Daines Fights to Protect Veterans, Montana Communities Relying on National Parks

Press Release

Congressman Steve Daines today successfully secured votes on House measures to provide full appropriations for the Department of Veterans affairs and necessary appropriations to keep the nation's National Parks open during the partial government shutdown.

Daines pressed House leadership today to bring forward legislation that would provide sufficient funding to ensure that veterans receive the support they deserve and veterans' claims and benefits are processed in a timely manner. Daines also called for legislation providing necessary appropriations to keep the country's National Parks open and accessible to visitors during the government shutdown, noting the economic importance of National Parks and tourism to many Montana communities.

Both pieces of legislation will receive votes on the House floor this evening.

Daines noted that Montanans had contacted his office today expressing concern about how the government shutdown would affect veterans' services.

"Montana is home to more veterans per capita than nearly any other state in the nation. As Montana's Congressman, it is my responsibility to ensure that our veterans get the support and care they need, and it's unacceptable that Washington's inaction is threatening veterans' access to those services," Daines stated."It is critical that the Department of Veterans Affairs is fully funded, immediately, so that our veterans--the men and women who have given so much to this country--receive the support they deserve and the benefits they were promised."

Daines also noted the importance of the National Park system to the nation's economy and many Montana communities.

"Our National Parks not only represent an important part of our nation's heritage--they also are of critical importance to Montana's economy," Daines added."We are seeing firsthand the undue hardships that communities surrounding Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks are facing due to Washington's failures. I urge Congress to come together and provide the funding needed to keep our National Parks' gates open."

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