url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5609,Tester Announces Bozeman Sixth-Grader Will Light U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree [press_release],2017-12-30,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,".(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that he has selected Bozeman sixth-grader Ridley Brandmayr to light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree at the annual holiday ceremony in Washington, D.C., on December 6. As the senior Senator from the tree's state, Tester is tasked with selecting the tree lighter and helping organize this year's celebration. ""Ridley has shown incredible strength, determination, perseverance, and passion,"" said Tester. ""Ridley will represent Montana well and I look forward to celebrating this Christmas season with the Brandmayr family and every Montanan."" The public is invited to celebrate the lighting of the ""People's Tree"" on: U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting CeremonyDecember 6 | 6 p.m.West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Washington D.C. Earlier this year, Ridley tragically lost all of the fingers on his right hand in an accident. Despite the accident, Ridley has continued swimming and playing music. Tester, a former music teacher, lost three fingers on his left hand when he was a child. ""I'm grateful for this opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. and light the Capitol Christmas tree,"" said Ridley, 11, who enjoys hunting, fishing, swimming and playing his cello. ""I am honored that Senator Tester reached out to me, and I'm excited to represent Montana."" The Kootenai National Forest and Choose Outdoors are sponsoring the ceremony, which is free, and open to the public. Montana supplied the nation's tree in 2008 and 1989. The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree kicked off its journey in Yaak, Montana on December 8. It will betraveling 3,000 miles from the Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana to Washington, D.C. by way of Whitewood Transport, a Billings-based trucking company.And folks in Big Sky Country will have a chance to see the tree as it stops in 12 different cities across Montana this week. You can track the tree HERE, the schedule of stops is below. Monday, Nov. 13: Eureka, MT11:00 a.m. |Eureka Town Hall | 11 Dewey Avenue Whitefish, MT2:30 pm | Don K Whitefish Dealership | 6219 Highway 93 South Tuesday, Nov. 14: Libby, MT9:00 a.m. | Libby High School | 150 Education Way Troy, MT11:30 a.m. | Troy Museum | 141 St. Regis Haul Rd. Trout Creek, MT3:30 pm | 11 Park Street Wednesday, Nov. 15: Thursday, Nov. 16: Helena, MT11:00 a.m. | 1301 E 6th Ave between Montana Ave | Roberts Street Great Falls, MT6:00 p.m. | Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center | 4201 Giant Springs Road Friday, Nov. 17: Saturday, Nov. 18: Glendive, MT8:00 a.m. | Albertsons parking lot | 307 Harmon Street For more information on the U.S. Captiol Christmas Tree, you can visit its WEBSITE or follow the tree on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5764,Tester Sends 11th Bill to President Trumps Desk [press_release],2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester's bipartisan bill to recruit, train, and equip firefighters in Montana is headed to President Trump's desk to become law. Tester's Fire Grants Reauthorization Act-co-sponsored by Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.)-will be the eleventh bill Tester has sent to the President's desk this year The bill reauthorizes two critical grant initiatives that have helped dozens of Montana fire departments and are currently set to expire on January 2, 2018. ""These resources have made a great impact on fire departments across Montana,"" Tester said. ""Reauthorizing them will ensure our firefighters have the training, equipment, and resources they need when emergency strikes. I'm proud to partner with Senator McCain to get this bill across the finish line."" Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grants provide rural fire departments with the resources they need to properly train and equip firefighters for emergency situations. Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants provide funding directly to professional and volunteer fire departments to help increase and maintain the number of trained firefighters in rural communities. Tester recently secured AFG grants for fire departments in Red Lodge, Miles City & Bozeman and SAFER grants for fire departments in Helena and Big Sky. Last year, Montana fire departments received more than $2 million in AFG and SAFER grants, including fire departments in Missoula, Paradise Valley, Livingston, Deer Lodge, and Great Falls.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5762,"Tester: Stop Putting Band-Aids on the VA, Fix it Now [press_release]",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)- Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Jon Tester today took to the Senate floor to demand that his colleagues stop passing short-term bills that temporarily plug holes in the Veterans Choice Program. Instead, Tester called for the passage of his bipartisan Caring for Our Veterans Act. Tester partnered with Veterans Affairs' Committee Chairman Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) to draft the legislation that replaces the Veterans Choice Program with one, easy-to-navigate, community health care system that puts the decision of where to seek care in the hands of the veteran and their doctor. The legislation would also help address mental health workforce shortages in places like Montana and extend caregiver services to veterans of all eras. ""We don't need another band-aid fix,"" said Tester on the Senate floor. ""The Caring for Our Veterans Act is a long term solution that provides the VA with the ability to hire staff for top notch care. It provides an integrated network of community providers to fill in the gaps for that care, and it is a balance between those two so the veterans win."" Tester's call to action comes as the VA asks Congress for another round of emergency funding for the Choice Program. Tester is demanding that Congress stop dumping billions of dollars into the Program, which has been a bureaucratic mess for veterans and providers. ""We're going to pass a temporary stop-gap measure for our budget, and VA Choice funding will be a part of it probably,"" said Tester. ""I will tell you that this is the last band-aid that I am willing to put on the Choice Program. We need a long term solution, and if we don't get that long term solution we're not doing right by our veterans in this country."" Tester's entire floor speech is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5750,"Tester, Daines and Gianforte Call on Forest Service to Prioritize Kootenai Forestland Project [press_release]",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senators Jon Tester, Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte are urging the Forest Service to prioritize a conservation easement in northwest Montana that will strengthen the local economy and create jobs. The Montana delegation threw their support behind an agreement between Stimson Lumber Company and the state of Montana to preserve more than 22,000 acres of private land for timber harvest, wildlife habitat, and recreational access. ""The Kootenai Forestlands Project will not only have significant economic benefits, but will also provide critical conservation gains,"" wrote the members. ""Protecting these lands also means protecting our state's clean water, and the protected and game species that support our outdoor heritage."" At the request of local businesses, the delegation is asking the Forest Service to approve funding for the conservation easement under the Forest Legacy Program, which maximizes public benefits of privately owned forests. ""Obtaining a conservation easement for this site would protect these lands from development, and allow sustainable timber harvest to keep producing four million board feet of timber and $5.25 million in economic activity each year, along with 20 full-time jobs,"" wrote Tester, Daines and Gianforte. The delegation's letter to Forest Service Chief Tony Tooke can be read HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5759,Tester Champions Bill to Promote Public Access to Public Lands [press_release],2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Champions Bill to Promote Public Access to Public Lands Senators Recreation Not Red-Tape Act Will Boost Outdoor Recreation Across Montana (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is sponsoring the Recreation Not Red-Tape Act to increase public access to outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands. ""Montana is home to world-class public lands that support our state's economy and good-paying jobs, and Washington bureaucracy should never hinder our booming businesses,"" Tester said. ""This bill will make government work better for folks who want to hunt, hike, and explore our public lands."" Tester's legislation opens new opportunities for outdoor recreation and modernizes aspects of the permitting process. Tester's bill would: Allow land management agencies to expand recreational use of seasonal recreational lands during the offseason. Make special recreation permit applications for guides and outfitters available online Allow the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass to be available online. Create outdoor recreation metrics for the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to evaluate the performance of land managers. Encourage the Armed Forces to provide information on outdoor recreation to servicemembers and veterans, and strongly encourage land management agencies to hire veterans. Tester's bill is supported by members of the outdoor recreation community. ""Senator Tester has long been a champion for public lands, and Outdoor Alliance and the human powered recreation community greatly appreciate his support for innovative solutions like Recreation Not Red-Tape that protect more landscapes for outdoor recreation,"" said Louis Geltman with the Outdoor Alliance. ""Public access opportunities, or the lack thereof, have a huge impact on opportunities for sportsmen and women to spend time afield,"" said Land Tawney President & CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. ""This legislation is a win for our community. Senator Tester's tireless advocacy on behalf of our public lands and waters - and for those of us enjoy hunting and fishing on them - deserves our heartfelt thanks.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5760,"Tester, Daines Pass Legislation through Senate to Protect East Rosebud Creek [press_release]",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines today announced that their bipartisan legislation to protect the East Rosebud Creek for future generations has cleared the Senate. The Senators' bill will protect 20 miles of creek in south-central Montana as part of the Wild and Scenic River System. ""This is a historic day for the next generation of Montanans,"" said Tester. ""This bipartisan bill will protect a true treasure and ensure our kids and grandkids can enjoy the wonders of East Rosebud Creek for years to come."" ""East Rosebud Creek is a place where families fish, hike, and take in Montana views,"" said Daines. ""It is one of Montana's - and our country's - natural treasures and it must be preserved for our grandchildren and future generations to enjoy."" East Rosebud Creek originates in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and flows out to the prairie where it joins the Yellowstone River just west of Columbus. No private land will be impacted by this legislation. ""We greatly appreciate Senator Tester's and Senator Daines' leadership and determination to get the East Rosebud protection bill approved by the US Senate,"" said Frank Annighofer with Friends of East Rosebud. ""East Rosebud is a special place for the families who live here, some for many generations. It's stunning beauty attracts visitors from all over the world, yielding significant economic value to surrounding communities and to our State. This bill when signed into law will ensure that it stays that way for generations to come."" Congressman Gianforte has introduced companion legislation in the House. ""The Senate's action is a good first step in protecting East Rosebud Creek. Conserving the area will strengthen our economy, protect our way of life, and fulfill the clear wishes of the community,"" Gianforte said. ""I will continue working to move the bill forward in the House."" In 1968, Congress passed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to preserve rivers with cultural and recreational value in their free-flowing condition for present and future generations. Less than one-half of one percent of Montana's approximately 170,000 miles of river is designated as ""wild and scenic.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5761,Montana Delegations Bill to Name Peak in Diekmanns Honor Passes U.S. Senate [press_release],2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. SenatorsJon TesterandSteve Dainesand U.S. Representative Greg Gianforte today hailed U.S. Senate passage of their bill to honor the life of renowned Montana conservationist, Alex Diekmann, by naming an unnamed peak in his memory. The U.S. Senate today passed a bill to name an unnamed 9,765-foot peak as ""Alex Diekmann Peak."" ""Alex Diekmann's contributions to Montana must always be remembered,"" Tester said. ""His impact to conservation and outdoor recreation will be felt for generations to come. Renaming this wild peak in his honor will ensure Alex's legacy will remain a part of Montana's outdoor heritage."" ""Alex Diekmann brought Montanans together to balance the needs of local landowners, ranchers and foresters, local cities and towns, county commissions, and federal and state interests to protect our public lands,"" Daines stated. ""I look forward to visiting and climbing Alex Diekmann Peak in Alex's honor with his family to commemorate his life."" ""Naming the peak after Alex Diekmann is a tribute to a man who united people to protect our public lands. Alex embodied the spirit of working together that defines Montana,"" Gianforte said. ""I will continue working with my colleagues in the House to honor Alex, his work, and his memory."" Background: In Bozeman, Diekmann worked as a senior project manager for the Trust for Public Land. He worked for 16 years to protect the Madison and Greater Yellowstone Area, which includes the Taylor Fork in the Gallatin Canyon, Three Dollar Bridge, Chestnut Mountain and Frog Rock, and the restoration of O'Dell Creek in the Madison Valley. Diekmann also worked on more than 55 projects and helped to preserve more than 100,000 acres during his time with the Trust for Public Lands. Some of his accomplishments also include conserving 23,000 acres of forested lands surrounding Whitefish, Montana. In addition, he sought to protect of The Offline Ranch, The Sun Ranch, The Granger Ranches, The Boltz Ranch, The Gecho Ranch and The Crumley Ranch. Statements of Support: Jeff Laszlo, Granger Ranches, Ennis, Montana: ""I support and advocate for the naming of Alex Diekmann Peak in honor of one of the greatest conservationist and people our area has ever been so fortunate to know and to have working on our behalf. Alex was responsible for many landmark conservation projects in Madison Valley and in Montana that protected and preserved working lands, open space, natural resources, and public access for generations to come. Alex's unique talents made it possible to put together complex land deals to conserve the Madison Valley. He remained engaged and involved with his heart and soul in the Valley's protection until his very final days. Naming the peak after him is a fitting tribute and reminder to all of us of his commitment, legacy, and dedication that will be needed in the future."" Glenn Marx, Executive Director of the Montana Association of Land Trusts: ""The designation of Alex Diekmann Peak will be a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy of conservation and public service will permanently contribute to Montana's economy, landscape and outdoor recreation. The Montana land trust community is truly grateful to the Montana Congressional Delegation for their leadership and commitment to finalize this designation and officially create Alex Diekmann Peak."" Dave Schulz, Former Chairman, Madison County Commission: ""Alex Diekmann was responsible for the conservation of more than 50 distinct areas in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, securing for the future over 100,000 acres of iconic mountains and valleys, rivers and creeks, ranches and farms, and historic sites and open spaces. Alex possessed a truly unique set of gifts and without his community spirit, tremendous skills, and conservation commitment, many of these places surely would have been lost."" Chuck Roady, Vice President and General Manager of F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company: ""Alex crossed all barriers, working with everyone, to get things done for what's best for the land. I am proud to be a part of this effort to commemorate his life's work. Thanks to Senators Daines, Tester, and Rep. Gianforte for coming together to pass this bill through the Senate. I hope it can become law quickly."" The delegation's bill is supported by: City of Whitefish The Madison River Foundation Montana Trout Unlimited Montana Association of Land Trusts The Trust for Public Land American Fly Fishing Trade Association Gallatin County Commission The text of the bill is available to download here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5747,"Tester Introduces Bill to Support Montana Hunters, Fight the Spread of Chronic Wasting Disease [press_release]",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today introduced legislation to defend Montana's hunting heritage and fight the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease as more cases of the neurological virus are identified in Montana. Chronic Wasting Disease has been prevalent in 21 states across the west, infecting white-tail and mule deer, elk, and moose-including in multiple states that border Montana. Tester's bill will immediately provide wildlife management agencies with resources to stop the spread of the disease that could impact big-game hunting and diminish Montana's growing outdoor economy. ""In Montana, hunting is a part of our way of life because it helps provide our families with food, manage our wildlife, and sustain rural economies,"" Tester said. ""It is critically important that we stop the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease before it diminishes our big-game herds and undercuts our outdoor economy."" Sportsmen from across Montana have endorsed Tester's bill. ""Senator Tester's bill will give Fish, Wildlife and Parks and wildlife managers around the country the resources they need to aggressively tackle this deadly disease,"" said Dave Chadwick, Executive Director of the Montana Wildlife Federation. ""Montana hunters are lucky to have a leader like Jon Tester, who is willing to put the spotlight on this issue and work toward a practical, on-the-ground response."" ""As chairman of Montana's Fish and Wildlife Commission, I want to thank Sen. Tester for taking a leadership role in helping Montana address the emergence of chronic wasting disease in our state,"" said Dan Vermillion, Chairman of the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Commission. ""Montana has the expertise in its department, but we are in dire need of funding to fight this deadly wildlife disease."" ""Chronic wasting disease represents a great threat to the health of our elk, deer, moose and other ungulate populations,"" said David Allen, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation President and CEO. ""If passed, this bill will provide critical funding for state wildlife agencies and researchers to help find a cure in a more timely manner."" ""Montana sportsmen and women-plus anyone who cares about wildlife-should be alarmed by the recent discovery of Chronic Wasting Disease within the borders of our state,"" said Joel Webster, Director of Western Lands for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. ""We need to do everything we can to more fully understand and control this disease, and Senator Tester's newly introduced legislation would help us do just that."" ""Chronic Wasting Disease may pose the greatest risk to the sustainability of North America's deer, elk, and moose populations,"" said Matt Dunfee, Project Coordinator at the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance. ""This proposed legislation is critically needed to secure the tools wildlife managers need to fight Chronic Wasting Disease at a level appropriate to the severity of the disease."" ""Of the challenges our wildlife populations face today, chronic wasting disease is one of the most urgent,"" said Collin O'Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. ""The contagious, always-fatal neurological disease has now been found in elk, deer and moose herds from the northern Rockies to the Midwest to the Northeast. State and tribal wildlife agencies need help in combating this grave threat to our outdoor and sporting heritage and the bill by Sen. Jon Tester would provide much-needed funding and tools to do that. Sen. Tester's bill is an important companion to one by Reps. Ron Kind and Jim Sensenbrenner and will help halt the spread of this devastating disease."" Tester's bill will authorize $60 million to help state and tribal wildlife management agencies stop the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease. These funds create new research grants to better understand the disease, allow states and tribes to develop and implement management plans, and establish a rapid response for newly infected areas. There have been at least five identified cases of Chronic Wasting Disease in Montana, four along the Montana-Wyoming border and one north of the Hi-Line near Canada. Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks recently sold 1,200 additional deer licenses for a special hunt to determine the prevalence of Chronic Wasting Disease in Montana. In Wyoming, Chronic Wasting Disease has led to a 21 percent annual decline in the mule deer population and a 10 percent decline in the white-tail deer population. There is not a known cure for the disease. Before the recent infection of Montana deer, Montana was Chronic Wasting Disease free for nearly 20 years. Hunting is a major component of Montana's outdoor economy, which sustains more than 70,000 jobs and generates $7.1 billion in economic activity annually. Tester's bill is available online HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5749,Tester to Vote Against Massive Tax Giveaway to the Wealthy [press_release],2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) -U.S. Senator Jon Tester tonight will vote against a massive tax giveaway to the wealthy that will add more than $1 trillion to the national debt. Tester scolded colleagues on the Senate floor prior to the vote for supporting a partisan bill that will add to the deficit and saddle future generations with more crushing debt. ""Those of you who vote yes on this bill will do so at the expense of our kids and grandkids,"" Tester said. ""They will be paying this tab long after we are gone. This bill will limit their opportunities and cap their potential."" Tester blasted the tax giveaway that will force cuts as high as $25 billion to Medicare, rip health insurance away from Montanans, and raise health insurance premiums next year by 10 percent. ""This bill also destroys the foundation of our health care system,"" Tester added. ""Thirteen million Americans will become uninsured and everyone else's premiums will go up by 10 percent. It will become more expensive to see your doctor. It will be harder for rural hospitals and clinics to keep their doors open. And more folks will end up in the emergency room-they will be sicker and their treatment will be more expensive and the rest of us will be forced to pay for it."" Tester criticized the closed-door, partisan bill drafting process, which included no public hearings and no public input. Tester directly asked President Trump to work together on tax reform provisions that work for Montanans, but his requests were never answered. ""There was no effort to reach across the aisle and build consensus for this bill,"" Tester said. ""Once again, folks chose to draw a line in the sand. They chose to empower the fringes and leave those of us in the middle out in the cold. That is not what our founding fathers had in mind."" Tester also slammed Congress for passing a tax bill that favors large multi-national corporations over Montana families. The bill creates permanent tax cuts for corporations, but all individual income tax cuts are set to expire by 2025. Within the next ten years, a majority of Montanans will see their taxes rise as a result of this bill. After independent analysis, the tax bill contains the following provisions: Adds more than $1 trillion to the national debt. Triggers cuts to Medicare of up to $25 billion. Rips health insurance away from 13 million Americans. Forces health insurance premiums to rise ten percent next year. Provides 83 percent of the tax cuts will go to the top one percent of wage earners. Reduces state revenues and put critical initiatives at risk. Raises taxes on majority of households by 2027. The tax bill is expected to pass on a party-line vote after 9:30 p.m. MT.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5745,Tester Nominates Montana Students to U.S. Military Service Academies [press_release],2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced he is nominating 27 Montana students for admission to the country's four prestigious military service academies. To attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, a student must be nominated by a member of Congress. ""One of the greatest privileges I have as a Senator is to help some of Montana's best and brightest students become the next generation of American military leaders,"" said Tester. ""I have full confidence that these exemplary young Montanans will rise to meet the challenge of a United States Service Academy appointment."" 