{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"MN\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://mccollum.house.gov/taxonomy/statements-for-the-record/mccollum-statement-honoring-career-doug-peterson", "McCollum Statement Honoring Career of Doug Peterson", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor the career of Doug Peterson, who will retire from his position as President of the Minnesota Farmers Union on December 31, 2016.\nDoug has worked dutifully on behalf of the people of Minnesota for more than two decades, serving in the Minnesota State Legislature from 1990 to 2002 before leading the Minnesota Farmers Union from 2002 through 2016.\u00a0 It was my profound honor to serve with Doug in the Minnesota State Legislature for eight years.\nHaving had the opportunity to work closely with him on the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and later on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Finance Committee, I was able to see first-hand the level of expertise and commitment Doug brought to his work.\u00a0 From our time serving together in the Minnesota State Legislature, Doug became, and still remains a dear friend of mine.\nFew people have had more of a positive and lasting impact on Minnesota agriculture policy than Doug. A fierce advocate for Minnesota\u2019s family farmers, Doug has worked tirelessly to shape and promote policies that protect their financial interests. His ability to speak both for and to the farming community was most recently acknowledged when he was awarded with the 2016 Distinguished Friend of Extension by the University of Minnesota. His leadership as the head of the Minnesota Farmers Union and work with Extension has advanced family farming and helped ensure that farmers are provided with the tools they need on and off the farm to succeed.\nMr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the distinguished career of Doug Peterson and his tremendous work on behalf of the people of Minnesota.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-statement-on-keetac-reopening", "Nolan Statement on Keetac Reopening", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan today released the following statement regarding Keetac\u2019s reopening:\n\"Keetac's reopening is wonderful news for the Iron Range\u200b. In my conversations with U.S. Steel executives, it appears that this will bring back in the neighborhood of 200 good-paying jobs to our region\u200b at its commencement\u200b. This accomplishment is the result of a team effort with the mining companies, steelworkers, the Obama Administration and those of us in Washington who have championed the cause of securing high tariffs and taxes on subpar, low-quality steel subsidized by foreign governments and dumped into our market by trade-cheater nations. These high tariffs and taxes have already shown great results for our American mining industry, and they will continue to improve market conditions over the next 5 years. After countless hours testifying before the International Trade Commission and Department of Commerce, working with the Administration, and bringing White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough to the Iron Range to see the devastating impact of steel dumping during what many have called 'the day that changed everything,' I am thrilled to see this enormous, positive step.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-statement-on-keetac-reopening-0", "Nolan Statement on Keetac Reopening", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan today released the following statement regarding Keetac\u2019s reopening:\n\"Keetac's reopening is wonderful news for the Iron Range\u200b. In my conversations with U.S. Steel executives, it appears that this will bring back in the neighborhood of 200 good-paying jobs to our region\u200b at its commencement\u200b. This accomplishment is the result of a team effort with the mining companies, steelworkers, the Obama Administration and those of us in Washington who have championed the cause of securing high tariffs and taxes on subpar, low-quality steel subsidized by foreign governments and dumped into our market by trade-cheater nations. These high tariffs and taxes have already shown great results for our American mining industry, and they will continue to improve market conditions over the next 5 years. After countless hours testifying before the International Trade Commission and Department of Commerce, working with the Administration, and bringing White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough to the Iron Range to see the devastating impact of steel dumping during what many have called 'the day that changed everything,' I am thrilled to see this enormous, positive step.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-statement-designation-bears-ears-and-gold-butte-national-monuments", "McCollum Statement on Designation of Bears Ears and Gold Butte National Monuments", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after President Barack Obama used his power under the Antiquities Act to create the Bears Ears and Gold Butte National Monuments:\n\"With the designation of the Bears Ears National Monument, President Obama has taken a bold and decisive step to protect one of our nation\u2019s greatest ancient cultural and natural areas. The more than 1.3 million acres that make up Bears Ears National Monument include places of both unparalleled natural beauty and strong spiritual significance for many Native Americans. After eight decades of effort, these sacred sites, archaeological gems, and spectacular vistas will finally have the protection that they deserve.\n\"This action would not have been possible without the dedicated advocacy of a historic coalition of sovereign Native American tribes, including the Hopi Nation, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah Ouray, and Zuni Tribe. I applaud their tireless work and am very pleased that they will be included in a newly-formed Bears Ears Commission with input over the management of these sacred sites and treasured spaces.\u00a0 The protection of Bears Ears, and the additional designation of the Gold Butte National Monument, exemplifies the Obama Administration\u2019s extraordinary commitment to the preservation of our national treasures and unprecedented collaboration with tribal nations.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-statement-sanctions-against-russia-over-election-attacks", "McCollum Statement on White House Actions Responding to Russia's Election Attacks", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after the White House announced sanctions against Russian officials and government entities for cyber attacks interfering with the 2016 presidential election:\u00a0\n\"Russian hacking during the 2016 presidential election was an attack on American democracy. Earlier this month, I urged President Obama to respond proportionally, forcefully, and unequivocally, including by applying sanctions and expelling Russian officials.\n\"Today, President Obama did just that: imposing new sanctions on Russia, ejecting Russian operatives from the United States, and preparing to make public the evidence our government has collected that implicates the highest levels of Russia's government in this attack.\u00a0I strongly support these decisive steps.\n\"Instead of playing partisan games and vilifying our intelligence professionals, President-elect Donald Trump should join us, demand a fully transparent Congressional investigation into this hacking, and maintain strong pressure on Russia's government.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=CF5891F0-FC05-4C40-B2D9-78424E776967", "Year in Review: Klobuchar Worked Across the Aisle to Find Common Ground and Pass More Than 30 Bipartisan Bills Into Law During This Congress", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last month, a Medill News Service analysis of legislative data from the independent congressional tracking website GovTrack ranked Klobuchar first on a list of all 100 senators for bills signed into law during this Congress \r\n\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has passed more than 30 bipartisan bills into law during this Congress. The bipartisan bills Klobuchar passed included measures to treat and prevent opioid abuse, improve job opportunities and access to medical care for veterans, fight human trafficking, support fish and wildlife restoration in the Great Lakes, and develop a strong science and engineering workforce for a 21st\u00a0century economy. Klobuchar also led the push to crack down on steel dumping and strengthen the Renewable Fuel Standard, among other efforts. Last month, a Medill News Service analysis of legislative data from the independent congressional tracking website GovTrack ranked Klobuchar first on a list of all 100 senators with bills signed into law during this Congress.\r\n\u201cWhen we put partisanship aside and put people first, we get results. This year, we passed legislation that will really make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans,\u201d\u00a0Klobuchar said.\u00a0\u201cAs we head into the new Congress, I\u2019m committed to finding common ground and working on solutions to our toughest challenges\u2014from reducing prescription drug costs and improving infrastructure to bolstering rural America and reforming campaign finance laws.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nBelow are some highlights of legislation passed and efforts that Klobuchar led in 2016:\r\nTreating and preventing opioid abuse\r\nKlobuchar was one of four senators, along with Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH),\u00a0to lead the\u00a0Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act\u00a0(CARA).\u00a0This bipartisan bill, which was signed into law this summer, encourages states and local communities to pursue a full array of proven strategies in the fight against opioid addiction. At the end of this year, $1 billion was made available by Congress to fund the national effort.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIncreasing job opportunities and improving access to medical care for veterans\r\nKlobuchar\u2019s legislation with Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), the\u00a0Veterans to Paramedics Act, makes it easier for veterans to secure jobs as paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and nurses and helps reduce the shortage of much-needed emergency medical personnel in rural communities across the country. The\u00a0Faster Care for Veterans Act\u00a0with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) cuts red tape and wait times for veterans by establishing a patient self-scheduling appointment system at Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities. She also led the\u00a0No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act\u00a0with Senator John Thune (R-SD) to improve the Veteran Suicide Crisis Line (VCL) to ensure that each call to the VCL is answered by a qualified person in a timely fashion. All bills were signed into law.\r\n\u00a0\r\nFighting human trafficking\r\nBuilding on her\u00a0Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act,\u00a0Klobuchar led legislation to ensure funding for the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which was passed and signed into law in December.\u00a0Klobuchar also introduced the\u00a0Stop Trafficking on Planes (STOP) Act\u00a0with Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) to require training for certain airline industry employees to recognize and report human trafficking. A provision based on the\u00a0STOP Act\u00a0was signed into law as part of theFederal Aviation Administration (FAA) Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nRecovering missing and exploited children\r\nKlobuchar was one of the lead sponsors, along with Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Mike Enzi (R-WY), of the\u00a0Recovering Missing Children Act, which was signed into law in June and allows the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to disclose tax records to state and local law enforcement agencies while maintaining privacy protections to assist in the investigation of missing or exploited children. In an examination of 1,700 Social Security numbers for missing children and their alleged abductors, an Inspector General study found that the IRS had new addresses on file in more than a third of the cases. Representative Erik Paulsen (R-MN) led the bill in the House.\r\n\u00a0\r\nCombating eating disorders\r\nKlobuchar led the\u00a0Anna Westin\u00a0Act, the first legislation specifically designed to help the millions of Americans who are affected by eating disorders, along with Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). Her bill builds on Paul Wellstone\u2019s mental health bill by increasing training and education on eating disorders and ensures parity for insurance coverage of residential treatment of eating disorders. It was signed into law earlier this month as part of the bipartisan\u00a021st\u00a0Century CURES Act.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSupporting fish and wildlife restoration in the Great Lakes\r\nThe recently passed\u00a0Water Infrastructure Improvement Act\u00a0included Klobuchar\u2019sGreat Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act, which provides critical resources and funding to conserve and restore fish and wildlife populations in the Great Lakes. The bipartisan bill reauthorized efforts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to partner with other federal agencies, states, and tribes to develop and implement proposals for the restoration and management of Great Lakes fish and wildlife resources. It also plays an important role in implementing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and would encourage continued cooperative efforts to address impacts associated with invasive species throughout the Great Lakes Basin.\r\n\u00a0\r\nImproving national security and trade across the U.S.-Canada border   Klobuchar was the lead Democrat on the\u00a0Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2015\u00a0with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). The bill, which President Obama signed into law in December, encourages public-private partnerships to strengthen border commerce and make infrastructure improvements at U.S. ports of entry. The legislation applies to both the Canadian and Mexico borders and expands the authority of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the General Services Administration to enter into innovative partnerships with local governments and private sector entities.\r\n\u00a0\r\nDeveloping a strong science and engineering workforce for a 21st\u00a0century economy\r\nSeveral of Klobuchar\u2019s key bipartisan provisions were included in the recently passed\u00a0American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, which reauthorizes the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (COMPETES) Act. Klobuchar\u2019s provisions cut red tape to allow researchers to spend less time on paperwork for procurement solicitations, require the Director of the National Science Foundation to consider recommendations from organizations representing underrepresented groups for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education Advisory Panel, and allow for research to better understand factors relevant to the retention of STEM teachers from underrepresented groups, including women and minorities.\r\n\u00a0\r\nCurbing steel dumping and to protect iron ore miners and steelworkers Klobuchar invited White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough to the Iron Range last December and urged him to bring the concerns of Iron Rangers and all those affected by steel dumping directly to the president. She then invited Dan Hill, a laid-off steelworker from Eveleth who attended the meeting, to be her guest at President Obama\u2019s State of the Union Address. In February, after efforts from Klobuchar, Senator Al Franken, and Representative Rick Nolan, the Administration announced new actions to combat steel dumping. The actions included new Customs and Border Patrol personnel to enforce our trade laws, stepped up inspections of steel imports at our ports of entry, and increased personnel at the Commerce Department to help ensure tariffs are enforced against those who dump steel in the United States. President Obama also signed legislation that provides additional tools to more aggressively enforce anti-dumping provisions under existing federal law. Workers are back on the job, but we will not have success until every worker has their job back.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nPromoting competition that benefits consumers\r\nAs the Ranking Member on the Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee, Klobuchar has scrutinized mergers in major markets \u2013 such as the cable and agricultural industries \u2013 to ensure that the nation\u2019s competition laws are being enforced for the benefit of consumers. She has also called for aggressive enforcement of antitrust laws to stop anticompetitive practices that increase prescription drug costs. Following her efforts, the Federal Trade Commission challenged two branded-generic agreements, alleging that companies delayed low-cost competition and harmed consumers. Combined, the two products had sales of over a billion dollars.\r\n\u00a0\r\nKlobuchar was among the first senators earlier this year to respond to Mylan Pharmaceutical\u2019s excessive price increases for the EpiPen Auto-Injector. Klobuchar called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to consider investigating whether Mylan Pharmaceuticals violated the law when it apparently misclassified its EpiPen product in order to pay a lower rebate to states and reap huge profits at the expense of taxpayers. In October, Mylan announced it reached an agreement with the DOJ to pay $465 million agreement for the misclassification. Mylan has also issued a cheaper, generic version of the EpiPen, increased the value of its discount coupon, and expanded eligibility for a program to aid under- and uninsured EpiPen users. \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nAdvocating for the expansion of renewable fuels\r\nFollowing efforts from Klobuchar, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2017 and biomass diesel volume for 2018. Klobuchar worked with Secretary Vilsack and pushed EPA officials to release a strong RFS that will support U.S. jobs and the economy, reduce the environmental impact of our transportation and energy sectors, and decrease dependence on foreign oil.\r\n\u00a0\r\nProtecting consumers and improving product safety\r\nKlobuchar led efforts to push for a recall of the IKEA Malm dresser to prevent tip-over injuries and death. As a result, IKEA recalled 29 million dressers, the largest furniture recall in U.S. history. Klobuchar also pushed for consumer advocates and the industry to start the process of updating the voluntary standard for window coverings to address the strangulation risk for small children posed by accessible cords. Klobuchar\u2019s calls for the Consumer Product Safety Commission to fully investigate and provide more information to consumers on the threats from hoverboard fires led to a recall of 500,000 hoverboards in July 2016.\r\n\u00a0\r\nFollowing revelations of emissions violations from Volkswagen, Klobuchar called on DOJ to take strong action against Volkswagen and for the company to address the consumer, environmental, and public health issues caused by this deception to prevent any further loss of life. In June, DOJ reached a $14.7 billion settlement with Volkswagen for the emissions violations.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAfter reports of defective Takata Corp. airbags, Klobuchar repeatedly called on Takata to immediately issue a nationwide recall and to ensure all vehicles with defective components were removed from the road. After her calls for action, Takata expanded regional recalls of Takata passenger-side inflators to nationwide recalls involving 16 million vehicles. It also expanded the nationwide recall of driver-side inflators to more than 17 million vehicles. In May, Takata announced that it would further expand its recall efforts to include another 35 million air bag inflators, adding to the current nationwide recall of nearly 30 million inflators.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3594", "Sen. Franken Releases Responses From Uber, Lyft on Discrimination against Customers", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A month after pressing popular ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft to explain a recent study documenting driver discrimination against minority customers, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) released the companies' responses today. You can read a copy of the response letter from Uber here and from Lyft here.Sen. Franken called the responses from both Uber and Lyft detailed, and said that going forward, he plans to continue working with the companies to ensure against bias and discrimination.\"As consumers in Minnesota and across our country come to rely more heavily on services provided online or through apps connected to the gig economy, it's vital that companies take steps to ensure that new technologies do not give cover to discrimination or bias,\"\u00a0said Sen. Franken.\u00a0\"I appreciate the steps that both Uber and Lyft have taken to address my concerns regarding discrimination against consumers, including meeting with the authors of a recent study, communicating with their drivers about the companies' nondiscrimination policies, and monitoring available metrics about ride cancellations. But I remain concerned that certain elements of an app's platform design-like allowing drivers to see a rider's name or photo before accepting a ride request-do not sufficiently guard against discriminatory conduct. I have expressed these concerns to the companies, and I look forward to working with them to address these challenges.\"\u00a0According to a recent study, African Americans who use these ride-hailing smartphone apps face longer wait times to get accepted by drivers, and riders with African-American-sounding names are more than twice as likely to have their rides canceled. Beyond that, some women passengers reported being taken on longer rides than men. In response, Sen. Franken reached out for clarification about how both companies plan to better guard against the kind of rider discrimination detailed in the study. You can read his letter to Uber and Lyft\u00a0 here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-shares-views-israeli-palestinian-peace-process", "McCollum Shares Views on Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum made the following comments on her Facebook page after Secretary of State John Kerry delivered an address on the state of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process:\n\"A two-state solution is only possible when there are partners who are willing to make the hard choices that advance peace. Right now, it appears that neither Israel nor the Palestinians are willing to make the sacrifices needed to resolve their longstanding conflict.\n\"Last week, the United Nations took a very appropriate step by condemning the ongoing construction of illegal Israeli settlements, one of the most serious obstacles to peace. Today, Secretary John Kerry outlined other difficult \u2014 but critical \u2014 steps that must be taken by Israel and the Palestinians to achieve a durable and lasting peace.\n\"Unfortunately, the incoming Trump-Pence administration has already embraced the extreme policies of the Netanyahu government that are designed to make a Palestinian state impossible. Instead of playing such a divisive role, the United States should be working to urge both Israel and the Palestinians to embrace justice and human rights and bring a lasting end to this conflict.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-walz-statement-on-faribault-tragedy", "Rep. Walz Statement on Faribault Tragedy", "2016-12-26", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Tim Walz", "W000799", "walz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MANKATO, MN] \u2013 Today, Representative Tim Walz released the following statement regarding the tragedy that took place at the Chamber of Commerce in Faribault, MN:\n\u201cOur hearts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those whose lives were tragically taken last Friday. No one should ever have to endure such unthinkable pain and suffering.\nMy wife Gwen and I extend our sincerest condolences to the Faribault Chamber, the Faribault community, and all those now faced with such heartbreaking loss. We mourn with you this holiday season.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-comments-un-vote-condemning-illegal-israeli-settlements", "McCollum Comments on UN Vote Condemning Illegal Israeli Settlements", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum made the following comments on her Facebook page after the United Nations Security Council voted 14-0, with the United States abstaining, to condemn the illegal expansion of Israeli settlements:\n\"Illegal Israeli settlement expansion is extinguishing the prospects for a two-state solution and the creation of a Palestinian state. I join the United Nations Security Council and all who seek peace in the Middle East in condemning the destructive and uncontrolled Israeli settlements.\n\"I applaud\u00a0President Obama\u00a0for allowing the U.N. Security Council to approve the anti-settlement resolution by a vote of 14-0, with the United States abstaining. Only justice and human rights will bring a lasting peace to Israelis and Palestinians.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-10222016", "Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 10/22/2016", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The National Christmas Tree\nDear Friends,\nAs we close out 2016, I\u2019d like to take the time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This week I joined KLGR radio to discuss the upcoming Farm Bill, visited Lake Park to discuss local agricultural issues, and learned more about the ways our community is helping others. Finally, I\u2019d like to send a very special thank you to two of my retiring staff members, Tom Meium and Toni Merdan for their years of service in my office working on behalf of Minnesotans in the 7th Congressional District.\nSincerely,    Congressman Collin C. Peterson  Minnesota 7th District\n Lake Park Visit \nOn Tuesday I attended the Becker County Agricultural Discussion Forum in Lake Park, Minnesota at the local American Legion club.\u00a0I provided the audience with an update concerning the next farm bill and answered questions and listened to their concerns about agricultural issues. You can read more about my visit online.\n KLGR Interview \nOn Wednesday, I joined KLGR\u2019s The Farm Show to talk about the upcoming farm bill and its progress in the upcoming Congress. We discussed changes needed to the Dairy Margin Protection Program, the Waters of the U.S. rule, the Clean Power Plan, and where the Agriculture Committee can work with the incoming Administration on rolling back burdensome regulations impacting our farmers. You can listen to my interview here.\n Minnesota Electors \nOn Monday, following the Electoral College vote, 7th district high school students were given the opportunity to meet with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon to learn about our election process and see first-hand how our government works.\n A Personal Thank You \n  Tom Meium; Toni Merdan\nI'd like to acknowledge the retirements of two of my staff members who've honorably served the people of Minnesota's Seventh District for many years.\nToni Merdan, my Senior Economic Development Officer, started working for me in 1993. Over the years, she's worked with hundreds of communities, businesses and individuals as they've navigated through the rules, programs and challenges of the federal government. Whether it was a small town needing help with funding for a wastewater treatment facility, an entrepreneur looking for advice, a tribal community needing a fire truck, or a business looking to expand, Toni has always been there to help. All these years, she's put on countless miles driving to every corner of the district to make good things happen for our constituents.\nIn 2002, after a new redistricting map, 13 counties in southwest Minnesota were added to my district. One of the reasons I was successful in these new counties was because of Tom Meium. Tom has been my go-to guy in the southern part of my district since 2003 doing outreach in many issue areas, including agriculture. Prior to coming to work for me, Tom spent 10 years working for Senator Paul Wellstone, and has a reputation as being one of the nicest and most responsive staff members around.\nWhile it is difficult to see Toni and Tom retire, I want to thank them both for their dedicated service to me and to the people of the Seventh District. I wish them both well in their retirements!\n Minnesota\u2019s Micronesians \nMy staff had an opportunity to stop in Milan this week while traveling the district. City Clerk Veronica Blommel shared recent action taken by the city council to support the local Micronesian community by recognizing their unique immigration situation which is often described as \u201cin-limbo\u201d. Milan\u2019s population of just fewer than 400 is home to nearly 200 Micronesians. The Micronesian population resides in the U.S. under a special Compact the U.S. has with the Micronesian Islands that is currently under review.\n Newsstand \n Hazardous Travel Weather Possible on Christmas Day \nThe National Weather Service in Grand Forks says a winter storm system will develop Saturday night and lift northward into the region on Christmas Day, even into Monday. Heaviest snow is expected across more northern portions of the area, with a mix of snow and ice affecting more southern portions. Further discussion of snow amounts and model spread is located online at their website or by phone at 701-795-5127.\n This Week in American History \nIn 1913, Minnesota saw its first public Christmas tree displayed. It was lit Christmas Day in Gateway Park, Minneapolis. Today there are thousands of public Christmas trees displayed all over the state and the country.\n Spotted in the Seventh \nCan YOU guess what was Spotted in the Seventh? Each week, the newsletter will feature a landmark or site somewhere in Western Minnesota. The first person to name the location wins! The location of the photo as well as the winner will be revealed in the next newsletter.\nThis week\u2019s landmark helps support the art education of many students at one of the exemplary universities we have here in the Seventh\u2026\nLast week we showcased the Pierre Bottineau Memorial at the entrance of St. Joseph\u2019s Cemetery in Red Lake Falls.\nShare your guess on our website \u2013 http://collinpeterson.house.gov/contact-me/spotted-seventh\n  \u201cTiger Lily\u201d  Breana Pruneda (SHELLY)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-signs-walz-led-measure-to-honor-guard-reserve-retirees-into", "President Signs Walz-Led Measure to Honor Guard-Reserve Retirees into Law", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Tim Walz", "W000799", "walz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MANKATO, MN] \u2013 On Friday, December 16, President Obama signed the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 into law. The legislation included a bipartisan Walz provision to extend the legal definition of \u201cveteran\u201d to Guard and Reserve members who served at\u00a0least 20 years but have not been called up for federal active duty.\n\u201cThis legislation is a victory for veterans. While we still have work to do, I am proud of how we have moved the ball forward in a bipartisan way,\u201d said Rep. Tim Walz.\nSince first coming to Congress, Walz has fought to allow those with 20 years of service in the Guard and Reserve, who were not placed on active duty during their service, to be recognized as veterans as a way to honor their service to our nation.\n\u201cGuard and Reserve members make many of the same sacrifices as those in regular service, and their commitment should be commemorated. Recognizing Guard-Reserve retirees as veterans is a small but important step we can take to honor their great service to our country.\u201d\nIn addition to Rep. Walz\u2019s Honor America's Guard-Reserve Retirees Act (HR 1384), the following provisions Walz supported were also included:\n HR 2691 \u2013 Authorizes the VA to provide burial and funeral benefits to veterans if there is sufficient evidence to establish that they deserve the benefit, even if the veteran had not filed paperwork with the VA previously.\n\tSections of HR 1338 \u2013 Requires VA to report to Congress on the interment of unclaimed remains of deceased veterans to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.\n\tHR 2531 \u2013 Fixes a component of the Fry Scholarship (for surviving spouses of post-9/11 Service Members who die in the line of duty) so that recipients from 2001-2005 can receive the full benefit they are entitled to.\n The bill also had about 60 other provisions improving VA-provided services to homeless veterans, VA construction management, the Vocation Rehabilitation and Employment program, and access to care in the Veterans Health Administration.\nRep. Walz is the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to serve in Congress. As Co-Chair of the Guard and Reserve Caucus and a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and House Armed Services Committee, he has made honoring our commitments to those who have served this nation in uniform his top priority in Congress.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walz-calls-for-oversight-committee-vigilance-on-president-elect-s-stock", "Walz Calls for Oversight Committee Vigilance on President-elect\u2019s STOCK Act Compliance", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Tim Walz", "W000799", "walz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MANKATO, MN] \u2013 Yesterday, Representative Tim Walz (MN-01) sent a letter to House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chair Jason Chaffetz and Ranking Member Elijah E. Cummings requesting the Committee pay close attention to President-elect Trump\u2019s compliance with the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act upon inauguration.\nSigned into law in 2012 after passing the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan majorities, the Walz-authored STOCK Act bans insider trading on Capitol Hill. In addition to prohibiting Members of Congress, their staff, and executive branch employees from using information obtained through their positions to profit on the stock market, the bill also explicitly bans the President and Vice President from doing the same. As a result, unlike virtually all other conflict of interest rules governing federal employees, the President is not exempt from the provisions of the STOCK Act.\nRep. Walz and Congress\u2019 intent of the STOCK Act was reaffirmed by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) in a December 15, 2016 legal advisory. Among other requirements the President must obey, the interpretive guidance states that the STOCK Act bars the President from: \u201cusing nonpublic information for private profit; engaging in insider trading; or intentionally influencing an employment decision or practice of a private entity solely on the basis of partisan political affiliation.\u201d\nSince being elected to the highest office in the land, President-elect Trump has responded to matters of conflict of interest and ethics laws like the STOCK Act by claiming \u201cthe law\u2019s totally on [his] side\u201d and that \u201cThe president can\u2019t have a conflict of interest.\u201d These statements stand in stark contrast to the letter of the STOCK Act and OGE\u2019s corresponding legal advisory.\n\u201cAs the President-elect\u2019s comments raise many questions concerning whether he intends to comply with the STOCK Act, I am requesting that the Committee keep a very close eye on the actions of the President-elect upon taking the oath of office as they relate to the provisions of the STOCK Act,\u201d wrote Rep. Walz.\n\u201cCongress has a constitutional responsibility to provide oversight of the actions of the executive branch, and investigate into those actions when necessary,\u201d Walz continued. \u201cI fully expect that the Committee will not treat this serious ethical matter any differently.\u201d\nTo read the full letter calling on House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform leadership to keep a close eye on the President-elect\u2019s actions upon taking office, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=854A8BA1-DC97-4805-A9C8-4EF5BE329EC1", "Klobuchar Statement on IKEA Dresser Tip-over Death Settlement", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "IKEA today reached a tentative $50 million settlement with the parents of children who were killed by dressers tipping onto them; The parents of Ted McGee, a 22-month old from Apple Valley who was killed in February by a falling IKEA Malm dresser, are included in the settlement \r\n After urging from Klobuchar, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and IKEA announced a recall of Malm dressers in June, stopping the sale of Malm dressers until safety improvements are made, and offering a refund for consumers who purchased Malm dressers; Klobuchar has also introduced legislation to protect children from tipping furniture \r\n WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar issued the following statement on the IKEA dresser tip-over death settlement. IKEA today reached a tentative $50 million settlement with the parents of children who were killed by dressers tipping onto them. The parents of Ted McGee, a 22-month old from Apple Valley who was killed in February by a falling IKEA Malm dresser, are included in the settlement. After urging from Klobuchar, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and IKEA announced a recall of Malm dressers in June, stopping the sale of Malm dressers until safety improvements are, and offering a refund of consumers who purchased Malm dressers. This was the largest furniture recall in history. Klobuchar has also introduced legislation to protect children from tipping furniture.\r\n\r\n\u201cIKEA has taken some responsibility for these deaths both through the settlement and the biggest furniture recall in the history of America. The danger furniture tip-overs pose goes beyond IKEA\u2019s Malm dressers. Until we have effective standards in place, kids will continue to be at risk of injuries and death,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cWe need to\u00a0pass my bill to prevent any further tragedies, ensure stronger standards across the board, and protect our children.\u201d\r\n\r\nIn May, Klobuchar, Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), and Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) wrote a letter to the CPSC that called for action to prevent future possible injuries and deaths by conducting a full recall of IKEA Malm dressers, stopping the sale of Malm dressers until safety improvements are made, and determining an appropriate remedy for consumers who have purchased Malm dressers that includes a full refund. Also in May, in a letter to the President of IKEA North America, Klobuchar and Schakowsky called for a full recall of Malm dressers, stopping the sale of Malm dressers until safety improvements are made, and determining an appropriate remedy for customers who have purchased Malm dressers that includes offering a full refund. Following those efforts, CPSC and IKEA announced in June that they would be heeding the lawmakers\u2019 calls to recall the dresser, halt further sales until safety improvements are made, and offer refunds for consumers who had purchased the dresser.\r\n\r\nKlobuchar introduced the\u00a0Stop Tip-over of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (STURDY) Act\u00a0with Senators Casey and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). The legislation would direct the CPSC to adopt a stronger, mandatory stability standard for storage units, including chests, bureaus, and dressers, which are a major category of furniture at risk for tipping over. The STURDY Act gives the industry standards organization ASTM 180 days from the date of enactment to publish a stronger stability standard for clothing storage units,\u00a0which the CPSC can adopt as mandatory if the Commission determines that it adequately protects children from tip-over related injury or death. If ASTM does not publish an adequate voluntary standard within 180 days, the CPSC would be required to issue a final, mandatory safety standard for clothing storage units within 540 days of enactment.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/klobuchar-franken-and-nolan-urge-army-air-force-exchange-service-to-keep", "Klobuchar, Franken and Nolan Urge Army & Air Force Exchange Service to Keep Duluth Store Open", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with U.S. Representative Rick Nolan, today urged the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) to reverse its decision to close the Duluth, Minnesota location in 2017.\n\u201cActive-duty, reserve and retired Army and Air Force personnel and their family members utilize the exchange which offers a best price guarantee and tax free shopping,\u201d the lawmakers wrote to Thomas Schull, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the AAFES. \u201cClosing the store will leave these customers without a viable alternative as the nearest AAFES store is located in the Twin Cities, 165 miles away from Duluth.\u201d\nIn the letter, the lawmakers state that the decision to close the store will have a negative impact on military personnel at the U.S. Air National Guard\u2019s 148th Fighter Wing base in Duluth, along with thousands of military Veterans living in the local area.\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-12162016", "Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/16/2016", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Redwood Falls\nDear Friends,\nThis week I welcomed groups from all over Minnesota to my offices to discuss issues ranging from healthcare, to veterans\u2019 affairs, transportation, hunger, and community development. I always appreciate the opportunity to hear from those who are making a difference in our communities. Finally, I was happy to host several remarkable young Minnesotans as we move forward in our Service Academy nomination process; we are always so impressed by those who are willing to serve our country, and I\u2019m proud to see their interest.\nSincerely,    Congressman Collin C. Peterson  Minnesota 7th District\n Service Academy Nominations \n  Mike Arntson, Jennifer Smestad, Richard Smestad and Alex Cabrera\nEach year, I have the privilege of nominating young people to U.S. service academies. On Saturday, a screening panel met to interview potential candidates applying for a nomination to one of the four U.S. service academies. These include the U.S. Military Academy West Point, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination. These institutions prepare college-age Americans to become officers of the U.S. Uniformed Services. Upon graduation, service academy graduates are commissioned as Officers in the active or reserve components of the military or Merchant Marines for a minimum of five years.\n Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company \nRepresentatives of Twin Cities & Western Railroad (TC&W) Company met with my staff this week to discuss Positive Train Control (PTC). As a co-sponsor of the Positive Train Control Enforcement and Implementation Act (H.R. 3651), I understand that railroad carriers and providers need flexibility when implementing new safety measures so that their service to our local, state, and national markets is not interrupted. I look forward to working with TC&W in the new Congress to ensure that the 7th District\u2019s rail operations continue to be safe and effective.\n Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota \nScott Keefer, Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications at Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Minnesota, visited my office this week to discuss the health insurance market in Minnesota. Many residents of greater Minnesota who plan to purchase health insurance in the individual market will select a plan through BCBS.\n Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation \nThis week Arlen Kangas with the Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation visited my office about the work they are doing to promote business development and affordable housing opportunities for Minnesotans. One of their priorities in the next Congress is to maintain the New Markets Tax Credit, which the MMCDC uses to provide capital to finance business development and new housing. MMCDC has a long and exceptional history of doing great work for people in the 7th district, and I look forward to working with them in the coming year to strengthen our rural economy. \u00a0 \u00a0\n Minnesota Timber Producers \nRepresenting MN Timber Producers, Wayne Brandt from Duluth and Howard Hedstrom from Grand Marais stopped in the office to meet with my staff aide Zach Martin to discuss the economic benefits of Minnesota\u2019s forests. The forest products industry impacts $8.9 billion of Minnesota\u2019s economy each year. From loggers and lumber mills to paper and building products, our forests provide critical jobs to rural communities.\n St Cloud VA Health Care \u2013 Linden Grove Apartments \n  Acting Director Cheryl Thieschafer\u00a0\nThis week, my staff aide Meg Louwagie attended a Veterans Affairs congressional roundtable discussing the completion of the Linden Grove Apartments, an affordable, permanent supportive housing community with priority placement for homeless or at-risk-of-homelessness Veterans. As an affordable housing community, residents need to meet income, rent, screening criteria and other qualifications.\n Central Minnesota Food Access Summit \n  Pictured above is Dr. Margaret Adamek, the key-note speaker\nOn Thursday, my staff aide Toni Merdan attended the Central Minnesota Food Access Summit at the Central Lakes College in Staples, Minnesota. The event was hosted and sponsored by the college, the University of Minnesota Extension, AgCentric, and others. The event was held to bring together community members from across the region to learn about food access issues and available resources to address those issues, and to assist people in making connections to help find solutions.