In The News

For many Americans, a cornerstone of the American Dream is the opportunity to take an idea and turn it into a successful business. Our nation’s economic prosperity was built on a foundation of American ingenuity and the drive to turn dreams into reality. As members of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, we share a common goal of supporting the small businesses that are a key part of the American economy. This year we are joining together to celebrate the 4th Annual Startup Day Across America, an effort to highlight the critical contributions entrepreneurs and startup companies make to our

“Cap-and-trade” has become a familiar phrase in energy policy discussions. Where U.S.-Canadian lumber imports are involved, it’s more about “cap or trade.” Last week, Montana’s senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines added their signatures to a call for faster resolution of a softwood lumber dispute on the northern border. A new agreement could impose a cap on how much Canadian lumber can come south, or set trade rules for the amount of customs duties each truckload has to pay. Softwood means the conifer wood used for 2-by-4s and other housing construction boards. A 10-year agreement governing how the two nations would

Glacier Park International Airport has received a $302,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to pay for a new master plan that will help guide the facility’s future. The news that GPI would be receiving $302,000 from the FAA comes a week after the airport received $1.2 million from the federal government to reimburse it for recently purchased equipment.  Airport Director Cindi Martin said the grant would help the airport update its master plan, which was last revised in 2009. She said the airport is required by law to update its master plan every eight to 10 years. The plan helps

The Orlando terrorist attack bears a weight that cannot be overstated. There are 49 American families – mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and friends – who said goodbye and buried their loved ones far too soon. Montana is a long way from Orlando, but across our state there were vigils mourning this unnecessary loss of life. Montana, and the nation, unite with Orlando. This terrorist attack, the deadliest in American history since 9/11, was executed by a terrorist who pledged allegiance to ISIS. Threats of terror within our borders and against our allies continue to grow. We need a sound strategy

After an announcement that Colstrip units 1 and 2 will be shut down over the next six years due to a legal settlement over an environmental lawsuit, Montana Senator Steve Daines is criticizing President Obama, “fringe environmental groups,” and fellow Montana Senator Jon Tester for over what he describes as “a step backwards” for Colstrip. “We have voted several times here on legislation to move forward to stop the president’s Clean Power Plan, to stop whats going on at the EPA,” Daines said. “Harry Reid and the democrats have… it requires 60 votes to get something past the senate… we

Montana’s congressional delegation has introduced a bill to name a Madison range peak after a Bozeman conservationist who died earlier this year. The bill, which was introduced on Wednesday, would name an unnamed peak in the Madison range after Alex Diekmann. Diekmann was a project manager for the Trust for Public Land for 16 years and worked on more than 55 projects that encompassed more than 100,000 acres. The 52-year-old died of cancer earlier this year. A groundswell of conservation groups and local governments began pushing for naming a peak after Diekmann not long after his death. Naming peaks after

Senator Steve Daines today welcomed the next step to go to conference on, the next step in the legislative process, the Energy Policy Modernization Act, which passed the U.S. Senate in April by a bipartisan vote of 85-12. “It’s great to see momentum to permanently reauthorize LWCF, move forward critical forest reform to improve forest health and protect good-paying Montana energy jobs,” Daines stated. This key legislation will help expand Montana energy production and at Daines’ request will permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). In addition to the permanent reauthorization of LWCF, the Energy Policy Modernization Act

The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport has been awarded a $2.3 million federal grant to help cover the cost of building a new runway. The grant, issued to the Gallatin Airport Authority by the Federal Aviation Administration, will fund earthwork and drainage construction for a new 5,050-foot runway at the airport, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The additional runway will help improve congestion during peak traffic periods, the agency says. “These funds will help fulfill the needs of the airport’s capital improvement plan and provide the necessary infrastructure for the traveling public in the near future,” airport director Brian

Last week Montana Inusrance and Exchange Commissioner Monica Lindeen announced higher rate requests for the three health insurance providers on the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace. Sen. Steve Daines responded to the rate request today. “President Obama promised that Obamacare would drive down the cost of healthcare premiums, but instead, we are seeing astronomical proposed increases for Montana,” Daines said. “Obamacare continues to take money out of the pockets of hardworking Montana families, with no relief in sight. Obamacare is failing Montanans and we must repeal it.” Lindeen said Friday that her office will be holding a hearing in Helena to answer any questions