Jon Tester (D-MT, Ranking Member)

Brief Biography

Jon Tester is the Democratic U.S. Senator from Montana, a position he has held since 2007. Born on August 21, 1956, he has a background in farming and public service, including prior roles as President of the Montana Senate and as a member of the Montana Senate. His legislative priorities encompass agriculture, veterans' affairs, rural development, and national security. In the 119th Congress, he serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, where he advocates for responsible military funding, oversight of defense programs, and support for service members and veterans.

Contact Information

• Website: https://www.tester.senate.gov/

• Washington, DC Office:

  • Address: 311 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

  • Phone: (202) 224-2644

  • Fax: (202) 224-8594

  • Email/Contact Form: https://www.tester.senate.gov/contact (requires ZIP code verification for constituents; non-constituents can use general form or mail)

• District Offices:

  • Billings Office: 119 First Avenue North, Suite 102, Billings, MT 59101; Phone: (406) 252-0550; Fax: (406) 252-9538

  • Bozeman Office: 1 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bozeman, MT 59715; Phone: (406) 586-4450; Fax: (406) 586-3614

  • Butte Office: 119 West Granite Street, Butte, MT 59701; Phone: (406) 782-8700; Fax: (406) 782-8705

  • Great Falls Office: 8 3rd Street North, Suite 202, Great Falls, MT 59401; Phone: (406) 452-9585; Fax: (406) 452-9586

  • Helena Office: 208 North Montana Avenue, Suite 202, Helena, MT 59601; Phone: (406) 449-5401; Fax: (406) 449-5462

  • Kalispell Office: 8 Third Street East, Kalispell, MT 59901; Phone: (406) 257-3360; Fax: (406) 257-3974

  • Missoula Office: 130 West Front Street, Missoula, MT 59802; Phone: (406) 728-3003; Fax: (406) 728-2193

• Other Notes: Tester's representation of a rural state with significant veteran populations informs his strong advocacy for military and veteran issues. His office welcomes input on national security and appropriations matters. Social media: @SenatorTester on X (Twitter).

Sample Letter

[This letter is customizable; users can copy, paste, and personalize it for email, print, or mail. Include your name, address, and contact details to verify legitimacy.]

Subject: Support for Amendment to Enhance USMC Rifle Marksmanship Training in FY2027 Appropriations Act

Dear Senator Tester,

I am writing to express my strong support for an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of War Appropriations Act that would mandate a minimum of 3,120 rounds of annual rifle training for every United States Marine. As a signer of the #morebulletspeez petition, which has garnered widespread backing from Marine families, veterans, and concerned citizens, I urge you to consider including this provision in the bill during subcommittee markup.

This amendment addresses a critical readiness gap, particularly for the approximately 118,000 Marines in support and non-infantry roles who often receive fewer than 400 rounds per year. By allocating $235 million—$75 million for Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps (including rifle sustainment such as barrel replacements) and $160 million for Procurement of Ammunition, Navy and Marine Corps—it ensures all Marines uphold the "every Marine a rifleman" principle without redundancy for combat-oriented positions. The proposal includes flexible scheduling and a policy directive for the Commandant to update Marine Corps Order 3574.2M, promoting efficiency and accountability.

As the Ranking Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, your leadership is essential in prioritizing such investments in our military's preparedness. I respectfully request your support for this amendment to strengthen the Marine Corps' capabilities.

Thank you for your service and consideration. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Your Email]

[Your Phone Number]

[Petition Signer ID or Note: "Signer of #morebulletspeez Petition"]