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 Senator Tester HERE. Senator Jon Tester's 2018 Academy Nominations: Anaconda Rose Tracy: U.S. Naval Academy Baker Madison Reddick: U.S. Merchant Marines Academy Billings Micah Andrews: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy Bozeman Sage Lindsay: U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Erik Manning: U.S. Naval Academy Jackson Redmon: US. Military Academy Ennis William Gilmore: U.S. Military Academy Florence Alexandra Weisenburger: U. S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy Kourtney Zeiler: U.S. Military Academy Great Falls Jack Dresel, U.S. Air Force Academy Hamilton James Baggett III: U.S. Air Force Academy Helena Claudia Downing: U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U. S. Merchant Marine Academy Maggie Smiedala: U.S. Military Academy Kamrin Rosling: U.S. Military Academy Grayson Weber: U.S. Naval Academy Taylor Sullivan: U.S. Military Academy James Riley Johnson III: U.S. Military Academy Christopher Bokovoy: U.S. Air Force Academy Kalispell Payton Hume: U.S. Air Force Academy Manhattan Alexa Arthun: U.S. Naval Academy Cody Dykstra: U.S. Naval Academy Missoula Matthew Fritz: U.S. Naval Academy Bryar Newbary: U.S. Military Academy Gabriel Jourdonnais: U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Sidney Breanna Frank: U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Two Dot Amanda Martin: U.S. Air Force Academy Montana Active Duty Military Dependent Madison Ward: U.S. Naval Academy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5734,Tester Fights for More Resources to Combat Montana Wildfires [press_release],2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today joined with the Montana National Guard in requesting additional equipment to combat wildfires and to control fires on federal military training areas. Tester lent his support for the Montana National Guard's request to provide seven new firefighting buckets for its helicopter fleet. ""This past wildfire season pushed the Montana National Guard's firefighting equipment to its limit,"" said Tester. ""We need to secure the equipment for firefighters now before we head into what could be another devastating season. The cost of this equipment is a fraction of the damage from this past summer, but could vastly increase the National Guard's ability to protect communities and citizens across Montana."" The Montana National Guard requested two firefighting bucket kits for CH-47 helicopters and five firefighting bucket kits for UH-60 helicopters from the National Guard Bureau. The Montana National Guard mobilized multiple times this year to fight wildfires across Montana, and its equipment was pushed to the limit of its serviceability. Currently, to fully support potential mission requirements, the Montana National Guard could be forced to rely on equipment that belong to other states. More than one million acres burned across Montana this year, resulting in an estimated $44 million in damages. Tester's letter to General Joseph Lengyel, head of the National Guard Bureau, can be found online HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5735,Tester Slams Federal Communications Commission Decision to End Free and Open Internet [press_release],2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - In an online video, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today blasted the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for repealing net neutrality rules. Tester's remarks are as follows: ""Net Neutrality is the principle that no matter who you are or how you connect, everyone should have equal access to the Internet. Without Net Neutrality, internet service providers could charge you more to view certain content, block your favorite websites, or even slow down your internet speed altogether. These big internet providers could also sell access to certain websites separately. So, you could end up having to pay three different fees for access to Google, Facebook, and Amazon-all of which you get today for free. And when it comes to economic development, Net Neutrality allows small businesses to reach their customers online at the same speed as big corporations. Without those protections, rural businesses and entrepreneurs could be forced to pay huge corporate rates or be cut off from their customers altogether. That's why Net Neutrality is so important. Because without it, we are at the whim of big corporations. They can favor websites that make them a profit, while blocking or slowing down websites that can't pay their fees. So I'm demanding the FCC listen to the thousands of Montanans who have contacted my office and preserve our free and open internet. Ending Net Neutrality ends the internet as we know it."" Tester'svideo isposted HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5731,"Tester, Schatz, and Advocates Call for Budget Deal that Honors Veterans [press_release]",2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Brian Schatz are calling on Congress to pass a year-end budget deal that honors veterans. After Congress passed a short-term funding bill, set to run out December 22, the Senators are calling for responsible, long-term funding that provides more stability and certainty to veterans who rely on VA health care and benefits. The Senators are joined by leading Veterans Service Organizations to demand responsible investments in the VA's staff and medical research, efforts to prevent veteran homelessness, and to move forward on comprehensive legislative to streamline VA community care programs and expand caregiver services. ""We must empower the VA to hire more doctors, nurses, specialists and mental health care professionals, and we must cut the red tape and barriers to VA care,"" said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. ""The year-end budget deal must provide the VA with resources to live up to the promises our nation made to those who stepped up to serve, and Congress has to hold VA accountable for doing exactly that."" ""Everybody pays lip service to veterans. But let's be clear. This fight right now is about whether the Department of Defense-and the Department of Defense only-gets more resources,"" said Schatz, Ranking Member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. ""What we're saying is, if you stand by service members, you stand by veterans. And that means funding defense and non-defense on an equal basis. That means the VA gets the resources it needs to fund programs, upgrade systems and improve infrastructure, and give our veterans the best quality care possible."" Joining the Senators were Matt Shuman of the American Legion, Carlos Fuentes of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Garry Augustine of DAV. ""The reality is very clear. The men and women who have selflessly worn the fabric of our military deserve better,"" said Matt Shuman, Director of the Legislative Division at the American Legion. ""They proudly served this country and now this country needs to keep the promise it made to our veterans. Congress needs to make sure that the VA is in a position to treat veterans with quality and respect, including medical services, G.I. Bill benefits and preventing homelessness. Whatever budget package is passed this month, it must include appropriate funding to provide the best care for veterans."" ""VA is better situation than most other federal departments under a continuing resolution because it receives advanced appropriations, but there is still a $2.6 billion difference between the advance appropriations VA is given under the current CR and the amount VA has requested and the Senate MilConVA bill would appropriate,"" said Carlos Fuentes, National Legislative Service Director for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. ""This means veterans are waiting longer or even being denied access to needed health care and benefits simply because Congress is unable to pass full year appropriations. Congress must reach a budget deal that fully funds the benefits and service our nation's veterans have earned and deserve."" ""It's imperative that Congress pass, and the President sign, a full year budget that adequately funds veterans programs, benefits and services in order to keep our promises to the men and women who served,"" said Garry J. Augustine, Executive Director of the DAV. ""VA must be provided sufficient resources to fill vacancies, bolster infrastructure, modernize IT and finally provide equity and fairness for caregivers of severely disabled veterans of all eras.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5730,Tester Slams Federal Agency as Rates of Homelessness Rise [press_release],2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)—Following a new report that shows homelessness in Montana is on the rise, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is demanding that the U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development (HUD) ensure families have roofs over their heads as winter hits. Tester is pushing HUD Secretary Ben Carson to work with Congress and address the rising rate of homelessness in Montana. In a letter to Carson, Tester criticizes the Department’s attempt to eliminate homeless initiatives and pushes for more affordable housing resources for Montana families, seniors, and veterans. “Affordable housing provides economic security for families, empowering students to perform better in school and helping parents keep their jobs,” wrote Tester, Montana’s only member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. “At a time when our economy is recovering, it is very troubling to see a rising number of Montanans with no safe or warm place to call home.” HUD released a report last week showing homelessness in Montana increased by nearly eight percent over the past year. This is the first time since 2010 that homelessness is on the rise across the nation. Tester specifically expressed concern that homelessness among veterans in Montana grew by 24 percent over the last year. “Congress and the Administration must do everything we can to ensure that veterans facing homelessness have the resources they need to get back on their feet,” Tester added. Tester pressed Carson to increase resources for affordable housing initiatives and boost opportunities for homeless veterans in next year’s federal budget. The Trump Administration proposed cutting more than 13 percent from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Important housing initiatives such as the Interagency Council on Homelessness, Community Development Block Grants, the HOME Program, Choice Neighborhoods, and the Self-Help Homeownership Program would have all been eliminated under this budget. Tester used his position on the Appropriations Committee to reverse the Trump Administration’s proposed budget cuts and support an appropriations bill that increases investments in critical housing initiatives. That appropriations bill has yet to receive a vote on the Senate floor. Tester met with Carson in Montana in August to highlight the need for more affordable housing. Tester’s letter to Carson is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5732,Trump Signs Testers Ninth Bill Into Law [press_release],2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - President Trump today signed into law the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes U.S. Senator Jon Tester's Gary Deloney and John Olsen Toxic Exposure Declassification Act. ""This is a momentous day for John Olsen and all veterans who deserve accountability,"" said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. ""Mr. Olsen and I have worked for years to get the records of his service declassified, and he will now be able to use his military records to apply for VA health care and benefits that he has fought so long for."" ""Finally! It's taken a long time, but I'm happy that we've reached this point,"" said Olsen. ""I appreciate Jon Tester's work to get my records declassified. We've finally gotten to the point we should have gotten to 50 years ago. There are a lot of people that will be excited to hear about this."" Tester's bipartisan Gary Deloney and John Olsen Toxic Exposure Declassification Act declassifies the records of Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense), allowing Olsen to use his records to apply for VA disability benefits and care. Olsen participated in Project SHAD in the mid-1960s. The classified project included a series of tests to gauge the vulnerability of naval vessels and personnel to chemical and biological attacks. During these tests Olsen was regularly exposed to highly toxic carcinogens, and has since battled cancer four times. Because the records of Project SHAD have remained classified, the VA has denied Olsen his benefits and refused to administer care related to his exposure. Tester's other bills that have become law under President Trump can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5721,Tester Fights to Reauthorize Critical Funding for Montana Counties [press_release],2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is fighting to secure critical funding for Montana counties. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Tester is demanding Congress reauthorize Secure Rural Schools (SRS) to ensure Montana counties can afford essential services. ""We are now witnessing firsthand the hardships rural counties face as a result of SRS authorization lapsing,"" Tester wrote. ""Without the certainty of SRS payments, schools, libraries and jails are in danger of closing."" SRS was enacted in 2000 and provides funds to counties with federal land to compensate for declining timber production. SRS, which is supported by both Republicans and Democrats, contributed nearly $16 million to rural counties' budgets in Fiscal Year 2015. SRS funds are used to help cover the costs of schools, road maintenance, law enforcement and search and rescue operations. However, the program expired in 2015 and counties have been forced to rely on revenue from declining federal timber sales since the last SRS payment in early 2016. ""Schools that remain open will see a reduction of teachers. Roads go unpaved and become unsafe. Mental and physical health services are scaled back or even ended,"" Tester continued. ""The SRS program continues to be a critical safety-net for forest counties."" You can read the full text of the letter HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5723,Tester Stands with Montana Lumber Mills [press_release],2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Stands with Montana Lumber Mills Senator Applauds International Trade Commission Decision Maintaining Tariffs (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement applauding a decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to move forward on duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports: ""This decision helps level the playing field, keep the market competitive, and ensure Montana's lumber producers have a fair shot going forward. Timber jobs are critically important to Montana's economy and our hardworking families."" The ruling by the ITC will formally place duties on Canadian lumber after a Department of Commerce investigation determined the Canadian government unfairly subsidizes its lumber. Canadian timber is primarily located on government-owned land, allowing lumber producers to pay less than what U.S. producers pay for timber located on private land in the United States.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5717,"Testers Bill to Improve Public Safety, Increase Support Services in Indian Country Takes Next Step Forward [press_release]",2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester's legislation to improve public safety and increase support services in Indian Country is on its way to the Senate floor. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee unanimously passed Tester's Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment (SURVIVE) Act. Tester emphasized how important this bill is to tribal law enforcement and survivors of violent crimes. ""For too long, critical public safety resources dried up before they made it to Indian Country,"" Tester said. ""This bill will guarantee that survivors of violent crimes have access to the resources they need to recover, heal, while ensuring service providers can deliver culturally appropriate services during a great time of need."" Tester's SURVIVE Act sets aside five percent of the Crime Victims Fund to establish and secure a critical funding stream not previously accessible to tribes. This tribal account would provide an additional $150 million that tribes could use to assist survivors of violent crimes. The SURVIVE Act can support domestic violence shelters, medical care, counseling, legal assistance and services, and child and elder abuse prevention. The Crime Victims Fund pays for itself by collecting criminal fines, forfeited appearance bonds, penalties, special assessments, gifts, and donations. Currently, every state in the country has access to a set-aside fund from the Crime Victims Fund, but state funds almost never reach Native American communities. The SURVIVE Act awaits a final vote on the Senate floor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5718,"Tester Secures $100,000 to Support Blackfeet Community College [press_release]",2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester has secured $100,000 in funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities to fund a tribal language and culture project at Blackfeet Community College. ""The Blackfeet Nation has a long, rich heritage in Montana,"" said Tester, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. ""This funding will help ensure their language, culture and unique identity will continue to be passed down to future generations."" The grant was awarded to Blackfeet Community College following a competitive selection process to fund a program designed to preserve cultural heritage and language over multiple learning platforms. ""The NEH ‘Enhancing Curriculum with Blackfoot Language and Culture' award will support the Liberal Arts department at Blackfeet Community College in developing, for the first time, an in-depth cultural curriculum that allows us to meet an essential aspect of our original mission statement: that of integrating nÄ«Ä«tsÄ«Ä«•á¹?o'•""sin (the Blackfoot language) and nÄ«Ä«siṫŭp•á¹?yÇ?aá¹?ii (Blackfoot lifeways) into our students' daily learning experience,"" said Sterling Schildt, the Writing Center & Liberal Arts Cultural Curriculum Director at Blackfeet Community College. ""The project we are about to embark upon will create digital, in-class learning materials that will help our students learn essential aspects of nÄ«Ä«siṫŭp•á¹?yÇ?aá¹?ii from legitimate cultural experts. These materials will allow current and future generations of Blackfeet Community College students to hear, learn and appreciate our beautiful language, culture and history while also beginning to understand themselves and their identity in a much deeper and more significant way."" Tester has been a longtime champion for preserving Native languages. He has introduced multiple bills to establish, expand and fund Native American language preservation including the Native Language Immersion Student Achievement Act to develop a streamlined grant program for native language immersion programs and the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act to fund Native language classes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5719,Tester Introduces Bill to Strengthen Education Benefits for Volunteer First Responders [press_release],2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester introduced legislation today to strengthen education benefits for volunteer first responders. Tester's bill will expand eligibility for the Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to volunteer first responders, which will pay off the entirety of their student loan debt. ""Communities across Montana rely on volunteer first responders to keep their families and their property safe,"" Tester said. ""By ensuring that these selfless heroes have access to additional benefits, we can bolster volunteer fire and law enforcement departments by recruiting more folks to serve their communities."" ""This is a good bill for volunteer fire departments across Montana because it will increase recruitment and retention, especially when it is hard to find additional volunteers,"" said Mike Doto, President of the Montana State Volunteer Fire Fighters Association. ""The Montana State Volunteer Fire Fighters Association thanks Senator Tester for sponsoring a bill to boost rural fire departments."" The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program provides student loan forgiveness for the balance of principal and interest on loans that were issued after October 1, 2007. In order to qualify for the program, public service professionals must have previously made 120 full payments towards the loan while fulfilling a commitment to public service. Over 70 percent of the fire fighters in the U.S. serve in a volunteer capacity. These volunteers spend large amounts of their own time and money training to respond to emergencies within their communities. Volunteer first responders save local taxpayers more than $30 billion annually, and most volunteer first responders serve rural communities where full-time departments are not feasible. Tester has sponsored additional legislation to recruit and retain more volunteer first responders in rural communities by expanding access to critical home loan programs. He also passed a bipartisan bill through the Senate to reauthorize two firefighting grant initiatives that help local fire departments train, equip and purchase safety gear. 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=5707,Testers Bipartisan Bill to Create Jobs and Spur Economic Growth Takes Major Step Forward [press_release],2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester’s Bipartisan Bill to Create Jobs and Spur Economic Growth Takes Major Step Forward Legislation Will Provide Regulatory Relief to Community Banks and Credit Unions Across the Country (U.S. Senate)—U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s bipartisan bill to create jobs and spur economic growth took a major step forward today. Tester’s Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act was passed by the Senate Banking Committee by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 16-7. “Last week with tax reform we saw how partisan Washington, D.C. can be,” Tester said during the markup. “I’m extremely optimistic today that we can break through all the nonsense and find common ground to do what’s right for small businesses and consumers across the country.” Tester’s opening remarks as prepared for delivery are available HERE. A fact check document related to the bill is available HERE. A summary of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act is available HERE. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act has received support from:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5716,Tester Teams Up with Bozeman Sixth Grader to Light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree [press_release],2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(West Lawn, U.S. Capitol) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester kicked off the holiday season tonight alongside Bozeman sixth-grader Ridley Brandmayr as they lit the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. ""When Senator Tester called my dad and told me, it didn't feel real. It took about five minutes for it to sink in,"" Brandmayr said. ""But it definitely became real tonight and it was an experience I will never forget."" The 79-foot Engelmann Spruce traveled nearly 3,500 miles from Montana's Kootenai National Forest to grace the lawn of the U.S. Capitol building-making stops in 13 Montana cities along the way. As the senior Senator from the tree's home state, Tester was tasked with selecting the tree lighter and helping organize this year's celebration. He asked Ridley after the Bozeman sixth grader lost his right hand in a tragic accident earlier this year. Tester lost three fingers on his left hand in a similar accident when he was a kid. ""This tree has been growing in Montana for decades - enduring brutal fire seasons, and braving harsh winters. It's reached almost 80 feet tall, nourished by Montana's rich soil and sustained by clean mountain water."" Tester said. ""This tree is more than a symbol of the natural resources the Treasure State has to offer - it represents our shared history, intertwined with our outdoor heritage and our Montana values."" The event was co-hosted by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and also featured the other two members of Montana's Congressional delegation. On hand were dozens of folks who helped shepherd the tree from Montana to D.C. ""The selection and delivery of the Capitol Christmas tree from the Kootenai National Forest has been an extreme honor for the Forest Service and State of Montana,"" said Sandi Mason, the Kootenai Forest's Capitol Christmas Tree project leader. ""We have met a ton of fantastic people across this great country of ours and this will be a journey that we will never forget. We are proud to display the tree, along with all of the ornaments and tree skirts that were handmade by people from all over the State."" Others in attendance included Larry Spiekermeier of Whitewood Transportation, the man who drove the tree across nearly a dozen state over the course of a two-week journey. Spiekermeier is a two-time Montana Motor Carriers ""driver of the year"" who hails from Plains, Montana. He will celebrate a half century on the road next year. The tree was decorated with nearly 3,000 handmade ornaments from folks across Big Sky country. It was flanked by a custom tree skirt quilted by Shawna Crawford of Lewistown and topped by a five-foot tall copper star commissioned by the Washington Companies of Missoula, fabricated by Split Mountain Metal of Belgrade, and lit by Western Montana Lighting of Missoula. Since 1970, a different national forest has been chosen each year to provide the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The last tree to hail from Montana was a Subalpine Fir from the Bitterroot National Forest in 2008. The Kootenai National Forest also provided ""The People's Tree"" in 1989. Watch a livestream of the event HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5715,"Tester Continues Work to Secure Border, Confirms President Trumps Homeland Security Secretary Nominee [press_release]",2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Continues Work to Secure Border, Confirms President Trump’s Homeland Security Secretary Nominee Senator Supports Kirstjen Nielsen to Lead the Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee and a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, today released the following statement after his vote to confirm Kirstjen Nielsen as Homeland Security Secretary: ""We must secure our borders using the best technology possible, we must make airport security failsafe, and we must stay far ahead of all cyber threats that put Montana and our nation at risk. I will be working closely with Secretary Nielsen and the Trump Administration to strengthen our national security and keep out anyone who wants to harm our country."" During a hearing earlier this year, Tester secured a commitment from Nielsen that under her leadership, the Department of Homeland Security would not advocate for an ineffective and costly coast-to-coast southern border wall. Rather, Nielsen would work with Congress to secure the southern border by utilizing technology and identifying appropriate places where a wall may be most effective-as Tester has long advocated. Nielsen was confirmed 62-37.