Press Releases

Ag Secretary Perdue to Keynote Montana Ag Summit 2017

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will deliver a keynote address at the Montana Ag Summit 2017. The summit, co-sponsored by Daines, will take place in Great Falls on May 31 and June 1, 2017. The Montana Ag Summit will bring the nation’s agricultural leaders to Montana’s Golden Triangle. The summit will focus on strengthening international relationships for Montana agriculture, showcasing technological advancements, promoting the next generation of farmers and ranchers, and discussing the challenges of federal policies and regulations.  “I’m excited to host Secretary Perdue in Montana for

Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Emma Homer of Ashland

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized Emma Homer of Ashland for the many years she has helped children in eastern Montana.    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

Daines, Tester Introduce Bill to Make Indian Coal Production Tax Credit Permanent

U.S. SENATE —Montana’s U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today introduced legislation to permanently extend the Indian Coal Production Tax Credit (ICPTC).  The ICPTC provides a crucial tax incentive to level the playing field for future development of tribal coal resources that are currently subject to more regulatory requirements than comparable development on private, state or federal lands. ICPTC credit protects the economic viability of existing tribal coal mining projects, which support much-needed tribal jobs and provide a major source of non-federal revenue for coal-producing tribes.  “The Crow Tribe in Montana has the potential to develop 10 billion tons

Daines, Klobuchar Introduce Legislation to Encourage Cross Boundary Management of Forests to Protect Water Resources, Enhance Wildlife Habitat, Restore Forest Health, and Strengthen Local Economies

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have introduced legislation to encourage cross boundary management of forests to protect water resources, enhance wildlife habitat, restore forest health, and strengthen local economies. The bipartisan Empowering State Forestry to Improve Forest Health Act of 2017 would encourage a landscape approach to forest management. The bill has been endorsed by the American Forest Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters.  “I’ve been working closely with Montanans to make sure that we have locally-driven management of our forests,” said Daines. “This bipartisan solution will maintain healthy forests, increase the role of

Daines: Acosta Confirmed for Labor Secretary

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Alexander Acosta for U.S. Secretary of Labor. “Alexander Acosta will work to ensure workers in Montana have the support and protections they need and deserve,” Daines stated. “I look forward to working with Secretary Acosta to provide Montana businesses with relief from burdensome regulations so that we can promote the wellbeing of Montana workers and retirees, and create more opportunities for Montanans looking for work.” On April 25, Daines met with Acosta in his Washington, D.C. office and hand delivered a letter

Daines Announces $2,499,999 for Asbestos Health Screening

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $2,499,999.00 in funding for the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) Clinic for asbestos health screening.  “The Center for Asbestos Related Disease is a vital nonprofit resource that helps with identification treatment, and research for those with asbestos exposure,” said Daines. “Too many Montana families have suffered at the hands of asbestos and through this additional funding, Dr. Black and his team will be able to continue the excellent work they have been doing and the people of Libby will have the support they need to fight the consequences of this deadly

Daines, Cantwell Introduce Legislation to Protect and Recognize Wildland Firefighters

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today introduced two bipartisan, bicameral bills to protect and recognize wildland firefighters. First, the Wildland Firefighter Recognition Act requires the federal government to provide a special designation to call wildland firefighters just that, wildland firefighters, rather than their current designation as forestry technicians. Providing wildland firefighters with the proper title will improve recruitment efforts and morale and also give due recognition to those brave individuals who risk their lives to protect others’ and their property.  Second, the Wildland Firefighter Fairness Act addresses several technical problems wildland firefighters face. Currently, many

Daines Meets with Labor Secretary Nominee Acosta

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after meeting with President Donald J. Trump’s nominee for the U.S. Secretary of Labor, Alexander Acosta. “Alexander Acosta will be a champion for the American worker,” Daines stated. “Montanans deserve a system with financial investment rules that encourage savings, optimize investment choices and increase access to investment advice. Mr. Acosta will be an advocate for providing regulatory relief for Montana small businesses to help them thrive while ensuring that employees are protected.” During the meeting, Daines hand delivered a letter outlining Montana priorities to Acosta. Dear Mr. Acosta:  Congratulations

Daines Praises Trump’s Action on Softwood Lumber

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on President Donald J. Trump’s intention to levy a 20 percent import tax on Canadian softwood lumber. “President Trump has taken decisive action to put America first and protect against unfairly subsidized lumber that harms Montana mills,” Daines stated. “For too long Canadian softwood lumber has had a significant negative impact on Montana jobs. Canada needs to play by the same set of rules that Montanans do.” A timeline of Daines’ efforts to renegotiate a new Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) for Montana’s sawmills is below:   April 27, 2006: SLA signed – seven