-mso-and-fca-to-los-angeles,Daines Applauds New Direct Flights from MSO and FCA to Los Angeles,2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.17 Daines Applauds New Direct Flights from MSO and FCA to Los Angeles U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded United Airlines' announcement to offer direct flights from Missoula (MSO) and Glacier Park (FCA) in Montana to Los Angeles (LAX). ""Tourism is a critical part of the Montana economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs,” said Daines. “Having more flight options means less expensive airfare for Montana families and more businesses opportunities for the Treasure State.”   ""This new flight is an excellent opportunity for travelers to access Los Angeles, in addition easy access for southern Californians to witness the beauty of Montana,”said Cris Jensen, airport director at Missoula International Airport. We are thankful for the airline's commitment to our community and appreciate the investment they have made to serve the transportation needs of our region.""  “This direct service provides significant advantages, both to those who live in the valley and guests wishing to visit the Flathead,” said Rob Ratkowski, airport director for Glacier Park International Airport. “Not only does this direct flight drastically reduce travel time to the West Coast, the flight’s arrival times will make it possible for travelers to easily catch same-day connections out of LAX. It really opens up travel options for residents and tourists.” At the moment, the daily flights will be seasonal beginning in June and going until August. Tickets for the direct flights are currently on sale. ### 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-roll-back-of-burdensome-internet-regulation,Daines Applauds Roll-Back of Burdensome Internet Regulation,2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.17 Daines Applauds Roll-Back of Burdensome Internet Regulation  U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai’s announcement regarding plans to dismantle harmful internet regulations implemented under the Obama Administration and return to a light-touch regulatory system that allows the internet economy to thrive. “Some of America’s greatest companies were born on the internet,” said Daines. “By dismantling harmful internet regulations, American companies will have an open internet that allows their business, and our economy, to grow.”  Daines introduced the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act in both the 114th and 115th Congress, which exempts small businesses from enhanced transparency requirements.  He also led a bipartisan, bicameral effort urging the FCC to take action before the existing exemption expired.   In February, Daines secured FCC approval on the proposal that would bring regulatory relief for small businesses.  ### 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/national-park-service-extends-comment-period-following-daines-request-,National Park Service Extends Comment Period Following Daines Request,2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.17 National Park Service Extends Comment Period Following Daines’ Request U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today secured a 30-day extension to the comment period of proposed fee increase for our National Parks, following a letter sent to the Acting Director of the National Park Service, Mike Reynolds.  “It is critical that Montanans and Americans can afford to enjoy Montana’s national treasures,” Daines stated. “A fee increase of this magnitude needs enough time for Montanans and our visitors to have their voices heard.” On November 14, Daines sent a letter to the Acting Director of the National Park Service, Mike Reynolds, asking for an extension of the public comment period for fee increases at 17 national parks. To provide a comment to the National Park Service on the proposed fee increase, click here. Daines is the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks and Chairman of the Senate Western Caucus. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-fights-for-montana-agriculture,Daines Fights for Montana Agriculture,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.17.17 Daines Fights for Montana Agriculture U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today led seven Senators from the Northern Plains and Pacific Northwest in sending a letter to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue and United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer, urging them to address India’s unfair trade practices affecting American dry pea producers. The letter calls on Indian Prime Minister Modi to reverse or delay the implementation of a 50 percent tariff on all dry pea imports and requests that until such actions are taken, USDA take appropriate steps to mitigate the negative impacts of the tariff on farmers.   “India is the top export market for U.S. dry peas,” the Members wrote. “Unless this decision is reversed or mitigated, it will have a devastating impact on the U.S. dry pea industry. To mitigate these initial impacts, we urge that you request the Government of India to reverse its decision, or at least delay imposing it for 90 days to allow shipments under existing contracts to be delivered.” The letter was also signed by Sens. Tester (MT), Risch (ID), Heitkamp (ND), Hoeven (ND), Cantwell (WA), Crapo (ID), and Murray (WA). The letter is available below and to download HERE. The Honorable Sonny Perdue                         The Honorable Robert Lighthizer Secretary                                                         Ambassador U.S. Department of Agriculture                      Office of the U.S. Trade Representative 1400 Independence Ave., S.W.                      600 17th St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20250                                Washington, D.C. 20508 Dear Secretary Perdue and Ambassador Lighthizer: We write to request your assistance in addressing a serious market disruption that is affecting U.S. dry pea producers and processors in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Plains. On November 8, 2017, the Government of India announced that all imports of dry peas will be subject to a 50 percent tariff, effective immediately, including shipments under contract and in transit. India is the top export market for U.S. dry peas, purchasing an average of 200,000 tons, or 30 percent of U.S. exports, per year. Unless this decision is reversed or mitigated, it will have a devastating impact on the U.S. dry pea industry. The imposition of such an increase without notice has caused cash dry pea prices to collapse in the United States. Furthermore, exporters with shipments currently en route will suffer severe financial hardship when the tariff is applied to their product upon arrival. To mitigate these initial impacts, we urge that you request the Government of India to immediately reverse its decision, or at least delay imposing it for 90 days to allow shipments under existing contracts to be delivered.  In the event India continues to impose this highly-disruptive trade measure, we ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use discretionary authorities, as appropriate, to purchase dry peas that otherwise would have been exported to India during the current marketing year. These authorities include 7 U.S.C. 612c (Section 32) to purchase surplus commodities that would otherwise depress domestic prices, and sales or donations under domestic or international food assistance programs.   We look forward to working with you to mitigate the impact of this unanticipated and devastating action by the Government of India on U.S. dry pea producers and processors.  ### 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-ray-hageman-of-garfield-county,Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Ray Hageman of Garfield County,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.17.17 Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Ray Hageman of Garfield County U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized Ray Hageman of Garfield County for the bravery and leadership he demonstrated while fighting the Lodgepole Complex Fire this past wildfire season.  Daines’ recognition in the Congressional Record is available here.  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 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. President, this week I have the distinct honor of recognizing Garfield County’s fire warden, Ray Hageman, for his actions to organize and coordinate the local response to the Lodgepole Complex Fire. Ray and his team worked to preserve the lives and livelihoods that were threatened by this devastating fire. Their actions exemplify the resolute character of the Treasure State.  The Lodgepole Complex Fire was one of the largest fires of the 2017 wildfire season.  When first responders finally defeated the flames, well over a quarter million acres of land had burned. Ray was on the front lines of this rural fire, orchestrating the distribution of local equipment, coordinating effective initial response techniques and helping to integrate the efforts of partner firefighting organizations from outside the county.  