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 Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Help Connect Montana Veterans with Service Dogs
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines cosponsored a bipartisan bill today, the “Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members,” or “PAWS Act,” to help Montana veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by providing access to service dogs. “Montana veterans gave so much on behalf of our country in order to protect our freedoms,” Daines said. “Helping connect Montana veterans struggling with PTSD with a loving pup is a small way we can show our gratitude for their service.” Hear from a local Montana veteran thanking Senator Daines for his work on the bipartisan legislation and more about the benefits of having
Daines Cosponsors Bipartisan Bills to Support Montana Veterans, Military Families
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today cosponsored two bipartisan bills that would support Montana veterans and active military families. The bipartisan “Improving Housing Outcomes for Veterans Act” provides resources to veterans facing homelessness and the bipartisan “Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act” helps support jobs for military spouses. “Montana veterans and Montana military families make great sacrifices for our nation. It is one of my top priorities to ensure that the brave men and women and their families who’ve given so much to protect our freedoms receive the support and services they need,” Daines stated. Bills cosponsored by Daines: Improving Housing Outcomes for Veterans Act – This bill ensures the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is providing
Daines Meets with Montana National Guard at the U.S. Capitol
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines yesterday met with the Montana National Guard in Washington, D.C. to thank them for their service protecting the U.S. Capitol for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. For SOTS-VO, click HERE. “A high honor to meet with our Montana soldiers last night in D.C. From Ryegate, to Polson, to Dillon and Miles City, and all across our great state, these men and women are some of our finest. They will ensure we have a peaceful transfer of power today. God bless our country,” Daines said.
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 Announces $13.3 Billion Contract for Malmstrom Defense Project
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a $13.3 billion contract to begin the major engineering design work for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program at Malmstrom Air Force Base. “This critical funding will help support Malmstrom’s mission and strengthen our nation’s defense systems,” Daines said. “I will continue working to ensure that Montana’s national security priorities are met and that our facilities at Malmstrom have the resources needed to keep our country safe.” This funding marks the second of three major milestones before Malmstrom begins replacing its Minuteman
Daines Urges President Trump to Support Funding for the National Guard in Montana Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter to President Trump urging the administration to fully fund National Guard operations in Montana amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “Restoring the one hundred percent Federal cost-share for all National Guard units will allow it to continue to execute the numerous tasks required for our nation’s response to the threat COVID-19 poses,” Daines wrote. “The National Guard has lessened the impacts of the virus in many ways including support to community-based testing sites, distributing millions of meals to Americans in need, as well as aiding our front line health workers that provide
Daines Urges President Trump to Provide Support for Montana National Guard Responding to COVID-19 Pandemic
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines yesterday sent a letter urging President Trump to provide the State of Montana the same consideration as states like Texas and Florida regarding cost sharing for ongoing National Guard operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “During this time of uncertainty it is important that the men and women fighting this healthcare crisis have access to the resources they need,” Daines said. “With that in mind, I strongly urge you to support the Montana National Guard and extend Title 32 authorization to maintain full reimbursement for its ongoing efforts to fight this pandemic.” To read
Daines Secures Senate Passage of Critical Montana Priorities in Defense Bill
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted for and secured Senate passage of critical Montana priorities in the Senate defense bill called the “National Defense Authorization Act” (NDAA). Daines secured a 3% pay raise for the military, relief for service members impacted by COVID-19 and support for the Montana Army and Air National Guard and Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls. To download full video, click HERE. “This bipartisan bill strengthens Montana’s defense priorities, supports Malmstrom Air Force Base and gives our brave men and women serving our nation a much deserved pay raise,” Daines said. “I will