\n Grow Our Own Summit \nThis week, members of my staff joined 570 community leaders to learn about some of the issues that are preventing our kids from reaching their full potential in southwest Minnesota. We learned that one in six kids in the region lives in poverty.\nDr. Robert D. Putnam emphasized the increasing importance of household incomes, family and social bonds and extra-curricular activities. Each of these plays an important role in the development of our kids\u2019 future.\nThere was a lot of dialogue about what we could do to support a better future for all of our kids. A few ideas discussed included increasing household incomes, supporting more family leave, ensuring quality daycare, additional support at home for parents, community subsidized extracurricular activities, intensive mentoring and more on-ramping for community colleges and apprenticeships.\n Minnesota Telecom Alliance \nThis week members of the Minnesota Telecom Alliance visited my DC office to speak with my telecom aide. They discussed FCC progress on updating on the Universal Service Fund, the rural call completion problem and broadband deployment. Limited rural access to high-speed broadband is a significant problem, and the lack of affordable broadband service cuts off families and businesses from critical services.\n Newsstand \n Very Special Arts Minnesota \nThe Very Special Arts Minnesota currently has an emerging artist grant available for adults with disabilities. The grant provides $2000 to continue developing their art. The 2017 grant application deadline is January 17, 2017. Grant review panels will meet in March, and six awards will be announced by April 1, 2017. To receive the guidelines or ask questions about the grant program, email\u00a0emerginggrant@vsamn.org\u00a0or call 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883 with your name and email and/or mailing address. You can also download the guidelines at\u00a0Resources for Artists with Disabilities.\n This Week in American History \nOne December 11, 1876, Ada Louise Comstock was born in Moorhead. She would become the first dean of women at the University of Minnesota and then, beginning in 1912, serve as dean of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Although she in effect ran the school from 1917 to 1918, she would not be given the title of \"Acting President\" because of her gender. She would become the first president of the American Association of University Women in 1921 and serve as president of Radcliffe College from 1923 to 1943.\n Spotted in the Seventh \nCan YOU guess what was Spotted in the Seventh? Each week, the newsletter will feature a landmark or site somewhere in Western Minnesota. The first person to name the location wins! The location of the photo as well as the winner will be revealed in the next newsletter.\nThis week\u2019s landmark seems to have been a challenge \u2013 no one guessed correctly! Therefore, we\u2019ll provide a larger clue: this memorial, in Red Lakes Falls, is for the \u201cKit Carson of the Northwest\u201d who died in 1895 after founding many cities in Minnesota, such as Orono Village, Elk River, and St. Anthony\u2026\nShare your guess on our website \u2013 http://collinpeterson.house.gov/contact-me/spotted-seventh\n  \u201cThe Orpheum\u201d  Drue Schwitters (RAYMOND)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/business-north-obama-administration-denies-mineral-lease-renewals-sought-by", "Business North: Obama administration denies mineral lease renewals sought by Twin Metals", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mineral leases near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will not be renewed, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture announced Thursday.The federal agencies cited broad concerns from thousands of public comments and input about potential impacts of mining. They also initiated steps to withdraw key portions of the watershed from new mineral permits and leases.Affected is land near Ely where Twin Metals Minnesota has conducted extensive research and found rich concentrations of copper, nickel and other precious metals. The firm previously filed a lawsuit challenging the agencies\u2019 authority to deny mineral leases.\n\t\u201cThe Boundary Waters is a natural treasure, special to the 150,000 who canoe, fish, and recreate there each year, and is the economic life blood to local business that depend on a pristine natural resource,\u201d USDA Sectetary Tom Vilsack said in a prepared statement. \u201cI have asked Interior to take a time out, conduct a careful environmental analysis and engage the public on whether future mining should be authorized on any federal land next door to the Boundary Waters.\u201d\n\t\u201cTwin Metals is greatly disappointed in the action announced today by the BLM and the USFS to deny renewal of two of the company\u2019s long-standing and valid mineral leases in Minnesota, and to initiate actions to withdraw federal lands and minerals from future exploration and development,\" Twin Metals responded Thursday afternoon in a news release. \"If allowed to stand, the BLM-USFS actions will have a devastating impact on the future economy of the Iron Range and all of Northeast Minnesota, eliminating the promise of thousands of good-paying jobs and billions of dollars in investment in the region. Further, this unprecedented decision is contrary to the overwhelming majority of local and regional citizens and communities who support mining and believe mining can be done responsibly in this region.\"\n\tThe agency said Congress set aside the Boundary Waters more than 50 years ago \u201cin recognition of its irreplaceable resources. Today, more than 150,000 annual visitors help drive the local economy through tourism and outdoor recreation.\u201d\n\t\u201cThere's a reason that the Boundary Waters is one of the most visited wilderness area in America: it's an incredible place,\u201d said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. \u201cToday's best available science is helping us understand the value of the land and water and potential impacts of development in places like the Boundary Waters. This is the right action to take to avoid irrevocably damaging this watershed and its recreation-based economy, while also taking the time and space to review whether to further protect the area from all new mining.\u201d\n\tTwin Metals Minnesota filed its lawsuit Sept. 12 in U.S. District Court in Minnesota. It followed a decision by Gov. Mark Dayton to order the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) not to authorize or enter into any new state access agreements or lease agreements for mining operations on state lands in close proximity to the Boundary Waters. The U.S. Forest Service later expressed concern about renewing two Twin Metals Minnesota non-ferrous mining leases because of the lands\u2019 close proximity to the BWCA.\n\tThe lawsuit seeks to invalidate a opinion by Department of the Interior (DOI) Solicitor Hilary Tompkins, who instructing the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that it has the discretion to deny renewal of Twin Metals\u2019 federal mineral leases. The lawsuit challenges the solicitor\u2019s opinion as being inconsistent with federal law, the terms of Twin Metals\u2019 leases, and the federal government\u2019s established precedent in supporting and renewing the leases over five decades.\n\t\u201cThe solicitor\u2019s opinion has cast a cloud of uncertainty over Twin Metals\u2019 federal mineral rights creating significant challenges for the company to engage in long-term planning, investment, development, or operational decisions,\u201d Ian Duckworth, chief operating officer of Twin Metals, said in September. \u201cAffirming the validity of Twin Metals\u2019 federal mineral leases would eliminate that uncertainty and facilitate responsible project development activities moving forward.\u201d\n\tThe company said the leases in question were issued by the federal government in 1966 with a right of unlimited, successive 10-year renewals. The leases were renewed by the BLM without controversy in 1989 and 2004. Twin Metals filed the pending lease renewal application in mid-2013.\n\tIn not consenting to the lease renewals, the Forest Service cited the potential risk of environmental contamination of the surrounding watershed as a key concern.\n\t\u201cThe two leases are located directly adjacent to and within three miles of the BWCAW, respectively. It is well established that acid mine drainage is a significant environmental risk at sulfide ore mine sites like the one proposed for these leased lands and in a water-based ecosystem like the Boundary Waters because contaminated water could have dramatic impacts to aquatic life, sport fisheries, and recreation-based uses and communities,\u201d the agency wrote.\n\tLast summer, the Forest Service held two listening sessions and a 30-day public input period related to the potential lease renewals and received more than 30,000 comments.\n\t\u201cThe decision to withhold consent and study the impacts of this type of mining near the Boundary Waters echoes the concerns of many in the area, including former Vice President Walter Mondale and Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, who has similarly said that the state will not authorize or enter into any new state access or lease agreements for mining operations near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area,\u201d the agency said.\n\tLate in November, the industry said a poll revealed wide-scale support for nonferrous mining. By large margins, Northeastern Minnesotans support the development of new copper-nickel mines and oppose new federal restrictions on mining throughout the region, said the poll, which was conducted by Twin Metals and the industry trade group Mining Minnesota.\n\t\u201cSupport for the mining economy and for the development of copper-nickel mining projects is overwhelming across northeastern Minnesota and the Iron Range,\u201d Bob McFarlin, Twin Metals spokesperson, said of the findings. \u201cThis extraordinary support reflects a strong belief that copper-nickel mining can help revitalize the region\u2019s economy, protect the environment and create jobs for generations of Minnesotans.\u201d\n\tBeyond Thursday's ruling, the Forest Service also submitted an application to the Secretary of the Interior to withdraw key portions of the watershed that flows into the BWCAW from new mineral permits and leases.\n\t\u00a0\n\tTwin Metals, which is owned by Antofagasta PLC, has invested more than $400 million in acquisition, exploration, technical, environmental and other project development activities. The company has said it did so while relying on the federal government\u2019s repeated affirmation of the validity of the mineral leases.\n\tThe agencies went a step further in its Thursday announcement.\n\t\u201cBLM will review the withdrawal application and issue a notice in the Federal Register to segregate the lands \u2013 essentially, place them in a 'time out' \u2013 for up to two years, subject to valid existing rights. To preserve the status quo during that 'time out,' no new mineral exploration or development applications would be accepted while a thorough, scientific environmental analysis is conducted. Upon publication of the Federal Register notice, there will be an initial 90-day public review period for the proposed withdrawal and additional analysis during the segregation period that will include further public involvement, including public meetings,\u201d said the government\u2019s news release.\n\tDuring the segregation period, BLM and the Forest Service will conduct an environmental analysis to determine if the lands should be withdrawn for a period of 20 years. This process will invite participation by the public, tribes, environmental groups, industry, state and local government, as well as other stakeholders. By law, the Department of the Interior can only withdraw these lands for a maximum of 20 years. Only Congress can legislate a permanent withdrawal.\n\tThe segregation or any future withdrawal would not prohibit ongoing or future mining activities on any valid existing rights or prohibit any other authorized uses on private lands. Other National Forest management activities that are not related to mineral exploration or development, including permits, licenses, and cooperative agreements compatible with the intended use on the lands, would still be permissible at the discretion of the authorized officer.\n\tTwin Metals said it is assessing the impact of the agencies\u2019 lease renewal decision, adding that the company is \"committed to progressing our project forward and will continue to pursue legal avenues to protect our contractual mineral rights.\u201d\n\tMinnesota's Republican Party blamed Democrats for the decision.\n\t\"In a cruel attack on Iron Range families right before Christmas, Democrats effectively killed the Twin Metals' mining project today and likely all future mining with an order from the Obama administration,\" Chairman Keith Downey said in a prepared statement. \"The Democrats' cynical and pathetic show of rejecting the \"kill mining\" Resolution 54 at their State Central Committee meeting last Saturday is the absolute worst of politics.\u00a0 Shamefully, Mark Dayton, Rick Nolan and Amy Klobuchar claim to support mining, all the while they must have known that this order was coming. It is no coincidence that this order effectively accomplishes the intensions of Resolution 54. The order requires that equipment must be removed from the site and all activity shut down. We'll say it again, watch what Democrats do, not what they say, when it comes to killing mining and destroying the economy of Northeastern Minnesota.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/duluth-news-tribune-feds-take-back-mineral-leases-from-twin-metals", "Duluth News Tribune: Feds take back mineral leases from Twin Metals", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Officials of the agencies said the massive underground mine proposed along the Kawishiwi River is simply too close to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.\n\t\tThe project is within the BWCAW watershed that flows north into Canada, and critics have said that any polluted runoff from rock high in sulfur could taint the 1.1 million acre, lake-studded wilderness.\n\t\t\u201cNot this mine, not in this place, not next to this wilderness,\u201d Leslie Jones, deputy undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, told the News Tribune.\n\t\tThe Department of Agriculture oversees the Forest Service while the Interior Department oversees the BLM.\n\t\tSupporters say the nearly $3 billion project would employ 850 people and pump millions of dollars into the regional economy hard hit by the cyclical nature of the iron ore industry.\n\t\tThe company responded Thursday that it will take legal action to overturn the agency decision, and mining supporters predicted that the incoming Trump administration will overturn the 11th hour move by the Obama administration.\n\t\t\u201cThere\u2019s a new administration coming to town and, hopefully, they will work to undo this silliness,\u201d said Frank Ongaro, executive director of Mining Minnesota, the copper industry trade group.\n\t\tIt\u2019s unlikely the project could proceed without the federal leases which the company called \u201cthe foundation of our project.\u201d The company said Thursday it has already spent more than $400 million in exploration and advance work on the proposed mine and processing center.\n\t\tBut federal officials noted that copper mining is far different from iron ore mining and can\u2019t be considered as benign to the environment because of the type of high-sulfur rock involved. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said keeping BWCAW water pristine is important not just for the 250,000 people who fish and canoe in the wilderness each year but for the tourism industry surrounding the area that pumps some $45 million into the local economy annually.\n\t\t\u201cThe Boundary Waters is a national treasure,\u201d Vilsack said in a statement announcing the mining permit decision.\n\t\tFurther exclusion\n\t\tThe agencies also are moving to exclude another 234,000 acres of the Superior National Forest south and west of the BWCAW from any future mining permits, most within the BWCAW watershed but outside the official wilderness, calling it a \u201ctimeout\u201d to see if copper mining would be appropriate in any part of the area. Vilsack said the two agencies will conduct an environmental review \u201con whether future mining should be authorized on any federal land next door to the Boundary Waters.\u201d\n\t\tFederal officials promised an extensive scientific review and public comment period. The agencies could withdraw the land from any mining for up to 20 years \u2014 only Congress can permanently designate wilderness.\n\t\tThe two federal mineral leases at the heart of the Twin Metals project are southeast of Ely, around the Kawishiwi River and Birch Lake, north and south of Minnesota Highway 1. One is adjacent to the BWCAW border while the other is three miles away, federal officials noted.\n\t\t\u201cIt is well established that acid mine drainage is a significant environmental risk at sulfide ore mine sites like the one proposed for these leased lands,\u201d the government said in announcing its decision, saying any acid-tainted water leaving the mine project could have \u201cdramatic impacts to aquatic life, sport fisheries and recreation based uses and communities.\u201d\n\t\tWill it last?\n\t\tIt\u2019s not clear how the federal action in the last days of the Obama administration will hold up under a Trump administration. Federal officials reiterated that their decision on the Twin Metals leases is final but Twin Metals supporters said any administrative action can easily and quickly be overturned when new Interior and Agriculture secretaries take over in late January.\n\t\t\u201cThis is by no means the end of it all,\u201d said U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, D-Crosby, a mining supporter. \u201cWe intend to work in the next Congress with the new Administration to ensure that we allow all mining initiatives to proceed through the proper rigorous and thorough process, using science, facts and technology to guide our decisions.\u201d\n\t\tIn September, Twin Metals filed suit in federal court seeking an order prohibiting the federal government from taking the leases back, but no action in that suit is scheduled until April at the earliest. The government just this week asked for the case to be dismissed because no decision had been made to be challenged.\n\t\tHowever, now that a federal agency decision has been made, it appears some legal action is likely by the company.\n\t\tMining companies pay a small fee for exclusive rights to prospect on the federal lands and then would pay a royalty on any ore that's actually mined. The leases were first issued in 1966 to predecessor companies and have been purchased by Twin Metals as the company homes in on the most lucrative spot to dig. They were renewed most recently in 2004, but no actual mining has ever taken place. As mining appeared more likely, environmental groups asked the federal agencies to declare the area as inherently inappropriate for copper mining.\n\t\tThe leases are controlled by the BLM which earlier this year asked the Forest Service to recommend whether renewing the leases is good for the Superior National Forest where they are located.\n\t\tCompany officials said the decision goes against the long-term plan for the Superior National Forest which supports mining.\n\t\t\u201cTwin Metals is greatly disappointed in the action announced today by the BLM and the USFS to deny renewal of two of the company\u2019s long-standing and valid mineral leases in Minnesota, and to initiate actions to withdraw federal lands and minerals from future exploration and development,\u201d the company said in a statement Thursday. \u201cIf allowed to stand, the BLM-USFS actions will have a devastating impact on the future economy of the Iron Range and all of Northeast Minnesota, eliminating the promise of thousands of good-paying jobs and billions of dollars in investment in the region.\u201d\n\t\tThe company said the \u201cunprecedented decision\u201d goes against local citizens who support the project.\n\t\tCritics of the proposed mine noted that mineral leases held by Twin Metals were issued before most environmental regulations existed, including the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act and the law that requires environmental impacts to be considered before decisions are made on where mines can be sited.\n\t\tBecky Rom, national chairwoman of the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters, said the government's decision was correct.\n\t\t\u201cScience has clearly shown that sulfide-ore copper mining would inflict devastating harm on this priceless wilderness. Today\u2019s decision reflects strong support from a majority of Minnesotans who want to prioritize the wide-ranging value our communities gain from a healthy Boundary Waters, rather than open an industrial mining zone less than a mile from the wilderness edge,\u201d Rom said, adding that the Thursday action is a \u201cstrong first step, but there is still a lot of work to do to ensure we can protect the BWCA for future generations.\u201d\n\t\tThe BWCAW is the most visited wilderness in the nation.\n\t\tTwin Metals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chilean mining giant Antofagasta, has been looking for copper in the area for years but is still in the preliminary stages of the proposed underground copper-nickel mine. The company has said it may be ready to submit the project for environmental review by 2018, and supporters say the project should be given a chance to succeed or fail based on that review.\n\t\tIn 2014, Twin Metals released the results of a \u201cpre-feasibility\u201d study on the mine saying the project has substantial mineral reserves, would have a low cost of production and could turn a solid profit. The report said the proposed mine would take about three years to build at a cost of $2.8 billion \u2014 by far the state's most expensive private construction project ever \u2014 and eventually would employ about 850 people mining about 50,000 tons per day, a far larger operation than the proposed PolyMet open-pit mine about 20 miles to the southwest.\n\t\tThursday\u2019s decision is not expected to impact the PolyMet project.\n\t\tThe Twin Metals mine is predicted to produce valuable minerals for at least 30 years \u2014 including an estimated 5.8 billion pounds of copper and 1.2 billion pounds of nickel along with platinum, palladium, gold and silver.\n\t\t\u00a0\n\t\tReaction to federal action rescinding Twin Metals mineral leases\n\t\t\"There's a reason that the Boundary Waters is one of the most visited wilderness area in America: it's an incredible place. Today's best available science is helping us understand the value of the land and water and potential impacts of development in places like the Boundary Waters. This is the right action to take to avoid irrevocably damaging this watershed and its recreation-based economy, while also taking the time and space to review whether to further protect the area from all new mining.\"\n\t\tU.S. Interior Sec. Sally Jewell\n\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\u201cMinnesota\u2019s Iron Range got a real slap in the face and a punch in the gut by Washington bureaucrats this morning. The United States Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management announced their joint decision to withhold and deny consent on two of Twin Metals\u2019 leases, which were previously renewed twice without controversy. This decision denies Minnesota\u2019s Iron Range the opportunity to explore a project in the area that would bring thousands of new, greatly needed jobs to our region. The Washington bureaucrats have clearly overreached their authority. It\u2019s an embarrassing shame that we can\u2019t even use science and exploration to discover what we have before shutting it all down.\u201d\n\t\tU.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, DFL-Crosby\n\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\u201cToday\u2019s announcement is tremendous news for the protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a crown jewel in Minnesota, and a national treasure. It is important to note that this decision is not in opposition to mining, but in defense of a pristine and priceless environmental wonder. We must continue doing all we can to support good jobs and a strong economy in Northeastern Minnesota, while ensuring the protection of our greatest natural resources. I thank Secretary Vilsack and Secretary Jewell for their exceptional leadership, to protect the BWCAW for all Minnesotans and for our country.\u201d\n\t\tMinnesota Gov. Mark Dayton\n\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\u201cComing in the final days of the Obama administration, this is not a shock. It\u2019s a perfect example of why Democrats lost rural America. ... This is lost jobs and economic development. \u2026 It\u2019s devastating for economic opportunity in the region. \u2026 it\u2019s an example of why people don\u2019t trust the federal government. It has nothing to do with science. It\u2019s just political B.S.\u201d\n\t\tFrank Ongaro, executive director of Mining Minnesota\n\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\u201cThese actions happened because tens of thousands of people spoke up against locating a sulfide mine on the edge of America\u2019s most popular wilderness area. We thank the U.S. Forest Service for listening to their concerns and making a decision that protects the Boundary Waters from Twin Metals\u2019 dangerous proposal. \u2026 By denying the extension of Twin Metals\u2019 fifty year-old leases, the Department of Interior has taken a big step forward in protecting the Boundary Waters Wilderness. However, the need to permanently protect the Boundary Waters remains.\u201d\n\t\tPaul Danicic, executive director, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness\n\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\u201cIt is clear this is a decision driven by Democrats who are trying to kill all the mining projects they can while the lame-duck Obama administration is still in office. It is astounding that Democrats are blocking what would be one of the largest private construction projects in state history, while also depriving Iron Range workers of hundreds of good-paying jobs that would follow.\u201d\n\t\tMinnesota House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown\n\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\u201cToday\u2019s decision to halt the current threat of dangerous, environmentally risky sulfide-ore copper mining is a major victory for our state and our environment. Working with Governor Dayton and a grassroots coalition of Minnesotans and Americans, we have fought to conserve the million acres and thousand lakes that form these national treasures. I am delighted that Secretaries Tom Vilsack and Sally Jewell have acted to save our Boundary Waters. While all Minnesotans should celebrate today\u2019s victory, we have more work to do. I will keep advocating for the full withdrawal of these federal lands from mining, including fighting for legislation in Congress that will protect our Boundary Waters forever.\u201d\n\t\tU.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/fox-21-local-reaction-to-lease-renewal-rejection", "FOX 21: Local reaction to lease renewal rejection", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ELY, Minn. -\nReaction was swift from Twin Metals today for the lease renewal rejection.\nDespite the suddenness of it, Twin Metals told Fox 21 that it did not come as a shock to them.\n\u201cI don\u2019t think we were surprised with the decision on the leases,\u201d said Bob McFarlin, government affairs advisor for Twin Metals. \u201cThe U.S. Forest Service, even before they began this process earlier this year, signaled they were leaning toward denying the renewal of the leases.\nThe decision could lead to not expanding mining in other parts of Northeastern Minnesota in the future, and could be detrimental to its economy.\nTwin Metals said they plan to battle this out in court which could take a great deal of time.\nCongressman Nolan Reacts\nEighth District Congressman Rick Nolan also released a statement today concerning the denial of the mining leases.\nIt read the following:\n\"Minnesota's Iron Range got a real slap in the face and a punch in the gut by Washington bureaucrats this morning.\"\nAnd he continued on saying:\n\"This decision denies Minnesota's Iron Range the opportunity to explore a project in the area that would bring thousands of new, greatly\u2013needed jobs to our region.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/fox-9-feds-deny-twin-metals-mine-lease-near-boundary-waters", "FOX 9: Feds deny Twin Metals mine lease near Boundary Waters", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP)\u00a0- The U.S. Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture have denied an application for the renewal of two hard rock mineral leases in northern Minnesota. Twin Metals has proposed a copper-nickel mine near Ely, but the federal government determine the project poses too much of a\u00a0risk\u00a0to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called a \u201cnatural treasure.\u201d\n\"The Boundary Waters is a natural treasure, special to the 150,000 who canoe, fish, and recreate there each year, and is the economic life blood to local\u00a0business\u00a0that depend on a pristine natural resource,\" said Vilsack. \"I have asked Interior to take a time out, conduct a careful environmental analysis and engage the public on whether future mining should be authorized on any federal land next door to the Boundary Waters.\"\nUSDA and the Department of the Interior cited \u201cbroad concerns from thousands of public comments\u201d about the potential consequences of mining near the BWCA. The Forest Service cited the potential\u00a0risk\u00a0of contamination of the BWCA as a key concern, with the two mineral leases located within 3 miles of the BWCA.\nThe Forest Service also submitted an application to the Secretary of the Interior to withdraw key portions of the watershed that flows into the BWCA from any new mineral permits and leases.\nIn establishing the BWCA more than 50 years ago, Congress directed the Forest Service to maintain its water quality, protect its fish and wildlife, and minimize the environmental impacts associated with mineral\u00a0development.\nThe decision was immediately met with applause from conservationist with Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness.\n\"These actions happened because tens of thousands of people spoke up against locating a sulfide mine on the edge of America's most popular wilderness area,\" executive director Paul Danicic said in a statement. \"We thank the U.S. Forest Service for listening to their concerns and making a decision that protects the Boundary Waters from Twin Metals' dangerous proposal. Now it's critical that everybody who cares for the Boundary Waters join us and show the federal government how many people support permanently protecting the Boundary Waters from sulfide mining pollution.\"\nTwin Metals has said it can mine in the region without damaging or contaminating the wilderness and has touted the hundreds of jobs the project could create.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/hometown-focus-nolan-responds-to-administration-s-anti-mining-anti-jobs", "Hometown Focus: Nolan responds to administrations anti-mining, anti-jobs decision", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan on Thursday released the following statement on the Administration\u2019s anti-mining, anti-jobs announcement:\n\u201cMinnesota\u2019s Iron Range got a real slap in the face and a punch in the gut by Washington bureaucrats this morning. The United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced their joint decision to withhold and deny consent on two of Twin Metals\u2019 leases, which were previously renewed twice without controversy.\nThis decision denies Minnesota\u2019s Iron Range the opportunity to explore a project in the area that would bring thousands of new, greatly-needed jobs to our region. The Washington bureaucrats have clearly overreached their authority. It\u2019s an embarrassing shame that we can\u2019t even use science and exploration to discover what we have before shutting it all down.\nFurthermore, I am stunned the Administration chose to add insult to injury and propose to withdraw hundreds of thousands of acres of Superior National Forest land from mining. This goes in direct contradiction to the spirit, intent and letter of the law in the 1978 BWCA multiple-use compromise. This law established the area as predominantly non-motorized, taking millions of acres of lands out of valuable production.\nThe law explicitly reserved lands outside of BWCA in the Superior National Forest for forestry, and management plans were established that included mining and mineral exploration, which was designated a \u201cdesirable activity.\u201d I am also deeply concerned that the agencies failed to clarify whether they intend the segregation and withdrawal action to apply to taconite mining, now or in the future.\nWe are all in agreement with the USDA\u2019s mission to maintain the BWCA\u2019s water quality and to protect its fish and wildlife. To be sure, we must protect our environment \u2013 the BWCA in particular \u2013 but we should never be afraid of exploration and discovery, or using science and facts to dictate important decisions.\nThis is by no means the end of it all. We intend to work in the next Congress with the new Administration to ensure that we allow all mining initiatives to proceed through the proper rigorous and thorough process, using science, facts and technology to guide our decisions.\u201d\nSee p. 25 for Twin Metals Minnesota\u2019s statement on the action by federal government to deny renewal of the company\u2019s federal mineral leases in northeast Minnesota.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/mesabi-daily-news-twin-metals-leases-are-denied", "Mesabi Daily News: TWIN METALS LEASES ARE DENIED", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ELY \u2014 The U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management Thursday denied renewal of two long-held federal mineral leases for the Twin Metals copper-nickel mining project near Ely.\n\n\n\tIn denying renewal of the leases, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture said they were taking \u201cimportant steps to protect the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.\u2019\u2019\n\n\n\tTwin Metals, however, did not share the same view in a news release issued Thursday.\n\n\n\t\u201cTwin Metals is greatly disappointed in the action announced today by the BLM and the USFS to deny renewal of two of the company\u2019s long-standing and valid mineral leases in Minnesota, and to initiate actions to withdraw federal lands and minerals from future exploration and development. If allowed to stand, the BLM-USFS actions will have a devastating impact on the future economy of the Iron Range and all of Northeast Minnesota, eliminating the promise of thousands of good-paying jobs and billions of dollars in investment in the region. Further, this unprecedented decision is contrary to the overwhelming majority of local and regional citizens and communities who support mining and believe mining can be done responsibly in this region.\u2019\u2019\n\n\n\tThe action\u2019s impact on the $2.8 billion mine project, which would have created hundreds of jobs, is not fully known, but it is clearly a major obstacle to Twin Metals\u2019 plans.\n\n\n\t\u201cWhile Twin Metals is assessing the impact of the agencies\u2019 lease renewal decision, the company is committed to progressing our project forward and will continue to pursue legal avenues to protect our contractual mineral rights,\u2019\u2019 a news release said.\n\n\n\tThe federal agencies also initiated steps to withdraw key portions of the watershed from new mineral permits and leases.\n\n\n\t\u201cThe Boundary Waters is a natural treasure, special to the 150,000 who canoe, fish, and recreate there each year, and is the economic life blood to local business that depend on a pristine natural resource,\u201d said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. \u201cI have asked Interior to take a time out, conduct a careful environmental analysis and engage the public on whether future mining should be authorized on any federal land next door to the Boundary Waters.\u201d\n\n\n\tTwin Metals states their company is in the early stages of developing a proposal for a modern, environmentally safe, underground copper-nickel mining project in the region which would provide hundreds of jobs for generations of Minnesotans.\n\n\n\t\u201cTwin Metals\u2019 leases have been held in good standing by the federal government for more than 50 years, and twice renewed without controversy. As stated in a federal lawsuit filed in September 2016, Twin Metals believes denial of the leases is inconsistent with federal law, the terms of leases themselves, and the federal government\u2019s established precedent in supporting and renewing the leases over five decades,\u2019\u2019 the company\u2019s news release states.\n\n\n\tThursday\u2019s decision had far-reaching impacts and responses from politicians across the state.\n\n\n\tGov. Mark Dayton supported the decision.\n\n\n\t\u201cToday\u2019s announcement is tremendous news for the protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BCWAW), a crown jewel in Minnesota, and a national treasure,\u2019\u2019 he said in a news release.\n\n\n\t\u201cIt is important to note that this decision is not in opposition to mining, but in defense of a pristine and priceless environmental wonder. We must continue doing all we can to support good jobs and a strong economy in Northeastern Minnesota, while ensuring the protection of our greatest natural resources. I thank Secretary Vilsack and Secretary Jewell for their exceptional leadership, to protect the BWCAW for all Minnesotans and for our country.\u201d\n\n\n\tU.S. Rep. Rick Nolan called it anti-mining and anti-jobs.\n\n\n\t\u201cMinnesota\u2019s Iron Range got a real slap in the face and a punch in the gut by Washington bureaucrats this morning. The United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced their joint decision to withhold and deny consent on two of Twin Metals\u2019 leases, which were previously renewed twice without controversy. This decision denies Minnesota\u2019s Iron Range the opportunity to explore a project in the area that would bring thousands of new, greatly-needed jobs to our region. The Washington bureaucrats have clearly overreached their authority. It\u2019s an embarrassing shame that we can\u2019t even use science and exploration to discover what we have before shutting it all down,\u2019\u2019 Nolan said in a news release.\n\n\n\t\u201cFurthermore, I am stunned the administration chose to add insult to injury and propose to withdraw hundreds of thousands of acres of Superior National Forest land from mining.\u2019\u2019\n\n\n\tThe leases in question were issued by the federal government in 1966 with a right of unlimited, successive 10-year renewals, according to Twin Metals. The leases were renewed by BLM without controversy in 1989 and again in 2004. Twin Metals filed the current lease renewal application in mid-2013. Twin Metals has invested more than $400 million to date in acquisition, exploration, technical, environmental, and other project development activities. If not overturned, the decision to deny renewal of the leases threatens to deprive northeastern Minnesota of the potential for hundreds of future jobs and billions of dollars in environmentally-responsible economic development.\u2019\u2019\n\n\n\tRep. Rob Ecklund, DFL-International Falls, Rep. Jason Metsa, DFL-Virginia, and Sen. David Tomassoni, DFL- Chisholm, from the DFL Iron Range Delegation released the following joint statement on the federal government\u2019s anti-mining and anti-jobs announcement:\n\n\n\t\u201cWe, as Iron Range legislators, strongly object to today\u2019s Washington overreach to kill a $2.8 billion project on the Iron Range. Just when the Iron Range has started to pick itself up, we get another blow. Two federal agencies drastically overstepped their bounds today by using a back-door tactic to destroy the promise of thousands of potential good-paying jobs in our region. We encourage these agencies to reverse course and renew the two Twin Metals leases.\u201d\n\n\u00a0\n\n\t\u201cThe DFL Iron Range Delegation has always advocated for science to dictate how and whether any mining project should proceed. This blatant federal obstruction prevents the engineers and scientists from answering even basic questions about the Twin Metals project \u2014 shameful. We will work closely with Congressman Rick Nolan and anyone else willing to ensure all mining projects are assessed by the proper and vigorous review process that is in law.\u201d\n\n\n\tIn not consenting to the lease renewals, the Forest Service cited the potential risk of environmental contamination of the surrounding watershed as a key concern. The two leases are located directly adjacent to and within three miles of the BWCAW, respectively. It is well established that acid mine drainage is a significant environmental risk at sulfide ore mine sites like the one proposed for these leased lands and in a water-based ecosystem like the Boundary Waters because contaminated water could have dramatic impacts to aquatic life, sport fisheries, and recreation-based uses and communities, the Forest Service contends.\n\n\n\tThe Forest Service also submitted an application to the Secretary of the Interior to withdraw key portions of the watershed that flows into the BWCAW from new mineral permits and leases, according to a BLM news release.\n\n\n\t\u201cThe BLM will review the withdrawal application and issue a notice in the Federal Register to segregate the lands \u2013 essentially, place them in a \u2018time out\u2019 \u2013 for up to two years, subject to valid existing rights. To preserve the status quo during that \u2018time out,\u2019 no new mineral exploration or development applications would be accepted while a thorough, scientific environmental analysis is conducted. Upon publication of the Federal Register notice, there will be an initial 90-day public review period for the proposed withdrawal and additional analysis during the segregation period that will include further public involvement, including public meetings.\n\n\n\t\u201cDuring the segregation period, BLM and the Forest Service will conduct an environmental analysis to determine if the lands should be withdrawn for a period of 20 years.\u2019\u2019\n\n\n\tNolan said \u201cthis goes in direct contradiction to the spirit, intent and letter of the law in the 1978 BWCA multiple-use compromise. This law established the area as predominantly non-motorized, taking millions of acres of lands out of valuable production. The law explicitly reserved lands outside of BWCA in the Superior National Forest for forestry, and management plans were established that included mining and mineral exploration, which was designated a \u2018desirable activity.\u2019 I am also deeply concerned that the agencies failed to clarify whether they intend the segregation and withdrawal action to apply to taconite mining, now or in the future.\u2019\u2019\n\n\n\tThe U.S. representative is not giving up by any means.\n\n\n\t\u201cWe intend to work in the next Congress with the new administration to ensure that we allow all mining initiatives to proceed through the proper rigorous and thorough process, using science, facts and technology to guide our decisions,\u2019\u2019 Nolan stated in a news release.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/mpr-feds-halt-twin-metals-plan-for-minn-copper-mine-near-boundary-waters", "MPR: Feds halt Twin Metals plan for Minn. copper mine near Boundary Waters", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The federal government dealt a major blow Thursday to one of two proposed copper mines in northeast Minnesota. The U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management refused to renew mineral leases held that Twin Metals Minnesota says it needs to build a huge underground copper-nickel mine just a few miles from Ely and the Boundary Waters.\nThe government also launched a process that could lead to a 20-year ban on new mining near the Boundary Waters.\n\"We're concerned about the impacts of copper nickel mining in sulfide deposits, because there is extensive research that shows that should impacts occur, it would be virtually impossible to mitigate those impacts,\" said Kathleen Atkinson, a regional forester with the U.S. Forest Service.\nTwin Metals says the decision is a devastating blow to the future economic vitality of northeast Minnesota. The company has projected the mine could create 850 jobs and operate for at least 30 years.\n\"We believe the action taken by the Bureau of Land Management is contrary to federal law,\" said company spokesperson Bob McFarlin. \"We've already filed suit, earlier this year, challenging the authority of the bureau to make such a decision. That lawsuit will continue. We believe we will prevail.\"\nEly Mayor Chuck Novak called the decision \"deflating.\"\n\"It takes the hope out from all the people who looked for a brighter future with great paying jobs, family, living wages, a boost to the economy,\" he said.\nThe federal government's related move could have impacts far beyond the decision on Twin Metals' leases. The agencies initiated a process that could block any new mineral permits and leases in the watershed of the Boundary Waters for 20 years. That would cover an area of 234,000 acres in the Superior National Forest.\nThe proposal doesn't impact the PolyMet Mining project, about 20 miles to the south, in a different watershed. But Frank Ongaro, Executive Director of Mining Minnesota, says such a move would impact several other mining companies exploring for copper, nickel and precious metals near the BWCA.\n\"All this does is chase investment away from the U.S., and makes us more dependent on foreign governments for our metals,\" Ongaro said. \"It has nothing to do with a project, nothing to do with science, and everything to do with politics. Nothing but political B.S.\"\nPoliticians were quick to weigh in. Minnesota House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, called the decision an attempt \"to kill all the mining projects they can while the lame-duck Obama administration is still in office.