{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"MN\" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-1231", "Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/31", "2013-12-31", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mark Hartsell  Library of Congress Christmas Tree\nDear Friends,\nThe 113th Congress will enter its second session on January 7th as 2013 comes to a close. Northland Community and Technical College will benefit from the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s recent decision to designate North Dakota as a test site for Unmanned Aerial Systems. The National Park Service is making national park entrance fees free for nine days next year, and Chippewa Forest will have a big role to play in next year\u2019s Christmas celebrations.\nSincerely,\nCongressman Collin C. Peterson  Minnesota 7th District\n 2014 House Legislative Calendar \nClick here to view the tentative legislative calendar for 2014.\n Unmanned Aerial Systems \nThis week the Federal Aviation Administration designated North Dakota as one of six test sites in the nation for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). This is also good news for northwest Minnesota and for Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls which offers a UAS maintenance-training program that was first in the nation. Thanks to the leadership team at Northland College, and all the other partners in the region who worked hard for many years to develop and implement this technology and the programs that are experiencing unprecedented growth, we will see this region as a leader in UAS.\nClick here to read a UAS article written by the Grand Forks Herald.\n National Park Service \nThe National Park Service announced that entrance to America\u2019s 401 national parks will be free to the public on nine days in 2014.\u00a0 Dates of free admission are:\u00a0\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 February 15-17: Presidents Day weekend\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 April 19-20: National Park Week\u2019s opening weekend\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 August 25: National Park Service\u2019s 98th birthday\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 September 27: National Public Lands Day\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 November 11: Veterans Day\nAccording to National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis, more than 280 million people visit America\u2019s national parks each year. \u201cNational parks not only protect and preserve the places we most value; they also add enormous economic value to nearby communities and the entire nation.\u00a0Visitor spending represents a $30 billion annual benefit to the national economy and supports more than 250,000 jobs,\u201d said Jarvis. \u201cFee-free days are a great way to both thank those visitors and introduce parks to first-timers who can find a new place to call an old favorite.\u201d\u00a0\nVisitors should note that this is an entrance free waiver only, so it does not cover amenity or user fees for things such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.\nFor more information on Minnesota\u2019s National Parks, click here.\n 2014 Capitol Christmas Tree \nThe U.S. Forest Service announced that Minnesota\u2019s own Chippewa National Forest will provide the 2014 Capitol Christmas Tree.\u00a0According to the Architect of the Capitol, the tradition of displaying a Christmas tree on the Capitol Grounds is relatively recent.\u00a0Records of correspondence dating back to 1919 show that a Christmas tree was purchased that year, but it was not until 1964 that a procedure for tree selection and a tree-lighting ceremony was established.\u00a0The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service has provided the trees since 1970.\u00a0Minnesota has supplied the trees three times since then.\u00a0\nThe last Minnesota tree that graced the Capitol lawn was in 1992.\u00a0I look forward to seeing a Minnesota tree return to our nation\u2019s capital next year!\u00a0\n This Week in American History \nOn December 31st, 1894, Roseau County, named for the lake and river within its region, was established by an order of Governor Knute Nelson. Roseau County borders Canada and Lake of the Woods in northwest Minnesota. According to the 2010 census, the population was 15,629 and covers a total area of 1,678 square miles.\nClick here to learn more about the history of Roseau County.\n  \u201cGuitar Painting\u201d  Brady Larson (CROOKSTON)  2013 Congressional Art Competition", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=0fcf598a-e91b-42fb-9f5c-f2162f42e672", "Klobuchar Calls for Action to Crack Down on Cell Phone Thefts", "2013-12-30", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nearly one-in-three robberies involve phone theft and consumers lose more than $30 billion each year to lost and stolen phones; in Minnesota, recent cell phone thefts at the Mall of America and the University of Minnesota have threatened public safety \r\n In a letter to wireless industry leaders, Klobuchar urges companies to take action to stem mobile device thefts by ensuring consumers have access to the most advanced security features such as a \u201ckill switch\u201d\u00a0 \r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today called on the wireless industry to take action to crack down on cell phone thefts. The thefts are becoming a growing problem across the country with nearly one-in-three robberies involving phone theft. It\u2019s estimated that each year consumers lose more than $30 billion to lost or stolen phones. In Minnesota, recent cell phone thefts at the Mall of America and the University of Minnesota have threatened public safety. In a letter to wireless industry leaders, Klobuchar urged companies to take action to stem mobile device thefts by ensuring consumers have access to the most advanced security features, such as a \u201ckill switch\u201d that would deter criminals who intend to illegally resell the devices.\r\n\u201cMobile devices aren\u2019t just telephones anymore \u2013 increasingly people\u2019s livelihoods depend on them,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cThat\u2019s why we need to do more to crack down on criminals who are stealing and reselling these devices, costing consumers billions every year. The wireless industry needs to step up to the plate and address these thefts, and make sure consumers have the most advanced security technology at their fingertips.\u201d\r\nKlobuchar is a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and chairs the Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee, and has been a leader in standing up for consumers and boosting competition in the marketplace. She authored legislation\u2014the Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act and the Wireless Consumer Choice Act\u2014to strengthen consumer protections in the wireless industry, including looking at allowing consumers to unlock their phones. Klobuchar has also pushed the FCC to examine the competitive impact on consumers from the wireless carriers\u2019 exclusive arrangements with cell phone manufacturers. Klobuchar also cosponsored legislation led by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) that adds criminal penalties of up to five years in jail for tampering with cell phones in order to circumvent the service ban on a stolen phone.\r\nThe full text of the letter is below:\r\n\r\nDecember 30, 2013\r\n\r\nMr. Lowell McAdam\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mr. Dan Hesse\r\nChairman and Chief Executive Officer\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chief Executive Officer\r\nVerizon Communications, Inc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sprint Communications, Inc.\r\n140 West Street\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0200 Sprint Parkway\r\nNew York, New York 10007\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Overland Park, Kansas 66351\r\n\u00a0\r\nMr. Randall Stephenson\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Mr. John Legere\r\nChief Executive Officer \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 `\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 President and Chief Executive Officer\r\nAT&T, Inc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 T-Mobile USA, Inc.\r\n208 South Akard Street\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a012920 Southeast 38th Street\r\nDallas, Texas 75202\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Bellevue, Washington 98006\r\n\u00a0\r\nMr. Kenneth Meyers\r\nPresident and Chief Executive Officer\r\nU.S. Cellular Corporation\r\n8410 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 700\r\nChicago, Illinois 60631\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Messrs. McAdam, Stephenson, Hesse, Legere, and Meyers:\r\nI am writing to express my concern regarding the increase in crimes involving the theft of mobile devices across the country.\u00a0 As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee, I understand that consumers are utilizing more mobile technology and this is spurring growth in our economy.\u00a0 Unfortunately, more and more consumers are also at risk of being targeted by criminals looking to steal cell phones and other devices for illegal resale.\u00a0 I appreciate the work the industry has done in creating a database to keep stolen phones from being reactivated, but more action is needed.\r\nAccording to the Federal Communications Commission, almost one-in-three robberies involve phone theft and the cost to consumers of lost or stolen phones is more than $30 billion each year.\u00a0 I\u2019ve heard from local law enforcement officials about the continued call for the wireless industry to engage with them further and to adopt \u201ckill switch\u201d technologies on devices.\u00a0 Additionally, state Attorneys General have suggested that wireless carriers have not taken adequate steps to fight cell phone theft.\u00a0\r\nAs Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, I expect wireless carriers to compete against one another to ensure consumers are offered the most advanced security features and offerings.\u00a0 Your five companies are the nation\u2019s leading wireless carriers, collectively serving more than 90 percent of the nation\u2019s wireless subscribers. With that market share comes an obligation to do all you can to utilize technologies available to protect consumers.\r\nWhile I understand your companies are continuing to work with law enforcement on the stolen cell phone database, it is clear that consumers want and deserve a comprehensive strategy to prevent mobile device thefts.\u00a0 That is why I respectfully request that each of your companies provides my Judiciary Subcommittee detailed information on the following issues by January 9, 2014:\r\n \r\nInformation explaining whether you have had offers by handset manufacturers to install \u201ckill switch\u201d technology, and, if so, why your company has or has not adopted such technology.\u00a0\r\nInformation about whether you have considered including this solution on handsets made by manufacturers now competing with Apple\u2019s activation lock technology that operates as a \u201ckill switch\u201d on iPhones.\u00a0 If not, please describe your reasoning behind the decision made by your company.\u00a0\r\nHow your company will include such technology options at no cost to consumers in the future and how your phone security offerings differ from your competitors.\u00a0\r\n \r\nIdentifying ways to curb mobile device theft is a top priority of mine and I will continue to advocate for the American wireless consumer. \u00a0I also believe additional action to protect wireless consumers is necessary and that's why I am asking you for this information. \u00a0The status quo is not acceptable.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=aced5d15-9019-4d4f-b09b-a5bfd63b93b7", "Klobuchar Statement on Shezanne Cassim", "2013-12-23", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar made the following statement regarding the decision by the United Arab Emirates to sentence Shezanne Cassim to a year in prison.\r\n\u201cKeeping a young man in jail for a year for simply posting a video that meant no harm is outrageous, especially given the fact that the defendants from the United Arab Emirates appeared to get lighter sentences. The UAE holds itself out to be among the most tolerant and just nations in the region, but this sentence is unjust and unreasonable. I will continue to work with State Department and UAE officials as well as Shezanne\u2019s family to make sure we get him home as soon as possible.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-1220", "Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/20", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Snow in Swift\nDear Friends,\nThis week, a bill I sponsored to name the Fergus Falls Federal Courthouse after Judge Edward J. Devitt passed the Senate. Since my bill also passed the House of Representatives in late September, it now goes to the White House to be signed by the President. A groundbreaking ceremony for a rehabilitation center was held at the St. Cloud VA Health Care system, which will help to provide more excellent care to our nation\u2019s veterans. In agriculture news, I spent a few extra days in Washington this week as we continued negotiations toward a deal on the farm bill. Finally, the Smithsonian is asking for personal stories from farmers across the nation about the experiences of farming and ranching. See below for more information.\u00a0\nSincerely,\nCongressman Collin C. Peterson\nMinnesota 7th District\n Fergus Falls Courthouse \nLegislation I sponsored with Senator Amy Klobuchar to rename the federal courthouse in Fergus Falls after Judge Edward J. Devitt, the former chief judge of Minnesota\u2019s federal district court, unanimously passed the Senate on Tuesday. The bill now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. Formally confirmed in 1955, Devitt served as a federal judge for thirty seven years until his death at the age of 80, including twenty two years as chief judge. Judge Devitt was a distinguished jurist and it's fitting to honor him by naming the Fergus Falls building after him. Judge Devitt was popular among his colleagues, was a friend and role model to countless judges.\n Groundbreaking \nIn the midst of some wintry conditions on Monday, the St. Cloud VA Health Care system, which benefits veterans living in the eastern areas of the 7th District, held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Rehabilitation Center. The center will support residential and outpatient programs, an Independent Living Skills area, and advanced medical technology to provide higher-quality care to Veterans. Some of the expanded programs will be Physiatry, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy. I believe our nation\u2019s veterans deserve the best health care possible, and this new Rehabilitation Center will improve quality of life.\n Agriculture Innovation and Heritage Archive \nAs fewer and fewer Americans make their living primarily through farming, it is becoming more important to preserve innovations and experiences in farming. The Smithsonian\u2019s National Museum of American History is asking the public to share their stories about the technologies and advancements in agricultural work. The goal of this archive is to build a comprehensive digital archive of modern agriculture through user-submitted personal stories.\nIf you or someone you know are interested in sharing your agriculture story, please click here.\nUSDA Rural Development will provide a $2.1 million loan guarantee to Great River Energy to provide financing to Vertical Farms Produce, LLC for the purchase of equipment at their Fergus Falls facility. The project is expected to create 14 new jobs. This is great news for Fergus Falls and for the region. Value-added produce is making great strides in our rural communities along with the desire for local foods, and this will be a nice boost to the local economy.\nThe project consists of Vertical Farms, LLC operating a year-round indoor growing and packaging facility using Artificial Light Vertical Stacking (ALVS) technology.\u00a0 The initial product will be lettuce, with expansion of the product mix to include herbs, spinach, strawberries and basil. \u00a0\nUSDA Rural Development has approved a 70 percent Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan for Great River Energy to fund the project. Additional funding partners include West Central Initiative, the Fergus Falls Port Authority, and the City of Fergus Falls.\n Traveling Exhibit in Kittson County \nThe Kittson County Museum and History Center in Lake Bronson is currently showing a traveling exhibit, \u201cInnovators, Inventors and Entrepreneurs\u201d sponsored by the Minnesota\u2019s Historic Northwest, a partnership of museums in a 12-county region. The exhibit includes people and companies that tell a great story about Northwest Minnesota.\nSee the story from the Grand Forks Herald by clicking here.\n This Week in American History \nPainting inside Capitol rotunda depicting the birth of aviation\nOn December 17th, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright become the first humans to successfully fly a self-propelled aircraft. On the ground breaking flight, Orville piloted the gas-powered biplane for 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. The Wright brothers picked Kitty Hawk, a small village on coastal North Carolina, to conduct their flight tests because of the steady winds and the sand dunes provided soft landings. They designed and built a 12-horsepower internal combustion engine to install into a new biplane. The first few attempts at flight failed due to a stalled engine, but after Orville reached the air for 12 seconds the aviation age was born.\n\u201cSerene Lagoon\u201d\nMorgan Howard (WARREN)\n2013 Congressional Art Competition", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2646", "Sens. Franken, Kirk Fighting to Expand Access to Affordable Cancer Treatments", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) took a key step toward ensuring access to the best cancer treatments for patients across the country by unveiling a bipartisan bill to end the unfair practice of allowing insurance companies to charge more for certain chemotherapy drugs. The Cancer Treatment Parity Act of 2013, authored and introduced by the Senators, would help give people battling cancer access to the treatments they need, when they need it. Nationwide, almost 14 million Americans are living with a cancer diagnosis, and more than 1.6 million new cases will be identified this year. But right now, many of these cancer patients can't access certain chemotherapy drugs because of misaligned insurance coverage policies that result in prohibitively high costs for some types of treatments. The Senators' new legislation would fix the coverage issue by requiring all private insurance plans to provide similar access to patient-administered cancer drugs, such as those in pill form, and physician-administered cancer drugs, such as IV chemotherapy treatments. \"All cancer patients should have access to the treatment they need, when they need it,\" said Sen. Franken. \"And insurance companies shouldn't be able to charge more for their cancer medication depending on whether it's a pill or comes from an IV. But unfortunately, that isn't always the case. Our bill builds on an already successful Minnesota law to help patients across the country afford the medication they need to battle this terrible disease.\"  \"This bill will build upon state laws, like the one Illinois passed last year, to ensure that oral chemotherapy for patients is more affordable,\" Sen. Kirk said. \"Over 1 million Americans will be diagnosed this year with cancer, and the sooner we are able to level the playing field for treatment options, the sooner these Americans and their families can receive the best type of treatment available.\" To provide similar insurance coverage for all types of cancer medications, the Cancer Treatment Parity Act would: \u2022\tBuild on state law by requiring all private health insurance plans to provide financial parity in coverage for physician-administered and patient-administered cancer treatments.\n\u2022\tApply only to health plans that already cover chemotherapy. The law does not mandate that health plans provide chemotherapy coverage.\n\u2022\tEnsure that insurance cost-sharing schemes do not create barriers to cancer patients' ability to access potentially life-saving medicines.  The field of cancer treatments is shifting towards oral and other self-administered treatments. These drugs are highly effective, have low rates of side effects, fewer complications, and are easier for patients to use. And because self-administered chemotherapies are becoming the standard of care for many patients, Sens. Franken and Kirk wrote this bipartisan bill to make the drugs more affordable. You can read more about the Cancer Treatment Parity Act here. Already, groups are signing on to endorse the bill, including the Patients Equal Access Coalition and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. You can read their letters of support here and here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2647", "As Extreme Cold Hits Minnesota, Sens. Klobuchar & Franken Fight to Increase Critical Heating Assistance for Minnesota Seniors and Families", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Al Franken (D-Minn.) today pushed to increase critical heating assistance that helps Minnesota families and seniors get through cold winters.\nIn a letter with a bipartisan coalition of their colleagues, the Senators called on the President to take into account the great need for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding in his upcoming budget priorities. LIHEAP is critical to supporting the most vulnerable households in Minnesota and across the country, but funding for the program has been slashed by more than 30 percent in recent years.\n\"Access to affordable home heating is not a luxury--it is a matter of health and safety,\" said Sen. Klobuchar. \"Families across Minnesota and the country rely on LIHEAP to heat their homes in these cold winter months. That's why we need to ensure that the program remains strong so that our most vulnerable citizens can continue to access the resources they need.\" \"Anybody who's lived through a Minnesota winter knows that home heating is not a choice\u2014it's a necessity,\" Sen. Franken said. \"This assistance helps Minnesota families and seniors get through winter without having to forgo things like food or prescription medications in order to keep the heat on. I urge the President to make LIHEAP a greater priority.\" Since taking office, Sens. Klobuchar and Franken have successfully fought to ensure that tens of millions of dollars in emergency LIHEAP funding have been available to Minnesota families and seniors.\nThe full text of the letter can be found here or below.\nDecember 20, 2013\nPresident Barack Obama  The White House  1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW  Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, We are writing to request that you prioritize the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in your Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 budget proposal by including no less than $4.7 billion for this program that provides critical support to our most vulnerable citizens. LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing vital assistance during both the cold winter and hot summer months. LIHEAP households are among the most vulnerable in the country. According to the National Energy Assistance Director's Association (NEADA), more than 90 percent of LIHEAP recipients have at least one household member who is a child, elderly, or disabled, and 20 percent of households contain at least one veteran. For these households, LIHEAP funding has been a lifeline during challenging economic times. Access to affordable home energy is not a luxury -- it is a matter of health and safety. We understand the ongoing discretionary budget challenges. However, we are deeply concerned that funding for LIHEAP has declined more than 30 percent in recent years. Moreover, the number of households eligible for assistance continues to exceed available funding. Sequestration has further exacerbated these funding challenges. According to NEADA, the total number of households receiving LIHEAP assistance has declined by 17 percent between FY 2010 and FY 2013, from about 8.1 million to 6.7 million. Nearly 1.5 million vulnerable households have lost access to critical LIHEAP assistance and struggle to pay for the basic necessity of home energy in addition to other essentials like food and medicine. Funding has declined, yet energy costs have remained high, reducing the purchasing power of LIHEAP assistance. Recipients have seen their average LIHEAP grant reduced by more than $100 since 2010, from $520 in FY 2010 to $406 in FY 2013. Meanwhile, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that average winter home heating costs will rise six percent to $977 per household this winter. The average LIHEAP grant is estimated to cover less than half of the average home heating costs for a household this winter, meaning that many low-income families and seniors will have fewer resources available to meet other basic needs. As you finalize your FY 2015 budget request, we ask that you take into account the great need for LIHEAP. We urge you to reprioritize this program within your FY 2015 budget and restore funding to this program to a level no less than $4.7 billion. Thank you for your attention to and consideration of this important request.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=0a0ed94a-8635-4aec-b0fa-e95be55a392b", "Klobuchar, Blunt Bipartisan Bill to Help Families Who Adopt Abroad Correct Errors to Birth Certificates Passes Senate", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Currently, immigration services do not recognize state court orders to amend a child\u2019s birth date, forcing families to seek a correction from the adoptee\u2019s country of birth\u00a0\n \r\n Senators\u2019 legislation which would require immigration services to recognize state court orders and cut red tape for adoptive families now heads to House of Representatives \r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) today announced that their bipartisan legislation to help families who adopt abroad correct errors to birth certificates passed the Senate. Currently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not recognize state court orders to amend a child\u2019s birth date, forcing families to seek a correction from the adoptee\u2019s country of birth or have two official birth dates for their adopted child. The Accuracy for Adoptees Act, which would authorize USCIS to recognize state court orders and cut red tape for adoptive families, will now head to the House of Representatives for a vote. Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Mike Enzi (R-WY) and John Barasso (R-WY) are also original cosponsors of the bill.\r\n\u201cFamilies have enough hoops to jump through when adopting internationally,\u201d Klobuchar said.\u00a0 \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t be adding to that red tape by placing extra burdens on those trying to get accurate personal records for their children. I am pleased that this bill has passed the Senate, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House to ensure that this common sense legislation become law.\u201d\r\n\u201cEvery day, American families open up their homes and their hearts to children in need from all over the world,\u201d Blunt said. \u201cThis bipartisan bill will make the transition easier for families and their adopted children by removing excessive red tape and ensuring the accuracy of their birth records.\u201d\r\n\"My child has been through more loss and grief in her first years than most of us will experience in a lifetime.\u00a0For her to come here and be victimized by this process is shameful. I am so proud to have Senator Klobuchar represent the rights of my daughter and all adopted children who will experience the full freedom that being a citizen of this great country should provide,\" said Erin Bonitto from Cold Springs, Minnesota, who is the mother of two adopted children from Ethiopia. \u00a0\r\nCurrently, USCIS only recognizes the original birth certificates from the child\u2019s country of birth. For children who were orphaned and lacked proper medical care in their countries of birth, the ages given on their certificates may be incorrect, which only becomes apparent once the child has begun to grow up in the U.S.\u00a0While a state court judge can make the decision to amend the date based on this evidence, USCIS will not recognize such an order, and federal agencies like the State Department and the Social Security Administration follow the USCIS date of birth. This results in children growing up with a discrepancy that leaves them vulnerable to identity fraud.\r\nSenator Klobuchar has been a strong advocate of supporting families throughout both domestic and international adoption processes. In September she sent a letter to USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas urging them to recognize state court orders amending adoptee\u2019s birthdates. She also recently introduced The Supporting Adoptive Families Act to help provide pre- and post- adoption support services, including mental health treatment, to help adoptive families stay strong. In addition, Klobuchar authored the International Adoption Simplification Act to help siblings stay together during an international adoption and protect adoptees from unsafe immunizations in foreign countries.\u00a0The bill was signed into law on November 30, 2010.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=4f3a20c5-16c4-45fb-851e-6419c6598a92", "Klobuchar, Cornyn Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Seniors from Neglect and Abuse by Guardians Passes the Judiciary Committee", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation would crack down on elder abuse by strengthening oversight and accountability for guardians and conservators \r\nWashington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Cornyn (R-TX) announced that their bipartisan legislation to help protect seniors from neglect and financial exploitation passed the Judiciary Committee, paving the way for a vote in the full Senate. The Court-Appointed Guardian Accountability and Senior Protection Act would help crack down on elder abuse by strengthening oversight and accountability for guardians and conservators. The bill is similar to legislation the senators introduced last year.\r\n\u201cSeniors deserve to live their lives safe from neglect and mistreatment and we need to do everything we can to help protect them from abuse,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cWhile most court-appointed guardians are professional, caring and law-abiding, there is mounting evidence that some guardians use their position of power to exploit seniors. This legislation would help increase accountability and oversight of guardians and protect those who are most vulnerable and I will continue to work to ensure the bill becomes law.\u201d\r\n\u201cNo one, certainly not our eldest citizens, should be subjected to physical abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. It is my hope that we pass this bill and protect our vulnerable elderly citizens,\u201d said Cornyn.\r\nThe senators\u2019 legislation would provide support to states to implement programs to increase oversight of guardians and conservators. Specifically, the bill makes state courts eligible for an already existing program designed to protect seniors. Under the program, state courts would be able to apply for funding to assess the handling of proceedings relating to guardian and conservators, and then make the necessary improvements to their practices. For example, the courts could conduct background checks on potential guardians and conservators, or implement an electronic filing system in order to better monitor and audit conservatorships and guardianships. The legislation is supported by AARP, the Conference of Chief Justices, the Conference of State Court Administrators, and the National Guardianship Association.\r\nA report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) identified hundreds of allegations of physical abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation by guardians in 45 states and the District of Columbia between 1990 and 2010. The report reviewed 20 of these cases and found that guardians had stolen, or otherwise improperly obtained, $5.4 million from 158 incapacitated victims, many of whom were older adults.\r\nKlobuchar has been a leader in helping to protect seniors from abuse and financial exploitation. In May, Klobuchar\u2019s amendment to the immigration reform bill to help protect victims of elder abuse passed the Senate Judiciary Committee. The amendment would classify \u201celder abuse\u201d as a crime for which a victim could seek a visa through law enforcement to prevent being forced to remain silent about abuse. Earlier this year, Klobuchar\u2019s outreach staff held a \u201cSenior Fraud Prevention Tour,\u201d meeting with officials and organizations in communities across Minnesota to highlight efforts to protect seniors from fraud and financial scams.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=83b20a0a-03e5-4976-bbf0-fb57a0971e20", "Klobuchar Provisions to Help Fight Sexual Assault in the Military Pass Senate, Head to Presidents Desk to be Signed Into Law", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Provisions would require automatic retention of sexual assault records, strengthen whistleblower protections and help stop repeat offenders \r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar\u2019s\u00a0 provisions to the National Defense Authorization Act to help fight sexual assault in the military passed the Senate and will now head to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. Klobuchar\u2019s provisions would require automatic retention of sexual assault records, strengthen whistleblower protections and help stop repeat offenders.\r\n\u201cOur men and women in the military put their lives on the line fighting for our country; we shouldn\u2019t be asking them to fight against sexual assault as well,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cThese provisions take some critical steps to help crack down on sexual assault and provide support to victims, and I will continue to work to ensure these crimes are eliminated from the ranks.\u201d\r\nThe National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 includes the following Klobuchar provisions to address sexual assault in the military:\r\n \r\nThe bipartisan provision Klobuchar authored with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska that would require automatic retention of both restricted and unrestricted reports of sexual assault for 50 years. Klobuchar has worked hard over the years to ensure reports are made available to victims, and this legislation would be a decisive step in that effort. Current law only requires retention of restricted reports\u2014when a servicemember chooses not to take legal action\u2013at the request of the affected servicemember. Automatic retention of records will make it easier for servicemen and women who have been sexually assaulted to get VA benefits for assault-related ailments or to seek justice in the future.\r\n \r\n \r\nLegislation Klobuchar introduced with Senator McCaskill of Missouri to add sexual assault and related charges to the list of protected communications that can be investigated by the DOD Inspector General. This expanded whistleblower protection will help ensure that service members are able to report sexual assault crimes without facing retaliation from superiors or peers that re-victimizes them and threatens their careers. Sixty-two percent of victims of military sexual assault reported that they faced some kind of retaliation, and it is the biggest deterrent to victims reporting what happened to them.\r\n \r\n \r\nKlobuchar\u2019s provision requiring that the disposition of substantiated sexual-related offenses be noted in personnel records, helping to ensure that commanders are aware of potential repeat offenders.\r\n \r\n \r\nA provision similar to Klobuchar\u2019s legislation\u2014the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Act\u2014which expresses the sense of the Senate that charges of rape, sexual assault, forcible sodomy, or attempts to commit these offenses should be disposed of by court-martial rather than by non-judicial punishment or administrative action.\r\n \r\nIn 2012, the Department of Defense received 3,374 reports of sexual assault in the military. But by the DOD\u2019s own estimates, 26,000 incidents of unwanted sexual contact actually took place during that period. That means that only 12.9%, a small fraction, of all incidents were actually reported. And even of the 3,374 reported offenses in 2012, only 880 faced command action for sex crimes. Of those 880, 594 faced courts-martial and 302 of those courts-martial resulted in convictions.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2649", "In Senate Speech, Sen. Franken Pushes Ideas to Create Jobs and Strengthen Economy", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) went to the Senate floor to deliver a speech laying out his plan to spur job creation and strengthen the economy for middle-class families in Minnesota and across the country.\u00a0\nSen. Franken homed in on three areas that he believes are key to economic prosperity: strengthening the country's manufacturing sector by closing the skills gap-where jobs go unfilled because businesses can't find workers with the right skills-increasing the minimum wage for working families, and extending long-term unemployment benefits. As part of his continued efforts to help create jobs, Sen. Franken has introduced legislation to bring businesses and community colleges together to fill high-skilled, open jobs in the manufacturing, information technology, and health care fields. \"We have millions of open jobs that can't be filled because of a skills shortage. And we know that these partnerships are the most direct way to fill those jobs,\" said Sen. Franken in his speech. \"So what I'm proposing is a competitive grant program in a bill called the Community College to Career Fund Act. Under this program, businesses and community colleges would apply for grants based on how many jobs their partnership would create, what the value of the jobs would be to those hired and to the community, and how much skin do the businesses have in the game.\" Sen. Franken highlighted his plan to fight for an increase to the minimum wage and pointed to how it would directly help Minnesota's economy. \"The minimum wage is supposed to help guarantee that if you work hard and play by the rules, you will at least have a roof over your head and you'll be able to put food on the table,\" continued Sen Franken. \"However, today, because the minimum wage is too low, it is not doing what is supposed to do...If we increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10, it will affect 462,000 Minnesota workers over three years-that's 18 percent of Minnesota's workforce. And it will increase our state's GDP by almost $400 million dollars.  This is something we've got to fight for.\" Sen. Franken also explained that he will continue working to pass an extension for long-term unemployment benefits because the budget deal that passed the Senate yesterday did not include an extension. \"65,000 workers in Minnesota and millions throughout our country may need this extended unemployment insurance in 2014-these are folks struggling to find jobs and support their families,\" said Sen. Franken. \"And without an extension, the Council of Economic Advisors estimates that the economy will generate 240,000 fewer jobs by the end of 2014. That's why I've been working to continue the extension of unemployment insurance. And I will keep pushing for the Senate to take up and pass an extension when we return in the new year.\"   Sen. Franken concluded his speech with a plea to his colleagues to put partisanship behind them and get back to the work they were sent here to do, saying, \"Let's make this coming year the year that Congress works for Americans.\" You can read Sen. Franken's full speech below.