Daines Urges Forest Service to Provide Relief to Outdoor Recreation Industry Impacted by Coronavirus
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today urged U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen to provide immediate relief to folks in the outdoor recreation industry amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. “As the Forest Service continues enacting measures in response to the COVID-19 National Emergency, I request you also exercise appropriate authorities to provide immediate relief to guides, outfitters, and the outdoor industry, that now face uncertainty and economic hardship due to a shortened season,” Daines wrote. “I look forward to partnering with you to provide relief to the outdoor industry and rural communities that it sustains.” To read the full
Daines: Keep Montana Ports of Entry Open During Coronavirus Pandemic for Montana Ag, Trade
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today urged the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan to consider the impact of the proposed temporary reduction of hours at a number of Montana Ports of Entry on Montana ag and Montana’s rural communities. “While reducing non-essential travel is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting public health, a reduction in hours at these critical ports would harm our farmers and ranchers and disrupt essential services and commerce for the Montana communities that rely upon these ports,” Daines wrote. “I urge you to take into account the
Daines Announces Expanded SNAP Benefits for Montana Families During Coronavirus Pandemic
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that SNAP benefits will be increased for Montana families during the Coronavirus pandemic. “This is about delivering relief for families struggling during the Coronavirus pandemic and I will continue working to ensure that Montanans have access to the resources they need during this crisis,” Daines said. Montana being eligible for SNAP Emergency Allotments means that all SNAP recipients in Montana would now be eligible to receive the maximum SNAP benefits by household size per month. To see the maximum SNAP benefits, click HERE. Background: Daines has been leading the efforts
Daines Urges SBA to Ensure That Ag Businesses Receive Coronavirus Relief Funding
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today urged the Small Business Administration (SBA) to ensure that agricultural businesses are eligible for Coronavirus relief programs. “Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses in Montana and across the country are facing substantial market challenges due to the pandemic,” Daines wrote. “Small businesses, whether they are involved in agriculture or otherwise, need assistance in these unprecedented times and SBA can play an integral role in mitigating disruptions to our nation’s food supply and our economy more broadly.” To read the full letter, click HERE. Background: Daines has been leading the efforts in Congress
Daines Secures Over $48 Million for Montana Transit During the Coronavirus Pandemic
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that $48,935,981 will be made available for Montana transit during the Coronavirus pandemic. “This critical funding helps Montana transit and transportation during this pandemic,” Daines said. “This is about ensuring our transportation industry has the resources and relief they need to get through the Coronavirus outbreak. I will continue working to ensure Montana’s vital industries are protected during this crisis.” Daines fought to secure this funding in the Coronavirus Economic Recovery Package that was signed into law last week. The funding will be provided through the Federal Transit Administration. Background:
Daines Urges President Trump To Expedite Coronavirus Resources for Tribal Communities
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter to President Trump yesterday urging that he expedite federal resources for tribal communities during the Coronavirus pandemic. “Implementation of the CARES Act will require many federal agencies within DOI, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Treasury, the Small Business Administration and other to work directly with Indian Country on implementation of complicated new authorities and deployment of critical funding,” Daines wrote. “This can only be accomplished by engaging in meaningful robust, and given the nature of this pandemic crisis—rapid government-to government consultation.” To read the full
Daines Secures Over $7.9 Million for Montana Housing Assistance During the Coronavirus Pandemic
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that $7,976,265 will be made available for critical housing assistance for Montana during the Coronavirus pandemic. “This critical funding helps Montana’s low income families and our most vulnerable citizens during this pandemic,” Daines said. “This is about getting struggling families and folks who have nowhere to go the security of a roof over their heads during this Coronavirus outbreak.” Daines fought to secure this funding in the Coronavirus Economic Recovery Package that was signed into law last week. The funding will be provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Daines Urges President Trump to Expand Healthcare Coverage for National Guard Members Serving During the Coronavirus Pandemic
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter yesterday to President Trump urging him to permit National Guard members responding to the Coronavirus pandemic in our communities to be eligible for TRICARE coverage. “Day by day, increasing numbers of our National Guard are asked to support the national effort to address this crisis. Many of our guardsmen and women have lost their jobs during this unprecedented situation,” Daines wrote. “During this time, we should do all we can to support the men and women being asked to assist our nation’s response to this pandemic and ensure that they
Daines Ensures Social Security Recipients Will Automatically Receive Direct Checks
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file an abbreviated tax return to receive an Economic Impact Payment. This news follows Daines’ request to the Department of the Treasury to ensure Social Security beneficiaries automatically receive direct checks. “Montana seniors, those with disabilities and low income Montanans don’t need any more hurdles to overcome during this Coronavirus pandemic,” Daines said. “This is about getting Montana Social Security recipients the relief they need quickly. I’m glad the Treasury Department acted quickly on