Politicians hate being put on the spot. Especially when they’ve been caught in a lie.
And now this top U.S. Senator is nowhere to be found after being implicated in this disgraceful video.
In a recent campaign ad, the spotlight falls on Democratic Senator Jon Tester of Montana, amidst his heated reelection campaign. The ad asserts that Tester has taken a tough stance on border security, despite his voting history reflecting opposition to several security measures.
Last week, Tester launched an ad claiming to have collaborated with Republicans in efforts to bolster border security, combat fentanyl trafficking, increase Border Patrol Agents, and support the “Remain in Mexico” policy. However, this narrative clashes with Tester’s consistent voting against GOP-sponsored measures aimed at fortifying border security.
“When Montanans see a problem, we get to work,” the ad narrates. “Jon Tester knows defending Montana starts with securing the border.”
One instance of Tester’s divergent voting pattern was his opposition to an amendment resembling parts of the Secure the Border Act, proposed by Republican Kansas Senator Roger Marshall in 2023. This amendment aimed to resume border wall construction, augment Border Patrol Agents, reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and define “Operational Control” as preventing all entries of narcotics and contraband.
Furthermore, Tester opposed a 2022 amendment by Republican South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which would have allocated $500 million to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for acquiring, deploying, and maintaining nonintrusive inspection capabilities to identify synthetic opioids and other narcotics.
Tester’s stance against border security measures extends to various other proposals, including votes against border barriers. In 2013, he opposed an amendment by Republican South Dakota Senator John Thune to mandate the completion of reinforced double-layered fencing. In 2018, Tester voted against GOP Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley’s proposal to allocate $25 billion to establish a Border Security Enforcement Fund for constructing barriers among other purposes.
Moreover, Tester voted against funding for a border wall in 2021 and 2022 by rejecting amendments proposed by Republican Senators Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Dan Sullivan of Arkansas, respectively.
“I’m Jon Tester and I approve this message to do whatever it takes to keep Montanans safe,” Tester’s voice resounds in the ad.
#MTPol: "Jon Tester worked with Republicans, fighting to shut down the border…and he fought to stop President Biden from letting migrants stay in America."
Tester (D) is up with a new ad that distances himself from Biden. Tester has reserved $14.5M in ad spending for #MTSen. pic.twitter.com/tk0tMrZin9
— AdImpact Politics (@AdImpact_Pol) April 10, 2024
The campaign ad also highlights Tester’s opposition to measures concerning migrant policies. He opposed a 2021 amendment by Republican Senator Marco Rubio that could have implemented the “Migrant Protection Protocols,” also known as former President Donald Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy.
Additionally, Tester voted against GOP provisions for the continuation of Title 42, a Trump-era policy to expel migrants, in 2021 and 2022. However, he eventually joined other vulnerable Senate Democrats in May 2023 to support extending the expulsion authority for two more years once it had lapsed.
More recently, Tester voted with Democrats in March 2024 to block an amendment proposed by GOP Senator Ted Budd that mirrored the Laken Riley Act, which aimed to bar illegal aliens who commit certain crimes from obtaining legal status or citizenship.
Tester’s Republican opponent, former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, has intensified criticisms of Tester’s record on border security as the election approaches, emphasizing that “Montanans will hold you accountable this November.”
Responding to criticisms, Tester’s campaign emphasized his efforts to secure funding for border security measures and combat fentanyl trafficking. They cited Tester’s seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee as instrumental in securing billions of dollars for border wall construction, Border Patrol personnel, and targeting fentanyl trafficking at the border. The campaign asserted Tester’s commitment to passing stringent border security bills and addressing the fentanyl crisis.
However, Tester’s opponents remain skeptical. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), backing Sheehy’s bid, has consistently criticized Tester for his shifting stances on illegal immigration and border security.
A survey by J.L. Partners highlighted illegal immigration and border security as a key concern for likely voters in Montana. The poll indicated Sheehy leading Tester by a slim margin, with a notable portion of voters undecided.
The issue of illegal immigration has gained prominence under the Biden administration, with the Republican-held House impeaching DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his handling of the crisis, though the Senate dismissed the articles of impeachment. Border Patrol data underscores the magnitude of the issue, with over a million encounters at the southern border in fiscal year 2024 alone.
Despite criticisms, Tester voiced support for President Biden’s efforts to secure the southern border during a 2023 appearance on MSNBC’s Morning Joe.
As the election fervor intensifies, the debate over border security and immigration policies continues to shape the political landscape in Montana. Tester’s voting record and campaign assertions clash have left voters to scrutinize his actions amidst the backdrop of a contentious reelection bid.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