\nAs Prepared for Delivery\nSTATEMENT ON THE SKILLS GAP, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AND THE MINIMUM WAGE\nSENATOR AL FRANKEN M. President, I rise today to speak about some of the important things we can be doing to help strengthen our economic recovery and to get more Minnesotans and more Americans across the country into jobs. During the government shutdown in October, I came to the floor to talk about how the shutdown was preventing us from doing the work the people sent us here to do. Every day we spent on the shutdown was a day we weren't working together to create jobs and rebuild the middle class. Well, the budget deal that we passed this week is far from perfect, but it is my hope that it will enable us to stop lurching from crisis to crisis and to focus on the work we were sent here to do.  This agreement means that businesses will have the stability and certainty they need to create jobs and strengthen our economy.  And it allows us to focus on educating our kids, creating a twenty-first-century workforce, and putting people back to work. Like I said, the budget deal is far from perfect. It's a compromise, and like any compromise, it has elements I like and elements I don't.  In addition to providing some budgetary certainty for the next two years, the budget deal undoes some of the extreme, across-the-board cuts of the sequester.  That will enable us to make more of the critical investments we need to make in education, research and development, and infrastructure.  And we will make those investments while replacing the irrational cuts of the sequester with more responsible deficit reduction. In fact, the bill ultimately reduces the deficit by about $20 billion more than under the previous budget that included the full sequester. At the same time, I'm very troubled by the fact that the bill pays for undoing some of the extreme, across-the-board cuts of the sequester in part by reducing some military pensions. That was something that was pushed by the lead Republican negotiator, and I'm not happy about it.  I believe that there are cuts we can make to defense spending, but cutting military pensions isn't one of them. That's why I'm cosponsoring a bill with Senator Jean Shaheen of New Hampshire that would replace those cuts to military pensions by closing an indefensible and wasteful corporate tax loophole, and I hope we can get that done before the cut to military pensions goes into effect. I am also very troubled that the budget deal does not include an extension of critical emergency unemployment insurance.  Extending this unemployment insurance is one of the things we need to be doing for our economy.  Too many Americans remain unemployed. And those who have been unemployed the longest are facing the expiration of their unemployment insurance when they need it the most.  65,000 workers in Minnesota and millions throughout our country may need this extended unemployment insurance in 2014 - these are folks struggling to find jobs and support their families. Not extending unemployment insurance will also put the brakes on our economic recovery.  In 2011, the CBO wrote that aid to the unemployed is among the policies with - quote - \"the largest effects on output and employment per dollar of budgetary cost\".  And without an extension, the Council of Economic Advisors estimates that the economy will generate 240,000 fewer jobs by the end of 2014.  That's why I've been working to continue the extension of unemployment insurance. And I will keep pushing for the Senate to take up and pass an extension when we return in the new year. Another thing we should do to strengthen the economy and help working Americans is to raise the minimum wage.  We established the minimum wage because we believe that no one should work full-time, contributing to society, and live in poverty.  Americans value work.  We work more hours on average than citizens in other developed countries.  The minimum wage is supposed to help guarantee that if you work hard and play by the rules, you will at least have a roof over your head and you'll be able to put food on the table. This year marks seventy-five years with a federal minimum wage. However, today, because the minimum wage is too low, it is not doing what is supposed to do.  Today, a minimum wage worker making $7.25 an hour, or about $15,000 per year, falls below the poverty line - even though they work forty hours per week.  And inflation has eroded the value of the minimum wage.  If the minimum wage had simply kept pace with inflation since 1968 - not raised in real terms, but just kept pace with inflation - it would be $10.75 an hour today. That is a wage that would at least keep a family of three above the poverty line.  What has happened to the minimum wage is part of a larger trend for American workers.  Over the past 50 years, American workers have increased their productivity by 135 percent - 135 percent! - but the value of their wages has not changed.  And the real value of the minimum wage has dropped by 33 percent.  Over just the past few years, costs have climbed - Americans are paying more for electricity, rent, auto repair, food, and childcare, and many other things, and yet wages for most workers have stagnated, and the minimum wage has fallen. That's why I think that one of the most important ways we can boost our economy and help workers and families is to increase the minimum wage.  And Americans agree.  Americans strongly favor boosting the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. In a recent survey, 63 percent supported raising the minimum wage to $10.10 from the current $7.25 rate.  Moreover, the support for increasing the minimum wage is broad-based - the rich, the poor, Republicans and Democrats all believe that we should raise the minimum wage. Increasing the minimum wage will be good for Minnesota, and there is a parallel effort at the state level to increase the state minimum wage.  If we increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10, it will affect 462,000 Minnesota workers over three years - that's 18 percent of Minnesota's workforce. And it will increase our state's GDP by almost $400 million dollars.  This is something we've got to fight for. Extending unemployment benefits and increasing the minimum wage are crucial things that we can be doing to support the American value that if you work hard, you should be able to support yourself and your family.  There is more that we can be doing. I am part of the Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative that several of my colleagues in the Senate and I have undertaken. As part of that initiative, I want to talk about an issue I've spoken about on the floor before and that I hear about from manufacturers all over Minnesota: the skills gap. Now, what is the skills gap? Well, recent studies have shown that between one third and a half of manufacturers in my state have at least one job that they cannot fill because they can't find a worker with the right skills to fill that job. That is the skills gap in Minnesota.  But it isn't just Minnesota - this is a nationwide phenomenon.  A 2011 survey by Deloitte found that there were 600,000 manufacturing jobs nationwide that were unfilled because of a skills shortage. And it's not just manufacturers either.  There's a skills gap in information technology, in health care, and in other sectors that have jobs sitting there waiting for skilled workers to fill them.  There are more than 3 million jobs in this country that could be filled today if there were workers who had the right skills.  With too many Americans unemployed, we have to find a way to fill those jobs. And the thing is, we know how to solve this.  We're taking steps to solve it in communities in Minnesota and around the country through partnerships between businesses and community and technical colleges that are training up workers and getting them into high-demand jobs right away. Let me talk briefly about an innovative program to bridge the skills gap in Minnesota. I recently visited the Right Skills Now Program at the Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, and the South Central Community and Technical College in Mankato. At South Central, I sat with about eight to ten manufacturers, who had helped fund and design their program that gives workers the skills they need to operate a Computer Numerical Control, or CNC, machine. They told me that between them they had fifty job openings that they could fill that instant.  At Dunwoody, their current placement rate from the Rights Skills Now Program is 91 percent. You'll have a hard time finding a more effective program. Dunwoody likes to emphasize that its students often come into the program having just been laid off, or that they're the long-term unemployed that we hear about. And after going through the program, they're placing 91 percent of them into good jobs in a growing industry. They told me about a student who had a successful career as a massage therapist, and he was doing just fine, until he began to experience pain from pre-arthritic symptoms.  That spells trouble for a massage therapist.  So he researched technical programs and joined Right Skills Now, and after going through the program, he re-launched his career as a machinist. Careers are different from what they were a generation ago. Very few people stay working in one job for one company for their entire life anymore. Whether it's because of changing life circumstances like the massage therapist-turned-machinist, or because of new technologies, most workers have many different jobs over the course of their working life now, and those jobs require many different skills.  We need a workforce development system that is agile enough to keep up with those changing demands. That is essential not just so workers will able to get the different skills they will need over the course of their working lives - it's also going to be one of the keys to the United States remaining globally competitive.  If our workers can't adapt to the new industries that are constantly forming, we will lose those jobs to our global competitors.  There is no better way to anticipate and react to these changes than to connect businesses directly with our schools to get workers exactly what they need. This is also about college affordability. I've talked before about Erick Ajax, CEO of EJ Ajax and Sons, a metal stamping and sheet metal fabrication company in Fridley, Minnesota that was founded by Erick's grandfather in 1945. Erick and other manufacturers partnered with Hennepin Technical College in Hennepin County to set up M-Powered, a fast-track training program to get workers what they need for entry-level advanced manufacturing jobs. Erick gave me an example of one of his workers that I find so exciting - not because it's extraordinary, but because it's something that we can duplicate over and over again in this country. When he hires employees from these business-technical college partnerships, the way he looks at it is that they're on a career ladder that would otherwise not be available.  He told me about one such hire, who was really good at this job.  So Erick sent him back to school to get his associates degree. The guy came back to work, continued to be a star, and a few years later, Erick paid for him to go to the University of Minnesota, where he got his bachelor's degree. And the guy is now head of quality control for EJ Ajax, an incredibly high-skilled job at an advanced manufacturing company. Understand. This guy graduated from college with no debt. Zero debt. With a great job. When I think about college affordability, I think about that story. Now as I've said, we have a skills gap problem in manufacturing and other industries, and we have these partnerships that are successfully working to close that gap. So where do we come in, here in Congress?  Well, I've gone around Minnesota to community and technical colleges and talked to businesses, and I've talked to national experts in our state and from around the country. And the fact is, we're just not doing this fast enough. And sometimes these partnerships could do a lot more, train up a lot more people, with some extra funding. Maybe to buy a really sophisticated machine. Or to hire an instructor with a very specialized skill. So what I'm proposing is a competitive grant program in a bill called the Community College to Career Fund Act. Under this program, businesses and community colleges would apply for grants based on how many jobs their partnership would create, what the value of the jobs would be to those hired and to the community, and how much skin do the businesses have in the game. We have millions of open jobs that can't be filled because of a skills shortage. And we know that these partnerships are the most direct way to fill those jobs. And we know that existing partnerships aren't doing enough and can't do enough, and they need more resources in order to truly meet the need that exists. So that's exactly what my bill would address. So as we move forward with this budget deal, let's build on the progress it represents and set our sights a little higher. Let's support working families and help people who are struggling to find a job in today's slowly recovering economy. Let's help students and young people who have been held back by slow job growth get a foothold in the economy; and let's support partnerships between businesses and community colleges to fill the jobs that are out there.  Let's make this coming year the year that Congress works for Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/press-release/klobuchar-peterson-legislation-name-federal-courthouse-fergus-falls-after-former", "Klobuchar, Peterson Legislation to Name Federal Courthouse in Fergus Falls After Former Minnesota Judge Passes Senate", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Collin Peterson\u2019s legislation to rename the federal courthouse in Fergus Falls after Judge Edward J. Devitt, the former chief judge of Minnesota\u2019s federal district court, passed the Senate. The bill now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. Formally confirmed in 1955, Devitt served as a federal judge for thirty seven years until his death at the age of 80, including twenty two years as chief judge.\n\u201cIn his long service to the state of Minnesota, Judge Devitt exemplified the intelligence and integrity we expect of those who sit on the bench,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cHaving grown up in East Grand Forks and being especially fond of the Red River valley, it is entirely appropriate that the courthouse in which he loved to preside will bear his name.\u201d\n\"Judge Devitt was a distinguished jurist and it's fitting to honor him by naming the Fergus Falls building after him,\" Peterson said.\u00a0\"Judge Devitt was popular among his colleagues, was a friend and role model to countless judges, and I'm pleased to help honor someone so deserving of this recognition.\"\nBeginning in 1983, the annual Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service Award has been presented by the America Judicature Society in recognition of \u201can exemplary career and has made significant contributions to the administration of justice, the advancement of the rule of the law and the improvement of society as a whole\u201d.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2643", "Sen. Franken Backs Measure to Replace Military Pension Cuts", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ahead of today's vote on the budget agreement, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) joined 15 of his colleagues in introducing legislation that would replace cuts to military pensions by closing a corporate tax loophole.  Sen. Franken will vote to pass the budget bill in order to prevent another costly government shutdown, but believes strongly that Congress should work quickly to avoid cuts to military pensions, which don't go into effect until December 2015. \"There are ways to reduce the deficit by making commonsense reductions to defense spending, but cutting military pensions isn't one of them,\" said Sen. Franken. \"That's why I'm supporting this effort to replace cuts to military pensions by closing an indefensible and wasteful corporate tax loophole. Before this pension cut takes place two years from now, I will fight to restore this unwise cut to our veterans' pensions.\" The bipartisan budget agreement currently before the Senate makes approximately $6 billion in cuts to military pensions by reducing the cost-of-living adjustment for some future retirees, a concession made to Republican negotiators in order to secure an agreement. The Military Retirement Restoration Act would replace those cuts, scheduled to take effect in approximately two years, by closing a loophole in the tax code that allows companies managed and controlled in the United States to incorporate overseas in order to avoid paying U.S. taxes on their foreign income, raising approximately $6.6 billion over ten years. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) is also a cosponsor of the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2644", "Sen. Franken?s Statement on Budget Compromise", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) made the following statement after the Senate agreed to a two-year budget deal. The bill is expected to be signed into law soon. You can download a video of Sen. Franken's statement on the budget agreement here.     \"I think this is a good step forward,\" said Sen. Franken. \"Minnesotans don't want us to keep lurching from budget crisis to budget crisis, and passing this will prevent another costly government shutdown. \"This deal means that businesses will have the stability and certainty they need to create jobs and strengthen our economy. And it allows us to return our focus to what we were sent here to do-educating our kids, creating a 21st century workforce, and putting people back to work.   \"I'm pleased we were finally able to break through the gridlock and reach this deal, even though, like any compromise, it has elements that I like, but also ones I don't like.\"   While Sen. Franken has generally expressed support for the bipartisan budget agreement, he is disappointed that the bill makes approximately $6 billion in cuts to military pensions by reducing the cost-of-living adjustment for some future retirees, a concession made to Republican negotiators in order to secure an agreement.\nIn response, Sen. Franken cosponsored the Military Retirement Restoration Act , which would replace those cuts-scheduled to take effect in approximately two years-by closing a loophole in the tax code that allows companies managed and controlled in the United States to incorporate overseas in order to avoid paying U.S. taxes on their foreign income, raising approximately $6.6 billion over ten years.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=54cd923e-0606-448d-aa02-c9fea63e1a61", "Klobuchar, Bipartisan Group of Senators Meet with EPA Administrator McCarthy to Call for Changes to the Proposed Renewable Fuel Standard 2014 Rule", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The EPA\u2019s proposed rule would lower the biofuel targets for 2014, discouraging investment in the biofuel industry, hurting jobs and rural communities across the state \r\nWashington, D.C.\u2014U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) today led a bipartisan group of 16 senators to meet with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy to urge changes to the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) 2014 rule. The EPA\u2019s proposed rule would hurt the biofuels industry by lowering the biodiesel target below current industry production levels and reduce the conventional ethanol target by over a billion gallons, discouraging investment and hurting jobs and rural communities across the country.\r\nIn addition to Senator Klobuchar, other attendees included Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), John Thune (R-SD), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Al Franken (D-MN), Dan Coats (R-IN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Deb Fischer (R-NE) ,and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND).\r\n\u201cThe Renewable Fuels Standard has driven growth and innovation in the renewable fuels industry,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cAt a time when the oil industry continues to receive billions in unnecessary subsidies, it simply does not make sense to create so much uncertainty in a sector that has helped reduce our dependence on foreign oil and is vital to our rural economy.\u201d\r\n\"Homegrown renewable energy\u00a0is creating good Minnesota jobs while reducing our dependence on foreign oil,\"\u00a0said Sen. Franken, who chairs the Energy Subcommittee.\u00a0\"Today, I\u00a0urged the\u00a0head of the\u00a0EPA to rethink the Administration's shortsighted proposal to cut the renewable fuel standard because it undermines efforts to advance the next generation of renewable fuels. We need to find ways to expand our commitment to renewable energy, not pull back from it.\"\r\nThe EPA\u2019s proposed rule would set the biodiesel target at 1.28 billion gallons, which is below current industry production levels of around 1.7 billion gallons. It would also reduce the conventional ethanol target to 13 billion gallons. This is 800 million gallons below the 2013 target of 13.8 billion gallons, and 1.4 billion gallons below the 2014 statutory target of 14.4 billion gallons.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=c854aceb-82e5-4fd9-ad69-ce9e35e19076", "Klobuchar, Peterson Legislation to Name Federal Courthouse in Fergus Falls After Former Minnesota Judge Passes Senate, Heads to Presidents Desk to be Signed Into Law", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Collin Peterson\u2019s legislation to rename the federal courthouse in Fergus Falls after Judge Edward J. Devitt, the former chief judge of Minnesota\u2019s federal district court, passed the Senate. The bill now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. Formally confirmed in 1955, Devitt served as a federal judge for thirty seven years until his death at the age of 80, including twenty two years as chief judge.\r\n\u201cIn his long service to the state of Minnesota, Judge Devitt exemplified the intelligence and integrity we expect of those who sit on the bench,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cHaving grown up in East Grand Forks and being especially fond of the Red River valley, it is entirely appropriate that the courthouse in which he loved to preside will bear his name.\u201d\r\n\"Judge Devitt was a distinguished jurist and it's fitting to honor him by naming the Fergus Falls building after him,\" Peterson said.\u00a0\"Judge Devitt was popular among his colleagues, was a friend and role model to countless judges, and I'm pleased to help honor someone so deserving of this recognition.\"\r\nBeginning in 1983, the annual Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service Award has been presented by the America Judicature Society in recognition of \u201can exemplary career and has made significant contributions to the administration of justice, the advancement of the rule of the law and the improvement of society as a whole\u201d.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=news&id=2639", "WDAZ: Sen. Franken Pushing to Get the Farm Bill Over the Finish Line", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As the end of the year approaches, Sen. Franken continued to press Congress to finally complete work on a five-year Farm Bill. He spoke with WDAZ TV about how he remains optimistic that Congress can get this important measure over the finish line:\n \n...\nSenator Franken says a new farm bill will bring much-needed confidence to farmers in the Red River Valley.\n\"Farmers in Minnesota, I can tell you not only want a 5 year bill they need a 5 year bill. They need the certainty that comes with a 5 year bill,\" said Franken.\n...\n \nSen. Franken wrote the energy section of the bill, which helps farmers and rural businesses reduce their energy costs, and worked very hard to get support for new farmers and ranchers who are just starting out. Sen. Franken successfully fought for the sugar program, which supports thousands of jobs and is so important to Minnesota's economy.\nClick here to read the whole story from WDAZ TV.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2641", "In Hearing, Sen. Franken Examines Americans' Right to Challenge Corporations in Court", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Witness after witness confirmed today during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, chaired by U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), that big corporations are denying consumers their right to challenge unfair practices in court and pointed to Sen. Franken's bill as a solution to restore workers', small businesses', and service members' access to justice. You can download video of Sen. Franken's opening statement here.\n\"For several years, I've worked to return access to justice to consumers, workers, and small businesses in Minnesota,\" said Sen. Franken. \"It's clear from today's hearing that we're at a point where big corporations can write their own rules and insulate themselves from liability for wrongdoing\u2014this can't continue. We need to restore Americans' right to challenge unfair practices in court. I'll continue to push for passage of my bill to do just that.\" \nTo restore Minnesotans' access to justice, Sen. Franken introduced the Arbitration Fairness Act, which would prohibit mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration in consumer, employment, civil rights, and antitrust cases.\nMandatory arbitration is as big a problem in Minnesota as it is across the country. During the hearing, witness Vildan A. Teske\u2014a Minnesota lawyer who represents Minnesota service members facing unfair practices by lenders\u2014recounted the story of an active duty soldier whose mortgage lender falsified an affidavit and foreclosed on his house while he was serving in Iraq. The lender essentially got away with the foreclosure because the lender included a class action ban in the soldier's mortgage documents.\nYou can watch the exchange here.\nSpecifically, Sen. Franken's Arbitration Fairness Act does the following:\n\u00a0\n \nRestores the original intent of the Federal Arbitration Act by clarifying the scope of its application.\u00a0\nAmends the Federal Arbitration Act by adding a new chapter invalidating agreements that require the arbitration of employment, consumer, civil rights, or antitrust disputes made before the dispute arises.\u00a0\nRestores the rights of workers, consumers, and small businesses trying to seek justice in our courts.\u00a0\nEnsures transparency in civil litigation.\u00a0\nProtects the integrity of the Civil Rights Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, among others.\n \n\u00a0\nSen. Franken's bill currently has the support of 23 Senators and 71 Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=16df77c5-9eac-4d7c-a94b-041e6157ba4c", "Klobuchar: Patent Trolls Hurt Small Businesses and Stifle Innovation", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on patent trolls, Klobuchar highlighted how certain bad actors abuse patent litigation to threaten innovative companies and extract settlements based on questionable claims \r\n Klobuchar, who chairs the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, is pushing legislation to help fight patent trolls by increasing transparency and cracking down on widespread frivolous demand letters \u00a0 \r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today discussed how patent trolls hurt small businesses and stifle innovation. At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing featuring business leaders and patent law experts, Klobuchar highlighted how certain bad actors abuse patent litigation to threaten companies and extract settlements based on questionable claims. Klobuchar, who chairs the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, also discussed legislation she is pushing to help fight patent trolls by increasing transparency in patent ownership, protecting customers who are sued for patent infringement, cracking down on the practice of \u00a0sending of frivolous demand letters, and improving resources for small businesses that are targeted in patent infringement suits.\r\n\u201cPatent trolls take advantage of loopholes in our patent law to extort small businesses and make a quick buck,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cThe explosion of frivolous patent lawsuits punishes innovators and drives up costs for consumers, which is why we need legislation that will crack down on bad actors while preserving patent rights that are vital to innovation and competition.\u201d\r\nWitnesses at today\u2019s hearing included: John J. Dwyer, Jr., President & CEO, New England Federal Credit Union; Michael Makin, President & CEO, Printing Industries of America; Dana Rao, Vice President and Associate General Counsel for Intellectual Property Litigation, Adobe Systems, Inc; Philip S. Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Intellectual Property Counsel, Johnson & Johnson; Steve Bossone, Ph.D., Vice President, Intellectual Property, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals; Harry A. Wolin, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, AMD; The Honorable Q. Todd Dickinson, Executive Director, American Intellectual Property Law, Association, Former Under Secretary for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.\r\nThe Patent Transparency and Improvements Act, which was cosponsored by Klobuchar and introduced by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Mike Lee (R-UT), would improve transparency of patent ownership by requiring plaintiffs in patent cases to disclose their beneficial owners, as well as require patent owners to disclose transfers of interest. The bill also protects customers who are sued for patent infringement by allowing the case against them to be stayed while the manufacturer litigates the suit. It also states clear that the FTC may target bad actors that engage in the widespread sending of frivolous patent demand letters.\u00a0 Finally, the legislation will direct the Patent and Trademark Office\u00a0to develop educational resources for small businesses that are targeted in suits and to ensure that the Office\u2019s small business outreach programs include supports for victims of frivolous lawsuits.\r\nKlobuchar is the chair of the Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee and earlier this year held a hearing examining standard essential patent disputes\u2019 impact on consumers and competition. Specifically, the hearing focused on concerns that consumers may pay higher prices or have limited access to technologies due to disputes over patent licensing rates\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=44f42de6-bf28-4a9d-b9ed-e5f7fad632e6", "Klobuchar, Manchin, Rockefeller, Coons, Schumer, McCaskill Introduce Silver Alert Bill to Help Locate Missing Seniors", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "System based on AMBER Alert is similar to program already in place in Minnesota, and is designed to locate missing adults with dementia\u00a0\u00a0\n \r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN),\u00a0 Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Claire McCaskill (D-MO) today introduced legislation to create a nationwide network for locating missing adults and senior citizens. The National Silver Alert Act would create a federal program modeled after the AMBER Alert and provide federal coordination and assistance to local and state law enforcement agencies, similar to a system currently in place in Minnesota.\u00a0\r\n\u201cAs Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia continue to affect too many Minnesotans, many seniors are at a high risk of ending up lost and in a dangerous situation,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cThis legislation, which is similar to a program already in place in Minnesota, will help law enforcement across the country spread the word anytime a senior has gone missing and help improve the chances that tragedy is averted.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe Silver Alert was put in place in West Virginia when I was Governor and has proven to be a positive and effective program since it started in 2009,\u201d Senator Manchin said. \u201cIn West Virginia, we\u2019ve been fortunate enough to need the system activated only a handful of times, and we have been very successful in returning those missing individuals home safely. As a proud member on the Special Committee on Aging, I encourage my colleagues to remember that America\u2019s priorities should be based on our values, and keeping our promises to our seniors should be one of our highest priorities. Our seniors helped build and defend this nation, and we have an obligation to them that we must never break.\u201d\r\nThis legislation is supported by the Alzheimer\u2019s Association, Alzheimer\u2019s Foundation of America, Elder Justice Coalition, National Association of Police Organizations and the National Sheriffs\u2019 Association.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2635", "Sen. Franken?s Health Reform Provision: Making Sure Premium Dollars Work for Consumers, Not Just Insurance Companies", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), author of one of the most significant cost-saving measures in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), released figures highlighting the benefits of the law, including his tough rule to ensure that Americans receive value for their premium dollars. If insurance companies don't meet the new standards established by the ACA, insurers have to send consumers a rebate. In 2012, more than 9,000 consumers in Minnesota benefited from an average rebate of approximately $300 per family.\nBecause of Sen. Franken's Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) provision in the health reform law, insurance companies must spend at least 80-85 percent of premium dollars on medical care and efforts to improve the quality of care, instead of things like marketing and CEO salaries. In 2012, nearly 80 million consumers saved $3.4 billion upfront on their premiums because of Sen. Franken's rule, along with other ACA programs. And insurers sent 8.5 million enrollees an average rebate of approximately $100 per family.\n\"Minnesotans' health care premium dollars shouldn't be spent on marketing or huge bonuses for executives-they should go toward paying for actual health care,\" said Sen. Franken. \"Making sure we keep the cost of health care in check has been a top priority of mine since coming to the Senate. I'm very pleased that so many people in Minnesota and across the country are benefiting from the cost-saving measure I authored.\"\nThe health care law also requires insurance companies to publicly post and justify any proposed rate increase of 10 percent or more. Across the country, insurers are withdrawing or decreasing proposed rate hikes, benefiting families as well the economy.\nHelping middle class families take advantage of the benefits of the health care law, such as making sure Minnesotans' premium dollars work for them and not just insurance companies, should be a top priority for lawmakers in Washington. Yet instead of working to fix the law, a minority in Congress has voted to repeal the health care law more than 40 times. They even shut down the government to prevent new benefits like health care costs savings for millions of Americans and businesses that allow our economy to grow and create jobs. Sen. Franken authored the MLR provision during the debate on health care reform. It was inspired by Minnesota's long-standing Medical Loss Ratio law and the state's non-profit health insurers, which are national leaders in keeping administrative costs low.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2636", "Sen. Franken Announces Witness List for Tomorrow?s Hearing Examining Americans? Dwindling Right to Their Day in Court, Including a Minnesotan", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) announced witnesses that will testify during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing he will chair tomorrow on how recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, forcing consumers into mandatory arbitration, have eroded the ability of Americans to challenge unfair practices by corporations.\nWitnesses include Vildan A. Teske, a Minnesota lawyer who represents Minnesota service members who have faced unfair practices by lenders, and Alan Carlson, a small business owner and plaintiff in the Supreme Court Case American Express v. Italian Colors. You can read more about Ms. Teske here.\nA full witness list is included below.\nThe hearing will also examine Sen. Franken's Arbitration Fairness Act (AFA), his legislation to restore Americans' right to justice by prohibiting mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration in consumer, employment, civil rights, and antitrust cases.\n\"I've heard from Minnesotans that recent decisions by the Supreme Court have given big corporations the unbridled ability to deny small businesses and consumers their day in court, and something has to be done to stop it,\" said Sen. Franken. \"This hearing will shed light on the need to restore justice and pass my legislation to make sure that military service members, consumers, and workers maintain their right to fight back when they aren't treated fairly.\" \nIn American Express v. Italian Colors, the Supreme Court ruled that an arbitration agreement must be enforced even if it is so bad that it prevents a plaintiff from enforcing his federal rights. Italian Colors built upon the Supreme Court's 2010 decision in AT&T v. Concepcion, in which the Supreme Court upheld the use of class action waivers in arbitration agreements, thus making it nearly impossible for individuals to band together to redress wrongs committed by corporations.\nWitnesses that will testify tomorrow before the Senate Judiciary Committee include:\n \nVildan Teske, Partner, Crowder, Teske, Katz, & Micko, PLLP, Minneapolis, MN\nAlan Carlson, Owner of Italian Colors Restaurant and plantiff in the U.S. Supreme Court Case American Express v. Italian Colors, Oakland, CA\nLeslie Overton, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Enforcement, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC\nMyriam Gilles, Professor of Law Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, New York, NY\nArchis A. Parasharami, Partner & Co-Chair, Consumer Litigation & Class Actions practice Mayer Brown LLP, Washington, DC\nPeter Bowman Rutledge, Associate Dean for Faculty Development & Herman E. Talmadge Chair of Law, University of Georgia School of Law, Athens, GA\n \nWHO:  Sen. Franken and members of the Senate Judiciary Committee  WHAT: Hearing on Restoring Americans' Right to Their Day in Court  WHEN: Tuesday, December 17 at 2:30 p.m. EST  WHERE: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 226", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2637", "Klobuchar, Franken Press for Increasing Investments in Clean Energy", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Al Franken (D-Minn.) today pressed to increase investments in clean energy technologies to help support a 21st-century economy. In a letter to Senate leaders, Sens. Klobuchar and Franken\u2014who is Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee\u2014called on Congress to continue supporting key programs that spur investments in clean energy. In addition, the senators are pushing to expand these programs to help grow Minnesota's vibrant energy technology sector.\n\"Renewable energy doesn't just create and support countless jobs across Minnesota, it is leading the way in reducing our dependence on foreign oil,\" said Sen. Klobuchar. \"We need to continue to invest in the technologies that will help power our country.\"  \"Making investments in renewable energy technologies boosts the economy, creates jobs, and decreases our dependence on foreign oil,\" said Sen. Franken. \"These programs will help Minnesota's clean energy sector thrive, while giving American businesses a leg up in a global economy\u2014it's win-win.\" The letter, led by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), pushes Congress to deploy, build, manage, and provide access to several tools to scale up the production of clean energy technologies. You can read the full text of the letter here.\nSen. Klobuchar is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and has long supported an increased role for renewable fuels in the U.S energy supply. In the 2013 Farm Bill, Sen. Klobuchar worked to include an amendment in the Senate-passed Farm Bill to provide additional funds for the Rural Energy for America (REAP) program.