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Tag: Veterans

Daines Calls for Passage of National Defense Authorization Act

October 6, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today took to the Senate floor to call on the Senate to swiftly pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes critical support for Montana’s military missions. Daines also called on Senate Democrats to stop blocking the Department of Defense Appropriations Act and fund the military.   Click here to watch Daines’ remarks. Click here to download Daines’ remarks. Daines made the following remarks on the Senate floor this afternoon: “Montana has a rich legacy of service to our country— from maintaining our nation’s ‘peace through strength’ strategy at Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base, where we oversee one-third of

Daines Blasts Senate Democrats’ Refusal to Fund the Department of Veterans Affairs

October 1, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today blasted Senate Democrats’ obstruction of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which provides critical funding for veterans services:  “Our nation’s heroes should have easy access to the resources, services and medical care that they need and deserve. It’s unconscionable that Senate Democrats would rather make our veterans pawns in political games. This legislation contains numerous important provisions to address Montana veterans’ long-standing concerns and it would be shameful to see these much-needed reforms fall victim to Democrats’ obstructionism. I urge Senate Democrats to quickly pass this legislation, which contains increased

Daines Announces Kick Off of Veterans History Project in Montana

September 30, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today announced that he will be bringing the American Folklife Center’s Veterans History Project (VHP) to Montana to collect and preserve the stories of Montana’s wartime veterans in the Library of Congress.   Montana veterans who served in the United States military during wartime in any capacity from World War I through the present and are no longer serving, as well as civilians who served in support of a U.S. war effort in a professional capacity, are eligible to participate. “The Veterans History Project’s mission is to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts

Daines Calls on Senate Veterans Affairs Committee To Help Blue Water Vietnam Veterans

September 29, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today called on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee to pass his legislation to ensure that Blue Water Navy veterans who are victims of Agent Orange-related diseases receive the care and compensation they have long deserved. During today’s Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on “Examining the Impact of Exposure to Toxic Chemicals on Veterans and the VA’s Response,” Daines testified on the importance of reversing a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decision that cut benefits for Vietnam-era Navy veterans, known as “Blue Water” vets, who were exposed to the powerful toxin Agent Orange.  “As the son of a

Daines Statement on Passing of Former Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Turnage

September 28, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on the passing of former Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Turnage: “Chief Justice Turnage was a true public servant who always put Montana and this nation first. As a World War II veteran, a state legislator and Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court, he exemplified Montana’s strong legacy of service.  Cindy and I are keeping the Turnage family in our thoughts and prayers during this time.” ###

Daines: VA Incompetence Hurting America’s Veterans

September 3, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today expressed his deep concerns regarding the latest report from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of the Inspector General: “This report paints a disturbing pattern of incompetence at the Department of the Veterans Affairs. It is unconscionable that our nation’s veterans have not been able to effectively access the health care that was promised to them. The level of this failure should outrage every American, and it’s incomprehensible that the VA’s haphazard record keeping system and crippling bureaucracy hides the true scope of this issue. Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect and yet the

Daines, Zinke Stand With American Legion Against Iran Deal

September 2, 2015

Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke today released the following statements following a vote taken at the American Legion National Convention by the body to publically and officially oppose the Iran nuclear agreement. “The men and women of the American Legion have experienced first-hand the sacrifices made in times of war,”Daines stated. “I stand with the American Legion in my continuing opposition to the Iran nuclear agreement which keeps Iran on track to obtain a nuclear weapon and will only increase their destructive influence as the world’s leading state-sponsor of terrorism.” “I am proud to stand with the American Legion

Daines: New VA Service Animal Rule is a “Step in the Right Direction”

August 17, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today commended news that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has revised its rules regarding veterans’ ability to bring service animals to VA facilities. Veterans in some states, including Montana, have had difficulty bringing their animals into VA medical facilities. The VA’s new rule will put clear guidance in place that allows the presence of service animals at VA facilities across the United States. “While there is still work to be done, today’s announcement is a step in the right direction. I’m glad the VA has responded to my calls to ensure our veterans

Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Ben Steele of Billings

July 10, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Steve Daines today honored Ben Steele, a World War II veteran of Billings, for his exceptional service to the nation and the Billings community. During the war, Steele served in the Philippines and survived the Bataan Death March. After World War II Steele studied art at the University of Denver and later taught at Montana State University – Billings. 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 reflects the official proceedings of Congress. Daines’ recognition in

Daines Honors Montanans of the Week: Crow Tribe Code Talkers

June 26, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today honored Samson Birdinground, Cyril Not Afraid, Barney Old Coyote and Henry Old Coyote of the Crow Indian Nation for their exceptional service to our country during World War II. These four men were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for serving in our armed forces as “code talkers,” speaking their native Apsaalooké (Crow) language during wartime in order to transmit and receive military intelligence and successfully avoid disclosing information to enemy forces. Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official