Tester to Lead Critical Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee

National Border Patrol Council ‘could not be happier’ with Appointment

(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester today announced that he will serve as Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee during the 115th Congress, leading important debates on national security.

As Ranking Member, Tester will help craft the Homeland Security budget which includes U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the Transportation Security Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“As a leader on this Committee, I will ensure the folks who patrol our borders, vet foreign travelers, and respond to emergency disasters, have the resources they need to keep families across Montana and all of America safe,” Tester said. “I will work with both Republicans and Democrats on the Committee to strengthen national security while eliminating the bureaucratic waste that has saddled our kids with truckloads of debt.”

In addition to serving as Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Tester is also a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. Tester is the only member of the U.S. Senate to serve on both committees, and as a result will be able to authorize and appropriate funds for critical national safety initiatives.

The National Border Patrol Council praised Tester’s appointment.

“Taxpayers and Border Patrol Agents could not be happier with the announcement that Senator Tester would become the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee,” said Brandon Judd, President of the National Border Patrol Council. “His leadership on pay reform saved the taxpayers over $1 billion while providing financial stability for our members. The American public wants border security and Senator Tester is committed to helping our agents make it happen.”

As Ranking Member of the Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee last year, Tester helped author the only must-pass funding bill that was signed into law for a full year.