Daines Slams FCC Rebuff of Montana Small Businesses
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines slammed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for failing to permanently protect Montana small businesses from burdensome regulations found in the FCC’s 317-page “net neutrality” rules. Earlier today, the FCC rebuffed Daines’ request to provide small Internet service providers with a permanent exemption from their new so-called “enhanced transparency requirements,” which requires Internet service providers to disclose an excess of information about their network performance. The FCC offered a one-year extension of the exemption, which disregards numerous Congressional requests and the recommendation of the Obama administration’s Small Business Administration to provide a permanent exemption of the
Daines Congratulates Distinguished Student on U.S. Naval Academy Appointment
Senator Steve Daines today congratulated Lucas Figi on his offer of appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Figi, whose family is from Bozeman, Montana, received nominations to the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point from Daines. Figi is currently a student at Charterhouse, a boarding school in England. Daines called Figi today to inform him of his offer and give his congratulations. “Lucas has proved himself as an exceptional student, a tremendous athlete and a leader in his community. It is my honor to congratulate him on his appointment to the U.S.
Daines Secures Crucial Reforms for Montana Pilots
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today hailed the unanimous Senate passage of his bill to protect and expand protections for Montana pilots. Daines’ bill, S. 571 – the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 (PBOR 2), increases protections for general aviation 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. “Today’s unanimous vote is a victory for those working to contribute to Montana aviation and make our skies safer,” Daines stated. “I am proud to see the Senate prioritize legislation that protects the aviation
Daines’ Bill to Protect Consumers from Backlash Over Online Reviews Unanimously Passes Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today applauded the unanimous Senate passage of his legislation to protect consumers who want to write honest online reviews of companies, without fear of financial repercussions from the businesses being reviewed. Daines’ bill, S. 2044 – the Consumer Review Freedom Act, would prohibit the use of non-disparagement clauses referred to as “gag clauses,” which are often found in little-read online user agreements. “The Senate took an important step forward in protecting the First Amendment rights of Americans who want to provide honest feedback about the products and services they purchase,” Daines stated. “We should encourage competition and
Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Rocky Mountain Rifle Club
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today recognized the Rocky Mountain Rifle Club (RMRC) for their efforts to support the Teton County 4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle and Air Pistol clubs. The Rocky Mountain Rifle Club has been a strong supporter of the Teton County 4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle and Air Pistol clubs, and is currently raising funds to purchase top-of-the-line air rifles and air pistols, in addition to target equipment, for the 4-H program. 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
Daines Works to Protect American Energy Security
Click here to watch Daines’ remarks. Click here to download Daines’ remarks. Senator Steve Daines today spoke out about the critical role that American energy independence holds in winning the war on terrorism and strengthening American security both at home and abroad. “Our national security—protecting our families from terrible acts of terrorism—I can tell you is on many Montanans’ minds every day as I travel around the state. It’s telling to us today how important American energy independence and security is to our safety and prosperity—not just ours, but the world’s.” During a Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing on examining terrorism and global
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