Tester to join Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation

Sen. Jon Tester on Tuesday said he'll be joining the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, giving Montana a voice on issues ranging from interstate commerce to research and development.

That could also include revisiting net neutrality and a pending bill on self-driving trucks.

“Our state’s economy will be front and center as we work together to strengthen our transportation infrastructure, boost broadband and broadcasting, and fight for higher-paying jobs,” Tester said in a statement. “I look forward to partnering with Montana businesses to ensure our state’s Main Streets are thriving.”

Tester, the state's senior senator who is up for reelection this year, is the ranking member of the Committee on Veterans Affairs. He also sits on Indian Affairs, the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, and the Committee on Homeland Security.

Sen. Steve Daines is also a member of the Homeland Security, appropriations and Indian affairs committees, as well as the Committee on Agriculture and Forestry and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

All committee assignments are for the 115th Congress.

“We look forward to working with Senator Tester in his new role on the Commerce Committee,” said Mike Halligan, director of government and corporate relations of the Washington Corporations. “Having a strong rural advocate on this important committee will create opportunities that will help spur economic growth and strengthen Montana’s transportation industry.”

The Montana Broadcasting Association also praised Tester's new appointment.

“Throughout his time in public office, Senator Tester has always demonstrated an appreciation for the unique value that local broadcast television and radio stations provide to Montanans,” said Dewey Bruce, the organization's president and CEO. “We look forward to working with him in his new role as a member of the Commerce Committee, as broadcasters make the case for policies that benefit our thousands of home state viewers and listeners.”