WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 -- Americans for Tax Reform issued the following commentary on Jan. 30, 2026: * * * New Census Migration Data Shows Americans Moving From High- to Low-Tax States By Patrick Gleason The U.S. Census Bureau recently released its annual report on state-to-state migration, which looks at how population changed from July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2025. In addition to showing national population growth of 1.8 million people, which amounts to a 0.5 percent increase, the new Census docume  more

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minnesota, Jan. 28 -- The Center of the American Experiment, a civic and educational organization that says it creates and advocates policies, issued the following commentary: * * * North Dakota to participate in new tax-credit scholarship program -- and that's a win for families By Catrin Wigfall Something important is happening in education policy, and it isn't coming from Washington mandates or teachers' union talking points. It's coming from states embracing a landmark e  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 -- The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, expressing concerns about the agency's plans for a nationwide environmental assessment regarding post-fire recovery actions on National Forest System lands. The coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST), emphasizes the need for careful consideration of the potential im  more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 -- Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, issued the following news release: * * * Daines Votes to Fund Military, Homeland Security, and Other Critical Agencies * U.S. Senator Steve Daines issued the following statement today after voting to fund the military, Department of Homeland Security, and other critical agencies today: "I voted for the appropriations bill that avoided a government shutdown and funds our military, the Department of Homeland Security, and important agencie  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 -- A coalition of environmental organizations has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, expressing concerns over proposed post-fire recovery actions outlined in a recent Environmental Assessment. The commentary emphasizes fears that increased logging could create more ecological harm than benefit in recovering forest landscapes. The letter argues that while some post-fire actions are necessary, such as protecting public safety  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 -- The Gallatin Wildlife Association, Bozeman, Montana, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Forest Service, voicing concerns regarding its recently proposed environmental assessment concerning post-fire recovery actions. The letter, issued in response to an announcement made by the agency on January 9, 2026, questions the effectiveness and reasoning behind the agency's approach toward forest recovery after wildfires. GWA, a nonprofit organization aimed at wildli  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 -- A coalition of marine and environmental scientists has called upon the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to refrain from issuing leases for seabed mining in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) adjacent to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). In a public comment letter, the scientists highlighted the potential harm to marine ecosystems and the need for thorough scientific assessment of these areas before any minin  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 -- The Montana Healthcare Foundation (MTHF) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), expressing support for the extension of the Pregnancy Risk Monitoring System (PRAMS). The foundation, which possesses assets exceeding $240 million, is the state's largest health-focused private foundation, dedicated to enhancing the health landscape in Montana through support for quality health services and evidence-driven analysis.   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 -- The Montana Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MPQC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, urging for the extension of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data collection. The MPQC relies heavily on PRAMS as a crucial resource for maternal and infant health surveillance across Montana, emphasizing its essential role in informing state health initiatives. PRAMS offers vital insights into maternal health   more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12757) on Jan. 30, 2026, by natural resources and energy policy specialist Kelsi Bracmort: * * * Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): An Overview of Current Laws and Legislation Introduced in the 119th Congress Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is fuel derived from "sustainable" sources that meets aviation technical standards. Potential benefits of SAF include assisting with reducing  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 -- The Yaak Valley Forest Council, Sylvanite, Montana, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Forest Service regarding its Notice of Intent to prepare an environmental assessment for post-fire recovery actions on National Forest System Lands. The organization, dedicated to conservation and restoration efforts since 1997, aims to address concerns related to proposed actions that could have detrimental impacts on wildlife habitats and forest ecosystems. The federal agen  more