As a member of the Indian Affairs Committee, I’m working to promote economic growth in Indian Country and promote the sovereignty and self-determination of our tribes. Montana is home to seven federally recognized Indian reservations and the state recognized Little Shell Tribe, each of which holds a special role in the formation and character of our great state.
Unfortunately, some Native Americans continue to struggle economically and find it difficult to access quality health care and education. Native tribes also continue to face challenges in addressing violent crime on their reservations. I will continue working to expand economic opportunities for tribes and all Montanans through the responsible development of our natural resources and empowering our tribes to fulfill tribal needs.
Daines, Gianforte Fight for Jobs in Indian Country
U.S. CONGRESS – U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte reintroduced legislation to permanently extend the Indian Coal Production Tax Credit (ICPTC). “This is about bringing economic opportunity and jobs to Indian country” Daines said. “This tax credit will create good, high paying jobs, generate vital local tax revenue to support essential services, and promote tribal self-determination and energy independence.” “The Indian Coal Production Tax Credit benefits the Crow Tribe, its members, and the people of Montana,” said Gianforte. “I am proud to introduce legislation to permanently extend the tax credit, support tribal development, and help strengthen Montana’s economy with
Senate Approves Federal Recognition of Little Shell Tribe After Years-Long Push by Daines & Tester
(U.S. Senate) – The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians is one step closer to achieving federal recognition today, thanks to a legislative push by U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester. The Senators’ legislation passed today as a Daines amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act—the Senate’s must-pass annual defense bill. “Today is a historic day for Montana’s Little Shell Tribe,” Daines said. “For the first time in history, our bill to federally recognize the Tribe passed the Senate. This is a major milestone for the Little Shell Tribe, and I’ll continue pushing until we get this done once
Daines Advances Key Montana Priorities in Senate Defense Bill
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today advanced key Montana priorities with U.S. Senate passage of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA passed with a vote of 86-8. “The Senate defense bill protects and promotes Montana’s critical contributions to our national security,” Daines said. “I look forward to working with the House to ensure we keep critical Montana provisions that strengthens our nuclear deterrence, empowers our standing on the world stage and gets the men and women who serve in Montana the resources they need.” Key Highlights in the Senate passed NDAA: Prioritizes nuclear deterrence– $22 million increase for GBSD $8.9 million increase for Minuteman upgrades $29 million
Daines Launches Bills to Mitigate MMIW Crisis in Indian Country
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today in a U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing continued his fight to combat the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis occurring across Montana’s Tribal communities and the West. In conjunction with the hearing, Daines introduced two pieces of legislation, the Finding and Investigating Native Disappearance Act (FIND) and The Tribal Reporting and Accountability to Congress Act (TRAC). Click HERE to download. “I want to thank you all for coming before us today as we continue to work to put an end to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis,” Daines said. “[T]oday I
Little Shell Federal Recognition Bill One Step Closer to Becoming Law after Push by Daines & Tester
(U.S. Senate) – Federal recognition for the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians has advanced further than ever before after a push by U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester to successfully include their bill as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act—the Senate’s must-pass annual defense legislation. The Little Shell Tribe has sought federal recognition for nearly four decades, and has been recognized by the State of Montana since 2000. “Great news today for Montana’s Little Shell Tribe,” Daines said. “After decades of fighting for the federal recognition they deserved, we’re one step closer to making it a reality. I’m honored to have
Daines: We Must Shed Light on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Crisis
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced a resolution designating May 5, 2019 as a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls. “What’s happening in Indian Country must be addressed and brought to the national stage,” Daines said. “We must work together to stop the crisis of missing and murdered Native women and girls. I will continue to strongly voice their stories so that we may commemorate their lives, raise awareness of this issue, and help put an end to this horrible tragedy.” Daines will headline the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s March in Billings, Montana tomorrow, April 5th. To read the full resolution, click HERE. Background: On February 7th,
Daines to HHS: Convicted Pedophile Should Not Receive One Cent of Taxpayer Money
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), urging he stop Stanley Patrick Weber, a former Indian Health Service (IHS) pediatrician recently convicted for molesting children while working on the Blackfeet Reservation, from continuing to receive a government pension in prison. “If the Department of Health and Human Services cannot stop Mr. Weber’s pension payments, then we stand ready to provide any assistance necessary from Congress that will fix this flawed system,” the letter states. “A convicted pedophile should not receive one cent of taxpayer money while serving
Daines Honors Native Women in Montana, Across the Nation
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States. The resolution celebrates the heritage, culture, and history of Native women and recognizes the many contributions Native women have made to our nation. “Native women have made a profound impact in Montana and across our country,” Daines said. “By honoring the importance of their contributions, we can ensure that future generations of young women can learn from the legacies of these great leaders.” The full resolution can be found HERE. ###
Daines Demands Accountability at Indian Health Service
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter to Rear Admn. Michael Weahkee, the Acting Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS), demanding answers on Stanley Patrick Weber, a former pediatrician at IHS who was recently convicted of sexually molesting children while working on the Blackfeet Reservation. “While justice is being served in the court of law, accountability must be demanded of IHS and the individuals who enabled Mr. Weber to continue molesting children for over two decades,” the letter states. “Our Native youth are already a uniquely vulnerable population facing severe social and economic challenges. Our Indian population, especially