{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"MN\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-cosponsors-election-integrity-legislation", "Emmer Cosponsors Election Integrity Legislation", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Tom Emmer", "E000294", "emmer.house.gov", "emmer", "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) cosponsored Congressman Pete Stauber\u2019s (MN-08) Voter Vouching Transparency Act, which requires states with voter vouching policies, like Minnesota, to report basic information to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission about their use in federal elections. Minnesota is one of several states that have a voter vouching policy, allowing one voter to \u201cvouch\u201d for other individuals instead of providing identification to vote.\n\n\u201cMinnesota\u2019s vouching policy is an open invitation for voter fraud. Allowing one voter to vouch for up to eight others does not make for safe, secure elections. In fact, it does the opposite,\u201d said Congressman Tom Emmer. \u201cAnyone who argues otherwise should admit the truth: they want ineligible individuals to vote in our elections. With this legislation, we will bring oversight and transparency to a policy that provides a clear avenue for fraud.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nIn Minnesota, any individual whose name appears on Minnesota\u2019s voter rolls can \u201cvouch\u201d for the identity and eligibility of up to eight other individuals attempting to vote without ever showing any form of identification.\n\nThe Voter Voucher Transparency Act follows over a year of requests from the Department of Justice (DOJ) for information on Minnesota\u2019s voter lists and compliance with federal election guidelines. The DOJ has made numerous attempts to obtain information on Minnesota\u2019s voter-list maintenance practices and Help America Vote Act (HAVA) compliance. Minnesota has not complied with the DOJ\u2019s requests.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-introduces-legislation-create-transparency-voter-vouching", "Stauber Introduces Legislation to Create Transparency on Voter Vouching", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Pete Stauber", "S001212", "stauber.house.gov", "stauber", "https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), along with Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, and Congressman Brad Finstad, introduced the Voter Voucher Transparency Act, legislation that will create a standardized federal reporting requirement so the public can see how often voter vouching is used in federal elections.\n\nSpecifically, this legislation would require states to report the number of individuals who registered to vote using a voucher, the total number of voters who served as vouchers, the number of individuals vouched for by each voucher, and the number of attempted vouching registrations that were not accepted, including the reasons for denial.\n\nOf his legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, \u201cUnder Democrat leadership, Minnesota became ground zero for welfare fraud, so it should come as no surprise that these same Democrat leaders are also enabling election fraud through the state\u2019s controversial voter vouching system. Allowing one person to vouch for up to eight voters creates an environment where illegal immigrants can easily cast ballots. This is wrong, and it is un-American. Unfortunately, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon has done everything in his power to prevent transparency on this issue. We can\u2019t fix what we can\u2019t measure, which is why I am proud to introduce legislation requiring a federal reporting requirement on voter vouching to understand the full scope of the issue here in Minnesota and nationwide. Only Americans should decide the outcome of U.S. elections, and I will not stop fighting until election integrity is restored.\u201d\n\nIn the state of Minnesota, an individual seeking to become registered to vote on Election Day can confirm their residency simply by having a registered voter \u201cvouch\u201d for them. Registered voters can vouch for up to eight people, and staff at residential facilities can vouch for an unlimited number of facility residents. Compounding this issue, Governor Walz also signed the \u201cDriver\u2019s Licenses for All\u201d bill into law, allowing individuals to obtain a standard driver\u2019s license or state ID regardless of their immigration status.", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-statement-mesabi-metallics-plan-build-15-billion-steel-mill-iowa", "Stauber Statement on Mesabi Metallics\u2019 Plan to Build a $15 Billion Steel Mill in Iowa", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Pete Stauber", "S001212", "stauber.house.gov", "stauber", "https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the following statement in response to today\u2019s announcement that Mesabi Metallics plans to build a $15 billion steel mill in Iowa. This will be the largest steel plant in U.S. history and is expected to produce 7.5 million or more tons of steel each year while employing as many as 1,700 workers.\n\n\u201cI am proud that Mesabi Metallics recently opened their new mine in Minnesota\u2019s Eighth Congressional District \u2013 the first new mine to be built on the Iron Range in over 50 years. Furthermore, I appreciate the President\u2019s commitment to revitalize America\u2019s steel industry and am excited that the taconite produced on Minnesota\u2019s Mighty Iron Range will play a vital role in that national effort.\n\n\u201cHowever, building this facility in Iowa is a missed opportunity for Northern Minnesota. The hardworking union men and women on the Iron Range stood ready to build, operate, and support a facility of this scale. Yet, their state leaders failed them. While Iowa\u2019s leaders have fostered a pro-growth environment that attracts investment and jobs, the Walz-Flanagan Administration have done the opposite. Their abysmal leadership has driven away opportunity through hostility to industry and indifference to the Iron Range. They shoulder all the blame for this 15-billion-dollar project, along with its 1,700 family-sustaining jobs, going to our neighbor to the south.\n\n\u201cMinnesota cannot afford more of the same. We need state leaders who make Minnesota a place that welcomes investment and the jobs that come with it, not a place that is repeatedly overlooked because it continues to chase investment away.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/09/25/finstad-hosts-roundtable-with-biofuels-leaders-in-janesville/", "Finstad Hosts Roundtable with Biofuels Leaders in Janesville", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "September 25, 2026\n\nNEW ULM, MN \u2013 Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Agriculture Committee, hosted a roundtable discussion with the Minnesota Biofuels Association, Guardian Energy, and local farmers for a conversation on homegrown energy production and a tour of the Guardian Energy facility. Representatives from Minnesota Corn and Cole\u2019s Electric were also in attendance.\n\nWith four locations across the Midwest, Guardian Energy is one of the largest ethanol production groups in the United States. Their Janesville location is currently undergoing a construction project to build one of the world\u2019s largest grain bins, with a 2.3 million bushel capacity.", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=481DBCA8-D8C1-45AC-B3CB-A040AAE732DD", "Klobuchar, Cassidy, McBath, Thompson Introduce National Hazing Awareness Week Resolution", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced a resolution to recognize this week, September 21st through the 25th, as \u201cNational Hazing Awareness Week.\u201d The resolution recognizes the hundreds of students who have died or suffered severe, life-altering injuries as a result of collegiate hazing and promotes efforts to prevent hazing. In the House of Representatives, the resolution is led by Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA) and Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-PA).\n\n\u201cWhen parents send their kids away to college, they expect they will get a good education and make new friends. They don\u2019t expect them to be harassed and hazed. Hazing is a dangerous \u2014 and at times deadly \u2014 reality that students are confronted with,\u201d said Sen. Klobuchar. \u201cWith this resolution, we honor the students who have died or been severely injured due to hazing and promote preventive efforts. This goes hand in hand with our bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act, which is improving hazing reporting and prevention on college campuses.\u201d\n\n\u201cStudents should not have to fear getting physically or emotionally harmed while they are simply trying to find community at college,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThanks to the tireless work of the Gruver family and other advocates, we passed the Stop Campus Hazing Act last Congress to increase accountability and ensure hazing is never ignored.\u201d\n\n\u201cI have been honored to work with families and advocates to pass legislation to end campus hazing. I know what it's like to lose a loved one, and no parent should ever have to bury their child,\u201d said Rep. McBath. \u201cI\u2019m glad to lead efforts once again to spread awareness about the pain of these incidents and am grateful to my colleagues for their continued commitment to protecting our students.\u201d\n\n\u201cHazing has left countless students with life-altering injuries, and too many families have had to endure the loss of a loved one. I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan resolution to bring awareness, accountability, and transparency to campuses in an effort to help protect students from hazing,\u201d Rep. Thompson said.\n\nIn 2024, Klobuchar and Cassidy\u2019s Stop Campus Hazing Act to improve the reporting and prevention of hazing on college campuses was signed into law. The bipartisan legislation requires colleges to include hazing incidents in their annual campus safety report and establish a campus-wide, research-based program to educate students about the dangers of hazing. In addition, the bill increases transparency and accountability by providing parents and students with better information about a student organization\u2019s history of hazing incidents.\n\nThe first annual security reports to include hazing are required to be published by October 1 of this year. According to a recent analysis by HazingInfo, more than 500 hazing incidents have been recorded across more than 1,400 colleges during the 2025-2026 academic year, the first year that colleges were federally required to publish Campus Hazing Transparency Report on their websites.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-reform-americas-immigration-system", "Rep. Craig Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Reform America\u2019s Immigration System, Hold ICE Accountable", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Angie Craig", "C001119", "craig.house.gov", "craig", "https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "EAGAN, MN \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig officially cosponsored bipartisan legislation that would make meaningful reforms to our country\u2019s broken immigration system.\n\nThe DIGNITY Act would grant legal status and protections to certain undocumented immigrants, reform the asylum screening process to provide legal options for asylum seekers, invest in border security and modernize ports of entry, create new regional processing centers for asylum seekers, mandate accountability for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and provide a pathway to citizenship for our country\u2019s Dreamers.\n\nThe DIGNITY Act was originally introduced by Reps. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL).\n\n\u201cAmerica is a country of immigrants, yet for too long, our broken immigration system has made it too hard for folks who come to this country looking for a better life to stay here,\u201d said Rep. Craig. \u201cIt\u2019s time to create a humane immigration system that actually works and provide a pathway to legal status for those who work, pay taxes and contribute to our economy. I\u2019m proud to support this critical bill, which makes meaningful reforms to our immigration system without compromising our communities\u2019 safety and security. It\u2019s a win-win\u201d\n\nRep. Craig has always advocated for a legal pathway to citizenship for our nation\u2019s Dreamers and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. She has repeatedly cosponsored the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act, which would provide a pathway to citizenship to Dreamers, recipients of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) beneficiaries. She is also a cosponsor of the America\u2019s Children Act, which would provide a pathway to legal permanent residency for individuals who were brought to the U.S.as children and have since graduated from an institution of higher education.\n\nRep. Craig has also been a fervent defender of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program in the face of President Trump\u2019s repeated attacks on TPS holders.\n\nIn July, she introduced the Temporary Protected Status Review Act, which would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to follow a clear, evidence-based process before terminating TPS and allow Congress to reverse TPS terminations under the Congressional Review Act.\n\nYou can read the full text of the DIGNITY Act here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-attends-monticello-water-treatment-plant-ribbon-cutting", "Emmer Attends Monticello Water Treatment Plant Ribbon Cutting", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Tom Emmer", "E000294", "emmer.house.gov", "emmer", "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "MONTICELLO, MN \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman Tom Emmer attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Monticello's new Water Treatment Plant. September 23, 2026 marked the start of construction of the new facility to provide safe drinking water to the surrounding community.\n\n\u201cThis much-needed Water Treatment Plant will make a difference for Monticello and the surrounding communities,\u201d said Congressman Emmer. \u201cWe\u2019re grateful for the local leaders who have worked so hard to get this project underway. It\u2019s great to know that those who live and work in Monticello will continue to have access to safe, clean water for years to come.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nMonticello, Minnesota is a growing city in Wright County with a population of approximately 14,600 residents, located roughly 41 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Monticello residents connected to city water are served by five municipal wells that feed water into the distribution system. While Monticello's wells meet all Safe Drinking Water Act Standards, testing shows an elevated level of manganese. Because of this, the city is building a new filtration system and water treatment plant.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mccollum-senator-tina-smith-secure-funding-local-water", "Congresswoman McCollum, Senator Tina Smith Secure Funding for Local Water Infrastructure", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", "mccollum", "https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "On Thursday, the EPA awarded $1,092,000 to the City of Gem Lake. Congresswoman McCollum and Senator Tina Smith secured the funding for the Municipal Water Supply Community Project through the FY 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Following the grant award, Congresswoman McCollum released the following statement:\n\n\u201cIn the East Metro, we understand just how vital safe drinking water is to the health of our community,\u201d Congresswoman McCollum said. \u201cThis federal investment will help protect the health of Gem Lake residents by providing them with safe drinking water.\u201d\n\n\u201cClean drinking water should be a basic standard in this country,\u201d said Senator Tina Smith. \u201cGem Lake citizens have been rightfully concerned about carcinogens in their water supply, and this new system will give residents some peace of mind. I\u2019m glad Rep. McCollum and I were able to secure this funding.\u201d\n\n\u201cBetty McCollum\u2019s office was instrumental in helping us in all phases of grant application and processing. We are very grateful for the help and on-going professionalism\u201d Gem Lake Mayor\n\nThis funding would be used for the construction phase of a new water supply system to provide safe drinking water to residents. In FY 2024, Congresswoman McCollum secured $959,757 which was used to fund the design of the new water supply system.\n\nSampling performed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) detected 1,4-dioxane, a likely human carcinogen, in several private wells in Gem Lake. While the cause of the contamination has not been narrowed to one source, the residents of Gem Lake are not responsible for it, nor did they contribute to the issue. The MPCA has been providing residents with bottled water, a short-term solution.", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=BE5FFB1E-2C0E-417C-9A78-1590F9B88CFA", "On Senate Floor, Klobuchar Continues to Press the President to End the Iran War", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WATCH KLOBUCHAR\u2019S FULL REMARKS HERE\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 On the Senate floor today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) delivered remarks once again pressing President Trump to end the war in Iran. This is the 13th resolution that Klobuchar has voted for to end the war.\n\nSenator Klobuchar: Mr. President, I rise today to urge the Senate to assert its constitutional authority and to demand accountability for the grave costs that service members, our families, and the American people have shouldered because of the President's war in Iran.\n\nAfter more than six months\u2013six months\u2013it is clear that the President had no plan when the war started, and has no plan for how to end it.\n\nTo be clear, Iran is a terrorist state and should never have a nuclear weapon. And the regime's aggression in the region and repression of Iranian citizens must end.\n\nThat's why I've long supported sanctions against Iran, as well as the Iran nuclear agreement negotiated by President Obama and our allies. And I oppose President Trump's decision to take us out of that agreement.\n\nOur ultimate goal must be peace in the region. But more than six months into this conflict, American service members have been killed, including my constituent, Master Sergeant Nicole Amor, who was among those killed by an Iranian strike on a U.S. facility in Kuwait on March 1st. Innocent civilians across the region have also been killed, and the costs keep mounting.