← LEADERSHIP TERMINAL

US CONGRESS · SITTING

Steve Daines

Senator for Montana · Republican · United States

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

“Mr. President, I am here to address the resolution put forward by Senator Van Hollen. This is a misguided resolution. The Democrats are trying to distort reality for political gain.”

Senate29 September 2026Source ↗

“Rather than any serious attempt at accountability or justice, this is sadly another cynical ploy by Democrats to isolate our closest ally in the region and to turn Israel's righteous war of self-defense into a domestic political issue as we are now just a little over 30 days from election.”

Senate29 September 2026Source ↗

“Madam President, today I have the honor to recognize Burl Bowler and the Daniels County Leader staff as Montanans of the Month. Burl was born and raised into a generational newspaper family from Scobey, MT. The Bowler family has owned and operated the Daniels County Leader in the northeast corner of Montana for over 100 years.”

Senate24 September 2026Source ↗

“I am thrilled to recognize Burl, his family, and all those who worked for the Leader throughout its rich history, for their tremendous contributions in leading the Daniels County newspaper for the past 100 years. It is my distinct honor to recognize Burl Bowler and the Daniels County Leader staff as Montanans of the Month.”

Senate24 September 2026Source ↗

“At the age of 19, he earned his master smith rating from the American Bladesmith Society, becoming one of the youngest bladesmiths to ever pass the test. Years later, Josh moved to Frenchtown, MT, where he lives today with his wife and kids.”

Senate22 September 2026Source ↗

“His passion for history extended to several experiences such as working for the Museum of the Rockies, the Montana State Prison Museum, the Bear Paw Development Corporation, and the Powell County Museum and Arts Foundation. Jon finally settled into a historian position for the Montana Department of Transportation in 1990.”

Senate22 September 2026Source ↗

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  1. “Rather than any serious attempt at accountability or justice, this is sadly another cynical ploy by Democrats to isolate our closest ally in the region and to turn Israel's righteous war of self-defense into a domestic political issue as we are now just a little over 30 days from election. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote no on this resolution so we can stand with our ally Israel as they beat back the scourge of Iranian-backed terrorism. I yield the floor.”

    Senate29 September 2026Source ↗

  2. “Mr. President, I am here to address the resolution put forward by Senator Van Hollen. This is a misguided resolution. The Democrats are trying to distort reality for political gain. Make no mistake, the sole objective here is not justice or accountability for Americans, it is to cut off security aid to our ally Israel in its time of need. Of course, any loss, all loss of American life is a tragedy, and Ambassador Huckabee has called for an investigation into these deaths, and I am very confident this administration will get to the bottom of this issue. But this one-sided resolution shames one of our strongest allies and minimizes the Palestinian Authority's role in inciting terrorist violence, including against Americans, through their horrific ``pay for slay'' program, which unbelievably rewards terrorists with up to $200 million a year.”

    Senate29 September 2026Source ↗

  3. “I am thrilled to recognize Burl, his family, and all those who worked for the Leader throughout its rich history, for their tremendous contributions in leading the Daniels County newspaper for the past 100 years. It is my distinct honor to recognize Burl Bowler and the Daniels County Leader staff as Montanans of the Month. ____________________”

    Senate24 September 2026Source ↗

  4. “Madam President, today I have the honor to recognize Burl Bowler and the Daniels County Leader staff as Montanans of the Month. Burl was born and raised into a generational newspaper family from Scobey, MT. The Bowler family has owned and operated the Daniels County Leader in the northeast corner of Montana for over 100 years. Bowler's tenure with ``The Leader'' started as a kindergartner with his father, where he would sweep the floors. He eventually made his way up to editor and owner.”

    Senate24 September 2026Source ↗

  5. “At the age of 19, he earned his master smith rating from the American Bladesmith Society, becoming one of the youngest bladesmiths to ever pass the test. Years later, Josh moved to Frenchtown, MT, where he lives today with his wife and kids. Over the past 5 years, Josh grew his business from his garage to a new 50,000-square-foot facility where he now employs 130 people. He has dedicated his life to delivering the highest quality of knives, with the kind of value to his customers know and trust that stands the test of time to be passed down for generations. Josh has done immense work creating opportunities for Montanans, giving back to veterans and outdoorsman alike. It is my honor to recognize Josh Smith for his outstanding contributions to the knife industry and the manufacturing craft in Montana.”

    Senate22 September 2026Source ↗

  6. “Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Josh Smith. Born and raised in Lincoln, MT, Josh is the president, founder, and master bladesmith for the Montana Knife Company. Starting at the age of 11 years old, Josh learned the art of his craft from Rick Dunkerly, his baseball coach, where he learned how to make knives and remove stock blades in Rick's shop. Over the next few years, Josh began forging and honing his craft.”

