Tag: Budget

Daines: “The Budgeting Process in Washington is Severely Broken”

“Put the pain on Congress, not the American people“ To watch Daines’ remarks, click HERE. U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today delivered remarks at the weekly Republican Senate Leadership press conference, slamming Congress’s dysfunctional budgeting process, which hasn’t passed a budget on time in 26 years.  “Twenty-six years ago, in 1997 is when Hong Kong was handed back to the Chinese by the U.K. It’s when the Titanic was a hit movie. It’s also the last time that Congress passed all the appropriation bills before the end of the fiscal year.  “As we stand here today, we are now swimming in $33 trillion of debt. The

Daines: Shut Down Members’ Pay, Not the Government

Daines joins bill to cut off members of Congress’ pay during a government shutdown U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines joined his colleagues in cosponsoring the “No Budget, No Pay Act” to prevent members of Congress from getting paid if they do not pass a budget and all 12 appropriations bills before September 30, the end of the fiscal year. “It’s simple: if Congress can’t fix its broken budget process and pass all 12 appropriations bills on time, members should not get paid,” Daines said. “Shutting down the government fails to bring any common sense back to Washington and only hurts Montanans, especially

Daines: Biden’s Bloated Budget Props Up Big Government at the MT Taxpayers’ Expense

U.S. SENATE –U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement after President Biden submitted his FY24 budget proposal to Congress. “Montana families are struggling with record inflation, which has led to sky-high prices that make it hard to keep food on the table, gas tanks full and houses warm. President Biden’s proposed budget would raise taxes which will stifle investment and job growth, grow government and benefit Democrat pet projects at the expense of Montana taxpayers. The answer to this unprecedented inflation is not higher taxes and more spending—it’s fiscal sanity and pro-growth policies that benefit working families in Montana.”

Daines Announces Increase in Forest Service Trail Funding

U.S. SENATE —At Senator Steve Daines’ urging, the U.S. Forest Service is increasing the FY 2016 trail funding for Montana’s National Forests, reversing their previous decision to cut funding by 30 percent over the next three years. “Montana’s National Forests and public lands are a treasured part of our state and today’s news ensures that Montanans will continue to enjoy our great outdoors,” Daines stated. “As an avid outdoorsman, I know how important maintaining and expanding access to our public lands are for our way of life. This is a welcome step to see the Forest Service value Montanans’ feedback and I will

Daines Works to Improve Federal Cooperation with Indian Country

U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today fought to improve Montana’s tribes’ sovereignty, pressing the Obama administration to work more collaboratively and efficiently with Montana’s tribes relating to health care and management of tribal forests.  During two different Senate Committee hearings today, Daines called on witnesses to improve stewardship of federal funds while working to alleviate some of the challenges associated with wildfires in Indian Country. U.S. Indian Health Service Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Request: Click here to download Daines’ remarks. Click here to watch Daines’ remarks.  During this morning’s Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies hearing on the Indian Health

Daines Grills Interior Secretary Jewell on Coal Leasing Moratorium

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today pressed the Department of Interior on their proposed review of the coal leasing program and the unwarranted moratorium on coal leasing. During this morning’s Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing on the Department of Interior’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget request, Daines demanded answers from Interior Secretary Sally Jewell regarding the decision to place a moratorium on new coal leasing and for certainty in the Department’s plan.   “In Montana, we do see the moratorium on coal leasing as a direct assault on our state,” Daines stated. “Our state relies on production of coal, including federal coal,

Daines: New Deficit Projections Affirm Need to Rein in Spending

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today reaffirmed his commitment to reining in Washington’s out-of-control spending after the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported that the federal budget deficit is expected to increase by $105 billion in 2016 – the first increase in seven years. “These projections reaffirm the dire consequences of Washington’s continued bloated spending. Make no mistake – this $105 billion increase in the federal deficit is direct result of the 2000-page trillion dollar spending bill that was cobbled together behind closed doors and forced through Congress last month,” Daines stated. “It’s past time for Washington to get serious about reining in our national

Daines: Bipartisan Vote to Move Forward Veterans Funding Bill Is How Washington Should Work

Daines urges Senate Democrats to end block of critical defense funding legislation WASHINGTON, D.C. —Senator Steve Daines today applauded the bipartisan Senate vote to move forward debate on legislation to fund critical veterans’ services and noted that bipartisan cooperation on spending bills is “how Washington should work.” Daines also reaffirmed the need for Senate Democrats to end their political block on Defense Appropriations legislation, which Democrats doubled-down on earlier today by voting to block consideration of the funding bill.  “It is welcome news that Senate Democrats are joining Republican in prioritizing the needs of our nation’s veterans. These selfless men and women

Daines Speaks Out Against Debt Limit Deal

Senator Steve Daines today spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to the debt limit deal and reaffirmed his intention to vote no on the deal. Watch Daines’ remarks here.  “The people of Montana deserve real solutions to address Washington’s failures, not more budget gimmicks and backroom deals,” Daines stated. “This deal takes our nation in the wrong direction. That’s why I’m voting no.” Video of Daines’ full remarks is available for download here. Yesterday, Daines outlined his concerns regarding the debt limit deal and his intention to vote no. To read more of Daines’ thoughts on the debt limit

Daines: Democrats Blocking Funding for Water, Infrastructure Projects is Shameful

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today slammed Senate Democrats for blocking the FY2016 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill, which funds critical infrastructure projects administered by the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation – including Montana rural water projects.  “Despite the vast majority of Democrats supporting this bill during an Appropriations Committee vote this summer, once again Democrats have chosen to block legislation that protects Montanans’ interests and strengthens our national security through increased energy and water security,” Daines stated. “This legislation works to enhance our energy efficiency while funding important projects that modernize our nation’s energy and water infrastructure. It’s