\n\nBeyond the toll on human life, the cost of the war to taxpayers is staggering. The Pentagon recently estimated that it has already spent $42 billion dollars on this unauthorized war so far. $42 billion. This is money that could be used to expand child care or to restore healthcare premium tax credits to help millions of Americans who have seen their premiums, healthcare premiums double or triple this year, or how about the 8 million people who just this last year have given up coverage entirely? That $40 billion that could have extended the tax credits to help people afford their insurance premiums for over a year, and now the president is asking for $70 billion more. That's two more years of those tax credits.\n\nAs a result of this war, American families continue to face spiking gas prices, costing consumers more than $800 per family in higher gas and diesel costs. American people, outside of what I just outlined-that the Pentagon has spent of their taxpayer money-have spent over $100 billion on this war in higher prices.\n\nIn Minnesota, gas prices are up more than $1.50 since the day before the war started. Diesel prices, right as farmers are going to harvest have doubled across the country. These higher fuel prices also make trucking, in addition to farming and freight, more expensive, hitting families and small businesses over and over again when you add to that the tariffs.\n\nThat is why Congress must step up and assert our authority under the Constitution. Congress did not authorize this war, and more than six months in, Congress still has not authorized this war. Six months in.\n\nAnd our colleagues on the other side of the aisle keep just giving up their authority. Why even come here? Why even take this job if you're going to just let one president run over you and be able to make his own calls and just say, \"Hey, we're going to a war. It's going to cost the American people over $100 billion. It's going to spike up prices across the country. Innocent people are going to be killed, and then we're going to lose soldiers at the same time.\u201d\n\nIn fact, both houses of Congress have passed resolutions to stop this unauthorized war. I have voted a dozen times to stop this war unless Congress passes an authorization, and I will continue to vote that way until Congress restores its role in decisions of war and peace.\n\nThe American people are asking what this war has accomplished. Are we closer to a strong and stricter agreement to curtail Iran's nuclear ambitions? The answer is no. Are we now dealing with Iranian leaders who are less hardline? The answer is no. Have we preserved open shipping routes that are so important for trade? Answer no.\n\nIt's time for the president to end this war. It's time to work to bring costs down for the American people and foster lasting peace in the region. This is our moment. I yield the floor.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-mn-housing-organizations-unveil-new-legislation-to-build-more-homeless-shelters-upgrade-aging-shelters-and-permanent-supportive-housing/", "U.S. Senator Tina Smith, MN Housing Organizations Unveil New Legislation to Build More Homeless Shelters, Upgrade Aging Shelters and Permanent Supportive Housing", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "In Minnesota, more than 6,500 people stay in shelters every night, with many shelters operating at or near capacity\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) unveiled new legislation to help more people find a warm and safe place to sleep by increasing the capacity of homeless shelters and permanent supportive housing across the nation, while making critical repairs and upgrades to aging shelters and permanent supportive housing buildings. The Building and Maintaining Homeless Shelters Act would provide $1.5 billion in much-needed federal support over the course of five years. More than 8,300 people experience homelessness on a daily basis in Minnesota, and around 1,800 people can\u2019t find any shelter and are often forced to sleep outside.\n\n\u201cHomeless shelters and permanent supportive housing providers are being asked to do more with less at a time when homelessness is on the rise in big cities and small towns. It\u2019s not sustainable, and it\u2019s past time the federal government stepped in,\u201d said Sen. Smith. \u201cThis new legislation would increase funding for communities to build new shelters that meet their citizens\u2019 needs while also providing major upgrades to aging shelters. It would mean fewer people on the street and connecting more people to resources to find a place to call home.\u201d\n\n\u201cAddressing homelessness requires a full continuum of care, but services cannot succeed without adequate physical infrastructure. Minnesotans navigating homelessness know all too well the exhaustion of a system lacking physical capacity, for both shelter and Permanent Supportive Housing, the long-term solution that actually ends homelessness,\u201d said the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless. \u201cSenator Tina Smith\u2019s Building and Maintaining Homeless Shelters Act delivers the capital support that shelter and housing providers desperately need to acquire properties, repair aging facilities, and build new permanent supportive housing units. This bill directly transforms the experience of those navigating housing loss by turning immediate crisis response into lasting stability and creates a real, permanent path home.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Minnesota Tribal Collaborative enthusiastically supports the Building and Maintaining Homeless Shelters Act. This bill would address some of the funding gaps that tribal nations experience when trying to provide a continuum of housing and services to our communities,\u201d said Christina Olsen with Minnesota Tribal Collaborative, which consists of 10 Tribal Nations working to prevent and end homelessness for American Indians in Minnesota. \u201cAmerican Indians are 30 times more likely to experience homelessness than non-Hispanic white persons. These racial disparities can be traced back to the historic trauma caused by the U. S. government\u2019s policies on American Indians. This bill starts to address these historical wrongs and will ensure that future generations of American Indians do not experience homelessness and instead thrive.\u201d\n\nNationally, more than 700,000 people experience homelessness. Last year, around 415,000 people stayed in emergency shelters and hundreds of thousands of Americans used permanent supportive housing to prevent homelessness. The Building and Maintaining Homeless Shelters Act will create a new grant program to help cities and towns respond to homelessness. These grant dollars could be put toward:\n\nPurchasing property to be used for a new shelter or permanent supportive housing.\n\nRehabilitating aging shelters and making critical maintenance repairs to shelters and permanent supportive housing such as replacing old HVAC systems, repairing windows, replacing roofs and exterior modifications to improve safety and accessibility.\n\nAddressing other physical infrastructure needs to expand homelessness response capacity such as mobile health clinics, day centers, rapid rehousing and safe parking programs where people can legally sleep in their vehicles in monitored parking lots.\n\nConverting commercial buildings like hotels or motels into shelters or permanent supportive housing.\n\nSen. Smith has long been a strong advocate for solutions to homelessness as the top Democrat on the Senate Housing Subcommittee. She introduced the first bipartisan homelessness response legislation in decades, the Reducing Homelessness Through Program Reform Act, to cut red tape and create local solutions for addressing homelessness. She also introduced the Housing for All Veterans Act, legislation to permanently end veteran homelessness.\n\nSen. Smith also led her colleagues in condemning the \u201charmful and potentially illegal\u201d changes to a program that helps people who previously experienced homelessness find more stable and permanent homes. The changes were specifically targeted at the Continuum of Care (CoC) and CoC Builds programs, which help keep 3,600 Minnesotans off the streets.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-reintroduces-bill-to-help-college-students-facing-emergencies-afford-to-stay-in-school/", "U.S. Senator Tina Smith Reintroduces Bill to Help College Students Facing Emergencies Afford to Stay in School", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "Legislation would provide emergency funds as students face record high college costs\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) has reintroduced legislation to help college students afford to stay in school when faced with unexpected financial emergencies. The Emergency Grant Aid for College Students Act comes as students face record high college costs, while the Trump Administration works to dismantle the Department of Education and limit federal borrowing amounts for undergraduate and professional students.\n\n\u201cPaying for college is a precarious balancing act for many students, and that\u2019s when everything is going \u2018right,\u2019\u201d said Sen. Smith. \u201cThis bill would help provide financial stability for students facing a death in the family, steep medical bills, or any number of unexpected emergencies that too often force them to drop out of school and give up on their dreams, ultimately hurting our economy.\u201d\n\nFor students already balancing tuition, housing, groceries and transportation alongside work and classes, a car repair, medical bill or death in the family can put their education at risk. The Emergency Grant Aid for College Students Act would help colleges and universities provide emergency grants to help students manage these unexpected expenses and continue their education without taking on additional debt. Unlike student loans, the grants would not need to be repaid. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Joe Morelle (D-NY 25).\n\n\u201cEvery student deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their personal and professional goals,\u201d said Congressman Morelle. \u201cUnfortunately, unexpected financial emergencies like a vehicle breaking down or the sudden loss of a job can derail years of dedicated work, preventing young people from completing their coursework or even causing them to drop out. That\u2019s not right\u2014which is why I am proud to partner with Senator Smith to introduce this important legislation and ensure students have the support and resources necessary to reach their full potential.\u201d\n\nA law signed by President Trump capped loan amounts for parents and graduate students, with limited exceptions for continuing borrowers. Those changes took effect July 1, 2026. Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has worked to destroy the Department of Education and has made it more difficult to navigate the repayment of federal student loans.\n\nSen. Smith\u2019s legislation is supported by two leading student advocacy organizations, uAspire and the Today Students Coalition.\n\n\u201cuAspire provides financial aid advising to low-income students, and so we see how unexpected costs can derail a college semester and jeopardize a degree. We applaud Senator Smith and Representative Morelle for leading with the Emergency Grant Aid for College Act to ensure campuses can support students with unexpected costs such as medical bills or a necessary car repair,\u201d said uAspire in a statement.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re thankful to Senator Smith for leading the way on this important bill,\u201d said Tanya Ang, executive director of Today\u2019s Students Coalition. \u201cHigher education is one of the greatest paths to economic mobility, but unexpected events such as a car repair, a high utility bill, or a sick child can force students to withdraw before they finish. Emergency aid grants have proven time and again that they boost retention and help students finish what they started.\u201d\n\nYou can read a summary of the bill here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/09/24/finstad-calls-for-increased-usps-communication-regarding-closure-of-glenville-post-office/", "Finstad Calls for Increased USPS Communication Regarding Closure of Glenville Post Office", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "September 24, 2026\n\nROCHESTER, MN \u2013 Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) sent a letter to District Manager of the United States Postal Service\u2019s Minnesota-North Dakota District Angela Bye, requesting clarity and increased communication following the closure of the Glenville Post Office.\n\nOn June 28, 2026, a vehicle struck the Glenville Post Office, causing damage to the front of the building. The next day, Postal Service operations were halted and customers were informed mail could be picked up at the Albert Lea Post Office, about seven miles away. Since then, city officials and residents of Glenville have received minimal updates on a reopening date or timeline of resumed operations.\n\nThe letter reads:\n\n\u201cDear District Manager Bye,\n\n\u201cI am writing regarding the continued closure of the Glenville Post Office located at 220 W. Main Street in Glenville, Minnesota following a vehicle collision that damaged the building. I am concerned about the length of the closure and the impact it is having on residents, businesses, and other postal customers in the Glenville community. It is important that you communicate clearly with the City of Glenville about the timeline and process of reopening the post office.\n\n\u201cOn June 28, 2026, a vehicle struck the Glenville Post Office building, leaving damage to the front of the building. Since then, the Postal Service has halted operations at this location with no indication to the local community on the status of restoring postal operations. Residents should not be left without convenient access to postal services for an extended and indefinite period, particularly without clear information about what is being done to restore services.\n\n\u201cNumerous constituents of mine have contacted my office stating that they have had no correspondence with the Postal Service on a reopening date or a timeline for resumed operations. While I understand that unforeseen circumstances can complicate the repair of a damaged postal facility, the residents of Glenville deserve transparency regarding the status of their post office and a clear understanding of when normal service will return.\n\n\u201cLocal residents rely on their Post Office for essential mailing services. This includes receiving medications, bill payments, stamps, shipping packages, and regular correspondence. Further, this closure can have a profound impact on Glenville\u2019s Main Street businesses that rely on the Post Office to connect with customers and remain competitive.\n\n\u201cI respectfully request information on the following questions:\n\nWhat is the current status of the Glenville Post Office following the vehicle collision?\n\nWhat repairs or other corrective actions are required before the facility can reopen?\n\nHow is the Postal Service communicating with the City of Glenville about the closure and anticipated reopening, and how will you communicate with City officials going forward?\n\nWhat temporary measures has USPS implemented to ensure Glenville residents continue to have reasonable access to postal services?\n\n\u201cI respectfully urge USPS to work with the local postmaster to reopen the Glenville Post Office as soon as possible and keep the local community informed on the steps being taken to do so. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\n\u201cSincerely,", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-hosts-firefighter-roundtable-in-carver-county", "Emmer Hosts Firefighter Roundtable in Carver County", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Tom Emmer", "E000294", "emmer.house.gov", "emmer", "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHANHASSEN, MN \u2013 Today, Congressman Tom Emmer hosted a roundtable discussion with firefighters and mayors in Minnesota\u2019s Sixth Congressional District to learn more about the challenges that fire services face and to share information about federal resources that can help with equipment, staffing, and training.\n\n\u201cOur 6th District is home to some of the best firefighters in the nation, and they deserve our full and total support,\u201d said Congressman Emmer. \u201cThey put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe, and we are dedicated to making sure our district\u2019s fire services have the resources they need.\u201d\n\n\u201cI sincerely appreciate Congressman Emmer reaching out and visiting with fire service leaders,\u201d said St. Cloud Fire Chief Matthew Love. \u201cThis was a great opportunity to discuss topics that have a substantial impact on St. Cloud and the greater Minnesota Fire Service.\u201d\n\nAttendees included:\n\nJohn Harnois: Fire Chief, Buffalo\n\nElise Ryan: Mayor, Chanhassen\n\nMatt Lunser: Fire Chief, Clear Lake\n\nMatt Van Lith: Fire Chief, Delano\n\nJeff Cielocha: Fire Chief, East Bethel\n\nBrent Ambuehl: Fire Chief, Sartell\n\nMatthew Love: Fire Chief, St. Cloud\n\nDave Schmidt: Fire Chief, St. Francis & Bethel\n\nTim Fiedler: Fire Chief, St. Michael\n\nDave Shoger: Fire Chief, Victoria\n\nJustin Sorenson: Fire Chief, Waconia\n\nShawn Downs: Fire Chief, Waite Park\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/09/23/finstad-house-majority-whip-emmer-host-emergency-services-roundtable-in-cannon-falls/", "Finstad, House Majority Whip Emmer Host Emergency Services Roundtable in Cannon Falls", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "ROCHESTER, MN \u2013 Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06) hosted a roundtable discussion in Cannon Falls with southern Minnesota law enforcement, ambulance services, fire departments, and emergency service providers to hear about their local infrastructure needs and federal resources available to their communities.\n\n\u201cOur emergency services personnel are the key to keeping our friends, families, and neighbors safe,\u201d said Rep. Finstad. \u201cAs Members of Congress, these conversations with our public safety community keep us engaged with the needs of the finest and bravest in Minnesota. I\u2019m grateful to House Majority Whip Emmer for joining me in the First District today to hear from these men and women, and for the folks in attendance who took time to speak with us.