Daines Pushes to Reduce Red Tape in Forest Management on Federal, Tribal Lands
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today pushed to find solutions to increase active forest management by reducing red tape on federal lands, including lands adjacent to tribal lands. During this morning’s Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies on the U.S. Forest Service’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget, Daines commended the Forest Service for progress on implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill, while expressing his dismay that it’s not being completed at an adequate pace. “As you are aware, nearly five million acres in Montana were designated as insect and disease areas under the 2014 Farm Bill,” Daines
Daines Introduces Legislation to Permanently Ban Guantanamo Transfers to U.S. and Suspend International Releases
Legislation Would Also Prohibit The Closure or Transfer to Cuba of U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo U.S. SENATE —Following yesterday’s announcement that the Obama administration had released two more Guantanamo Bay detainees, Senator Steve Daines today introduced a bill that would permanently ban the transfer of Guantanamo detainees to the U.S. and would suspend the release of Guantanamo detainees internationally until September 30, 2017. Daines’ bill the Detaining Terrorists to Protect Americans Act of 2016, would permanently prohibit the closure or transfer of U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. “Terrorists captured by U.S. forces belong in Guantanamo, a location that has played a pivotal role for collecting intelligence
Daines Hails New Vet Center in Helena
U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today hailed the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ announcement that they will increase veterans access to Readjustment counseling services in Helena and the surrounding area through the creation of a permanent Vet Center in Helena. “Our veterans deserve the best care possible, close to home and without delay. Rural veterans face a higher suicide rate – and it’s welcome news to see the VA prioritize our rural veterans.” Daines stated. “This new Helena Vet Center is an important step forward in halting the tragic issues they face and will provide our veterans with the care they need.” Daines
Daines, 42 Senators File Amicus Brief in Supreme Court Case Challenging Obama Administration’s Immigration Executive Actions
U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today joined 42 Senators in filing an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court in support of a challenge by a majority of the nation’s governors and attorneys general of the states, led by the State of Texas, to the Obama Administration’s November 2014 executive actions on immigration. The Supreme Court took up this case (United States of America vs. State of Texas) after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in November of 2015 affirmed a preliminary injunction by a federal district court in Brownsville, Texas blocking the Obama Administration from moving
Daines Statement on Passing of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement in honor of Crow War Chief Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow who passed away today at the age of 102. “Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow leaves an unmatched legacy as the Crow Tribe’s historian and storyteller, a decorated World War II veteran and the first member of the Crow Tribe to attain a master’s degree,” Daines stated. “Medicine Crow’s spirit, humility and life achievements leave a lasting imprint on Montana’s history. My deepest condolences are with Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow’s family and all of Crow Nation.” Daines will be delivering a
Daines, Zinke Statement on Pacific International Terminals, Inc. Pausing the Gateway Pacific Terminal Review
U.S. CONGRESS — Montana Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke today issued the following statement after Pacific International Terminals, Inc. announced that they are voluntarily requesting the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) to pause the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal (GPT) infrastructure project. “The federal government is clearly slow walking the approval process on the Gateway Pacfiic Terminal as part of its effort to destroy coal jobs,” Daines stated. “The Gateway Pacific Terminal would provide access to international markets for Montana coal and agriculture products – including Crow coal – creating much needed good-paying union and tribal jobs.
Daines Response to Governor Inslee’s Intention to Sign Legislation Putting Colstrip at Risk
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after Governor Jay Inslee (D-WA) announced his intentions to sign legislation that paves the way for the eventual shutdown of two coal-fired electricity units at Colstrip. “It’s too bad that Governor Inslee had to cancel his recent trip to Montana,” Daines stated. “If Governor Inslee saw the devastating impact this legislation will have on hardworking Montana families perhaps he would have reconsidered. The reality is, his signature paves the way for the eventual closure of two units of Colstrip putting Montanans out of jobs and raising energy costs for families.” Daines just
Montana Congressional Delegation Congratulates John Winters on Merchant Marines Appointment
U.S. SENATE – Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Representative Ryan Zinke congratulated John Winters on his appointment to the United States Merchant Marines Academy. Winters, whose parents live in Florence, Montana is attending Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is a member of his school Varsity Soccer, Cross County and Track teams. He is a black belt in Taekwondo and an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America. Winters is also on the Drill team at his school and was a member of the Navy Junior ROTC program.
Daines’ Statewide Made-in-Montana Energy Tour
Save Montana Energy, Save Montana Jobs U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines this week stopped in ten-cities across Montana on his statewide tour to promote made-in-Montana energy and the good-paying jobs it supports. Daines’ tour included stops in Laurel, Colstrip, Miles City, Baker, Glendive, Sidney, Great Falls, Missoula, Helena and Butte. “Montana is truly an all-of-the-above energy state – we have significant coal and natural gas deposits, oil, hydro, wind, solar and biomass that powers Montana and the country. And it’s all right here in our back yard– right here in Montana,” Daines stated. “It was a great week speaking with hundreds of Montanans who are coming