Jon Tester

This is a rare opportunity that we have in both cutting spending and improving transparency here in Washington.

I still have some major concerns about the $150 million that is included in the President's budget for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility.

There was a 70-percent chance that a release of foot-and-mouth disease would result during this 50-year lifetime. That would be catastrophic.

In Montana, accountability and transparency are expected from our elected officials and candidates for public office.

I think a reappointment with a different person would not help you and your position at all.

I recently sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and you on the increased rate of drug smuggling across the Northern Border by low-flying aircraft.

I think that if we could get some of that technology implemented, it could really save us some money and make the border more secure in the process.

We look for common sense measures in the Senate to be done.

Montanans sent me to the U.S. Senate to bring accountability to this body, to make responsible decisions, and to protect America and the freedoms we all enjoy. I took the oath of office to defend the Constitution. That is why I am going to…

I rise today to introduce the Common Sense in Consumer Product Safety Act of 2011 on behalf of the folks across America who are outdoor enthusiasts and budding sportsman and women. This bill will bring a common sense approach to…

You've got a very difficult job, and I appreciate the work you do.

I rise today in honor of the Carroll College Fighting Saints--a tough-as-nails football team from Helena, MT, that won the NAIA championship last night. It was one of those Saturday night games football fans live for. And before I say more…

I want to talk a little bit about the omnibus bill that was pulled down 2 nights ago because there were not the votes from across the aisle to get the bill moving. In that omnibus bill, there was a number of very important projects for…

Overall in the bill, just for the record, we have added 370,000 acres of recreation area for exactly that--snowmobiles. That doesn't solve the problem on Mount Jefferson of the 4,400 acres, but we will continue to work with the Senator…

One of the most important pieces of this puzzle is getting measures in place to achieve permanent, sustainable protections. Without that, Montanans will never be certain that we are not just an election away from a change in the…

The North Fork of the Flathead is a true gem of Montana, and this clarification will help us cooperate with Canada to build upon the historic agreement between British Columbia and Montana, and establish permanent protections.

I look forward to voting for this compromise. It is a matter of creating jobs and rebuilding the economy. I think the bill does that. Is it a compromise plan I would have written? No. But it does cut taxes for the folks who need tax relief…

[CPSIA] has created a well-documented safety hazard for children, severe and unwarranted disruption to families who recreate together, and a deleterious effect on youth amateur racing.

Unfortunately, I was not able to be present to cast an important vote this evening due to a delayed flight. The vote was for cloture on the substitute food safety bill, which includes my amendment. After widespread foodborne illnesses have…

I very much appreciate the opportunity now that this important legislation is shaping up to be a much better bill with the inclusion of my amendment for family-scale producers. It protects the jobs of family farmers and ranchers and…

No one knows the needs of a sovereign Indian tribe better than the tribe itself.

I think it is important. I think any time we can empower Indian Country, it is beneficial to everybody.

We need to make sure that the Federal Government is an effective partner to tribes like Red Lake and Mille Lacs.

I just don't understand why that language is in there. I just don't get it. I think it is a given, that is all.

I want to say thank you. When I go back to Montana, they say thank you to you, and for the good work that you have done.