Troy Downing

Downing Introduces the Accelerating Forest Management Act

Position: Congressman Downing supports streamlining federal environmental review processes for timber salvage and thinning projects on Bureau of Land Management lands through categorical exclusions under NEPA, arguing this will reduce wildfire risk and support rural economies.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Troy Downing introduced the Accelerating Forest Management Act, legislation to codify the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) categorical exclusion for timber salvage projects in order to speed up active forest management, reduce wildfire risk, and support rural economies. The legislation would permanently authorize streamlined environmental reviews for routine timber salvage projects up to 5,000 acres on BLM lands, helping federal land managers remove dead and dying timber before it fuels catastrophic wildfire. “Montanans know firsthand the devastation catastrophic wildfires can bring to our communities, forests, and economy,” said Congressman Downing. “For too long, burdensome red tape and delayed environmental reviews have prevented timely forest management projects from moving forward. The Accelerating Forest Management Act restores commonsense tools to quickly remove dead and hazardous timber, reduce wildfire fuel loads, and support the rural communities, mills and jobs that rely on healthy forests.” This legislation also includes a 7-year reauthorization of the Forest Ecosystem Health and Recovery Fund, ensuring BLM has the resources needed to effectively respond to wildfires and support proactive forest health and risk reduction activities. Background: In 2024, the Biden administration removed longstanding timber harvest authorities from the Bureau of Land Management, limiting the agency’s ability to efficiently conduct salvage harvesting and thinning projects following severe wildfire seasons across the West. The Bureau of Land Management recently proposed two new categorical exclusions under NEPA to restore and expand streamlined review authorities for routine timber salvage and thinning projects. The proposed exclusions would apply to projects up to 5,000 acres, replacing current limits of 250 acres for salvage projects and 70 acres for thinning projects. Categorical exclusions apply to categories of actions determined not to have significant environmental impacts, eliminating the need for lengthy environmental reviews and helping projects move forward more efficiently. Over the past three decades, forests across the western United States have experienced widespread die-offs caused by wildfire, insect infestations, drought and disease. Since 2000, wildfires have burned an average of 7.3 million acres annually nationwide, including more than 236,000 acres annually on BLM lands. By streamlining routine forest management projects, the Accelerating Forest Management Act would help reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health, preserve timber value, sustain rural timber jobs and support local forest product industries across the West. ### Issues: Congress Natural Resources

Downing, Daines, Sheehy, and Zinke Send Letter to Bureau of Reclamation Requesting Funds to Repair St. Mary Diversion Dam and Canal

Position: The representatives urge the Bureau of Reclamation to allocate funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to repair the St. Mary Diversion Dam and Canal in Montana, which has experienced capacity loss and infrastructure failures affecting irrigation and water resources.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) and Congressmen Ryan Zinke (MT-01), as well as U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy, today sent a letter to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation encouraging the use of funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to support repairs to the St. Mary Diversion Dam and Canal. “We write to urge full and fair consideration of the St. Mary Diversion Dam and Canal of the Milk River Project (Project) in northwestern Montana to be an authorized recipient of funding as appropriated in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, titled under “Water Conveyance and Surface Water Storage Enhancement. ” When the Canal was originally constructed in 1915, it had the capacity to divert up to 850 cubic feet per second (cfs). However, due to its age, capacity has declined to only 600 cfs. This reduction in capacity is leading to a loss of more than 100-million-acre feet that’s flowing across the border into Canada every day… …While two out of the five Drops have been successfully replaced, failure of the remaining three is imminent. As you may know, Drop 5 failed in 2020 and the Siphon failed in 2025, leading to the complete loss of the irrigation season for local and regional producers, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars lost. The failure of any three remaining Drops could once again lead to catastrophic failure and severe economic loss. Funding under “Water Conveyance and Surface Water Storage Enhancement” was designated specifically for “construction and associated activities that restore or increase the capacity or use of existing conveyance facilities constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation.” The current fragility of the system speaks to the dire need to restore this key infrastructure to protect our precious water resources,” they wrote in the letter. Read the full letter HERE. ### Issues: Congress

ICYMI: Downing, Daines, Sheehy Send Letter to USPS Urging the Reopening of the Baker Post Office

