Daines Pushes to Expand Access for Coronavirus Testing in Tribal Communities
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today urged Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Azar and the Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Gaynor to ensure Indian Health Service (IHS) has the resources needed to provide coronavirus testing for tribal communities. “I want to ensure IHS has the ability to provide the necessary healthcare to combat this virus as this remains a high priority to the administration and my office,” Daines wrote. “I hope the Department will take swift action to bring test kits and federal resources to Indian Country.” To read the full letter, click HERE. Background: Daines has
Daines Statement on Public Health Emergency at Malmstrom Due to Coronavirus
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement on Malmstrom Air Force Base declaring a public health emergency due to coronavirus. “Cindy’s and my prayers are with all of those at Malmstrom and handling this situation. We’ve overcome many challenges and difficult times in our nation before, just like we will overcome this one. I’ve been in contact with several personnel on the ground including Colonel Reeves and understand they are taking all the right precautions. Now is a time we must come together and take necessary and bold actions to protect Montanans, especially the elderly and
Daines Statement on President Trump Declaring a National Emergency for Coronavirus
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement after President Trump declared a national emergency on the coronavirus outbreak. “President Trump’s national emergency declaration is critical during the coronavirus outbreak and will open up federal dollars and resources to help combat this pandemic. I will continue working closely with state and local officials to monitor the situation on the ground and ensure we have the resources we need to stay safe and protect the most vulnerable. Cindy and I are praying for all Montanans right now and we are confident that as a nation and state we
Montana’s senators, representative prioritize coronavirus precautions as state sees first cases
As Congress waited to vote on its second multibillion-dollar coronavirus bill in less than three weeks, Montana’s delegation called for bipartisanship and cautioned constituents not to panic and be smart about public exposure. U.S. Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester returned to Montana on Thursday as the state was shutting down on several fronts. State universities were shifting to online-only classes, and public events across Montana were being rescheduled or canceled to minimize the spread of the virus. Gov. Steve Bullock, a Democrat, declared a state of emergency. None of the steps being taken were excessive, the lawmakers said, urging
Daines Introduces Bipartisan Legislation To Provide Unemployment Assistance To People Unable To Work Due To Coronavirus Outbreak
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced the Coronavirus Worker Relief Act. The new bipartisan, bicameral legislation will provide disaster unemployment assistance to people who are unable to work due to the current coronavirus outbreak. Assistance will be available to individuals, including self-employed individuals and independent contractors, who are sick, quarantined, furloughed, or whose family circumstances keep them from working or reduce their pay as a result of the coronavirus outbreak or government containment efforts. “Montana’s working families shouldn’t have to compromise their health or the health of their loved ones over the fear of missing a paycheck and
Daines says he’s seeking relief for people in wake of coronavirus outbreak
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines said Thursday he offered several proposals in the congressional pipeline he said will help the country during the coronavirus outbreak and said the Senate needs to remain in session next week despite some scheduled time off to deal with the pandemic. The Montana Republican said via telephone that his proposals are to ensure impacted families and businesses have paid leave, temporarily waive payroll taxes, provide relief from tariffs and guarantee access to affordable testing. Daines said he has made proposals that include temporarily suspending the payroll tax so employees can keep more money in their pocket. The
Gardner, Daines propose bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act
U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Steve Daines (R-MT) on March 9 introduced a bipartisan bill to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and decrease the multibillion-dollar maintenance backlog plaguing America’s national parks and forests. “Yesterday I introduced the Great American Outdoors Act to fully and permanently #FundLWCF,” tweeted Sen. Gardner on March 10. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy our public lands for many years to come.” Sen. Gardner sponsored S. 3422 with 54 cosponsors, including Sen. Daines and U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) to establish, fund and provide for
Daines Secures Action from Trump Administration to Remove Barriers, Lower Costs of Coronavirus Testing and Treatment
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced the Trump administration adopted his proposal to remove barriers and lower the costs of testing and treatment for the Coronavirus. Today’s announcement is a direct response to Daines’ letter sent to the Administration yesterday urging this action. “Montanans shouldn’t be faced with barriers and high costs for Coronavirus testing and treatment,” Daines said. “That’s why I urged the Trump administration to take this action that will help lower the costs for Coronavirus testing and treatment for Montanans. I’m glad to see President Trump act on my request and I will continue working
Daines Secures Over $15 Million for Malmstrom Infrastructure Project in Great Falls
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that $15,077,162 will go to the renovation of an existing 3-Bay hangar at Malmstrom Air Force Base to facilitate the storage of the new MH-139 helicopter. “This is good news for Montana and will help modernize our defense infrastructure at Malmstrom,” Daines said. “We must ensure that our men and women serving in uniform have access to the best equipment available for our national security. I’m proud to have helped secure resources and push for this important project for Malmstrom.” This news follows Daines’ February 28th meeting with 341st Missile Wing