Daines: We Must Prioritize Made in Montana Beef, Support Montana Ranchers
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced a resolution that would urge the President and U.S. Trade Representative to prioritize mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) for beef in trade negotiations. “During these unprecedented and challenging times, Montana producers and ranchers are struggling to keep their operations going,” Daines said. “That’s why it is important we pursue negotiations with our trading partners to include country of origin labeling. We must support ranchers in Montana and across the U.S. and ensure that only beef made and slaughtered in America receive the Product of the USA label.” Additionally, Daines cosponsored
Daines Pushes for PPP Relief Eligibility for Montana Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter urging the Trump administration to allow qualifying veteran service organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to be eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) perform services to veterans and their families in states across our nation, and this is certainly the case in Montana,” Daines wrote. “When times get tough, the Montana VFW is there for Veterans. To help local VFWs meet their obligations and continue serving their communities, I urge you to swiftly find a
Daines Secures Nearly $50 Million to Expand Testing for Coronavirus in Montana
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that Montana will be receiving $49,914,794 to develop, purchase, administer, process, and analyze COVID-19 tests, scale-up laboratory capacity, trace contacts, and support employer testing. “I am glad to have secured this critical funding to boost testing for the coronavirus in Montana,” Daines said. “As we work to safely reopen the economy, it is critical that Montana’s testing needs are met. I will continue to working to ensure our communities have the resources needed to help get us through this crisis.” This funding announcement today includes the $16 million Daines originally secured for testing
Senate to consider renewal of surveillance laws
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is expected to vote on whether to extend three surveillance authorities as senators of both parties express concerns that the laws infringe on Americans’ rights. The surveillance provisions expired in March, the month lawmakers fled Washington because of the coronavirus pandemic. House lawmakers passed a bipartisan compromise bill just before leaving town, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has not yet been able to push the legislation through the Senate. And it’s unclear if he will be able to do so as he tries again on Thursday. The House legislation also has the backing of
Challenges abound for child care providers; senators signal support for additional aid
The Gallatin Valley YMCA started offering free child care for front-line workers in March. There are now 11 children on the waitlist for that service. The Commons is donating its space for the program for K-8 kids, but it’s still an expensive endeavor for the nonprofit, YMCA CEO Andrea Stevenson said. And now businesses are reopening and more people are going back to work, but schools are staying closed. “As time has gone on, demand has definitely increased,” Stevenson said. The YMCA’s normal summer programming for kids will begin June 15, but the free child care program might not last
Senate braces for fight over renewing lapsed surveillance powers
Senate leaders are preparing for what could be a protracted brawl over government surveillance powers during a rare public debate Wednesday over how to reauthorize key national security tools that lapsed two months ago. The two-day floor debate threatens to start a domino effect across the Capitol and down Pennsylvania Avenue — and the Senate’s civil libertarians are girding for a fight that Republican leaders acknowledge could get ugly. “At this point it’s sort of a Wild West, I would say,” predicted Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), who, like other GOP leaders, is hoping for swift passage of a
Daines, Tester, Gianforte Lead Bipartisan Letter to Trump in Support of State Funeral for Last Surviving WWII Medal of Honor Recipient
U.S. CONGRESS—U.S. Senators Steve Daines, Jon Tester, and U.S. Congressman Greg Gianforte sent a bipartisan letter today calling on President Donald Trump to designate a state funeral in honor of the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, and to recognize millions of Americans for their service and sacrifice during the war. “The ‘Greatest Generation’ represents the character and strength of Montana and the United States of America,” the delegation wrote. “For example, Montana’s very own Captain William W. Galt, U.S. Army, was awarded the Medal of Honor during WWII for gallantry, risking his life, while serving
Daines Secures Over $1 Million for Community Services During the Coronavirus Pandemic
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be directing $1,258,912 to Montana through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. “This critical funding will support Montana’s most vulnerable residents during the coronavirus pandemic including low-income individuals and families and Montana seniors,” Daines said. “I’m glad to have worked to secure these resources for our communities and I will continue working to ensure Montana’s local needs are met during this crisis.” The CSBG funding supports projects that: Lessen poverty in communities Address the needs of low-income individuals including the
Lawmakers, groups mount pressure campaign for LWCF, parks bill
Nearly 120 House members and hundreds of organizations are ramping up pressure on Congress to include mandatory funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and billions of dollars to address the backlog in national parks and public lands maintenance in the next round of coronavirus relief legislation. The push shows efforts to enact the bipartisan package remain high on its supporters’ agenda despite having a planned March vote on a package, S. 3422 (116), led by Republican Sens. Cory Gardner of Colorado and Steve Daines of Montana, derailed by the Covid-19 pandemic. “Given the clear bipartisan support in both