Daines Slams Democrats’ Failure to Protect Americans From Power Grab

Senator Steve Daines, on Tuesday, slammed Senate Democrats after all but four members of the Democrat caucus blocked legislation that would have directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a revised Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule:

“Today the Senate came just a few votes shy of passing legislation to protect our farmers, ranchers and small business owners from major new costs and regulatory burdens. I appreciate the bipartisan support demonstrated today by four key Senate Democrats and am disappointed that others chose instead to put President Obama’s agenda ahead of doing what’s right. Montanans know that this power grab has more to do with controlling Montanans’ land use decisions than ensuring access to clean water like the Clean Water Act intended. I will continue working to protect Montanans from the Obama administration’s WOTUS power grab and look forward to casting my vote tomorrow to permanently stop this misguided rule.”

This afternoon, the Senate failed to advance the Federal Water Quality Protection Act that would direct the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to issue a revised WOTUS rule that protects traditional navigable water from water pollution, while also protecting farmers, ranchers and private landowners.