Tester begins second term as senator

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., launched his second term in the U.S. Senate on Thursday by pledging to responsibly cut debt and spending while providing the certainty Montana businesses need to create jobs and strengthen the economy.

Tester, who was formally sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden, said that he looked forward to working with Montanans to fight for responsible, bipartisan solutions that move the country forward.

“Every Montanan is part of this job,” Tester said. “And working together, we have a lot of work to do to responsibly cut debt and spending, and to create jobs and certainty. I’m excited about the years ahead because they’re full of opportunity for Montana, and I look forward to working with all Montanans.”

Tester, first elected to the Senate in 2006, is a third-generation farmer and former teacher from Big Sandy. He is a leader in transparency and accountability, as well as one of the nation’s foremost advocates for veterans.

Tester is also an outspoken voice for rural America and an advocate for small businesses. He has hosted 12 Small Business Opportunity Workshops across Montana to serve thousands of business owners and entrepreneurs.

In the Senate, Tester serves on the Veterans’ Affairs, Homeland Security, Indian Affairs, Banking and Appropriations committees. He is also the Chairman of the Economic Policy subcommittee.