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s always a good day when I get to work with my friend, Congressman Brad Finstad. We had the chance to meet with some of Minnesota\u2019s best emergency services personnel while in the First District,\u201d said Rep. Emmer. \u201cThese brave men and women risk their lives every day to keep us safe, facing one uphill battle after another. Today was an important opportunity to hear from them and reaffirm our unwavering support.\u201d\n\nIn attendance were representatives from public safety and emergency departments across southern Minnesota, including Brownsville, Cannon Falls, Faribault, Mower County, Nerstrand, Northfield, Oronoco, Red Wing, Rochester, Sleepy Eye, St. Charles, West Concord, and Zumbrota.", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-amy-klobuchar-tina-smith-push-the-trump-administration-to-release-heating-assistance-funds-before-winter/", "U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Push the Trump Administration to Release Heating Assistance Funds Before Winter", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "More than 100,000 Minnesota households relied on federal energy assistance last winter\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) and several colleagues are leading a bipartisan push for the federal government to release energy assistance funding as quickly as possible, helping families stay safe and warm as our weather cools and energy costs spike. More than 100,000 Minnesota households relied on the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) last winter. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year. Demand for assistance is expected to increase as the average family will likely spend around $1,030 to heat their homes this winter, an 8.7% increase from last year. Heating oil costs are projected to soar by 31% this winter.\n\n\u201cIn Minnesota, heating your home isn\u2019t a luxury, it\u2019s a necessity,\u201d said Sen. Klobuchar. \u201cWith colder weather on the horizon, families shouldn\u2019t have to choose between staying warm and putting food on the table.\u201d\n\n\u201cMother Nature doesn\u2019t play politics, and we shouldn\u2019t either,\u201d said Sen. Smith. \u201cNo one in Minnesota or across the country should have to choose between turning on the heat or paying for their medications or groceries.\u201d\n\nSens. Klobuchar and Smith, along with 27 of their colleagues from both parties, sent a letter requesting the Department of Health and Human Services release the roughly $4 billion in federal LIHEAP funds before winter home-heating bills arrive. Last year, President Trump fired staff working to deliver LIHEAP benefits, slowing the process of paying the bills on time. The President proposed eliminating LIHEAP altogether in fiscal year 2027, until Sens. Klobuchar, Smith and colleagues pushed back and successfully prevented LIHEAP from being dismantled.\n\nSenators involved in the bipartisan push in addition to Sens. Klobuchar and Smith include Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), Jack Reed (D-RI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King, Jr. (I-ME), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Warner (D-VA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NM), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Gary Peters (D-MI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Ron Wyden (D-OR)\n\nFull text of the letter is below:\n\nDear Secretary Kennedy:\n\nAs you know, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (P.L. 119-103) requires the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute no less than 90 percent of its total LIHEAP allotment by November 1, 2026. Given the extraordinary pressure consumers will face this winter, we ask that you make this distribution well before the deadline.\n\nOctober marks the start of the heating season for many states, and with temperatures already dropping, low-income families and seniors are feeling additional strains on their household budgets. As the main federal program benefiting these individuals with their energy bills, LIHEAP provides critical assistance to vulnerable families and seniors during the cold winter and hot summer months. State agencies and tribes are already activating their LIHEAP programs for the coming winter. A quick release of funding will ensure no gaps in assistance.\n\nWe look forward to working with you on this critical program. Thank you for your attention to our concerns and those of our constituents.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=5A2B0515-EB07-44C2-B493-2F011116A67D", "Klobuchar Receives Rural Electric Co-op Distinguished Service Award", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "Sen. Amy Klobuchar receives the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association\u2019s (NRECA) 2026 Distinguished Service Award from NRECA CEO Jim Matheson\n\nMINNESOTA \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) was awarded the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association\u2019s (NRECA) 2026 Distinguished Service Award for championing electric cooperatives and the communities they serve. Klobuchar was nominated for the award by co-op leaders, including directors of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA). Klobuchar is the only Member of Congress to receive the award for the coming year.\n\n\u201cElectric co-ops connect the farmers who feed our country, keep the lights on at our schools, hospitals, and small businesses, and power our communities,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cWhen I visit all 87 Minnesota counties each year, meetings with the local electric co-ops are always some of my favorite stops. As their partner in Washington, I\u2019m focused on making sure co-ops have the support they need \u2014 especially now as global instability in energy markets increases, demand is up, and people across the country are facing higher electricity costs.\u201d\n\n\u201cOver your distinguished Senate career, you have consistently fought for policies of critical importance to America\u2019s electric cooperatives,\u201d NRECA CEO Jim Matheson wrote in a letter to Klobuchar. Matheson said the award is, \u201creserved for those who, over time, demonstrate repeated support for the 42 million Americans who belong to electric cooperatives.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator Klobuchar has consistently demonstrated that she is a champion for the cooperative model, working to adopt balanced legislation that ensures the interests of rural members are upheld while enhancing the reliability of the electric grid,\u201d Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) board chair Wesley Waller wrote in a letter to NRECA President Mike Partin. \u201cSenator Klobuchar has been a national leader in ensuring cooperatives are eligible for and receive grants supporting their energy transition efforts. She knows cooperatives and engages in work to ensure they compete on a level playing field.\u201d\n\nKlobuchar has long led efforts to support rural electric cooperatives and the communities they serve, as well as to support rural broadband and bridge the digital divide.\n\nKlobuchar has advocated for the release of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds to help families with home energy costs.\n\nKlobuchar\u2019s Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act was incorporated into the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is delivering significant federal funding to Minnesota for expanding high-speed internet access statewide.\n\nAs a member of the bipartisan, bicameral Universal Service Fund Working Group, Klobuchar is working to update USF programs, like the High-Cost Program, to ensure they continue to support rural co-ops.\n\nKlobuchar has championed programs such as the Rural Utilities Service Electric Infrastructure Financing for rural infrastructure improvements and ReConnect for rural broadband deployment.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-hears-from-renee-goods-family-members-and-firsthand-witness-of-alex-prettis-killing-in-public-testimony-to-congress/", "U.S. Senator Tina Smith Hears\u00a0from\u00a0Renee Good\u2019s Family Members and Firsthand Witness of Alex Pretti\u2019s Killing in Public Testimony to Congress", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "\u201cWe all want our law enforcement officers to perform at the highest standards, but when they don\u2019t, it shouldn\u2019t matter who their employer is. There should be a path to justice for those they harm,\u201d said Brent Ganger, brother of Renee Good.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) heard testimony from three witnesses regarding the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during Operation Metro Surge. Witnesses included the mother and brother of Renee Good, Donna and Brent Ganger, and the bystander who recorded the killing of Alex Pretti, Stella Carlson. Their testimony was part of a spotlight forum on fatal shootings at the hands of immigration agents.\n\n\u201cI want to particularly thank the Ganger family, Donna and Brent, and Stella, who was here in many ways, speaking for all of us from Minnesota,\u201dsaid Senator Smith. \u201cHow do you move forward when there hasn\u2019t been accountability for these crimes, and when there isn\u2019t some sense that these agents going forward are going to be held accountable? Accountability and a free and fair investigation might be partisan issues inside this building, they are not partisan issues out in the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cI want to express my deepest condolences to all of the other families here today. I know the pain you are in, the frustration and helplessness\u2026 but also the HOPE that America can still do the right thing on behalf of our loved ones. I am here alongside my oldest son, Brent, on behalf of our large family. Members of Congress, we need your help,\u201d said Donna Ganger, mother of Renee Good, in written testimony. \u201cOur family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community in Minneapolis, from people across the country and around the world. The prayers and words of support have truly brought us comfort. It is meaningful that these sentiments have come from people of all colors, faiths and ideals. That is a perfect reflection of Renee. But thoughts and prayers are not enough. We need action. We need accountability. We need this never, ever to happen again and destroy another family or another community.\u201d\n\n\u201cYou\u2019ve heard from my mother that she is a Republican, and that I consider myself moderate. We have other family members who lean more to the left. I speak to all members of Congress\u2026 including those who chose not to attend today but who I hope are listening. Our family proves that even in the darkest of times, we can and should stay united. We expect nothing less from the leaders in this country and in Congress,\u201d said Brent Ganger, brother of Renee Good, in written testimony. \u201cWe all want our law enforcement officers to perform at the highest standards, but when they don\u2019t, it shouldn\u2019t matter who their employer is. There should be a path to justice for those they harm.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn the morning of Saturday, January 24, I was getting ready to go to work in Minneapolis. I was supposed to be at a church community gathering, face painting children for three hours. And then I heard the whistles,\u201d said Stella Carlson, the bystander who recorded the killing of Alex Pretti, in written testimony. \u201cThe truth does not become less true because someone with great power tells a louder lie. Although I was terrified, in that moment, I knew that I had to keep recording and to bear witness. I knew that I could not look away. And so have so many other people in my community throughout Metro Surge and sadly in a growing list of places from California and Illinois to Texas and Maine and beyond.\u201d\n\nYou can watch and download Brent and Donna Ganger\u2019s testimony here.\n\nYou can watch and download Stella Carlson\u2019s testimony here.\n\nYou can watch and download Senator Smith\u2019s questioning here.\n\nOn January 7, 2026, an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year old mother, who was in her car on Portland Avenue South in Minneapolis. For six months following the shootings, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Department of Justice (DOJ) prevented state and local law enforcement from investigating both shootings. Prominent members of the Trump Administration, including then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, falsely described Ms. Good\u2019s actions as domestic terrorism. There has been no reported material progress on these federal investigations.\n\nOn January 24, 2026, Customs and Border Patrol agents fatally shot Alex Pretti on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. Pretti was shot at least 10 times. Ms. Carlson\u2019s video is a key piece of evidence in refuting the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s account of the shooting, where they described Pretti as a domestic terrorist.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-omar-speaks-oversight-and-government-reform-hearing-dhss-fatal", "ICYMI: Rep. Omar Speaks in Oversight and Government Reform Hearing on DHS's Fatal Shootings", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Ilhan Omar", "O000173", "omar.house.gov", "omar", "https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke in a hearing hosted by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations titled \u201cOur Values at Stake (Part V): Deaths, Deception, and a Failure of Accountability at DHS.\u201d Donna and Brent Ganger, mother and brother of Ren\u00e9e Good, and Stella Carlson, eyewitness to the murder of Alex Pretti, joined the Committees as witnesses. Rep. Omar questioned them on the aftermath of the fatal shootings by immigration officers in Minnesota, and across the country. She also asked them about the communities' needs as they seek justice for those murdered by DHS agents. You can watch the full video here. Below is a transcript of her opening remarks:\n\n\"For those who know me, I'm not known for being an emotional person, but representing Minnesota, representing the epicenter of where Operation Metro Surge took place, having two of my constituents assassinated in broad daylight - it was the most emotional I've ever been in my entire life.\n\n\"And, you know, even the last two hearings that I've participated in, even today, I had to walk out a few times because it is hard to hear people account for losing their daughter, for losing their son, for losing their father, for losing their neighbor, for losing a young dad -I was around his age when when my first daughter was around his daughter's age.\n\n\"And to know that it all happened in the hands of your own government. And for those of us who, like Rep. Garcia talked about, who are immigrants in this country, who fled countries where people are routinely killed in the hands of their government - and as Representative Crockett said, you know, we come to the United States as the land of free, the land of laws, there is an incredible constitution we all celebrate and take an oath to, not just when we become citizens, but when we do, end up serving that country to give back because we are enormously grateful for it - that you just never think that this country is going to be a country where its own government kills its own citizens and residents.\n\n\"And then that government turns around and continues this sort of insane thing that, you know, happens in other countries, where that government creates this propaganda to say that the victims somehow were responsible for their assassination. That they somehow invited their government to publicly execute them.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T10:30:22Z", "2026-09-24T10:31:42Z"], ["https://fischbach.house.gov/2026/9/rep-fischbach-honored-with-growth-energy-s-fueling-growth-award", "Rep. Fischbach Honored with Growth Energy's Fueling Growth Award", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Michelle Fischbach", "F000470", "fischbach.house.gov", "fischbach", "https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) was recognized with Growth Energy's Fueling Growth Award at its annual Biofuels Summit for her leadership and advocacy on behalf of America\u2019s ethanol producers, corn growers, and rural communities.\n\nAt the summit in Washington, D.C., Representative Fischbach highlighted the House\u2019s work to advance permanent, year-round E15 sales and called on the Senate to pass the legislation.\n\n\"In the House, we have done our job. We passed the Farm Bill, and we passed permanent, year-round E15,\" said Rep. Fischbach. \"We proved that year-round E15 is a win for the American consumer with savings of 20 to 40 cents a gallon at the pump, a win for national security by keeping homegrown fuel in our tanks, and a win for our corn growers and ethanol producers.\"\n\nFischbach served as a key champion, using her position on the Rules Committee to navigate the year-round E15 legislation through the House of Representatives. She also urged attendees during her address to press Senate offices during their Capitol Hill visits to deliver regulatory certainty for agricultural producers and consumers.\n\n\"The Farm Bill and our E15 legislation sit across the Capitol in the Senate, stalled while our growers continue to face outdated regulations and are forced to rely on temporary, short-term emergency waivers,\" Fischbach continued. \"I am tired of hitting the pause button on American energy every summer, and I know you are too. The House finished the work, and now the Senate needs to step up, pass these bills, and get them across the finish line.\"", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/09/18/finstad-hosts-crop-insurance-discussion-with-usda-rma-administrator-swanson-southern-minnesota-ag-producers/", "Finstad Hosts Crop Insurance Discussion with USDA RMA Administrator Swanson, Southern Minnesota Ag Producers", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "ROCHESTER, MN \u2013 Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), fourth-generation farmer and member of the House Agriculture Committee, hosted a roundtable discussion in Faribault with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) Administrator Pat Swanson to hear from southern Minnesota agricultural producers and local crop insurance agents about the availability and effectiveness of federal crop insurance programs following improvements made through H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n\u201cI know firsthand that crop insurance is the number one risk management tool that farmers depend on, which is why I\u2019m especially proud of the work we\u2019ve done in the Working Families Tax Cuts to strengthen our federal crop insurance programs, making coverage more accessible and affordable,\u201d said Rep. Finstad. \u201cI\u2019m grateful that Administrator Swanson could join me today to hear from the men and women who are directly benefiting from these provisions and discuss ways we can continue to improve our federal crop insurance programs for the farmers and rural families who need them. Thank you to all those who joined in today\u2019s important conversation.