Daines Silent on Need for Independent Watchdog to Prevent Abuse of Coronavirus Relief Fund
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
CONTACT
nathan@montanademocrats.org
Daines Silent on Need for Independent Watchdog to Prevent Abuse of Coronavirus Relief Fund
Daines Supported a Massive Corporate Bailout With Insufficient Oversight or Protections to Prevent Taxpayer Dollars from Paying for CEO Bonuses or Stock Buy Backs
Helena, MT – The White House is attempting to undermine oversight of the coronavirus relief funds and Senator Steve Daines refuses to stand up to the administration and demand the watchdog to prevent the abuse of the hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars be independent. Daines supported a massive corporate bailout without strong restrictions to prevent corporations from using federal aid funds to boost CEO bonuses or buy back stocks – measures other Senators had to secure before passing the final deal.
Beating back attempts by Daines and Senate Republicans to allocate a $500 billion slush fund for corporations, Senator Tester established a Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery to monitor the distribution of emergency funds and ensure the money is spent responsibly — not on secret bailouts and stock buybacks. Upon signing the stimulus package into law, President Trump challenged the special watchdog’s authority, and asserted that he has the power to hamper the inspector general’s ability to protect Montana’s working families from corporate misuse of taxpayer dollars. Daines has yet to comment on the President’s dangerous remarks.
“Montanans want transparency and accountability to make sure no one takes advantage of them during this crisis, but Senator Daines isn’t standing up for those values,” said MDP Executive Director Sandi Luckey. “Daines is turning his back on Montana’s working families as he continues to fight for our nation’s wealthiest — Montanans deserve a Senator who will put them first.”
Last week, a new report detailed how a consultant for Senator Daines has started a new business selling medical equipment – raising questions about how he was able to obtain the materials. The consultant told reporters he was able to procure the urgently needed supplies through his “relationships with a lot of people.” Senator Daines hasn’t spoken out against his fundraiser
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