Steve Daines

In their latest “Infrastructure Report Card,” the American Society for Civil Engineers gave Montana a C- for the condition of our state’s roads, bridges, water systems, broadband internet, and other crucial infrastructure.

Two Republican senators are efforting quick passage of their bill to ensure military are paid in the event of a partial government shutdown.

Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is telling colleagues that negotiations to allow the Washington Commanders to return to the RFK Stadium site are making progress — and a deal could be included in the short-term spending bill, Axios has learned.Why it matters: Schumer still wants Maryland, the NFL and the Commanders to reach an agreement that satisfies all parties. It's not clear that they have done so. But Schumer's indication he might attach the House-passed legislation to the spending bill opens up a massive hole for the Commanders — and fans of returning football to the nation's capital — to run through this year. The team currently plays about five miles from D.C., at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.Driving the news: The Commanders want the option of building a new stadium at RFK and have worked to reach an agreement.Schumer has been speaking directly with N.F.L. Commissioner Roger Goodell, Commanders owner Josh Harris and the Maryland senators for status reports on the negotiations, according to people familiar with the matter.If a deal is reached, Schumer would support including it in the short-term spending bill, according to people familiar with the matter.Zoom out: If Congress passes legislation for a redevelopment bill this year, the city and the Washington Commanders can consider a massive new sports and entertainment district, with a potential football stadium on the 190-acre site.The city of D.C. is broadly supportive. Mayor Muriel Bowser said last month a redevelopment would bring "affordable housing, world-class recreational facilities, green spaces and economic opportunity for District residents and visitors alike."The bottom line: Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) had been holding up the House legislation since May, but he's indicated he's no longer opposed, according to people familiar with the matter.Maryland's political leaders have brought their own demands to the negotiations, according to the Washington Post.

Fallen trees and debris are seen on the Blue Ridge Parkway in October after Hurricane Helene.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer's (D-N.Y.) late push to get landmark marijuana legislation passed this year looks doomed, sources tell Axios.Why it matters: The next few weeks are Democrats' last chance to get the weed banking bill passed. Now it will have to find an unlikely way through a Republican-dominated Congress.The Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation Banking Act would protect banks that work with cannabis companies, giving the marijuana industry access to more sources of funding.Schumer pushed for the bill to be attached to must-pass packages before the end of this year, but sources tell us there is no path to getting it through the Senate this Congress.The big picture: The marijuana bill has picked up bipartisan support but Republican leaders, including outgoing Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), are opposed to the legislation.It's proving difficult for the parties to get any bills to ride along with must-pass funding bills before the end of the year.Sources tell Axios the government funding package and a defense authorization bill are likely to be very narrow in focus, leaving little room for a bill like the cannabis banking one to get attached.Yes, but: Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), an ally of GOP leadership, is a cosponsor of the bill, and it has bipartisan support.Schumer has long been a proponent of the legislation, and Axios is told he will continue to push for the bill's passage by the end of the year.

Opinion: Our country’s economic future will depend on the energy and environmental policy promoted by the next administration.

It’s the first time in almost a century that one party totally dominates in Montana.

Call Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke, and tell them you support legislation that was created in Montana for Montanans.

We are just on the other side of the most expensive election in Montana history.

The Postal Regulatory Commission has yet to offer an advisory opinion on the Delivering For America plan.

The bill includes protections for sections of the Gallatin, Madison and Yellowstone rivers, along with Hyalite Creek and the Taylor Fork in southwest Montana.

Republicans are facing backlash after President Biden and Majority Leader Schumer scored judicial wins as a result of GOP Senate absences.

Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the new chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, says President-elect Trump is on-board to help protect and expand the newly won GOP Senate majority

Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. Bob Casey conceded the race to Republican Dave McCormick, putting an end to a recount in the Keystone State more than two weeks after Election Day.

Matt Gaetz's former congressional colleagues, in both parties, raised a collective cheer Thursday as the onetime Florida congressman withdrew his nomination for attorney general.Why it matters: Gaetz's decision spares the House from a brutal fight over an Ethics Committee report on him and the Senate from an even bloodier battle over his nomination.But the question members were left still asking: Will Gaetz return to be sworn in for his term in the 119th Congress?What we're hearing: "This is the only decent thing Matt Gaetz has ever done," said one House Republican, speaking on the condition of anonymity.Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) told Axios: "I don't think he was going to make it across the finish line anyway.""It settles the matter, we're on to the next one. We've got a lot of work ahead of us ... it's really important we don't lose focus," said Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.)."It was the right thing to do," said Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.).Yes, but: Plenty of Gaetz's former colleagues were loath to comment."I don't believe in kicking someone while they're down," said Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.).On the Senate side, Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) told reporters: "I respect his decision."Zoom in: Several senior House Democrat told Axios that Gaetz's resignation puts to rest the battle over the Ethics panel's report."That's the end of the fight," said one.But Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) signaled plans to move forward with his motion to force a House vote on releasing the report, saying it "remains important that the ... report be made available to the American people."What to watch: One House Republican predicted that Gaetz's withdrawal is "indicative of what will happen with the other 3 problem nominees."Those three: Pete Hegseth, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, the nominees for defense secretary, health and human services secretary and director of national intelligence, respectively.The lawmaker also forecast that Gaetz will have a "significant position" in the Trump administration that will not require Senate confirmation.Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.

