Press Releases

Tester and Daines Congratulate Polson High Graduate on Appointment to Merchant Marine Academy

(U.S. Senate)—Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines announced today that a recent graduate of Polson High School has been accepted to the prestigious U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Nicholas Becker, 19, received a full appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy.  A Big Arm resident, Becker served on his high school’s Board of Governors, played tennis, lacrosse, and skied throughout his high school career. Tester and Daines spoke with Becker and congratulated him on his appointment. “Nicholas will make Montana and all of America proud as an officer in the United States Merchant Marines,” Tester said.  “His stellar academic record and his leadership experience

Daines Applauds Permit Extension of Lower Yellowstone Intake Irrigation Project

U.S. SENATE — Following a request from Senator Steve Daines, the Army Corps of Engineers today announced their plans to extend the permit for the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project. “The Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project is critical to irrigate over 50,000 acres of cropland as planting season gets underway,” Daines stated. “Our hardworking farmers and ranchers don’t deserve any undue economic burdens. It’s great to see the government prioritize this essential source of water for our farmers, ranchers and communities throughout northeastern Montana.” In September, Daines led the Montana and North Dakota Congressional delegations in urging the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation to

Daines Announces Four Montana Schools to Receive Computers Through Senate Program

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today announced that he has helped facilitate a donation of 25 computers to four Montana public schools as part of the United States Senate’s Computers for Schools Program. “Access to computers and technology is a vital part of today’s learning environment that helps students connect with the world beyond their classroom walls, explore new topics and advance their education,” Daines stated. “The Computers for Schools program helps students develop and maintain their computer skills to succeed in our increasingly global economy.”  Through the program, four Montana schools have received a combination of HP8000, 8200 Small Form Factor (SFF)

TESTER, DAINES AND ZINKE ANNOUNCE ANNUAL ACADEMY DAYS

(MONTANA) – Senator Jon Tester, Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Ryan Zinke have announced the dates for this year’s Academy Days, taking place in Missoula, Great Falls, and Billings.  Academy Days are free and open to Montana middle and high school students who are interested in attending a military academy or pursuing a career in the military.  During these event students can meet with representatives from Tester, Daines and Zinke’s offices, as well as officials from the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and

Daines Blasts Obama Administration for Excluding Montanans’ Voices in Moratorium on Coal Leasing

U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today slammed the Obama administration for excluding Montanans during the proposed review of their moratorium on coal leasing.  “It’s unconscionable that the Obama administration refuses to sit down with hardworking Montanans—including union and tribal members who will be most impacted by these decisions,” Daines stated. “Yet again, the Obama administration would rather raise costs for those who can afford it the least instead of prioritizing a dependable, reliable source of energy. This is a war on good-paying Montana jobs and made-in-Montana energy.”  According to an announcement from the Department of Interior (DOI), public meetings are currently planned to be held

Daines Opens First Congressional Office in Sidney

U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines opened the first ever Congressional office in Sidney, Montana. Yesterday, Daines held a grand opening of his new office. Daines’ office is located at 609 S. Central Ave. Suite #4 (Central Plaza Building), Sidney, MT, 59270. “I’m excited to announce the opening of our Sidney, Montana office,” Daines stated. “This office will help us better serve all of eastern Montana and fight everyday on behalf of Montanans. If you ever have a concern with a federal agency or need help getting the benefits you deserve our office is here to help.”  Daines’ office will be staffed by Nate

Daines Honors Montanans of the Week: The Eighth Grade Class at Big Timber Grade School

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today recognized the eighth grade class at Big Timber Grade School for taking over the writing for the Big Timber Pioneer Newspaper. The Big Timber Pioneer participated in Newspapers in Education Week and the lucky new young writers were the eighth graders of the Big Timber Grade School. This very special edition of the newspaper was a compilation of stories written and pictures taken by the individuals. There are 38 students in the class and they all wrote an article. “Our eighth graders worked very hard on this edition. Lindsey Kroskob at the Pioneer was phenomenal! The special edition

Daines, Tester Help Introduce Bill to Increase Access to Medically Necessary Equipment in Rural America

U.S. SENATE —Montana Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester this week helped introduce the Patient Access to Durable Medical Equipment Act of 2016, legislation that would provide durable medical equipment (DME) providers and patients in certain parts of the country with relief from harmful payment policies. DME providers help connect patients with medically necessary equipment like wheelchairs, hospital beds, and oxygen.  This bipartisan legislation would extend the current payment phase-in period of six months to 15 months, which is necessary to avert deep cuts in reimbursement for these products. Without action, these cuts could harm Medicare beneficiary access following the rollout

Daines Calls on Air Force to Decide on UH-1N Helicopter Replacement

Leads Eight Senators in Letter to Air Force Secretary  U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today led eight Senators in calling on the Air Force to expedite their decision on the course of action to replace Vietnam–era UH-1N helicopters that provide security for our nuclear weapons.  Daines letter was signed by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Barrasso (R-WY) and Deb Fischer (R-NE).  In a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Deborah James, the Senators press the Air Force to decide between a sole source acquisition process