Havre Daily News: Sen Daines: From the Capitol: Back to school
It’s that time of year again when the nights and mornings get a little cooler the leaves start changing color and the elk are bugling. Soon, it will be time to break out the snow shovel and winter coat. The changing season also means that across Montana our students and teachers are back in the classroom. As a father of four and a product of Montana’s public schools from kindergarten at Longfellow Elementary School in Bozeman through college at Montana State University, I look forward to this time of year and the new beginnings and opportunities that it brings. And
The Hill: China moves to lift ban on US beef
China is moving to lift a long-standing ban on U.S. beef after a mad cow disease scare locked out imports more than a decade ago. The Obama administration said Thursday that Chinese officials the first have taken the first step to ending the 13-year moratorium, a move that could boost U.S. exports to one of the world’s fastest growing markets for beef. “We look forward to prompt engagement by the relevant authorities for further technical discussions on the specific conditions that will allow trade to resume,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement. Vilsack said the decision by China’s Ministry of
Daines: Montanans Know Best How to Protect our Resources
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today worked to protect Montanans from the Obama administration’s unilateral efforts to designate large areas of land as national monuments. During a Committee on Energy and Natural Resources legislative hearing, Daines pressed the Obama administration to ensure that any monument designation secured the input of Montanans who live and work on the land and know best how to protect those resources. “Too often, unilateral designations completely ignore the needs of the local communities, farmers and ranchers, sportsmen and small business owners directly impacted by new monument designations,” Daines stated. “Any designation that has the potential to
Bill to Name Peak After Alex Diekmann Receives Legislative Hearing
U.S. CONGRESS — U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke today hailed the first step in the legislative process to honor the life of renowned Montana conservationist, Alex Diekmann by naming an unnamed peak in his memory. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today held a legislative hearing to name an unnamed 9,765-foot peak as “Alex Diekmann Peak”. The legislation now awaits further action in the Committee. “In the West land projects are not easy tasks—it takes special people to really balance the needs of local landowners—ranchers and foresters—local cities and towns—county commissions, federal and
Daines, Hirono Launch Congressional Inventions Caucus
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) today launched the Congressional Inventions Caucus in the U.S. Senate. The Congressional Inventions Caucus will provide a forum for inventors to showcase innovative products, have candid and balanced conversations about barriers to economic growth, and educate members and staff about the innovation ecosystem. In addition, the Caucus will seek to provide a platform for inventors, startups, and businesses (large and
Daines Presses FDA on Access to Affordable Medicine for Montanans
U.S. SENATE — Following recent reports of the sky-high price hikes for lifesaving EpiPens, U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sought to ensure that Montanans had access to affordable lifesaving medication. During an Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration & Related Agencies hearing on the Food and Drug Administration’s role in the generic drug marketplace, Daines pressed FDA Director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Dr. Janet Woodcock on competition in the medical marketplace. “We are here because of huge spikes in the price of specific prescription medication. Most significantly, a 400% increase in the price of the
Daines Moves Indian Health Service Reforms Forward
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today helped move forward reforms that would improve patient safety and care by increasing accountability and transparency at the Indian Health Service (IHS). This afternoon, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs passed S. 2953, the Indian Health Service Accountability Act of 2016. Daines is a co-sponsor of the legislation. Video of Daines’ remarks is available to watch here and download here. Daines: “During the July and August work period back in our state, I had the opportunity to meet with a number of Montana’s tribal communities. In fact, I got to nearly every reservation in Montana. And the consensus
Shelby Promoter: Shelby Amtrak stop slated for $953,954 in improvements
U.S. Senator Steve Daines recently announced that $953,954 in funding has been granted to make needed safety improvements at the Amtrak stop in Shelby. “Improving the safety and reliability of Montana’s rail network is critical to connecting people in our communities,” Daines stated. “Folks depend on public transportation and these funds will go a long way towards ensuring that Shelby is able to maintain their Amtrak stop.” This project will upgrade two pedestrian and motor vehicle crossings by extending the existing Amtrak platform and installing fencing, signage, two quadrant gates, and wayside horn advance warning systems to provide safe and
NBC Montana: Veteran’s family demands change from VA health
MISSOULA, Mont. – U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines introduced a new measure to let the Veterans Administration expand its Missoula outpatient clinic. The expansion plan would increase the clinic by 24 percent. Both Tester and Daines say the clinic is too crowded, offers little privacy and veterans cannot get the help they need when they need it. Turns out the clinic project has been waiting for one year for congressional approval. Missoula is not alone. The senators say another 24 VA medical facilities in 15 states are faced with a similar problem. It is not the only challenge