News

KGVO:Senator Daines Visits Guantanamo Bay, Advocates Againsts Transferring Prisoners

On February 29th, Senator Steve Daines went to Cuba to visit the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. Upon Daines’ return, he took to the Senate floor to state the importance of maintaining the detention center and not bringing detainees to American communities. “Guantanamo Bay was a humble reminder of the services our military provides overseas to get these terrorists off the battle field and ensure that they don’t end up in American’s backyards,” said Daines. “President Obama has signed multiple pieces of legislation into law the explicitly prohibit the transfer of enemy combatants.” During the speech, Daines highlighted the threat

The Hill: GOP pushes Interior head on agency rules

Republicans on a Senate appropriations panel challenged the head of the Interior Department Wednesday on a host of rules and energy assessments the agency is undertaking. During a hearing on the agency’s 2017 budget request, members were most concerned about regional issues, including regulations for offshore drilling in the Gulf and a pause in the federal coal leasing program. “The stakes are a lot higher today than they may have been in the past,” Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) said, arguing the pause on new coal leases on federal land would hurt the economy in parts of his state, where coal

Glasgow Courier: Connecting The Hi-Line

Traveling around our state, from the wheat fields and rolling hills in the east to the jagged snow-covered peaks almost 500 miles to the west, it is easy to understand why our state really is Big Sky Country.  That’s why it’s so important to ensure that Montanans in rural communities can easily travel not only across our state, but the region and country as well. Amtrak’s Empire Builder runs approximately 660 miles across Montana and connects 12 rural communities. For the many Montanans who live a long ways from an airport, but live close to a rail station, it’s critical to

Daines Slams Interior Secretary for Failing to Listen to States and Tribes in Moratorium on Coal Leasing

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today took the Obama administration to task for failing to properly take into account states’ and tribes’ voices in placing a misguided moratorium on coal leasing.  During this morning’s Senate Committee on Appropriations hearing on the Department of Interior’s (DOI) Fiscal Year 2017 budget request, Daines pressed Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to better incorporate Montanans voices in unilateral bureaucratic decisions that have the potential to severely cripple Montana’s coal industry.  “Several tribal members and others who rely on coal jobs to provide for their families expressed strong concern regarding potential administration actions during a

Daines Visits Detention Facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

U.S. SENATE — On Monday, Senator Steve Daines went on a fact-finding mission to the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Daines was joined by Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Cory Gardner (R-CO). Upon Daines return, he took to the Senate floor to underscore the importance of maintaining the detention center and not helping President Obama fulfill a campaign promise to bring detainees to American communities.  Click here to watch Daines’ remarks.Click here to download Daines’ remarks. “Visiting Guantanamo Bay was a humble reminder of the services our military provides overseas to get these terrorists off the battlefield and ensure

MTN News: Sen. Daines calls for changes in the VA

Montana Senator Steve Daines is calling for changes in the Veterans Affairs system. A recent discussion held in Bozeman largely centered around the VA Bonus Accountability Act, which Daines and other senators are working to pass. The measure is designed to hold the VA accountable and keep under performing employees from receiving bonuses. “We’re mobilizing forces here and you know veterans know how to mobilize., that we can move forward here with changes in the VA, to move this VA accountability act forward, that puts accountability into the VA,” Daines said. “[It] allows hiring and firing these mid level managers that aren’t doing their jobs. There

Montana Congressional Delegation Congratulates Maren Kirkland of Billings on Receiving Naval Academy Appointment

U.S. CONGRESS – Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Representative Ryan Zinke congratulated Billings Senior High School student Maren Kirkland on her appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Kirkland is a senior at Billings Senior High School. She is a National Honor Society member, President of the Yellowstone County 4H Club, soccer and tennis All-State, and won second place in the American Mathematics Competition in 2014. Kirkland is also a volunteer with her school’s Senior Advocates program. “Maren Kirkland has proved herself to be an upstanding citizen and a hardworking student who I’m confident will thrive as she

Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Tom Kuntz of Red Lodge

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today recognized Tom Kuntz of Red Lodge for his company’s generous donations to non-profits throughout Carbon County.  Tom is the owner of local pizza shop Red Lodge Pizza Co., which contributed $11,700 of its profits to 20 various non-profits to help support their goals and missions. His contributions make up the largest portion of $34,000 raised during this year’s third annual charitable contribution program on behalf of the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation. Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional

Great Falls Tribune: Culbertson on board for Amtrak stop

After a nearly 40-year absence, Amtrak may resume making Culbertson one of its stops along the Empire Builder route. “It’s another service for the community,” Culbertson Mayor Gordon Oelkers said, adding it was estimated to generate 7,000 riders, with some of them being Canadians. He said they have the blessing of Amtrak and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, which owns the line. However, a BNSF official contacted late Friday afternoon was not immediately able to confirm. All that’s needed is a depot. “The track is good and the signals are good,” he said. It’s hoped the federal government can provide