\"\nDayton said he's pushing to create jobs in northeast Minnesota. But \"this is one exception where the danger to a priceless treasure, the Boundary Waters, is just too great in my judgment to bear that risk,\" he said.\nMeanwhile the Interior Department plans to call a \"time-out\" on mineral development in the area for up to two years, while it conducts an environmental review of the proposed moratorium.\nBecky Rom of Ely, who's national chair of the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters, says that will give Minnesotans and people from around the country a chance to weigh in.\n\"There will be a comprehensive look at science...the science of the water, the forests, the whole ecosystem, to understand what the risk would be with introducing a toxic industry like copper mining in this place,\" she said.\nRom says it would then be up to the next secretary of the interior to decide on the 20-year ban. And she says despite the change in administration, she's hopeful. She says protection of the Boundary Waters is not a partisan issue.\n\"They understand that there are very special places in America that should be off limits,\" she said.\nIt's unclear whether Twin Metals' leases could be overturned by the incoming Trump administration. Or if they can be, how quickly that could occur. What is clear is that the often-contentious debate over the future of copper mining in northeast Minnesota is still far from over.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/the-hill-feds-block-northern-minnesota-mining-project", "The Hill: Feds block northern Minnesota mining project", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Federal regulators have rejected a company's leases for copper and nickel mining in northern Minnesota, saying production there poses a risk to a federal wilderness area in the region.\u00a0\nThe Department of Interior also said it would consider removing a large swath of land from the federal mineral leasing program. Such a step would be a major victory for Minnesota environmentalists, but a blow to the state\u2019s burgeoning precious metals industry.\u00a0\nThursday\u2019s decision is the latest in a string of announcements from the Obama administration designed to block resources development on some federal land.\u00a0\nLast month, Interior officials canceled oil drilling leases near tribal land in Montana, blocked gold mining near Yellowstone National Park and prohibited offshore drilling lease sales through 2022 in the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans.\nRegulators on Thursday rejected a request from a company called Twin Metals that had asked federal officials to renew its long-held lease on land it hopes to someday mine for copper and nickel.\nEnvironmentalists argue the precious metal mining process threatens the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA), and had asked officials to reject the request.\u00a0\nThe Forest Service did so Thursday, saying the process poses \u201ca significant environmental risk at sulfide ore mine sites like the one proposed for these leased lands.\u201d\nInterior Department officials will also consider whether to remove portions of the region from the federal mineral leasing program for up to 20 years, effectively blocking future mining there. A decision on that question will come within two years, or well after President-elect Trump takes office.\u00a0\n\u201cThe Boundary Waters is a natural treasure, special to the 150,000 who canoe, fish, and recreate there each year, and is the economic life blood to local business that depend on a pristine natural resource,\u201d Agriculture Secretary\u00a0Tom Vilsack\u00a0said in a Thursday statement.\u00a0\n\u201cI have asked Interior to take a time out, conduct a careful environmental analysis and engage the public on whether future mining should be authorized on any federal land next door to the Boundary Waters.\u201d\nMinnesota is home to a large iron ore mining industry, but it has never produced copper and nickel, which are extracted using a different mining process that some say poses a threat to water supplies.\u00a0\nA separate copper and nickel mining project is set to move forward in the state, but Twin Metals\u2019 proposal was significantly larger and located closer to the BWCA watershed.\nThursday\u2019s decision is \u201ca strong first step, but there is still a lot of work to do to ensure we can protect the BWCA for future generations,\u201d said Becky Rom, an activist who lead the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters.\u00a0\n\u201cOur coalition keeps growing as sportsmen, veterans, businesses and other interests sign on to support our efforts.\u201d\nEnvironmentalists and key Minnesota Democrats, including Gov. Mark Dayton, former Vice President Walter Mondale and Rep. Betty McCollum,\u00a0urged regulators\u00a0to reject the lease renewal request.\n\u201cToday's decision to halt the current threat of dangerous, environmentally risky sulfide-ore copper mining is a major victory for our state and our environment,\u201d McCollum said in a statement.\nPrecious metal mining has divided Democrats in the state, with members from the mineral-rich region insisting the process can be done safely while creating jobs.\u00a0\nTwin Metals had said its project would employ 850 people and that its mine could operate for up to 30 years.\n\u201cMinnesota\u2019s Iron Range got a real slap in the face and a punch in the gut by Washington bureaucrats this morning,\u201d Rep. Rick Nolan (D-Minn.), who represents the area, said in a statement.\u00a0\n\u201cWe must protect our environment \u2013 the BWCA in particular \u2013 but we should never be afraid of exploration and discovery, or using science and facts to dictate important decisions. \u2026 We intend to work in the next Congress with the new administration to ensure that we allow all mining initiatives to proceed through the proper rigorous and thorough process, using science, facts and technology to guide our decisions.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/the-timberjay-feds-deny-renewal-of-twin-metals-leases", "The Timberjay: Feds deny renewal of Twin Metals leases", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "REGIONAL\u2014 The Obama administration has dealt a potentially fatal blow to Twin Metals\u2019 proposal to build a copper-nickel mine near Ely. Top officials in the Department of the Interior and Agriculture announced last Thursday that they will not be renewing two federal mineral leases that are critical to the project.\nThe decision is a major victory for a broad coalition of environmental groups that have fought an organized effort to stop the proposed mine, that would have been located within a major watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.\nBecky Rom, an Ely resident and chair of the Coalition to the Save the Boundary Waters, said she was elated with the ruling, but acknowledged that her organization\u2019s fight continues. Twin Metals has mounted a legal challenge over the rights of the federal agencies to deny renewal of their mineral leases, so this week\u2019s decision likely won\u2019t be the final word.\nEven so, supporters of the mining proposal expressed dismay at the decision. Eighth District Congressman Rick Nolan called it a \u201cslap in the face and a punch in the gut,\u201d by Washington bureaucrats. \u201cThis decision denies Minnesota\u2019s Iron Range the opportunity to explore a project in the area that would bring thousands of new, greatly-needed jobs to our region,\u201d he added.\nEly Mayor Chuck Novak said he was \u201cextremely disappointed and he questioned the legal basis for the decision. At the same time, he said the determination \u201cwasn\u2019t a surprise.\u201d\nBut not every Minnesota political leader was disappointed. Gov. Mark Dayton, who had lobbied for denial of the mineral leases, called it \u201ctremendous news\u201d in a statement issued shortly after the announcement. \u201cIt is important to note that this decision is not in opposition to mining, but in defense of a pristine and priceless environmental wonder,\u201d he said, in reference to the Boundary Waters.\nTwo decisions\nIn addition to its decision not to renew the two federal minerals leases sought by Twin Metals, the Bureau of Land Management, which oversees the federal mineral leasing program for the Department of the Interior, also announced a two-year moratorium on the issuance of any new mineral leases on about 234,000 acres of the Superior National Forest located within watersheds that feed into the 1.1 million-acre BWCAW. During that period, federal agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service and the BLM will conduct an environmental impact study of the effects of a 20-year withdrawal of those lands from the federal minerals program.\n\u201cThe Boundary Waters is a natural treasure, special to the 150,000 people who canoe, fish, and recreate there each year, and is the economic life blood to local business that depend on a pristine natural resource,\u201d said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who oversees the Forest Service. \u201cI have asked Interior to take a time out, conduct a careful environmental analysis and engage the public on whether future mining should be authorized on any federal land next door to the Boundary Waters.\u201d The review process will invite participation by the public, Indian tribes, environmental groups, industry, state and local government, as well as other stakeholders.\nThe BLM will review the withdrawal application and issue a notice in the Federal Register to segregate the lands \u2013 essentially, place them in a \u2018time-out\u2019 \u2013 for up to two years. During that time, the federal government would not accept new mineral exploration or development applications. A 90-day initial public review period will begin once the moratorium decision is published in the Federal Register. Should the BLM decide to withdraw the lands, it can only do so for a period of up to 20 years. Only Congress can legislate a permanent withdrawal.\nLease decision\nFederal officials say that environmental concerns proved key to their decision to deny renewal of two longstanding federal mineral leases located along and near the South Kawishiwi River, in some cases within shouting distance of the wilderness boundary.\n\u201cIt is well established that acid mine drainage is a significant environmental risk in a water-based ecosystem like the Boundary Waters because contaminated water could have dramatic impacts to aquatic life, sport fisheries, and recreation-based uses and communities,\u201d stated federal officials in a release issued by the Department of the Interior.\n\u201cThere\u2019s a reason that the Boundary Waters is one of the most visited wilderness areas in America: it\u2019s an incredible place,\u201d said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. \u201cToday\u2019s best available science is helping us understand the value of the land and water and potential impacts of development in places like the Boundary Waters. This is the right action to take to avoid irrevocably damaging this watershed and its recreation-based economy, while also taking the time and space to review whether to further protect the area from all new mining.\u201d\nThe BLM originally issued the mining leases in 1966 to the International Nickel Co., or INCO, and has renewed them twice before. Under the original lease, the leaseholder has the right to seek three ten-year renewals, but the lease also required that actual mining commence within a set time limit, long since past, or the leases could be cancelled.\nTwin Metals, which holds the expired leases, has applied for a third renewal of the permits and has argued that the renewal is \u201cnon-discretionary.\u201d But the attorney for the Department of the Interior determined this past spring that the company has no automatic right to a renewed lease. That question is at the heart of a legal challenge that Twin Metals filed in September. A final decision in that case could take years.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=329E4F7B-B5EC-4B29-AA04-DEF9CAB5A9B1", "Klobuchar Renews Calls for Senate to Confirm McWatters Nomination so Export-Import Bank Can Fully Function", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Over 330 days have passed since the Senate received the nomination of J. Mark Watters to fill the vacancy on the Export-Import Bank Board of Directors; Without a quorum and Board approval, the Export-Import Bank is unable to finance many medium- and long-term deals or adopt any of the accountability measures that were included in the Klobuchar-backed bipartisan Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015 so that American businesses have access to the financing they need to compete globally \u00a0\u00a0 \r\n In the last five years, the Export-Import Bank has supported over $2 billion in exports and helped over 170 companies in Minnesota \r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar took to the Senate floor to renew her call for the Senate to confirm J. Mark McWatters to the Export-Import Bank Board so that the agency can fully function. Over 330 days have passed since the Senate Banking Committee received this nomination which would provide the Export-Import Bank with a quorum. Without a quorum and Board approval, the Export-Import Bank is unable to update loan limits or adopt any of the accountability measures that were included in the Klobuchar-backed bipartisan Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015 so that American businesses have access to the financing they need to compete globally. In the last five years, the Export-Import Bank has supported over $2 billion in exports and helped over 170 companies in Minnesota.\r\n\u201cSmall-business owners, like the many I have met with in Minnesota, tell me that the Export-Import Bank is essential for their ability to compete all over the world,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cWe need to make sure the Export-Import Bank is able to help all American businesses grow and reach markets all over the world. By confirming Mr. McWatters to the vacancy on the Board, we can give the Export-Import Bank the quorum needed to support American businesses and put in place several key reforms I supported as a part of the bipartisan reauthorization bill.\u201d\r\nKlobuchar has been a major advocate for the Export-Import Bank. She cosponsored the bipartisan amendment to the transportation bill to reauthorize the Bank, which passed the Senate last July and consistently spoke on the Senate floor to call on Congress to reauthorize the Bank. Also last July, she met with President Obama and senior White House officials to discuss the importance of reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and work on a strategy to get that done. In her role as chair of the Senate Steering and Outreach Committee, she called a meeting last June with small business leaders from across the country about the importance of reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank.\r\nSince 1934, the Export-Import Bank has helped fuel U.S. exports to foreign markets across the globe.\r\nFor a broadcast-quality video excerpt of Klobuchar\u2019s remarks, click here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=E50F1B0D-D603-4D54-AD47-B9E50F7BDACB", "Klobuchar, Ernst Bill to Cut Red Tape and Wait Times for Veterans Scheduling Appointments at VA Medical Facilities Signed into Law by President", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A June 2014 internal audit by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) found that more than 120,000 veterans waited at least 90 days for appointments for health care or never received appointments; other hospitals and health systems have developed technology to eliminate wait times and ensure that every available appointment is used \r\n Klobuchar, Ernst bipartisan bill directs the Secretary of the VA to create a pilot program that will allow veterans to use available technology to self-schedule and confirm appointments for health care at VA medical facilities \r\n WASHINGTON, DC\u2014 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) announced that their bipartisan bill that would establish a patient self-scheduling appointment system at Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities was signed into law by the President today. A June 2014 internal audit by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) found that more than 120,000 veterans waited at least 90 days for appointments for health care or never received appointments. Other hospitals and health systems are now leveraging technology to eliminate wait times and ensure that every available appointment is used. The bipartisan Faster Care for Veterans Act directs the Secretary of the VA to commence a pilot program under which veterans could use the internet to schedule and confirm appointments for health care at VA medical facilities. \r\n\u201cExcessive wait times can put veterans\u2019 lives at risk, but state-of-the art technology that makes it easier to schedule appointments already exists and is being used in other hospital systems,\u201d said Senator Amy Klobuchar. \u201cOur veterans have earned the right to use the same technology to schedule their medical appointments without unnecessary red tape and delays. Now that our bill has been signed into law, we have taken an important step forward in ensuring that our brave men and women who have sacrificed so much have access to the medical care they need and deserve.\u201d\r\n\u201cOur veterans shouldn\u2019t be forced to wait weeks on end for an appointment at the VA,\u201d said Senator Joni Ernst. \u201cThe Faster Care for Veterans Act will allow veterans to schedule and confirm their appointments at VA centers online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Modernizing the appointment process means quicker and more accessible service. I am pleased that this new law will help to uphold our commitment to provide quality and timely care for our nation\u2019s veterans.\u201d\r\nUnder the Faster Care for Veterans Act, the VA is required to commence an 18-month pilot program that would allow veterans to self-schedule, confirm, and modify outpatient and specialty care appointments in real time through the internet. This technology allows veterans to immediately schedule appointments canceled by other veterans and schedule appointments 24 hours per day, seven days per week.\r\nKlobuchar fought to include provisions in the FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requiring the Defense Department and the VA to report on steps they are taking to reduce the excessively-long backlog of disability evaluations. To help support the response to the crisis in veterans\u2019 access to health care, she cosponsored the VA Management Accountability Act of 2014, bipartisan legislation that would help bring accountability to the VA system and better serve veterans by allowing the VA to replace senior officials found responsible for mismanagement and mistreatment of veterans. A version of this legislation was included in the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act, which passed the Senate in July 2014 and was signed into law in August 2014, to improve oversight of the VA\u2019s health care system, increase available resources to hire more medical staff, and provide increased flexibility for veterans to seek care outside the VA system. Last month, the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act, bipartisan legislation she led with Senator John Thune (R-SD) to improve the Veteran Suicide Crisis Line (VCL) was signed into law by the President. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-applauds-magnetation-solution", "Nolan Applauds Magnetation Solution", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan today joined his Problem Solvers Caucus colleagues in stating their intention to support an FY17 spending bill, avoiding a government shutdown, if it is a clean bill without any ideological riders. A FY2017 spending bill is expected to be brought to the House for a vote this week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-responds-to-administration-s-anti-mining-anti-jobs-decision", "Nolan Responds to Administrations Anti-Mining, Anti-Jobs Decision", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan today joined his Problem Solvers Caucus colleagues in stating their intention to support an FY17 spending bill, avoiding a government shutdown, if it is a clean bill without any ideological riders. A FY2017 spending bill is expected to be brought to the House for a vote this week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-statement-nomination-rep-ryan-zinke-interior-secretary", "McCollum Statement on Nomination of Rep. Ryan Zinke for Interior Secretary", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Representative Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement after President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Representative Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) as Secretary of the Interior:\n\u201cIn the six weeks since his election, President-elect Donald Trump has begun laying the groundwork to roll back nearly a century of progress protecting our environment and conserving our public lands.\n\u201cThe nomination of Representative Ryan Zinke to be Secretary of the Interior is yet another sign that the Trump-Pence administration will favor special interests over conservation and put polluters before America\u2019s public lands and natural treasures.\u00a0In his short time in the U.S. House, Representative Zinke has voted repeatedly to sell America\u2019s public lands to private interests and sided again and again with the fossil fuel industry.\n\u201cThe Department of the Interior plays a critical role protecting public lands and endangered species, preserving our national and natural heritage, and upholding our obligations to Native Americans. Those are values that I will continue to defend, especially in the face of Trump\u2019s regressive agenda.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-statement-obama-administration-action-save-boundary-waters", "McCollum Statement on Obama Administration Action to Save the Boundary Waters", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after the United States Departments of Agriculture and the Interior announced the denial of Twin Metals\u2019 leases for copper-sulfide mining in the Rainy River Drainage Basin and the start of a process to withdraw federal lands in the area from mining:\n\u201cFor decades, Minnesotans and Americans have turned to our Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park as treasured areas of unparalleled natural beauty and unsurpassed recreational opportunities.\n\u201cToday\u2019s decision to halt the current threat of dangerous, environmentally risky sulfide-ore copper mining is a major victory for our state and our environment.\n\u201cWorking with Governor Dayton and a grassroots coalition of Minnesotans and Americans, we have fought to conserve the million acres and thousand lakes that form these national treasures. I am delighted that Secretaries Tom Vilsack and Sally Jewell have acted to save our Boundary Waters.\n\u201cWhile all Minnesotans should celebrate today\u2019s victory, we have more work to do. I will keep advocating for the full withdrawal of these federal lands from mining, including fighting for legislation in Congress that will protect our Boundary Waters forever.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=34B90360-1368-42F5-88A4-DDB956AA28BF", "Klobuchar-Backed Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Consumers from Ticket Bots Signed into Law", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Many fans had difficulty buying tickets online for the Prince tribute show held earlier this year in St. Paul; In October, Klobuchar joined with representatives from First Avenue and the Historic Theatre Group to push for passage of the bill \r\n \u00a0 \r\n Bill would prohibit the use of ticket bots and other online measures in order to deliberately circumvent security protocols that limit or restrict online ticket purchases \r\n \u00a0 \r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that bipartisan legislation she has backed to protect consumers from tickets bots has been signed into law by the president. Many fans had difficulty buying tickets online for the Prince tribute show that was held earlier this year in St. Paul. In October, Klobuchar joined with representatives from First Avenue and the Historic Theatre Group to push for passage of the bill. The Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016 would prohibit the use of ticket bots and other online measures in order to deliberately circumvent security protocols that limit or restrict online ticket purchases. The legislation would prohibit the sale of any ticket that is knowingly obtained by such unlawful methods. A violation of these prohibitions would be subject to civil penalties.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cTicket bots too often prevent fans from seeing the artists they love or the teams they cheer for. They also make it harder for artists to ensure their fans can attend live shows at a reasonable price,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cNow that this bill is law, we can limit the ability of scammers using ticket buying bots to cut in line and drive up prices for real fans.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nAs a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, Klobuchar has been a leader in the fight to protect consumers from unauthorized charges on their phone bills and deceptive practices by fraudulent online travel booking websites. At a Commerce Committee hearing in 2014, Klobuchar called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to do more to protect consumers from cramming as consumers increasingly go wireless and as payment technology evolves. Since then, the FCC Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and other federal agencies have continued to take action against cramming. Following reports of deceptive online companies imitating websites of actual hotels or airlines to attract bookings, earlier this year Klobuchar sent a letter to the FTC and the U.S. Department of Transportation urging an investigation and for the agencies to use of tools available to help stop these practices.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-1292016-0", "Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/9/2016", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "2016 National Christmas Tree Lighting\nDear Friends,\nThis week concluded the 114th Congress, with the passing of a Continuing Resolution to fund our government as well as several other important pieces of legislation. I look forward to serving the great state of Minnesota again in the upcoming Congress and working to protect what matters most. As we witness the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks this week, let us remember those that fell protecting our nation, and thank all of the servicemen and women who have served since. Finally, as more hazardous winter weather approaches, please take a moment to review the safety tips below.\nSincerely,    Congressman Collin C. Peterson  Minnesota 7th District\n Molly Yeh and Nick Hagen \nEast Grand Forks residents Molly Yeh and Nick Hagen stopped by to see me on Tuesday. Molly writes a popular food blog and was selected to visit the White House and bake holiday treats with the White House pastry chef. Nick is a fifth generation sugar beet farmer. Molly presented me with her cookbook, \u201cMolly on the Range: Recipes and Stories from an Unlikely Life on a Farm.\u201d It was great to meet with Molly and Nick, and I wish them both success with their future endeavors.\n American Forest Foundation \nOn Wednesday, my staff aides Evan Jurkovich and Zach Martin met with Jonathan Burris, a tree farmer near Mille Lacs Lake, Paul DeLong, and Rebecca Barnard to talk about the priorities of family forest owners. Among the issues discussed were supporting market opportunities for tree farmers. About 5.3 million acres of Minnesota\u2019s forestland are owned by 192,000 individual and family forest owners, so work on the forestry sections of the next Farm Bill will be very important to the state of Minnesota.\n Minnesota National Guard \nThis week, my staff assistant Meg Louwagie attended the quarterly Congressional Staff Breakfast Briefing with the Minnesota National Guard.\u00a0 Congressional Staff members were briefed on topics including MNANG (Minnesota Air National Guard) Exercises and Deployments of the 148th Fighter Wing and 133rd Airlift Wing and the Mobilization and Overseas Deployment for Training of the Minnesota Army National Guard.\u00a0Staff was also informed about the issues they are facing with Federal Education Benefits and Incentive issues.\n Evangelical Good Samaritan Society \nThis week, Dan Holdhusen visited my office on behalf of the Evangelical Good Samaritan Society, one of the nation\u2019s largest faith-based non-profit senior care organizations. I thank Good Samaritan for its efforts to provide home and community-based care to patients across the 7th District.\n Minnesota Hospitals \n  David Borgert (CentraCare Director of Community & Government Relations) and Ben Peltier (MHA Vice President of Legal & Federal Affairs)\nRepresentatives of CentraCare Health and the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) also visited my office this week to discuss Minnesota\u2019s hospitals. Both organizations plan to continue their support for rural health initiatives, critical access hospitals, outpatient services, and telemedicine. I look forward to working with both organizations to improve the state\u2019s healthcare system in the new Congress.\n Northwest Regional Development Commission \nThe Northwest Regional Development Commission (NWRDC) held their annual meeting this week, which allowed my staff the opportunity to learn about the many programs they administer. The NWRDC\u00a0is one of the fastest growing programs helping seniors maintain an independent life style. They represent 35 cities, townships, and school districts in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau Counties. These programs have a great impact on our regional economic and community development as well as our transportation and emergency management.\n Kerkhoven High School Band \nA southwest Minnesota marching band represented the state at a ceremony in Hawaii marking the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The students from Kerkhoven Murdock Sunburg High School were part of a mass band that performed aboard the USS Missouri battleship in memory of the fallen.\u00a0In total, 83 Minnesotan students played alongside 1,000 student musicians from across the United States and Japan.\n Legislative Update \nThis week the House of Representatives held its last expected votes in 2016. Two major pieces of legislation that passed in the House this week were bills to authorize water infrastructure projects and legislation known as a \"continuing resolution\u201d which keeps most government agencies operating at 2016 funding levels but boosts defense spending by $8 billion. It also provides over $4 billion in new disaster relief and reconstruction money to take care of damages caused by hurricanes, floods, and severe drought in California. The strong bi-partisan support for these bills reflects that they made progress on a number of issues like providing assistance for Americans impacted by natural disasters, beginning to address the lead poisoning crisis in Flint, Michigan, and providing funding to help states deal with the opioid epidemic. I am hopeful that Congress can focus on areas of agreement to strengthen the economy and improve the lives of all Americans in the 115th Congress.\n Agriculture Committee Hearing on Land Grant Institutions \nOn Thursday, the Agriculture Committee held its 84th and final hearing of the 114th Congress. The hearing focused on the recruitment challenges and scholarship opportunities at 1890 Land-Grant Universities. Witnesses gave testimony on the important role our land grant universities play in agricultural research, extension and educational programs. We also learned more about proposed legislation to make more scholarships available to students attending these schools.\n Newsstand \n Remembering Pearl Harbor \nTo commemorate Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day,\u00a0Google Arts & Culture is featuring content and stories\u00a0from four museums -- the US National Archives/FDR Presidential Library, Navy Memorial Foundation, National Museum of American Jewish History, and Arizona Capitol Museum -- honoring our veterans and exploring the history and impact of \"the day that will live in infamy\".\nIn the collection, you can...\n VA National Cemeteries Now Offering Pre-Need Eligibility Determinations \nThe Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it now provides eligibility determinations for internment in a VA national cemetery prior to the time of need. Through the Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Program, upon request, individuals can learn if they are eligible for burial or memorialization in a VA national cemetery. Interested individuals can get more information on VA burial benefits is available from local VA national cemetery offices, from the Internet at www.cem.va.gov, or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800-827-1000.\u00a0 To make burial arrangements at any open VA national cemetery at the time of need, call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.\u00a0\n National Archives Holds Free Records Programs this Fall \nThe National Archives holds research and genealogy programs highlighting records from its history. On December 8th, a program entitled, Records for Veterans: Gathering Evidence for Claims and Benefits, was held to help veterans\u00a0who are seeking documentation in support of a benefit or claim. You can watch the program on the US National Archives YouTube Channel. Or find more materials available online here.\n USDA Announces News about the Livestock Indemnity Program \nThe USDA announced news this week on the continuation of the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), which provides assistance to eligible producers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather and attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law.\u00a0The program continues through 2018 as authorized under the most recent Farm Bill. Additional information about LIP is available at your local FSA office or online at: www.fsa.usda.gov.\u00a0 Please contact the West Otter Tail County FSA Office at 218-739-4694 if you need assistance. To find your local FSA office visit http://offices.usda.gov.\n FEMA Warns of Dangerous Winter Weather \nDangerously low temperatures and snow are in the forecast and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants individuals and families to be safe when faced with the hazards of winter weather. During snowstorms and extreme cold weather, you should take the following precautions:\n Stay indoors as much as possible and limit your exposure to the cold.\nDress in layers and keep dry.\nCheck on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance.\nKnow the symptoms of cold-related health issues such as frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention if health conditions are severe.\nBring your pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter area with unfrozen water.\nMake sure your vehicle has an emergency kit that includes an ice scraper, shovel, blanket and flashlight \u2013 and keep the fuel tank above half full.\n You can find more information and tips on being ready for winter weather and extreme cold temperatures at http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.\n This Week in American History \nOn December 5, 1873, Lincoln County was officially founded. Named after the Civil War president, it was established by the Minnesota state legislature on March 6 and approved by vote of the people in November. Three previous attempts in Minnesota to rename or carve out a county in honor of Lincoln had failed to garner the requisite popular vote. Since then, counties have been named for Abraham Lincoln in fifteen other states.\n Spotted in the Seventh \nCan YOU guess what was Spotted in the Seventh? Each week, the newsletter will feature a landmark or site somewhere in Western Minnesota. The first person to name the location wins! The location of the photo as well as the winner will be revealed in the next newsletter.\nThis week\u2019s landmark is a memorial to one of Minnesota\u2019s greatest explorers\u2026\nCongratulations to Barbara Benson of Alexandria for being the first to correctly identify our last location as \u201cMusic of Marshall\u201d portrait on Main St. in Marshall!\nShare your guess on our website \u2013 http://collinpeterson.house.gov/contact-me/spotted-seventh\n  \u201cSet Me Up \u2013 Self Portrait\u201d  Sydney Schwitters (CLARA CITY)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/brainerd-dispatch-governors-deer-opener-hundreds-hear-of-hunting-the-deer", "Brainerd Dispatch: Governor's Deer Opener: Hundreds hear of hunting the deer", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "After all, this area is known by many locals as a slice of deer hunting heaven. Towering trees, thick swamps and freshwater vistas were just a step outside of the Breezy Point Resort, the host site of the event.\n\t\tNo doubt the deer surrounding the resort were made well aware of the hunting season as blaze orange was coming out of the woodwork and even filled the beach area in front of Dockside at Breezy Point Resort.\n\t\tInside the resort were hunters, outdoors types and just plain curious folks from the community, as well as state dignitaries supporting Minnesota's tradition. At the dinner, before the night before deer opener, the sound of an accordion pierced the air as steam rose from the roasted venison and mushrooms served to the hungry crowd.\n\t\tThe event was the second one like it to return to the Brainerd lakes area. It's an opportunity to show the area businesses off and what the outdoors area offers by inviting the community and media outlets here from around the region. This area is the only one to have had two Governor Deer Openers according to Brainerd Lakes Chamber President Matt Kilian. He said the area was well deserving of the selection.\n\t\t\"It's the ultimate outdoors destination,\" Kilian said. \"I'm really proud of the area. I'm really proud of the community.\"\n\t\tKilian noted about 500,000 people hunt in the state, about $750 million in economic impact is seen in the state and locally it's a huge impact, too.\n\t\t\"Look how much blaze orange is sitting in the restaurants this weekend and that's a pretty good indicator of what the impact is,\" Kilian said.\n\t\tThe event blew through the first 200 Mills Fleet Farm blaze orange hats in a hurry. Those attending visited the 30 different booths offering a look at outdoors products, services, venison processing, youth sports and conservation offerings.\n\t\tAbout 300 were expected for the evening banquet and at least 25 media outlets were represented at the event, looking to share what the Pequot Lakes-Breezy Point area had to offer.\n\t\t\"Our media attendance is higher than it's ever been,\" said Bri Stacklie, event chair.\n\t\tIn addition to the Outdoors Expo open to the public and a banquet for those with tickets, an outdoors expo focused on youth was also offered for about 200 Pequot Lakes students. Gov. Mark Dayton attended the gathering and answered questions from the youth expo event. While Dayton does not hunt deer, he wished the hunters the best of luck on their adventures.\n\t\tDuring the evening meal, which had local guide Walleyedan as emcee, U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan spoke about his adventures around Breezy Point. He said he once hunted from the steps of an old church nearby. \"It was a pretty good spot,\" he said.\n\t\tNolan knew the surrounding woods well. He also commented the tradition of deer hunting was important because it brought together friends and family\u2014and it brought them outdoors. He even took some inspiration from Yogi Berra in stating, \"Deer hunting is 50 percent getting your deer and the other 90 percent is about being with your family.\"\n\t\t\"Deer hunting is a great American tradition and one we need to protect,\" Nolan said in closing. The crowd clapped in agreement.\n\t\tNot afraid to offer some guidance to the group, Walleyedan noted having spent the past week in the deer stand, bowhunting, he knew the deer rut was in full swing.\n\t\t\"The chase is on,\" Eigen said.\n\t\tThose attending were eager for the opener to arrive.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/business-north-great-northern-transmission-line-receives-final-permit", "Business North: Great Northern transmission line receives final permit", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Minnesota Power's Great Northern Transmission Line received federal approval Wednesday when the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Presidential Permit allowing the transmission line to cross the international border between the United States and Canada.\nLines in Minnesota will carry clean electricity generated by Manitoba Hydro. The Presidential Permit approval is the final step in a four-year regulatory process.\n\u201cThe Great Northern Transmission Line is a crucial link in Minnesota Power\u2019s EnergyForward strategy of balancing renewable and traditional energy sources,\u201d said Al Hodnik, chairman, president and CEO of ALLETE Inc., Minnesota Power\u2019s parent firm. \u201cDOE\u2019s issuance of this permit is the latest example of how we\u2019re answering the nation\u2019s call to transform its energy landscape,\u201d he said in a news release.\nConstruction is expected to begin in early 2017 on the 500-kilovolt line that will deliver 383 megawatts of renewable hydropower purchased from Manitoba Hydro to Minnesota Power\u2019s customers beginning in 2020. The project is a key component of Minnesota Power's EnergyForward strategy to reduce carbon emissions and ensure reliability and affordable rates while achieving a balanced energy mix of one-third renewable energy, one-third natural gas and one-third coal.\n\u201cI am very pleased the project's final stage of review has crossed over the finish line, just in time for the winter construction season,\u201d said U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan. \u201cThe Great Northern Transmission Line enjoys broad stakeholder support, including local tribes, and has positive energy security and environmental implications for northeastern Minnesota, the nation, and North America.\u201d\nThe 224-mile route will cross the border about three miles east of Minnesota Highway 89. The line will run to an expanded Blackberry electric substation east of Grand Rapids. The route passes through Roseau, Lake of the Woods, and Koochiching and Itasca counties.\nMinnesota Power estimates the total cost of the project will be between $300 million and $350 million.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/duluth-news-tribune-congress-approves-funding-for-new-facility-on-148th", "Duluth News Tribune: Congress approves funding for new facility on 148th base", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"We are ecstatic to learn that we are one step closer to receiving funding for a new weapons load training facility at the 148th Fighter Wing,\" 148th spokeswoman Capt. Jodi Grayson said in a statement to the News Tribune. \"This project has been a top priority for the Minnesota National Guard for a number of years.\"\n\t\tPreviously, weapons had to be loaded onto aircraft from the tarmac outside, explained Grayson. Training in loading weapons onto aircraft was also something done specifically outdoors, as the 148th currently does not have a dedicated indoor space where crews can receive weapons training, load an aircraft and store training equipment.\n\t\t\"The new facility would give members of the unit the space they need to do their job in a safer, warmer environment as much of the work and training is done outdoors, at the mercy of an often harsh Duluth climate,\" Grayson said.\n\t\tThe planned 23,000-square-foot building will include a large open-bay hangar; space for training, weapons loading and storage; offices; break rooms and more, Grayson said. The new facility would double the space of the current weapons facility, which is small and not equipped to handle all of the tasks that will be featured in the new one.\n\t\tWeapons loading also cannot take place in the base's hangars, Grayson said, because of safety issues related to the constant traffic of F-16 jets moving in and out of the hangars.\n\t\tOnce complete, the 148th Fighter Wing will be one of the premier state-of-the-art bases in the Air National Guard, Grayson said.\n\t\tMinnesota's federal lawmakers all supported the construction outlay.\n\t\t\"This bipartisan legislation that passed Congress and now heads to the President to be signed into law will help the 148th stay on the cutting edge of weapons training and provide a new classroom facility for the Bulldogs,\" Sen. Amy Klobuchar said in a news release issued along with Sen. Al Franken and Rep. Rick Nolan.\n\t\tSen. Al Franken said he was \"pleased\" and that \"our National Guard (has) our full support.\"\n\t\tNolan called it \"wonderful\" news for Duluth and all of Minnesota.\n\t\t\"These National Guard construction projects will create good-paying jobs in our region and promote advanced training and cutting edge equipment,\" Nolan said in the news release.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/duluth-news-tribune-its-ot-for-minnesotas-estate-claims-fix", "Duluth News Tribune: It's OT for Minnesota's estate claims fix", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"I'm not hitting the panic button just yet,\" said state Sen. Tony Lourey, DFL-Kerrick, a primary architect of legislation passed in the final minutes of this year's session to end the state's authority to enter claims against the estates of Minnesotans aged 55-64 who receive Medical Assistance.\n\tBut the federal agency with ultimate authority is delaying action until getting more information from the state.\n\tThe legislation, which also retroactively removed claims dating back to Jan. 1, 2014, was passed by both houses and signed by Gov. Mark Dayton as part of the state's spending bill. But it still required approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that administers those health insurance programs.