Press Releases

Daines Unveils Major Plan to Protect Montana Small Businesses, Working Families, First Responders During Coronavirus Outbreak

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Daines today unveiled three more major proposals that will help protect Montana’s workers, families, first responders, healthcare professionals and small businesses during the Coronavirus Outbreak. Daines’ plan includes: a tax relief payment of 7.65% for workers and small businesses, $1,000 payment for all first responders and healthcare professionals and to suspend SBA loan payments for three months. “We are in the midst of a massive public health and economic challenge because of the Coronavirus outbreak. Our economy, our small businesses and the livelihoods of thousands of Montanans are at stake,” Daines said. “In addition to

Daines’ Bill Passes Senate Ensuring GI Bill Benefits Aren’t Impacted During Coronavirus Outbreak

U.S. SENATE –U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the Senate passed his bipartisan bill that protects veterans and their dependents from losing GI Bill education benefits during the Coronavirus outbreak while they take part in online classes. “I am proud to fight to protect veteran’s education benefits during the coronavirus outbreak,” Daines said. “Veterans should not be punished for practicing good public health and transitioning to online classes during this pandemic. My bipartisan bill would ensure that GI Bill benefits do not change for veterans and their dependents who are forced to take online classes during this outbreak.” This

Daines Announces $4.5 Million to Montana in Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $4.5 million will be awarded to Montana from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help support the coronavirus response and protect public health. “This critical funding helps protect Montanans and ensures that our communities have the resources necessary to handle the coronavirus outbreak,” Daines said. “I voted for this funding which is vitally important to those on the front lines responsible for coronavirus prevention, preparation, and response efforts. I will continue working with my colleagues in the Senate and with the Trump administration to move forward bold actions to

Daines: MT Tribal Communities Must Have Access to Federal Assistance During Coronavirus Outbreak

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today urged President Trump to ensure Montana tribal communities have access to federal assistance during coronavirus outbreak. Daines has been very engaged and working with the Trump administration and Congress to provide relief and protect Montanans during the Coronavirus outbreak. “As the Federal government goes about this important work, I respectfully urge additional steps to specifically include one of our most vulnerable populations, Native Americans,” Daines wrote. “Every effort should be made to ensure that Tribes carrying federal activities have access to the same coordination, resources, and information as their counterparts within IHS and

Daines Secures Montana Air National Guard on Short List for Upgrade to C-130J Aircraft

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the Montana Air National Guard base has made the short list to receive an upgrade to C-130J military aircrafts.  “This is great news for our men and women serving in the Montana Air National Guard and Great Falls,” Daines said. “Modernizing our aging fleet will strengthen our national security and ensure our men and women have the resources necessary to keep America safe. That’s why I fought to highlight the work of the 120th Airlift Wing to Secretary Barrett to ensure Montana was on the Air Force’s short list for this

Daines Pushes to Expand Access for Coronavirus Testing in Tribal Communities

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today urged Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Azar and the Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Gaynor to ensure Indian Health Service (IHS) has the resources needed to provide coronavirus testing for tribal communities. “I want to ensure IHS has the ability to provide the necessary healthcare to combat this virus as this remains a high priority to the administration and my office,” Daines wrote. “I hope the Department will take swift action to bring test kits and federal resources to Indian Country.” To read the full letter, click HERE. Background: Daines has

Daines Statement on Public Health Emergency at Malmstrom Due to Coronavirus

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement on Malmstrom Air Force Base declaring a public health emergency due to coronavirus. “Cindy’s and my prayers are with all of those at Malmstrom and handling this situation. We’ve overcome many challenges and difficult times in our nation before, just like we will overcome this one. I’ve been in contact with several personnel on the ground including Colonel Reeves and understand they are taking all the right precautions. Now is a time we must come together and take necessary and bold actions to protect Montanans, especially the elderly and

Daines Statement on President Trump Declaring a National Emergency for Coronavirus

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement after President Trump declared a national emergency on the coronavirus outbreak. “President Trump’s national emergency declaration is critical during the coronavirus outbreak and will open up federal dollars and resources to help combat this pandemic. I will continue working closely with state and local officials to monitor the situation on the ground and ensure we have the resources we need to stay safe and protect the most vulnerable. Cindy and I are praying for all Montanans right now and we are confident that as a nation and state we

Daines Introduces Bipartisan Legislation To Provide Unemployment Assistance To People Unable To Work Due To Coronavirus Outbreak

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced the Coronavirus Worker Relief Act. The new bipartisan, bicameral legislation will provide disaster unemployment assistance to people who are unable to work due to the current coronavirus outbreak. Assistance will be available to individuals, including self-employed individuals and independent contractors, who are sick, quarantined, furloughed, or whose family circumstances keep them from working or reduce their pay as a result of the coronavirus outbreak or government containment efforts.  “Montana’s working families shouldn’t have to compromise their health or the health of their loved ones over the fear of missing a paycheck and