    Senate22 September 2026Source ↗

  7. “Jon's storytelling will continue to help educate people about our great State and bring communities together. It is my distinct honor to recognize Jon Axline as Montanan of the Month. ____________________”

    Senate22 September 2026Source ↗

  8. “His passion for history extended to several experiences such as working for the Museum of the Rockies, the Montana State Prison Museum, the Bear Paw Development Corporation, and the Powell County Museum and Arts Foundation. Jon finally settled into a historian position for the Montana Department of Transportation in 1990. Jon is one of the superstars of the Montana history profession. Jon's work covers hundreds of years of Montana's legacy, from the history of unions in Butte, to the Smith Mine disaster. Now retired after a 35- year long career, Jon is also remembered for his excellent writing on transportation history in the State. I am thrilled to recognize Jon for his outstanding work in portraying Montana history for the past three decades.”

    Senate22 September 2026Source ↗

  9. “Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Jon Axline as Montanan of the Month. Born and raised in Billings, MT, Jon is a fourth-generation Montanan. As a youth, he watched John F. Kennedy's Presidential motorcade from his grandparent's front yard in Billings, which was a profound moment that inspired his interest in history. Jon attended Montana State University where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in American history.”

    Senate22 September 2026Source ↗

  10. “There being no objection, the committee was discharged, and the Senate proceeded to consider the bill. Mr. DAINES. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time.”

    Senate16 September 2026Source ↗

  11. “Mr. President, so notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 7250 and that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.”

    Senate16 September 2026Source ↗

  12. “Senator Cortez Masto, thank you. We both know and understand how, in the West, we wish we could get more rain. It is a pretty dry part of the country, and, boy, we need to continue to make sure our hydropower assets are developed and used in a commonsense way. This brings reliable, affordable, renewable energy. Thank you for your help on this, Senator. Much appreciated. ____________________”

    Senate16 September 2026Source ↗

  13. “7250, the Fort Peck Water System Reauthorization Act, is led by Congressman Downing and myself and similarly passed the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee by voice vote. It then also passed both the House by voice vote and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee by voice vote. This bill is critical for northeastern Montana and gives communities the needed time to complete the Fort Peck Dry Prairie Rural Water System, which has been worked on for many years and is very close to completion. After years of hard work, the good news is this project is 95 percent complete. This bill allows the water system to finish construction and bring clean drinking water to about 30,000 Montanans. And before I ask for unanimous consent, I would like to turn to Senator Cortez Masto and give her a chance to speak on her bill.”

    Senate16 September 2026Source ↗

  14. “Mr. President, I come to the floor today with my distinguished colleague Senator Cortez Masto to request that two important bills pass the Senate today and head to the President's desk. H.R. 3657, the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act, whose companion bill is led by Senator Cortez Masto and myself, passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee on a unanimous 47-to-0 vote. It then passed the House floor by voice vote and cleared the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee by voice vote. The bill will bring transparency to FERC's hydropower licensing process, which will lead to quicker approvals and, ultimately, more development of hydro assets. We now have the opportunity to continue the bipartisan support of this bill and to pass it by unanimous consent. H.R.”

    Senate16 September 2026Source ↗

  15. “Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.”

    Senate16 September 2026Source ↗

  16. “He also founded the community outreach firm Environomics, focusing on issues for resource-dependent rural communities and responsible environmental stewardship. His dedication to the great outdoors speaks volumes as he has received various recognitions for his hard work over the years. Bruce has been awarded the National Timberman Industry Activist of the Year, Montana Timberman of the Year, and several other accolades that speak to his passion for protecting the Montana that we love. Bruce Vincent has dedicated his life to finding ways to protect the Last Best Place. It is my honor to recognize Bruce for his contributions to environmentalism, the logging industry, and his passion for the great outdoors. ____________________”

    Senate4 August 2026Source ↗

  17. “Madam President, today I have the honor to recognize Bruce Vincent. Bruce Vincent is from Libby, MT, and a third-generation logger. After completing college, Bruce moved back home and joined his father's family business Vincent Logging as a business manager. In 1988, Bruce helped form the Communities For A Great Northwest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating groups about the use of natural resources.”

    Senate4 August 2026Source ↗

  18. “The award recognizes enlisted airmen who exemplify exceptional leadership, stellar job performance, self-improvement, and a sustained commitment to their communities. Brianna not only serves as a part-time member of the Montana Air National Guard but is also a full-time school nurse in Great Falls, where she continues to serve others in her civilian career. She is a mom of four. Brianna is a selfless, hard-working, and selfless-serving member, representing the best of Montana and the values of our great Nation. I am thrilled to recognize Brianna for her selfless actions as part of the Montana Air National Guard, her extraordinary performance in her civilian career, and her dedication to caring for our communities. It is my distinct honor to recognize Brianna D. St. Lawrence-Brody as Montanan of the Month. ____________________”

    Senate4 August 2026Source ↗

  19. “Madam President, today I have the honor to recognize SSgt Brianna D. St. Lawrence-Brody as Montanan of the Month. Brianna serves with the Montana Air National Guard in the 120th Airlift Wing in Great Falls and last week was awarded the Air Force's 2026 Total Force Outstanding Airmen of the Year, earning one of the Air Force's highest honors. As command post controller, she assists in helping share information and coordinate communication during emergencies and major events.”

