Featured Articles in Montana Politics

USITC Advances Probe Into Russian Palladium Imports After Montana Delegation Push

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to continue its investigation into imports of unwrought palladium from Russia, ruling there is reasonable indication that the U.S. mining industry is being harmed by unfairly priced and subsidized Russian imports. The decision follows a letter last month from Montana’s congressional delegation urging the Trump administration to Read More…

Daines Introduces Bill to Protect Religious Student Groups on College Campuses

Senator Steve Daines has introduced the Equal Campus Access Act of 2025, legislation aimed at ensuring public colleges and universities do not discriminate against religious student organizations. Daines said the measure is designed to safeguard religious liberty for students of faith, requiring schools that receive federal funding to treat religious groups the same as any Read More…

All in: Montana Politics

USITC Advances Probe Into Russian Palladium Imports After Montana Delegation Push

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to continue its investigation into imports of unwrought palladium from Russia, ruling there is reasonable indication that the U.S. mining industry is being harmed by unfairly priced and subsidized Russian imports. The decision follows a letter last month from Montana’s congressional delegation urging the Trump administration to Read More…

Daines Introduces Bill to Protect Religious Student Groups on College Campuses

Senator Steve Daines has introduced the Equal Campus Access Act of 2025, legislation aimed at ensuring public colleges and universities do not discriminate against religious student organizations. Daines said the measure is designed to safeguard religious liberty for students of faith, requiring schools that receive federal funding to treat religious groups the same as any Read More…

Sheehy’s Fire Ready Nation Act Passes Senate Unanimously

The U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan Fire Ready Nation Act by unanimous consent, advancing legislation aimed at strengthening the nation’s ability to prevent, forecast, and combat wildfires. The bill, introduced in January by Senator Tim Sheehy (R–Mont.) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D–Wash.), formally establishes the Fire Weather Services program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Read More…

Knudsen Leads 27-State Coalition Urging Supreme Court to Strike Down Washington Magazine Ban

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is leading a 27-state coalition urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Washington state’s ban on firearm magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. The coalition filed an amicus brief Monday in Gator’s Custom Guns, Inc. v. State of Washington, arguing the law violates the Second Amendment. In May, the Read More…

Daines Applauds DOI Move to Restore Multiple-Use, Boost Montana Timber Sales

U.S. Senator Steve Daines praised the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) recent proposals to rescind the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Public Lands Rule and restore multiple-use land management, along with actions to increase timber sales in Montana. “President Trump and Secretary Burgum are bringing back commonsense land management policies that will benefit Montana Read More…

Daines Leads Bipartisan Push for Greater Transparency in CDFI Fund

U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) is leading a bipartisan effort to increase transparency and accountability in the federal Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, introducing the CDFI Fund Transparency Act alongside Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.). The legislation would require the Secretary of the Treasury to testify annually before Read More…

Knudsen Leads 23-State Coalition Urging EPA to Stop Funding Climate Advocacy Group

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is spearheading a 23-state coalition of attorneys general urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to halt grants to the Environmental Law Institute (ELI), a group that has been providing climate-focused trainings for judges nationwide. In a letter sent Tuesday to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Knudsen raised concerns that taxpayer Read More…

Montana AG Leads 22-State Coalition Asking Supreme Court to Hear Parental Rights Case

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, along with 21 other state attorneys general, has filed a brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to review a case challenging a Massachusetts school district’s policy on student “social transitioning” without parental consent. The case, Foote v. Ludlow School Committee, involves Ludlow Public Schools and parents Stephen Foote and Marissa Read More…

Montana Delegation Urges President Trump to Impose Tariffs on Russian Palladium

U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy led a letter from Montana’s congressional delegation urging President Donald Trump to take immediate action against Russia’s palladium exports, calling for a 50 percent tariff on unwrought palladium imports from Russia to protect American jobs and domestic mineral production. The letter, also signed by Senator Steve Daines, Rep. Troy Downing, and Read More…

