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
Daines, Gillibrand, Gibson, Valadao Urge VA to Clarify Decision Against Providing ‘Blue Water’ Veterans VA Benefits
U.S. CONGRESS — U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Representatives Chris Gibson (R-NY) and David Valadao (R-CA) today are urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to clarify their misguided decision against providing “Blue Water” Navy veterans with the disability and health care benefits that they deserve for diseases linked to Agent Orange exposure. In a letter to VA Secretary Bob McDonald and Deputy Secretary Gibson, the members request the VA to clarify how they came to their conclusion ruling against providing care to “Blue Water” Navy veterans. On February 5, Daines and Gillibrand received a letter from VA Secretary
Tester, Daines designate National Asbestos Awareness Week
Senators’ resolution highlights impact of asbestos on Libby & Troy (U.S. Senate) – Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines are designating the first week of April as National Asbestos Awareness week to educate the public about asbestos-related diseases that have plagued folks in Libby and Troy. The Senators’ resolution highlights the devastating impacts of asbestos exposure to residents in Libby and Troy and urges the U.S. Surgeon General to educate people about the public health issues related to asbestos exposure. “While we work together to continue to clean up Libby and Troy and care for its residents, we also have
Daines Calls on USDA to Expand Veterans’ Employment Opportunities to Montana
U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand their Bridges to Opportunity Program to Montana to help increase veterans’ employment opportunities in agriculture. The Bridges to Opportunity Program this week announced its partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Hiring Our Heroes” program, which is a nationwide initiative to help veterans find meaningful and available work opportunities. In a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Daines urged the Secretary to work to ensure the Department expands their efforts to Montana to help serve the state’s almost 100,000 veterans. “I urgently request you to ensure these efforts