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5705,"Tester Secures Over $500,000 to Help Young Farmers Start and Grow their Businesses [press_release]",2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester has secured $523,355 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to teach young Montana farmers how to start and grow their operations. The Community Food and Agriculture Coalition in Missoula will use the money to provide education and mentoring programs to help young farmers and ranchers build and manage successful farms. ""Montana farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our economy, and some of the best in the world,"" said Tester. ""As a farmer myself, I know how much hard work and training it takes to yield a crop. I look forward to seeing what all the young farmers will do after learning valuable skills."" The Community Food and Agriculture Coalition in Missoula will use the money to connect farmers to both classroom trainings where they can learn budgeting and finance management as well as hands on farm training. In addition, they plan to use the funds to expand their programming to reach farmers across state, beyond western Montana where they currently operate. ""In the next decade most farms will be transferred to the next generation because the average farmer is currently retirement age, so we're excited to offer services to the next generation of farmers, they're such a vital part of our future,"" said Bonnie Buckingham, the Executive Director and co-Founder of The Community Food and Agriculture Coalition. ""We want to extend a huge thank you to Senator Tester for being such a strong proponent of farming for our nation, he is a leader in the agriculture world."" The grant is funded through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, which aims to attract veterans, women and disadvantaged farmers and ranchers by providing training, education and technical assistance. The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program was established through the Farm Bill, which expires in 2018. Tester has held numerous Farm Bill listening sessions gathering input from Montanans about what they want to see in the next Farm Bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5704,Tester Votes No on Tax Giveaway that Adds $1.5 Trillion to National Debt [press_release],2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Votes No on Tax Giveaway that Adds $1.5 Trillion to National Senator Blasts Legislation that was Drafted in Secret and Without Public Input (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today voted against a secret tax giveaway to the wealthy that increases the national debt by adding nearly $1.5 trillion to the deficit. ""Hard-working Montanans deserve more than a bill drafted in the dark of night, that saddles our kids and grandkids with more crushing debt. Sadly, Washington dysfunction has hit a new low and Montana families and small businesses deserve better than this."" The Congressional Budget Office reported today that this bill will add nearly $1.5 trillion to the deficit. The bill was brought to the floor for amendment votes less than two hours after being released to the public and included hand-scribbled text in the margins. Tester blasted the process in a social media video that subsequently went viral.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5701,"Tester Delivers for Indian Country: One Bill Heads to Presidents Desk, Two through the Senate [press_release]",2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester pushed three pieces of legislation out of the Senate that will spur economic growth in Indian Country, preserve native culture, and protect families across Montana. ""We have a bipartisan responsibility to create jobs, safeguard our children, and ensure the rich heritage of Indian Country is passed down to the next generation,"" said Tester, a senior member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. ""This legislation passing the Senate is an important step in fulfilling our nation's promise to Native families and businesses."" Tester's Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act now heads to President Trump's desk for signature. This bipartisan bill will allow tribes to pool numerous federal employment and job training resources into one comprehensive program. Currently tribes receive workforce development money from multiple agencies, this bill gives tribes flexibility to combine those resources into one focused mission. ""The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council is truly grateful that Senator Tester co-sponsored a bill that better fits the employment and training needs for peoples and programs on the Blackfeet Nation,"" said Terry Tatsey, Vice Chairman of the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. ""The Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act provides an avenue to centralize job training for our people at one location and reduces program workload on researching employment training funds from multiple agencies. The employment and job training programs on the Blackfeet Nation can spend more time actually training people on gainful employment and less time administering and reporting to multiple agencies. At this time we want to share our thanks and gratitude to Senator Jon Tester for co-sponsoring this bill."" During National Native American Heritage Month, Tester, a longtime champion for preserving native culture, also passed the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act out of the Senate. Tester's legislation will reauthorize Native language grant initiatives and expand eligibility for tribes to access the grants. All of the approximately 148 Native languages that are still spoken in the United States are at risk of extinction within the next 50 to 100 years, unless drastic measures are taken. Eighty-three percent of these languages have fewer than 1,000 speakers each. Four tribes in Montana receive federal funding for Native language schools. ""Language is the carrier of culture,"" said Ramey L. Growing Thunder, Director of the Ft. Peck Language and Culture Program. ""Positive support systems promote, maintain, and revitalize Native languages and cultures within ceremonial contexts. When children are learning Native languages and cultures there is considerable hope of language and culture preservation. When the Tribal communities are involved with language revitalization or maintenance, the hope to create speakers and to strengthen language, rises higher and advancement of language shift towards Native language and culture use becomes stronger."" Also, Tester secured passage of the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act, which will require the Justice Department to work with tribal law enforcement to develop and implement AMBER Alert communication systems in tribal communities. Many tribal law enforcement agencies currently do not have the communication infrastructure to send or receive AMBER Alert messages with other local law enforcement agencies or the FBI. ""I am so pleased to hear about the AMBER Alert In Indian Country Act of 2017 passing through the Senate,"" Derek VanLuchene, President and Founder of Ryan United and Senior Associate with the National AMBER Alert Training and Technical Assistance Program said. ""This was an important hurdle in moving toward this becoming a reality. Through this legislation, Tribal Communities will get the assistance they need to improve their response and assist them in building action plans in the event of a missing or abducted child in Indian Country. It will also assist Tribal Communities with building relationships with existing state and regional AMBER Alert programs. I am hoping that it passes through the House with the same ease. I really want to thank Senator John McCain (R-AZ) Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), and Tom Udall (D-NM) for their sponsorship and unwavering support of this crucial legislation."" Tester's work on behalf of Indian Country can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5702,Tester Slams Vote on 479-Page Tax Giveaway: This is Washington D.C. at its Worst [press_release],2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)—U.S. Senator Jon Tester today slammed a 479-page tax giveaway, calling it “Washington D.C. at its worst.” In a video that went viral within minutes, Tester blasted Washington politicians for releasing the massive reform bill just hours before it is expected to receive a vote, leaving the Senate with almost no time to read the bill. “This is unbelievable,” Tester says in the video. “We are doing massive tax reform on an absolute incredible timeline. This is going to affect everyone in this country. It is going to shift money from middle-class families to the rich. We were given this bill 25 minutes ago, and we are supposed to vote on it in a couple of hours.” The Senate is currently debating the unknown bill, which has been hastily re-written behind closed doors many times this week. As they attempt to plow through nearly 500 pages of impossible-to-read, hand-scribbled text, Senators have discovered a series of secret pet projects and sweetheart deals that were snuck into the bill late Friday night. The bill was brought to the floor for amendment votes less than two hours after being released to the public.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5650,"As Debate on Tax Bill Continues, Tester Remains Concerned About National Debt [press_release]",2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"As Debate on Tax Bill Continues, Tester Remains Concerned About National Debt Senator Offers Amendment to Eliminate Deficit Spending (U.S. Senate)—As the debate on a tax bill in the U.S. Senate extends into Friday, U.S. Senator Jon Tester remains concerned about the proposal’s impact on the national debt and future generations: “I can’t support the Senate bill as it stands today because adding over a trillion dollars to the deficit is irresponsible to future generations. It is my hope that we can work together on a bipartisan solution that prioritizes hard-working Montanans, provides relief to small businesses, and doesn’t saddle our kids and grandkids with more crushing debt.” The nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation today announced that the current version of the Senate tax bill would add $1 trillion to the national deficit even after any potential resulting economic growth is accounted for. The Joint Committee on Taxation report directly contradicts the claim that the tax bill will pay for itself. During the floor debate Thursday evening, Tester sponsored an amendment that would have sent the bill back to the Senate Finance Committee and require that it be re-written to ensure that it doesn’t add to the deficit over the next 10 years. Tester’s amendment was opposed 52-48 on a party line vote. Debate on the bill is scheduled to resume at 9:00 a.m. MDT on Friday.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5645,Tester: Replace Veterans Choice Program with Bipartisan Community Care Plan [press_release],2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) – Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Jon Tester today led a Senate markup on his bipartisan bill to streamline the VA’s community care programs and bolster VA care for veterans. Tester’s Caring for Our Veterans Act phases out the Choice Program while creating a single, easy-to-navigate VA community care system. It also allows the VA to invest in its medical staff and infrastructure to better serve veterans in rural areas like Montana. “Our bill ends the Choice Program as we know it today and puts veterans at the center of their health care decisions,” said Tester. “Instead of forcing veterans into a one-size-fits-all system, this plan allows them to choose with their doctors the health care that works best for them. This bill was crafted through close collaboration and compromise with veterans and advocates, Republicans and Democrats. I look forward to thorough debate on this bill so veterans in Montana have a health care system that works for them.” Tester’s Caring for Our Veterans Act modifies veterans’ access to care in their communities by: Merging the seven VA community care programs into one program that puts the veteran and their doctor at the center of medical decisions. Improving accountability and transparency of VA’s spending and third party administrators like Health Net. Providing veterans with convenient access to walk-in clinics for non-urgent health care needs. Tester’s bill will also bolster the VA’s capacity to care for veterans by: Incentivizing medical staff to work at rural, underserved and tribal VA facilities, and deploying mobile teams to provide additional care. Removing barriers for veterans to access telemedicine, including mental health care, closer to home. Bringing more nurses and heart-and-lung specialists to work at the VA, and clinical staff to work at Vet Centers.  The bill also extends the VA’s caregiver support program to veterans of all eras.Members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee today met to offer amendments to Tester’s bill. During that meeting, the Committee voted to send the bill to the Floor for full Senate consideration. The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Wounded Warrior Project have endorsed Tester’s Caring for Our Veterans Act. A summary of Tester’s Caring for Our Veterans Act can be found online HERE. More information about today’s Committee meeting can be found online HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5647,Tester Stands Up for Personal Freedoms in Landmark U.S. Supreme Court Case [press_release],2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Stands Up for Personal Freedoms in Landmark U.S. Supreme Court Case Senator: Our Daily Location is None of Your Business (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today took a strong position on a historic case being heard before the U.S. Supreme Court, Carpenter v. United States. ""When Montanans drive to school, enter a doctor's office, or hike in the mountains, the government has no business tracking us. Warrantless searches of cell phone data are a disgusting violation of our personal freedoms. The Supreme Court must do the right thing and protect our civil liberties; there is far too much at stake to forsake our right to privacy."" Carpenter v. United States asks the question of whether it's legal for the government to obtain historical cell phone records, revealing the location and movements of a cellphone user, from wireless providers without a warrant.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5649,Tester Urges Trump to Protect Montana Consumers [press_release],2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is calling on the Trump Administration to protect Montana consumers by providing clear and stable leadership at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) following Friday's resignation of Director Richard Cordray. CFPB Deputy Director Leandra English and Mick Mulvaney, the Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, are both claiming jurisdiction over the agency - each citing conflicting laws. In a letter to Trump, Tester said he has ""strong concerns"" about Mulvaney's appointment to lead the Bureau. Mulvaney has previously called the CFPB ""a sick, sad joke."" Tester called the confusion ""an avoidable distraction that ultimately undermines the Bureau's ability to stand up for hardworking Americans across the country."" ""I respectfully urge you to allow Deputy Director English to act as the sole interim director of the CFPB and nominate a worthy and capable permanent director who is committed to protecting consumers as soon as possible,"" wrote Tester, Montana's only member of the Senate Banking Committee. ""Americans need a leader at the CFPB who will fight for them, not burn the agency down from the inside out."" Congress established the CFPB in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis to protect American consumers from harmful financial products and predatory Wall Street behavior. It plays a critical role in defending Montanans from mortgage schemes, fraud, identity theft, and for-profit schools aiming to take advantage of veterans. The full text of 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=5646,Tester Blasts Federal Communications Commission Proposal to End Net Neutrality [press_release],2017-11-28,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)– U.S Senator Jon Tester blasted the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recently announced plans to end net neutrality in the coming weeks. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced a proposal called the Restoring Internet Freedom Order, which would make it possible for large multi-national corporations to block websites, slow down internet access, and routinely interfere with web traffic. “The only true freedom in your Order is the freedom for these large corporations to reduce consumer choice, control the flow of internet information and increase profits at the expense of everyday Montanans,” wrote Tester. “I strongly urge you to reverse course on your net neutrality proposal and put the American people’s ability to openly access the internet before corporate bottom lines. Montanans expect unfettered access to the web, which means absolutely no blocking websites, no paid prioritization and no throttling speeds.” Tester, a longtime champion for net neutrality, urged Chairman Pai to reconsider his proposal. “As the Commission considers your net neutrality proposal in the coming weeks, I ask that you listen to the Americans who are rightfully demanding an open internet and rescind this corporate backed proposal,” Tester said. “In order to compete in a 21st century economy, Montana businesses, students, and consumers need access to a free and open internet and they need an FCC committed to promoting infrastructure.” Tester’s full letter to Chairman Pai can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5648,"Tester Breaks Through Washington Gridlock Again, Passes Another Bipartisan Bill Through Senate [press_release]",2017-11-28,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today again broke through the Washington gridlock and passed another bipartisan bill through the Senate. The Senate unanimously passed the Tester's Honoring Hometown Heroes Act, which amends the U.S. flag code to allow the Governor of a state to order the American flag to be lowered to half-staff in the event that a local first responder dies while serving in the line of duty. The Honoring Hometown Heroes Act is the tenth bill Tester has authored this year that will be sent to President Trump's desk for signature, once the House of Representatives finalizes a procedural vote. ""When folks fall into harm's way, police officers and firefighters risk their lives to keep our communities safe,"" Tester said. ""This bipartisan bill will give our first responders who die in the line of duty to receive the recognition they deserve. I am proud that Republicans and Democrats put politics aside to pass this important bipartisan bill."" Currently, Governors only have the ability to order the American flag to fly at half-staff after the death of a government official or the death of a member of the Armed Forces during combat. Tester introduced the Honoring Hometown Heroes Act earlier this year and entered the names of 128 Montana law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty into the Congressional Record. Tester's bipartisan bill has been endorsed by police departments across Montana in addition to the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Fraternal Order of Police, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, International Association of Fire Fighters, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Volunteer Fire Council, National Honor Guard Commanders Association, National Honor Guard Academy, and National Fire Academy Alumni Association. The other nine Tester-authored bills that have been signed into law or are sitting on President Trump's desk are: Government Accountability Office Access and Oversight Act VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act Veterans Choice Program Improvement Act Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act VA Expiring Authorities Act Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act Gary Deloney and John Olsen Toxic Exposure Declassification Act",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5642,Tester Sends Key National Security Bill to Presidents Desk [press_release],2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)—U.S. Senator Jon Tester sent critical national security legislation to the President’s desk today. The bill includes key Tester-authored provisions that will give U.S. troops a pay raise, strengthen the nation’s ICBM fleet, and help veterans get the care and benefits they have earned. “Our country is only as strong as the folks who defend it,” Tester said. “So, by investing in pay raises for our troops and ensuring our veterans get the care they deserve, this bipartisan bill does right by our men and women in uniform and bolsters the safety and security of our nation.” The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) sets funding levels and policies for the U.S. Department of Defense. In addition to providing a 2.4 percent pay raise to service members, the bill also includes a number of important provisions championed by Tester. ICBMs Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base is one of only three military bases across the country that house the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The country’s current fleet of ICBMs were first developed in the 1960s. The 2018 NDAA makes key investments in extending the life of these weapons to ensure they are safe and reliable for years to come. John Olsen The 2018 NDAA also includes Tester’s Gary Deloney and John Olsen Toxic Exposure Declassification Act, a bipartisan bill that would declassify the military records of veterans subjected to secret Cold War-era chemical weapons testing. Tester has worked closely with Billings veteran John Olsen to get this bill crafted and passed. A decorated U.S. Navy veteran, Olsen participated in Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense) in the mid-1960s, a series of top-secret tests aimed at gauging the vulnerability of naval vessels to chemical and biological attacks. During these tests, Olsen was exposed to high levels of weaponized chemical agents and highly toxic carcinogens, and has since experienced a litany of serious health issues and battled cancer four times. But because the records of Project SHAD have been classified, the VA has denied Olsen his benefits and refused to administer care related to his exposure. Tester’s bill would declassify these records, allowing Olsen to finally file a claim to receive the medical care and benefits he deserves. Military Sexual Trauma Tester also successfully secured a provision from his Servicemember and Veterans’ Empowerment and Support Act that requires the VA to provide counseling and care for more survivors of military sexual trauma (MST). Currently, these benefits are only extended to service members who experience MST while on active duty or in active duty training, but Tester’s provision expands these services to troops who suffer MST during inactive duty training as well. This is part of Tester’s larger effort to improve care and treatment of female veterans. Other-than-Honorable Discharges Half a million veterans have received other-than-honorable discharges from the military, many after diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) sustained during their service. Tester supported key provisions in the 2018 NDAA to ensure at-risk veterans can access critical mental health care that has been previously denied to them. This includes a provision that gives veterans who were discharged based on PTSD or TBIs priority consideration when appealing their discharge status and a provision requiring the DoD to provide information about benefit eligibility to service members who are separating under other-than-honorable conditions. The final version of 2018 NDAA was passed by the House of Representatives earlier this week, it now heads to the President’s desk for signature.