Securing Our Borders

I am committed to ensuring that the federal government effectively protects Americans from terrorism, drug trafficking, cyber attacks, and other crime, while safeguarding our liberties and privacy. In Montana, our communities are being torn apart by Mexican fentanyl that is flowing in through our southern border. This is an issue folks all over our state are dealing with, and it must stop.

Securing our southern border is a matter of national security. The increase in illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling is unacceptable. I will support whatever is necessary to secure our borders – including by building a border wall.

Daines to Introduce Bill to Prevent Taxpayer Funded Handouts for Illegal Immigrants

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced he will introduce a bill to stop taxpayer dollars from going to states that are making any direct or indirect payments to illegal immigrants. This follows news that New York will be providing close to $2.1 billion to illegal immigrants which could then be covered by funding from the $1.9 trillion spending package. “It’s outrageous that while millions of American workers are still hurting, and in the midst of a border crisis created by President Biden, that we have states handing out taxpayer dollars to illegal immigrants. We should not be rewarding Biden’s open border policies by

Daines Demands Action, Change in Policies Following the Release of a Criminal Alien in Whitefish

U.S. SENATE—U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter to the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security urging them to work with Canadian law enforcement to enhance systems that allow expedited access to criminal records. “While it is clear there has been significant collaboration with the Canadian government, as the incident from January 23 shows, there still appear to be significant flaws either in the agreement itself, or in the implementation of the agreement. That a fugitive wanted for such egregious crimes was in custody and released without his identity being verified is both inconceivable and unacceptable.

Daines to Bring Pence to Billings for Firsthand Look at Montana’s Meth Crisis

U.S. SENATE –U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that he is bringing Vice President Mike Pence to Billings next Wednesday (6/12) for a firsthand look at Montana’s devastating meth crisis. Pence will join Daines at the RiverStone Health Clinic for a briefing from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDAT) and the Yellowstone Substance Abuse Coalition.  Click HERE to download video. “Montana has a crisis on its hands. Mexican meth is pouring into our state and tearing our families and communities apart,” Daines said. “I’ve been fighting hard to tackle this growing issue all over our state and

Daines, Gianforte Urge Agency to Prevent Crisis at Northern Border

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte today sent a letter to the acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) opposing cuts in hours of operation at four Montana ports of entry.  “Cuts in hours of service should not be implemented and the current hours of service should continue. While we remain willing to work with you on the needs of your service to protect America and resolve the crisis at the southern border, we encourage you to refrain from causing a crisis at the northern border at the same time,” Daines and Gianforte wrote. To download

Daines wants details on incoming Mexican meth, calls on Border Patrol to answer

Sen. Steve Daines on Wednesday urged U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials to gather specific information on drug seizures at the southern border, and on what law enforcement there is doing to stem its rush into the U.S. In a letter to Acting Commissioner John Sanders, Daines wants to know the specifics of every seizure between Jan. 1, 2012, and Dec. 31, 2018, including the amount seized, method of transport, location of seizure and the source of its production. A a roundtable discussion in Missoula last week, Daines heard from local and state law enforcement about the limited resources available

Daines Calls for Passage of National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today took to the Senate floor to call on the Senate to swiftly pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes critical support for Montana’s military missions. Daines also called on Senate Democrats to stop blocking the Department of Defense Appropriations Act and fund the military.   Click here to watch Daines’ remarks. Click here to download Daines’ remarks. Daines made the following remarks on the Senate floor this afternoon: “Montana has a rich legacy of service to our country— from maintaining our nation’s ‘peace through strength’ strategy at Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base, where we oversee one-third of

Daines Applauds Passage of Critical Defense Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today hailed the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which provides critical support for the nation’s military and national security. “This legislation is critical to ensuring our men and women in uniform have the funding and support they need to fulfill their missions,” Daines stated. “The NDAA prioritizes the needs of our service members while protecting the important role that Montana holds in our national defense.” Daines successfully included an amendment to the NDAA that would protect military couples from abrupt reductions in their housing allowances. Under the NDAA, current dual housing