Press Releases

Daines Secures Extension for REAL ID Requirements for Montana

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has granted Montana an extension to allow more time to meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005. “As a Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I’m pleased that DHS has granted an extension for Montana,” Daines said. “I will continue to fight to protect the privacy of law-abiding Montanans in all ways possible, while also working to ensure our nation is secure.” The extension means that Montana-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards may continue to be used for boarding commercial aircraft and

Daines: I Stand with Judge Kavanaugh

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines issued the following statement on today’s Judiciary Committee Hearing with Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh:  Watch HERE Download HERE  “I watched the entire hearing from gavel to gavel. I made it very clear from the beginning that I wanted to hear from both Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh because of the seriousness of these allegations. And I thank both of them for coming before the Committee to be heard. But as I watched it today, I concluded that there is no corroborating evidence to support this serious allegation. Rather, this seems to be an orchestrated smear campaign

Daines, Gardner, Burr Lead LWCF Colloquy on Senate Floor

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senators Steve Daines (Mont.), Cory Gardner (Colo.) and Richard Burr (N.C.) led a colloquy today on the floor of the U.S. Senate on the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Without congressional action, the program is set to expire at the end of the month.     Watch HERE Download HERE “As an avid outdoorsman myself, I know first-hand the importance of our public lands… LWCF ensures that our booming outdoor economy can continue to grow. It allows hunters, anglers and others sportsmen to have access to their public land… LWCF is a program

Daines, King Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Medicare Benefits

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senators Steve Daines (Mont.) and Angus King (Maine) today introduced S. 3497, the bipartisan Medicare Advantage Quality Payment Relief Act, to 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. “This damaging Obamacare policy has left 17,000 Montanans without the Medicare benefits they deserve,” Daines said. “Our bipartisan bill will ensure that seniors and people with disabilities receive the full scope of the Medicare Advantage benefits.” “The Medicare Advantage program serves tens of thousands of Maine seniors, but the Quality Incentive Payment program designed to encourage top-level care and decrease costs for beneficiaries is currently

Daines’ Bill to Increase Campaign Transparency Signed into Law

U.S. SENATE — Today, President Trump signed U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ bill requiring U.S. Senate candidates to file campaign reports electronically into law. Daines, who chairs the Legislative Branch Subcommittee on Appropriations, fought to include the provision, which increases campaign transparency for U.S. Senate candidates, in the bill. The new requirement will take effect immediately. “I’m very pleased to see one of the most important campaign finance reforms in recent history be signed into law,” Daines said. “Campaigns should be as transparent as possible and this bill mandates that U.S. Senate candidates file their campaign finance reports electronically so the information

Forest Service Responds to Daines’ Demand for Paradise Valley Mineral Withdrawal

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today praised the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) for recommending the withdrawal of approximately 30,000 acres of the Custer Gallatin National Forest from mineral entry in the Paradise Valley and Gardner Basins. Daines has urged the withdrawal given the strong local support. “The Paradise Valley and Gardner Basin are truly special places that deserve protection,” Daines said. “After an extensive process and public input, I’m glad to see that the Forest Service listened to the voices of the residents and is recommending this withdrawal.” Download audio HERE. “I’ve always said there are places where it is appropriate

Daines Helps Secure $1,360,000 for Refurbished Buses in Billings

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the City of Billings has been awarded a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) grant of $1,360,000 to purchase at least five refurbished buses for MET Transit and replace aging buses. “Billings MET transit provides over half a million rides a year,” Daines said. “Many of those riders are elderly, disabled, or low-income and rely solely on public transportation. I’m glad to have supported this grant request and am pleased that this money will be used to benefit the people of Billings.” “MET Transit sought letters of support from the community, local transportation agencies,

Daines Helps Secure Over $4 Million for Montana Community Health Centers

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced today that 16 Community Health Centers (CHCs) in Montana were awarded funding totaling $4,372,775. The funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will help Montana communities combat substance abuse including opioids and meth.  “CHCs are on the front line of providing health care in Montana,” Daines said. “They do vital work in keeping Montanans healthy. I will continue to fight to keep these CHC’s funded to help Montana families and communities overcome substance abuse.” Breakdown of funding:   ###

Daines Delivers Big Win for Montana, the Nation in Defense Spending Bill

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines, who sits on the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations, today voted to secure funding for Montana’s military units, installations, research partners, universities, small businesses and manufactures. The funding secured in the bill is critical to Montana, Malmstrom, Montana National Guard and the rest of the nation. The bill also secures a 2.6% pay raise for troops – the largest in 10 years. “This funding will greatly enhance our national defense and give our war fighters the resources they need to maintain a decisive advantage over our adversaries,” Daines said. “Montana’s military assets play a critical