U.S. Senator Steve Daines criticized President Biden and Vice President Harris for their handling of mining regulations, calling it a political move to gain votes rather than a genuine effort to support American miners. Daines pointed out that the recent layoff of 700 employees at Stillwater Mine in Montana was a direct result of the administration’s environmental policies. He emphasized that the Biden-Harris administration had ample time to address these issues but failed to do so.
Daines specifically addressed the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s new guidance for the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (45X), highlighting the lack of measures to prioritize American miners over foreign suppliers. He raised concerns about the potential benefits that foreign entities, particularly those from China and Russia, could receive from the tax credit. Despite some minor changes in the guidance, Daines argued that the administration had not taken sufficient steps to protect American mining interests.
The senator’s statement underscored the impact of the administration’s policies on mining families in Montana and across the country. He accused Biden and Harris of prioritizing their environmental agenda over the livelihoods of hard-working miners. Daines characterized the recent announcement as a superficial gesture that failed to address the root causes of the mining industry’s challenges.
In light of these criticisms, Daines called on the Biden-Harris administration to take concrete actions to support American miners. He urged the administration to reverse its anti-mining policies and prioritize the interests of domestic miners over foreign competitors. Daines emphasized the importance of protecting American jobs and ensuring the viability of the mining industry for future generations.
Overall, Daines’s statement highlighted the ongoing tensions between the Biden-Harris administration and supporters of the mining industry. The senator’s remarks reflected a broader concern about the impact of environmental regulations on American workers and the need for policies that balance economic and environmental considerations. As the debate over mining regulations continues, it remains to be seen how the administration will address these challenges and support the interests of American miners.