Daines Helps Secure Over $480 Billion for Hospitals, Testing, Small Businesses During Coronavirus Pandemic
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today secured a boost of over $480 billion in funding for testing, hospitals, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) to provide more relief for Montana small businesses, workers, families and healthcare professionals in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. This is not Phase Four of Congress’ response to the coronavirus outbreak. This bipartisan deal is a boost in funding from the Coronavirus Economic Relief Package which was signed into law on March 27th, 2020 to protect public health, and provide relief for Montana small businesses, workers
Daines Urges Relief Funding for Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena, Montana Rural Providers During Coronavirus Pandemic
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Azar urging the next round of hospital and provider funding under the Coronavirus Economic Recovery Package to target the needs of Montana’s rural providers and children’s hospitals, including Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena. “I am concerned that a number of critically important providers in Montana are still in desperate need of relief, and I am especially concerned about Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena and our state’s extensive network of rural hospitals,” Daines wrote. “I would implore you to respond rapidly to deliver assistance under
Daines Announces $3.5 Million for Montana Law Enforcement Due to COVID-19
U.S. SENATE –U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that $3,457,033 will be directed to the Montana Board of Crime Control and $47,182 to Lewis and Clark County to help law enforcement respond to a potential increase of crime that may occur following the Coronavirus outbreak. “This funding will play a critical role to ensure our law enforcement on the front lines have the resources they need to protect our communities during the coronavirus outbreak,” Daines said. This funding comes from the Department of Justice to ensure law enforcement across the country are prepared for any criminal activity that may occur following
Daines Secures $19 Billion for Ag, Including Livestock, Specialty Crop Producers During Coronavirus Outbreak
U.S. SENATE –U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that USDA will be providing $19 billion in assistance for farmers and ranchers hurting from challenging market conditions due to the Coronavirus pandemic through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Part of the funding will go to help Montana’s cattle producers who have seen a drastic decline in cattle markets during the pandemic. This follows Daines’ request earlier this month to USDA Secretary Perdue urging immediate action for Montana’s ranchers. “Montana farmers and ranchers drive our economy and feed not only America, but the world,” Daines said. “During this Coronavirus pandemic, the
Daines: Montana Veterans Will Now Receive Direct Checks Automatically
U.S. SENATE – Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced that Montana veterans and their beneficiaries who receive VA benefits will be receiving their direct checks automatically without having to do anything extra from the Department of Treasury. This follows Daines urging both Treasury and Veterans Affairs Departments to work together to get the direct checks to Montana veterans the fastest and most effective way possible. “This is great news for our Montana veterans and their families who have given so much in defense of this country,” Daines said. “Ensuring our veterans get these direct checks as quickly and easily as
Daines Pushes for Funding For Senior Living Facilities Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Azar urging the department to direct funding from the Coronavirus economic relief package to support nursing homes, skilled nursing centers, and senior living communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We must not overlook those individuals who work within the senior living community, such as those working in independent living, assisted living, memory care and continuing care retirement communities,” Daines wrote. “Allocating a meaningful level of support from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund to this industry is critical to the seniors who
Daines Selected by President Trump to Sit on Bipartisan White House Task Force to Safely Reopen America
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced he was chosen by President Trump to join a bipartisan White House Task Force to provide counsel to President Trump to safely reopen America in the wake of COVID-19. “I am honored to be selected by President Trump to serve on this historic task force to safely reopen America,” Daines said. We can prioritize our public health and our workers, families and small businesses. Let’s get this done for Montana and America.” For an audio statement click, HERE. One of Daines’ top priorities during the coronavirus outbreak has been to accelerate the development and manufacturing of
Daines Statement on Senate Democrats Continuing to Block New, Critical Funding for the Paycheck Protection Program
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines issued the following statement after Senate Democrats refused to come to the table and continued to block new funding to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) which would keep Montana small business open and workers employed during the Coronavirus pandemic. “The Paycheck Protection Program which is critical to keep Montana small businesses open and workers employed has officially run out of money,” Daines said. “Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi are holding working folks and their families hostage by blocking funding to the program. Nearly 70,000 working Montanans and over 22 million Americans have lost their
Daines Urges Approval and Production of Antibody Tests in Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter to Vice President Pence urging the White House Coronavirus Task Force to continue prioritizing the deployment of widespread diagnostic tests and accelerating the approval and production of antibody tests, which can help play a critical role in the fight against COVID-19. “I would encourage the FDA to continue utilizing all available resources and expertise to be able to quickly move forward with approving additional antibody tests to ensure they are reliable and widely available. Just as importantly, I would also request that the White House Coronavirus Task Force develop a production