Daines Announces Big Fork, Montana’s Brandon Wenzel Offer of Appointment to the U.S. Military Academy
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced academy nominee Brandon Wenzel of Big Fork, Montana has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy. “Brandon is a proven leader and a team player,” Daines said. “Brandon is an outstanding young Montanan who has been active in student council, National Honor Society, school sports and has earned the Eagle Scout designation. He will be a great addition to the United States Military Academy. Congratulations, Brandon, on your appointment!” Brandon will graduate from Big Fork High School in Big Fork, Montana this year. He is a talented football player and has excelled in track, weight training and Dragon Boat
Daines Votes No on Biden’s HHS Nominee Xavier Becerra
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted AGAINST President Biden’s Health and Human Services Secretary Nominee Xavier Becerra in the Senate Finance Committee. “Xavier Becerra is as radical as it gets. I cannot support someone who is extremely pro-abortion, attacks religious freedom, supports open borders, and advocates taxpayer funded healthcare for illegal immigrants,” Daines said. As Secretary of Health and Human Services, Becerra would oversee a $1.3 trillion budget, the largest in the executive branch, and have the responsibility of administering the country’s health programs giving him broad authority to enact his pro-abortion agenda. When Daines previously asked Becerra to
Daines Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Protect Montana Businesses from Discrimination by Financial Service Providers
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines, a Senate Banking Committee member, today cosponsored the “Fair Access to Banking Act” to prevent banks and other financial service providers from discriminating against Montana businesses or individuals for reasons other than their creditworthiness. “Banks should not get into the ‘cancel culture’ business by refusing their services to companies or individuals they may disagree with, whether on Second Amendment rights or their stance on abortion,” Daines stated. “It’s critical all Montanans have equal access to financial services and our bill would ensure this happens.” Read the full text HERE. This builds off the Trump Administration’s Fair Access Rule. Background:
Daines Reintroduces Bill to Protect Law-Abiding Gun Owners, Defend Second Amendment
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today reintroduced a bill to protect the Second Amendment and law-abiding gun owners. The bill would reform the “Firearm Owners Protection Act” (FOPA) to protect travelers who are transporting firearms across state lines. “Montanans have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms,” Daines said. “I will always defend the 2nd Amendment and work to strengthen protections for law-abiding gun owners, including the right to safely transport firearms. We’ve already seen President Biden threaten the 2nd Amendment and we must act now to protect these rights for all Americans.” Daines’ bill is cosponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.), Michael Crapo (Idaho), James
Daines Named Top Republican of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today was renamed top Republican of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. “Our national parks are what help set us apart from the rest of the world—they’re also part of our Montana way of life,” Daines stated. “I look forward to being Montana’s voice on important energy, natural resources, public lands and forest management issues in the Senate. I also look forward to serving as the top Republican on the National Parks Subcommittee to bolster our parks and public lands so Montanans and all Americans can enjoy our great outdoors for generations
Daines, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Permanently Ban Earmarks
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines and his Senate colleagues today introduced legislation to permanently ban earmarks. This follows a partisan agreement between Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy and House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro to bring the practice back to Congress. “Earmarks do nothing but add to the toxic, swampy culture that DC’s known for,” Daines said. “These back-room deals promote pay-for-play behavior that make lobbyists rich on the taxpayer’s dime. It’s time we get rid of earmarks once and for all.” “Earmarks allow lobbyists and politicians to belly up to the pork barrel buffet in order to fund pet projects that are
Daines Secures More Than $15 Million in Funding for Montana Airports
U.S. SENATE– U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that more than $15 million will be directed towards strengthening Montana’s air travel infrastructure. “COVID-19 has been hard on Montana’s tourism and aviation sectors. As we’re working our way out of this pandemic and Montana airports begin to recover, it’s critical that we support local infrastructure,” Daines said. “These grants will deliver much needed economic relief to our airports and in turn help support hospitality jobs by bringing more visitors to our great state.” The funding is part of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) under the Department of Transportation. At the time of passage, Daines
Daines Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill Making Tax Relief for Small Businesses Permanent
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to make the 20 percent pass-through small business tax deduction permanent. His bill, the “Main Street Tax Certainty Act,” will support small businesses, help create jobs and strengthen our economy. Without congressional action the tax deduction will expire at the end of 2025. “Montana small businesses help our communities thrive and prosper–they’re what make our hometowns feel like home,” Daines said. “Making this main street tax relief permanent will provide the certainty needed to help Montana small businesses stay afloat, create more jobs, and expand their operations.” Read the full text HERE. The 2017 Tax Cuts
Daines Announces Changes to Communications Team
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced changes to his communications staff. Katherine McKeogh, Press Secretary. McKeogh joins Team Daines as press secretary. McKeogh most recently served as press secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services. Previously, McKeogh served as deputy press secretary for House Minority Whip Steve Scalise and as a communications staffer for the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Rachel Dumke, Deputy Press Secretary. Dumke joined Team Daines after serving as press assistant for Daines’ 2020 Senate race. Katie Schoettler remains as Daines’ communications director, Mallory Walser as digital director, and Emma Guarino as press assistant.