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://fischbach.house.gov/2026/9/rep-fischbach-s-empowering-moms-act-advances-out-of-ways-and-means-committee", "Rep. Fischbach\u2019s Empowering Moms Act Advances Out of Ways and Means Committee", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Michelle Fischbach", "F000470", "fischbach.house.gov", "fischbach", "https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach\u2019s (MN-07) Empowering Moms Act (H.R. 10356) passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee today, marking a step toward expanding comprehensive support and federal resources for parents nationwide.\n\n\"Expecting and new mothers deserve easy access to compassionate care and clear medical information,\" said Rep. Fischbach. \"The Empowering Moms Act gives women real resources to help them navigate pregnancy and raise their families. We must do everything in our power to support mothers during their pregnancies and after. This bill does exactly that.\"\n\n\"Every mother deserves a clear path to the resources that can help her and her baby thrive,\" said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). \"Too many pregnant women and new moms do not know where to turn for health care, financial help, or basic parenting support in their own community. The Empowering Moms Act helps make those resources easier to find by turning President Trump's one-stop website, Moms.gov, into a permanent, comprehensive directory that connects mothers to help close to home. This bill reflects Representative Fischbach's long-standing commitment to moms and families. I am grateful for her work to help moms and babies across the country thrive.\"\n\nThe Empowering Moms Act codifies Moms.gov as a central resource for expecting and new parents with information about pregnancy resource centers, adoption agencies, and other relevant public and private resources available to women near their zip code and surrounding areas, including:\n\nHealth and well-being services, such as prenatal diagnostics, breastfeeding support, pregnancy wellness, primary care, and infant loss support.\n\nMaterial support for formula, diapers, household goods, and child care.\n\nMental health services with respect to domestic violence and sexual assault.\n\nComprehensive information on alternatives to abortion and abortion risks.\n\nThis legislation will also require HHS to maintain a national list of federal funding opportunities available to non-profit and health care entities that provide pregnancy support services and will promote the life of unborn children by prohibiting Moms.gov from including information about entities that provide abortions.", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-craig-omar-introduce-legislation-reimburse-minnesota-and-other-states", "Reps. Craig, Omar Introduce Legislation to Reimburse Minnesota and Other States for Damages Inflicted by ICE", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Angie Craig", "C001119", "craig.house.gov", "craig", "https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02) and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) introduced legislation that would establish a federal grant program to reimburse states for costs incurred and damages caused by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Make ICE Pay Act would direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish this grant program using $139,575,630,000 in federal funding previously appropriated to ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).\n\nThis funding would be available to states targeted by President Trump\u2019s reckless and lawless immigration enforcement operations \u2013 including Minnesota, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina and Oregon \u2013 and would be distributed to impacted nonprofits and small businesses.\n\nThe Make ICE Pay Act is co-sponsored by Reps. Chuy Garcia (IL-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and Janelle Bynum (OR-05). The bill is endorsed by Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, the National Partnership for New Americans, Popular Democracy and the Black Alliance for Just Immigration.\n\n\u201cThe psychological and financial impacts of Operation Metro Surge will be generational,\u201d said Rep. Craig. \u201cAs Minnesotans begin the long process of healing from the wounds that President Trump\u2019s ICE inflicted, it\u2019s important that we commit to holding this lawless and misguided administration accountable. There is much more work to be done, but this bill is a critical step toward making our communities whole.\u201d\n\nRep. Craig has taken the Trump Administration to task over its reckless and lawless immigration agenda and has fought to bring home Minnesotans wrongfully detained by ICE.\n\nThis summer, she successfully secured the release of her constituent, Andrea Pedro-Francisco, who was held in ICE detention while suffering from an untreated ovarian cyst. In May, she traveled to El Paso, TX to visit Pedro-Francisco and conduct oversight of two ICE detention facilities\u2014Camp East Montana and the El Paso Service Processing Center.\n\nEarlier this year, she conducted four oversight visits of the ICE processing center at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis. Following her third visit with Rep. Omar, she sent a letter to former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem expressing concern that no detainees were present during their visit despite reports that individuals were being held at Whipple and slamming Noem for previously denying them their constitutional right to conduct unannounced oversight visits. Rep. Craig also introduced articles of impeachment against former Secretary Noem in January before she was ultimately fired in March.\n\nShe has vocally opposed the opening of any new ICE facilities in Minnesota, including a proposed ICE detention center in Shakopee, which she successfully quashed alongside state and local leaders. And this Congress, she helped introduce the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act to establish standards of care for individuals held in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and ICE custody.\n\nYou can read the full text of the bill HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-introduces-legislation-to-reclaim-local-control", "Emmer Introduces Legislation to Reclaim Local Control", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Tom Emmer", "E000294", "emmer.house.gov", "emmer", "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced new legislation to reclaim local control by revoking a grandfathering clause that has allowed the Metropolitan (Met) Council to operate as the only Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in the nation composed entirely of gubernatorial appointees without any local elected officials. Minnesota\u2019s Met Council consists of Governor Walz\u2019s appointees who routinely prioritize wasteful transit projects and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives over Minnesota\u2019s actual infrastructure needs. The Reclaim Local Control Act will restore local control over Minnesota\u2019s infrastructure dollars. Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) are original cosponsors of Emmer\u2019s bill.\n\n\u201cWalz\u2019s hand-picked board of radical extremists puts \u2018green\u2019 scams and DEI transit projects ahead of the roads and bridges that Minnesotans actually need,\u201d said Congressman Emmer. \u201cOur constituents in Carver and Anoka counties are being left behind while the rest of the metro gets funding galore for DEI nonsense. It\u2019s time to reclaim local control and end Big Government overreach.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe Met Council is a policy-making board of 17 members appointed by the governor. The Council oversees the planning of communities, housing, parks, transportation, wastewater, and water in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Their work covers 181 cities and townships and seven counties, including Carver and Anoka counties, which are a part of the Sixth Congressional District.\n\nIn 1991, MPOs were designated to be composed of local elected officials. However, a grandfathering clause that was included allowed the Met Council to continue to be made up of only gubernatorial appointees. The Governor\u2019s sole authority to appoint board members to the Met Council has led to partisan priorities being addressed over Minnesota\u2019s actual infrastructure needs, to the detriment of areas that do not meet its arbitrary DEI standards.\n\nCongressman Emmer and the rest of Minnesota\u2019s Republican Congressional delegation have led the charge to oppose funding for wasteful transit projects by sending letters to the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) in 2025 and 2026.\n\nIn April, Congressman Emmer sent a letter to the Met Council to express his opposition to the Council\u2019s proposal to use Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in awarding transportation funding in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, including Carver and Anoka counties.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-ilhan-omar-introduces-legislation-redirect-ice-and-cbp-funding", "Congresswoman Ilhan Omar Introduces Legislation to Redirect ICE and CBP Funding to States Targeted by Immigration Surges", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Ilhan Omar", "O000173", "omar.house.gov", "omar", "https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Following the conclusion of \u201cOperation Metro Surge\u201d in Minnesota, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) introduced the Make ICE Pay Act to redirect the $140 billion allocated to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) through the \u201cOne, Big Beautiful Bill\u201d Act (HR-1) and invest it into communities across the country that have been impacted by the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s heinous operations.\n\n\"For over a year, ICE has been tearing through our nation, leading racist terror campaigns that have caused devastating damage to our cities, to our businesses, and to the lives of our constituents,\" said Rep. Omar. \"In Minneapolis, Operation Metro Surge cost our community nearly $700 million. We have a moral responsibility to end this abuse of power. Our bill will force ICE to pay the price for the damage they\u2019ve left in their wake and ensure that these devastating operations can never be repeated.\"\n\n\u201cThe psychological and financial impacts of Operation Metro Surge will be generational,\u201d said Rep. Craig. \u201cAs Minnesotans begin the long process of healing from the wounds that President Trump\u2019s ICE inflicted, it\u2019s important that we commit to holding this lawless and misguided administration accountable. There is much more work to be done, but this bill is a critical step toward making our communities whole.\u201d\n\nThe Make ICE Pay Act would redirect nearly $140 billion towards local recovery efforts in states affected by ICE and CBP surges and named operations; including California, Minnesota (Operation Metro Surge), Illinois (Operation Midway Blitz), Louisiana (Operations Swamp Sweet and Catahoula Crunch), Maine (Operation Catch of the Day), North Carolina (Operation Charlotte\u2019s Web), and Oregon (Operation Black Rose).\n\nThe funding can be used by states, localities, non-profits and small businesses to provide economic relief, reimburse operational costs, support educational institutions, or deliver psychosocial support to the impacted. It may also be used for investigations, commissions of inquiry, truth telling, record-keeping, and memorialization to make sure that this devastation is accurately recorded, remembered, and can never be repeated.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-OR), Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN).\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=F4146A58-8BB0-43FF-98A3-2EC82AFB2F9B", "Klobuchar, Cassidy, McBath, Thompson Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Honoring Connie Clery", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to honor the life of Connie Clery during National Campus Safety Awareness Month. After Connie Clery\u2019s 19-year-old daughter Jeanne Clery was murdered on campus in 1986, Clery became the driving force behind the Clery Act, which requires colleges to disclose their campus safety policies and information about crimes that occur on and near their campuses. Connie Clery passed away on June 23, 2026. Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA) and GT Thompson (R-PA) introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cFollowing the tragic loss of her daughter Jeanne, Connie Clery led a national movement to make campuses safer for students. Her tireless advocacy led to the first federal law requiring colleges to disclose crimes that occur on their campuses, a legacy that to this day provides students and families with transparency about the safety of the campuses they call home,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cDuring the first National Campus Safety Awareness Month since her passing, we are introducing this bipartisan resolution to honor her life and dedication to improving campus safety and protecting victims of crime across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cParents everywhere owe a debt of gratitude to Connie Clery,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cFollowing the senseless murder of her daughter at Lehigh University, Connie dedicated her life to improving campus safety. Her advocacy led to the foundational Clery Act and my Stop Campus Hazing Act, protecting students\u2019 lives and giving parents peace of mind as they drop their children off at college.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to lead this resolution in Connie Clery\u2019s name alongside my colleagues. After the horrific assault and murder of their daughter Jeanne, Connie and Howard turned their grief into action and passed the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 into law, which was renamed the 'Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act' through the passage of our bill, the 'Stop Campus Hazing Act',\u201d said McBath. \u201cJust as I have been for my son Jordan, Connie was committed to honoring her late daughter\u2019s legacy and fighting to make sure that no other families have to go through the pain of losing a loved one. May Connie\u2019s memory serve as proof that there is no force on Earth stronger than a mom.\u201d\n\n\u201cConnie Clery took her family\u2019s tragedy and transformed it into a national movement to make college campuses safer,\u201d said Thompson. \u201cThanks to her advocacy, numerous state and federal laws were passed to improve student safety. Connie\u2019s vision and legacy will live on through the work of the Clery Center, and I am grateful to her unwavering commitment to this cause.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of Clery Center, we are deeply grateful to the United States Senate for honoring Connie Clery\u2019s extraordinary life and enduring legacy through this resolution. Connie dedicated her life to making campuses safer for all students, transforming unimaginable loss into advocacy, action, and lasting change. I was blessed to have Connie in my life\u2014as a friend, mentor, and fellow mom with whom I shared a very special bond. We were brought together by the unimaginable loss of our children\u2014Jeanne and Gary Jr.\u2014and by the failures in campus safety that contributed to their deaths. Through our shared loss, we found purpose in advocating for safer campuses and working to ensure that other families would not have to experience what we did. Connie and Howard reminded us, \u2018The best education in the world is useless if a student doesn\u2019t survive with a healthy mind and body.\u2019 Those words capture so much of what Connie stood for and why her work mattered so deeply. As we honor Connie, we must carry that work forward\u2014moving from awareness to action, from action to accountability, and from accountability to prevention. Her legacy is not simply one to remember; it is a responsibility to continue. For Connie. For Jeanne. For the Clery family. And for every student whose story is still being written, we must remain committed to creating safer campuses where students can learn, grow, and thrive. On behalf of Clery Center, I thank the United States Senate for recognizing Connie\u2019s remarkable life and unwavering commitment to students and for helping ensure that her legacy continues to inspire generations to come,\u201d said Julie G. DeVercelly, Chair, Clery Center Board of Directors.\n\nFull text of the resolution is available HERE and below:\n\nWhereas Constance Benjamin Clery (referred to in this preamble as \u201cConnie Clery\u201d) was born on February 12, 1931, and passed away on June 23, 2026;\n\nWhereas Connie Clery graduated from New Bedford High School in 1949, earned a degree from Barnard College in 1953, and worked as a tri-lingual interpreter;\n\nWhereas Connie Clery married Howard K. Clery, Jr. in 1956, starting a partnership of 51 years until his passing in 2008, and was a devoted mother to Howard III, Benjamin, and Jeanne;\n\nWhereas, following the tragic murder of her daughter, Jeanne Clery, in 1986, Connie and Howard Clery transformed their grief into a national movement, founding the nonprofit organization Security On Campus, Inc., now known as Clery Center, in 1987, to make college campuses safer and protect victims of campus crime;\n\nWhereas, at the time of Jeanne Clery\u2019s death, no Federal standard required institutions of higher education to disclose crimes occurring on their campuses, and prospective students and their families had no reliable means of learning about the safety of the campuses they were considering;\n\nWhereas Connie and Howard Clery helped advance more than 30 State and Federal laws, notably the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 (Public Law 101\u2013542; 20 U.S.C. 1001 note), which was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on November 8, 1990 and added subsection (f) to section 485 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)) (now referred to as the \u201cJeanne Clery Campus Safety Act\u201d) to require institutions participating in title IV student financial assistance programs to disclose campus crime statistics and security policies;\n\nWhereas, in 1992, Connie Clery led efforts to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a Campus Sexual Assault Victims\u2019 Bill of Rights, and in 1998, to expand public disclosure, including a daily crime log and a broader definition of campus;\n\nWhereas Connie Clery remained engaged in subsequent efforts to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965, including in 2008 to strengthen emergency notification and missing student procedures, in 2013 to require disclosure of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and to strengthen prevention programs and victim rights, and in 2024 to require the disclosure and research-informed prevention of hazing;\n\nWhereas Connie Clery was responsible for running the Clery Center until 2003, and spent nearly 4 decades counseling grieving families, training campus safety professionals, and insisting that survivors of campus crime be treated with dignity and compassion; and\n\nWhereas Connie Clery is remembered for her courage, perseverance, compassion, and commitment to protecting students: Now, therefore, be it\n\nResolved, That the Senate\u2014\n\n(1) has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of Constance \u201cConnie\u201d B. Clery;\n\n(2) honors the life and legacy of Connie Clery and expresses its deep condolences to her family and loved ones; and\n\n(3) reaffirms its commitment to the implementation and enforcement of the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)).