Daines’ Bill to Allow Women World War II Pilots Inurnment at Arlington Heads to President Obama’s Desk
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ bill to allow women World War II pilots to be eligible for inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery is headed to President Obama’s desk for his signature. The U.S. House of Representatives last night passed Daines’ legislation following unanimous Senate passage on May 11, 2016. “This is a wrong that needed to be made right and I’m proud to be part of restoring benefits to our WWII women pilots who trained right here in Montana,” Daines stated. “With the President’s signature, our women pilots will now have the honor that they have always deserved.” Click here to watch Daines’
Daines Announces UH-1N Helicopter Replacement Decision
U.S. SENATE — Following a meeting with U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah James, U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the Air Force will be going with the slowest proposed route to replace the Vietnam-era UH-1Ns that provide security for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base. The Air Force had the option to utilize existing contracts for Blackhawk helicopters and secure the ICBMs up to two years faster, or enter into a normal acquisition process. “We have an obligation to secure our nuclear weapons at Malmstrom,” Daines stated. “Right now, our world’s most powerful weapons are sitting unsecured in
Daines Introduces Rural Water Projects Legislation
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced legislation that would move Montana rural water projects forward and ensure the completion of authorized projects across Montana. The Western Water Supply and Planning Enhancement Act is a bill that would help improve the efficiency of existing water supply infrastructure, ease the regulatory burden on new projects and protect water rights that are critical to the prosperity of the western United States. The bill also accelerates implementation of Montana-made forest management projects that enhance watersheds and reduce the risk of wildfires. “If I told you that today, over 22,000 Montanans lack access to a steady supply
Resolution Honoring Former U.S. Senator Conrad Burns Passes Senate
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced the unanimous U.S. Senate passage of a resolution honoring former U.S. Senator Conrad Burns who passed away at the age of 81 on April 28, 2016. The resolution is below: S.RES. 457 Relative to the death of Conrad Ray Burns, former United States Senator for the State of Montana. 114th CONGRESS 2nd Session S. RES. 457 Relative to the death of Conrad Ray Burns, former United States Senator for the State of Montana. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES Mr. McCONNELL (for himself, Mr. REID, Mr. TESTER, and Mr. DAINES) submitted the following
Daines Slams Unprecedented U.S. Army Corps Decision on Gateway Pacific Terminal
U.S. SENATE— U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) released their unprecedented de minimis determination halting the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal (GPT) infrastructure project based on the Lummi Tribe’s assertion that the project will impact their usual and accustomed fishing rights. This is the first time ACE has given a single tribe veto-authority of a project of this scale under their purview without a full environmental review with alternatives and mitigations formally explored. “Today the U.S. Army Corps chose one tribe’s treaty rights over another harming good-paying union and tribal jobs,” Daines stated. “The Gateway Pacific
Daines Applauds Decision to Enhance Tools to Combat Wildfires, Protect Public Safety
BILLINGS, Mont. — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the federal government’s decision to work with Montana to enhance the tools necessary to combat wildfires. “It’s great to see the federal government work with Montanans to combat wildfires,” Daines stated. “While this announcement is a step in the right direction, the Forest Service needs to continue working with our state to utilize all aerial firefighting resources on federal fires at any time to protect our forests and communities.” Last fire season, Daines urged the United States Department of Agriculture to reverse their prohibition on the use of UH-1H helicopters to combat Montana wildfires. Daines is
Daines Tours VA Equine Therapy Center in Helena
U.S. SENATE – Senator Steve Daines today toured the Montana Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Equine Therapy Center in Helena and learned about how the program helps veterans across Montana. Daines recorded a video of his experience. Click here to view: Click here to watch the video Click here to download the video Click here to download the picture Daines was joined by members of his Veteran Affairs team at the Montana VA Equine Therapy Center to learn more about the program and its work to help veterans with service-related illness. The Montana VA Equine Therapy Center is the only center of its kind
Daines Introduces Timber Innovation Act
U.S. SENATE – Senator Steve Daines today joined a group of bipartisan Senators in support of a bill that would help accelerate research and development of tall wood buildings in the United States. The Timber Innovation Act will focus on finding innovative ways to use wood in the construction of buildings above 85 feet in height or roughly seven or more stories. “Innovative technology is creating new markets for Montana’s abundance of wood,” Daines stated. “I’m proud to champion legislation that will create jobs in Montana by encouraging the increased use of wood in tall buildings, which is an exciting opportunity for
Montana Congressional Delegation Congratulates Polson Student on U.S. Air Force Academy Appointment
U.S. CONGRESS – Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Representative Ryan Zinke congratulated Polson High School senior Nathan Young on his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Young was nominated to the academy by the entire Montana Congressional delegation. Young is a senior at Polson High School and the Student Government Vice President. He is also captain of his Lacrosse team and an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America. Young volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, he’s the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Huddle Leader, Chairman of Fundraising for his National Honor Society Chapter and participated in