Daines blasted for vote on federal land amendment

HELENA (AP) – Some conservation groups and outdoor-related business are critical of U.S. Sen. Steve Daines for his vote on an amendment related to federal land transfers.

Critics say the amendment to a federal budget bill is a first step to federal land transfer or sale.

But a spokeswoman for the Montana Republican says the amendment does not authorize any federal land transfers or sales.

Alee Lockman also says Daines has not altered his opposition to large-scale transfer or sale of federal lands.

The amendment was sponsored by Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski. It passed the Senate Thursday 51-49.

Montana’s other senator, Democrat Jon Tester, voted against it.

Tester tells the Independent Record that the threat of selling off public lands is real.