Press Releases

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines this week pressed the U.S. Forest Service for answers on their recent decision to reduce the number of Type 1 helicopters. In a letter to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, Daines questioned Tidwell’s decision both from a cost-saving perspective and being best equipped to handle fire season.  “I am concerned that these resources may not be available when most needed and may increase costs,” Daines wrote. “As such, I respectfully request a cost comparison for the non-renewed helicopters and equivalent call-when-needed helicopters and an analysis of the Service’s decision-making in terminating the six

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized Lyle Burgess of Ryegate.  Lyle has been a dependable leader for the people of Golden Valley County for over a generation.  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’

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today congratulated Missoula Sentinel High student Griffin Line, Kalispell Glacier High student Deagan Muth and Scobey High student Dean Cole on their appointments to America’s prestigious military academies.  Line was offered an appointment to the Air Force Academy. He is the captain of his soccer team and student body vice president. He also participates at the Sentinel DECA business club, varsity basketball, and serves as a ranch hand at Line Ranch.  Muth was also offered an appointment to the Air Force Academy. He is a varsity soccer player, track long distance

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after meeting with President Donald J. Trump’s nominee for United States Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer. “As trade ambassador, Robert Lighthizer will play a critical role in developing trade policies that put Americans first, expand opportunities for Montana producers and manufacturers and grow our economy,” Daines stated. During the meeting, Daines hand delivered Robert Lighthizer a letter outlining Montana priorities:  Dear Mr. Lighthizer:  Congratulations on being nominated as the next United States Trade Representative (USTR). Serving as USTR is a great honor and I look forward to working with

U.S. CONGRESS — U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Jon Tester (D-MT) and U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson (R-ID) and Collin Peterson (D-MN) today underscored the urgency in reversing the ruling of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cottonwood Environmental Law Center v. U.S. Forest Service by introducing bipartisan bicameral legislation to do just that. The bill seeks to codify the position taken by the Obama administration that federal agencies are not required to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service at a programmatic level when new critical habitat is designated or a new species is listed.   “We need to take action

U.S. CONGRESS — U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Jon Tester (D-MT) and U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson (R-ID) and Collin Peterson (D-MN) today underscored the urgency in reversing the ruling of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cottonwood Environmental Law Center v. U.S. Forest Service by introducing bipartisan bicameral legislation to do just that.  The bill seeks to codify the position taken by the Obama administration that federal agencies are not required to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service at a programmatic level when new critical habitat is designated or a new species is listed.  “We need to take action

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today questioned newly sworn-in Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke during a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “This is an historic moment for Montana,” Daines stated. “We have before us the first Montanan to ever serve in a President’s cabinet, a Montana tribal chairman testifying on the witness panel, and both of Montana’s senators up on the dais. Now, with Secretary Zinke leading the Department of the Interior, we can truly say: It’s a new day for Indian Country. It’s a new day for tribal sovereignty. And it’s a

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today congratulated Adam Barrie, a senior at Billings West High School on receiving an offer of appointment from the U.S. Air Force Academy, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Daines called Barrie earlier today to congratulate him on his appointment. Barrie has been a varsity cross country runner and track distance runner since his freshman year and is the captain of his cross-country team. He is the senior class president, president of the Key Club and volunteers weekly at the Billings Clinic. “Adam is an outstanding Montana student who has shown a clear passion for service

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the U.S. Senate passage of a resolution to undo an Obama administration rule that fundamentally changed the land planning process. The rule shifted the planning and decision-making away from those closest to the land, away from Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regional and field offices, and back to BLM headquarters in Washington, D.C. Click HERE to watch Daines’ remarks. Click HERE to download Daines’ floor remarks. “For too long, the Obama administration ignored the commonsense of those who manage the land and our natural resources,” Daines stated. “Now, is the time for