Effective local leaders like Ray are supported by the committed team members they lead. Team members like Garfield County’s Anne Miller, who was the Public Information Officer for the Lodgepole Complex Fire. Anne worked around-the-clock at the beginning of the fire to build a common understanding of a changing fire environment. By enabling open and clear lines of communication, she strengthened the team’s fire response efforts and saved many Montanans from potential loss of property and life.   Ray and his team weathered one of the largest wildfires in the nation. Their courage in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to all Montanans. Thank you, Ray, for leading under such difficult circumstances and working hard to protect Montanans from wildfires. ### 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/senate-western-caucus-urges-prompt-confirmation-of-interior-nominees,Senate Western Caucus Urges Prompt Confirmation of Interior Nominees,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.17.17 Senate Western Caucus Urges Prompt Confirmation of Interior Nominees U.S. SENATE —Chairman of the Senate Western Caucus, U.S. Senator Steve Daines (MT), was joined by 15 Senators in leading members of the Senate Western Caucus in urging U.S. Senate leadership to prioritize confirmation of nominees important to the West. In a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Charles Schumer, the Senate Western Caucus drew attention to the languishing nominations of Joseph Balash to be Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, Susan Combs to be Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget, Ryan Nelson to be Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior and Brenda Burman to be Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation. On the same day as the letter was sent, the Senate confirmed Burman?. “As you proceed in scheduling the next nominations to bring to the floor, we urge you to make these well-qualified nominees a top priority,” the members wrote. “A fully staffed DOI is essential to implementing the Senate’s bipartisan objectives for responsible energy and natural resource development, stewardship of our public lands, and creating good paying jobs that will benefit not only western states, but the U.S. economy as a whole.” The letter is also signed by Sens. John McCain (AZ), Jeff Flake (AZ), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Sullivan (AK), Mike Enzi (WY), Mike Crapo (ID), James Risch (ID), Dean Heller (NV), Mike Lee (UT), John Barrasso (R-WY), Cory Gardner (CO), Orrin Hatch (UT), John Hoeven (UT), John Boozman (AR), and Bill Cassidy (LA).  Assistant Secretary, Land & Minerals Management  Joseph Balash, Trump Nominee                   114 days (pending) Wilma Lewis, Obama Nominee                     93 days Rebecca Watson, Bush Nominee                   9 days  Robert Armstrong, Clinton Nominee             41 days Solicitor, Department of the Interior Ryan Nelson, Trump Nominee                      106 days (pending) Hilary Tompkins, Obama Nominee                78 days William Myers, Bush Nominee                      50 days  Drew Days, Clinton Nominee                        51 days Assistant Secretary, Policy Management & Budget Susan Combs, Trump Nominee                     128 days (pending) Rhea Suh, Obama Nominee                          28 days Patricia Lynn Scarlett, Bush Nominee             59 days Kenneth Apfel, Clinton Nominee                    27 days Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation Brenda Burman, Trump Nominee                   140 days Michael Connor, Obama Nominee                   31 days John Keys, Bush Nominee                             28 days Doris Meissner, Clinton Nominee                    38 days The letter is available below and to download HERE:  The Honorable Mitch McConnell                               The Honorable Charles Schumer Majority Leader                                                           Minority Leader U.S. Senate                                                                 U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510                                              Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senators McConnell and Schumer,  As members of the Senate Western Caucus, we urge you to continue to prioritize executive nominations important to the west. Specifically, we would like to bring to your attention four more well-qualified nominees to the Department of the Interior (DOI), reported favorably out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources by a voice vote, and ask that you promptly confirm them.  President Trump nominated Joseph Balash, a native of North Pole, Alaska, to be Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management on July 25, 2017. Prior to Mr. Balash’s service as Chief of Staff to Senator Dan Sullivan (AK), he was Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, which has jurisdiction over more than 140 million acres of upland and submerged lands, containing some of the nation’s most critical energy and mineral resources. Mr. Balash’s western state-based experience as Commissioner and his federal experience in the Senate makes him uniquely qualified for this position at a time when responsibly developing our nation’s resources and creating jobs are among our highest priorities. His nomination has been pending for 114 days, longer than his predecessors in the past 25 years. Susan Combs, a rancher from Big Bend, Texas, was nominated to be Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget on July 11, 2017. Ms. Combs has had a long and successful career both in business and in public service, including as a member of the Texas House of Representatives, as Texas’ Agricultural Commissioner, and as Texas’ Comptroller of Public Accounts. In her time as Comptroller, she successfully managed complex tax issues and streamlined bureaucracy to make it both more efficient and more accountable to taxpayers. Her proven management track record in the public and private sectors is crucial to making DOI more efficient and effective and helping ensure responsible stewardship of western lands. Her nomination has been pending for 128 days, longer than her predecessors in the past 25 years.  Ryan Nelson, a native of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was nominated to be Solicitor of DOI on August 2, 2017. Mr. Nelson has a breadth of experience in the public sector, having worked in all three branches of the federal government. He clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and served as Special Counsel for the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, as well as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. His litigation and regulatory background on these issues that are of the highest importance to western states makes him ideally suited to DOI and he should be confirmed at once. His nomination has been pending for 106 days, longer than his predecessors in the past 25 years.  Brenda Burman of Arizona was nominated by the President to be Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) on June 29, 2017. Ms. Burman has in-depth experience in water issues that are important to western states, having previously served as the BOR Deputy Commissioner and DOI Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science under President George W. Bush. In addition to her government experience, Ms. Burman worked in the private sector in a number of western states, gaining first-hand experience in the challenges we face. Her background makes her an outstanding candidate to lead BOR in working collaboratively to tackle the complex water issues that face western states and she should be confirmed as soon as possible. If confirmed, Ms. Burman will be the first woman to lead the Bureau. Her nomination has been pending for 140 days, nearly 100 days longer than her predecessors within the past 25 years. We urge you to make these well-qualified nominees a top priority for confirmation. A fully staffed DOI is essential to implementing the Senate’s bipartisan objectives for responsible energy and natural resource development, stewardship of our public lands, and creating good-paying jobs that will benefit not only western states, but the U.S. economy as a whole. Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to working with you to further address initiatives important to the west. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-votes-tax-cuts-more-jobs-hardworking-montanans,"Gianforte Votes for Tax Cuts, More Jobs for Hardworking Montanans",2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Greg Gianforte,G000584,gianforte.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on a vote of 227-205. The legislation reforms America’s tax code for the first time in 31 years and includes tax cuts for low- and middle-income Montanans who need relief the most. The legislation lowers tax rates for hardworking Montanans, helps families with the expenses of raising their children, and makes it easier to file taxes. The measure reduces rates for businesses of all sizes and encourages business investment, which grows the economy, jobs, and wages. An analysis from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation finds that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will create nearly 2,879 new Montana jobs and increases after-tax income by $2,169 for median Montana households. Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte spoke on the House floor in support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. “The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will increase paychecks for hardworking Montanans, create Montana jobs, and unleash economic growth,” Gianforte said. “The bill will create nearly 2,900 new Montana jobs and will increase income for median Montana households by nearly $2,200.” “Hardworking Montanans will see a big tax break by cutting their rates and by doubling the standard deduction. Montana families will benefit from an increased child tax credit,” Gianforte said. “I am proud to vote for tax reform that will create thousands of Montana jobs, ensure hardworking Montanans keep more of what they earn, and help small businesses,” Gianforte said. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a pro-growth plan to overhaul our nation’s tax code for the first time since 1986. The legislation ensures hardworking Montanans keep more of what they earn, encourages Montana businesses to invest and hire more workers, and leads to greater economic growth. The bill lowers tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to zero, 12 percent, 25 percent, and 35 percent, while maintaining the current rate for high-income Americans. The standard deduction nearly doubles to $24,000 for married couples and $12,000 for individuals. The legislation establishes a new family credit and also includes an increase of the child tax credit from $1,000 to $1,600. The legislation preserves the home mortgage interest deduction, continues the deduction for charitable contributions, retains popular retirement savings options, and continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local property taxes. The bill limits the maximum tax rate for small business income to 25 percent, the lowest rate on small businesses since World War II. The measure lowers the corporate tax rate to 20 percent – down from 35 percent, among the highest in the industrialized world. The legislation encourages business investment by allowing businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment. Finally, the bill reduces and ultimately repeals the death tax, which will benefit Montana’s family farmers, ranchers, and small business owners. While the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, tax reform legislation awaits action in the U.S. Senate. More information about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act may be found on the Ways and Means Committee’s website and at fairandsimple.gop. Video of Gianforte’s remarks may be found here. Gianforte’s remarks, as prepared, follow: Mr. Speaker, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will increase paychecks for hardworking Montanans, create Montana jobs, and unleash economic growth. In fact, analysis from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation finds the bill will create nearly 2,900 new Montana jobs and will increase income for median Montana households by nearly $2,200. Hardworking Montanans will see a big tax break by cutting their rates and by doubling the standard deduction. Montana families will benefit from an increased child tax credit. Today, only about one in four Montanans itemize their deductions – filling out stacks of paperwork for hours after saving piles of receipts. With tax reform, those days are over. Under the new plan, 9 in 10 Americans won’t have to itemize to see their full tax benefit and will file their taxes on something like a postcard. I am proud to vote for tax reform that will create thousands of Montana jobs, ensure hardworking Montanans keep more of what they earn, and help small businesses. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-introduces-legislation-to-accelerate-forest-management,Daines Introduces Legislation to Accelerate Forest Management,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.16.17 Daines Introduces Legislation to Accelerate Forest Management U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced the Protect Collaboration for Healthier Forests Act to accelerate badly needed and locally supported forest management projects that will improve the health of National Forests and get loggers back to work.  Daines’ bill establishes a pilot arbitration program authorizing the U.S. Forest Service to use binding arbitration in Region 1 (Montana, parts of Idaho, North Dakota) as an alternative dispute resolution process for certain forest restoration projects. Litigation against forest management projects frequently take many years to resolve. Pilot arbitration authority would bring swifter resolution to disputed projects. In doing so, hazardous fuels reduction projects developed through a collaborative process that are allowed to go forward will be implemented more quickly.  “Fringe litigators – radical environmental extremists – sue to stop commonsense collaborative forest management projects that would reduce the risk of wildfire,” Daines stated. “We need to provide common sense relief to the Forest Service to get projects off the ground and out of the courtroom. We need to manage our forests, before our forests manage us.”  Statements of Support: “The NWTF welcomes Senator Daines’ proposal of a pilot program offering binding arbitration as an alternative to litigation. We believe this will remove another barrier to implementing important forest management, that has been recommended through a collaborative effort, in a timely manner.” Rebecca A. Humphries, Chief Executive Officer, National Wild Turkey Federation ""It is vital for forested counties that we get back to managing our forests. This pilot program will help keep vital forest management projects from becoming tied up in litigation. This will mean better fire mitigation, fewer lawsuits, and more jobs and revenue for forest communities. Thank you Senator Daines for sponsoring this important legislation."" Roman Zylawy, Chair, Mineral County Board of Commissioners ""The Wild Sheep Foundation supports Senator Daines’s pilot proposal to advance collaboratively-developed projects to improve forest health.” Gray Thorton, President & CEO, Wild Sheep Foundation “Lack of active management of our forests has significantly impacted habitat for elk and other wildlife. One of the main reasons forests remain unmanaged and susceptible to insects, disease and wildfire is the staggering number of lawsuits filed by organizations seeking to stop all management—despite the damage done to forest resources, wildlife and communities. RMEF supports arbitration to move projects out of the courtroom and into the hands of stakeholders. Those who don’t support an arbitration process at some level, aren’t truly committed to solving the issues plaguing our national forests.” David Allen, President & CEO, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation “This bill is a good step toward improving forest management. Arbitration would protect taxpayer dollars by avoiding a lengthy court process and provide for certain projects to be completed in a time frame that actually accomplishes the goal of better forest management. This bill would also improve the prospects of salvage timber projects to move forward before the timber is no longer merchantable.” Rosebud County Commissioners “Montana Wood Products Industry has long advocated for alternative dispute resolution as an option to deal with obstructionist litigation in Region 1 that impacts jobs in the woods and at the mills. We believe this reasonable approach will be a step forward in judicial relief that is desperately needed in Region 1.” Julia Altemus, Executive Director, Montana Wood Products Association “The Montana Logging Association has long witnessed the decline in forest management in Region 1 and the challenges the agency faces from serial litigators. We thank Senator Daines for offering this opportunity to the Forest Service and hope to see this authority move collaboratively developed projects out of the courts and back into the woods.” Keith Olsen, Executive Director, Montana Logging Association “The Protect Collaboration for Healthier Forests Act will provide an excellent opportunity to test drive the arbitration process and seek efficiencies and better outcomes in forest conflict management. I applaud Senator Daines’ pilot approach to test the process through a program that is limited in scope, depth, and timeframe.” Mark Peck, County Commissioner, Lincoln County According to the Forest Service, there are 19 projects in Region 1 that are currently impacted by litigation. While other regions face frequent litigation, Region 1 experience litigation far more than any other region:  Of the 19 Region 1 projects currently impacted by litigation, 12 were developed through a collaborative process. Fifteen of the 19 projects are in Montana. Ten of those were developed through a collaborative process. Of the 19 projects, 17 include acres that are inside the wildland urban interface, which is defined as the areas where communities are in close proximity to forests that are at risk of wildfire. All 15 of the MT projects impacted by litigation include WUI acres. This legislation was cosponsored by Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Jim Risch (R-ID).  ### 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=5642,Tester Sends Key National Security Bill to Presidents Desk [press_release],2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)—U.S. Senator Jon Tester sent critical national security legislation to the President’s desk today. The bill includes key Tester-authored provisions that will give U.S. troops a pay raise, strengthen the nation’s ICBM fleet, and help veterans get the care and benefits they have earned. “Our country is only as strong as the folks who defend it,” Tester said. “So, by investing in pay raises for our troops and ensuring our veterans get the care they deserve, this bipartisan bill does right by our men and women in uniform and bolsters the safety and security of our nation.” The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) sets funding levels and policies for the U.S. Department of Defense. In addition to providing a 2.4 percent pay raise to service members, the bill also includes a number of important provisions championed by Tester. ICBMs Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base is one of only three military bases across the country that house the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The country’s current fleet of ICBMs were first developed in the 1960s. The 2018 NDAA makes key investments in extending the life of these weapons to ensure they are safe and reliable for years to come. John Olsen The 2018 NDAA also includes Tester’s Gary Deloney and John Olsen Toxic Exposure Declassification Act, a bipartisan bill that would declassify the military records of veterans subjected to secret Cold War-era chemical weapons testing. Tester has worked closely with Billings veteran John Olsen to get this bill crafted and passed. A decorated U.S. Navy veteran, Olsen participated in Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense) in the mid-1960s, a series of top-secret tests aimed at gauging the vulnerability of naval vessels to chemical and biological attacks. During these tests, Olsen was exposed to high levels of weaponized chemical agents and highly toxic carcinogens, and has since experienced a litany of serious health issues and battled cancer four times. But because the records of Project SHAD have been classified, the VA has denied Olsen his benefits and refused to administer care related to his exposure. Tester’s bill would declassify these records, allowing Olsen to finally file a claim to receive the medical care and benefits he deserves. Military Sexual Trauma Tester also successfully secured a provision from his Servicemember and Veterans’ Empowerment and Support Act that requires the VA to provide counseling and care for more survivors of military sexual trauma (MST). Currently, these benefits are only extended to service members who experience MST while on active duty or in active duty training, but Tester’s provision expands these services to troops who suffer MST during inactive duty training as well. This is part of Tester’s larger effort to improve care and treatment of female veterans. Other-than-Honorable Discharges Half a million veterans have received other-than-honorable discharges from the military, many after diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) sustained during their service. Tester supported key provisions in the 2018 NDAA to ensure at-risk veterans can access critical mental health care that has been previously denied to them. This includes a provision that gives veterans who were discharged based on PTSD or TBIs priority consideration when appealing their discharge status and a provision requiring the DoD to provide information about benefit eligibility to service members who are separating under other-than-honorable conditions. The final version of 2018 NDAA was passed by the House of Representatives earlier this week, it now heads to the President’s desk for signature.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-urges-action-lower-yellowstone-intake-project,Gianforte Urges Action on Lower Yellowstone Intake Project,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Greg Gianforte,G000584,gianforte.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte today urged the Army Corps of Engineers to move forward with work on the Lower Yellowstone Intake Project. “For 110 years, the Lower Yellowstone Intake Project has provided a dependable supply of water to over 58,000 acres of family farms in Montana and North Dakota. It has also created over 10,000 acres of wildlife habitat,” Gianforte said from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. “I urge the Army Corps of Engineers to move forward with the work on the Lower Yellowstone Intake Project. The completion of this project is urgent to protect species habitat and agriculture activities in Montana,” Gianforte said. Video of Gianforte’s remarks may be found below. Gianforte’ full prepared remarks: Mr. Speaker, for 110 years, the Lower Yellowstone Intake Project has provided a dependable supply of water to over 58,000 acres of family farms in Montana and North Dakota. It has also created over 10,000 acres of wildlife habitat. To protect the endangered pallid sturgeon, Congress funded a bypass channel and weir improvement so the fish could circumvent the diversion. The proposed construction would also protect regional groundwater, the environment, and agricultural communities. Unfortunately, a U.S. District Judge blocked the project this summer, because, as he claims, it does not do enough for sturgeon. His ruling to halt the construction does nothing to help the sturgeon. His ruling also does nothing to help communities that rely on the project’s irrigation. I urge the Army Corps of Engineers to move forward with the work on the Lower Yellowstone Intake Project. The completion of this project is urgent to protect species habitat and agriculture activities in Montana. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-national-parks-must-be-accessible-to-all,Daines: National Parks Must Be Accessible to All,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.15.17 Daines: National Parks Must Be Accessible to All U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter to the Acting Director of the National Park Service, Mike Reynolds, asking for an extension of the public comment period for fee increases at 17 National Parks.   On October 24, 2017, the National Park Service announced it is considering raising the entrance fees during peak season for 17 National Parks, including Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park in Montana. Under the proposal, the price per vehicle will be raised from $30 to $70; the price per person from $15 to $30; and the park specific annual pass from $50 (Glacier) and $60 (Yellowstone) to $75. The current public comment period is scheduled to end on November 23, 2017. “Glacier and Yellowstone National Park – are national treasures that belong to Montanans and Americans across the country” said Daines. “Fee increases of this magnitude could prohibit families from enjoying the great outdoors and need to be considered carefully. Their voices must be heard and our National Parks must remain accessible to all Americans.” Daines is Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. A copy of the letter is available to download HERE and below: Mike Reynolds Acting Director National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, D.C. 20240-0001 RE: Request for Extension of Comment Period for the Proposed Entrance Fee Increase and Changes to Commercial Use Authorizations at 17 National Parks Dear Mr. Reynolds: We write to request an additional 30-day extension of the public comment period for both the proposed targeted fee increases at 17 National Parks and the proposed changes to road-based commercial tour commercial use authorization (CUA) requirements and fees, which is set to close on November 23, 2017. Given the large volume of responses from [Alaskans/other states] and constituents across the United States, and the impact of this new policy, it is important that you provide more than thirty days for the public to participate in the comment periods on these issues.   Although [I/we] respect the National Park Service’s attempt to find solutions to the deferred maintenance backlog, raising entrance fees to this degree could unfairly burden the public and create new barriers to the visitors that you hope to reach and inspire. Likewise, the many small business owners and operators that will be impacted by increased CUA operator fees need to be provided an opportunity to assess the implications of this new policy on their businesses, employees, and customers.   