Daines Votes to Keep the Federal Government Funded
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after voting for the second time to keep the government funded through December 11, 2015: “Like all Montanans, I know how important it is to keep our government running. While I’m glad the Senate was able to find agreement and ensure the government remains funded, I am disappointed that this bill failed to address several critical issues, including permanently reauthorizing LWCF and directing funding away from Planned Parenthood. I will continue pressing my colleagues to permanently reauthorize LWCF and redirect funding away from scandal-plagued Planned Parenthood to more accessible community health centers.”
Daines Continues to Investigate Pipeline Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Senator Steve Daines today continued his work to increase the safety of the United States’ vast pipeline network and underscored the importance of timely inspection responses from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). During a Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security hearing entitled “Pipeline Safety: Oversight of Our Nation’s Pipeline Network,” Daines today reaffirmed the challenges facing the management of Montana’s pipeline network – concerns emphasized during a field hearing held by Daines earlier this month in Billings, Montana. “At the field hearing, PHMSA’s Administrator testified and was able to
Daines Announces Renewal of Cape Air Service for Montana Airports
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today announced that Cape Air has been re-approved as the Essential Air Service (EAS) provider for airports in Glasgow, Glendive, Havre, Sidney and Wolf Point. “Cape Air provides Montana’s community airports in Glasgow, Glendive, Havre, Sidney and Wolf Point with critical transportation services. It has proven to be a reliable and badly needed service for a number of Montana’s rural communities,” Daines stated. “As a commuter air carrier, Cape Air makes it easier to do business and travel in eastern Montana. I’m pleased by the Department of Transportation’s excellent decision to renew Cape Air as the Essential Air Service provider
Daines Announces Over $350,000 for Montana State University – Northern
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today announced $350,388.00 in funding for the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI) program at Montana State University (MSU) – Northern in Havre. The NASNTI program provides grants and related assistance to Native American-serving, nontribal institutions to enable such institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve Native Americans and low-income individuals. “Montana State University – Northern plays an important role in providing a quality education every year for hundreds of Montanans, including many Native American students,” Daines stated. “Access to quality education and training services is critical for our students’ futures. I’m excited that Montana State
Daines Calls on Senate Veterans Affairs Committee To Help Blue Water Vietnam Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today called on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee to pass his legislation to ensure that Blue Water Navy veterans who are victims of Agent Orange-related diseases receive the care and compensation they have long deserved. During today’s Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on “Examining the Impact of Exposure to Toxic Chemicals on Veterans and the VA’s Response,” Daines testified on the importance of reversing a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decision that cut benefits for Vietnam-era Navy veterans, known as “Blue Water” vets, who were exposed to the powerful toxin Agent Orange. “As the son of a
Billings Gazette: Congress Responds to Grain Shipping Meltdown with New Law
In response to a grain shipment meltdown that bottled up Montana wheat last summer, Congress passed a law Monday forcing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to intervene when port grain inspections fail. House lawmakers approved the Grain Standards Reauthorization Act on Monday. Tucked away in the bill was an amendment by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., requiring the USDA to intervene immediately when port grain inspections stop, as they did at the United Grain terminal in Washington during union protests in 2014. The Senate last week passed the bill, which now heads to President Barack Obama. Grain inspectors employed by
Daines Statement on Passing of Former Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Turnage
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on the passing of former Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Turnage: “Chief Justice Turnage was a true public servant who always put Montana and this nation first. As a World War II veteran, a state legislator and Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court, he exemplified Montana’s strong legacy of service. Cindy and I are keeping the Turnage family in our thoughts and prayers during this time.” ###
KUMV: Mont., ND Delegations Ask to Keep Funding for Yellowstone Bypass Project
Funding for the construction of a fish bypass on the Yellowstone River is up in the air. A judge granted an injunction that stopped construction, and in the meantime, almost $60 million of federal funding is set to expire. Last week, some members of Congress sent a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure that money doesn’t disappear. Word traveled fast to the office of Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., when a judge granted an injunction on the Yellowstone River Fish Bypass project. “It didn’t take long for farmers and ranchers of eastern Montana to be calling our office,
Newsmax: Sen. Steve Daines on Obamacare: “It’s All Turning Out Not to be True”
President Barack Obama lied to the American people about the effects of Obamacare on the price and availability of health care, Sen. Steve Daines tells Newsmax TV. “I would challenge President Obama to jump on Air Force One and come out to Montana and stand up and explain to Montanans why our commissioner – I’ve got the facts in front of me here – the Montana commissioner of security and insurance published our approved rates for the state of Montana for next year,” the “Big Sky Country” Republican told “Newsmax Prime” host J.D. Hayworth. “These are now approved by the