Daines Calls for Hearing on Bipartisan Forest Management Reform Bill
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee calling for a hearing as soon as possible on his bipartisan forest management reform legislation. This comes on the heels of a meeting in Kalispell where stakeholders voiced their strong support for seeing this bill signed into law. “Our states are currently experiencing severe wildfires, which have only been exacerbated by the challenges of fighting these natural disasters during COVID-19,” Daines wrote. “Given that the National Wildfire Preparedness Level has increased to Level 4, and California and Montana are in the midst
Daines Secures Over $2.9 Million for Rail Infrastructure Project in Butte
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the Economic Development Administration will be directing $2,974,333 for the construction of a new rail line within Butte-Silver Bow Industrial Park to support jobs and growth in Southwest Montana. “This new rail line in Butte will help improve Montana’s transportation infrastructure needs and support jobs in the local community,” Daines said. “I’m grateful to have worked with the Administration to secure this much needed boost for the Port of Montana in Butte Silver-Bow County.” The additional rail space will provide opportunities for Montana businesses lacking direct rail access to ship and
Daines Secures Over $700,000 for Montana State Fire Chiefs’ Association
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will be directing $710,000 for the Montana State Fire Chiefs’ Association to assist in the recruitment and retention of fire personnel. “This critical funding will ensure that Montana fire departments have the resources needed to recruit and retain firefighters to keep our communities safe,” Daines said. “I’m glad to have worked to secure this funding and I will continue working to ensure our brave firefighters have the support they need.” Daines voted to secure funding for this effort through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and
Daines Secures Over $15 Million for Montana Communities to Support Jobs, Economic Development Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will be directing $3,900,000 through the EDA’s CARES Act Recovery Assistance program and $11,209,000 through the EDA’s CARES Act Recovery Assistance Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to support Montana communities, small businesses and jobs amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “This funding is about empowering Montana small business owners whose operations have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening our local communities,” Daines said. “I will continue working to ensure our small business owners get the help and support they need to get through these challenging
Daines Hosts Roundtable Discussion on Bipartisan Forestry Bill at Flathead National Forest
KALISPELL, MONTANA – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today hosted a roundtable discussion with local Montana leaders, conservation groups, leaders in the timber industry, and fire officials on his bipartisan forest management reform bill at Flathead National Forest. Daines’ bipartisan bill will create good paying timber jobs, reduce frivolous litigation, protect air and water quality, and wildlife habitats, and reduce the risk of wildfire in at-risk communities. Daines’ bill is also critical during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic because wildfires could make conditions worse for Montanans with health risks and respiratory illnesses and wildland firefighters are at a greater risk than usual. To
Daines’ Bipartisan Bill to Support Families of Fallen First Responders Due to COVID-19 Signed By President Trump
U.S. SENATE –U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced that President Trump signed his bipartisan legislation that would guarantee benefits for families of any first responder who tragically dies from contracting COVID-19 while in the line of duty. “Our brave first responders need to know that their families will be supported if they contract COVID-19 while in the line of duty,” Daines said. “This bipartisan effort was about protecting those and their families who keep us all safe during these challenging times. I’m grateful to President Trump for signing this important bill into law.” Infectious diseases are considered line of duty deaths as
Daines Urges Administration to Improve Access to Vaccines for Montana Seniors
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma stressing the need to ensure Montana’s vulnerable, elderly, and disabled Medicare beneficiaries have the tools and treatments they need to stay healthy during the pandemic, including access to vaccines. “As the current COVID-19 pandemic rages on around the globe, researchers are racing to find a vaccine to protect and prevent further morbidity and mortality as a result of this novel virus. Older adults and persons with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are especially vulnerable
Daines Urges USPS to Investigate the Removal of Post Office Collection Boxes in Montana
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter to United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to investigate the removal of post office collection boxes in Montana and to express concerns about potential impacts on service times. “The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an essential service for Montanans in both urban and rural towns and is relied upon by Montana veterans, the elderly, and rural communities across the state,” Daines wrote. “Recently, I have received concerning reports that collection boxes have been removed in many Montana communities, including in Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, and Livingston and
Daines Honors Montanan of the Week TreasureBelles of Treasure County
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized the TreasureBelles of Treasure County for their commitment to promoting Montana agriculture in their communities. Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Week” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: HERE. The following is a statement submitted to the Congressional Record: TRIBUTE TO THE TREASUREBELES