Tester Invites Homeland Security Secretary to Montana

Ranking Member of Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee Offers to Show Kelly Northern Border

(U.S. Senate) – After securing a verbal commitment from Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to visit Montana, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today presented a formal invite to the Secretary to tour the northern border.

Tester noted that Montana shares a 540-mile border with Canada, which plays a critical role in U.S. national security and trade.

“Montana’s landscape and extended border present unique challenges for coverage by Customs and Border Protection, local law enforcement, Tribal communities, and border communities,” wrote Tester. “It is imperative that you visit Montana’s border firsthand in order to understand these challenges and the need for sufficient staffing along our ports of entry. This trip will also allow you to get out on the ground with local partners, federal officials, and Canadian law enforcement and ultimately help you better understand the role Montana communities play in keeping our country safe.”

Tester has served on the Senate Homeland Security Committee since 2007, and is the Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee which sets Kelly’s budget.

In 2010, Tester brought Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to Montana, and in 2015, Tester hosted a northern border tour for Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Ali Mayorkas and local Border Patrol officials.

After meeting with General Kelly one-on-one and questioning him in the Homeland Security Committee, Tester voted to confirm him as Secretary.

You can read Tester’s entire invitation to Kelly HERE.