Daines Urges Swift Implementation of Executive Order Expanding 401(k) Investment

U.S. Senator Steve Daines joined a bipartisan group of senators in urging the U.S. Department of Labor to quickly implement President Trump’s recent Executive Order expanding access to alternative investments for Americans with 401(k) and other defined-contribution retirement plans. The letter, sent to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, was also signed by Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Read More…

Montana GOP Executive Director Tyler Newcombe Steps Down; Party Names New Communications Director

Tyler Newcombe has stepped down as executive director of the Montana Republican Party (MTGOP) after serving in the role since January, the party announced this month. “It has been an incredible honor to work with such a dedicated team on advancing conservative values across Montana,” Newcombe said in a statement. “I’m proud of what we Read More…

Montana Leaders Rally Behind Flint Appointment

A coalition of Montana’s top elected officials, lawmakers, and local leaders is pushing back against criticism of Governor Greg Gianforte’s appointment of Jessica Flint to the state’s Criminal Justice Oversight Council, calling it a decisive move toward accountability and balance in Montana’s justice system. In a letter released Monday, 56 officials—ranging from members of Montana’s Read More…

Gianforte Calls on Congress to Reverse Biden-Era Coal Rule

Governor Greg Gianforte has urged Congress to support two joint resolutions aimed at overturning a Biden administration policy that threatens Montana’s coal industry and could cost the state’s public schools over $4 billion in future revenue. In a letter to lawmakers, Gianforte expressed strong backing for Senate Joint Resolution 61 (S.J.Res.61) and House Joint Resolution Read More…

Daines Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Fair Pay for Montanans with Disabilities

U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) has introduced bipartisan legislation to end wage discrimination against workers with disabilities and support their transition into competitive, integrated employment. The Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act seeks to phase out the use of subminimum wages for individuals with disabilities—still legal under federal law—and invest in programs that promote inclusive Read More…

Ryan Zinke

Zinke and Sheehy Lead Effort to Charge Foreign Tourists, Fund National Park Repairs

Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-MT), former Secretary of the Interior, and Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) today unveiled new legislation aimed at shoring up funding for America’s national parks by charging most foreign tourists a dedicated entry fee. Joined by Representative Riley Moore (R-WV) and Senator Jim Banks (R-IN), the group introduced the Protecting America’s Treasures by Read More…

Sheehy Introduces Legislation to Block Federal Funds for “Anarchist Cities”

U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) today introduced the Stop Anarchists from Endangering (SAFE) Cities Act, a bill aimed at cutting off federal taxpayer dollars to cities that, in Sheehy’s view, “weaken their police departments, ignore civil unrest, and allow violent criminals to have free rein.” The legislation would require the U.S. Attorney General to identify Read More…

Senators Sheehy, Daines Applaud Senate Passage of “One, Big, Beautiful Bill”

Montana’s U.S. Senators Tim Sheehy and Steve Daines praised the Senate’s passage of a sweeping legislative package dubbed the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” calling it a major victory for working families and a key step in advancing the America First agenda. The comprehensive reconciliation bill, backed by President Donald Trump and Republican leadership, includes provisions Read More…

Sheehy Introduces Legislation to Compensate Service Members Discharged Over COVID Vaccine Mandate

U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy introduced the COVID-19 Military Backpay Act of 2025 on Friday, aiming to provide backpay and compensation to thousands of service members who were discharged from the military due to non-compliance with the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The legislation seeks to restore benefits, pay, and retirement accruals to the roughly 100,000 Read More…

Senator Daines Leads Bipartisan Push to Celebrate “Great Outdoors Month”

U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) is once again championing Montana’s outdoor heritage on the national stage, as the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution he co-led to designate June as “Great Outdoors Month.” Joined by Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and a coalition of colleagues from across the country, Daines highlighted the importance of outdoor Read More…

Gianforte Praises Supreme Court Ruling

Governor Greg Gianforte applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Skrmetti, upholding Tennessee’s Youth Protection Act and reinforcing the right of states to restrict certain medical and surgical treatments for minors experiencing gender dysphoria. The ruling comes as Montana’s own Youth Health Protection Act faces legal challenges in state courts. “Today, the Read More…

