Missoulian: Senate passes energy bill with major Montana provisions
Senate support for permanent authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund got the most notice on Wednesday, but passage of the Energy Policy Modernization Act has a lot of other Montana-related details. “Energy is the title of the bill, but you can see there’s a lot of moving parts,” Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., said Wednesday shortly after the measure passed the Senate. “We’re a state that loves the outdoors and fishing and hunting opportunities, and has lots of natural resources. We passed this bill so we can have jobs and economic growth and at same time protect the land
Helena Independent Record: Senate permanently reauthorizes Land and Water Conservation Fund
The U.S. Senate passed legislation Wednesday that includes permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The Energy Policy Modernization Act garnered bipartisan support, easily passing on an 85-12 vote. The act includes myriad updates to energy and efficiency standards and regulations from appliances and vehicles to energy production. It also reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Historic Preservation Fund and creates the National Park Service Critical Maintenance and Revitalization Conservation Fund. LWCF takes a portion of offshore oil and gas royalties and offers matching grants for conservation projects. In Montana, it has funded city parks
Daines’ Bill: Stands Up for Montana Aviation Passes Senate
U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines’ bill to improve Montana air travel for passengers, pilots and the aviation industry today passed the United States Senate. “The U.S. Senate took an important step forward in strengthening security for travelers and protecting American consumers’ best interests,” said Daines, Montana’s only member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. “I’ve secured many important bipartisan reforms that maintain Montana’s critical aviation infrastructure and affordable travel to rural Montana airports. I look forward to the House of Representatives adopting these reforms and having the President sign this comprehensive aviation security legislation into law.” Daines secured the following provisions
Great Falls Tribune: Senators say FAA bill tightens security, benefits economy
The U.S. Senate voted to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration on a 95-3 vote Tuesday with amendments that Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines said would strengthen security for travelers and benefit Montana airports. “This bipartisan bill will strengthen America’s national security, boost tourism and support meaningful infrastructure investments in our state’s transportation system,” Tester said. “Our airports serve as gateways to Montana’s treasured places and an important line of defense against folks who want to do us harm. This bill is a strong step toward keeping families safe and encouraging economic growth.” Tester offered a successful amendment to
Boilermakers: L-11 president attends Obama State of Union
JASON SMALL, PRESIDENT of Local 11 (East Helena, Mont.) enjoyed a bird’s eye view of one of the nation’s top political events when he attended the annual State of the Union (SOTU) at the U.S. Capitol January 13. Small, who is politically active, especially on matters pertaining to the future of coal and opportunities for Native Americans (he is a member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation), attended the SOTU as a special guest of U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana. “I was actually out feeding my cows when I got a text from Senator Daines’ chief of staff, asking if
Montana Receives Almost $900,000 for Local LWCF Projects
U.S. SENATE – Senator Steve Daines today announced that Montana will receive $896,436 in fiscal year 2016 stateside funding from the United States Department of Interior (DOI) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to support conservation and recreation projects in local communities. “Like so many Montanans, I know firsthand that hunting, fishing and access to public lands is part of our way of life and the LWCF is an important and successful tool that expands access and increase recreational opportunities on our public land,” said Daines, Montana’s only member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “I’m pleased that Montana will
Daines’ Office ‘Purple Up’ for Military Kids
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines and his office today honored the sacrifices military and veteran children make on behalf of the country by wearing purple to “Purple Up For Military Kids” on April 15. “Our offices in Montana and Washington are proud to Purple Up to help raise awareness and build support for military and veteran kids and families,”Daines stated. “We can’t thank our military heroes enough for their service to our country, including the tremendous sacrifice of their families. Thank you to all military children for their heroism and sacrifice on behalf of our country.” Daines and his Washington, D.C.
Daines Honors Montanans of the Week: Shirley and Dale of the Sweet Palace in Philipsburg
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today recognized Shirley Beck and Dale Siegford for contributing to many Montanans’ sweet tooth at the Sweet Palace in Philipsburg, MT. Click here to download photos of Shirley Beck and Dale Siegford at the Sweet Palace. 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 Congress. Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Week” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by
Daines Announces Increase in Forest Service Trail Funding
U.S. SENATE —At Senator Steve Daines’ urging, the U.S. Forest Service is increasing the FY 2016 trail funding for Montana’s National Forests, reversing their previous decision to cut funding by 30 percent over the next three years. “Montana’s National Forests and public lands are a treasured part of our state and today’s news ensures that Montanans will continue to enjoy our great outdoors,” Daines stated. “As an avid outdoorsman, I know how important maintaining and expanding access to our public lands are for our way of life. This is a welcome step to see the Forest Service value Montanans’ feedback and I will