Daines Applauds Roll-Back of Burdensome Internet Regulation
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai’s announcement regarding plans to dismantle harmful internet regulations implemented under the Obama Administration and return to a light-touch regulatory system that allows the internet economy to thrive. “Some of America’s greatest companies were born on the internet,” said Daines. “By dismantling harmful internet regulations, American companies will have an open internet that allows their business, and our economy, to grow.” Daines introduced the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act in both the 114th and 115th Congress, which exempts small businesses from enhanced transparency requirements. He also led a bipartisan, bicameral effort urging the FCC to take
Daines Applauds New Direct Flights from MSO and FCA to Los Angeles
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded United Airlines’ announcement to offer direct flights from Missoula (MSO) and Glacier Park (FCA) in Montana to Los Angeles (LAX). “Tourism is a critical part of the Montana economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs,” said Daines. “Having more flight options means less expensive airfare for Montana families and more businesses opportunities for the Treasure State.” “This new flight is an excellent opportunity for travelers to access Los Angeles, in addition easy access for southern Californians to witness the beauty of Montana,”said Cris Jensen, airport director at Missoula International Airport. We are thankful
Daily Inter Lake: United Adds Direct Flight To L.A.
United Airlines will offer direct seasonal flights from Glacier Park International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport starting June 7, Glacier Airport Director Rob Ratkowski announced Tuesday. The Flathead Valley is one of four new markets chosen by United Airlines for direct service to LAX. The flight will depart daily from Glacier Park International at 12:55 p.m. with an estimated arrival time of 2:52 p.m. into LAX. The flight originating from Los Angeles will leave daily at 8:28 a.m., landing at Glacier Park International at 12:25 p.m. “This direct service provides significant advantages, both to those who live in the
Daines Fights for Montana Agriculture
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today led seven Senators from the Northern Plains and Pacific Northwest in sending a letter to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue and United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer, urging them to address India’s unfair trade practices affecting American dry pea producers. The letter calls on Indian Prime Minister Modi to reverse or delay the implementation of a 50 percent tariff on all dry pea imports and requests that until such actions are taken, USDA take appropriate steps to mitigate the negative impacts of the tariff on farmers. “India is the top export market for U.S. dry peas,” the Members wrote. “Unless this decision
Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Ray Hageman of Garfield County
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized Ray Hageman of Garfield County for the bravery and leadership he demonstrated while fighting the Lodgepole Complex Fire this past wildfire season. 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’
Senate Western Caucus Urges Prompt Confirmation of Interior Nominees
U.S. SENATE —Chairman of the Senate Western Caucus, U.S. Senator Steve Daines (MT), was joined by 15 Senators in leading members of the Senate Western Caucus in urging U.S. Senate leadership to prioritize confirmation of nominees important to the West. In a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Charles Schumer, the Senate Western Caucus drew attention to the languishing nominations of Joseph Balash to be Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, Susan Combs to be Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget, Ryan Nelson to be Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior and Brenda Burman to be Commissioner
Daines Introduces Legislation to Accelerate Forest Management
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced the Protect Collaboration for Healthier Forests Act to accelerate badly needed and locally supported forest management projects that will improve the health of National Forests and get loggers back to work. Daines’ bill establishes a pilot arbitration program authorizing the U.S. Forest Service to use binding arbitration in Region 1 (Montana, parts of Idaho, North Dakota) as an alternative dispute resolution process for certain forest restoration projects. Litigation against forest management projects frequently take many years to resolve. Pilot arbitration authority would bring swifter resolution to disputed projects. In doing so, hazardous fuels reduction projects developed through a collaborative process that are
Montana Ag: Risk management important in new farm bill
Members of Montana’s largest agriculture organization met this week in Billings to hear updates and set policies on issues impacting Montana farmers and ranchers. “We are such a small percentage of the farm bill that we know we have to play nice with others” Cyndi Johnson, vice president of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation from Conrad, said. The farm bill is essentially agriculture’s play book for five years and work is already underway to ensure Montana farmers and ranchers are well-represented in the 2018 bill. “The farm bill is currently being discussed at the national level and even our local members have
KMMS: Daines demands our National Parks Must Remain Accessible to All Americans
Senator Steve Daines is upset because the National Park Service announced it is considering raising the entrance fees during peak season for 17 National Parks, including Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park in Montana. The proposal, would change the fee from $30 to $70 per vehicle. The price per person would go from $15 to $30. The current public comment period will end on November 23, 2017. “Glacier and Yellowstone National Park – are national treasures that belong to Montanans and Americans across the country” said Daines. “Fee increases of this magnitude could prohibit families from enjoying the great