Billings Gazette: Daines meets Zinke with long wishlist for next Interior secretary
Montana U.S. Sen. Steve Daines is positioned to play a key role in the confirmation of Ryan Zinke to Donald Trump’s presidential cabinet. The two Montanans met Thursday. Zinke, Montana’s lone congressman, met with Daines to discuss the representative’s nomination to be Interior secretary. Daines is a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which will begin Zinke’s confirmation process. “Ryan has a good balance of protecting public land and conservation, and energy development,” Daines told The Gazette. “I think it’s that balance that’s needed in the secretary of Interior.” Daines said he expects the Senate Energy and
Daines Meets with Energy Designee Perry, Looks Forward to Confirmation
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on President-elect Donald J. Trump’s designee for the U.S. Department of Energy, Rick Perry. “After speaking with Governor Perry, I have confidence that he will work to restore the balance between fossil fuel and renewable energy investments and regulation, a balance that has been lacking in President Obama’s Energy Department,” Daines stated. “Governor Perry will work to make our nation energy secure.” During the meeting, Daines invited Perry to Colstrip and the Crow Reservation and commended his attention to a letter from Lori Shaw, co-founder of Colstrip United, a grassroots citizens’ group to
Daines Implores Indian Health Service to Immediately Fund Repairs to Chippewa Cree Tribe’s Water System
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today urged the Indian Health Service (IHS) to comply with Chippewa Cree Tribe’s request for emergency funding to repair the on-reservation water system in light of recent breakages and contamination. In a letter to Mary Smith, the Principal Deputy Director of IHS, Daines implored her to immediately act on the Chippewa Cree Tribe’s request to ensure water delivery and water safety. “I write to implore your swift and immediate action in response to the Chippewa Cree Tribe’s urgent request regarding the tribe’s water service,” Daines wrote. “This matter is of utmost importance and must be addressed immediately.”
Daines Reiterates Opposition to Transfer of Federal Lands
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today commented on a recent U.S. House of Representatives budgetary rule change related to federal lands. “I continue to strongly oppose the transfer of federal lands to the states while fighting to improve the management of those lands.” ###
Daines Discusses Trade Opportunities with Commerce Designee Wilbur Ross
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on President-elect Donald J. Trump’s designee for the U.S. Department of Commerce, Wilbur Ross. “Wilbur Ross has an impressive resume and is a force in the private-sector,” Daines stated. “The Department of Commerce and the American economy will be well served by his extensive experience. I’m excited for his ideas to institute strong trade policies that expand opportunities for Montana ag producers and manufacturers to create more good-paying jobs.” Daines and Ross discussed the importance of exports to Montana jobs and economy and about expanding access to foreign markets for Montana
KGVO: Montana Senator Is Appointed To Serve On The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee
Montana has been without a congressional representative on any federal Agriculture Committee since Senator Max Baucus became Ambassador to China, but that is about to change. The Montana Grain Growers Association applauded this week’s news that Montana Senator Steve Daines has been appointed to serve on the U.S. Senate Ag Committee. MGGA Executive Vice President Lola Raska says this decision will play a large role in the upcoming farm bill. “We are looking at renegotiating the next farm bill, that is already underway and this gives us a seat at the table,” said Raska. “Every detail of the farm bill goes through
Daines Announces Details on 58th Presidential Inauguration
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today provided details to those traveling to Washington, D.C. for the 58th Presidential Inauguration. “I’m excited to see so many Montanans in our nation’s capital for the 58th Presidential Inauguration,” Daines stated. Details on events are below: Washington, DC Office Open House: The Senator will be hosting an Open House the day before the Presidential Inauguration on January 20. We hope that Montanans who are visiting will stop by, visit with the Senator and his staff, snap a picture in the Senator for a Day! photo booth and enjoy light refreshments and snacks from Montana. The office will host visitors
Ag & Forestry Leaders Praise Daines’ Ag Committee Membership
U.S. SENATE —Following U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ announcement of committee assignments for the 115th Congress, Montana’s top agriculture and forestry leaders praised his new membership on the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. “Montana’s number one economic driver is agriculture and I’m excited to represent their priorities on the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture,” Daines stated. Alan Merrill, President Montana Farmers Union: “Montana Farmers Union wants to congratulate Senator Daines on his appointment to the Senate Ag Committee. With work beginning on the next Farm Bill having the senator serve on this committee will be an asset for Montana’s farmers and ranchers to
Daines Announces Committee Assignments for the 115th Congress
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that he has been selected to serve on five U.S. Senate Committees for the 115th Congress. Daines will serve on the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs and the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “I am honored to represent Montana’s interests on five diverse committees to address issues facing hardworking Montana families,” Daines stated. “As Montana’s U.S. Senator, I will continue advocating to rein in federal spending, protect our public lands,