Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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447 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "MT" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6546 | Tester Secures Guarantee on Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act [press_release] | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester has secured a guarantee that his Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act will receive a Senate vote early next year. Tester made an eleventh-hour attempt to include the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act in an end of year public lands legislative package, but the bill was blocked by Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) from receiving a vote. Tester then worked with Senate leadership to secure the guarantee that the landmark bill will receive a Senate vote at the beginning of the 116th Congress, which begins on January 3. "The Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act has been years in the making and now Senate passage is in sight," Tester said. "I will hold Congress accountable to our agreement and make sure that they deliver on their promise to permanently protect the doorstep of Yellowstone Park from mining that will hurt our economy and harm our clean water." Beginning in 2015, Tester met with local residents and small-business owners to build collaborative legislation that prevents mines from expanding onto public land in the region. Tester introduced the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act in April 2017 and it received a Senate hearing in July 2017. Tester's bill permanently withdraws federal mineral rights on 30,000 acres of public land in the Custer Gallatin National Forest adjacent to the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness and Yellowstone National Park, and it eliminates the ability for proposed mines to expand onto unclaimed public land. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6547 | Tester Sends 21st Bill to Presidents Desk [press_release] | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - The United States Senate passed Ranking Member Jon Tester's 21st bipartisan bill, capping off a landmark Congress with numerous victories for America's veterans. Tester's Veterans Benefits and Transition Act contains 18 bipartisan bills, including six bipartisan Tester-authored bills to honor Native American veterans, better protect student veterans, and increase the transparency and accountability of the VA's historic electronic health records transition. "This legislation is the product of hard work, compromise and bipartisanship," said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. "Sending another VA reform bill to the President's desk sends a clear message to our nation's veterans: Serving our men and women in uniform is a responsibility that we should all take very seriously. I have been honored to work with Chairman Isakson this Congress to accomplish so much for our nation's veterans." The Veterans Benefits and Transition Act contains the following provisions: The Servicemembers Improved Transition through Reforms for Ensuring Progress "SIT-REP" Act: Forces schools that receive G.I. Bill benefits to adopt a policy that it will not impose a late fee, restrict a student veterans' access to campus facilities, or otherwise punish a student veteran due to a late payment of tuition or fees from the VA. Tribal Veteran Burial Benefits Act: Authored by Tester and Senator Dean Heller (R-Nev.), the VA can now provide headstones or burial markers to a Native American veteran's spouse and dependents who wish to be buried alongside their loved one in a tribal veterans' cemetery. Veteran Debt Fairness Act: Following reports that the VA had been forcing veterans to repay benefits to the VA, Tester authored legislation with Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) to require the VA to update its information technology systems so that affected veterans are able to review and revise information about their dependents electronically. Veterans Fair Debt N… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6548 | Farmers & Ranchers Praise Tester's Work as President Signs 2018 Farm Bill [press_release] | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - Local farmers and ranchers praised U.S. Senator Jon Tester's work on behalf of Montana's number one industry after President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill into law today. "After holding more than half a dozen listening sessions with farmers and ranchers across the state, we worked hard to make sure this Farm Bill gives Montana producers the certainty they need to keep their operations successful," Tester said. "The new Farm Bill protects crop insurance, preserves conservation initiatives, and invests in rural communities. At a time when there is so much uncertainty in agriculture, this bill will strengthen producers." Over the last two years, Tester has held seven Farm Bill listening sessions across the state to gather feedback from producers-feedback that he used to secure dozens of critical provisions in the final Farm Bill package. "Montana farmers owe Jon a hearty thank you for his leadership in adding language to the Farm Bill that meets our specific needs in Montana," said Gordon Stoner, former President of the National Association of Wheat Growers. "Jon's tireless efforts in passing the Farm Bill helps bring certainty to the nation's farmers in these uncertain times". "This farm, food and nutrition bill will help to provide the stability our growers need to weather difficult economic times and periods of trade uncertainty and will continue to provide food assistance to families who have fallen on hard times," said Lyle Benjamin, President of the Montana Grain Growers Association. "MGGA appreciates that Senator Tester routinely sought input from Montana grain producers throughout development of this important piece of legislation and supported final passage. We look forward to working with him as we move into the implementation phase." "We are extremely pleased with passage of the Farm Bill," said Alan Merrill, President of the Montana Farmers Union. "It provides certainty for Montana farmers and ranchers through support of programs like PLC and ARC and preservation of th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6549 | Tester Slams Partisan Blockade on Little Shell Recognition Act [press_release] | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Big Sandy, Mont.)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today slammed a partisan blockade that is preventing the Little Shell Band of Chippewa Indians from receiving their federal recognition. Tester's legislation to federally recognize the Little Shell was set to pass the Senate, until Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) blocked the bill from receiving a Senate vote. Tester is demanding that Lee lift his objection and provide the Little Shell access to their homeland and resources they rightfully deserve. "The Little Shell have fought for generations to secure what is rightfully theirs," Tester said. "Now just one man stands in the way and it is time for him and his political party to quit the political shenanigans and allow this long-overdue vote to take place." Tester first introduced legislation to federally recognize the Little Shell Tribe in 2007. It was the first bill he ever introduced as a United States Senator. Tester passed his bipartisan bill to grant the Little Shell federal recognition out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in May of 2017. Native American Tribes must be formally recognized as sovereign nations by the federal government to exercise full self-governance. Under this nation-to-nation relationship, Tribes access critical economic development, health care and education resources, and regulate affairs on tribal lands on terms socially and culturally appropriate. The Little Shell Tribe is currently recognized by the State of Montana only. Tribes can be recognized by the federal government through Congressional legislation, a U.S. Court decision, or an administrative process through the U.S. Interior Department. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6550 | Tester Statement on the Departure of Defense Secretary Mattis [press_release] | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester Statement on the Departure of Defense Secretary Mattis (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today issued the following statement following the announcement that Secretary James Mattis will depart the Department of Defense, saying his views are not "aligned" with President Trump's: "As American troops protect us from security threats across the globe, we need strong leadership in Washington that is as united as our men and women on the battlefield. Chaos in President Trump's Administration threatens our national security. The President must listen to his military leaders and avoid making shoot-from-the-hip decisions that put Americans and our allies in harm's way." Tester supported Mattis' bipartisan confirmation in 2017. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6544 | Tester Grills VA Secretary on Future of Veterans Community Care [press_release] | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - Ranking Member Jon Tester today grilled VA Secretary Robert Wilkie about the VA's implementation of his landmark, bipartisan VA MISSION Act. Tester specifically questioned Wilkie on the VA's recent decision to backtrack its agreement with Congress to designate certain health care services as automatically eligible for community care outside the VA and instead outsource almost all VA health care services to private health care providers. Tester told Wilkie that this decision is putting the VA on a path towards privatization--something Tester and most veterans oppose. "Mr. Secretary, not even six months ago, you came before the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and said you would oppose attempts to privatize VA health care," Tester said. "If you move further down this path - gutting the VA health care system for those veterans who want and need to use it - you'll end up bringing down the whole ship." The VA had previously indicated to Senators that certain services like routine lab work and X-rays should be almost always automatically eligible for community care outside the VA. The VA now indicates it plans to designate every VA health care service as eligible for community care, essentially outsourcing all segments and types of VA health care based on the same arbitrary wait times and geographical standards veterans found frustrating under the VA Choice Program. Tester noted that the VA's decision to outsource all types of VA care to the private sector goes against the intent of the bipartisan VA MISSION Act and the veterans and advocates who helped draft it. "To make matters even worse, VA officials have offered us only vague, verbal descriptions of the various sets of potential access standards you are considering," Tester continued. "It also concerns me that each time we've discussed this issue in the last two months VA officials have given us wildly different estimates of how much this will cost. We need to know what you're doing and how much it is going to cost. No conflicting or vague a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6545 | Tester Votes to Reform Federal Criminal Justice System [press_release] | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester Votes to Reform Federal Criminal Justice System Senator Backs Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Recidivism (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester voted Tuesday night with Republicans and Democrats to make the federal criminal justice system more fair, reduce recidivism, and fix broken sentencing laws. "This bipartisan bill takes important, commonsense steps forward to fix our criminal justice system and address overly-harsh sentencing laws. When signed into law, this bill will reward good behavior, end unduly harsh penalties for minors, expand judicial discretion by easing certain mandatory minimum sentences, and improve the health of female prisoners." The FIRST STEP Act passed the Senate 87-12. The bill will: Increase access to vocational and rehabilitative programming for federal inmates. Revise the "good time credit" law to allow federal prisoners to earn additional credit off their sentences for good behavior. Implement new "earned time credits" to incentivize participation in programming that would allow prisoners to receive early placement in halfway homes, home confinement, or supervised release. Prohibit the shackling of pregnant prisoners and require health care products to be provided to incarcerated women. Require that inmates be placed closer to their homes and provide… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6543 | Tester, Boozman Intensify Call for Better VA Care for Women Veterans [press_release] | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) are pushing the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) to immediately take steps to improve the quality of VA care for women veterans. Following VA Secretary Robert Wilkie's September presentation of the "State of the VA" to the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee that showed that strides must still be made to improve services for women veterans, Tester and Boozman are urging VA Secretary Wilkie to implement low-cost and common sense reforms from their bipartisan Deborah Sampson Act. "As you note, the number of women veterans using VA health care services has tripled since 2000, yet 52 percent of women veterans surveyed believe they are not entitled to, or eligible for, VA care," the Senators wrote to Wilkie. "This disconnect clearly necessitates a more aggressive outreach campaign, targeted at women veterans, with the goal of better connecting them with access to what can often be life-saving services." Tester and Boozman are urging Wilkie to implement reforms from their Deborah Sampson Act such as expanding the Women Veterans Call Center to include text message access to counselors and VA staff, partnering with community organizations on a pro-bono basis to help women veterans with legal issues that are contributing to their homelessness, and expanding women veteran mini residency programs while the VA works to hire more dedicated women veteran clinical providers. They are also urging the Department to begin to track women veterans' utilization and experiences at the VA to learn from current shortcomings and to fully staff and put in place strong leadership at the Center for Women Veterans. Tester and Boozman's letter to Wilkie can be read online HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6540 | Tester Fights Trump Administration's Plan to Expand Junk Health Insurance in Montana [press_release] | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is taking on the Trump Administration over a plan that could expand junk insurance in Montana. In a scathing letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma, Tester demanded CMS reconsider its effort to waive safeguards established by the Affordable Care Act, which would allow states to expand short-term junk health insurance plans that don't cover basic medical treatments. "In addition to discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions, junk insurance can refuse to cover basic services like prescription drugs, maternity care, substance abuse treatment, or mental health care," Tester wrote. "This insurance could leave Montanans high and dry when they need coverage the most." Tester expressed concern that CMS's proposal would raise costs and jeopardize access to health coverage for millions of Americans, including the 152,00 Montanans, who have pre-existing conditions like asthma, cancer, and diabetes. "You have already undermined these vital protections by promoting junk insurance like short-term plans, which do not have to meet requirements for pre-existing conditions protections," Tester wrote. "The proposals you have advanced in recent weeks double down on pushing junk insurance by allowing taxpayer dollars to fund these plans, when what Montanans need is real, affordable coverage." Tester demanded the Administration work with Congress to lower the cost of health care and protect coverage for folks with pre-existing conditions. Tester has relentlessly defended Montanans against harmful junk insurance plans, and has sponsored legislation to protect Montanans with pre-existing conditions from being denied coverage by health insurance companies. Tester's letter to Administrator Verma is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6541 | Tester to Continue Leadership on Veterans' Affairs Committee [press_release] | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today he will continue fulfilling his commitment to America's veterans by retaining his position as Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee in the 116th Congress. Tester has represented Montana on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee since 2007 and became Ranking Member in 2016. "It's no secret there are challenges at the VA. But there are opportunities too," Tester said. "When I came to the Senate I made it my mission to make sure our nation's service men and women are supported in every way, and I'm honored to continue this important work on behalf of the heroes who risked their lives to defend us." Tester has spent his time in Congress fighting relentlessly to hold the VA accountable, and has worked closely with members on both sides of the aisle to secure major victories for our nation's veterans. During his first term as Ranking Member, Tester got 11 veterans bills signed into law, including the landmark VA MISSION Act, the VA Accountability & Whistleblower Protection Act, and the Veterans Education Assistance Act. Tester also used his position on the committee to secure critical funding last March to construct the Southwest Montana Veterans' Home in Butte. You can read more about Tester's work on behalf of veterans HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6542 | Tester Statement on Criminal Justice Reform Debate [press_release] | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester Statement on Criminal Justice Reform Debate (Big Sandy, Mont.)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester issued the following statement on the First Step Act: "I look forward to joining my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on Monday to vote to further debate on this critical issue." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6537 | Tester Nominates 21 Montanans to Military Service Academies [press_release] | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced he is nominating 21 Montanans to U.S. military service academies. To attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, a student must be nominated by a member of Congress. "These students represent the best Montana has to offer," Tester said. "They've proven they deserve this opportunity, and I know they'll rise up to the challenge. I look forward to watching these young men and women grow and become the next generation of military leaders." Tester nominated the following students based on their academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and a demonstrated commitment to serving and leading in the United States military. Montana students who are interested in applying to a military academy can request a nomination from Tester HERE. Senator Jon Tester's 2018 military academy nominations: Brockton Mackenzie Dethman: U.S. Air Force Academy Bozeman Aiden Reinhardt: U.S. Military Academy Butte William Cunneen: U.S. Military Academy Columbus Nathan Palmer: U.S. Naval Academy Dylan Sutton: U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Florence Gabriel Bennett: U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy Helena Travis Petersen: U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, Merchant Marine Academy Kamrin Rosling: U.S. Military Academy Cameron Holston: U.S. Air Force Academy Kalispell Rakiah Grende: U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy Lincoln Jones: U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy Shelby Petersen: U.S. Military Academy Missoula Madison Edwards: U.S. Air Force Academy Cade Insko: U.S. Navy Academy Simon MaMahon: U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy Finnian Westenfelder: U.S. Air Force Academy Park City Rayna Lasko: U.S. Military Academy Power Berit Bedord: U.S. Air Force Academy Red Lodge Shane Vomund: U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Scobey Devan Fishell: U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Whitefi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6538 | Tester Praises American Airlines Decision to Bring Flights in Flathead Valley [press_release] | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester Praises American Airlines Decision to Bring Flights in Flathead Valley Senator: New Direct Flights Will Create Jobs, Boost Economy (U.S. Senate) -U.S. Senator Jon Tester today praised American Airlines' addition of three new direct flights from Glacier Park International Airport to Dallas, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The flights will be daily throughout the summer, and are the first American Airlines flights into the airport. "Bringing in more direct flights will create jobs, boost tourism, and bolster the local economy," Tester said. "People want to come to Montana, and now getting here will be even easier. I'll keep fighting to ensure our airports have the resources they need to keep growing and help Montanans stay connected with the rest of the world." Tester's #ConnectMT initiative has been a massive success for Montana's airports. Last September Tester delivered a grant for $8.7 million to construct a new terminal at the Missoula International Airport, and last summer he secured $2.7 million for the Glacier Park International Airport. