Press Releases

Calls for opening of Millennium Bulk Terminal  U.S. SENATE — Today, in a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Steve Daines urged Congress to take action to stop the abuse of power by Washington State who is blocking the building of the Millennium Bulk Terminal and stopping coal from Montana’s Crow tribe from getting to market. Watch video HERE. Download video HERE. “Montana is a net energy exporter – that means we need to have the ability to transmit, ship, and pipe our energy to and through other states,” said Daines. “Liberal legislatures in Washington State should

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the below statement following President Donald Trump’s announcement of Brett M. Kavanaugh as his nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. Watch video HERE. Download video HERE. “As a United States Senator, confirming a Supreme Court justice is one of the most consequential votes I will take,” said Daines. “Brett Kavanaugh has an impressive background and excellent experience. I look forward to meeting with the nominee and reviewing his judicial record to ensure we are putting the most qualified justice on the highest court to defend the United States Constitution.” Daines joined President Trump

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