Press Releases

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

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines voted this week to confirm Colonel Ronald G. Allen, Jr. for promotion to Brigadier General in the United States Air Force. “Col. Allen has led the men and women at Malmstrom on missions critical to our national security with distinction,” said Daines. “It is my honor to support his confirmation as a Brigadier General.” “It’s a great honor to serve with someone of Colonel Allen’s caliber and character,” said Col. Peter Bonetti, 341st Vice Commander. “I’m grateful to see the Senate confirmation.  It’s an acknowledgement that Colonel Allen’s senior leadership is vital to the Air Force and the

U.S. SENATE –  U.S. Senators Steve Daines, John Tester and Congressman Greg Gianforte are urging the Forest Service to prioritize a conservation easement in northwest Montana that will strengthen the local economy and create jobs.  The Montana delegation threw their support behind an agreement between Stimson Lumber Company and the state of Montana to preserve more than 22,000 acres of private land for timber harvest, wildlife habitat, and recreational access.  “The Kootenai Forestlands Project will not only have significant economic benefits, but will also provide critical conservation gains,” wrote the members.  “Protecting these lands also means protecting our state’s clean water, and the

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that he has helped facilitate a donation of 25 computers to five Montana public schools as part of the United States Senate’s Computers for Schools Program. “Our children are the future of America and our greatest investment,” said Daines “The Computers for Schools program gives them the tools to compete and succeed in the 21st century economy.” Recipients include:   Big Sandy Public Schools will receive 5 computers Greenfield School will receive 5 computers Hardin School Districts 17-H&1 will receive 5 computers Hot Springs School District 14-J will receive 5 computers Winnett Public School District #1 will

U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and U.S. Representative Greg Gianforte today hailed U.S. Senate passage of their bill to honor the life of renowned Montana conservationist, Alex Diekmann, by naming an unnamed peak in his memory. The U.S. Senate today passed a bill to name an unnamed 9,765-foot peak as “Alex Diekmann Peak.” “Alex Diekmann brought Montanans together to balance the needs of local landowners, ranchers and foresters, local cities and towns, county commissions, and federal and state interests to protect our public lands,” Daines stated. “I look forward to visiting and climbing Alex Diekmann Peak in Alex’s honor with