Daines Secures Provision to Protect Servicemembers from COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate in 2023 Defense Bill
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines successfully secured a provision in the must-pass defense bill, known as the “National Defense Authorization Act” or “NDAA,” which would rescind the Biden administration’s overreaching COVID-19 vaccine mandate for Montana servicemembers. “Montana servicemembers selflessly defend our nation and our freedoms——now we’re one step closer to defending their liberties and rights to make personal decisions when it comes to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine,” Daines said. Background: On May 13, 2021, Daines introduced a bill to counter the Biden administration’s efforts to coerce and punish Montana servicemembers who decline the COVID-19 vaccine, and include accountability measures in response to DoD efforts to undermine transparency. Contact: Rachel Dumke, Blake
Daines, Colleagues Call Out VA for Politicizing Veterans’ Healthcare
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines and a group of Republican senators issued the following statement after receiving a late, inadequate response from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that failed to address the senators’ concerns with veterans’ access to community care. “Not only does this weak response show a lack of respect for Congress’ role to advocate on behalf of our constituents, including veterans, it shows that the VA under Biden has no intent to move past political differences to better serve America’s heroes or work in good faith with those of us across the aisle. Our veterans deserve better,” the senators said. In July, Daines sent a letter
Daines Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Protect, Return Sacred Native Objects
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today lauded the passage of bipartisan legislation to protect and return sacred tribal objects. “Montana tribes add so much to our communities and Montana way of life – I am glad to help take this important step to protect their cultural heritage,” Daines said. Daines cosponsored the “Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act of 2021” (STOP Act) with Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Krysten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). The
Daines Pushes for Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Complete the Continental Divide Trail
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee called for passage of his bipartisan bill to complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Click HERE to watch and download the full intro. “The Continental Divide Trail Completion Act… is bipartisan, bicameral, will help spur recreation, economic development and grow jobs in Montana and local gateway communities… The tourism and recreation economy that is generated from the trail is a boon to many small towns in Montana. Shuttle services, hotels, restaurants, sporting goods stores and more all benefit from the Continental Divide Trail. In fact, if we look at the state
Daines, Feinstein Bipartisan Senate Resolution Honoring Wildland Firefighters Passes U.S. Senate
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today announced the Senate passed their bipartisan Senate resolution recognizing the selfless bravery of wildland firefighters and first responders across the country. “Montana’s wildland firefighters and first responders are heroes—they put their lives on the line without hesitation to protect our families and local communities from devastating wildfires. I am glad to recognize them, today and every day, for their bravery, sacrifice, and heroism, and will always work to ensure they have the resources and support they need every fire season,” Daines said. “Wildland firefighters are on the frontlines protecting us from catastrophic wildfires, especially in California. More than 20,000
Daines Stands Up for Montana Coal Jobs
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines joined a bipartisan group of senators in urging the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to fill three vacant seats on the STB’s Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee with coal sector representatives. Doing so will ensure the voice of the coal sector is represented and heard. “Coal remains the largest volume commodity on our nation’s railways. The lack of rail service is keeping coal from being shipped to utilities under service contracts and is even reducing the amount of mined coal. Missed trains and large delays caused by a lack of crews and irregular schedules have forced some coal mines
Daines Introduces Bill to Hold IRS Accountable
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines, member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, helped introduce legislation to enable oversight of the IRS and provide accountability to Montana taxpayers. “The Democrats gave the IRS a blank check to go after small businesses, farms, and Montana families with an army of 87,000 new agents and 1.2 million additional audits. It’s our job to prevent the IRS from being used as a political weapon, and to keep them transparent and accountable to Montanans,” Daines said. Senator Daines was joined by Senators Thune (R-S.D.), Grassley (R-Iowa), Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Braun (R-Ind.), Burr (R-N.C.), Cassidy (R-La.), Cornyn (R-Texas), Crapo (R-Idaho), Lankford (R-Okla.), Portman (R-Ohio), Toomey
Daines Announces New Chief of Staff
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that Darin Thacker, Daines’ current Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director, will take over as Chief of Staff, following the departure of current Chief of Staff, Jason Thielman, who will be Executive Director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). “Darin has been an important member of my team for nearly ten years, and I’m excited that he will continue serving Montanans as my new Chief of Staff. I’m confident Darin will ensure our office has a seamless transition as we continue to advance policies that benefit Montana,” Daines said. “I’m honored
Daines, Lankford Introduce Resolution Calling on President Biden to Have the U.S. Rejoin the Geneva Consensus Declaration
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Steve Daines (Mont.) and James Lankford (Okla.) today introduced a Senate resolution to celebrate the second anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Consensus Declaration and urging that the United States once again be added as a signatory to the coalition of now 36 countries making a shared commitment to defending life, the family, and national sovereignty. “The Geneva Consensus Declaration is not just a piece of paper—it’s a family of nations anchored in the universal principles of life, family and national sovereignty,” Daines said. “President Biden’s withdrawal from the Declaration did not mark the end of the American commitment to protecting life and family. Instead,