Daines Announces over $700,000 in Funding for Tribal Transportation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today announced more than $700,000 in funding for tribal public transit services for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the Fort Belknap Indian Community and the Crow Tribe. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides approximately $5 million competitive grant funding through the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program) for FY14/15 to support planning, capital, and, in limited circumstances, operating assistance for tribal public transit services. Three Montana tribes were selected for these competitive grants, totaling: $300,000 for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes $220,000 for the Fort Belknap Indian Community $193,731 for
Daines’ Bill to Reauthorize PHMSA Passes Senate Commerce Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today applauded the overwhelming bipartisan passage of his legislation to help ensure the safety of America’s pipeline network. The bipartisan SAFE PIPES Act passed out of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee this morning. The bill would reauthorize Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) from Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 through FY 2019. “The SAFE PIPES Act is an important step forward to improve the protection of pipeline river crossings, fill vacant inspector positions and facilitate communication between PHMSA and state agencies,” Daines stated. “This is a strong, bipartisan bill that will enhance pipeline safety, promote economic
Daines’ Bill to Protect Pilots Passes Senate Commerce Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today hailed the bipartisan passage of his measure to protect and expand protections for Montana pilots. Daines’ bill, S. 571 the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 (PBOR 2) passed the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee today on a large bipartisan vote. It increases protections for recreational and volunteer pilots by expanding the 3rd class medical exemption for recreational pilots and broadening the protections provided in the original Pilot’s Bill of Rights signed into law in 2012. “I am proud to see the Committee rally around bipartisan legislation that prioritizes our robust aviation industry and
Daines Announces Montana Student U.S. Military Academy Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today announced his nominations of 19 Montana students who are applying for enrollment into U.S. military academies. A congressional nomination is a critical step in the process for Montanans seeking admission to one of the nation’s four military academies: the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. “It’s an honor and a privilege to nominate these outstanding young Montanans to compete for an appointment to one of our nation’s military academies,” Daines said. “I commend
Daines to Lead Montana Energy 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines announced that he will be spearheading Montana Energy 2016 in Billings this upcoming spring. The summit, sponsored by Daines, the Montana Contractors’ Association, the Montana Coal Council, the Montana Petroleum Association, the Montana Chamber Foundation and KLJ, will take place in Billings, Montana on March 30 and 31, 2016. “Montana holds a vital role in securing our nation’s all-of-the-above energy strategy and it’s vital that we work together to ensure our state remains an energy leader for years to come,” Daines stated. “Montana Energy 2016 will bring together key stakeholders to help increase innovation and move Montana’s energy opportunities to
Daines Responds to President Obama’s Address to the Nation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following President Obama’s address to the nation, Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement: “Cindy and I are deeply saddened by the acts of terrorism that took place in San Bernardino this past week. It is abundantly clear that we need a strong and aggressive strategy to extinguish the growing threat of Islamic extremism both here at home and overseas. I am disappointed that once again, President Obama is choosing to lead from behind. Rather than establishing a clear strategy to defeat ISIS, the President is using this tragedy to pursue misguided firearm restrictions that would undermine
Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Rick Young of Forsyth
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today honored Rick Young of Forsyth, a U.S. Marine, for his dedicated efforts to expand quality health care for all Montana veterans. Despite suffering from a serious illness himself, Rick was able to successfully advocate for area veterans to receive long-term care through the Rosebud Health Care Center (RHCC) in Forsyth. RHCC recently established a contract with the VA, which now allows for veterans to receive long-term care in Forsyth rather than having to travel a greater distance to the approved Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility in Glendive. Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week
Daines, Zinke Urge Canadian PM to Prioritize Montana Issues
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Montana Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke are reaching out to newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to emphasize Montana priorities and ensure continued economic growth on both sides of the northern border. In a letter, Daines and Zinke congratulated Trudeau on his recent election and underscored the treasured and crucial relationship between Canada and Montana. “The state of Montana has a great appreciation for the conducive working relationship we have fostered with our neighbors to the North,” Daines and Zinke wrote. “We not only share a border, but we frequently work together to address pertinent
Daines Challenges Hoeven to Friendly Wager on Upcoming Griz, Bison Football Game
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines and North Dakota Senator John Hoeven have entered into a wager on Saturday’s second round, Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoff game between the University of Montana Grizzlies and the North Dakota State University Bison. If the Grizzlies win the game, Daines will receive Dakota Growers pasta made from North Dakota durum wheat. If the NDSU Bison win, Hoeven will be drinking Moose Drool beer from Missoula’s Big Sky Brewing. “Every Montanan knows that a bison is no match for a grizzly bear – I’m confident that Saturday’s game will be no exception,” Daines stated. “I look forward