Press Releases

U.S. SENATE — After U.S. Senator Steve Daines urged them to take action, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted earlier this week on rules that will allow more Montanan wireless carriers to buy spectrum to provide broadband to rural communities.  “Without access to broadband and cell service our rural communities are being left behind,” Daines said. “Access to reliable broadband and cell service is vital for Montana’s future economic growth. I’m glad the FCC listened and implemented a plan that will expand broadband access for more Montanans.”This week, the FCC voted to create county sized licenses for the 3.5 GHz spectrum band. This

MONTANA — U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Attorney General Tim Fox announced a $946,981 grant for critical anti-meth enforcement in Montana. The grant was formally authorized in the opioids legislation that was signed into law yesterday by President Trump. Montana is one of just nine states chosen to receive the funds through the CAMP (COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program). The state was selected for its high rate of seized finished meth, meth lab materials, and precursor chemicals for meth production. Over the next two years these funds will help the Montana Department of Justice investigate Meth production and distribution. “I am grateful for the

U.S. SENATE —President Donald J. Trump today signed legislation to help combat the devastating opioid epidemic across Montana and the nation. Daines fought to ensure the now law also includes specific provisions that address the meth crisis in Montana.   Download Video Statement HERE “Far too often we’re seeing stories of Montana tribes, families and communities being destroyed by meth and opioids. Enough is enough,” Daines said. “That is why I worked hard to get this bipartisan legislation across the finish line which will help give our communities the resources they need to curb this epidemic. I want to thank President Trump for signing this important

U.S. SENATE — President Donald J. Trump today signed into law a bill that will improve Montana’s water infrastructure to help make communities safer and grow the economy. The new law will also help prevent the transmission of aquatic invasive species in the Columbia River Basin and increase responsible energy development in Montana.  “Water is the most basic need of any Montana community,” Daines said. “This bipartisan bill prioritizes important water infrastructure projects in Montana, helps fight against aquatic invasive species harming Montana ecosystems and increases access to water for Montana farmers and ranchers. I’m grateful that President Trump signed this important bill into

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today touted the 25 new Opportunity Zones that now exist across Montana thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  “The designation of these Opportunity Zones will help Montana flourish economically by boosting wages and creating jobs in low income communities,” Daines said. “This is yet another positive impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act championed by the Republicans and the Trump administration, which is putting more money in the pockets of Montanans and folks across the nation.” Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s Opportunity Zone Program, low-income communities receive certain tax benefits that encourage

U.S. SENATE — After U.S. Senator Steve Daines introduced bipartisan legislation to expand tribes’ access to national crime databases, the U.S. Departments of Justice and the Interior announced today that they are expanding the Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information (TAP) to an additional 25 tribes. TAP provides Native American tribes direct access to national crime information databases. “This is good news for Indian country. It’s critical for Indian tribes to have direct access to national crime data in order to help protect public safety,” Daines said. “I’m pleased to lead legislation that supports this goal and will help make tribal

U.S. SENATE — After U.S. Senator Steve Daines introduced bipartisan legislation to expand tribes’ access to national crime databases, the U.S. Departments of Justice and the Interior announced today that they are expanding the Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information (TAP) to an additional 25 tribes. TAP provides Native American tribes direct access to national crime information databases. “This is good news for Indian country. It’s critical for Indian tribes to have direct access to national crime data in order to help protect public safety,” Daines said. “I’m pleased to lead legislation that supports this goal and will help make tribal communities safer places to live and prosper.” In Montana, the

U.S. SENATE — After pressure from U.S. Senator Steve Daines, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is continuing the environmental review for the Millennium Bulk Terminal Project in Washington State. The project would allow Montana and Wyoming coal to be exported to international markets.   “Montana is rich in natural resources and has the largest coal reserves of any state in the nation,” Daines said. “The Millennium Bulk Terminal would provide access to international markets for Montana coal and agriculture products, and would mean more high paying jobs for Montanans, including the Crow Tribe. Unfortunately, liberal regulators in Washington continue to try to block this important project for Montana.  I’m glad that the Army Corps listened and is taking

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines brought together community leaders and the National Park Service yesterday in Gardiner, Montana to discuss the challenges that national parks have on gateway communities. The discussion was part of an official Senate Subcommittee on National Parks Field Hearing. Panelists included Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cam Sholly, West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce Director Marysue Costello, Cooke City Water District President Deb Purvis, Flathead County Emergency Manager Rick Sacca, and Gardiner Public Schools Board of Trustees Chairman Pat Baltzley. To watch the full hearing click HERE. Background:  Gardiner, MT only has 875 residents, while the community accommodates