I know we [both/all] believe that our National Parks are treasures that must be accessible to everyone. Given the concerns with these new proposals, it is my hope that the Park Service will provide [Alaskans/other states] and all Americans the opportunity for additional time to comment on this issue. Thank you again for consideration of this matter and [I/we] look forward to working with you on this issue moving forward. ### 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-votes-for-energy-dominance-and-american-jobs-,Daines Votes for Energy Dominance and American Jobs,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.15.17 Daines Votes for Energy Dominance and American Jobs   U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted to empower Alaskans to develop a job-creating oil and gas program in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  “Conservation and job creation are not mutually exclusive,” said Daines. “Alaskans, like Montanans understand the needs of their communities better than radical extreme environmentalists who are determined to block good-paying American jobs.”  Earlier this month at a Committee hearing, Sen. Daines spoke about the importance of blending the protection of our environment and responsibly developing our natural resources.  ### 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=5640,"Tester Announces Legislation to Spur Economic Growth, Increase Access to Capital, Protect Consumers [press_release]",2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - In what POLITICO is calling a ""rare, bipartisan deal,"" U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced he is introducing legislation to strengthen Main Street in rural America by increasing access to capital, cutting burdensome regulation, and protecting consumers. Tester reached a bipartisan agreement with Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) to introduce legislation that will cut red tape for community banks and credit unions while ensuring Montanans are safeguarded against risky Wall Street bets. ""This bill helps Montana families achieve the American dream of homeownership, protects consumers from fraud and financial risk, and cuts red tape for community lenders,"" said Tester. ""Montana's Main Street banks did not cause the financial crisis and they shouldn't be subject to the same regulations as Wall Street. We've seen rural communities dry up because entrepreneurs and first-time home buyers can't access credit. And we've seen a one-size-fits all approach to our financial system that strangles economic growth. This legislation makes sure families and small businesses in states like Montana can thrive, while keeping the big banks on Wall Street in check."" Tester's bill addresses three main areas: access to mortgage credit and housing, consumer protection, and regulatory relief for community lenders. Mortgage Credit and HousingTester's legislation acknowledges that homeownership is a key to the American dream. His bill makes it easier for small financial institutions to lend to Montana families, while supporting low income families. This bill also ensures that key consumer protections stay in place. Specifically, Tester's bill: Exempts small financial institutions with fewer than 500 closed-end mortgage loans or lines of credit from certain reporting requirements Provides that certain mortgages that are originated and retained in portfolio by a financial institution with less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets will be deemed ""qualified mortgages"" Allows small financial institutions to opt out of certain escrow requirements in order to lower closing costs for consumers Reduces paperwork requirements for rural housing authorities that support fewer than 550 households Consumer ProtectionTester's legislation increases protection for consumers who fall victim to fraud and tough financial times. Specifically his bill: Provides one free year of fraud alerts for consumers impacted by the Wells Fargo scandal and the Equifax breach Gives consumers one free credit freeze and unfreeze per year Allows parents to turn on and off credit reporting for children under 18 Prevents credit bureaus from placing negative information on veterans' credit scores for one year, due to mix-ups in Choice Program payments  Prevents mortgage companies from immediately kicking tenants out of their rentals if the landlord is foreclosed upon Encourages banks to report suspicious behavior if seniors could be getting financially scammed Regulatory Relief Tester's legislation realizes that community banks, credit unions, and regional banks do not pose the same risk as Wall Street banks. His legislation tailors regulation appropriately. Specifically, his bill: Allows banks with under $3 billion in total consolidated assets to use the Small Bank Company Policy Holding Statement, allowing them to operate with higher levels of debt  Expands the number of banks eligible for an 18-month examination cycle; this will apply to banks with under $3 billion in total consolidated assets  Cuts reporting requirements for depository institutions with less than $5 billion in total consolidated assets  Exempts community banks with less than $10 billion in assets from global capital standards, known as Basel III, as long as the bank is highly capitalized  Exempts banks with less than $10 billion in total assets from the Volcker rule, as long as the banks have less than five percent total trading assets and liabilities, saving community banks time and money from a rule meant for Wall Street banks  Permits federal savings associations with less than $15 billion in total consolidated assets to operate with the same powers and duties as national banks without being required to convert their charters Raises the threshold for systemically important financial institutions from $50 billion to $250 billion in total consolidated assets, allowing the Federal Reserve to tailor regulations for banks in between $100 billion and $250 billion. This provision also keeps in place important stress testing requirements Tester's bill is supported by the Montana Bankers Association, Montana's Credit Unions, Montana Independent Bankers Association, and Montana Association of REALTORS. ""Senator Tester understands that certain regulatory barriers can impede consumer access to financial services,"" said Tracie Kenyon, President and CEO of Montana's Credit Unions. ""Once again, he is reaching across the aisle to create common-sense solutions to improve processes and ensure that people's financial needs are met. Montana's not-for-profit credit unions are thankful for his vision and leadership."" ""Now the hard work begins to get this bill through Congress and signed by the President to address some of the important issues facing our communities and our customers due to unnecessary and burdensome regulations,"" said Steve Turkiewicz, President and CEO of the Montana Bankers Association. ""This is an important step for much needed bank regulatory reform. We thank Senator Tester and his staff for their many years of persistence in working with Montana's hometown bankers, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Crapo (R- Idaho) and his Senate colleagues to a get this bill introduced."" ""Homeownership is one of the top driving factors in our economy today and makes for better communities and neighborhoods,"" said John Herring, President of the Montana Association of REALTORS. ""In Montana we value homeownership and what it brings to our towns and communities. This Legislation will strengthen Main Street in rural America by increasing access to capital, cutting burdensome regulation, and most importantly protecting Montana consumers. Senator Tester has been a champion for Montana and rural America on the Banking Committee and we applaud his bipartisan efforts in working with Republicans and Democrats to cut through the gridlock of Washington D.C. and write a bill that makes it easier to Montana banks and lenders to help families attain the dream of homeownership and for small businesses to continue to thrive though access to business capital."" ""On behalf of the membership of the Montana Independent Bankers Association, I express the Association's strong support of the bipartisan Senate bill that is designed to provide much needed regulatory relief to Montana's and this nation's community banks,"" said Tom Christnacht, President of the Montana Independent Bankers. ""The membership of the MIB thanks Senator Jon Tester for his strong leadership in putting together a consensus regulatory relief package and for his efforts in getting 17 of his Senate colleagues to join him in advancing this much needed banking legislation. When members of MIB met with Senator Tester in his Washington D.C. office earlier this year, we expressed our belief that if there was ever a time to advance community bank relief provisions that would improve lending and strengthen economic growth at the local level, it was this year and this Congress. Senator Tester assured us that he was working hard to get a community banking bill through the Senate. Senator Tester delivered on that promise today. The MIB is pleased that the Senate Banking Committee, on which Senator Tester serves, will take up this bill before the end of the year. MIB looks forward to seeing this bipartisan legislation sent to the President for his signature so that Montana's community banks get the regulatory relief they need in order to once again be able to focus primarily on serving their customers and their communities."" Tester's bill was also negotiated by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Jon Donnelly (D-Ind.