Daines: Terrorists Don’t Belong in Americans’ Back Yards
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on President Obama’s announcement to transfer terrorists from Guantanamo Bay to facilities within U.S. Borders. “Since 2009, Congress has repeatedly acted to prevent the transfer of terrorists from Guantanamo Bay to American soil. The President’s plan violates laws passed by Congress—including many that bear the President’s own signature—that directly prohibit funds from being used to move enemy combatants from Guantanamo Bay to U.S. facilities. This action is just the latest in long list of President Obama’s propensity of executive overreach and disregard for the will of the American people. “Moving these
Daines, Zinke Request USTR to Prioritize Montana Issues with Canadian PM
U.S. CONGRESS — In advance of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s first state visit to Washington, D.C., Montana Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke are urging the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to prioritize Montana issues in discussions with Canada. In a letter to Ambassador Michael Froman, Daines and Zinke requested that the USTR prioritize Montana issues as they prepare for Prime Minister Trudeau’s upcoming state visit including the renegotiation of the expired Softwood Lumber Agreement and wheat grading. “As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s state visit to Washington, D.C. on March 10 is rapidly approaching, we request that you prioritize
Daines Statement on Reported Surface-to-Air Missiles on Man-Made Islands in South China Sea
U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement on reports that surface-to-air missiles have been deployed on man-made islands in the South China Sea: “The new reports of surface-to-air missiles being deployed on man-made islands in the South China Sea are deeply concerning. The deployment of these missiles could have serious adverse impacts not only on the stability of the region, but on global commerce. With over five trillion dollars of global trade passing through the South China Sea, maintaining the integrity of international waters and airspace in the region is critically important.” After last week’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing on
Daines Travels to Alaska for Senate Energy Field Hearing
U.S. SENATE — This week, Senator Steve Daines traveled to Alaska to participate in a Senate Energy and Natural Resources field hearing to examine opportunities for innovation in America’s energy industry. Daines was joined by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), John Barrasso (R-WY), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Angus King (I-ME), in addition to U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, who testified at the hearing. Daines with Murkowski as they prepare to head out from Anchorage to Bethel, Alaska. Click here to watch. Daines, Moniz and fellow senators traveled to Bethel, Alaska where the field hearing would be held. Click here to watch.
Daines, Zinke Commend Extension of Yellowstone Bison Quarantine Plan Comment Period
U.S. CONGRESS — Montana Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke successfully secured a two-week extension of the comment period for the National Park Service’s (NPS) Environmental Assessment of Yellowstone National Park’s Bison Quarantine Plan. The previous deadline for the comment period was February 15, 2016. At Daines’ and Zinke’s urging, NPS recently announced that the comment period would be extended to February 29, 2016. In a letter sent last week to NPS Director Jonathan Jarvis, Daines and Zinke called on the agency to extend the comment period to accommodate the concerns of Montana ranchers,
Daines Statement on Passing of Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia
BOZEMAN, Mont. — Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement upon news of the passing of Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia. “Our nation has lost a giant of freedom who leaves behind a legacy of tirelessly defending our Constitution and the principles that make our nation great. Justice Scalia was a man of faith and a brilliant legal mind who dedicated himself to our country with a servant’s heart. Cindy and I are praying for his family and are grateful for his service to our country.” U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia was appointed the court in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan. Scalia was unanimously confirmed by the
Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Beverly Anderson of Conrad
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today recognized Beverly Anderson of Conrad, Montana for her ongoing work to better her community. Daines noted that she is a standout in the Conrad community and has a giving spirit for caring for those in need. 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’ recognition in the Congressional Record is available here. Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Week” program by calling Daines’ office
Daines Statement on Montanore Project Decisions
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today commended the United States Forest Service for their full approval of the long-overdue Montanore Project, while expressing his disappointment in Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s (MDEQ) partial approval of the project. The Montanore Project will create much-needed jobs and economic opportunity in Lincoln County. “The Forest Service’s long-overdue approval is welcome news for Lincoln County and an important step forward in getting this job-creating project across the finish line,” Daines stated. “The Montanore Project will create hundreds of much-needed jobs and provide significant economic benefits and tax revenue to communities across northwestern Montana. I am disappointed that Governor
Daines Secures Permanent Ban on Government Taxation of the Internet
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today secured a permanent ban on state and local governments from taxing Internet access. Daines is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act that passed the Senate this afternoon as part of H.R.644, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act. The Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act would permanently extend the current moratorium on taxing Internet access. Montana is one of a few states that would automatically impose a 3.75 percent tax on Internet access if the moratorium is lifted. “The Internet is a critical avenue for Montana businesses to compete in the global marketplace and serves as a