\nSen. Franken is a champion for increasing investments in clean energy technologies. As Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Sen. Franken focused his first hearing on energy efficiency. In June of this year, Sen. Franken introduced the Local Energy Supply and Resiliency Act to help businesses, communities, and nonprofits capture that waste heat for use in heating, cooling, and power generation. In addition, Sen. Franken supports legislation to bolster the production of biomass thermal technologies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2638", "Sen. Franken Presses to Open New Markets for Minnesota Pork Producers", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) told the top U.S. trade negotiator and the Secretary of Agriculture that a high priority in our nation's trade policy must be ending unfair foreign trade practices that prevent Minnesota pork producers from expanding exports. In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, Sen. Franken urged them to push hard to remove unfair tariffs and other barriers, including during negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a massive, multi-country trade deal. Minnesota ranks second in the nation in the number of hogs raised and processed into meat products. Sen. Franken told the officials that Minnesota's pork industry produces billions of dollars in economic activity each year, and that exports are key to the industry's health and to jobs in the state. \"Pork production is vital to Minnesota's economy, supporting over 20,000 jobs, many of which are tied to pork exports,\" said Sen. Franken. \"Minnesota produces the best pork in the world, but when our trading partners erect unfair barriers to prevent us from selling it in their markets, that's unacceptable. I'm urging Secretary Vilsack and Trade Representative Froman to stand up for U.S. producers and work to remove these unfair trade barriers.\" You can read Sen. Franken's letter to Secretary Vilsack and Trade Representative Froman here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-1213", "Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/13", "2013-12-13", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Snow in the 7th\nDear Friends,\nThis week, in the midst of negotiations with farm bill conferees, I spent some time talking to a number of farm broadcasters to keep everyone up to date on Farm Bill developments. I also met with leaders in the telecommunications, agriculture and business industries. While many members of Congress are heading home for the holiday recess, I will stay in Washington, D.C. to continue efforts to get the Farm Bill completed.\nSincerely,\nCongressman Collin C. Peterson\nMinnesota 7th District\n Farm Bill Update \nThe Leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees continued to make progress on a five-year farm bill this week. The House has adjourned for the year, but we plan to keep working and it looks like we should be able to present a compromise to the farm bill conference committee in early January and bring the farm bill to a vote shortly thereafter.\n Farm Bill Negotiations Continue \nThis week I discussed the farm bill negotiations with KFGO\u2019s News & Views and MPR\u2019s The Daily Circuit. I talked about the importance of ongoing farm bill negotiations and why we need to get the job done on a comprehensive, long-term deal.\n-KFGO interview (includes questions from constituents)\n-Minnesota Public Radio interview\n MN Telecom Alliance Board Members \nVice-Chair Steve Katka (ALBANY), Chairman Jean Pauk, Mary Ehmke, Bob Olson, and President/CEO Brent J. Christensen.\nOn Wednesday I spoke with members of the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Telecom Alliance. We discussed how the FCC should adopt more balanced policies for areas served by small rural telecom providers, like the 7th District, and embrace a more transparent rulemaking process. Rural consumers disproportionately pay higher rates for their telecom services due to the high cost of operation in those areas. We also discussed broadband deployment and how 75% of Minnesota households can access broadband of speeds of at least 10 Mbps download and 6 Mbps upload.\n Cargill \nDave Roesser and Audra Wendt\nDave Roesser and Audra Wendt of Cargill came to my Washington office to talk about Cargill\u2019s FR3 vegetable oil dielectric fluid for high voltage transformers.\u00a0TFR3 fluid is made from soybeans.\u00a0Because it is a vegetable oil, the fluid is less flammable than mineral oil and is biodegradable. On Wednesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized Cargill for its technological innovation in developing the FR3 transformer oil by awarding it a 2013 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award.\n Service Employees \nLibby Kanter, SEIU (St. Paul).\nLibby Kanter stopped by to discuss the impacts the federal budget and sequestration cuts have on Minnesota families and school children.\n \u00a0Military Matters \nNational Guard celebrates its 377th birthday\nPhoto courtesy of the National Guard Association of the United States\nFounded in 1636, the National Guard celebrated its 377th birthday on Friday, December 13th. The National Guard remains a community cornerstone as it provides protection to the citizens of the United States. A few members of the Minnesota National Guard stopped by to visit my Washington office including new commander of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Neal Loidolt, Colonel Larry Herke, and Colonel Sandy Best.\n Legislative Updates \n Flood Insurance \nI've been hearing from a number of homeowners and community leaders who have concerns about the implementation of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012. This act, coinciding with the release of new FEMA flood maps, has made for skyrocketing flood insurance premiums for some homeowners who have never flooded or have maintained flood insurance over many years. While I have signed onto a bill to delay implementation of this act, the House and Senate leadership did not take action to move this forward before the House adjourns. I am hopeful that a growing bipartisan coalition will put enough pressure on leaders to move this forward as soon as possible when we return in January.\n Reducing Regulatory Burdens on Private Pilots \nThis week I became an original cosponsor of H.R. 3708, the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act of 2013. This legislation would eliminate a burdensome regulation that requires small aircraft pilots to obtain special medical certification. Currently, general aviation is the only mode of transportation that requires a special medical exam to operate a vehicle for private and recreational use. These medical certificates can be costly and time consuming, as they can only be administered by an FAA-certified doctor, and put the decision about a pilot's medical fitness into the hands of a bureaucrat.\nH.R. 3708 would allow private pilots to operate small aircraft with a driver's license as long as they comply with any medical requirement associated with that license and maintain a low speed and altitude. This was a case of government over-regulating without properly understanding the industry it impacted, and I am hopeful we can revise this regulation and embrace a more common sense standard.\n Sportsmen\u2019s Issues \nI am an original cosponsor of the Wild Game Donation Act that was introduced on December 12th. This bill allows hunters to take part in a proposed tax credit for the processing of wild game when they donate meat to food based charities. This bipartisan bill would incentivize American hunters to contribute to needy organizations and help tackle our growing hunger problem.\nAnother bill which has seen considerable progress, and has my full support, is this year\u2019s Sportsmen\u2019s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act. The bill assists in protecting ammunition and fishing tackle from lead regulation, supports public shooting ranges, provides for electronic federal duck stamps, protects legal firearms in water resource development projects, and facilitates hunting and fishing access in Bureau of Land Management and Forestry Service lands.\n Constituents from the 7th \nTwo groups of constituents stopped by my Washington office for a U.S. Capitol tour on Friday.\nDick and Pat Krebs (APPLETON), Craig Wilkening (APPLETON), and Kerry and Paul Bonk (APPLETON)\nAdam Ulbricht (MELROSE) and fellow CPA Brad Ostendorf (Linwood)\nBruce Cottington\u2019s son (LITCHFIELD) Scott Cottington\n This Week in American History \n\u00a0\nThe International Committee of the Red Cross was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10th, 1917 for their extraordinary efforts during World War I. During the Great War, the Red Cross established the International Prisoner-of-War Agency, which helped soldiers who had been captured by the enemy still maintain contact with their families. The organization also transported thousands of soldiers to their home countries via neutral Switzerland. In recognition of their resolve to aid soldiers throughout the war, the Red Cross was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1917, and would go on to win two more in 1944 and 1963.\n\u201cElements Over Time\u201d\nGrace Mathiesen (BATTLE LAKE)\n2013 Congressional Art Competition", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=369baae4-a87f-47bb-9688-1e25d6eae6b9", "Klobuchar: Decision by Wireless Carriers to Allow Cell Phone Unlocking a Victory for Consumer Choice", "2013-12-13", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wireless carriers voluntarily agreed to six principles aligned with the FCC\u2019s proposal last month that will allow consumers to unlock their phones and tablets\u00a0\n \r\n Earlier this year, Klobuchar introduced legislation that directed the FCC to take action on cell phone unlocking and helped lead to yesterday\u2019s decision \r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar said that the decision by wireless carriers to allow cell phone unlocking is a victory for consumer choice. Wireless carriers voluntarily agreed to six principles aligned with the FCC\u2019s proposal last month that will allow consumers to unlock their phones and tablets. Earlier this year, Klobuchar introduced the bipartisan Wireless Consumer Choice Act with Senators Lee and Blumenthal, which directed the FCC to take action on cell phone unlocking and helped lead to yesterday\u2019s decision.\r\n\u201cOnce consumers have paid for a phone or tablet, and there is no reason they shouldn\u2019t be able to change their service as they see fit,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cThe decision by the wireless industry is a victory for consumer choice, and\u00a0I will continue to work with consumers and the wireless industry to implement this plan and give consumers the freedom to choose the plan that best meets their needs while keeping their devices.\u201d\r\nThe wireless industry has agreed to create a standard that will: provide a clear, concise, and readily accessible policy on unlocking for both prepaid and postpaid devices; unlock mobile wireless devices for customers, former customers, and legitimate owners when the applicable service contract, installment plan, or ETF has been fulfilled; affirmatively notify customers when their devices are eligible for unlocking and/or automatically unlock devices when eligible, without an additional fee; process unlocking requests or provide an explanation of denial within two business days; and unlock devices for military personnel upon deployment.\u00a0Companies will implement at least three of these principles within three months and the remainder within twelve months.\r\nKlobuchar is a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and chairs the Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee, and has been a leader in standing up for consumers and boosting competition in the marketplace. At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing earlier this year she pressed officials from the wireless industry to allow cell phone unlocking. In addition to the Wireless Consumer Choice Act , she also authored legislation\u2014the Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act\u2014to strengthen consumer protections in the wireless industry, including looking at allowing consumers to unlock their phones.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/press-release/vertical-farms-llc-grow-near-fergus-falls", "Vertical Farms LLC to grow near Fergus Falls", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC) -- Congressman Collin Peterson announced that USDA Rural Development will provide a $2.1 million loan guarantee to Great River Energy to provide financing to Vertical Farms Produce LLC for the purchase of equipment at their Fergus Falls facility. The project is expected to create 14 new jobs.\n\"This is great news for Fergus Falls and for the region,\" Peterson said. \"Value-added produce is making great strides in our rural communities along with the desire for local foods, and this will be a nice boost to the local economy.\"\nThe project consists of Vertical Farms, LLC operating a year-round indoor growing and packaging facility using Artificial Light Vertical Stacking (ALVS) technology.\u00a0 The initial product will be lettuce, with expansion of the product mix to include herbs, spinach, strawberries and basil.\u00a0\u00a0\nDale Didion, COO of Vertical Farms LLC, said that an outstanding group of people from the region who were focused on bringing business development to Fergus Falls should be commended for their efforts. \"This is the first project of its kind in North America,\" Didion said. \"Groups like Great River Energy, Lake Region Electric, West Central Initiative, the Fergus Falls EDC, along with Leigh Barry have been great to work with and are good people.\"\nUSDA Rural Development has approved a 70 percent Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan for Great River Energy to fund the project. Additional funding partners include West Central Initiative, the Fergus Falls Port Authority, and the City of Fergus Falls.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=ac009b1d-51d1-4d1d-934f-f9c6e2d3aaeb", "As Temperatures Plunge in Minnesota, Klobuchar Advocates for Funding to Help Ensure Accurate Weather Forecasting", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At a Commerce Subcommittee Hearing, Klobuchar discussed the need to strengthen and modernize the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to ensure they can make timely and accurate forecasts; the proposed budget agreement would reverse half of the cuts made by sequester in 2014\u00a0\n \r\n During the hearing, Senator Mark Begich of Alaska \u2013 whose father grew up in Minnesota \u2013 noted that today it was colder in northern Minnesota\u00a0than it was above the Arctic Circle \r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 As temperatures plunge to below zero across Minnesota, Klobuchar today advocated for more funding for accurate weather forecasting that is vital to saving lives. At a Commerce Subcommittee Hearing, Klobuchar discussed the need to strengthen and modernize the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to ensure they can make timely and accurate forecasts. The proposed budget agreement would reverse half of the cuts made by sequester in 2014. During the hearing, Senator Mark Begich of Alaska \u2013 whose father grew up in Minnesota \u2013 noted that today it was colder in northern Minnesota than it was above the Arctic Circle.   \u00a0   \u201cIn a state like Minnesota where winters can drop well below freezing, accurate weather forecasts aren\u2019t just a matter of convenience \u2013 they\u2019re a matter of life and death,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cIt\u2019s absolutely critical that organizations like the National Weather Service and NOAA have the tools and resources they need to do their job and minimize the impact of severe weather.\u201d\r\nDuring the hearing, Klobuchar discussed efforts to improve emergency response and the effectiveness of disseminating weather alerts. The National Weather Service has Weather Forecast Offices in the Twin Cities and Duluth and NOAA has the North Central River Forecast Center in Chanhassen, all of which play an important role in providing warning for floods, tornadoes and winter storms.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=f36c52a4-a73c-4faf-9a1c-2c33d7b3cbed", "Klobuchar Joins 99-Year-Old Minnesota Veteran at the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC to Urge Passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform to Allow DREAMers to Serve in the Military", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Joseph Medina is a 99-year old Minnesota veteran that came to the United States as a small child and found out he was undocumented when he entered in the military during World War II\u00a0\n \r\n Earlier this year, the Senate passed comprehensive immigration reform which would allow DREAMers \u2013 young people who were brought to the U.S. as children \u2013 to legally serve in the military; under current rules undocumented immigrants are barred from enlisting \r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today joined 99-year-old Minnesota veteran Joseph Medina for his visit to the World War II Memorial and called for comprehensive immigration reform that would allow DREAMers to serve in the military. Mr. Medina came to the United States as a small child and found out he was undocumented when he entered the military. Earlier this year, the Senate passed comprehensive immigration reform which would allow DREAMers \u2013 young people who were brought to the U.S. as children \u2013 to legally serve in the military; under current rules undocumented immigrants are barred from enlisting. Klobuchar and Medina were also joined at the memorial by two young Minnesota DREAMers \u2013 Karen Velez and Guillermo Illescas \u2013 who aspire to serve in the military.\r\n\u201cVeterans like Joseph are a testament to the values of our country and an inspiration to a new generation of DREAMers,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cThese kids were brought to the country as children, through no fault of their own, and Congress needs to pass comprehensive immigration reform so they can follow in the footsteps of the brave soldiers like Joseph and serve our country.\u201d\r\nJoseph Medina\u2019s family brought him to the U.S. from Mexico when he was a small child. His adopted parents had green cards to work and settled in Minnesota when he was five years old. In 1944, he entered the service and began military training. That was when he learned that he was undocumented. In order to serve, he had to go to Canada and then reenter the United States. He later became a citizen and was sent to the Pacific to join General MacArthur\u2019s Eighth Army.\r\nKaren Velez and Guillermo Illescas are both students at Eastview High School in Apple Valley. Karen was brought to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 3 years old and would like to serve in the National Guard. Guillermo is was brought to the U.S. from Mexico when he was 5 years old and would like to be a pilot in the Air Force.\r\nEarlier this year, the Senate passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill that would create an accountable pathway to citizenship, strengthen border security, and reform the legal immigration system. The bill contains the DREAM Act, which would provide legal status for young people who were brought to the U.S. as children and find themselves in their situation through no fault of their own. Under the bill, DREAMers who qualify would be eligible to work, go to school, and join the military.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2632", "Sen. Franken to Hold Hearing Examining Americans? Dwindling Right to Their Day in Court", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) announced that he will chair a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing focused on recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have eroded Americans' right to their day in court by ruling in favor of corporations who force consumers, workers, and small businesses into mandatory arbitration.\nThe hearing will also examine Sen. Franken's Arbitration Fairness Act (AFA), his legislation to restore Americans' right to justice by prohibiting mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration in consumer, employment, civil rights, and antitrust cases.\n\"I've heard from Minnesotans that recent decisions by the Supreme Court have given big corporations the unbridled ability to deny small businesses and consumers their day in court, and something has to be done to stop it,\" said Sen. Franken. \"This hearing will shed light on the need to restore justice and pass my legislation to make sure that military service members, consumers, and workers maintain their right to fight back when they aren't treated fairly.\"\nIn American Express v. Italian Colors, the Supreme Court ruled that an arbitration agreement must be enforced even if it is so bad that it prevents a plaintiff from enforcing his federal rights. Italian Colors built upon the Supreme Court's 2010 decision in AT&T v. Concepcion, in which the Supreme Court upheld the use of class action waivers in arbitration agreements, thus making it nearly impossible for individuals to band together to redress wrongs committed by corporations.\nWHO:        Sen. Franken and members of the Senate Judiciary Committee  WHAT:     Hearing on Restoring Americans' Right to Their Day in Court  WHEN:     Tuesday, December 17 at 2:00 p.m. EST  WHERE:   Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 226", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2633", "At Sen. Franken?s Urging, Administration Launches Investigation into Development of Health Care Website", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) said that he is pleased that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) heeded his call and launched an investigation into the development process of the health reform law's federal website, Healthcare.gov.\nHHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced that she has asked the Inspector General of her agency to investigate and review the contracting process employed for the development of the federal health care website.\n\"My number one concern is to make sure the Affordable Care Act works for the people of Minnesota,\" said Sen. Franken. \"While I'm pleased that the Administration listened to my request and has agreed to investigate what went wrong with Healthcare.gov's development, I'm still not satisfied and I won't be until it's working for 100 percent of people, 100 percent of the time.\n\"We need to keep moving forward and fix the things that aren't working, because we can't to go back to a time when half the bankruptcies in this country were linked to someone getting sick and someone with a pre-existing condition couldn't get health insurance.\"\nYou can read Sen. Franken's letter to Secretary Sebelius here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2634", "Sen. Franken Recognized as Champion for Children", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) was honored by the bipartisan advocacy group First Focus Campaign for Children for his extraordinary efforts to protect and improve the well-being of children in Minnesota and across the country.\nSen. Franken was selected as a 2013 Champion for Children for introducing, cosponsoring, and voting for legislation to meet the needs of children. In addition, the Campaign took into account Sen. Franken's efforts to gather support from his colleagues to improve the health, educational outcomes, and well-being of children.\n\"One of the smartest things we can do for the future of our country is make investments in our kids,\" said Sen. Franken. \"So we have to give our children the tools they need, like a great education, healthcare, and a safe home. Being recognized as a Champion for Children by First Focus is an honor and a reminder that we can't stop working until every child in Minnesota has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.\" You can read more about this year's \"Champions for Children\" honorees here. Sen. Franken has worked hard to improve the lives of children in Minnesota and around the country since coming to the Senate. Last month, he helped introduce legislation to strengthen child protection training programs and enhance child protection nationwide. In addition, he recently unveiled two bills to improve early childhood education. Another one of Sen. Franken's top priorities is to help meet the mental and emotional needs of our kids, and this year he introduced the Mental Health in Schools Act to do just that. His bill would help schools provide access to critical mental health services for kids who need them.\nSen. Franken also added child protection measures to the Senate-passed immigration reform bill, including an amendment he championed to protect children whose parents have been caught up in immigration actions or who lack a parent or guardian.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-bipartisan-budget-agreement-compromise-deserves-broad-congressional-support", "McCollum: Bipartisan Budget Agreement Is a Compromise that Deserves Broad Congressional Support", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013 Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) issued the following statement regarding the bipartisan budget conference committee compromise on the FY2014 and FY2015 federal budgets.\n\u201cThis budget agreement is a bipartisan compromise which puts the needs of the country ahead of the politics of shutdown and governing by crisis.\u00a0 Sequestration is blunted, cuts to mandatory programs that serve children, seniors, people with disabilities, and vulnerable families were avoided, and regular order in the appropriations process will be reestablished. All of this means stability for our military, the economy, and families.\nIt has been hard finding common ground between progressive Democrats and Tea Party Republicans at the negotiating table.\u00a0 This deal is funded in part by a new airline passenger tax and squeezing more out of federal employees, which I don\u2019t like.\u00a0 But it avoids the prospect of another government shutdown and brings rationality and stability back to the federal government.\u00a0 It has my strong support.\u201d\nCongresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations Committee.\u00a0 She is Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=b55b132b-06f5-412a-9a74-8082eb8c95e0", "Klobuchar, Hoeven Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Spur Innovation and Competitiveness", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Innovate America Act would help cut red tape, target education, and increase exports to help America retain its competitive edge \r\n Legislation would fund 100 new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) schools; support scientific research; and help remove burdensome regulations for small and medium-sized businesses \r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Hoeven (R-ND) introduced bipartisan legislation that would help spur innovation and competitiveness in America\u2019s economy. The Innovate America Act would help cut red tape, target successful education programs and promote U.S. exports in new markets and help America retain its competitive edge.\r\n\u201cFrom the pacemaker to the Post-it Note, Minnesota has always led the way in creating the innovative products that fuel our economy,\u201d Klobuchar said.\u00a0 \u201cBy cutting red tape for businesses and focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math education, this legislation ensures that our businesses can invest in research and our workers have the skills they need to thrive in today\u2019s competitive global economy.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe future of our nation and our ability to compete in a global economy will depend on solid STEM education, training and research,\u201d Hoeven said. \u201cThis legislation will increase the number of STEM schools, strengthen the research and development tax credit and reduce the regulatory burden on businesses, enabling them to partner with high schools and universities. North Dakota has consistently been ranked among the fastest growing states in the nation for STEM jobs. We need to apply that same principle across our country.\u201d\r\nThe Innovate America Act would also help increase the competitiveness of small-and medium-sized businesses by promoting and rewarding schools, technical colleges, and universities that focus on science, technology, engineering and math and removing red tape and reducing production costs for manufacturing businesses. The legislation is endorsed by the Council on Undergraduate Research and Computing in the Core, a non-partisan advocacy coalition of associations, corporations, and scientific societies, including Google, and the Computer Science Teachers Association.\r\nSpecifically the legislation would:\r\n \r\nFund 100 new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-focused high schools\r\n \r\n \r\nMeasure graduation rates for STEM students to encourage colleges and universities to adopt best practices to improve graduation rates\r\n \r\n \r\nExpand undergraduate research opportunities\u00a0 to encourage more students to enter STEM fields\r\n \r\n \r\nBoost the number of computer science teachers in elementary and secondary schools\r\n \r\n \r\nCreate a pilot program at the National Science Foundation to support promising technology derived from NSF grants and help them be brought to market faster\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire the Secretary of Commerce to work with small-and medium-sized manufacturers to help them comply with regulations and identify those requirements that create an unnecessary burden\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire the Department of Commerce to issue a report on global competitiveness of top exporting industries\r\n \r\nKlobuchar has been a leader in Congress on issues of economic innovation.\u00a0 As Vice Chair of the Joint Economic Committee and a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and the President\u2019s Export Council, Klobuchar has been a leader in efforts to boost America\u2019s ability to compete in the global economy, working to cut red tape for businesses and open up new markets to U.S. exports. In 2010 she passed legislation\u2014the Export Promotion Act\u2014to help small- and medium-sized businesses sell their products in international markets.\r\nThrough Hoeven\u2019s positions on the Senate Appropriations, Agriculture, and Energy committees, he is working in Washington to implement the same kinds of policies on a national level that have proved successful in North Dakota. That means reducing our budget deficits and national debt, creating a business climate that invites investment and creates jobs, and developing a comprehensive national energy policy that encourages development of all of America\u2019s energy resources. Last year, Hoeven cosponsored the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which would give schools, administrators and teachers flexibility to implement STEM programs to prepare students for the careers of the future. The senator is also a member of the Senate GOP High-Tech Task Force, which works to ensure that the nation\u2019s technology firms remain at the forefront of the world economy.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2630", "Sen. Franken Pushes Bill to Help Reduce Bicyclist and Pedestrian Fatalities", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) continued his push to help protect Minnesota's large bicyclist and pedestrian community from accidents and fatalities by throwing his weight behind legislation to build on current transportation safety measures. The Bicycle Pedestrian Safety Bill, originally introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), seeks to address the rising rates of fatalities among bicyclist and walkers by requiring the Department of Transportation to set a specific reduction goal for non-motorized fatalities. States like Minnesota, where more than 11 percent of all traffic deaths involve bicyclists and pedestrians, would then set their own targets for reducing fatalities.   \"Minnesota has a growing number of people who walk or bike to get where they need to go, whether it's work, school, shops, or just to exercise,\" said Sen. Franken. \"And as more people choose these transportation options, we need to design our transportation system to protect the safety of all its users. This bill will go a long way toward building on current protections and helping to reduce fatalities.\" The bill strengthens the safety requirements set by Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), passed last year by Congress and supported by Sen. Franken. MAP-21 developed a framework for updated, performance-based transportation funding and investments. To read a list of organizations that support the Bicycle Pedestrian Safety Bill, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2631", "Sen. Franken Honored as Champion of Energy Efficiency Technology", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) was honored for his work on energy efficient technologies by the Combined Heat & Power Association. Sen. Franken has introduced legislation to help industries, universities, hospitals, and communities reduce their energy costs by giving them tools to deploy energy efficient technologies like combined heat and power-which captures energy that is otherwise wasted and puts it to use. Sen. Franken has highlighted combined heat and power's importance in multiple Senate Energy Committee hearings.  The Combined Heat & Power Association brings together companies like General Electric, Cummins Power Generation, which is based in Minnesota, and others to help increase the deployment of combined heat and power and waste energy recovery systems to benefit the environment and the economy.    Today in the United States, up to 35 percent of the total energy consumed is being lost from power plants, industrial facilities, and other buildings largely in the form of \"waste heat.\" In June, Sen. Franken introduced the Local Energy Supply and Resiliency Act to help businesses, communities, and nonprofits capture that waste heat for use in heating, cooling, and power generation. You can read more about Sen. Franken's Local Energy Supply and Resiliency Act here. \"Making investments in energy efficient technologies will boost the economy, create jobs, and decrease our dependency on foreign oil,\" said Sen. Franken. \"The way we currently consume energy is not nearly as efficient as it could and should be. Capturing waste heat and putting it to good use is not just commonsense, it's a great way to save money and reduce emissions. I was honored to receive this award and will continue to do my best to champion job-creating, energy efficient technologies.\" Sen. Franken has long been a champion of increasing investments in energy efficiency technologies. As Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Sen. Franken focused his first hearing on energy efficiency. In addition to Sen. Franken's Local Energy Supply and Resiliency Act, he supports legislation to bolster the production of biomass thermal technologies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-to-budget-conferees-24-billion-in-afghanistan-better-spent-in", "Nolan to Budget Conferees:   $24 Billion in Afghanistan Better Spent in Deficit Reduction and Reinvesting in American Infrastructure and Jobs", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The United States should reallocate $24 billion from overseas military construction accounts to deficit reduction and domestic construction accounts, U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan said today.\nAs the House and Senate grew closer today to reaching a budget agreement for Fiscal Year 2014, Congressman Nolan strongly urged Representative Paul Ryan and Senator Patty Murphy, respectively the Chairs of the House and Senate Budget Committees, to reallocate approximately $24 billion taxpayer dollars in the Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) accounts that fund the nation building and infrastructure projects in Afghanistan.\nThe Congressman explained that his one-on-one meetings with the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), John F. Sopko, and a bipartisan group of members of Congress, have confirmed for him that these funds could be better spent in deficit reduction and improving American infrastructure, in order to spur domestic commerce and create many badly needed jobs at home.\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s infrastructure is literally falling apart in many cases,\u201d said Nolan. \u201cTens of thousands of dams, bridges, highways, and wastewater treatment facilities in critical and dangerous disrepair \u2013 not to mention our need to expand, upgrade, and modernize these facilities for future populations and the freight and passenger traffic of tomorrow.\u201d\nNolan added, \u201cSome $60 billion taxpayer dollars have already been wasted on reconstruction projects in Afghanistan. Our experience with waste and corruption in that nation parallels what occurred in Iraq. Surely there are projects here in America more worthy of $24 billion U.S. taxpayer dollars.\u201d\nAt least $12.3 billion of appropriated, but not yet obligated, reconstruction funds are designated for Afghanistan. An additional $12 billion is requested is in the FY14 budget.\nThe full text of the letter is here: \u00a0Nolan Letter to Budget Conferees.pdf\n-30-  \n\t\u00a0\n2447 Rayburn House Office Building \u2013 Washington, D.C. \u2013 20515", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-united-arab-emirates-should-immediately-release-minnesotan-shezanne-cassim", "McCollum: United Arab Emirates Should Immediately Release Minnesotan Shezanne Cassim from Jail", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) issued the following statement regarding the imprisonment of Mr. Shezanne Cassim of Woodbury, MN in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for posting a spoof YouTube video.\u00a0 At a time when Dubai is hosting an international film festival and was recently awarded the Expo 2020 World Fair, the imprisonment of an American and his friends for posting a satirical video on-line exposes the UAE\u2019s intellectual repression and disdain for free speech.\n\u201cIt is appalling that Shezanne Cassim continues to be imprisoned in the UAE for the crime of posting an innocent video on YouTube.\u00a0 The authorities of the UAE should release him from prison immediately.\u00a0 This incident exposes the fact that intellectual freedom and free speech, which are basic human values, do not exist in the UAE regardless of how many Western businesses and American universities are seduced by petrol dollars to locate there.\u201d\n\u201cAmericans in the UAE beware \u2013 your words and ideas can get you imprisoned indefinitely.\u201d\nCongresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations Committee.\u00a0 She is Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=3d86d93e-d042-416d-9716-9b5c69669cd8", "As Winter Sets In, Klobuchar, Schumer, Casey Introduce Legislation to Help Prevent Deaths from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill would allow the Consumer Product Safety Commission to provide support for public safety education and installment of safe and reliable carbon monoxide detectors\u00a0\n \r\n \nBill named after two young brothers from Kimball, MN who died from carbon monoxide poisoning\u00a0 \r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 As winter sets in, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Bob Casey (D-PA) today introduced legislation to help prevent deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning. The Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act, named for two young brothers from Kimball, MN who died from carbon monoxide poisoning, would allow the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to provide support for public safety education and to encourage installment of safe and reliable carbon monoxide detectors.\r\n\u201cPreventing instances of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning requires the proper safeguards,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cThis bill will help educate the public on how to avoid danger as well as ensure the installation of critical detectors, helping families in Minnesota and across the country prevent tragedy before it strikes.