KPAX: Daines Joins Call for MT Helicopters to Fight Federal Wildfires
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK – Senator Steve Daines is joining Governor Steve Bullock in pressing the federal government to clear the use of Montana’s specially-equipped helicopters to fight fires on federal lands. Friday, Governor Bullock sent a strongly worded letter to United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, calling on his to “rescind an unnecessary and artificial restriction” on the use of the state’s modified UH-1H helicopters on fires burning on federal lands around Montana. The state’s helicopters have been changed so they can haul larger loads of water to drop on fires. Bullock complains they’ve been working well for
Daines: Reverse Prohibition on Use of Montana’s UH-1H Helicopters for Firefighting
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK – Senator Steve Daines today urged the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to reverse the USDA’s prohibition on the use of UH-1H helicopters to combat Montana wildfires. In a letter to Vilsack, Daines pressed the USDA for the maximum use of safe and effective resources to combat wildfires on federal lands. “As emphasized by Governor Bullock, UH-1H helicopters have a strong safety record and have been proven to provide a critical capability in the initial attack phase of combating wildfires,” Daines wrote. “As Montana and the nation confront one of the worst fire
KMMS: Daines: New VA Service Animal Rule is a “Step in the Right Direction”
Senator Steve Daines commended news that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has revised its rules regarding veterans’ ability to bring service animals to VA facilities. Veterans in some states, including Montana, have had difficulty bringing their animals into VA medical facilities. The VA’s new rule will put clear guidance in place that allows the presence of service animals at VA facilities across the United States. “While there is still work to be done, today’s announcement is a step in the right direction. I’m glad the VA has responded to my calls to ensure our veterans can have their service
Bozeman Daily Chronicle: Daines and Zinke Visit Local Tech Business
Montana’s U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and Congressman Ryan Zinke met with a high-tech company Wednesday morning to discuss factors leading to economic growth in Bozeman. The Republican lawmakers received a guided tour of FLIR Systems from Kevin Tucker, vice president of surveillance, and Randy Equall, vice president of laser systems and scientific materials. The company was founded as Scientific Materials in 1989 by Ralph Hutcheson. Hutcheson grew the synthetic ruby crystals used in the world’s first laser. Scientific Materials was bought by the Oregon-basd FLIR Systems in 2005, a company that specializes in thermal imaging cameras. Today, FLIR has about
The Hill: GOP Senator to Hold Roundtable on Aviation Funding
Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) is planning to hold a roundtable discussion on the future of the nation’s aviation spending, as Congress approaches a deadline for renewing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding. The FAA bill, which includes funding for air traffic controllers, is scheduled to expire on Sept. 30. Daines is scheduled to meet with “aviation stakeholders” on Thursday to discuss the upcoming deadline at Montana’s Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. ADVERTISEMENT “” frameborder=”0″ width=”300″ name=”google_ads_iframe_1107919/Content_300x250_Transportation_asynch_0″ marginwidth=”0″ scrolling=”no”> Daines office said in a statement that “discussion will include the upcoming Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization and its impact on Montana’s aviation
Iran Deal Lacks in Transparency, Accountability
If Iran’s ultimate goal is to obtain a nuclear weapon, the deal reached by the Obama administration sets Iran on a course to do so. From the time this deal is agreed to, Iran has ten years to fill their coffers with tens of billions of dollars from newly unsanctioned oil sales and pursue the research and development of nuclear capabilities. As the world’s leader of state-sponsored terrorism, it will only be a matter of time before Iran achieves its ultimate goal: obtaining a nuclear weapon. These are bipartisan concerns. Top Democrat leaders from both the
Daines: New VA Service Animal Rule is a “Step in the Right Direction”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today commended news that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has revised its rules regarding veterans’ ability to bring service animals to VA facilities. Veterans in some states, including Montana, have had difficulty bringing their animals into VA medical facilities. The VA’s new rule will put clear guidance in place that allows the presence of service animals at VA facilities across the United States. “While there is still work to be done, today’s announcement is a step in the right direction. I’m glad the VA has responded to my calls to ensure our veterans
Daines, Zinke Statements on Crow Tribe’s New Agreement in Gateway Pacific Terminal
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke today released the following statement on the partnership between Cloud Peak Energy, the Crow Tribe of Indians and SSA Marine in the Gateway Pacific Terminal, located in the northwest corner of Washington State: “The Crow Tribe’s economic opportunities have long been tied with the future of the Gateway Pacific Terminal,” Daines stated. “With this announcement, the importance of this project to the Crow Tribe is greater than ever. It is imperative that the Army Corps of Engineers fully consider the Crow Tribe’s right to self-determination and the impact of this
KTVQ: Billings Soldier Receives Purple Heart 44 Years After Earning Award
A big day for a Vietnam veteran, 44 years after he was injured in the Au Shaw Valley. Appreciation and perseverance brought the Purple Heart Award to a former soldier from Billings. Corporal Rick Ketterling received four awards in front of the Montana Purple Heart Memorial on Thursday afternoon. In February 1971, Ketterling was with the 2nd Battalion of the 94th Artillery Regiment. Ketterling was burned and injured when a Howitzer malfunctioned and exploded, killing one of his fellow soldiers. U.S. Sen. Steve Daines presented Ketterling with the Purple Heart with his family and friends on hand to celebrate. “Kind