\n\tCMS had 90 days to approve, disapprove or ask for additional information from the state Department of Human Services, said Samantha Bisogno, spokeswoman for U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, D-Crosby, in an email.\n\tThe request for additional information came on Nov. 14, according to a statement from DHS.\n\t\"We are developing a response now and expect to respond in the next few days,\" DHS stated. \"(We) have no prediction about the ultimate outcome.\"\n\tOnce DHS responds, the clock will be reset and CMS will have another 90 days to reach a verdict. That means a decision could come under a new presidential administration that will include a new CMS administrator. But Lourey said he's confident CMS will act sooner.\n\t\"I still believe we're on solid footing with what we passed,\" Lourey said. \"And in the end CMS is going to approve it within this administration.\"\n\tThe DHS statement said, \"We have made it clear that time is of the essence.\"\n\tCMS is questioning the retroactive portion of the legislation, Bisogno wrote.\n\tFor a group of small farmers and property owners, mostly in Pine County, who raised the issue early this year, that's a key portion. They argued that they were placed in Medical Assistance by MNsure in 2014 and '15 without any knowledge that the money they received could be recovered via liens placed on their properties after their death.\n\t\"The whole issue was the undisclosed liens in the first place,\" said Rick Rayburn, who discovered in late 2015 that $30,000 in estate claims had accumulated against him and his wife, Rose, on their small, wooded farm near Willow River. \"It's the liens that were accrued without our knowledge.\"\n\tScott Killerud, another Pine County farmer whose wife, Ellen, was subject to a claim of about $11,000 on their property, wrote in an email that federal approval \"may be the torpedo that strikes the entire effort.\"\n\t\"CMS needs to understand that neither the online MNsure portal or traditional paper applications EVER disclosed the (Medical Assistance) estate claim ... at signup,\" Killerud wrote.\n\tDespite the wait for federal action, the Minnesota Department of Human Service's website includes a reference as if the estate claim fix were a done deal. It states the state and county agencies will collect only Medical Assistance paid for long-term services, such as nursing home care, effective back to Jan. 1, 2014, from those ages 55 to 64.\n\tLourey said he doesn't think the feds will reject the retroactive clause in the legislation. The language of the bill is complicated, so there may need to be some language changes, he said.\n\t\"I don't have any indication that there's any portion of this at risk,\" Lourey said. \"I'm not aware of it being anything other than clarification.\"\n\tAlthough Lourey has no direct role in the process, he's monitoring it closely, he said.\n\tLikewise, members of Nolan's staff are working closely with CMS \"to facilitate a timely resolution to this issue,\" Bisogno wrote.\n\tThe Chicago office of CMS didn't respond to the News Tribune's queries about the situation.\n\tThe process has been \"nerve-wracking,\" Lourey acknowledged.\n\t\"Some are frustrated,\" he said. \"I am frustrated. I was expecting an answer one way or the other.  \n\t\t\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/duluth-news-tribune-national-view-lung-cancer-battle-raises-concerns-about", "Duluth News Tribune: National view: Lung cancer battle raises concerns about e-cigs, other nicotine-delivery devices", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It\u2019s the deadliest cancer in America, accounting for 25 percent of all cancer deaths. Lung cancer is also the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 71,600 women will die of lung cancer this year. And you may be surprised to learn that of the women who get lung cancer, approximately 1 in 5 are nonsmokers.\n\tUnfortunately, the false stigma that automatically ties smoking to lung cancer has severely hindered life-saving lung cancer research. In fact, of the $5.3 billion the National Cancer Institute receives every year from the federal government, only 6.5 percent is devoted to lung cancer.\n\tThat\u2019s a big part of the reason my husband, U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, is a founder and co-chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Lung Cancer Caucus. For us, and for millions of other families, lung cancer and the need for more federal support for prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure, is personal. Our youngest daughter, Katherine, is battling nonsmoking stage 4 small cell lung cancer. And Rick\u2019s father and aunt both had lung cancer.\n\tOf course, the battle against lung cancer is being waged on many fronts, including efforts to discourage young people from smoking. In that regard, experts increasingly are concerned that hard-won progress against lung cancer could be curbed by the growing popularity of \u201cnicotine-delivery devices,\u201d particularly electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, that turn nicotine into an inhalable liquid vapor, and hookah, which are water pipes used to smoke flavored tobacco.\n\tSimply stated, we don\u2019t really know how dangerous these products are or what chemicals and components users are taking into their bodies. For example, we know little about the safety of propylene glycol, a substance contained in many e-cigarettes. And tests have found that some e-cigarettes contain small amounts of nitrosamines and formaldehyde, both cancer-causing agents.\n\tThankfully, after years of public review and comment, new Food and Drug Administration regulations are being rolled out to address these concerns. Over the next two years, the FDA will be given more authority to require manufacturers to report the content of their products to the public.\n\tUntil then, though, the chemicals \u2014 and the potential health effects \u2014 will remain largely unknown.\n\tYoung people are particularly attracted to the exotic and fruity flavors available in e-cigarettes and specialty tobaccos. In fact, a 2014 Minnesota Department of Health survey of more than 70 schools revealed that 13 percent of high school students and 3 percent of middle school students had used e-cigarettes. Those figures are even higher nationwide as these nicotine-delivery devices have become big business. By some estimates, U.S. sales of e-cigarettes and other more-specialized e-smoking products reached $5.5 billion in 2015.\n\tThe new FDA regulations will make it harder for children and teenagers to obtain e-cigarettes, hookah tobacco and cigars. Even now, it\u2019s illegal to sell these products to anyone younger than 18 or in vending machines accessible to minors. The FDA also no longer allows stores to give away samples of new tobacco products.\n\tThese measures will help in the battle against lung cancer, but we all need to take our own steps to promote tobacco-free families, homes and communities.\n\tRemember, if you\u2019ve got lungs, you can get lung cancer. We\u2019ve all got lungs, so we all have a stake in this fight.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/duluth-news-tribune-permit-approved-for-minnesota-power-transmission-line", "Duluth News Tribune: Permit approved for Minnesota Power transmission line", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The permit approves the cross-border aspects of the Great Northern Transmission Line, in the works since 2012, and Minnesota Power officials declared it the last major regulatory hurdle before construction can begin on the power line early next year.\n\tState regulators in February approved the route for the 500-kilovolt line. Electricity generated by a new dam in northern Manitoba will start moving to Minnesota Power customers in 2020.\n\tThe 224-mile route of the more-than-$560 million Minnesota portion of the power line will start in Roseau County and run to an expanded electric substation at Blackberry, just east of Grand Rapids. Manitoba Power is building the transmission line on its side of the border.\n\t\"I would like to thank Cong. Rick Nolan, Cong. Collin Peterson, Sen. Al Franken, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and the Red Lake Nation for their strong support of the project and advocacy to the\" Department of Energy, said Al Hodnik, CEO of Allete, Minnesota Power's parent company.\n\tThe Duluth-based utility wants the hydroelectric power to offset its decrease in coal-generated electricity as it moves to meet the state's carbon reduction efforts and demands for renewable energy.\n\t\"The Great Northern Transmission Line is a crucial link in Minnesota Power's Energy Forward strategy of balancing renewable and traditional energy sources. Minnesota Power already has exceeded Minnesota's 25 percent renewable standard, and is well-positioned to meet future decreased carbon emissions goals,\" Hodnik said.\n\tThe utility sees the hydro power as a hedge against times when the wind doesn't blow for its growing array of North Dakota wind generators. Under purchase agreements between the two companies and approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Manitoba Hydro can reduce the flow of water through its hydro generators when there is excess wind power from Minnesota Power's North Dakota wind farms. When winds are light, Manitoba Hydro can release more water and send more electricity south.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/duluth-news-tribune-readers-view-grateful-for-nolan-s-help-with-insurance", "Duluth News Tribune: Reader's view: Grateful for Nolans help with insurance problem", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Only the act of a congressional inquiry was sufficient to have us assigned a dedicated supervisor (with direct-contact access) who miraculously resolved problems of several months\u2019 duration in just a few days, establishing an advanced premium tax credit, to which we were entitled, just in time to avoid cancellation of our insurance policy for non-payment. This not only saved us substantial premiums and possible tax penalties, it averted a termination that would have rendered us ineligible for exchange participation for six months.\n\t\tThis is not the first time the congressman has aided our family, having also assisted with Social Security disability benefit determination processing. This unwavering, immediate response further serves to underscore Nolan\u2019s commitment to address and meet the needs of \u201cthe common man.\u201d\n\t\tWe shall be forever grateful, and we hope Nolan\u2019s re-election will assure such continued support and assistance for all Minnesotans.\n\t\tStephen Lee Phillips\n\t\tTwo Harbors", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lake-county-news-chronicle-local-trails-to-be-included-in-national-trail", "Lake County News Chronicle: Local trails to be included in national trail network", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The North Country Scenic Trail was established in 1980 and currently uses a network of trails that allows hikers to access more than 4,000 miles of trail from Vermont to North Dakota.\n\tThe North Country Scenic Trail bill (H.R. 799) was discussed by the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands and is a pretty simple piece of legislation. The bill would officially add the three local trails in Minnesota's Arrowhead region to the NCNST, extend the trail's eastern terminus from the New York border to connect with the Appalachian Trail in Vermont and would correct the mileage to include the new sections of trail, which will bring the trail's total mileage to more than 4,600 miles.\n\tThe NCNST has been using the three local trails as part of its network for more than 10 years, but with the symbolic designation, the profiles of the trails will be raised and potentially there will be more resources available to those trails. The biggest changes to the trails most hikers would see is that, at regular intervals, there will also be signs that designate the trails as part of the NCNST.\n\t\"To be able to use the official North Country Trail emblem on the Superior Hiking Trail and the Kekakabic, is symbolic as it has always been the route in order to do the trail in the past, but that symbolism is really important in terms of recognition,\" North Country Trail Association executive director Bruce Matthews said. \"If you look at the current issue of Backpacker magazine, which is all about through trails and being able to say that you are a part of that is a positive thing, it's a feather in the cap and it increases the visibility and notoriety associated.\"\n\tWhether it's a mountain with a dramatic view of Lake Superior, hidden waterfalls, steep cliffs or a secluded spot in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the SHT and the Kekakabic Trail provide plenty of what hikers seek.\n\t\"The coolest thing about our trail is that we aren't looking for the shortest route,\" Matt Davis, NCTA regional trail coordinator for North Dakota and Minnesota, said. \"Our trail is supposed to be about finding the best as far as scenery, cultural resources, historical features and natural features. We're not going to do the easiest route, we're going to do the best route.\"\n\tFor the SHT, the changes will pretty much end at the additional signs at some its trailheads. The Superior Hiking Trail Association already has a lot of support and a robust volunteer network to help with needed maintenance on the trail. The Kekakabic Trail Association, however, is totally volunteer run and the plan is for that association to become a chapter to the NCTA. In that scenario, the NCTA would take care of the administrative parts of the association and the local chapter would be better able to focus on the upkeep of the trail. In addition, with a strong national organization behind them, the smaller trails would have a better chance at receiving grants or funding from the local, state or federal government.\n\tAnother benefit of being part of the larger national network of trails is economic. Towns like Two Harbors, Silver Bay or any of the other communities the trails pass near would be eligible to become \"trail towns.\" There is no cost to becoming a trail town and it is an agreement between the NCTA and the town to promote the trail and businesses in the town to hikers.\n\t\"We sit down, we reach an agreement to figure out how the trail town intends to participate, we see what NCTA will do in looking to promote local businesses and we hope the town will promote the trail,\" Matthews said. \"It is one more economic benefit that the local communities can leverage in bringing people into their communities and hopefully spend money.\"\n\tU.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, D-Crosby, a co-sponsor of the bill, testified before the subcommittee Wednesday in support of the bill, saying it had \"good bipartisan support\" and emphasized it costs no money and there will be no use of eminent domain to acquire land to complete the trail. He also said supporting trails will help reduce the \"nature deficit\" of children in the U.S., citing a study that said most children in the nation spend just seven minutes a day outside and spend as much as seven hours watching TV or in front of a computer screen. The Senate version of the bill earlier this year and has been in conference awaiting approval of the House version since September.\n\t\"(The trail is) a part of the exercise, it's a part the economics of our country and just offers a wonderful opportunity for people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors,\" he said at the hearing. \"It's a good piece of legislation and, like I said, it doesn't cost us any money, it makes that trail complete and adds that wonderful, beautiful scenic part at the end to that trail system.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/star-tribune-us-house-passes-21st-century-cures-act", "Star Tribune: U.S. House passes 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u00a0\u2013 The U.S. House on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed a wide-ranging medical research bill designed to fund scientific innovations and cutting-edge therapies while also getting medical devices and drugs to market faster.\nThe 21st Century Cures Act covers everything from a \"cancer moonshot\" designed to cure that dreaded disease to money to address the nation's opioid addiction crisis to a precision medicine initiative.\nIt also outlines new, quicker ways of proving the safety and effectiveness of drugs and devices and funds the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.\nThe multibillion-dollar, 1,000-page bill took two years to negotiate with the last compromise coming just days before the House vote. The Obama administration supports the bill.\nRep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., one of the act's chief architects, called it a \"giant leap on the path to cures.\nThe consensus in the 392-26 vote marked a contrast to the partisan battles that have consumed the legislative body in recent years.\n\"No family is untouched by disease,\" said Rep. John Kline, Minnesota Republican in the Second District.\n\"I was pleased we could come together to pass bipartisan legislation that aims to reduce the reach of life-altering diseases by reforming our approach to medical innovation, and ultimately saving and improving lives.\"\nDemocratic Rep. Rick Nolan pointed to the act's comprehensive approach.\n\"The bill provides substantial new funding for research into cancer and many other diseases, including $1 billion to supplement opioid abuse prevention and treatment activities; accelerates clinics trials and FDA approval of new drugs and provides a major new emphasis on providing more community mental health services,\" he said.\n\"Of course, there are still improvements that could have been made to the legislation; but this bill constitutes a real bipartisan effort to move medical research and health care delivery into the 21st century.\"\nThe medical device industry, which makes up a critical chunk of Minnesota's economy, welcomed the bill as a milestone.\n\"The package includes a number of important improvements to [the Food and Drug Administration's] medical device premarket program designed to increase the efficiency, predictability and transparency of the agency's review process,\" said Scott Whitaker, the CEO of the Advanced Medical Technology Association, the device industry trade group whose members include Medtronic, St. Jude Medical and other medical technology companies with major Minnesota ties.\nWhitaker said the industry needs an \"expedited pathway for breakthrough medical technologies.\"\nSome patient advocates cautioned that the bill curtailed the scope of safety and effectiveness testing in ways that could eventually injure people.\n\"The legislation includes a grab bag of goodies for Big Pharma and medical device companies that would undermine requirements for ensuring safe and effective drugs and medical devices,\" Dr. Michael Carome of Public Citizen said.\nBut Republican Rep. Tom Emmer said the act was a \"great step in our efforts to address the mental health and opioid crises plaguing this nation.\"\nDemocratic Rep. Betty McCollum called the bill \"one of the few opportunities for bipartisan compromise.\"\nThe legislation now heads to the Senate where a vote is expected next week. Senate passage is likely, but a fiery speech opposing the bill by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., signaled that debate could be feisty.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/the-huffington-post-this-congress-has-spent-one-million-hours-raising-money", "The Huffington Post: This Congress Has Spent One Million Hours Raising Money", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Imagine you were just put in charge of a corporation with a $6 billion budget and more than 20,000 employees that had the ability to control $4 trillion in market activity. Now imagine that you find out that members of your senior management team are spending half their time doing something other than their jobs.\n\n\n\tWell, we, the people, are in charge of hiring and firing, through our votes, members of Congress. It costs us taxpayers about $6 billion a year to operate Congress, which in turn has the power to appropriate and oversee $4 trillion in government spending. The problem is that members of Congress \u2014 the senior managers \u2014 are spending half of their time raising campaign cash. That\u2019s time they\u2019re not spending attending oversight hearings, reaching out to their constituents or building the bipartisan bridges necessary to move legislation forward. That includes, by the way, federal spending legislation, which is evidenced by the fact that Congress, regardless of who is in control, cannot consistently pass a budget. It just keeps passing \u201ccontinuing resolutions\u201d to kick the hard work of compromise to the next Congress.\n\n\n\tEvery two years, we, the bosses, have the ability to hire and fire our employees, and to imbue them with a sense of the mission and strategy of the organization moving forward. This cycle, candidates up and down the ticket have heard one message repeatedly from average their bosses: it is time to reduce the stranglehold money and its influence have over our leaders and government.\n\n\n\tYet, as of today, starting when the 114th Congress began its work on January 6, 2015, we estimate the 535 members of the House and Senate have collectively spent more than\u00a0one million hours\u00a0cold-calling and grip-and-grinning donors at breakfasts and dinners.\n\n\n\tWith this in mind, here is my challenge to the 115th Congress: In January when the clock starts over, work together to fix the system so you don\u2019t have to spend 50 percent of your time raising money from deep-pocketed donors, interest groups and unions.\n\n\n\tThe good news is that through the unified voices from the\u00a0left\u00a0and\u00a0right, politicians are already reacting to public outcry on money in politics. Presidential candidates\u00a0Donald Trump\u00a0and\u00a0Hillary Clinton\u00a0both talk about stopping the selling of influence and access in our government; and in the case of the latter, Clinton has laid out a\u00a0plan\u00a0to do so.\n\n\n\tAnd she\u2019s not alone. Florida Republican David Jolly and Minnesota Democrat Rick Nolan introduced a bill \u2014 the\u00a0Stop Act \u2014 to put an end to members of Congress directly soliciting campaign contributions, and it has more Republican co-sponsors than Democrats. Meanwhile, Maryland Congressman John Sarbanes showcased a moment of leadership by introducing the\u00a0Government by the People Act,\u201da radical proposal to overhaul our entire campaign finance apparatus. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin introduced the comparable Senate bill, the\u00a0Fair Elections Now Act.\n\n\n\tThe truth is that once elected officials retire, they\u00a0speak\u00a0frankly\u00a0about\u00a0the fundamental problems with the legislative branch of our government remaining beholden to raising money up to 40 hours a week. Retiring Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY), former chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee,\u00a0dutifully logged\u00a0the 4,200 hours he spent asking for money from donors while sitting in a cramped cubicle across from the Capitol, and 1,600 fundraisers he attended. At Issue One, we\u2019ve recruited more than\u00a0150 former elected officials\u00a0from both sides of the aisle as part of our ReFormers Caucus, to mobilize for changing this system locally and nationally.\n\n\n\tAmericans across the country are doing their part, too. People are so concerned, money in politics has become a\u00a0top five voting issue\u00a0ahead of Tuesday\u2019s election and the demand for change is driving people to vote. They agree that fixing the system should be a bipartisan cause: The overwhelming\u00a0majority of voters\u00a0\u2014 81 percent of Democrats and 79 percent of Republicans \u2014 around the country want their members of Congress to work with the opposing party on this issue.\n\n\n\tWe need new ways of financing elections where everyone is empowered to participate, including those running for office; that ensures we\u2019re electing leaders based on their ability, experience and character, not their skill at soliciting donations. Remember for a moment that nearly 60 percent of the donations to Bernie Sanders and Ben Carson during the presidential primaries came from small donors contributing $200 or less. And that throughout his run for the White House, Donald Trump may have raised as much as $100 million from these kinds of donors as well, according to\u00a0Politico.\n\n\n\tWhen someone cares enough to donate $5, $10 or $100 to your campaign, they are passionate about your candidacy and stances on issues. They will advocate for you, whether to their family, friends or co-workers. That is what democracy is about.\n\n\n\tIf you want our politicians to address issues of national security, criminal justice, immigration and the small-business economy, they have to curb the influence of money in politics first.\n\n\n\tWe need Congress to work for all Americans instead of spending another one million hours raising money from a small slice of deep-pocketed individuals. Regardless of who is president or which party controls the next Congress, if elected politicians don\u2019t want to spend the majority of their time on what we \u201chired\u201d them to do, we will address it during their next review (election) in 2018.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-statement-federal-review-st-anthony-police-department", "McCollum Statement on Federal Review of St. Anthony Police Department", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after the United States Department of Justice announced plans for a \u201ccomprehensive review\u201d of the St. Anthony Police Department:\n\u201cAfter the shooting of Philando Castile in July, I called for a full federal investigation by the Department of Justice to determine relevant facts and ensure accountability appropriate to those facts. Today\u2019s announcement of a Department of Justice review of the St. Anthony Police Department is another step in securing the accountability our entire community deserves.\n\u201cA thorough federal review of the St. Anthony Police Department has the potential to improve policing, build greater trust between citizens and police, and help us achieve our common goal of a safe, non-violent community. I commend Attorney General Loretta Lynch and the Department of Justice for launching this review and look forward to its conclusions.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/latest-update/cures-act-funds-biden-s-cancer-moonshot-aims-to-revolutionize-medical", "Cures Act Funds Bidens Cancer Moonshot Aims to Revolutionize Medical Research and Treatment", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "With my strong support, the House\u00a0passed the bipartisan 21st\u00a0Century Cures Act, which many are calling a \u201conce in a generation\u201d plan to revolutionize the way we research and treat disease. It\u2019s a long-term, national commitment to discover, develop and deliver new treatments and cures for cancer and neuromuscular diseases like Parkinson\u2019s. Important provisions are included to fight opioid addiction, improve community mental health services, expand patient access to clinical trials and safely speed and modernize FDA approval for cutting edge medicines and life-saving medical devices.\nThree years in the making, preparation for the ten-year, $4.8 billion measure involved hearings and meetings all over the country with physicians, researchers, patients and medical industry leaders, among others. Everyone had a say in what the final bill contains. It\u2019s about 1,000 pages long, but here are highlights of what the new funding will support:\nVice President Biden\u2019s Cancer Moonshot. Goals include powerful new research leading to additional breakthroughs in immunotherapy and cutting edge combined therapies, development of vaccines to prevent and cure cancer and faster, better diagnostic testing for cancer.\nPersonalized, precisian medical treatment.\u00a0The bill supports researchers working to develop medicines tailored to each individual patient rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.\nExpanded community mental health services.\u00a0The measure provides grants and other assistance for local mental health initiatives including suicide prevention and help for communities to provide individuals in crisis with nearby treatment and residential facilities. Support is also included for mental health services benefitting children showing early signs of mental disorders.\nPresident Obama\u2019s BRAIN Initiative.\u00a0The Cures Act promotes bold new research to help doctors and researchers better understand the human brain, more successfully treat traumatic brain injuries, and uncover new ways to prevent, treat and cure disorders such as Alzheimer\u2019s\u2019, autism, epilepsy and schizophrenia.\nNew discoveries about adult stem cells.\u00a0 The bill includes new resources to help researchers advance the field of regenerative medicine using adult step cells.\nModernize the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). While continuing to ensure the highest standards of safety and effectiveness, the Cures Act directs the FDA to speed and modernize its process for reviewing new medical products and expedite patient access to cutting edge new drug and medical devices.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3590", "In Senate Speech, Sen. Franken Honors Veteran, Author, and Advocate Luis Montalvan", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a speech delivered on the Senate floor\u00a0Friday\u00a0night, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) honored Luis Montalvan, a veteran, author, and advocate who served in Iraq and inspired Sen. Franken's very first piece of legislation seven years ago. That bill\u2014the Service Dogs for Veterans Act\u2014aimed to increase the number of service dogs for veterans like Luis and was quickly passed into law. Montalvan tragically passed away earlier this month at the age of 43.\"Luis deserves to be honored because he dedicated his life to helping other veterans cope with the same struggles he faced after returning from war,\"\u00a0said Sen. Franken.\u00a0\"Luis turned his story into a book entitled\u00a0Until\u00a0Tuesday\u00a0that chronicled his journey after returning from Iraq. It was a candid and really deeply moving account of his struggle. I've always admired the bravery that it took for Luis to share it.Sen. Franken continued,\u00a0\"I'm so proud of you for giving hope to other veterans who faced the same struggles you did. Your book still sits on my desk in the Senate. And it'll stay there as a reminder of the man I'm so proud to have called my friend.\"\nYou can watch Sen. Franken's speech here\u00a0and read the remarks as prepared for delivery\u00a0here or below.\nFloor Statement Honoring Luis MontalvanSenator Al Franken(As prepared for delivery)\nM.\u00a0 President, I rise today to honor a very special man, and one of my personal heroes, Captain Luis Montalvan.\u00a0\u00a0On Monday\u00a0I received the news that Luis had died last Friday.\u00a0 This has been a difficult week, M.\u00a0 President, and I am grieving his death.\u00a0 But Luis deserves to be honored because he dedicated his life to helping other veterans cope with the same struggles he faced after returning from war.\u00a0 So I hope to do him justice because his story deserves to be told.\u00a0I was so inspired by meeting Luis and\u00a0Tuesday\u00a0that while I was waiting for my election to the Senate to be resolved in 2009, I spent a lot of time researching service dogs and the benefits they bring.\u00a0 And when I got into the Senate, the first piece of legislation I introduced - which was quickly passed into law - was a bill designed to increase the number of service dogs for veterans.In 2011, after graduating from journalism school, Luis turned his story into a book entitled Until Tuesday\u00a0that chronicled his journey after returning from Iraq.\u00a0 It was a candid and really deeply moving account of his struggle.\u00a0 I've always admired the bravery that it took for Luis to share it.\u00a0 In the years since the book first came out, he'd been traveling the country, sharing his story with lots of people and giving speeches and interviews about his experience.\u00a0 He even got the chance to appear on David Letterman's show along with\u00a0Tuesday, something I know that he loved doing.\u00a0 Luis wrote 2 children's books about\u00a0Tuesday.\u00a0 His book Tuesday Takes Me There\u00a0is one of my grandson Joe's favorite books.\u00a0 Luis wrote these children's books so kids could learn about how\u00a0Tuesday\u00a0changed his life by helping him through his daily activities.   \nThis had been a tough year for Luis however.\u00a0 Despite\u00a0Tuesday's\u00a0steadying presence, Luis was still feeling pain in his leg when he walked, sometimes making it difficult to get around.\u00a0 To ease the pain, he had his leg amputated a few months ago, and was in an intensive therapy program to relearn how to walk with a prosthetic.He had other physical difficulties though.\u00a0 I talked to Luis' parents this week to tell them how sorry I was for their profound loss. They told me that Luis had health difficulties, including suffering from severe heart problems.\u00a0 He was going through a very difficult period.But M.\u00a0 President, I want to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind of helping veterans cope with life after combat.\u00a0 Because of Luis, more\u00a0veterans are now able to access service dogs.\u00a0 So let me tell you a little about these amazing dogs.\u00a0 Obviously service dogs can't do everything, but they do\u00a0a lot\u00a0to help.\u00a0 Service dogs raise their masters' sense of well-being. They help reduce depression, ward off panic attacks, assist when their owner needs help standing back up after falling, and do so many other things.\u00a0 For veterans living with service-related injuries, these dogs can mean the difference between a decent life and a very difficult one. \u00a0My bill was a step in the direction to make sure that all veterans who need a service dog are able to get one.Still, we must recognize that so many of our veterans still struggle mightily, sometimes years and decades after they come home.\nAnd the hard truth is that in many ways, we are failing our vets.\u00a0\u00a0The VA estimates that upwards of 20 percent of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan suffer from PTSD.\u00a0 12 percent of Gulf War veterans, and 30 percent of Vietnam Veterans have suffered PTSD during their lifetime.\u00a0\nM. President, these statistics should serve as a sobering reminder of the pain that so many veterans are forced to live with. And it should remind us that unless you yourself have seen combat, there's really no way to ever fully understand what they've gone through. I know certainly that I don't.\u00a0 But I do know that these men and women put themselves in harm's way in service to our country, and it is our obligation to do everything we can to help them when they come back. And as members of Congress, it is our responsibility-more than anyone else in this country-to do right by them. I don't have all the answers, but I do know that we can do better.\nLuis was my friend.\u00a0 He was a good man who loved his country and wanted nothing more than to help ease the pain that so many of his fellow veterans experienced.\u00a0 I don't have the words to describe the sadness I feel knowing that he's gone.\nThere's a lot to learn from Luis' book about what these men and women endure when they come back from war.\u00a0 But learning about the relationship between Luis and\u00a0Tuesday\u00a0is really my favorite part.\u00a0 Here is one of my favorite passages. And remember that one of the things\u00a0Tuesday\u00a0could do for Luis is anticipate panic attacks. So here is the quote:\n\"...Tuesday\u00a0quietly crossed our apartment as I read a book and, after a nudge against my arm, put his head on my lap.\u00a0 As always, I immediately checked my mental state, trying to assess what was wrong.\u00a0 I knew a change in my biorhythms had brought\u00a0Tuesday\u00a0over, because he was always monitoring me, but I couldn't figure out what it was.\u00a0 Breathing? Okay.\u00a0 Pulse? Normal.\u00a0 Was I glazed or distracted? Was I lost in Iraq? Was a dark period descending? I didn't think so, but I knew something must be wrong, and I was starting to worry...until I looked into\u00a0Tuesday's\u00a0eyes.\u00a0 They were staring at me softly from under those big eyebrows, and there was nothing in them but love.\"\nLuis, I want you to know that while you're not with us anymore, I'm so proud of you.\u00a0 I'm so proud that you were brave enough to serve your country for 17 years, and then brave enough to share the story of the hardship you faced afterwards.\u00a0 I'm so proud of you for giving hope to other veterans who faced the same struggles you did.\u00a0 Your book still sits on my desk in the Senate.\u00a0 And it'll stay there as a reminder of the man I'm so proud to have called my friend.\nThank you, M. President.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3591", "Sens. Franken, Klobuchar Fight to Support Students Defrauded by Globe University and Minnesota School of Business", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "With\u00a0Globe University and Minnesota School of Business being cut off from federal education funding\u00a0as a result of rampant fraud and misuse, U.S. Sens. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) are calling for action to support students who were defrauded by the for-profit college group.In a letter to the Education Department, the Senators said that all students who attended the schools during the time period when fraud was committed should be able to access important student debt relief options-similar to\u00a0what is currently available\u00a0to students who participated in Globe and Minnesota School of Business' criminal justice programs,\u00a0which were found to be violating consumer fraud laws.\"...we ask that you qualify all students who attended Globe and [Minnesota School of Business] during the period when misrepresentations were made for borrower defense to repayment,\"\u00a0wrote the Senators.\u00a0\"We urge you to work quickly to address their cases and provide these current and former students with the relief to which they are entitled. In addition to qualifying them for borrower defense, we ask that you notify all current and past [students], enrolled since 2007, of their eligibility for borrower defense, their rights under these regulations, and all other options that are available to them for relief from their federal loan debt.\"  A member of the Senate Education Committee, Sen. Franken has been working hard to ensure that students who go to college are protected from fraudulent for-profit schools. He's long focused on addressing college affordability, which he calls one of the most pressing economic issues for our country. He's led college affordability round tables all across Minnesota, and has written several pieces of legislation to help students and families pay for college-like the bill he helped introduce to\u00a0let student loan borrowers refinance their loans\u00a0at lower rates. He has two bipartisan measures that would give students and families better information about the costs of college, which you can read about\u00a0here\u00a0and\u00a0here,\u00a0and he also has legislation to help college students manage costs by expanding access to\u00a0free online textbooks.Sen. Klobuchar is a leader in efforts to expand higher education opportunities and make college more affordable for all students. She hosted a Steering Committee roundtable discussion with a Minnesota student and national leaders to discuss new legislation - the Reducing Education Debt (RED) Act - which would allow student loan borrowers to refinance their outstanding debt at lower interest rates, making college more affordable for millions of students. She has also been a strong supporter of TRiO programs and Federal Pell Grants that continue to provide fundamental support to low-income and first-generation students across Minnesota. She cosponsored the Keep Student Loans Affordable Act and the Student Loan Affordability Act\u00a0to maintain the federal student loan interest rate of 3.4 percent, and worked to prevent the rate from immediately doubling.You can read a copy of the letter\u00a0here.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-we-must-defend-our-democracy-russian-attacks", "McCollum: We Must Defend Our Democracy From Russian Attacks", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a post on Medium published Monday, December 12, 2016, Congresswoman Betty McCollum called for a strong, swift and sustained response to defend our democracy from Russian attacks:\nThe Central Intelligence Agency has determined with \u201chigh confidence\u201d\u200a\u2014\u200athe intelligence community\u2019s highest degree of certainty\u200a\u2014\u200athat Russia launched a state-sponsored cyber attack intended to influence the presidential election to the benefit of Donald Trump.\nThe White House has confirmed that \u201cthe Intelligence Community made very clear that [the hacking] was activity directed by the highest levels of the Russian government.\u201d\nWhen a foreign power launches cyber attacks, manipulates sensitive political data, and spreads fake news stories to influence who is elected President of the United States, it is tantamount to an attack on the United States.\nMichael Morell, a distinguished leader at the CIA and the agency\u2019s former acting director, said yesterday: \u201cA foreign government messing around in our elections is, I think, an existential threat to our way of life. To me, and this is to me not an overstatement, this is the political equivalent of 9/11.\u201d\nThere is a clear bipartisan belief that this Russian attack demands a response. For instance, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said: \u201cI\u2019m going after Russia in every way you can go after Russia. I think they did interfere in our elections and I want [Russian President Vladimir] Putin personally to pay a price.\u201d\nI urge President Barack Obama to respond against Russia proportionally, forcefully, and unequivocally. The United States must show President Putin and the world that tampering with an American election will be considered an attack on the American people.\nFor example, President Obama could immediately recall the U.S. ambassador to Moscow and expel Russia\u2019s ambassador to the United States. In light of his government\u2019s actions, allowing Russia\u2019s ambassador to remain in Washington is intolerable. He should be considered persona non grata.\nUnfortunately, Mr. Trump and his advisors appear not to take these Russian acts of aggression seriously. As a candidate, Mr. Trump repeatedly expressed concerns that the election would be \u201crigged\u201d against him. Faced with the best American intelligence that the Russian government worked to rig the election, Mr. Trump has chosen to castigate the work of intelligence professionals who put their lives on the line to defend the United States.\nThe American people deserve a full public discussion of Russia\u2019s actions\u200a\u2014\u200aan undertaking that requires a bipartisan Congressional investigation. I strongly support the establishment of a select committee, made up of Republicans and Democrats, to fully investigate Russia\u2019s attack on our democracy and to conduct public hearings on this issue. A Congressional investigation will also help ensure that the federal government develops a strategy to prevent similar attacks from occurring in the future.\nI take my responsibility to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States very seriously. That most certainly includes preventing foreign enemies from undermining the legitimacy of our country\u2019s democratic election process.\nThis Russian attack on our democracy demands a strong, swift, and sustained response by the White House and the Congress. With the future of our democracy at stake, I will do everything in my power to protect the freedom we enjoy as Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=BE4574D4-725A-4CE3-9EE5-106A510037E0", "Klobuchar, Ernst Bill to Cut Red Tape and Wait Times for Veterans Scheduling Appointments at VA Medical Facilities Passes Senate, Heads to President\u2019s Desk to be Signed into Law", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A June 2014 internal audit by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) found that more than 120,000 veterans waited at least 90 days for appointments for health care or never received appointments; other hospitals and health systems have developed technology to eliminate wait times and ensure that every available appointment is used \r\n Klobuchar, Ernst bipartisan bill would direct the Secretary of the VA to create a pilot program that will allow veterans to use available technology to self-schedule and confirm appointments for health care at VA medical facilities \r\n   WASHINGTON, DC\u2014 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) announced that their bipartisan bill that would establish a patient self-scheduling appointment system at Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities has passed the Senate and is headed to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. A June 2014 internal audit by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) found that more than 120,000 veterans waited at least 90 days for appointments for health care or never received appointments. Other hospitals and health systems are now leveraging technology to eliminate wait times and ensure that every available appointment is used. The bipartisan Faster Care for Veterans Act would direct the Secretary of the VA to commence a pilot program under which veterans could use the internet to schedule and confirm appointments for health care at VA medical facilities. \r\n\u201cExcessive wait times can put veterans\u2019 lives at risk, but state-of-the art technology that makes it easier to schedule appointments already exists and is being used in other hospital systems,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cOur veterans have earned the right to use the same technology to schedule their medical appointments without unnecessary red tape and delays. This bipartisan bill will take an important step forward in ensuring that our brave men and women who have sacrificed so much have access to the medical care they need and deserve.