\u201d\r\n\u201cCarbon monoxide poisoning is an indiscriminant and stealthy killer, so we cannot remain silent about the danger it poses, especially when winter rolls in and oil and gas heaters are more heavily in use,\u201d said Schumer. \u00a0\u201cThat\u2019s why our legislation steps up federal support for both public education and carbon monoxide detection, which will give American families the tools they need to detect carbon monoxide before it can cause harm.\u201d\r\n\u201cPennsylvania has seen far too many accidental deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning,\u201d Senator Casey said. \u201cThis is a commonsense approach that will help protect Pennsylvania families through increased awareness and the increased availability of monitors.\u201d\r\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control, there are over 400 deaths and 20,000 emergency room visits as a result of CO poisoning each year and the highest percentage of CO exposures occurs during the winter months of December, January, and February.\u00a0 Especially dangerous in Minnesota is the risk of poisoning associated with running an automobile engine in an attached garage or burning charcoal in the house.\r\nKlobuchar serves on the Senate Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Consumer Product Safety Commission.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=76c2b6d6-8ad5-4e96-be55-2ab9b85240ef", "On International Human Rights Day, Klobuchar Meets with U.S. Ambassador to the UAE and Urges Action on Cassim Case", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shezzane Cassim, a University of Minnesota graduate, has been imprisoned in the UAE for eight months for posting a harmless video to YouTube \r\n \nAmbassador pledges to make the case his highest priority and is sending staff to visit Cassim to help ensure his safety\u00a0\n \r\n Today Klobuchar\u2019s staff also joined the Cassim family at an event in Minnesota to advocate for his release \r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 On International Human Rights Day, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar met with U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Michael Corbin to urge action on the case of Shezzane Cassim, a University of Minnesota graduate who has been imprisoned in the UAE for eight months after posting a harmless video to YouTube. The Ambassador pledged to make the case his highest priority and is sending staff to visit Cassim to help ensure his safety. Today members of Klobuchar\u2019s staff also joined the Cassim family at an event in Minnesota to advocate for his release.\r\n\u201cThe United Arab Emirates holds itself up as a place for Americans to come and work or get an education, and a number of our universities even have campuses in the country \u2013 it simply doesn\u2019t make sense that this young man is in jail for posting a YouTube video. Today\u2019s meeting was a positive step forward and I will continue to work with Shezzane\u2019s family, the State Department, and UAE officials to ensure Shezzane is safe and justice is served.\u201d\r\nSenator Klobuchar has been working with the Cassim family since April 2013. In addition to meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to the UAE, she has also spoken with the UAE Ambassador to the United States and led a Minnesota delegation letter to the UAE Ambassador to the United States urging him to look into the case.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=news&id=2629", "Sen. Franken Working to Save Minnesota Students Money on College Textbooks", "2013-12-09", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In an effort to tackle the rising costs of textbooks for college students in Minnesota, Sen. Franken recently introduced the Affordable College Textbook Act, which would expand open access textbooks by putting textbook resources online and help give students cheaper alternatives to expensive textbooks and supplies. In a letter to Minnesota Daily\u2014the student newspaper of the University of Minnesota\u2014several student body leaders endorsed the effort and thanked Sen. Franken for his legislation:\n \n...\n\"If passed, the bill would expand the use of open educational resources and provide a framework for sharing educational materials and best practices. This legislation will save students money by increasing the use of low-cost, high-quality materials in college classrooms. Franken deserves the praise of both students and educators for his work toward this goal. We hope Congress acts swiftly to pass this legislation.\nWith the cost of higher education rising at unsustainable rates, students are facing unprecedented challenges in paying for college. Often seen as a peripheral cost in the past, the cost of textbooks is now front and center in the college affordability conversation.\nThe cost of textbooks has become a barrier to academic success. College textbook prices skyrocketed by 82 percent between 2002 and 2012.\"\n \n  Click here to read the Minnesota Daily Letter to the Editor\nClick here to read more about the Affordable College Textbook Act", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-126", "Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/6", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sun Dog in Fergus\nDear Friends,\nThis week winter arrived in the Seventh District with temperatures dropping well below freezing. In Washington on Wednesday I was joined by Congresswoman Betty McCollum and Minnesota State Legislators to discuss issues important to Minnesota. Dr. Robert Bosl, who for many years was the only physician in Starbuck, was named the 2013 National Country Doctor of the Year by Staff Care. The 34th Red Bull Infantry welcomes new incoming division commander Brig. Gen. Neal Loidolt on Saturday. In economic development news, the village of Big Elbow Lake broke ground on a new community center.\nSincerely,\nCongressman Collin C. Peterson\nMinnesota 7th District\n Farm Bill Update \nThe four Agriculture Committee leaders met this week and made some good progress on farm bill negotiations. We're continuing discussions and I'm somewhat optimistic for this coming week. I am scheduled to discuss the farm bill with Joel Heitkamp on KFGO's News and Views on Monday.\n State Legislators Head to Capitol Hill \nState Legislators: Sen. Melissa Wicklund, Rep. Sandra Masin, Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer, and Sen. Scott Dibble.\nCongresswoman Betty McCollum and I met with several MN state legislators on Wednesday to discuss issues affecting our state. We spoke about the Farm Bill Conference, the Water Resources Development Act Conference, the Budget Conference and the Marketplace Fairness Act. The meeting was organized as a part of the National Conference of State Legislators Fall Forum, which ran through Friday.\u00a0We also had an opportunity to meet with State House Assistant Minority Leader Paul Torkelson while he was in Washington with the Conference.\n Starbuck Physician Named Doctor of the Year \nCongratulations to Dr. Robert Bosl of Starbuck, who was named 2013 Country Doctor of the Year. When the Starbuck Hospital closed in 2005, Dr. Bosl and his wife invested their savings to open a clinic in Starbuck. For many years he was the only physician there. Now, Dr. Bosl regularly travels forty miles round-trip to Stevens County Medical Center in Morris. A Vietnam Veteran, Dr. Bosl has put around 200,000 miles on his car as he travels from Starbuck to Morris and makes occasional house calls to see patients. Thank you to Dr. Bosl for your commitment and service to the community and region.\nTo read more about Dr. Bosl\u2019s award click here.\n Military Matters \n34th Red Bull Infantry Division Flag\nMinnesota National Guard\u2019s 34th Red Bull Infantry Division will receive a new, incoming division commander Saturday during a change of command ceremony at the Rosemount National Guard Armory. Brigadier General Neal G. Loidolt has been a member of the Minnesota National Guard since 1984 and received his commission in 1987 through St. Cloud State University\u2019s ROTC program. He was deployed to Iraq in 2006 and 2009, and held multiple senior staff positions. I wish Brig. Gen. Loidolt and the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division all the best as they continue to protect and serve the citizens of Minnesota and the nation.\n Butamax \nCEO Paul Beckwith\nI met with Paul Beckwith, CEO of Butamax Advanced Biofuels, to talk about the retrofit of the Highwater Ethanol plant in Lamberton for the production of biobutanol.\u00a0 Butamax and Highwater began installation of Butamax's corn oil separation technology in early October.\u00a0 This is the first phase of the project, and ethanol would be converted to butanol after phase two.\u00a0\nWe also discussed the importance of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) during our meeting.\u00a0The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a public hearing on its proposed 2014 RFS rule.\u00a0Butamax was one of approximately 140 participants who were scheduled to testify.\n Big Elbow Lake Community Center \nGroundbreaking ceremony for the village of Big Elbow Lake\nLast week, the White Earth Tribe broke ground on a new community center for the village of Big Elbow Lake, located on the White Earth Reservation. The community center will be home to the Elderly Nutrition Program. A combination of funding from USDA Rural Development, the Mardag Foundation, and tribal funds helped to make the facility possible.\n This Week in American History \nCourthouse in Ivanhoe (Lincoln County Seat)\nOn December 5th, 1873, Lincoln County was successfully created out of the western part of Lyon County. A month earlier, Minnesota voters approved by popular vote the establishment of a county named after the Civil War President. It took the Minnesota Legislature four attempts to finally establish Lincoln County. Three previous attempts failed because legislators could not gain enough votes from the public for approval. Lincoln County is located in southwest Minnesota and borders the state of South Dakota, Yellow Medicine, Lyon, and Pipestone counties.\u00a0\n\u201cLight Rays\u201d\nKaitlyn Wurst (FRAZEE VERGAS)\n2013 Congressional Art Competition", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-to-mark-72nd-anniversary-of-pearl-harbor-attack-at-vets", "Congressman to Mark 72nd Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attack at  Vets Events in Gilbert, Hoyt Lakes, & Aurora", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, D.C.) \u2013 Boatswain\u2019s Mate First Class Arleigh Birk was just 21 years old and 4,028 miles away from his home in Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota, when he watched Japanese planes attack Pearl Harbor from his station on the USS Honolulu on Sunday, December 7, 1941.\nTo mark the 72nd anniversary of the attack, Minnesota\u2019s 8th District Congressman Rick Nolan will make a special presentation honoring Birk, now 93 years old, at Hoyt Lakes VFW Post 8144, with ceremonies set to begin at 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 7. \u00a0\nFollowing Pearl Harbor, Birk was reassigned to the USS Denver where he remained in the Pacific Theatre until his discharge in February 1946. He and his wife of 67 years, Marion, still live in their family home in Hoyt Lakes.\nPrior to the stop in Hoyt Lakes, Nolan will attend a reception and recognition event for Veterans at the Gilbert VFW from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. He will wind up the day at the Aurora American Legion honoring Vets there between 4:15 and 5:00 PM.\n\u201cArleigh Birk \u2013 and all our Veterans and active military and their families \u2013 are true American heroes, and it is fitting we honor them on December seventh for their service and sacrifice to our great nation, as well as the cause of freedom everywhere,\u201d Nolan said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/klobuchar-nolan-legislation-to-cut-red-tape-for-small-aircraft", "Klobuchar, Nolan Legislation to Cut Red Tape for Small Aircraft Manufacturers Signed Into Law", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, D.C.) \u2014U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Congressman Rick Nolan announced today that their legislation to cut red tape for small aircraft manufactures has been signed into law. The Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013 would modernize the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s (FAA) Part 23 certification process to improve safety, decrease costs and encourage innovation.\n\u201cThis is great news for small aircraft manufacturers like Cirrus in Duluth who shouldn\u2019t have to suffer because of an outdated approval process,\u201d said Klobuchar, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. \u201cThis bill\u2014now law\u2014will help cut unnecessary red tape so that our manufacturers can continue to make the most advanced, innovative and safest planes in the world.\u201d\nA member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, Nolan noted that \u201cAt Cirrus in Duluth and throughout the small aircraft industry, this bipartisan legislation is all about jobs, and the unleashing of a whole new generation of the world\u2019s safest, most technically advanced aircraft. Small aircraft manufacturers in America have been slowly choking over the past twenty years due to an outdated, unnecessarily lengthy approval process that increases the price of safety and technology upgrades by up to ten times. This bill\u2014now law\u2014gets to the root of the problem.\u201d\nThe Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013 establishes December 15, 2015 as the deadline for the implementation of the FAA\u2019s Part 23 certification process modernization.\u00a0Under current regulations, the cost of investing in new equipment is prohibitive due to outdated regulations. The law directs the FAA to implement the recommendations made by the Aviation Rulemaking Committee, composed of aviation authorities and industry representatives from around the world, to remove barriers to investing in new designs and increase the availability of lifesaving safety equipment for existing airplanes.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/congresswoman-mccollum%E2%80%99s-statement-death-nelson-mandela", "Congresswoman McCollum\u2019s Statement on the Death of Nelson Mandela", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Congresswoman Betty McCollum released the following statement on former South African President Nelson Mandela, who passed away today at age 95:\n\u201cWith the death of Nelson Mandela the world has lost an icon for justice and a true freedom fighter.\u00a0 President Mandela\u2019s courage, determination, and profound sacrifice inspired not only Africans, but a global generation committed to abolishing apartheid. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the people of South Africa for their loss which is truly a loss for the human race.\u201d\nCongresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations Committee.\u00a0 She is Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=d8199ca8-4aea-44d7-8d78-488052112da3", "Klobuchar Statement on the Passing of Nelson Mandela", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today issued the following statement on the passing of Nelson Mandela.\r\n\u201cWe lost a great man today. Nelson Mandela\u2019s life is a powerful affirmation of the strength of the human spirit. With courage and compassion, even in the face of adversity and injustice, he not only changed his beloved South Africa, he transformed the world. As we mourn his loss and reflect on his legacy we are reminded that we all have the capacity to make the world a better place, and we rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of justice, equality and peace.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/for-immediate-release-house-approves-nolan-bill-to-permit-long-awaited", "House Approves Nolan Bill to Permit Long-Awaited Land Exchange Between Fond du Lac Band and Carlton County", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, D.C.) \u2013 The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Carlton County would be permitted to go forward with a long-awaited land exchange under legislation passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill passed by voice vote.\nMinnesota\u2019s Eighth District Congressman, Rick Nolan, authored the bill (H.R. 2650) in accordance with a federal requirement that Congress approve the exchange of freely-owned Tribal lands not held in trust. Minnesota Senator Al Franken is shepherding virtually identical legislation through the Senate.\nUnder the agreement negotiated by the Band and Carlton County, approximately 3,200 acres currently owned by the county within the boundaries of the Fond du Lac Reservation will be returned to the Fond du Lac Band, in exchange for 1,451 acres of equal value the Band owns outside the Reservation.\nSpeaking on the Floor of the House before today\u2019s vote, Nolan explained that the agreement helps rectify a treaty broken long ago. \u201cDespite the 1854 treaty that set aside 101,000 acres of land exclusively for the Fond du Lac Band Reservation, homesteaders and others were wrongly allowed to settle on this land \u2013 much of which was then later forfeited to the County for non-payment of taxes. The result today is a checkerboard of ownership that significantly limits both the Band\u2019s and the County\u2019s ability to effectively manage the lands they both control.\u201d\n\u201cThe agreement provides space for the Band to construct much-needed housing for its 6,700 members, as well as for traditional hunting and gathering. It also opens up valuable new timber and forestry resources for Carlton County,\u201d Nolan continued.\nH.R.2650 is modeled after statutes passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000 and 2004, allowing the Lower Sioux Indian Community in Minnesota and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community in Minnesota to accomplish similar transactions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/congresswoman-mccollums-statement-world-aids-day-0", "Congresswoman McCollum's Statement on World AIDS Day", "2013-12-02", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013\u00a0Congresswoman McCollum issued the following statement on World AIDS Day, Sunday December 1st.\u00a0\n\u201cThe AIDS epidemic has taken countless lives and millions of men and women around the world continue to live with this disease. There have been fantastic advancements in pursuit of a cure, thanks in large part to the work of advocates dedicated to ending this epidemic. Today, we remember those we have lost to this awful disease and honor the work of those continuing to fight for a cure.\n\u201cI am proud of my work in Congress to pass legislation that will help those affected by HIV/AIDS get the treatment they need. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies can no longer deny coverage due to those with HIV/AIDS because of their pre-existing condition.\u00a0 Insurers cannot put a cap on the lifetime benefits that those struggling with HIV/AIDS can receive and Medicaid expansion will allow more people access to better care.\u201d\nCongresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations Committee.\u00a0 She is Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-1127", "Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 11/27", "2013-11-27", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cEmbarkation of the Pilgrims\u201d  U.S. Capitol Rotunda\nDear Friends,\nIn this time of Thanksgiving, I would like to express gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Minnesota's Seventh District. While there are a lot of challenges in Congress, I know I can always count on my constituents to let me know how I'm doing. Have a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving.\nSincerely,\nCongressman Collin C. Peterson\nMinnesota 7th District\n Seventh District Turkeys Go to Washington \nThe Burkel family raised two turkeys, Caramel and Popcorn, who took a ride (upper left) from their custom made house in Badger (upper right) to Washington, D.C. for their presidential pardon ceremony.\nThe earliest tales of spared turkeys date back to Lincoln\u2019s presidency. According to the story, his son Tad became quite attached to a turkey bound for the Christmas dining table. He begged his father to write a presidential pardon for his friend, and President Lincoln let the turkey live. The first president to actually offer a turkey pardon on Thanksgiving was President George H.W. Bush in 1989. After an official turkey receiving ceremony, President H.W. Bush pardoned a turkey unfortunately named Frying Pan. Since then, pardoning has become an annual Thanksgiving tradition at the White House.\nHere is the story of two turkeys from Badger and the family that raised them.\nJoni, Vanessa, John, Keith, Janet, Alex, Emily, and Jack Burkel (BADGER and GREENBUSH), and Janice and Brach Svoboda (BADGER)\nOn Monday, the Burkel and Svoboda families visited my Washington office for a tour of the Capitol. Their family raised the two plump turkeys on their farm up in Badger to be pardoned by the President for this year\u2019s Thanksgiving. They have been constantly training the turkeys to withstand all the attention due to their celebrity status as they make their way from Minnesota to the White House. The President met the Burkel family at the White House on Wednesday and determined which turkey, Caramel or Popcorn, will be officially pardoned. Regardless of which bird is chosen, both will survive this Thanksgiving and will move to Mount Vernon, VA, home to George Washington.\nThe Burkel family tells the Capitol\u2019s underground subway operator James about their turkeys during a tour.\nAgriculture Committee balcony\nThey also stopped in the Agriculture Committee room after their Capitol tour to see where farmer and agricultural issues are represented in the U.S. House of Representatives.\nJack keeps Caramel and Popcorn in check\nOn Tuesday the Burkel family, Caramel, and Popcorn held a press conference at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel. John Burkel talked about the family\u2019s excitement to visit the White House, the training regiment to get the turkeys ready for prime time, and Caramel and Popcorn\u2019s favorite songs to listen to.\nPopcorn pardoned at the White House on Wednesday\n\u00a0\n  Untitled  Karen Petersen (CLARA CITY)  2013 Congressional Art Competition", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2628", "Sen. Franken?s Bipartisan Bill to Keep Medicine Safe for Minnesotans Signed into Law", "2013-11-27", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) issued the following statement after his bipartisan legislation to help keep medicine safe for patients and providers in Minnesota and across the country was signed into law by the President: \"After working with a bipartisan coalition of my colleagues to get this bill passed, I'm glad to say that people in Minnesota and around the country will have greater peace of mind about the safety of their medicine,\" said Sen. Franken. \"This law will go a long way in helping to prevent crises like last year's meningitis outbreak and help make drugs safer for Minnesotans. This is a commonsense fix that will help a lot of people.\"  Last year, 64 American deaths and hundreds of infections were linked to a Massachusetts drug compounding facility that distributed a steroid contaminated with a fungus that causes meningitis to health care facilities in 20 states, including Minnesota. This law will seek to stop similar outbreaks and help prevent deaths related to contaminated medicines.  In July, Sen. Franken and a bipartisan group of his Senate Health Committee colleagues introduced legislation to help ensure the safety of drug compounding, which includes the making, mixing, diluting, or combining of drugs for individual patients. In September, Senate Health Committee leaders and House health policy leaders reached an agreement on compromise legislation, which was passed by the House and then passed by the Senate last week. The bill clarifies the oversight responsibilities of the Food and Drug Administration over many higher-risk compounding facilities\u2014called outsourcing facilities\u2014and holds these facilities to high quality standards.  Last year's meningitis outbreak alerted the nation that providers and patients need sources of safe compounded drugs. Following the outbreak, a bipartisan group of Senate Health Committee colleagues\u2014led by Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Ranking Member Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Sen. Franken, and Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)\u2014developed legislation to help ensure that quality compounded drugs are available to patients who need them. Sen. Franken's legislation also improves patient safety by replacing today's patchwork of state product tracing laws with a strong, uniform standard that would ultimately result in electronic, interoperable unit level product tracing for the entire country. The last comprehensive effort to establish safeguards for the drug distribution supply chain was 25 years ago.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2627", "Rep. Ellison, Sen. Franken and Mayor Rybak Applaud HUD Announcement", "2013-11-25", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak applauded the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announcement today to retain the Minneapolis Multifamily housing office, which provides financing, mortgage insurance and operating assistance to a variety of multi-family apartments, nursing homes and manufactured home communities.\n\"The announcement today guarantees Minneapolis will continue to be a national model for helping families find an affordable place to call home,\" Rep. Ellison said. \"The decision to keep the Minneapolis Multifamily Housing office open is a huge victory for our city and for families who need rental housing options that include nursing homes, cooperatives, apartments and affordable housing for the elderly, people with disabilities and low-income families. \n\"The Minneapolis Multifamily Housing office is one of the top loan producers in the country, building more than 6,000 units a year and helping families around the region find appropriate rental housing. It serves the needs of Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. \n\"Excellence is being rewarded. The people who run the Minneapolis Multifamily Housing office are the best at what they do. Keeping the Multifamily Housing office ensures Minneapolis will continue to be a leader in enabling us to provide more workforce housing and still meet the needs for affordable housing for the elderly, people with disabilities and low-income families. The decision to retain our high performing office will make our community more vital and equitable.\"\n\"I'm glad that, after my urging, the Administration decided to keep the Minneapolis Multi-Family Field Office open to continue its work for the people of Minnesota,\" said Sen. Franken. \"The Minneapolis office ranks among the top in the nation, and it simply made no sense to move those resources farther away from the people it serves.\"\n\"I'm grateful that Secretary Donovan has recognized the important multifamily work that HUD's Minneapolis does, and all of Minneapolis owes Rep. Ellison a debt of gratitude for his tireless efforts to ensure that this work will continue to be done here,\" Mayor Rybak said. \"I'd also like to thank Sen. Franken for his work on behalf of the Minneapolis office. This region deserves recognition for the exceptional results that the entire housing community here is producing in delivering affordable housing for families.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/congresswoman-mccollum%E2%80%99s-statement-iran-agreement", "Congresswoman McCollum\u2019s Statement on Iran Agreement", "2013-11-25", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-D) released the following statement regarding the agreement on Iran\u2019s nuclear program that was reached over the weekend:\n\u201cI applaud President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry, along with our international partners, for negotiating a significant step towards peacefully achieving a comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran. With on-going sanctions in place, improved verification, and real accountability demanded from the Iran regime, this initial deal is a triumph for engagement and tough diplomacy. Getting to a comprehensive agreement will be difficult, but this deal allows Iran to demonstrate to the world that they reject the pursuit of nuclear weapons.\u201d\nIn July, the U.S. House passed additional tough sanctions on Iran (H.R. 850) despite opposition from the Obama Administration. Congresswoman McCollum was one of 20 members of Congress to vote against the legislation citing its potential to harm on-going diplomatic negotiations between the P5+1 and Iran.\nCongresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations Committee.\u00a0 She is Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-statement-international-day-elimination-violence-against-women", "McCollum Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women", "2013-11-25", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) released the following statement in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women:\n\u201cViolence in all forms \u2013 emotional, physical, and financial \u2013 is a real fear for women of all ages, races, sexualities, and nationalities. It is unacceptable that one in three women worldwide will be the victim of violence in their lifetime.\u00a0 I am proud of my efforts in Congress to keep women safe, but we must do more. I will continue to fight for the rights and safety of all women in the fourth district, in Minnesota, and around the world.\u201d\nCongresswoman McCollum was a proud supporter of the\u00a0Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. She championed language included in the law to require the Administration to develop comprehensive strategy to address child marriage globally and ensure additional protections for Native American women.\u00a0 She also introduced legislation (H.Res. 213) calling for the creation of a Special Committee on Sexual Assault and Abuse in the Armed Forces to protect the women serving our country in the armed forces.\u00a0\nCongresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations Committee.\u00a0 She is Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.\n\u00a0\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-1122", "Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 11/22", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Delegation lunch\nDear Friends,\nThis week the Fargo and Minneapolis VA Health Care Systems were named two of the top performing medical facilities in the nation because of the high-quality care they provide for veterans. The Fargo VA Health Care System recently hired Director Lavonne Liversage to oversee its top-performing medical facilities. Economic development continues in the 7th District as Corval Group, an industrial general contractor based in St. Paul, opened up a brand new office in Hawley which brings new jobs to the region. Leaders in the House and Senate Agriculture Committees continue to meet, and we are working to find solutions and pass a five-year farm bill before the end of this year.\nSincerely,\nCongressman Collin C. Peterson  Minnesota 7th District\n Farm Bill Update \nLeaders from the House and Senate Agriculture Committees met this week to try and reach a compromise on the farm bill. Unfortunately, those talks ended without an agreement. I believe it\u2019s still possible to finish a bill this year but with the upcoming Thanksgiving recess and differing House and Senate work schedules for December, time is running out. The Committee Leaders will talk next week and I\u2019ll continue looking for ways we can compromise and finally get a new farm bill signed into law.\nI discussed the status of the farm bill with Joel Heitkamp on KFGO Friday. Click here to listen to the interview.\n Military Matters \nVA Health Care Systems Serving 7th District Receive High-Quality Awards\nThe Fargo and Minneapolis VA Health Care Systems have been named by the Department of Veterans Affairs as two of the top performing medical facilities in the nation. An independent panel reviewed all 151 VA medical facilities and named their top performers based on positive results for veteran patients. It is great to see two VA Health Care Systems that serve veterans in the 7th District being honored for their commitment to high-quality care.\n New Director of the Fargo VA Health Care System \n  \nDirector Lavonne Liversage\nThe Fargo Veterans Affairs Health Care System recently announced that Lavonne Liversage will be the new Director. Ms. Liversage was the former Deputy Network Director of the Rocky Mountain Network in Denver, CO, and brings more than 17 years in health care leadership experience to Fargo.\nTaking excellent care of our nation\u2019s veterans is one of the most important ways we can honor them for their service. The Fargo VA Health Care System provides health services to more than 32,000 veterans in North Dakota and western Minnesota. Its facilities include seven Community Based Outpatient Clinics, two outreach clinics, and one telehealth clinic.\n MN Soybean Processors \nBack Row: Peter VanRegenmorter, Scott Hedrick (Albert Lea), Derek Masterson (Roseville), Chris Hill and Mike Youngerberg (Mankato)\nFront Row: Ron Marr (Brewster) and Ed Hegland (APPLETON)\nOn Tuesday I met with the Minnesota Soybean Processors in the Rayburn Room of the Capitol to discuss the importance of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). I expressed my disappointment with the Environmental Protection Agency's recent proposal to lower the biofuel targets for 2014. A strong biodiesel and ethanol industry is necessary to advance the next generation of renewable fuels and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.\u00a0The Minnesota Soybean Processors is a cooperative with more than 2,350 members that owns and operates a soybean crush facility and bio-diesel operation in Brewster.\n Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities Program \nCraig Lindvahl, Jerel Nelson, and Marv Rothstein\nThe Initiative Foundation hosted a meeting in Staples this week to discuss starting up a CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program in their community. Craig Lindvahl, Executive Director of the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship, spoke to the group about how they started successful programs in Illinois and other states to help students see the world around them as a series of opportunities. They also engage the local business community to share their expertise with the next generation of business owners.\nFor more information on the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship click here.\n Corval Group Grand Opening \nOn Wednesday Corval Group opened a regional office in Hawley. Corval is a St. Paul-based industrial general contractor that provides construction, engineering and fabrication for many industries. This new office will help them better serve businesses in the North Dakota oil patch and throughout the region. It's great to see them expanding their services and creating jobs in the 7th District, and I congratulate them on their efforts.\n This Week in American History \n\u00a0\nLeft: President Kennedy and First Lady Kennedy riding in the motorcade in Dallas, TX.\nRight: Gravesite and Eternal Flame for President John F. Kennedy\nExactly fifty years ago today, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, TX on November 22nd, 1963. As the presidential motorcade paraded through the streets of Dallas, President Kennedy was suddenly struck by multiple gunshots and later succumbed to his wounds. Days later, hundreds of thousands of mourners lined the streets of Washington, D.C. to watch the infamous horse-drawn coffin travel from the Capitol Rotunda to St. Matthew\u2019s Catholic Cathedral. From there, John F. Kennedy was moved to his final resting place inside Arlington National Cemetery where he was buried with full military honors on a slope in the middle of the cemetery. An eternal flame was lit by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to forever mark the grave of our 35th President.\n Constituents from the 7th \nGarfield Elementary School: Lisa Pikop, Karen Andrews, and Nicole Anderson (GARFIELD) Winsted Elementary School: Jennifer and Michael Olson (Rockford), Dave and Jodi Sanken (BROWNTON)\nThis week the Blue Ribbon winners from Garfield and Winsted Elementary Schools in the 7th District came to town. Pictured above are the teachers and principals with their family members during a tour of the Capitol, standing next to a Minnesota statue of Maria Sanford. A professor of Rhetoric and Elocution at the University of Minnesota, Sanford was one of the first female professors in the United States. Decades later, she was selected by the Minnesota State Legislature in 1958 to represent Minnesota in Statuary Hall. Today an elementary school in Montevideo is named in her honor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=731b2678-2f6e-4709-a605-741b4e784991", "Klobuchar, Baldwin Join in Friendly Wager on This Weekend's Minnesota-Wisconsin Football Games", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Klobuchar, Baldwin Join in Friendly Wager on This Weekend's Minnesota-Wisconsin Football Games \r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) today joined in a friendly wager on this weekend\u2019s Minnesota-Wisconsin football games. With the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers playing the University of Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday and the Minnesota Vikings playing the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the senators wagered Wisconsin bratwurst and cheese against a Minnesota Jennie-O turkey and wild rice \u2013 one dish for each game.\r\n\u201cWhile I\u2019m sure Senator Baldwin\u2019s office would enjoy a Minnesota turkey and some Minnesota wild rice for Thanksgiving dinner, I\u2019m looking forward to sampling some of the finest brats and cheese Wisconsin has to offer after cheering on the Gophers and Vikings this weekend,\u201d\u00a0Klobuchar said, noting that\u00a0Minnesota is the number one turkey producer in the country.\r\n\"When the Badgers and Packers beat the Gophers and Vikings like they always do, the turkey and wild rice will go wonderfully with some made in Wisconsin cranberry sauce,\" said Baldwin.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=newsletter&id=2624", "North Star Newsletter: Keeping Our Promises to Veterans and Their Families", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Skip to Content\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA+\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTEXT-ONLY\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\tAbout Al\n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAl's Biography\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCommittee & Subcommittee Assignments\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\tServing Minnesotans\n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMinnesota People, Places, and Things\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRequest Al's Help\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOur Offices\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBreakfast with Al\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAbout Minnesota\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFederal Resources\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAppropriations Funding\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVisiting Washington\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\tIssues\n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAl in the News\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHot Topics\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOp-Eds and Speeches\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFloor and Hearing Statements\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVideos\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhotos\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmail Updates from Al\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Kit\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\tFAQ\n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\tContact Al\n\t\t\t\t\t    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmail Al on a Legislative Issue\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVisiting Washington\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBreakfast with Al\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRequest Al's Help\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRequest a Meeting with Al\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tApply for an Internship\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRequest a Service Academy Nomination\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOrder a Flag Flown Over the Capitol\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t    \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t Email Updates from Al 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your information in the form below to receive updates on legislation and Senator Franken's work for Minnesota.