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6539 | Tester Secures $600 Million Investment to Expand High-Speed Internet in Rural America [press_release] | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today applauded a $600 million investment to expand high-speed internet in rural communities across the country. Tester helped secure the investment in a budget bill in March, and he was the only member of Montana's Congressional delegation to support the funding for this new initiative. "Schools, families, and businesses all need reliable access to high-speed internet to thrive," Tester said. "This funding will specifically help the country's most rural areas close the communication gap and bring new opportunities to folks across our state." The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will administer the new $600 million initiative, known as the "ReConnect Program," through loans and grants to local telecommunication companies, tribes, and municipalities. Communities with fewer than 20,000 residents will be eligible for the new funding to expand high-speed internet access. The first round of grants applications will be due to USDA by the end of April 2019. Montanans can access assistance from USDA during the grant application process by visiting the ReConnect Program's resource portal at https://reconnect.usda.gov/. Tester earlier this week led the charge to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill that included development grants to expand access to high-speed internet in rural areas. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6535 | Tester, Wyden Lead Charge to Overturn Administration's Controversial Dark Money Rule [press_release] | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) led the charge today to repeal a controversial new rule allowing dark money groups to hide the identities of their donors. After the U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced in July that they would no longer require certain tax-exempt organizations to report the names of their major donors to the IRS, Tester and Wyden introduced a Resolution of Disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to overturn the controversial decision and bring more transparency and accountability to our democracy. Today, that resolution passed the Senate 50-49. "These dark money forces are a threat to our democracy and they must be reined in," Tester said. "Today's action sheds more light on the wealthy few who are trying to buy our elections and drown out the voices of regular folks. We must wrestle our country back and continue to bring transparency and accountability back to political campaigns." "Today the Senate voted on a bipartisan basis to throw out Trump's dark money rule and bring transparency back to our elections," Wyden said. "This is a huge first step in America's fight against anonymous political insiders looking to tighten their grip on Washington. I urge Paul Ryan to act swiftly on this issue of great importance and lead the House in reversing course on the Trump administration's reckless decision." More than 30 other Senators signed on to Tester and Wyden's resolution, forcing today's vote on the Senate Floor. Under the Congressional Review Act, members of Congress must introduce a disapproval resolution within 60 calendar days of when the final rule was issued. After 20 calendar days, the resolution can be discharged from the Finance Committee without a Committee vote. At that point, a motion to proceed to the resolution may be made on the Senate floor, so long as it is supported, in writing, by at least 30 Senators. You can read the Senators' Congressional Review Act Resolution H… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6536 | Tester Demands Answers from Feds on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Epidemic [press_release] | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester demanded answers from federal law enforcement officials duringtoday's Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic. "You cannot step foot in Indian Country without hearing a heartbreaking story about this growing problem-that is why we are here today," Tester said. "We need to know what's happening and what exactly can happen to solve this problem. Because these are people, these are families, these are communities that our law enforcement agencies need to look out for." Tester had initially requested the hearing back in August after meeting with tribal leaders in Montana who told him that 20 Native American women had gone missing in the state since the beginning of 2018, but only one had been found. "Where's the problem? Is it with BIA, is it with the FBI, is it with tribal law enforcement? Why are we not finding these people?" Tester asked. "We have got to find a solution to this. We have to." In addition to representatives from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the National Institute of Justice the hearing featured testimony from native legislators and advocates, including Kimberly Loring HeavyRunner of Missoula. "Thank you for allowing me to speak for my sister Ashley," Loring HeavyRunner said. "I'm here today to stress to you that I believe law enforcement did not take Ashley's case seriously, as well as other girls that have gone missing and been murdered in Indian Country." Ashley HeavyRunner was a 20-year-old member of the Blackfeet Tribe. She disappeared on June 8, 2017. Her sister Kimberly has been looking for Ashley ever since and has become a vocal advocate on this issue. As a senior member and former Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Tester has taken a three-pronged approach to addressing this epidemic focused on raising awareness, providing resources to support survivors, and empowering tribes to bring assailants to justice. He wrapped up today's hearing with … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6533 | Tester Statement Following Blue Water Navy Vote [press_release] | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester Statement Following Blue Water Navy Vote Blockage of Bipartisan Bill to Expand Benefits A Thumb in the Eye to Millions' (U.S. Senate) - Ranking Member Jon Tester today released the following statement after his bipartisan Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act was blocked from passage on the Senate floor: "I'm incredibly disappointed in the obstructionism that blocked our bipartisan and widely supported Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act. Republicans and Democrats have worked in good faith to move this bill with plenty of opportunities for debate along the way. Taking care of our veterans is a cost of war. While this eleventh hour attempt to block the bill is a thumb in the eye to millions of veterans and service members, I won't stop fighting for the veterans who are counting on this bill to pass before the end of the year." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6534 | Tester Backs Bipartisan Farm Bill [press_release] | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-The U.S. Senate's only farmer, Jon Tester, today voted for a bipartisan farm bill to strengthen Montana's number one industry. Tester supported the Farm Bill because it strengthens crop insurance, supports conservation, protects nutrition assistance for seniors and families, and invests in rural communities. "As the escalating trade war hurts our nation's producers, this bipartisan Farm Bill helps lessen the blow to Montana's family farmers and ranchers," Tester said. "It provides the kind of certainty producers can take to the bank, while protecting successful conservation tools and ensuring every hungry Montanan has access to quality food." Tester successfully pushed to amend the Farm Bill to provide state and local Farm Service Agency Committees with the ability to improve access to the critical ARC safety net program by redrawing ARC County boundaries into multiple zones in one county. This amendment will better reflect crop and growing conditions for farmers enrolled in the ARC program in large, rural counties where conditions can vary within the county. Tester held seven open-to-the-public Farm Bill listening sessions across the state to gather feedback from producers. The following provisions brought up during Tester's Farm Bill listening were included in the bipartisan Farm Bill: Reauthorizes and keeps intact both Price Loss Coverage and Ag Risk Coverage (ARC) insurance. Amends the Environmental Quality Incentive Program to better work for Montana producers. Increases the maximum acreage of the Conservation Reserve Program. Directs the USDA Secretary to more actively fight the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease. Protects sugar policies that have been successfully utilized in the current Farm Bill. Reauthorizes the Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative, which is vital to the mission of the Northern Plains Research Lab in Sidney. Mandates funding for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program. Removes hemp from the list of controlled substances, enabling it to be so… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6531 | Tester Announces $10 Million BUILD Grant to Replace Bridges in Toston [press_release] | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that the Montana Department of Transportation will receive a $10 million grant to replace two bridges on Highway 287 near Toston. The Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant, formerly known as a TIGER Grant, will be used to replace the two deteriorating bridges and enhance highway safety in Broadwater County between Helena and Three Forks. "Anyone who has traveled up and down Highway 287 knows exactly how dangerous these bridges are," Tester said. "This investment will improve public safety, strengthen our transportation infrastructure, and eliminate a major choke point for local farmers and ranchers trucking their products." Tester sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in July in support of the Montana Department of Transportation's BUILD Grant application. Today, Secretary Chao personally called Tester to announce that the Toston bridge project will receive the grant. The Highway 287 corridor near Toston has a higher-than-average crash rate, and the BUILD Grant will widen the narrow bridges that sit above the Missouri River and Montana Rail Link train tracks, as well as correct the substandard curves that pose a safety risk. The Montana Department of Transportation has already invested $100 million to widen the highway around the bridges on Highway 287. Both bridges are designated as "fracture critical" bridges and require monitoring on a three-month cycle. Neither bridge has been significantly improved since the 1950's. In addition to the Toston bridge project, Tester today also secured a $12.7 million BUILD Grant for the City of Kalispell to further complete the Kalispell bypass project. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6532 | Senate Passes Tester's Bill to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Epidemic [press_release] | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) U.S. Senator Jon Tester's bill to help address theMissing and Murdered Indigenous Womenepidemic unanimously passed the Senate Thursday night, just a few weeks after the Senate Indian Affairs Committeeunanimously votedto sendSavanna's Actto the Senate floor. Allof us must work together to end this epidemic,Tester said.Savanna's Actwould ensure we all have access to the most comprehensive data regarding these crimes and make sure law enforcement agencies are on the same pageas they investigatethisunacceptableepidemic. According to the National Institute of Justice,more than 80 percentof native women have experienced violencealmost half within the last year.As a senior member and former Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Tester has worked hard to raise awareness about thisepidemic, support survivors, and bring their assailants to justice. Savanna's Actwouldrequire theU.S. Department ofJustice to better collect and report crime data and increase access to federal crime databases thattrackmissing persons across Indian Country. Itwouldalso create standard guidelines for responding to cases of missing and murderedindigenous women, laying out a clear framework for cooperation between tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Earlier this year, Tester secured a historic$133 million to help tribesassist survivors of violent crimes through the Crime Victims Fund and issponsoring legislationto make this funding permanent.TheSURVIVE Actwas passed unanimouslyout of Committee and is currently awaiting a vote on the Senate floor. Tester hascalled for a Senate hearingon the Missing and MurderedIndigenous Womenepidemic, which will take place on December 12, 2018. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6530 | Tester Announces $12.7 Million BUILD Grant for Kalispell Bypass [press_release] | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that Kalispell will receive a $12.7 million grant to further complete the city's bypass project. The Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant, formerly known as the TIGER Grant, was awarded today to the City of Kalispell to widen two miles of U.S. Highway 93 south of town and replace the roundabout near Foys Lake. "The Kalispell bypass is building new opportunities for local businesses to create jobs and strengthen the economy," Tester said. "For every dollar we invest in our transportation infrastructure we see major returns and Kalispell's leaders deserve big praise for their relentless push to secure this major grant." Tester sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in July in support of the City of Kalispell's BUILD Grant application. Today, Secretary Chao personally called Tester to announced that Kalispell will receive the BUILD Grant. Highway 93 serves as a main travel corridor for the over 3 million annual visitors to Glacier National Park and the access point for hundreds of local businesses. The Kalispell bypass will reduce the travel congestion across the Flathead Valley and create new development opportunities for business and commerce. Planning for the Kalispell bypass began in 1994 to create a smooth and safe passage way across the valley, while investing in new opportunities for local business. To date, 500 businesses, government officials, and agencies have endorsed the Kalispell bypass project. Tester helped secure a $10 million TIGER Grant for the city of Kalispell to create the new Glacier Rail Park in 2015 to spur economic growth in downtown and he also secured a $16 million TIGER Grant to complete construction of the Beartooth Highway earlier this year to unlock access to Yellowstone National Park. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6529 | Tester Delivers Win for Missoula Kids [press_release] | 2018-12-05 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - As part of his ongoing mission to give every child a chance to succeed, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced a $2.8 million grant for Child Start, Inc. a Missoula-area Head Start program. "A great education starts at the beginning, and Head Start gives kids a chance to reach their highest potential," Tester said. "Public education is a cornerstone of our democracy and entering school ready to learn is the best way to take advantage of that. This grant will help make sure Missoula kids have every resource they need to be successful." Head Start provides educational enrichment to low-income children between three years-old and Kindergarten. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Tester, a former elementary school teacher and School Board member, has been a longtime champion of early education in Montana. In a major win for early childhood education, Tester worked with Republicans and Democrats to secure $9.8 billion for Head Start initiatives across the country this year. Tester has also secured similar grants for Butte, Anaconda, Great Falls, Vaughn, Conrad, Shelby, Cut Bank and CSKT Head Start initiatives in the last year. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6527 | Tester Secures Millions For Rural Water Infrastructure [press_release] | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today secured major investments to help deliver safe, clean water to communities across Montana. Tester secured over $20 million through loans and grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development to upgrade water and wastewater systems in multiple communities across Montana. "Whether it's used for running a business, growing crops, or raising a family, water is life in rural Montana," Tester said. "These investments will strengthen our water infrastructure, pave the way for more good-paying jobs, and benefit rural communities for years to come." Tester secured the funding through the 2018 budget agreement, and was the only member of Montana's Congressional delegation to support the bill. The much-needed water improvement projects receiving funding include: Glasgow $1.3 million to the City of Glasgow to replace valves, pumps, storage reservoirs, and electrical equipment. Belt $850,000 to the Town of Belt to replace and upgrade the lift stations to prevent wastewater from backing up in local homes. Scobey $3.9 million to the City of Scobey to upsize cast iron water mains and replace deteriorated pipes that may pose health risks. Sheridan $400,000 to the Town of Sheridan to construct a new well following a 2017 earthquake that limited the community's water supply. Thompson Falls $14 million to the City of Thompson Falls to begin a four-phase project to connect 760 new users to the city's wastewater collection system. Sanders County $1.1 million to Sanders County to construct a solid waste transfer station near Thompson Falls and make improvements to collection sites in Heron, Noxon, Trout Creek, and Plains. "We feel very fortunate to receive the funds from Rural Development," said Belt Mayor Jim Olson. "This investment will allow the community of Belt to replace one lift station that has been on emergency bypass, the second operating with only one pump and the third needs upgrades. These funds will help our small community stay viable." "This investm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6528 | Tester Statement on the Life of President George H. W. Bush [press_release] | 2018-12-01 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester Statement on the Life of President George H. W. Bush (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement to celebrate the life of President George H. W. Bush: "President Bush was a statesman who lived the meaning of service. His deeply held values made him a giant at a time where bitterness and division were all too common. We must remember his legacy and commit ourselves to the kindness he hoped for our nation." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6525 | Tester Announces Nearly $2 Million for Havre Head Start Classrooms [press_release] | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that the Northern Montana Child Development Center will receive nearly $2 million to fund their classrooms next year. "Early childhood education is vital to the development of our kids and grandkids across the Hi-Line," Tester said. "These resources will help ensure our next generation of leaders are put on a path to success and can reach their full potential." "District 4 Human Resources Development Council is proud to be able to continue providing high quality early childhood education through our Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms known as the Northern Montana Child Development Center," said Samantha Clawson of the Northern Montana Child Development Center. "We hope to be able to expand our programming to support much needed services for our service area of Hill, Blaine, and Liberty Counties. We'd like to thank Senator Jon Tester for his continued support of our program and for Early Childhood Education in Montana." The Northern Montana Child Development Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms will receive $1,956,775 to fund early childhood education for local families. Tester secured the funding for Havre's Head Start Programs through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Head Start and Early Head Start cover five major components: education, health, nutrition, parental involvement, and social services. The Northern Montana Child Development Center accepts children ranging in age from newborns to five and serves families in Hill, Blaine, and Liberty Counties. In addition to preparing children for kindergarten, Head Start and Early Head Start provide complete health and nutrition screenings, and work with parents to develop childrearing skills. