Daines Rural Water Projects Bill Receives Senate Hearing
Daines Presses Forest Service on Health of Watersheds and Impact of Litigation U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ bill that would move Montana rural water projects forward and ensure the completion of authorized projects across Montana today received its first hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The Western Water Supply and Planning Enhancement Act 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. “From the crops and grazing fields of our state’s agriculture providers, water is our most valuable resource,” Daines
Montana Congressional Delegation Fights for Disaster Relief Funding
(Washington, D.C.) – Senator Jon Tester, Senator Steve Daines, and Representative Ryan Zinke today called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve the State of Montana’s funding request to help rebuild communities across Montana after they were devastated by a mid-April snow storm. “The resulting damage from this storm impacted Montana’s rural communities, severely damaged local infrastructure, and left thousands of residents and commercial customers without electricity,” Tester, Daines, and Zinke wrote in a letter to the FEMA Administrator. “These communities urgently need federal resources in order to help them restore their infrastructure and way of life.” The storm occurred
Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Delaney Biel of Hinsdale High
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized to Delaney Biel, a fifth generation Montana rancher and Hinsdale High School senior. Delaney is a nationally certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and will soon be receiving her state certification. Biel in a classroom learning about being an EMT. Click here to download. 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
Daines, Zinke Introduce Measures Demanding Answers to Secure Nuclear Missiles
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines and U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke today introduced measures that aim to ensure the Department of Defense (DoD) secures the nation’s nuclear assets. Daines’ bill directs the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to tell Congress within five days how they will secure nuclear missiles made vulnerable by the insufficient capability of the UH-1N, and implement the necessary mitigation with additional resources within sixty days. Zinke introduced a similar bill as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that aims to address the security shortfalls of
Daines Hails Passage of Legislation to Improve Montana’s Energy Future
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today hailed the passage of bipartisan legislation that works to improve the future of Montana energy. “I’m proud to see the passage of bipartisan legislation that protects Montana energy jobs, is critical to irrigate over 50,000 acres of cropland in the eastern part of our state and strengthens rural water systems that serve tens of thousands of Montana families,” Daines stated. “I’m working to provide certainty for our farmers, ranchers and communities by reducing bureaucratic red tape.” Click here to watch Daines’ statement. Click here to download Daines’ statement. The Senate today passed the FY 2017 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act
Daines Announces Nearly $7 Million in Critical Funding for Montana Health Centers
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $6,989,615.00 in funding for community health centers in Montana to provide improved continuity of care, mobile services to rural locations and increased access to affordable care. The Department of Health and Human Services will provide funding to improve community health and public healthcare services. “Montana’s community health centers provide reliable and quality healthcare services to thousands of Montanans,” Daines stated. “Through this additional funding these health centers will be able to better serve rural communities and maintain the continuity of services.” Grants awarded today include: Lincoln County Community Health Center: $1,508,655.00 Montana Migrant Council, Inc.: $1,884,532.00
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