Tag: Military

Daines Statement in Opposition to Selling Arms to Pakistan

U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement after voting to block the sale of F-16 aircraft to the Government of Pakistan. “The behavior of the Pakistani government gives me great concern regarding their commitment as an ally to the United States as we witness terrorist networks continue to operate freely in their federally administrated tribal areas,” Daines stated. “Rewarding Pakistan with U.S. fighter jets would send the wrong message and only harm our efforts to hold Pakistan accountable and make it a more reliable U.S. partner. The Obama administration is wrong for pursuing this deal, and I will continue to stand

Daines Visits Detention Facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

U.S. SENATE — On Monday, Senator Steve Daines went on a fact-finding mission to the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Daines was joined by Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Cory Gardner (R-CO). Upon Daines return, he took to the Senate floor to underscore the importance of maintaining the detention center and not helping President Obama fulfill a campaign promise to bring detainees to American communities.  Click here to watch Daines’ remarks.Click here to download Daines’ remarks. “Visiting Guantanamo Bay was a humble reminder of the services our military provides overseas to get these terrorists off the battlefield and ensure

Montana Congressional Delegation Congratulates Maren Kirkland of Billings on Receiving Naval Academy Appointment

U.S. CONGRESS – Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Representative Ryan Zinke congratulated Billings Senior High School student Maren Kirkland on her appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Kirkland is a senior at Billings Senior High School. She is a National Honor Society member, President of the Yellowstone County 4H Club, soccer and tennis All-State, and won second place in the American Mathematics Competition in 2014. Kirkland is also a volunteer with her school’s Senior Advocates program. “Maren Kirkland has proved herself to be an upstanding citizen and a hardworking student who I’m confident will thrive as she

Daines Statement on Reported Surface-to-Air Missiles on Man-Made Islands in South China Sea

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement on reports that surface-to-air missiles have been deployed on man-made islands in the South China Sea:  “The new reports of surface-to-air missiles being deployed on man-made islands in the South China Sea are deeply concerning. The deployment of these missiles could have serious adverse impacts not only on the stability of the region, but on global commerce. With over five trillion dollars of global trade passing through the South China Sea, maintaining the integrity of international waters and airspace in the region is critically important.” After last week’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing on

Daines, Gillibrand Call on Senate Veterans Affairs Committee to Act on Their Bill to Help Thousands of “Blue Water” Vietnam Vets

Senators’ Call Follows VA Officials’ Refusal to Reverse Ruling to Extend VA Benefits to “Blue Water” Vets  WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) today called on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee to immediately take up their legislation to ensure “Blue Water” Navy veterans are made eligible for service-connected disability Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and health care as a result of Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War. Daines’ and Gillibrand’s call follows a request urging the VA to reverse a 2002 rule excluding “Blue Water” veterans from the VA benefits to which they should be entitled.

Daines, Zinke Congratulate Rob McCarvel of Helena on Receiving West Point Academy Appointment

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke today congratulated Helena student Rob McCarvel on his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Daines and Zinke spoke to McCarvel this morning to personally congratulate him on his appointment. McCarvel, a senior at Capital High School in Helena, played American Legion Baseball and is on his high school’s varsity football team. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Green Club and He-Man Book Club. He earned a First Degree Taekwondo Black Belt and volunteers his time mentoring freshman students as part of the Link Crew. 

Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Bruce Bramlette of Fort Benton

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today recognized former Brigadier General Bruce Bramlette of Fort Benton, Montana, on behalf of his lifetime of dedication to the United States and his selfless service on Congressional U.S. Military Academy nomination boards.  Bruce has tirelessly served on nomination boards for 25 years, both as a member and board chairman, and has interviewed more than 1,000 young Montana students seeking a nomination to one of our nation’s service academies. Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that

Malmstrom Officer Joins Daines DC Office as Air Force Fellow

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today announced Air Force Major Benji L. Johnson has been selected to serve as a Military Fellow in Daines’ Washington, D.C. office through 2016. Johnson was most recently the Assistant Director of Operations, Codes, for the 341st Operations Support Squadron at Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls, Montana. “I am excited to welcome Major Johnson to support our work on the military and national defense issues facing Montana and our nation,” Daines stated. “Major Johnson’s extensive experience will be an asset to our office’s efforts to best serve Montana’s military members and our continued work to support our nation’s

Daines Congratulates Four Montana Students on Receiving West Point Academy Appointments

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today congratulated four distinguished Montana students for their appointments to the United States Military Academy at West Point. The students are Keller Balsam, Macy Newbary, Alliemarinda Phillips and Michael Sewell. Daines spoke to the four students last night and personally congratulated each of them on their appointment.  Keller Balsam, a senior at Helena High School, is a member of his school’s varsity track team and a cross-country runner. He serves as a member of the National Honor Society and President of Helena High’s Mentoring Teens Against Drugs. He recently participated in American Legion Boys State

Daines: Capture of U.S. Navy Boats is Further Proof Iran Can’t Be Trusted

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines tonight released the following statement regarding the recent capture of U.S. Navy boats by Iranian military forces: “This is yet another reminder that the Iranian regime cannot and should not be trusted. Given this latest provocation, it is unthinkable to lift any sanctions on Iran. We cannot placate Iran — the world’s biggest state sponsor of terrorism — with its current leadership in place. It should outrage all Americans that President Obama intends to completely ignore this serious issue during his State of the Union remarks tonight and has provided no confidence in his ability