Press Releases

Daines Leads Colleagues in Calling Out Biden’s VA for Mismanagement, Failing to Serve American Veterans

U.S. Senator Steve Daines led his colleagues in sending a letter to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) expressing strong disappointment of the VA’s mismanagement and failure to effectively serve American veterans, specifically the unacceptable budget shortfall stemming its failure to correctly implement the “PACT Act.”  Daines wrote in the letter: “There are numerous examples of ignoring Congressional intent, but perhaps the most illustrative is the implementation of the PACT Act. In January 2023, the VA announced it would begin processing PACT Act benefits claims for all veterans and survivors, completely ignoring statutory requirements that benefits be phased in over an 8-year period. What resulted was a $15

Daines to Join Senate and House Leadership in Presenting Congressional Gold Medal Honoring the 13 Service Members Killed at Abbey Gate

Daines Introduced Bill to Honor Memory of Fallen Service Members U.S. Senator Steve Daines, on the third anniversary of the terrorist attack at the Kabul Airport, joined House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in announcing that Congress will honor the 13 American service members killed in the attack by presenting their families the Congressional Gold Medal. The ceremony will take place in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on September 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. ET and Senator Daines will deliver remarks. “Our country owes the 13 brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice at Abbey

Daines Urges Biden Administration to Withdraw Costly, Burdensome Mandate on Montana Firefighters, Sheriffs

U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) calling for the withdrawal of its Emergency Response Standard rule which would impose more than $14,000 in unfunded mandates on volunteer fire departments in Montana. Daines emphasized the immediate negative impacts this rule will have on fire and rescue operations in Montana. Daines wrote in the letter: “Montana’s vast rural and forested landscape provides unique challenges for the small volunteer and career fire departments who serve on the frontlines every day, and especially during wildfire season. These departments, despite facing an ever-growing list of challenges, always

Daines Introduces Bill to Boost Montana Science, Tech Jobs

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced the bipartisan “DOE Quantum Energy Act of 2024” to promote quantum research, development, and jobs in Montana. The bill renews and expands Daines’ “National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018” to ensure that the United States remains the world’s leader in technology and energy security.  “Our National Quantum Initiative Program is essential in maintaining our position as global leaders in science and technology, and also supports hundreds of Montana jobs,” said Daines.  “I’m glad to work with my colleagues on renewing this bipartisan legislation that will accelerate quantum research, increase our national security, and

Daines Introduces Bill to Boost Montana Science, Tech Jobs

U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced the bipartisan “DOE Quantum Energy Act of 2024” to promote quantum research, development, and jobs in Montana. The bill renews and expands Daines’ “National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018” to ensure that the United States remains the world’s leader in technology and energy security.  “Our National Quantum Initiative Program is essential in maintaining our position as global leaders in science and technology, and also supports hundreds of Montana jobs,” said Daines.  “I’m glad to work with my colleagues on renewing this bipartisan legislation that will accelerate quantum research, increase our national security, and bolster the

Daines Statement on Sham Tax Vote

U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement regarding the vote on the tax bill in the Senate: “It’s impossible to vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ spending blowout that led to recordinflation and then claim to support tax relief this close to an election and expect the American people to take you seriously. This is a cynical show vote that has no chance of becoming law. The American people will see through this charade and will hold Senate Democrats accountable in November.”

Daines Statement on Prisoner Swap with Russia

Swap Does Not Include Marc Fogel U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the below statement following the news that the United States and Russia reached a deal to free several Americans being held prisoner in Russia. Marc Fogel, an American who has been wrongfully detained since August 2021, was not among the Americans included in the deal.  “I’m relieved to see innocent Americans finally coming home after years of unjust imprisonment at the hands of the Kremlin, but while we celebrate the return of Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and the other prisoners, we must remember that Marc Fogel is still

Daines on Biden-Harris Plea Deal for 9-11 Terrorists: “Reprehensible Abdication of Responsibility to Protect and Defend the Constitution”

“Kamala Harris and Joe Biden made America weaker today and the American people should be outraged.” U.S. Senator Steve Daines issued the following statement regarding the Biden-Harris administration’s plea deal with 9-11 terrorists: “Striking a plea deal with terrorists, including 9-11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed, is a reprehensible abdication of Kamala Harris and Joe Biden’s responsibility to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and it dishonors the memory of every single victim of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. It should go without saying that America should never negotiate with terrorists, including terrorists in American custody. Kamala Harris and

Daines’ Amendment to Reduce Frivolous Lawsuits on Forestry Projects Passes Committee

Package also contains Daines-led provisions to increase hydropower development U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today applauded the passage of his forestry amendment to the “Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024” by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The amendment ensures that forestry projects under the “Healthy Forests Restoration Act” are given expedited review, ensuring that forest projects will not be delayed by frivolous lawsuits. Also included were provisions to extend hydropower licenses and study market barriers to hydropower development.  “Forestry permitting reform is permitting reform. Far too often, projects to reduce hazardous fuels and restore forest health are