Jayden Daniels of the Commanders drops back to pass during Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Some hope the Washington football team could return to city limits, but before local leaders can make their pitch, they need Congress to act on a land lease.

Sen. John Thune was privately backed by President-elect Donald Trump, Steve Daines told his colleagues, despite Trump's choice not to publicly endorse.

The new Republican majority will be steered by Sen. John Thune, the newly elected Senate majority leader.

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott has made history yet again, becoming the first South Carolina senator to lead the Senate GOP's campaign arm since the committee's founding in 1916.

'Thune defeated Republican Texas Sen. John Cornyn'

Thune beat out two other competitors, Sens. John Cornyn and Rick Scott, by gaining majority support from GOP senators in a secret ballot vote.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will not invite senator-elect Dave McCormick to Senate orientation this week, citing ballots that are uncounted in Pennsylvania.

'A sharper operation'

Senate Republicans will likely prioritize the confirmation of federal judges. leader McConnell, meanwhile, has vowed to not alter the filibuster.

'When Republicans have the resources to tell this story, we win'

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell congratulated President-elect Trump and the leaders of his campaign for wins they were able to deliver on election night.

The pro-Trump businessman and Minnesota transplant cruised to victory Tuesday following a campaign that became embroiled in controversy.

Senate Republicans now have a 54- or even 55-seat majority within reach after an unexpectedly strong performance by former President Trump in swing states with competitive down-ballot races. Why it matters: Nothing is final, but coattails from Trump could give the next Senate GOP's leader their biggest majority in years. The extra seats could provide cushion against frequent detractors within the party like Sens. Susan Collins (R-Me.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Ak.).It also means Democrats will have to work even harder to gain back a majority in 2026, despite being handed a much more favorable map in that cycle.Catch up quick: The GOP cinched a majority with Bernie Moreno's win in Ohio, ousting longtime Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown.A Trump victory in all three "blue wall" states could get GOP Senate candidates over the line in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Votes were still being counted as of early Wednesday morning, with races too close to call.Trump was also leading in Nevada, although GOP Senate candidate Sam Brown was considered a longshot. Between the lines: National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont) all cycle refused to publicly project winning more than a 51-seat majority in the Senate.GOP sources privately hoped for as many as 53 seats, if Trump had a good night. But as results poured in Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, GOP hopes rose.

With a new majority, Republicans will have an opportunity to extend Donald Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and appoint more conservatives to the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court.

When tragedy strikes in a circus, the order goes out: “Send in the Clowns.”

This story is part of a series of state-by-state previews of the 2024 election.When Montana voters cast ballots in the Nov. 5 general election, they’ll decide what may just be the nation’s marquee U.S. Senate race, and with it, perhaps which party will control the closely divided chamber in the next Congress. They’ll also vote on a high-profile ballot question on abortion, as well as less competitive races for president and governor.Democrats control the U.S. Senate with a 51-49 majority. With Republicans all but certain to pick up retiring once-Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin’s seat in West Virginia, a GOP win in Montana would make it difficult for Democrats to keep their majority regardless of who wins the presidency.Democratic incumbent Jon Tester faces a tough reelection bid for a fourth term against Republican Tim Sheehy. As one of only two Senate Democrats running for reelection in a state Donald Trump won easily in 2020, Tester is a perennial target for Republicans. In his past three races, he won with between 49% and 50% of the vote.Tester has spent $71 million on the race as of the start of October, compared to about $11 million for Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL who has loaned his campaign $2.5 million. Outside groups have poured additional millions into the race.RELATED STORY: Montana GOP Senate nominee caught in another lie about military serviceMontana is also one of 10 states that will put a ballot question on abortion before voters in November. Officially known as “Constitutional Initiative No. 128,” the measure would enshrine a right to abortion before fetal viability in the state constitution.At the top of the ballot, the presidential race is far less competitive. The last Democrat to carry Montana in a presidential election was Bill Clinton in 1992, although Barack Obama came close in 2008. Trump won Montana with 57% of the vote in 2016 and 2020, and the Democratic ticket has not set foot in the state this year. Tester skipped the Democratic National Convention in August and has declined to endorse Harris, although Sheehy has tried to link the senator to his party's presidential nominee.In the race for governor, Republican incumbent Greg Gianforte faces Democrat Ryan Busse.

As Montana’s coal loses economic vitality, billions of tax dollars can fund renewable energy initiatives — if anyone wants them.