Daines Backs Israel Following Strikes on Iran

In the wake of Israel’s latest strikes on Iranian military targets, U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a forceful statement supporting Israel’s actions and condemning Iran’s role in regional and global instability. “Israel’s attacks against Iran are so far successful and more than justified, and the United Read More…

Sheehy’s Bipartisan Wildfire Bill Heads to President Trump’s Desk

U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy’s bipartisan Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act is on its way to President Donald J. Trump’s desk after clearing the House of Representatives today. The legislation, introduced by Sheehy alongside Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) in January, aims to strengthen the nation’s wildfire suppression capabilities amid an increasingly dangerous wildfire season. The bill unanimously Read More…

Supreme Court Delivers Wave of Unanimous Rulings

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a series of unanimous decisions this week, resolving contentious disputes and clarifying legal boundaries on discrimination, religious tax exemptions, gun manufacturer liability, and environmental regulations. Handed down by June 5, 2025, these rulings addressed pressing issues, shaping policies and lives across the nation. In Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Read More…

Daines, Zinke Lead Bipartisan Effort to Combat Drug Trafficking in Tribal Communities

U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Representative Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) teamed up with Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Representative Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) to introduce the bipartisan PROTECT Act, aimed at tackling drug trafficking in tribal communities across the country, including Montana. The bill—Protection for Reservation Occupants Against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act—would expand Read More…

Watchdogs: New Montana law restricting foreign money in elections insufficient

(The Center Square) – Montana recently became the sixth state this year to pass a ban on foreign spending on ballot measures. Watchdog organizations, however, say the state’s new law is inadequate. Montana’s new law bars non-U.S. citizens, foreign governments, foreign political parties and foreign-owned entities from contributing to campaigns surrounding ballot measures. The legislation Read More…

Senator Steve Daines Leads Push to Strengthen Veteran Health Care Access

U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) has introduced new legislation aimed at reinforcing the Department of Veterans Affairs’ commitment to accessible, high-quality health care for America’s veterans. Joined by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Daines is championing the “Protecting Veteran Community Care Act,” a bill that would bolster the VA’s Community Care program Read More…

Ryan Zinke

Zinke Votes to Pass “Big Beautiful Bill”

Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01) announced his vote in favor of the Big Beautiful Bill Act, landmark legislation that he says delivers long-awaited reforms to federal tax policy, border security, entitlement programs, and land conservation—all while safeguarding Montana’s values and public lands. Zinke hailed the bill as a “bold, decisive action” to restore fiscal sanity and Read More…

Senator Daines Introduces Bill to Keep National Cemeteries Open on Federal Holidays

Just days before Memorial Day, U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced new legislation aimed at ensuring national cemeteries remain open to the public on all federal holidays. The bill is designed to provide families, friends, and veteran organizations with consistent access to honor fallen service members on the days set aside for remembrance. “Federal holidays Read More…

Zinke Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Foreign Military Sales Notification Process

Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Foreign Military Sales Task Force, has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at modernizing the outdated Congressional Notification (CN) process for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS). The bill is co-sponsored by Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). Zinke’s legislation comes as FMS and DCS Read More…

Knudsen Urges Gallatin County to Support ICE Partnership

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is calling on the Gallatin County Commission to reject legal guidance from the Democrat county attorney and partner with the Trump Administration’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds. In a letter sent Wednesday, Knudsen criticized a recent legal opinion from Democrat Gallatin County Attorney Read More…

Daines Joins Push to Reverse Biden-Era IRS Initiative Targeting Small Businesses

U.S. Senator Steve Daines is calling on the U.S. Department of the Treasury to reverse a Biden-era Internal Revenue Service (IRS) initiative that he and several Republican colleagues argue unfairly targets Main Street businesses. In a letter co-signed by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.), Daines criticized the creation of Read More…

Governor Gianforte Signs Ban on Lab-Grown Meat

Governor Greg Gianforte has signed House Bill 401 into law, banning the manufacture, sale, and distribution of lab-grown meat in Montana. The legislation, aimed at safeguarding the state’s ranching industry, takes effect October 1, 2025, and positions Montana as a staunch defender of traditional agriculture. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Braxton Mitchell (R-Columbia Falls), prohibits Read More…