Steve Daines

U.S. Senator · MT

Republican

Want to know how closely Steve matches your views?

Where Steve stands

Positions inferred from the public record. Each one shows our confidence level — and when the evidence isn't there, we say so.

What should the federal government's overall approach to taxes and spending be?
Some evidence
Cut taxes and reduce federal spending significantly
Lower taxes, smaller governmentHigher taxes, expanded programs
Sponsored the Main Street Tax Certainty Act and Balanced Budget Accountability Act in 2025; cosponsored repeal of the estate tax.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 13 votes · 47 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Aug 2026 — Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
Voted Yes · Jul 2026 — National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027
Voted Yes · Apr 2026 — A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035.
Voted Yes · Mar 2026 — Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026.
Voted No · Mar 2026 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Internal Revenue Service relating to "Beginning of Construction Requirements for Purposes of the Termination of Clean Electricity Production Credits and Clean Electricity Investment Credits for Applicable Wind and Solar Facilities".
+8 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2025
Sponsored — Main Street Tax Certainty Act
Sponsored — Balanced Budget Accountability Act
Sponsored — Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act of 2023
Sponsored — Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act of 2021
+42 more
How should Social Security and Medicare be changed, if at all?
No clear evidence
We don't have clear evidence on this issue.
What should the federal government's role be in setting wages and protecting workers?
Clear record
Reduce federal labor regulation; let states and markets set wages and conditions
Less federal labor regulationStronger federal worker protections
Voted to nullify NLRB joint-employer rule and against the Paycheck Fairness Act; cosponsored the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act and Employee Rights Act.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 5 votes · 20 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Apr 2024 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to "Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status".
Voted Yes · Jul 2023 — National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024
Voted No · Dec 2022 — Providing for a correction in the enrollment of H.J. Res. 100.
Voted Yes · Dec 2022 — To provide for a resolution with respect to the unresolved disputes between certain railroads represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee of the National Railway Labor Conference and certain of their employees.
Voted No · Jun 2021 — Paycheck Fairness Act
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Promotion and Expansion of Private Employee Ownership Act of 2025
Sponsored — Jobs and Opportunity with Benefits and Services (JOBS) for Success Act of 2025
Sponsored — A bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt certain employees engaged in outdoor recreational outfitting or guiding services from maximum hours requirements.
Cosponsored — JOBS Act of 2023
Cosponsored — Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2023
+15 more
How should the federal government structure healthcare coverage and costs?
Some evidence
Reform the ACA to lower costs and reduce regulation; preserve private insurance
Market-based, private insuranceSingle-payer government insurance
Sponsored the HSA-based Telehealth Expansion Act and voted against permanently extending ACA premium tax credits, favoring market-based reform.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 6 votes · 42 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted No · Jan 2026 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relating to "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Marketplace Integrity and Affordability".
Did not vote · Dec 2025 — Health Care Freedom for Patients Act of 2025
Did not vote · Dec 2025 — Lower Health Care Costs Act
Voted Yes · Nov 2025 — Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026
Voted No · Oct 2025 — Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026
+1 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act
Sponsored — Relief of Chronic Pain Act of 2025
Sponsored — Protecting Veteran Community Care Act
Sponsored — Telehealth Expansion Act of 2025
Sponsored — Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023
+37 more
How should the federal government address climate change and energy policy?
Clear record
Prioritize energy affordability and reliability; minimize climate-related restrictions on production
Prioritize energy production and affordabilityRapid transition off fossil fuels
Sponsored Supporting Made in America Energy Act and Bull Mountains coal bill; voted to open ANWR and Montana lands to leasing.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 16 votes · 55 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted No · Jun 2026 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units: Final Repeal".
Voted No · Apr 2026 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Air Plan Disapproval; Colorado; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period".
Voted Yes · Apr 2026 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to Public Land Order No. 7917 for Withdrawal of Federal Lands; Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN.
Voted No · Mar 2026 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Internal Revenue Service relating to "Beginning of Construction Requirements for Purposes of the Termination of Clean Electricity Production Credits and Clean Electricity Investment Credits for Applicable Wind and Solar Facilities".
Voted Yes · Jan 2026 — Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026
+11 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Miles City Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment".
Sponsored — A bill to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.
Sponsored — Supporting Made in America Energy Act
Sponsored — A bill to allow certain Federal minerals to be mined consistent with the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification, and for other purposes.
Sponsored — A bill to allow certain Federal minerals to be mined consistent with the Bull Mountains Mining Plan Modification.
+50 more
What should federal abortion policy be?
Clear record
Federal restrictions on abortion early in pregnancy
Federal restrictions on abortionFederal protection for abortion access
Sponsored Protecting Life on College Campus Act, cosponsored Life at Conception Act, and voted against the Women's Health Protection Act.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 10 votes · 51 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted No · Mar 2026 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services".
