Tester Statement on Chinese Spy Balloon Above Montana

Following reports that a suspected Chinese spy balloon was in U.S. airspace above Billings, Montana, U.S. Senator Jon Tester, chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement:

“This provocation is completely unacceptable, and I am in close contact with Department of Defense and Intelligence officials. We are still waiting for real answers on how this happened and what steps the Administration took to protect our country, and I will hold everyone accountable until I get them. I will always defend Montana and our national security from hostile adversaries like China.”

Tester will receive a classified briefing in a secure facility upon his return to Washington.