Jon Tester: “I rise today to speak about the continuing resolution before the Senate to fund the government and keep this country…”

“I rise today to speak about the continuing resolution before the Senate to fund the government and keep this country moving forward. This is a very difficult assignment that they have been handed, especially as we have a brandnew chair and ranking member. The bill increases support for firefighters battling blazes out West. That is very good. It maintains a critical safety net for women and children. That is very good. It returns full funding to several critical conservation programs and reaffirms our commitment to veterans, especially rural veterans--all very good. I thank Senator Jack Reed and Senator Tim Johnson in particular for their efforts in those areas. But while no bill is perfect, I am deeply--deeply--disappointed by two provisions that were slipped into this bill by the House of Representatives when this deal was being cooked up in December. This is Sunshine Week for the Federal Government. It is a time to highlight the need for greater transparency and openness so voters can hold their elected leaders accountable and for what happens here in Washington, DC, and to just know what is going on. I take transparency seriously. When I first ran for the Senate 7 years ago, I campaigned on the need to bring more accountability and honest leadership to Washington, DC.…”