Daines: Obama Administration Extension Weakens U.S. Security
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement on the Obama administration’s decision to extend the nuclear negotiations with Iran once again. “The Obama administration’s decision to ignore another deadline weakens our security by empowering Iran to continue its dangerous behavior without consequence. Our desire for negotiations to succeed should not blind the Obama administration from the reality that only Iran is benefitting from the current approach. I believe Congress must impose stronger sanctions without further delay to exact real pressure on the Iranian regime to eliminate its capacity to build nuclear weapons.” ###
Daines, Tester stand with Libby residents by raising awareness about asbestos
Senators sponsor National Asbestos Awareness Week Resolution (MONTANA) – Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines are standing with Libby residents by sponsoring and helping pass a resolution to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos. The resolution – which passed the Senate unanimously – designatesthe first week in April as “National Asbestos Awareness Week.” Specifically mentioning the town in northwest Montana, the resolution states, “Whereas people in the small community of Libby, Montana, suffer from asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, at a significantly higher rate than people in the United States as a whole…be it resolved that the Senate designates the first
Daines Calls for Local Support in Monument Designations, Refutes Democrat Leader Reid’s Remarks
“Protecting the voice of the people should not offend members of this body— it should be our abiding commitment – it should be our priority.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Daines today took to the Senate floor to reaffirm the need for local support in monument designations, refuting Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid’s recent misleading remarks on Daines’ efforts. Earlier this morning, Minority Leader Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to a Daines amendment that would work to ensure local and state support for all future National Monument designations. “The Senator from Nevada is saying that Washington, D.C. should
Montanan Confirmed in Senate Commerce Committee, Now Moves to Senate Floor
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today congratulated Helena native Dava Newman, whose nomination for NASA Deputy Administrator was reported favorably out of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. This afternoon, the Committee unanimously approved Newman’s nomination, which will now head the full Senate for a final confirmation vote. “Dava Newman is an incredibly accomplished Montanan who truly exemplifies our state’s legacy of public service,” Daines stated. “Dr. Newman is uniquely qualified to be NASA Deputy Administrator and I know she will execute and lead with honor and be prepared for whatever challenges may lie ahead.” Dava Newman, a native of Helena, Montana is
Daines: VA Reforms are Welcome First Step in Ensuring Veterans Receive Needed Care
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today commended the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for addressing Montana veterans’ long standing concerns and taking steps to ensure veterans are able to receive health care services close to home. The VA announced today that it is reforming its calculation used to determine distance between a veteran’s residence and the nearest VA health facility when allowing veterans who live more than 40-miles from a VA facility to receive care closer to home. Daines called the reform “an important step forward,” while also reiterating his call to address a loophole that prevents some veterans from receiving
Daines Focuses on Solutions to Better Federal Forest Management
Lincoln County Commissioner testifies about importance of forest management reform for rural jobs, tax revenue WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today pressed the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to find solutions to increase timber harvests and called on them to work with local leaders to achieve increased harvests. During today’s Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on improving forest health, Daines pressed USDA Under Secretary Robert Bonnie on solutions to increase timber harvests after U.S. Forest Service Chief Thomas Tidwell acknowledged to Daines last week that a goal of nearly tripling harvests in Montana’s National Forests is “very reasonable.” The Forest Service
Daines Announces Four Montana Schools to Receive Computers Through Senate Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today announced that he has helped facilitate a donation of 25 computers to four Montana public schools as part of the United State Senate’s Computers for Schools Program. Through the program, four Montana schools have received multiple HP8000 computers to enhance and encourage education and learning. Recipients include: Ashland Public School in Ashland, MT received 10 computers Hays-Lodge Pole School in Hays, MT received five computers Sidney Public School in Sidney, MT received five computers Bainville Public School in Bainville, MT received five computers “As someone who spent 12 years in the technology sector, I
Daines Works to Protect Montanans’ Civil Liberties and Right to Privacy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today worked to protect Montanans’ privacy from commercial and non-commercial use of drones and other remotely piloted aircraft. During today’s Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Daines pressed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address Montanans’ significant privacy concerns over this emerging technology. “I come from the state of Montana that places a great value in privacy – in fact, you might argue that we have different privacy expectations than people in large urban areas, and that’s why people like to live in places like Montana,” Daines stated. “I do have concerns
Daines: FAA Decision on Powder River Training Complex is Disappointing, but Fight to Ensure Regional Safety Continues
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today expressed his disappointment with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) decision to approve the proposed expansion of the Powder River Training Complex, but reaffirmed his commitment to working with the FAA and Air Force to protect general aviation safety and economic activity in the region. The FAA today announced that it has approved and signed the Record of Decision for the Air Force’s proposed Powder River Training Complex. The designated airspace will become effective on September 17, 2015. “It’s disappointing that the FAA has approved this expansion without addressing Montanans numerous concerns about the proposal’s