Press Releases

Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte announced the Forest Service’s approval of a project to help restore areas of the Kootenai National Forest that were damaged in last year’s West Fork Fire. The West Fork Fire Salvage and Restoration Project will begin implementation in August. Last fall, the West Fork Fire burned 21,800 acres seven miles northwest of Libby. Approximately 42 percent of trees in the most severely burned areas – over 9,000 acres – are dead or expected to die.  “Last year’s wildfires devastated our forests and harmed communities,” said Daines. “This critical project will restore areas on

U.S. SENATE – The U.S. Senate passed U.S. Sens. Steve Daines’ and Jon Tester’s bill to ensure the completion of the Gibson Dam Hydro Project near Augusta. The bill will provide for the six-year extension of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license for the dam.  “Hydropower is critical to Montana’s ‘all-of-the-above’ energy approach and is an important source of tax revenue and jobs,” said Daines. “Completion of the Gibson Dam will not only power Montana homes, but will power our economy and provide Montanans with a clean, reliable source of energy.” “The Gibson Dam produces made-in-Montana renewable energy that powers our

Defense Appropriations Act will fund critical missions performed by Montana service members, utilize Montana innovation to advance military readiness  U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today advanced the Fiscal Year 2019 Department of Defense Appropriation Act, which provides robust funding for Montana’s military priorities and enables Montana researchers and small businesses to continue supporting U.S. military readiness. The funding measure, which was reported out of the Senate Appropriations Committee by a bipartisan 30-1 vote, provides $675 billion to develop, maintain, and equip U.S. military forces throughout 2019. The bill provides support for the nation’s nuclear deterrence, National Guard readiness, academic research,

Resolution establishes June 2018 as “Great Outdoors Month” U.S. SENATE – The U.S. Senate passed a resolution sponsored by U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Chairman of the U.S. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, which recognizes June 2018 as national “Great Outdoors Month.” “For Montanans, nothing beats getting outdoors for some hunting, skiing, fishing, backpacking, you name it – it’s our way of life,” said Daines. “That’s why I’m excited June is National Great Outdoors Month.” Daines spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate about what the great outdoors mean to Montana. Watch video HERE. Download video

Underscores the importance of needed action on forest reform Among other Montana priorities secured by Daines, the Farm Bill included: Critical safety net programs such as crop insurance and the sugar program; ag research funding for land grant universities, such as Montana State University and ag research stations across Montana; prioritization of rural broadband for Montana’s unserved communities; an important vaccine bank to help better respond to animal disease outbreaks, and, support for and maintenance of conservation programs that are important to Montana farmers, ranchers, and sportsmen. Daines was also able to secure other amendments, including: An amendment to help

U.S. SENATE – Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines released the following statement regarding the retirement of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. “During his over 40 years on the federal bench, Justice Anthony Kennedy spoke of the importance of the First Amendment and we are forever grateful for his service to our country and his time on the bench.” said Daines.  On the next Supreme Court Justice:  “With Justice Kennedy’s retirement, voting on the next Supreme Court Justice is the most consequential decision I will make as a United States Senator. In the U.S. Constitution, Article 2, Section 2, Clause 2 it says that the Senate’s role

Daines calls for budget reform before Joint Select Committee on Budget Appropriations  U.S. SENATE – Today, at a Joint Select Committee on Budget Appropriations open hearing, U.S. Senator Steve Daines called for reforms to the budget process including withholding pay from congressional members if they are unable to pass a balanced budget. “It’s simple, we don’t pass a balanced budget, we don’t get paid,” said Daines. “I believe that by passing no budget, no pay members of Congress will clearly understand the consequences of continual deficit spending. There are at least 46 out of 50 states require a balanced budget. If 46

Rural communities in Montana are receiving $40.1 million under the Payments in Lieu of Taxes Program (PILT)  U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s announcement of funds to support vital services in rural communities across Montana.  “From firefighters to school and road construction, Montana’s residents rely on their communities for critical services,” said Daines. “I’m glad Secretary Zinke is making this critical investment that lends a helping hand to our many rural communities across Montana.”   Under the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program, Montana rural communities will receive $40.1 million to support essential

Daines’ bill will increase government transparency, accountability, and strengthen security at the Capitol U.S. SENATE — Under the leadership of U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee, the U.S. Senate passed the first Legislative Branch appropriations bill through regular order in nearly a decade. The 2019 Fiscal Year Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, which was secured by Daines, includes provisions to create an E-file system for U.S. Senate candidates, investments to help meet the Capitol’s security needs, and directs the Congressional Budget Office to be transparent with its studies. Prior to its passage, Daines spoke on the