Daines Fights to Remove Barriers for Montana’s Skilled Workers
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand the education savings plans to skilled workers. To download video, click HERE. “This legislation will lead to more jobs and higher wages for hardworking Montanans,” Daines said. “Those who want to join an apprenticeship program ought to be given the same opportunities afforded to those who go to traditional colleges and universities.” Under Daines’ legislation, skilled workers enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program would have access to the same tax advantaged savings account that those attending colleges and universities receive under Section 529 of the IRS Code.
Daines, Gianforte Urge Agency to Prevent Crisis at Northern Border
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte today sent a letter to the acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) opposing cuts in hours of operation at four Montana ports of entry. “Cuts in hours of service should not be implemented and the current hours of service should continue. While we remain willing to work with you on the needs of your service to protect America and resolve the crisis at the southern border, we encourage you to refrain from causing a crisis at the northern border at the same time,” Daines and Gianforte wrote. To download
In Missoula, wildland firefighters discuss retention, morale, USFS regs with Daines
Those who jump from planes, provide initial attack deep in the forest or staff an engine line all have a common set of issues related to their federal job classification, which mentions nothing about being a firefighter. Retaining qualified crew members and staying within the hours that wildland firefighters are permitted to work have also emerged as problems, according to Montana and Idaho firefighters who met with Sen. Steve Daines on Friday at Neptune Aviation in Missoula. “We need Congress to understand the issues and address them, because we’re having a serious issue of retention among our firefighters,” said Casey
Montana senators say Japan beef deal good for state
Montana Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester reacted favorably Friday on new terms that eliminate Japan’s restrictions on U.S. beef exports, saying it would be good for the Treasure State. It’s a deal the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates could increase U.S. beef and beef product exports to Japan by up to $200 million annually. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced Friday the United States and Japan have agreed on new terms to eliminate Japan’s longstanding restrictions on U.S. beef exports. The new terms take effect immediately and allow U.S. products from all cattle, regardless of age, to enter Japan for
Senator Daines meets with Wildland Firefighters to discuss upcoming legislation
MISSOULA- Friday morning Senator Steve Daines joined wildfire preparedness officials and wildland rural firefighters for a round table discussion on this coming fire season, as well as new legislation to benefit wildland firefighters. Issues that were heard today ranged from having the proper job classification, to retirement benefits, as well as compensation during an injury. Wildland fighter fighters and Federal Wildland Fire Service association executives had the chance to sit down with Senator Daines to share concerns and desires for Daines to take back to Washington D.C., with him. Currently working on a bill with Washington Senator Maria Cantwell to
Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Master Sergeant Jesse Edinger
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Master Sergeant Jesse Edinger of Fort Harrison for his tremendous impact on the state of Montana. Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week 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 Congressional Record: Mr. DAINES. Mr.
Daines Fights for LWCF Funding
U.S. SENATE — On the heels of House Interior Appropriations plus-up of LWCF, U.S. Senator Steve Daines wrote a letter to U.S. Senate Interior Appropriations Committee Leadership urging the full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and to build on momentum for stronger funding in the Senate bill. The letter also highlighted the importance of the program to Montana. “Earlier this Congress, we took a historic step to permanently authorize the LWCF,” Daines said. “As we work towards full, dedicated funding for the program, I encourage you to allocate at least $600 million of LWCF in FY 2020.”
Daines Pushes for B-47 Ridge Naming in Honor of Fallen Servicemen
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today urged lawmakers for swift passage of the B-47 Ridge Designation Act in a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing. Daines introduced the bipartisan bill that names the ridge after four servicemen who lost their lives in February. Click HERE to download video “That is why I introduced the bipartisan B-47 Ridge Designation Act to tell the story of these brave men and to make sure the sacrifice is not forgotten,” Daines said. “So their families, friends and visitors to this ridge will see what happened that day. After over half a
Daines’ pro-coal bill signals move toward ‘American energy dominance’
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) on May 9 proposed a bicameral Republican measure that would extend the tax credit for production of refined coal to protect critical energy jobs in Montana and around the country. “This bill will protect good-paying energy jobs, support refined coal production, and reduce emissions,” Sen. Daines said on May 10. “This is a win for Montana, this is a win for the environment, and this is a win for American energy dominance.” Sen. Daines introduced S. 1405 with lead cosponsors including U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Cory Gardner (R-CO). The companion bill, H.R.