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6526 | Tester Delivers Win for Great Falls Community Health Center [press_release] | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - As part of his ongoing effort to support health care in Montana, U.S. Senator Jon Tester delivered a $1.6 million grant to the Community Health Care Center in Great Falls. The grant, which provides funding for the sliding fee discount that makes community health centers affordable, is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "Montanans rely on community health centers to fill an incredible need in their communities," Tester said. "This grant will help make sure folks in Great Falls can continue getting the health care they need at a price they can afford." Tester has been relentless in his support of community health centers. Last year, he called out Congress after funding for community health centers expired, and he demanded funding be included in a bipartisan funding deal. "This is exciting news for us as it formalizes our transition from a County entity to an independent non-profit organization," said Community Health Care Center CEO Trisa Besich. "These funds support programs that ensure patients are never turned away due to inability to pay. Cascade County has been a wonderful home for the last 24 years and we look forward to growing vital health services for our community." A full list of Tester's accomplishments on behalf of community health centers can be found HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6524 | Tester Calls on Senate Leaders to Extend Rural Payment Program [press_release] | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today called on leaders of both parties to extend an important initiative that helps rural Montana counties fund essential services like schools, roads, and law enforcement. Tester joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues in urging Congress to reauthorize Secure Rural Schools (SRS), which allocates funds to rural counties based on historic timber sales. If the bill isn't reauthorized, rural Montana counties could lose millions of dollars in annual funding. "SRS is a powerful tool for helping rural counties adequately fund their schools and keep their roads and communities safe," Tester said. "Congress must get its act together by the end of the year so folks across rural Montana aren't left with their hats in their hands." In their letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the bipartisan group noted SRS has helped fund over 4,400 schools, road maintenance, law enforcement, and search and rescue projects, across the nation. Tester also pointed out that SRS is a critical lifeline to over 775 counties in over 40 states, including Montana. If SRS isn't reauthorized, these critical services could experience more than an 80 percent drop in funds as federal payments revert to an older funding formula. You can read Tester's letter to leadership HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6523 | Tester Statement on Forever G.I. Bill Payments [press_release] | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester Statement on Forever G.I. Bill Payments Senator: Student Veterans "Deserve Better" From the VA (U.S. Senate) - Ranking Member Jon Tester today released the following statement in response to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie's decision to reset the implementation of certain provisions in the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act due to delayed benefit payments to student veterans. "The VA must ensure that student veterans are receiving their G.I. Bill payments on time. If the contractor who is responsible for implementing the Educational Assistance Act is causing payments to be late, then the VA should find a contractor who can get the job done right. Our veterans deserve better than this. I'm disappointed in VA's inability to implement this important law on time, but the number one priority must be taking care of our veterans, and I will be watching closely as Secretary Wilkie takes charge moving forward. " Tester's fifth bipartisan bill to be signed into law by President Trump, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, also known as the Forever G.I. Bill, gets rid of the arbitrary 15-year window for veterans to use their G.I. Bill education benefits and strengthens education benefits for student veterans. More information about Tester's law can be f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6521 | Tester Recognizes Native American Heritage Month with Senate Resolution [press_release] | 2018-11-19 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Big Sandy, Mont.) - As a senior member and former Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is joining forces with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce a Congressional resolution celebrating Native American culture, heritage, and history. The resolution will officially recognize November 2018 as "National Native American Heritage Month," and the Friday after Thanksgiving as "Native American Heritage Day," highlighting the powerful contributions of Native Americans to the fabric of the United States. "By recognizing November as Native American Heritage Month we are recognizing all the ways in which tribal nations have made and continue to make this country stronger," Tester said. "This is a time to recommit ourselves to fighting for tribal sovereignty and upholding our trust responsibilities to our Native American brothers and sisters." The resolution specifically recognizes: The commitment of the United States to fostering tribal self-governance and self-determination; The commitment of the United States to improving health care, law enforcement, housing, and the socioeconomic status of tribal communities; The historical and current contributions of Native Americans to our Armed Forces; The United States' commitment to strengthening its government-to-government relationship with Indian tribes. Read more about Tester's work on behalf of Indian Country this Congress HERE. Access full text of the resolution HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6518 | Tester Pushes Bill to Address Missing and Murdered Native Women Epidemic Closer to Final Vote [press_release] | 2018-11-14 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - After introducing Savanna's Act last year to help address the Missing and Murdered Native Women epidemic, U.S. Senator Jon Tester and his colleagues on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee unanimously voted to advance this critical piece of legislation today, moving it one step closer to becoming law. "When it comes to ending this epidemic, Native communities have to navigate a jurisdictional maze of bureaucracy," Tester said. "That's why we need Savanna's Act, to improve information sharing between law enforcement agencies, establish better response protocols, and put an end to these crimes committed across Indian Country." According to the National Institute of Justice, more than 80 percent of native women have experienced violence-almost half within the last year. As a senior member and former Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Tester has worked hard to raise awareness about this epidemic, support survivors, and bring their assailants to justice. Tester's bill will require the Department of Justice to better collect and report crime data across Indian Country and increase access to federal crime databases that track crimes against Native Americans. It will also create standard guidelines for responding to cases of missing and murdered Native Americans, laying out a clear framework for cooperation between tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Earlier this year, Tester secured a historic $133 million to help tribes assist survivors of violent crimes through the Crime Victims Fund and is sponsoring legislation to make this source of funding permanent. The SURVIVE Act was passed unanimously out of Committee and is currently awaiting a vote on the Senate floor. Tester also recently called on the Senate to hold a hearing on the Missing and Murdered Native Women epidemic, after introducing a Senate Resolution that designated May 5, 2018 a "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6512 | Tester Honors Great Falls Resident for Adoption Work [press_release] | 2018-10-19 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Poplar, Mont.) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is celebrating Great Falls resident Darcy Crum, a 2018 Angels in Adoption honoree for her work connecting Montana families. The Program, now in its 20th year, is sponsored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) to honor those who have made an exceptional contribution on behalf of children in need of families. Crum, an attorney in Great Falls, has facilitated hundreds of adoptions over three decades of service and has advocated tirelessly for important resources that help connect children with forever families. She was instrumental in securing passage of the Montana Adoption Act of 1997 which ensures that the well-being and best interests of the child are met by adoption proceedings. "Every child deserves a loving family and a stable home," Tester said. "Darcy's critical work has made a life-changing impact on hundreds of kids in Montana, and our great state is better for it." Since 2000, Crum has helped coordinate an adoption celebration held in Great Falls during November, National Adoption Month. This event highlights families finalizing their adoptions and is one of the happiest and most joyful day in the courtrooms of Great Falls. "Helping make families is the most rewarding part of my law practice," Crum stated. "I am humbled and honored to receive this award. Working with children and families in Cascade County and across Montana has been one of the greatest joys of my career." Crum played a crucial role in founding the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program in Cascade County and served the program in various roles for several years. CASA volunteers ensure cases involving abused and neglected children caught up in the foster care system do not stall in the courts and advocate for the well-being of children during the process. Crum was honored at the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute's annual gala in Washington D.C. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tester fought proposals that cut funding for CASA and s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6513 | Tester Announces $355,500 Grant to Keep Aging Veterans Living Independently in Eastern Montana [press_release] | 2018-10-19 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Butte, Mont.)-Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Jon Tester today announced a $355,500 grant to the organization "Action for Eastern Montana" to ensure local veterans can remain independent and stay in their own homes as they age. The grant announced by Tester will help train and deploy 35 volunteers to help aging veterans in eastern Montana with daily tasks to ensure they can remain independent and spend their retirement years in their own homes. "Eastern Montana is home to thousands of veterans who answered the call to serve our country," Tester said. "Now we must uphold our commitment to them. These resources will help aging veterans remain at home rather than force them to live in costly senior facilities." The grant is administered jointly though AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Veterans Health Administration's Choose Home Initiative. Volunteers will be trained to serve seniors in Valley, Sheridan, Richland, Dawson, and Rosebud Counties, as well as on the Fort Peck and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations. Most of the volunteers will also be veterans. Action for Eastern Montana is a non-profit organization in Glendive that "promotes education, advocacy, and dignity for achieving independence" in eastern Montana. As Ranking Member, Tester has drafted 11 veterans bills this Congress that have been signed into law by President Trump. Tester is also using his seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee to fight for more funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service, which helps funds grants like the one going to the Glendive. Tester most notably authored the VA MISSION Act to cut government red tape and make it easier for veterans in rural areas to see a doctor in their community when wait times at the VA are too long. Tester is also pushing to increase access to benefits for aging Vietnam veterans, known as "Blue Water Navy Veterans," who served off the coast of Vietnam during the war and were exposed to toxic chemicals like Agent Orange. If veterans in eastern Mo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6505 | Tester, Wyden Lead Charge to Overturn Controversial Dark Money Rule [press_release] | 2018-10-12 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) are leading the charge to overturn a controversial dark money rule that allows special interest groups to hide their donors from authorities. Tester and Wyden are forcing a vote on their Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn an unpopular U.S. Treasury Department decision that allows special interests to hide their donors from the IRS. 33 U.S. Senators have co-signed Tester's and Wyden's petition, giving it more than the 30 co-signers needed to force all Senators to vote on the legislation. "If we don't take this aggressive approach, more dark money is going to flood our campaigns and mislead voters," Tester said. "We refuse to allow special interests to buy our democracy and this move will help us force a vote that will draw a clear line between those who are defending our country from dangerous dark money and those who are doing nothing to stop it." "Restoring this donor disclosure rule is simply common sense. Without it law enforcement officials won't know whether dark money is corrupting our elections," Ranking Member Wyden said. "The Senate must act immediately to reverse the Trump administration's reckless decision to hide dark money donors from tax authorities." In July, the Treasury Department and the IRS eliminated the requirement for certain tax-exempt organizations to report the identities of major donors to the IRS. Under the Congressional Review Act, members of Congress must introduce a disapproval resolution within 60 calendar days from when the final rule was issued. After 20 calendar days, the resolution can be discharged from Finance Committee without a Committee vote. At that point, a motion to proceed to the resolution may be made on the Senate floor, so long as it is supported, in writing, by at least 30 Senators. Tester and Wyden are pushing for a Senate vote on their Congressional Review Act resolution immediately. You can read the Senators' Congressional Review Act… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6506 | Tester Introduces Bill to Fund Milk River Project, Irrigate Cropland Benefitting 1 Million People [press_release] | 2018-10-12 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Big Sandy, Mont.)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester has introduced legislation to provide critical funding for the Milk River Project in northcentral Montana. After Tester spoke to the St. Mary's Working Group this week, he drafted a bill to ensure the federal government picks up 75 percent of the tab for the major water project. Currently, the federal portion of the project is 26 percent, burdening local jurisdictions with a hefty bill. "This legislation ensures that local taxpayers won't be stuck with the enormous cost of this project," said Tester. "Investing in this infrastructure will provide water for families, businesses and farmers and ranchers in the region." Tester's St. Mary's Reinvestment Act will cover 75 percent of the cost of Sherburne Dam and Reservoir, Swift Current Creek Dike, Lower St. Mary Lake, St. Mary Canal Diversion Dam, and the St. Mary Canal. The entire project is estimated to cost $41.9 million. It will provide water to 18,000 Montanans and irrigate enough cropland to feed one million people. Tester recently secured $1.9 million for this project in the 2019 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6508 | Tester Announces Helena Veteran and Mental Health Advocate Appointed to National Veterans Mental Health Commission [press_release] | 2018-10-12 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Big Sandy, Mont.) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that Helena veteran and mental health advocate Matt Kuntz has been appointed to a VA commission that will help improve mental health care for America's veterans. Kuntz is one of ten commission members appointed from across the nation to the VA's Creating Options for Veterans' Expedited Recovery (COVER) Commission. The COVER Commission was established under the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 to examine the effectiveness of the VA's treatment of mental health conditions. The commission is tasked with identifying successful, innovative practices from the private sector like yoga, music or equine therapy, service animals, acupuncture, or meditation that will benefit veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health conditions. "I am deeply grateful to Senator Jon Tester and the Senate Minority Leader for nominating me to the Commission to work on ensuring that America's veterans have access to the best mental health care possible," said Kuntz. "This is a critical issue to our country and I'm honored to work on it at this level." "Matt Kuntz has been a tremendous advocate for Montana veterans' access to mental health screenings and treatment," said Tester. "He has years of experience in innovating and improving mental health treatment and suicide prevention for Montanans. That experience and his knowledge of the challenges faced by rural veterans' in getting mental health care will be an asset for the VA to build upon." Kuntz's first meeting on the COVER Commission will be October 16-17 at the Palo Alto VA Health Care System in Palo Alto, California. Kuntz is the tenth and final member appointed to the COVER Commission by President Donald Trump, the Speaker of the House, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate and House of Representatives Minority Leaders. Last year, as Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Tester invited Kuntz to testify before the Committee on how the VA can improve Montana and rural vet… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6492 | National Guard Association Awards Tester with Highest Honor [press_release] | 2018-10-11 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - The National Guard Association of the United States honored U.S. Senator Jon Tester with its highest honor for contributions to the defense and security of the United States. National Guard Association President Brigadier General Roy Robinson presented Tester with the Harry S. Truman Award for Distinguished Service in Support of National Defense for his legislative efforts and work to secure the National Guard with the equipment, health care, and benefits they need. "The Harry S. Truman Award is our association's highest honor," said retired Brig. Gen. J. Roy Robinson, the President of the National Guard Association of the United States. "Previous recipients have been U.S. presidents, members of Congress and senior military leaders. Each made sustained, significant contributions to the security of our nation. Senator Jon Tester is worthy of inclusion in this distinguished group of patriots." "I am deeply honored and truly humbled to receive this award," said Tester. "The United States relies on the National Guard more than ever to keep our nation safe and to assist in natural disasters at home. I will never stop fighting to honor those who bravely serve our nation, especially our citizen soldiers and airmen of the National Guard." As Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Tester authored the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act with Republican Chairman Johnny Isakson. Their bipartisan bill was signed into law August 16, 2017 and makes more Guardsmen eligible for the education benefits they earned. Tester also secured seven new firefighting buckets for the Montana Army National Guard in time for the 2018 fire season. Specifically, Tester secured two firefighting bucket kits for CH-47 helicopters and five firefighting bucket kits for UH-60 helicopters. Recently Tester successfully pushed the Air Force to commit to build a new aircraft apron to park the Montana Air National Guard's C-130 fleet. He then secured the full funding for the new aircraft apron in the 20… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6493 | Tester Announces Loan Program to Alleviate Poverty, Boost Economy [press_release] | 2018-10-11 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - As a part of his #EmployMT initiative, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced a loan program that will boost the economy in Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, and Meagher counties. The $600,000 will establish a "revolving loan fund" with the Montana Business Assistance Connection, a group dedicated to improving the economy and quality of life in those counties. The fund will allow MBAC to make loans to increase economic activity, decrease poverty, and create jobs. "Creating and maintaining jobs is the key to a thriving economy," Tester said. "These loans will help small businesses in Townsend, White Sulphur Springs and Helena create new jobs, keep existing ones, and spur economic growth in Montana." "We are thankful to the USDA Rural Development and the Montana Board of Investments for our ability to obtain these funds to increase our capacity to make loans to new and expanding small business, which drives prosperity, our economy, business vitality, high quality job growth and the enhancement of quality of life throughout the Helena region," said MBAC Lending Director Mark Menke. Tester has worked tirelessly to keep Montana's economy humming. He introduced the Main Street Regulatory Fairness Act to cut red tape for Montana's small businesses, stood up for Montana's outdoor economy, and fought for certainty for Montana's farmers and ranchers. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6489 | Tester Defends Montanans from Junk Health Insurance Plans [press_release] | 2018-10-10 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester is defending Montanans from harmful health insurance policies that cost money, but don't cover pre-existing conditions and basic health care procedures. Better known as "junk plans," these short-term health insurance plans were originally designed to help fill temporary gaps in coverage, but a recent rule by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has allowed corporations to start selling Montanans junk plans that last up to three years. "They are a total and complete sham," Tester said of the junk plans. "If you read the fine print, you will discover that dialysis, blood pressure pills, and x-rays aren't covered. In fact, most things aren't." Tester voted to pass legislation to overturn CMS's new rule and restore the 90-day junk plan limit. "We must hold big insurance accountable," Tester said. "We cannot let corporations swindle folks who need health insurance plans that will be there for them. It stops insurance companies from selling garbage plans that don't cover your pre-existing condition." Junk plans are also not required to cover prescription drugs or maternity care. In April, Tester urged CMS not to expand junk plans and instead work to lower the cost of good, comprehensive health care coverage. Tester is also sponsoring legislation to defend Montanans with pre-existing conditions like high-blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and asthma from being denied coverage from health insurance companies. Tester's legislation was one vote shy of passing the Senate, ending up with a final vote of 50-50. