Daines Statement on Confirmation of Ash Carter as New Defense Secretary
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after the Senate confirmation of Dr. Ashton Carter as the next Secretary of Defense. “I look forward to working with Dr. Ashton Carter to protect American security interests both domestic and abroad, as well as ensuring that America’s nuclear capabilities remain the most advanced in the world and serve as an effective deterrent. As Secretary of Defense, Dr. Carter will be at the forefront of the United States’ response to significant international challenges—from the serious threat of ISIS to Russian aggression in eastern Europe. I hope that Dr. Carter
Daines Introduces First Bill: The Balanced Budget Accountability Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today introduced his first piece of Senate legislation, the Balanced Budget Accountability Act, to require that Congress passes a balanced budget – or members won’t get paid. Montana Representative Ryan Zinke and House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Luke Messer have also introduced companion legislation in the House. The Balanced Budget Accountability Act strengthens accountability in Washington and encourages members of Congress to commit to the annual budget process as required by law and pass budgets that balance within ten years. If a balanced budget is not passed by April 15—the legal requirement for Congress
Daines Announces Energy & Natural Resources Subcommittee Assignments
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today announced that he has been selected to serve on three subcommittees on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Daines will serve on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittees on Energy; Public Lands, Forests and Mining; and Water and Power. Daines noted that these subcommittees will help him work for commonsense policies that help create good-paying Montana energy jobs, protect Montanans’ access to public lands and keep energy prices low for hardworking Montana families. As a member of the Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests and Mining, Daines will also be at the
Daines, Zinke Call for Reauthorization of Critical Secure Rural Schools Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke today called on Senate and House leaders to swiftly move forward legislation to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker John Boehner, Daines and Zinke stressed the importance of the federal government honoring its commitment and providing forested Montana counties with much-needed funding for schools and infrastructure. “SRS provides forested counties in Montana and many other states with crucial financial support for roads, schools, and other important services. While we recognize the need for a long-term solution,
Daines Calls for Extended Review of New Federal and Indian Coal, Oil and Gas Valuation Regs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines has called on the Department of Interior to allow the state of Montana, Montana tribes, union members and business owners more time to provide input on the Office of Natural Resource Revenue’s proposed rule to reform royalty valuation for coal, oil and gas. Daines led more than a dozen Senate and House members in calling on Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to extend the comment deadline, as the proposed rule could have serious adverse impacts on domestic energy production and create uncertainty in the value of coal royalties that Montana and other states depend upon.
Daines Hails House Passage of Keystone XL Pipeline
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today applauded the House passage of the bipartisan Senate legislation that would approve the Keystone XL pipeline – clearing the way for the President to make a long-awaited decision on the job-creating project. “President Obama is out of excuses. It’s time for him to join the American people and approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline,” Daines stated.“The Keystone pipeline will create new opportunities for good-paying jobs, energy independence, lower energy prices and millions of dollars in tax revenue for Montana counties. This project is good for national security and our global competitiveness. Montanans have been waiting
Daines Works to Protect Americans’ Personal Information
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today pushed technology leaders to better address Americans’ rising concerns about personal privacy and safety when using Internet-connected devices. During this morning’s Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing on the government’s role in protecting Americans from the “Internet of Things,” Daines raised concerns about what measures have been put in place to ensure that as Americans become increasingly reliant on technology, proper safeguards against major security threats are also implemented. It is estimated that the number of Internet-connected devices will top 50 billion by 2020. “I do have concerns as a consumer, as a
Daines Meets With Montana Tribal College Leaders
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today met with representatives from Montana’s tribal colleges to discuss the important role these institutions hold in providing Native American students with the training and skills that they need to obtain good-paying jobs. Today’s meeting comes on the heels of the bipartisan Senate passage of legislation cosponsored by Daines to designate the week beginning February 8, 2015 as “National Tribal College and Universities Week.” The bill also calls on the people of the United States and interested groups to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to support the nation’s tribal colleges
Daines Statement on Closing of Corette Power Plant
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement in response to PPL Montana’s announcement that it will permanently close the J.E. Corette coal-fired power plant in Billings, Montana. “Once again, good-paying American jobs are falling ruin to the Obama administration’s war on American energy. The closing of the Corette power plant isn’t just a blow to Montana’s economy – it’s devastating news to the Montana families who rely on the plant for a stable income,” Daines stated. “The EPA’s misguided agenda doesn’t just hurt Montana’s coal industry— it directly affects thousands of Montana families, union workers and