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02), alongside U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT), sent a letter to the United States Postal Service (USPS) expressing concerns with the closure of the Baker Post Office and urging the agency to reopen and improve service for constituents. “Nearly a year later, Baker residents are still relying on temporary outdoor distribution units to access their mail. While we appreciate USPS’s efforts to establish interim services in Baker, the current arrangement is not a sustainable solution and falls short of the needs of Montanans, especially as we approach the summer heat and look ahead to another Montana winter. “…Under the current system, residents must retrieve their mail directly from a USPS employee during limited operating hours. The lack of an indoor facility has led to extended wait times with constituents required to stand outside in Montana’s often extreme weather conditions. For working families, seniors, and those with mobility challenges, these conditions present real hardship and raise concerns for their safety. We understand that USPS previously explored options to provide Baker with an indoor unit with P.O. box access ahead of winter, but that this solution was not implemented. Additionally, our offices have not received a defined timeline for completion of repairs to the original building. “…Rural Montanans rely upon the USPS for the timely delivery of essential items, including prescriptions, jury summons, bills, and other correspondence critical to small businesses and keeping families connected. As strong supporters of the USPS, we urge you take immediate steps to improve service conditions and identify options for indoor access. We also request an update on the status of repairs to the Baker facility, a clear timeline for reopening, and interim steps USPS will take to ensure safe and reliable access to mail,” they wrote in the letter. Read the full letter HERE. ###

Downing Introduces Native American Housing and Self-Determination Modernization Act

Position: Congressman Downing introduced legislation to modernize and reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) through 2032, providing regulatory relief to improve housing assistance for Indian Country.

