Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion of Montana in Polson.

TOP STORY – SENATE PASSES THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

On June 27th, the Senate advanced the NDAA with my strong support, providing wins for Montana and our nation’s defense. This bill gives our troups a pay raise, secures critical provisions to strengthen our nuclear deterrence, empowers our standing on the world stage and gets the men and women who serve at Malmstrom Air Force Base and across Montana the resources they need.

SUPPORTING THE MILITARY, VETERANS, AND THEIR FAMILIES

• On Flag Day, I introduced a Constitutional Amendment to empower Congress to ban the desecration of the American Flag. The American Flag is a symbol of freedom – and it should always be protected.

• On June 20th, I spoke on the Senate floor to mark the one year anniversary of the VA Mission Act. This new law brought us one step closer to ensuring veterans in Montana and across our nation receive the care they earned.

• June 4th was the 77th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway. The late Jim Muri of Miles City made military history at the Battle of Midway when he maneuvered his crippled B-26 bomber across the deck of a Japanese aircraft and evaded Japanese fighters, saving his crew. Jim is but one of the many Montana heroes who bravely served our nation in WWII.

Photo courtesy of www.af.mil

RECENTLY INTRODUCED VETERANS’ LEGISLATION

• To recognize the sacrifice of all Gold Star Families, I joined Senator Richard Blumenthal’s (CT) S.1715 to award the families a Congressional Gold Medal.

• I joined Senator Mike Crapo’s (ID) S.1555, the IMPROVE Transition for Servicemembers Act, to ensure our troops have access to the counseling and resources they need to successfully transition to civilian life.

• On June 25th, President Trump signed into law the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act to provide benefits to veterans who served offshore from Vietnam, around the Korean DMZ and children of veterans who served in Thailand suffering from Spina Bifida. I have fought for years in a bipartisan way to bring about this big victory for our Blue Water Veterans!
Best Wishes,

Steve Daines
United States Senate