Montana senator named Indian Affairs chairman

Montana Sen. Jon Tester is the new chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, while newly appointed Sen. John Walsh has been named to four committees.

Tester has served on the Indian Affairs Committee for seven years and takes over for former chairman Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington, who chaired her final committee hearing Wednesday. Tester says he’ll address many issues affecting Indian Country but will focus on improving tribal schools and colleges.

Walsh was sworn in Tuesday to finish former Sen. Max Baucus’ term. He announced Thursday that he was appointed to the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee; the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; the Rules and Administration Committee and the Special Committee on Aging.

Both Tester and Walsh are Democrats.