Trump Heeds Daines Calls: Starts Process to Reverse WOTUS
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on President Donald J. Trump’s executive actions to revise former President Barack Obama’s overreaching Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule. The overreaching WOTUS rule seeks to regulate virtually every ditch and pond that may be occasionally wet across the United States and would have a significant negative impact on farmers, ranchers, and landowners across the country. “We can protect Montana’s pristine water without harming our agriculture economy and violating Montanans’ private property rights,” Daines stated. “I’m thrilled President Trump has heeded my call to halt this disastrous Obama-era policy and
Daines Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump’s first joint address to Congress. “There is a renewed spirit because Americans know that Washington, D.C. is returning power back to Montanans and back to the people. The strategy that the President laid out tonight is an optimistic, clear vision to create jobs, return education decisions back to families and keep our communities safe. I will continue working with President Trump to deliver real change for the American people making our communities stronger and safer.” ###
Great Falls Tribune: Farm, conservation groups disagree over Trump’s water order
Conservation groups in Montana criticized President Donald Trump for directing federal agencies Tuesday to roll back a rule implemented under the Obama administration that expanded the scope of waters falling under the federal Clean Water Act. They argued Trump’s move is a backward step that could lead to pollution of seasonal streams and wetlands. Business and farm groups, who viewed the Obama-era rule as federal overreach, unnecessary and burdensome, agreed with Trump’s executive order. Here’s the issue: In April 2014, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposed the Clean Water Rule, which defined the scope of ‘‘waters
Daines Introduces Concealed Carry Reciprocity Bill
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, legislation to allow individuals with concealed carry privileges in their home state to exercise those rights in any other state that also has concealed carry laws, while abiding by that state’s laws. “It is our constitutional right to keep and bear arms,” Daines stated. “This bill protects Montanans’ constitutional freedoms and allows Montanans to exercise their rights when traveling across state lines.” The bill was also sponsored by by U.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX), John Barrasso (R-WY), Roy Blunt (R-MO), John Boozman (R-AR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Mike Crapo
Daines to Welcome Montana Attorney General as Guest for Joint Session
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that Montana’s Attorney General Tim Fox will serve as Daines’ guest of honor at President Donald J. Trump’s first joint address to Congress. Fox is invited to attend the president’s speech while he is in Washington D.C. for the National Association of Attorneys General annual winter meeting, February 27 – March 1. “Tim Fox has led the fight to push back on overreaching Obama administration regulations that have harmed hardworking Montana families and it’s only fitting that he be my guest of honor at the joint session as President Trump outlines his agenda
Daines: Ross Confirmed for Commerce Secretary
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm President Donald J. Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Wilbur Ross. “Secretary Ross was a force in the private sector and will undoubtedly be a force at the Department of Commerce,” Daines stated. “He will bring a mountain of ideas to expand opportunities for our producers and manufactures to create more good-paying jobs.” Immediately following Ross’ confirmation, Daines extended a formal invitation to “visit Montana and see our innovative and thriving business community.” Daines’ letter is available to download HERE. On January
Great Falls Tribune:What should be done with state’s most wild lands?
Protecting some of the nation’s most wild and scenic lands has drawn heated debate in the Montana Legislature this month. A bill to release seven wilderness study areas from consideration for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System has pitted those who want the lands to be released against those who see the measure as a quick fix. House Joint Resolution 9 has stirred up discussion among stakeholders since it was introduced to the Natural Resources Committee by Rep. Kerry White, R-Bozeman, on Feb. 17. On Feb. 24, the committee took executive action on the partisan resolution and passed an
Daines to Lead Montana Ag Summit 2017
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that he will be spearheading the Montana Ag Summit 2017 in Great Falls this spring. The summit, sponsored by Daines, will take place in Great Falls on May 31 and June 1, 2017. U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry will deliver a keynote address at the summit. “The summit will highlight our state’s number one economic driver by bringing together agricultural leaders to discuss how to keep our agricultural heritage strong for generations to come,” Daines stated. “Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of Montana’s
Daines Praises Stay of Harmful Federal Coal, Oil and Gas Valuation Rule
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after the Office of Natural Resources Revenue stayed the rule to reform royalty valuation for federal and Indian coal, and federal oil and gas. “This rule would have had immediate detrimental effects to American energy producers and the hardworking Montanans and workers across the country they support,” Daines stated. “I am glad the Trump Administration has heeded my call to take immediate action to stay the rule.” On February 11, 2015, Daines called on the Department of Interior to allow the state of Montana, Montana tribes, union members and business owners more time to