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tLast Name *\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\tAddress Line 1\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\tAddress Line 2\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\tCity \n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\tState \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDay Time Phone\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \t\n\t\n\t\tEvening Phone", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=62919c89-7e19-43d3-95de-a17b7cb866f6", "Klobuchar, Franken Announce the President Has Nominated Andrew Luger to Be U.S. Attorney for Minnesota", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Klobuchar and Franken recommended Luger for the position in July\u00a0\n \r\n Luger previously served as Assistant U.S. Attorney, is an experienced litigator, and was commended for his work reviewing the Metro Gang Strike Force \r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken today announced that President Obama has nominated Andrew Luger to be U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota. Klobuchar and Franken recommended Luger for the position in July. Luger previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, is an experienced litigator, and was commended for his work reviewing the Metro Gang Strike Force.\r\n\u201cAndy Luger is a dedicated public servant whose breadth of experience, strength of character, and commitment to justice make him a well-qualified candidate to serve as Minnesota\u2019s next U.S. Attorney,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cThroughout his career he has proven to be a tireless advocate for the people of our state and I\u2019m proud that President Obama has nominated him to this distinguished post.\u201d\r\n\"I\u2019m very pleased that the President has chosen to nominate Andy Luger,\" said Sen. Franken. \"Andy's invaluable experience serving in both the public and private sectors make him an exceptional candidate for the job. I believe the legal experience and know-how that Andy brings to the table will greatly benefit Minnesotans. \u00a0I have no doubt he'll make an outstanding U.S. Attorney.\"\r\nIn 2009, Luger was appointed by former Commissioner of Public Safety Michael Campion to lead the investigation of the Metro Gang Strike Force and uncovered a series of problems with the unit; he recommended the unit be permanently disbanded, and it was subsequently abolished. A Star Tribune editorial said that Luger\u2019s review of the Strike Force made \u201csmart recommendations about the Twin Cities\u2019 next-generation gang-fighting strategy\u201d and that his report included \u201cwelcome measures to begin the long process of rebuilding the public\u2019s trust.\u201dIn 2008, Luger was also appointed by St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman to co-chair the review of law enforcement\u2019s treatment of the protestors during the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul. In 2012, Luger was appointed by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak to review the city\u2019s youth violence prevention program, and is currently chair of the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.\r\nLuger is currently a partner at the Greene Espel law firm and has been selected as one of Minnesota\u2019s Top 100 \u201cSuper Lawyers\u201d for the past ten years. He has been listed as one of the \u201cBest Lawyers in America\u201d for the past four years. Prior to his time at Greene Espel, Luger served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Minnesota and New York for seven years. Luger successfully prosecuted organized crime, drug and white collar cases including a $150 million national real estate and investment fraud case, which led to one of the longest white collar sentences in the United States and was one of the biggest white collar criminal cases in Minnesota at the time.\r\nLuger is married to Ellen Goldberg Luger, the Executive Director of the General Mills Foundation, and has two children, Stephanie and Josh. He has spent the last 20 years residing in Edina and Minneapolis.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=ff2b1981-896f-4832-af15-b5a596d04baf", "Klobuchar, Collins Call On Congress To Make Fighting Alzheimer\u2019s Disease An Urgent National Priority", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators introduce \u00a0bipartisan Resolution calling for a doubling of research funding by 2015, with goal of effective treatments by 2025 \r\n In speeches on the Senate floor, Klobuchar and Collins discussed the groundbreaking work of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester \r\nWashington, DC\u2014Citing the devastating emotional and economic toll that Alzheimer\u2019s disease takes on more than five million Americans and their families, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Susan Collins (R-ME) unveiled a bipartisan Senate Resolution declaring that the goal of preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer\u2019s by 2025 is an \u201curgent national priority.\u201d The Resolution, which was introduced during Alzheimer\u2019s Disease Awareness Month, recognizes that dramatic increases in research funding are necessary to meet that goal and resolves that the Congress should strive to double the amount of funding the United States spends on Alzheimer\u2019s research in 2015, as well as develop a plan to meet the target of $2 billion a year as recommended by the experts on the federal Alzheimer\u2019s Advisory Council.\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve heard from countless Minnesotans about the pain and struggle of losing a loved one to this devastating disease,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cThe emotional and financial toll Alzheimer\u2019s takes on patients, their families, and our health care system is simply staggering and we can and must do more to address it. That\u2019s why we\u2019re making a commitment to tackle Alzheimer\u2019s head-on by investing in research to develop more effective treatments\u2014treatments that one day may lead to a cure.\u201d\r\n\u201cLike many families who have experienced the pain of Alzheimer\u2019s, I know that there is no more helpless feeling than to watch the progression of this devastating disease. Alzheimer\u2019s disease is the only cause of death among the top ten in our nation without a way to prevent it, cure it, or even slow its progression,\u201d said Collins. Collins explained that if our nation fails to change the current trajectory of Alzheimer\u2019s disease, our country will not only face a mounting public health crisis, but an economic one as well. Senator Collins added, \u201cAt a time when the cost to Medicare and Medicaid of caring for Alzheimer\u2019s patients is $142 billion a year, we are only spending slightly more than $500 million on Alzheimer\u2019s research.\u00a0 Surely we must do more for Alzheimer\u2019s research given the tremendous human and economic price of this devastating disease.\u201d\r\nThe Resolution has also been endorsed by the Alzheimer\u2019s Association and US Against Alzheimer\u2019s, leading national advocacy groups.\r\nSince 1983, the year that President Reagan declared the month of November as \u201cAlzheimer\u2019s Disease Awareness Month,\u201d the number of Americans who suffer from the disease has more than doubled.\u00a0 Based on current projections, as many as 16 million Americans over the age of 65 will have the disease by 2050.\u00a0 In addition to the human suffering it causes, Alzheimer\u2019s costs the United States more than $200 billion a year.\u00a0 If nothing is done to slow or stop the disease, the Alzheimer\u2019s Association estimates that the disease will cost the United States and astonishing $20 trillion over the next forty years.\r\nFor broadcast-quality video of Senator Klobuchar speaking on the Senate floor about the resolution click here\r\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-leads-bipartisan-effort-to-toughen-sex-trafficking-laws", "Nolan Leads Bipartisan Effort to Toughen Sex Trafficking Laws", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Nolan addresses human rights activists and other members of Congress during an event Tuesday to raise awareness about domestic sex trafficking.\n(WASHINGTON, D.C.) \u2013 Federal laws protecting children from sex traffickers and predators would be made much stronger under bipartisan legislation introduced yesterday by Minnesota\u2019s Eighth District Congressman Rick Nolan, Texas Republican Congressman Ted Poe, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, and a number of other members of the House and Senate.\nNolan also joined Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Mark Kirk (R-IL), and Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Candice Miller (R-MI), and Kay Granger (R-TX) in introducing H.R.3530, the \u201cJustice for Victims of Trafficking Act.\u201d\n\u201cThis bill would drive a stake into the heart of the sex-trafficking industry,\u201d said Nolan. \u201cIt's about arresting, convicting, and punishing the predators who lure young girls into what amounts to slavery - as well as the troubled and often dangerous men who pay to victimize them further.\u201d\nH.R.3530 would increase the maximum penalties for human trafficking-related offences, and would strengthen current federal law by allowing law enforcement to prosecute any person or entity that knowingly assists an organized crime enterprise in committing two or more acts of human trafficking. Current law only allows prosecution of those who directly participate. By doing so, law enforcement officials will be better able to target those predators who lure or kidnap young girls and boys, and to target the very source of the industry, Nolan added.\nThe bill would also use existing funds to create a \u201cDomestic Trafficking Victims\u2019 Fund\u201d at the Treasury, which the Attorney General can use to fund victims\u2019 support programs, help state and local governments develop and implement programs to rescue victims, prosecute human traffickers, and help restore the lives of the young victims.\nEarlier that day, Rep. Nolan hosted an event focusing on domestic child sex trafficking with Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Rep. David Reichert (R-WA). The event, also hosted by Google and the human rights organization Rights4Girls, featured remarks from survivors of the child sex trafficking industry. Nolan and his colleagues reaffirmed their commitment to working to end the sex trafficking industry on a national scale.\n\u201cIn the city of Duluth in my 8th District of Minnesota, nearly half of the young female victims are homeless, the majority have children, and many suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome, autism, or post-traumatic stress disorder,\u201d Nolan added. \u201cThese women aren't criminals; they're victims, and this bill goes far to helping victims present and past, and to make certain that all of our children are safe in the future.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/code-talkers-receive-congressional-gold-medal-honor", "Code Talkers Receive Congressional Gold Medal of Honor", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), co-chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus, participated in a ceremony today that honored Native American code talkers with the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. Medals were presented to members of 25 tribes today, and additional tribal nations will be honored as their medals are finalized. The Representatives released a joint statement in honor of the historic occasion:\n\u201cToday we honor the great bravery and skill of Native American military heroes,\u201d said Congressman Cole, who is a member of the Chickasaw Nation. \u201cOver the course of American history, Native Americans have demonstrated outstanding valor on the battlefield, and today we remember the vital role they played as code talkers during World War I and World War II. These individuals embraced their cultural heritage and used it to prevent highly-sensitive wartime messages from being intercepted by the enemy. Because of their service and unique contributions, countless lives were saved and victory was claimed more quickly by the Allies. This ceremony inspires great pride in the Native American hearts, including my own. But for all Americans, it should serve as a reminder of true bravery and sacrifice.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cThese American heroes are shining examples of the long and proud history of Native Americans\u2019 military service to our country,\u201d said Congresswoman McCollum.\u00a0 \u201cMany Americans are familiar with the story of the Navajo code talkers, but today we recognize the contributions of veterans from 33 tribal nations, including Lakota and Ojibwe speakers.\u00a0 Using the languages of their people, these brave soldiers created unbreakable codes that aided in the Allied victory and saved the lives of many of their brothers-in-arms.\u00a0 Upon returning home, the service of the code talkers was kept secret to protect those programs.\u00a0 As a result, many loyal veterans faced the hardship of never being able to tell their families and communities the details of their valiant service.\u00a0 Today, we offer this long-overdue honor in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to our Nation.\u201d\nCongresswoman Betty McCollum is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and is Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.\n\u00a0\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2621", "Klobuchar, Franken, Pryor, Boozman Introduce Bipartisan National Child Protection Training Act", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Al Franken (D-MN), Mark Pryor (D-AR), and John Boozman (R-AR) today introduced the National Child Protection Training Act, a bipartisan bill that seeks to improve child abuse training programs and enhance child protection nationwide.\nTheir bill would build on the success of the National Child Protection Training Center's (NCPTC) facilities at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota and at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville, Arkansas. These centers have developed cutting-edge curricula, certification and degree programs, and classes for law students, medical students, and professionals to help improve child abuse training.\n\"As a former prosecutor, I've seen firsthand how important it is for children and families to have the resources they need to escape the horrors of child abuse,\" Klobuchar said. \"I have visited Winona State many times to see the good work their National Child Protection Training program is doing to put a stop to child abuse and give victims the support they deserve. This bill will help build on the success of the Winona State program at centers across the country and help make sure our childcare advocates have the tools and training they need to identify and prevent child abuse.\" \n\"One of the best ways to help end child abuse is to spot the signs early, and making sure that those who work closely with children have the appropriate training is key,\" Franken said. \"This bill takes an innovative, Minnesota-based program and expands on our success by giving professionals around the country who work with kids the tools they need to detect and prevent abuse.\"\n\"As Arkansas's Attorney General, I saw first-hand the value of reliable leadership and high-quality training when it came to keeping our kids safe,\" Pryor said. \"That's why I'm proud to sponsor this common-sense bill to ensure child advocates have the tools and resources they need to protect our kids. The National Child Protection Training Center in Bentonville has been a strong leader in this fight, and I hope our bill will allow others to learn from their success.\"\n\"Child Protection Training Centers are an important tool in the fight against child abuse and neglect,\" Boozman said. \"As the home to the Southern Regional Training Center, Northwest Arkansas Community College has a unique role in developing the most effective training and education to help young victims overcome issues resulting from child abuse. We need to continue the development made on this front to help respond to the needs of children during this critical time in their lives and prevent these horrific crimes from happening in the future.\"\nThe bill would also direct the Attorney General to coordinate with the NCPTC to operate at least four regional training centers nationwide.  It would require these centers to develop undergraduate and graduate curricula on child maltreatment, distribute the curricula to institutions of higher education, and to develop \"laboratory\" training facilities for students and professionals. The centers would also be required to help communities develop child abuse prevention programs and forensic interview training programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2622", "Klobuchar, Franken, Bipartisan Group of 33 Senators Urge Colleagues to Support National Institutes of Health in Upcoming Budget Conference Negotiations", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken along with a bipartisan group of 33 senators today urged their colleagues to strongly support funding for the National Institutes of Health in upcoming budget conference negotiations. In a letter to Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray and Ranking Member Jeff Sessions, the senators highlighted the important role NIH grants play in supporting medical research and innovation.\n\"The NIH plays a vital role in supporting the latest research and treatments that are needed to fight debilitating diseases, and we shouldn't be playing politics when patients' lives are on the line,\" Klobuchar said. \"We need to make sure the NIH can continue to support places like the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic so they can carry on their lifesaving missions.\"\n\"Each year, the NIH helps Minnesota's academic and medical institutions make discoveries that benefit people across the entire world while creating high-quality jobs at home,\" said Franken. \"We should be supporting critical medical advancements, not weakening the NIH's ability to improve the lives of Americans. As a member of the Senate Health Committee, I'm fighting to ensure that strong investments are made in medical research and innovation.\"\nCurrently, the NIH is the largest source for medical research funding in the world, supporting research on cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's, diabetes, mental health issues, among countless other conditions. However, federal investment in medical research has stagnated over the last decade, and as a result of sequestration, NIH funding was further slashed. The cuts will mean 700 fewer research grants, including, according to an article in the Star Tribune, potentially costing the University of Minnesota $50 million.\nThe full text of the letter is below.\n \nDear Chairman Murray and Ranking Member Sessions:\nAs you begin the budget conference with your House counterparts, we ask that you maintain a strong commitment to funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  The NIH plays an important role in advancing our understanding of human health, supporting innovation, and investing in the field of biomedical research.  It is vitally important to ensure that our Nation remains at the forefront of medical research by continuing to support the NIH's work.  As evidenced by the bipartisan letter to the Committee on Appropriations that we authored earlier this year, which was signed by more than half of our colleagues, there is broad support for medical research, and particularly for the NIH, in the Senate.\nThe NIH offers our best hope for treating or curing debilitating diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and so many other illnesses that American families battle every day.  The NIH supports research in all fifty states, through nearly 50,000 competitive grants that support hundreds of thousands of researchers across the Nation.  NIH-funded research has contributed to an increase in lifespan over the last century of nearly 30 years and according to the NIH, has added an estimated $3.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy since 1970.  Cancer deaths are falling about one percent each year, with each percentage point decline saving the U.S. approximately $500 billion a year.  According to the NIH, it is estimated that each dollar invested in the NIH generates $2.21 in local economic growth.\nOur investment in the NIH has yielded an unprecedented number of scientific advances that have improved health outcomes and contributed significantly to the Nation's economic growth. Unfortunately, America is losing ground as the world leader in research and development and researchers are struggling to secure funding. As NIH grants get more competitive, researchers can easily spend half their careers working before receiving a grant, resulting in promising, talented young researchers being discouraged from the field of biomedical research and some investigators deciding to abandon scientific research altogether or to conduct their research outside the United States.\nIf we are to improve the health of Americans and the quality of their lives, we must continue to invest in areas like biomedical research that have the potential to save money in the future, improve the lives of Americans, and offer an economic return for our Nation.  We urge you to consider the tremendous benefits of a sustained investment in the NIH, and ask you to remember our Nation's role as a world leader in biomedical research and the impact this research has on patients as the conference committee begins its work.  Investing in research today will yield cures and therapies for patients tomorrow.\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=24ef2238-4c0c-4de2-9994-ad81b7ca3567", "Klobuchar, Cornyn, Heitkamp, Kirk Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Sex Trafficking", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation is modeled after Minnesota\u2019s \u201cSafe Harbor\u201d laws that help make sure minors sold for sex aren\u2019t prosecuted as defendants but are instead treated as victims \r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Mark Kirk (R-IL), today introduced a comprehensive bipartisan bill to crack down on sex trafficking. The Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act (SETT) will give prosecutors the tools they need to tackle domestic minor sex trafficking and help make sure victims of these horrific crimes receive the support they need. The bill is modeled after Minnesota\u2019s \u201csafe harbor\u201d laws which help ensure minors who are sold for sex aren\u2019t prosecuted as defendants, but rather are treated as victims.\r\n\u201cAs a former prosecutor, I know how important it is to have policies in place that help victims break free from abuse,\u201d said Sen. Klobuchar. \u201cIn Minnesota, we\u2019ve already recognized that kids sold for sex need to be supported, not locked up in jail. This bill will help tackle sex trafficking head-on, using Minnesota\u2019s \u2018safe harbor\u2019 laws as a model for the country while also improving coordination and focusing resources so that law enforcement can more effectively investigate and prosecute sex trafficking.\u201d\n\"I am proud to join in introducing legislation that will build upon the important steps we\u2019ve taken to protect victims of trafficking and crack down on the criminals that perpetrate these heinous crimes,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn.\u00a0 \u201cSadly, a number of cities in Texas have become hubs for human trafficking, and this bill will greatly assist law enforcement officials as they target and lock up predators, while also ensuring that victims receive the support they deserve.\"\r\n\u201cAs the former Attorney General of North Dakota, I understand the need to provide increased protection to victims of human trafficking so they see a way out of their situation, and a path forward for a better life,\u201d said Sen. Heitkamp.\u00a0 \u201cAnd just a few months ago, I held a hearing to bring about a larger discussion on human trafficking as there is such little data or reporting on the issue.\u00a0 That needs to change \u2013 as it happens all too often in our own backyard.\u00a0 This bill aims to continue to point a light on this issue by providing victims the means to find ways out of their horrible situations without penalizing them for conditions they have no control over. \u00a0It is my hope that this bill will provide some initial tools that will allow prosecutors to help victims, and stop sex trafficking across the country and on Indian reservations.\u00a0 No longer can we turn a blind eye to this issue, and I will keep fighting to put an end to human trafficking of any kind.\u201d\r\n\"For many years Illinois has been a hub for sex trafficking,\"\u00a0Sen. Mark Kirk said.\u00a0\"Because of our state's central geographic location, traffickers use Illinois transportation infrastructure, including O'Hare International Airport, to bring young women into Illinois and transport them to other cities and states. \u00a0This legislation requires the U.S. Attorney General to develop a national strategy to protect\u00a0young women and girls who are under the control of pimps and sex traffickers.\"\r\nThere are more than 27 million people around the world victimized by trafficking each year. In Minnesota, recent reports indicate that on any given night dozens of underage girls are sold for sex online. The average age of a child when she first becomes a victim is just 13 years old.\r\nThe Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act (SETT):\r\n \r\nIncludes a provision modeled after Minnesota\u2019s \u201csafe harbor\u201d laws. The provision requires all states have a safe harbor provision to help ensure minors who are sold for sex aren\u2019t prosecuted as defendants, but are instead treated as victims. When a state passes a safe harbor law, it means that kids sold for sex should be steered towards child protection services, rather than being arrested, charged, or convicted under a state\u2019s criminal laws.\u00a0Current federal law only suggests a model state statute \u2013 this bill will require that states have a safe harbor as a condition for receiving federal grants.\r\nCreates a National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking. The National Strategy will help coordinate efforts to investigate and prevent human trafficking between federal, state, local, and tribal agencies. This will help set clear goals and focus resources to help combat human trafficking. The bill will also encourage better data sharing between different law enforcement agencies.\r\nAllows victims of sex trafficking to participate in the Job Corps program to help them get back on their feet. Our Job Corps programs already help teen moms, runaways, and kids who drop out of school. This bill makes clear that victims of sex trafficking should be eligible for our current job training and skills building programs to help empower sex trafficking victims so that they have the tools they need to find a way out of the cycle.\r\nHelps victims pursue financial restitution and recover damages. In some parts of the law, victims of federal crimes can recover triple damages from people who harm them. Under this new bill, when sex trafficking victims sue their perpetrators, they\u2019ll be able to get the damages they are due from the people who harmed them. The bill will also encourage better tracking of financial restitution orders so that victims can actually collect on the restitution they are due.\r\nStrengthens requirements for convicted sex trafficking offenders to be listed higher on the National Sex Offender Registry so they are reported and tracked closely to ensure they can\u2019t victimize anyone else. Convicted offenders are classified into different Tiers, based on the severity of their crimes. The different Tier numbers correspond to how frequently a sex offender is required to report relevant personal information and make in-person appearances before law enforcement. Most sex trafficking offenders are currently convicted as Tier II criminals. The bill would reclassify those convicted of state or federal sex trafficking crimes into the more stringent Tier III. This means they must register for life and appear in person every 3 months to have a picture taken and verify registry information.\r\nStrengthens the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Right now, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline helps connect victims with services they need and passes on crime tips to law enforcement. This bill would make sure that the hotline is backed by the force of law. Although the Hotline operates with some federal authorization, this bill puts the National Human Trafficking Hotline on par with other national hotlines designed to serve victims.\r\n \r\nSenators Klobuchar and Cornyn have also worked together on previous legislation to fight sex trafficking. The End Sex Trafficking Act, introduced by Senator Cornyn, would help eliminate human trafficking rings by targeting the criminals who purchase sexual acts from these organizations and ensuring that they are prosecuted as human traffickers.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=7c938092-5f76-4867-9f48-44ad7b551d69", "Klobuchar, Franken, Pryor, Boozman Introduce Bipartisan National Child Protection Training Act", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The bill would build on the success of the National Child Protection Training Center\u2019s (NCPTC) facility at Winona State University\n \r\nWASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Al Franken (D-MN), Mark Pryor (D-AR), and John Boozman (R-AR) today introduced the National Child Protection Training Act, a bipartisan bill that seeks to improve child abuse training programs and enhance child protection nationwide.\r\nTheir bill would build on the success of the National Child Protection Training Center\u2019s (NCPTC) facilities at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota and at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville, Arkansas. These centers have developed cutting-edge curricula, certification and degree programs, and classes for law students, medical students, and professionals to help improve child abuse training.\r\n\u201cAs a former prosecutor, I\u2019ve seen firsthand how important it is for children and families to have the resources they need to escape the horrors of child abuse,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cI have visited Winona State many times to see the good work their National Child Protection Training program is doing to put a stop to child abuse and give victims the support they deserve. This bill will help build on the success of the Winona State program at centers across the country and help make sure our childcare advocates have the tools and training they need to identify and prevent child abuse.\u201d\r\n\u201cOne of the best ways to help end child abuse is to spot the signs early, and making sure that those who work closely with children have the appropriate training is key,\u201d Franken said. \u201cThis bill takes an innovative, Minnesota-based program and expands on our success by giving professionals around the country who work with kids the tools they need to detect and prevent abuse.\"\r\n\u201cAs Arkansas\u2019s Attorney General, I saw first-hand the value of reliable leadership and high-quality training when it came to keeping our kids safe,\u201d Pryor said. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to sponsor this common-sense bill to ensure child advocates have the tools and resources they need to protect our kids. The National Child Protection Training Center in Bentonville has been a strong leader in this fight, and I hope our bill will allow others to learn from their success.\u201d\r\n\u201cChild Protection Training Centers are an important tool in the fight against child abuse and neglect,\u201d Boozman said. \u201cAs the home to the Southern Regional Training Center, Northwest Arkansas Community College has a unique role in developing the most effective training and education to help young victims overcome issues resulting from child abuse. We need to continue the development made on this front to help respond to the needs of children during this critical time in their lives and prevent these horrific crimes from happening in the future.\u201d\r\nThe bill would also direct the Attorney General to coordinate with the NCPTC to operate at least four regional training centers nationwide.\u00a0 It would require these centers to develop undergraduate and graduate curricula on child maltreatment, distribute the curricula to institutions of higher education, and to develop \u201claboratory\u201d training facilities for students and professionals. The centers would also be required to help communities develop child abuse prevention programs and forensic interview training programs.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=c3ed7755-4147-4bbe-ac1f-251b64702418", "Klobuchar, Bipartisan Group of Women Senators Push for Legislation to Crack Down on Military Sexual Assault", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a speech on the Senate floor, Klobuchar underscored the importance of passing the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes more than two dozen reforms to help fight sexual assault in the ranks\u00a0\n \r\n The bill includes Klobuchar\u2019s provisions aimed at tackling assault \u00a0and supporting victims, including provisions that would require automatic retention of restricted and unrestricted reports, strengthen whistleblower protections and help prevent recidivism \r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today joined a bipartisan group of women senators on the Senate floor to underscore the importance of passing the National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 (NDAA) to help crack down on military sexual assault. The bill includes more than two dozen reforms to help fight sexual assault in the military. The bill includes several of Klobuchar\u2019s provisions aimed at tackling assault and supporting victims, including provisions to require automatic retention of restricted and unrestricted reports, strengthen whistleblower protections and help prevent recidivism.\r\n\u201cOur men and women in uniform put their lives on the line to protect our country, and too many of them continue to fall victim to sexual assault each year,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cThat\u2019s why the women senators \u2013 Democrats and Republicans alike \u2013 came together on the Senate floor today to make clear just how important it is to pass this legislation and address this crime.\u201d\r\nThe National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 includes the following Klobuchar provisions to address sexual assault in the military:\r\n \r\nThe bipartisan provision Klobuchar authored with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska that would require automatic retention of both restricted and unrestricted reports of sexual assault for 50 years. Klobuchar has worked hard over the years to ensure reports are made available to victims, and this legislation would be a decisive step in that effort. Current law only requires retention of restricted reports\u2014when a servicemember chooses not to take legal action\u2013at the request of the affected servicemember. Automatic retention of records will make it easier for servicemen and women who have been sexually assaulted to get VA benefits for assault-related ailments or to seek justice in the future.\r\nLegislation Klobuchar introduced with Senator McCaskill of Missouri to add sexual assault and related charges to the list of protected communications that can be investigated by the DOD Inspector General. This is expanded whistleblower protection that will help ensure that service members are able to report sexual assault crimes without facing retaliation from superiors or peers that re-victimizes them and threatens their careers. 62 percent of victims of military sexual assault reported that they faced some kind of retaliation. It is the biggest deterrent to victims reporting what happened to them.\r\n \r\n \r\nKlobuchar\u2019s provision requiring that the disposition of substantiated sexual-related offenses be noted in personnel records, helping to ensure that commanders are aware of potential repeat offenders.\r\n \r\n \r\nA provision similar to Klobuchar\u2019s legislation\u2014the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Act\u2014which expresses the sense of the Senate that charges of rape, sexual assault, forcible sodomy, or attempts to commit these offenses should be disposed of by court-martial rather than by non-judicial punishment or administrative action.\r\n \r\nIn 2012, the Department of Defense received 3,374 reports of sexual assault in the military. But by the DOD\u2019s own estimates, 26,000 incidents of unwanted sexual contact actually took place during that period. That means that only 12.9%, a small fraction, of all incidents were actually reported. And even of the 3,374 reported offenses in 2012, only 880 faced command action for sex crimes. Of those 880, 594 faced courts-martial and 302 of those courts-martial resulted in convictions.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=f8bfeae1-08af-4fd9-b836-67238382e67b", "Klobuchar, Franken, Bipartisan Group of 33 Senators Urge Colleagues to Support National Institutes of Health in Upcoming Budget Conference Negotiations", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Budget Committee, senators highlighted the important role NIH grants play in supporting medical research and innovation\u00a0 \r\nWashington, DC\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken along with a bipartisan group of 33 senators today urged their colleagues to strongly support funding for the National Institutes of Health in upcoming budget conference negotiations. In a letter to Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray and Ranking Member Jeff Sessions, the senators highlighted the important role NIH grants play in supporting medical research and innovation.\r\n\u201cThe NIH plays a vital role in supporting the latest research and treatments that are needed to fight debilitating diseases, and we shouldn\u2019t be playing politics when patients\u2019 lives are on the line,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cWe need to make sure the NIH can continue to support places like the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic so they can carry on their lifesaving missions.\u201d\r\n\u201cEach year, the NIH helps Minnesota\u2019s academic and medical institutions make discoveries that benefit people across the entire world while creating high-quality jobs at home,\u201d said Franken. \u201cWe should be supporting critical medical advancements, not weakening the NIH\u2019s ability to improve the lives of Americans. As a member of the Senate Health Committee, I\u2019m fighting to ensure that strong investments are made in medical research and innovation.\u201d\r\nCurrently, the NIH is the largest source for medical research funding in the world, supporting research on cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer\u2019s, diabetes, mental health issues, among countless other conditions. However, federal investment in medical research has stagnated over the last decade, and as a result of sequestration, NIH funding was further slashed. The cuts will mean 700 fewer research grants, including, according to an article in the Star Tribune, potentially costing the University of Minnesota $50 million.\r\nThe full text of the letter is below.\u00a0\r\nDear Chairman Murray and Ranking Member Sessions:\r\nAs you begin the budget conference with your House counterparts, we ask that you maintain a strong commitment to funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).