Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.)
U.S. Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Elected U.S. Legislators
Recent News About Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.)
-
House advances bill addressing affordable housing crisis in rural Montana
Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Appropriations Committee passed the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025 out of Full Committee Markup. The bill includes more than $20 million in funding for Western Montana infrastructure projects and legislative language to address a loophole in rental housing assistance grants that has cost Montanans millions. The next step for the bill is a vote on the House floor, scheduled for the last week of July.
-
Montana lawmakers urge federal funding for St. Mary siphons replacement
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01), U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), and Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) have jointly sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Commissioner for the Bureau of Reclamation Camille Touton. The letter calls for the authorization of federal funds to replace the St. Mary’s siphons that failed on June 17, 2024.
-
Zinke introduces bipartisan act focused on wildlife movement
Republican Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT) and Democrat Congressman Don Beyer (VA) introduced the Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act today. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced the companion bill in the Senate. The announcement was made at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation headquarters in Missoula, MT, with representatives from various conservation organizations present.
-
Congressman Zinke opposes Biden's Columbia River Task Force plan
Today, the Biden Administration announced that the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has launched the Columbia River Task Force to implement President Biden’s plan to remove dams on the Snake River system. These dams supply western Montana with a significant portion of its electricity, providing between 60-70% of the power in the Pacific Northwest. Hydropower is a critical energy source in Montana, known for being abundant, affordable, and clean.
-
Zinke introduces legislation for Fort Belknap Indian Community water rights settlement
Today, Congressman Zinke introduced The Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024 to address water rights settlement for the Fort Belknap Indian Community (FBIC). The bill aims to resolve claims to water rights in Montana for the FBIC. Senator Daines and Senator Tester have sponsored a similar bill in the Senate.
-
Lawmakers criticize VA over elimination of essential healthcare positions
Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01), U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), and Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) have addressed a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding the recent elimination of 10,000 frontline jobs essential for veterans' healthcare, including roles such as psychologists and clinical social workers. These job cuts appear to contradict prior assurances from the VA that such frontline positions would not be affected.
-
Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke appointed to House Foreign Affairs Committee
Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke has been appointed to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Zinke brings military and diplomatic experience from his 23-year career as a U.S. Navy SEAL officer, along with his tenure as the 52nd Secretary of the Interior, where he oversaw federal relationships with U.S. territories and Freely Associated States. He will vacate his position on the Science, Space and Technology Committee but will remain on the Appropriations Committee and the Joint China Commission.
-
Zinke halts $3 million federal fund clawback affecting Montana affordable housing
On May 30, 2024, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) informed Congressman Ryan Zinke and the Montana Housing Authorities (MHA) that it will halt the planned clawback of federal funds from these programs. In April, Zinke was notified that HUD rescinded $4.5 million from MHA reserve accounts, jeopardizing housing assistance for approximately 576 Montana families. Following a committee hearing on May 2 where Zinke questioned the acting HUD secretary, and with support from MHA, HUD initiated an investigation and ultimately decided to stop further planned...
-
Zinke nominates 15 Western Montana projects for federal funding totaling $47M
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Ryan Zinke announced that he requested federal funding for 15 projects in Western Montana aimed at improving infrastructure, economic development, and law enforcement capabilities. The requests were submitted to the House Appropriations Committee, of which he is a member. The proposed projects span across Beaverhead (2), Flathead, Gallatin, Lake (3), Lincoln (2), Missoula, Mineral (3), Powell, Ravalli (3), and Sanders (3) counties.
-
Zinke backs act aiding housing affordability for essential workers
On May 23, 2024, Congressman Ryan Zinke announced his cosponsorship of H.R. 3170, the bipartisan Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act. The HELPER Act aims to establish a new home loan program under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to facilitate homeownership for K-12 school teachers, first responders, law enforcement officers, and other essential public servants by removing barriers such as high down payments and monthly mortgage insurance premiums.
-
Montana leaders criticize Biden administration's ban on future coal leases
Helena, MT - Congressman Ryan Zinke, U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, and Congressman Matt Rosendale issued statements today in response to the Biden administration's new Resource Management Plan Amendment. The amendment prohibits future coal leases in eastern Montana through 2038.
-
Zinke and Vasquez introduce bipartisan Wildlife Corridors on Working Lands Act
Montana Republican Congressman Ryan Zinke and New Mexico Democrat Congressman Gabe Vasquez have announced the introduction of the bipartisan Wildlife Corridors on Working Lands Act. This bill aims to amend the 2024 Farm Bill to instruct the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide more resources and incentives for farmers and ranchers. The goal is to increase habitat connectivity and wildlife movement on working lands.