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5640,"Tester Announces Legislation to Spur Economic Growth, Increase Access to Capital, Protect Consumers [press_release]",2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - In what POLITICO is calling a ""rare, bipartisan deal,"" U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced he is introducing legislation to strengthen Main Street in rural America by increasing access to capital, cutting burdensome regulation, and protecting consumers. Tester reached a bipartisan agreement with Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) to introduce legislation that will cut red tape for community banks and credit unions while ensuring Montanans are safeguarded against risky Wall Street bets. ""This bill helps Montana families achieve the American dream of homeownership, protects consumers from fraud and financial risk, and cuts red tape for community lenders,"" said Tester. ""Montana's Main Street banks did not cause the financial crisis and they shouldn't be subject to the same regulations as Wall Street. We've seen rural communities dry up because entrepreneurs and first-time home buyers can't access credit. And we've seen a one-size-fits all approach to our financial system that strangles economic growth. This legislation makes sure families and small businesses in states like Montana can thrive, while keeping the big banks on Wall Street in check."" Tester's bill addresses three main areas: access to mortgage credit and housing, consumer protection, and regulatory relief for community lenders. Mortgage Credit and HousingTester's legislation acknowledges that homeownership is a key to the American dream. His bill makes it easier for small financial institutions to lend to Montana families, while supporting low income families. This bill also ensures that key consumer protections stay in place. Specifically, Tester's bill: Exempts small financial institutions with fewer than 500 closed-end mortgage loans or lines of credit from certain reporting requirements Provides that certain mortgages that are originated and retained in portfolio by a financial institution with less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets will be deemed ""qualified mortgages"" Allows small financial institutions to opt out of certain escrow requirements in order to lower closing costs for consumers Reduces paperwork requirements for rural housing authorities that support fewer than 550 households Consumer ProtectionTester's legislation increases protection for consumers who fall victim to fraud and tough financial times. Specifically his bill: Provides one free year of fraud alerts for consumers impacted by the Wells Fargo scandal and the Equifax breach Gives consumers one free credit freeze and unfreeze per year Allows parents to turn on and off credit reporting for children under 18 Prevents credit bureaus from placing negative information on veterans' credit scores for one year, due to mix-ups in Choice Program payments  Prevents mortgage companies from immediately kicking tenants out of their rentals if the landlord is foreclosed upon Encourages banks to report suspicious behavior if seniors could be getting financially scammed Regulatory Relief Tester's legislation realizes that community banks, credit unions, and regional banks do not pose the same risk as Wall Street banks. His legislation tailors regulation appropriately. Specifically, his bill: Allows banks with under $3 billion in total consolidated assets to use the Small Bank Company Policy Holding Statement, allowing them to operate with higher levels of debt  Expands the number of banks eligible for an 18-month examination cycle; this will apply to banks with under $3 billion in total consolidated assets  Cuts reporting requirements for depository institutions with less than $5 billion in total consolidated assets  Exempts community banks with less than $10 billion in assets from global capital standards, known as Basel III, as long as the bank is highly capitalized  Exempts banks with less than $10 billion in total assets from the Volcker rule, as long as the banks have less than five percent total trading assets and liabilities, saving community banks time and money from a rule meant for Wall Street banks  Permits federal savings associations with less than $15 billion in total consolidated assets to operate with the same powers and duties as national banks without being required to convert their charters Raises the threshold for systemically important financial institutions from $50 billion to $250 billion in total consolidated assets, allowing the Federal Reserve to tailor regulations for banks in between $100 billion and $250 billion. This provision also keeps in place important stress testing requirements Tester's bill is supported by the Montana Bankers Association, Montana's Credit Unions, Montana Independent Bankers Association, and Montana Association of REALTORS. ""Senator Tester understands that certain regulatory barriers can impede consumer access to financial services,"" said Tracie Kenyon, President and CEO of Montana's Credit Unions. ""Once again, he is reaching across the aisle to create common-sense solutions to improve processes and ensure that people's financial needs are met. Montana's not-for-profit credit unions are thankful for his vision and leadership."" ""Now the hard work begins to get this bill through Congress and signed by the President to address some of the important issues facing our communities and our customers due to unnecessary and burdensome regulations,"" said Steve Turkiewicz, President and CEO of the Montana Bankers Association. ""This is an important step for much needed bank regulatory reform. We thank Senator Tester and his staff for their many years of persistence in working with Montana's hometown bankers, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Crapo (R- Idaho) and his Senate colleagues to a get this bill introduced."" ""Homeownership is one of the top driving factors in our economy today and makes for better communities and neighborhoods,"" said John Herring, President of the Montana Association of REALTORS. ""In Montana we value homeownership and what it brings to our towns and communities. This Legislation will strengthen Main Street in rural America by increasing access to capital, cutting burdensome regulation, and most importantly protecting Montana consumers. Senator Tester has been a champion for Montana and rural America on the Banking Committee and we applaud his bipartisan efforts in working with Republicans and Democrats to cut through the gridlock of Washington D.C. and write a bill that makes it easier to Montana banks and lenders to help families attain the dream of homeownership and for small businesses to continue to thrive though access to business capital."" ""On behalf of the membership of the Montana Independent Bankers Association, I express the Association's strong support of the bipartisan Senate bill that is designed to provide much needed regulatory relief to Montana's and this nation's community banks,"" said Tom Christnacht, President of the Montana Independent Bankers. ""The membership of the MIB thanks Senator Jon Tester for his strong leadership in putting together a consensus regulatory relief package and for his efforts in getting 17 of his Senate colleagues to join him in advancing this much needed banking legislation. When members of MIB met with Senator Tester in his Washington D.C. office earlier this year, we expressed our belief that if there was ever a time to advance community bank relief provisions that would improve lending and strengthen economic growth at the local level, it was this year and this Congress. Senator Tester assured us that he was working hard to get a community banking bill through the Senate. Senator Tester delivered on that promise today. The MIB is pleased that the Senate Banking Committee, on which Senator Tester serves, will take up this bill before the end of the year. MIB looks forward to seeing this bipartisan legislation sent to the President for his signature so that Montana's community banks get the regulatory relief they need in order to once again be able to focus primarily on serving their customers and their communities."" Tester's bill was also negotiated by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Jon Donnelly (D-Ind.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.). Click HERE for a summary of the bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5641,Tester Combats Opioid Addiction Among Veterans [press_release],2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is demanding safer opioid prescribing practices for veterans and wants top VA officials to implement immediate reforms. Tester today introduced the Opioid Community Care Safety Act, which allows the VA and local providers who care for veterans through the VA's community care programs to share records and craft a safe treatment plan for veterans who have a history of opioid addiction. ""By working together, we can help prevent the over-medication of our veterans, whether they go to the VA or to their local doctors for their health care,"" said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. ""Veterans deserve the very best health care, and this bill encourages safer pain management for them."" During an Appropriations Subcommittee hearing today on preventing veterans' opioid overmedication, Tester called on the VA to continue implementing their new guidelines for prescribing opioids. He also questioned top officials about whether community providers are prescribing too many opioids to veterans. Tester's Opioid Community Care Safety Act also requires providers who partner with the VA through its community care programs to educate staff on the VA's updated opioid prescribing guidelines and to make sure any opioid medications prescribed to a veteran are properly included in that veteran's medical records. This will help VA and community doctors choose a safe treatment plan for veterans who receive health care from multiple providers. More information about today's hearing can be found online HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5639,Testers Bill to Declassify Military Records of Billings Veteran John Olsen Nears Final Passage [press_release],2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that his legislation to declassify the military records of U.S. Navy veteran and Project SHAD participant John Olsen was included in the final bipartisan annual defense bill. Tester's bipartisan Gary Deloney and John Olsen Toxic Exposure Declassification Act declassifies the records of Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense), allowing Olsen to use his records to apply for VA disability benefits and care. Olsen participated in Project SHAD in the mid-1960s. The classified project included a series of tests to gauge the vulnerability of naval vessels and personnel to chemical and biological attacks. During these tests Olsen was regularly exposed to highly toxic carcinogens, and has since battled cancer four times. Because the records of Project SHAD have been classified, the VA has denied Olsen his benefits and refused to administer care related to his exposure. ""Mr. Olsen served our nation with distinction and honor and we have worked for years to get the records of his service declassified,"" said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. ""I'm thrilled that Mr. Olsen will soon be able to use his military records to apply for the VA benefits that he has earned."" ""Without the records from Project SHAD, I'll never know how many toxins I was exposed to,"" said Olsen. ""After 50 years, I'm still fighting for the health care I earned during Project SHAD. Thanks to Jon Tester, I'll soon be able to get the health care I've been fighting for."" Tester secured language in the Senate-passed 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, but the language was not in the House of Representatives-passed version. Tester urged a bipartisan group of House and Senate members negotiating a final version of the compromise bill to include his Project SHAD language. The final 2018 National Defense Authorization Act is expected to pass Congress in the coming weeks.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5637,Tester: Dont Price Montana Families Out of Glacier and Yellowstone [press_release],2017-11-13,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today slammed the Department of Interior's proposal to significantly increase entrance fees at Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Tester submitted public comment on the Department's controversial proposal to double the ""peak season"" entrance fees for 17 national parks, including Glacier and Yellowstone, from $30 per vehicle to $70 per vehicle. Tester raised concerns that more expensive entrance fees will restrict many Montanans and other visitors from seeing Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, and will hurt local businesses. ""Americans own these parks and they shouldn't have to empty their wallets to gain access and enjoy them,"" Tester wrote. ""I am concerned this fee increase will price Montana families out of our public lands and undercut our growing outdoor economy."" Tester highlighted that visitors to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks spent $547 million in Montana-owned businesses in 2016, which helped sustain more than 9,000 jobs. Tester also pushed back on the Department's claim that the entrance fee increase is needed to pay for the National Park Service's $11.3 billion maintenance backlog. In his comment, Tester emphasized that an entrance fee increase would generate only $69 million-less than one percent of the funds needed to address the maintenance backlog. Earlier this year, President Trump proposed cutting $378 million from the National Park Service budget, including $93 million from the operations and maintenance budget that is one of the key resources the agency uses to address the deferred maintenance backlog. Rather than increase entrance fees for Montana families, Tester called on the Department to work with Congress to address funding for the maintenance backlog without threatening Montanans' access to national parks. ""I encourage you to work creatively with the President and Congress to develop a more realistic approach to addressing the differed maintenance backlog while still allowing Montanans to afford to visit their national parks and enjoy the beauty they offer,"" Tester added. Montanans have until November 23rd to submit public comment on the entrance fee increase proposal HERE. Tester's public comment is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5632,Tester Presents Video Series Featuring Montana Veterans [press_release],2017-11-10,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Big Sandy, Mont.) – For Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is honoring veterans through a new social media video series featuring Montanans telling their own stories. Tester’s Veterans’ Voices series puts the spotlight on veterans and their families from across Montana telling their stories of service, struggle and success. “It’s my honor to help tell the stories of some of the brave Montanans who have served our nation,” said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “Whether their story is about the military honors they have earned or the struggles they have faced after their service, these veterans remind us of our obligation to all of Montana’s veterans and their families. Honoring the men and women who serve us is not a partisan issue, it is a bipartisan responsibility.” Ron Sims is an Army veteran from Billings. During his service in Vietnam he earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Two Bronze Stars with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal (received for completing 25 aerial missions), the Good Conduct Medal and two Army Commendation Medals. Kevin Dede is an Air Force veteran from Billings. Following his service, Kevin struggled with mental health and substance abuse issues. After utilizing treatment and support services from both VA and Volunteers of America, Dede is now sober and has a full time job. Nick Little is the Division Director of Operations at the Volunteers of America and oversees housing and supportive services for veterans in Billings. District Judge Greg Pinski oversees the Great Falls Veterans Treatment Court, which provides veterans with an alternative to the traditional criminal justice system by connecting them to substance abuse and mental health treatment. The Great Falls Veterans Treatment Court has a 90 percent graduation rate and a zero percent recidivism rate among its graduates. Stan Juneau is the son of Edmond “Snackery” Juneau, a decorated WWII Army veteran. Juneau earned the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Three Bronze Service Stars, a World War II Victory Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Tester will be releasing more Veterans’ Voices in the weeks to come.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5633,Tester Delivers National Veterans Day Address [press_release],2017-11-10,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Big Sandy, Mont.) - As Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, U.S. Senator Jon Tester delivered the Weekly Democratic Address honoring America’s veterans. Tester’s remarks are as follows: “On Veterans Day, we pause to remember and honor the enduring sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and their families – the bravery they showed in service to our nation – and the unwavering responsibility we have to them when they return from war. From the Greatest Generation of World War Two to the veterans of Vietnam and Korea, those who came before us courageously defended our freedoms and helped make America the nation it is today. And now, after more than a decade entangled in military conflicts across the globe, there is a generation of younger service members who have been deployed time and again, and know nothing but war and conflict. While these men and women represent the very best our nation has to offer, these battles have taken their toll. The tragic loss of life. The physical injuries that plague those who return. The unseen wounds that haunt their lives. The responsibility to care for them – and our obligation to them as taxpayers. There is no doubt that serving our veterans and their families is a cost of war. And the services and benefits that they earned mark our nation’s strength, just as much as the military might we show around the world. That’s why we must guarantee that the VA has the resources it needs to serve veterans from Alzada, Montana, to Atlanta, Georgia. And when it doesn’t make sense for a veteran to go to the VA, we must ensure that they have timely access to care in their communities, no matter where they live. In our quest to deliver on our promises, we cannot let those who want to privatize the VA prevail. Privatization is not just expensive. It’s a shirking of our responsibility as a nation. It’s a breaking of a promise to our veterans. And it’s a disservice to veterans who live in rural places like my home – the great state of Montana. That’s why we will put politics aside and work together to make sure that all veterans receive the very best care and assistance that they have earned. When veterans suffer from the unseen wounds of war, we must ensure they can access mental health care. And we must do whatever it takes to end the unacceptable and heartbreaking frequency of suicide. When our military men and women want a better education, we must ensure they can earn a degree. When our veterans are ready to transition from military service to civilian life, we must ensure they have a good paying job and a safe place to call home. And when our veterans get lost in the VA bureaucracy, we must hold our government accountable to deliver. Honoring the men and women who serve us is not a partisan issue, it is a bipartisan responsibility. God bless our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future. On this Veterans Day. And every day.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5626,Tester Talks Tax Reform and the Debt with President Trump [press_release],2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)- U.S. Senator Jon Tester this week spoke with President Trump and met with top White House officials to discuss tax reform, demanding any reform plan take public input and not add to the nation's debt. As Tester was meeting with the President's National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn and White House Director of Legislative Affairs Marc Short, President Trump called into the meeting from South Korea. ""I will work with anybody to cut taxes for Montana families and small businesses,"" Tester said. ""Unfortunately, this process has been partisan from the beginning. Before introducing a bill, they didn't take public input, and there's been no real effort to build bipartisan support. The House has proposed a plan that will add trillions to the debt, and it's my hope that moving forward we can have a serious conversation about how to cut taxes without forcing our grandkids to foot the bill."" Tester previously invited President Trump to Montana to discuss tax reform. Earlier this week, Tester urged leaders to exempt working family farms and ranches from the estate tax. Following the meeting with President Trump, Tester expressed optimism moving forward. ""I hope President Trump and members of Congress will listen to Montanans, because they have told me they aren't looking to put handouts to billionaires on the next generation's credit card,"" said Tester. Tester has solicited feedback from Montanans on tax reform via social media and has directly responded to a variety of questions submitted on his Facebook page. He also launched an online portal to take feedback from Montanans. Tester's online portal can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5630,Tester Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Help Secure Butte Veterans Home [press_release],2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester introduced a bipartisan bill today to help Butte secure the resources needed to construct the long-awaited Southwest Montana Veterans Home. Tester's bipartisan bill will reform the VA's veterans home priority list to give rural states like Montana a fair shot at securing funding to build a veterans home. Since the Southwest Montana Veterans Home proposal was put on the VA's priority list in 2010, it has continuously been bypassed due to VA's formula that prioritizes safety upgrades and construction of veterans homes in large, urban communities. ""Montana is home to the second most veterans per capita than any state in the country,"" Tester said. ""Despite this urgent need, Butte continues to be unfairly passed over for a veterans home because of an arcane and outdated formula. Republicans and Democrats support my bill because it meets the need of rural veterans, provides a real solution for Butte, and upholds this country's commitment to all who have served."" Tester's bill specifically guarantees that projects within the VA's State Home Construction Grant Program, like the Southwest Montana Veterans Home, will not fall further down VA's priority list unless there are urgent safety concerns at other facilities. The VA's priority list currently re-ranks veteran home projects each year based on the state's total population. In July, Tester sponsored an amendment to the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill that contained a similar provision to reform the Veterans Home Priority List. Tester's amendment was opposed on a party line vote in the Senate Appropriations Committee. Tester's bill is cosponsored by Senator Dean Heller (R-Nev.). In addition to the Southwest Montana Veterans Home proposal, Montana is home to two veterans homes in Columbia Falls and Glendive.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5631,Tester Cranks Up Heat on Ag Department to Assist Montana Farmers in Disaster Recovery [press_release],2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Big Sandy, Mont.)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester is cranking up the heat on the U.S. Department of Agriculture and requesting that they send disaster recovery assistance to farmers and ranchers who were impacted by drought and wildfires in eastern Montana. Tester is urging Farm Service Agency Administrator Steve Peterson to release Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) funds to 15 Montana counties. ""Montana is experiencing a devastating drought that is threatening the livelihood of countless farmers and ranchers and causing substantial economic hardship in small rural communities responsible for feeding America,"" wrote Tester. ""In addition to drought, devastating wildfires destroyed crops, and infrastructure across several Montana counties this summer."" ECP funds can be used to help repair damaged farmland and establish new methods for water conservation. Tester's request covers Blaine, Carter, Custer, Daniels, Fallon, Fergus, Garfield, Musselshell, Petroleum, Phillips, Richland, Roosevelt, Rosebud, Sheridan, and Valley Counties. In September, Tester secured $2.5 million in Environmental Quality Incentive Program funds for Montana farmers and ranchers. In July, Tester also helped secure additional staffing at USDA offices to help Montana farmers and ranchers facing extreme drought. Tester has launched an online portal where Montanans who are impacted by fire and drought can contact his office and receive help. Tester's letter to Administrator Peterson can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5627,Tester Announces Team of Experts Coming to VA Montana [press_release],2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)-Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Jon Tester today announced that, at his request, VA Secretary David Shulkin will be sending a team of experts to VA Montana to review staffing shortages, improve scheduling, and address the backlog of referrals for care within or outside of the VA (called ""consults""). Tester has been pushing the VA to address the backlog of pending consults. At Tester's request, the VA's Inspector General launched an investigation and published a report with recommendations on how to reduce wait times for Montana veterans. After hearing that VA has not taken appropriate steps to substantially reduce the consult backlog, Tester spoke with Secretary Shulkin and received assurance that a team of experts will be deployed to VA Montana to address the situation, and that additional staff will be hired to assist in those efforts. ""Staffing shortages have been plaguing the VA for years, and if you compound that with the Trump Administration's hiring freeze, it makes it nearly impossible to reduce wait times and backlogs in places like Montana,"" said Tester. ""That's why I demanded the VA bring in an outside team of experts to scrub the process and ensure that the VA is addressing this situation once and for all. I urge VA Montana leadership to keep their shoulders to the wheel and ensure that veterans aren't experiencing delays in care."" Tester is in the process of negotiating a bipartisan bill with Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) to overhaul the Veterans Choice Program, which allows veterans to seek care outside the VA. All the major veterans service organizations have urged Tester not to use this as an opportunity to privatize the VA because they like the care they receive at the VA once they get in the door.