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe long wait times our veterans face are simply unacceptable,\u201d said Ernst. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation takes important steps towards modernizing the VA\u2019s scheduling process, adopting practices successfully used in the private sector to allow veterans to schedule and confirm their appointments online. I am pleased that my colleagues in both the Senate and the House have recognized the urgency in giving our veterans faster, hassle-free access to service. I urge the President to sign this bill into law as quickly as possible.\u201d\r\nUpon enactment of the Faster Care for Veterans Act, the VA would be required to commence an 18-month pilot program that would allow veterans to self-schedule, confirm, and modify outpatient and specialty care appointments in real time through the internet. This technology allows veterans to immediately schedule appointments canceled by other veterans and schedule appointments 24 hours per day, seven days per week.\r\nKlobuchar fought to include provisions in the FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requiring the Defense Department and the VA to report on steps they are taking to reduce the excessively-long backlog of disability evaluations. To help support the response to the crisis in veterans\u2019 access to health care, she cosponsored the VA Management Accountability Act of 2014, bipartisan legislation that would help bring accountability to the VA system and better serve veterans by allowing the VA to replace senior officials found responsible for mismanagement and mistreatment of veterans. A version of this legislation was included in the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act, which passed the Senate in July 2014 and was signed into law in August 2014, to improve oversight of the VA\u2019s health care system, increase available resources to hire more medical staff, and provide increased flexibility for veterans to seek care outside the VA system. Last month, the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act, bipartisan legislation she led with Senator John Thune (R-SD) to improve the Veteran Suicide Crisis Line (VCL) was signed into law by the President. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=E46A7167-97E9-4C9E-8A62-2A1D7210E789", "Klobuchar Priorities Pass Senate in Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill, Heads to President\u2019s Desk for Signature", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan bill includes Klobuchar\u2019s priorities to provide critical resources and funding to conserve and restore fish and wildlife populations in the Great Lakes; allocates priority funding from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for the Great Lakes Navigation System; and authorizes critical infrastructure assistance to address lead contamination of drinking water \r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that several of her key priorities have passed the Senate as part of the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act. The bipartisan bill, which now heads to the President\u2019s desk for his signature, includes Klobuchar\u2019s provision to provide critical resources and funding to conserve fish and wildlife populations in the Great Lakes, as well as allocating priority funding from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for the Great Lakes Navigation System, and authorizing critical infrastructure assistance to address lead contamination of drinking water, among others.\u201cOur 21st century economy demands 21st century infrastructure, and that requires investments in our waterways, like the all-important Great Lakes,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cThis bill supports water infrastructure projects that will boost our economy, restoration projects that will benefit our wildlife, and helps make sure that our children\u2019s drinking water is safe and free of lead. There\u2019s a lot that was good about this bill, but it wasn\u2019t perfect. I\u2019ll keep fighting to make sure we have a permanent extension of provisions to prioritize American workers when rebuilding our country\u2019s infrastructure.\u201dKlobuchar\u2019s priorities in the bipartisan water infrastructure bill agreement include:\r\n\u2022 Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act: The legislation, which Klobuchar introduced along with Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Mark Kirk (R-IL), reauthorizes the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act. Reforms in the bill will allow grant recipients to use the value of donated land and conservation easements as part of their non-federal cost share to improve fish and wildlife habitat in the Great Lakes region.\r\n\u2022 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Klobuchar\u2019s provision reauthorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative at $300 million a year for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021, for a total of $1.5 billion.\r\n\u2022 Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) for Great Lakes Ports: Klobuchar\u2019s provision makes permanent the allocation of 10 percent of priority funding from the HMTF for Great Lakes ports.\r\n\u2022 Lead Testing in School and Child Care Drinking Water Grant Program: Authorizes $20 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021, totaling $100 million, for grants to carry out a voluntary school and child care lead testing program.\r\nAs one of the vice-chairs of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, Klobuchar is a leading advocate for the protection of the Great Lakes. She has worked to bolster pollution clean-up efforts in the Great Lakes, prevent diversions of Great Lakes water out of the region, and establish new water conservation and environmental protection standards in the Great Lakes area. She has also fought to keep aquatic invasive species out of Minnesota\u2019s river and lakes, including authoring legislation to help fight the spread of invasive carp that was signed into law in 2014.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3589", "Sen. Franken Leads Senate Resolution that Questions U.S. Nuclear Arsenal Modernization Plans", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today,\u00a0U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) introduced a Senate resolution urging the President to ensure that the United States' nuclear arsenal modernization plans don't jeopardize critical national security priorities.The United States currently maintains a force of approximately 7,000 nuclear weapons and there is substantial controversy over whether the current modernization plan goes beyond assuring the nuclear deterrent is secure and reliable. The current plan was launched in a different budget era and current estimates state that the total cost for modernizing and maintaining the nuclear force may cost as much as $1 trillion over the next three decades. Numerous distinguished national security experts believe that this investment will significantly hamper the ability of the United States to respond to conventional and unconventional threats we may face.\"We need to do everything we can to make sure that our nuclear arsenal is safe, secure, and reliable,\"said Sen. Franken.\u00a0\"But if we don't reevaluate and modify current plans to modernize our nuclear weapons, we could end up wasting billions of taxpayer dollars and compromise our national security. My resolution urges the President to take action to ensure that the modernization\u00a0plan is focused on the safety, affordability, and reliability of the arsenal, \u00a0and doesn't jeopardize other economic and national security priorities.\"Sen. Franken's resolution-which is cosponsored by Sens. Sanders, Whitehouse, Warren, Markey, Merkley, Baldwin, Schatz, Wyden, Boxer, Leahy, Brown, and Murphy-calls\u00a0on the President to ensure the affordability and feasibility of the nuclear modernization plan. Further, his resolution calls for the President to prioritize programs that will retain the United States' nuclear deterrence needs while not jeopardizing other economic and security investments vital to maintaining a robust ability to respond to 21st\u00a0century threats.You can read the resolution here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=F9587C43-06B2-498F-AC47-EC0E5C2A1EFC", "Klobuchar, Bipartisan Group of Senators Call on President-elect Trump to Stand Against Russian Aggression, Support NATO and Ukrainian Sovereignty", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Almost three years after Russia\u2019s illegal annexation of Crimea and military aggression in eastern Ukraine, daily ceasefire violations along the line of contact make a mockery of the Minsk Agreement and demonstrate that this conflict in the heart of Europe is far from over\u00a0 \r\n In a letter to President-elect Trump, Klobuchar and a bipartisan group of senators call for increased political, economic, and military support for Ukraine\u00a0 \r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S Senator Amy Klobuchar and a bipartisan group of senators have called on President-elect Trump to stand against Russian aggression and support NATO and Ukrainian sovereignty. Almost three years after Russia\u2019s illegal annexation of Crimea and military aggression in eastern Ukraine, daily ceasefire violations along the line of contact make a mockery of the Minsk agreement and demonstrate that this conflict in the heart of Europe is far from over. In a letter to President-elect Trump, Klobuchar and a bipartisan group of senators called for increased political, economic, and military support for Ukraine.\r\n\r\n\u201cIn light of Russia\u2019s continued aggression and repeated refusal to respect Ukraine\u2019s territorial integrity and sovereign right to choose its own destiny, we also renew our call for the United States to increase political, economic, and military support for Ukraine,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cThis includes defensive lethal assistance as part of a broader effort to help Ukrainians better defend themselves, deter future aggression, and implement key structural reforms.\u00a0Similarly, we believe that Russia\u2019s illegal annexation of Crimea should never be accepted, nor should we lift sanctions imposed on Russia for its behavior in eastern Ukraine until key provisions of the Minsk Agreement are met.\u00a0Accordingly, U.S. leadership on maintaining such transatlantic sanctions should remain a priority.\u201d\r\n\r\nIn addition to Klobuchar, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Rob Portman (R-OH), John McCain (R-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Boozman (R-AR), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jim Risch (R-ID), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), James Inhofe (R-OK), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ).\r\n\r\nThe full text of the lawmakers\u2019 letter is below:\r\n\r\nDear President-elect Trump,\r\nAs Members and friends of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, advocates for a strong US-Ukrainian relationship, and backers of NATO, we write to convey strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States Senate.\u00a0 We look forward to working with you and your new administration to support our ally Ukraine and help it secure a peaceful and democratic future.\r\nAlmost three years after Russia\u2019s illegal annexation of Crimea and military aggression in eastern Ukraine, daily ceasefire violations along the line of contact make a mockery of the Minsk Agreement and demonstrate that this conflict in the heart of Europe is far from over.\u00a0 Russia has yet to withdraw its heavy weapons and continues its sabotage and subversion efforts.\u00a0 It has not halted its disinformation war against Ukraine and the West, nor stopped its economic and political pressure aimed at undermining the Ukrainian government.\u00a0 According to conservative estimates from the United Nations, approximately 10,000 people have been killed, over 20,000 wounded, and more than two million internally displaced since the conflict began.\u00a0 And, unfortunately, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) observers still do not have full, unimpeded access to the Ukrainian-Russian border while Russia continues to supply weapons, equipment, and personnel to the separatists.\r\nQuite simply, Russia has launched a military land-grab in Ukraine that is unprecedented in modern European history.\u00a0 These actions in Crimea and other areas of eastern Ukraine dangerously upend well-established diplomatic, legal, and security norms that the United States and its NATO allies painstakingly built over decades \u2013 a historically bipartisan global security framework that has greatly served US security and economic interests.\u00a0 We believe it is in our vital national security interest to uphold these norms and values, and prevent America\u2019s commitment to its allies and ideals from being called into question.\r\nIn light of Russia\u2019s continued aggression and repeated refusal to respect Ukraine\u2019s territorial integrity and sovereign right to choose its own destiny, we also renew our call for the United States to increase political, economic, and military support for Ukraine.\u00a0 This includes defensive lethal assistance as part of a broader effort to help Ukrainians better defend themselves, deter future aggression, and implement key structural reforms.\u00a0 Similarly, we believe that Russia\u2019s illegal annexation of Crimea should never be accepted, nor should we lift sanctions imposed on Russia for its behavior in eastern Ukraine until key provisions of the Minsk Agreement are met.\u00a0 Accordingly, US leadership on maintaining such transatlantic sanctions should remain a priority.\r\nWe look forward to continuing the tradition of bipartisan support for Ukraine in Congress, which has authorized meaningful assistance programs through the Ukraine Freedom Support Act, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, and other pieces of legislation.\u00a0 We stand ready to work with you and your new administration on strengthening the US-Ukrainian relationship and look forward to learning more about your plans to engage on this important issue.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-ellison-and-johnson-call-for-accountability-for-human-rights-abuses", "Reps. Ellison and Johnson Call for Accountability for Human Rights Abuses in Honduras", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Keith Ellison", "E000288", "ellison.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2013 Reps. Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Hank Johnson (D-GA), along with 27 Members of the House, sent a letter today to Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Treasury Jacob Lew expressing growing concern about human rights violations in Honduras. This letter coincides with the nine-month anniversary of Berta C\u00e1ceres\u2019s tragic murder.\nThe full text of the letter appears below, and the signed letter can be viewed here.\nDear Secretary Kerry and Secretary Lew:\nWe write to follow up on our letter of\u00a0March\u00a017,\u00a02016, signed by\u00a062 Members of Congress,\u00a0in which we expressed our\u00a0concerns regarding the murder\u00a0of Berta C\u00e1ceres -- the\u00a0internationally-renowned Honduran Indigenous rights advocate-- and regarding human rights and U.S. policy\u00a0in Honduras\u00a0more generally.\u00a0Since that\u00a0time,\u00a0our fears have only increased.\nWe are concerned that the Government of Honduras continues to unduly limit access to the investigation into the murder of Ms. C\u00e1ceras\u00a0and\u00a0shooting of Gustavo Castro,\u00a0a key witness who was shot along with Ms.\u00a0C\u00e1ceres.\u00a0Under Honduran law, victims and their families have the right\u00a0to actively participate in the prosecution of the case;\u00a0however, Ms.\u00a0C\u00e1ceres\u2019s investigative file remains\u00a0secret seven months later. This significantly constrains the family\u2019s legally guaranteed involvement in the case and limits its ability to advocate\u00a0for\u00a0a speedy prosecution of those implicated.\nWe are also alarmed that Honduran authorities were careless in handling the case file, as the file was allowed off government property and subsequently stolen. This raises further questions about the ability of Honduran authorities to manage Ms. C\u00e1ceres\u2019s case and impartially prosecute the case.\u00a0\nWe were pleased to learn that five\u00a0suspects were arrested in connection with Ms. C\u00e1ceres\u2019s murder in\u00a0May 2016 and a\u00a0sixth suspect was arrested in\u00a0September.\u00a0Those arrested include: a current employee of the hydroelectric dam development company DESA, the builder of the dam that\u00a0Ms.\u00a0C\u00e1ceres\u00a0and the Lenca\u00a0Indigenous\u00a0communities in Rio Blanco actively opposed;\u00a0an\u00a0active duty major in the Honduran military; and two former\u00a0members of the Honduran military, one of whom was also a former employee of DESA.\u00a0\nConcerns remain that authorities have not brought into custody those that allegedly masterminded Ms. C\u00e1ceres\u2019s murder, and authorities also did not seize relevant evidence during\u00a0searches of DESA headquarters.\u00a0On June 21st, the\u00a0Guardian\u00a0reported that a former soldier in a U.S.-funded Special Forces unit\u00a0recounted he had seen\u00a0Ms. C\u00e1ceres\u2019s name on a\u00a0death list allegedly belonging to the Honduran military. This, along with the identities of those previously arrested, suggests the involvement of high-ranking Honduran military figures in Ms. C\u00e1ceres\u2019s\u00a0assassination.\u00a0\u00a0\nWe welcome the November 14, 2016, announcement of the creation of the International Expert Advisory Panel (GAIPE), which was formed at the request of the C\u00e1ceres family with the support of COPINH and multiple civil society organizations. We hope that GAIPE can contribute to an impartial and independent examination of the pending criminal investigation. However, the GAIPE does not have access to information beyond that available to the family. In our March 2016 letter,\u00a0we\u00a0requested your assistance in\u00a0pressuring the Honduran government to\u00a0support an Inter-American Commission on Human Rights\u00a0(IACHR) -led independent\u00a0international investigation\u00a0of Ms. C\u00e1ceres\u2019s case. Despite offers of assistance from the IACHR, the Government of Honduras has not\u00a0allowed such an investigation to proceed nor has\u00a0the\u00a0State Department taken a clear\u00a0and public\u00a0position in\u00a0support\u00a0of an independent IACHR investigation.\u00a0We ask that you do\u00a0so immediately.\u00a0\nFurthermore,\u00a0violence against\u00a0rights activists continues.\u00a0COPINH activist Nelson\u00a0Garc\u00eda was killed in March 2016 and threats have forced his\u00a0family to flee Honduras.\u00a0In October 2016, Tom\u00e1s\u00a0G\u00f3mez Membre\u00f1o,\u00a0Ms.\u00a0C\u00e1ceres's\u00a0successor as the general coordinator of COPINH, and Alexander\u00a0Garc\u00eda,\u00a0a local\u00a0COPINH leader in\u00a0Llano Grande,\u00a0survived assassination attempts. Most recently, on\u00a0October 18, 2016, four masked men gunned down\u00a0two land reform advocates from the cooperative MUCA\u00a0in the\u00a0Agu\u00e1n\u00a0Valley -- an area where\u00a0over 150 land\u00a0rights advocates have been killed since 2009.\u00a0MUCA members are protected by the IACHR,\u00a0as was Ms. C\u00e1ceres, but\u00a0the Honduran government has not yet complied with the commission\u2019s protection order.\u00a0\nFinally, American taxpayer money should not be given to a government facing accusations of operating outside the rule of law and collaborating in targeted assassinations. We request\u00a0that the U.S. government immediately suspend all police and military aid to Honduras until these mounting human rights concerns are addressed. We were\u00a0disturbed\u00a0to learn that on September 30, 2016, the Department of State certified the\u00a0Honduran government had complied with\u00a0the human rights conditions placed on aid in the FY2016 Appropriations Act, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The Act's\u00a0requirements\u00a0for\u00a0aid included the protection of human rights defenders and other political activists, prosecution of security forces who have committed human rights abuses, and the removal of the military from internal policing. Violations of these and other threshold requirements for aid have not been adequately addressed.\u00a0We ask\u00a0for the Department of State to reconsider immediately its decision. In addition, we reiterate the concerns expressed in our March 2016 letter regarding the termination of the Agua\u00a0Zarca\u00a0dam and reconsideration of U.S. support for loans from multilateral development banks to Honduras.\u00a0\nIt is our hope that Ms.\u00a0C\u00e1ceres's\u00a0death will lead to greater justice for the Honduran people. We appreciate your assistance in the realization of that goal and the consideration of the above requests.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-remarks-opposition-five-month-continuing-resolution", "McCollum Remarks In Opposition to Five-Month Continuing Resolution", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor about her opposition to the FY2017 Continuing Resolution:\nMr. Speaker, once again this Congress has abandoned its responsibility to provide a full year appropriation. Months of hard work were thrown away, pushing important funding decisions down the road. \u00a0\nI\u2019ve heard from families and business leaders in my district who are worried about the uncertainty that continuing resolutions create in their daily lives. This is not a good way to govern and it is not good for our country.\nAs the Ranking Member of the Interior and Environment Subcommittee, I am disappointed that this bill only provides five months of funding for priorities like clean air, clean water, our national parks and our treaty obligations to tribal nations.\nWe need the security of full-year funding for hospitals and schools in Indian Country, management of our national forests and parks, and the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s monitoring of toxins that threaten the health of our families.\u00a0Instead, this legislation leaves these programs in jeopardy again in April.\nThis bill does take an important step to assist with the lead poisoning crisis in Flint, though it is less than what is needed and comes far too late.\nI also want to thank Chairman Calvert, as well as Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Lowey, for working with me to ensure that this bill does not contain any new policy riders that would impact the Interior and Environment Subcommittee\u2019s jurisdiction.\nMy biggest concern with this legislation is not Interior related, but instead involves a fundamental principle of our democracy.\nThe decision by Republican Leadership to include language that would limit a full public debate on the Senate confirmation of the nominee for Secretary of Defense is alarming.\u00a0\nCivilian control of our military has been a cornerstone of American Democracy since our country\u2019s founding. When the Secretary of Defense position was created in 1947, this principle was enshrined into law.\u00a0Only once in 69 years has a waiver been granted \u2014 and it was done under a fully transparent process.\nThis bill denies that same opportunity for a full hearing in Congress on the nomination of General James Mattis. That should be deeply concerning to all Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/mccollum-statement-national-park-service-centennial-act", "McCollum Statement on National Park Service Centennial Act", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Park Service Centennial Act.\u00a0 This year, our nation is celebrating the first one hundred years of what filmmaker Ken Burns so accurately labelled \u201cAmerica\u2019s best idea\u201d.\u00a0 With this legislation, we are helping to strengthen the National Park Service for its second century of serving visitors and conserving our national treasures.\nAmerica\u2019s National Parks are the best example of our commitment to preserve and celebrate the natural wonder and cultural heritage of the United States.\u00a0 It is our responsibility to ensure that future generations can have the same chance our families do to experience our national landscapes and history.\nThe Centennial Act will support that goal by building upon the public-private partnerships created by the extremely successful National Park Service\u2019s Centennial Challenge.\u00a0 Federal investments of $25 million over the past two years have been more than doubled by private investments. \u00a0These public-private collaborations provide an opportunity to reinvest in our parks and to re-engage with the hundreds of millions of visitors who come to our parks every year.\u00a0 In Minnesota\u2019s 4th District, the Centennial Challenge supported a vibrant new visitor center in the heart of St. Paul to connect families to an urban National Park: the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.\u00a0\nIn addition, the Centennial Act establishes an endowment for the National Park Service.\u00a0 The gifts and donations that go into the endowment will form a base of funding to address future park projects and needs. \u00a0This endowment fund will protect ancient landscapes and tell the ever evolving story of the American people and our nation.\u00a0 It will help to preserve the unique ecosystem within our oldest parks, like Yellowstone and Yosemite.\u00a0 It will demonstrate the diversity of the American dream at the newly created Stonewall and Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monuments.\nFor a century, the National Park Service has conserved our natural treasures, preserved our cultural heritage, offered unparalleled opportunities for recreation, and taught young and old alike about the history of our land and our people.\u00a0 This is an impressive legacy, and it is one we must build upon to keep our national parks a part of our national fabric for generations to come.\nThe National Park Service Centennial Act is an important step forward to protecting that legacy, and I urge all my colleagues to support it.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-statement-nomination-scott-pruitt-epa-administrator", "McCollum Statement on Nomination of Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), the Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency:\n\u201cPresident-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to put polluters\u2019 profits ahead of the health of our communities and the future of our planet. His nomination of Scott Pruitt as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is further proof that the Trump administration will cater to big polluters and the fossil fuel industry.\n\u201cThe Environmental Protection Agency plays a critical role as the watchdog for clean air, clean water, and public health. Unfortunately, Mr. Pruitt\u2019s record as Oklahoma Attorney General includes secretly colluding with energy industry lobbyists to fight important clean air and clean water rules, including those that address climate change. We must not allow this anti-environmental agenda to become the law of the land.\n\u201cWith the Pruitt nomination, President-elect Trump has shown once again that he cannot be trusted as a responsible steward of our environment. As the lead Democrat on the committee that funds the Environmental Protection Agency, I will keep fighting alongside all Americans who care about the health of our communities and the future of our planet.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=0C4829F4-8D6E-49BE-9FE8-E07E0B83AF80", "Klobuchar-Backed 21st Century CURES Act Includes Funding for Opioid Abuse Treatment and Prevention, Legislation Also Includes Her Anna Westin Act to Combat Eating Disorders", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan legislation contains $1 billion in funding for the treatment and prevention called for in Klobuchar\u2019s bipartisan bill to combat prescription drug abuse, which was signed into law earlier this year Legislation also includes Klobuchar\u2019s Anna Westin Act to help combat eating disorders, which builds on Paul Wellstone\u2019s mental health bill; Anna\u2019s mom Kitty lives in Minnesota and has been a national leader in advocating for passage of this legislation \r\n WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that the 21st Century CURES ACT, bipartisan legislation she has backed and which passed the Senate today, includes $1 billion in funding for the treatment and prevention called for in Klobuchar\u2019s bipartisan bill to combat prescription drug abuse, which was signed into law earlier this year. The bill also includes her Anna Westin Act legislation to combat eating disorders, which builds on Paul Wellstone\u2019s mental health bill, and contains nearly $5 billion in funding for research into cures for Alzheimer\u2019s, cancer, and other diseases. The bill now heads to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\r\n\u201cThe passage of this significant bipartisan legislation will move our country forward in the efforts to ensure treatment for addiction is attainable, mental health care is accessible, and cures for diseases are within reach,\" said Klobuchar.\r\nBuilding from Klobuchar's Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), which was signed into law this year, this legislation includes\u00a0$1 billion over two years for grants to states to supplement opioid abuse treatment and prevention activities.\r\n\"This year, I was one of four senators who led the major bipartisan legislation to combat the prescription drug abuse epidemic, and the CURES Act contains much-needed funding for the addiction treatment and prevention we called for in the original CARA bill,\u201d said Klobuchar.\r\nKlobuchar also successfully included the\u00a0Anna Westin Act, which would increase training and education on eating disorders and ensure parity for insurance coverage of residential treatment of eating disorders.\u00a0\r\n\u201cOf much significance, this bill includes the Anna Westin Act, bipartisan eating disorder legislation I have led for many years,\" Klobuchar said.\u00a0\"Anna's mom, Kitty, lives in Minnesota and has been a national leader in the effort to combat eating disorders. This legislation, which builds on the Paul Wellstone mental health bill, will help the millions of Americans suffering from eating disorders get the help they need.\"\r\nThe CURES Act also includes\u00a0 \u00a0$4.8 billion over 10 years for the National Institutes of Health to help fund Vice President Biden\u2019s Cancer Moonshot Initiative; the Precision Medicine Initiative to spur research into the genetic, lifestyle, and environmental variations of disease; and the BRAIN Initiative to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s.\r\n\u201cThe NIH funding contained in the CURES Act could also lead to the next breakthroughs in the battles against Alzheimer\u2019s and cancer. It is very important to research at the Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota, Hormel Institute, and other facilities in Minnesota,\u201d Klobuchar said.\u00a0\r\nKlobuchar also fought to remove a provision from the legislation that would have weakened her Physician Payments Sunshine Act of 2009, which\u00a0requires the disclosure of payments from drug and medical device companies to medical personnel.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI am also pleased that after much effort and communication with both the House and the White House, we got the original House provision stripped from the bill that would have weakened the disclosure of payments from drug companies and medical device companies to medical personnel,\" said Klobuchar.\u00a0\"I was one of the original sponsors of the Sunshine Act that passed in 2010.\"\r\nFinally, a leader in the fight to lower the costs of prescription drugs, Klobuchar joined with Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Mike Lee (R-UT) to introduce the Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples (CREATES) Act as an amendment to the bill. The CREATES Act would deter pharmaceutical companies from blocking cheaper generic alternatives from entering the marketplace. \r\n\u201cMoving forward, I will continue to fight for Congress to pass my bills to bring down the rising costs of prescription drugs, which are impacting families across Minnesota and our country and urgently need to be addressed,\u201d said Klobuchar.\u00a0\r\nAs a former Hennepin County Attorney, Klobuchar has long led local and national efforts to curb drug abuse and help people overcome addiction. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), which Klobuchar introduced with a bipartisan group of four senators, was signed into law by the President in July. The legislation would encourage states and local communities to pursue a full array of proven strategies in the fight against addiction.The Anna Westin Act was named in honor of Anna Westin of Chaska, Minnesota, who was diagnosed with anorexia when she was 16-years-old. After completing her sophomore year at the University of Oregon, Anna\u2019s health was deteriorating quickly \u2013 facing liver malfunction and dangerously low body temperatures and blood pressure. Despite the urgency of her condition, her family was informed that they had to wait until their insurance company \u2018certified\u2019 Anna\u2019s treatment, ultimately delaying and limiting the treatment Anna received. After struggling with the disease for five years, Anna committed suicide at the age of 21.\r\nKlobuchar has been a long-standing leader in ensuring that all Americans have access to the mental health services they need. She was a cosponsor of the\u00a0Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act that was signed into law in October 2008. The law requires health insurance companies to provide equal coverage of both mental and physical health issues. Klobuchar pushed hard for final regulations for this law, which were issued in December 2013.\u00a0\r\nKlobuchar is a leader on combating Alzheimer\u2019s disease. In June, Klobuchar and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced legislation to expand training and support services for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer\u2019s disease and related dementias. She has also consistently pushed her colleagues to support additional funding for Alzheimer\u2019s research to help increase treatments and find a cure. In January, Klobuchar and Collins led a letter calling on President Obama to increase our nation\u2019s funding for Alzheimer\u2019s research as part of his fiscal year (FY) 2017 budget request. Last year, Klobuchar introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution declaring that the goal of preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer's by 2025 is an \"urgent national priority.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=24739C5E-6DB5-4377-9AA2-615EF56C851A", "Klobuchar Statement on Pfizer\u2019s 2600% Price Hike on Anti-Epilepsy Drug in United Kingdom", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar released the following statement today on Pfizer\u2019s 2600% price hike on its anti-epilepsy drug in the United Kingdom: \u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cThis proves yet again that pharmaceutical companies are misleading regulators around the world,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cIn the United States, Mylan Pharmaceuticals announced that it reached an agreement with the Department of Justice regarding a misclassification of the EpiPen through the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, which cost states and the federal government millions, maybe more. In the United Kingdom, Pfizer \u2013 a U.S. company \u2013 classified its anti-epilepsy drug as a generic to overcharge the government there. We need to crackdown on these practices that drive down competition and drive up costs for consumers worldwide.\u201d\r\n Klobuchar has been a national leader in the effort to bring down the costs of prescription drugs. In November, Klobuchar called on Mylan to reimburse the Department of Defense (DoD) for past overpayments for the EpiPen Auto-Injector. Mylan\u2019s misclassification of the EpiPen as a \u201cnon-innovator multiple source drug\u201d led the DoD to pay exorbitant rates for the drug at retail pharmacies. Klobuchar has also called on the Department of Justice to consider investigating whether Mylan Pharmaceuticals violated the law when it apparently misclassified its EpiPen product in order to pay a lower rebate to states and reap huge profits at the expense of taxpayers. She has also called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to answer questions about its approval process and other steps for alternatives to the EpiPen.\r\n\r\nIn August, Klobuchar wrote to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to call on the agency to provide information on the effect of Mylan\u2019s price increases on government prescription drug costs, asking specifically why EpiPen was classified as a generic drug under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. Following these efforts, CMS found that Mylan had misclassified the EpiPen as a \u201cnon-innovator multiple source drug,\u201d or generic drug, resulting in overpayment for the drug by states and the federal government through the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. Klobuchar has also urged the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a nationwide investigation to see how many other drugs are also misclassified.\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=7BD745E8-475C-4BE4-9C6A-A0D699CD618C", "Klobuchar Presses for Answers on the Impact of the Proposed AT&T-Time Warner Transaction on Consumers and Competition During Antitrust Subcommittee Hearing", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AT&T\u2019s acquisition of Time Warner would combine one of the world\u2019s largest wireless, cable, and broadband providers with one of the world\u2019s largest media and entertainment companies\u00a0 \r\n Klobuchar examined the acquisition\u2019s effect on independent content providers, possible harm to consumers, and the effectiveness of conditions that would remedy concerns over the merger \r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today pressed for answers on the impact of the proposed AT&T-Time Warner transaction on consumers and competition during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition, and Consumer Rights hearing. AT&T\u2019s acquisition of Time Warner would combine one of the world\u2019s largest wireless, cable, and broadband providers with one of the world\u2019s largest media and entertainment companies. Klobuchar, the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition, and Consumer Rights, examined the acquisition\u2019s effect on independent content providers, possible harm to consumers, and the effectiveness of conditions that would remedy concerns over the merger.\r\n\u201cWe want to bring cable prices down for consumers, and we want to promote competition that drives innovation. So the question becomes, does the ATT-Time Warner merger help or hurt with this?\u201d Klobuchar said following the hearing. \u201cI think the answer is that it depends on whether promises are kept. Under oath, the CEOs said that they would bring prices down and that they would not discriminate against independent providers. Those were important statements, and that\u2019s why have these hearings, so that we can continue to hold all parties accountable.\u201d \u00a0\r\nFor a broadcast-quality video excerpt of Klobuchar\u2019s opening remarks, click here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-nolan-and-bustos-lead-charge-to-protect-pensions-from-back-room", "Kaptur, Nolan and Bustos Lead Charge to Protect Pensions from Back Room, Last Minute Budget Moves", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Reps. Marcy Kaptur, Rick Nolan and Cheri Bustos were joined by 38 of their colleagues in urging House Leadership to reject any proposal attacking the hard-earned pension benefits of retirees and workers added as a rider to any end-of-year legislation.\nFollowing the letter\u2019s release, Congresswoman Kaptur had the following to say, \u201cWithout an open, thorough discussion on Chairman Kline\u2019s composite pension proposal, we risk another round of serious cuts to worker and retirees earned pensions. This election highlighted how working-class Americans feel defenseless to Washington\u2019s backroom deal-making, which consistently leaves them shouldering the burden of bad policy decisions. America\u2019s workers deserve more from their elected representatives and it starts with the ability to hold Members accountable for votes. Pension reform must pass through the House in Regular Order, not as a rider to must pass legislation.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cPassing a proposal of this nature in the dead-of-night would be disastrous for working people across the Nation,\u201d Nolan said. \u201cWe cannot allow a repeat of the 2014 funding bill, when the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act (MPRA) was added to the \u2018Cromnibus\u2019 at the last minute without an independent vote. And we owe it to the American people to follow the process of Regular Order, just as Speaker Ryan promised after being elected Speaker.\u201d\n\u201cThe American people are tired of Washington back-room deals that stack the deck for special interests against working families,\u201d Bustos said. \u201cWe owe the people we serve a transparent process and the opportunity to review any proposal submitted before Congress. Rushing a serious proposal like this through the legislative process without a proper debate would be a disservice to the hard-working men and women that have earned these benefits throughout their career.\u201d\nThe lawmakers urged House Leadership to reject House Education and Workforce Chairman John Kline\u2019s draft composite pension proposal unless further legislative debate and analysis occurs. The proposal would allow healthy multiemployer plans with secure and adequate benefits to transition to two plans: a \u201clegacy plan\u201d that allows employers to make smaller yearly contributions than the original plan and a new \u201ccomposite plan\u201d that makes no binding promises to workers and retirees.\nThe full text of the letter is available below:\nThe Honorable Paul D. Ryan  \n\tSpeaker  \n\tU.S. House of Representatives  \n\tWashington, DC 20515\nThe Honorable Kevin McCarthy  \n\tMajority Leader  \n\tU.S. House of Representatives  \n\tWashington, DC 20515\nThe Honorable Nancy Pelosi  \n\tMinority Leader  \n\tU.S. House of Representatives  \n\tWashington, DC 20515\nThe Honorable Steny Hoyer  \n\tMinority Whip  \n\tU.S. House of Representatives  \n\tWashington, DC 20515\nDear Speaker Ryan, Majority Leader McCarthy, Minority Leader Pelosi, and Minority Whip Hoyer,\nWe write to express grave concern over the possible inclusion of pension reform legislation to \u201cmodernize multiemployer pensions\u201d in any must-pass, end-of-year legislative vehicle, particularly a budgetary continuing resolution. Just two years ago, at the last minute and behind closed doors, a similar negotiation unfolded and resulted in the inclusion of the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act (MPRA) in the 2014 Cromnibus. We are deeply troubled to hear this may happen again with pension legislation that would have significant consequences to American workers and retirees.\nIn September 2016, House Education & Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline revealed a discussion draft and held one hearing on a \u201cDiscussion Draft to Modernize Multiemployer Pensions,\u201d which would change funding rules for pension plans to allow the creation of \u201ccomposite\u201d multiemployer plans. The composite plans would combine elements of defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. Although we commend Chairman Kline for his commitment and desire to address the looming challenges of retirement security in America, to include this proposal in must-pass legislation without a formal introduction, in addition to no Committee markup, floor debate, or independent floor vote, is unacceptable. On such critical life issues as retirement and financial security, we seek to be involved in the creation of the legislative proposal and engage in a transparent debate through regular process.\u00a0\nWe are in full agreement that Congress must address the multiemployer retirement savings crisis and that tough choices will likely be required. However, we cannot blindly accept a proposal that has been through almost zero regular order and which permits employers and pension funds to transition to new plans that may put existing \u201clegacy\u201d plans that already face funding challenges at greater risk.\nAlthough Chairman Kline assures his proposal is good for employers, workers, retirees, and taxpayers, the current circumstances multiemployer pension funds in America face is a zero-sum situation and a result of circumstances beyond the control of workers and retirees. Again, as we saw with MPRA, retirees are asked to bear the brunt of this policy\u2019s proposals, with almost no input. Concerns[1] have already arisen that his new proposal provides inadequate funding for new composite plans and will weaken the funding base for existing plans. The proposal will not only put retirees\u2019 pensions at risk, but will reduce premium payments and add significant new liabilities to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation\u2019s already underfunded multiemployer insurance program.\nFollowing the unacceptable inclusion of MPRA in the 2014 Cromnibus deal, we continue to hear extensively from constituent retirees whose retirement security is at stake. These hardworking Americans deserve a fair, thorough and open legislative process where their interests are weighed and heard. Given the limited time since Chairman Kline unveiled his proposal and its subsequent limited review and process, we firmly assert that its inclusion in any must-pass legislation is intolerable.\nThank you for your consideration of our request.