Voted Yes · Jan 2026 — Pregnant Students’ Rights Act
Voted Yes · Jul 2025 — An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Voted Yes · Jan 2025 — Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
Voted No · Sep 2024 — Right to IVF Act
+5 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act
Sponsored — Protecting Life on College Campus Act of 2025
Sponsored — A concurrent resolution expressing support for the Geneva Consensus Declaration on Promoting Women's Health and Strengthening the Family and urging that the United States rejoin this historic declaration.
Sponsored — Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act of 2023
Sponsored — Protecting Life on College Campus Act of 2023
+46 more
What should federal firearms policy be?
Clear record
Expand firearm rights nationally (concealed carry reciprocity, reduced federal restrictions)
Expand firearm rightsExpand firearm restrictions
Sponsored Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act; cosponsored Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity and SHORT Acts; voted against the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 3 votes · 38 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Jul 2025 — An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Voted Yes · Jun 2023 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".
Voted No · Jun 2022 — Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — FIND Act
Sponsored — Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act
Sponsored — Lawful Interstate Transportation of Firearms Act
Cosponsored — Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2023
Cosponsored — No Retaining Every Gun In a System That Restricts Your Rights Act
+33 more
What should US immigration policy be?
Clear record
Reduce legal immigration levels; strict border enforcement
Reduced immigration, stricter enforcementExpanded immigration, humane policy
Voted for Secure America Act and Laken Riley Act; cosponsored Build the Wall Now Act and Secure the Border Act.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 8 votes · 47 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted No · Jun 2026 — Secure America Act
Voted No · Apr 2026 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services relating to "Removal of the Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization Documents".
Voted Yes · Apr 2026 — A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035.
Voted Yes · Mar 2026 — Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025
Voted Yes · Jul 2025 — An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
+3 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Safeguarding Americans From Extremist Risk (SAFER) at the Border Act
Sponsored — GAZA Act
Sponsored — Prohibiting Taxpayer Funded Settlements for Illegal Immigrants Act
Sponsored — Restoring Northern Border Travel Act
Sponsored — No Taxpayer Handouts to Illegal Immigrants Act
+42 more
How should the federal government approach criminal justice and policing?
Clear record
Stronger sentencing, expanded law enforcement authority and funding
Stronger enforcement, expanded authorityDecarceration and federal reform
Cosponsored Back the Blue Act and Protect and Serve Act; voted for HALT Fentanyl Act and disapproving DC's Revised Criminal Code Act.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 7 votes · 37 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Jun 2026 — Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act
Voted Yes · Mar 2025 — HALT Fentanyl Act
Voted No · Apr 2024 — Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act
Voted Yes · May 2023 — Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022.
Voted Yes · Mar 2023 — Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022.
+2 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — PROTECT Act of 2025
Sponsored — IRS Act
Sponsored — Denying Pensions to Convicted Child Molesters Act of 2023
Cosponsored — Back the Blue Act of 2021
Cosponsored — Back the Blue Act of 2023
+32 more
What should drive US foreign policy?
Some evidence
Active leadership of democratic alliances against authoritarian powers
Sponsored the Stop Russian Market Manipulation Act and cosponsored the Taiwan Defense Act, supporting allied deterrence of Russia and China.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 13 votes · 54 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted No · Jul 2026 — A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
Voted Yes · Jul 2026 — National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027
Voted No · Jun 2026 — Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
Voted No · Jun 2026 — A resolution requesting information on Honduras's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Voted Yes · Jun 2026 — Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act
+8 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — A resolution honoring the strategic importance of the C5+1 diplomatic platform and recognizing the deepening partnership between the United States and the nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Sponsored — GAZA Act
Sponsored — Stop Russian Market Manipulation Act
Sponsored — Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act
Sponsored — A bill to prohibit the importation of certain minerals from the Russian Federation.
+49 more
How should the federal government approach democratic institutions and elections?
Clear record
Strengthen election integrity through voter ID, citizenship verification, and signature checks
Voted to advance the SAVE America Act and a federal voter photo-ID bill in 2026; cosponsored the SAVE Act requiring citizenship documentation.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 11 votes · 18 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Aug 2026 — A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require voters to provide photo identification.
Voted Yes · Mar 2026 — Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025
Voted No · Sep 2022 — DISCLOSE Act of 2022
Voted Yes · Jan 2022 — Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act
Voted No · Nov 2021 — John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021
+6 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Preserving Political Speech Online Act
Sponsored — A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the number of justices of the Supreme Court of the United States should remain at 9.
Cosponsored — A bill to prohibit the government of the District of Columbia from using Federal funds to allow individuals who are not citizens of the United States to vote in any election, and for other purposes.
Cosponsored — SAVE Act
Cosponsored — Protecting Our Democracy by Preventing Foreign Citizens from Voting Act of 2023
+13 more

Where Steve stands

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