Press Releases

U.S. CONGRESS — U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and U.S. Representative Steve Scalise (R-LA) today led a bicameral effort urging the Obama administration to rescind the July 22, 2016 guidance under the International Trade in Arms Regulations (ITAR) that declared that gunsmithing is “manufacturing” of a firearm and thus requires the gunsmith to register and pay a registration fee of $2,250. In a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, the members underscore that this new guidance negatively harms hardworking small businesses and law-abiding gun owners and implore Kerry to give this his immediate attention and rescind the guidance.  “The vast

Columbia Falls, Mont.— U.S. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the U.S. Air Force’s announcement that the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program has reached Milestone A.  “This is great news for maintaining our nation’s ‘peace through strength’ strategy at Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base and the security of our nation,” Daines stated. “We must ensure our nuclear capabilities are ready for 21st century warfare. I will continue pushing to guarantee we modernize our nuclear weapons.” Daines has been actively pushing the Department of Defense to reach Milestone A.  On July 8, Daines led a bipartisan effort in urging Department of Defense Secretary Ash Carter

BOZEMAN, Mont. —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $348,357 in funding for seven Montana tribes to support their existing library operation and to maintain core library services.  “This funding will ensure that tribal libraries are up-to-date and properly serve Indian Country,” Daines stated. “The Native American Library Services Grant is important to improving libraries in Montana’s native communities.” The Native American Library Services Basic Grant is distributed in equal amounts among eligible applicants. The funds were provided to following tribes throught the Native American Library Services.              The Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Chippewa Cree Tribe,

BOZEMAN, Mont. — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today condemned the Obama administration following reports that 12 Yemeni nationals and three Afghans were transferred from Guantanamo Bay. “Terrorists captured by U.S. forces belong in Guantanamo, not in custody of a nation that may allow them to return to the battlefield as we have seen before,” Daines stated. “This President is more focused on releasing dangerous terrorists to fulfill a campaign promise than protecting our national security.” On May 26, Daines introduced legislation to temporarily ban the transfer or release of detainees from Guantanamo Bay until either the end of this year or enactment of the National Defense Authorization

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines marked the Fourth Annual Startup Day Across America by welcoming Uber to Montana. Daines spoke at the launch of Uber in Bozeman and was the first Montanan to take a ride in an Uber in Bozeman. State Representative Daniel Zolnikov was the driver.  On Daines’ ride, he picked up a dozen roses for his wife Cindy and surprised her with concert tickets to the Keith Urban concert in Bozeman last night. “It’s great to see Montana join states across the country in creating economic opportunites with safe and reliable rides for our families, veterans

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced that the coal scoping meeting he hosted in Billings generated 68 comments to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for their review of the federal coal program. On June 21, Daines held a public scoping meeting in Billings to ensure that the Department of Interior (DOI) hears the voices that will be most impacted by their review of the federal coal program. Montana has the nation’s largest estimated recoverable coal reserves.  “It’s great that Montanans have been able to make their voices heard in decisions that affect their families’ ability to put food on the table,” Daines

Grants awarded to Deer Lodge, Great Falls, Culbertson and Three Forks  U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $950,100.00 in funding for critical construction upgrades for four Montana airports.  Grants were awarded to airports in Deer Lodge, Great Falls, Culbertson and Three Forks. “It’s important that our airports have the resources they need to continue to connect our communities,” Daines stated. “This funding will ensure that our airports can meet their infrastructure needs as well as the needs of the passengers that they serve.” The following grants were awarded today by the U.S. Department of Transportation: Bowman Field Airport: $529,177.00 to fund the

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $325,000 to expand telehealth services in rural communities across Montana. The grant was awarded to St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation in Billings.  “It’s critical that Montanans have access to healthcare regardless of where they live,” Daines stated. “Telehealth plays an increasingly important role in communities across Montana and I’m excited that St. Vincent will be able to continue providing quality healthcare services to Montanans.”  “This grant award from The Office for the Advancement of Telehealth in HRSA allows the continuation of The Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center which is based out of Billings but serves seven states

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $3,565,062 in funding for critical upgrades at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. “As someone who travels regularly through the Bozeman Airport, I know how important this airport is for both tourists and Montanans to keep our state connected,” Daines stated.  “With this additional funding, Bozeman Airport can continue to make the Bozeman area a great place to do business for years to come.” The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation and will be used to rehabilitate the taxiway and taxiway lighting.  “First, we would like to thank the Senator and