Boots on the Ground

In Case You Missed It: Historic $233 Million Investment in Rural Health Care Headed to Montana

In December, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that Montana will receive more than $233 million in Fiscal Year 2026 through the Rural Health Transformation Program. This funding is part of the landmark “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which Congressman Zinke supported and was signed into law in July. It represents the largest federal investment in rural health care in U.S. history. Montana secured the fourth-largest allocation of any state.

“This historic funding is a game changer for Montana’s rural communities,” said Zinke. “Access to quality health care close to home is essential and has historically been hard to come by for our families and workers in small towns. As anyone living in the rural West knows, D.C.’s one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work in our communities. This investment empowers Montana’s health care workers and officials to keep our communities healthy in a way that makes sense for Montana and our way of life.”

Montana will use this funding to boost the rural healthcare workforce, secure financial stability for providers, and focus on prevention and community health. It also aims to expand technology through improved interoperability and electronic medical record upgrades. Key initiatives include creating a Rural Center of Excellence, launching new care and payment models, implementing SNAP waivers, forming an EMS Compact, and introducing Medicaid reforms like telehealth and remote patient monitoring.

Read Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services press release here.

Read the Montana program funding summary here.

Read the full press release here.

House Passes Latest Appropriations Act

This week, the House passed the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Zinke played a large part in crafting the bill and it reflects his commitment to holding the government fiscally accountable and strengthening national security. Eight of the FY26 appropriations bills have now passed the House, with three bills already signed into law.

Congressman Zinke had this to say about its passage:

"This package delivers more than $9 billion in spending cuts and replaces Biden-era priorities with an America First approach," said Zinke. "Step by step, the Appropriations Committee is restoring fiscal discipline and funding the government through regular order."

Financial Services and General Government Wins:

Assists small businesses by providing $1 billion to the Small Business Administration for development programs and veterans outreach.
Modernizes the Internal Revenue Service, which supports taxpayers by going after fraudsters and forbidding the agency from targeting individuals for exercising their First Amendment rights.
Protects consumer freedom by slashing Biden-era regulations in recreational vehicles and kitchen appliances.

National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Wins:

Realigns funding toward national security objectives and eliminates $9.3 billion in wasteful spending.
Strengthens national security by supporting our allies and countering our adversaries.
Prioritizes funding and policies to stop the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the U.S., saving American lives, as well as banning funds used to encourage illegal immigration.
Demands transparency at the United Nations by freezing funds until they implement reforms.
Eliminates wasteful spending on DEI initiatives and climate change mandates.

Read the full act here.

Commander Zinke in the News

Newsmax

"Zinke pointed to the Affordable Homes Act as a path to streamline approvals, speed up construction timelines and reduce holding costs that builders pass along to buyers."

PBS

"Well, how about not spending more money on a system that's broke? I think the goal of any health care, especially in the United States, is what? Access, affordability and quality care. And Obamacare didn't deliver that."

NonStop Local

"This historic funding is a game changer for Montana’s rural communities."

NonStop Local

"The Montana Air National Guard is an essential part of our national defense and emergency response efforts, and the timely delivery of the C-130J aircraft is crucial to maintaining their readiness and effectiveness."

Field & Stream

"I was proud that my Co-Chair, Mr. Zinke of Montana, announced his opposition to Amodei’s proposal during the press conference that launched the Caucus. His leadership in a Republican-controlled Congress is what we needed to stand up for American values..."

NBC Montana

"Men do not belong in women’s sports. Girls and young women work hard and deserve a fair playing field. I will always vote to defend female athletes and ensure their sports remain fair and safe. I hope the Supreme Court rules the same way."

Press Releases