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
Resolution Honoring Former U.S. Senator Conrad Burns Passes Senate
U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced the unanimous U.S. Senate passage of a resolution honoring former U.S. Senator Conrad Burns who passed away at the age of 81 on April 28, 2016. The resolution is below: S.RES. 457 Relative to the death of Conrad Ray Burns, former United States Senator for the State of Montana. 114th CONGRESS 2nd Session S. RES. 457 Relative to the death of Conrad Ray Burns, former United States Senator for the State of Montana. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES Mr. McCONNELL (for himself, Mr. REID, Mr. TESTER, and Mr. DAINES) submitted the following
Daines Slams Unprecedented U.S. Army Corps Decision on Gateway Pacific Terminal
U.S. SENATE— U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) released their unprecedented de minimis determination halting the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal (GPT) infrastructure project based on the Lummi Tribe’s assertion that the project will impact their usual and accustomed fishing rights. This is the first time ACE has given a single tribe veto-authority of a project of this scale under their purview without a full environmental review with alternatives and mitigations formally explored. “Today the U.S. Army Corps chose one tribe’s treaty rights over another harming good-paying union and tribal jobs,” Daines stated. “The Gateway Pacific
Daines Applauds Decision to Enhance Tools to Combat Wildfires, Protect Public Safety
BILLINGS, Mont. — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the federal government’s decision to work with Montana to enhance the tools necessary to combat wildfires. “It’s great to see the federal government work with Montanans to combat wildfires,” Daines stated. “While this announcement is a step in the right direction, the Forest Service needs to continue working with our state to utilize all aerial firefighting resources on federal fires at any time to protect our forests and communities.” Last fire season, Daines urged the United States Department of Agriculture to reverse their prohibition on the use of UH-1H helicopters to combat Montana wildfires. Daines is