Daines Calls for Immediate Action on National Parks Maintenance Backlog
U.S. SENATE — During a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on the National Park Service deferred maintenance backlog, U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee, urged for immediate action to address the backlog. “Our National Parks in Montana and around the country make us uniquely American,” said Daines. “We must ensure they remain in the best condition possible for future generations and accessible for all families.” Daines questioned Lena McDowall, Deputy Director National Park Service, what steps the Administration has already taken to address the backlog. Watch video HERE. Download video HERE. During the hearing, Daines
Democrat Minority Blocks Daines’ Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Jobs on Indian Reservations and Tribal Sovereignty
U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines released the following statement after a Democrat minority in the Senate blocked his bipartisan bill to promote jobs on Indian reservations and tribal sovereignty, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act. “It is time the federal government step out of tribes’ way so they can make the right decisions for their communities and create good-paying jobs for their citizens,” said Daines. Prior to the vote, Daines spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate, urging his colleagues to support his bill. Watch video HERE Download video HERE ##
Daines Statement on National Park Fee Announcement
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after the Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke responded to the public’s request that the National Park Service not move forward with a proposal to raise national park entrance fees at 17 parks from $25 to $70. Under today’s proposal, most park fees will increase by approximately $5 dollars among other changes. Secretary Zinke extended the public comment period following a letter Daines sent Acting Director of the National Park Service Mike Reynolds. Download video HERE. “Montana’s national parks must remain affordable and accessible to all visitors,” said Daines. “It’s critical that the National Park Service
Daines Voices Concerns of Montana Farmers and Ranchers to President
U.S. SENATE —Today, at a White House meeting with President Donald Trump, U.S. Senator Steve Daines voiced the concerns of Montana farmers and ranchers to the President by urging the President to expand access to markets critical to the agriculture community. In response to Daines’ request, the President expressed interest in reengaging in a trade agreement with Asia-Pacific countries that works for farmers and ranchers. This also follows a letter to President Trump that Daines led with 25 Senators urging him to consider improving and re-entering the Trans-Pacific Partnership. United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Director of the National Economic Council
Daines Champions Priorities for Tribal Communities in Senate Indian Affairs Committee Hearing, Healthcare Bill Passes Committee
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ legislation to improve the Indian Health Service passed the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs today. Immediately after the vote, Daines championed priorities important to Montana’s Indian tribes in a committee hearing, including funding for the Blackfeet water settlement and maintenance improvements at Bureau of Indian Education schools. This week, he also sponsored a bill to provide Indian tribes much-needed tax relief. Funding Priorities Important to Montana Indian Country Following Secretary Ryan Zinke’s visit to the Blackfeet Reservation last month to authorize the first transfer of funds for the Blackfeet water rights settlement, which Daines and
FEMA Agrees to Work with Daines to Fight Montana Wildfires
U.S. SENATE – Today during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) agreed to work with U.S. Senator Steve Daines to improve the agency’s effectiveness in assisting Montana in fighting wildfires. Daines highlighted the unique challenges Montana faces while applying for Fire Management Assistance Grants, and the need for FEMA to provide clear eligibility guidance to Montana’s rural communities. Last year, following Senator Daines’ call for additional fire management assistance, FEMA provided grants to reimburse the state with emergency funds. “Wildfires from last wildfire season devastated Montana communities and cost our state
Daines to Welcome Chairman Barrasso to 2018 Montana Energy Summit
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Chairman, John Barrasso (R-WY), will speak at the 2018 Montana Energy Summit. “I want to thank Senator Daines for inviting me to be a part of this important energy summit,” said Barrasso. “Wyoming and Montana have led the way with the responsible development of our energy and natural resources. I look forward to discussing ways to maintain American energy dominance while increasing jobs across the West.” “I am excited to welcome Senator Barrasso to Billings for the 2018 Montana Energy Summit,” said Daines. “As a fellow Westerner,
Daines Announces $350,000 Grant to Repair Roads in Mineral County
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced a $350,000 Department of Transportation grant to repair federally owned roads in Mineral County that were impacted by severe storms, flooding and landslides. “This important grant will repair roads in Mineral County so they are safe and efficient for the local community to use,” said Daines. ###
Daines Announces $50,000 Grant to Repair Roads in Tribal Communities
U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced a $50,000 federal grant to repair roads for tribal communities in Hill, Choteau, Blaine, Big Horn and Yellowstone Counties. “Flooding, severe storms and landslides have devastated Montana’s tribal lands,” said Daines. “This critical funding will help restore roads and fund infrastructure projects important to Montana’s tribal communities.”