Montanan from Great Falls Tells Senators: Excessive Permitting Spikes Energy Costs for Montanans
Doug Hardy of Great Falls testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee U.S. SENATE — During a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on energy challenges for rural areas, U.S. Senator Steve Daines spoke with Doug Hardy, the General Manager of Central Montana Electric Power Cooperative in Great Falls, Montana about the current threats that could cause rate hikes in Montana. Daines recommended Mr. Hardy as witness for the hearing. “Government red tape is threatening Montanans’ access to reliable and affordable energy,” said Daines. “We must streamline the permitting processes to give security to our rural communities that
Daines to DOJ: Uphold Your Responsibilities to Indian Tribes
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today led a bipartisan group of senators in sending a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions regarding the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) responsibilities under the Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA), urging the DOJ to uphold its responsibilities to Indian tribes and implement the recommendations outlined in that report as quickly as possible. “The DOJ must fulfill its responsibilities to Indian tribes,” said Daines, “There is an epidemic of violent crime in Indian country and action must be taken immediately to strengthen law enforcement and provide justice for victims.” Read the letter below: Dear
Daines Pushes EPA on Behalf of Lincoln County
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging they take into account Lincoln County’s concerns regarding cleanup of the Libby Asbestos Superfund site. “I heard directly from Lincoln County leaders regarding their concerns that property owners and local government could be held liable for future clean-up costs of the Libby Asbestos Superfund site,” said Daines. “I’ve asked the EPA to work with local officials and community leaders before making any consequential decisions regarding a long-term maintenance plan for the site.” To download the letter, click here. Read the letter below:
Daines, King Celebrate National Parks
Introduce bipartisan resolution to dedicate National Park Week U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Angus King (I-ME) today introduced a bipartisan resolution to mark April 21 through April 29 as National Park Week. This resolution encourages people around the country and world to spend time in America’s treasured national parks. In honor of National Park Week, entrance into all national parks will be free on April 21. “As a fifth-generation Montanan, I believe our national parks are some of this nation’s greatest treasures,” said Daines. “This week is a great opportunity to encourage folks to get outside with their friends
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