Press Releases

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announcement that the Canada lynx may have recovered to the point where it could be delisted as an endangered species.  The Service today released the results of a scientific review indicating the Canada lynx may no longer require protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to recovery. Based on the findings of this review, the Service has announced its intention to develop a proposed rule to delist the Canada lynx. “This report is exciting news and the result of two decades of collaborative work between

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized National Human Trafficking Awareness Day by supporting legislation to crackdown on online sex trafficking. “Sex trafficking is a growing problem in Montana,” said Daines. “We must take steps now to stop this abuse and protect vulnerable members of our community.” The Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act eliminates federal liability protections for websites that knowingly assist, support or facilitate online sex trafficking. Additionally, it allows state and local prosecutors to prosecute websites that violate federal sex trafficking laws. Earlier today, Senator Daines spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate in recognition of

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced the United States Department of Agriculture responded to his request to extend the deadline for Montana farmers and ranchers seeking additional relief from last year’s drought and wildfires.  “Montana farmers and ranchers have faced severe conditions and need flexibility,” said Daines. “I thank Secretary Perdue for recognizing the severe conditions that Montana producers have faced and for providing these flexibilities. Additional disaster relief funding is needed to help Montana’s agriculture community rebuild and continue feeding the country.” The Emergency Conservation Program is a USDA program that helps farmers and ranchers repair damage

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined Senate and House colleagues in calling for reforms to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to better protect Americans’ privacy. Watch the video HERE. Download the video HERE. Daines is also a cosponsor of the USA RIGHTS Act of 2017, which reforms government surveillance programs to balance Americans’ privacy with effective national security. ###

President Champions Daines Priorities to Support Rural Economy  U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the United States Department of Agriculture’s release of the Agriculture (Ag) and Rural Prosperity Task Force report, which includes initiatives Daines championed to support Montana’s rural economy.  “Montana farmers and ranchers put food on America’s tables” said Daines. “As the President highlighted today, our rural communities are vitally important to the success of our nation.  I will continue to fight for rural development, infrastructure, telehealth and other critical issues for rural Montana.” As Chairman of the Senate Western Caucus, Senator Daines has focused on initiatives to improve the rural

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized the community of Glasgow for leading the way with their generosity during the holiday season. Daines’ recognition in the Congressional Record is available here. Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Week” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve The following is the statement submitted to

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today voted to avoid a government shut down and to preserve and protect services import to Montana’s children, seniors, and local communities. “This is a necessary vote to keep the government open and to fund CHIP,”said Daines. Additionally, the bill will: Provide $2.85 billion for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Provide $550 million in funding for Community Health Centers. Prevent $23 million in cuts to mineral royalty penalties. Prevent cuts to Medicare. Provide $4.7 billion in funding for missile defense and other defense priorities. ###

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced bipartisan legislation, the Mitigating the Methamphetamine Epidemic and Promoting Tribal Health Act, or the Mitigating METH Act, to combat methamphetamine use across Montana and strengthen Indian tribes’ ability to fight this epidemic. “Methamphetamine use in Montana is tearing apart families and taking lives,” said Daines. “This is a crisis that needs immediate attention and more resources.” Additional sponsors include Sens. Kamala Harris (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). Background:  In the 21st Century Cures Act, enacted in 2016, Congress authorized $1 billion in funding over two years to address the opioid

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today led a letter to President and CEO of Health Net Federal Services, the current administrator for the Veterans Choice Program in Montana, and will assume responsibility for TRICARE in Montana in 2018. “As you assume responsibility for the TRICARE beneficiaries in our states, we expect nothing short of excellence from your company in providing access to the highest quality medical care for the men and women who have worn the uniform of our nation,” the Members wrote.  The letter was also signed by Sens. Enzi (WY), Crapo (ID), Barrasso (WY) and Gardner (CO).  The