Reply From Senator Tester

Yesterday (almost two days ago now), I received, via email, a reply to an email letter I sent to both of my Senators. Jon Tester, the junior Senator, has finally gotten around  to this. I suppose he is busy. Lucky for Tester (for whom I am not voting), I won’t be casting a ballot for his opponent, Congressman Dennis Rehberg. I’ll take my six more years of “the Marxist with a flat top” over the Republican who voted for the Patriot Act, the National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act, and the National Defense Authorization Act. Perhaps I shouldn’t call Tester a Marxist. He sure sounds like a Conservative in this ad. And the John Birch Society, of all groups, very often gives he and Baucus better voting records than a whole lot of other Democrats. And even a few Republicans. But, no. I will be writing in the man who lost to Rehberg in the primary, Dennis Teske, if for no other reason than to be a bitter contrarian spoil sport. Here is Senator Tester’s reply, and as with Baucus’  reply, take it for what its worth:

Dear Henry,

Thank you for contacting me about the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2011. It’s good hearing from you.

As you know, this legislation would require that an audit of the Federal Reserve be completed before the end of 2012, and would require a detailed report to Congress.

I supported an amendment requiring the non-partisan Government Accountability Office to conduct an audit of the Federal Reserve’s actions during the financial crisis in 2008. This amendment provided much-needed transparency after almost $2 trillion in low-interest loans were provided to the banks. The audit also investigated possible conflicts of interest between bankers and officials at the Federal Reserve.

I am a member of the Senate Banking Committee, which has oversight over financial and monetary policy — issues that the Board of the Federal Reserve deals with on a regular basis. The Board must make difficult decisions affecting the long-term outlook of our economy. However, the audit ensured that their actions see the light of day, and it let the Board know that it needs to account for taxpayer funds. I will continue to use my position to make sure the actions of the Federal Reserve work for all Montanans.

Your input is a critical part of making sure the laws we pass in the Senate reflect Montana priorities, and I will continue to ensure transparency when taxpayer dollars are at stake. Please do not hesitate to contact me again if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

Jon Tester

United States Senator