Press Releases

Daines Introduces Bill to Update Cultural Educational Program for Native Students

U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today introduced bipartisan legislation to update decades-old data the federal government uses to distribute funds to benefit Native American students. The Johnson-O’Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act would make about 500,000 Native students eligible to access federal resources that would help address many of the students’ unique academic and cultural needs.  Because of the lack of accurate data in how Native students are counted by the federal government, many Native students in public schools across the country eligible for federal cultural educational support through the Johnson O’Malley (JOM) program have lacked access to such resources. 

Daines Strengthens Montana’s Transportation Network

U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today worked to strengthen Montana’s transportation network. “Our transportation network from our roadways to our skies to our railways will be a safer form of travel for all Montanans,” Daines stated. “This legislation puts Montanans first and addresses concerns from all corners of our state to increase tourism and encourage economic development projects that create more good-paying jobs.”   Daines successfully included important provisions to improve Montana air, rail and surface transportation in the FY2017 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Act to fund the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), U.S. Department of Housing and

Daines Defends Montana Farmers, Ranchers and Land Owners

U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today worked to defend Montana farmers, ranchers and land owners from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) greatly expanded Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Senate Democrats once again blocked efforts to stop President Obama’s WOTUS rule that is a direct threat to Montana’s agriculture and natural resources industries, jobs and water rights. “It is shameful that once again Senate Democrats would rather defend President Obama’s overreaching policies than stand up for hardworking farmers, ranchers and land owners,” Daines stated. “Montanans who live and work on the land every day know how to best manage our state’s resources

Daines to EPA: Your Regulations are Killing Montana Jobs

U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today took Environmental Protection Agency Administrator (EPA) Gina McCarthy to task on the EPA’s Power Plan all-fronts assault on affordable energy and good-paying union and tribal jobs. During today’s Senate Committee on Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Daines challenged McCarthy to quantify the impacts of the anti-energy regulations on Montana. McCarthy could not give Daines a straight answer. “If the impact on temperature is virtually negligible, what impact are we trying to drive here?” Daines pressed McCarthy. “We are trying to get domestic and international agreements which this Clean Power Plan has helped

Daines Stands Up for Montanans Way of Life

U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines took to the Senate floor to tout the importance of permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) – an important tool to preserve and protect Montanans way of life. The bipartisan Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016 overwhelmingly passed the Senate this morning with a vote of 85-12.  This key legislation will help expand Montana energy production and at Daines’ request will permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). In addition to the permanent reauthorization of LWCF, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016: Provides for the reinstatement and three-year extension of a Federal

Daines’ Bill: Stands Up for Montana Aviation Passes Senate

U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines’ bill to improve Montana air travel for passengers, pilots and the aviation industry today passed the United States Senate.  “The U.S. Senate took an important step forward in strengthening security for travelers and protecting American consumers’ best interests,” said Daines, Montana’s only member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. “I’ve secured many important bipartisan reforms that maintain Montana’s critical aviation infrastructure and affordable travel to rural Montana airports. I look forward to the House of Representatives adopting these reforms and having the President sign this comprehensive aviation security legislation into law.” Daines secured the following provisions

Montana Receives Almost $900,000 for Local LWCF Projects

U.S. SENATE – Senator Steve Daines today announced that Montana will receive $896,436 in fiscal year 2016 stateside funding from the United States Department of Interior (DOI) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to support conservation and recreation projects in local communities.  “Like so many Montanans, I know firsthand that hunting, fishing and access to public lands is part of our way of life and the LWCF is an important and successful tool that expands access and increase recreational opportunities on our public land,” said Daines, Montana’s only member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “I’m pleased that Montana will

Daines’ Office ‘Purple Up’ for Military Kids

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines and his office today honored the sacrifices military and veteran children make on behalf of the country by wearing purple to “Purple Up For Military Kids” on April 15. “Our offices in Montana and Washington are proud to Purple Up to help raise awareness and build support for military and veteran kids and families,”Daines stated. “We can’t thank our military heroes enough for their service to our country, including the tremendous sacrifice of their families. Thank you to all military children for their heroism and sacrifice on behalf of our country.” Daines and his Washington, D.C.

Daines Honors Montanans of the Week: Shirley and Dale of the Sweet Palace in Philipsburg

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today recognized Shirley Beck and Dale Siegford for contributing to many Montanans’ sweet tooth at the Sweet Palace in Philipsburg, MT. Click here to download photos of Shirley Beck and Dale Siegford at the Sweet Palace.   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