-
Zinke Grills HUD Secretary on Diverting Millions from Montana Housing Authority Reserves
Congressman Ryan Zinke raised concerns this week at a House Appropriations Transportation Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing regarding the diversion of $4.5 million from the Montana Housing Authorities (MHA) reserves by the HUD. The reserves are crucial for providing financial assistance to renters in Montana facing affordability challenges due to inflation and housing costs.Patti Webster, CEO of MHA, emphasized the importance of returning the funds to Montana agencies, stating, “We are asking that HUD to give Montana agencies their...
-
Zinke Criticizes Biden and Dark Money Groups for Moving Illegal Immigrants into Montana
Rep. Zinke criticized the Biden Administration and dark money groups for moving illegal immigrants into Montana, stating, "The only way an illegal immigrant from South America ends up in Montana is if a 'nonprofit' connected with the Biden Administration moves them there."Flathead County Commissioner Randy Brodehl expressed concern over the increasing trend of illegal immigrants being moved into the county, noting that they lack the resources to accommodate such a large influx of people.Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino raised alarm over the strain that the growing...
-
Zinke Criticizes EPA for Impact on Montana Energy Sector
WASHINGTON, D.C. - During a House Appropriations Interior, Environment and Related Agencies subcommittee hearing, Congressman Ryan Zinke voiced strong criticism towards the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for what he perceives as targeting Montana's energy sector. Zinke expressed his concerns regarding the Biden Administration's approach, stating, “It’s shameful and disappointing that we have an administration chalk full of talking heads ran by radicals who don’t seem to understand how shutting down American energy hurts everyone outside of the beltway and helps our...
-
Zinke Bestows Congressional Gold Medal to WWII Merchant Mariner Dr. Maury Irvine
In a ceremony held in Bozeman, Montana, Congressman Ryan Zinke presented the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Maury Irvine, a World War II Merchant Mariner from Bozeman. The event honored Dr. Irvine's remarkable contributions and service during the war.Representative Zinke praised Dr. Irvine, stating, “Looking at Dr. Irvine is looking at an American hero. He’s spent a century in a constant commitment to making America a better place." The Congressman highlighted the dedication, resilience, and readiness required of Merchant Mariners, emphasizing Dr. Irvine's...
-
Zinke Statements on Foreign Aid Votes
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Ryan Zinke made significant votes on various supplemental funding requests for foreign aid, including measures addressing national security issues in Israel, Ukraine, and the Pacific. In response to his votes, Zinke provided detailed statements explaining the rationale behind his decisions.Regarding H.R. 8034, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, Zinke expressed his dissent by stating, "I’ve been to a lot of battles in my life, and I’ve never seen the President of the United States send aid to the enemy while allied...
-
Congressman Zinke Secures Million Dollar Grant for Ravalli County
HAMILTON, MT - Today, Congressman Ryan Zinke, representing western Montana, was present at a ceremony in Ravalli County where a one-million-dollar grant was awarded for the repair of Rickets Road, also known as Old Highway 93, in the Bitterroot Valley.The project aims to improve 2.55 miles of Ricketts Road, which has not seen resurfacing in 25 years. These repairs will address significant roadway decay and include the installation of drainage and irrigation culverts to prevent further damage and flooding. This road serves as a crucial alternative route from US Highway 93...
-
Congressman Zinke Secures Million Dollar Grant to Madison County
Congressman Ryan Zinke has successfully secured a $1,088,000 grant to fund the modernization of two county-owned nursing home facilities in Ennis and Sheridan, Montana. Speaking about the grant, Rep. Zinke emphasized the importance of supporting seniors in rural communities, stating, “The cost of living keeps increasing under Biden and keeping Montana families together is getting tough. It’s even more difficult for seniors in rural communities like Ennis and Sheridan, which is exactly why I was happy to work with the Madison County Commissioners and the team at the senior...
-
Congressman Zinke Secures Million Dollar Grant for Beaverhead County
DILLON, MT - Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke recently participated in a ceremony alongside Beaverhead County Commissioners and local stakeholders to mark the allocation of a one-million dollar grant for the construction of a new bridge just north of Dillon.The grant is designated to replace a deteriorating 99-year-old bridge crucial to the county's infrastructure. County officials emphasize the bridge's significance as a vital link for emergency services, school buses, and transportation of commodities. The bridge has been in a precarious state for years,...