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5628,Tester Questions Homeland Security Nominee Over Montana Priorities [press_release],2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Tester today questioned Homeland Security Secretary nominee Kristjen Nielsen about her plans for securing Montana's 540-mile northern border and protecting rural airports. ""It is critically important that Ms. Nielsen understand Montana's and rural America's security threats and is willing to work with both parties to keep families safe,"" Tester said. ""I will continue to vet Ms. Nielsen's qualifications, and if she is confirmed, I will work closely with her to defend our borders, empower local law enforcement, and strengthen America's national security."" Tester urged Nielsen to support the Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Grant Program that helps deploy officers to secure local airports. The Trump Administration has proposed eliminating this important initiative, which could lead to security gaps at Montana airports. Nielsen pledged to Tester that she would review the Administration's proposal to cut the grant program. Tester also secured a commitment from Nielsen that under her leadership, the Department of Homeland Security would not advocate for an ineffective and costly coast-to-coast southern border wall. Rather, Nielsen would work with Congress to secure the southern border by utilizing technology and identifying appropriate places where a wall may be most effective-as Tester has long advocated. Tester demanded that the Department of Homeland Security follow through on its commitment to provide Congress with a comprehensive border wall plan. The department was required to present Congress with a border wall security plan months ago, but has yet to provide it. Tester is the Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee and a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5629,Tester Statement on Confirmation of Three VA Nominees [press_release],2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Statement on Confirmation of Three VA Nominees During Veterans Day Week, Senate Confirms Nominees Tasked With Veterans’ Burials, Appeals Backlog, Modernizing VA (U.S. Senate)-Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Jon Tester offered his support for three nominees to serve veterans at the VA. The nominees are tasked with ensuring veterans receive proper burials, reducing the backlog of disability appeals and modernizing the VA's operations. ""We need strong VA leadership to help implement the bipartisan reforms we've passed into law this Congress,"" said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. ""Millions of veterans and their families are counting on these folks. I will be holding them accountable to deliver quality care and benefits to our veterans."" The nominees confirmed today include: Randy Reeves, Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs  Cheryl Mason, Chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals  Melissa Sue Glynn, Assistant Secretary for Enterprise Integration Mason will oversee the Board of Veterans' Appeals, and will be instrumental in the VA's implementation of Tester's Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act, which reforms the process for a veteran to appeal their disability rating. It was Tester's sixth bill to be signed into law by President Trump. Tester previously screened each nominee before the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and met privately with each to review their resumes and ask them tough questions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5624,Tester Toughens Sanctions on North Korea [press_release],2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is holding the nuclear armed nation of North Korea accountable with tougher sanctions on the rogue regime. Tester’s Otto Warmbier Banking Restrictions Involving North Korea Act will sanction financial institutions that facilitate transactions for the North Korean government or businesses. Tester’s legislation passed out of the Senate Banking Committee unanimously. “These sanctions will send a strong message to North Korea and anyone who might turn a blind eye to their threats,” said Tester. “Increasing sanctions will increase the likelihood that we can bring North Korea to the negotiating table and stop their dangerous and irresponsible behavior.” Following President Trump’s trip to South Korea, Tester urged the President to support the bipartisan bill. “President Trump understands that the North Korean government is a threat to our national security,” Tester said. “I hope the President will support this strong bipartisan move to impose crippling sanctions on North Korea and those who might do business with them.” Tester, the Ranking Member on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, has also strengthened Malmstrom’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. In February, Tester voted to sanction North Korea for its nuclear missile testing. Tester is also calling on President Trump to appoint a Special Envoy to the Korean Peninsula. Text of Tester’s bill can be found HERE. It now heads to the full Senate for a vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5625,Tester: Montanans Have a Right to Know Whats in Their Food [press_release],2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is defending Montanans' right to know what's in their food, and he's holding the U.S. Department of Agriculture accountable for clearly labeling genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Tester is demanding more transparency from the Department as it sets a national standard for labeling food products that contain GMOs. In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Tester is pushing for GMO labels that work for all consumers in rural communities. ""Folks in Montana and across this country have a right to know what is in the food they feed their families,"" Tester said. ""Montanans have made their voices heard, and I will hold the government's feet to the fire to ensure that the standard they set works for everyone-especially consumers in rural communities."" In lieu of an easy-to-read label, the Department of Agriculture may allow companies that produce food that contains GMOs to label their product with a digital bar code. Consumers would then be required to use a smartphone to scan the bar code to identify the GMO ingredients. Tester remains concerned that using a smartphone bar code will present technical and practical challenges, especially in rural America. Congress passed legislation in 2016 that requires the Department of Agriculture to establish a standard for labeling food products that contain GMOs by July of 2018. Tester's letter to Perdue is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5623,Tester Demands the Forest Service Listen to Montana Scientists [press_release],2017-11-06,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)—Senator Jon Tester is defending Montana fire experts and calling on the U.S. Forest Service to allow them to present their research at a national wildfire conference. Tester is demanding that Missoula Fire Lab scientists be allowed to travel to the International Fire Ecology and Management Congress Conference later this month. The Forest Service is reportedly denying requests for Montana fire scientists to attend the conference where critical research will be shared after a catastrophic wildfire season. “The 2017 wildfire season is the most expensive one in history,” Tester wrote in a letter to Forest Service Chief Tony Tooke. “In Montana alone, we’ve seen more than 1.2 million acres burned by wildfires, with enormous impacts to our state’s outdoor economy, destroyed homes and property, and the tragic loss of two firefighters. Now is the time for us to invest in better understanding wildfire and forest management, not silencing Montana voices who have seen wildfire firsthand.” Scientists from Missoula’s Fire Science Lab conduct world-class, cutting-edge research on wildfire and its impact on communities and the environment. Fighting wildfires in Montana has cost taxpayers more than $389 million this year, and almost 9 million acres burned this wildfire season across the country. The intense wildfire season once again forced the Forest Service to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars from forest management accounts to pay for fire suppression. The cost of fighting wildfires has dramatically increased from 16 percent of the Forest Service's budget in 1995 to over 50 percent today. During a Senate Floor speech last week, Tester pushed the Senate to move forward with his bipartisan Wildfire Disaster Funding Act to provide a long-term funding fix for the Forest Service by ending fire borrowing and funding catastrophic wildfires the same way as other natural disasters. Tester’s letter to Forest Chief Tooke is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5617,"Tester Discusses Tax Reform, National Debt with Financial Expert [press_release]",2017-11-02,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)—U.S. Senator Jon Tester spoke with one of the country’s leading experts on fiscal responsibility as members of the U.S. House of Representatives rolled out their tax legislation today. Tester met with Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Budget, to discuss how tax reform would impact the national debt and the strength of the national economy, the cost of tax cuts to the extremely wealthy, and ways to simplify the tax code. “I want to hear from Montana families, small businesses, experts, and anyone who has ideas on how to cut taxes without adding to the debt,” said Tester. “We need real tax reform that seriously addresses our $20 trillion debt, not handouts to billionaires that are put on the nation’s credit card.” MacGuineas testifies regularly before Congress. Her widely published areas of expertise include budget, tax, and economic policy. In 2009, MacGuineas sat on The Washington Post editorial board, covering economic and fiscal policy. MacGuineas has worked at the Brookings Institution and on Wall Street. As a political independent, she works regularly with members of Congress on health, economic, tax, and budget policy. The Committee for a Responsible Budget is a non-partisan think-tank focusing on serious, bipartisan ways to reduce America’s national debt. “I have some concerns with any plan that will increase our debt and I hope we can have a serious discussion in the weeks to come about how to ensure tax reform doesn’t add to the debt and helps Montana families,” Tester said. Tester is seeking feedback from Montanans on how to best cut taxes for working families. He launched an online portal for Montanans to provide their feedback. Earlier this year, Tester invited President Trump to Montana to discuss tax reform.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5618,"Tester, Blumenthal Introduce Bill to Hold VA Accountable for Electronic Health Record Modernization Rollout [press_release]",2017-11-02,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)—U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Richard Blumenthal today introduced legislation to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) stays on target and is transparent in its plan to roll out a new commercial electronic health record system for nine million veterans. The Veterans’ Electronic Health Record Modernization Oversight Act of 2017 requires the VA to provide a detailed plan about how it will ensure every veteran’s medical records are available electronically and are easily transferrable between any medical facilities. “As the VA brings medical records into the 21st Century, it must be a responsible steward of taxpayer money,” said Tester. “This bill will hold the VA accountable, keep it on schedule, and bring more transparency to an important multibillion-dollar project. This transition will mean better health care for Montana’s and America’s veterans, but it requires accountability and efficiency that both veterans and taxpayers deserve.” “This bill will hold VA accountable as they roll out a new, multibillion-dollar electronic health record system,” said Blumenthal. “While this massive project will modernize VA’s record system and improve care for millions of veterans, steps must be taken to ensure transparency and accountability for both taxpayers and veterans who will benefit from this new system.” The legislation requires the VA to provide: A one-time comprehensive report on timelines, cost projections, risk management plans, and a plan for ensuring that the new record works with non-VA providers. Quarterly updates on the project’s implementation noting changes from the initial plan. Prompt notice of delays, additional incurred cost, change in project scope, loss of clinical data, breach in patient privacy, disruption in patient care, or legal challenges. This summer, the VA announced it would pursue the acquisition of the same electronic health records system used by the Department of Defense. It is estimated that rolling out the VA’s electronic health records system will take about eight years and cost at least $16 billion. The Veterans’ Electronic Health Record Modernization Oversight Act of 2017 is available online HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5619,"Tester Introduces Bill to Ban Asbestos, Protect Public Health [press_release]",2017-11-02,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester today introduced the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2017, legislation to eliminate human or environmental exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogen. “Asbestos has already taken the lives of too many Montanans, and banning this harmful substance will prevent the future loss of life,” Tester said. “Just ask the families in Libby and Troy; there’s no place for asbestos in our communities. This bill will protect families, our environment, and our communities.” The bill is named after Alan Reinstein, who passed away in 2006 at the age of 66 from mesothelioma, a disease caused by exposure to asbestos. Alan’s wife, Linda, co-founded the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) in 2004. “ADAO is extremely thankful to Senator Merkley for championing the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN) of 2017,” said Linda Reinstein. “With the increase in asbestos imports and more than 15,000 Americans dying each year from asbestos exposure, the timing of the bill is critical. Nearly forty years have passed since the EPA tried to ban asbestos with the overwhelming scientific evidence reaffirming that asbestos is a carcinogen and there is no safe or controlled use. Moving forward to ban asbestos will save dollars and lives. It’s time to make asbestos a thing of the past in this nation once and for all.” Asbestos is still legal in the United States, even though it has been banned in most other developed countries. Asbestos in all forms is known to be a leading cause of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other chronic respiratory diseases. Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) included asbestos on its list of the first ten chemicals for risk reviews under the 2016 revised Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA’s safety assessment must be completed before EPA can consider any controls on asbestos, and the EPA is not required to ban it. Specifically, today’s legislation would: Amend TSCA to require the EPA to identify and assess known uses of, and exposures to all forms of asbestos. Require that, within 18 months of enactment, the EPA must impose restrictions on the use of asbestos necessary to eliminate human or environmental exposure to all forms of asbestos. Within one year, disallow the manufacturing, processing, use or distribution of commerce asbestos other than described in EPA’s rule. The bill is endorsed by a wide range of organizations, including the American Public Health Association, the AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers, Earthjustice, Natural Resources Defense Council, International Association of Firefighters, Safer Chemicals Healthy Families, and Service Employees International Union.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5615,Tester Asks Zinke to Support Lifetime National Park Pass for Veterans [press_release],2017-11-01,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is asking Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to support the creation of a lifetime national park pass allowing America's veterans to enter all of the nation's National Park Service sites for free. Tester has introduced a bipartisan bill with Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) to allow veterans to purchase a lifetime pass good for all federal sites for a discounted, one-time fee. Tester's request to Zinke comes on the heels of the Interior Department's controversial proposal to dramatically increase entrance fees at national parks across the country next year. ""It is critically important that we reduce the barriers veterans face when accessing our National Parks and public lands,"" Tester and Risch wrote to Zinke. ""We look forward to working with the Department of Interior as your advance initiatives to ensure that more veterans are able to experience these treasured places."" In his letter, Tester shares Zinke's sentiment that National Park Service sites and public lands provide veterans with a ""healing opportunity for their physical and emotional wounds"" from their service. Tester last week blasted the Interior Department's plan to more than double national park entrance fees for Glacier and Yellowstone, and encouraged Montanans to weigh in during the public comment period that runs until November 23rd. Montanans wishing to offer public comment can do so HERE. Tester's letter to Zinke is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5616,Tester Defends Montana from Attempts to Sell Public Lands [press_release],2017-11-01,2017,2017-11,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester is defending Montana from any attempt to sell public lands in the upcoming federal budget. Tester is demanding Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski not use the 2018 federal budget to sell public lands in Montana or anywhere else. The Senate last week narrowly passed a budget resolution requiring Murkowski's committee to raise $1 billion, which could come from selling off public lands in addition to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Tester did not support the controversial measure. ""We strongly believe we must tackle our debt but are concerned this partisan, fast track process could be used by those in Congress who support selling off our public lands,"" Tester and other Western senators wrote in a letter to McConnell and Murkowski. ""We strongly oppose these efforts and respectfully urge you not to allow any such legislation to move forward."" Tester underscored in his letter that selling or transferring public lands threatens Montanan's way of life and puts the nation's $887 billion outdoor economy at risk. Tester emphasized that Montana's economy is driven by public land use in the form of hunting, fishing, livestock grazing, and timber harvests. ""Selling or transferring these lands would be devastating to the outdoor economy, and would trade one of our nation's greatest investments for short-term financial gain,"" Tester added. Montana's outdoor economy sustains more than 70,000 jobs and generates $7.1 billion annually. Tester opposed the 2018 federal budget resolution last month because it cuts nearly $500 billion from Medicare and increases the likelihood of a public land transfer or sale. The 2018 federal budget resolution passed 51-49. Tester's letter to McConnell and Murkowski is cosigned by Senators Wyden, Heinrich, Bennet, Merkley, and Murray and is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5611,"Tester Launches Portal to Hear from Montanans on Tax Reform, Debt [press_release]",2017-10-31,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester launched an online portal today to receive feedback from Montanans about tax reform and the importance of cutting the national debt. Tester is encouraging families and small businesses to use this portal to communicate their thoughts, concerns, and ideas regarding Congress’ ongoing effort to enact tax reform. “Tax reform will have major implications on our $20 trillion national debt and our economy,” Tester said. “We need to make sure the process is bipartisan, transparent, and open to the public—not just special interests.” Tester has already solicited feedback from Montanans on tax reform via social media and has directly responded to a variety of questions submitted on his Facebook page. But Tester says he created the portal to ensure every Montanan has a chance to make their voice heard. “Tax reform affects each and every one of us and I want to ensure folks from every corner of the state have an easy way to communicate with me on this critical issue,” Tester said. Tester has offered to work with President Trump on reforming the nation's tax code. Please share your questions, comments, ideas, and concerns below:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5614,"Tester, Daines Push for Critical Resources for Montana Counties [press_release]",2017-10-31,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines are pushing for critical resources for Montana counties. Tester and Daines are calling on President Trump and Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney to include the reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding in any future emergency disaster bill. In a bipartisan letter, Tester and Daines joined other Senators from across the west to underscore the need to restore SRS funding as many Montana counties are facing increased costs after a catastrophic wildfire season. ""We have seen firsthand the hardships rural counties face as a result of SRS authorization lapsing,"" the Senators wrote. ""Roads go unpaved and become unsafe. Mental and physical health services are scaled back or even ended. Fewer and fewer law enforcement officers are forced to patrol larger and larger areas."" SRS was enacted in 2000 and provides payments to counties with federal land to compensate for declining timber production. SRS payments are often used to fund essential services such as schools, law enforcement, and infrastructure. SRS payments expired in 2015, leaving county governments without certainty about how to fund essential services. Counties received their last SRS payments in March 2016, and since SRS expired, residents in many of the counties that depend on this funding have been forced to make difficult budget choices. Tester and Daines are sponsoring bipartisan legislation to extend SRS payments for two more years. Wildfires burned over 1.2 million acres across Montana this summer, which has left many Montana counties with additional costs to repair roads, fencing, and other important infrastructure. Tester and Daines' letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5608,Tester Calls for New Regional EPA Administrator to Hold Public Listening Sessions in Montana Next Week [press_release],2017-10-30,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Big Sandy, Mont.)—U.S. Senator Jon Tester today called on the new Regional Administrator of the EPA to hold public listening sessions while in Montana next week. Tester is urging Region 8 Administrator Doug Benevento to meet with Montanans in Butte, Anaconda, Libby, and Columbia Falls to discuss the EPA’s progress and address the distrust of the agency in these communities. In a letter to Benevento, Tester emphasized the importance of meeting with Montanans and unscored the need to fully hold corporations accountable for cleanup. “It is critical that you gain firsthand knowledge of the unique challenges within each community so you can address them immediately,” Tester said. “Montana has too often slipped off your Agency’s radar, leaving Montanans to clean up the messes of big corporations. By visiting our state, you will see the resilience of our communities and the urgent need to defend our clean air and water, which are the backbone of our state’s economy.” Tester is demanding that Benevento move quicker to test lead levels in schools, increase transparency in consent decree negotiations, and strengthen public involvement in the EPA’s actions in Butte and Anaconda. Tester is also emphasizing that the EPA must do more work in Libby as a result of pollution from vermiculite mines operated by W.R. Grace. Tester is calling on Benevento to sit down with families in Libby and do more to ensure W.R. Grace is held accountable for the full cost of the cleanup. Tester also told Benevento in the letter that Glencore has misled the community of Columbia Falls regarding the cleanup of the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company site, which was listed as a Superfund site last year. Tester is encouraging Benevento to meet with Columbia Falls leaders about the cleanup of the industrial site along the Flathead River. Region 8 of the EPA consists of Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Tester’s letter to Benevento is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5612,Tester Honors Montana Women of World War I [press_release],2017-10-30,2017,2017-10,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 honoring the hundreds of Montana women who served in World War I by paying tribute to them in the Congressional Record. Tester is highlighting the bravery and service of Merle Egan Anderson (Helena), Lena Roy (Bozeman), Elizabeth Sandelius (Park County), Harriett O'Day (Billings) and hundreds of other Montana women who served on the front lines, cared for the wounded, and connected calls to the battlefield. ""They served at the front lines and quickly garnered the respect of the men with whom they served,"" Tester said in his tribute. ""They braved enemy fire and suffered casualties among their ranks. Despite their outstanding service, they returned to an indifferent government who denied them veteran status, including health care and burial rights."" Tester points out that nearly 200 Montana nurses from 56 communities entered military service during WWI. ""These women gave voice and power to a nation of women,"" said Tester. ""Their service and actions helped change the course of history. These strong Montana women were followed by more strong Montana women who have carried the fighting torch of equality for generations."" Tester has introduced The Deborah Sampson Act to change the culture of care at the Department of Veterans Affairs to better serve women veterans. Tester's Congressional Record tribute is available online HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5613,Tester: Governor Judy Martz Shattered the Glass Ceiling [press_release],2017-10-30,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester: Governor Judy Martz Shattered the Glass Ceiling (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today issued the following statement on the life of former Montana Governor Judy Martz: ""Governor Judy Martz shattered the glass ceiling at our state's Capitol showing young women all across Montana what's possible if you work hard. Judy's faith, persistence and leadership are a hallmark of her lasting legacy."" Tester served as Senate Minority Leader in the Montana Legislature when Martz was Governor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5604,Tester Sends 8th Bill To Trump for Signature [press_release],2017-10-26,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Sends 8th Bill To Trump for Signature Senator’s Bipartisan Bill Boosts Benefits for Disabled Veterans, Gold Star Families (U.S. Senate) - The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed U.S. Senator Jon Tester's bipartisan bill to increase certain VA benefits for veterans and their families. Tester's Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act increases the VA's compensation to disabled veterans and Gold Star Families, the spouses and children who've lost a loved one in service to the nation. ""This bipartisan legislation allows Montana veterans to keep up with the rising costs of housing, utilities and food,"" said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. ""Veterans have earned this benefit and this increase is a well-deserved step in the right direction to live up to the promises we made to our men and women in uniform. I look forward to the president signing it into law very soon."" The cost-of-living adjustment is determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index on a yearly basis. The cost-of-living adjustment for veterans, equal to the adjustment given to Social Security recipients, would go into effect on Dec. 1, 2017. Tester recently introduced legislation to honor Gold Star Families by increasing the benefit awarded to these families by about $300 a month and expanding the benefit to families of fully-disabled veterans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5605,Tester Introduces Resolution to Honor Native American Heritage Month [press_release],2017-10-26,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Introduces Resolution to Honor Native American Heritage Month Senator to Commemorate Heritage and History of Montana’s Tribes (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester is introducing a congressional resolution to celebrate Native American culture, heritage, and history. Tester's resolution designates the day after Thanksgiving as ""Native American Heritage Day"" and the month of November as ""National Native American Heritage Month"" to recognize the powerful contributions that Native Americans have made to the nation. ""This resolution helps educate folks across Montana and around the country about our nation's history and promotes a better understanding of its first people,"" said Tester. ""From honoring tribal sovereignty to promoting self-governance and determination, this resolution serves as a reminder of our treaty and trust responsibilities to Indian Country."" The resolution is cosponsored by seven bipartisan members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. ""Native Americans maintain vibrant cultures and traditions and hold a deeply rooted sense of communities,"" the resolution reads. ""Native Americans have moving stories of tragedy, triumph, and perseverance that need to be shared with future generations... Be it resolved, that the Senate recognizes the month of November 2017 as National Native American Heritage Month."" The full text of the resolution can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5606,"Tester Pushes for Bipartisan, Deficit-Reducing Legislation to Cut Health Care Costs [press_release]",2017-10-26,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is demanding the Senate take up the Bipartisan Health Care Stabilization Act to lower health care costs for hardworking Montana families. The Bipartisan Health Care Stabilization Act crafted by Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) will ensure that crucial cost-sharing reduction payments will continue to be made. Earlier this month, the Trump Administration cancelled those payments, causing two Montana insurance companies to raise their rates by double digits. ""Congress needs to stop playing politics with health care and provide relief for hardworking families who are getting hit with premiums and deductibles that are too high,"" Tester said. ""This bipartisan legislation will lower health care costs and reduce the deficit-it's a no brainer."" According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the Bipartisan Health Care Stabilization Act would reduce the deficit by $3.8 billion over ten years. Tester called on his colleagues to push this legislation to the Senate floor for a vote. ""In my numerous face-to-face meetings with Montanans about health care, they have told me time and again that they want us to put aside political differences and lower health care costs,"" Tester wrote in a letter to Senate Leadership. ""They deserve no less, and I look forward to working with Republicans, Democrats, and Independents to pass this legislation as soon as possible."" Tester's letter can be found HERE. In the last year, Tester has held over a dozen in-person public health care town halls. Tester has sponsored numerous bills that will lower costs and increase access to health care: Marketplace Certainty ActA bill to ensure the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stabilizes health insurance markets by making cost-sharing reduction payments. SPIKE ACTA bill to force drug companies to publicly report detailed information when they raise the price of their drugs. SAME ACTA bill to ensure Montana gets its fair share of Medicaid expansion funding.