Press Releases

Daines: New Report Reaffirms Need to Protect Colstrip’s Future in Montana

Closing of Colstrip Plants would lead to loss of nearly 3,300 Jobs, cost Montana $1.2 billion in over 16 Years U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today called a recent report outlining the devastating consequences of the early retirement of Colstrip Units 3 and 4 a “chilling wake-up call” and pressed for immediate action to help protect the future of Montana’s Colstrip Power Plant. Today, the Montana Chamber of Commerce Foundation released a report showing that closing Colstrip Units 3 and 4 in the year 2027 is predicted to result in the loss of nearly 3,300 Montana jobs and cost the state $1.2 billion in lost

Daines to Wilkie: Give Veterans the Care They Deserve

U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on President Donald J. Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Robert Wilkie. “Robert Wilkie has proven he is committed to keeping the promises we’ve made to our nation’s veterans,” Daines stated. “I look forward to working with him to ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve at the Department of Veterans Affairs.”  Daines and Wilkie discussed the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center, the VA Mission Act and progress on the Southwest Montana Veterans Home. During the meeting, Daines hand-delivered a letter to Wilkie outlining two of the most

Daines Announces $2,499,999 for Asbestos Health Screening in Libby

U.S. SENATE – Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced a $2,499,999.00 grant for the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) in Libby. The Center for Asbestos Related Disease is a vital nonprofit resource that helps with identification treatment, and research for those with asbestos exposure. “Too many Montana families have suffered at the hands of asbestos,” said Daines. “Through this additional funding the Center for Asbestos Related Disease will be able to continue the excellent work they have been doing and the people of Libby will have the support they need to fight the consequences of this deadly carcinogen.” Background: In 2009,

Daines Secures Critical Funds to Support Montana Wildfire, Flood Disaster Relief

U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines secured $7.23 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund in the 2019 Homeland Security Appropriations Act.  These critical funds are used for Fire Management Assistance Grants, which Montana applies for after devastating wildfires. “Montana’s wildfires and floods have harmed families and cost our state millions,” said Daines. “These important funds will help communities rebuild and address Montana’s unique challenges.” Daines also secured additional Montana wins in appropriations bills, including additional disaster relief funding, provisions to combat the trafficking of meth across borders and initiatives to preserve rural post offices. The

Daines Condemns SCOTUS Decision on Internet Sales Tax

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today condemned the United States Supreme Court decision allowing states to implement an Internet sales tax on small businesses physically located outside of the state’s borders. The 5-4 decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair will increase tax burdens on small businesses and raise prices for consumers. This decision could lead to Internet retailers in all states being forced to become tax collectors for over 10,000 tax jurisdictions across the country. “Today’s Supreme Court decision means unnecessary and complex burdens on small businesses, as well as a tax increase on consumers across the country,” said Daines.

Daines Calls for Permanent Reauthorization and Full Funding of LWCF

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined a bipartisan group of Members of Congress, sportsmen, and conservationists in calling for the permanent reauthorization and full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The conservation program expires 100 days from today. Watch press conference HERE. “Since I first came to Congress, I have been committed to permanently reauthorizing the LWCF,” said Daines. “The LWCF does not cost taxpayers a penny and is critical to Montana jobs and protecting our outdoor way of life. Our children and grandchildren are counting on us to preserve America’s outdoor heritage – we

Daines Urges Colleagues to Increase Transparency in Senate Campaign Finance Filing System, Save Taxpayer Dollars

Moving Senate candidates to the ‘E-file’ system would save taxpayers nearly $900,000 a year  U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines took to the U.S. Senate floor to urge his colleagues to support moving Senate candidates to electronically file their campaign finance reports. U.S. Senate candidates are currently the only federal candidates that do not use an electronic filing system. Last week, Daines, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee, secured a provision in the 2019 Fiscal Year Legislative Branch Appropriations Act to move Senate candidates to the ‘E-file’ system. The appropriations bill will now move to the Senate floor

Daines Secures Critical Support for Malmstrom AFB in National Defense Authorization Act

NDAA will modernize and secure nuclear mission at Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base  U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that he helped secure critical support for Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base in the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation authorizes vital support for modernizing Malmstrom’s ground-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) infrastructure and replacing UH-1N Huey military helicopters at the base. “This legislation is a win for Montana’s airmen and the Great Falls community,” said Daines. “Malmstrom Air Force Base plays a critical role in protecting our national security and maintaining our nation’s effective ‘peace through strength’

Daines Announces $100,000 in Grants for Montana Community Health Centers in Libby and Great Falls

U.S. SENATE – Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced $100,000 in grants for Montana Community Health Centers in Libby and Great Falls. “These grants will help residents of Libby and Great Falls get access to critical care,” said Daines. “Community Health Centers provide important services and help contribute to the wellbeing of thousands of Montanans.” The following Community Health Centers received grants from the Department of Health and Human Services: County of Lincoln, Libby: $50,000.00 Alliance for Youth, Great Falls: $50,000.00 Background: On February 6, 2018, Daines joined a bipartisan press conference with House and Senate colleagues, patients, and health center advocates