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.). Click HERE for a summary of the bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5641,Tester Combats Opioid Addiction Among Veterans [press_release],2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is demanding safer opioid prescribing practices for veterans and wants top VA officials to implement immediate reforms. Tester today introduced the Opioid Community Care Safety Act, which allows the VA and local providers who care for veterans through the VA's community care programs to share records and craft a safe treatment plan for veterans who have a history of opioid addiction. ""By working together, we can help prevent the over-medication of our veterans, whether they go to the VA or to their local doctors for their health care,"" said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. ""Veterans deserve the very best health care, and this bill encourages safer pain management for them."" During an Appropriations Subcommittee hearing today on preventing veterans' opioid overmedication, Tester called on the VA to continue implementing their new guidelines for prescribing opioids. He also questioned top officials about whether community providers are prescribing too many opioids to veterans. Tester's Opioid Community Care Safety Act also requires providers who partner with the VA through its community care programs to educate staff on the VA's updated opioid prescribing guidelines and to make sure any opioid medications prescribed to a veteran are properly included in that veteran's medical records. This will help VA and community doctors choose a safe treatment plan for veterans who receive health care from multiple providers. More information about today's hearing can be found online HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-hold-montana-telephone-town-hall,Gianforte to Hold Montana Telephone Town Hall,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Greg Gianforte,G000584,gianforte.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte will hold a telephone town hall to discuss tax reform, forest management reform, and other issues important to Montanans. The event will held Wednesday, November 15 beginning at 6:00 p.m. MST. “It’s an honor to serve as Montana’s lone voice in the U.S. House of Representatives, and it’s a responsibility I take very seriously,” said Gianforte. “Staying in touch with Montanans is the only way I know to do the job. That’s why I visited all 56 counties in my first two months in office, have made traveling the state a top priority, and hold telephone town halls where any Montanan may participate.” Montanans interested in joining the telephone town hall can participate by visiting Gianforte’s website (gianforte.house.gov), texting REPGIANFORTE to 828282, or contacting Gianforte’s office at 406-502-1435. WHO:         Congressman Greg Gianforte WHAT:        Montana Telephone Town Hall WHEN:       Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. MST",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gianforte.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gianforte-votes-raise-troops-pay-increase-military-readiness,"Gianforte Votes to Raise Troops Pay, Increase Military Readiness",2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Greg Gianforte,G000584,gianforte.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte voted today to increase military pay, strengthen U.S. armed forces, improve veterans benefits, and end a half-decade of funding cuts that substantially reduced our military readiness. The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2018 (NDAA) passed the House today 356-70. The bill authorizes $634.2 billion in military spending, a $26.4 billion increase above the president’s requests. “Our military men and women are our country’s most vital asset,” Gianforte said. “Today we reaffirm our support for our troops and their families by improving their benefits as well as dedicating more resources to their training and equipment. In addition to providing troops with their largest pay raise in eight years, we also make necessary, critical investments to restore America’s military readiness.” Included in the defense funding measure was a 2.4 percent pay raise for our troops – the largest military pay raise in the past 8 years. The bill also takes steps to provide better health care for military members and their families. America’s defense leaders have warned that dramatic budget cuts over the last five years have decreased American military personnel and readiness in a world of increasing threats. NDAA authorizes increases to the size of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Army Guard and Reserve, Naval and Air Reserve, and Air Guard, while making key investments in equipment, training, maintenance and facilities, and modernizing missile defense and cyberspace security. The bill goes to the president for his consideration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-announces-staff-changes,Daines Announces Staff Changes,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.14.17 Daines Announces Staff Changes State Director, Press Secretary U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that Helena-native, Liz Dellwo has been promoted to State Director.  Daines also welcomes new hire Breanna Deutsch to join his communications team, serving as Press Secretary. “A Helena-native, Liz brings Montana hard work, dedication and passion for our state,” Daines stated. “I know Liz will be invaluable in serving Montanans and putting their interests first.” Liz Dellwo is a fourth generation Montanan who grew up in Helena. She attended Capital High School and went on to graduate from Montana State University with an undergraduate degree in Psychological Sciences and subsequently a Master’s degree in Public Administration. She has served on Daines’ Montana team for four years and has enjoyed the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles.  Liz enjoys spending time with her family and in Montana’s great outdoors. “I’m also excited to welcome Breanna to our team who will keep Montanans updated on my work on their behalf in the U.S. Senate.” Breanna Deutsch was previously the Communications Director for Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA). She is currently earning her masters in corporate communications and public relations at Georgetown University, and earned her undergraduate degree at Scripps College, where she majored in American Studies and minored in Spanish. Breanna’s favorite pastimes include running, reading, and drinking coffee. ### 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-supports-repeal-of-individual-mandate-in-tax-bill,Daines Supports Repeal of Individual Mandate in Tax Bill,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate after the Senate acted on his urging to include a repeal of Obamacare’s poverty tax in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Watch video HERE. Download video HERE. Last week, Senator Daines sent a letter to Committee on Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch, urging him to include a repeal of the poverty tax in the tax legislation. Read the letter HERE. Remarks as prepared: Mr. President – As we cut taxes, there’s one goal I hold center: We need more good paying jobs and bigger paychecks for hardworking Montanans. It was just announced that the Senate draft tax bill will repeal a tax that fundamentally targets the low to middle income in my state and across the nation. In fact, in Montana alone – 75 percent of the people who pay this tax make less than $50,000 a year – 32.5% make less than $25,000. This isn’t anecdotal – in 2015, nationwide, 78.98% of those who paid this tax make less than $50,000 a year – 37.35% make less than $25,000. Mr. President, the IRS pick pocketed over $3 billion dollars from over 6.5 million Americans in 2015 alone – a majority of whom make less than $50,000. This is a tax targeted at those in poverty. What is this tax you might ask? Where did it come from? I’ll tell you where it came from – it came from Obamacare. It’s the Obamacare poverty tax. Otherwise known as the individual mandate, which forces people to purchase health insurance or pay a fine, the poverty tax systematically taxes those making less than $50,000. As if it wasn’t enough that Obamacare plans were too expensive for some of these folks, the IRS taxes them for not being able to afford it. Some say Obamacare steals from the rich to give to the poor – but honestly, Obamacare’s individual mandate is the exact opposite of Robin Hood’s famed cry. Obamacare’s poverty tax is like Robin Hood stealing from Friar Tuck to pay King John. It’s unthinkable that we would leave such a provision in law when we have the opportunity to repeal it. By repealing it, we would, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), save $338 billion dollars over ten years. That’s over $300 billion we can put towards additional tax relief for small businesses and families. Alternatively, if we do nothing – CBO projects that we will increase taxes by $43 billion. And those taxes will be paid primarily by America’s low and middle income. $43 billion dollars in taxes on those who can afford it the least. Obamacare’s Poverty Tax must go – and there’s no better time to get rid of it than now. I urge my colleagues to join me in fighting for the low and middle class of our nation. Benjamin Franklin is credited with phrase: just two things in life are certain: death and taxes. That may be so, but we don’t need to make them both quite so painful. That’s why I’m glad a repeal of the Obamacare poverty tax has been included in the Senate draft tax legislation. I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to do the same. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-04-08T22:12:50Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5639,Testers Bill to Declassify Military Records of Billings Veteran John Olsen Nears Final Passage [press_release],2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that his legislation to declassify the military records of U.S. Navy veteran and Project SHAD participant John Olsen was included in the final bipartisan annual defense bill. Tester's bipartisan Gary Deloney and John Olsen Toxic Exposure Declassification Act declassifies the records of Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense), allowing Olsen to use his records to apply for VA disability benefits and care. Olsen participated in Project SHAD in the mid-1960s. The classified project included a series of tests to gauge the vulnerability of naval vessels and personnel to chemical and biological attacks. During these tests Olsen was regularly exposed to highly toxic carcinogens, and has since battled cancer four times. Because the records of Project SHAD have been classified, the VA has denied Olsen his benefits and refused to administer care related to his exposure. ""Mr. Olsen served our nation with distinction and honor and we have worked for years to get the records of his service declassified,"" said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. ""I'm thrilled that Mr. Olsen will soon be able to use his military records to apply for the VA benefits that he has earned."" ""Without the records from Project SHAD, I'll never know how many toxins I was exposed to,"" said Olsen. ""After 50 years, I'm still fighting for the health care I earned during Project SHAD. Thanks to Jon Tester, I'll soon be able to get the health care I've been fighting for."" Tester secured language in the Senate-passed 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, but the language was not in the House of Representatives-passed version. Tester urged a bipartisan group of House and Senate members negotiating a final version of the compromise bill to include his Project SHAD language. The final 2018 National Defense Authorization Act is expected to pass Congress in the coming weeks.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/daines-fox-continue-brawl-of-the-wild-rivalry,"Daines, Fox Continue Brawl of the Wild Rivalry",2017-11-13,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.13.17 Daines, Fox Continue ‘Brawl Of The Wild’ Rivalry U.S. SENATE —For the fifth straight year, Montana’s U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Montana Attorney General Tim Fox and continue their ‘Brawl of the Wild’ wager for the University of Montana – Montana State University football game. The Bobcats (4-6) and Grizzlies (7-3) clash this Saturday at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman. The terms of this year’s bet: the loser will sport the colors of the winning team and record a video, congratulating them. The loser will share the video on Twitter and Facebook. “As Attorney General Fox had to learn the hard way last year, we call it Cat-Griz for a reason,” said Sen. Daines. “I look forward to celebrating the win at an electric Bobcat Stadium this weekend and keeping the Great Divide Trophy in Bozeman for another year. I know Attorney General Fox already has a nice Blue and Gold ball cap – I encourage him to wear it in the video he’ll be sending my way after Saturday’s game.” “Although the rivalry between us has been a bit rough on the Senator, I was able to convince him to keep the wager alive after the Cats finally scored a victory last season following a three-year drought,” Fox said. “I hope Steve held on to the nice Griz shirt I gave him a few years back as a prize for one of his three losses. He’s going to need it.” Senator Daines 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.    ###   Contact: Marcie Kinzel, Breanna Deutsch Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5637,Tester: Dont Price Montana Families Out of Glacier and Yellowstone [press_release],2017-11-13,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today slammed the Department of Interior's proposal to significantly increase entrance fees at Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Tester submitted public comment on the Department's controversial proposal to double the ""peak season"" entrance fees for 17 national parks, including Glacier and Yellowstone, from $30 per vehicle to $70 per vehicle. Tester raised concerns that more expensive entrance fees will restrict many Montanans and other visitors from seeing Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, and will hurt local businesses. ""Americans own these parks and they shouldn't have to empty their wallets to gain access and enjoy them,"" Tester wrote. ""I am concerned this fee increase will price Montana families out of our public lands and undercut our growing outdoor economy."" Tester highlighted that visitors to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks spent $547 million in Montana-owned businesses in 2016, which helped sustain more than 9,000 jobs. Tester also pushed back on the Department's claim that the entrance fee increase is needed to pay for the National Park Service's $11.3 billion maintenance backlog. In his comment, Tester emphasized that an entrance fee increase would generate only $69 million-less than one percent of the funds needed to address the maintenance backlog. Earlier this year, President Trump proposed cutting $378 million from the National Park Service budget, including $93 million from the operations and maintenance budget that is one of the key resources the agency uses to address the deferred maintenance backlog. Rather than increase entrance fees for Montana families, Tester called on the Department to work with Congress to address funding for the maintenance backlog without threatening Montanans' access to national parks. ""I encourage you to work creatively with the President and Congress to develop a more realistic approach to addressing the differed maintenance backlog while still allowing Montanans to afford to visit their national parks and enjoy the beauty they offer,"" Tester added. Montanans have until November 23rd to submit public comment on the entrance fee increase proposal HERE. Tester's public comment 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-town-of-roberts,Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Town of Roberts,2017-11-10,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.10.17 Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Town of Roberts U.S. SENATE — Just ahead of Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized the town of Roberts, in Carbon County, who is honoring military veterans by lining Highway 212 with crosses and dogtags to represent servicemembers who have lived in Roberts. Daines’ recognition in the Congressional Record is available here  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 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, with Veterans Day approaching this weekend, I would like to recognize and express my gratitude for the patriotism, selfless service, and community spirit of a small community in southern Montana. The town of Roberts, in Carbon County, is honoring military veterans by lining Highway 212 with crosses and dogtags to represent servicemembers who have lived in Roberts. The crosses signify veterans who have passed away, while the dogtags symbolize living veterans. The breadth of service in this scenic town north of Yellowstone Park is evident in the 133 dogtags on display this year. The depth of service to our great county is rooted in the 308 crosses, some of which date back to service in the Civil War. A total of 441 individuals, with service spanning over a century and a half, is an impressive display of patriotism for any small community. The record of service among the people of Roberts is even more aweinspiring when you consider that, during the last census, the town had just 361 residents. As we gather to celebrate Veterans Day, let us be encouraged by the example of the folks in Roberts and take time to remember the accumulated sacrifices and ongoing commitment that allow so many to live in freedom. To the people of Roberts, thank you for punching above your weight class for our Nation. ### Print Email Tweet 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-build-veteran-homes,Daines Introduces Legislation to Build Veteran Homes,2017-11-10,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,MT,Steve Daines,D000618,www.daines.