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6490 | Tester Puts Bill on Trump's Desk to Rebuild Montana's Water and Wastewater Infrastructure [press_release] | 2018-10-10 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today helped pass legislation to rebuild Montana's aging water and wastewater infrastructure. Tester worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass the Water Resources Development Act to upgrade water systems, establish watercraft inspection stations, and boost access to clean water in rural communities. "Water is life," Tester said. "These resources will create good-paying construction jobs, boost Montanans access to clean drinking water, and upgrade our aging sewer systems. This bipartisan bill is the result of folks putting politics aside and doing what is best for rural America." Tester specifically worked across the aisle to secure the following provisions in the Water Resources Development Act: Reauthorize and increase funding for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund from $1 billion to $1.95 billion. Montanans use this fund to rebuild municipal water and wastewater systems. Authorize $25 million annually for technical assistance for rural water and wastewater system managers. Establish a permanent water infrastructure loan initiative to ensure states and tribes have reliable credit and low rates to fund upgrades to local water systems. Authorize $110 million for watercraft inspection stations, including $30 million for the Columbia River Basin and $30 million for the Upper Missouri River Basin to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Authorize the Blackfeet Tribe to access up to 50 percent of the funding for the Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement as Congress appropriates the funding. The Water Resources Development Act passed the Senate 99-1. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6491 | Tester Tears Down Barriers to Funding for Blackfeet Water Compact [press_release] | 2018-10-10 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester passed legislation that will allow the Blackfeet Nation to invest in water infrastructure for Native American families and businesses. Tester today helped pass legislation to allow the Blackfeet Tribe to access up to 50 percent of the funding for the Blackfeet Water Compact. The $422 million total for the settlement wasn't scheduled to be distributed until 2025. "The Blackfeet people have waited long enough for these critical water resources," Tester said. "These funds will allow the tribe to build new water infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, and increase reliable access to clean water." Tester helped pass the Blackfeet Water Compact into law in 2016 and attended the historic water compact signing ceremony with the tribe in June. "Water is life," Tester added. "I will continue to hold the federal government accountable to Blackfeet families until every dollar of this compact is paid in full." The Blackfeet Water Compact will: Establish the Tribe's water rights in all six drainages within the reservation. Rehabilitate the aging Four Horns Dam and Blackfeet Irrigation Project. Give the Blackfeet Tribe the ability to use, lease, contract, or exchange water on tribal land. Develop Reservation water resources and promote economic development. Tester used his position on the Senate Appropriations Committee to secure $10 million for the Blackfeet Water Compact in a bipartisan government funding bill in March. Tester also secured an additional $10 million for the Blackfeet Water Compact this year in the 2019 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6486 | Tester on 20-Year Ban in the Paradise Valley: Its Only a Temporary Solution [press_release] | 2018-10-08 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Kalispell, Mont.) U.S. Senator Jon Tester issued the following statement after Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced a temporary 20-year mineral withdrawl on the doorstep of Yellowstone National Park. There are some places you just shouldn't dig or drill, the doorstep of our country's first National Park is one of them. Today's news is a positive step forward, but it's only a temporary solution. I will continue fighting to pass my Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, which would permanently ban mining in the Paradise Valley and protect the region's world class scenery, resources, and economy for generations to come. Tester recently called on Secretary Zinke to issue a temporary ban while Congress works on passing Tester's bipartisan Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act. After two mining companies announced plans to expand their operations near Yellowstone National Park back in 2015, locals approached Tester about coming up with plan to protect the region's natural resources and growing outdoor economy. Over the next two years, Jon worked with residents and small-business owners to craft the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act. This bipartisan bill will permanently withdraw federal mineral rights on 30,000 acres of public land in the Gallatin National Forestadjacent to Yellowstone National Parkand prevent proposed mines from expanding onto unclaimed public land. Today, Zinke accepted the recommendation of the U.S. Forest Service to temporarily withdraw mining rights across approximately 30,000 acres of land in the Paradise Valley, just outside Yellowstone National Park. Not only was this one of the issues Tester explicitly pushed Zinke on during his confirmation process last January, Tester has continued to hold the Interior Department accountable on this issue, calling on Zinke to accept the Forest Service's recommendation just last week. On Tuesday, Tester's Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act cleared the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, a week after the House Natural Resources Committee passed c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6480 | Tester Calls on Zinke to Protect Yellowstone Gateway [press_release] | 2018-10-04 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is calling on Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to follow Tester's lead and protect the Paradise Valley from hardrock gold mining before the current two-year moratorium runs out next month. A Senate committee this week approved, with bipartisan support, Tester's Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, which permanently protects the area. But until the bill becomes law, the 30,000 acre region north of Yellowstone National Park remains at risk. Though most residents of Paradise Valley are not satisfied by another temporary ban on mining, they say it's an important step until Tester's bill becomes law. Zinke must approve the temporary ban, which the U.S. Forest Service recommended in September. "While mining plays an important role in our state's history and economy, there are some places where it doesn't make sense," Tester wrote Zinke. "That's why I introduced legislation to permanently withdraw mineral rights on 30,000 acres of federal land, leaving existing rights and private property intact." When mining was first proposed a few years ago, businesses and organizations in Park County asked Tester to defend the Yellowstone Gateway and Montana's $7.1 billion outdoor recreation economy. Yellowstone National Park visitors spent an average of $196 million in Park County in 2014, which helped create and sustain nearly 3,000 jobs in the region. Tester stood up for the Paradise Valley in arguing for his bill before the Senate Natural Resources Committee last year. "I urge you to approve the temporary administrative withdrawal that is before you as a safeguard until Congress enacts permanent protection for the Paradise Valley," Tester wrote. "We must work together to ensure that this breathtaking area is still protected at the end of the next month, and at the end of the next century." Tester's full letter to Secretary Zinke is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6481 | Tester Delivers Grant to Support Homeownership in Montana [press_release] | 2018-10-04 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester Delivers Grant to Support Homeownership in Montana $434,246 to Educate, Improve Housing Conditions Across the State (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced a grant that will help Montana homeowners stay in their homes. The $434,246 will benefit NeighborWorks Montana, which works to increase access to quality, affordable housing for low-income Montanans. "Everyone needs a place to call home," Tester said. "NeighborWorks does a great job of making that a reality for folks in Montana, and this grant will help them continue making sure folks have the tools they need to own their own homes." The grant is administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and will allow NeighborWorks Montana to help homeowners improve housing conditions and better understand and meet the responsibilities of homeownership. Tester has fought hard to make sure everyone who wants to can purchase their own home - in June he secured $147 million for NeighborWorks programs nationwide. Read more about Tester's work to expand affordable housing HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6474 | Tester Reaches Across the Aisle to Strengthen Security, Improve Infrastructure at Montana Airports [press_release] | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today worked with Republicans and Democrats to strengthen security and improve infrastructure at Montana's airports. Tester voted to pass bipartisan legislation that reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and includes many provisions that Montana airports use every day. "By strengthening our transportation infrastructure, we are building a stronger climate for Montana entrepreneurs to succeed," Tester said. "This bipartisan bill ensures Montana's airports can thrive, while keeping passengers safe and protecting families' pocketbooks." Tester secured a provision in the bill to hold air ambulance companies more accountable for charging Montanans exorbitant bills during amounts for life-threatening emergencies. Tester also sponsored a bipartisan provision to secure additional funds for the West Yellowstone Airport. The FAA Reauthorization Act additionally includes the following provisions: Provides funding for the Airport Improvement Program, which over a dozen Montana airports have utilized to make important infrastructure upgrades. Urges the FAA to change the annual time cycle for awarding federal government grants so Montana contractors are able to secure contracts before the start of construction season. Mandates the FAA strengthen security procedures to limit the threat of insider attacks. Extends theEssential Air Service Program that serves seven Montana airports. Directs the FAA to set minimum leg room standards on all commercial flights. Prohibits commercial airlines from involuntarily bumping passengers who have already boarded the flight. Directs the FAA to analyze the ability for wildland firefighters to use drones while fighting wildfires. The FAA Reauthorization Act passed the Senate 93-6. The FAA is now reauthorized for five years. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6475 | Tester Holds Air Ambulance Companies Accountable to Montanans [press_release] | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester took a step toward reforming the air ambulance industry and lowering the cost of these life-saving flights for rural Montanans. After introducing legislation to crack down on price gouging in the air ambulance industry, Tester voted for the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, which requires the Transportation Secretary establish an Advisory Committee on Air Ambulance and Patient Billing. This Committee will make recommendations to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding charges and fees for air ambulance services and provide better protections for consumers. "Montanans often find themselves a long way from a hospital, and rely on air ambulances to save their lives," Tester said. "Taking advantage of folks in crisis is wrong. This legislation provides some accountability and oversight to an industry that has had little of both." The legislation also requires air ambulance providers to regularly report certain data to the Transportation Department, increase transparency related to consumer complaints, and make the Transportation Department's complaint hotline more readily available. Tester has fought tirelessly for greater oversight of the industry after Montanans were stuck with exorbitantly high bills after receiving life-saving air ambulance care. The average cost of an out-of-network air ambulance flight in Montana is $53,000. Tester also noted that while the bill is a step in the right direction, there is still work to be done. Specifically he called on Congress to pass his Isla Rose Life Flight Act, which will allow state governments to regulate air ambulance billing and pricing practices to ensure policies are transparent for patients. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6476 | Tester Introduces Bill to Hold French Company Accountable for Locking Out Three Forks Workers [press_release] | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester is introducing legislation to hold France-based Imerys accountable for locking workers out of its jobs at its talc plant in Three Forks. Tester's bill, the Prohibiting Incentives for Corporations that Kickout Employees Tax (PICKET) Act, will eliminate tax breaks, deductions, and credits for corporations that lock out their workers during a labor dispute. Tester rallied with workers locked outside of the Imerys plant in Three Forks last month and vowed to take legislative action in the U.S. Senate. "When corporations sell their workers downstream, they shouldn't be able to turn around and cash in on the backs of taxpayers," Tester said. "Imerys is a multinational, billion-dollar foreign corporation that has shown no interest in our Montana values and this bill will hold them accountable for unnecessarily upending the lives of workers and their families." Tester's bill will specifically require corporations who lock out workers during a labor dispute to pay the old corporate tax rate of 35 percent, rather than the new rate of 21 percent for the entire taxable year. Tester's bill also will prevent these corporations from deducting wages and benefits paid to any temporary workers during the lockout and prevent the corporation from receiving certain tax credits for hiring replacement workers. The PICKET Act applies to all U.S. corporations and U.S.-based subsidiaries of foreign corporations like Imerys. The lockout at Imerys is the first labor lockout at this plant in Montana since the 1980s. Tester's bill is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6477 | Tester: It's Past Time for the VA to Do Right by Veterans Suffering from Toxic Exposure [press_release] | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Jon Tester is taking the VA to task for waiting more than 900 days to make a decision on expanding the list of medical conditions associated with presumed exposure to Agent Orange. In March 2016, the National Academy of Medicine recommended the VA expand its list of presumptive medical conditions to include bladder cancer, hyperthyroidism and Parkinson's Disease-like conditions. While historically required to respond to the Academy's recommendations within 60 days, the VA has yet to respond. Tester's bill requires the VA to make a timely decision on these and all future recommendations from the Academy. "It shouldn't take an act of Congress for the VA to acknowledge that Agent Orange is hurting Montana veterans," said Tester. "It's been 937 days and the VA has not issued a decision. Our bill sends a clear message to the VA: it's past time to do right by veterans suffering from toxic exposure." On three separate occasions, Tester has pushed the VA to make a decision on the National Academy of Medicine's report. In September 2017, Tester led a group of Senators in demanding the VA make a decision on the Academy's report. He repeated the call to act in March 2018. In April 2018, Tester urged the Office of Management and Budget to assist the VA in adding bladder cancer, hyperthyroidism and Parkinson's Disease-like conditions to the list of presumptive medical conditions. While the VA responded once with a promise to make a decision by November 1, 2017, no decision has been issued. Tester has led the fight in Congress to pass the bipartisan Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, which changes the law to expand presumption of toxic exposure to veterans who served in the waters off Vietnam and give them eligibility for service-connected disability benefits. He fought to make sure that bill included the bipartisan Fairness for Korean DMZ Veterans Act, which would expand presumption to veterans who served in the Korean Demilitarized Zone between Sept.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6484 | Tester Convenes First Meeting of #Montennial Advisory Council [press_release] | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) U.S. Senator Jon Tester Skyped with his #Montennial Advisory Council to discuss the tough issues facing young people in Montana and to brainstorm potential solutions to those challenges. Councilmembers Zach Brown, Grace Johnson, Riley Tubbs, Adam Carney and Erica Braig told Tester that their chief concerns are college affordability and the growing student debt crisis, as well as the opioid epidemic. You guys have a bigger stake in what happens in Washington D.C. than anybody else, Tester told the Council. I want to hear from your mouths what you think the challenges are from your perspective on what's going on. Brown, a State Representative in Bozeman, chaired the Council and brought up college affordability as one of the hurdles many millennials face. Brown praised Tester's work holding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau accountable and cracking down on predatory lenders. Tester defended tens of thousands of Montanans with student loans this spring when he took CFPB Director Mick Mulvaney to task over a plan to defang the agency's Office of Students and Young Consumers. Riley Tubbs, a small business owner from Helena, said he's struggled to get out from under his student loans. I'm saving for my children's college fund while my wife and I are trying to pay off our student loans, said Tubbs, who co-owns 10 Mile Brewery. We're getting sandwiched a little in my generation between well, I have a family to save for, but at the same time I'm paying a 6.4 percent rate on my own loans that I have.' The Council also examined the harmful effect opioid and meth abuse has had on young people in Montana. Grace Johnson, a junior at Montana State University told Tester that a family member had been prescribed 40 hydrocodone pills for a routine oral surgery, and asked what could be done to combat the over-prescription of drugs. That seems to me to be an excessive amount, Johnson said. She's 18 years old, and if that wasn't something she was regulating herself, and I could see that being a huge problem. Tes… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6471 | Tester's Bill to Protect Yellowstone's Doorstep Clears Senate Committee [press_release] | 2018-10-02 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester's bill to permanently protect Montana's iconic Paradise Valley from hardrock gold mining cleared a major hurdle Tuesday. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed Tester's Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act permanently withdrawing mineral rights on 30,000 acres of federal public land north of Yellowstone National Park. The bill passed on a unanimous vote. "Some places are more precious than gold," said Tester, the only senator in the delegation to sponsor the bill. "My bill will ensure outdoor recreation businesses can continue to thrive in the region, and will protect one of our nation's greatest treasures for generations to come." The Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act preserves land on the Custer Gallatin National Forest adjacent to the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness, and eliminates the ability for proposed mines to expand onto unclaimed public land. Tester's bill is supported by dozens of groups and businesses in the Yellowstone region that rely on the area for their business. Yellowstone National Park visitors spent an average of $196 million in Park County in 2014 that helped create and sustain nearly 3,000 jobs. Tester testified before the committee on behalf of his bill last July, and has been fighting to protect the Yellowstone Gateway for the past three years. Last week, the House Natural Resources Committee passed companion legislation on a 28-4 vote. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6473 | Tester: Congress Must Reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund Now [press_release] | 2018-10-02 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester: Congress Must Reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund Now Senator's Bipartisan Bill to Permanently Reauthorize and Fully Fund LWCF Clears Senate Committee (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today issued the following statement after the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed his legislation to permanently reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): "Montanans use LWCF to expand public access to our public lands and strengthen our state's $7 billion outdoor economy. This vote is a step forward. Now Congress must immediately pass this legislation so Montana hunters, hikers, and anglers can experience our great outdoors for generations to come." LWCF expired on Sunday. Tester's legislation to permanently authorize and fully fund LWCF is supported by both Republicans and Democrats and passed the committee by a 16-7 vote. LWCF doesn't cost taxpayers a dime, because it is funded from offshore natural resource development revenues. Tester's legislation will now head to the Senate Floor for debate. