Tester Demands Answers From Officials Regarding Spy Balloon

During a conference call with Montana’s media members, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont, stressed that he will continue demanding more answers regarding the Chinese spy balloon that was first publicly reported in U.S. airspace above Billings.

Tester told reporters that it was a clear violation of U.S. air space. He said it doesn’t buy that it was a coincidence that the balloon went over an Air Force base.

“Montanans deserve answers,” Tester said.

The Democrat said he will work with people on both sides of the aisle to make sure the U.S. defense has all the supplies it needs.

Tester said China will do anything for world dominance.

“China wants to be the global economic leader,” he said.

The senator noted that it receives information every day that China is doing things out of the norm.

He feels that the balloon should had been shot down earlier, but he understands that President Biden listened to the advice of military leaders. He wishes Biden would address Americans about the matter.

“People are concerned about this,” Tester said. “Hearing from the president would be a good thing.”

Last week, the Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution led by Tester and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, condemning the spy balloon.

“Montanans expect their elected leaders to work across party lines to defend our national security, which is why I’m proud to lead this bipartisan resolution condemning China’s unacceptable provocation in the strongest possible terms,” Tester said in a press release. “Any effort by China to interfere with Americans’ freedom and privacy will be met with a united front in the Senate, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure they fail in their effort to replace us as the world’s leading superpower.”

Also during the press conference call, Tester said his listening tours held in eastern Montana during January regarding the Farm Bill went extremely well.

Ideas expressed included improving the reference program, increasing flexibility for the conservation programs and increasing competition in the market place.

He said he had more than 20 pages of notes from the meetings and passed them to the ranking member of the committee.

When asked about the closure of Sidney Sugars, Tester said it was bad news for the employees, growers and community. He said it’s been an issue for many years.

Tester said he is prepared to roll up his sleeves and help in any way possible with the situation.