\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-and-walz-team-up-to-protect-funding-for-rural-counties-and-schools", "Nolan and Walz Team Up to Protect Funding for Rural Counties and Schools", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Reps. Rick Nolan and Tim Walz today urged leadership of the Committee on Appropriations to include urgent stopgap funding for the Secure Rural School and Self Determination (SRS) program in the anticipated Continuing Resolution which sets funding levels for the federal government. The SRS program provides compensation to rural counties with tax-exempt federal lands in their jurisdiction to go towards the funding of local school systems, law enforcement and transportation infrastructure.\n\u201cOur District receives $2.3 million in funding from this important program, which is crucial for our rural communities,\u201d Nolan said. \u201cOur rural economy here in Minnesota depends on strong county and school systems. The fact is these programs represent a compact between the federal government and state and local governments that must be honored.\u00a0 There is no reason for any uncertainty going forward.\n\u201cEnsuring that rural schools have access to funding is critical for our local economies to thrive,\u201d said Rep. Walz. \u201cDoing so is the cornerstone to building strong high-tech agriculture and manufacturing jobs in our region. Students should have opportunity regardless of where they live. Rep. Nolan and I ask the Appropriations Committee to work on behalf of students in rural areas.\u201d\nThe latest short-term reauthorization of the SRS program expired after fiscal year 2016 payments \u2013 barring reauthorization, counties and schools will miss out on this crucial funding stream.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-urges-president-elect-trump-to-join-him-in-effort-to-rebuild", "Nolan Urges President-Elect Trump to Join Him in Effort to Rebuild Americas Infrastructure with American-Made Products & Steel", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[WASHINGTON D.C.] U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan today urged President-Elect Donald Trump to join him in his unequivocal support of the use of exclusively American-made products in all U.S. infrastructure projects.\n\u201cIn my District, nearly 1,000 Iron Range miners are out of work, along with thousands more steelworkers across the Nation because China and other countries are allowed to illegally dump millions of tons of low grade, cheap foreign government-subsidized steel into our marketplace,\u201d Nolan said in his letter to the President-Elect. \u201cThere is no better way to protect American jobs and boost our Nation\u2019s economy than to expand investment in our infrastructure, impose high tariffs and countervailing duties on cheater nations, and fortify \u2018Buy America\u2019 requirements.\u201d\nNolan has been successful in persuading the Obama Administration to impose cripplingly high tariffs on foreign steel, effectively curtailing the flood of low grade, cheap foreign government-subsidized steel into the United States. He also introduced the American Pipeline Jobs and Safety Act, which requires that all energy pipelines built and federally permitted in the United States contain 100 percent American steel \u2013 and iron ore that is mined, processed or reprocessed in America. He plans to reintroduce this legislation in the 115th Congress.\n\u00a0\nThe full text of the letter is below:\nDecember 6, 2016\n  \n\tPresident Elect Donald J. Trump  \n\tTrump Tower  \n\t725 5th Avenue  \n\tNew York, NY 10022\n  \n\tDear Mr. President-Elect Trump,\nAs a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and a vocal advocate of rebuilding and investing in our Nation\u2019s infrastructure, I look forward to working with you to find a bipartisan, sensible way to fix our infrastructure crisis and create American jobs with living wages. As you know, our Nation\u2019s roads are crumbling, our bridges are collapsing, trains are running off the tracks and our pipelines are cracking, causing them to spill tons of hazardous materials into our water supply. Additionally, our water infrastructure is corroding, causing toxins in our drinking water to harm children\u2019s developing young brains. Unfortunately, we have become a Nation of reaction and rely on public disasters \u2013 such as the Flint, Michigan incident, or the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Amtrak derailment \u2013 to address areas where our country is in dire need. It is time we become a proactive Nation and finally put this era of neglect to an end.\nAccording to the Nation\u2019s civil engineers as well as the Alliance for American Manufacturing, the United States Chamber of Commerce, and our Nation\u2019s major unions, we must invest $1 trillion in our infrastructure. These investments will modernize our economy and create 13 million good paying jobs in the process. Additionally, a serious investment plan will \u00a0reinvigorate our Nation\u2019s transportation and manufacturing sectors, both of which have a history of spurring significant economic and job growth.\nDuring your Presidential Campaign, you promised the American public you will ensure America\u2019s businesses and jobs will stay in the United States and not be sent overseas. I commend you for making that commitment and encourage you to live up to that promise during your presidency.\nOne way to boost American industry is to strengthen and aggressively enforce our Nation\u2019s \u201cBuy America\u201d laws by ensuring that transportation infrastructure projects are built with American-made products. I am a firm believer that if we are utilizing American taxpayer money to perform such improvement projects, we ought to buy American-made goods and services to implement them. There are far too many projects and initiatives across the country that are being completed with overreliance on foreign-made supplies, a trend that harms our economy and kills jobs.\nFor example, in my District, nearly 1,000 Iron Range miners are out of work, along with thousands more steelworkers across the Nation because China and other countries are allowed to illegally dump millions of tons of low grade, cheap foreign government-subsidized steel into our marketplace. While we have been successful in curtailing this flow with high tariffs and countervailing duties, there is additional work to be done. To assist in these efforts, I introduced the American Pipeline Jobs and Safety Act, which requires that all energy pipelines built and federally permitted in the United States contain 100 percent American steel \u2013 and iron ore that is mined, processed or reprocessed in America. I plan to reintroduce this legislation in the 115th Congress.\nThere is no better way to protect American jobs and boost our Nation\u2019s economy than to expand investment in our infrastructure, impose high tariffs and countervailing duties on cheater nations, and fortify \u201cBuy America\u201d requirements. I look forward to working with you to achieve these commonsense objectives for the good of the American people and our nation.\nThank you for your time and attention to this matter.\n\u00a0\nSincerely,\n  \n\tRichard M. Nolan\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walz-ellison-nolan-call-for-emergency-tax-relief-for-minnesota-consumers", "Walz, Ellison & Nolan Call for Emergency Tax Relief for Minnesota Consumers Buying Health Insurance on Individual Market", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Tim Walz", "W000799", "walz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mankato, MN \u2013 Today, Representatives Tim Walz (MN-01), Keith Ellison (MN-05) and Rick Nolan (MN-08) sent a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi urging that Fiscal Year 2017 federal funding legislation, which must pass by December 9, provides targeted emergency tax relief for the hardworking Americans hit by health insurance premium increases on the individual market.\nThe request was made following reports that Minnesotans face premium increases for coverage in the individual market, with rate hikes averaging from 50% to 67% starting next year. The letter asks congressional leadership of both parties to address this hardship by extending federal tax relief to the two percent of Minnesotans who are not eligible for existing federal tax credits.\nThough more Minnesotans have coverage now than ever before, the population in the individual market includes many Americans who were uninsured for years. Many of these individuals are less healthy than the average American and require more expensive coverage. Others in the individual market are farmers, small business owners, or retirees who do not yet qualify for Medicare. These individuals have unique income structures that make them ineligible for tax credits but unable to afford the cost of premiums.\nWhile policymakers work toward agreeing upon a permanent bipartisan fix for the problems in the individual market, the proposed federal tax relief aims to help Americans afford the cost of their premiums in 2017.\n\u201cThe urgency of this crisis cannot be overstated,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cAny emergency tax relief should be targeted to help any consumer who cannot afford their individual insurance policy premium, regardless of whether they purchase the coverage through their state exchange (e.g., MNsure) or the federal exchange. This will help foster the robust, competitive market we need in order to provide these constituents with affordable, comprehensive and quality care.\u201d\nMinnesotans began signing up for their 2017 health insurance on November 1.\u00a0 Rate increases are set to go into effect on January 1, 2017.\n\u201cAs we continue to push for solutions in Congress, the state legislature is in a position to provide more immediate relief to this small group of Minnesotans,\u201d Rep. Walz added. \u201cI applaud state leaders for outlining specific plans for Minnesotans, including Governor Dayton\u2019s premium rebate proposal, and I am hopeful state lawmakers will act. I believe the proposal we outline today for federal emergency action can complement actions being considered by our state.\u201d\nTo read the full letter calling on House leadership to provide relief for Minnesotans facing excessive premium increases, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-statement-disclosure-pentagon-cost-savings-report", "McCollum Statement on Disclosure of Pentagon Cost Savings Report", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after the Washington Post reported that the Department of Defense discovered $125 billion in potential cost savings and then suppressed the disclosure of that information:\n\u201cIt is absolutely outrageous that the Defense Department discovered massive potential cost savings, refused to take action on them, and actually hid their findings from Congress.\n\u201cHouse Republicans, who have wasted so much time and money on politically-motivated inquiries, should open an immediate investigation into cost savings and financial transparency at the Pentagon. A comprehensive Congressional review will help ensure that future reports on potential cost savings are subject to a full public discussion.\n\u201cOn the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I will keep asking the tough questions about Defense Department spending. Given the findings of this report on the scope for cost savings at the Pentagon, I continue to strongly oppose President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s proposals for large overall increases in defense spending at the expense of important domestic priorities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3583", "Klobuchar, Franken, and Bipartisan Group of Senators Urge the International Trade Commission to Provide American Steel Plate Manufacturers Relief from Dumped and Subsidized Imports", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In 2015 alone, the domestic industry estimates that 1.2 million tons of unfairly traded imports, worth $850 million, entered the U.S. market; As of last year, U.S. producers were utilizing only 66 percent of their capacity, with U.S. plate production falling by nearly 20 percent in 2015In a letter to Chairman Williamson, Klobuchar, Franken, and members of the bipartisan U.S. Senate Steel Caucus urged the International Trade Commission to fully implement the Leveling the Playing Field Act and consider a comprehensive list of factors in the Commission's injury determination to provide relief for U.S. industries that have been harmed by unfairly traded imports\nSenators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with a bipartisan group of senators, have urged the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) to provide American steel plate manufacturers relief from dumped and subsidized imports. In 2015 alone, the domestic industry estimated that 1.2 million tons of unfairly traded imports, worth $850 million, entered the U.S. market. As of last year, U.S. producers were utilizing only 66 percent of their capacity, with U.S. plate production falling by nearly 20 percent in 2015. In a letter to Chairman Williamson, Klobuchar, Franken, and members of the bipartisan U.S. Senate Steel Caucus urged USITC to fully implement the Leveling the Playing Field Act and consider a comprehensive list of factors in the Commission's injury determination to provide relief for U.S. industries that have been harmed by unfairly traded imports.\"We write to express our concern about unfairly dumped and subsidized carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate imports that are harming U.S. producers.\u00a0 As you conduct investigations into the impact of these imports on American manufacturers, we urge you to fully implement the Leveling the Playing Field Act (Title V of P.L. 1 14-27) and consider a comprehensive list of factors in the Commission's injury determinations,\" the lawmakers wrote. \"We appreciate the Commission's role in ensuring that U.S. producers of hot-rolled, coldrolled, and corrosion-resistant steel obtained the relief they needed from dumped and subsidized imports.\u00a0 We ask you to ensure that the same relief is extended to U.S. steel plate manufacturers.\"In addition to Klobuchar and Franken, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Richard Durbin (D-IL), John Boozman (R-AR), Bob Casey (D-PA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).In February, after efforts from Klobuchar and Franken, the Administration announced new actions to combat steel dumping. The actions included new Customs and Border Patrol personnel to enforce our trade laws, stepped up inspections of steel imports at our ports of entry, and increased personnel at the Commerce Department to help ensure tariffs are enforced against those who dump steel in the U.S. The president also signed legislation that provides additional tools to more aggressively enforce anti-dumping provisions under existing federal law.Klobuchar and Franken have been leaders in efforts to fight foreign steel dumping and provide support for U.S. steelworkers and miners affected by layoffs. Klobuchar and Franken have introduced legislation to crack down on illegal steel dumping by strengthening trade enforcement. Following consistent pressure from the lawmakers last year, USITC voted to impose penalties on Mexican, Turkish, and Korean companies dumping steel in the U.S. They also sent a letter with Representative Rick Nolan to successfully urge the U.S. Department of Labor to expedite approval of TAA petitions submitted by workers from the affected mining operations.The full text of the lawmakers' letter is below:Dear Chairman Williamson:We write to express our concern about unfairly dumped and subsidized carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate imports that are harming U.S. producers.\u00a0 As you conduct investigations into the impact of these imports on American manufacturers, we urge you to fully implement the Leveling the Playing Field Act (Title V of P.L. 1 14-27) and consider a comprehensive list of factors in the Commission's injury determinations.Imports of steel plate have skyrocketed in recent years.\u00a0 Between 2013 and 2015, they surged by 100 percent.\u00a0 In 2015 alone, the domestic industry estimates that 1.2 million tons of unfairly traded imports, worth $850 million, entered the U.S. market.\u00a0 These imports have taken their toll, and U.S. producers were forced to file antidumping and countervailing duty cases in April of this year.As of last year, U.S. producers were utilizing only 66 percent of their capacity, with U.S. plate production falling by nearly 20 percent in 2015.\u00a0 U.S. plate producers' sales dropped by more than one million tons.\u00a0 At the same time, the U.S. plate industry's operating income fell by over 90 percent.\u00a0 As a result, more than 200 workers were laid off in 2015. Even where workers have been able to keep their jobs, hourly wages have been reduced significantly.The Leveling the Playing Field Act expanded the factors to be considered by the Commission in an injury evaluation to ensure that our trade remedy laws provide relief for U.S. industries that have been harmed by unfairly traded imports.\u00a0 Specifically, Section 503 of the law includes among the factors the ITC must consider, any declines in output, sales, profits, and utilization of capacity.\u00a0 We urge you to incorporate analysis of these factors into your evaluation and to ensure your determination reflects the injury incurred by domestic steel plate producers.We appreciate the Commission's role in ensuring that U.S. producers of hot-rolled, coldrolled, and corrosion-resistant steel obtained the relief they needed from dumped and subsidized imports.\u00a0 We ask you to ensure that the same relief is extended to U.S. steel plate manufacturers.Thank you for your consideration of this letter.\nSincerely,\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ellison-statement-on-dakota-access-pipeline-decision", "Rep. Ellison Statement on Dakota Access Pipeline Decision", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Keith Ellison", "E000288", "ellison.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cAfter months of protests, I\u2019m inspired by this victory by thousands of indigenous activists and Water Protectors, and millions of Americans who support them.\u00a0\n\u201cThis is a victory for all people who fight for social justice. And it is a victory won by the power of peaceful protest - a reminder of what people can do when they stand up and organize.\n\u201cWe use environmental impact statements to understand how key projects will impact our environment and communities. I hope that Energy Transfer Partners, and most importantly, the next Administration, recognize the concerns raised by the Standing Rock Tribe.\u00a0\n\"I also want to acknowledge that the responsibility for this project falls on the Energy Transfer board room, not the workers who are simply trying to do their jobs. Working Americans need our support as well. That\u2019s why I support a broad infrastructure package that creates good jobs for millions of American workers.\u00a0\n\u201cWe have a responsibility to respect the sovereignty of the Standing Rock Tribe, and to ensure their voices are heard. And we must ensure that the millions of people who depend on the Missouri and Cannonball rivers have access to clean water. As the Water Protectors at Standing Rock remind us every day: Water Is Life.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-applauds-us-army-corps-engineers-decision-dakota-access-pipeline", "McCollum Applauds U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Decision on Dakota Access Pipeline", "2016-12-04", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus, released the following statement after the United States Army Corps of Engineers announced that it is denying the easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline and requiring a full environmental impact statement for the project:\n\"I applaud the Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 decision to conduct a more thorough review of the route of the Dakota Access Pipeline. A full environmental impact statement will appropriately consider the significant environmental and cultural concerns raised by the Standing Rock Sioux. Today's decision also makes clear that it is in the best interest of all parties to explore new routes that safeguard the environment and protect tribal sovereignty.\n\u201cAs the review takes place, I urge the United States Department of Justice to continue to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and the State of North Dakota to ensure that well-being, safety, and constitutional rights of protesters at Standing Rock are protected.\n\u201cPresident Obama's respect for the sovereignty and traditions of the Standing Rock Sioux and all tribal nations has been a hallmark of his administration. I applaud the ongoing efforts of the Department of the Interior and the Department of Justice to fully consult with tribal leaders in North Dakota and across Indian Country.\"\nIn September, Congresswoman McCollum led 18 Democratic Members of Congress urging the Obama administration to undertake greater consultation with the Standing Rock Sioux on the Dakota Access Pipeline. Last week, Congresswoman McCollum joined Congressman Ron Kind (D-Wisc.) urging Attorney General Loretta Lynch to prioritize the health, safety, and constitutional rights of the protestors at Standing Rock.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-11232016", "Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 11/23/2016", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kittson County\nDear Friends,\nAs we celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow, let us remember to be thankful for our families, friends, and those who help bring food to our tables. This week, I joined the Minnesota Farmers Union and the Minnesota Farm Bureau at their annual conventions to thank them for their continuing advocacy for Minnesota farmers. I also welcomed the Minnesota State Cattlemen\u2019s Association and Minnesota Milk Producers Association to my Detroit Lakes office to discuss their important roles in our state\u2019s agriculture economy.\nSincerely,    Congressman Collin C. Peterson  Minnesota 7th District\n Minnesota Farmers Union and Minnesota Farm Bureau \nI joined both the Minnesota Farm Bureau and the Minnesota Farmers Union in their annual state conventions this weekend. Each year, both of these advocacy organizations convene to discuss the issues most important to the agricultural community and their goals in developing our rural economy. As we begin gearing up for the next Farm Bill, I look forward to working with these committed groups to ensure we protect and expand opportunities for our farmers.\n Minnesota State Cattlemen\u2019s Association \nOn Tuesday, I met with Tim Nolte of the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association, and with other members via conference call (due to the weather) to discuss a variety of issues, including the Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration rule and wolves. While there is a lot of uncertainty in agriculture on what will happen with the outgoing and incoming Administrations, I will keep working to address the issues important to my constituents.\n Minnesota Milk Producers Association \n  Mark & Kristine Spadgenske of Menahga, Pat Lunemann of Clarissa, and Lucas Sjostrom of Brooton\nOn Tuesday, I met with members of the Minnesota Milk Producers Association who stopped in my Detroit Lakes office to visit about issues related to the dairy industry. In the meeting we discussed the importance of strengthening the risk management tools that dairy producers rely on to get through tough times and the challenges we face in the upcoming Farm Bill.\n Newsstand \n Thanksgiving Day Turkey Questions? \nEach Thanksgiving, Americans will consume 46 million turkeys. This year the U.S. Department of Agriculture will host a Meat & Poultry Hotline from 8am-2pm EST to answer any questions you have about your Turkey-Day meal. Call at 1-888-674-6854 or check out their fact sheet.\n Minnesota State Parks \nLt. Governor Tina Smith announced that Minnesota state parks will be open for free this Friday. Fees at each of Minnesota\u2019s 75 state parks will be waived so your family can enjoy the outdoors this Thanksgiving.\n Capitol Dome Successfully Restored \nThe first comprehensive\u00a0restoration\u00a0of the Capitol Dome in more than half a century is now complete.\u00a0\nArchitect of the Capitol, Stephen T. Ayers had this message about the Capitol Dome Restoration Project, \u201cThe Dome was in dire need of repair and with the help and leadership of Congress, we repaired more than 1,300 cracks and deficiencies in the cast iron. We repaired or recast intricate ornaments, gutters and balustrades. The team used both innovative technology and historical tradecrafts to repair the Dome. Our work revealed and preserved exquisite craftsmanship that went into the construction of the Dome. We removed hazardous materials, upgraded electrical and mechanical systems and finally, repainted the Rotunda and the Dome.\u201d\nSee the sights and hear the sounds from this large-scale restoration.\u00a0\n This Week in American History \nOn November 24, 1859 the famous architect Cass Gilbert was born. After growing up in St. Paul, he would go on to design the Minnesota State Capitol building and many other influential landmarks, including the U.S. Supreme Court Building and the Woolworth Building in Manhattan.\n Spotted in the Seventh \nCan YOU guess what was Spotted in the Seventh? Each week, the newsletter will feature a landmark or site somewhere in Western Minnesota. The first person to name the location wins! The location of the photo as well as the winner will be revealed in the next newsletter.\nThis week\u2019s landmark is a historic state hospital that opened in 1890\u2026\nCongratulations to Stephen Nagle of Erhard for being the first to correctly identify our last location as the Red Lake Governmental Center!\nShare your guess on our website \u2013 http://collinpeterson.house.gov/contact-me/spotted-seventh\n  \u201cTimeless\u201d  Paige Janorschke (LITCHFIELD)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-1222016-0", "Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/2/2016", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Pipestone County\nDear Friends,\nThe House passed several important pieces of legislation this week, including the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act and the 21st Century Cures Act, both comprehensive bills that benefit many Americans. I welcomed representatives of the National Milk Producers Federation and Alexandria Police Department Captain Scott Kent to my office to discuss upcoming legislation. I also paid tribute to USDA Secretary Vilsack at his official portrait unveiling.\nSincerely,    Congressman Collin C. Peterson  Minnesota 7th District\n Honoring Secretary Vilsack \nI was honored to speak at the unveiling of USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack\u2019s official portrait on Thursday. The portrait was painted by Rose Frantzen, an Iowa artist, and features Secretary Vilsack seated at his desk. I was chairman of the House Agriculture Committee when Vilsack became Secretary in 2009, and we worked closely together during the implementation of the 2008 Farm Bill. In fact, he and I sat down for lunch nearly every week during the implementation process. Our close relationship has continued throughout his tenure, working together on the 2014 Farm Bill and GMO Labeling legislation among many issues overseen by USDA. I commend him on his service to agriculture and rural America and wish him the best in his future endeavors.\n National Milk Producers Federation \nI met Thursday with Jim Mullhern, CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) to discuss necessary changes to the farm bill\u2019s dairy Margin Protection Program. NMPF is working through their economic policy committee to explore changes and improvements to the current program. They are hopeful, as am I, that we can move forward with the Farm Bill next year to help dairy producers around the county. I look forward to hearing what ideas come out of their committee work early next year.\n Captain Scott Kent \nThis week I was fortunate to meet with Captain Scott Kent of the Alexandria Police Department. Captain Kent was in Washington, D.C. for some specialized training with the FBI. We had a great conversation about the FBI, the status of law enforcement in rural Minnesota, and what we can do to keep rural Americans safe. I appreciate his commitment to his community and I look forward to working with Scott in the future to provide the adequate resources our law enforcement professionals need to properly do their jobs.\n American Crystal Sugar \nOn Thursday, American Crystal Sugar Company and the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association held their joint annual meeting in Fargo. Attendees heard from company executives and elected their leadership teams. Guest speaker Paul Stajduhar of Ocean Spray gave a keynote address about the cranberry industry and its connection to sugar.\n PTC Therapeutics, Inc. \nMy staff met with representatives of PTC Therapeutics this week to discuss efforts to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. As the author of the Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education (MD-CARE) Act, I understand the need for effective therapies and will continue to support efforts to deliver them to the Duchenne community.\n Minnesota National Guard \nRepresentatives from the Minnesota National Guard met with my staff aide Chris Iacaruso to discuss on-going constructions projects the Guard is pursuing. As a former member of the Minnesota National Guard, I believe we should always honor those who serve in our nation's military, and I thank them for the important work they do.\u00a0\n Legislative Update \n National Defense Authorization Act \nThis week the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for 2017. I voted for the bill, which would reorganize the Pentagon, expand the size of the armed forces and prohibit another round of base closures, among many other changes.\n 21st Century Cures Act \nThis week, the House passed the 21st Century Cures Act. I voted in support of this bipartisan legislation. The 21st Century Cures Act helps user in a new wave of medical innovation. The bill funds research and initiatives to meet unmet medical needs. The bill also makes improvements to mental health services, modernizes the drug approval process, and provides resources to help states fight opioid abuse. I look forward to this bill being signed into law.\n Newsstand \n Civil Air Patrol Day \nThursday, December 1, 2016, is Civil Air Patrol\u2019s 75th Anniversary.\u00a0Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a non-profit, benevolent corporation created by an Act of Congress and the Auxiliary of the United States Air Force. CAP\u00a0provides emergency services, aerospace education and a cadet program for youth.\u00a0Governor Dayton has issued a Proclamation declaring December 1, 2016 as Civil Air Patrol Day in Minnesota.\n This Week in American History \n  Sen. Henry Mower Rice, the current State Capitol, Sen. James M. Shields\nOn December 2, 1857, the Minnesota state legislature convened for the first time, five months before Minnesota was admitted to the Union. Despite its questionable legality, the session passed more than ninety laws and elected Henry M. Rice and James M. Shields as U.S. Senators. The pair traveled to Washington, D.C., and waited for official statehood to begin their terms.\n Spotted in the Seventh \nCan YOU guess what was Spotted in the Seventh? Each week, the newsletter will feature a landmark or site somewhere in Western Minnesota. The first person to name the location wins! The location of the photo as well as the winner will be revealed in the next newsletter.\nThis week\u2019s landmark is the first installment of a three-part citywide mural project\u2026\nCongratulations to Amy Rucker of Lake Wilson for being the first to correctly identify our last location as the Kirkbride Regional Treatment Center in Fergus Falls!\nShare your guess on our website \u2013 http://collinpeterson.house.gov/contact-me/spotted-seventh\n  \u201cShapes\u201d  Carleen (UNDERWOOD)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-walz-statement-on-dr-phil-roe", "Rep. Walz Statement on Dr. Phil Roe", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Tim Walz", "W000799", "walz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[Mankato, MN] \u2013 Rep. Walz released the following statement regarding the election of Dr. Phil Roe as Chairman of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee:\n\u201cI congratulate my friend and colleague Dr. Phil Roe on his election as Chairman of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. I have had the honor of serving jointly with him as co-chairs of the House Invisible Wounds Caucus. His passion and work on behalf of men and women who have served in uniform has been critically important. \u00a0I believe veterans will be well served by his leadership. I look forward to working with him in the next Congress.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walz-stands-with-troops-in-supporting-fy2017-defense-authorization", "Walz Stands with Troops in Supporting FY2017 Defense Authorization", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Tim Walz", "W000799", "walz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mankato, MN\u00a0[12/2/16] \u2013 Today, Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN) voted in support of the FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\u201cI am proud to stand with our brave men and women in uniform today by supporting the NDAA Conference Report. Thank you to the House and Senate conferees for the hard work they put into getting this bill done for our military. While not perfect, the agreement we passed in the House this afternoon provides our Servicemembers with the tools they need to continue to defend our freedom from ever-evolving threats across the globe. I am pleased a number of the measures I championed that put our troops and their families first were included in the final version.\u201d\nBelow is a list of several Walz provisions included in the bill:\nEnergy Independence \n Blocks a proposal to prohibit DoD from buying biofuels in a USDA program.\u00a0\n Readiness: \n Includes the Walz /Gibson Posture Act which freezes the Army and Marine Corps drawdown to ensure Army readiness to keep America safe at home and abroad.\n\tHonors the service of military technicians and expresses that further cuts to those techs would have adverse impacts on readiness.\n\tIncludes an authorization for transferring funds to other agencies to advance counterterrorism efforts across the globe.\n Military Personnel and Families\n Provides a 2.1% pay raise for our troops\n\tRequires representation from enlisted or retired enlisted members of the armed forces on all boards, panels, commissions, or task forces making recommendations related to military personnel policy\n\tIncludes full funding for Special Operations Preservation of the Force and Family aimed at addressing the pressures put on our Special Operations Forces warriors and their families and how we can improve their lives.\n\tAdds $20 million for the STARBASE program, which supports military STEM education for at risk youth.\n\tReforms the commissary system to preserve the benefit, while also making improvements to ensure continued savings for shoppers, a good value for taxpayers, and ongoing support for morale, welfare, and recreational activities.\n\tGives former Servicemembers with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury (related to the combat or military sexual trauma they experienced) a path for discharge upgrades to help them receive the benefits they earned.\n California Guard Bonuses\n Directs DOD to complete a review of all California Guard members who were impacted by the California Guard Bonus scandal. Creates tools to begin resolving this issue by providing authorities to alleviate any financial hardship for California Guardsmen who were unaware they were erroneously paid bonuses from 2004 to 2010.\n Military Training \n Ensures that Army Special Forces soldiers get military free fall training to improve safety and effectiveness as they access remote area.\n\tIncludes an Army report\u00a0on how to optimize training to address real situations soldiers may face in combat, as well as additional funding for combat training centers.\n National Guard and Reserves\n Increases funding to the Army National Guard.\n\tExtends TRICARE program coverage for certain members of the National Guard and dependents during certain disaster response duty.\n\tAsserts Sense of Congress on cyber resiliency of the networks and communications systems of the National Guard.\n\tEliminates barriers facing members of the National Guard and Reserves living in rural areas of the country by removing cost-prohibitive factors in the National Guard and Reserves by reforming an arbitrary $300 reimbursement cap for members traveling to training exercises and activities.\n\tExtends removal of restrictions on the transfer of officers between the active and inactive National Guard.\n Foreign Relations\n Provides $3.4 billion for the European Reassurance Initiative to bolster relationships with European allies and partners and to deter Russian aggression.\n Veterans\u2019 Employment\n Does not include language limiting the use of veterans\u2019 preference in hiring for federal civilian employment, but does require the secretaries of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs to coordinate a report on how the current process works and the impacts of preferential hiring on veterans and non-veterans.\n \u00a0# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=340A9D77-FBF7-4505-8CC3-C6EB64E4F480", "Klobuchar-Backed Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Consumers from Ticket Bots Passes Senate", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Many fans had difficulty buying tickets online for the Prince tribute show held earlier this year in St. Paul; In October, Klobuchar joined with representatives from First Avenue and the Historic Theatre Group to push for passage of the bill\u00a0 \r\n Bill would prohibit the use of ticket bots and other online measures in order to deliberately circumvent security protocols that limit or restrict online ticket purchases\u00a0 \r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that bipartisan legislation she has backed to protect consumers from tickets bots has passed the Senate. Many fans had difficulty buying tickets online for the Prince tribute show that was held earlier this year in St. Paul. In October, Klobuchar joined with representatives from First Avenue and the Historic Theatre Group to push for passage of the bill. The Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016 would prohibit the use of ticket bots and other online measures in order to deliberately circumvent security protocols that limit or restrict online ticket purchases. The legislation would prohibit the sale of any ticket that is knowingly obtained by such unlawful methods. A violation of these prohibitions would be subject to civil penalties.\r\n\u201cTicket bots too often prevent fans from seeing the artists they love or the teams they cheer for. They also make it harder for artists to ensure their fans can attend live shows at a reasonable price,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cPassing this bipartisan legislation in the Senate moves us one step closer to limiting the ability of ticket buying bots to cut in line and drive up prices for real fans.\u201d\r\nAs a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, Klobuchar has been a leader in the fight to protect consumers from unauthorized charges on their phone bills and deceptive practices by fraudulent online travel booking websites. At a Commerce Committee hearing in 2014, Klobuchar called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to do more to protect consumers from cramming as consumers increasingly go wireless and as payment technology evolves. Since then, the FCC Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and other federal agencies have continued to take action against cramming. Following reports of deceptive online companies imitating websites of actual hotels or airlines to attract bookings, earlier this year Klobuchar sent a letter to the FTC and the U.S. Department of Transportation urging an investigation and for the agencies to use of tools available to help stop these practices.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=A062E229-BBC6-40CD-9D10-046443618D25", "Klobuchar-Backed Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Criminal Justice System Passes Senate, Heads to President\u2019s Desk for Signature", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Justice for All Reauthorization Act strengthens the rights of crime victims by providing the protection they need to restore their lives and enhances law enforcement\u2019s ability to proactively stop violent criminals \r\n WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that bipartisan legislation that she has backed to strengthen the criminal justice system passed the Senate this week and now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. The Justice for All Reauthorization Act strengthens the rights of crime victims by providing the protection they need to restore their lives and enhances law enforcement\u2019s ability to proactively stop violent criminals. The bill also aims to reduce the rape kit backlog by supporting grant programs that fund forensic testing. \r\n\u201cAs a former prosecutor, I know firsthand how important the integrity of our criminal justice system is,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cWith the President\u2019s signature, this critical bipartisan bill will help restore the lives of crime victims, give law enforcement the tools to stop violent crimes, and provide resources to cut down on the rape kit backlog. I look forward to continuing working with both Democrats and Republicans to bring perpetrators to justice and get victims support.\"The legislation strengthens crime victims\u2019 rights in the courtroom, increases access to restitution and restorative services, and reauthorizes important law enforcement investigative programs. The bill would help reduce the nationwide rape kit backlog and provide resources for forensic labs while protecting the innocent by improving access to post-conviction DNA testing.\u00a0    Klobuchar is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and prior to her time in the Senate, Klobuchar served as Hennepin County Attorney. She is a national leader in the fight to prevent domestic violence. Last year, the bipartisan Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, which Klobuchar sponsored with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), was signed into law. This legislation will help law enforcement further crack down on human traffickers, while bringing about greater restitution and justice for victims, and includes a provision Klobuchar authored to help ensure that minors sold for sex aren\u2019t prosecuted as defendants, but are instead treated as victims. Klobuchar was also a cosponsor of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act which contained many important changes to the previous law, such as consolidating duplicative programs and streamlining others; providing greater flexibility for how communities use resources; and including new training requirements for people providing legal assistance to victims.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-bill-to-reduce-faa-waste-save-taxpayers-money-heads-to-president-s", "Nolan Bill to Reduce FAA Waste, Save Taxpayers Money Heads to Presidents Desk", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan\u2019s legislation (H.R. 6014) to reduce unnecessary cost burdens on State and Local governments and their airports from the Federal Government when conducting airport improvement and expansion projects today passed in the U.S. Senate and is now heading to the President\u2019s desk for final approval.\nCurrently, State and Local governments are being forced to pay an inordinate amount of money to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to complete projects that could be done at a lower cost by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).\nDuring House consideration in September, Nolan pointed to local examples of this cost burden in Brainerd and Rochester, Minnesota where projects that could be completed at a lower cost by MnDOT were instead directed to the FAA at a significantly higher price. \n\u201cThis bill simply requires that projects be done in a cost-effective and common sense manner, complying with FAA safety requirements, promoting public safety and enhancing our overall aviation system,\u201d Nolan said.\nNolan\u2019s legislation authorizes the FAA to enter into what are called \u201cReimbursable Agreements\u201d with states to expand and improve local airports. It also requires that these agreements be made in a collaborative and cost-effective manner that saves money reduces unnecessary government bureaucracy whenever possible \u2013 while continuing to promote the safety, integrity, and efficiency of our national airspace.\nClick here to watch Nolan\u2019s speech on the House floor.\nFrom the Brainerd Dispatch, 9/21/2016: Nolan legislation that aims to cut red tape for airports passes House", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=A03942F3-0CAD-43CC-9D2B-D0C109CDACC7", "Klobuchar Ranks First on List of all 100 Senators with Bills Signed Into Law in Current Congress", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "According to a Medill News Service analysis of legislative data from the independent congressional tracking website GovTrack, Klobuchar has sponsored or co-sponsored 27 bills that have been enacted into law \r\n\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar ranks first on a list of all 100 senators with the most bills that have been enacted into law during the current Congress. According to a Medill News Service analysis of legislative data from the independent congressional tracking website GovTrack, Klobuchar has sponsored or co-sponsored 27 bills that have been enacted into law.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve always approached this work by putting the people of Minnesota first,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cFor me, that means working across the aisle to get things done. While it hasn\u2019t been the easiest year to bring people together \u2014?OK, that\u2019s an understatement \u2014?I have gotten to know the people I work with and always look for common ground when I can find it.