Press Releases

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

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced ticket availability for Montanans interested in attending the inauguration of the 45th president of the United States, Donald J. Trump.  The President-elect will take the oath of office Friday, January 20, 2017 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.  Montanans interested in attending the inauguration of President-elect Trump can do so by submitting a ticket request at: https://www.daines.senate.gov/2017-inauguration.  “The inauguration is a time honored American tradition and I look forward to seeing many Montanans in our nation’s Capitol,” Daines stated. “Montanans interested in attending the swearing in of the President-elect can do so free of charge by

HELENA – For the fourth year in a row, Montana Attorney General Tim Fox and Montana’s U.S. Senator Steve Daines continue their ‘Brawl of the Wild’ wager for the University of Montana – Montana State University football game. The Cats and Grizzlies clash this Saturday in Missoula.   The terms of this year’s bet: the winner will buy the loser a ball cap (Griz or Cat), and the loser will have to post a photo of himself wearing the cap on Twitter and Facebook. Fox has won the bet for three straight years, so the pressure is on for a Bobcat

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today stressed the importance of processing agricultural leases on Native American lands in a more timely manner.    In a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Director Bruce Loudermilk, Daines urges BIA to process and approve Native Americans’ agricultural lease applications in a more timely manner. Current leases can take months to process, which results much-needed economic revenue being lost or delayed. Daines’ letter is available to download HERE and below: Dear Mr. Loudermilk: I write expressing concern regarding the length of time it takes for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to approve agricultural

BOZEMAN, Mont. — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement congratulating President-elect Donald J. Trump: “Congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump on winning Montana and the presidency.  Now the hard work really begins as we bring our nation together and move our country forward for hardworking families.” Audio of Daines’ statement is available to download HERE.  ###

BOZEMAN, Mont. — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on the Crow Tribe’s recent elections: “Congratulations to Chairman-elect AJ Not Afraid on his election.  I appreciated the opportunity to work with him as Secretary of the Crow Tribe and I look forward to continuing to do so in his new role.  “And I want to thank Chairman Old Coyote for inviting me to his home and welcoming me to Indian Country.  I deeply respect the Chairman’s dedication to the sovereignty and economic security of his people.”  ###