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5601,Tester Approves Three Nominees to Serve Veterans at VA [press_release],2017-10-25,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Approves Three Nominees to Serve Veterans at VA Nominees Head to Senate Floor for Final Approval (U.S. Senate)-Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Jon Tester today voted for three nominees to serve veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs, sending their nominations to the Senate floor for final approval. ""We need to get these folks to work at the VA reducing the backlog of disability appeals, ensuring veterans receive proper burials and modernizing the VA's operations,"" said Tester. ""I look forward to a full Senate vote on Mr. Reeves, Ms. Glynn and Ms. Mason very soon."" The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee voted unanimously in support of the following nominees: Randy Reeves, Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs nominee Melissa Sue Glynn, Assistant Secretary for Enterprise Integration nominee Cheryl Mason, Chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals nominee Each nominee was recently screened before the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. Prior to that hearing, Tester sat down with each nominee to review their resumes and ask them tough questions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5602,Tester Defends Montanans Right to Hold Wall Street Accountable [press_release],2017-10-25,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is defending Montanans' right to hold Wall Street accountable by blasting Washington politicians for blocking justice for victims of Equifax and Wells Fargo. Tester today slammed Congress after the Senate narrowly voted to strip Montanans' ability to seek justice from financial firms for fraud. Tester underscored that Montanans have the right to hold corporations accountable, especially after Wells Fargo and Equifax recently put the personal finances of hundreds of thousands of Montanans at risk. ""Our right to hold corporations accountable is under attack by partisan politicians who are siding with Wall Street over hard working families,"" Tester said. ""Denying Montanans the right to defend themselves in court flies in the face of what America stands for, and it will make big corporations more powerful at the expense of the rest of us."" The Senate voted 51-50 late Tuesday on legislation to eliminate a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule that prevents major corporations from requiring customers to enter into forced arbitration agreements and waiving their right to sue the company. Vice President Mike Pence had to cast the tie-breaking vote. Tester has battled Wells Fargo CEO Tim Sloan and Equifax former CEO Richard Smith in recent weeks after both companies attempted to use forced arbitration to deny customers the right to sue for fraudulent actions. Wells Fargo is trying to force customers into arbitration after the bank opened more than two million accounts in customers' names without their knowledge or consent. Equifax tried to force arbitration on customers attempting to see if they had been affected by the breach. After outrage from Tester, Equifax removed that arbitration language from their contract.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5603,Tester Defends Montanans Civil Liberties from Unlawful Government Surveillance [press_release],2017-10-25,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Defends Montanans’ Civil Liberties from Unlawful Government Surveillance Senators Introduce Legislation to Stop Government Spying on Law-Abiding Montanans (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today introduced bipartisan legislation to rein in out-of-control government surveillance and protect the privacy of law-abiding Montanans. Tester's USA RIGHTS Act would reform Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to protect Montanans from having their information unknowingly collected by the government. ""If Uncle Sam wants information about law-abiding Montanans, he better have a good and legal reason,"" Tester said. ""This bill will defend Montanans from increasing government intrusion and protect our constitutional rights."" FISA Section 702 provides legal procedures for surveilling the communications of non-U.S. persons who are abroad. Recent reports have shown that U.S. citizens are getting caught up in this surveillance incidentally. The Senator's bill: Ends the practice of warrantless searches of data collected under Section 702 of the FISA. Prevents warrantless reverse targeting of Americans who are communicating with foreign targets. Permanently bans the government from collecting information from Americans who discuss a foreign target. Strengthens oversight of FISA Court. Improves transparency by allowing for the release of data and FISA Court opinions necessary for the public's understanding of surveillance programs. Enhances legal standing for Americans to challenge the constitutionality of surveillance conducted by the government under Section 702 authority. Full text of the legislation is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5597,Tester Announces More than $2 Million in Disaster Assistance for Fallon County [press_release],2017-10-24,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced $2.1 million in federal disaster assistance for Fallon County to help the community recover from a highly destructive tornado that touched down in Baker in June of last year. “When disasters strike, we need to help folks on the ground pick up the pieces,” Tester said. “This funding will provide the people of Baker with resources to aid in a hard-fought recovery, allowing the community to restore some of what was lost.” The damage from the tornado was widespread, destroying homes, barns, and public infrastructure—including utility infrastructure—and depositing approximately one hundred tons of hazardous debris into nearby Baker Lake. The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and will be used to restore the lake. “The award of the funds from FEMA to clean up the tornado debris is essential to restoring Baker Lake, a centerpiece of our community, to its pre-disaster condition,” said Jason Rittal, Fallon County Development Advisor. “In addition to the critical financial assistance, Fallon County appreciates the cooperation it has received from all federal and state agencies involved to date.” In July 2016, Tester urged FEMA to award Fallon County this grant funding to help recover after the disaster. “The communities urgently need federal resources in order to help them restore their homes, their infrastructure, and their way of life,” Tester wrote in a letter to then-FEMA Administrator William Fugate. Tester recently secured FEMA funding for eight major fires raging across Montana this summer. He also secured over $3 million in FEMA funding to help with preparedness and collaboration across the state last month. This week, Tester will be voting “yes” on legislation to provide an additional $500 million to help offset the cost of the 2017 wildfire season. Tester has launched an online portal to assist Montanans impacted by recent disasters and help determine what federal assistance they may be qualified to receive as a result of their losses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5598,Tester Secures $576 Million for Wildfire Relief and Forest Management in Disaster Funding Bill [press_release],2017-10-24,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today secured $576 million for wildfire relief and forest management in a major disaster funding bill. Tester used his position as Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee to replenish the Forest Service accounts that were drained in order to pay to fight wildfires. During a speech on the Senate floor today, Tester underscored the urgent need to replenish these forest management accounts so the Forest Service can salvage timber, remove debris, restore trails and roads, and more actively manage forests after a landmark fire season. ""When the Forest Service has to borrow from its non-fire accounts to cover firefighting on the ground, we lose out on critical maintenance, mitigation, and restoration work,"" Tester said. ""This funding will pay back those accounts, and support the work that is needed to recover after a record-breaking fire season. This funding can restore trails and roads that were lost to fire, as well as keep our fishing streams clean and clear from runoff."" Fighting wildfires in Montana has this year burned more than 1.2 million acres and cost $386 million. Wildfires across the country have burned nearly 9 million acres. The intense wildfire season once again forced the Forest Service to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars from forest management accounts to pay for fire suppression. The cost of fighting wildfires has dramatically increased from 16 percent of the Forest Service's budget in 1995 to over 50 percent today. Tester emphasized that fire borrowing is leaving the Forest Service underfunded and without certainty to actively manage forests, maintain roads and trails, and mitigate fire risks. During his floor speech, Tester pushed the Senate to move forward with his bipartisan Wildfire Disaster Funding Act to provide a long-term funding fix for the Forest Service by ending fire borrowing and funding catastrophic wildfires the same way as other natural disasters. ""Money that should be used to curb fire risks, maintain and improve forest health, research and develop better forest management policies, and fund the work that must get done to make our forests more resilient is borrowed to fight wildfires,"" Tester added. ""We must change the way we pay for fighting wildfires and the bipartisan Wildfire Disaster Funding Act is one step toward that fix."" Tester's Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee is responsible for emergency disaster funding. Also included in the disaster funding bill were resources for the Gulf Coast, Florida, and Puerto Rico to help recover from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The disaster funding bill passed the Senate with a bipartisan vote. It will now go to President Trump's desk for signature.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5600,"Tester Blasts Proposed Hike in Entrance Fees for Glacier, Yellowstone [press_release]",2017-10-24,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Blasts Proposed Hike in Entrance Fees for Glacier, Yellowstone Senator encourages Montanans to weigh in with public comment on proposed $70 fee (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is blasting a new proposal by the National Park Service to significantly increase entrance fees to both Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. Current summer entrance fees for both Yellowstone and Glacier are $30 per vehicle and $25 per motorcycle. The Park Service's proposal would double these fees to $70 per vehicle and $50 per motorcycle during the ""peak season""-the five consecutive months that a park receives the most visitors. ""Americans already own these parks and they shouldn't have to empty their wallets to enjoy them,"" said Tester. ""Glacier and Yellowstone should be accessible to all of us. This decision will price Montana families out of our public lands, and hurt local economies, which thrive thanks to our National Parks. I encourage all Montanans to weigh in and make their voices heard."" A 30-day public comment period is currently open and will close on November 23. Montanans wishing to offer public comment can do so HERE. Tester added that Congress has a responsibility to fund the longstanding maintenance backlog of National Park Service sites without imposing drastic fee increases on visitors. The Park Service is proposing to raise fees on 15 other National Parks in addition to Yellowstone and Glacier.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5596,Tester Demands Answers on Behalf of Montanans Hurt by Opioid Epidemic [press_release],2017-10-23,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Demands Answers on Behalf of Montanans Hurt by Opioid Epidemic Senator Holds Health and Human Services and Drug Enforcement Administration Accountable for Late Reporting (U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester is demanding answers from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on the opioid crisis plaguing rural America. Tester called on the DEA to provide Congress with an overdue report detailing how law enforcement agencies can help opioid patients and prevent prescription drugs from ending up in the wrong hands. “It is critical that we have all the information necessary to ensure the federal government is doing everything it can to help support our states and local communities in our collective fight against this epidemic,” Tester said. “We want to ensure the Drug Enforcement Administration and other related agencies have all of the tools necessary to fight this epidemic.” Current law required the DEA Administrator to submit a report to Congress by April 16, 2017 detailing information on whether coordination between the industry and law enforcement has helped with diversion of opioids. This report is six months past-due and Tester wants the DEA to provide the information so Congress can determine the best action to take to ensure the Agency has the tools it needs to fight the opioid epidemic. Tester was joined by Senators from across the country in his call to action. Tester’s letter can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5595,Tester Fights Catastrophic Medicare Cuts in Federal Budget [press_release],2017-10-21,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Fights Catastrophic Medicare Cuts in Federal Budget Senator Opposes Budget That Cuts Nearly $500 Billion from Medicare (U.S. Senate)—U.S. Senator Jon Tester issued the following statement after opposing a budget bill that cuts nearly $500 billion from Medicare: “This budget guts Medicare and rips the carpet out from underneath Montana seniors. Folks have paid into Medicare their entire lives, and I will keep fighting to make sure it is there for them when they retire and need it most.” The budget bill passed on a vote of 51-49.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5592,"Tester, Boozman Intensify Efforts to Change VA Culture, Support Women Veterans [press_release]",2017-10-19,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and John Boozman (R-Ark.) are redoubling their efforts to change the culture at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that has left too many women veterans behind. The senators are urging VA Secretary David Shulkin to implement reforms from their bipartisan Deborah Sampson Act that fall within the VA’s existing authority. “Women veterans are the fastest growing subgroup of veterans and are far less likely to go to the VA for care,” the senators wrote to Shulkin. “Our bipartisan Deborah Sampson Act included a number of provisions that are critical to ensuring equal access to benefits and care for women veterans. As this legislation continues to be pushed forward, we hope you will take these steps to make the VA more accessible and welcoming to women veterans.” The senators urge the VA to implement four reforms that don’t require Congressional approval, including: Expanding the Women Veterans Call Center to include text messaging.  Initiating a public-private partnership to enhance access to legal aid for homeless or at-risk women veterans.  Prioritizing the hiring of women veteran practitioners and training existing staff to better address women veterans’ medical needs.  Tracking women veterans’ interactions with the VA to better identify shortcomings in access.  Proponents of the Deborah Sampson Act support Tester and Boozman’s effort to expand VA services for women veterans while the bill gains momentum in Congress. “Senators Tester and Boozman continue to display the type of leadership often missing these days in Washington,” said Allison Jaslow, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. “IAVA partnered with bipartisan members of Congress on the Deborah Sampson Act to help the 2.2 million women veterans in America finally get the long-overdue recognition and care they deserve. As the Senators have outlined in their letter, Secretary Shulkin has the power to spur greater progress for women veterans without Congress forcing his hand. Women veterans are the fastest growing segment of the veteran population, but often feel invisible. We encourage Secretary Shulkin to answer the Senators’ call for action and show the millions of women veterans that they too deserve the best support possible from a grateful nation.” “Enhancing access to and availability of gender-specific programs to better serve women veterans remain a key priority for DAV,” said Garry Augustine, Executive Director of the Disabled American Veterans. “We fully support the recommendations Ranking Member Tester and Senator Boozman have outlined to more expediently enrich services for women veterans as we continue working together to create a more robust and welcoming VA environment for this rapidly growing population.” The Deborah Sampson Act garnered praise and support during a Senator Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing in May. The bill awaits a Committee vote that would send it to the floor of the Senate for consideration. The senators’ letter can be read HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5593,"Tester Defends Montana Ranchers, Fights Back Against Consolidation in Agriculture [press_release]",2017-10-19,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)—U.S. Senator Jon Tester is defending Montana ranchers and “vehemently disagrees” with USDA’s decision to rollback protections that prevent consolidation in agriculture. In a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, Tester slammed the agency’s decision to withdraw two rules related to the Packers and Stockyards Act, commonly referred to as the “GIPSA rules.” “The industry has consolidated for decades into its current structure that enables a handful of companies to have extraordinary market power,” Tester wrote. “Recognizing that fact, Congress intentionally instructed the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate new rules in the 2008 Farm Bill to ensure a better functioning marketplace for farmers and ranchers in the livestock and poultry industry.” Tester has hosted a series of Farm Bill listening sessions across Montana this year with family farmers and ranchers. During these listening sessions, Tester has raised concerns about the consolidation of Montana family ranches and discussed policies that will strengthen opportunities for local producers. Tester led the charge earlier this year to increase American beef exports to China, and is also sponsoring legislation to protect Montana ranchers by banning Brazilian beef imports to the United States. Tester’s bipartisan letter is cosigned by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). Tester’s letter is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5594,Tester Introduces Bill to Support Gold Star Families [press_release],2017-10-19,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) – As debate continues over the treatment of Gold Star families, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is introducing legislation to support spouses and children who’ve lost a loved one in service to the nation. The VA’s Death and Indemnity Compensation Benefit supports surviving family members of service members who died in the line of duty, Gold Star families, and survivors of disabled veterans who died from a service-connected condition. Tester’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Improvement Act will increase this benefit by about $300 per month and make it fairer by bringing benefits for surviving military families more in line with federal employee and Department of Defense survivor benefits. “Families who are grieving the loss of their father or mother should never face financial uncertainty,” said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “These brave men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice and it’s our duty to give their loved ones more economic security.” Tester’s bill also extends the Death and Indemnity Compensation Benefit to survivors of veterans who are 100 percent disabled as a result of their service and pass away less than 10 years after receiving their disability rating. Currently, survivors are denied any benefit if a veteran passes away before the arbitrary 10-year threshold. Tester’s bill is endorsed by the Gold Star Wives of America, the Western Montana Military Officers Association, Disabled American Veterans and AMVETS. Our family members gave the ultimate sacrifice, and this bill represents the equal treatment we have sought for many years,” said Crystal Wenum, National President of the Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. “We think this is an issue that spans partisan politics and brings parity with other federal programs. It is the right thing to do.” “I’m pleased to see congress take up this issue again as it has been a key element of our engagement with Congress,” said Mike Schauf, President of the Western Montana Military Officers Association. “The adjustments improve the program and bring it more in line with other federal employee programs. I’d like to thank Senator Tester for his efforts for fair treatment for survivors of servicemembers who gave their lives for America.” “DAV strongly supports the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Improvement Act, which would provide greater support to deserving survivors of disabled veterans,” said DAV National Commander Delphine Metcalf-Foster. “We applaud Senator Tester for championing legislation that recognizes the fact that service-connected disabilities don’t just impact veterans, but their families as well. A veteran’s lifelong disability or service-related death can result in undue economic hardship on their spouse and children; this legislation increase financial support for them after the passing of their loved one.” “AMVETS is pleased to support the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Improvement Act, and appreciates Senator Tester’s work to ensure that the amount of DIC will be raised to be on par with the rate of survivors of federal civilian employees, that surviving spouses may remarry at age 55 and retain their DIC benefit, and that the arbitrary 10-year eligibility restriction will be addressed,” said Joe Chenelly, AMVETS Executive Director. “We wholeheartedly advocate for those who serve this country, and that includes the spouses and families of our veterans, as they have also served and sacrificed.” There are approximately 1,400 Death and Indemnity Compensation beneficiaries receiving survivor benefits in Montana.