Montana News

Tester takes U.S. Senate oath, starts 2nd term

Posted: Jan 3, 2013 1:42 PM by MTN News
Updated: Jan 3, 2013 1:50 PM

WASHINGTON, DC - The 113th U.S. Congress is underway as Vice President Joe Biden issued the oath of office Thursday morning in the U.S. Senate.

Montana Senator Jon Tester was one of 33 Senators sworn in, and was accompanied by Senator Max Baucus on his walk down the aisle.

"Every Montanan is part of this job," Tester said in a statement. "And working together, we have a lot of work to do to responsibly cut debt and spending, and to create jobs and certainty. I'm excited about the years ahead because they're full of opportunity for Montana, and I look forward to working with all Montanans."

The Democrat from Big Sandy is beginning his second term on Capitol Hill after defeating Denny Rehberg in a close contest back in November.

Tester serves on the Veterans' Affairs, Homeland Security, Indian Affairs, Banking and Appropriations Committees. He is also the Chairman of the Economic Policy subcommittee.

History was made as 20 female senators were sworn in on Thursday, the most ever to serve in the U.S. Senate.