We must support the brave Americans stationed abroad who work tirelessly to keep our nation and world safe. We must also maintain a strong partnership with our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel. As your Senator, I have had the opportunity to visit with foreign leaders in Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, and witnessed firsthand the turmoil in the Middle East. Hearing directly from the leaders of these nations reaffirms the importance of our relationship with Israel and having a coherent strategy in the region.
On a daily basis, we are reminded of the growing threat of a nuclear Iran or North Korea. We see the threats of radical Islamic terrorism with ISIS in Iraq and Syria, Boko Haram in Nigeria and the Houthis in Yemen. The United States must remain vigilant and work closely with our overseas allies to promote global security and eliminate these threats.
It is also critical to recognize that the time has passed where America can be complacent as it relates to its policies towards China. China poses a very real threat to our national security, whether it’s their military investments, economic development via forced technology transfers, outright theft or China’s rapidly developing and innovative tech sector. The United States needs a long-term plan to compete and deal with China’s rising economic and geopolitical influence.
Montana’s rich natural resources not only help power our country, but also contributes to and bolsters our national security. Many of the regions filled with turmoil also supply much of the world’s oil and natural gas. Our energy security isn’t just about jobs and low energy prices– it’s directly tied to our national security.
Daines: Violence Will Not Be Tolerated
U.S. SENATE—U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement: “Last week’s attacks on our Capitol were an assault on our democracy. There is an ongoing investigation, and there is no evidence Antifa instigated the attacks. The FBI believes Antifa was not involved. Those who took part in the violence and destruction are criminals and must be brought to justice. “We are a nation that believes in the right to peacefully protest—we must rise above the violence. To all who plan to exercise First Amendment rights over the coming days, do know violence will not be tolerated.”
Daines: Malmstrom to Receive Helicopter Upgrade This Summer Following Direct Request
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that Malmstrom Air Force Base will receive the MH-139 “Grey Wolf” helicopter upgrade replacing the Vietnam era UH-1N “Huey’s” in the summer of 2021. Malmstrom will be the first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) base in the country to receive this critical upgrade. This news follows Daines’ direct request and extensive work to secure the upgraded helicopters for Montana. “Today’s announcement that Malmstrom will be receiving these critical helicopter upgrades is great news for Montana and our country’s national security,” Daines said. “I’m proud to have fought to secure this critical upgrade for Malmstrom and
Daines Fights to Protect Montana Air National Guard’s C-130s
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines urged Senate and House Armed Services Committee Leadership to maintain a minimum inventory of 292 C-130 aircraft, which includes those used by the Montana Air National Guard, in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “Our Air National Guard C-130 flying wings provide nearly half of the Air Force’s tactical airlift capability. For more than 50 years, we have brought Americans into combat, provided humanitarian relief around the globe, and supported domestic response throughout the nation,” Daines wrote. “As the Air Force proposes changes to align our force structure with the National Defense Strategy (NDS), it is vitally important we
Daines Fights to Protect Montanans from Government Spy Programs
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced he will be introducing bipartisan legislation to protect the civil liberties and privacy of Montanans from government spying programs. Daines’ bipartisan bill reforms Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act which the National Security Agency has used to create a secret mass surveillance program that swept up millions of Americans’ phone calls. “Montanans want their privacy protected. That’s why I’m fighting to protect our civil liberties and stop the federal government from interfering into our lives,” Daines said. Daines’ bipartisan Safeguarding Americans’ Private Records Act reforms Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act
Daines Votes for Montana Defense Priorities, Little Shell Recognition in Defense Bill
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted for a major defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a 3.1% pay raise for the military, critical defense priorities for Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls and federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Daines fought to include provisions that will preserve and protect Malmstrom’s mission, while safeguarding national security for generations to come. “This legislation strengthens Montana’s defense priorities and gives our men and women in uniform a much deserved 3.1% pay raise,” Daines said. “This is about peace through strength. Our nuclear deterrents
Daines Successfully Retains Little Shell Recognition, Montana Defense Priorities in Final NDAA
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that he successfully preserved big wins for Montana in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) including the federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians and critical defense priorities for Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls. Daines fought for years to help get federal recognition for the Little Shell Tribe. Earlier this year, Daines successfully fought to include federal recognition of the Tribe as an amendment in the Senate passed NDAA. Daines then successfully demanded it be included in the final NDAA. “Today is great news for Montana. After
Daines Pushes for Montana Priorities, Stronger GBSD in NDAA
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines wrote a letter to Congressional leadership urging nuclear modernization and an increase in funding towards the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), the W87-1 warhead, and plutonium pit production in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana is a part of the GBSD project. “The effectiveness of our nuclear deterrent is rooted in the flexibility of the nuclear triad, its reliability, and its ability to stay head of the capabilities of our adversaries,” Daines wrote. “We urge DoD to preserve a robust program of nuclear modernization across the next five-year
Daines Fighting To Ensure Replacement For The Minuteman III Stays On Track
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Daines joined a bipartisan group of senators today on a letter urging Department of Defense Secretary Mark Esper to prevent any delays for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), which will replace the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls. “We write to emphasize the importance of delivering the Air Force’s long-overdue Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) replacement effort,” Daines wrote. “To deter a nuclear attack on the United States and its allies in today’s multipolar nuclear security environment, comprehensive U.S. nuclear modernization to include each leg of the triad
Daines: Our Enemies Wounded Us, But Didn’t Defeat Us
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate in memory of the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks on our nation. To download the full video, click HERE. Daines honored those lost on September 11th saying, “Today, Montanans, and Americans across our country are taking time to reflect upon the horrific acts of 9/11. Today, we take time to remember the thousands of lives lost on that horrible day. We remember the daughters who lost their mothers, the sons who lost their fathers, loved ones and friends, and the communities that