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.10.17 Daines Introduces Legislation to Build Veteran Homes U.S. SENATE — Just ahead of Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Steve Daines introduced legislation to ensure that underserved veterans get the care they need.   Daines’ bill, “Veteran State Home Grant Backlog Reduction Act” will create a new prioritization system that will separate out upgrades and needed rehabilitation to existing VA facilities and much-needed new construction.   It requires the VA to separately designate construction specific budget resources and have a plan to clear up the state home construction backlog by the end of Fiscal Year 2023.  “Montana is home to one of the highest populations of veterans per capita – and our state is in dire need of the proper facilities to provide veterans quality healthcare,” Daines stated. “The VA has waited for far too long to build this home and it’s time we broke ground. Constructing new homes must be an urgent priority. ” In July, Daines secured increased funding for the construction of state extended care facilities to include the 60-bed veterans home in Butte.  The state of Montana provided its $5 million cost share for this effort in 2011, yet the project has languished on the VA’s Priority Group 1 list for over five years.    Click HERE to read the bill. ### 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=5632,Tester Presents Video Series Featuring Montana Veterans [press_release],2017-11-10,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Big Sandy, Mont.) – For Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is honoring veterans through a new social media video series featuring Montanans telling their own stories. Tester’s Veterans’ Voices series puts the spotlight on veterans and their families from across Montana telling their stories of service, struggle and success. “It’s my honor to help tell the stories of some of the brave Montanans who have served our nation,” said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “Whether their story is about the military honors they have earned or the struggles they have faced after their service, these veterans remind us of our obligation to all of Montana’s veterans and their families. Honoring the men and women who serve us is not a partisan issue, it is a bipartisan responsibility.” Ron Sims is an Army veteran from Billings. During his service in Vietnam he earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Two Bronze Stars with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal (received for completing 25 aerial missions), the Good Conduct Medal and two Army Commendation Medals. Kevin Dede is an Air Force veteran from Billings. Following his service, Kevin struggled with mental health and substance abuse issues. After utilizing treatment and support services from both VA and Volunteers of America, Dede is now sober and has a full time job. Nick Little is the Division Director of Operations at the Volunteers of America and oversees housing and supportive services for veterans in Billings. District Judge Greg Pinski oversees the Great Falls Veterans Treatment Court, which provides veterans with an alternative to the traditional criminal justice system by connecting them to substance abuse and mental health treatment. The Great Falls Veterans Treatment Court has a 90 percent graduation rate and a zero percent recidivism rate among its graduates. Stan Juneau is the son of Edmond “Snackery” Juneau, a decorated WWII Army veteran. Juneau earned the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Three Bronze Service Stars, a World War II Victory Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Tester will be releasing more Veterans’ Voices in the weeks to come.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5633,Tester Delivers National Veterans Day Address [press_release],2017-11-10,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Big Sandy, Mont.) - As Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, U.S. Senator Jon Tester delivered the Weekly Democratic Address honoring America’s veterans. Tester’s remarks are as follows: “On Veterans Day, we pause to remember and honor the enduring sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and their families – the bravery they showed in service to our nation – and the unwavering responsibility we have to them when they return from war. From the Greatest Generation of World War Two to the veterans of Vietnam and Korea, those who came before us courageously defended our freedoms and helped make America the nation it is today. And now, after more than a decade entangled in military conflicts across the globe, there is a generation of younger service members who have been deployed time and again, and know nothing but war and conflict. While these men and women represent the very best our nation has to offer, these battles have taken their toll. The tragic loss of life. The physical injuries that plague those who return. The unseen wounds that haunt their lives. The responsibility to care for them – and our obligation to them as taxpayers. There is no doubt that serving our veterans and their families is a cost of war. And the services and benefits that they earned mark our nation’s strength, just as much as the military might we show around the world. That’s why we must guarantee that the VA has the resources it needs to serve veterans from Alzada, Montana, to Atlanta, Georgia. And when it doesn’t make sense for a veteran to go to the VA, we must ensure that they have timely access to care in their communities, no matter where they live. In our quest to deliver on our promises, we cannot let those who want to privatize the VA prevail. Privatization is not just expensive. It’s a shirking of our responsibility as a nation. It’s a breaking of a promise to our veterans. And it’s a disservice to veterans who live in rural places like my home – the great state of Montana. That’s why we will put politics aside and work together to make sure that all veterans receive the very best care and assistance that they have earned. When veterans suffer from the unseen wounds of war, we must ensure they can access mental health care. And we must do whatever it takes to end the unacceptable and heartbreaking frequency of suicide. When our military men and women want a better education, we must ensure they can earn a degree. When our veterans are ready to transition from military service to civilian life, we must ensure they have a good paying job and a safe place to call home. And when our veterans get lost in the VA bureaucracy, we must hold our government accountable to deliver. Honoring the men and women who serve us is not a partisan issue, it is a bipartisan responsibility. God bless our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future. On this Veterans Day. And every day.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5626,Tester Talks Tax Reform and the Debt with President Trump [press_release],2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)- U.S. Senator Jon Tester this week spoke with President Trump and met with top White House officials to discuss tax reform, demanding any reform plan take public input and not add to the nation's debt. As Tester was meeting with the President's National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn and White House Director of Legislative Affairs Marc Short, President Trump called into the meeting from South Korea. ""I will work with anybody to cut taxes for Montana families and small businesses,"" Tester said. ""Unfortunately, this process has been partisan from the beginning. Before introducing a bill, they didn't take public input, and there's been no real effort to build bipartisan support. The House has proposed a plan that will add trillions to the debt, and it's my hope that moving forward we can have a serious conversation about how to cut taxes without forcing our grandkids to foot the bill."" Tester previously invited President Trump to Montana to discuss tax reform. Earlier this week, Tester urged leaders to exempt working family farms and ranches from the estate tax. Following the meeting with President Trump, Tester expressed optimism moving forward. ""I hope President Trump and members of Congress will listen to Montanans, because they have told me they aren't looking to put handouts to billionaires on the next generation's credit card,"" said Tester. Tester has solicited feedback from Montanans on tax reform via social media and has directly responded to a variety of questions submitted on his Facebook page. He also launched an online portal to take feedback from Montanans. Tester's online portal can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z