Since taking the oath of office, I’ve work tirelessly to ensure that veterans and military families receive the services and benefits that they deserve. The best way to serve our veteran and military communities is to hire those who have been in their shoes. I’ve hired several Montana veterans to serve our state’s veterans, service members and military families.
The men and women of Malmstrom and Montana’s reserve components perform vital missions and are a core part of Montana’s communities. I’ve been fighting to defend Montana’s mission at Malmstrom Air Force Base, which is critical to our national security. I’ve also been fighting to protect and ensure the modernization
of Montana Air National Guard’s C-130 fleet.
Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Montana National Guard troops deployed in Kabul, Afghanistan. I met with soldiers from Montana’s 495th CSSB from Kalispell, and spent time visiting with the dedicated men and women who are defending our country.
Montana’s veterans and service members are the greatest examples of why America is the greatest country on earth and why our freedoms and liberties are worth defending. The Montana military community is a strong and powerful family and together we will preserve that tradition for generations to come.
Daines Bipartisan Bill to Award Congressional Gold Medals to Service Members Killed in Afghanistan Passes Senate, Heads to POTUS’ Desk
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced the U.S. Senate passed his bipartisan bill to posthumously award Congressional Gold Medals to the 13 American servicemembers who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks in Afghanistan. It will now head to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. “Today, the United States Senate moved to recognize the courage, sacrifice and service of the 13 brave young men and women who were killed in Afghanistan. During a pivotal point for our nation, they gave the last full measure for our freedoms. I look forward to the President honoring these American heroes and swiftly signing this bill into law,” Daines said.
Daines Applauds House Passage of His Bill to Award Service Members Killed in Afghanistan with the Congressional Gold Medal
U.S. SENATE — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ bill to award the 13 service members killed during President Biden’s failed withdrawal from Afghanistan with Congressional Gold Medals. Daines applauded House passage of the bill and is working to pass it in the United States Senate. “I’m glad to see the House of Representatives pass my bipartisan bill to honor and recognize the sacrifice that these brave young men and women made during a pivotal point for our nation. Now it’s time for the United States Senate to pass my bill to show that we stand united with the American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect fellow Americans and our freedoms,” Daines said.
Daines Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Support Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Care for Montana Servicemembers
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines introduced a bipartisan bill to support suicide prevention and mental health care for Montana servicemembers. The introduction of the “Save Our Servicemembers Act,” follows an alarming report revealing a 15% increase in military suicides in 2020 from the year before. “Montana has one of the highest number per capita of veterans in America, and sadly has one of the highest veteran suicide rates,” Daines said. “Montana veterans and their families have sacrificed everything to defend our freedoms—we must support them when they return home. Read the bill text of the “Save Our Servicemembers Act” HERE. Background:
Daines, Warren Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Honor 13 American Heroes Killed in Afghanistan with Congressional Gold Medals
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) today introduced a bipartisan bill to award the 13 American servicemembers who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks in Kabul, Afghanistan on August 26th Congressional Gold Medals. “Thirteen brave men and women gave the last full measure to protect Americans and our Afghan allies at a critical moment in our nation’s history—they are American heroes. As the U.S. concludes 20-years of combat in Afghanistan, I believe it’s fitting that Congress commemorates their sacrifice in this moment with the Congressional Gold Medal,” Senator Daines said. “On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you to these heroes and their families, and to all who wear the uniform and
Daines to Introduce Bill to Honor American Troops Killed in Afghanistan
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced he will introduce a bill to award the 13 American servicemembers who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks in Kabul on August 26th Congressional Gold Medals. “The 13 brave service members we lost in Afghanistan following the withdrawal will forever be remembered as heroes. Their service and ultimate sacrifice to protect American lives, our freedoms and our homeland deserves the highest honor. Each and every one of these Americans selflessly answered the call to serve our nation and for that, we are eternally thankful,” Daines said. Daines is pushing for Sgt. Johanny Roasrio Pichardo, Sgt.
Daines Calls on VA to Address Impact of Afghanistan Withdrawal on Montana Veterans’ Mental Health
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined a bipartisan group of senators calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct outreach to Montana veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism – especially those who served in Afghanistan – and provide them with mental health resources. Their request comes as reports find calls to veterans’ suicide hotlines have increased since the fall of Afghanistan earlier this month. “We write in light of the recent events in Afghanistan to encourage the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to quickly develop a comprehensive outreach plan to connect Afghanistan and Global War on Terrorism veterans to VA benefits and services. More than two
Daines Issues Statement on Conclusion of Biden’s Afghanistan Withdrawal Following Meeting with MT Veterans
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today met with Montana veterans, including several who served in Afghanistan. As the meeting wrapped, it was announced that President Biden’s failed withdrawal from Afghanistan came to an end with the last U.S. flight leaving the country. “Today, I had the honor to sit down with several Montana veterans, including many who fought in Afghanistan, to hear their thoughts on President Biden’s failed withdrawal from Afghanistan—they are outraged and ashamed,” Daines said. “At the same time our meeting wrapped, America’s last flight left Afghanistan, even though we still don’t know the total number of Americans trapped behind enemy
Daines, Tester, Rosendale Urge President Biden to Honor Final Surviving WWII Medal Of Honor Recipient with State Funeral
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Congressman Matt Rosendale sent a letter to President Biden advocating for a state funeral to be held for the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient. “These ceremonies offer our nation the opportunity to pause and reflect on the service of not only the individual, but also those who served alongside them,” the delegation wrote. “Mr. President, you hold the authority to designate a state funeral and we request that you honor the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II with this distinction.” Montana’s very own Captain William W. Galt,
Daines, Tester Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Honor Montana WWII Cadet Nurses
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today reintroduced the bipartisan “U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act” to honor women who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII with honorary veteran status. “The women of the United States Cadet Corps left a legacy of service that makes all Montanans and Americans proud,” Daines said. “It’s time to rightfully honor them, recognize their hard work, and give them the veteran status they earned.” “We owe a debt of gratitude to the members of the Cadet Nurse Corps who provided critical health care during World War II,” said Chairman Tester. “These women stepped