    Senate4 August 2026Source ↗

  20. “House as communications director for Congressman Mike Pence, guiding the Congressman throughout his tenure in Congress and his campaign for Governor of Indiana. During the first Trump administration, Matt once again served in the executive branch, first as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, then as Senior Advisor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, and finally as Principal Deputy Director for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice. His last role before coming to my office was deputy chief of staff and communications director for U.S. Senator Rob Portman. Matt started on Team Daines in January 2023.”

    Senate4 August 2026Source ↗

  21. “Madam President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Matt Lloyd for his decades of devotion to Montana and the Nation as he retires from 25 years of public service. After graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Matt began his journey in Washington, DC, as press secretary for U.S. Congressman Rick Hill and U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady. During the George W. Bush administration, Matt answered the call to serve and worked at the Department of Agriculture under Secretary Ann Veneman before returning to the U.S.”

    Senate4 August 2026Source ↗

  22. “It is my distinct honor to recognize Jay Contway and David Graham for their tremendous contributions to the arts community and their dedication to celebrating the people, art, and history of our great State. ____________________”

    Senate27 July 2026Source ↗

  23. “Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Jay Contway and David Graham. Jay is a native Montanan, born and raised in Malta, MT. After settling near Great Falls in 1968, Jay built his foundry and became a renowned Western sculptor. Jay's work captured international recognition and has been displayed for audiences throughout North America for years, capturing the people, history, and traditions of the American West.”

    Senate27 July 2026Source ↗

  24. “He pulled the man through chest-deep, swift-moving water, all the way to shore and safety. Jory demonstrated quick thinking and coolness under pressure, with bravery far beyond his years. His friends and family say that he has always been kind and helpful, and he is a true example of the Montana spirit. I am thrilled to commend Jory Thomas for his heroic actions. It is my distinct honor to recognize Jory Thomas as Montanan of the Month. ____________________”

    Senate21 July 2026Source ↗

  25. “Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Jory Thomas as Montanan of the Month. Earlier this year, Jory was camping with his family when he heard cries for help coming from the water. The 14-year-old acted swiftly when he saw a man floating down the river, battling the strong currents. Jory didn't hesitate and sprinted down the riverbank to catch up with the man. He had grown up on a ranch and brought his lariat on the camping trip and was able to rope the man on his first throw.”

    Senate21 July 2026Source ↗

  26. “Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.”

    Senate28 April 2025Source ↗

  27. “Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to the Glass nomination.”

    Senate8 April 2025Source ↗

  28. “The school was recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and the American Council on Education as one of the most productive research institutions in the United States. Dr. Cruzado has also been instrumental in transforming the Bobcat athletic department. As president--truly, I have watched the Bobcats since I was a little boy in Bozeman--the Bobcats have soared to new heights. Our football team has made it to two NCAA FCS championships, and they have won five Big Sky Conference championships. The men's and women's basketball teams both earned multiple trips to NCAA tournaments and together have won five Big Sky Conference championships. Let's talk about women's rodeo. MSU has won 3 national team titles, and they have made 12 consecutive top-10 finishes in the NCAA skiing championships. Clearly, Dr.”

    Senate7 April 2025Source ↗

  29. “Cruzado's leadership is felt and seen by students, faculty, and community members all across Montana. Frankly, the results speak for themselves. MSU is now one of the top public universities in the entire country. As a fellow Bobcat myself from 1984, I couldn't be more proud. In fact, under her leadership, we saw recordbreaking accomplishments at Montana State University. Student enrollment increased by 26 percent to over 17,000 students, making MSU the largest university in Montana. Importantly, the student retention rate grew to 75 percent. That is the highest it has been in 30 years. Graduation rates increased to the highest they have been in more than 20 years. When you look at the annual research expenditures, Montana State's has increased by 162 percent, making MSU the leading research institution in our great State.”

    Senate7 April 2025Source ↗

  30. “Madam President, I rise today to honor an esteemed, great Montana leader: Dr. Waded Cruzado. Dr. Cruzado has served as the beloved president of Montana State University, my alma mater, since 2010. In fact, three of our four children graduated from Montana State during her tenure as president. For over 15 years, she has been a tireless leader, pushing MSU to new heights both academically and in athletics. Her passion for the success of her students has transformed not only the MSU campus but our great State of Montana as well. The impact of Dr.”

    Senate7 April 2025Source ↗

  31. “Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.”

    Senate7 April 2025Source ↗

  32. “Madam President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Robert Weber of Park County on his 100th birthday. Robert was born in Hobson, MT, and he and his brother moved to Paradise Valley when they were young. As a young man, he answered the call to serve our great Nation during World War II, becoming a gunner aboard a B-29 Superfortress bomber and flying missions over Japan. After the war, he returned to Montana to build a life in Paradise Valley, raising sheep and cattle on a property neighboring his brother's.”

    Senate31 March 2025Source ↗

  33. “Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing 4-year-old Trevick Udelhoven of Fergus County as Montanan of the Month for his courage that is larger than life as he battles a life-threatening seizure disorder. Trevick is your typical Montana cowboy, who loves spending time on the farm, being outdoors and cheering on his beloved Montana State University Bobcats.”

    Senate16 January 2025Source ↗