U.S. Sen. Jon Tester is asking Senate leaders to approve the nomination of Kurt Alme as U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana, saying the position needs long-term leadership.

The White House in June nominated Alme, of Billings, to fill the position following the recommendation of Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana.

Tester, D-Montana, also supports the nomination.

“Mr. Alme has some important work ahead of him," Tester said. "From combating the meth epidemic to keeping Montana communities safe, we need long term leadership in this position. I urge the Senate to quickly confirm Mr. Alme for this critical post.”

Alme’s nomination is now scheduled for consideration before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sept. 7.

If confirmed, Alme will fill the seat vacated by Michael Cotter ealier this year. Cotter resigned in March along with 45 other U.S. Attorney's appointed during the Obama administration.

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