Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines addressed the Senate floor today in an effort to pass his "Crow Revenue Act," a bill designed to safeguard 100 jobs in Montana, resolve inholdings on the Crow Reservation, and secure revenue for the Crow Tribe. The proposed legislation aims to ensure continued operations at the Bull Mountains Mine. However, Senate Democrats blocked the passage of Daines' bill.

Daines emphasized the urgency of the situation as he stated, "With only days left in the 118th Congress I come to the floor to fight for my rural Montana communities."

He described his bill as beneficial for Montana, saying, "The bill is simple. It swaps minerals between the Crow Tribe, the Federal Government, and the Hope family and ensures that both the Crow Tribe and Musselshell County will continue to receive much-needed revenue from mineral development."

Highlighting potential consequences if his bill does not pass this year, Daines warned of job losses: "If we do not act, 100 high-paying mining jobs will likely be lost in Roundup." He noted this would follow previous layoffs at Stillwater mine in Columbus.

Additionally, Daines pointed out that without action, Musselshell County and the Crow Tribe would face reduced revenues impacting community services. He urged support for his proposal by stating it has strong backing from local leaders: "The 'Crow Revenue Act' is the long-term fix to a real problem happening in my state."

Daines introduced this legislation back in May and reiterated its importance during a Senate Indian Affairs Committee meeting in September.