Press Releases

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

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced his nominations for 25 Montana students who are applying for enrollment into U.S. military academies. A congressional nomination is a critical step in the process for Montanans seeking admission to one of the nation’s four military academies: the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.  “One of my greatest honors as Montana’s U.S. Senator is nominating committed young Montanans to compete for an appointment to one of our nation’s military

U.S. CONGRESS —U.S. Senator Steve Daines and U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke today released the following statement on the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) draft request for proposal (RFP) for the UH-1N Replacement Program.  The USAF intends to conduct a full and open competition to procure up to 84 replacement helicopters. “It’s welcome news to see forward movement in replacing the Vietnam-era helicopters to enhance the security of our nuclear weapons,” Daines stated. “These aircraft are a much needed tool in protecting our ICBMs and I will continue pressing the Air Force to complete this process as expeditiously as possible.” “After years of delays, I’m

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized Royce Perrett of Wibaux County, a true American cowboy, who will celebrate his 93rd birthday this weekend. 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 the inclusion of his amendment to provide security for nuclear sites in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “This will improve accountability and bring needed security improvements for our nuclear arsenal,” Daines stated. “We have an obligation to secure our nuclear weapons at Malmstrom and this will begin doing so.” Daines’ amendment requires the Department of Defense to certify what security shortfalls the UH-1N has created, and how it will alleviate those risks with outside resources until the acquisition process for new helicopters is complete.  Daines has long been pushing the Air Force to