Washington, D.C.–Today, Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) introduced the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Modernization Act. This legislation modernizes and reauthorizes NAHASDA, including the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program, through 2032 to better assist the housing needs of Indian Country by providing targeted regulatory relief. The primary law governing federal support for housing in Indian Country, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA), has not been updated since 2008. Although Congress continues funding, its programs have not been authorized since 2013. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) are leading substantially similar legislation in the Senate. Representative Janelle Bynum (OR-05) is the House Democrat co-lead. Additional cosponsors of the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Modernization Act include Representatives Tom Cole (OK-04), Frank Lucas (OK-03), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Ann Wagner (MO-02), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Andy Barr (KY-06), Bryan Steil (WI-01), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Zach Nunn (IA-01), Ryan Zinke (MT-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Cliff Bentz (OR-02) Gwen Moore (WI-04), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Angie Craig (MN-02), Don Davis (NC-01), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), William Keating (MA-09), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) and Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03). Supporting organizations include the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Habitat for Humanity International, Housing Assistance Council, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC), National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), National NeighborWorks Association, Native CDFI Network, Northwest Indian Housing Association (NWIHA), Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition, Enterprise Community Partners, and United Native American Housing Association (UNAHA). “Homeownership is the foundation of the American dream–that doesn’t stop with Americans in our tribal communities,” said Congressman Downing. “Indian Country needs the stability of reauthorization to responsibly plan, finance, and maintain housing investments, along with modernized rules, regulations, and policies that unlock tribes’ ability to adapt to changing economic, construction, and community realities. I am incredibly grateful to my colleagues in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle for their outpouring of support for this effort to ensure that housing is affordable for all Americans.” “For too long, tribal communities have not had the tools they need to build and maintain affordable housing,” Rep. Janelle Bynum said. “They deserve access to resources that provide long-term stability and expand pathways to homeownership, which is exactly what my bill does. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to strengthen access to affordable housing across every community.” “Many decades ago, the United States government made the commitment to tribes to help those who are living in Indian Country without adequate housing,” said House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole. “Yet, the primary law that carries out this commitment has not been authorized since 2013 or updated since 2008. As a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and the longest serving Native American in the House, it is a priority of mine to ensure tribal nations are represented here in Congress. This is why I co-sponsored the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026, which will modernize and reauthorize the program after all these years. I would like to thank Representatives Downing and Bynum for their work on this pivotal legislation. It is long-passed time for Congress to reauthorize these programs to address the housing needs of Indian Country.” “I am delighted to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in introducing the NAHASDA reauthorization,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. “I applaud Reps. Downing and Bynum’s leadership on this important legislation, which is an essential part of Congress’s duty to honor the constitutional trust obligation to tribes.” “The United Native American Housing Association applauds Rep Downing as a new leader in modernizing Indian housing programs,” said Sharon Vogel, President, United Native American housing Association. “The proposed Modernization of NAHASDA Act is legislation that will provide a stable environment for Indian housing development which will have a positive impact on meeting the needs of our tribal communities and families.” “The introduction of the NAHASDA Modernization Act marks a pivotal moment for Indian Country,” said NAIHC’s Executive Director, Rudy Soto. “As federal housing policy undergoes its most significant transformation in decades, it is deeply encouraging to see strong bipartisan leadership from Representatives Troy Downing and Janelle Bynum. This legislation ensures Tribal Nations have both a seat at the table and the tools to lead. As we honor the 30th anniversary of NAHASDA's original passage in 2026, their leadership offers real hope that Congress can come together to deliver lasting, meaningful impact for Native communities for generations to come.” "After thirteen years of expired authorization, Tribal Nations across Indian Country have never been more unified or more ready—and our message to Congress is clear: the time to reauthorize and modernize NAHASDA is now,” said Mark Macarro, President, National Congress of American Indians. “This legislation honors the legal federal trust responsibility while empowering Tribal Nations to govern themselves and build the homes their communities urgently need. NCAI and the Tribal leaders we represent are fully mobilized to support the House and Senate working together to find compromise. Tribal Nations will not stop until Congress gets this done." “The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) thanks Rep. Downing and Rep. Bynum for introducing the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) Modernization Act of 2026. NAHASDA provides critical housing resources for American Indians, Native Hawaiians, and Alaskan Natives. This legislation makes key updates to the program, which will make it easier to utilize, and ultimately increase housing opportunities for Native American families,” said Nadia Villagrán, Vice President, Rural LISC. “The National NeighborWorks Association commends Representatives Downing and Bynum for their leadership on the reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA), a law that has not been updated in well over a decade,” stated Lou Tisler, Executive Director of the National NeighborWorks Association. “Nearly 90 NeighborWorks-chartered organizations are working in Tribal communities nationwide, and this legislation delivers long-overdue modernization, removes unnecessary barriers, and reinforces Tribal self-determination in meeting housing needs. We are committed to supporting Representatives Downing and Bynum in advancing this effort and urge swift congressional action to ensure Tribal communities have the tools they need to expand housing opportunities.” “For decades, NAHASDA programs have effectively served American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities by expanding access to safe, accessible, and affordable housing. BPC Action applauds Reps. Troy Downing (R-MT) and Janelle Bynum (D-OR) for introducing the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act. Although Congress has continued to fund NAHASDA programs, this long-overdue legislation will reauthorize them for the first time since authority lapsed in 2013 and ensure that these communities have consistent funding to fully and flexibly address their housing needs,” says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action. Read original reporting on the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Modernization Act in Punchbowl News here. Read Congressman Downing’s Op-Ed on the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Modernization Act in the Billings Gazette here. Background: Nationwide, tribal housing programs are primarily funded through the formula-based IHBG, which was created by NAHASDA. This provides over 500 tribes with funding directly to their tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs). The IHBG program has facilitated the construction or acquisition of over 43,000 affordable housing units and the rehabilitation of more than 117,000 units. Due to the funding provided through the IHBG program since 1997, the number of distinct tribal housing programs has increased from 187 programs serving 467 tribes to 287 programs serving over 570 tribal communities. Despite these successes, tribal communities still face some of the most severe housing shortages and overcrowding in the country. Key provisions in the bill include: Consolidating environmental reviews required for federally funded tribal housing projects. Exempting tribal housing projects from Build America, Buy America requirements to lower costs. Promoting tribal sovereignty by allowing tribes to set maximum rent policies. Modernizing the Section 184 lending program to expand private financing options. Supporting tribal veterans by codifying the existing Tribal HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program. ### Issues: Natural Resources

Downing Releases Statement Following State of the Union Address

Today, Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) released a statement following President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. “President Trump has accomplished more in one year than the previous administration could in four,” said Congressman Downing. “I’m proud to have worked alongside him with my Republican colleagues to deliver historic tax relief for families, workers, and businesses, secure our border, beat back inflation, and make everyday life more affordable for central and eastern Montanans. Here’s to three more years of the Golden Age.” ### Issues: Congress