\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smiths-bipartisan-legislation-to-extend-terrorism-risk-insurance-support-housing-construction-passes-banking-committee/", "U.S. Senator Tina Smith\u2019s Bipartisan Legislation to\u00a0Extend\u00a0Terrorism Risk Insurance, Support Housing Construction\u00a0Passes Banking Committee", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "Roughly 60 percent of American businesses have terrorism risk insurance, which is critical to major construction projects\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tina Smith\u2019s bipartisan legislation to safeguard the availability of terrorism risk insurance coverage passed the Senate Banking Committee by a unanimous vote. Roughly 60 percent of American businesses have terrorism risk insurance, which could become unavailable without action by Congress. Sen. Smith (D-MN) leads the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 alongside Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).\n\nFollowing the attacks on September 11, 2001, many insurance companies began excluding terrorism risks from commercial insurance policies, leaving businesses and industries without access to coverage. Since insurance is a precondition for commercial lending and real estate transactions, this gap in coverage threatened broad economic damage across real estate, construction, energy, transportation, and related industries. Congress responded by passing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (TRIA), creating a federal reinsurance backstop to stabilize the private market and ensure that commercial policyholders could continue to obtain terrorism risk coverage.\n\nThe private insurance market has relied on the TRIA backstop ever since. When TRIA briefly lapsed in December 2014, terrorism exclusions that insurers had pre-filed with state regulators took effect automatically, making terrorism coverage effectively unavailable across commercial policies nationwide. As a result, terrorism risk coverage was removed from policyholders immediately and without notice. Given that the current threat landscape remains elevated, allowing a similar lapse in terrorism coverage would expose policy holders to unnecessary financial risk and uncertainty.\n\n\u201cWithout this bill, a potential terrorism event would mean an even greater financial catastrophe for businesses and taxpayers. It\u2019s critical that we keep terrorism risk insurance available and affordable to businesses in Minnesota and across the country,\u201d said Senator Smith. \u201cI\u2019ve worked to preserve the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program measure throughout my time in the Senate. Extending this law will ensure housing development and major events can continue \u2013 lowering costs for Minnesotans and creating new jobs. I\u2019m heartened to see it pass with such strong bipartisan support and urge the full Senate to pass this bill.\u201d\n\nThe Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 would extend TRIA by seven years. Acting before the program expiration date of December 31, 2027, provides long-term market certainty and would prevent policyholders from facing a gap in coverage.\n\nThe Terrorism Risk Insurance Act is also backed by:\n\nThe American Property Casualty Insurance Association\n\nCouncil of Insurance Agents and Brokers\n\nIndependent Insurance\n\nAgents & Brokers of America\n\nNational Association of Mutual Insurance Companies\n\nReinsurance Association of America\n\nCoalition to Insure Against Terrorism\n\nNareit\n\nReal Estate Roundtable\n\nCommercial Real Estate Finance Council\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-smith-baldwin-murphy-reintroduce-bill-to-support-young-farmers-forgive-student-loan-debt/", "U.S. Senators Smith, Baldwin & Murphy Reintroduce Bill to Support Young Farmers, Forgive Student Loan Debt", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) reintroduced the Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act, legislation to create a loan forgiveness program for beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as veteran, women and minority farmers. Beginning farmers are considered those who have less than 10 years of experience operating a farm.\n\nThe ag industry will soon see major shifts in farm ownership with more than one-third of American farmers being 65 years old or older. Student loan debt is among the largest obstacles America\u2019s young farmers face, placing an enormous financial strain on beginner farmers and discouraging others from pursuing careers in the agricultural industry. Unforgiven student debt has a disproportionate impact on the farming industry. The Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act would grant these farmers the support they need to invest in their farms and ranches and incentivize a new generation of farmers to enter the agricultural industry.\n\n\u201cTo keep Minnesota\u2019s agriculture economy thriving, we need to continue to invest in the next generation of farmers as the average age of farmers keeps going up. There is more we can be doing to help future farmers fill their shoes,\u201d said Sen. Smith. \u201cStudent debt is one of the most significant challenges our young farmers and ranchers face. This legislation would help encourage a younger, more diverse workforce and help more people start and stay in farming.\u201d\n\n\u201cWisconsin farmers work hard to feed our families, support our rural economies, and keep our state the agricultural prize of the country,\u201d said Sen. Baldwin. \u201cBut right now, they are getting squeezed from all sides. Between President Trump\u2019s trade war and the war in Iran driving up fuel and fertilizer costs, farmers are facing more uncertainty and financial pressure at a time when it\u2019s already hard enough to make ends meet. Our bill will help ease the burden and incentivize getting into this rewarding work and help keep Wisconsin agriculture strong for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cBetween the trade war, the Iran war, and his devastating cuts to agricultural programs, Donald Trump has sent farm bankruptcies surging and thrown our farming industry into a full-blown crisis,\u201d said Sen. Murphy. \u201cOur farmers are a cornerstone of rural life in Connecticut and we need to give them our support so they can not only survive this crisis but come out stronger on the other side. My bill would help the beginner farmers overcome financial barriers and strengthen Connecticut agriculture for the long term.\u201d\n\nSen. Smith is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and understands agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota\u2019s economy.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://fischbach.house.gov/2026/9/rep-fischbach-hosting-service-academy-nomination-information-session", "Rep. Fischbach Hosting Service Academy Nomination Information Session", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Michelle Fischbach", "F000470", "fischbach.house.gov", "fischbach", "https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Willmar, MN - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach's (MN-07) office will be co-hosting an information session with Congressman Tom Emmer's (MN-06) office on September 22nd, from 6:00pm - 7:30pm at the St. Cloud Library (1300 W St Germain St) to discuss service academy nominations.\n\nAny interested students and parents are invited to attend this session to learn more about the application and nomination process. They can also find more information by visiting the Congresswoman's website or clicking here.", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-ilhan-omar-introduces-make-ice-pay-act", "Congresswoman Ilhan Omar Introduces Make ICE Pay Act", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Ilhan Omar", "O000173", "omar.house.gov", "omar", "https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Following the conclusion of \u201cOperation Metro Surge\u201d in Minnesota, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) introduced the Make ICE Pay Act to redirect the $140 billion allocated to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) through the \u201cOne, Big Beautiful Bill\u201d Act (HR-1) and invest it into communities across the country that have been impacted by the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s heinous operations.\n\n\"For over a year, ICE has been tearing through our nation, leading racist terror campaigns that have caused devastating damage to our cities, to our businesses, and to the lives of our constituents,\" said Rep. Omar. \"In Minneapolis, Operation Metro Surge cost our community nearly $700 million. We have a moral responsibility to end this abuse of power. Our bill will force ICE to pay the price for the damage they\u2019ve left in their wake and ensure that these devastating operations can never be repeated.\"\n\n\u201cThe psychological and financial impacts of Operation Metro Surge will be generational,\u201d said Rep. Craig. \u201cAs Minnesotans begin the long process of healing from the wounds that President Trump\u2019s ICE inflicted, it\u2019s important that we commit to holding this lawless and misguided administration accountable. There is much more work to be done, but this bill is a critical step toward making our communities whole.\u201d\n\nThe Make ICE Pay Act would redirect nearly $140 billion towards local recovery efforts in states affected by ICE and CBP surges and named operations; including California, Minnesota (Operation Metro Surge), Illinois (Operation Midway Blitz), Louisiana (Operations Swamp Sweet and Catahoula Crunch), Maine (Operation Catch of the Day), North Carolina (Operation Charlotte\u2019s Web), and Oregon (Operation Black Rose).\n\nThe funding can be used by states, localities, non-profits and small businesses to provide economic relief, reimburse operational costs, support educational institutions, or deliver psychosocial support to the impacted. It may also be used for investigations, commissions of inquiry, truth telling, record-keeping, and memorialization to make sure that this devastation is accurately recorded, remembered, and can never be repeated.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-OR), Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN).\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/09/16/finstad-applauds-house-passage-of-the-national-fraud-enforcement-division-act-of-2026/", "Finstad Applauds House Passage of the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) applauded the passage of their legislation, H.R. 9576, the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026, in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation would make permanent the newly established National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice (DOJ) and appoint an Assistant Attorney General for National Fraud Enforcement to lead the division to investigate, prosecute, and prevent fraud within federally funded programs.\n\n\u201cIn Minnesota, we\u2019ve seen the systematic failure of Governor Walz and his administration refusing to investigate fraudsters and safeguard Americans\u2019 hard-earned taxpayer dollars,\u201d said Rep. Finstad. \u201cMeanwhile, the Trump Administration and the Department of Justice have taken decisive action, including establishing the National Fraud Enforcement Division to investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.\u201d\n\nFinstad continued, \u201cI\u2019m proud to see my National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026 pass in the House today, codifying the National Fraud Enforcement Division within the DOJ and establishing a permanent framework to strengthen our federal fraud prosecution efforts.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/09/16/reps-finstad-morrison-applaud-committee-passage-of-the-sbic-reporting-modernization-act-of-2026/", "Reps. Finstad, Morrison Applaud Committee Passage of the SBIC Reporting Modernization Act of 2026", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congresswoman Kelly Morrison (MN-03), members of the House Committee on Small Business, applauded the unanimous committee passage of the SBIC Reporting Modernization Act of 2026. This bipartisan legislation will require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to publish quarterly, rather than annually, reports regarding the performance of the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program and enhance reporting metrics to improve Congressional oversight. The SBIC program is one of the highest performing programs within the SBA, working to connect American small businesses to private equity capital and long-term debt financing.\n\nSpecifically, the SBIC Reporting Modernization Act of 2026:\n\nEnhances Congressional oversight into the SBIC program to ensure that American taxpayers\u2019 dollars are being put to good use.\n\nRequires quarterly reporting to give Congress current data on the volume of funding entering and leaving the programs, the level of outstanding leverage, and the outcomes the programs generate in financing and employment.\n\nExpands the scope of data in the report for Congress, including the number of applicants receiving Green Light letters and how many of those applicants raise enough private capital to secure the leverage commitment they were approved for.\n\n\u201cSBICs play a vital role in connecting entrepreneurs and small business owners to the capital they need to start and grow their businesses,\u201d said Rep. Finstad. \u201cIn requiring the SBA to publish quarterly reports on the performance of the SBIC program, Congress and the American people will have clear information and reporting measures to improve transparency and accountability, while ensuring our small businesses succeed. I\u2019m proud to work alongside Congresswoman Morrison and my House Committee on Small Business colleagues to pass the SBIC Reporting Modernization Act of 2026 out of committee and continue delivering for Main Street.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mccollum-votes-against-expanded-presidential-tariff-powers", "Congresswoman McCollum Votes Against Expanded Presidential Tariff Powers", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", "mccollum", "https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, the House of Representatives voted on The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. Congresswoman McCollum voted against the legislation that would hand expanded tariff powers to President Trump. Following the vote, Congresswoman McCollum released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis bill is a wolf in sheep\u2019s clothing. While purporting to be a bill to sanction Russia, this bill is so broad that it passes tariff authority into law that could hit the majority of our trading partners. I refuse to give expanded tariff authority to a president that routinely wages reckless trade wars with our closest allies.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. must implement enforceable sanctions against Russia to bring an end to their illegal and devasting war against Ukraine. This bill fails to mandate those penalties for Russia\u2019s aggression. Instead, this legislation only directs the president to put sanctions on Russia if he chooses. I want sanctions on Russia, period, and President Trump already has the power to do so without this bill.\n\n\u201cFor a president who says he supports Ukraine, he has inexplicably delayed release the $400 million dollars that Congress appropriated last spring to support Ukraine. President Trump must immediately release these funds that are so desperately needed to defend Ukraine from Russia\u2019s aggression.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-water-resources-development-act-includes-language-rep-omar", "House Passes Water Resources Development Act, Includes Language from Rep. Omar to Protect the Stability of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Ilhan Omar", "O000173", "omar.house.gov", "omar", "https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed language from Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) to protect the future of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This legislation provides authority for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to carry out water resources development projects and conduct studies to provide improvements to the nation's ports, inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and other water resources infrastructure.\n\nThe language resolves a decades-long concern for local and state governments regarding a vital piece of abandoned infrastructure underneath the Mississippi River, just upstream of St. Anthony Falls. The cutoff wall was constructed by the Corps on an emergency basis in the 1870s in order to stabilize the bed of the Mississippi River after a failed attempt to create additional tunnels for hydro mills led to a rapid collapse of St. Anthony Falls. A recent study by the St. Anthony Falls Lab assessed the integrity of the cutoff wall, while highlighting that ongoing questions about ownership cast doubt on who would be responsible for maintenance and evaluation of this important piece of infrastructure. Rep. Omar\u2019s language in this bill will clarify that the Corps owns the cutoff wall and is responsible for its maintenance.