U.S. SENATE—U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that Montana will be receiving more than $71 million to expand COVID-19 testing and vaccination distribution. The funding will also be used for contact tracing and mitigation efforts to help monitor and suppress the spread of COVID-19.
“As we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s essential we have the appropriate resources needed to combat this virus,” Daines said. “I’m glad I could help secure this critical funding to help expand testing and vaccination distribution in Montana, and I’ll continue working to ensure our state is equipped to beat this virus.”
The funding breakdown for testing and vaccine-related activities are below.
$61,517,133 to support testing, contract tracing, surveillance, containment, and mitigation to monitor and suppress the spread of COVID-19.
$9,657,321 to support a range of COVID-19 vaccination activities.
Background:
In December, the Billings Gazette applauded Daines for his work securing the speedy development and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine to Montanan. Also in December, Daines called the vaccine an ‘early Christmas present’ for Montanans and Americans as vaccines are being distributed.
In December, we’ve seen Pfizer’s vaccine and Moderna’s vaccine both approved for Emergency Use Authorization for the American people, with several more on the way.
Daines and his wife are participating in Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine trial, where they’re leading by example for Montanans and the American people wondering if they should get the vaccine.
Daines does not believe in mandating the vaccine, however, he encourages individuals to take it once available in consultation with their doctor.
In early December, Daines was asked to join the COVID-19 Vaccine Summit at the White House because of his work on COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutic drugs under OWS.
In November, Daines called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure Montanans across the state, including those in rural communities, get access to a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as quickly as possible.
In March, Daines secured $10 billion to accelerate the research, development, manufacturing and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics, which helped jumpstart Operation Warp Speed. Top researchers, scientists and administration officials have touted the Senator’s work.