U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy, along with Congressmen Ryan Zinke (MT-01) and Troy Downing (MT-02), have sent a letter to U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink expressing concern about ongoing delays in the delivery of C-130J aircraft to the Montana Air National Guard.
The lawmakers stated, “We write to you today to express our concern regarding continued delays in C-130J aircraft deliveries to the Montana Air National Guard and to emphasize the importance of timely receipt. The Montana Air National Guard 120th Airlift Wing currently operates a fleet of 8 C-130Hs, all of which are scheduled to be replaced with the upgraded and improved C-130J model. That critical upgrade will allow the Wing to better respond to national defense operations, natural disasters, conduct more efficient airlift operations, and carry out their wildfire and rescue missions…
… We request that you provide answers to the following questions:
…Thank you for your support and we look forward to working with you to ensure Montana’s Air National Guard receives the aircraft they have been promised on a reasonable timeline,” they wrote in the letter.
Senator Steve Daines represents Montana in the Senate and is involved in committees related to finance, foreign policy, energy, natural resources, and Indian affairs. He provides constituent services throughout Montana via offices located in cities such as Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Billings, Missoula, Kalispell, Sidney, as well as Washington, D.C., according to his official website. Daines has served as U.S. Senator from Montana since 2015 after holding management roles at Procter & Gamble and an executive position at a software company based in Bozeman.
Daines grew up in Bozeman and attended public schools there before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Montana State University. His work includes public service through constituent assistance with federal agencies and veterans’ resources. He has received awards from the Congressional Management Foundation for transparency and office practices.
The full letter sent by Daines and his colleagues can be accessed online.