Tester, Daines, Zinke agree to host weekly coffees

Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke met at the first “Montana Coffee” of the 114th Congress on Jan. 6.

The morning get-together provided the first opportunity for Montana’s Congressional delegation to meet after Sen. Daines and Rep. Zinke were sworn in on Tuesday. The three also agreed to host weekly coffees while Congress is in session.

Tester, a Democrat, noted that Montanans expect their representatives to work together to move the state and nation forward.

“The coffee is a tradition that gives the delegation a chance to hear directly from folks and to find common ground,” Tester said. “And when Steve, Ryan and I can come together and agree on policies to strengthen the middle class and support our small businesses and working families, Montana benefits.”

Daines, a Republican, called the Montana Coffee meetings a great opportunity to hear directly from Montanans about their concerns and ideas.

“We know what can be accomplished for Montana when we find areas of agreement,” Daines said. “These coffees help lay the groundwork for getting things done for hardworking Montana families.”

Zinke, a Republican, said he’s keeping his door open to the people of Montana.

“And what better way to keep in touch with them and listen to their concerns and ideas than over a cup of coffee,” said Zinke. “I look forward to working with Steve and Jon on crafting solutions to our nation’s biggest problems and building bipartisan support for legislation that is important to Montana — like building the Keystone XL pipeline and reforming the gross mismanagement of our public lands.”

The Montana delegation will host the Montana Coffee meetings every Wednesday that Congress is in session. Montanans interested in attending can RSVP by calling Sen. Tester’s Washington, D.C. office at 202-224-2644.