Press Releases

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

Daines Meets Montana Special Olympics Global Messenger

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today met with Montana Special Olympics Global Messenger, Patrick Chapman of Great Falls, in the United States Capitol. Daines gave a tour of his office and the United States Capitol to Chapman, President and CEO of Special Olympics Montana Bob Norbie, Chief Marketing Officer for Special Olympics Kirsten Suto Seckler and Special Olympics International’s Global CEO Mary Davis.  Daines with Chapman at his desk “Patrick is an impressive young Montanan who has shown that with passion and dedication, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to,” Daines stated. “It is my honor to congratulate Patrick as

Daines Works to Bolster National Security, Strengthen North Korea Sanctions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following reports of yet another North Korean missile test, Senator Steve Daines today worked to successfully pass bipartisan legislation to bolster national security by strengthening sanctions on North Korea. “We can’t sit by idly and allow a dangerous regime to conduct ballistic missile tests without repercussions,” Daines stated. “This legislation is crucial to not only strengthening sanctions but outlining a comprehensive strategy to combat North Korea’s criminal cyber activities and horrific human rights violations. We must continue to confront the extremist regimes that threaten our global security, troops and allies in the region and that violate innate human rights.” Daines is a

Daines Fights to Ensure Readiness of Montana Military Missions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today called on the U.S. Air Force to prioritize the readiness of Montana’s military missions by ensuring the modernization of aircraft at Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base. During this morning’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing on the proposed FY 2017 U.S. Air Force budget, Daines pressed Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Chief of Staff General Mark A. Welsh about the Air Force’s plan to ensure top security for the transport of nuclear weapons by replacing Vietnam-era Huey helicopters.  “Malmstrom Air Force Base is currently using Vietnam-era Huey helicopters to provide security for the

Daines Statement on Inexcusable IRS Security Breach

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines slammed President Obama’s failure to expeditiously inform Congress after yet another security breach occurred at the Internal Revenue Service in January.  “The President has a duty to inform Congress of cyber attacks on federal infrastructure, yet once again has tried to sweep this under the rug,” Daines stated. “It’s no coincidence that on President Obama’s watch, two federal agencies within the past year have suffered large-scale and inexcusable breaches in security. He has failed to demonstrate needed leadership and has neglected to take tangible steps to address these persistent cyberinfrastructure challenges – a failure that has permeated into

Daines, Blumenthal Resolution Recognizes February 17 as Digital Learning Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today sought to affirm the importance of student data privacy by recognizing February 17, 2016 as Digital Learning Day. Last night, Daines and Blumenthal successfully passed a bipartisan resolution recognizing February 17 as Digital Learning Day. The senators’ resolution, which passed by unanimous consent, highlights the many ways in which technology can enhance the classroom experience while striking the right balance in protecting the personal information of students. “Everyday, students around the globe use technology to enhance the classroom learning experience,” Daines stated. “Digital Learning Day provides the opportunity to raise awareness about

Daines Applauds U.S. Supreme Court Decision to Issue Nationwide Stay on Clean Power Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today applauded the U.S. Supreme Court decision to issue a nationwide stay on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan – successfully blocking implementation of the plan while it’s being challenged in court.   “The Supreme Court decision to issue a nationwide stay on the Obama administration’s misguided, job-killing rule is great news for Montana. The so-called Clean Power Plan will kill Montana jobs and leads our country in the wrong direction—away from being an energy leader,” Daines stated. “I appreciate Attorney General Tim Fox’s continued leadership to fight these anti-coal regulations. While