\u00a0 The NIH plays an important role in advancing our understanding of human health, supporting innovation, and investing in the field of biomedical research.\u00a0 It is vitally important to ensure that our Nation remains at the forefront of medical research by continuing to support the NIH\u2019s work.\u00a0 As evidenced by the bipartisan letter to the Committee on Appropriations that we authored earlier this year, which was signed by more than half of our colleagues, there is broad support for medical research, and particularly for the NIH, in the Senate.\r\nThe NIH offers our best hope for treating or curing debilitating diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and so many other illnesses that American families battle every day.\u00a0 The NIH supports research in all fifty states, through nearly 50,000 competitive grants that support hundreds of thousands of researchers across the Nation.\u00a0 NIH-funded research has contributed to an increase in lifespan over the last century of nearly 30 years and according to the NIH, has added an estimated $3.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy since 1970.\u00a0 Cancer deaths are falling about one percent each year, with each percentage point decline saving the U.S. approximately $500 billion a year.\u00a0 According to the NIH, it is estimated that each dollar invested in the NIH generates $2.21 in local economic growth.\u00a0\r\nOur investment in the NIH has yielded an unprecedented number of scientific advances that have improved health outcomes and contributed significantly to the Nation\u2019s economic growth. Unfortunately, America is losing ground as the world leader in research and development and researchers are struggling to secure funding. As NIH grants get more competitive, researchers can easily spend half their careers working before receiving a grant, resulting in promising, talented young researchers being discouraged from the field of biomedical research and some investigators deciding to abandon scientific research altogether or to conduct their research outside the United States.\r\nIf we are to improve the health of Americans and the quality of their lives, we must continue to invest in areas like biomedical research that have the potential to save money in the future, improve the lives of Americans, and offer an economic return for our Nation.\u00a0 We urge you to consider the tremendous benefits of a sustained investment in the NIH, and ask you to remember our Nation\u2019s role as a world leader in biomedical research and the impact this research has on patients as the conference committee begins its work.\u00a0 Investing in research today will yield cures and therapies for patients tomorrow.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2620", "Sen. Franken?s Bipartisan Bill to Keep Medicine Safe for Minnesotans Passes Senate; Will Soon Become Law", "2013-11-18", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken's (D-Minn.) bipartisan legislation to help keep medicine safe for patients and providers in Minnesota and across the country passed in the Senate and is now on its way to becoming law. The bill is expected to be signed by the President soon.\nLast year, 64 Americans died and hundreds more were infected after a Massachusetts drug compounding facility distributed a steroid contaminated with a fungus that causes meningitis to health care facilities in 20 states, including Minnesota. The legislation seeks to stop similar outbreaks and help prevent deaths related to contaminated medicines.\n\"Minnesotans need to be able to trust that the medications they receive are safe, but unfortunately, that hasn't always been the case,\" said Sen. Franken. \"Today, we took a huge step forward in solving that problem, and when this bipartisan legislation becomes law, people in Minnesota and around the country will have greater peace of mind about the safety of their medicine.\" \nIn July, Sen. Franken and a bipartisan group of his Senate Health Committee colleagues introduced legislation to help ensure the safety of drug compounding, which includes the making, mixing, diluting, or combining of drugs for individual patients. In September, Senate Health Committee leaders and House health policy leaders reached an agreement on compromise legislation, which was passed by the House and was passed by the Senate today. The bill would clarify the oversight responsibilities of the Food and Drug Administration over many large-volume sterile facilities\u2014called outsourcing facilities\u2014and would hold these facilities to high quality standards.\nLast year's meningitis outbreak alerted the nation that providers and patients need sources of safe compounded drugs. Following the outbreak, a bipartisan group of Senate Health Committee colleagues-led by Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Ranking Member Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Sen. Franken, and Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)\u2014developed legislation to help ensure that quality compounded drugs are available to patients who need them.\nSen. Franken's legislation would also improve patient safety by replacing today's patchwork of state product tracing laws with a strong, uniform standard that would ultimately result in electronic, interoperable unit level product tracing for the entire country. The last comprehensive effort to establish safeguards for the drug distribution supply chain was 25 years ago.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/latest-update/climate-change-and-what-we-can-do-about-it", "Climate Change and What We Can Do About It", "2013-11-18", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The science is clear. The globe is getting warmer, the seas are rising higher, storms are becoming more frequent and intense, and the cost in dollars ($139 billion federal clean-up dollars in 2012) and in lives lost and damage is staggering. The question is, what can Americans and their public policymakers do about it?\u00a0\n\u00a0\nWe examined climate change and its growing effects on our region and our planet, as well as some steps we can all take, in a public forum on climate change\u00a0hosted by the University of Minnesota-Duluth's Masters of Advocacy and Political Leadership program and the Citizens Climate Lobby. I was joined by area climate and environmental scientists, and representatives from Minnesota's energy industry.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nIn a lively give-and-take discussion, I told students, faculty, and activists from the Duluth area that in order to address crisis of climate change, we need to alter our tax and regulatory policies to give investors and entrepreneurs in alternative energy the same advantages we provide for fossil fuels. We need to assure our trade policies and trade agreements - specifically the TransPacific Partnership (TPP) now being negotiated in secret - are written to assure that all nations are held to the same high environmental standards as the United States. We need to assure that oil and gas are transported in the most environmentally-safe and carbon-neutral manner possible. And we need to hold every industry accountable to tough but achievable environmental standards\u00a0to prevent harmful damage and degradation of our environment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/press-release/white-earth-awarded-600000-energy-department-biomass-project", "White Earth awarded $600,000 from Energy Department for biomass project", "2013-11-16", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC) -- Congressman Collin Peterson announced that the White Earth Tribal Council has been awarded $642,899 from the U.S. Department of Energy to create a woody biomass-fueled boiler facility at the boiler room of the Tribe\u2019s casino and hotel in Mahnomen, Minnesota.\n\"The White Earth Tribe should be applauded for their efforts to improve energy efficiency and to create more jobs on the reservation,\" Peterson said. \"Using sustainable biomass feedstock to heat the Shooting Star facility is a great way to save money and energy.\"\nThe facility will be a 5 million BTU-per hour capacity boiler and will supply hot water heat the casino. Their existing boilers are 1992 vintage and are due for replacement. This action will offset approximately 60 percent of the casino\u2019s current fossil fuel use of fuel oil and propane. The White Earth Tribal Council will match the award funding to complete the cost of the project.\nAccording to the tribe, this project integrates with the cultural, social and long-term energy goals of the Tribe and represents their efforts to put into practice environmentally sound, low impact, sustainable technologies that are not inconsistent with maintaining cultural traditions or depleting local natural resources while potentially creating new technology-based employment for tribal members.\nThe environmental benefits and impacts from installation of this facility on the Reservation are: elimination of fossil fuel use at the Tribal casino, hotel and surrounding buildings as an energy source, reduced open burning of forest residuals, improved air quality due to reduced open burning, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions due to elimination of fossil fuels usage and diversion of crop and forest residues normally burned in the open, reduction in fossil fuels use.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-1115", "Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 11/15", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\nNovember is Native American Heritage Month. The 7th District has a strong presence of tribal nations, including White Earth, Red Lake, The Upper Sioux Indian Community and The Lower Sioux Indian Community. This week, White Earth Tribal Chairwoman Erma Vizenor presented me with a flag from the White Earth Nation. I had the honor to welcome Redwood County Veterans Service Officer Marty Caraway to my office to discuss how we can better serve veterans throughout the district. The VA recently announced that they will be offering a Dental Insurance Plan for all eligible Veterans beginning November 15th, and more information can be found below. Finally, Senators Amy Klobuchar, Al Franken, and I are continuing our focus to complete funding for the Roseau Flood Control Project.\nSincerely,\nCongressman Collin C. Peterson  Minnesota 7th District\n White Earth Tribal Nation \nRon Valiant (Fmr. Exec. Dir.) and White Earth Tribal Chairwoman Erma Vizenor\nChairwoman Vizenor presented me with a Tribal Nation flag that is now on display in my Washington, D.C. office. White Earth Reservation is located in Becker, Clearwater, and Mahnomen counties in north-central Minnesota. Created in 1867 by a treaty between the United States and the Mississippi Band of Chippewa Indians, it is one of seven Chippewa reservations in Minnesota.\u00a0I proudly represent the White Earth Nation and all other sovereign nations located in the Seventh District.\n National Native American Heritage Month \nIn 1990 President George H.W. Bush approved a joint resolution from Congress designating November as \u201cNational American Indian Heritage Month.\u201d With Thanksgiving approaching it is important to recognize the significant contributions that the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States. Similar proclamations, under various names including \"Native American Heritage Month\" and \"National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month,\" have been issued each year since 1994.\nThe National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. is only a few blocks away from my Washington office. The museum has one of the world\u2019s largest and diverse collections with approximately 825,000 items representing 12,000 years of history of indigenous cultures throughout America. Tribes from all over the Western Hemisphere have contributed to the landscaping around the museum and the exhibitions within giving visitors a sense of the spirit of Native America. Admission to the museum is free, and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily (closed on December 25th.)\nClick here to visit the website for the American Indian Museum.\nEach of the tribes in the 7th District has a rich cultural history that preserves their indigenous roots throughout Minnesota.\nRed Lake Nation is located in Beltrami and Clearwater Counties in heavily wooded lands in northern Minnesota. Red Lake Band of Ojibwe has established a tribal holiday to recognize the \u201cOld Crossing Treaty Day\u201d on October 2nd of every year. This day commemorates the treaty where the Red Lake Band ceded 11,000,000 acres to the U.S. in 1863. Today, Red Lake Nation has four reservation communities: Little Rock, Ponemah, Redby, and Red Lake.\nOne hundred forty-five families live on Lower Sioux\u2019s 1,743 acres of tribal land in south central Minnesota. The Lower Sioux name was given to the Band after signing treaties with the United States in 1851, but they are originally a part of the Mdewakanton Band of Dakota. Today the Band continues to survive and prosper in the land of their origin. The Lower Sioux Indian Community was honored by Lutheran Social Services this summer as community advocates because they offer free financial counseling services to all their tribal members.\nThe Upper Sioux Indian Community came into existence in 1938 when 746 acres of original Dakota lands in Minnesota were returned to them near the Minnesota River Valley. They call the lands \u201cPejuhutazizi Kapi,\u201d or yellow medicine. The Upper Sioux are expanding their economic vitality by constructing new enterprises throughout their region. The Upper Sioux continue to strengthen their culture and traditions so it will be preserved for generations to come.\n Visit from Veterans Service Officer \nVeterans Service Officer Marty Caraway (REDWOOD COUNTY)\nOn Wednesday I met with Redwood County Veterans Service Officer Marty Caraway. We discussed the possible placement of a state veteran cemetery in the county as well as other issues important to veterans in the 7th District. Marty was named the 2013 Post 38 American Legionnaire of the year.\nVeteran County Service Officers play an important role as a local and primary point of contact for veterans and their families throughout the state. VSOs work with state and federal agencies to help secure benefits for eligible veterans, and can help veterans apply for benefits and to obtain military records.\n Military Matters \nBeginning Friday, November 15th, the VA will allow eligible Veterans, along with their family members receiving care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA), to buy dental insurance. The three-year pilot program is designed for Veterans with no dental coverage or Veterans who would like to buy additional coverage. The VA is partnering with Delta Dental and MetLife so Veterans can voluntarily enroll in the Dental Insurance Plan. Coverage begins January 1st, 2014, and each provider will offer multiple dental plans to meet the dental needs of many Veterans.\nFor more information regarding the VA\u2019s new Dental Insurance Program, please click here.\n Roseau Flood Control Project update \nU.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Al Franken, and I have been working on a Water & Resources Development Act (WRDA) reauthorization for the Roseau flood control project. The City of Roseau has secured funding for the non-federal share of the Army Corps of Engineers project, but without an increase in the authorization level the project will be delayed indefinitely.\nIn a letter to the members of Congress who are serving on the WRDA conference committee, we asked that the final bill include an authorization to increase the level of federal funding necessary to finish the project in Roseau. An excerpt of the letter follows:\n\"In 2002, devastating flood waters inundated Roseau, destroying homes, businesses, and county and city buildings. The massive damage necessitated years of recovery to safeguard the community from further flood threats. Without this critical flood protection project, the city will remain vulnerable to another flood event.\n\"The City of Roseau has secured their local match requirements but without an increase in authorization this project will be delayed indefinitely\u2026The project is around 75% complete, yet it will provide no protection to Roseau until it is finished, and the community continues to live in fear of another disaster,\" we wrote in our letter. \"We commend you for your commitment to passing strong water resources legislation. We urge you to give the Army Corps the authority to finish the Roseau River Flood Control Project.\"\n A Day in the Life of Diabetes \nNovember is American Diabetes Month, a time to come together and raise awareness of this ever-growing epidemic that is facing our nation.\u00a0The American Diabetes Association would like to show you what an extraordinary effort it takes to live a day in the life of diabetes. During the month of November, the Association is collecting individual and personal stories of what it is like to live with diabetes each and every day. These stories are amazing and I would encourage everyone to hear and read about their stories.\nIf you would like to add your own story or hear the stories of others please visit their Facebook page by clicking here.\nIn 1984 President Reagan proclaimed the first National Adoption Week to recognize the critical role adoptive families play in raising a foster child. President Clinton later expanded the awareness week to the entire month of November. There are over 100,000 children and youth in foster care who are waiting for a permanent family to go home with, and November is dedicated to raising awareness for the need for adoptive families. It is incredibly important for young kids to find loving homes early in their childhood so they will receive the support they need as they develop into young adults.\nIf you are a parent who is considering adopting a child from foster care, click here for more information.\n This Week in American History \nAssociated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal reached the top of Mount Suribachi and snapped a picture of five U.S. Marines and one Navy corpsman raising an American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. Three of the six soldiers were killed in action a few days later. The photograph became an instant sensation back in the United States. Sculptor Felix de Weldon was so moved by the photograph that he decided to create a giant statue recreating the scene. He was able to sculpt the faces of the three surviving soldiers after they returned to U.S. soil, and he resorted to photographs of the three soldiers who were killed. It took de Weldon three years to finish the bronze statue and President Dwight Eisenhower dedicated the memorial on November 10, 1954.\nThirty-two foot high figures are raising a 60-foot flagpole, and the flag at the top flies full mast 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The soldiers are in the exact position of Rosenthal\u2019s photograph, and the memorial stands just outside Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.\n\u201cDownhill Skier Rush\u201d\nClaire Ripley (FERGUS FALLS)\n2013 Congressional Art Competition", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=news&id=2619", "Austin Daily Herald: Franken Emphasizes Rural Veteran Health Care", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Franken met with Minnesota veterans in Austin, Minn. on Veterans Day to honor those who served and talk about what he is doing to get veterans the benefits they deserve\u2014specifically increasing access to health care services for rural veterans. The Austin Daily Herald published an editorial about Sen. Franken's visit with rural veterans:\n \n...\nWe were pleased to see U.S. Sen. Al Franken call for more emphasis on rural veteran health care when he toured Austin on Monday. With slightly more than 22 million veterans in the U.S. in 2012, according to the American Legion, veterans make up a large population within the U.S. Yet they face many more struggles than the average American, and with unemployment more than three times the national average among veterans, we can only imagine the difficulties current and former veterans face in receiving health care courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.\n...\n \nSen. Franken reintroduced the bipartisan Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act that would give the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Rural Health the tools it needs to help veterans in rural communities get the care they need quickly and without traveling long distances.\u00a0\nClick here to read the Austin Daily Herald's editorial.   Click here for more information on the Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2615", "Senators Klobuchar, Franken Congratulate Lynx on WNBA Championship with Senate Resolution", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Al Franken (D-Minn.) marked another historic championship win by the Minnesota Lynx women's basketball team with a Senate Resolution congratulating the team.  In the resolution passed Thursday, the senators recognized the work of the Lynx, who won their second Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Championship in three years. The resolution also recognizes the Twin Cities and state of Minnesota for their enthusiastic support for the team and women's professional basketball.\n\"Once again, the Lynx have captured the WNBA title after a third consecutive trip to the Finals,\" Klobuchar said. \"All of Minnesota should be proud of the players, coaches, and staff, whose hard work on and off the court has made them a dominant force in the league.\" \"I congratulate the Lynx on their incredible post-season performance and on winning yet another WNBA Championship,\" said Sen. Franken. \"The Lynx have proven twice now that they are the best of the best. Minnesota couldn't be happier for them and I look forward to watching them compete for many seasons to come.\" With a regular season record of 26-8, the Lynx went on to win every game in the 2013 WNBA playoffs. After defeating the Seattle Storm and the Phoenix Mercury, the Lynx faced the Atlanta Dream in the finals. This is the second WNBA Championship for the Minnesota Lynx in three years.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2616", "Murray, Franken, Blunt, Grassley Lead 28 Colleagues Urging Administration to Support American Biodiesel Industry", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Al Franken (D-MN), Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) led 28 of their Senate colleagues in a bipartisan letter urging the Obama Administration to support the American biodiesel industry in its upcoming 2014 regulatory proposal for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).  Current projections indicate that the industry will produce 1.7 billion gallons of biodiesel in 2014, continuing its pattern of exceeding annual RFS targets.  In light of the this production estimate, the Senators urged the Administration to carefully consider its 2014 biodiesel targets, which, if decreased or left stagnant at 2013 levels, could cost thousands of American jobs and significantly impact confidence in industry investments.\n\"Biodiesel has exceeded RFS targets in each year and is clearly poised to do so again in 2013.  The industry has had impressive growth, going far beyond initial expectations just five years ago, and is supporting 62,160 jobs and nearly $17 billion in total economic impact.  Biodiesel is improving our energy security by reducing our dependence on imported petroleum diesel, diversifying fuel supplies and creating competition in the fuels market,\" the Senators wrote.  \"Setting the 2014 biodiesel volume requirement at reduced levels could have severe impacts on the domestic biodiesel industry.  Further, a continuation of 2013 levels paired with any reduction in advanced biofuels targets could similarly negatively impact the industry.\"\nThe following Senators also signed on to the letter: Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Angus King (I-ME), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Jon Tester (D-MT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tom Udall (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Susan Collins (R-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Kay Hagan (D-NC), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).\nThe full text of the letter can be read here:\n \nNovember 14, 2013\nDear Administrator McCarthy, Secretary Vilsack, and Director Burwell:\nWe write to encourage the Administration to develop a 2014 regulatory proposal for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) that supports the current-year projected 1.7 billion gallons of U.S. biodiesel production.\nBiodiesel has exceeded RFS targets in each year and is clearly poised to do so again in 2013.  The industry has had impressive growth, going far beyond initial expectations just five years ago, and is supporting 62,160 jobs and nearly $17 billion in total economic impact.  Biodiesel is improving our energy security by reducing our dependence on imported petroleum diesel, diversifying fuel supplies and creating competition in the fuels market.\nSetting the 2014 biodiesel volume requirement at reduced levels could have severe impacts on the domestic biodiesel industry.  Further, a continuation of 2013 levels paired with any reduction in advanced biofuels targets could similarly negatively impact the industry.\nBiodiesel is the only Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-designated advanced biofuel to achieve commercial-scale production nationwide and the first to reach 1 billion gallons of annual production.  Keeping the targets stagnant, rather than gradually allowing the biodiesel industry to grow, could leave 400 million gallons of biodiesel potentially unused - roughly 25 percent.  Such a cut could result in nearly every small facility shutting down and permanently ceasing production of biodiesel, leading to the loss of some 7,000 jobs.  Additionally, investment and financing for the U.S. biodiesel industry could be severely jeopardized, creating new and possibly insurmountable hurdles for the remaining producers to grow and expand.\nIn setting 2014 targets for biodiesel, the EPA should avoid outcomes that could lead to plant closures, worker layoffs, and uncertainty over future investments in the biodiesel industry.  We urge you to continue to support this fragile and growing industry with a reasonable increase in the RFS volume requirement for 2014.\nThank you for your consideration.\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2618", "Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, Walz: Proposed Rule to Amend Renewable Fuel Standard Is Bad for Economy and Energy Security", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Al Franken and Representatives Tim Walz and Collin Peterson today issued the following statements on the proposed rule to amend the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued a proposed rule that would hurt the biofuels industry by lowering the biodiesel target below current industry production levels and reduce the conventional ethanol target over a billion gallons. This would be the first time the Renewable Fuel Standard would set lower targets than are currently being blended by refiners.\n\"At a time when the oil industry continues to receive billions of dollars in unnecessary subsidies, this decision is wrong and I will urge the Administration to reconsider the proposed rule,\" said Klobuchar. \"This would undercut the biofuels industry that is not only vital to our state's economy but also helps reduce our dependence on foreign oil.\" \n\"Minnesota leads the country in homegrown jobs from renewable energy, and we need to continue on that path for the sake of our economy and our future,\" said Sen. Franken. \"That's why I've been urging the Administration against slashing the RFS. This is not the time to send a signal that we're cutting back on biofuels. I will continue pushing to ensure a robust RFS and help keep this important industry growing.\"\n\"The RFS is vital to rural America's economic strength. Today's proposal is very disappointing. A strong ethanol industry is necessary to advance the next generation of renewable fuels and reduce our dependence on foreign energy. It's important to remember that this is still a proposed rule. As the process moves forward I urge the EPA not to bow to the pressure from big oil and gas companies intent on repealing the RFS,\" House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin C. Peterson.\n\"Ethanol and renewable energy production have been one of the bright spots in our economy here in southern Minnesota over the last decade,\" Walz said. \"The proposed rule, if implemented, would weaken an emerging industry, hurt economic growth, and increase our reliance on foreign oil. The RFS is working, and the EPA needs to allow it to keep working.\"\nThe EPA's proposed rule would set the biodiesel target at 1.28 billion gallons, which is below current industry production levels of around1.7 billion gallons. It would also reduce the conventional ethanol target to 13 billion gallons. This is 800 million gallons below the 2013 target of 13.8 billion gallons, and 1.4 billion gallons below the 2014 statutory target of 14.4 billion gallons.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=30eb1e4f-68eb-468c-b9c6-73097ef8bdbb", "Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, Walz: Proposed Rule to Amend Renewable Fuel Standard Is Bad for Economy and Energy Security", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The EPA today issued a proposed rule to lower the biofuel targets for 2014, discouraging investment in the biofuel industry, hurting jobs and rural communities across the state\u00a0\n \r\n This would be the first time the Renewable Fuel Standard would be set lower targets than are currently being blended by refiners \r\nWashington, D.C.\u2014U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Al Franken and Representatives Tim Walz and Collin Peterson today issued the following statements on the proposed rule to amend the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued a proposed rule that would hurt the biofuels industry by lowering the biodiesel target below current industry production levels and reduce the conventional ethanol target over a billion gallons. This would be the first time the Renewable Fuel Standard would set lower targets than are currently being blended by refiners.\r\n\u201cAt a time when the oil industry continues to receive billions of dollars in unnecessary subsidies, this decision is wrong and I will urge the Administration to reconsider the proposed rule,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cThis would undercut the biofuels industry that is not only vital to our state\u2019s economy but also helps reduce our dependence on foreign oil.\u201d\r\n\u201cMinnesota leads the country in homegrown jobs from renewable energy, and we need to continue on that path for the sake of our economy and our future,\u201d said Sen. Franken. \u201cThat\u2019s why I've been urging the Administration against slashing the RFS. This is not the time to send a signal that we\u2019re cutting back on biofuels. I will continue pushing to ensure a robust RFS and help keep this important industry growing.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe RFS is vital to rural America\u2019s economic strength. Today\u2019s proposal is very disappointing. A strong ethanol industry is necessary to advance the next generation of renewable fuels and reduce our dependence on foreign energy. It\u2019s important to remember that this is still a proposed rule. As the process moves forward I urge the EPA not to bow to the pressure from big oil and gas companies intent on repealing the RFS,\u201d House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin C. Peterson.\r\n\u201cEthanol and renewable energy production have been one of the bright spots in our economy here in southern Minnesota over the last decade,\u201d Walz said. \u201cThe proposed rule, if implemented, would weaken an emerging industry, hurt economic growth, and increase our reliance on foreign oil. The RFS is working, and the EPA needs to allow it to keep working.\u201d\r\nThe EPA\u2019s proposed rule would set the biodiesel target at 1.28 billion gallons, which is below current industry production levels of around1.7 billion gallons. It would also reduce the conventional ethanol target to 13 billion gallons. This is 800 million gallons below the 2013 target of 13.8 billion gallons, and 1.4 billion gallons below the 2014 statutory target of 14.4 billion gallons.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/press-release/klobuchar-franken-peterson-push-move-forward-roseau-flood-control-project", "Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson Push to Move Forward Roseau Flood Control Project", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. [11/14/13]\u2014U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), and Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) pushed for an increase in the authorized level of funding needed so that the Roseau flood control project may be completed should funding be provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The City of Roseau has secured funding for the non-federal share of the project, but without an increase in the authorization level the project will be delayed indefinitely.\nIn a letter to the members of Congress negotiating the final version of the water infrastructure bills, Sens. Klobuchar, Franken, and Rep. Peterson asked that the final bill include an authorization to increase the level of federal funding necessary to finish the project in Roseau. \u00a0\nIn 2002, devastating flood waters inundated Roseau, destroying homes, businesses, and county and city buildings. The massive damage necessitated years of recovery to safeguard the community from further flood threats. Without this critical flood protection project, the city will remain vulnerable to another flood event.\n\"The City of Roseau has secured their local match requirements but without an increase in authorization this project will be delayed indefinitely\u2026The project is around 75% complete, yet it will provide no protection to Roseau until it is finished, and the community continues to live in fear of another disaster,\" the members said in the letter. \"We commend you for your commitment to passing strong water resources legislation. We urge you to give the Army Corps the authority to finish the Roseau River Flood Control Project.\"\nYou can read Sens. Klobuchar, Franken, and Rep. Peterson\u2019s letter below:\n\u00a0\nNovember 12, 2013\nDear Chairman Boxer, Chairman Shuster, Senator Vitter and Representative Rahall,\nWe are writing to request inclusion of the Roseau River Flood Control Project located in Roseau, MN in the final version of the Water Resources Development Act of 2013.\u00a0\nIn June of 2002, the City of Roseau experienced a major flood that nearly wiped out the City.\u00a0 After receiving 12-15 inches of intense rainfall over three days, the Roseau River, which flows north, flooded its banks and its levee system.\u00a0 This region of the state is very flat and has relatively low elevation, which puts most of the City in the regulatory floodplain. When the River reached its banks, there was nothing to stop the flow of water and prevent the flooding.\u00a0 Only with the assistance from federal, state and local governments was the City able to get back on its feet.\u00a0\nThe Roseau River Flood Control Project was authorized in the 2007 Water Resources Development Act and the City has worked diligently to secure all their local non-federal match requirements. Despite these efforts, the Army Corps of Engineers has not been able to keep up their end of the project and now budgetary delays have increased the cost of this project so much that an increase authorization level is needed. The project is around 75% complete, yet it will provide no protection to Roseau until it is finished, and the community continues to live in fear of another disaster.\nAs a delegation we have worked hard to secure funding for this project through Congressional Appropriations and annual budgetary requests. The City of Roseau has secured their local match requirements but without an increase in authorization this project will be delayed indefinitely.\u00a0 The federal government has already spent $19.7 million on this project, on top of the $42 million in recovery funds after the flood. Those numbers dwarf the small authorization change that is necessary to finish this project and provide this community the protection it needs.\nWe commend you for your commitment to passing strong water resources legislation. We urge you to give the Army Corps the authority to finish the Roseau River Flood Control Project.\nSincerely,\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2613", "Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson Push to Move Forward Roseau Flood Control Project", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), and Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) pushed for an increase in the authorized level of funding needed so that the Roseau flood control project may be completed should funding be provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The City of Roseau has secured funding for the non-federal share of the project, but without an increase in the authorization level the project will be delayed indefinitely. In a letter to the members of Congress negotiating the final version of the water infrastructure bills, Sens. Klobuchar, Franken, and Rep. Peterson asked that the final bill include an authorization to increase the level of federal funding necessary to finish the project in Roseau.   In 2002, devastating flood waters inundated Roseau, destroying homes, businesses, and county and city buildings. The massive damage necessitated years of recovery to safeguard the community from further flood threats. Without this critical flood protection project, the city will remain vulnerable to another flood event. \"The City of Roseau has secured their local match requirements but without an increase in authorization this project will be delayed indefinitely...The project is around 75% complete, yet it will provide no protection to Roseau until it is finished, and the community continues to live in fear of another disaster,\" the members said in the letter. \"We commend you for your commitment to passing strong water resources legislation. We urge you to give the Army Corps the authority to finish the Roseau River Flood Control Project.\" You can read Sens. Klobuchar, Franken, and Rep. Peterson's letter below:\n \nNovember 12, 2013Dear Chairman Boxer, Chairman Shuster, Senator Vitter and Representative Rahall,We are writing to request inclusion of the Roseau River Flood Control Project located in Roseau, MN in the final version of the Water Resources Development Act of 2013.  In June of 2002, the City of Roseau experienced a major flood that nearly wiped out the City.  After receiving 12-15 inches of intense rainfall over three days, the Roseau River, which flows north, flooded its banks and its levee system.  This region of the state is very flat and has relatively low elevation, which puts most of the City in the regulatory floodplain. When the River reached its banks, there was nothing to stop the flow of water and prevent the flooding.  Only with the assistance from federal, state and local governments was the City able to get back on its feet.  The Roseau River Flood Control Project was authorized in the 2007 Water Resources Development Act and the City has worked diligently to secure all their local non-federal match requirements. Despite these efforts, the Army Corps of Engineers has not been able to keep up their end of the project and now budgetary delays have increased the cost of this project so much that an increase authorization level is needed. The project is around 75% complete, yet it will provide no protection to Roseau until it is finished, and the community continues to live in fear of another disaster.As a delegation we have worked hard to secure funding for this project through Congressional Appropriations and annual budgetary requests. The City of Roseau has secured their local match requirements but without an increase in authorization this project will be delayed indefinitely.  The federal government has already spent $19.7 million on this project, on top of the $42 million in recovery funds after the flood. Those numbers dwarf the small authorization change that is necessary to finish this project and provide this community the protection it needs.We commend you for your commitment to passing strong water resources legislation. We urge you to give the Army Corps the authority to finish the Roseau River Flood Control Project.Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2614", "Sen. Franken Tackles College Affordability with New Bill to Rein in Rising Textbook Costs", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) worked to tackle college affordability with the introduction of his bill to cut the costs of textbooks and a push to pass his bipartisan legislation that would help students understand exactly what college will cost before committing to a school. Sen. Franken introduced the Affordable College Textbook Act today with Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) to combat the rising expense of textbooks and supplies, which cost the average Minnesota student over $1,400 a year\u2014$200 more than the national average. Sen. Franken's bill would expand the use of open access textbooks on college campuses, providing cheaper alternatives to expensive traditional textbooks and thereby lowering the overall cost of going to college. Read more about the Affordable College Textbook Act here.  \"In the fight to make college more affordable and accessible for Minnesota families, we can't overlook the rising costs of textbooks,\" said Sen. Franken. \"I'm proud to introduce this bill because it will help provide cheaper alternatives to traditional textbooks and keep more money in students' pockets, where it belongs.\"\nLast year, the University of Minnesota created a new Open Academics Textbook catalog to help faculty and students find more affordable textbook options. The University of Minnesota's open access textbook initiative is the kind of program that could benefit from Sen. Franken's bill.  Also today, Sen. Franken and his colleagues on the Senate Education Committee held their third hearing on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, focusing on simplifying the financial aid process. During the hearing several witnesses confirmed that Sen. Franken's Understanding the True Cost of College Act\u2014which would create a universal financial aid form so students can make apples to apples comparisons of the costs of attending different schools\u2014was necessary and would increase students' access to higher education.  \"Students in Minnesota graduate with the third highest average debt in the nation\u2014nearly $30,000 each\u2014and part of the problem is that they often don't have a clear picture of how much their education is going to actually cost them,\" said Sen. Franken. \"Today's hearing reemphasized the need to pass my bill to help students make apples to apples cost comparisons when deciding what school to attend.\" Sen. Franken has long been a leader in helping consumers understand their debts and finances, especially when it comes to making college more affordable for Minnesota students and their families. He's hosted a series of College Affordability Roundtables around Minnesota to hear directly from students, families, and higher education officials on what can be done to improve higher education. And for the past two years, he's sent his staff out into communities statewide to hold \"College Affordability Resource Nights.\"  Sen. Franken also cosponsored the Smarter Borrowing Act, which would improve the timing and quality of entrance and exit loan counseling so that students are better prepared to avoid taking on burdensome debt. He's also a cosponsor of the Know Before You Owe Act, which places obligations on higher education institutions to inform students of their federal student loan eligibility before they take on private student loans. Parts of that legislation were included in Sen. Franken's universal financial aid award letter bill. Additionally, Sen. Franken is the author of the Accelerated Learning Act\u2014which was incorporated into the Senate bill to replace the so-called \"No Child Left Behind\" law\u2014that would help make college affordable by expanding access to accelerated learning models like AP, IB, dual enrollment, and early college high schools for low-income students. This would allow students to get college credit while in high school and earn their college degree more quickly.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-to-commissioner-zelle-south-route-safest-option-for-highway-169", "Nolan to Commissioner Zelle: South Route Safest Option for Highway 169 Eagles Nest Corridor", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, D.C.) \u2013 The South Route option to rebuild the 5.7-mile Highway 169 Eagles Nest Corridor between Tower and Ely is the safest and best solution for that dangerous stretch of road, Eighth District Congressman Rick Nolan told Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Commissioner Charlie Zelle in a meeting yesterday in Nolan\u2019s Washington office.\n\u201cThe south option is clearly the route preferred by citizens, the one recommended by the Highway 169 Citizens Task Force, and in my view is undoubtedly the safest route,\u201d Nolan said.\nCommissioner Zelle, who toured the area with Nolan earlier this year, and later participated in a joint public meeting at MnDOT Headquarters in Virginia, promised to factor strong support by Nolan, other public officials, and area citizens into the Department\u2019s final decision.\n\u201cI will continue to push for the south route at every level, and throughout the various bureaucracies involved in this project,\u201d added Nolan, \u201cas well as continue to prioritize the health and safety of the area\u2019s residents and travelers.\u201d\nIn April of this year, Congressman Nolan sent a letter to Governor Mark Dayton, urging him to encourage MnDOT to complete the project using the Southern Route plan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=1c421f7a-0b21-4014-98ec-5dd77514fc62", "Klobuchar: FCC Action on Cell Phone Unlocking Positive Step for Consumers", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In letter to wireless carriers the FCC called on providers to agree to standards on allowing consumers to unlock their phones so they can switch providers while keeping their same device\u00a0\n \r\n Earlier this year, Klobuchar introduced legislation that directed the FCC to take action on cell phone unlocking \r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today said that the Federal Communication Commission\u2019s (FCC) action on cell phone unlocking is a positive step forward for consumers. In a letter to wireless carriers, the FCC called on providers to work together and agree to standards on allowing consumers to unlock their phones so they can switch carriers while keeping their same device. The letter indicates that if the industry does not act voluntarily the FCC will regulate on this issue.\u00a0 Earlier this year, Klobuchar introduced the bipartisan Wireless Consumer Choice Act with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Mike Lee (R-UT), which directed the FCC to take action on cell phone unlocking.\r\n\u201cMobile devices are vital tools for families and businesses across Minnesota and the country, and there is no reason they shouldn\u2019t be able to change their service on phones that they have purchased,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cThis letter to the wireless industry echoes Congressional calls for action, and\u00a0I will continue to work to give consumers the freedom to choose the plan that best meets their needs.\u201d\r\nThe FCC letter calls for the wireless industry to agree to policy that:\u00a0 provides a clear, concise, and readily accessible policy on unlocking; unlock mobile wireless devices for customers, former customers, and legitimate owners when the applicable service contract, installment plan, or ETF has been fulfilled; affirmatively notify customers when their devices are eligible for unlocking and/or automatically unlock devices when eligible, without an additional fee; process unlocking requests or provide an explanation of denial within two business days; and unlock devices for military personnel upon deployment. \u00a0\u00a0\r\nKlobuchar is a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and chairs the Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee, and has been a leader in standing up for consumers and boosting competition in the marketplace. At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing earlier this year she pressed officials from the wireless industry to allow cell phone unlocking. She also authored legislation\u2014the Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act\u2014to strengthen consumer protections in the wireless industry, including looking at allowing consumers to unlock their phones.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/news-releases?ID=44113a38-0c5e-4ada-aaad-e77f58dec5be", "As Holiday Shopping Season Approaches, Klobuchar Holds Hearing on Price-Fixing Cartels That Drive Up Costs for Families", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "When companies illegally collude to set prices for their products, consumers lose hundreds of millions of dollars in higher costs \r\n \nDepartment of Justice has uncovered an extensive network of price-fixing cartels that are causing higher prices on everything from TVs to cars\u00a0\n \r\n At the hearing, Klobuchar pressed Department of Justice and FBI officials on ways to effectively fight price fixing and protect consumers \r\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, chairman of the Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee, held a hearing today to discuss efforts to crack down on price-fixing cartels that rip off consumers and hurt the economy. When companies illegally collude to set prices for their products, consumers lose hundreds of millions of dollars in higher costs. The Department of Justice has uncovered an extensive network of price-fixing cartels that are causing higher prices on everything from TVs to cars. At the hearing, Klobuchar pressed Department of Justice and FBI officials on ways to effectively fight price fixing and protect consumers.\r\n\u201cAs the holiday shopping season approaches, we need to make sure that businesses are competing to provide the best products at the lowest cost,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cWhen companies illegally collude to set higher prices for their products, it\u2019s the consumer \u2013 and the economy \u2013 that loses. This hearing was an opportunity to take a close look at ways we can better fight these price-fixing cartels and protect families' pocketbooks.\u201d\r\nPrice fixing is when competitors illegally form a cartel to either set the price for their products, restrict production, or agree not to compete, in an effort to avoid the competitive pressures of the market. As a result of price fixing, consumers pay higher prices, competition suffers and innovation is stifled. In FY 2013, the Department of Justice Antitrust Division obtained $1.02 billion in criminal antitrust fines and charged 21 corporations and 34 individuals.\u00a0One high profile case involved price fixing by manufacturers of LCD screens for TVs, computers, and other devices, between roughly 2001 and 2006, meaning any consumer who purchased a device in that time was a victim of price fixing. The Department of Justice has charged 13 executives and fined the participating companies $1.39 billion in relation to the case. Due to recent budget constraints however, the Department of Justice has closed four antitrust field offices, raising concerns that smaller domestic cartels are going unchecked.\r\nWitnesses at the hearing included the Hon. William Baer, Assistant Attorney General at the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice; Ronald T. Hosko, Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigative Division of the FBI; Hollis Salzman, Partner & Co-chair of the Antitrust and Trade Regulation Group at Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, LLP; Christopher B. Hockett from the Section on Antitrust Law at the American Bar Association; Margaret C. Levenstein, Research Scientist and Adjunct Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan; and \u00a0Mark Rosman, Partner at Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/press-release/ffhs-graduate-pontius-promoted-lieutenant-colonel", "FFHS Graduate Pontius promoted to Lieutenant Colonel", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Collin Peterson recently had the honor of congratulating one of his former West Point nominees on an Army promotion. Jon Pontius, formerly of Fergus Falls, received an appointment to West Point in 1992. After more than twenty years of service at West Point and as an active duty soldier, Major Pontius was promoted to the new rank of Lieutenant Colonel.\n\"Jon was my first military academy nomination after I was elected to Congress,\" Peterson said. \"I know I speak for all of us in Minnesota's Seventh District when I say how proud I am of his service to our country.\"\nPontius is stationed in Washington, DC, and works in the field of operations research. He was a standout track and football star at Fergus Falls High School, and then broke \u00a0records in the high jump, decathlon and pentathlon at West Point. In 1997 he was NCAA Division I All-American in the decathlon.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2612", "At Hearing, Witnesses Underscore Need for Chairman Franken?s Transparency Surveillance Bill", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, held a hearing on his bill to help citizens hold the government accountable by increasing transparency over government surveillance of Americans. At the hearing, Chairman Franken\u2014along with Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.), a representative from Google, and a leading privacy expert\u2014underscored the need for his legislation, which is considered the leading surveillance transparency bill in the Senate. You can download video from the hearing here and read Chairman Franken's opening statement as prepared for delivery here. Chairman Franken's hearing focused on the Surveillance Transparency Act of 2013, which he first introduced this past summer. At the end of last month, the bill was reintroduced with Sen. Heller.  \"This bill is urgently necessary. Americans understand that we need to give due weight to privacy, on the one hand, and national security, on the other,\" Chairman Franken said in his opening statement. \"But Americans are also naturally suspicious of executive power. And when the government does things secretly, Americans tend to think that power is being abused. This is exactly the place where Congressional oversight is useful and necessary.\" Later, Chairman Franken continued: \"My bill would permanently ensure that the American people have the information they need to reach an informed opinion about government surveillance. And it would protect American companies losing business from misconceptions about [their] role in these programs. I'm pleased to say that this bill is the leading transparency proposal in the Senate, supported by a strong coalition of tech companies and civil liberties groups.\" The legislation would expand and improve ongoing government reporting about programs under the PATRIOT Act and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that have recently been the subject of controversy. It would also allow companies to report on the number of government information requests they receive and the number of their users affected by those requests, which would help protect American companies against losing business as a result of misconceptions about their role in these surveillance programs. These provisions will provide Americans with the basic information they need to decide for themselves whether the government is giving due weight to both privacy and national security.\nThe following witnesses testified before Chairman Franken's subcommittee:  \u2022\tThe Honorable Senator Dean Heller of Nevada (you can read Sen. Heller's testimony here). \u2022\tThe Honorable Robert Litt, General Counsel, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (you can read Mr. Litt's testimony here).  \u2022\tBrad Wiegmann, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, National Security Division, Department of Justice (you can read Mr. Wiegmann's testimony here).  \u2022\tRichard Salgado, Director, Law Enforcement and Information Security Matters, Google, Inc. (you can read Mr. Salgado's testimony here).  \u2022\tKevin Bankston, Director, Free Expression Project, Center for Democracy and Technology (you can read Mr. Bankston's testimony here).  \u2022\tPaul Rosenzweig, Principal, Red Branch Consulting; Professorial Lecturer in Law, George Washington University (you can read Mr. Rosenzweig's testimony here).  The full text of Chairman Franken's opening remarks as prepared for delivery is below:\n \nThis hearing will come to order.  Welcome to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law.  The subject of this hearing is my bill, the Surveillance Transparency Act of 2013.  I'm proud to say that two weeks ago I re-introduced this bill with the support of my friend and colleague, Senator Dean Heller of Nevada, who we'll be hearing from shortly.  This bill is urgently necessary.  Americans understand that we need to give due weight to privacy, on the one hand, and national security, on the other.  But Americans are also naturally suspicious of executive power.  And when the government does things secretly, Americans tend to think that power is being abused.  This is exactly the place where congressional oversight is useful and necessary.For months now, there has been a steady stream of news stories about the NSA's surveillance programs.  And yet right now, by law, Americans cannot get really the most basic information about what's going on with those programs.  Consider this: it's been months since the PRISM program and the telephone call records program were revealed to the public.  And yet to this day:\u2022\tAmericans don't know the actual number of people whose information has been collected under those programs.\u2022\tThey don't know how many of those people are American.\u2022\tAnd they have no way of knowing how many of these Americans have had their information actually seen by government officials - as opposed to just being held in a database.The Administration has taken good steps in good faith to address this problem.  But I'm afraid that these steps are too little, and they're not permanent.  And so, Americans still have no way of knowing whether the government is striking the right balance between privacy and security - or whether their privacy is being violated.  There needs to be more transparency.I've written a bipartisan bill to address this.  It will require the NSA to disclose to the public how many people are having their data collected under each key foreign intelligence authority.  It would make the NSA estimate how many of those people are American citizens or green card holders - and how many of those Americans have had their information actually looked at by government agents.  My bill would also lift the gag orders on Internet and phone companies so that those companies can tell Americans general information about the number of orders they're getting under each key authority and the number of users whose information has been produced in response to those orders.  Right now, as a result of those gags, many people think that American Internet companies are giving up far more information to the government than they likely are.  The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation estimates that American cloud computing companies could lose $22 to $35 billion in the next 3 years because of concerns about their involvement with surveillance programs.  The analytics firm Forrester puts potential losses much higher, at $180 billion. A few companies have litigated and secured permission to publish limited statistics about the requests that they get.  But again, this is too little - and it's not permanent.  My bill would permanently ensure that the American people have the information they need to reach an informed opinion about government surveillance.  And it would protect American companies against losing business from misconceptions about their role in these programs.  I'm pleased to say that this bill is the leading transparency proposal in the Senate, supported by a strong coalition of tech companies and civil liberties groups.  The version as introduced gained the support of 12 Senators, including the Chairman of the full Judiciary Committee, Patrick Leahy.  I anticipate that we'll soon be adding our original supporters onto the new bipartisan bill, hopefully with some additional support as well. The purpose of this hearing is to make the case for this bill and to improve it by getting the feedback of top experts in the Administration, privacy groups, and the private sector.  I've specifically asked the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Justice to provide candid comments on this bill - especially any concerns they have.  I've already added provisions to the bill to protect national security, but I want to know of any further concerns they have.  I suspect that I'll agree with them in some cases and disagree with them on others.  In those cases, I want to have an open exchange about those disagreements.  That said, I want it to be clear at the outset that I have the utmost respect for the men and women of our Intelligence Community.  I think they are patriots, and I think they save lives.  I look forward to starting this conversation.  With that I'll turn to our Ranking Member, Senator Flake.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2611", "Sen. Franken?s Bipartisan Bill to Keep Medicine Safe for Minnesotans Clears Critical Hurdle Toward Becoming Law", "2013-11-12", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken's (D-Minn.) bipartisan legislation to help prevent deaths related to contaminated medications cleared a key hurdle on its way to becoming law. The bill passed a key procedural vote necessary to move the bill to the Senate floor for debate and a final vote. In September, the House passed this bipartisan legislation.\nLast year, 64 Americans died and hundreds more were infected after a Massachusetts drug compounding facility distributed a steroid contaminated with a fungus that causes meningitis to health care facilities in 20 states, including Minnesota. The legislation seeks to help prevent similar outbreaks. In July, Sen. Franken and a bipartisan group of his Senate Health Committee colleagues introduced legislation to help ensure the safety of drug compounding, which includes the making, mixing, diluting, or combining of drugs for individual patients. In September, Senate Health Committee leaders and House health policy leaders reached an agreement on compromise legislation, which was passed by the House. The bill would clarify the oversight responsibilities of the Food and Drug Administration over large-volume sterile facilities-called outsourcing facilities-and by holding these facilities to high quality standards.\n\"Over the past year, I've worked hard to develop a bipartisan proposal to help ensure that patients and providers in Minnesota can trust that their medicine is safe,\" said Sen. Franken \"This bill will provide protections for Minnesotans who rely on compounded medicine. I'm hopeful that the Senate can pass this bipartisan bill and President Obama will sign it into law.\" Last year's meningitis outbreak alerted the nation that providers and patients need sources of safe compounded drugs. Following the outbreak, a bipartisan group of Senate Health Committee colleagues-led by Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Ranking Member Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Sen. Franken, and Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)-developed legislation to help ensure that quality compounded drugs are available to patients who need them.\nSen. Franken's legislation would also improve patient safety by replacing today's patchwork of state product tracing laws with a strong, uniform standard that would ultimately result in electronic, interoperable unit level product tracing for the entire country. The last comprehensive effort to establish safeguards for the drug distribution supply chain was twenty-five years ago.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/press-release/lets-put-veterans-first", "Let's put veterans first", "2013-11-11", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A few weeks ago, I had the honor of nominating Montevideo veteran Orice Larson for the Patriot Award. This honor was awarded to Mr. Larson for his service to our country in World War II, and for his dedication to serving veterans in his community for many decades following his military service.\nThis award is granted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), a program that encourages safe education and handling of firearms.\u00a0I was proud to be a part of the presentation of this award to Orice who served our country in World War II as a Supply Sergeant for 179th Infantry. His unit served in the Battle of the Bulge and infiltrated the Eagles Nest, Hitler\u2019s final stronghold at the end of the war.\nOrice\u2019s life has been full of colorful anecdotes. Since his retirement from the service, he has been a devoted member of veterans organizations. He served in numerous roles as a member of the American Legion, the Disabled American Vets, and as a Commander, Service Officer, and Chaplain to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.\nAs part of his award from the CMP, Orice was given an antique M1 Garand Rifle, which turned out to be the exact same model rifle he carried with him in World War II. I'm proud to honor veterans and heroes like Orice and will be forever grateful for their service to our Nation.\nOur country's veterans are continuing to return from service with pressing needs. I am committed to making sure that veterans have timely access to benefits they have earned, and I am frustrated by the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 (VA) backlog of claims for disability compensation\nAs a result of the recent government shutdown, veterans experienced further delays in the processing of their disability claims.\u00a0 Survivors and family members suffered the added pain of having to wait to bury their loved ones in National Cemeteries.\u00a0 Outreach and public engagement efforts were suspended, leaving vulnerable veterans unaware of benefits and services when they may need them the most.\nThe one thing that wasn't affected by the government shutdown was veterans\u2019 health care.\u00a0 VA hospitals, medical centers and clinics remained fully operational.\u00a0 Inpatient and outpatient care, surgeries, prescriptions, mental health, nursing homes and special health care services for women weren't affected by the lapse in appropriations.\u00a0\nWhy is this?\u00a0 Because medical care accounts are funded through an advanced appropriations mechanism that puts the necessary funding in place two-years in advance As a result, the failure to pass appropriations in a current year does not impact veterans\u2019 health benefits and services.\u00a0 Nearly ninety percent of VA discretionary funding is for veteran health care, and is protected under this advanced appropriation mechanism.\nThat's why I support and asked House Leadership to bring up for a vote H.R. 813, which extends the advanced appropriations mechanism to include the remaining VA\u2019s discretionary accounts.\u00a0\nMy unwavering commitment is founded on a solemn promise to put veterans first. It's the least we can do.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2610", "Sen. Franken: I Hope Every Minnesotan Joins Me Today in Honoring Our Veterans", "2013-11-11", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) made the following statement in honor of Veterans Day. Sen. Franken celebrated Veterans Day by speaking at a community veterans event in New Richland, Minn. and meeting with veterans in Austin, Minn. \"It makes me so proud to come from a state where so many men and woman have made the courageous and selfless decision to serve our country,\" said Sen. Franken. \"Today, I hope every Minnesotan joins me to pause and honor the service and sacrifice of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, as well as their families. \"One of the main reasons I became a Senator was to make sure we as a country make good on our promises to veterans and their families. I will keep working to improve veterans' access to health care in rural areas and to make sure that VA is getting the benefits our veterans have earned into their hands with no delay. And I will continue to encourage employers in Minnesota and around the country to hire veterans.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-118", "Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 11/8", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Walk of Flags at the Fergus Falls City Hall honoring Veterans\nDear Friends,\nThis week we honor and salute our veterans and military heroes who sacrificed so much to defend our country. On Veterans Day, cities across Minnesota will host special events as communities come together to honor those soldiers who were killed in action but remain close to our hearts. If you want to get more involved, attend an event, volunteer, or help a veteran share their story, important resources are below. And when you see a soldier in uniform or a veteran this week, give them special thanks. Thank you to all Americans who serve our great Nation in uniform.\nSincerely,\nCongressman Collin C. Peterson  Minnesota 7th District\n A Veterans Day Tribute \nA few weeks ago, I had the honor of nominating Montevideo veteran Orice Larson for the Patriot Award. This honor was awarded to Mr. Larson for his service to our country in World War II, and for his dedication to serving veterans in his community for many decades following his military service.\nThis award is granted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), a program that encourages safe education and handling of firearms.\u00a0I was proud to be a part of the presentation of this award to Orice, who served our country in World War II as a Supply Sergeant for 179th Infantry. His unit served in the Battle of the Bulge and infiltrated the Eagles Nest, Hitler\u2019s final stronghold at the end of the war.\nOrice\u2019s life has been full of colorful anecdotes. Since his retirement from the service, he has been a devoted member of veterans organizations. He served in numerous roles as a member of the American Legion, the Disabled American Vets, and as a Commander, Service Officer, and Chaplain to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.\nAs part of his award from the CMP, Orice was given an antique M1 Garand Rifle, which turned out to be the exact same model rifle he carried with him in World War II. I'm proud to honor veterans and heroes like Orice and will be forever grateful for their service to our Nation.\nOur country's veterans are continuing to return from service with pressing needs. I am committed to making sure that veterans have timely access to benefits they have earned, and I am frustrated by the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 (VA) backlog of claims for disability compensation.\nAs a result of the recent government shutdown, veterans experienced further delays in the processing of their disability claims.\u00a0 Survivors and family members suffered the added pain of having to wait to bury their loved ones in National Cemeteries.\u00a0 Outreach and public engagement efforts were suspended, leaving vulnerable veterans unaware of benefits and services when they may need them the most.\nThe one thing that wasn't affected by the government shutdown was veterans' health care.\u00a0 VA hospitals, medical centers and clinics remained fully operational.\u00a0 Inpatient and outpatient care, surgeries, prescriptions, mental health, nursing homes and special health care services for women weren't affected by the lapse in appropriations.\u00a0\nWhy is this?\u00a0 Because medical care accounts are funded through an advanced appropriations mechanism that puts the necessary funding in place two-years in advance As a result, the failure to pass appropriations in a current year does not impact veterans\u2019 health benefits and services.\u00a0 Nearly ninety percent of VA discretionary funding is for veteran health care, and is protected under this advanced appropriation mechanism.\nThat's why I support and asked House Leadership to bring up for a vote H.R. 813, which extends the advanced appropriations mechanism to include the remaining VA\u2019s discretionary accounts.\u00a0\nMy unwavering commitment is founded on a solemn promise to put veterans first. It's the least we can do.\n Appleton\u2019s Streets of Honor \nAppleton-native Major General Robert P. Miller returned home after serving our country overseas and conceived a plan to honor fallen soldiers from WWII to the present day. He noticed that the number of streets and avenues in Appleton came close to matching the number of soldiers from Appleton that were killed in WWII. After being elected Mayor of Appleton, he decided to rename the streets in honor of Appleton natives who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation.\nToday thirty-four streets wind through town and provide a constant reminder of the debt that we owe those who wore the uniform over the decades. Rooney Avenue is named for Staff Sgt. Robert Rooney who was killed in action in Africa. East Schlieman Avenue is named for Private First Class Max Schlieman who was killed in the Battle of the Bulge. South Nelson Street is named for Kenny Nelson who was killed on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion. Gunderson Avenue is named for Thomas Gunderson who was killed in Vietnam. Most recently, West Lhotka Avenue is for Sergeant Jesse Lhotka who was killed in Baghdad in 2005.\n Join Your Community on Veterans Day \nIf you would like to attend an event or volunteer in your area for Veterans Day, please click the following for events happening all over Minnesota: MN Veterans Day.\n ROTC Update \nWhen the North Dakota State University ROTC program was selected for potential closure, Senators Klobuchar and Franken and I immediately expressed our concern. This ROTC program is also comprised of students from Minnesota State University-Moorhead and Concordia College, and closing this program would deny an important opportunity for young men and women in the 7th District to train in this program which ranks among the top in the nation. We urged the Secretary of the Army, John McHugh, to reconsider this proposed closure. The Army has decided to reverse their decision, keeping the program in operation for at least the next two years. This is a victory for western Minnesota, and I am happy that the North Dakota State University ROTC program will continue.\n Vietnam Veterans Memorial \nA group of Vietnam veterans came together to create the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc. (VVMF) in 1979 to raise funds for a Memorial that would recognize all who served during the Vietnam War. A year later, President Jimmy Carter signed legislation to provide enough land to build the Vietnam Memorial. After the VVMF raised enough funds to build the Wall, construction got under way and was dedicated on November 13, 1982. There are 58,286 names listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located near the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The names are listed chronologically by date of casualty, and when you visit the wall there are printed registries available at each end of the Wall. Walking by all the names engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a powerful and special experience.\nTo search for a name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial click here.\n Marine Corps 238th Birthday \nNovember 10th is the 238th anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps. The United Sates Marine Corps has proudly served our great nation since 1775 with unfailing valor. For the past 238 years, the Marines have succeeded in every way possible and continue to protect our nation.\nWe honor their selfless service to the Nation. To their loved ones who endure the many difficulties that come with being part of the Marine family, I want to extend my sincerest thanks for all you have done and all you continue to do.\nTo listen to the Marine Corps Official Hymn, click here.\nThe Library of Congress is collecting and preserving firsthand accounts of American war veterans so their stories are available to future generations. American soldiers and citizens who actively supported the war cause are encouraged to talk about their experiences with personal narratives, sharing correspondence like letters, postcards, and person diaries, and showing photographs or drawings from their time in war. The U.S. Congress created the Veterans History Project in 2000 after receiving unanimous support.\nThe Veterans History Project\u2019s webpage provides a VHP Field Kit so family members and friends can interview a veteran they know who was involved in War World I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts.\nPlease click here to get your own VHP Field Kit if you would like to interview and document the story of a veteran you know.\n Veterans Small Business Week \nHere\u2019s some information that was recently released by the U.S. Small Business Administration to kickoff Veterans Small Business week:\nVeterans Small Business Week is an initiative on the part of SBA to reach out to veteran entrepreneurs and small business owners.\u00a0 Veterans Small Business Week will be held from November 4 to 11 and is part of SBA\u2019s work throughout the year to make sure our nation\u2019s veterans have the tools and capital they need to start or grow a business.\nDuring Veterans Small Business Week, SBA staff all across the country will be working with partner organizations on educational efforts, mentoring, and trainings for veterans.\u00a0 SBA provides veterans access to business counseling and training, capital and business development opportunities through government contracts. The Minnesota District Office will be working with the Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) TSES Programs, the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and SCORE on November 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the VAMC, 1st floor auditorium, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis.\u00a0 To register, send an email to govets@comcast.net and leave your name, phone, and type of business you want to start or have already started.\nSBA currently engages veterans through its 68 local SBA district offices, 15 Veterans Business Outreach Centers nationwide, its partnership with 63 Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) with over 900 outreach locations, and 12,000 SCORE volunteers. Each year SBA helps more than 200,000 veterans, service-disabled veterans and reservists.\u00a0 To learn more about additional opportunities for veterans available through the SBA, please visit the website at www.sba.gov/veterans.\n This Week in American History \nA WWI plaque near the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul\nOn the 11th hour on the 11th day on the 11th month World War I ends. The four year war began favoring the Allied Powers when American troops joined the western front to push German forces back to its borders in 1918. Over four million men and women, including 57,413 Minnesotans, served from the United States in the Great War. After sustaining heavy losses in manpower and supplies, Germany was forced to surrender and signed the armistice treaty that officially ended military hostilities. An Act of Congress passed in 1938 officially dedicated November 11th as \u201cArmistice Day\u201d to honor the veterans who fought for the United States during World War I. But after World War II, the Act of 1938 was amended to replace the word \u201cArmistice\u201d with \u201cVeterans\u201d so that soldiers of all wars could be recognized and thanked on November 11th. \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cUntitled\u201d\nJesus Pineda (WARREN)\n2013 Congressional Art Competition", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=news&id=2608", "Sen. Franken visits Minnesota family farm to hear concerns over the Farm Bill", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Franken toured a poultry farm in West Concord, and met with family farmers to discuss the need to pass a five-year Farm Bill. The Rochester Post-Bulletin reported on the meeting and his work to pass a Farm Bill:\n \n...