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6467 | Tester Doubles Down on Holding VA Accountable for Crippling Vacancies [press_release] | 2018-10-01 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Jon Tester is doubling down on his push to address crippling workforce shortages at the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA). Tester recently oversaw a Committee hearing on the State of the VA' where workforce vacancies were a central theme. Tester requested information from VA Secretary Robert Wilkie about how the VA is utilizing the tools he worked in a bipartisan manner to secure for the Department to address nationwide workforce vacancies. "Mr. Secretary, today you will be receiving a letter from me that requests more information about how VA is using these additional authorities," said Tester. "It's not an exercise to create additional paperwork for you. It's so this Committee can have a better idea of what is working and what is not and can better focus our efforts. Since vacancies continue to be the biggest barrier to primary, specialty and mental care for veterans across the country, I think that's a very reasonable request. And I hope we can work very closely on this issue moving forward." In a letter handed to Wilkie, Tester asked how the VA is utilizing the authorities and resources provided by bipartisan reform bills signed into law over the last two years. The bipartisan reforms co-authored by Tester and Republican Chairman Johnny Isakson include the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act and the VA MISSION Act. "I have continued to press for additional hiring authorities for the VA because I believe veterans deserve better," Tester wrote. "I continue to hear from veterans across Montana that vacancies and constant turnover in VA facilities impacts how quickly they can get appointments and prevents them from building quality doctor-patient relationships. We need to know that the VA is doing everything it can to ensure the Veterans Health Administration achieves full clinical capacity and that critical non-clinical positions are filled to support delivery of benefits." Tester's letter is available online HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6468 | Tester: Pass a Farm Bill Now [press_release] | 2018-10-01 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester: Pass a Farm Bill Now U.S. Senate's Only Farmer Calls for Swift Action After Farm Bill Expires (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester, the Senate's only working farmer, issued the following statement after Congressional leaders let the Farm Bill expire: "It is time for Congress to quit making political hay out of the Farm Bill and put our bipartisan solution on the President's desk. I will hold Washington accountable to Montana farmers and ranchers to ensure they have the certainty they need to prepare for next growing season." Tester expressed concern that the Farm Bill's expiration will make it more difficult for farmers to secure operating loans in advance of next spring. Tester worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill out of the Senate in June. The Senate Farm Bill is endorsed by Montana's agriculture organizations because it contains the following provisions: Reauthorizes and keeps intact both Price Loss Coverage and Ag Risk Coverage (ARC) insurance. Keeps the popular Conservation Stewardship Program intact. Amends the Environmental Quality Incentive Program to better work for Montana producers. Increases the maximum acreage of the Conservation Reserve Program. Directs the USDA Secretary to more actively fight the spread of Foot and Mou… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6469 | Tester Defends Montana Students Against DeVos Harmful Decisions [press_release] | 2018-10-01 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) After Education Secretary Betsy Devos' attempt to deny funding for the University of Montana's TRIO/Upward Bound program due to a minor formatting error last year, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is introducing legislation to cut red tape and defend Montana students from harmful decisions that put their college education at risk. For decades, Montana's TRIO programs have helped low-income, first-generation college students achieve the dream of earning a college degree, Tester said. More certainty for TRIO programsand more common sense out of the Department of Educationwill mean better outcomes for our students. Last April, Tester led a group of 25 Senators calling on DeVos to re-review dozens of TRIO grant applications that had been rejected due to minor formatting issues. This included the University of Montana's Upward Bound grant application, which was rejected because one page wasn't double-spaced. After introducing legislation, highlighting student success stories, and holding DeVos personally accountable, Tester got the Department of Education to reverse its decision and fully fund the program for the next five years. While the University of Montana ultimately received funding, the delay caused significant issues and led to the cancelation of last year's summer session. That's why Tester is introducing the Common Sense Opportunities Act. This bill would prohibit the Department of Education from rejecting TRIO grant applications based on technical errors. It will also ensure the Department notifies new and continuing TRIO programs about funding decisions in a timely manner. I have and will continue to defend Montana students, even if that means going toe-to-toe with the U.S. Department of Education and Secretary DeVos, Tester added. As co-chair of the Senate's TRIO Caucus, Tester has fought hard to provide Montana's TRIO programs with the resources they need to help low income, first-generation college students earn college degrees. In March, Tester worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass a budg… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6466 | Tester: I have concerns about Kavanaugh's record' [press_release] | 2018-09-28 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester: I have concerns about Kavanaugh's record' Tester Will Vote Against Nominee's Confirmation (Big Sandy, Mont.)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced he will vote against the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh, the nominee to serve a lifetime appointment on the United States Supreme Court. "I have concerns that Judge Kavanaugh defended the PATRIOT Act instead of Montanans' privacy. I have concerns about his support for more dark money in politics. I have concerns about who he believes is in charge of making personal health decisions. And I have deep concerns about the allegations of sexual assault against Judge Kavanaugh. Unfortunately, Judge Kavanaugh couldn't find time to discuss these concerns with me in person, so the only information I have is from what he said in his hearings. I'll be voting against him." Judge Kavanaugh helped the Bush Administration craft a program of mass domestic surveillance. He ruled in favor of increased government surveillance under the PATRIOT Act in Klayman v. Obama. Tester requested a meeting with Judge Kavanaugh numerous times, but the White House refused to commit to a specific date and time. Tester received thousands of emails and calls from Montanans about Judge Kavanaugh, a majority of which were opposed to his nomination. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6461 | Tester Secures Grant to Combat Drug Epidemic in Butte [press_release] | 2018-09-26 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester Secures Grant to Combat Drug Epidemic in Butte $718,138 to Bolster Family Drug Court, Support Recovery (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced a grant to help the Butte-Silver Bow County Family Drug Court better support drug offenders and combat the growing opioid epidemic. Worth $718,138, the grant will let Family Drug Court handle more cases and create a peer-support group to help offenders before and after using the Court. It also provides for a targeted program focusing on opioid addiction. "The drug crisis is costing our communities far too much," Tester said. "We've got to combat this epidemic with every tool available, and this grant will ensure folks in Butte can get the help they need to start on the path to recovery." The grant is available through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Tester has long been confronting the rampant opioid epidemic in Montana. He voted last week on a sweeping package of bills to support drug prevention and recovery efforts and he recently secured $4.3 million to help 16 community health centers across the state combat drug abuse and addiction. Tester held a roundtable discussion in Kalispell last week on the growing opioid epidemic in Montana. Last year he called out the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6462 | Tester Takes Tech Execs to Task Over Consumer Privacy Concerns [press_release] | 2018-09-26 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - "Do any of you sell personal information? Yes or no?" That's the question U.S. Senator Jon Tester posed to top executives from Amazon, Google, Twitter, Apple, AT&T, and Charter Communications during today's Senate Commerce Committee hearing on data collection and online privacy practices. "I'm a farmer, I'm not a technology person," Tester told the tech execs at today's hearing. "I'll get on and look for a set of tires for my truck and, presto change-o, I might be checking scores on ESPN and up comes an advertisement for tires for my truck. How the hell did they get that information?" Tester condemned the complexity and lack of transparency when it comes to helping everyday Montanans understand their user privacy settings and warned about the dangers of current data sharing practices. "Say for example a Russian firm were to ask for that information or a Chinese firm," Tester said. "Have any of you been asked for information from a firm that does business in other countries? And have you given it to them or sold it to them?" "Any response to that?" Tester pressed as his question was met with silence. Tester has steadfastly defended Montanans' privacy against both corporate and government overreach. He took Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to task back in April after reports revealed that the company shared the personal information of more than 87 million Americans without their consent. He also grilled former Equifax CEO Richard Smith after the personal information of more than 367,000 Montanans was comprised in the company's data breach last year. Tester has aggressively condemned the use of mass government surveillance under the PATRIOT Act and is one of only a handful of Senators that has consistently voted against reauthorizing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). In January, he helped introduce the USA RIGHTS Act, a bipartisan bill to end the practice of warrantless data collection under FISA. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6463 | Ranking Member Tester Holds Hearing on State of the VA with Secretary Wilkie [press_release] | 2018-09-26 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - Ranking Member Jon Tester today questioned VA Secretary Robert Wilkie in Wilkie's first appearance before the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee as Secretary. Wilkie appeared on Capitol Hill to report on the state of the VA after his first 60 days as Secretary. "Mr. Secretary, as you highlighted in your testimony, This is not business as usual,'" said Tester. "Because the stakes are so high, collaboration and partnerships are more critical than ever. In my opinion, it looks as if the VA is disengaging with stakeholders when it should be engaging more than ever, and becoming less transparent when it should be more transparent." In a meeting yesterday, Veterans Service Organizations told Tester they were alarmed at the VA's lack of communication about the implementation of reforms that these organizations, the VA, and Congress worked together to craft. "I visit with the Veterans Service Organizations all the time and yesterday was no exception," said Tester. "I visited with a number of them to hear their concerns. Overall they expressed alarm over what they perceive as increasing disengagement with them in several areas. I've said this many times - we take our cues from the Veterans Service Organizations, from veterans. As we implement the VA MISSION Act and as veterans are going to utilize it, they need to be a part of the equation." Tester was encouraged by Wilkie and Republican Chairman Johnny Isakson's commitment to finding a path forward on the bipartisan Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, which expands presumption of exposure to Agent Orange to veterans who served just offshore Vietnam. More than 30 military and veterans' organizations representing millions of veterans have endorsed this legislation. He also praised the VA for sharing stories of VA employees who are making a difference for veterans. "We don't hear enough about the good things the Agency does day-in and day-out," said Tester. "There is a reason why thousands of men and women across the country work tirelessly eve… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6458 | Tester, Wyden Introduce Legislation to Force a Vote to Overturn Controversial Dark Money Rule [press_release] | 2018-09-25 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) are introducing legislation that will overturn the U.S. Treasury Department's controversial new decision that allows special interests to hide their donors from the IRS. The Senators are introducing a Congressional Review Act resolution, an aggressive legislative tool that can force a Senate vote on the issue. "We must crack down on the dark money flooding our political system, that's why we are taking an aggressive approach and introducing this legislation to protect our democracy and hold special interests accountable with transparency," said Tester. "We cannot allow special interests to hide in the darkness." "This measure reverses course on an undemocratic Trump agenda to empower shadowy groups that seek to buy our elections," Wyden said. "It couldn't come at a more important time. Over the next few weeks political ads will be flooding the airwaves. Because of the Trump administration's new dark money rule, tax authorities won't know whether those ads are being paid for by foreign governments or individuals. Opposition against my resolution with Senator Tester is an endorsement of the Trump administration's plan to further cripple campaign finance transparency." In July, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service eliminated the requirement for certain tax-exempt organizations to report the identities of major donors to the IRS. This allows certain "dark money" and tax-exempt non-profit organizations that engage in political activity to hide their donors. "The IRS's decision to give mega-donors and Big Money special interests more secrecy with their political spending goes against what the majority of Americans want. Voters deserve to know who's behind the seemingly unlimited money that's trying to influence their vote and their government, "said End Citizens United Action Fund President Tiffany Muller. "ECU thanks Senators Tester and Wyden for their leadership, and Congress shoul… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6459 | Tester Announces Contract for Malmstrom's Huey Replacement [press_release] | 2018-09-25 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that the Boeing Company won the contract to replace Malmstrom Air Force Base's fleet of aging UH-1N "Huey" helicopters. Tester recently secured $258 million to replace Malmstrom's Huey fleet in a bipartisan government funding agreement that provides resources and equipment to the Armed Forces. The Air Force subsequently awarded the Boeing Company the contract to replace the Huey fleet with MH-139 helicopters, training devices, and support equipment. "The men and women at Malmstrom are on the front lines of keeping Montana and our nation safe," said Tester. "Their aircraft and equipment should reflect their crucial role in keeping America and Montana safe. The new fleet of MH-139 helicopters will make sure Malmstrom has the resources it needs to get the mission done for years to come." Tester first secured a commitment to replace the Huey fleet from then Air Force Secretary Deborah James in January 2015. He then fought to include funding in the 2017 Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs Appropriations Bill for a new Missile Maintenance Dispatch facility at Malmstrom that will allow the base to properly house and maintain the Huey replacements once they arrive. In March 2017, Tester urged Defense Secretary James Mattis to commit to the established schedule to replace the Huey fleet. In March 2018, Tester doubled down and led a bipartisan group of Senators in urging Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson to replace the Huey fleet without delay. Tester then fought to secure authorization and funding for a replacement fleet in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act and subsequent 2019 Defense Appropriations Bill. Respectively, these bills approve the plan to replace the Huey fleet and then provide the funding to do so. Shortly after, the Air Force announced that the Boeing Company received a contract to deliver up to 84 MH-139 helicopters, training devices, and associated support equipment to replace the Huey fleet nationwide. The first operational helicop… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6452 | Forest Service Backs Tester's Plan to Protect the Paradise Valley [press_release] | 2018-09-21 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Forest Service Backs Tester's Plan to Protect the Paradise Valley Senator Continues to Push Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act for Permanent Protection (Big Sandy, Mont.)-The U.S. Forest Service today announced it's supporting plans to protect the doorstep of Yellowstone National Park from large-scale mining operations, building off U.S. Senator Jon Tester's landmark Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act. The Forest Service is recommending that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke temporarily withdraw approximately 30,000 acres in the Paradise Valley and Gardiner Basin from potential mineral development. This comes after Tester and thousands of Montanans introduced bipartisan legislation to permanently protect the nation's first National Park and the headwaters of the Yellowstone River. The current two year moratorium is nearly up and the Administration can only withdraw the mineral leases for 20 years. "This region is a treasure for all Montanans," said Tester. "Today's news is a positive step forward, but we must not rest on our laurels. The entire delegation must throw their full support behind our bill, which permanently protects the region's economy for future generations." Secretary Zinke is now tasked with reviewing t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6453 | President Trump Signs Tester's Campaign Finance Reform Bill into Law [press_release] | 2018-09-21 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Big Sandy, Mont.) - President Donald Trump today signed U.S. Senator Jon Tester's bill to make Senate campaigns more transparent. Tester's bill, the Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act, requires candidates to electronically file financial disclosure reports with the Federal Election Commission, making them immediately available to the public and saving taxpayers money. It's the 20th Tester-authored bill Trump has signed in law. "With the signing of my bipartisan e-filing bill, the Senate is finally joining the 21st century," Tester said. "I've been fighting for over 10 years to make this common-sense idea a reality, and now elections will be more transparent for everyone." U.S. House of Representatives and Executive Branch candidates have been required to file electronically since 2001, and advocates say the bill will save taxpayers nearly $900,000 a year. Tester first introduced the Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act in 2008 and has subsequently reintroduced the bipartisan bill every Congress since. Good government advocates praised Tester's tireless efforts to pass the bill: "Jon Tester has fought relentlessly to make this common sense, good government change that will shine a light on money in politics," said Tiffany Muller, President of End Citizens United. "The public has a right to know who's trying to influence and buy our elections. There's no reason candidates running for Senate should be able to hide important disclosures for days or weeks. Senator Tester has been a champion for transparency and we thank him for his work." "It's time to end the Senate's longstanding insistence on paper-based campaign finance filings - to stop wasting public funds and needlessly delaying public disclosure," said John Wonderlich, Executive Director of the Sunlight Foundation. "Senator Tester has been an important leader in efforts to create more efficient, effective systems for political finance information, and his support of e-filing in the Senate has helped the measure progress to where it is today." "Senator T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6455 | New Credit Freezes Now Available Thanks to Testers Law [press_release] | 2018-09-21 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Big Sandy, Mont.) Consumers are now guaranteed free credit freezes thanks to U.S. Senator Jon Tester's recently signed legislation to protect Montanans from fraud and identity theft. The additional consumer protections are part of Tester's bipartisan Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, which President Trump signed into law in May. Montanans shouldn't have to worry about criminals affecting their credit scores or financial security, Tester said. These new credit freezes will protect Montanans and give them better control over who can access their credit information. The bill's provision requiring credit bureaus to provide consumers with extended fraud alerts and free credit freezes goes into effect today. The Federal Trade Commission has provided links to apply for a fraud alert at IdentityTheft.gov. To place a credit freeze, consumers can apply with each bureau separately: Experts say credit freezes are the best way to prevent criminals from negatively impacting consumers' credit scores through fraud and identity theft.Tester's Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, the result of years of work with Republicans and Democrats, also cuts red tape for community banks and credit unions while maintaining protections against risky Wall Street bets. As a member of the Senate's Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, Tester has worked tirelessly to stand up for the more than 367,000 Montanans whose information was comprised by the Equifax data breach. After it was announced in September 2017, Tester grilled former Equifax CEO Richard Smith for the company's slow reaction to the breach and held Washington bureaucrats' feet to the fire for their failure to investigate Equifax. Tester also demanded that the IRS rescind its $7 million contract with Equifax and partnered with Montana Attorney General Tim Fox to offer consumer protection tips to Montanans affected by the breach. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act is one of 20 bipart… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6449 | Tester Secures Grant to Support Assault Survivors in Butte [press_release] | 2018-09-20 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Kalispell, Mont.) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today secured a grant to help combat sexual and domestic violence in Butte. The $490,773 grant will benefit Safe Space and Montana Legal Services Association, enabling them to advocate for and provide legal services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking across southwest Montana. "Making our communities safer is one of my top priorities," Tester said. "The grant will help survivors of these awful crimes find the support they need, and it will help officials hold the criminals who commit such crimes accountable." "This grant will support the on-going mission of Safe Space to provide emergent residential and non-residential services to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault," said Catherine Beaunae, Ph.D., Executive Director of Safe Space. "Additionally, it stipulates that Safe Space in collaboration with Montana Legal Services Association, will have its own attorney in Butte. This will be a huge benefit to the community and the clients of Safe Space." "Survivors of Domestic Violence often struggle to access the legal services they need to escape abusive situations and live independently," said Alison Paul, Executive Director of Montana Legal Services Association. "We're excited to be able to provide a full-time local Domestic Violence attorney in partnership with Safe Space serving the Butte area." The grant, provided by the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, will support a victims advocate, hire and train a legal services attorney, and provide for community presentations on services available to victims in Deer Lodge, Granite, Jefferson, Powell, and Silver Bow counties. Tester has made standing up for women a priority - he recently secured over half a million dollars to combat violence against women in Bozeman, and he helped pass the 2018 budget agreement which provided $492 million for DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women, which provided for this grant. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6450 | Tester Sponsors Bill to Counter Suicide Epidemic in Indian Country [press_release] | 2018-09-20 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Request not Accepted - Security Risk Detected Request not Accepted Your submitted request contained a potential security risk. Please try your submission again using natively composed plain text (not copied and pasted from another document), with few or no hyperlinks, or other syntax that may be interpreted as computer code (examples: '--', '&'). *As stated in the privacy policy, unauthorized attempts to upload or change information are strictly prohibited. Browse contact information for all current senators. Find Senators by State: Search Senate.gov: Contact: E-mail webmaster@sec.senate.gov to report a broken link, ask technical questions, or provide feedback on www.senate.gov. For all other correspondence contact your senators. *NOTE: Please do not ask the webmaster to forward mail to senators' offices. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6451 | Tester Secures $4.3 Million to Help 16 Montana Health Centers Combat Drug Abuse [press_release] | 2018-09-20 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Kalispell, Mont.) - After passing a sweeping legislative package this week to combat the opioid and meth epidemics, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced more than $4.3 million in federal funding to help 16 community health centers across the state combat drug abuse and addiction. Tester made the announcement during a roundtable discussion with local pharmacists, social workers, and treatment managers about the addiction epidemic in Kalispell. "Overcoming addiction is a huge challenge in the state of Montana," Tester said. "And if we don't address this issue, it's not going to get any better. We've got to figure out ways to help people get back on their feet and that's what this money is for." The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Expanding Access to Quality Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Services program, which aims to "support health centers in implementing and advancing evidence-based strategies that best meet the substance use disorder and mental health needs of the populations they serve." Tester was the only member of Montana's Congressional delegation to vote for the 2018 budget bill that authorized this funding. On Monday, Tester helped pass legislation to help fight drug abuse and treat addiction across Montana. The "sweeping package of bills" supports federal, state, and local initiatives aimed at treating and preventing addiction and combatting drug trafficking. The legislation also incorporated provisions from Tester's Opioid Response Enhancement Act and ANTI-Drugs Act. Tester secured more big investments in rural health care and addiction treatment on Tuesday with the passage of the bipartisan 2019 Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill, which he helped craft as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The critical funding bill included $1.5 billion to help states treat substance abuse and addiction through the State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grant Program and $1.8 billion for Substance Abuse Block Grants, which support co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6443 | Tester Delivers Grant to Combat Violence Against Women in Bozeman [press_release] | 2018-09-19 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Missoula, Mont.) - As part of his ongoing support for women, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today delivered a critical grant to combat sexual and domestic violence in Bozeman. The grant, worth $523,712, will help the City of Bozeman work with local officials and nonprofits to advocate and provide legal services for survivors of domestic and sexual assault in Gallatin Valley. "We must find ways to continue to support all survivors of domestic and sexual survivors," Tester said. "This grant will let Bozeman offer critical services to survivors, and it will hold those who commit these sick crimes accountable." The grant is administered through the U.S. Department of Justice Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Program, and will provide for an on-call sexual assault nurse examiner, a high-risk offender identification team, trainings, and a legal advocate to help survivors get protection orders. The nonprofits and offices included in the award are the Montana State University Police Department and Victims Options in Campus Environment Center; the Gallatin County Attorney's Office; the Bozeman Police Department; Bozeman Health Services; HAVEN; the Sexual Assault Counseling Center; and CASA/Guardian Ad Litem. "All of us at HAVEN are grateful for the opportunity to renew this collaboration with our government and nonprofit partners," said HAVEN Executive Director Erica Aytes Coyle. "We know it will take the entire community to end the epidemic of domestic violence in the Gallatin Valley and this funding brings us one step closer to achieving that goal." Tester has relentlessly supported women, and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Last month he secured a grant to help Salish Kootenai College combat sexual and domestic violence on campus, and in 2017 he helped pass the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act, which invests $481.5 million in the DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women, which provided for this grant. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6444 | Tester Succeeds in Pushing the VA to Establish a Regional Benefits Director in Montana [press_release] | 2018-09-19 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Missoula, Mont.) - Ranking Member Jon Tester has successfully gotten the VA to post a new Director at the Fort Harrison Regional Benefits Office to strengthen the delivery of benefits to Montana veterans. Tester has been pushing the VA for seven years to establish this position because of the high volume of claims processed in Montana. While the Fort Harrison Regional Benefits Office serves one of the largest and most rural states, the Director for Montana is currently based out of Salt Lake City, 480 miles away. "Veterans who live in Montana face unique barriers to VA services and benefits," said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. "By having a Director based in Fort Harrison and dedicated to delivering benefits to veterans in our state, we can make sure the VA is addressing the challenges of claims processing in a way that works for Montanans." The Director of the Regional Benefits Office is responsible for the delivery of all VA benefits processed in their region. In addition to the Director, the VA will potentially hire an assistant and an analyst to assist in managing the Fort Harrison Regional Benefits Office. Tester first called on the VA in 2011 to hire a Director to be based out of Fort Harrison and focused on Montana veterans. In 2012, Tester successfully fought to make Fort Harrison a test location for a new claims processing initiative and bring in additional staff to improve Montana veterans' access to their earned benefits. In March of 2015, Tester urged then Under Secretary for Benefits Allison Hickey to continue building off the successes and growing staff at Fort Harrison by hiring a Director. In October of 2017 Tester called on the VA to hire an on-site Director for VA Montana. After voting to confirm Under Secretary for Benefits Paul Lawrence in April, Tester followed up his in-person meeting and confirmation hearing by asking for Lawrence's commitment to bringing the Director for VA Montana to Fort Harrison. During a meeting in June, Lawrence verbally committed … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6437 | Tester Helps Pass Legislation to Combat Drug Abuse Addiction [press_release] | 2018-09-18 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today voted to pass legislation that will help fight drug abuse and treat addiction across Montana. "If we're going to get a grip on this crisis we have to give folks on the ground the tools they need to prevent drug abuse and treat addiction-and that's exactly what this legislation does," Tester said. "By investing in initiatives with a proven track record of success, we are investing in a safer, healthier future for our kids and grandkids." The "sweeping package of bills" supports federal, state, and local initiatives aimed at treating addiction and combatting drug trafficking. The legislation covers a broad range of drug-related issues and incorporates a number of provisions from Tester-sponsored legislation, including his Opioid Response Enhancement Act and ANTI-Drugs Act. Treating Addiction Today's legislation invests $1.5 billion in helping states treat substance abuse and addiction by reauthorizing funding for the State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis (STR) Grant Program through 2021. This program was originally established by the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, a bill Tester helped pass in 2016. After receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from Montana's STR Grant recipients, Tester introduced the Opioid Response Enhancement Act to ensure these organizations could continue their track record of success. However, up until now only states have been eligible to apply for STR Grant funding. That's why Tester has fought to make tribes eligible for STR funding and today's legislation does just that, allowing tribes to apply for these grants directly while setting aside five percent of STR funding specifically for tribal entities. Fighting Drug Trafficking Last year, Tester raised serious alarms about the White House's attempt to gut funding for the Office of National Drug Control Policy, which has been instrumental in combatting meth and opioid addiction in Montana. Today's legislation reauthorizes funding for the Office of National Drug Control Policy … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6439 | Tester Passes Bill to Invest in Rural Medicine, Lower Health Care Costs [press_release] | 2018-09-18 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | 0 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | |||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6440 | President Signs Tester Bill to Strengthen Veteran Treatment Courts in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls and Missoula [press_release] | 2018-09-18 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - Ranking Member Jon Tester's bipartisan bill to bolster veteran treatment courts is now law. President Donald Trump signed Tester's Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act, allowing for the hiring of 50 additional Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists across the nation to work with Veterans Treatment Courts and help provide timely access to VA services. "I've seen firsthand the amazing difference that Veterans Treatment Courts make in the lives of Montana veterans," said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. "Additional specialists will help address the root causes of addiction and give our veterans a real chance at recovery." Veterans Treatment Courts remove veterans from the regular criminal justice process to address issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse. A judge works alongside a Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist to establish a structured rehabilitation program tailored to the specific needs of each veteran. These efforts have proven to drastically reduce recidivism rates in veterans, while providing services that help veterans heal from the invisible wounds of war. There are only two Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists in Montana who cover the Veterans Treatment Courts in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, and Missoula. The presiding Judges of these courts praised Tester's bill: "Veterans treatment courts are a critical resource for veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war," said Great Falls District Judge Gregory Pinski. "Senator Tester is a champion of veterans treatment courts. His efforts to expand those courts connect more veterans to the services they need and deserve and save the lives of thousands of veterans in crisis." "The Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act of 2018 marks an important step towards carrying out America's longstanding commitment to Veterans," said Missoula Standing Master Brenda Desmond. "Veterans Treatment Courts provide a rigorous path back to the purposeful life veterans had prior to thei… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6441 | Tester Delivers Grant to Address Brownfield Sites in Southwest Montana [press_release] | 2018-09-18 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today delivered a grant to help plan for the cleanup of hazardous materials in Southwest Montana. The grant, worth $600,000, will fund research by the Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Area to plan the assessment and cleanup planning for "Brownfields" in Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Beaverhead, Butte-Silver Bow, Granite, Jefferson, Madison, and Powell counties. Brownfields are properties where hazardous substances can complicate the properties' expansion or reuse. Tester was the only member of the Montana Congressional delegation to vote for the funding agreement that provided for the grants. "Cleaning up these sites and investing in infrastructure benefits everyone," Tester said. "This grant will address the barriers to development that Brownfields cause, boost business opportunities, create jobs, and strengthen the economy across Southwestern Montana." "We're extremely excited to have received the Brownfields Assessment grant award " Headwaters RC&D Regional Director, Julie Jaksha said. "There are numerous areas in our region in need of environmental cleanup. This grant will allow us the opportunity to assist in the redevelopment of those properties and continue to stimulate economic development in Southwest Montana". Tester recently secured $500,000 to clean up brownfields in Great Falls, and $400,000 for clean up across Central Montana. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6442 | Tester Passes Bill to Invest in Education, Help Working Families [press_release] | 2018-09-18 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester scored big wins for Montana students, workers, and families today as the Senate passed bipartisan legislation that invests in education, childcare, and job training programs across rural America. "Investing in Montana families is an investment in our future," Tester said. "By giving working families the support they need, this bipartisan legislation will help parents get good-paying jobs and prepare their kids to compete in a 21st Century economy." As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tester secured critical investments for Montana in the 2019 Labor and Education Appropriations Bills-two of the 12 major bills that fund the federal government each year. The investments Tester secured include an additional: WORKERS & FAMILIES $15 million for Apprenticeships $5 million for Veterans Employment and Training $500,000 for Native American Job Training ? $50 million for Child Care and Development Block Grants Read more about Tester's plan to #EmployMT HERE. EDUCATION ? $200 million for Head Start ? $32 million for Impact Aid ? $10 million for 21st Century Community Learning Centers ? $50 million for TRIO ? $96 million in IDEA funding to help educate students with disabilities ? $100 in the maximum Pell Grant award In addition to these major investments, Tester also secured a provision to help bring more teachers to rural America and Indian Country by providing professional development opportunities to educators. This provision-included in Tester's REST and NEST Acts-will provide funding to help teachers in rural and Native schools become National Board certified. Read more about Tester's investments in education HERE and HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6445 | Tester Secures Funding to Give Troops a Raise, Replace Malmstrom's Huey Helicopters [press_release] | 2018-09-18 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today voted for a bipartisan funding bill that will give America's troops a much-needed raise, strengthen the missions at Great Falls' Malmstrom Air Force Base and invest in the Montana Air National Guard. Tester, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, worked with Republicans and Democrats to secure $258 million to replace Malmstrom's aging UH-1N "Huey" helicopters and $159 million to upgrade the engines and blade propellers, and modernize the Montana Air National Guard's C-130 fleet. "Our enemies across the globe should take notice because this bill makes our military even stronger," Tester said. "It strengthens the mission at Malmstrom, invests in the Montana Air National Guard, and does right by our men and women in uniform, past and present. I look forward to the House taking this bill up and getting it to the President's desk to be signed into law soon." Tester also secured additional resources for survivors of military sexual trauma, including $35 million for the Special Victims' Counsel Program which provides legal advice and guidance for survivors of military sexual assault. In addition, Tester secured $2 million for a sexual assault treatment pilot program and $8 million for clinical training for nurse examiners who treat survivors. Tester successfully fought to include the following provisions for Montanans: 2.6 percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces. $4 million for Montana State University technology transfer centers, which develop technology partnerships between small businesses and the Department of Defense. $6 million for defense wide operations and maintenance for defense critical language and culture program, including at the University of Montana. $156 million for eight UH-60 Blackhawks for the Army National Guard. $168 million for eight C-130Js for the Air National Guard. Added $10 million for chronic pain management research. $64 million to restore water… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6432 | Tester Calls on VA to Finalize an Exit Plan from Health Net [press_release] | 2018-09-17 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Bozeman, Mont.) - Ranking Member Jon Tester is calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs to have an exit plan in place so that veterans' access to health care is not disrupted as Health Net's contract to run the Choice Program ends. The VA's contract with Health Net, the government contractor that helps run the Choice Program, is set to expire September 30, 2018. After that, VA medical centers in states previously served by Health Net will take over scheduling veterans' appointments with private providers, paying claims, and customer service until the new Veterans Community Care Program is established as a part of Tester's VA MISSION Act. Tester is calling on VA Secretary Robert Wilkie to make sure that this transition happens smoothly for veterans, community providers, and VA employees. "Given the chaos and frustration that veterans, community providers, and VA staff working with Health Net endured throughout much of the Choice Program, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of ensuring that this contract close out process goes smoothly," wrote Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. "Most importantly, there must be no disruptions in veterans' access to community care, and VA must ensure that community providers are promptly paid for delivering that care." Tester's VA MISSION Act, which scraps the Choice Program and streamlines VA community care programs into a new Veterans Community Care Program, was signed into law June 6, 2018. As the VA implements Tester's law over the next year, it will stand up Community Care Networks of private providers ready to serve veterans and take over many of the responsibilities of running the new community care system. While the VA and Health Net have already begun the transition of scheduling, claims processing, and customer service back to the VA, no official contract close out plan has been signed. Tester urged Wilkie to establish a formal, binding agreement to better hold both the VA and Health Net accountable for the transition. "It is im… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6429 | Tester Secures Grant for Charlo Rural Firefighters [press_release] | 2018-09-14 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today delivered a grant worth $300,000 for the Charlo/Moiese Rural Fire District to purchase a new fire truck. Tester secured the grant through the Department of Homeland Security's competitive Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, which Tester recently reauthorized in a law coauthored by Senator John McCain. "Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe," Tester said. "This grant will ensure firefighters in Charlo have the resources they need to get the job done safely and effectively, and keep their community and Lake County secure." As Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Tester secured an additional $10 million for AFG and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants in this year's annual budget bill. He was the only member of Montana's Congressional delegation to vote for the bill and fund the programs. Tester also secured an AFG grant worth $568,637 for the Corvallis Rural Fire District. Tester's SAFER and AFG grants have been a major key to keeping Montana families safe. Tester recently delivered a grant to hire six additional firefighters in Belgrade, and in August he secured a grant worth $800,000 for the Helena Fire Department. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6422 | Tester Secures Major Investments in Montana's Water Infrastructure [press_release] | 2018-09-13 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - Tonight the U.S. Senate voted to pass a final bipartisan version of the 2019 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, which includes much-needed investments to help deliver clean water to communities across Montana. "Whether you're running a business, harvesting crops, or raising kids, reliable and clean water is one thing we all need," Tester said. "These investments will help maintain the integrity of our water systems and benefit Montana's families, communities, and businesses for years to come." As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tester is responsible for writing the 12 bills that fund the federal government each year. He fought to include the following Montana provisions in the 2019 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act: RURAL WATER PROJECTS $142.5 million for rural water projects, including: o $4.7 million for the Fort Peck-Dry Prairie Rural Water Project o $3.9 million for the Rocky Boy's North Central Montana Rural Water Project o $98.7 million to be distributed by Bureau of Reclamation among ongoing projects In addition to securing $4.7 million to fund the Fort Peck-Dry Prairie Rural Water Project in the coming year, Tester secured an amendment to extend the project's authorization from 2020 to 2026. Tester also secured an additional $30 million for the Fort Peck and Rocky Boy's water projects in May. WATER RIGHTS SETTLEMENTS $100 million for Indian Water Rights Settlements, including: o $10 million for the Blackfeet Water Compact o $12.7 million for the Crow Water Compact Tester joined members of the Blackfeet Nation and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to sign the historic Blackfeet Water Compact in June. As a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Tester originally sponsored the Blackfeet Water Compact in 2010 and guided it to the President's desk where it was signed into law in 2016. OTHER INVESTMENTS $1.9 million for the Milk River Project, which includes St. Mary's Diversion Dam $5 million for Army Corps watercraft inspection station… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6423 | Tester Secures Grant to Ease Snow Removal at Ennis-Big Sky Airport [press_release] | 2018-09-13 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester Secures Grant to Ease Snow Removal at Ennis-Big Sky Airport $350,000 to Extend Equipment Life, Keep Montanans Connected (U.S. Senate) - Snow removal at the Ennis-Big Sky Airport will soon be a lot easier, thanks to a grant delivered by U.S. Senator Jon Tester. The grant, worth $350,000, will construct a building to house snow removal equipment, making the job easier and extending the life of the equipment. Tester was the only member of Montana's delegation to vote for the bipartisan agreement that provided the money through the Federal Aviation Administration's grant program. "Anyone who's been to Ennis in the winter knows just how snowy things can get," Tester said. "This grant will make winter flying in Madison County safer, boosting tourism and keeping folks connected throughout the year." Tester's #ConnectMT initiative has given a boost to air travel across Montana. He recently secured a grant worth $383,695 for snow removal equipment at Bert Mooney Airport in Butte, and last month delivered over $20 million in grants to airports across the state. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6424 | Tester Advances VA Funding Bill with Major Wins for Montana [press_release] | 2018-09-13 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - The U.S. Senate today passed a bipartisan government funding agreement that strengthens the VA for Montana veterans and delivers a new C-130 aircraft apron for the Montana Air National Guard. This agreement is the result of weeks of negotiating between the House and Senate. Tester secured additional funding for VA health care and for the VA Caregiver Support Program, which Tester recently expanded to veterans of all eras. The compromise bill also includes Tester's amendment to protect the independence of the Inspector General, the office responsible for investigating misconduct and waste of taxpayer money. "This bill honors the sacrifice of Montana veterans by making sure the VA can provide healthcare and benefits worthy of their service," said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. "Serving our veterans is a cost of war, and we must never back down from that responsibility. I urge the House to quickly vote on this bill so we can get it to the President's desk to be signed into law." Tester fought to include the following provisions: Additional $750 million for in-house VA medical care. $865 million for the VA Caregiver Support Program, an increase of $369m. $380 million for supportive services for homeless veterans, an increase of $60m. $54 million for Justice Outreach Homeless Prevention Program. Additional $87 million to hire additional claims and appellate staff to tackle the disability appeals backlog and to hire more Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment counselors. Additional $10 million for resources and care for women veterans and language requiring the VA to outline a plan to retrofit medical facilities to eliminate barriers to care for women veterans. Additional $16 million to provide mental health and improve the VA's suicide prevention efforts. Additional $20 million for rural health care. Additional $30 million for telehealth care, particularly in rural and remote areas. $5 million to convert research findings on burn pits into cli… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6425 | Tester: Time for Senate To Do Right By Little Shell [press_release] | 2018-09-13 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester: Time for Senate To Do Right By Little Shell Senator Calls on Senate Majority to Allow Vote on Little Shell Federal Recognition Bill (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to federally recognize the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians: "Today is a strong step toward recognizing the Little Shell, but time is ticking away and the tribe deserves a vote in the Senate now, with no political shenanigans, secret holds or strings attached. Federal recognition is long-overdue and I won't stop banging on doors in Washington until this bill is on the President's desk." Tester first introduced legislation to federally recognize the Little Shell Tribe in 2007. It was the first bill he ever introduced as a United States Senator. Tester passed his bipartisan bill to grant the Little Shell federal recognition out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in May of 2017. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6426 | Tester Sponsors Bill to Strengthen Benefits for Teachers in Indian Country [press_release] | 2018-09-13 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S .Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester is throwing his support behind a bill to ensure teachers in Indian Country get fair benefits. Tester is sponsoring the bipartisan Tribal School Federal Insurance Parity Act to change current law and strengthen access to benefits for teachers at tribal schools, which will help recruit and retain quality teachers in Montana. "Strong teachers equal strong schools," said Tester, a former school teacher. "Many students in Indian Country haven't had the consistency in the classroom that they need to reach their full potential and this bill will better guarantee that effective teachers stay put to help their students thrive." Teachers who currently teach at Tribal Grant Schools are not eligible to access quality health and life insurance plans through the federal government's Federal Employees Health Benefits and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance programs. Tester's bill will change the law and allow teachers at Tribal Grant Schools to be eligible for the federal government's health and life insurance plans. Montana has two Tribal Grant Schools, the Northern Cheyenne Tribal School and the Two Eagle River School in Pablo. Both of these schools are federally funded through the Tribally Controlled Schools Act. If Tester's bill becomes law, both schools would be required to pay the government's contribution towards their insurance premiums and their teachers would be able to access insurance plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance programs. Tester is also sponsoring the NEST Act to address teachers shortages in Indian Country by providing scholarships, loan forgiveness, and professional development opportunities to teachers who commit to working at schools with a large number of Native American students. Tester's bill is cosponsored by Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6427 | Daines, Tester Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Secure Funds for West Yellowstone Airport [press_release] | 2018-09-13 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Daines, Tester Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Secure Funds for West Yellowstone Airport U.S. SENATE -U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines introduced a bipartisan bill to allow seasonal, non-primary airports that are open less than 6 months a year and have at least 8,000 enplanements to receive increased Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding and to compete for terminal grants. West Yellowstone Airport in Montana meets the criteria. "Thousands of folks from all over the world come through West Yellowstone every year to experience Montana's great outdoors," Tester said. "These visitors are vital to our state's economy and the economy of southwest Montana in particular. That's why we've got to make sure West Yellowstone Airport has the support it needs grow its operation and continue serving as a lynchpin of our outdoor recreation economy." "West Yellowstone Airport serves thousands of Montanans every year and brings in folks from around the world to visit our great state," Daines said. "This bill will help ensure that West Yellowstone Airport has the resources and support it needs to meet the needs of passengers, while also creating jobs in rural communities." The AIP helps build and maintain Montana's critical aviation infrastructure such as runways. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6418 | Tester Fights to Cut Red Tape, Deliver Help to Montana's Small Businesses Impacted by Wildfires [press_release] | 2018-09-12 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is fighting to support Northwest Montana's small businesses and streamline access to critical resources as the region combats a devastating fire season. Excessive bureaucracy and a lack of outreach from the Small Business Administration (SBA) have made it unnecessarily burdensome for small businesses to access the aid available to them in years past. Tester pushed SBA Administrator Linda McMahon to eliminate red tape and increase awareness of programs designed to help small businesses overcome natural disasters. "Small businesses are the heartbeat of rural Montana's economy," Tester wrote. "These businesses provide good paying jobs and they serve customers in an efficient manner. In times of crisis, these businesses cannot waste their time wrestling with overly bureaucratic and costly application processes." Raging wildfires represent a significant challenge for northwest Montana's small businesses who drive the state's growing outdoor economy. As thousands of acres have burned across Northwest Montana in recent weeks, many due to the Howe Ridge Fire in Glacier National Park, the area's small businesses have been forced to grapple with a dent in their bottom lines that threatens their livelihood. Small businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors, which rely heavily on visitors to Glacier National Park and other northwest Montana landmarks, are bearing the brunt of the fires' impact. The SBA's Disaster Loan Assistance Program is a crucial resource for small businesses enduring significant losses due to natural disasters. Tester noted to McMahon that the SBA's programs have placed undue burden on small businesses in the past and advocated for a faster and more efficient process. "During last year's fire season, I heard from small businesses that the SBA's programs were overly difficult to qualify for and were failing to address the needs of disaster stricken areas in Montana," Tester added. "That is why I am encouraging you to get a head start this year to ensure that th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6419 | Tester Comes Up Big for Missoula Airport [press_release] | 2018-09-12 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - The Missoula International Airport will soon be getting a major upgrade, thanks to the efforts of U.S. Senator Jon Tester. Tester secured a grant today worth $8.7 million from the Department of Transportation to demolish the existing terminal and construct a new airport terminal building. He was the only member of Montana's congressional delegation to vote for the funding agreement that made the grant possible. "Investments in air travel in and out of Missoula are critically important to Western Montana," Tester said. "This grant will expand tourism, provide a big boost to the economy and make it easier for Montanans to stay connected with their friends and families." "As our airport has continued to grow, it has become even more important to invest in and expand our facilities to meet the needs of the Missoula community," said Missoula International Airport Director Cris Jensen. "We're incredibly grateful to Senator Tester for helping us secure this funding and for his continual work on behalf of air travel in Montana." Tester's #ConnectMT initiative has paid off big for Montana's airports. The Senator has brought home over $20 million in grants to renovate and expand runways, install safety equipment, and improve air travel across the state during the last month alone, including an additional $4.6 million to expand the terminal building at Helena Regional Airport. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6420 | Tester Challenges VA to Better Combat Veteran Suicide [press_release] | 2018-09-12 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - During Suicide Prevention Month, Ranking Member Jon Tester is challenging the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) to ramp up its efforts to connect every veteran in need with mental health care. In a letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, Tester urges the VA to deploy more of its mental health care and suicide prevention resources to at-risk and vulnerable veterans. "With the renewed focus on enrolling veterans to receive care at VA as they transition from active duty, it was promising to see the focus on veterans' demographics," wrote Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. "Our women veterans remain twice as likely as non-veterans to complete suicide, and younger veterans have a higher suicide rate than older veterans. I continue to be alarmed by these disparities, and I support all efforts to educate women and younger veterans about the VA's services." Tester pressed Wilkie to fully staff VA medical facilities and Vet Centers with mental health clinicians by offering competitive pay for psychologists and making it easier to hire mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists. To better provide mental health care for rural veterans, Tester asks Wilkie to expedite the expansion of mental telehealth care and better address the workforce shortages that continue to plague VA facilities. "I urge VA to expedite releasing regulations for the telehealth authority granted in our VA MISSION Act," Tester wrote. "VA clinicians need the freedom to practice over state lines off federal property so that veterans can more easily receive the high-quality mental health care that VA provides. Having this program in place before the winter begins will provide peace of mind to veterans and loved ones who may otherwise have dangerous drives to receive care at VA or community health facilities." Tester urged Wilkie to invest in risk prevention strategies that have proven to be effective in preventing veteran suicide and utilize the VA's best practices to reach out to veterans … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6421 | Tester Secures Grant for New Deer Lodge Fire Truck [press_release] | 2018-09-12 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - The Deer Lodge Volunteer Fire Department says it will be getting a new fire truck, thanks to a grant secured by U.S. Senator Jon Tester. The grant, worth nearly $300,000, will purchase the truck for the department. Tester secured the grant through the Department of Homeland Security's competitive Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, which Tester recently reauthorized in a law coauthored by the late Senator John McCain. "This is going to help protect our community and surrounding area for the next 30 years," said Deer Lodge Fire Chief Andy Scharf. "We can't thank Senator Tester enough for his support." As Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Tester secured an additional $10 million for AFG and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants in this year's annual budget bill and was the only member of Montana's Congressional delegation who voted to fund these programs. "Keeping Montanans safe is one of my top priorities," Tester said. "This grant will give firefighters in Deer Lodge the resources they need to respond effectively to emergencies and better serve their community and Powell County." Tester's SAFER and AFG grants have been a major key to keeping Montana families safe. Tester recently delivered a grant to hire six additional firefighters in Belgrade, and in August he secured a grant worth $800,000 for the Helena Fire Department. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6411 | Tester Secures Funding for C-130 Aircraft Apron in Great Falls [press_release] | 2018-09-11 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Great Falls, Mont.) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement after securing $9 million to build a new aircraft apron to park the Montana Air National Guard's C-130s: "The men and women of the Montana National Guard represent the very best of Montana while deploying to war zones and battling disasters here at home. This investment will strengthen the mission at the Montana Air National Guard and make sure that our C-130's stay in fighting shape for years to come." Tester, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, met with the Montana Defense Alliance in Great Falls today to deliver the good news. In May, Tester secured Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson's verbal commitment that construction for the C-130 apron would be funded by 2023 during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. Shortly after, he followed up with a letter to Wilson urging the Air Force to address the C-130 apron before 2023. In July, Wilson replied that the project was underway, with estimated construction to begin in 2019 if the project secured funding. Today, Tester secured that funding in a compromise appropriations bill that will fund military construction, water projects, the Legislative Branch, and the Departments of Energy and Veterans' Affairs. After the Senate and House of Representatives passed separate 2019 Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs Appropriations Bills, both sides met to negotiate any differences and agree on a compromise bill. That bill is expected to pass the Senate and House of Representatives in the coming days before heading to the President's desk to be signed into law. