Daines, Bipartisan Group of Senators Urge Administration to Safeguard Critical Military and Dual-Use Technology from China
‘There can be no question that China seeks to surpass the U.S. both economically and militarily and become the world’s foremost superpower, and neither the Federal Government nor private U.S. companies should aid and abet that effort. As such, we implore you to reject any proposal to soften restrictions on the transfer to China of U.S.-made military technologies and advanced dual-use technologies, including semiconductors.’ ‘Export control and sanctions laws should not be negotiable, because fidelity to the rule of law is a key part of what distinguishes the U.S. from a country like China that is ruled by a Communist
Secretary Mnuchin Commits to Daines: Administration Will Not Relax Export Controls on Sales to China, Will Protect Sensitive Technology
U.S. SENATE — During a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin committed to U.S. Senator Steve Daines that the Administration will not relax export controls and allow sensitive technologies to be sold that compromise U.S. security when negotiating trade deals with China. During the hearing, Daines urged to Secretary Mnuchin that it is critical that during these ongoing negotiations with the Chinese the Administration reject any trade proposals with China that would loosen or weaken existing restrictions on the export or transfer of U.S. military technologies and advanced dual-use technologies. Secretary
Politico: GOP Senators Expect McConnell to Scrap or Scale Back August Break
Time to reschedule those vacation plans: The Senate’s traditional August recess is likely to be trimmed or possibly scrapped entirely, according to four Republican senators. Senate Republicans expect that Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will soon announce plans to gut the four-week recess as his caucus and President Donald Trump clamor for more action in Washington. McConnell discussed the matter privately with his leadership team on Monday evening in a members-only meeting, according to two GOP senators. No final decision has been made, senators said, and the caucus is still debating how many weeks of the recess to slash. But McConnell,
Daines, Tester, Gianforte Bill to Designate Three VA Facilities in Honor of Montana Veterans Heads to President’s Desk
U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Congressman Greg Gianforte’s legislation to designate three Department of Veterans Affairs facilities passed the U.S. House of Representatives and will now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. This legislation recognizes the commitment to duty and personal courage of three Montanans by naming VA facilities in Missoula and Billings in their honor. The Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Missoula will be designated in honor of David J. Thatcher, the Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Billings will be designated in honor of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow (Dakaak
Daines Calls for Greater Flexibility for Montana Agriculture and Livestock Haulers
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter signed by a bipartisan group of Senators to Administrator Raymond Martinez of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), calling for greater flexibility within hours of service (HOS) regulations for commercial motor vehicle drivers, which help maintain the safety on Montana’s roadways. Daines and the bipartisan group of colleagues wrote, “The trucking industry provides for over three million jobs in the U.S. and is the backbone of our economy, ensuring our nation’s goods get to market. It is important that HOS regulations provide for a commonsense framework for drivers, rather than
Daines Applauds President’s Nomination of Robert Wilkie to Lead VA
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced Robert Wilkie, the acting secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, as his next nominee to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. “Robert is a friend and I know he will do what it takes to put our veterans first in a department that has not been giving our heroes the treatment they deserve,” said Daines. “I look forward to putting my full support behind his nomination to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs.” ###
Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Amanda Bedford of Chouteau County
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized Amanda Bedford for her positive impact on the Chouteau County community as the owner of the Wake Cup Café. Daines’ recognition in the Congressional Record is available here. 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’
Daines, Tester Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Injured First-Responders are Fairly Compensated
U.S. SENATE – During National Police Week, U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester introduced the bipartisan Putting First-Responders First Act. This legislation would clarify the current tax code to ensure injured first-responders do not have to pay taxes on injury-related compensation. In addition, this bill prevents injury-related compensation from becoming taxable when injured first-responders reach retirement age since their injuries and associated costs remain. The legislation was inspired by the story of the now retired Billings police officer, Ladd Paulson. In 2002, Mr. Paulson was hit by an impaired driver while he was conducting a routine traffic stop on
Great Falls Tribune: ‘Piano Pat’s’ honor part of Congressional Record
Pat Spoonheim, better known as Piano Pat, plays on a recent Wednesday night at the Sip ‘n’ Dip. She has played piano at the bar since 1963. Two Montanans were cast into the national spotlight Friday when two federal lawmakers honored a famed Great Falls piano player and a Fort Benton coffee shop owner for making differences in their communities. Patricia Spoonheim, better known as “Piano Pat,” was honored by Rep. Greg Gianforte with his Spirit of Montana award for “entertaining countless patrons from Montana and across the globe at the Sip ‘n Dip Lounge since 1963.” The iconic Tiki bar