Rep. Ryan Zinke, U.S. Congressman representing Montana’s 1st district since 2023, announced a series of legislative initiatives and funding victories on July 22, 2025, through his official social media account.
In one post, Zinke highlighted new legislation aimed at foreign visitors to U.S. national parks: “Today I introduced the PATRIOT Parks Act with @TimSheehyMT, @RepRileyMoore, @SenatorBanks to implement a surcharge for foreign tourists visiting our Great National Parks. Americans already fund our parks through their tax dollars and it’s time foreign tourists pay their share” (July 22, 2025).
Later that day, he shared updates on Montana-specific wins in the fiscal year 2026 Interior funding bill: “Success! Big Montana wins in the FY26 Interior funding bill:
$4.5M for rural clean water in Philipsburg, Alberton & Lolo
Grizzly delisting
Cottonwood fix
Forest roads access
ironworkers training program for Indian country
Full funding for wildfire mitigation and” (July 22, 2025).
Additionally, Zinke addressed his role as Chair of the Foreign Military Sales Task Force and legislative efforts to expedite defense equipment sales to allies: “As Chair of the Foreign Military Sales Task Force, I’m working to cut red tape and get U.S. defense equipment to our allies faster. My bill “The Streamlining FMS Act” is step one of many. Thank you to my fellow @HouseForeignGOP members for supporting it and advancing it to the” (July 22, 2025).
Zinke was born in Bozeman, Montana in 1961 and currently resides in Whitefish. He holds degrees from the University of Oregon and National University. Before joining Congress in 2023—replacing Steve Daines—he served in the Montana Senate from 2009 to 2013.
