Press Releases

Daines to Chair Key Energy Subcommittee: National Parks

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that he would take the gavel of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks.  The Subcommittee on National Parks includes oversight and legislative responsibilities for: National Park System; Wild and Scenic Rivers System; National Trails System; national recreation areas; historic sites; military parks and battlefields; Land and Water Conservation Fund; historic preservation; outdoor recreation resources; and preservation of prehistoric ruins and objects of interest on the public domain. “Growing up just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, I know the importance of our national parks to

Daines Introduces Measures to Promote American Energy Innovation

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced two resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA).   In the closing weeks of his term, President Obama announced the Stream Protection Rule and the Methane and Waste Prevention Rule, one of which does little to actually protect waterways and instead extends the strong arm of the federal government at the expense of states, coal workers and ultimately ratepayers. The other is duplicative and unnecessary, conflicts with current state laws, such as those put in place in Montana and would discourage state-driven solutions to managing methane emissions.  “We need to allow

Daines Introduces Measures to Protect Life

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced two measures to protect life.  Daines introduced the Protect Funding for Women’s Health Care Act, that redirects funds from Planned Parenthood to other eligible women’s health care providers, and a measure to scrap the Department of Health and Human Services’ new rule to amend regulations implementing the Title X Family Planning Program.  “We must fight for those that are unable to fight for themselves,” Daines stated. “We will maintain funding for women’s health care and redirect those funds towards community health clinics that provide comprehensive care instead of an organization that traffics human baby parts.”

Daines Statement on Trump’s Executive Order on Refugees

BOZEMAN, Mont. —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement:  “We are at war with Islamic extremists and anything less than 100 percent verification of these refugees’ backgrounds puts our national security at risk.  We need to take the time to examine our existing programs to ensure terrorists aren’t entering our country.  The safety of U.S. citizens must be our number one priority.”  ###

Daines Urges FAA to Accept Non-Compliant REAL ID Identifications

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that he is continuing his efforts to ensure that Montanans are not faced with any disruptions in the face of the REAL ID deadline. During a meeting with Recreational Aviation Foundation, Daines announced that he is urging the Federal Aviation Administration to accept non-REAL ID compliant licenses when implementing third class medical reform.  “While Montana has refused to comply with the current REAL ID law, the state has made numerous security improvements to its driver’s licenses, both the physical cards and the issuing process, without sacrificing our citizens’ privacy or cyber security,” Daines wrote. “I

Daines, Montana Leaders Mark Data Privacy Day

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines along with Montana’s statewide leaders today marked Data Privacy Day.   Data Privacy Day is celebrated worldwide on January 28, recognizing the role that technology plays in Americans’ everyday lives and the need to take steps to safeguard individual privacy. “Our personal information has become a form of currency,” Daines stated. “Hackers are everywhere and we need to take action to ensure our data is secure. I’m pleased to see our state’s leaders coming together to raise awareness about the need to protect privacy.” Senate Majority Leader Fred Thomas: “As our lives become increasingly digitized it’s more important than

Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Belle Wendelburg of Ekalaka

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized Mrs. Belle Wendelburg for her continued work in serving her community. Belle retired from Dahl Memorial Nursing Home in Ekalaka in July of 2016 after working there for more than 20 years.    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

Daines Announces Appropriations Subcommittee Assignments

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that he has been selected to serve on five Senate Appropriations subcommittees. Daines will serve on the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense; Interior, Environment and Related Agencies; State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs; Financial Services and General Government; and, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies. “On these subcommittees, I will fight for Montana priorities while tackling wasteful federal spending and restoring fiscal responsibility to Washington,” Daines stated.  Daines noted that the subcommittees’ focus will address a number of issues of great importance to Montana, including the management of public

Daines Reintroduces Legislation to Kill the Death Tax

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines reintroduced legislation to permanently repeal the federal estate tax, more commonly known as the death tax.  The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2017, which would finally end this purely punitive tax that has the potential to hit family farms, ranches, and businesses as the result of the owner’s death.  “The Death Tax is a direct threat to our state’s number one economic driver,” Daines stated. “Montana family farms — many of which have been passed down from generation to generation crumble under the weight of this federal theft.”   The bill is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, Associated Builders and Contractors,