Daines Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation Stopping WOTUS Rule
Reaffirms Commitment to Stopping Obama Administration Overreach WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today applauded the bipartisan Senate passage of legislation nullifying the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) greatly expanded Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and reaffirmed his commitment to stopping the Obama administration’s overreach through any means possible. “Today a bipartisan Senate spoke loud and clear: President Obama’s Waters of the United States power grab is unacceptable and infringes on the rights of our farmers, ranchers and landowners,” Daines stated. “But the fight to protect Americans from the Obama administration’s extreme overreach isn’t over. I’m thankful that 31 states, including Montana,
Daines: Montana Counties Set to Receive $2.3 Million in Additional PILT Payments
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today announced that the Department of Interior has allocated nearly $2.3 million in additional Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funds to Montana rural counties. The Department of Interior has issued nationwide an additional $34,484,000 in payments under the 2015 PILT program. The funds have been made available as a result of a technical fix Daines fought for in the Continuing Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2015 passed on September 30, 2015. “These payments are welcome news for numerous Montana communities who have suffered from severe economic challenges due to declining timber harvests and natural
Daines Slams Senate Democrats’ Failure to Protect Americans from Obama Administration WOTUS Power Grab
Senator Steve Daines today slammed Senate Democrats after all but four members of the Democrat caucus blocked legislation that would have directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a revised Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule: “Today the Senate came just a few votes shy of passing legislation to protect our farmers, ranchers and small business owners from major new costs and regulatory burdens. I appreciate the bipartisan support demonstrated today by four key Senate Democrats and am disappointed that others chose instead to put President Obama’s agenda ahead of doing what’s right. Montanans know that this power
Montana Congressional Delegation Secures Reversal of India Restrictions on Pulse Exports
Following pressure from Montana Senator Steve Daines, Senator Jon Tester and Congressman Ryan Zinke, India has reversed its regulatory restrictions on pulse crop stock limits – clearing the way for exports of Montana pulse crops to India to resume. India’s policy reversal follows a letter sent last week by the Montana delegation urging the resolution of issues surrounding India’s recent regulatory changes that would have negatively affected Montana pulse producers’ ability to export peas, lentils and chickpeas to Indian markets. “The Indian government’s reversal of these regulatory restrictions is welcome news for Montana pulse farmers whose livelihoods depend on reliable
Daines Statement on TransCanada Suspension of Keystone XL Application
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today expressed his disappointment following TransCanada’s decision to suspend their application to build the commonsense Keystone XL pipeline: “The Obama administration has waged a full on assault on American energy independence that has resulted in TransCanada’s decision to suspend its application to build the commonsense Keystone XL pipeline. This pipeline would have created new opportunities for good-paying jobs, helped advance American energy independence and lowered American energy prices. While this suspension is bad news, it is not the end of the line – I will keep fighting for this shovel-ready project that has the overwhelming
Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Alex Collie of Mackenzie
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today honored the service of Alex Collie of Mackenzie, Montana. Mr. Collie is the recipient of the National Weather Service’s General Albert J. Myer award for completing 65 years of service as a Cooperative Weather Observer. On November 4th, the National Weather Service will recognize Mr. Collie with the General Albert J. Myer award at the Rib and Chop House in Miles City. 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 Speaks Out Against Debt Limit Deal
Senator Steve Daines today spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to the debt limit deal and reaffirmed his intention to vote no on the deal. Watch Daines’ remarks here. “The people of Montana deserve real solutions to address Washington’s failures, not more budget gimmicks and backroom deals,” Daines stated. “This deal takes our nation in the wrong direction. That’s why I’m voting no.” Video of Daines’ full remarks is available for download here. Yesterday, Daines outlined his concerns regarding the debt limit deal and his intention to vote no. To read more of Daines’ thoughts on the debt limit
Daines Honors Fort Peck Chairman Rusty Stafne in Congressional Record
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today honored A.T. “Rusty” Stafne, Chairman of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. Chairman Stafne has completed his term as Chairman and will not be seeking re-election. Daines honored Chairman Stafne 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. The following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record: IN RECOGNITION OF CHAIRMAN RUSTY STAFNE MR. DAINES. Mr. President, I rise in recognition of the loyal service of A.T. “Rusty” Stafne, Chairman of the Fort
Daines Honors Crow War Chief in Congressional Record on His 102nd Birthday
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines honored Crow War Chief Joseph Medicine Crow by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record on his 102nd birthday. Medicine Crow comes from a long line of relatives living past 100 years of age, and has proudly served as the Crow Tribe’s historian and storyteller. The Congressional Record reflects the official proceedings of Congress and will now include Daines’ recognition of Medicine Crow. Daines’ recognition in the Congressional Record is available here. The following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record: IN RECOGNITION OF WAR CHIEF MEDICINE CROW Mr. DAINES. Mr.