Press Releases

Daines Introduces Bill to Prevent Child Predators from Receiving Government Pensions

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced a bill to prevent convicted pedophiles from receiving a federal government pension. Daines discussed the bill, the Denying Pensions to Convicted Child Molesters Act, in a U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee hearing with Rear Admiral Michael Weahkee, the Principal Deputy Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS).   Download video HERE “Despite numerous reported suspicions of Weber’s inappropriate behavior, IHS turned a blind eye and enabled Weber to continue his unspeakable actions for years,” Daines said. “It’s shocking that a government employee can still receive a pension after being convicted of sexually

Daines, Tester Introduce Bill to Fix Burdensome Regulations on Livestock Haulers

U.S. Senate – U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today introduced a bill that will ease burdensome regulations on livestock haulers. The bipartisan Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act changes a Department of Transportation rule that requires drivers who haul live animals to adhere to strict time constraints monitored by Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), exempting them from some road time requirements and allowing them to better care for the live animals they are transporting. “Our ranchers and livestock haulers don’t need some burdensome government mandate telling them how to do their jobs,” Daines said. “This legislation is about strengthening

Daines Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Transparency, Accountability in Drug Pricing

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced a bipartisan bill to shed light on the drug pricing process and the middlemen responsible for negotiating prescription drug costs.  “Montanans can’t afford to keep paying the outrageous costs of prescription drugs,”Daines said. “Transparency and accountability in drug pricing is long overdue. That’s why I’m introducing this bill to protect Montanans and ensure those responsible for negotiating drug prices are focused on driving costs down, not lining the pockets of their own industry.”  The bipartisan bill, the Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2019, helps shed light on the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry

Daines Continues Bipartisan Fight for Vietnam Veterans Harmed By Agent Orange

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines renewed efforts to secure disability and health care benefits for Navy veterans, known as “Blue Water” veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange while fighting in the Vietnam War. “Commonsense tells us that sailors who were exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam deserve the same level of care as their counterparts ashore,” Daines said.  “Together with the court’s recent Procopio decision, this bill should settle any questions over Congress’ intent to care for all Vietnam veterans who were injured in the line of duty.” During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military sprayed approximately 20 million gallons of Agent

Daines, Gianforte Secure 24-Hour Status at Raymond Port of Entry, Protect Montana Jobs

U.S. CONGRESS – U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte today secured the reinstating of around-the-clock status at the Raymond Port of Entry. In a call today with John Sanders, the Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Sanders announced his decision to reinstate full hours of operation at the Raymond Port of Entry. This decision came in response to Daines and Gianforte’s requests to keep the Port of Raymond open 24/7 and three of Montana’s other ports of entry operating at full status. On the call, CBP also committed to holding listening sessions to reengage with local communities on the issue.

Daines Fights for Tax Relief for Pregnant Moms

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today reintroduced the Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act, which allows pregnant moms to claim the Child Tax Credit for their unborn children.  This bill builds on the Child Tax Credit provisions included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by supporting families and pregnant mothers with the many costs that come with carrying a baby, as well as planning for the care of a newborn baby. For more information on the bill, click HERE. “From stocking up on diapers to taking time off work for their child’s prenatal care, expecting parents begin providing for

Daines Celebrates Bernhardt’s Confirmation as Victory for Montana and the West

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted to confirm David Bernhardt as the 53rd U.S. Secretary of the Department of the Interior. “David Bernhardt understands the importance of protecting access to our public lands, our commitment to tribal nations, and responsible energy development,” Daines said. “As a fellow westerner, I have complete confidence in David’s ability to lead the Department of the Interior and was glad to cast my vote for him this afternoon along with a bipartisan majority on the floor of the United States Senate. I look forward to continuing to work together to advance Montana priorities.”

Daines Pushes for Permanent Tax Relief for Montana Small Businesses

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced legislation to give small businesses permanent tax relief. Daines is pushing to make the small business tax deduction included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 permanent. Currently, the tax deduction is set to expire at the end of 2025. “I championed the effort to make sure small businesses in Montana are on equal tax footing as corporations. Now, we must make this level playing field permanent to protect and grow Montana jobs,” Daines said. Daines championed the tax deduction for small businesses in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The

Daines, King Launch Bipartisan Bill to Protect Seniors

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senators Steve Daines (Mont.) and Angus King (Maine) today renewed efforts to protect Medicare benefits by re-introducing the bipartisan Medicare Advantage Quality Payment Relief Act. The bill would reverse an unintended policy of the Affordable Care Act that is currently denying millions of seniors and people with disabilities the full measure of their Medicare Advantage benefits. “There are currently 16,000 Montanans being shortchanged the full scope of their Medicare benefits because of Obamacare,” Daines said. “My bipartisan legislation will ensure that seniors and people with disabilities receive the Medicare Advantage benefits they deserve.” “Medicare Advantage is a tried and true program that gives Maine seniors and people with disabilities high-quality, patient-centered