Tester, Daines, Zinke to Host Academy Days
(MONTANA) — Senator Jon Tester, Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Ryan Zinke are inviting Montana middle and high school students to Academy Days in Missoula, Great Falls and Billings. Interested students can attend these free events to learn about pursuing careers in the U.S. military. Representatives from Tester, Daines and Zinke’s office will be joined by officials from the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and ROTC. Missoula Saturday, April 11, 2015 Armed Forces Center 9383 Running W Road 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Daines Meets with Foreign Leaders and U.S. Troops in Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today announced that he recently returned from an official overseas congressional delegation trip to Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. Daines had the opportunity to meet several Middle Eastern leaders and discuss political, economic and security issues facing Middle Eastern nations. Meetings included: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Jordanian King Abdullah II, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, Iraqi President Fuad Masum and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Daines also met with several Montana service members stationed in the Middle East, including General Paul Funk, a native of Roundup, Montana and a graduate of Montana
Daines Meets with PHMSA Acting Administrator Butters on Glendive Oil Spill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today met with Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Acting Administrator Timothy Butters in Billings about the ongoing efforts to clean up the Poplar Pipeline spill into the Yellowstone River. Daines pressed Butters on the agency’s slow hiring process and his efforts to fill over 100 open inspector positions. During the meeting, Daines questioned Butters on their efforts to find safer ways to transport oil as well as other ways to reduce American dependence on foreign oil. Daines also secured a commitment to work together with state and legislative official to increase transparency and
Daines Statement on Passing of Governor Babcock
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement on the passing of Governor Tim Babcock. “I first met Governor Babcock when I was the youngest delegate for Ronald Reagan at the 1984 Republican Convention. Governor Babcock always took time to encourage young leaders and served as a tremendous mentor not only for myself, but countless others. The Governor has always been a tireless servant who dedicated his life to Montana and this country. Cindy and I will be keeping his family in our prayers during this time.” ###
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