Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) faces a tough reelection bid in 2024 and is urging the Biden administration and Congress to “secure the border” amid historic numbers of illegal entrants on the Mexican border.
Mr. Tester, a Democrat incumbent who will face off against the Republican pick in November, is looking to maintain his seat in a state that already has one GOP senator.
“We know that drug cartels are taking advantage of these gaps in our border security to traffic drugs and people across the border. That needs to stop.”
The 17-year veteran of public service went on to say that concerns of how drug and human trafficking has impacted Montana families and local bodies’ budgets, as well as national security, has caused him to speak to both President Joe Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about the issue, calling it “unacceptable.”
“That is why I urged Senate leaders from both parties to prioritize a solution to the border crisis, one that I believe we should have stayed in Washington and worked over the holidays to solve,” Mr. Tester went on.
The Montana Democrat has, as of the 2024 election, made it through three close races and is the only Democrat still holding a high office in the state of Montana. The narrow majority in the Senate held by Democrats also adds pressure to Mr. Tester’s campaign.
The Democrat is expected to face off against Republican Tim Sheehy, a candidate backed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
“America needs conservative leaders who love our country, and that’s why I’m running for the United States Senate. I want to create a better future for my kids and your children and grandchildren. Our campaign is about service, God, and country, not politics as usual.”
“I’ve served overseas and seen firsthand what happens when you have a porous border,” Mr. Sheehy said.
“What’s happening at the southern border is an absolute crisis, and it gets worse each day under the Biden administration and with career politicians like Jon Tester who talk a tough game about border security but aren’t getting the job done.
“We need to take a strong stand and secure our border, finish the wall, and finally put an end to illegal immigration once and for all.”
The pair have sparred about the border issue, with Mr. Sheehy posting on an almost daily basis about border security and Mr. Tester’s alleged role in not securing the border and the impact that lack of security has had on the nation.
Mr. Sheehy’s comments are in stark contrast to what Mr. Tester asserted is his goal in the Senate.
The lawmaker said in his Jan. 21 article “The lack of urgency from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address this crisis is frankly disturbing.”
He outlined his visit to the Texas border with Mexico and the bills introduced by Democrats that he asserts would give law enforcement the tools and funds to “tackle this crisis head-on.”
The Democrat seemed to attempt to strike a bipartisan tone, saying, “It’s time for Congress to quit the political gamesmanship.
“My message to the president and my colleagues in Congress is simple: It’s time to stop pointing fingers, quit using the border as a political talking point, and roll up our sleeves.
“I’m committed to working with anyone, Republican or Democrat, to get a deal done that secures our borders and protects our state and our country.”
