Reflecting on the year in the U.S. Senate

Guest Commentary:

I want to send wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Montanans — especially to our men and women in uniform, serving our country far from home and in harm’s way. As we gather together during this time of year, I hope that you will join me in thanking the brave servicemen and women who are giving so much to defend our freedoms. For their service, and the sacrifices made by our military families, we are especially grateful.

In Montana, winter’s here, with snow covering much of our beautiful state. As we reflect on the year ahead, I’d like to also take a brief look at some of the changes that we have seen over the past year. 

It is my honor to serve the people of Montana in the United States Senate. Casting a vote on behalf of the hardworking men and women of Montana is a responsibility that I take very seriously. Please continue sharing your concerns and opinions about issues that are important to you so that I can better serve our state and best represent your interests in the Senate.

In the last year, I have worked tirelessly to move forward policies that help, not hurt, the hardworking Montana families.

I’ve upheld my promise to Montanans that I would work to repeal Obamacare. Congress recently passed legislation to dismantle this failed health care law and put states on a glide path toward creating locally driven health care solutions. Even though President Obama has rejected the will of the American people by promising to veto this bill, I will continue working to protect Montanans from rising health care costs.

I’m also working to push back against the Obama administration’s harmful, job-killing anti-energy regulations. If fully implemented, the Environmental Protection Agency’s new regulations will devastate significant sectors of Montana’s economy, kill more than 7,000 jobs and likely shutter Montana’s Colstrip power plant. I’m working to block the president’s assault on American energy and protect Montana families from these job-killing regulations.

I’m happy to share that Congress recently passed the longest term highway bill in 17 years with overwhelming bipartisan support. This is great news for Montana and a critical step forward in providing our state with the certainty needed to make long-term infrastructure investments.

With the help of a dedicated group of veterans on my team in Montana, we are spreading awareness of the American Folklife Center’s Veterans History Project (VHP). Every one of Montana’s 100,000 veterans has an incredible story to tell from their service. The mission of the VHP is to capture these stories to be stored in the Library of Congress for future generations to access. I encourage all of Montana’s veterans to participate in this important project to record our nation’s history and our heritage.

As Montanans look toward the New Year, I look forward to continuing to serve you. From the Daines family to yours: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Steve Daines represents Montana in the United States Senate