The Butte-Silver Bow Veterans Treatment Court is getting a $1 million federal grant to continue its programs.

Butte will get daily commercial flights to both Salt Lake City and Denver under a program that provides federal tax-dollar subsidies to provide the service.

BILLINGS, Mont. — During an October debate, Montana GOP Senate candidate Tim Sheehy took a shot at his Democratic opponent, Sen. Jon Tester, for ” eating lobbyist steak ′′ while the Republican fought in Afghanistan.But Sheehy himself had a taste for red meat and lobbying, according to emails obtained by The Associated Press. He combined the two in pursuit of government contracts that allowed his aerial firefighting company to rapidly expand over the past decade.“I hope you enjoyed the steakhouse,” Sheehy wrote to Ryan Osmundson, the state Budget Director after a November 2021 meeting in Martinsdale, Montana. Sheehy went on to describe his company's aircraft as “ideal” for a dedicated, state-based fleet of planes to aggressively fight fires. There’s no indication the lobbying of Montana officials involved any wrongdoing by Bridger Aerospace or Sheehy.Sheehy’s bid to prevent Tester from winning a fourth term is widely seen as one of the GOP's best chances at reclaiming the Democratic-controlled Senate. The Republican's campaign has leaned heavily on his military record and business accomplishments while routinely criticizing Tester for being the top recipient of lobbyist cash in Congress.

BILLINGS, Mont. — During an October debate, Montana GOP Senate candidate Tim Sheehy took a shot at his Democratic opponent, Sen. Jon Tester, for “eating lobbyist steak′′ while the Republican fought in Afghanistan. But Sheehy himself had a taste for red meat and lobbying, according to emails obtained by The Associated Press. He combined the [...]The post This Montana Senate Candidate Said His Opponent Ate ‘Lobbyist Steak.’ But He Lobbied—With Steak appeared first on GV Wire.

Montana Republican Tim Sheehy took a shot at incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Tester during a recent debate for “eating lobbyist steak” while Sheehy was fighting in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — Democrats are closing the gap in their uphill campaign to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, with polls showing improvement for Democratic U.S. Rep. Colin Allred and national Democrats’ spending in the race a month ahead of Election Day.

How on earth can anyone consider voting for Tim Sheehy after reading the following quotes attributed to him at various fund-raising events?

"In his book released in 2020, Jon Tester wrote that he believes support for President Trump comes from a “gnarly root of racism in rural America”

As a Crow Nation tribal member and small business owner on the Crow Reservation, the last few years have certainly been tough.

The central clash in the pivotal Montana Senate race — and the fight for control of the Senate itself — was on full display Monday night as Democratic Sen. Jon Tester and Republican Tim Sheehy faced off in a heated debate.

The Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), a big-dollar fundraising group affiliated with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), isn’t helping two of McConnell’s biggest critics in the Senate GOP conference — Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas) and Rick Scott (Fla.). This has prompted grumbling from conservatives who say McConnell has too much power over Senate Republican fundraising [...]

The late-cycle investment signals the party is taking Texas seriously — a shift from past cycles.

More than a dozen Republicans in the Senate are launching a push to block a "parole in place" policy introduced in June by the Biden administration.

'Money can’t buy you love'

I am a landowner in the Bull Mountains north of Billings.

Many of the highest-profile races are underway in Montana, New York, California and beyond, far from the presidential battleground states contested by Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris.

Former President Donald Trump’s campaign thinks its new get-out-the-vote strategy will serve as a silver bullet to capture key battleground states.

Senate Republican leaders are privately raising the alarm over the Democratic Party's fundraising advantage, and they're bracing for another cash infusion from the Harris-Walz presidential campaign into Senate races.Why it matters: "WE WILL LOSE WINNABLE RACES DUE TO A LACK OF RESOURCES," read one slide presented by National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) to his fellow Republicans at a closed-door lunch on Tuesday. The slide notes the $10 million the Harris campaign transferred to the Democratic campaign arm last week.Driving the news: Daines' presentation was "clear-eyed" about the money gaps, according to a source familiar. The message was that if the imbalance isn't made up, Senate leaders would have to make hard decisions about where to allocate their resources. The lunch led to a slew of donations from senators, adding up to nearly $7 million, sources familiar with the total told Axios.More than half of that came from Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), who committed a record-breaking $4 million single transfer. Thune's contribution comes as the race heats up between him and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) to be the next GOP Senate leader.What they're saying: When asked about Harris' eye-popping fundraising and transfer down ballot, Thune told Axios, "When you get an infusion like that, particularly ... if they're hard dollars, which go a lot further ... it makes a difference.""We're paying attention to that, and I think it just means we've got to intensify our efforts."The big picture: McConnell has built out a massive fundraising infrastructure that has helped fuel GOP victories in the Senate.His successors' ability to carry on that work will be critical.