Daines: Montana Counties Set to Receive over $17 Million in SRS Payments
U.S. SENATE – Senator Steve Daines today announced that the U.S. Forest Service will allocate over $17 million to Montana’s rural and forested counties under the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. The Forest Service this week released 2017 SRS payment levels for Montana counties following the recent reauthorization of the critical program. “These much-needed funds are critical for Montana’s rural counties who have fallen on hard economic times due to declining timber harvests and natural resource production,” said Daines. “I will continue to fight for long-term solutions that strengthen the health of forests and create good-paying jobs so rural counties
Daines, Tester, Gianforte Announce Manhattan’s Alexa Arthun’s Offer of Appointment from the Naval Academy
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Congressman Greg Gianforte today announced academy nominee Alexa Arthun’s offer of appointment from the United States Naval Academy. Arthun lives in Manhattan, Montana where she attends Manhattan High School. “Alexa has an outstanding academic and athletic record and a passion to serve our country,” said Daines. “I know she will excel at the Naval Academy and inspire her peers through her leadership.” “Alexa is one of the very best Montana has to offer,” Tester said. “She has proven herself to be a dedicated student, athlete, and a leader in Manhattan. I
Daines, Tester, Gianforte Announce Helena’s Madison Ward’s Offer of Appointment from the Naval Academy
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Congressman Greg Gianforte today announced academy nominee Madison Ward’s offer of appointment from the United States Naval Academy. Ward lives in Helena, Montana. “With her experience living abroad, academic and extracurricular achievements and leadership roles, Madison would be a great fit for the Naval Academy,” said Daines. “She is one of Montana’s finest and I look forward to following her future successes.” “Madison will make Montana proud at the Naval Academy,” Tester said. “As a student and coach, she has demonstrated leadership that will guide her to further success. I wish
Daines Secures $2,000,000 Grant for Whitefish Lake Watershed Project
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after securing a $2,000,000 grant for phase two of the Whitefish Lake Watershed project in Flathead County. This grant allows Montana to place a conservation easement on 3,200 critical acres in Flathead County. The area is an important habitat for grizzly bears, the Canada lynx, and also protects water quality within the Lazy Creek watershed for threatened fish species. “This area is critical for the protection of wildlife, recreation, timber management and Montana jobs” said Daines. “This grant will help Montana continue its efforts to conserve this area and contribute
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