Committee Passes Daines’ Initiatives to Support Butte Veterans Home, Malta Training Center
U.S. SENATE — Today, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee passed U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ initiative to quicken the construction of the Butte Veterans home by making sure the VA establishes a deadline for its completion and ensuring the VA properly uses the taxpayer dollars that fund the project. “Montana veterans have been waiting for too long for a veterans’ home in Butte,” said Daines. “After years of mismanagement and inefficient use of taxpayer dollars, it is time the VA put the shovel in the ground for this project.” The Committee also passed Daines’ initiative to fully fund the construction of a new
Daines Amendment to Protect States’ Rights, Allow Medical Marijuana Use for Veterans Passes
U.S. SENATE – Today, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee passed U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ amendment that protects states’ 10th Amendment right and allows veterans’ to discuss with VA physicians the use of medical marijuana in states where it is legal. The amendment would allow for parity between VA and non-VA facilities in states like Montana, which have medical marijuana programs. It does not change current laws preventing the possession or dispensing of marijuana on VA property, but simply allows veterans to discuss all options that are legally available in their state with their VA doctor. “Veterans should not be discriminated
President Signs Montana Delegation’s Bill to Rename Three VA Facilities in Honor of Montana Veterans
Montana VA clinics to honor David Thatcher, Dr. Joe Medicine Crow, and Ben Steele U.S. SENATE — President Donald Trump signed the Montana congressional delegation’s legislation to rename three Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. This legislation, which was introduced by U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Congressman Greg Gianforte, recognizes the commitment to duty and the personal courage of three Montana veterans by renaming VA facilities in Missoula and Billings in their honor. The Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Missoula will be renamed in honor of David J. Thatcher, the Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Billings will be renamed in honor of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow
Daines Secures Forest Service’s Commitment to Clear Hazardous Dead Trees from Montana National Forest
Clearing debris supports timber jobs and public safety U.S. SENATE – This week, Vicki Christiansen, Interim Chief of the Forest Service, announced that she approved U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ request to expedite removal of dead and dying timber leftover from wildfires in the Lolo National Forest. “Dead and dying trees are sitting in our National Forests, creating safety hazards and losing their economic value,” said Daines. “Clearing the debris will support good-paying timber jobs at nearby mills that have been waiting to take action.” Interim Chief Christiansen made the announcement after being questioned by Daines at a Senate Energy and
President to Sign Daines’ Bill to Overhaul VA, Strengthen Care for Veterans
U.S. SENATE – In the hours leading up to President Donald Trump signing the VA MISSION Act into law, U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke on the Senate floor to highlight the positive impact that this legislation will have on veterans’ access to critical health care services. This legislation, which Daines helped champion in the U.S. Senate, will overhaul the VA Choice Program and provide better health care for Montana’s veterans. Daines will join President Trump at the White House this afternoon for a bill signing ceremony for this essential reform. Watch video HERE. Download video HERE. Excerpt from Prepared Remarks:
McConnell Responds to Daines’ Demands to Cancel August Recess
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has responded to Daines’ demands and cancelled the Senate’s upcoming August recess to help avoid last minute funding battles and push through the backlog of judicial nominees currently before the U.S. Senate. “In order to drain the swamp, the pumps need to keep running in August,” said Daines. “While I’m thankful the Majority Leader has heeded my call to cancel August recess, simply keeping the Senate open in August isn’t enough — we need to take clear steps to avoid politically-created funding crises and move forward
Daines Announces over $12 Million in Grants for Montana Community Health Centers
U.S. SENATE – Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced over $12 million in grants for Montana Community Health Centers. “Community Health Centers provide vital and affordable care to the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Daines. “These critical funds will work to improve the health and wellbeing of thousands of Montanans.” The following Community Health Centers received grants from the Department of Health and Human Services: RiverStone Health: $3,338,867.00 Lincoln County Community Health Center: $1,689,470.00 Glacier Community Health Center: $1,603,310.00 Bullhook Community Health Center: $1,689,606.00 Bighorn Valley Health Center: $3,767,224.00 Background: On February 6, 2018, Daines joined a bipartisan press conference
Daines Applauds Zinke for Prioritizing Montana, Sperry Chalet Reconstruction in DOI Funding Request
U.S. SENATE – Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines applauded Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Ryan Zinke for prioritizing Montana in the DOI’s appropriations request and setting aside $12 million for the reconstruction of Glacier National Park’s Sperry Chalet hotel. The Sperry Chalet hotel was burned down in a forest fire in August 2017. “Glacier’s Sperry Chalet hotel has been a place for visitors to stay for over a century,” said Daines. “I thank Secretary Zinke for putting Montana’s priorities first and fighting to rebuild this historic building.” ###
Daines Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand Broadband to Rural Montanans
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced the bipartisan Reprioritizing Unserved Rural Areas and Locations for Broadband (RURAL Broadband) Act of 2018, which will prioritize federal funds that are used to provide broadband access to areas that are unserved with no access before they are used to upgrade areas with existing service. “We must work to close the rural-digital divide so our rural communities can be part of the 21st Century economy,” said Daines. “My bill ensures that these critical funds be used for the communities who need them most.” Read the full bull text, HERE. Statements of Support: “The Montana Telecommunications Association (MTA) enthusiastically supports the good-government legislation introduced by Senators Steve