Samantha_Wiesneth@daines.senate.gov, Author at Senator Steve Daines

Daines Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Protect, Return Sacred Native Objects

December 2, 2022

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today lauded the passage of bipartisan legislation to protect and return sacred tribal objects. “Montana tribes add so much to our communities and Montana way of life – I am glad to help take this important step to protect their cultural heritage,” Daines said. Daines cosponsored the “Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act of 2021” (STOP Act) with Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Krysten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). The

Daines Pushes for Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Complete the Continental Divide Trail

December 1, 2022

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee called for passage of his bipartisan bill to complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Click HERE to watch and download the full intro. “The Continental Divide Trail Completion Act… is bipartisan, bicameral, will help spur recreation, economic development and grow jobs in Montana and local gateway communities… The tourism and recreation economy that is generated from the trail is a boon to many small towns in Montana. Shuttle services, hotels, restaurants, sporting goods stores and more all benefit from the Continental Divide Trail. In fact, if we look at the state

Daines, Feinstein Bipartisan Senate Resolution Honoring Wildland Firefighters Passes U.S. Senate

November 30, 2022

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today announced the Senate passed their bipartisan Senate resolution recognizing the selfless bravery of wildland firefighters and first responders across the country. “Montana’s wildland firefighters and first responders are heroes—they put their lives on the line without hesitation to protect our families and local communities from devastating wildfires. I am glad to recognize them, today and every day, for their bravery, sacrifice, and heroism, and will always work to ensure they have the resources and support they need every fire season,” Daines said. “Wildland firefighters are on the frontlines protecting us from catastrophic wildfires, especially in California. More than 20,000

Daines Stands Up for Montana Coal Jobs

November 28, 2022

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines joined a bipartisan group of senators in urging the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to fill three vacant seats on the STB’s Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee with coal sector representatives. Doing so will ensure the voice of the coal sector is represented and heard. “Coal remains the largest volume commodity on our nation’s railways. The lack of rail service is keeping coal from being shipped to utilities under service contracts and is even reducing the amount of mined coal. Missed trains and large delays caused by a lack of crews and irregular schedules have forced some coal mines

Daines Introduces Bill to Hold IRS Accountable

November 22, 2022

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines, member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, helped introduce legislation to enable oversight of the IRS and provide accountability to Montana taxpayers. “The Democrats gave the IRS a blank check to go after small businesses, farms, and Montana families with an army of 87,000 new agents and 1.2 million additional audits. It’s our job to prevent the IRS from being used as a political weapon, and to keep them transparent and accountable to Montanans,” Daines said. Senator Daines was joined by Senators Thune (R-S.D.), Grassley (R-Iowa), Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Braun (R-Ind.), Burr (R-N.C.), Cassidy (R-La.), Cornyn (R-Texas), Crapo (R-Idaho), Lankford (R-Okla.), Portman (R-Ohio), Toomey

OP-ED: I’m Thankful for Montana

November 20, 2022

As a fifth-generation Montanan, I didn’t choose Montana — Montana chose me. Over 100 years ago, my great-great-grandmother homesteaded 23 miles east of Conrad, and that’s how my family made it to the Last Best Place. And I’ll be forever thankful for that. There is a lot that makes America an exceptional place to live, and the Thanksgiving tradition is one of them. It’s an integral part of our uniquely American story. For the last 400 years, we have gathered with our families, friends and neighbors to thank God for all that He has given us. But it wasn’t until

Daines Announces New Chief of Staff

November 18, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that Darin Thacker, Daines’ current Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director, will take over as Chief of Staff, following the departure of current Chief of Staff, Jason Thielman, who will be Executive Director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). “Darin has been an important member of my team for nearly ten years, and I’m excited that he will continue serving Montanans as my new Chief of Staff. I’m confident Darin will ensure our office has a seamless transition as we continue to advance policies that benefit Montana,” Daines said. “I’m honored

Daines, Lankford Introduce Resolution Calling on President Biden to Have the U.S. Rejoin the Geneva Consensus Declaration

November 17, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Steve Daines (Mont.) and James Lankford (Okla.) today introduced a Senate resolution to celebrate the second anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Consensus Declaration and urging that the United States once again be added as a signatory to the coalition of now 36 countries making a shared commitment to defending life, the family, and national sovereignty. “The Geneva Consensus Declaration is not just a piece of paper—it’s a family of nations anchored in the universal principles of life, family and national sovereignty,” Daines said. “President Biden’s withdrawal from the Declaration did not mark the end of the American commitment to protecting life and family. Instead,

Daines Calls on Biden Admin to Protect Montana Veterans’ Access to Air Ambulance Services

November 17, 2022

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today called on the Biden administration to reevaluate a recent rule that could jeopardize rural Montana veterans’ access to air ambulances. “With the number of instances of emergency care being provided by the VA exponentially increasing, it is critical the VA explores sustainable options for the future and ensures veterans living in rural areas have access to care. Unfortunately, I am concerned that the VA has not done due diligence in developing this rule, nor does it recognize the significant impact it will have on a full spectrum of emergency services, ultimately leading to air ambulances

Daines Elected Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee

November 16, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senate Republicans elected their leadership team for the 118th Congress. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) was elected to serve as Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). The NRSC is the official campaign organization for Senate Republicans, and its mission is to support and elect Republican Senators and Republican Senate candidates nationwide. “I’m honored that my colleagues elected me to serve as NRSC Chairman. We are going to fight for every seat and work hard to build a lasting Senate Republican Majority,” Daines said. “The choice for Americans in 2024 will be clear: a Republican Party that will secure

Author: Samantha_Wiesneth@daines.senate.gov