Daines Announces Increase in Forest Service Trail Funding
U.S. SENATE —At Senator Steve Daines’ urging, the U.S. Forest Service is increasing the FY 2016 trail funding for Montana’s National Forests, reversing their previous decision to cut funding by 30 percent over the next three years. “Montana’s National Forests and public lands are a treasured part of our state and today’s news ensures that Montanans will continue to enjoy our great outdoors,” Daines stated. “As an avid outdoorsman, I know how important maintaining and expanding access to our public lands are for our way of life. This is a welcome step to see the Forest Service value Montanans’ feedback and I will
Daines: Venting and Flaring Rule Stifles Innovation
U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today called on the Obama administration to ease red tape regulations stifling Montana’s energy future. During a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining hearing on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed rule, entitled “Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resources Conservation,” Daines pressed the Obama administration on burdensome costs to American innovation and that further stifle oil and gas production in Montana while having a miniscule impact on global climate change. “In Montana, oil and gas activity is at the lowest it’s been in decades. It’s clear our federal
Daines Secures Important Provisions for Montana’s Veterans in Senate Appropriations Bill
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today secured important reforms that increase Montana veterans’ access to health care services and ensures that the services and care earned by Montana veterans through their loyal and dedicated service to the nation is rightfully given to them. Daines successfully worked to include provisions for Montana veterans’ long-standing concerns in the FY 2017 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which was marked up and approved by the Senate Committee on Appropriations this afternoon. “Montana’s veterans should have easy access to the resources and medical care they need close to home,” Daines stated. “I’m proud to
Daines Secures Provisions to Improve Montana’s Energy Future
U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today secured important provisions that improve the future of Montana energy. “Made-in-Montana energy means good-paying Montana jobs,” Daines stated. “Through provisions I’ve secured, Montana can lead the world in developing energy resources that will power not only our state, but the country and the world.” Daines successfully included many important provisions for Montana energy and water projects in the FY 2017 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill to fund the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) programs and critical infrastructure projects administered by the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation. The bill was marked up and
Daines Announces over $4.6 Million in Critical Funding for Ten Montana Community Airports
U.S. SENATE – Senator Steve Daines today announced that ten Montana community airports will receive $4,661,676 for critical construction and maintenance projects. Grants will be awarded to airports in Billings, Broadus, Circle, Forsyth, Hardin, Livingston, Malta, Ronan, Shelby and Wolf Point. “Community airports across Montana provide critical transportation services to Montana’s rural communities,” Daines stated. “These grants will ensure that Montana’s smaller airports are able to meet rising ridership demands, ensure safe and reliable service for their passengers and meet the long-term economic needs of the communities they serve.” Grants awarded today by the Federal Aviation Administration include: Billings Logan International Airport: $400,000 to
Daines Supports Montana’s Brewers Efforts
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today announced two new efforts to promote the growth of small craft breweries, a growing industry in Montana that has a significant impact on the state’s economy. Daines sponsored, S. 1562, the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which reduces the excise taxes on beer, wine, and distilled spirits. Daines recently joined the bipartisan Senate Small Brewers Caucus, established in June 2011, to “provide a forum for members of the Senate and their staffs to discuss the issues important to small brewers while exploring what lawmakers can do to strengthen the growth and role of
Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Paul Kanning of Flaxville
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today recognized Paul Kanning of Flaxville as Montanan of the Week. This past week Paul testified before the Senate Committee on Appropriations about the importance of assisting veterans find employment opportunities in agriculture. Daines met with Kanning in his DC office this week prior to his testimony. Click here to download a high-resolution photo. 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
Daines Presses Obama Administration on Security at Montana Airports
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today pressed the Obama administration on the security of Montana airports. During today’s Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing on transportation security, Daines pressed Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator Peter Neffenger on procuring necessary security equipment for the Helena and Great Falls airports. Daines also called on the Neffenger to look into TSA’s proposed removal of passenger screening at the airport in Butte due to their choice in screeners. Click here to watch Daines’ remarks. Click here to download Daines’ remarks. ###
Daines to Department of Interior: Conditions at Tribal Schools are Unacceptable
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today passionately implored the Obama administration to improve conditions at tribal schools. During today’s Senate Indian Affairs committee hearing on Indian education, Daines pressed Department of Interior (DOI) Acting Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Lawrence Roberts on his failure to conduct any health inspections at Montana’s Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) facilities from 2012-2014. “In a recent conversation with Loverty Erickson, Superintendent of the Northern Cheyenne Tribal School, my office was horrified to learn that the school has a broken fire alarm system, not a single disability accessible bathroom, and no drinkable tap water on campus,