Steve Daines: “as a fifth-generation Montanan and avid sportsman, I know firsthand how important Montana's lands and resources are to…”

“as a fifth-generation Montanan and avid sportsman, I know firsthand how important Montana's lands and resources are to our economy and our way of life. I also know how important it is for Montanans to play a strong role in the management of these precious parts of our State. In Montana, we understand that our resource use must be done responsibly. We understand the importance of protecting our State's treasures so that future generations may continue to have the same experiences and job opportunities we have today. We also know that the Montanans who use and live on the land every day best understand how to best protect those resources. But, unfortunately, the Obama administration's persistent efforts to stretch the true intent of the Antiquities Act threatens Montana's ability to manage our State's resources, and it is a trend we are seeing across other States as well. Too often these unilateral designations completely ignore the needs of the local community--the farmers and ranchers, the sportsmen and small business owners directly impacted by these new designations. My amendment will establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund for legislation to ensure States and local governments support national monument designations. This amendment in no way precludes the President from proposing a national monument.…”