Two leading members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee have been awarded the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2023 Legislator of the Year award for their staunch and effective support of the Army and soldiers, veterans and their families.

Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat from Montana, and Republican Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas recently were honored on Capitol Hill by AUSA President and CEO retired Gen. Bob Brown.

“AUSA is pleased to recognize Sen. Jon Tester and Sen. Jerry Moran as our Legislators of the Year,” Brown said. “These senators have long distinguished themselves through their bipartisan leadership and support for the Total Army. They have shown steadfast commitment to our men and women in uniform as well as our veterans and their families.”

Tester is chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Moran is the ranking member. Both senators also serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee, with Tester chairing the defense subcommittee and Moran serving as a member of the subcommittee.

Tester and Moran also were instrumental in Congress passing the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act. Known as the PACT Act, it helps veterans exposed to burn pits and represents the most significant expansion of benefits and services for affected veterans in more than 30 years.

“AUSA is honored to recognize Sen. Tester and Sen. Moran for their record of getting results for those who wear the cloth of our nation and commitment to working together for the good of those who have sacrificed so much,” Brown said. 

AUSA’s Legislator of the Year award is an apolitical and nonpartisan award designed to recognize congressional leaders who have made significant contributions to and provided substantial support for the Total Army—Regular Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve—as well as Army civilians, families, survivors, caregivers and veterans.

This is the second time the award has been presented since 2013, even though AUSA began recognizing congressional leaders more than two decades ago.

“American service members put their lives on the line every day to protect our country, and they deserve our unwavering support and gratitude,” Tester said. “I am humbled to have been named Legislator of the Year by the Association of the U.S. Army, and I will always back the brave men and women who answer the call to protect this nation and defend our freedoms.”

In a statement, Moran said, “AUSA has been a significant partner in supporting the work on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and teaching young people about the importance of serving in the military. I am honored to receive the Legislator of the Year Award and am grateful for the work accomplished to aid our veterans and service members.”