National Security & Military

As Chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Jon’s top priority is keeping Montanans safe. That’s why he works hard to ensure our country’s military service members and their families have the resources they need to keep our families secure.

The Subcommittee on Defense is responsible for providing nearly $800 billion annually to the Department of Defense and related agencies to support America’s national security. This is more than 95 percent of the military’s yearly budget, and includes matters ranging from pay and benefits for millions of service members and civilians to the development of advanced technologies and next-generation weapons. The Subcommittee also oversees funding for nearly all major U.S. intelligence agencies.

That’s why, as Chairman, Jon has secured pay raises for America’s troops, protected the flying mission at the Montana Air National Guard, and passed legislation to better secure Montana’s 540-mile northern border with Canada.

Jon also believes the Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) fleet at Malmstrom Air Force Base is the most cost-effective deterrent to ensure the nation’s safety. In fact, the very first Minutemen ICBMs—deployed in October of 1962 during the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis—were assigned to Malmstrom Air Force Base, not far from Jon’s family farm, and President John F. Kennedy referred to them as his “ace in the hole” in dealing with the Soviets.

Today, our ICBM fleet remains a critical cornerstone of our nation’s nuclear triad, and that’s why Jon has worked so hard to help modernize Malmstrom’s ICBM fleet, ensuring that the base remains safe and active for many years to come and that America stays steps ahead of our adversaries like China and Russia.

Through his leadership role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Jon crafts the budget for the Defense Department, Intelligence Community, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs—the two largest shares of the federal budget. This makes him acutely aware that while we must keep America safe, the cost of war is profound and will be felt by returning service members and American taxpayers for decades to come.

In Great Falls, Tester Celebrates MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopter Delivery at Malmstrom with Air Force Leadership
Helicopters secured by Senator through years of legislative effort Following years of successful legislative efforts in Congress to update Malmstrom Air Force Base’s aging helicopter fleet, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today attended the official Homecoming Ceremony for new MH-139 Grey...
Tester Statement on Congressional Probe into Chinese Espionage at U.S. Ports
U.S. Senator Jon Tester today issued the following statement after a congressional probe raised concerns about potential espionage efforts through Chinese-built cargo cranes deployed at ports throughout the United States: My top priority will always be defending Montana and our national security,...
BREAKING: Following Tester Efforts, Malmstrom to Receive New MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopters
Senator led sustained efforts to replace Huey fleet to increase defense capabilities and provide certainty for Malmstrom missileers Following his sustained efforts, U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today that Malmstrom Air Force Base will officially receive new MH-139 Grey Wolf...