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to see my language about the cutoff wall included in the House passage of the Water Resources Development Act,\u201d said Rep. Omar. \u201cThis passage addresses longstanding concerns shared by the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and the State of Minnesota about a piece of infrastructure that is vital to the stability of the river at the heart of the Twin Cities. It builds on our work to protect this historic segment of the Mississippi waterfront, and ensures this sacred site will be safe and stable for our future generations. I\u2019m grateful for our community, local, state, and federal partners that made this victory possible.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=3612A99B-B3AE-495B-B8D3-403F084E414E", "Klobuchar, Curtis Bipartisan Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Passes Out of Committee", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Curtis (R-UT) announced their legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the bipartisan Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee.\n\nIn addition to continuing to require all public pools to install safe drain covers that prevent suction entrapment and fund a national public education campaign to raise awareness about drowning prevention, this updated legislation expands the grant program at the Consumer Product Safety Commission to include tribes as eligible recipients, and modernizes the grant program\u2019s requirements to reflect the needs of pool owners and operators. The bill would also ensure the Consumer Product Safety Commission has a dedicated employee focused on drowning prevention.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan legislation makes critical updates to the original law that incentivized states to enact pool safety laws,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cWorking together, there is so much we can do to make sure our pools are safe. We can stop entrapments. We can prevent drownings. We can save lives. This law has made a major difference nationwide and I am pleased it advanced with bipartisan support today.\u201d\n\n\u201cParents should be able to trust that when their kids jump into a pool, the structure of the pool itself doesn\u2019t pose any hazards,\u201d said Curtis. \u201cThis bipartisan bill builds on a proven law to prevent drownings and protect children. I\u2019m glad to see it advance out of committee and look forward to its passage by the full Senate.\u201d\n\n\"The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act is a perfect example of how sensible and sound policy can save lives. Since the passage of the legislation, entrapment deaths in public pools have ceased and have been substantially reduced in private pool settings,\u201d said Alissa Magrum, Executive Director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. \u201cThis shows how well-designed legislation can have direct impacts on child safety and engineer our pool environments to be safer for all. The reauthorization not only ensures communities continue to be safe from this preventable tragedy, but also that water safety efforts will continue across the country to address the more than 4,000 fatal drownings the US experiences each year.\u201d\n\n\"Our daughter Abbey's hope was that no other child would experience a death or injury from a dangerous pool or spa. The VGB Act was the realization of that hope. We can all still do better with the reauthorization of this critical safety legislation. We unequivocally support this bill,\u201d said Scott and Katey Taylor, Founders of Abbey's Hope Charitable Foundation.\n\n\"The passage of the VGB Act, in a significant way, has helped to make some sense of the tragic death of my daughter, Graeme, and so many children whose lives have been lost in preventable drownings,\u201d said Nancy Baker, Mother of Virginia Graeme Baker and water safety advocate. \u201cThe reauthorization of the legislation also makes sense, as we have learned over the past 15 years what works well and what might be done even better to ensure water safety. I am fully supportive of the bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act has saved lives. Reauthorization of this Act allows for its proven safety standards to continue to do its good work, making pools and spas across the United States safer for those who use them,\u201d said William Ramos, Ph.D., American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council Aquatics Chair. \u201cThis legislative intervention creates actions and outcomes that those working in public health so often hope to see. It works!\u201d\n\n\u201cThe core purpose of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance is to prioritize safety and health in pool and hot tub environments. We have been unwavering in our support for the reauthorization of the VGB Act, recognizing its significant impact on saving lives,\u201d said Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). \u201cPHTA is proud to play a role in the VGB Act through the development of two industry safety standards that establish stringent requirements for suction outlet fitting assemblies and suction entrapment avoidance. By reauthorizing this legislation, we will ensure a substantial reduction in fatal drownings\u2014a cause that deserves universal backing.\u201d\n\nIn 2007, six-year-old daughter Abbey Taylor suffered a debilitating injury from a pool drain accident. After meeting with Abbey, Scott, and Abbey\u2019s mother Katey, Klobuchar led the successful efforts to pass the original Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which was signed into law in 2007, shortly before Abbey passed away in March 2008 after undergoing sixteen surgeries. Since the law\u2019s passage, there have been no drain entrapment deaths in any public pool within the country.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/sen-tina-smiths-statement-on-agriculture-committees-second-partisan-markup-of-long-delayed-farm-bill/", "Sen. Tina Smith\u2019s Statement on Agriculture Committee\u2019s Second Partisan Markup of Long-Delayed Farm Bill", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "The partisan legislation forces Minnesotans to pay $140 million in administrative costs, fails to address SNAP cuts\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after the Senate Agriculture Committee failed to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill, instead choosing to pass a partisan version drafted by Republicans that will not gain enough support to pass the full Senate:\n\n\u201cI said it before and I\u2019ll say it again, patience is a virtue, it\u2019s just not my virtue. I\u2019m disappointed that, once again, Republicans have pursued a partisan path on the Senate Farm Bill; however, we\u2019ll keep working to find a path forward. It\u2019s crucial that we pass a bipartisan Farm Bill that meets the needs of farmers, ranchers and rural America, including year-round E15,\u201d said Sen. Smith.\n\n\u201cWe have been clear for months that it is not possible to pass a Farm Bill that fails to delay the deep cuts to SNAP by at least two years. Minnesota counties simply can\u2019t afford a $140 million tax increase to pay for these SNAP cost shifts,\u201d she continued. \u201cAmid shrinking markets, tariffs and skyrocketing costs for diesel and fertilizer, farmers need Congress to negotiate a comprehensive, bipartisan Farm Bill that stands a chance of becoming law.\u201d\n\nSen. Smith, along with her Democratic colleagues, were clear that they could not support a Farm Bill that did not delay the cost-shift of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by at least two years. Without this delay, counties would be forced to increase property taxes to cover the costs of administering the program, which most Minnesotans could not afford. Senate Republicans went forward with the bill, knowing that without a provision addressing SNAP, the bill will fail to pass the full Senate.\n\nThe Senate Agriculture Committee already held a markup of the Farm Bill in August. During the failed August markup, Democrats offered an amendment to delay the SNAP cost shift by two years, but it was blocked by Republicans. Sen. Smith pushed for multiple amendments to the legislation, including amendments that would:\n\nAllow for year-round sale of E-15\n\nExpand Tribal self-determination authority for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations\n\nEstablish self-determination authority for Tribal meat processing\n\nRestore canceled Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants, which is particularly important for recipients who spent money preparing their operation for projects that the federal government had already committed to\n\nProhibit prediction markets from offering sports betting and casino-like games that violate state and Tribal regulations\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smiths-bill-to-combat-lyme-disease-other-tick-borne-diseases-heads-to-presidents-desk/", "U.S. Senator Tina Smith\u2019s Bill to Combat Lyme Disease & Other Tick-Borne Diseases Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "Most recent data shows Minnesota recorded 3,551 cases in 2024 alone, a rate that has likely increased in recent years\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tina Smith\u2019s (D-MN) bipartisan bill to expand research, testing and treatment for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases is expected to become law after successfully passing both chambers of Congress. The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act passed the U.S. Senate in August and passed the U.S. House of Representatives this week, heading to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cWhen this bill soon becomes law, it will save lives and help people battling Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases,\u201d said Sen. Smith. \u201cMinnesota is proud to have more than 10,000 lakes and thousands of rivers. Unfortunately, as we venture outdoors, the number of Lyme disease cases in the state\u2014and states across the country\u2014goes on the rise. This bill will step up regional efforts at researching, testing and treating Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. We must cut down on tick-borne illnesses for the sake of Americans\u2019 health and well-being.\u201d\n\nThe bill, co-led by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), was named in honor of former Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC), who passed away on October 28, 2019, due to complications from the tick-borne Powassan virus.\n\nOver the past two decades, Minnesota has experienced a significant rise in tick-borne diseases. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, Lyme disease remains the state\u2019s most reported tick-borne illness, with 3,551 probable cases reported in 2024. In the same year, Minnesota also reported hundreds of cases of other tickborne diseases: 627 cases of anaplasmosis, 89 cases of babesiosis and 14 cases of Powassan virus disease.\n\nUsing a three-pronged approach, The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act will:\n\nContinue implementation and updates of the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in People. This would support ongoing federal efforts to advance research, improve diagnostics and strengthen coordination on vector-borne diseases.\n\nReauthorize the Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease for five years. These centers support critical research, surveillance and public health efforts to address tick-borne diseases and other vector-borne threats.\n\nReauthorize CDC grants to state health departments to strengthen vector-borne disease prevention and response efforts. These grants would support surveillance, early detection and diagnosis, treatment efforts, public education, and partnerships to address Lyme disease and other vector-borne diseases.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mccollum-votes-present-motion-table-trump-impeachment", "Congresswoman McCollum Votes Present on Motion to Table Trump Impeachment", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", "mccollum", "https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation, issued the following statement after voting present on the motion to table an impeachment resolution introduced by Congressman Al Green (D-TX).\n\n\u201cImpeaching a president elected by the American people is the most consequential action that Congress can take to defend the Constitution and protect the American people from a president who has betrayed his oath and engaged in illegal conduct. Today, I voted present because this resolution to impeach President Trump does not meet the high standard required by this responsibility. During the 116th Congress, the House followed a deliberate and methodical process to make the case to the American people of Trump\u2019s high crimes and misdemeanors. I voted to impeach Trump twice, presiding over the impeachment for inciting an insurrection on January 6th, 2021. I believed he was unfit to serve in office then, as I still do now.\n\n\u201cThe House of Representatives has a duty under the Constitution to hold a president accountable for illegal conduct. This obligation begins with a transparent process of Congressional hearings, investigations, and subpoenas. However, the Republican majority controlling this Congress will not allow that work to move forward. A premature and poorly reasoned resolution like this hurts our ability to hold President Trump accountable. I will continue to hold Mr. Trump accountable in a manner that is fully transparent and clearly documents his malfeasance as the President of the United States.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-mccollum-and-van-epps-introduce-bipartisan-critical-materials", "Representatives McCollum and Van Epps Introduce Bipartisan Critical Materials Future Act", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", "mccollum", "https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum and Congressman Matt Van Epps (R-TN), introduced the Critical Materials Future Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would establish a pilot program at the Department of Energy to financially support domestic critical material processing projects.\n\n\u201cSecuring a domestic critical mineral supply chain is essential for manufacturing clean energy technologies,\u201d said Rep. McCollum. \u201cFor far too long, critical minerals extracted from our public lands have been shipped overseas for processing to be sold on the global market or bought back by American companies. That is not good stewardship of our natural resources, nor is it a good national security strategy. The Critical Materials Future Act will ensure that when we extract these resources, we also have the capacity to process them here at home.\u201d\n\n\"Continuing to rely on foreign sources for our critical mineral supply is gambling with both our economic and national security. Today, China leads global processing of key critical minerals, refining more than 90% of graphite and nearly all gallium, which are essential to semiconductors and batteries. China also refines more than 90% of rare earth elements used in magnets for advanced defense technologies,\u201d said Rep. Van Epps. \u201cIt is far past time for the United States to end this dangerous dependence. We can do this by paving the way for more critical mineral processing right here at home. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to co-lead the Critical Materials Future Act alongside Congresswoman McCollum. This bipartisan legislation establishes a pilot program to support companies committed to building critical mineral processing operations here in the United States. By strengthening our domestic supply chains, this legislation will reduce our dependence on foreign adversaries and move us one step closer to rebuilding the American defense industrial base.\"\n\nThe U.S. critical minerals list contains 50 minerals \u2013 including graphite, nickel, and cobalt \u2013 that are essential to our economy, infrastructure, and military capability. Critical minerals are used in smartphones, electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and more.\n\nIn December 2024, China announced that it would immediately block the export of three critical minerals \u2014 gallium, germanium, and antimony \u2014 to the U.S. China currently controls 90% of the global processing capacity for rare earth elements and over 80% of the processing for other critical minerals like cobalt, gallium, and graphite. Experts have become increasingly concerned with U.S. dependence on China for critical materials, arguing it poses a significant risk to national security.\n\nThe Critical Materials Future Act supports critical material processing projects in the United States by granting the Secretary of Energy the authority and funding to deploy innovative financial mechanisms, such as contracts for differences and advanced market commitments, within this sector.\n\nThe bill also requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of these financial tools on market dynamics and processing projects within the critical materials sector, and to provide recommendations for expanding their use to strengthen America's processing capabilities.\n\nThe Senate companion, S. 596, was introduced by Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) with Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Todd Young (R-IN), and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.\n\nIn the 118th Congress, Congresswoman McCollum introduced H.R. 5021, the Securing American Critical Minerals Act, a bill to prohibit the sale or transfer of critical minerals to our adversaries.\n\nThe full text of the Critical Materials Future Act can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/09/14/finstad-calls-on-department-of-justice-to-investigate-hennepin-county-attorneys-office-following-recent-minneapolis-shooting/", "Finstad Calls on Department of Justice to Investigate Hennepin County Attorney\u2019s Office Following Recent Minneapolis Shooting", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) led Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) in sending a letter to U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche and the Department of Justice calling for a review of the Hennepin County Attorney\u2019s Office and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty following the lack of legal action taken prior to the September 2, 2026 shooting in downtown Minneapolis that left two people dead and several others injured, including two law enforcement officers.\n\nThe suspected shooter, Carlton Johnson II, had a well-established history of violence, including threatening a resident at his apartment building, brandishing a firearm, and sexually assaulting and threatening a woman. In total, Johnson had accumulated 34 criminal cases in Minnesota, spanning more than a decade. The lack of legal action taken by the Hennepin County Attorney\u2019s Office leading up to the tragic event on September 2nd raises serious concerns about what investigative and prosecutorial procedures were followed.