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nExamples of bills that Klobuchar has led that have been enacted into law include the following:\r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nS. 524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act\r\nS. 178, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015\r\nS. 894, Innovate America Act\r\nS. 218, Veterans to Paramedics Act\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\nThe full text of the article is available below.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhich Senators Have Passed the Most Laws?\r\nBy Benjamin Din\r\nFor Medill on the Hill\r\n\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON \u2014 With a little over a month to go for the current Congress, what the lawmakers accomplished in the last two years can be measured in different ways. One yardstick: Who backed the most bills that have become law?\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe top honor goes to Sen. Amy Klobuchar, according to an analysis of legislative data from GovTrack, an independent congressional tracking website. The second-term Minnesota Democrat has sponsored or co-sponsored 27 bills that have been enacted into law. By comparison, seven senators have seen 12 bills they put their names on \u2014?the median number \u2014?become law, including Democrats Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker and Republican Lindsey Graham.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve always approached this work by putting the people of Minnesota first,\u201d Klobuchar said in an e-mail. \u201cFor me, that means working across the aisle to get things done. While it hasn\u2019t been the easiest year to bring people together \u2014?OK, that was an understatement \u2014?I have gotten to know the people I work with and always look for common ground when I can find it.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nTen other senators join Klobuchar in the 20-plus club. Despite Republican majorities in both the House and Senate in the 114th Congress, eight of the 11 are Democrats, and, contrary to conventional wisdom, there\u2019s a healthy mix of experience levels included.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe longest-serving senator in the top 11 is Sen. Orrin Hatch, the most senior Republican in the Senate. Hatch was first sworn in as a senator for Utah in 1977. In contrast, the least-experienced senator, New Hampshire Republican Kelly Ayotte, is wrapping up her first and final six-year term. She lost her bid for re-election by fewer than 1,000 votes.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSarah Binder, a George Washington University professor of political science who specializes in Congress and legislative politics, cautioned against defining success in the Senate by hard metrics, such as the number of bills enacted into law. Instead, it\u2019s important to note the dual responsibilities of senators \u2014 as lawmakers and as \u201crepresentatives coming and making present the views of their state.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nSome politicians, she said, may not have their names on many bills that become law, but they have the power to influence the legislative agenda. Most notably, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has only sponsored or co-sponsored seven bills that became law, and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada has seen three of his enacted. No one would question their legislative influence.\r\n\u00a0\r\nA CNN/ORC poll released Sunday found that more than 80 percent of Americans believe the country is more divided on major issues this year than in the past. However, Republican calls for bipartisanship are lower now than they were in 2008, when the Democrats took control of both Congress and the White House.\r\nStill, several of the senators who made the cut for the top 11 from both sides of the political spectrum echoed Klobuchar\u2019s sentiments and emphasized bipartisanship as a factor in their success. In fact, two of the senators on the list \u2014?Roy Blunt, a Missouri Republican, and Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat \u2014?have worked together to produce bipartisan bills. Blunt told USA Today in June that the two have been friends for about 30 years, and of the about five things they agree upon, \u201call five of those are now federal law.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWhen Ohioans write my office, they aren\u2019t thinking about whether I\u2019m a Republican or Democrat. They\u2019re thinking about the loss of a job, a bill they\u2019re struggling to pay or the crumbling road they drive to school or work each day,\u201d said Brown, who came in fourth on the list of most bills enacted into law, in an e-mail. \u201cMy job is to serve them, and to do that I\u2019ve got to seek out common ground with my colleagues. \u2026 We aren\u2019t always successful, but striking up bipartisan conversations on the issues facing our constituents is the first step to passing legislation.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nBills can be insignificant \u2014?such as ones to rename post offices and issue commemorative coins \u2014 and newer politicians may be more likely to introduce bills to bolster their records with re-election in view, Binder noted. Because of this, it\u2019s possible that hard metrics could overstate or understate a senator\u2019s influence.\r\nSen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who came in seventh, has been successful because she introduces bills that she believes can become law, spokesman Tom Mentzer said. A look at Feinstein\u2019s legislative record in the 114th Congress shows she has worked on important California issues such as homelessness, which affects her home city of San Francisco, where she was once mayor.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cA willingness to work with both parties and have flexibility to find common ground is vital,\u201d he said in an e-mail. \u201cIt goes beyond the bills the senator introduces.\u201d\r\nFeinstein worked closely with Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., on a bill related to Lake Tahoe, a popular freshwater lake that straddles the California-Nevada border, Mentzer said.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cShe asked him to introduce her own bill because it would have a better chance at passage with a Republican sponsor,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s about getting results, no matter what path that requires.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nBinder said it is not surprising that Democrats are heavy hitters in the Senate \u2014?a traditionally more bipartisan chamber \u2014 even though Republicans are in control. With President Barack Obama in the White House, that \u201chelps fuel more effort on the Democrats\u2019 side, even when they\u2019re in the minority,\u201d she said.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cRepublicans and Democrats disagree on lots of issues, but when bipartisan solutions solve real problems I\u2019m all for it,\u201d Blunt, who ranked eighth in a four-way tie, said in an e-mail. \u201cI\u2019ve worked with my Democrat colleagues to pass legislation to boost manufacturing, expand access to mental health care, reauthorize the Victims of Child Abuse Act, and provide the largest funding increase the National Institutes of Health has received in over a decade. I\u2019ve always looked for areas of common ground where we can work together to address Americans\u2019 priorities, and look forward to continuing that effort.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe other senators on the top 11 list are Democratic Sens. Al Franken of Minnesota, Chuck Schumer of New York, Chris Coons of Delaware, Dick Durbin of Illinois, and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island.\r\n\u00a0\r\nGovTrack compiles data on legislative records. Senators\u2019 bills that became law include those that were enacted via a companion bill in the House.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=A2919141-E6C2-4D77-A0CA-F1A2C37A240B", "Klobuchar-Sponsored Bipartisan Bill to Encourage Public-Private Partnerships to Improve National Security and Trade Across Northern Border Passes Senate", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2015, which Klobuchar introduced with Republican Senator John Cornyn, passed the Senate today; the legislation would encourage public-private partnerships to strengthen border security and make infrastructure improvements at U.S. ports of entry  \r\n WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that bipartisan legislation she has sponsored to encourage public-private partnerships to improve border security and trade across the U.S.-Canada border has passed the Senate. The Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2015, which Klobuchar introduced with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), passed the Senate today. The legislation would encourage public-private partnerships to strengthen border security and make infrastructure improvements at U.S. ports of entry. \u201cAs co-chair of the Canada-United States InterParliamentary Group, I\u2019ve been working with the Department of Homeland Security and Canadian officials to improve national security and efficiency at our northern border for years,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cThis bill will allow the Department of Homeland Security to improve infrastructure and hire more border security agents at land ports of entry like the one in International Falls. This bill will help make sure that we are doing everything we can to strengthen economic ties by improving safety and efficiency at the northern border.\u201d\r\nThe legislation would expand the authority of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the General Services Administration (GSA) to enter into innovative partnerships with local governments and private sector entities. Partnerships with local governments and the private sector will support improvements to port of entry facilities and infrastructure and enhance processing and staffing at our border crossings.Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX) has introduced the House companion version of this legislation. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3580", "Following Effort from Klobuchar, Franken, Walz, and Ellison, Administration to Issue Individual Disaster Assistance for Minnesota Communities Impacted by Devastating Flooding", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a letter to FEMA Administrator Fugate earlier this month, the federal lawmakers urged strong support for Governor Dayton's recent appeal to reverse the decision to deny much-needed Individual Household Assistance to an additional seven counties in Minnesota\u00a0\nFollowing an effort from U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and Representatives Tim Walz and Keith Ellison, the Administration announced it will issue Individual Disaster Assistance for Minnesota communities impacted by devastating flooding in September. In a letter to FEMA Administrator Fugate earlier this month, the federal lawmakers urged strong support for Governor Dayton's recent appeal to reverse the decision to deny much-needed Individual Household Assistance to an additional seven counties in Minnesota.\"I saw the devastation firsthand, and I know this federal individual disaster relief assistance is vital for the Minnesotans impacted by the recent storms and flooding,\" said Klobuchar.\"This is important news for Minnesotans who were devastated by floods in September,\" said Franken. \"I'm glad that FEMA heeded our call and will provide essential assistance to help these Minnesota communities recover and rebuild.\"\"FEMA's announcement is welcome relief to southern Minnesotans impacted by devastating flooding this years,\" said Walz. \"I appreciate their willingness to revisit their decision and reverse course to ensure folks get the assistance they need.\"\"I applaud FEMA for responding to our calls by reversing their previous decision, and approving this vital funding,\" said Ellison. \"Many Minnesotans have been in desperate need of this assistance - I'm glad they're going to get it.\"The full text of the letter from earlier this month is below:Dear Administrator Fugate:Thank you for your support and approval of Governor Dayton's request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance in nine counties in central and southern Minnesota as a result of torrential rains and flash flooding on September 21 and 22, 2016. Beyond the damage to public infrastructure, a significant number of individuals and households were also severely impacted. That's why we write to strongly support Governor Dayton's recent appeal to reverse the decision to deny much-needed Individual Household Assistance to an additional seven counties in the region.Given the overwhelming loss of furnaces and water heaters combined with the inadequacy of the initial damage assessment, we are deeply concerned that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) determined that the severity of damage sustained was not significant enough to warrant Individual Household Assistance for Blue Earth, Freeborn, Hennepin, Le Sueur, Rice, Steele, and Waseca counties. We encourage you to reconsider this denial and issue Individual Household Assistance in a timely manner so that the nearly 1,501 households can begin to access federal assistance to replace critical mechanical systems before the winter season begins.After disaster strikes Minnesota, we hit the ground running and do not stop until we have the resources in place to ensure that communities can recover. We are confident that the communities and households impacted by these storms will also recover and rebuild, but we urge you to make the federal government a full partner in that effort.Thank you for your attention to this request, and we look forward to continuing to work with you to assist the recovery efforts in Minnesota.Sincerely,\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3582", "Sen. Franken: Bipartisan Bill Passed by Senate Aims to Increase Access to Health Care in Rural Communities", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Franken Says Rural MN Communities Often Lack Specialty Care Doctors for Mental Illness, Addiction, Diabetes, Pregnancy; Telemedicine Technology Can Help Fill Those Gaps\n\u00a0\nSen. Al Franken helped champion a Senate-passed bill that could expand how telemedicine technology is used in rural communities\u2014including in Minnesota\u2014where patients often lack adequate access to the specialty care doctors they need.\nMore than a decade ago, experts created Project ECHO, which links primary care clinics with health specialists\u00a0via video conference in order to better manage patient care. Since then, the project has been used by 40 states to manage nearly 50 diseases, including mental illness, HIV, addiction, diabetes, chronic pain, and complications in pregnancy. And in fact, the White Earth Nation in Minnesota uses the program to help treat hepatitis C.The Enhancing Capacity for Health Outcomes Act, which was cosponsored by Sen. Franken and passed\u00a0Tuesday\u00a0in the Senate, aims to better integrate the Project ECHO model into health systems across the country.\"For millions of rural Americans, getting access to high-quality, specialized health care for mental illness, addiction, pregnancy complications, and dozens of other health care conditions can be a real struggle,\"\u00a0said Sen. Franken.\u00a0\"As co-chair of the bipartisan Rural Health Caucus, one of my top priorities is to better equip our rural health providers with the tools they need to deliver the right kind of care to people in their communities. I fought for this bipartisan bill because it seeks to connect local doctors with specialty care doctors to better address patients' medical needs.\"As Co-Chair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus and a member of the Senate Health Committee, Sen. Franken has long championed solutions for the unique health care challenges facing rural communities-including the expansion of telemedicine. Last year, Sen. Franken and his staff convened nearly 30 rural health meetings with over 300 providers, community members, and experts across Minnesota in a \"Rural Health Tour,\" which you can read about\u00a0here.Since then, Sen. Franken has pressed on all fronts to improve and strengthen rural health care. He\u00a0introduced a comprehensive package of legislation in\u00a0July to address some of the most pressing needs facing rural health providers, including workforce development, increased transportation and broadband services, and payment for quality improvement initiatives. And he recently reintroduced the bipartisan\u00a0Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act (R-HoPE),\u00a0which would support rural hospitals and providers in delivering care to their communities.\u00a0\nProject ECHO Model\n\u00a0\n \nProject Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) is an innovative continuing medical education model that uses interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams (\"hubs\") with primary care providers (\"spokes\") in rural and underserved areas. Together, they participate in weekly teleECHO clinics that combine didactic teaching with mentoring and case-based learning.\nDemonstrated uses of Project ECHO have been numerous and include:- Addressing disease conditions and topic areas, including hepatitis C, integrated addictions and psychiatry, chronic pain/headache management, and diabetes;- A complex care program offering support to multidisciplinary teams providing primary and behavioral health care to high-need, high-cost patients; and- Public health interventions, including addressing H1N1, HIV, and tuberculosis as well as improving health and wellness within Native American populations.\u00a0\n \nBenefits of Project ECHO model for:\u00a0\n \nPatients: Improved access to quality and accessible care, with high-patient satisfaction\n \n\u00a0\n \nProviders: Increased knowledge for providers in rural/underserved areas, with ability to serve as a local resource; improved provider network; enhanced professional satisfaction and reduced isolation; more access to specialists.\n \n\u00a0\n \nHealth care system: Higher retention of providers in rural/underserved areas; better care delivered in the right place at the right time by the right person; decreased costs (less travel for specialty visits, less hospitalizations and ER visits, better quality of care close to home, and treatment of chronic diseases earlier before complications arise).\n \n\u00a0\n \nCurrent health care challenges: Project ECHO has successfully been used to increase the number of physicians able to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid abuse, to quickly educate health providers on public health crises such as H1N1, and to train providers to address complex mental health disorders.\u00a0\n \n\u00a0\nThe Enhancing Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Act:\n\u00a0\n \nThe ECHO Act aims to better integrate the Project ECHO model-referred to as a \"technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity-building model\"-into health systems across the country. \u00a0The bill does the following:- Requires the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), to prioritize analysis of the model, its impacts on provider capacity and workforce issues, and evidence of its effects on quality of patient care.Requests a GAO report regarding opportunities for increased adoption of such models, efficiencies and potential cost savings from such models, ways to improve health care through such models, and field recommendations to advance the use of such models.- Requires the HHS Secretary to submit a report to Congress on the findings of the GAO report and the HHS report, including ways such models have been funded by HHS and how to integrate these models into current funding streams and innovative grant proposals.\n \n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-statement-nomination-rep-tom-price-hhs-secretary", "McCollum Statement on Nomination of Chairman Tom Price for HHS Secretary", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s nomination of House Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-Ga.) to be Secretary of Health and Human Services:\n\u201cThe nomination of Republican Chairman Tom Price to be Secretary of Health and Human Services is clear proof that the guarantee of Medicare for seniors will be a top target for the Trump administration.\n\u201cChairman Price has repeatedly supported budgets that would turn Medicare into a voucher program, raising costs for seniors and potentially leaving some uninsured. On the campaign trail, President-elect Trump claimed to oppose these proposals, but the Price appointment shows he is now embracing the Republican Party\u2019s radical Medicare privatization agenda.\n\u201cIn addition to his work to dismantle the promises we have made to seniors with Medicare, Chairman Price has sought to undermine the Affordable Care Act and slash funding for Medicaid. He has also attacked women\u2019s health care, including misguided and dangerous attempts to defund Planned Parenthood and limit millions of women\u2019s access to preventive health care.\n\u201cIn the coming months, I will strongly oppose the Trump-Republican health care proposals in Congress. At the same time, seniors \u2014 and all Americans who care about quality, affordable health care \u2014 will need to rally together and fight to protect Medicare and all of our vital health care programs.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=07FAC7A2-005E-40BF-9B66-1B26174A2BA4", "Following Klobuchar Efforts and Work of Other Ag State Representatives, EPA Announces Strong Renewable Fuel Standard for 2017 and Biomass Diesel Volume for 2018", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized increases in renewable fuel volume requirements across all categories of biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program \r\n Klobuchar has been a national leader in advocating for the expansion of renewable fuels; Earlier this year, Klobuchar led bipartisan efforts urging the EPA to release a strong RFS that will support U.S. jobs and the economy, reduce the environmental impact of our transportation and energy sectors, and decrease dependence on foreign oil \r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Following efforts from U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and other agriculture state representatives, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2017 and biomass diesel volume for 2018. Today, the EPA finalized increases in renewable fuel volume requirements across all categories of biofuels under the RFS program.\u00a0\r\n\u201cDuring a tough time in farming, we couldn't have better Thanksgiving news for our corn and soybean farmers and the thousands of people who work in biofuels in Minnesota,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cRenewable fuels have become a homegrown economic generator for our country. This strong rule is a step forward in decreasing our dependence on foreign oil and increasing our investments in clean energy. It creates much-needed consistency moving forward.\u201d\r\nIn the rule, the renewable volume obligation for \u201cconventional\u201d renewable fuel - like corn ethanol - has been increased to 15 billion gallons, which meets congressional intent.\u00a0The required volume of biomass-based diesel for 2017 has been increased by 100 million gallons to 2.1 billion gallons, twice as high as the minimum congressional target. The advanced biofuel standard \u2013 which is comprised of biomass-based diesel, cellulosic biofuel, and other biofuel that achieves at least 50 percent lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions \u2013 increases by 19 percent over the 2016 standard.\r\nKlobuchar has been a national leader in advocating for the expansion of renewable fuels. Last October, Klobuchar convened a meeting in her office between 13 of her colleagues and White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough to push for the release of a strong final RFS rule that supports homegrown ethanol production. After a very disappointing proposed RFS rule was put forth last year, Klobuchar led bipartisan efforts to improve the final rule. Klobuchar worked with Secretary Vilsack and pushed EPA officials to release a strong RFS that will support U.S. jobs and the economy, reduce the environmental impact of our transportation and energy sectors, and decrease dependence on foreign oil. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and 2014 farm bill conferee, Klobuchar supported authorization of biofuels programs, and last year advocated for the Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) with USDA on the State of Minnesota\u2019s behalf.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3574", "Sen. Franken Fights to End Questionable Chinese Trade Restrictions on U.S. Pork and Poultry Products", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "With U.S.-Chinese trade and commerce talks underway right now in Washington, Sen. Al Franken is publicly calling for an end to questionable trade restrictions by China on certain U.S. pork and poultry products.Although China claims that it's limiting U.S. produced pork and poultry due to health standards, it appears that their underlying goal is to block U.S. exports, which hurts the bottom lines of Minnesota ag producers and keeps them from accessing key markets.In a letter sent today, Sen. Franken pressed U.S. trade officials to closely engage their Chinese counterparts at the 2016 Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade on ending this trade policy, and he said that lifting restrictions would be good for both U.S. producers and Chinese consumers.\"While I believe that sanitary and phytosanitary standards are critical to protecting a nation's food supply, it appears some of China's current restrictions on poultry and pork have a questionable scientific basis and seem to be targeted toward blocking U.S. exports rather than ensuring food safety,\"\u00a0wrote Sen. Franken in his letter to Trade Representative Michael Froman and Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker.\u00a0\"This issue is particularly important to U.S. producers of certain offal and other poultry and pork products that are of limited value in the U.S. market.\u00a0 In some cases, these products may be highly valued by Chinese consumers.\u00a0 Allowing exports of these products would be favorable for both U.S. producers, who currently earn little from these products, and for Chinese consumers, who could get a product they value - potentially at lower prices.\"Earlier this year, Sen. Franken held a roundtable discussion at the Minnesota Farmers Union in St. Paul, where he heard strong concerns from local ag producers about China's pork and poultry trade policy.You can read the full text of today's letter by clicking\u00a0here\u00a0or reading below.\nNovember 22, 2016\n\u00a0\nThe Honorable Michael Froman\nU.S. Trade Representative\n600 17th\u00a0Street NW\nWashington, DC 20508\n\u00a0\nThe Honorable Penny Pritzker\nSecretary of Commerce\n1401 Constitution Avenue NW\nWashington, DC 20230Dear Ambassador Froman and Secretary Pritzker:As you continue discussions with your Chinese counterparts during the 2016 Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade, I write to urge your close engagement regarding China's policies on poultry and pork imports. As you know, China is currently using sanitary and phytosanitary standards in order to block U.S. poultry products and some U.S. pork products from being exported to China.\u00a0 As a result, U.S. producers have been harmed by the loss of access to this key market.\u00a0 While I believe that sanitary and phytosanitary standards are critical to protecting a nation's food supply, it appears some of China's current restrictions on poultry and pork have a questionable scientific basis and seem to be targeted toward blocking U.S. exports rather than ensuring food safety.\u00a0 For example, China maintains a ban on all U.S. poultry and poultry products dating back to January 2015 due to high pathogenic avian influenza, despite the fact that concerns from the outbreak have long since subsided.This issue is particularly important to U.S. producers of certain offal and other poultry and pork products that are of limited value in the U.S. market.\u00a0 In some cases, these products may be highly valued by Chinese consumers.\u00a0 Allowing exports of these products would be favorable for both U.S. producers, who currently earn little from these products, and for Chinese consumers, who could get a product they value - potentially at lower prices.I commend your recent efforts with your Chinese counterparts to begin to lift restrictions on exports of U.S. beef to China.\u00a0 U.S. producers and Chinese consumers will be well-served by the lifting of those beef restrictions, and I urge you to continue your engagement with a similar dialogue regarding pork and poultry.Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and appreciate your engagement on this issue.Sincerely,\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/in-effort-to-protect-special-education-nolan-joins-bicameral-amicus", "In Effort to Protect Special Education, Nolan Joins Bicameral Amicus Brief", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan today joined a bicameral amicus brief in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District.\n\u201cWhile many school districts, especially in Minnesota, continue to far exceed the federal requirements of the law, I am proud to stand up for individuals with disabilities across the country to prevent anyone with a disability from being denied an equal and quality education,\u201d Nolan said. \u201cWe must enable ALL Americans to live up to their full potential.\u201dThe amicus brief shows it to be the intent of the original Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and subsequent reauthorizations that students with disabilities deserve the same meaningful, quality education provided to the rest of the student body \u2013 not just the bare minimum.Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District is currently being deliberated before the United States Supreme Court. Endrew, a fifth grade student with autism, and his family brought the case forward after Endrew allegedly received inadequate special education services at his public school, where he was struggling, and had to be placed in a private school, where he quickly thrived.\nThe full text of the amicus brief is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-statement-2016-native-american-heritage-month", "McCollum Statement on 2016 National Native American Heritage Month", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement in commemoration of National Native American Heritage Month, which is proclaimed each November:\n\"Each November, we celebrate the contributions of First Americans with National Native American Heritage Month. The people of the 567 diverse, federally recognized tribal nations \u2013 including the 11 Ojibwe and Dakota nations in Minnesota \u2013 play a complex and vital role in our nation\u2019s history, and make our communities and our country stronger today.\n\"Despite centuries of violent discrimination and abusive policies, our country\u2019s Native American cultures and nations have endured.\u00a0 Tribal governments and Native communities have made monumental progress. Our federal trust relationship with tribal nations has grown stronger in the current era of self-governance among Native American tribes\u2014a\u00a0 proud accomplishment that will continue to require the federal government\u2019s full and respectful engagement.\n\"As a co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus and the Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I have had the honor to meet with hundreds of tribal leaders to discuss the needs of Indian Country. Working together, we have succeeded in making substantial progress on education, health, and criminal justice issues through measures like the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, increased funding for the Bureau of Indian Education, and special tribal jurisdiction in domestic violence cases.\n\"Despite these concrete steps, we have much more work to do to address disparities, invest in Indian Country, and create more opportunities for all Native Americans \u2013 especially Native youth. As we honor the achievements and resilience of our First Americans, I pledge to continue working to ensure that our Native American brothers and sisters have every opportunity to succeed.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3573", "Sen. Franken Urges Dept. of Justice to Protect Safety, First Amendment Rights of Dakota Access Pipeline Protestors", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Franken Calls Alleged use of Water Cannons for Crowd Control in Sub-Freezing Temperatures Excessive, Unnecessary, and Extremely Dangerous; Urges Attorney General to Investigate & Take Action\nSen. Al Franken urged the Department of Justice to take action to protect the safety and First Amendment rights of Dakota Access Pipeline protestors following reports that law enforcement used water cannons for crowd control in sub-freezing temperatures.In a letter sent today to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Sen. Franken said that he is extremely concerned after hearing reports of dangerous clashes between police and individuals protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline project near Cannon Ball, ND, and said the use of water cannons for crowd control in sub-freezing temperatures is excessive, unnecessary, and extremely dangerous.\"The reported use of water cannons for crowd control in sub-freezing temperatures is excessive and unnecessary, and I urge you to take action to protect the First Amendment rights of protestors, and the physical safety of all involved parties,\"\u00a0wrote Sen. Franken in his letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch.\u00a0\"Native American\u00a0populations have struggled for decades under the complex burden of historical trauma, and I have witnessed and admired how these communities have turned to their cultural foundations to build strength against that burden. These tactics against protestors exercising their Constitutional rights threaten to add another layer of trauma to these communities. I urge you to do everything in your power to prevent further escalation of violence.\"You can read the full text of today's letter by clicking\u00a0here\u00a0or reading below.November 21, 2016The Honorable Loretta Lynch  Attorney General  United States Department of Justice  950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW  Washington, DC 20530Dear Attorney General Lynch,I am extremely concerned after hearing reports of dangerous clashes between police and protestors of the Dakota Access Pipeline project near Cannon Ball, ND. The reported use of water cannons for crowd control in sub-freezing temperatures is excessive and unnecessary, and I urge you to take action to protect the First Amendment rights of protestors, and the physical safety of all involved parties.Video of the incident appears to show that the water cannons were not simply being used for fire control, or even crowd control, but were often directed at small crowds or even individual protestors. Combined with the onset of wintry weather, water cannons are extremely dangerous and potentially lethal weapons, and I urge you to investigate their use on protestors.On November 14, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that additional analysis of the Dakota Access Pipeline project is necessary and invited the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to engage due to potential impact of a pipeline leak on the Tribe's drinking water supply. In the interim, the Army Corps has made clear that pipeline construction under Lake Oahe - where the Tribe gets its drinking water- cannot occur without a federal easement.Native American populations have struggled for decades under the complex burden of historical trauma, and I have witnessed and admired how these communities have turned to their cultural foundations to build strength against that burden. These tactics against protestors exercising their Constitutional rights threaten to add another layer of trauma to these communities. I urge you to do everything in your power to prevent further escalation of violence. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\nSincerely,\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/press-release/following-efforts-klobuchar-franken-peterson-nolan-department-energy-approves-great", "Following Efforts from Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, Nolan, Department of Energy Approves Great Northern Transmission Line", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Great Northern Transmission Line will help provide Minnesota electric customers access to reasonably priced, clean, renewable energy\nLast year, Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, and Nolan urged support for the project in a letter to Secretary Moniz and in September, the lawmakers sent another letter to Moniz urging a timely review of the project\n\n\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Following efforts from U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representatives Collin Peterson Rick Nolan, today the U.S. Department of Energy gave federal approval to Minnesota Power\u2019s Great Northern Transmission Line, a 220-mile electric transmission line that will cross the U.S.-Canada border between Minnesota and Manitoba and help provide Minnesota electric customers access to reasonably priced, clean, renewable energy. Last year, Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, and Nolan urged support for the project in a letter to Secretary Moniz. In September, the lawmakers sent another letter to Moniz urging a timely review of the project. \u00a0 \u00a0\n\u201cThe federal approval of the Great Northern Transmission Line is good news for our economy and our environment,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cNow that this important project can move forward, more Minnesota households and businesses will have access to clean and renewable power.\u201d\n\u201cThe Great Northern Transmission line with help bring more affordable and reliable renewable energy to northern Minnesota families and businesses,\u201d said Franken. \u201cI\u2019m pleased that the federal government has approved this important project to move forward in our state.\u201d \u00a0\n\u201cThis is an important step to providing more Minnesotans with reliable, affordable, renewable energy,\u201d Peterson said. \u201cThe Great Northern Transmission Line has broad support from state, local and tribal governments and I am pleased that today\u2019s approval will allow Minnesota Power to move ahead with planned construction.\u201d\n\u201cThis is an important project for securing the availability of affordable, renewable electricity in northeastern Minnesota \u2013 especially for residential consumers, as well as our mining, manufacturing, timber and tourism industries,\u201d Nolan said. \u201cI am very pleased the project's final stage of review has crossed over the finish line, just in time for the winter construction season. The Great Northern Transmission Line enjoys broad stakeholder support, including local tribes, and has positive energy security and environmental implications for northeastern Minnesota, the Nation, and North America. I especially want to thank Secretary Moniz for his work and responsiveness to our recent request for a timely resolution.\"\nThe letter to Secretary Moniz from September is below.\nDear Secretary Moniz:\nWe write to urge your timely review of the Department of Energy's (DOE) processing and issuance of the Presidential permit necessary for the Great Northern Transmission Line's (GNTL) border crossing with Canada.\nWe have written to you in the past on the project 's successful international collaboration between Canada and the United States, as well as the cooperation between DOE and state and local stakeholders. These efforts were noted by the Administration as a model for how other projects such as these should undertake stakeholder collaboration. Furthermore, we have been encouraged by the Administration's citation of the merits of the GNTL itself on several occasions.\nGiven the public support and collaboration between DOE, state regulators and other stakeholders, the project sponsor's expectation was that DOE's internal review and engagement with other federal agencies should have been well underway by the time the state route permit was issued in February by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Unfortunately, it appears DOE's Presidential permit process did not run entirely in parallel with the state approval process, causing delays. The ideal construction period\u00a0 for the project is in the winter, since work over sensitive wetlands is best done when the ground is frozen. Failure to make a timely decision on the issuance of the Presidential permit could compromise the project's economics and could jeopardize \u00a0the project itself.\nWe would appreciate your immediate and personal attention to this matter so that the GNTL, which enjoys broad stakeholder support and has positive energy security and environmental implications for the region, the nation, and North America -can go forward as planned. Thank you for your consideration of our request.\n\tSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-11182016", "Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 11/18/2016", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Collin Peterson", "P000258", "collinpeterson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Lake Ripley in Meeker County\nDear Friends,\nI was pleased to welcome groups from all over Minnesota to Washington this week, including 11th and 12th graders from Fertile-Beltrami High School. I also welcomed the National Cotton Council, American Crystal Sugar, Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association and Potlatch to discuss issues important to farmers and producers across the country. This week also brought the conclusion to the Agriculture Committee\u2019s review of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), where we heard about the success of the program and the importance of it remaining part of the Farm Bill. Additionally, I\u2019m happy to announce that the Department of Energy has issued a presidential permit for the Great Northern Transmission Line project in northern Minnesota, bringing new jobs and new energy to our district. As we prepare for our first winter storm of the year, I hope you utilize the information below to help stay safe.\nSincerely,    Congressman Collin C. Peterson  Minnesota 7th District\n Close Up \nThis week, I welcomed students from Fertile-Beltrami High School to the Capitol. We discussed happenings in Congress, politics and even a little hunting. The students came to Washington for the week to tour the nation\u2019s capital, meet with elected officials and travel to Williamsburg, Va. I always enjoy the opportunity to meet students from Minnesota and am thrilled to see their passion on full display.\n Portrait Unveiling of Chairman Kline \nI was happy to attend the portrait unveiling of Minnesota\u2019s Second District Congressman John Kline this week. Kline is retiring at the end of this Congress after serving his district since 2003. He has been Chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce since 2011. John spent a long portion of his career in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked as a military aide in both the Carter and Reagan administrations. The House of Representatives and the people of Minnesota have been fortunate to have such a strong leader working for them over the years. I am sad to see him go, but I wish John the best of luck in his retirement.\n Potlatch \n  Robert Harris, Jane Alonso, and Mark Benson\nOn Tuesday, representatives from Potlatch, a leader in sustainable forestry with a sawmill operation in Bemidji, visited my office to discuss issues relating to biomass. The EPA has failed to clarify whether using woody biomass for energy production would be considered a carbon neutral input, despite the fact that it is a renewable energy source that promotes healthy forestry practices. I will continue to push for clarification on this issue and will support our foresters in the new Congress.\n National Cotton Council \nOn Wednesday, I met with Shane Stephens (left), the Chairman of the National Cotton Council, and Gary Adams (right), the President and CEO. We discussed plans for the next farm bill as the current cotton program is not providing meaningful assistance to growers in this time of low commodity prices. It will be important to have working farm policies for farmers across the country in order to get the next farm bill passed, and I hope that a solution can be found for cotton growers.\n Great Northern Transmission Line Update \nI am pleased to report that on Wednesday the Department of Energy issued a presidential permit for the Great Northern Transmission Line project in northern Minnesota. I have been a strong supporter of the transmission line and have worked with Congressman Nolan, as well as Senators Klobuchar and Franken, to encourage the federal agency to permit the project so winter construction can begin. The 224 miles of power line will bring clean hydropower from Manitoba for Minnesota consumer use and will lower electricity bills. Now that the permit has been issued, Minnesota Power can begin construction and create jobs.\nYou can read more about the project in my press release.\n Sugar Beet Growers \nRepresentatives from the American Crystal Sugar Company and the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association came by my office on Friday. They talked with my staff about the challenges facing the sugar industry due to low sugar prices brought about by unlawful trade practices by Mexico. It\u2019s important to our economy that our trading partners honor their obligations and that our trade officials hold them accountable. I will press our trade representatives to stand strong at the negotiating table on behalf of American sugar producers.\n National Nurses United \nMinnesota representatives of National Nurses United met with my staff this week to discuss RN staffing strategies in the district and around the country. I appreciate the perspective of Minnesota\u2019s nurses on how best to improve patient outcomes and secure nurse retention in rural areas.