President Trump Singles out Steve Daines in Coronavirus Fight
In a recent White House Rose Garden announcement, President Trump singled out Montana Senator Steve Daines’ work in helping industry leaders and scientists get the materials they need to develop treatments and a vaccine for COVID 19. “Through an historic series of funding bills my administration is providing roughly $10 billion to support a medical research effort without parallel,” said President Trump. “I especially want to thank Senator Steve Daines of Montana for his incredible work. He has worked so hard to secure additional funding for vaccine development, where he has been right at the forefront.” In addition, Daines was
Daines Pushes to Protect National Guard Members Retirement During Coronavirus Pandemic
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter urging Senate leadership to temporarily lower the minimum requirement for a satisfactory year of service to accommodate National Guard personnel who are unable to drill and acquire points towards retirement because of the COVID-19 outbreak. “Many guardsmen and women who have dedicated a life of service, face the very real possibility of being a couple points short of retiring with 30 years due to no fault of their own. This is a retirement that, under normal circumstances, would have been assured but is currently in question,” Daines wrote. Currently,
Meatpacker struggle exposes challenges for Montana consumers, ranchers
It wasn’t long after grocers began running low on meat that a little processing shop in Shepherd saw a surge in customer demand. Customers who never before graced the parking lot of Project Meats were stopping beneath the reader board. In all caps, the sign along U.S, Highway 12 read, “Never out of beef. Gotta Love Montana.” The 23-pound, “Home Sweet Home” packages were selling fast during Montana’s stay-home order. Then, the state order was lifted. Restaurants closed by the pandemic started opening back up. Those unable to get meat from their usual vendors also came calling on the local
Daines Secures Over $200,000 to Expand Telehealth Services in Montana During Coronavirus Pandemic
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced today that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be directing $264,641 to the University of Montana System and Montana State University to support increased telehealth capabilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “In Montana, telehealth is a powerful tool for our providers to expand access to care, especially in vulnerable communities during this public health crisis,” Daines said. “I am glad to have secured these funds to enable more health professional on the front lines of this pandemic to deliver safe and effective care. I will continue working
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