\n\nThe letter reads:\n\n\u201cDear U.S. Attorney General Blanche,\n\n\u201cWe are writing to strongly request that the Department of Justice review the circumstances surrounding the Hennepin County Attorney\u2019s Office, particularly Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, and the lack of legal action taken involving Carlton Johnson II, the suspect of the September 2, 2026, Minneapolis shooting that left two people dead and several others injured, including law enforcement officers.\n\n\u201cLeading up to this tragic event, Hennepin County prosecutors declined to bring charges against Carlton Johnson II after he threatened a resident at the Shoreline Plaza building and brandished a firearm back in June of this year. The office claimed there was \u201cinsufficient evidence to prove a charge beyond a reasonable doubt.\u201d In 2023, Johnson sexually assaulted and threatened a woman and in response she filed a restraining order against him. In total, Johnson had accumulated 34 separate criminal cases in the Twin Cities. The blatant lack of legal action taken by the Hennepin County Attorney\u2019s Office that subsequently led to the Minneapolis shooting, raises serious questions about whether appropriate investigative and prosecutorial procedures were followed.\n\n\u201cThis is not the first case where the Hennepin County Attorney\u2019s Office, led by Mary Moriarty, poorly exercised their prosecutorial discretion. In 2024, we sent a letter to Governor Tim Walz regarding our concerns about her prosecution of Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Ryan Londregan. Ms. Moriarty weaponized her position against law enforcement and ignored an independent use-of-force expert chosen by her own office, who stated that Trooper Londregan acted as a \u201creasonable officer\u201d would have. After many months, Ms. Moriarty came to the same conclusion as the experts did and dropped all charges against Trooper Londregan. These cases show a pattern of poor prosecutorial discretion by Ms. Moriarty and undermine confidence in the fair and impartial administration of justice.\n\n\u201cWe respectfully request that the Department of Justice review the actions of the Hennepin County Attorney\u2019s Office regarding Carlton Johnson II and his violent past leading up to the Minneapolis shooting. When credible warnings are shown and brought to authorities, it is their responsibility to act, Ms. Moriarty\u2019s dismissal of charges has led to injured law enforcement officers and the loss of Minnesotans.\n\n\u201cThank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your response and do not hesitate to contact our offices if we can be of further assistance.\n\n\u201cSincerely,\n\nBrad Finstad, Member of Congress\n\nPete Stauber, Member of Congress", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/omar-scott-casar-introduce-legislation-protect-workers-hard-earned-wages", "Omar, Scott, Casar Introduce Legislation to Protect Workers\u2019 Hard-Earned Wages from Medical Debt Collection", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Ilhan Omar", "O000173", "omar.house.gov", "omar", "https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 Today, House Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03), Subcommittee on Workforce Protections Ranking Member Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05), and Vice Ranking Member Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35), introduced the Protecting Workers\u2019 Wages from Medical Debt Act. This bill would prohibit workers\u2019 wages from being garnished to pay for medical debt.\n\nRight now, approximately 100 million Americans are trapped with $220 billion in medical debt. Looming unpaid medical bills can devastate working families, whether they have health insurance or not. Unfortunately, the medical debt crisis has become more dire as millions of Americans are being stripped of their health care due to President Trump and Congressional Republicans\u2019 disastrous \u201cBig, Ugly Bill.\u201d\n\nOver the last several years, new reports of hospitals and debt collectors suing patients for outstanding bills and forcibly cutting their wages to repay the debt have highlighted the predatory nature of wage garnishments.\n\nCurrently, federal law allows up to 25 percent of a worker\u2019s take-home pay to be garnished each workweek. Over 30 states have taken action to better protect consumers and have added additional protections to prevent workers\u2019 wages from being unnecessarily garnished. However, when workers are struggling, these constraints are not enough.\n\nThe Protecting Workers\u2019 Wages from Medical Debt Act protects workers, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet, by prohibiting wages from being garnished for the payment of medical debt. Specifically, the bill:\n\nBans any amount of a worker\u2019s wage from being subject to garnishment for medical debt, and\n\nProhibits any state or court from issuing or enforcing a wage garnishment order for medical debt.\n\n\u201cIn the richest country in the world, medical debt should not be a threat to working people\u2019s livelihood. The American people should not have to slash spending on necessities to pay for life-saving care and no one should be denied future health care because of unpaid medical bills. Unfortunately, that is the reality many Americans are facing right now,\u201d said Ranking Member Scott. \u201cI am proud to work with Reps. Omar and Casar on this commonsense legislation, which will ensure families are not thrown into further hardship simply because they got sick and needed care.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn 45 states, some workers have a portion of their take-home pay forcibly cut to pay off medical debt,\u201d said Subcommittee on Workforce Protections Ranking Member Omar. \u201cI'm partnering with Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) to ban this practice and ensure no worker is thrown into further financial hardship over often-predatory debt.\u201d\n\n\u201cNobody should lose their wages because they got sick,\u201d said Vice Ranking Member Greg Casar (D-TX). \u201cTrump and Republicans ripped health care away from millions of Americans to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Now families who get sick are being hit with bills they can't pay, and in most states a hospital or debt collector can take a cut of their paycheck before they ever see it. This needs to end, and our bill would stop it.\u201d\n\nThe Protecting Workers\u2019 Wages from Medical Debt Act is endorsed by: American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Center for Health and Democracy; Families USA; Public Citizen; and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).\n\nTo read a fact sheet on the Protecting Workers\u2019 Wages from Medical Debt Act, click here.\n\nTo read the bill text on the Protecting Workers\u2019 Wages from Medical Debt Act, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mccollum-reflects-25th-anniversary-september-11-2001", "Congresswoman McCollum Reflects on the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", "mccollum", "https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Dean of the Minnesota congressional delegation, released the following statement reflecting on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The Congresswoman, who was in Washington that day, is the only member of Minnesota\u2019s 2001 delegation still serving today.\n\n\u201cSeptember 11, 2001: A beautiful blue morning sky being shattered by the horror of two airplanes steered into the World Trade Center towers. Evacuating with my staff from my Longworth House office building. Black smoke rising from the Pentagon across the Potomac River. Seeing a fourth plane crashed into a Pennsylvania field. Along with you, these tragic images are seared in my memory, despite the passage of 25 years.\n\nThese scenes have become part of the American psyche, even for those who were not yet born to witness them firsthand. They still fill us with fear, anger, grief, and sadness. In a moment, nearly 3,000 Americans\u2019 lives were ripped away from us. Loved ones who were left behind have endured 25 years without grandfathers, mothers, husbands, sisters, and sons. The pain of their loss does not go away.\n\nToday as a nation, we once again come together to mourn with the families. We remember the steadfast flight attendants, resolute pilots, and selfless passengers, including our fellow Minnesotan, Tom Burnett Jr., who helped lead the effort to retake the cockpit of United Flight 93 from hijackers, and prevented it from hitting its intended target in Washington, D.C.\n\nAnd of course, we will never forget the courageous First Responders rushed toward toppling buildings, who risked their lives in hope of saving others. We remember the thousands who have faced illness and death from exposure to toxic dust and smoke during the months of recovery. We still feel the loss, the very sad sense of tragedy and hurt that touched us all. For all of us, September 11, 2001 remains a day that changed us and changed our country.\n\nBut let us not forget the spirit of unity that was forged in those ashes. We put aside differences and came together as Americans -- far more powerful, resilient, and righteous than the perpetrators of the attack. Our nation emerged stronger.\n\nThe anniversary of September 11, 2001 is now a National Day of Service and Remembrance. We come together to give back to our communities across America. This year, volunteers in Saint Paul and cities across the country to help pack 18,000,000 meals that will feed Americans who depend on food assistance.\n\nThe 25th anniversary falls during the 250th year of our American journey. From the beginning, America has been tested by events and adversaries, both foreign and domestic. The future of our country is up to each of us. Our nation endures because of the power of individuals uniting to create a more perfect union.\n\nDuring the long, difficult years since that beautiful, terrible morning, the most important lesson I can draw upon is the profound blessing I feel to be an American and to share this country, our values, and our freedoms with my fellow citizens. There are no guarantees that our future will be free from challenges. But if we continue to build from the unity we shared after 9/11, our nation will not only endure, we will be stronger.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=768E8C6D-69B4-4B80-BBD6-6199EE7D1769", "Klobuchar, Smith Urge USPS to Reopen Glenville Post Office", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "MINNESOTA \u2013 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) are calling on the United States Postal Service (USPS) Minnesota-North Dakota District Manager to reopen the Post Office in Glenville, Minnesota. The Glenville Post Office closed after a vehicle struck the building on June 28, 2026. Since then, the Postal Service has not resumed operations or announced a reopening day.\n\n\u201cMinnesotans depend on the Postal Service every day,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cWe urge you and the local postmaster to restore retail postal services to the Glenville community as quickly as possible and communicate clearly with the City of Glenville and postal customers about your timeline and progress in reopening the post office.\u201d\n\nThe full letter is available here and below.\n\nDear District Manager Bye: We write to share concerns that we have received from Minnesota constituents regarding the continued closure of the Glenville Post Office at 220 W. Main Street in Glenville, Minnesota. We urge you and the local postmaster to restore retail postal services to the Glenville community as quickly as possible and communicate clearly with the City of Glenville and postal customers about your timeline and progress in reopening the post office.\n\nThe Glenville Post Office closed after a vehicle struck the building on June 28, 2026. More than ten weeks later, the Postal Service has not restored operations at this post office location and our constituents have informed me that the Postal Service has not announced a reopening date or communicated a plan to restore retail postal operations to local residents.\n\nMany Glenville residents depend on their local Post Office every day. Local residents rely on PO boxes to retrieve their mail including prescriptions, Social Security benefits, paychecks, and bills. Post office closures make purchasing stamps, shipping packages, and accessing other retail services less accessible, which can especially impact small business operations that rely on the Postal Service to reach their customers. These postal customers must instead travel to a neighboring community\u2019s post office, which is particularly burdensome for seniors and customers that lack transportation.\n\nPlease provide the following information:\n\nWhat steps is the Postal Service taking to reopen the Glenville Post Office?\n\nWhat is the expected timeline for restoring post office retail operations in Glenville?\n\nHow will the Postal Service ensure clear and frequent communication with Glenville postal customers and City of Glenville officials about the post office\u2019s closure and all efforts to reopen the post office going forward?\n\nMinnesotans depend on the Postal Service every day. We urge you to work with the local postmaster to promptly reopen the Glenville Post Office as soon as possible and keep residents and city officials informed throughout the process.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=CF880F61-55BC-4135-8CB7-0CC35EDFEBE2", "Klobuchar Statement on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "MINNESOTA \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks:\n\n\u201cThis year we mark 25 years since the 9/11 attacks, when nearly 3,000 innocent Americans were killed in an unspeakable act of evil.\n\nWe remember all the lives taken and we grieve with the families and friends who lost loved ones in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We also honor the courage of the first responders who risked their lives to save others, as well as the countless other acts of heroism and sacrifice we witnessed that day.\n\nWe remember the Minnesotans we lost that day: Tom Burnett Jr. from Bloomington, Gordon Aamoth Jr. from Wayzata, Gary Koecheler from St. Paul, and Max Beilke from Alexandria.\n\nTom, along with his fellow passengers on Flight 93, bravely gave his life to save others. Gordon was a 32-year-old former captain of his high school football team who had a bright future ahead of him, and Gary was a Vietnam War veteran who had been awarded the Bronze Star. They both worked in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Max died in the Pentagon after dedicating his entire life to our country, serving in Korea and Vietnam, and advocating on behalf of veterans and their families at the Pentagon.\n\nLet us always remember all whose lives were taken on that September day 25 years ago and those whose lives were cut short in the years that followed. We honor their memories by cherishing the values we share as Americans.\n\nLet us carry forward the spirit of courage, generosity, and shared purpose that our country showed in the days that followed. We will never forget.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://fischbach.house.gov/2026/9/fischbach-minnesota-republican-delegation-confront-walz-on-recent-minnesota-fraud-report", "Fischbach, Minnesota Republican Delegation Confront Walz on recent Minnesota Fraud Report", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Michelle Fischbach", "F000470", "fischbach.house.gov", "fischbach", "https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), joined Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) in sending a letter to Governor Walz on the recent findings of more fraud in Minnesota, this time involving a Liberian government official who is connected to at least two dozen Minnesota group homes that have collected $36 million of taxpayer funds over the last ten years.\n\n\u201cMinnesotans work hard for their money, and they have every right to expect that their tax dollars are supporting vulnerable families, not being lost to fraud due to a lack of state oversight,\u201d said Rep. Fischbach. \u201cThe Walz Administration has shown a complete lack of accountability. Minnesotans deserve answers and corrective action to protect their tax dollars.\u201d\n\nTo address the oversight failures highlighted by cases like this, Congresswoman Fischbach recently introduced the Federal Funds Whistleblower Protection Extension Act. The legislation stops whistleblower retaliation that often prevents fraud reporting by extending federal protections to state and local government employees, contractors, and subcontractors. Her bill follows a House Oversight Committee hearing where Minnesota State Representatives confirmed there are currently no criminal penalties for government officials who retaliate against individuals who speak out about fraud. The legislation would make it a federal crime for any state official who knowingly tries to ruin a whistleblower's life to protect a political narrative, with penalties of up to five years in federal prison.\n\nBackground\n\nRecently, a Minnesota news outlet released the findings of its investigation into several group homes with reports of neglect and even investigations into the deaths of several residents. At the center of this investigation is Sekou Dukuly, a man who relocated to Africa from Minnesota in 2024 to become the director of Liberia\u2019s government-owned port system while remaining the director of three Minnesota group homes.", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=C6310B57-297B-445D-AE16-311B14BA8429", "Klobuchar, Colleagues Statement on the President\u2019s Trade War with Canada", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) released the following statement in response to the President\u2019s continued imposition of new tariffs on Canada:\n\n\u201cThe states we represent rely on Canada as a key trading partner and our primary export market. We have deep ties with our neighbors to the north, and we share one of the world\u2019s most enduring defense partnerships. We have built two powerful nations over many decades by working together, growing our economies together, and securing our homelands together. Our countries have achieved great things by working closely together, and we still can.\n\nInstead of working with our neighbors, President Trump is doubling down on a pointless trade war with Canada. His tariffs will squeeze our states\u2019 small businesses and farmers harder and drive costs up for working families. They will raise the cost of the lumber, plywood, and construction equipment we need to build new housing. They will hurt our workers and businesses who manufacture autos, aircraft, and machinery. They will drive up the prices consumers pay for everyday basics like milk, clothing, and paper products.