Press Releases

(U.S. Senate) – Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines are calling on Congress to improve mail service in rural Montana so families can stay connected and businesses can get their products to market. In a letter to Senate leadership, Tester and Daines also raised concerns over the House’s proposed postal reform bill which they say lacks key service improvements.  “The United States Postal Service is a critical lifeline throughout our country, connecting loved ones and families, delivering prescription drugs and other critical items, and allowing our businesses to ship products all over the world,” Tester and Daines wrote. “Continued poor mail service

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized Jeremiah Kennedy of Glacier County, for his years in service in the United State Navy.    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

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $1,224,949.00 in funding for the Crow Tribe for diabetes treatment and prevention.   “Through this funding, the Crow Tribe can continue to improve care for tribal members living with diabetes, a disease which sadly plagues so many in Montana’s Native communities” Daines stated.  Native Americans have the highest rates of Type 2 diabetes in the United States. Daines is a strong supporter of the Special Diabetes Program. On September 20, 2016, Daines authored a letter to U.S. Senate leadership underscoring the importance of federal investments in this program. The 301 Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI)

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today introduced a Senate resolution to recognize the month of November as National Native American Heritage Month. The resolution celebrates the heritage, culture, and history of Native Americans and recognizes the many contributions Native Americans have made to our nation. The resolution was unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate.  “National Native American Heritage Month celebrates the rich history, culture and legacy of Indian tribes to our country,” Daines stated. “By honoring the importance of tribal self-governance, preserving indigenous languages, we can continue to strengthen and preserve the United States’ commitment of government-to-government relationships.”  “Native

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced legislation to provide Congress the time necessary to seriously consider and debate the proposed changes to Rule 41 that would expand the government’s ability to search computers and other digital devices. The Review the Rule Act would delay the proposed changes to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 41 from going into effect until July 1, 2017. Without congressional action, the proposed changes will go into effect on December 1, 2016.  “We cannot give the federal government a blank check to infringe on Americans’ civil liberties,” Daines stated. “Congress needs the appropriate time to investigate the implications of

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the U.S. Senate’s unanimous passage of his legislation to improve maintenance of Montana’s National Forest trails.  The National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act would ensure existing Forest Service resources are better used to maintain National Forest trails. It would also significantly increase the role of volunteers and local partners in maintaining the usability and sustainability of the National Forest trail system. “Too many of our National Forest trails are left unmaintained, making it difficult for Montanans to enjoy our state’s treasured lands,” Daines stated. “This bill will make incremental progress in protecting and maintain our nation’s trail

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee’s passage of the Blackfeet water compact.  Earlier today, the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 5633 the “Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement Act.” The bill would authorize and implement the water rights compact among the Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, the State of Montana, and the United States. The compact passed by a unanimous vote. “I’m thrilled to see this milestone for the Blackfeet water rights settlement,” Daines stated. “This compact is long overdue and I remain committed to seeing it enacted into law.”  Daines worked to include authorization for

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the U.S. Senate passage of legislation to preserve the stories of servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the United States.  H.R. 4511, the Gold Star Families Voices Act, will allow the parents, spouses, siblings and children of fallen heroes to participate in the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress and tell the stories of their loved ones—ensuring the preservation of the lives and sacrifices of servicemembers. “By preserving the legacy of the brave men and women who fought on behalf of our nation, we can better understand the

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today slammed the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) newly issued methane and waste prevention rule that stifles Montana’s energy future.  “This is yet another example of the Obama administration getting dangerously close to regulating this industry out of business in the U.S.,” Daines stated. “I look forward to seeing President-elect Trump and Congress stop this assault on energy innovation.”  Alan Olson, Montana Petroleum Association: “The Montana Petroleum Association and their member producing companies are extremely disappointed that the Bureau of Land Management has concluded rulemaking on venting and flaring of natural gas. The State