Bozeman Daily Chronicle: World War II Veteran Honored with Posthumous Medals in Bozeman
Ted Williams fondly recalled his older brother Robert, eight years his senior, and riding on the handlebars of Robert’s green bicycle. “I loved him very much but I was jealous of the things he got to do,” said 89-year-old Ted to a crowd of a few dozen friends, family and military members gathered at Bozeman’s American Legion on Friday afternoon. Just prior to speaking, Ted was presented with a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, among other accolades, in honor of his brother Robert’s service during World War II. U.S. Army Air Corps Private First Class Robert E. Williams Jr.
Morning Consult: Senate Democrats Warily Accept Small ISP Transparency Exemption
Senate Democrats harbor concerns about a bill that would give small businesses an exemption from the Federal Communications Commission’s transparency requirements for three years, but they are standing pat for now. The Senate Commerce Committee unanimously advanced the measure Wednesday in a voice vote, although two Democrats noted their opposition before allowing the bill to pass on a voice vote. The enhanced transparency requirements are part of the commission’s 2015 net neutrality rules. The legislation aims to ease the burden that they place on small internet service providers in rural areas. Supporters argue that these providers might not have the money or resources to hire teams of
Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Colter Scully of Powell County
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized Colter Scully, a rising senior at Powell County High School. Colter is currently preparing for his board of reviews to complete his Eagle Scout application. Three years ago, Colter was inspired to create a frisbee-golf course in his community. Thanks to his leadership and perseverance, the course was opened on May 31st, 2016. 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
Montana Congressional Delegation Pushes Forest Service to Advance Permitting Process for Rock Creek Mine
(U.S. Congress)—Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines and Congressman Ryan Zinke this week pushed the U.S. Forest Service to finalize an important document and advance a decades-old permitting process for the Rock Creek Mine in northwest Montana. In a letter to Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Chris Savage, the Montana congressional delegation encouraged the Forest Service to finalize the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) in a timely manner. The SEIS must be finalized before the Rock Creek Mine project can move forward in the federal permitting process. “The permitting process is a necessary step towards ensuring that the project’s proposed operations
Great Falls Tribune: Lawmakers want VA Montana Vacancies Made Top Priority
Following the announcement that the VA Montana director is resigning, Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke sent a letter Thursday morning to Secretary Bob McDonald of the Department of Veterans Affairs asking him to prioritize finding a replacement. John Ginnity submitted his resignation to VA officials Tuesday, and the resignation was announced Wednesday. His last day is July 8 and if a replacement isn’t found before then, the position will join the vacant associate director and chief of staff positions. “This is simply unacceptable and we request you make filling these positions a top priority for the sake of
Daines, Zinke Request Meeting With VA Secretary McDonald on Replacement for MT VA
U.S. CONGRESS — U.S. Senator Steve Daines and U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke today urged Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Bob McDonald to prioritize a quick and qualified replacement for outgoing VA Montana Director John Ginnity. The VA Montana went for nine months without a full-time director before Ginnity was appointed director in March of 2015. The members also requested a full congressional meeting with Secretary McDonald to ensure this replacement is timely and with a top candidate. Daines and Zinke wrote: “The failure of the VA to prioritize the hiring of these leadership positions with honorable individuals reflects a
Daines Secures Important Healthcare Resources for Montanans
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today secured important healthcare resources for Montanans to improve the quality and reliability of services. “Montanans deserve reliable access to quality healthcare services close to home,” Daines stated. “Through my efforts, our health care providers will be able to better serve rural communities across our state and country.” The Senate Committee on Appropriations today passed the bipartisan FY2017 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) Appropriations Bill. Daines secured the following resources for Montana: Air Ambulance: Secured language to require the Government Accountability Office to author a report about the costs and coverage
Sidney Herald: Debate is Drawing a Bullseye on Beets
Efforts are continuing in the United States Senate to develop a compromise on GMO labeling that would circumvent Vermont’s GMO labeling law which goes into effect July 1. That law is a trigger for enacting similar laws in two other states, Maine and Connecticut. Roberts brought a bill to the Senate floor in March, dubbed by opponents as the Deny Americans Right to Know act, that attempted to forestall Vermont’s legislation. The Kansas Senator is trying again with another bill he says has “workable solutions” to address the concerns that flummoxed his last bill. He doesn’t expect anything definitive to
Daines Statement on Resignation Montana VA Director Ginnity
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after Montana VA Director John Ginnity announced his resignation. “Montana veterans deserve a leader who will ensure their needs are being met and the Montana VA has not lived up to this commitment. The Montana VA needs a strong leader who understands the mission and will not fail Montana veterans.” Daines has always fought to ensure that Montana VA leadership is serving Montana’s veterans. March 23: Daines sent a letter to the Office of Inspector General asking them to investigate misconduct as a whole at the VA – possibly from