Last year, while other senators left D.C. for a “break”, Senator Steve Daines stayed behind to attend the bill signing ceremony of his Historic Public Lands Package (S.47)…a huge win for Montana! As an avid outdoorsman with NRA’s “A” rating, Daines was motivated to work hard, long hours to get it done. The bill includes permanent reauthorization of the Land & Water Conservation Fund and the Yellowstone Protection Act, both of which are critical to expanding outdoor recreation.
S.47 enacts long-fought-for provisions, which support sports access, hunting and shooting. It bolsters wildlife conservation and aids multigenerational ranchers and loggers. It preserves Montana’s minerals and strengthens our country’s outdoor heritage by enhancing provisions of the Sportsmen’s Act. It includes many locally driven land conveyances, exchanges and designations, all of which will help resolve land use challenges. S.47 does not authorize large-scale land transfers or sales. Sen. Daines has steadfastly opposed any efforts to do that. To suggest differently is false.
He began work on S.47 in 2018 and successfully got it to the floor in 2019. This year, he continues to work with agencies to ensure its proper implementation. Both Sen. Tester and Rep. Gianforte gave Sen. Daines accolades of praise for this accomplishment.