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6412 | Tester Pushes VA to Establish Vet Center in Hamilton [press_release] | 2018-09-11 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Big Sandy, Mont.) - Ranking Member Jon Tester is pushing the VA to expand mental health care and counseling services to veterans in Ravalli County. During a meeting with Michael Fisher, VA Chief Readjustment Counseling Officer, Tester asked Fisher to establish a Vet Center in Hamilton. Vet Centers provide services to veterans in a confidential setting outside VA Health Care facilities. Services include mental health screenings, military sexual trauma counseling, suicide prevention, drug and alcohol assistance, family counseling, employment assessments and referrals, explanation of VA benefits, and other services to help veterans transition to civilian life. "I am concerned that veterans living in rural areas, like those in the Hamilton area, are unable to access Vet Center counseling services," wrote Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. "After our recent meeting, I was particularly pleased that you are committed to expanding these services to additional veterans in Montana by considering the establishment of a permanent Vet Center in Hamilton." Tester has been a leading advocate in Congress for expanding veterans' access to Vet Centers. He has helped establish Centers in Kalispell, and Great Falls. And the Helena Vet Center opened its doors earlier this year after Tester demanded the VA expand to Lewis and Clark County. Tester introduced bipartisan legislation to expand a successful pilot program that reimburses veterans who travel to Vet Centers for care and has fought to maintain funding for the Kalispell offshoot of this pilot program. Tester's letter is available online HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6414 | Trump Signs Tester's 19th Bill into Law [press_release] | 2018-09-11 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Great Falls, Mont.) - President Donald Trump has signed U.S. Senator Jon Tester's 19th bipartisan bill into law. Tester's Veterans Providing Healthcare Transition Improvement Act will ensure all disabled veterans who are newly hired as VA physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, chiropractors, podiatrists, optometrists, and dentists will not have to face the financial hardship of taking unpaid leave to receive necessary medical treatment. "Our law helps disabled veterans find a good job after they transition back to civilian life and get the medical care they need for service-related injuries," said Tester. "And even better, that job lets them give back to their fellow veterans by working at the VA. This effort shows what we can get done when we work together and I will keep working with anyone willing to get things done for Montana veterans." Tester's law allows veterans with a disability rating of 30 percent or higher to access additional paid sick leave during their first year on the job for the purposes of receiving medical care related to their service-connected condition. As Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Tester authored the Veterans Providing Healthcare Transition Improvement Act with Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii). The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and nearly a dozen other veteran advocacy organizations endorsed Tester's bipartisan bill. Tester has authored 18 bipartisan bills that President Trump has signed into law since January 2017. The Veterans Providing Healthcare Transition Improvement Act is the 19th Tester bill that President Trump has signed into law. All are bills that Tester had a significant role in writing. Tester's other 18 bills signed into law by President Trump are available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6415 | Tester Announces Upgrade To Bert Mooney Airport [press_release] | 2018-09-11 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Big Sandy, Mont.) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced a grant that will allow Butte's Bert Mooney Airport to invest in snow removal equipment, as part of his initiative to #ConnectMT. The grant, worth $683,965, will make flying in winter conditions safer and more efficient. Tester was the only member of Montana's delegation to vote for the bipartisan agreement that delivered the money through the Federal Aviation Administration's grant program. "Snow doesn't stop the people of Butte from going about their business, and it doesn't stop them from traveling during the winter," said Tester, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which funds airport grants. "This grant will make air travel to and from Butte safer, boosting the economy and keeping the community connected year-round." Tester's #ConnectMT initiative has yielded big results for air travel in Montana. He recently secured a grant worth $190,000 to construct a new terminal building at Bert Mooney Airport, and last month delivered over $20 million in grants to airports across the state. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6416 | Tester Holds Postal Service Accountable to Lewistown [press_release] | 2018-09-11 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Big Sandy, Mont.) - On behalf of businesses and Montanans across Fergus County, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is demanding the United States Postal Service (USPS) restore regular hours of service in and around Lewistown. "The Postal Service must uphold its responsibility to its customers no matter where they live," Tester told Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan this week. "Rural America does matter and folks in these communities are some of the Postal Service's biggest defenders in a climate of privatization." Tester's demand comes at the request of outraged residents and business owners who contacted his office for help after USPS suddenly shortened its mail collection time in Fergus County from 5 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. As a result, all mail deposited after 3:30 p.m. will be postmarked for the following business day, delaying delivery. "This change will have a cascading effect on residents and businesses," Tester said. "My office has heard from multiple individuals, businesses, and local government leaders, all of whom face disruption in their personal and professional lives." One such business, a local accounting firm in Lewistown, explained why this change poses such a problem. "We are an accounting firm, and much of our outgoing mail is required to be postmarked on the day it goes out," wrote Office Manager Cindy Knutsen. "There are times we are waiting for information to be delivered by mail, and that information is necessary to complete a certain job that must still go out in the current day's mail. Depending on the day, and the postal carrier, our mail arrives between noon and 2:00 p.m. We used to have until 5:15 to get it to the post office for a current postmark. Now we only have until 3:00 p.m. to leave our office and may even need to close the office, as we are a small business and have only one full time employee, who is occasionally the only person here." Tester has been a relentless advocate for postal reform in the Senate, particularly when it comes to ensuring reliable mail service in rural areas. Tester'… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6433 | Tester Delivers for Great Falls Redevelopment [press_release] | 2018-09-11 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester Delivers for Great Falls Redevelopment $500,000 Grant Will Clean Up Brownfields, Spur Economic Growth (Big Sandy, Mont.) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester has secured a grant for the Great Falls Development Authority to clean up and redevelop properties in Great Falls and use them to grow the local economy. The grant, worth half a million dollars, will provide for revolving loan financing to clean up and then properly manage potentially hazardous sites in Great Falls. "Investing in Great Falls' infrastructure benefits everyone," Tester said. "This grant cleans up hazardous materials, and by doing so creates business opportunities that will lead to more jobs and a boost to the Great Falls economy." "Brownfields" are properties that need proper management to fully achieve their economic potential, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brownfield grants are directed at properties where the presence of hazardous substances can complicate the properties' expansion, redevelopment, or reuse. Tester recently secured an EPA brownfield grant worth $400,000 to clean up brownfield sites in Lewistown. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6408 | Tester Outlines Plan to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Montanans [press_release] | 2018-09-10 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Great Falls, Mont.)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today stood alongside seniors in Great Falls and outlined his plan to lower prescription drug costs for all Montanans. Tester highlighted many of the bills he is sponsoring to lower prescription drug costs, including his CREATES Act which will hold big pharmaceutical companies accountable and increase the availability of generic prescription drugs. "Health care costs are too high for Montanans, especially prescription drug costs," Tester said. "With better access to cheaper drugs, Montanans will spend less money on prescription drugs and that includes Montana seniors who are enrolled in Medicare." Sharon Odden, a Great Falls resident who has been forced to pay an exorbitant amount of money for prescription drugs despite having quality health care coverage, joined Tester. Sharon is required to take an expensive, brand-name prescription drug that is not available in a generic form. "Jon's bills are wonderful and exactly what Montanans are looking for to lower drug costs," said Odden. "This solution will get the drug companies moving so we can better access generic drugs." Tester sponsored the CREATES Act following a statewide health care listening tour where he met with nurses, doctors and patients to hear directly about the state's most pressing health care needs. Tester also called for action on other bills he is sponsoring to increase drug pricing transparency and hold big pharmaceutical companies more accountable for price hikes. Tester successfully voted to close the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Donut Hole in February. More information on Tester's efforts to lower prescription drug prices is available HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6409 | Testers Bill to Increase Transparency in Elections Set to Become Law [press_release] | 2018-09-10 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Great Falls, Mont.)After a decade-long relentless push, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is poised to pass his bipartisan legislation to increase transparency in Senate campaigns. Tester's bill, the Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act, is included in the bipartisan budget legislation that the Senate is expected to vote on later this week. The bill will require candidates to electronically file financial disclosure reports with the Federal Election Commission, making them immediately available to the public and saving taxpayers money. For 10 years, I have been fighting alongside Republicans and Democrats to bring more transparency to our elections, Tester said. The finish line is in sight and this bill will finally bring Senate campaigns into the 21st century. Tester first introduced the Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act in 2008and has subsequently reintroduced the bipartisan bill each Congress since then. Many Senate candidates currently file financial disclosures with the Secretary of the Senate on paper, which then have to be scanned into an electronic format. This costly process often takes months. As a champion of transparency, Tester voluntarily files all of his quarterly FEC reports online. Candidates for the House of Representatives and President already file electronically, or e-file, and the Federal Election Commission estimates requiring Senate candidates to do the same will save taxpayers nearly $900,000 per year. Tester, a longtime advocate for campaign finance reform, has sponsored multiple bills to reverse the impacts of the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United decision and increase transparency in elections. Tester's bill is included in the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6407 | Tester Delivers Firefighting Grant to Boost Missoula Rural Firefighters [press_release] | 2018-09-07 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - Firefighters in Missoula are getting a big boost, thanks to U.S. Senator Jon Tester. Tester delivered a $188,096 grant to the East Missoula Rural Fire Department to help with recruiting and training new firefighters. "Firefighters put their lives on the line for us every day," Tester said. "This grant will help Missoula's firefighters be prepared to secure our communities and keep our families safe." Tester secured the grant through the Department of Homeland Security's competitive Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, which Tester recently reauthorized along with the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program in a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by former Senator John McCain. As Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Tester secured an additional $10 million for AFG and SAFER grants in this year's annual budget bill and was the only member of Montana's Congressional delegation who voted to pass this bill and fund these programs. Tester's SAFER and AFG grants have yielded big results for communities across Montana, including nearly $1 million to hire six additional firefighters in Belgrade and $800,000 to train and equip firefighters in Helena. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6405 | Tester Delivers Firefighting Grant to Boost Columbia Falls Rural Firefighters [press_release] | 2018-09-06 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester Delivers Firefighting Grant to Boost Columbia Falls Rural Firefighters $20,581 Grant Will Help Equip Firefighters (U.S. Senate) - Firefighters in Columbia Falls are getting a big boost, thanks to U.S. Senator Jon Tester. Tester delivered a $20,581 grant to the Blankenship Rural Fire District to help with recruiting and training new firefighters. "Firefighters put their lives on the line for us every day," Tester said. "This grant will help Columbia Falls firefighters be prepared to protect our communities and keep our families safe." Tester secured the grant through the Department of Homeland Security's competitive Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, which Tester recently reauthorized along with the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program in a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by former Senator John McCain. As Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Tester secured an additional $10 million for AFG and SAFER grants in this year's annual budget bill and was the only member of Montana's Congressional delegation who voted to pass this bill and fund these programs. Tester's SAFER and AFG grants have yielded big results for communities across Montana, including nearly $1 million to hire six additional firefight… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6406 | Tester Applauds Court Decision On Critical Health Care Payments [press_release] | 2018-09-06 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester Applauds Court Decision On Critical Health Care Payments Tester: I will Defend Montanans from Harmful Decisions that Force Us to Pay More for Health Care (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today issued the following statement after a Court of Federal Claims judge ruled in favor of the Montana Health Co-Op in its lawsuit against the Administration for ending cost-sharing reduction payments: "Folks need certainty in the marketplace in order to lower health care costs. Cost sharing reduction payments are critical to lowering prices for the thousands of Montanans who purchase health insurance. Withholding these payments has caused health insurance costs to rise and Montanans have been forced to pay the price. It is time to stop playing politics with health care and work in a bipartisan way to lower the cost of health care." The Administration ended cost-sharing reduction payments to insurers in 2017, which are used to lower deductibles, co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses for 15,000 Montanans. Tester asked Insurance Commissioner Matt Rosendale and Montana health insurance companies last year to provide more pricing transparency when the administration ended cost-sharing reduction payments. Tester is sponsoring multiple bills to lower the cost of health care for Montanans. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6396 | Tester Grills VA Nominees: You Have Two of the Most Challenging Positions at the VA [press_release] | 2018-09-05 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (U.S. Senate) - Ranking Member Jon Tester today screened two nominees tasked with ensuring that the Department of Veterans Affairs runs smoothly for America's veterans. Tester sat down with both Tamara Bonzanto, nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, and James Gfrerer, nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Information and Technology, before today's hearing to ask them tough questions about their resumes and visions for the VA. "You both have been nominated for two of the most challenging positions at VA," said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. "If you are confirmed, I hope that we can have a constructive relationship because our veterans deserve that." Bonzanto is nominated to advise VA Secretary Robert Wilkie on how to better hold the VA accountable to veterans and taxpayers, while ensuring that whistleblowers within the Department are protected and their cases are handled fairly and properly. If confirmed, Bonzanto will be the first individual to permanently hold this office, which was created as a part of Tester's VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. "We are living in a time when accountability has become shorthand for firing," said Tester. "You have a real opportunity to initiate cultural change in the Department so it welcomes an airing of problems and concerns so the VA can truly be a welcoming place for employees and better deliver high-quality health care and benefits for those who have served." Gfrerer is nominated to help lead the VA's efforts to modernize its Electronic Health Record system. Tester introduced the Veterans' Electronic Health Record Modernization Oversight Act to ensure the VA is transparent in its plan to roll out the new system for nine million veterans. "I won't sugarcoat this - you will be heavily involved in what is the largest health care I.T. transformation in American history," said Tester. "You and Secretary Wilkie will be held accountable by me, my colleagues and the American public i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6393 | Tester: Montanans Need to Know where Kavanaugh Stands [press_release] | 2018-09-04 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | Tester: Montanans Need to Know where Kavanaugh Stands Senator Releases Statement as Supreme Court Nominee's Confirmation Hearing Begins (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today issued the following statement on the opening day of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee: "I will be paying close attention to see how Judge Kavanaugh answers tough questions during this week's hearing, and I look forward to meeting with him very soon. Montanans need to know where Judge Kavanaugh stands because there is a lot at stake with this important post." Tester remains in contact with the White House to schedule a face-to-face meeting with Kavanaugh as soon as the White House will allow. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6389 | Tester Secures Grant to Bolster Lake County Domestic Violence Initiative [press_release] | 2018-08-31 | 2018 | 2018-08 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Billings, Mont.) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester has secured nearly half a million dollars to bolster domestic and sexual violence response efforts in Lake County. The $437,872 grant from the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women will enable Lake County, in collaboration with non-governmental partner Safe Harbor, to increase victim services, update standard operating procedures for local law enforcement, and improve training for people handling sexual and domestic violence cases. "Helping survivors of sexual and domestic violence recover from violent crimes is critically important," Tester said. "These improvements will foster a community-wide response that utilizes up-to-date practices and tools to ensure survivors are supported and offenders are held accountable." Tester noted the grant also allows for an update to the Lake County Attorney and Sheriff's protocol for handling such cases, enabling it to be shared with the Flathead Indian Reservation. Tester has been a staunch defender of sexual and domestic abuse survivors. In 2017 he helped pass the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act, which invests $481.5 million in the DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women, and last week he demanded the Senate hold hearings on missing and murdered Native American women. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=6390 | Tester Delivers Resources to Combat Violence Against Native Women [press_release] | 2018-08-31 | 2018 | 2018-08 | Democrat | House | MT | Jon Tester | T000464 | www.tester.senate.gov | legacy | (Billings, Mont.) - As part of his ongoing effort to support Native American women, U.S. Senator Jon Tester recently secured resources to help Salish Kootenai College combat sexual and domestic violence on campus. The $300,000 grant is administered through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women's Campus Program, and will allow campus and local officials to collaborate with SAFE Harbor, a non-profit sexual and domestic violence prevention agency in Ronan, to develop assault response protocols, expand training and prevention initiatives, and increase efforts aimed at reducing violence against women. "Native American women face incredible challenges, and we must provide them with the support they need," Tester said. "This grant will empower local authorities and enable folks from around the community to work together to combat violence against women and hold those who commit it accountable." The DOJ Office on Violence Against Women's Campus Program works to enhance victim services, implement prevention programs, and strengthen response to sexual and domestic violence though campus-based programs. Tester has been relentless in his support of survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. In 2017 he helped pass the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act, which invests $481.5 million in the DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women, and last week he demanded the Senate hold a hearing on missing and murdered Native American women. Earlier this year, Tester secured a historic $133 million for tribes to assist survivors of violent crimes through the Crime Victims Fund and is sponsoring legislation to make this source of funding permanent. He is also sponsoring the bipartisan Savanna's Act to improve information sharing between tribal and federal law enforcement agencies, increase data collection on missing Native American women, and improve response protocols. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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