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5591,Tester Demands Public Comment Extension on Sage-Grouse Plan [press_release],2017-10-18,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is defending Montana against federal government overreach and demanding the BLM extend the public comment period on its sage-grouse plan review. Tester is urging Acting BLM Director Michael Nedd not to discard the collaborative sage-grouse management plans that have kept the bird off the Endangered Species List and warned him not to force a one-size-fits-all Washington plan on Montanans. In a letter to Nedd, Tester is demanding that Montanans have a voice during the agency's review of the sage-grouse management plans by extending the public comment period from 45 to 90 days. ""I urge you not to discard a chance to collaborate with the same people who helped put these plans together for the lands they work and recreate on,"" Tester wrote. ""It's my sincere hope that you will listen to the folks on the ground, ensure a public and transparent process, and build on the work of those who spent years communicating and collaborating."" Conservation of the greater sage-grouse is a range-wide issue. After years of working together, Montanans proposed a sage-grouse management plan to the U.S. Interior Department in 2015 that was supported by sportsmen, conservationists, farmers and ranchers, and energy developers. The Forest Service and BLM also consulted with rangeland stakeholders, and the state of Montana as well as the federal agencies drafted their plans. This collaboration kept the sage-grouse off the Endangered Species List and protected jobs in eastern Montana. The Trump Administration earlier this month announced the BLM will reconsider and potentially revise the federal plans, and is only giving Montanans 45 days to comment on how the public lands they work and recreate on are managed and affect Montana plans. Tester emphasized to Nedd that it took years to construct the sage-grouse management plans, and a 45-day public comment period is far too short for such a critical issue. In his letter, Tester underscored that sage-grouse management efforts were broad, bipartisan, and historic. ""From ranchers to local government representatives to extractive industries and conservation groups, people from all walks of life worked together to provide sage-grouse with a real shot at recovery, and to avoid a listing under the Endangered Species Act,"" Tester added. Tester's letter to Nedd is available HERE. Montanans interested in commenting on the agency's review of the sage-grouse management plan can find more information HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5590,Tester Statement on VAs Community Care Proposal [press_release],2017-10-17,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Statement on VA’s Community Care Proposal (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement after the VA announced its Veterans Coordinated Access and Rewarding Experiences, or CARE, proposal to replace the VA's community care programs: ""Secretary Shulkin's proposal is a good starting point that takes into account months of our bipartisan conversations about the future of community care. I'm pleased that the VA has prioritized putting veterans and their doctors at the center of medical decisions and getting rid of a one-size-fits-all system that doesn't work for our nation's veterans. I look forward to a collaborative process between veterans, the VA and Republicans and Democrats in Congress to craft a community care system that does right by veterans."" In July, Tester announced legislation to consolidate and streamline the VA's multiple community care programs into one easy-to-use program. The VA's CARE proposal pulls from Tester's Improving Veterans Access to Community Care Act by putting health care decisions in the hands of a veteran and their doctor, rather than relying on arbitrary criteria that don't serve veterans in Montana.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5588,Tester Announces Funding for New Ultrasound Machine at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center [press_release],2017-10-16,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today that Libby’s Cabinet Peaks Medical Center will receive $50,000 to acquire a new ultrasound machine and improve the community’s access to critical medical technology. Tester helped secure the loan through USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities Grant Program. “Folks in northwest Montana often have to travel long distances for certain types of specialty health care,” Tester said. “That’s why it’s critical that rural communities like Libby have their own health care resources, because when an emergency strikes places like Cabinet Peaks Medical Center are often the only option.” In 2016, Cabinet Peaks Medical Center’s only ultrasound machine broke down, a huge blow that left the remote Critical Access Hospital without a much-needed diagnostic tool to care for their patients. Demand for ultrasounds has also increased in recent years, which meant—even before the breakdown—patients were being forced to wait longer for appointments and could be bumped from their scheduled appointment time should an emergency arise. This grant will provide Cabinet Peaks Medical Center with a new reliable ultrasound machine, preventing patients from having to travel in excess of 100 miles to the nearest facility for ultrasound services. The machine will also be portable, allowing for easy transport throughout the hospital. “We are grateful to the USDA for granting us the money to purchase an additional ultrasound machine for our Imaging Department,” said Ahyoung Huff, Director of Ancillary & Support Services at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. “This addition will not only provide peace of mind in case our first machine breaks down, but will also help us meet the growing demands for this diagnostic tool to ensure quality and efficient medical care at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.” Tester has been a champion for rural health care in the Senate. After holding his inaugural Rural Health Summit last year in Ennis, Jon introduced the Restoring Rural Residencies Act to bring more doctors to rural America by allowing Medicare to reimburse residency programs for the time residents spend at Critical Access Hospitals.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5583,Tester Statement on Administrations Decision to Raise Health Insurance Rates [press_release],2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Statement on Administration’s Decision to Raise Health Insurance Rates Senator: It’s sabotage and Washington needs to knock it off (Missoula, Mont.)—After reports surfaced that the Administration will end cost-sharing reduction payments, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is demanding the Administration reverse course and continue the payments, which lower health insurance rates. “This decision will spike health insurance costs that are already way too high. This deliberate sabotage forces Montanans to spend even more of their money on health care, draining their already strained bank accounts. Washington needs to knock it off and start working together to lower the cost of health care.” Tester is sponsoring the Marketplace Certainty Act, which ensures the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services makes cost-sharing reduction payments. The Montana Chamber of Commerce this summer told Tester about the importance of preserving cost-sharing reduction payments to provide certainty to Montana businesses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5584,Tester Introduces Bill to Strengthen Tribal Law Enforcement and Address Missing and Murdered Native Women Crisis [press_release],2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Missoula, Mont.) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is introducing legislation to address the growing epidemic of missing and murdered Native American women. Tester's bill, Savanna's Act, will improve information sharing between tribal and federal law enforcement agencies, increase data collection on missing Native American women, and improve response protocols. ""It is critical that law enforcement officers have the resources they need to combat human trafficking and increase safety for Native American women and girls,"" Tester said. ""This legislation makes important improvements that will strengthen public safety in Indian Country and provide tribes with the tools they need to address the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women."" Savanna's Act is named in honor of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, who was murdered in North Dakota in August. Tester's bill will require the U.S. Justice Department to better report crime information in Indian Country and update federal crime databases to track crimes against Native Americans. The bill will also require multiple federal agencies to solicit recommendations from tribes on how to improve access to criminal justice information systems in accordance to the Violence Against Women Act. Tester's bill will also create a standard protocol for responding to cases of missing and murdered Native Americans, which includes jurisdictional cooperation between tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Tester is also sponsoring legislation to set aside five percent of the Crime Victims Fund specifically for tribes to prosecute criminals and assist survivors of violent crimes, and he called on top Administration officials last month to provide survivors of violent crimes in Indian Country with more support services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5585,Tester Announces $3.5 Million to Upgrade Sanders County Waste Water Systems [press_release],2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Missoula, Mont.) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today that Sanders County will receive a $3.5 million loan from the USDA to improve its water and waste disposal systems. ""Reliable waste and water systems are critical to healthy, thriving communities,"" Tester said. ""Businesses, schools, families, you name it-everyone needs clean water and proper waste disposal."" Sanders County's current waste transfer station is nearly 30 years old and located on leased land that the lessor has declined to renew. So this loan will be used to construct a solid waste transfer station near Thompson Falls while also upgrading container collection sites in Heron, Noxon, Trout Creek and Plains. ""Sanders County could not have moved forward with creating the new Solid Waste Transfer Station without this grant from USDA,"" said Carol Brooker, one of the Sanders County Commissioners. ""The County had to move from its old site, so of course we needed a new station because it's so important to the health of our community."" Tester helped secure the loan through USDA Rural Development's Water and Waste Disposal grant and loan program, which specifically targets communities with fewer than 10,000 residents. These investments will not only improve water quality and waste treatment throughout Sanders County, but create jobs through the construction of new infrastructure. Tester has pushed to boost funding for USDA Rural Development's Water and Waste Disposal grant and loan program through his work on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5586,"Tester Announces $50,000 to Equip Firefighters in Libby [press_release]",2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Missoula, Mont.) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today that the City of Libby will receive a $50,000 grant from the USDA to better equip local volunteer firefighters and improve public safety. ""Firefighters are often the first and sometimes only line of defense against disaster,"" Tester said. ""So we need to make sure they have the equipment and resources they need to stay safe and respond quickly in an emergency situation."" Tester helped secure the loan through USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities Grant program, which provides resources to help rural areas maintain and improve essential local facilities like hospitals, airports, community centers, fire departments, libraries, and food banks. ""This grant could not have come at a better time,"" said Tom Wood, Chief of the Libby Fire Department. ""Our turnout gear is rapidly wearing out and getting out of date. It costs over $2,000 per firefighter to provide the gear. We have 30 members, but nowhere in our budget did we have $60,000 to complete this project. So we really want to thank Senator Tester for helping secure these funds."" This grant will be used to replace old firefighting equipment that is currently expired or set to expire soon. The replacement equipment includes jackets and trousers for 30 volunteer firefighters and five communication masks for fighting structure fires. This new equipment will not only help ensure the personal safety of Libby's volunteer firefighters, but will also increase public safety by improving the efficacy of Libby's Volunteer Fire Department. In August, the Senate unanimously passed Tester's bipartisan bill to help rural fire departments train, equip, and outfit their firefighters with essential safety gear in order to keep firefighters safe and improve emergency response across rural Montana. The legislation is now awaiting a vote in the House.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5587,Tester Hosts 6th Farm Bill Listening Session [press_release],2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Missoula, Mont.) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester today held his sixth Farm Bill Listening Session to hear from community and faith leaders, government officials, and members of the public about how the Farm Bill can address hunger and help feed Montana families. ""No Montana family should ever go hungry,"" Tester said. ""That's why we need a strong Farm Bill that invests in our communities and puts food on the table for folks in need. I look forward to hosting more listening sessions across the state and working to ensure the Farm Bill works for all Montanans."" Representatives from Montana's nutrition advocacy groups praised Tester's willingness to receive input on this important issue. ""The Farm Bill is an important tool for feeding all Montana families, including those facing tough times,"" said Lorianne Burhop with the Montana Food Bank Network. ""We appreciate Senator Tester bringing community leaders together to discuss this important issue. His relentless advocacy on behalf of Montana families is an asset to our state."" ""I want to thank Senator Tester for hosting this important listening session and for his tireless advocacy for Montana families,"" said Reverend Donna Gleaves with the Montana Association of Christians. ""The Montana Association of Christians is committed to working with Senator Tester to ensure the Farm Bill continues to provide assistance to the most vulnerable among us."" Tester, the Senate's only working farmer, has held previous Farm Bill Listening Sessions in Billings, Missoula, Lewistown, Glendive, and Kalispell.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5582,"Tester Defends Montana Students, Demands Investigation into U.S. Education Department [press_release]",2017-10-12,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Big Sandy, Mont.)—U.S. Senator Jon Tester is defending Montana students by demanding an investigation into the actions of the U.S. Education Department and Secretary Betsy DeVos. Tester is calling on the Education Department’s Inspector General to investigate the administration and timeliness of TRiO grants after a series of grants repeatedly ran behind schedule and undermined the certainty of Montana’s two dozen TRiO initiatives. Tester is specifically urging Inspector General Kathleen Tighe to identify what deficiencies within the Education Department have caused TRiO grants to be administered behind schedule and recommend solutions to ensure that grant awardees receive their funding without delay. “The Department’s repeated failure to conduct TRiO competitions in a timely and consistent manner has subjected TRiO programs and the students they serve to unnecessary uncertainty and disruption,” Tester wrote. “By investigating the causes of these administrative failures and recommending how they can be remedied, you will provide a valuable service to low-income, first generation college students who rely on TRiO for their shot at achieving a better future.” Montana’s TRiO administrators are applauding Tester’s leadership. “The intent of Federal TRIO programs is to keep education accessible to Americans who want social mobility,” said Amy Verlanic, Executive Director for the Institute for Educational Opportunities at Montana Tech. “The 9,000 students in Montana receiving TRIO services aren’t looking for a handout, they want to make an economic impact on their family and community by earning an education. Senator Tester gets it! Without his watchdog intuition, 840,000 Americans receiving services on over 2,900 college campuses and high schools would be hurt by the Departments neglect. He understands when critical educational services provided from TRIO are interrupted that these high potential students disengage and talented educators find different work.” “The push from Senator Tester to hold the Department of Education accountable for late notifications of grant awards is a positive step for grantees,” said Dan Benge, Program Director at Montana State University-Billings’ Upward Bound. “Receiving an award just days before the start of a grant cycle is unacceptable because students rely on these services. By pushing ED to follow the grant award notification process will keep staff from being pink slipped, program planning isn't put in limbo, and students services aren't abruptly interrupted.” The Education Department is legally required to notify new and continuing grantees if they will receive funding at least eight months prior to the start of their new grant cycle, but multiple TRiO directors have reached out to Tester saying that the department often notifies them well past this deadline. Tester in his letter specifically cited the 2017 Upward Bound and Ronald E. McNair grant awards, in which some grant award winners were notified of their funding nearly a month after the grant was scheduled to begin. This is not the first time this year that Tester has taken issue with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and her department’s management of important TRiO grants. Tester pressured DeVos to reverse course earlier this year after she denied the University of Montana’s Upward Bound application because it wasn’t doubled spaced. After Tester’s actions, which included introducing legislation to rescind funding from DeVos’ personal budget, DeVos reconsidered and ultimately awarded the University of Montana a TRiO grant. Tester last month secured a $3 million increase for TRiO initiatives in a must-pass budget bill. TRiO seeks to help first-generation students access higher education and earn college degrees. Tester will meet with TRiO students in Missoula tomorrow, and his letter to Inspector General Tighe is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5581,Tester: Dont Put Veterans on Hold [press_release],2017-10-11,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Big Sandy, Mont.) – After the implementation of a new White House veterans’ hotline, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is calling on VA Secretary David Shulkin to ensure the VA is quickly responding to the high volume of veterans who are lodging complaints or seeking answers. Despite the VA's existing options for receiving complaints, President Donald Trump established an additional veterans’ hotline that has registered over 21,000 calls since its creation in June. Tester noted that the White House is frequently routing these calls back to local VA offices, which are often understaffed and do not have the ability to address the additional casework in a timely manner. “We need to set up a call center system that meets the expectations of veterans and their loved ones,” wrote Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, in a letter to Shulkin. “I share the desire for this hotline to be productive and effective, but I am concerned that the influx of calls will exceed the VA’s capacity to serve our veterans, and veterans deserve better.” There are numerous VA call center numbers available to veterans who have questions about health care, benefits and other issues. That’s why Tester is calling on the VA to ensure that all complaints are prioritized and tracked to make sure they are promptly and thoroughly addressed. Tester’s letter to Shulkin is online HERE. Toll free numbers to contact the VA about health care, benefits and other issues is online HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5579,"Following VA Bookkeeping Issues, Tester, McCain, Kaine, Manchin Introduce Responsible Budgeting Bill [press_release]",2017-10-06,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) – In response to continued concerns about the VA’s inability to track its budget and spending of the Choice Program, U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) are introducing bipartisan legislation to ensure the VA is budgeting accurately and responsibly. The Senators’ VA Financial Accountability Act will require the VA to make any funding requests outside of the normal budget process at least 45 days before a veteran could be cut off from their health care or benefits. The bill also requires the VA to provide a justification and spending plan when the agency requests more funding. The bill also triggers a third party review of the VA’s financial processes, including how the VA tracks its budget and spending. “The VA’s inability to provide Congress with an accurate budget is hurting veterans and taxpayers across this nation,” said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “We can’t keep allocating money to the VA without more accountability over their budget and spending practices. This bill will give us more confidence in the VA’s ability to budget in a way that ensures veterans are getting the very best care.” “Over the past several months, we’ve seen the VA lurch from funding crisis to funding crisis because of its inability to effectively manage its budget,” said McCain. “Our veterans deserve to have certainty that their access to quality care in the community through the Veterans Choice program will continue uninterrupted. Our legislation would require the VA to responsibly and accurately manage its budget to eliminate future funding crises and give veterans the confidence in their care they deserve. Unless and until the VA gets a grasp on its finances and demand outlook, our effort in Congress to develop a plan for consolidating veterans health care in the community will continue to face difficulty.” “The Choice program has helped the Department of Veterans Affairs better serve veterans by allowing them to seek needed medical care outside of the VA system when necessary,” said Kaine. “However, it was troubling to hear recently that the VA will need additional money for the Choice program earlier than expected after Congress just authorized more funding for it. The VA’s uncertainty about exactly when Choice funding will be run out affects Congress’ ability to responsibly budget. Requiring the VA to justify spending requests will ensure it is spending its dollars in the most effective way possible to best serve our veterans.” “We have a sacred obligation to fully fund the Department of Veterans Affairs and care for the brave men and women who have borne the battle, but we also have a responsibility to the American taxpayer to be good stewards of their hard-earned money,” said Manchin. “Unfortunately, as it stands today, the VA lacks the oversight and accountability needed to accomplish either goal effectively. That’s why I am proud to be an original cosponsor on this bill that would force the VA to budget efficiently.” The VA has requested a total of $3.2 billion in emergency funding for the Choice Program twice this year alone – in March and July. While Congress provided funding that the VA initially said would last through February 2018, reports have recently questioned if the funding provided in July would last through the end of this year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5580,Tester Defends Montanans Access to Affordable Family Planning [press_release],2017-10-06,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Defends Montanans’ Access to Affordable Family Planning Senator Holds Administration Accountable for Blocking Women’s Contraceptive Care (Montana)–U.S. Senator Jon Tester today issued the following statement after the Administration rolled back access to affordable birth control: “This decision will make it more expensive for families to plan for the future and stay healthy. Washington politicians need to get their noses out of Montanans’ personal lives, and stop meddling in our private lives.” Nearly nine in 10 women of reproductive age will use contraception for family planning or other medical reasons. There are 188,000 women of reproductive age in Montana. The U.S. is at the lowest rate of unintended pregnancy in 30 years, and a historic low of pregnancy among teens because of expanded access to birth control and sex education. Tester is sponsoring the Save Women’s Preventive Care Act, which would guarantee that insurance companies cover women’s health services including birth control, breast cancer screenings, and annual well women exams without charging a copay or deductible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5575,Tester Demands IRS Rescind $7 Million Equifax Contract [press_release],2017-10-05,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is demanding that the IRS rescind its recently issued $7 million Equifax contract after the company's massive data breach jeopardized the personal financial data of more than 145 million Americans. Following the breach that put names, Social Security numbers, addresses, driver's licenses, and birthdates at risk, the IRS last week issued a multi-million dollar contract to Equifax to verify taxpayers' identities. ""Given the recent cyber-attack at Equifax, it's unfathomable how the IRS could knowingly issue a multi-million-dollar contract to a company that carelessly handled the personal information of more than 145 million Americans, putting their identities and personal financial well-being at risk,"" Tester wrote. ""Nearly one half of the entire population of our nation was impacted by the Equifax breach and we have no assurances that our constituents' personal information is safe in their hands."" Tester argued that as long as there are ongoing investigations into the breach, that impacted 367,000 Montanans, Equifax should not be receiving any taxpayer money. ""The IRS should immediately rescind this contract and look for ways to address its needs without putting taxpayers' information at risk,"" Tester demanded. Tester's bipartisan letter was cosigned by Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) also signed the letter, which can be read HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5577,Tester Meets with Postmaster General Following Reports of Delayed Mail [press_release],2017-10-05,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)-Following reports that postal managers intentionally delayed mail in Montana, U.S. Senator Jon Tester met with Postmaster General Megan Brennan in his Washington office to ask her how she was addressing the situation. ""The leadership at the Postal Service needs to understand that going back to the frontier days, Montanans have used the postal service to maintain their business, health, and stay connected-it's essential to our way of life,"" Tester said. ""I told the Postmaster that she needs a concrete action plan to ensure that rural Montanans are getting their mail on time. I will ensure she keeps her word."" Moreover, according to a separate audit by the independent, non-partisan Inspector General, mail delays and late arriving mail are inaccurately recorded due to a lack of training by Postal Service managers. Tester, a relentless advocate for timely mail delivery, sits on the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, which oversees the Postal Service. Following the release of the Inspector General reports, Tester sent a letter to Postmaster General Brennan calling for the firing of managers and supervisors who were found to have intentionally delayed mail. You can read Tester's letter HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5576,Tester Slams Former Equifax CEO After Breach Puts Thousands of Montanans At Risk [press_release],2017-10-04,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today slammed the former CEO of Equifax for putting thousands of Montanans and their financial futures at risk. Tester told former Equifax CEO Richard Smith during a Senate Banking Committee hearing that the company's lack of action after a major data breach exposed the personal information of 367,000 Montanans. Tester specifically accused Smith of not doing enough to help customers after the breach. ""You aren't doing a thing for those who have had their identity stolen and their credit rating stolen,"" Tester told Smith. Tester then criticized Smith for waiting six weeks to notify the public of the data breach. ""The lack of notification for six weeks - in this 21st century we live in - is absolutely unacceptable,"" Tester added. ""It is unbelievable."" Tester also raised concerns that two high level executive sold $1.8 million worth of Equifax stock within days after the breach occurred and before its disclosure to the public. ""This really stinks,"" Tester said of the stock sale. ""It really smells bad."" Tester last week grilled U.S. Securities and Exchange (SEC) Commissioner Jay Clayton during a Senate Banking Committee hearing about Equifax's actions following the data breach and why it took six weeks to notify customers that their data was compromised. Tester secured assurance from Clayton that the SEC will hold Equifax executives accountable for any wrongdoing, regardless of whether they are still employed by the company. During the hearing last week, Tester called for Smith to be held fully accountable for the data breach and to appear before Congress, despite his recent resignation. Tester partnered with Montana Attorney General Tim Fox last month to provide instructions to Montanans who may have had their data compromised in the Equifax breach. Over 145 million Americans have been compromised by the Equifax data breach.