Press Releases

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s nominee for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator:  “I greatly appreciate the leadership Attorney General Pruitt has shown in suing to stop the EPA’s Clean Power Plan and look forward to watching him dismantle it piece by piece as EPA Administrator.”    A University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research study found the Clean Power Plan would lead to the biggest economic disaster in Montana in 30 years—including the closure of the Colstrip plant, the reduction of over 7,000

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the bipartisan agreement for final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “The NDAA provides critical support and security for our servicemembers in uniform to carry out their missions,” Daines stated. “It’s great to see Congress prioritize the needs of our servicemembers, while protecting the important role that Montana holds in our national defense.”  The bill now heads to President Obama’s desk for his signature.  Daines secured the following priorities for Montana: Cyber Command: Daines’ amendment to elevate U.S. Cyber Command to a Combatant Command was included in the NDAA. U.S. Cyber Command it is currently

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the passage of bipartisan legislation to bring medicine into the 21st century:  “Around every kitchen table in Montana are moms and dads worried about healthcare,” Daines stated.  “This bill helps folks gain access to life saving drugs, provides help for family members struggling with depression and gain access to equipment needed for an elderly parent.  Working together in a bipartisan fashion we took an important step in helping these families.” S. Kevin Howlett, Director, CSKT Health Department: “We are pleased that the Senate has recognized and supported the need for resources to address the epidemic of

  U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today congratulated Cade Wessel of Bozeman and Travis Catina of Whitefish on receiving an offer of appointment from the U.S. Naval Academy, located in Annapolis, Maryland.  Daines called Wessel and Catina today to inform them of the offer and give his congratulations.  Wessel, a senior at Bozeman High School is a four-year letter winner on the football team, varsity football team captain and starting linebacker for the state championship football team. Wessel is also the throwing captain for varsity track. He has volunteered as a coach for youth basketball, Special Olympics and organized the

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today pushed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to expedite the deployment of funds for watercraft inspection stations to combat the spread of adult mussels wreaking havoc on Montana’s ecosystem. Daines met with the Commander of the Northwest Division Brigadier General Scott Spellmon, Director-Programs Directorate, Northwestern Division Dave Ponganis and Engineering Officer, Aide-de-Camp, First Lieutenant Eric Chu.  “It’s important we get these watercraft inspection stations up and operating – its one of the most effective ways we can stop the spread of invasive mussels,” Daines stated. “We need to cut through the bureaucratic chatter and talk about what we

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today outlined specific priorities that could bring jobs back to Montana.    In a letter sent to President-elect Donald J. Trump today, Daines enumerated 49 executive actions he would like to see President-elect Trump take starting on Day One.  “One of your driving principles is rolling back the countless Obama administration regulations and policies that have stifled job creation, economic growth, and innovation,” Daines wrote. “I could not agree more that reversing such misguided policies is critically needed. In addition to enacting harmful policies, the current administration has failed to support commonsense reforms needed to improve the

  U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) today introduced legislation to require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) measure performance goals for new technology shaping America’s air traffic control system. The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) will make air travel safer by moving from a radar-based system with radio communication to a satellite-based one. NextGen deployment has been bogged with delays and cost overruns since it was first congressionally mandated in 2003.  The final implementation is to be completed by 2025.  Daines’ and Booker’s bill would create measurable performance goals and hold federal officials liable annually for

U.S. CONGRESS — U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today introduced legislation to honor the 100th anniversary of the first woman elected to Congress.  The 100 Years of Women in Congress Act would pay tribute to former Representative Jeannette Rankin – who was elected to the House in 1916 – by renaming in her honor a key science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program that provides grants to colleges and universities who encourage women and minorities to pursue degrees and careers in STEM fields.  “Jeannette Rankin was a true trailblazer who encouraged other women to pursue their dreams,” said Daines, the only chemical

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced the release of an Amtrak report on developing passenger rail service in the Bakken Region. This report was required by language drafted by Daines in the Fiscal Year 2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill, reported out of Committee on June 25, 2015.  “Amtrak plays a critical role in connectivity along Montana’s Hi-Line.  Reinstating the stop in Culbertson will increase the transportation options for people in northeastern Montana” Daines stated.  “I am glad Amtrak has publicly agreed to this concept and recognizes the net positive benefit of this stop to their budget.”  “I’m excited to see