Bozeman receives its first doses of COVID-19 vaccine
Six Bozeman Health employees lined up in the emergency room on Monday afternoon to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. They were among the first Montanans to receive the vaccine, which arrived in the state Monday morning. Dr. Andrew Sullivan, a pulmonary and critical care physician, was the first in line. The vaccination took less than a minute and was met with applause from Bozeman Health staff. “I’m thrilled it’s here,” Sullivan said after the vaccination. “Honestly, I’m more excited for other people to get it.” Over the last 11 months, Sullivan said he has seen the coronavirus take lives and upend
Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Doug Martens of Rosebud County
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized Doug Martens of Rosebud County for his years of service to his community and his recent election to be President of the Montana Association of Counties. Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, each week Daines will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Week” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: HERE. The following is a statement submitted to the
First COVID-19 Vaccine Approved for Emergency Use, Distribution to Begin
U.S. SENATE – Today, the first COVID-19 vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use. The vaccine, made by Pfizer, will be distributed immediately. Daines has been instrumental in the research, development, manufacturing and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine, securing the initial $10 billion for Operation Warp Speed. Daines is also participating in Pfizer’s vaccine trial as a way to help build confidence and trust for Montanans and the American people wondering if they should take it. For a video statement from Daines, click HERE. “To be where we are today is truly remarkable.
Daines Helps Secure $5.1 Million Grant for Plains Infrastructure Project
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that following his direct request, Plains, Montana will receive a $5,148,500 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant will help complete a major infrastructure project for the community by relocating the city’s wastewater treatment plant, which is currently at risk of a catastrophic failure due to its vicinity to the Clark Fork River. “This grant is a critical investment for the Plains community as they work to improve their sanitation infrastructure by moving the wastewater treatment plant away from the Clark Fork River,” Daines said. “I’m glad that
Daines Secures Montana Defense Priorities in Final Defense Bill, Passes out of Senate
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted for several Montana priorities in the final defense bill known as the “National Defense Authorization Act” or the “NDAA,” including a 3% pay raise for troops, support for Malmstrom Air Force Base and Montana’s Guard Units and help for veterans exposed to Agent Orange. For a statement from Daines, click HERE. For TV Elements, click HERE. “This bipartisan defense bill ensures America maintains the best military in the world, strengthens Montana’s defense priorities and gives our troops a much needed pay raise,” Daines said. “I will always work to ensure our troops and veterans who served our country have the support they need.”
‘Accelerating Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act’ Passed Into Law
As part of the recently passed Veterans COMPACT Act, the Accelerating Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act makes therapy via outdoor recreation more readily available to military veterans. A broad legislative effort to better serve military veterans was recently signed into law by the president. And within that legislation is a concerted plan to better veterans’ access to therapeutic outdoor programs. The Veterans COMPACT Act creates new channels of communication between veterans and the VA, implements programs and policies for better health care, and focuses on transition assistance, suicide prevention among veterans, women’s reproductive health care, and more. And as part of
Daines’ Accelerating Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act signed into law
President Donald Trump on Saturday signed into law a bipartisan bill that included legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) that will make it easier for U.S. military veterans to use the outdoors as part of their medical treatment and therapy. “The outdoors is critical to our Montana way of life and can help Montana veterans who are recovering from trauma and injuries they experienced in combat,” Sen. Daines said. “That’s why I’m glad my bipartisan bill promoting recovery and treatment programs on public lands for the benefit of Montana veterans has been signed into law.” The Accelerating Veterans
Montana prepares for initial COVID-19 vaccinations
The first doses could arrive as early as next Tuesday, and will be prioritized for health care workers and assisted living facilities. When 9,750 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine arrive in Montana as early as next Tuesday, the delivery will mark the beginning of a complex distribution plan organized by public health officials, hospital administrations and commercial pharmacies. The goal of the initial round of distribution, state officials say, is to get the vaccine to as many frontline health care workers as possible. As of Tuesday, Montana reported 17,293 active cases, with approximately 70% of the state’s ICU beds
Senate sends National Defense Authorization Act benefiting Malmstrom to President’s desk
The U.S. Senate on Friday passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which would support Montana’s military installations, service members, veterans and military families. The bipartisan bill, supported by Montana’s U.S. Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines, awaits President Donald Trump’s signature. The annual defense bill includes provisions, such as a 3% pay raise to all service members, hazard pay and 180 days of medical care for National Guard and Reserve service members on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release. The bill also contains maintenance and modernization for bases with intercontinental