State of Montana Archives: on Foreign Policy


Albert Olszewski: Ban use of Shariah law and other foreign laws in courts

Gov. Bullock vetoed a bill that would have banned Sharia and other foreign laws from being used in Montana courts. Bullock said he was disturbed that the ban could have been seen as an "endorsement for anti-Muslim sentiments and activity."

"It cannot be seriously denied that the bill is drawn from 'Sharia law bans' that have been tried in other states. The intent of these bills is to target a particular religion and group of people for disfavored treatment," Bullock said, adding that the proposal could add to the "nationwide surge in hate crimes."

"I don't see how affirming our Constitution does that. I disagree with him," said Sen. Keith Regier (R-Kalispell). He and other backers argued that the measure aimed merely to declare support for U.S. and Montana law. They rejected contentions that the bill was anti-Islamic or xenophobic.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 3/21, 56-43-1; passed Senate 2/3, 27-21-1; Sen. Olszewski voted YES; vetoed by Governor Bullock, 4/6/2017

Source: The Missoulian on Montana voting record SB.97 Feb 3, 2017

Corey Stapleton: Two-state solution for Israel like Montana & reservations

On Israel: "Both the Jewish and Palestinian leaders agree that a 'two-state solution' is the only acceptable course. In other words, they each want to have their own country, and be physically separated from each other. In Montana, we refer to our Indian reservations as 'sovereign' in some regards, but in other situations the tribes are treated just like other citizens of the state and nation. I guess we could call it a 'softer' two-state solution."
Source: Mondoweiss.net on 2020 Montana Governor race Jan 2, 2020

Sam Rankin: Actively engage and assist European nations through NATO

    A strong and correct foreign policy depends on a blend of good and clear goals in defense, global trade and in defining our national interest.
  1. We must maintain and keep ahead in programs and products beneficial to U.S. militarily, i.e. armaments and personnel.
  2. I support our alliance with Israel and steps to bring a lasting peace to that region; and believe that Palestinians need to have a stronger role in peace negotiations.
  3. We must actively engage and assist, when appropriate, European nations through NATO.
  4. We must have an ongoing dialogue with Russia and China regarding nuclear proliferation as we need them in support of sanctions against Iran for its failure to ratify the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
Source: 2012 Montana House campaign website, srankin.qwestoffice.net Oct 14, 2011

Steve Bullock: Vetoed bill banning Shariah law; it's just anti-Muslim

Gov. Bullock vetoed a bill that would have banned Sharia and other foreign laws from being used in Montana courts. Bullock said he was disturbed that the ban, if he had signed it, could have been seen as an "endorsement for anti-Muslim sentiments and activity."

"It cannot be seriously denied that the bill is drawn from 'Sharia law bans' that have been tried in other states. The intent of these bills is to target a particular religion and group of people for disfavored treatment," Bullock said, adding that the proposal could add to the "nationwide surge in hate crimes."

"I don't see how affirming our Constitution does that. I disagree with him," said Sen. Keith Regier (R-Kalispell). He and other backers argued that the measure aimed merely to declare support for U.S. and Montana law. They rejected contentions that the bill was anti-Islamic or xenophobic.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 3/21/2017 56-43-1; passed Senate 2/3/2017 27-21-1; vetoed by Governor Bullock, 4/6/2017

Source: The Missoulian on Montana voting record SB.97 Apr 6, 2017

Steve Daines: Congressional support for Israel is bipartisan & strong

Daines said support for Israel is definitely bipartisan in Congress. "There are few issues that unite the US Congress any more, but one of them is our policy in support of Israel," he said. "They are our strongest ally in the Middle East, they are the strongest democracy in the Middle East. They are a force of stability, and that does tie directly to our national interests."

[Returning from a trip to Israel], Daines said the PLO wants a Palestinian state, while Israel is insisting that the Palestinians recognize the legitimacy of the Jewish state of Israel. He said there's some optimism that the latest peace talks could move toward resolving the issues, but Daines said "it's also couched in historical reality, that we are still a long ways away from that solution."

"The main issue for Israel is their security as well as the recognition of Israel," Daines said.

Source: Ravalli Republic coverage of 2014 Montana Senate debate Aug 20, 2013

Greg Gianforte: Signed law banning foreign adversaries from buying property

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill Thursday to prohibit the sale or lease of agricultural land, critical infrastructure and homes near military assets in Montana to the government, businesses and individuals from China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia or Venezuela--all countries the U.S. government designates foreign adversaries. "Montana will not stand idly by as foreign adversaries buy up our farmland, harvest private data, and spy on Americans," Gianforte said in a statement.
Source: Associated Press on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race May 5, 2023

Tim Sheehy: Stop Putin in Ukraine or price tag will be a lot higher

Sweden and Finland are next? We've seen this movie before....stop him now before the price tag for putting Putin down will be a lot higher. Georgia, Crimea, Syria, now Kiev--then what? Estonia? Finland? Sweden? Gofund me pages and twitter likes aren't enough. Soldiers, planes, bombs and bullets will be needed against this Tyrant.
Source: LinkedIn.com on 2022 Montana Senate race Feb 25, 2022

Steve Daines: We need to press Iran to ensure we have regime change

Daines on Fox Business: "Iran's Nuclear Program Will Never Be Peaceful":

And I think we need to continue the full-court press here to ensure we have a regime change. Not led by the Americans but led by the Iranian people. But there needs to be a regime change in Tehran. The Iranian people want to see a regime change. That needs to be done by the people, but we should keep economic sanctions tightened up, as well as ensuring that we're in positions of strength with Israel and the United States.

Source: Senate press release "Iran" on 2026 Montana Senate race Jul 24, 2025

  • The above quotations are from State of Montana Politicians: Archives.
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