\n\nPresident Trump\u2019s tariffs have already cost American families as much as $5,000 in some states, and his senseless trade war with Canada will only grow that number. While American families and businesses suffer from Trump\u2019s trade wars, partners around the world, including Canada, are increasingly looking to diversify away from the United States and deepen trade ties with other countries including China. Congressional Republicans need to stand up to the president and do their part to give families and businesses on both sides of the border relief from this insanity.\u201d\n\nKlobuchar is a lead sponsor on legislation to revoke the newest global tariffs and 50 percent tariffs on Canada.\n\nKlobuchar, along with Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), introduced the Trade Review Act, legislation to require that any new tariffs receive congressional review and approval within 60 days.\n\nIn October 2025, bipartisan legislation led by Senators Klobuchar, Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rand Paul (R-KY), and Mark Warner (D-VA) passed the Senate 50-46 to repeal President Trump\u2019s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on Canada. Earlier this year, similar legislation was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nKlobuchar serves as co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group together with Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). The group was established in 1959 as a forum for U.S. members of Congress and Canadian parliamentarians to have an ongoing dialogue on major issues of mutual concern.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-minnesota-republican-delegation-confront-walz-on-recent-minnesota-fraud-report", "Emmer, Minnesota Republican Delegation Confront Walz on recent Minnesota Fraud Report", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Tom Emmer", "E000294", "emmer.house.gov", "emmer", "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), and Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) joined Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) in sending a letter to Governor Walz on the recent findings of more fraud in Minnesota, this time on a Liberian government official who is connected to at least two dozen Minnesota group homes that have collected $36 million of taxpayer funds over the last ten years.\n\n\u201cOur state\u2019s tax dollars are being siphoned off by the millions, and yet Governor Walz sits on his hands and refuses to do anything about it,\u201d said Congressman Emmer. \u201cThis likely fraud scheme doesn\u2019t just hurt Minnesota taxpayers, it hurts the vulnerable individuals in the group homes this Liberian national claimed to run. Tim Walz is without question the worst governor in America.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nRecently, a Minnesota news outlet released the findings of their investigation into several group homes with reports of neglect and even investigations into the deaths of several residents. At the center of this investigation is Sekou Dukuly, a man who relocated to Africa from Minnesota in 2024 to become the director of Liberia\u2019s government-owned port system while remaining the director of three Minnesota group homes.\n\nYou can read the letter sent to Walz in its entirety here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/09/08/finstad-leads-minnesota-congressional-republicans-in-demanding-accountability-from-governor-walz-after-alleged-fraud-involving-liberian-official-receiving-public-funds/", "Finstad Leads Minnesota Congressional Republicans in Demanding Accountability from Governor Walz After Alleged Fraud Involving Liberian Official Receiving Public Funds", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) led Minnesota Congressional Republicans in sending a letter to Governor Tim Walz highlighting concerns regarding allegations that companies linked to a highly ranked Liberian government official, Sekou Dukuly, received approximately $36 million in public funds to operate group homes in Minnesota. According to recent reports, Golden Touch Health Care and other group homes were investigated numerous times over the past decade for suspected maltreatment of their residents.\n\nThe letter reads:\n\n\u201cDear Governor Walz,\n\n\u201cWe write today to express our profound concern regarding the recent report of a Liberian government official receiving federally funded, state administered taxpayer dollars. This is yet another failure of your administration in safeguarding public funds.\n\n\u201cThe latest allegations involving Golden Touch Health Care represent yet another troubling example. According to recent reporting, companies linked to Sekou Dukuly, who is a high ranking official in Liberia, received approximately $36 million in taxpayer funds over the past decade to operate group homes for vulnerable Minnesotans. During that period, state authorities investigated suspected maltreatment at affiliated facilities on at least 22 occasions, including cases involving resident deaths and substantiated neglect in multiple cases.\n\n\u201cWhile the Minnesota Department of Health has suspended payments to affiliated providers, citing credible allegations of Medicaid fraud, and has moved to close three facilities, this appears to be another example of your administration acting only after journalists, whistleblowers, or federal investigators expose serious misconduct.\n\n\u201cThese allegations are deeply concerning, but they are not occurring in isolation. Minnesota taxpayers have repeatedly learned of alleged fraud and misuse involving Medicaid services, child care assistance, housing programs, and other publicly funded programs. This is a systematic failure of your administration\u2019s oversight mechanisms that continues to permeate across the state.\n\n\u201cMinnesotans deserve to know why warning signs continue to be missed and why providers facing serious allegations remain eligible to receive taxpayer dollars. They also deserve confidence that state agencies are taking proactive steps to prevent fraud instead of simply responding after public funds have already been lost and vulnerable residents have been placed at risk.\n\n\u201cAs a result of your failures, our state is under a microscope and providers who have done everything by the book are being punished by these bad actors draining our state\u2019s resources. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) continues to withhold Medicaid dollars from the state because additional fraud continues to be uncovered with no accountability coming from your administration.\n\n\u201cMinnesotans are tired of learning about another alleged fraud scheme only after billions of taxpayer dollars have been placed at risk. They deserve transparency, accountability, and lasting reform.\n\n\u201cSincerely,\n\nBrad Finstad, Member of Congress\n\nTom Emmer, Member of Congress\n\nPete Stauber, Member of Congress", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=02026ACD-560A-4784-A148-453FF74250A2", "Klobuchar Statement as Canadian Retaliatory Tariffs Take Effect", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "MINNESOTA \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group, released the following statement as Canada\u2019s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods take effect today.\n\nKlobuchar is a lead sponsor on legislation to revoke the newest global tariffs and 50 percent tariffs on Canada.\n\n\u201cThe Administration\u2019s 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods, along with Canada\u2019s retaliatory tariffs that took effect today, will only make it harder for Minnesota businesses and farmers to compete and will further drive up prices for families.\n\nI\u2019ve opposed these tariffs from the beginning and I was a lead sponsor of bipartisan legislation to overturn the tariffs on Canada that passed the Senate.\n\nCanada is Minnesota\u2019s top trading partner. The Administration must end its trade war with one of our closest allies. I\u2019ll continue to stand up for the U.S.-Canada relationship and Minnesota\u2019s economy.\u201d\n\nKlobuchar, along with Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), introduced the Trade Review Act, legislation to require that any new tariffs receive congressional review and approval within 60 days.\n\nIn October 2025, bipartisan legislation led by Senators Klobuchar, Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rand Paul (R-KY), and Mark Warner (D-VA) passed the Senate 50-46 to repeal President Trump\u2019s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on Canada. Earlier this year, similar legislation was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nKlobuchar serves as co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group together with Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). The group was established in 1959 as a forum for U.S. members of Congress and Canadian parliamentarians to have an ongoing dialogue on major issues of mutual concern.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=5945974A-8AA6-4453-B1E9-05C9410F7151", "At Klobuchar\u2019s Urging, Forest Service Retains Minnesota Research Facilities", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, released the following statement after the U.S. Forest Service announced that forest research facilities in Ely, Grand Rapids, and St. Paul will remain open after an initial announcement that the Ely and Grand Rapids facilities would be evaluated for closure.\n\n\u201cI repeatedly pressed the U.S. Forest Service to protect Minnesota\u2019s three Forest Service research facilities, and I am glad they will remain open. These facilities support local economies, perform world-class research, and help protect our natural resources both in Minnesota and across the country,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cI continue to be concerned that the U.S. Forest Service\u2019s reorganization will undermine critical research.\u201d\n\nThe Forest Service has stated that it will close 23 research facilities across the country.\n\nAfter the initial list of proposed facility closures was published in March, Klobuchar led 36 colleagues in directly raising concerns about Forest Service office closures. She also joined 16 colleagues in urging the Forest Service to improve transparency and consider the benefits of research services provided to surrounding communities and what research services would be lost with facility closures. Klobuchar also raised the importance of the Grand Rapids and Ely research facilities with Chief of the Forest Service Tom Schultz during the Senate Agriculture Committee\u2019s oversight hearing.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-craig-nunn-introduce-bill-withhold-retirement-benefits-members-congress", "Reps. Craig, Nunn Introduce Bill to Withhold Retirement Benefits from Members of Congress Who Violate their Oath of Office", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Angie Craig", "C001119", "craig.house.gov", "craig", "https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Zach Nunn (IA-03) Chris Pappas (D-NH-01) and Young Kim (R-CA-40) introduced legislation to prevent Members of Congress who engage in misconduct from receiving taxpayer-funded retirement benefits. Their Congressional Pension Accountability Act would close loopholes that currently allow Members of Congress who have committed serious ethics violations to continue receiving a pension.\n\nUnder current law, pension forfeiture is largely limited to Members who were convicted of crimes but does not apply to those who resign after the House Ethics Committee determines they committed an ethics violation. This bill would change that and ensure that the law applies consistently across all federal retirement systems available to Members of Congress, including the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s past time we start holding Members of Congress accountable for violating their oath of office,\u201d said Rep. Craig. \u201cMinnesota taxpayers shouldn\u2019t be paying disgraced Members of Congress even after they leave office. It\u2019s just common sense. I\u2019m proud to be partnering with Rep. Nunn on a bill that will help clean up Washington and restore trust in our government.\u201d\n\nSince Rep. Craig came to Congress, she has been working to fix a broken Washington and hold Members of Congress accountable. She has repeatedly led legislation to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks and was one of seven Members who launched the End Corruption Now agenda in Congress \u2013 a package of six bills that would put power back in the hands of the American people.\n\nLast year, she reintroduced her NO STOCK Resolution, which would require every sitting member of the U.S. House of Representatives to immediately sell their individual stocks and refrain from future stock ownership while in Congress. And earlier this Congress, she reintroduced her Halt Unchecked Member Benefits with Lobbying Elimination (HUMBLE) Act \u2013 a broader package of reforms that would prevent Members of Congress from using their position to enrich themselves.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/09/04/finstad-kennedy-introduce-the-reducing-arbitrary-barriers-to-apprenticeship-act-of-2026/", "Finstad, Kennedy Introduce the Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) introduced the Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation which increases access to GI Bill benefits for veterans pursuing apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs. Currently, veterans who are pursuing these programs have their monthly housing allowance reduced by 20% every six months. This legislation would ensure beneficiaries receive a full monthly housing allowance and there are no reductions based on semiannual reviews or monthly work hours. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).\n\n\u201cVeterans sacrifice so much in defense of our freedoms and deserve access to the benefits they\u2019ve earned, regardless of their educational track or career goals,\u201d said Rep. Finstad. \u201cFour-year degrees aren\u2019t the only option, and oftentimes those pursuing other programs experience reduced allowances. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to join Congressman Kennedy in introducing the Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026, ensuring veterans pursuing apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs have the GI Bill benefits they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur veterans deserve every opportunity to build a successful career following their service to our nation,\u201d said Rep. Kennedy. \u201cChoosing an apprenticeship or career in the skilled trades should never mean sacrificing hard-earned educational benefits simply because it does not follow the traditional four-year college track. This bipartisan bill removes barriers and ensures that our veterans can access the benefits they\u2019ve earned while building careers in the trades that strengthen Western New York and our entire country.\u201d\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-betty-mccollum-votes-temporary-funding-measure-keep-federal", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum Votes for Temporary Funding Measure to Keep Federal Government Open", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", "mccollum", "https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on Tuesday upon passage of a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through December 11:\n\n\u201cI voted for this bipartisan continuing resolution to keep the federal government operating through December 11th because Americans deserve certainty that the government services they rely on will be there for them. President Trump\u2019s disastrous tariffs on allies like Canada and his unlawful war in Iran are continuing to drive up costs for the American people. Americans cannot afford a government shutdown on top of President Trump\u2019s failure to address the rising cost of living. Senate Republican leadership has also let Americans down by failing to release and advance any of their Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations bills. The House has done its job and advanced all twelve Appropriations bills through committee. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to complete their Appropriations work and then come to the negotiating table so that we can deliver a bipartisan funding package that truly invests in the needs of the American people.\u201d\n\nView the text of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027.", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-introduces-bill-lower-cost-insulin", "Rep. Craig Introduces Bill to Lower Cost of Insulin", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Angie Craig", "C001119", "craig.house.gov", "craig", "https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig (MN-02) introduced legislation alongside Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Kim Schrier (WA-08) and Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) to lower the cost of insulin for insured Americans and expand access to resources for uninsured Americans living with diabetes.\n\nTheir Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving InsulinNow (INSULIN) Act would build on the progress made through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) by extending the $35 per month cap on insulin for seniors to all insured individuals. The bill also establishes an insulin resource center and hotline to connect uninsured diabetes patients with diabetes resources and programs.\n\n\u201cThrough the Inflation Reduction Act, we made great strides toward lowering the cost of prescription drugs by capping the cost of insulin for our nation\u2019s seniors,\u201d Rep. Craig said. \u201cNow, it\u2019s time to extend that benefit to all Americans. I\u2019m proud to be joining my colleagues in introducing this critical bill that will ensure no Minnesotan has to choose between putting food on the table and picking up lifesaving medication.\u201d\n\nSince entering Congress, Rep. Craig has been a leader in the fight to lower prescription drug prices with a specific focus on insulin. In 2022, the provision of Rep. Craig\u2019s bill that capped insulin copays at $35/month for Medicare recipients was signed into law as part of the IRA. Earlier this Congress, she introduced theAffordable Insulin Now Act to help Americans with private insurance afford insulin.\n\nLast Congress, Rep. Craig also introduced the Emergency Access to Insulin Act to help Americans without health insurance afford insulin. This bill would expand emergency insulin access, lower costs for those without health insurance and take additional steps to hold drug companies accountable for price gouging Americans.\n\nDuring IRA negotiations, Rep. