(Big Sandy, Mont.) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester, Chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, today released the following statement on the passing of former U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson:

“Johnny Isakson was a true statesman, a fierce advocate for veterans, and a good friend that you rarely find. It was one of the great honors of my lifetime to serve alongside him on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and I’m keeping Dianne and his whole family in my prayers.”