Boots on the Ground

Zinke Strips Public Lands Sales out of House Budget Reconciliation, Votes for the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"

After unrelenting effort from Congressman Ryan Zinke, a provision selling more than 450,000 acres of public land was stripped from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” also known as the House budget reconciliation. The provision passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee on May 6th, and after continual negotiations led by Zinke, was removed by the Rules Committee the afternoon before the vote.

“This was my San Juan Hill; I do not support the widespread sale or transfer of public lands. Once the land is sold, we will never get it back. God isn’t creating more land,” said Zinke. “Public access, sportsmanship, grazing, tourism… our entire Montanan way of life is connected to our public lands. I don’t yield to pressure; I only yield to higher principle. There is a process to making sure that our lands are being used for the best benefit of the people.”

Zinke continued: “I’d like to thank Speaker Johnson for his leadership and listening to the concerns of the people of Montana and all Americans who love our public lands. I appreciate him working with me to get this done. I look forward to voting for the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ which delivers historic tax cuts for every American, makes Medicaid and SNAP stronger for American Citizens while removing illegal aliens from the rolls, and provides needed regulatory relief to get our economy back on track.”

With the land sales provision stripped, Congressman Zinke voted to pass the Big Beautiful Bill Act, landmark legislation that delivers sweeping reforms to restore fiscal sanity, cut taxes for hardworking Americans, secure our border, and safeguard entitlements for American citizens, without selling public lands.

Read more about Congressman Zinke's successful effort removing public land sales from the Big Beautiful Bill here.

Read more about the Big Beautiful Bill here.

Zinke Nominates 15 Western Montana Projects for Federal Funding totaling $64,619,833

Congressman Ryan Zinke announced that he requested federal funding for 15 projects in Western Montana to improve infrastructure, economic development, and law enforcement capabilities. The requests were submitted to the House Appropriations Committee of which he is a member. The projects would benefit communities in the following counties: Beaverhead, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Lake (2), Lincoln (2), Missoula (2), Mineral (2), Powell, Ravalli (3), and Sanders (3).

“Rural America’s infrastructure needs have been ignored for too long, as a member of the Appropriations Committee I can ensure our tax dollars are spent on projects that directly support our communities,” said Zinke. “With the help of county commissioners, mayors, and sheriffs, we’ve identified and nominated strong, shovel-ready projects that reflect real community needs and deliver the highest return to Montana taxpayers. These investments will support our law enforcement, expand access to clean water, repair failing infrastructure, and spur economic growth across Western Montana. This is about building a stronger Montana by making sure our families have access to housing, clean water, and safe streets for generations to come.”

The projects are posted on Congressman Zinke’s website for public inspection here.

Read the full press release here.

Zinke Celebrates Butte VA Clinic Renaming in Honor of RFC Charlie Dowd

Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke attended the renaming ceremony for the Butte Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic, which is now officially named the “Charlie Dowd Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.” Congressman Zinke introduced the legislation to rename the clinic in January of 2024, with companion legislation introduced by Senator Steve Daines. The legislation was signed into law in July of 2024.

“Today was a deeply meaningful day as we renamed the Butte VA Clinic in honor of Radioman Charlie Dowd, a Pearl Harbor and WWII hero, and truly incredible American who dedicated his life after the Navy to serving Montana,” said Congressman Zinke

Zinke continued, “I had the privilege of visiting with Charlie many times over the years, and I’ll never forget listening to him share stories from Pearl Harbor and the South Pacific. Even at 99, he could still fit into his uniform and tap out Morse code like he did in the service. The 'Charlie Dowd Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic’ will serve as a lasting reminder of Devil Dog Dowd’s legacy of bravery and lifelong commitment to his country, his fellow veterans, and his community.”

Commander Zinke in the News

Press Releases