\n Agricultural Utilization Research Institute \n  Products developed by AURI \"Innovator of the Year;\u201d Kay's Naturals of Clara City, MN; Ben Swanson, AURI Food Scientist\nThe Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is an organization that fosters long-term economic growth by helping individuals and private companies develop and commercialize value-added agricultural\u00a0products. On Thursday, AURI staff and board members held a \u201cMinnesota Food Innovations\u201d conference in Granite Falls to highlight initiatives in new products that Minnesota entrepreneurs are developing to meet the changing tastes of American consumers.\nAURI\u2019s annual \u201cInnovator of the Year\u201d award went to Kay\u2019s Naturals, a Clara City firm that produces healthy snack foods for people who are trying to lose weight, suffer from diabetes, or just want healthier food choices. This is AURI\u2019s highest honor and has been awarded since 2002. It is given to an AURI client company that has made the most impact in product innovation, uniqueness, and commercialization potential.\nAURI has laboratories and offices in Crookston, Marshall, Waseca, and St. Paul.\n MREA Annual Convention \n  Dr. Chris Mills, LeRoy Stumpf, Jackie and Bruce Chwialkowski\nThe Minnesota Rural Education Association (MREA) was started in the 1980s to represent the needs of rural Minnesota schools. Today, MREA has some 220 rural school district members. At the recent annual convention there were some 400 school board members, superintendents, principals and teachers discussing and learning how to make Minnesota\u2019s schools better.\nAt an evening program, MREA honored the \u201c2016 Educators of Excellence.\u201d Of them, Brenda Whitehead from Murray County Central School represented southern Minnesota, Jamie Madson from Rockford Area Schools represented south central Minnesota, Chris Dobis from Pierz Public Schools represented north central, and Jackie Chwialkowski from Stephen Argyle Central Schools represented northern Minnesota.\nMREA also honored State Senator LeRoy Stumpf with the \u201c2016 Distinguished Service Award\u201d for his contributions to the betterment of rural education in Minnesota.\n Northwest Minnesota Foundation Housing Summit \n  Karen White, Vice President of Programs, addressing the assembly\nThe Northwest Minnesota Foundation's Impact 20/20 subcommittee held a Housing Summit on Wednesday at the University of Minnesota in Crookston. The primary focus of the Summit was to discuss ways communities across the region can address housing shortages, primarily to workforce housing. The existing housing shortage has limited the growth of business and industry.\nMy staff aide Toni Merdan attended the Summit and was pleased to see a large group of individuals from across the region learning from housing developers and agency resources available to communities. For more information on the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, visit www.nwmf.org.\n Hunger Solutions Minnesota \nMy staff aide Rebekah Solem met with Minnesota Hunger Solutions Executive Director Colleen Moriarty to talk about the importance of nutrition programs. In particular, they discussed the importance of keeping the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the farm bill. The hunger relief organization was formed in 2001 when the Minnesota Food Bank Network and the Minnesota Food Shelf Association combined in order to promote collaboration and to increase capacity while being more efficient.\n Legislative Update \n Agriculture Committee Completes SNAP Review \nThe Agriculture Committee on Wednesday concluded its review of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with a full Committee hearing, \u201cPast, Present and Future of SNAP: Opportunities for Improving Access to Food.\u201d In some areas of the country, like the Seventh District, grocery stores are few and far between and internet service can be unreliable. I raised my concerns about the fairness of online shopping for those living in these areas and encouraged the witnesses to review options for serving these areas.\nThe hearing was the Committee\u2019s eighteenth meeting to review SNAP. We have covered a lot of ground but the overwhelming theme of the testimony has shown that, while there are some areas for improvement, SNAP is working. We\u2019ve also heard testimony opposing efforts to block grant SNAP and on the importance of keeping SNAP within the farm bill. I urged my colleagues to keep this in mind as we start work on the farm bill next year.\n Rural Calls \nThis week the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act (H.R. 2566), legislation to address call quality and reliability standards in rural areas. The Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act requires intermediary providers to register with the FCC and to meet quality standards ensuring rural Americans can rely on phone service. It also prohibits providers from using any intermediary routing services not registered with the FCC. The legislation heads to the U.S. Senate for final consideration.\n Newsstand \n Winter Hazard Awareness Week \nThe Minnesota Department of Public Safety, in partnership with the National Weather Service and other state, federal and non-profit agencies is promoting Winter Hazard Awareness Week from November 14-18. For information on how to prepare your family for hazardous winter conditions, visit their website or check out their 2016 Fact Sheet.\n National Rural Health Day \nThis week, communities across the country celebrated National Rural Health Day. Rural hospitals, clinics, and providers are crucial, not only in meeting the unique healthcare needs of rural America but also in providing jobs and benefits within the communities they serve. To honor the occasion, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) will host a series of web sessions regarding the future of rural healthcare.\n American Education Week \nThis week is also American Education week, and we\u2019re proud to thank those who dedicate their time to building our children\u2019s future. I encourage you to take the time this week to reach out and thank those educators who made a difference in your life. To learn more about American Education week, you can visit their website.\n Minnesotans Give Back \nThe Corporation for National and Community Service published their report listing the Top 10 States and Cities for volunteering, and I\u2019m proud to announce that Minneapolis-St. Paul was the number 1 large city in volunteering and Minnesota was the second overall state in volunteering! This year there were over 1,560,600 volunteers in Minnesota alone. You can learn how to #GoVolunteer at NationalService.gov.\n This Week in American History \n  Hutchinson family portrait circa 1845; sheet music featuring the original family, 1840\nOn November 19, 1855 the Hutchinson Family Singers founded the town of Hutchinson, in McLeod County. The family settled in Minnesota after touring the nation as one of the most popular musical groups of the time; singing in four part harmony, the Hutchinson Family Singers were a national sensation, with songs such as Get Off the Track!, Right Over Wrong, The Slave Appeal, Song of Our Mountain Home. Beyond becoming the first uniquely American musical celebrities, they were known for their political activism, promoting abolitionism and temperance, as well as workers and women\u2019s rights.\n Spotted in the Seventh \nCan YOU guess what was Spotted in the Seventh? Each week, the newsletter will feature a landmark or site somewhere in Western Minnesota. The first person to name the location wins! The location of the photo as well as the winner will be revealed in the next newsletter.\nThis week\u2019s landmark is a governmental center located near one of Minnesota\u2019s largest lakes\u2026\nCongratulations to Heather Weller of New York Mills for being the first to correctly identify our last location as the In Their Own Words Museum in Perham!\nShare your guess on our website \u2013 http://collinpeterson.house.gov/contact-me/spotted-seventh\n  \u201cColorful Sickness\u201d  Riley Tuve (RAYMOND)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-nolan-introduces-resolution-supporting-national-apprenticeship-week", "Rep. Nolan Introduces Resolution Supporting National Apprenticeship Week", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan today introduced a House Resolution with his colleague, U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice, and several other representatives to support the official designation of the week of November 14th, 2016 as National Apprenticeship Week \u2013 recognizing the important role that apprenticeships play in developing a well-trained and highly skilled work force, and commending the organizations and employers that actively support apprenticeship programs. \n\u201cApprenticeships are a critical part of the success of our next generation,\u201d said Representative Nolan. \u201cUnions have played a particularly important role in advancing apprenticeships in Minnesota, especially in the building trades which have incredible apprenticeship programs to train new workers.\u201d\nIn late October, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry with a $1.5 million grant to fund its Apprenticeship Expansion initiative. There are more than 200 apprenticeship programs registered in Minnesota, with 85 percent of them in construction trades. There are currently more than 11,000 Minnesotan apprentices.\nNolan is also a cosponsor of the\u00a0Youth Access to American Jobs Act of 2015. This legislation creates a grant program that would expand apprenticeship programs by awarding grants to 10 eligible\u00a0entities to carry out a program to increase student participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses and STEM-focused Career and Technical Education courses; enroll in a course of study related to the manufacturing field at the community college upon graduating from the secondary school; and enroll, for a two-year period, in the state apprenticeship program or the joint-labor management training program upon receiving an associate's degree from\u00a0the community college.\n\u201cNational Apprenticeship Week is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about apprenticeship programs in communities across the country that are putting more and more American workers on a path to new skills, higher wages and better careers,\u201d said Representative Kathleen Rice. \u201cWhen workers get the chance to earn while they learn, it\u2019 a win-win for workers, employers and the American economy. I\u2019m grateful for all that President Obama and Secretary Perez have done to expand apprenticeship opportunities across the U.S., and I\u2019ll continue doing everything I can to keep building on that progress in the years ahead.\u201d\n\u201cApprenticeships are experiencing a modern renaissance in America, because the earn-while-learn model is a win-win proposition for workers looking to punch their ticket to the middle class and for employers looking to grow and thrive in our modern global economy,\u201d said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \nIn addition\u00a0to Nolan, original cosponsors of the resolution include Reps. Bobby Scott (D-VA), Ranking Member on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Mark Pocan (D-WI), Jared Polis (D-CO), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Susan Davis (D-CA), Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), David Scott (D-GA), Joe Courtney (D-CT) and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. A companion resolution was introduced today in the Senate by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=076159A4-C9A1-4DA0-A0C1-DD84008F2966", "Klobuchar Statement on National Adoption Day", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MINNEAPOLIS, MN \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar issued the following statement in advance of National Adoption Day, which takes place each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. National Adoption Day is a national effort to raise awareness of the more than 100,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families. Klobuchar is the Senate co-chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption.\r\n\u201cAs a former prosecutor in a state with a strong tradition of adoption and as the Senate co-chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I know the power of adoption. I\u2019ve seen it firsthand,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cOn National Adoption Day, we honor the big hearts and hard work of adoptive families while focusing on how we can provide these families with the support they need and deserve.\u201d\r\nKlobuchar is a strong advocate for adoptive families and children. She has 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, which was signed into law on November 30, 2010. She also introduced the Accuracy for Adoptees Act, which was signed into law by President Obama in early 2014. This legislation cuts red tape for adoptive families and ensures that corrections made to adoptees\u2019 birth certificates by state courts would be recognized by the federal government.\u00a0\r\nKlobuchar has also worked closely with adoptive Minnesota families to help them bring their children home from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Russia.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=15F482ED-232C-4FF7-9E49-7DA832DEC0AD", "Klobuchar Calls for Preserving the Independence of the Federal Reserve Bank During Joint Economic Committee Hearing", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Klobuchar urged protection for our financial system to ensure a strong community banking sector; She also pressed for answers about upholding the Federal Reserve Bank\u2019s dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability\u00a0 \r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, the Ranking Senate Member of the Joint Economic Committee, called for preserving the independence of the Federal Reserve Bank during a hearing on the economic outlook with the Chair of the Board of the Governors of the Federal Reserve System Dr. Janet Yellen.\r\n\u201cCongress established the Federal Reserve with the purpose of ensuring that the power of this institution would not be concentrated far from these banks and the communities they serve,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cThe independence of the Federal Reserve and its focus on its dual mandate is vital to the stability of the financial system and our local economies.\u201d\r\nKlobuchar also pressed for answers about upholding the Federal Reserve Bank\u2019s dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability. Klobuchar also asked how including a growth rate target could impact the economy.\r\nFor a broadcast-quality video excerpt of Klobuchar\u2019s remarks, click here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-passes-bill-to-improve-trail-maintenance-and-preservation", "Congress Passes Bill to Improve Trail Maintenance and Preservation", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Tim Walz", "W000799", "walz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congress sent a bill this week to President Obama that would improve access to America\u2019s National Forests through better trail maintenance and preservation.\nThe National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act would make better use of existing resources within the Forest Service to significantly increase the role of volunteers and partners in maintaining the usability and sustainability of the National Forest\u2019s trail system.\nSenators Mike Enzi, R-Wyo. And Michael Bennet, D-Colo. were the prime sponsors in the Senate and Representatives Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., and Tim Walz, D-Minn., in the House.\u00a0Legislators in both houses passed the bipartisan bill unanimously.\n\u201cWyoming is home to some stunning forests and they should be easily accessible,\u201d Enzi said. \u201cWith our country in tough fiscal times, it is important that we maintain access to our public land in a fiscally sound manner. This bill would make the most of our resources, maximize the use of volunteers and improve access to our National Forests for generations to come.\u201d\n\u201cMillions of people every year come to Colorado for some of the best hiking, scenery, and wildlife viewing that the country has to offer,\u201d Bennet said. \u201cOur tourism and outdoor recreation industries depend on a well-maintained trail system throughout our national forests. This bill will help the Forest Service do more with less by increasing the use of volunteers to ensure our trails are accessible and safe for all of us to use.\u201d\nThe Forest Service currently maintains only one-quarter of the 158,000 miles of National Forest trails that offer hiking, horseback riding, hunting, mountain bicycling, motorized vehicles, and other outdoor activities. The act would expand the number of trails that could be maintained by requiring a national strategy to maximize the use of volunteers and partners while addressing liability concerns that restrict outside groups and individuals working on the trails.\nThe bill also directs a study on utilizing fire crews for maintenance work during off-seasons and a study on permits for outfitters and guides to offset some fees through work on trail maintenance.\n\u201cThis is really a motherhood and apple pie kind of bill,\u201d Lummis said. \u201cThis legislation empowers volunteers in their desire and effort to restore our national trails system. It also explores utilizing fire crews during the off season and letting outfitters work off some of their fees in trail maintenance. By refocusing on volunteers and stretching existing resources, we will make real progress on the trail maintenance backlog, despite these tight fiscal times. It is very exciting to see this legislation, which will restore public access to beautiful trails, head to the White House for the President\u2019s signature.\u201d\n\u201cFrom hikers to bikers, outdoor enthusiasts across the country utilize 157,000 miles of National Forest System trails every day for exercise, relaxation, and exploration. Though public use remains high, close to two-thirds of these trails don\u2019t receive any maintenance whatsoever because our Forest Service simply lacks the resources to keep up,\u201d Walz said. \u201cI am proud the legislation Representative Lummis, Senator Enzi, Senator Bennet and I have worked on passed the Senate today and I look forward to it being signed into law. Protecting our public lands for future generations while increasing access to the great outdoors is our responsibility, and this bill is a step in the right direction.\u201d\nClick here for a copy of the bill.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-progressive-caucus-denounces-trump-surrogate-s-comments-on", "Congressional Progressive Caucus Denounces Trump Surrogate\u2019s Comments on Japanese-American Internment Camps", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Keith Ellison", "E000288", "ellison.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chairwoman Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), CPC Vice Chair Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), and CPC Vice Chair Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) made the following statements today\u00a0after a Trump surrogate, Carl Higbie, suggested Japanese-American internment camps could serve as a precedent for the creation of a Muslim registry.\n\u201cAny proposal to force American Muslims to register with the federal government, and to use Japanese imprisonment during World War II as precedent, is abhorrent and has no place in our society,\u201d Rep. Chu said. \u201cThese ideas are based on tactics of fear, division, and hate that we must condemn. The incarceration of innocent Japanese Americans due to wartime hysteria and racism was a dark chapter in our nation\u2019s history which led to civil rights violations so unconscionable that Congress later apologized for it. Like Japanese incarceration, imposing a registry upon American Muslims is not only unconstitutional, but it goes against our very principles as a nation. We will remain vigilant and push back against the creation of any such registry, and implore the President-elect to recognize the basic civil and constitutional rights of all Americans.\u201d\n\u201cThese remarks are beyond disturbing. This is fear, not courage. This is hate, not policy,\u201d Rep. Honda said. \u201cPresident Reagan, himself, called our internment a \u201cfailure of political leadership.\u201d This does not make America great but would take us back to the bigotry of the 1940s. The Trump administration is showing they have not learned from our history when they suggest we go back to one of its darkest chapters. No one should go through what my family and 120,000 innocent people suffered regardless of their race or religion or any other way they would choose to try and divide us. I fought such divisive practices after 9/11 to ensure Muslims would not be unfairly targeted just as we were. Now today, I tell Mr. Trump that to reenact a policy fueled by prejudice is uncivilized, un-American and unworthy of a president sworn to uphold our Constitution.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cThe imprisonment of thousands of Japanese-Americans during World War II, including my parents and grandparents, is widely understood to be one of the darkest chapters in American history,\u201d Rep. Takano said. \u201cI am horrified that people connected to the incoming Administration are using my family\u2019s experience as a precedent for what President-elect Trump could do. These comments confirm many Americans\u2019 worst fears about the Trump Administration, and they reflect an alarming resurgence of racism and xenophobia in our political discourse. I call on the President-elect to immediately disavow these comments and begin the work of healing our nation\u2019s divides.\u201d\n\u201cSince Donald Trump was elected president, thousands of Americans have voiced fears over what our country might look like in the coming years. Last night one of the President-elect\u2019s surrogates showed us why so many people are afraid of a Trump administration,\u201d Rep. Ellison said. \u201cThe internment of over 100,000 Americans of Japanese descent is one of the darkest marks on our nation\u2019s history. Placing citizens in what amounted to concentration camps, is something we should expect from autocracies, dictatorships, and fascist regimes \u2013 not the United States. The fact that our incoming President has considered internment as a model for how to move forward with the Muslim community is absolutely shocking. We can\u2019t allow it to be normalized or enacted. The President-elect has said on numerous occasions he wants to be the president of all Americans. He clearly is only interested in representing some of us. If Donald Trump moves forward with the racist and divisive policies his team have been advocating for, we will be the first ones to stand up to him. We will be the first ones to tell him \u2018no.\u2019\u201d\n\u201cFor the millions of Americans in our minority communities, our immigrant communities, our LGBT community, and for countless others who all share in the fear of what the next four years will bring, the insinuation by a Trump surrogate that Japanese internment during World War 2 sets a precedent for the incoming administration to create a registry of Muslims is a validation of our worst concerns,\u201d Rep. Grijalva said. \u201cUnfortunately, transition team leader Kris Kobach set a tone that is clearly being mimicked by junior Trump surrogates. Not only does this statement confirm Trump\u2019s intent to track and target minorities with the full force of the federal government, but it also shows every American exactly where this crowd draws their inspiration from. It took our nation decades to own up to the stain of Japanese internment, providing compensation to more than 100,000 people who suffered through it and formally apologizing through the Civil Liberties Act in 1988. To say this heinous treatment should be precedent for any policy is horrific, and Mr. Trump should denounce it immediately.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=1C56FEF5-5D4C-4E39-8649-B65FD6C3ED14", "Klobuchar-Backed Legislation to Improve the Veteran Suicide Crisis Line Passes Senate, Heads to President\u2019s Desk to Signed into Law", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) is a toll-free number that provides vital support to veterans and their family members 24 hours a day and 7 days a week; Recently published emails from the former director of the VCL revealed that more than one-third of the calls into the VCL roll over to back call centers where staff do not have the expertise or training to handle veterans in crisis The bipartisan No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act would require the Department of Affairs (VA) to develop a quality assurance plan to identify performance metrics and objectives to improve the effectiveness of the VCL; The legislation would also require the VA to develop a plan to ensure that each call to the VCL is answered by a qualified person in a timely fashion \r\n\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that legislation she cosponsored to improve the Veteran Suicide Crisis Line (VCL) has passed the Senate and now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. The VCL is a toll-free number that provides confidential support to veterans and their family members 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Recently published emails from the former director of the VCL revealed that more than one-third of the calls in the VCL roll over to back call centers where staff do not have the expertise or training to handle veterans in crisis. The bipartisan No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act would require that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a quality assurance plan to identify performance metrics and objectives to improve the effectiveness of the VCL. The legislation would also require the VA to develop a plan to ensure that each call to the VCL is answered in a timely fashion. \u201cOur veterans have proudly served our country on the front lines, and sadly, many return home with the invisible wounds of war. For these veterans, access to mental health care and support is critical,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cThe least they deserve is not to be forced to wait at the end of the line during their darkest hours. While there is still more work to do to improve the services that veterans rely on, today\u2019s action is a step forward in delivering the suicide prevention and mental health care treatment they deserve.\u201d\r\nThe Senate bill was introduced by Senator John Thune (R-SD). The House bill, which passed earlier this year, was introduced by Representative David Young (R-IA).Klobuchar has been a leader in the fight to improve mental health care for our nation\u2019s soldiers. Last year, legislation she cosponsored to help prevent veteran suicides was signed into law by the President. The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act helps expand access to mental health services for veterans by establishing a loan repayment program to help the VA recruit more psychiatric specialists, enhances resources for veterans transitioning into civilian life, and improves the VA\u2019s ability to address traumatic brain injuries. She also introduced the Service Member Mental Health Review Act in 2013 to help veterans who may have been discharged with improper mental health diagnoses get their records corrected and their benefits restored. In June, Klobuchar and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced a bipartisan bill that would establish a patient self-scheduling appointment system at Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities. The bipartisan Faster Care for Veterans Act would direct the Secretary of the VA to commence a pilot program under which veterans could use the internet to schedule and confirm appointments for health care at VA medical facilities.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=5B6EAE35-3CBC-4D4B-BEC2-63D8F43336CB", "Klobuchar-Backed Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Security at the Northern Border Passes Senate", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill would require a comprehensive U.S. Department of Homeland Security analysis on security threats and additional resources needed to protect the Northern Border As the co-chair of the U.S.-Canada Interparliamentary Group, Klobuchar has worked to improve security and commerce at the Canadian border\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that bipartisan legislation she cosponsored to protect the Northern Border has passed the Senate. The Northern Border Security Review Act would require a comprehensive U.S. Department of Homeland Security analysis on\u00a0security threats and additional resources needed to protect the Northern Border. \u201cNo job is more important to me than keeping our state and our country safe. This legislation will help ensure that federal, state, and local officials have the information and resources they need to protect our border with Canada,\u201d Klobuchar said.\r\nTo strengthen American security at the Northern Border, the Northern Border Security Review Act would require DHS to:\r\n \r\nExamine recruiting and retaining border security officials to cover the Northern Border, including at more remote areas of the border;\r\nDetermine tools border security officials need to effectively combat drug and human trafficking at the Northern Border;\r\nIdentify technology that could expand the reach of border agents; and\r\nFind vulnerabilities in cooperation between Canadian, state, county, local, and tribal law enforcement.\r\n \r\nThe Northern Border Security Review Act was introduced by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH). Representative John Katko (R-NY) has introduced companion legislation in the House.\r\nAs the co-chair of the U.S.-Canada Interparliamentary Group, Klobuchar has worked to improve security and commerce at the Canadian border. In 2014, she introduced the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) to strengthen border security and improve trade by authorizing the Secretary of Homeland Security to enter into agreements to secure more funding for Customs and Border Protection operations at land ports of entry. She also introduced legislation that would improve border security by requiring travelers to the U.S. to use biometric or e-passports, which are the most secure travel documents available. Additionally, Klobuchar has worked with Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) to improve baggage screening standards and remove unnecessary double screening of luggage. She also worked to expand preclearance locations at the northern border so that passengers and cargo undergo inspection before entering our borders.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=news&id=3569", "KARE: Veterans Day in Inver Grove Heights", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Since joining the Senate, Sen. Al Franken has worked hard to ensure that we keep our promises to the men and women who serve in the military. He's honored Minnesota veterans by helping them receive long overdue medals, he's written legislation to protect those who are serving abroad and to make sure they can get the benefits they rightfully earned after returning home, and he been a strong advocate for military families.At this year's Minnesota State Veterans Day Ceremony in Inver Grove Heights, Sen. Franken reminded everyone in attendance that we all need to step up for our veterans, who have sacrificed for the country and deserve to be both recognized and supported.\nKARE reported:\n \n\"On this day we are reminded of the bravery of those who are with us and those are not. Also, the gratidude that goes beyond just one day.\n'It's up to us to make sure that the second life you [veterans] have when you come back is full and rich and happy,' said Sen. Franken.\"\n \nYou can read more here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3570", "Following Efforts from Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, Nolan, Department of Energy Approves Great Northern Transmission Line", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last year, Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, and Nolan urged support for the project in a letter to Secretary Moniz and in September, the lawmakers sent another letter to Moniz urging a timely review of the project\nFollowing efforts from U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representatives Collin Peterson Rick Nolan, today the U.S. Department of Energy gave federal approval to Minnesota Power's Great Northern Transmission Line, a 220-mile electric transmission line that will cross the U.S.-Canada border between Minnesota and Manitoba and help provide Minnesota electric customers access to reasonably priced, clean, renewable energy. Last year, Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, and Nolan urged support for the project in a letter to Secretary Moniz. In September, the lawmakers sent another letter to Moniz urging a timely review of the project.\"The federal approval of the Great Northern Transmission Line is good news for our economy and our environment,\" said Klobuchar. \"Now that this important project can move forward, more Minnesota households and businesses will have access to clean and renewable power.\"\"The Great Northern Transmission line with help bring more affordable and reliable renewable energy to northern Minnesota families and businesses,\" said Franken. \"I'm pleased that the federal government has approved this important project to move forward in our state.\"\"This is an important step to providing more Minnesotans with reliable, affordable, renewable energy,\" Peterson said. \"The Great Northern Transmission Line has broad support from state, local and tribal governments and I am pleased that today's approval will allow Minnesota Power to move ahead with planned construction.\"\"This is an important project for securing the availability of affordable, renewable electricity in northeastern Minnesota - especially for residential consumers, as well as our mining, manufacturing, timber and tourism industries,\" Nolan said. \"I am very pleased the project's final stage of review has crossed over the finish line, just in time for the winter construction season. The Great Northern Transmission Line enjoys broad stakeholder support, including local tribes, and has positive energy security and environmental implications for northeastern Minnesota, the Nation, and North America. I especially want to thank Secretary Moniz for his work and responsiveness to our recent request for a timely resolution.\"The letter to Secretary Moniz from September is below.Dear Secretary Moniz:We write to urge your timely review of the Department of Energy's (DOE) processing and issuance of the Presidential permit necessary for the Great Northern Transmission Line's (GNTL) border crossing with Canada.We have written to you in the past on the project 's successful international collaboration between Canada and the United States, as well as the cooperation between DOE and state and local stakeholders. These efforts were noted by the Administration as a model for how other projects such as these should undertake stakeholder collaboration. Furthermore, we have been encouraged by the Administration's citation of the merits of the GNTL itself on several occasions.Given the public support and collaboration between DOE, state regulators and other stakeholders, the project sponsor's expectation was that DOE's internal review and engagement with other federal agencies should have been well underway by the time the state route permit was issued in February by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Unfortunately, it appears DOE's Presidential permit process did not run entirely in parallel with the state approval process, causing delays. The ideal construction period\u00a0 for the project is in the winter, since work over sensitive wetlands is best done when the ground is frozen. Failure to make a timely decision on the issuance of the Presidential permit could compromise the project's economics and could jeopardize \u00a0the project itself.We would appreciate your immediate and personal attention to this matter so that the GNTL, which enjoys broad stakeholder support and has positive energy security and environmental implications for the region, the nation, and North America -can go forward as planned. Thank you for your consideration of our request.Sincerely,\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ellison-statement-on-the-charging-of-officer-jeronimo-yanez-in-the", "Rep. Ellison Statement on the Charging of Officer Jeronimo Yanez in the Death of Philando Castile", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Keith Ellison", "E000288", "ellison.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement after Ramsey County Attorney John Choi charged Officer Jeronimo Yanez, the officer who shot Philando Castile, with second-degree manslaughter.\n\u201cI trust Ramsey County Attorney Choi\u2019s decision to charge Officer Yanez in the death of Philando Castile. Officer Yanez will get a fair trial, and will be presumed innocent until proven guilty. This is one of the reasons Choi\u2019s policy decision to have Ramsey County review each officer-involved shooting individually, and not immediately refer to a grand jury, is so important. The victims of officer-involved shootings, and their families, deserve justice. And that means moving away from the grand jury system. We must ensure that this is a step towards greater accountability and transparency, and not merely an isolated decision.\n\u201cWe may not be able to give solace to Philando\u2019s grieving family, his partner Diamond Reynolds or her daughter. But we can give them justice. And we can give them our promise that we will fight to make sure these types of shootings never happen again. We owe it to Philando.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-statement-charges-philando-castile-shooting", "McCollum Statement on Charges in Philando Castile Shooting", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after Ramsey County Attorney John Choi charged a St. Anthony Police Officer in the July shooting death of Philando Castile:\n\u201cAfter the shooting of Philando Castile in July, I called for a Justice Department investigation to establish the facts of this case and ensure appropriate accountability.\u00a0With assistance from the Justice Department, County Attorney John Choi and state and local law enforcement have conducted a thorough and fair investigation.\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement of charges against the officer involved is a step in the process of accountability for Mr. Castile\u2019s death. \u00a0The forthcoming criminal trial will offer transparency to the public, while allowing a judge and jury to make the ultimate determination in this case.\n\u201cAs this case proceeds through the criminal justice system, we must continue to work together to build a stronger, more trusting relationship between our police and the communities they serve and protect. At this difficult time, we should also keep Philando Castile\u2019s loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=922A882E-9934-4923-888F-96CF73F9A6C0", "Klobuchar, Vitter Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Make \u2018Steve Gleason Act\u2019 Permanent", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation to remove sunset date, make speech generating devices available to individuals with diseases like ALS \r\n   WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-LA) introduced the bipartisan Steve Gleason Act of 2016, which would allow patients diagnosed with diseases such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to have permanent access to speech generating devices (SGDs). The legislation builds on the successes of the Steve Gleason Act of 2015, which provided immediate relief for patients who had been denied access to SGDs due to a Medicare policy change in 2014 and allowed them to have access to the medical equipment they needed.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWithout speech generating devices, people who are suffering from diseases like ALS and Parkinson\u2019s can\u2019t communicate with their family members, caregivers, and friends. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve worked with Senator Vitter to restore full access to speech-generating devices for those who need them,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cI call on my colleagues to pass this important legislation and help us give patients their voices back.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nKlobuchar and Vitter\u2019s bipartisan legislation would make the SGD exception from Medicare\u2019s capped rental rule a permanent fixture in federal law in order to make the medical equipment more accessible and more affordable for all patients living with speech and communication disabilities from conditions such as ALS, stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, Rett Syndrome, and others. The Steve Gleason Act of 2015 created the SGD exception, but has a sunset date of October 1, 2018. The Steve Gleason Act is named for legendary New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason who lives with ALS. Since being diagnosed with ALS, Gleason has since been confined to a wheel chair and lost his ability to speak. Gleason\u2019s SGD has allowed him to regain his ability to communicate.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ellison-statement-on-president-elect-trump-s-announcement-of-stephen", "Rep. Ellison Statement on President-elect Trump\u2019s Announcement of Stephen Bannon as White House Senior Advisor", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Keith Ellison", "E000288", "ellison.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement after President-elect Donald Trump announced Stephen Bannon, the publisher of Breitbart News, would serve as the top strategist in his White House:\n\u201cOn Sunday night, President-elect Donald Trump appeared on CBS\u2019 60 Minutes. While on this program, the President-elect took a minute to address his supporters who have harassed racial and religious minorities. The President-elect\u2019s supporters have drawn swastikas on schools and churches, encouraged political opponents to commit suicide, threatened Muslim-Americans with violence, and committing other hate crimes.\n\u201cAfter addressing his supporters, the President-elect should turn his attention to the man he\u2019s selected to run his White House: Stephen Bannon. Mr. Bannon has called the Pope a \u201ccommie.\u201d He has referred to the Civil War as the \u201cwar of Southern Independence.\u201d He referred to liberal, college educated women as \u201ca bunch of dykes.\u201d And sworn testimony in a legal case alleged Mr. Bannon was a domestic abuser and that he stated he \u201cdidn\u2019t want [his children] going to school with Jews.\u201d\n\u201cMr. Bannon is adored by white supremacists, white nationalists, anti-Semites, neo-Nazis, and the KKK. It\u2019s not hard to see why.\n\u201cIf the President-elect is serious about rejecting bigotry, hatred, and violence from his supporters, he must rescind Stephen Bannon\u2019s appointment. This man shouldn\u2019t be allowed to visit the White House \u2013 let alone run it.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-remarks-appointment-stephen-bannon-white-house-chief-strategist", "McCollum Remarks on Appointment of Stephen Bannon as White House Chief Strategist", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor this afternoon about President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s appointment of Stephen Bannon, the former Executive Editor of Breitbart News and a leader of the alt-right movement, as chief strategist and senior counselor in the White House:\n\u201cDonald Trump\u2019s hateful campaign has divided our nation. After the election, Mr. Trump promised Americans that he would \u2018bind the wounds of division.\u2019\n\u201cYet his appointment of Stephen Bannon as chief White House strategist is proof of the ugly direction Mr. Trump intends to take our country. Bannon built his media career catering to white supremacists and anti-Semites. The fact that Republicans have been silent on Bannon\u2019s appointment is a disturbing sign. It shows that the Republican Party has embraced Trump\u2019s campaign agenda of blatant sexism, racial bigotry, and religious intolerance.\n\u201cThis un-American ideology must be confronted both here in Congress and in our communities. For millions of people, including families in my district, Trump\u2019s election means they are now living under a shroud of fear. Here in this House and at home in Minnesota, I pledge to keep fighting to defend our fellow Americans from Trump\u2019s extreme agenda.\n\u201cIf we want a strong America where all families have the opportunity to succeed, we must stand united and reject those who fan the flames of hate.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 598, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "MN", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MN&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 598, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MN&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MN&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 598, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MN&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MN&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "MN", "label": "MN", "count": 598, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MN&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 598, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MN", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-11-14,https~3A~2F~2Fmccollum~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-release~2Fmccollum-remarks-appointment-stephen-bannon-white-house-chief-strategist", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MN&year=2016&_next=2016-11-14%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fmccollum~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-release~2Fmccollum-remarks-appointment-stephen-bannon-white-house-chief-strategist&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 222.68636571243405, "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"}