\nIn a conference call with reporters earlier in the week, Minnesota Farmers Union Vice President Gary Wertish and Franken summarized a meeting the senator had with farm leaders where they discussed the bill. Representatives from dairy, corn and soybean grower groups and Farm Bureau were among those at the meeting organized by MFU.\n\"I wanted to hear what was on their minds as we go into conference with the House and Senate on the farm bill,\" Franken said. \"Minnesota farmers tell me the farm bill is not only something they want but need. They need the certainty. There are small differences in these groups between some of the provisions, but there is a lot of agreement on other stuff. They don't mind getting rid of direct payments. They want nutrition tied to it, they want the nutrition piece to be robust and they support the beginning farmer rancher provision and the energy title.\"\n \nClick here to read the whole article from the Rochester Post Bulletin.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=news&id=2609", "Sen. Franken Visits Forest Lake High School to Discuss the Future of Manufacturing in Minnesota", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Franken recently toured Forest Lake High School in celebration of \"Minnesota Manufacturing Week,\" and highlighted his efforts to create partnerships between Minnesota schools and businesses. During his visit, Sen. Franken applauded Forest Lake High School for its work to address the \"skills-gap\"-where jobs go unfilled because businesses cannot find workers with the right skills-and said he hopes the school can continue to build partnerships that promote high-demand jobs in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and information technology. The Forest Lakes Times printed a column by a former school teacher and administrator:\n \n...\nMac, Mariah, Leighton and other students are gaining from a mission that Massey explained to about 60 community members during Franken's visit: a belief that the school should help \"all students graduate with skills necessary to attend college, university, technical college or training program - and succeed.\"\nFranken responded, \"You could not be doing something any more important. ... Manufacturing is back. We have to get rid of the view that manufacturing jobs are \u2018dark, dangerous and dirty.' ... In fact, it's the opposite. And we have a massive \u2018skills gap' - between one-third and 60 percent of Minnesota manufacturers report that they have jobs they can't fill because they can't find people who have needed skills.\"\n...\n \nSen. Franken introduced the Community College to Career Fund Act in an effort to fill open, high-demand jobs and build strong relationships between community and technical colleges and employers to help reduce the skills-gap.\nClick here to read more of the column from Forest Lake Times.   Click here for more information on the Community College to Career Fund Act and building manufacturing jobs in America.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2604", "After Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson Urge U.S Army to Keep ROTC Program at NDSU Open, Army Announces Program Will Continue", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "After Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Representative Collin Peterson urged the U.S Army to keep the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at North Dakota State University open, the Army announced that the program would not be closed. The unit, which serves students at Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia College, will now have two years to prove that it is a viable ROTC program.  \"Students in Minnesota and North Dakota that want to serve their country depend on the program at NDSU to receive the training they need to become effective officers,\" Klobuchar said. \"I'm pleased with today's decision by the Army, and I'm looking forward to the Bison Brigade's continued strength and dedication to our country.\" \n\"It makes me so proud to come from a state where so many young men and women want to serve their country. I'm very pleased by the Army's decision to keep the pathway to service open through NDSU's ROTC program, which is used by so many students at Minnesota State Moorhead and Concordia College,\" Franken said.\n\"I'm happy that the Army reconsidered and will keep this unit open,\" Peterson said. \"These students do an excellent job and I'm proud of their commitment and their service to our country.\" Earlier this year, the Army notified the NDSU ROTC that it intended to close it and 12 other programs throughout the country. In response Senators Klobuchar and Franken and Representative Peterson sent a letter to Secretary of the Army John McHugh urging him to reconsider, and pointing out that the battalion is among the top performing in the nation. The decision grants the program a two year probationary period, after which time their status will be reassessed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2605", "Sen. Franken Unveils Legislation to Improve Early Childhood Education", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) introduced two bills to improve early childhood education by increasing parent engagement and enhancing the quality of the workforce working with children. Research shows that access to high-quality education at an early age is not only critical to improving the long-term success of children, but also boasts a significant return on investment, producing benefits of up to $7 for every $1 spent. Parents are their children's first and most important teachers. Sen. Franken is committed to making sure that parents have access to the education classes and family engagement programs they need to facilitate early learning and development and to help children thrive. His Parent Education and Family Engagement in Early Education Act would create a competitive grant program to support these education classes and other forms of parent engagement. Well-trained educators and caregivers are also key to achieving the high-quality instruction and care that kids need to succeed. Sen. Franken's Early Childhood Care and Education Workforce Improvement Act would help states develop or expand their efforts to provide more opportunities for training, education, and professional development to better improve the quality of their early education workforce. \"Every child in Minnesota deserves the opportunity to achieve the critical growth that comes with high-quality early childhood education, and I'm committed to making that happen,\" said Sen. Franken. \"My legislation will help families participate in their children's education and development and it will ensure that those teaching and caring for our children are the best they can be.\" Read more about Sen. Franken's Parent Education and Family Engagement in Early Education Act here and his Early Childhood Care and Education Workforce Improvement Act here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2607", "At Urging of Sen. Franken, FDA Proposes Fix to Protect Consumers Relying on Generic Prescriptions", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) said he is pleased that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a rule to give manufacturers of generic prescription drugs the ability to update their warning labels to improve consumer safety. Sen. Franken pushed the FDA to take this action and helped author legislation that would make this fix.  As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Mutual Pharmaceuticals v. Bartlett-involving a New Hampshire woman who became permanently disabled after using an inadequately labeled generic drug-Sen. Franken and several of his colleagues urged the FDA to take action and help prevent consumers from facing serious injuries. You can read Sen. Franken's letter to the FDA here.   \"A senior in Minnesota may have no idea that a prescription drug they're taking could cause devastating complications, because generic drug manufacturers aren't allowed to update their labels to accurately reflect all side effects or risks,\" said Sen. Franken. \"Last year, I introduced a bill with the help of my colleagues to fix this problem. And today, after our urging, the FDA took a critical step forward to right this wrong. I'll be pushing to get the FDA's labeling fix implemented as soon as possible.\"\nLast year, Sen. Franken introduced legislation with his colleagues to protect consumers using generic drugs. The Patient Safety and Generic Labeling Improvement Act was introduced to address another Supreme Court case, PLIVA v. Mensing, which held that patients cannot hold generic drug manufacturers accountable for failure to warn of injuries associated with their products. As a result, consumers who are injured by the generic version of a prescription drug may be foreclosed from seeking any remedy, even though consumers who take the brand-name version of the drug can seek recourse for their injury.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2626", "Sen. Franken Welcomes Release of Long-Delayed Mental Health Guidelines", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) welcomed the release of long-delayed federal guidelines that require insurance companies to cover mental health care to the same extent as other medical services. He also called for a careful review of the new rules prior to their implementation to ensure that millions in Minnesota and across the country can start gaining access to critical mental health services. The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, which was passed in 2008, requires group health plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder services to the same extent that medical and surgical benefits are covered. The interim regulations for the law were released in 2010, but the lack of final regulations made the full implementation of the law extremely difficult, if not impossible. \"Like Senator Paul Wellstone and Representative Jim Ramstad, I believe it's critically important to do everything we can to recognize mental illness early and treat it effectively,\" said Sen. Franken. \"And a big part of that includes clearing barriers to make these services available. I hope these rules will allow full implementation of this important law, so that millions in Minnesota and across the country who need treatment for mental health and substance use disorders can start getting the care they need. I look forward to carefully reviewing all the guidelines and working to get this law fully implemented as quickly as possible.\" Sen. Franken is a champion of mental health care and has been pushing for the implementation of the mental health parity law since his first days in the Senate. He has led several Congressional letters urging the Obama Administration to move forward with the implementation of mental health parity, most recently writing to President Obama last week. During a Judiciary Subcommittee hearing yesterday on delayed federal regulations, Sen. Franken heard from witnesses on how the lack of final rules harmed access to critical mental health services.During the hearing, Sen. Franken heard from a mother who has struggled to receive mental health coverage for her daughter.  Sen. Franken has also authored legislation to ensure that schools provide access to critical mental health treatment for kids who need those services. You can read more about Sen. Franken's Mental Health in Schools Act here.And he introduced the bipartisan Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Act to bring more resources to law enforcement, the courts, and correctional facilities to help them better deal with the increasingly-prevalent mental health issues they encounter. Read more here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/congresswoman-mccollums-statement-veterans-day", "Congresswoman McCollum's Statement for Veterans Day", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "St. Paul, MN\u00a0\u2013 Congresswoman McCollum released the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day, which falls on Monday, November 11.\u00a0 On Veterans Day she will be speaking at the State of Minnesota Veterans Day program in Inver Grove Heights.\n\u201cVeterans Day serves as a reminder of the enormous sacrifices that brave men and women have made for the ideals and beliefs that all Americans value.\u00a0 As our\u00a0men and women in uniform\u00a0continue to return home from\u00a0combat duty, today is an opportunity to give thanks\u00a0to them, their families, and 22 million veterans. It is\u00a0also\u00a0a day to come together as Americans\u00a0to pay a special tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country in the name of freedom around the world.\n\u201cOn the battlefield, the U.S. Armed Forces pledge to leave no\u00a0man or woman\u00a0behind.\u00a0 As a nation, it must be our promise that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.\u00a0 We must act to care for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Guardsmen\u00a0and Reservists, both abroad and at home -- ensuring that all of them receive the highest level of care and compensation they have so bravely earned serving this great nation.\u00a0 This is a commitment to which I hold fast on Veterans Day and every day.\u201d\nCongresswoman Betty McCollum is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and is Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=news&id=2600", "Sen. Franken's Floor Statement on the Employee Non-Discrimination Act", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "STATEMENT ON THE EMPLOYEE NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT  SENATOR AL FRANKEN (as prepared for delivery)\nM. President, I rise today in strong support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.\nIn many towns and cities across our country, it's still perfectly legal to fire someone because they're gay.  You can be a hard worker, show up on time, and get exemplary performance reviews, but if your boss discovers that you're gay or transgender, he can fire you just for being who you are or for whom you love, and there's nothing you can do about it.\nThat is a terrible injustice for Americans who happen to be LGBT.  It violates the principle that we are all equal under the law.  We all deserve the chance to work hard and prove ourselves, regardless of our race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age - or sexual orientation or gender identity.  Many Americans don't even realize that it remains legal to discriminate against LGBT Americans in the workplace.  In one recent poll, eight in ten Americans believe that it is already illegal under federal law to fire or refuse to hire someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.  Doesn't that tell you something about how obviously right passing ENDA is?\nThe debate that we are having in the Senate today is about whether we should ensure that LGBT Americans don't suffer discrimination in the workplace.   I have long been a supporter of ENDA, and enacting it into law is something we should have done a long time ago.  In fact, 17 years ago it came within one vote of passing in the Senate.\nMaking ENDA law will be the next significant step in the fight for equality for LGBT Americans.  After decades of struggle, we have achieved a number of huge victories in rapid succession - ending Don't Ask Don't Tell; overturning the federal ban on same-sex marriage recognition; the achievement of marriage equality in more and more states, including my home state of Minnesota.\nWhile we are debating ENDA in the Senate today, equality in the workplace is in fact something we achieved in Minnesota over two decades ago.  In 1993, the Minnesota State Legislature amended our state's Human Rights Act to protect Minnesota's workers from discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. At the time, only a few states prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation, and Minnesota was the first state to include protections for transgender workers.\nWe have had this law in place for over twenty years in Minnesota, and what has been the effect?  For LGBT Minnesotans, it has meant that they don't have to live in fear of being fired, or discriminated against in hiring, just because of who they are or whom they love.  That is a big deal.\nBut if you're not an LGBT Minnesotan, very little has changed.  Some people, including the House Speaker Boehner, are opposing ENDA because, they claim, it will cause frivolous lawsuits and be bad for business.\nThe Minnesota experience shows that those fears are unfounded.  There has not been a flood of lawsuits, because the rights of LGBT Minnesotans are widely respected.  And with 19 Fortune 500 companies, Minnesota has become an ever better place to work and do business.  Minnesota is basically the same as it was before this law was passed, except that it is better because LGBT Minnesotans are free from discrimination at work.\nLet me just give you one example. Last year, a vice president from General Mills, the Minnesota-based company that is one of the world's largest food companies and which currently employs 35,000 people and makes Cheerios, spoke at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing about General Mills' support for making sure that the same legal protections people have in Minnesota are extended to workers across America.\nThe General Mills vice president spoke about how the company's policy of inclusion has contributed to its innovation and growth.  He said, quote, \"Employees who are members of the GLBT community are incredible contributors to our enterprise. Absent their unique perspectives, talents, and gifts, we would be less competitive and successful. Simply said, talent matters. Now more than ever, American business needs to leverage the ingenuity of all sectors for our nation. Discriminatory barriers to top talent just don't make business sense.\" Unquote.\nAnd there are many large employers headquartered in Minnesota- Target, Supervalu, U.S. Bancorp, Xcel Energy, Medtronic, 3M, Cargill, Best Buy and many many others - who have put in place company-wide policies against discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation.\nMinnesota's small businesses have also reported on the positive effects of Minnesota's human rights law.  For instance, Nancy Lyons is the owner of a small, 70-person Minneapolis business that develops software. Nancy says that the protections and peace of mind that her employees get from not living in fear positively impacts every aspect of their lives, from their productivity at work to their family lives.\nIt is long past time that LGBT employees around the country be guaranteed the same rights that they have had in Minnesota for twenty years.  In Minnesota, our law has given LGBT Minnesotans peace of mind and freedom from discrimination at work and improved the overall climate in our state for those individuals, for families, and for businesses.  I look forward to the Senate passing this bill, and I hope that the House will take it up and pass it as well.\nThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2601", "Sen. Franken Backs Bipartisan Bill to Increase Mental Health Access for Rural Seniors", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D.Minn.) announced that he is backing a new bill to help put an end to current shortages of mental health professionals for seniors in rural Minnesota. Nationwide, over 89.3 million Americans live in areas that have been designated by the Department of Health and Human Services as having shortages of mental health professionals.  The Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act would expand the pool of mental health practitioners in underserved communities by lifting some of the current reimbursement restrictions for licensed mental health counselors and certain other licensed therapists. This will increase access to existing mental health professionals, particularly for people in underserved areas. \"I'm working hard to make sure that critical mental health services are as accessible as possible for our seniors, no matter where they live in Minnesota,\" said Sen. Franken. \"This bill will allow seniors to get the care they need. I'm proud to support it.\" In Minnesota there are 53 Mental Health Profession Shortage Areas, where seniors have limited access to mental health professionals such as psychiatrists and psychologists. Two thirds of all Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas are in rural areas. In Minnesota alone, this bill will allow more than 2371 mental health professionals to begin accepting Medicare patients. Mental health professionals are already recognized by other government agencies such as the National Health Service Corps, the Veterans Administration, and TRICARE. The Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act was originally introduced by Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and John Barasso (R-Wyo.).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2602", "Sen. Franken Lauds Passage of LGBT Workplace Protections as Key Step Toward Equality", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) called the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) by the Senate a key step toward ensuring equality in the workplace for all Americans. Earlier today, Sen. Franken spoke on the Senate floor, urging his colleagues to support and pass the bill. You can download a video of his speech here and a copy of his remarks here. ENDA, which Sen. Franken has supported since coming to the Senate, passed the Senate today 64-to-32. The bill prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. A similar law has been in place in Minnesota for over 20 years. \"Four years ago, I said that I hoped my grandkids would only read about when it was legal to fire someone because they were gay or transgender,\" said Sen. Franken. \"Today, we're one step closer toward making that equality a reality for all Americans. \"It's long past time that LGBT employees around the country are guaranteed the same rights that they've had in Minnesota for 20 years. For LGBT Minnesotans, it has meant that they don't have to live in fear of being fired, or discriminated against in hiring, just because of who they are or whom they love. That's a big deal. \"I will continue fighting to get this signed into law to ensure vital workplace protections, and I urge the House to take up and pass the bill in a timely manner.\" Sen. Franken has been a longtime advocate of ensuring equality for all LGBT Americans. In addition to pushing for the passage of ENDA, he fought successfully in 2010 to help overturn the discriminatory Don't Ask Don't Tell policy that prevented openly LGBT Americans from serving in the military. And this past March, Sen. Franken and a number of his colleagues in the House and Senate filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court urging the Court to overturn a key section of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) because it violated individuals' rights to equal protection under the law by denying federal benefits to same-sex couples and their children. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down that key part of DOMA, finding it unconstitutional. Sen. Franken is also a supporter of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would fully repeal DOMA and restore the federal benefits of marriage to all lawfully married couples-including tens of thousands of same-sex couples.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2603", "Sen. Franken: We Must Increase Access to Mental Health Services", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In an effort to expand access to mental health care for millions of Americans, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) urged the Obama Administration to fully implement a law passed five years ago that requires insurance companies to cover mental health care to the same extent as other medical services. During a Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on delayed federal regulations, Sen. Franken heard from witnesses on how the lack of final rules have harmed access to critical mental health services. The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, which was passed in 2008, requires group health plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder services at the same level that medical and surgical benefits are covered. The interim final regulations for the law were released in 2010, but the lack of final regulations makes the full implementation of the law extremely difficult if not impossible. \"Millions of Americans who need mental health and substance use disorder services are prevented from getting them because we have not fully implemented the necessary rules,\" said Sen. Franken. \"The Administration needs to get this done as soon as possible. Minnesota has a special interest in this because Senator Paul Wellstone and Congressman Jim Ramstad were very active in making mental health parity a national priority. I'm going to continue to press to get this law fully implemented.\"  Sen. Franken is a champion of mental health care and has been pushing for the implementation of the mental health parity law since his first days in the Senate. He has led several Congressional letters urging the Obama Administration to move forward with the implementation of mental health parity, most recently writing to President Obama last week. During the hearing, Sen. Franken heard from a mother who has struggled to receive mental health coverage for her daughter. Sen. Franken has also authored legislation to ensure that schools provide access to critical mental health treatment for kids who need those services. You can read more about Sen. Franken's Mental Health in Schools Act here. And he introduced the bipartisan Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Act to bring more resources to law enforcement, the courts, and correctional facilities to help them better deal with the increasingly-prevalent mental health issues they encounter. Read more here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2595", "Klobuchar, Franken, Bipartisan Group of Senators Call for Strong Energy Title in Final Farm Bill", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken along with a bipartisan group of 12 other senators called for a strong energy title in the final version of the Farm Bill. In a letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, the senators highlighted the important role programs like the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) have in supporting jobs in rural communities and encouraging the development of energy efficiency and renewable energy production from wind, solar, biomass and biofuels in farms and rural businesses. Klobuchar is a member of the Farm Bill Conference Committee, which is responsible for crafting the final version of the bill, and Franken helped write the energy section of the Farm Bill.\n\"The Senate's bipartisan energy investments are a small fraction of total Farm Bill outlays and represent an important, and growing, component of the agricultural economy,\" the senators said in the letter. \"We strongly urge you to ensure that the Senate-passed energy title, with the full $900 million in mandatory funding, is included within the conference agreement.\" Klobuchar is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and has long supported an increased role for renewable fuels in the U.S energy supply. In the 2013 Farm Bill Klobuchar worked to include an amendment in the Senate-passed Farm Bill to provide additional funds for the Rural Energy for America (REAP) program. Franken, a member of the Senate Energy Committee, helped write the energy section of the bill, which will produce jobs and growth in Minnesota's agriculture energy sector. He has also worked hard to preserve investments in federal programs that provide beginning farmers and ranchers with education and training, access to credit, and access to affordable land. And he successfully fought to preserve the federal sugar program by voting to ensure that vital protections remain in place for sugar growers. The sugar industry contributes thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to the economies of Minnesota and the region.\nThe full text of the letter is below:\n \nDear Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Cochran:Thank you for your continued leadership in moving the Farm Bill. As a final bill is written, we urge you to advocate vigorously for the adoption of the Senate's energy title, particularly the full $900 million in mandatory funding for its \"core\" programs. Farm energy programs serve agriculture, rural communities and the entire nation by providing jobs, farm income and environmental benefits.The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee passed this title on a strong bipartisan basis, including mandatory funding, with only one strengthening amendment. The mandatory energy funding included within the Senate's Farm Bill represents less than one percent of total Farm Bill spending and represents a decrease in annual mandatory funding as compared to the 2008 Farm Bill.  The Senate's bipartisan energy investments are responsible and well-balanced and should be kept in the conference agreement. The energy title's core programs are very cost-effective job creators, accounting for more than tens of thousands of jobs saved or created over the last decade.  They set conditions that allow farmers and innovative businesses to grow the rural economy, while also improving the environment and making America more energy independent.  For example, the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), supports nearly every form of renewable energy, as well as energy efficiency on farms, ranches, and at rural small businesses. REAP has funded projects in every state and benefits all agricultural sectors.  The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) partners with hundreds of farmers across 12 states to develop next-generation energy crops that produce sustainable biofuels, power generation, renewable chemicals, and biobased products. BCAP uniquely develops a new homegrown source of energy that can also provide conservation and water quality benefits while producing new farm income.  The Biorefinery Assistance Program (BAP) provides investment certainty for cutting-edge biorefineries that produce advanced biofuels from non-food sources.  And, with important policy changes included within the Senate bill, this kind of investment certainty would be extended to the promising renewable chemicals manufacturing sector.  In addition, the Biobased Markets program is expanding small business markets by leveraging the federal government's purchasing power to acquire thousands of new, sustainable domestic industrial bioproducts.  We are fully aware of the budget constraints placed upon agricultural committee leaders as a new Farm Bill is written.  However, the Senate's bipartisan energy investments are a small fraction of total Farm Bill outlays and represent an important, and growing, component of the agricultural economy.  We strongly urge you to ensure that the Senate-passed energy title, with the full $900 million in mandatory funding, is included within the conference agreement.Thank you very much for your continued support.Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2598", "Chairman Franken Announces Witnesses for Hearing on Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Transparency over Government Surveillance of Americans", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, announced the witnesses who will testify at his hearing on legislation to help Americans hold the government accountable by increasing transparency over the government surveillance of American citizens. The legislation is currently considered the leading surveillance transparency bill in the Senate. Chairman Franken's hearing will focus on the Surveillance Transparency Act of 2013, which he first introduced this past summer. Last week, the bill was reintroduced with bipartisan support from Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.). The legislation would expand and improve ongoing government reporting about programs under the PATRIOT Act and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that have recently been the subject of controversy. It would also allow companies to report on the numbers of government information requests they receive, and the number of their users affected by those requests. These provisions will provide Americans with the basic information they need to decide for themselves whether the government is giving due weight to both privacy and national security.  \"Minnesotans and the rest of the American public are naturally suspicious of executive power, and when things are done secretly, they tend to think that power is being abused,\" said Chairman Franken. \"Right now, the public isn't getting the most basic information about what's going on with government surveillance programs. That needs to change. This bill goes a long way toward giving Americans the transparency they deserve, and I look forward to discussing it in my subcommittee.\"  The following witnesses will testify before the subcommittee:   \n \nThe Honorable Senator Dean Heller of Nevada.\nThe Honorable Robert Litt, General Counsel, Office of the Director of National Intelligence.\nBrad Wiegmann, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, National Security Division, Department of Justice.\nRichard Salgado, Director, Law Enforcement and Information Security Matters, Google, Inc.\nKevin Bankston, Director, Free Expression Project, Center for Democracy and Technology.\n \nWHO: Chairman Franken and the Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law  WHAT: Hearing on the Surveillance Transparency Act of 2013  WHEN: Wednesday, November 13 at 10:00 a.m. EST  WHERE:  Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 226", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2599", "Klobuchar, Franken, Bipartisan Group of Senators Call On Army Corps to Expedite Efforts to Stop the Spread of Asian Carp in the Great Lakes", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with a bipartisan group of 14 other senators, today called on the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite efforts to stop the spread of Asian carp in the Great Lakes. In a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army Jo-Ellen Darcy, the senators urged the Army Corps to identify the specific measures needed to cut off Asian carp entry points into the Great Lakes.  \"It is our expectation that the Corps will work with Congress, our staff, and regional stakeholders before and after the report is issued so that we can expeditiously determine how to best move forward with a comprehensive approach to address Asian Carp and other aquatic invasive species,\" the letter said. \"We ask you to identify how you intend to work with stakeholders on a comprehensive alternative that will maintain commerce, enhance and not degrade water quality, and permanently safeguard the Great Lakes from Asian carp.\"  This month, Klobuchar's provision to help fight the spread of Asian carp in Minnesota's waterways by closing the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock within a year, which was cosponsored by Sen. Franken, passed the House of Representatives. It is now included in both the Senate and House water infrastructure bills, which will go to conference committee before final passage.  Klobuchar and Franken have worked with members of both parties on legislative efforts to stop Asian carp from wreaking havoc on the Great Lakes' ecosystem. Last year Klobuchar and Franken helped pass the bipartisan Stop Invasive Species Act, which President Obama signed into law. The law requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to present Congress, by the end of the year, with a report (known as the GLMRIS report) on potential strategies to help prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. Today's bipartisan letter requests that the Corps make clear the steps it will take once that report is submitted to determine the best course of action. The full text of the letter and list of cosigners is below:\n \nNovember 6, 2013The Honorable Jo-Ellen DarcyAssistant Secretary of the ArmyDepartment of the Army, Civil Works108 Army PentagonWashington, DC 20310Dear Assistant Secretary Darcy:We are pleased that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as a part of the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee, is continuing to implement and explore strategies that address the potential transfer of Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species (AIS) between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins.  In addition to continuing this work, it is imperative that the Corps work with Congress on developing a plan that will provide long term, sustainable protection for  the Great Lakes from the spread of nonindigenous aquatic species, which threaten our region's environment, fishing and boating industries, and overall economy.The Water Resources Development Act of 2007 tasked the Corps, in consultation with a variety of other federal and state agencies, to conduct a feasibility study that evaluates alternatives and technologies that could be used to prevent the transfer of nonindigenous aquatic species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins through a variety of pathways. A final version of this study, known as the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study (GLMRIS), is due to Congress in January 2014.  It is our understanding that this report will provide a set of alternatives for Congress to assess but will not include a formal recommendation of which alternative would be most effective in preventing species, like Asian carp, from transferring between the two basins in the long term.  It is our expectation that the Corps will work with Congress, our staff, and regional stakeholders before and after the report is issued so that we can expeditiously determine how to best move forward with a comprehensive approach to address Asian Carp and other aquatic invasive species.We ask you to identify how you intend to work with stakeholders on a comprehensive alternative that will maintain commerce, enhance and not degrade water quality, and permanently safeguard the Great Lakes from Asian carp and other invasive species following the release of the GLMRIS report.  Please explain what decisions and authorizations will be necessary to allow for implementation of a comprehensive approach to address invasive species.  We also ask you to describe measures that have been taken to date and identify interim measures that can be put into place to greatly reduce the risk of invasive species moving between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. Upon release of the GLMRIS report, it is imperative that the Corps continue its evaluation process under existing authority so that we can move very quickly on a comprehensive approach to best protect the environmental and economic health of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River.Protecting the Great Lakes from harmful aquatic species is a shared responsibility of Congress, the Corps, other federal agencies, the affected states, and relevant local agencies.  We are committed to working with you and to quickly identify a long-term approach to a problem that could have devastating effects on our region's economy, environment, and way of life.We look forward to your positive response.Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 603, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "MN", "p2": "2013"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MN&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 593, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MN&year=2013&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 10, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MN&year=2013&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MN&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 603, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MN&year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MN&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "MN", "label": "MN", "count": 603, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MN&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "2013", "label": "2013", "count": 603, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MN", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2013-11-06,http~3A~2F~2Ffranken~2Esenate~2Egov~2F~3Fp~3Dpress_release~26id~3D2599", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MN&year=2013&_next=2013-11-06%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Ffranken~2Esenate~2Egov~2F~3Fp~3Dpress_release~26id~3D2599&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 300.6821139715612, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}