Tester Launches Social Media Campaign in Advance of Garland Meeting

Senator Highlights Montanans Who Work Multiple Jobs While the Senate Refuses To Do One

(U.S. Senate) – In anticipation of his Thursday meeting with Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, Senator Jon Tester is launching a social media campaign to highlight hardworking Montanans who are baffled by the Senate’s inaction on this issue. Each Montanan featured in the campaign juggles more than half a dozen jobs, so why-they ask-can’t Congress do one?

“The contrast between the hardworking people I represent-who are working two, three, four jobs or more-and some of the folks in the Senate is astounding,” said Tester. “If the average citizen refused to do the job they were hired for, they’d be fired. It is long past time for my colleagues in the Senate to hold hearings and have a vote. Our country deserves better.”

The Montanans featured in Senator Tester’s campaign include Derek, a firefighter, scoutmaster, and union president from Butte; Carrie, an attorney, author, and founder of a non-profit from Billings; David, a history teacher, Forest Service employee, and athletic coach from Eureka; Winnie, a home care worker, church volunteer, and mentor for at-risk youth from Wolf Point; and Chris, an artist, teacher, and hunter from Missoula.

“If I approached any of my jobs-as a firefighter, a union leader, or a father-the same way certain Senators are approaching their duty to confirm a new justice to the court, well…I wouldn’t have those jobs anymore,” Derek said. “It’s frustrating that hardworking Montanans get their jobs done, while some members of Congress won’t do the same.”

Tester has repeatedly called on his colleagues to hold a hearing for Garland, arguing that the Constitution is clear when it comes to the Senate’s responsibility to advise and consent on the President’s nominee. And while Tester reminds his colleagues that they are free to vote against Judge Garland if they believe he’s unqualified, they cannot effectively determine that without first holding a hearing on the President’s nominee.