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5570,Trump Signs Testers 7th Bill Into Law [press_release],2017-10-03,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Trump Signs Tester’s 7th Bill Into Law Senator’s Bipartisan Bill Will Prevent Crucial Veterans Benefits From Expiring",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5571,Tester to EPA Administrator: Can You Hear Montana? [press_release],2017-10-03,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to stop wasting taxpayer dollars and start improving cleanup operations at Montana's Superfund sites. Tester slammed the agency's irresponsible spending following reports of excessive travel perks and a proposed $25,000 soundproof ""privacy booth"" for controversial EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. Tester noted the EPA already has a secure room to discuss classified information, and the purchase of the soundproof booth is, ""frivolous and an embarrassment to taxpayers."" ""Montanans expect their public servants to be responsible and open stewards of hard-earned taxpayer resources,"" Tester wrote to Pruitt. ""I expect that you would be dedicating all available resources to cleaning up communities in Montana such as Butte, Libby, Anaconda, and Columbia Falls, instead of wasting taxpayer money on an expensive and silly office perk that should be addressed with a simple door."" Montana is home to 17 Superfund sites in need of cleanup. Tester, a relentless champion of cleaning up Montana's Superfund sites, grilled Administrator Pruitt in June over the proposed cuts to the Superfund cleanup budget. Butte's Montana Standard newspaper on Sunday called Pruitt's planned privacy booth ""this week's government horror story."" ""If Administrator Pruitt makes good on plans to visit Butte this fall, he may wish he could have brought his new soundproof room with him,"" the newspaper editorialized. Tester's entire letter to Pruitt can be found HERE. Tester is the only member of Montana's Senate delegation who opposed Pruitt's confirmation in February.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5572,Tester Meets with New Forest Service Chief [press_release],2017-10-03,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)-On the heels of a devastating wildfire season, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is urging U.S. Forest Chief Tony Tooke to take immediate action to improve forest management and increase public access to public land. During an in-person meeting this week, Tester pushed Tooke for immediate action to mitigate fire risks and boost production for lumber mills. Tester also underscored the urgent need to improve the management of and increase access to Montana's public lands. ""The Forest Service plays a critical role in Montana because our economy and heritage our directly tied to our public lands,"" Tester said. ""I look forward to working with you to responsibly manage our forests and ensure all Montanans have access to these special places for generations to come."" Tester told Tooke to immediately start salvaging logs that are dead but didn't fully burn during the wildfire season and plan for significant road maintenance to repair transportation infrastructure that was damaged by wildfires. Tester asked Tooke to work hand-in-hand with Congress to eliminate the need for the Forest Service to borrow funds to fight wildfires, shore up the Forest Service budget, and fund fighting wildfires like other natural disasters. Tester is supporting legislation to end fire-borrowing and ensure the Forest Service has the funding certainty to proactively manage the forest, mitigate fires risks, and improve trail and road maintenance. Tester also emphasized the impact that wildfire seasons have on the state's largest industries: agriculture and outdoor recreation. Wildfires have burned more than 1.2 million acres in Montana this year, which is three times the ten-year average. Chief Tooke was sworn in to lead the Forest Service on September 1st. A list of Tester's priorities for Chief Tooke is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5573,Tester to Wells Fargo: Reverse Course and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is [press_release],2017-10-03,2017,2017-10,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)- Moments after securing a major assurance from Wells Fargo, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is calling on the bank to put its money where its mouth is. Tester today received assurance from Wells Fargo CEO Tim Sloan during a Senate Banking Committee hearing that the bank will not force victims into arbitration when seeking justice for opening fraudulent accounts in their name. After Sloan's testimony, Tester is now calling on the CEO to follow through with his commitment and drop a motion in a federal class action lawsuit that requires victims of Wells Fargo's fraudulent actions to waive their right to sue and seek justice. ""Wells Fargo must be held fully accountable for their actions,"" Tester said. ""I take Mr. Sloan at his word and Wells Fargo must reverse its course, stop denying folks the ability to seek justice, and drop their forced arbitration clauses in all class action lawsuits going forward in cases of fraudulent accounts."" Forced arbitration clauses block consumers from suing a company over fraudulent actions and require them to seek recourse through a third-party arbitrator fault. Tester is specifically referring to a federal court case in Utah where Wells Fargo is requesting the court force victims of fraud to enter into forced arbitration. Despite Sloan telling Tester that Wells Fargo was not and had not engaged in forced arbitration, Wells Fargo's attorney filed this forced arbitration motion two weeks ago. The federal court case in Utah is one of several pending lawsuits regarding Wells Fargo fraudulent actions. Tester last year sponsored legislation to eliminate the ability of any bank to force customers into arbitration on any issue associated with fraudulent accounts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5568,Tester Announces $1.3 Million for Montana Techs New Upward Bound Program [press_release],2017-09-29,2017,2017-09,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today that Montana Tech will receive over $1.3 million dollars to launch its new Upward Bound Math & Science Program, which will assist low-income Butte High School students prepare for college. ""Upward Bound makes a real difference in the lives of first generation college students, providing a pathway for success and opportunity,"" said Tester, a former teacher. ""These resources offer students the extra support they need to attend high school, achieve better scores, and ultimately enroll in college."" The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Education and will allow Montana Tech to help 60 Butte High School students prepare for college each year, with a specific focus on the math and science programs that Montana Tech specializes in. Montana Tech was one of just 47 schools in the country to receive a perfect score on its grant proposal and one of only 22 new programs to receive funding this year. ""This is a particularly personal victory for me,"" said Amy Verlanic, Executive Director for the Institute for Educational Opportunities at Montana Tech and author of the grant. ""I grew up low income and the first in my family to attend college, so I understand the educational and social challenges that these students face. We're very grateful to Senator Tester. He fights for Montana kids in D.C. every day and his work has resulted in tangible benefits and opportunities for our students."" ""Montana Tech was recently ranked the #1 college to contribute to the economic mobility of the United States,"" said Doug Abbott, Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Montana Tech. ""This grant will allow our reach and impact to expand beyond Tech's undergraduate enrollment and provide Butte students at earlier ages the education needed for social and economic mobility."" Earlier this year, Tester announced another $1.48 million for Montana Tech's general Upward Bound Program. Tester also successfully defended Montana students after Education Secretary Betsy DeVos rejected the University of Montana's Upward Bound application because one page of its application wasn't double spaced. Tester not only demanded Devos reverse her decision, he also introduced legislation to force her to reconsider the application. After the increased pressure, Tester announced the University of Montana received its funding.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5566,Tester Named one of the Most Effective Senators in Washington [press_release],2017-09-28,2017,2017-09,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)- U.S. Senator Jon Tester was named one of the most effective members of the United States Senate for his work on behalf of Montana's veterans, service members, students, outdoorsmen and women. The University of Virginia's and Vanderbilt University's non-partisan Center for Effective Lawmaking ranked Tester as the 4th most effective Senator in the minority party for the 114th Congress. ""Montanans sent me to Washington to fix what's broken and be their tireless advocate,"" Tester said. ""Whether it's holding government bureaucrats accountable, fighting back against government overreach, or relentlessly defending Montana from folks who want to change our way of life, I will always defend Montana."" The Center for Effective Lawmaking is a joint initiative between the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University to rate each member of Congress based on the bills they sponsor, how far those bills move through the lawmaking process, and how important they are. Last Congress, Tester secured victories for Montana students, veterans, outdoorsmen and women, and enhanced America's national security. Tester passed legislation securing key military construction projects for Malmstrom Air Force Base, including a Tactical Response Force Alert Facility. Tester passed legislation providing critical upgrades to the Montana Air National Guard's C-130 fleet. Tester passed legislation strengthening America's national security by requiring rigorous background checks for travelers who have visited Syria or Iraq.  Tester passed legislation protecting the nation from insider threats by overhauling the background check process used to obtain a security clearance. Tester passed legislation giving local communities greater control in the classroom by ensuring teachers, administrators and school boards have a voice when the federal government drafts regulations.  Tester passed legislation reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund so Montana sportsmen and women can access public lands.  Tester passed legislation to improve access to Montana's outdoors by addressing the maintenance backlog of trail maintenance. Tester has also passed six bills signed into law by President Trump during the 115th Congress. A seventh sits on the President's desk awaiting the President's signature. In the 113th Congress, Tester was ranked #10, and in the 112th Congress, Tester was ranked #14. The full rankings can be seen HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5567,Tester Sends 7th Bill to Trump for Signature [press_release],2017-09-28,2017,2017-09,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - On the heels of being named one of the most effective lawmakers in the U.S. Senate, Jon Tester is sending another bipartisan bill to President Trump's desk on behalf of Montana's veterans. Trump is expected to sign the VA Expiring Authorities Act into law. Tester's bill funds and prevents a wide range of critical veterans benefits from expiring. It also includes Tester's legislation to ensure rural veterans who use transportation assistance to travel to and from medical appointments will be able to utilize those services through 2019. The bill will also continue a successful pilot program that reimburses veterans who travel to the Kalispell Vet Center for mental health care. ""These initiatives have been a life saver for so many Montana veterans and we can't let them fall to the wayside,"" said Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. ""When it comes to basic needs like health care, housing, and child care we must deliver for those who served our nation. This bill delivers on the promises we made to our veterans and their families."" The bill also funds the Caregiver Support Program, which provides assistance to those that give up their own lives to care for veterans, and Tester's legislation to extend the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, which provides critical housing, counseling and career training to homeless or at-risk veterans. Additionally, the bill advances a provision included in Tester's Deborah Sampson Act that provides more opportunities for women veterans to seek readjustment counseling. ""I would just like to take this opportunity to express my support for continuing Beneficiary Travel to Vet Centers for eligible veterans who live in highly rural counties,"" said Dr. Jeffrey Heider, Director of the Kalispell Vet Center. ""During the 3 years the pilot study has been conducted, several dozen veterans with readjustment issues related to combat experiences or military sexual trauma have been able to afford to make the trip for regular counseling sessions at our facility. If these Veterans had needed to travel between 65 and 100 miles one-way without travel pay, this could have been an obstacle to receiving care at all, or interfered with the ability to consistently make appointments, impeding progress in treatment. This program has definitely helped increase access to care for isolated veterans with readjustment issues."" ""The programs extended by this bill are vital in the fight to end homelessness among veterans and they have prevented tens of thousands of veterans and their families from ever becoming homeless,"" said Kathryn Monet, CEO of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV), including seven organizations in Montana. ""NCHV applauds Congress for their continued bipartisan commitment to ensuring veterans can continue to access the housing assistance and services they need to obtain and remain in permanent housing."" The VA Expiring Authorities Act recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives. You can read more about Tester's six other bills that have been signed into law this Congress HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5562,Tester Demands VA Secretary Create Action Plan to Prevent Veteran Suicide in Montana [press_release],2017-09-27,2017,2017-09,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - Ranking Member Jon Tester today grilled top VA officials about their efforts to reverse the high rate of veteran suicide in Montana. Tester is demanding VA Secretary David Shulkin create a concrete action plan that prevents the loss of life and addresses the serious mental health issues plaguing veterans in Montana and across the nation. ""The VA needs to take a more creative and aggressive approach to suicide prevention,"" Tester told Shulkin during a hearing of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. ""We need an action plan on how the VA is addressing this crisis in Montana that engages local communities, providers, veterans and their family members. It's on all of us to make sure that not one life is lost."" Helena veteran Matt Kuntz, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Montana, testified before Tester's Committee and advocated for additional mental health resources in rural areas. ""It is very hard for rural Montana communities to recruit and retain healthcare workers,"" said Kuntz. ""Our rural healthcare professionals have to walk a tightrope between finding enough patients to make a living and pay off their student loans, while not being overwhelmed by the workload."" Tester then questioned VA officials about the impact that VA's chronic workforce shortages are having on veterans seeking mental health care and VA's efforts to reach out to vulnerable and hard-to-reach veterans. ""VA Montana is short about 20 mental health professionals right now,"" said Tester. ""The best laid plans without the people and infrastructure below it won't help veterans in rural areas. We need to make sure we can hire mental health professionals before we can make inroads with hard-to-reach veterans."" In response to Tester's questioning, Shulkin admitted that the VA is struggling to fill vacancies for mental health professionals. As Ranking Member, Tester has pushed Congress to find ways to streamline VA's hiring process for hard-to-fill medical positions. In August, President Trump signed into law Tester's bill that enables the VA to more quickly fill medical vacancies in places like Montana. Tester has been working to expand rural and disabled veterans' access to mental telehealth care by enabling more Montana veterans to utilize VA services out of the telehealth clinic in Salt Lake City. Tester recently introduced bipartisan legislation to expand a successful pilot at the Kalispell Vet Center that will increase access to mental health services for local veterans by reimbursing them for their travel to the Vet Center. Tester recently introduced a bipartisan bill that will address the crippling mental health workforce shortages at the VA. His bill will allow the VA to hire more Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. Tester also secured funding for these crucial counselors and therapists in the appropriations bill that will fund the VA through 2018. More information about today's hearing can be found online HERE. Any veteran in crisis - or anyone concerned about a veteran in crisis - can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, send a text to 838255, or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net at any time.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5563,"Daines, Tester Press to Reduce Red Tape for Forest Management [press_release]",2017-09-27,2017,2017-09,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Daines, Tester Press to Reduce Red Tape for Forest Management (U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines today testified in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on their bill to reverse the ruling of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cottonwood Environmental Law Center v. U.S. Forest Service. The bill seeks to codify the position taken by the Obama administration that federal agencies are not required to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service at a programmatic level when new critical habitat is designated or a new species is listed. Currently there are conflicting court interpretations in the Ninth (Cottonwood Environmental Law Center v. Forest Service) and Tenth Circuits (Forest Guardians v. Forsgren) on this matter of wide-ranging import, but in October 2016 the Supreme Court denied the Department of Justice's petition to settle the discrepancy. According to the U.S. Forest Service, 80 vegetation management projects and hundreds of millions of board feet are at risk due to Cottonwood. Click HERE to watch the Senators' remarks. The text of the bill can be found HERE. Tester and Daines introduced comparable legislation in the 114th Congress. Former U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke introduced the House companion.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5564,Tester Combats Human Trafficking in Indian Country [press_release],2017-09-27,2017,2017-09,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is turning up the heat in the fight against human trafficking in Indian Country. During a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing with top Administration officials and advocates, Tester today highlighted several solutions that will provide survivors of violent crimes with more support services. Tester specifically emphasized his SURVIVE Act, which sets aside 5 percent of the Crime Victims Fund to establish and secure a critical funding stream not previously accessible by tribes. This tribal account would provide an additional $150 million that tribes could use to assist survivors of violent crimes, increase crime prevention efforts, and prosecute violent criminals. The SURVIVE Act can support domestic violence shelters, medical care, counseling, legal assistance and services, and child and elder abuse prevention. ""Human trafficking is tearing too many Native American communities apart,"" Tester said. ""To successfully combat this heinous crime and increase safety in Indian Country, I'm working with tribes to bring criminals to justice and healing to survivors."" The Crime Victims Fund pays for itself by collecting criminal fines, forfeited appearance bonds, penalties, special assessments, gifts, and donations. Currently, every state in the country has access to a set-aside fund from the Crime Victims Fund, but state funds almost never reach Native American communities. Tester also underscored the continued need for better human trafficking data in Indian Country. After demands from Tester, earlier this year the Government Accountability Office released multiple reports that identify challenges to preventing human trafficking in Indian Country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5560,Tester Demands Equifax CEO Appear Before Congress Despite Resignation [press_release],2017-09-26,2017,2017-09,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester is demanding accountability from former Equifax CEO Richard Smith after the company's data breach put the identity of 367,000 Montanans at risk. Despite Smith's resignation earlier today, Tester still wants to haul the former Equifax CEO in front of the Senate Banking Committee for questioning next week to hold him accountable for the data breach and get answers for the thousands of Montanans who have had their data compromised. ""Despite Richard Smith's resignation today, he ought to still come before us next week to face the music and give Montanans the answers they deserve,"" Tester said. ""I think his resignation is less about spending time with his family and more about not spending time with us."" Tester grilled U.S. Securities and Exchange (SEC) Commissioner Jay Clayton during a Senate Banking Committee hearing today about Equifax's actions following the data breach. Tester specifically asked Clayton why it took Equifax more than six weeks to disclose the hack that compromised the personal information of up 143 million Americans. Tester secured assurance from Clayton that the SEC will hold Equifax executives accountable for any wrongdoing, regardless of whether they are still employed by the company. The U.S. Justice Department has also opened a criminal investigation into Equifax after the company's top officials sold stock during the six-weeks before the public disclosure. Tester partnered with Montana Attorney General Tim Fox last week to provide instructions to Montanans who may have had their data compromised in the Equifax breach. Former Equifax CEO Richard Smith was scheduled to appear before the Senate Banking Committee next week. Now that his resignation is public, it's unclear if he will still appear.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=5561,Tester Calls on Congress to Lower Health Care Costs for Montanans [press_release],2017-09-26,2017,2017-09,Democrat,House,MT,Jon Tester,T000464,www.tester.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tester Calls on Congress to Lower Health Care Costs for Montanans Senator Doubles Down on Support for Bipartisan Solutions (U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester today issued the following statement after Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced the Senate will not be voting on the controversial Graham-Cassidy health care proposal because it failed to earn a simple majority of votes: ""I've looked Montanans in the eye and they have told me loud and clear, it's time for Washington to work together and lower health care costs. I'm fully committed to getting that done, and now that partisan games have stalled these efforts, I urge my colleagues to start working together to improve health care."" Tester on Monday met with Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), the Chairman of the Senate Health Committee, to emphasize the importance of bipartisan work on health care. Tester has sponsored numerous bills that will lower costs and increase access to health care. Marketplace Certainty ActA bill to ensure the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stabilizes health insurance markets by making cost-sharing reduction payments. SPIKE ACTA bill to force drug companies to publicly report detailed information when they raise the price of their drugs. SAME ACTA bill to ensure Montana gets its fair share of Medicaid expansion funding.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z