BIG SKY REPORT:
An Update from Senator Daines

Fellow American,

It’s been an extremely busy couple of weeks to kick off the month of July! We started the month of July with a BANG with the passage and signing of President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, just as we celebrated our nation’s 249th birthday! I am committed to delivering results that reflect our shared values and strengthen our communities. Thank you for your continued support and feedback—it drives me to fight for you every day.

I hope you enjoy this edition of the Big Sky Report.

I joined President Trump at the White House for the signing of the Big Beautiful Bill, which includes an enormous list of my legislative priorities. The legislation also prevents the largest tax increase in American history, makes the tax cuts permanent, and provides funding for border security and the military.

For a detailed list of what’s in the bill, you can visit my Senate website here.

On July 10, 2025, my Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of Fentanyl Act passed the Senate, a major step toward protecting Montana communities from the devastating impact of fentanyl. By permanently classifying fentanyl and its related substances as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act, this bill cracks down on the illegal trade fueling the opioid crisis. I’m proud to lead this effort to keep our families safe and hold those responsible for this deadly epidemic accountable.

I introduced the Small County PILT Parity Act alongside Senator Catherine Cortez Masto to support Montana’s rural counties with populations under 5,000. This bipartisan bill ensures these counties receive fair Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding, critical for essential services like emergency response and transportation. By creating parity with larger counties, we’re helping places like Petroleum and Garfield Counties thrive.

On July 8, 2025, I urged the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to pass my legislation, S.362, to keep the Bull Mountains Mine open. This mine is a vital economic driver for Musselshell County, supporting good-paying jobs and energy security. I also celebrated the approval of the federal mining plan for the Spring Creek Coal Mine in Decker, MT, after years of delays under the previous administration. These efforts underscore my commitment to Montana’s energy industry and the families who depend on it.

On July 3, 2025, I hosted a roundtable discussion with Montana agriculture and forestry leaders at Montana State University’s Post Farm in Bozeman. We discussed priorities for the upcoming farm bill, ensuring USDA programs work for Montana’s farmers and ranchers. I also toured the Post Farm with Dr. Sreekala Bajwa, Vice President, Dean, and Director of the MSU College of Agriculture, to see the innovative work being done to train the next generation of ag leaders. Supporting Montana’s agricultural legacy is a top priority, and these conversations help shape policies that keep our farms and ranches strong.

Each week, I honor a Montanan who embodies our state’s spirit through my “Montanan of the Week” initiative. On July 7, 2025, I recognized Sarah Thompson, a Helena teacher who has dedicated 20 years to educating Montana’s youth. Her innovative STEM programs have inspired countless students to pursue careers in science and technology. Nominate a deserving Montanan by calling my office at 202-224-2651 or visiting www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve.

On July 12, 2025, I met with leaders from the Crow Tribe to discuss public safety, tribal sovereignty, and economic opportunities. These conversations are critical to ensuring Montana’s tribes have the necessary resources and support. I remain committed to working with tribal communities to address their unique challenges and preserve their cultural heritage.

This month showed what we can achieve when we’re united behind a common goal and a shared set of values. We delivered historic gains for the American people, but we still have a lot of work to do. If you want to be a part of this fight, please consider making a contribution of any amount to my re-election campaign.

For Montana,

Senator Steve Daines



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