Montana Senator Jon Tester Joins Senate Commerce Committee to Fight for Montana Businesses

Senator: Our State’s Economy Will Be Front and Center

U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that he will be joining the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

The Committee has jurisdiction over transportation, internet, interstate commerce, communications, pipeline safety, cyber security, consumer protection, and research and development.

"I’m honored to serve the people of Montana on this important Committee," said Tester. "Our state’s economy will be front and center as we work together to strengthen our transportation infrastructure, boost broadband and broadcasting, and fight for higher paying jobs. I look forward to partnering with Montana businesses to ensure our state’s Main Streets are thriving."

The news of Tester’s appointment came with support from Montana’s top business, telecommunication, and transportation leaders.

"The Montana Chamber congratulates Senator Tester on his appointment to the Commerce Committee," said Webb Brown, President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. "We know he will keep Montana’s small businesses in mind as he makes decisions affecting business success and economic prosperity."

"Montana Telecommunications Association is delighted with Senator Tester’s appointment to the Senate Commerce Committee," said Geoff Feiss, General Manager of the Montana Telecommunications Association. "His assignment puts him front and center in the upcoming deliberations on how we can deliver universal access to affordable broadband services that are so critical to America’s economic vitality. MTA is excited to work with Senator Tester to push for a strong federal commitment to aggressive investment in the nation’s broadband infrastructure–including a robust fiber backbone–particularly in rural America."

"We look forward to working with Senator Tester in his new role on the Commerce Committee," said Mike Halligan, Director of Government and Corporate Relations of the Washington Corporations. "Having a strong rural advocate on this important committee will create opportunities that will help spur economic growth and strengthen Montana’s transportation industry."

"Throughout his time in public office, Senator Tester has always demonstrated an appreciation for the unique value that local broadcast television and radio stations provide to Montanans," said Dewey Bruce, President and CEO of the Montana Broadcasters Association. "We look forward to working with him in his new role as a member of the Commerce Committee, as broadcasters make the case for policies that benefit our thousands of home state viewers and listeners."

"This is great news for the Motor Carriers of Montana," said Barry "Spook" Stang, Executive Vice President of the Motor Carriers of Montana. "We look forward to working with Senator Tester to ensure safe roadways, common-sense rules of the road and a robust transportation network that helps drive our state’s economy."

Tester also serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. He sits on a total of five committees: Commerce, Veterans’ Affairs, Appropriations, Banking, and Indian Affairs.