Daines Statement on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Reaffirmation of the Removal of Greater Yellowstone Grizzly Bears from Endangered Species Act
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s announcement that its 2017 final rule to remove grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) from the Endangered Species Act’s List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife does not require modification. “It’s important to see sound science confirming the grizzly bear population has recovered,” said Daines. “I look forward to working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state as we continue to manage the population.” Background: On June 22, 2017, Daines released a statement on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s announcement
Daines Bill to Establish National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls Passes Senate
U.S. SENATE — This week, the U.S. Senate passed Senator Steve Daines’ bill to recognize May 5th as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls. Daines introduced the legislation to honor the memory of Hanna Harris, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe who was murdered in July 2013. The resolution commemorates the lives of all American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls who have gone missing or been murdered. “Tragically, Hanna Harris is just one of the many native women who go missing or are senselessly murdered,” said Daines. “We must do more
Daines Calls for Religious Freedom in China
U.S. SENATE – Today during a Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) hearing on digital authoritarianism and the global threat to free speech, Daines called out China for removing the sale of Bibles from Chinese e-commerce websites and pressed for increased religious freedom in that country. “The freedom to practice your religion without a fear of persecution is a human right that knows no borders,” said Daines. “The Chinese government must be held accountable for its blatant infringement on individuals’ religious freedom.” During the hearing, Daines highlighted the Chinese government’s restriction of Bibles on e-commerce websites and questioned Sarah Cook, the
Daines Applauds Confirmation of Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate joined Daines in confirming Mike Pompeo as U.S. Secretary of State. “Mike’s educational record, military service and commitment to our country as a soldier in the U.S. Army, U.S. Congressman and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, makes him exceptionally qualified for this role as America’s top diplomat,” said Daines. “I look forward to working with him as he represents and defends America’s interests abroad.” Background: On April 25, 2018, Daines spoke on the Senate floor to urge the swift confirmation of Mike Pompeo
Daines Calls for Transparency at CBO in First Legislative Branch Subcommittee Hearing as Chairman
U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines called for increased transparency at the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) while chairing his first hearing as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee. The CBO has been criticized previously for not providing enough detail to explain its findings in budget estimates and scoring of legislation. “The CBO, along with all members of the legislative branch, must answer to American taxpayers,” said Daines. “As Chairman, I will fight for increased transparency and accountability within the legislative branch.” During the hearing, Daines questioned director of the CBO, Keith Hall, on what the CBO is
Daines Named a Leading Bipartisan Senator
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines has been recognized by a leading research institute as having one of the top records of bipartisanship in the U.S. Senate. The Lugar Center and the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy recognized Daines this week in its Bipartisan Index as having one of the strongest record of working across the aisle in the U.S. Senate. Daines ranked 13th for bipartisanship among his Senate colleagues. “Montanans expect their representatives to work across the aisle to do what’s right for our state and our country,” Daines said. “Some folks in Washington are only concerned about toeing the
Daines Urges Confirmation of Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State
U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines spoke on the Senate floor to urge the swift confirmation of Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State. Watch video HERE. Download the video HERE. Excerpt from prepared remarks: Mike’s resume would put him at the top of any pile, but let’s talk about his record of results. I just returned from a trip to China, South Korea and the DMZ, where I met with the Chinese premier and the prime minister of South Korea, among many other leaders. Their feedback was clear: the Administration’s diplomacy is what brought Kim Jong Un to
Daines Builds Momentum for TPP, Secretary Perdue Welcomes Reengagement
U.S. SENATE — Today in a Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry hearing, Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue told U.S. Senator Steve Daines that reconsidering the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement would benefit America’s agriculture community and that he welcomes reengagement with the trade deal. “Montana’s farmers and ranchers need fair access to markets so they can put food on our plates, compete and grow jobs,” said Daines. “I am glad Secretary Perdue understands this and is ready to continue to work on behalf of farmers and ranchers in Montana and across the country.” During the hearing, Daines asked
Secretary Perdue, Forest Service Endorse Daines’ Efforts to End Frivolous Litigation, Move Forest Management Forward
Both endorse creating arbitration program for Montana to ensure faster implementation of forest management projects, reduce wildfire risk U.S. SENATE — Today during hearings in the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and the interim chief of the U.S. Forest Service agreed to work with U.S. Senator Steve Daines to end frivolous litigation that hinders critical forest management projects in Montana. They both voiced support for his effort to establish an arbitration program in Montana that would be an alternative to litigation. “Environmental extremists have used fringe