News

Daines Hails Air Force Announcement of Progress to Upgrade Nuclear Missiles

Columbia Falls, Mont.— U.S. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the U.S. Air Force’s announcement that the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program has reached Milestone A.  “This is great news for maintaining our nation’s ‘peace through strength’ strategy at Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base and the security of our nation,” Daines stated. “We must ensure our nuclear capabilities are ready for 21st century warfare. I will continue pushing to guarantee we modernize our nuclear weapons.” Daines has been actively pushing the Department of Defense to reach Milestone A.  On July 8, Daines led a bipartisan effort in urging Department of Defense Secretary Ash Carter

Daines Announces $348,357 for Library Services for Seven Montana Tribes

BOZEMAN, Mont. —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $348,357 in funding for seven Montana tribes to support their existing library operation and to maintain core library services.  “This funding will ensure that tribal libraries are up-to-date and properly serve Indian Country,” Daines stated. “The Native American Library Services Grant is important to improving libraries in Montana’s native communities.” The Native American Library Services Basic Grant is distributed in equal amounts among eligible applicants. The funds were provided to following tribes throught the Native American Library Services.              The Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Chippewa Cree Tribe,

Bozeman Daily Chronicle: More than 250 turn out for meeting on Yellowstone fire

WEST YELLOWSTONE – Smoke rose from thick stands of lodgepole pine just a few miles away as more than 250 people filed into the Union Pacific Dining Hall on Monday night to hear what will be done about the roaring fire in Yellowstone National Park. Several wildfires have been burning in Yellowstone National Park over the last couple of weeks, and the largest, the Maple Fire, has continued to grow. It has now charred more than 22,400 acres — about 35 square miles — in an area near the Gneiss Creek trail and down toward the Madison River. It is

NBC Montana: West Yellowstone residents voice concerns over Tatanka Complex

BOZEMAN, Mont. – The half dozen fires burning in Yellowstone National Park are now called the Tatanka Complex. Fire officials in West Yellowstone held a community meeting Monday night where residents voiced their concerns about the fire. As black smoke continues to rise from the fires, many residents are worried. “Oh, I’m saying my prayers like crazy,” said Duck Creek resident Jim Criner. He was one of more than 200 residents at a community meeting to learn more about the fire. Officials presented maps showing people where the fire perimeter was and the direction it’s heading. Strong winds and dry

Roll Call: How Do You Say Happy Birthday in Montana?

This weekend, both Montana senators — Republican Steve Daines and Democrat Jon Tester — are celebrating their birthdays.  Daines on Saturday. Tester on Sunday. The neighboring dates gave the senators the opportunity to wish one another a happy birthday and exchange very Big Sky Country gifts. Tester’s present for Daines was a bottle of safflower oil, processed from the herbaceous plant cultivated on his 1,800-acre family farm. Daines gave Tester Montana elk meat. The avid outdoorsman said the meat is from “a bull I bagged last fall.” Daines turns 54 on Saturday. The Republican was born in 1962 in southern California, but grew up in Bozeman. Tester turns 60 on Sunday. The Democrat was born

KULR8: Thousands celebrate the 98th Annual Crow Fair with jobs in mind

Friday was a day of celebration, remembrance and reflection at the 98th Annual Crow Fair, Powwow & Parade, a tradition that started in 1903. Montana Senator Steve Daines was among the honored guests. During the senator’s visit to Israel, he presented a resolution from Crow Nation to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and in return, Netanyahu gave Daines the Israeli flag to present to Crow Nation, a show of strength, solidarity and understanding. Crow Tribal Chairman Darrin Old Coyote tells KULR-8 his people have been oppressed for decades and it’s events like the parade that give hope to a tribe that’s been

KRTV: Ceremony in Great Falls welcomes 24 new U.S. citizens

GREAT FALLS – Montana residents welcomed the latest class to receive United States citizenship as 24 people from more than a dozen countries partook in the Naturalization Ceremony in Great Falls on Thursday morning at the Missouri River Federal Courthouse.  “It has been one of the most exciting days in my life,” said Tamara McCarty, a new U.S. citizen from Jamaica.     U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Great Falls Mayor Bob Kelly, along with representatives for U.S. Senator Jon Tester and U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke, welcomed the newest citizens to the country and the state.     “We are a nation of immigrants,my great-great grandmother homesteaded north of Great

Daines Condemns Transfer of 15 Guantanamo Detainees

BOZEMAN, Mont. — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today condemned the Obama administration following reports that 12 Yemeni nationals and three Afghans were transferred from Guantanamo Bay. “Terrorists captured by U.S. forces belong in Guantanamo, not in custody of a nation that may allow them to return to the battlefield as we have seen before,” Daines stated. “This President is more focused on releasing dangerous terrorists to fulfill a campaign promise than protecting our national security.” On May 26, Daines introduced legislation to temporarily ban the transfer or release of detainees from Guantanamo Bay until either the end of this year or enactment of the National Defense Authorization

Daines: Wildfires underscore need to reform forest management

The Roaring Lion Fire, burning over 7,000 acres southwest of Hamilton, has already claimed one life and over 60 homes and structures. As fighters continue to battle the blaze, the destruction only underscores the importance of urgently passing forest reform legislation. Each summer that passes without comprehensive forest management reform is another summer when Mother Nature takes the matter into her own hands, filling our skies with the smoke of catastrophic wildfires. During a visit to the Roaring Lion Fire camp, I was able to visit with many of the men and women battling the fire and speak to them