Capital Press: Senators call to renew voluntary access program in 2018 Farm Bill
Two U.S. senators are proposing to reauthorize a grant program in the 2018 Farm Bill that compensates landowners who open their property to public access. Sens. Steve Daines, R-Mont., and Michael Bennet, D-Colo., introduced legislation Monday to renew the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, which was met with cheers from sportsmen’s groups. Steve Kline, director of government relations for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership in Washington, D.C., said the VPA-HIP is the only federal program aimed at enhancing access to private lands for hunters and anglers. “One of the reasons people stop hunting and fishing is lack of
Seattle Times: Senate advances bills to preserve Montana creek, rename peak
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The U.S. Senate has approved measures to protect a creek that flows through south-central Montana and to rename a peak in the southwestern portion of the state. The bills approved Wednesday had backing from Montana’s two U.S. senators — Democrat Jon Tester and Republican Steve Daines. The East Rosebud Wild and Scenic Rivers Act would designate a 20-mile stretch of East Rosebud Creek as part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. The designation preserves rivers as free-flowing and prevents development. The Alex Diekmann Peak Designation Act names a peak in the Madison range after
Congress Votes to Avoid Shutdown, Preserve Important Services for Montanans
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted to avoid a government shut down and to preserve and protect services import to Montana’s children, seniors, and local communities. “This is a necessary vote to keep the government open and to fund CHIP,”said Daines. Additionally, the bill will: Provide $2.85 billion for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Provide $550 million in funding for Community Health Centers. Prevent $23 million in cuts to mineral royalty penalties. Prevent cuts to Medicare. Provide $4.7 billion in funding for missile defense and other defense priorities. ###
Daines Introduces Bill to Combat Meth Use in Montana
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced bipartisan legislation, the Mitigating the Methamphetamine Epidemic and Promoting Tribal Health Act, or the Mitigating METH Act, to combat methamphetamine use across Montana and strengthen Indian tribes’ ability to fight this epidemic. “Methamphetamine use in Montana is tearing apart families and taking lives,” said Daines. “This is a crisis that needs immediate attention and more resources.” Additional sponsors include Sens. Kamala Harris (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). Background: In the 21st Century Cures Act, enacted in 2016, Congress authorized $1 billion in funding over two years to address the opioid
Daines Demands Highest Quality Health Care for Montana Service Members
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today led a letter to President and CEO of Health Net Federal Services, the current administrator for the Veterans Choice Program in Montana, and will assume responsibility for TRICARE in Montana in 2018. “As you assume responsibility for the TRICARE beneficiaries in our states, we expect nothing short of excellence from your company in providing access to the highest quality medical care for the men and women who have worn the uniform of our nation,” the Members wrote. The letter was also signed by Sens. Enzi (WY), Crapo (ID), Barrasso (WY) and Gardner (CO). The
Malmstrom Air Force Base Commander Confirmed by U.S. Senate
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines voted this week to confirm Colonel Ronald G. Allen, Jr. for promotion to Brigadier General in the United States Air Force. “Col. Allen has led the men and women at Malmstrom on missions critical to our national security with distinction,” said Daines. “It is my honor to support his confirmation as a Brigadier General.” “It’s a great honor to serve with someone of Colonel Allen’s caliber and character,” said Col. Peter Bonetti, 341st Vice Commander. “I’m grateful to see the Senate confirmation. It’s an acknowledgement that Colonel Allen’s senior leadership is vital to the Air Force and the
Daines, Tester and Gianforte Call on Forest Service to Prioritize Kootenai Forestland Project
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senators Steve Daines, John Tester and Congressman Greg Gianforte are urging the Forest Service to prioritize a conservation easement in northwest Montana that will strengthen the local economy and create jobs. The Montana delegation threw their support behind an agreement between Stimson Lumber Company and the state of Montana to preserve more than 22,000 acres of private land for timber harvest, wildlife habitat, and recreational access. “The Kootenai Forestlands Project will not only have significant economic benefits, but will also provide critical conservation gains,” wrote the members. “Protecting these lands also means protecting our state’s clean water, and the
Daines Announces Five Montana Schools to Receive Computers Through Senate Program
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that he has helped facilitate a donation of 25 computers to five Montana public schools as part of the United States Senate’s Computers for Schools Program. “Our children are the future of America and our greatest investment,” said Daines “The Computers for Schools program gives them the tools to compete and succeed in the 21st century economy.” Recipients include: Big Sandy Public Schools will receive 5 computers Greenfield School will receive 5 computers Hardin School Districts 17-H&1 will receive 5 computers Hot Springs School District 14-J will receive 5 computers Winnett Public School District #1 will
Montana Delegation’s Bill to Name Peak in Diekmann’s Honor Passes U.S. Senate
U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and U.S. Representative Greg Gianforte today hailed U.S. Senate passage of their bill to honor the life of renowned Montana conservationist, Alex Diekmann, by naming an unnamed peak in his memory. The U.S. Senate today passed a bill to name an unnamed 9,765-foot peak as “Alex Diekmann Peak.” “Alex Diekmann brought Montanans together to balance the needs of local landowners, ranchers and foresters, local cities and towns, county commissions, and federal and state interests to protect our public lands,” Daines stated. “I look forward to visiting and climbing Alex Diekmann Peak in Alex’s honor with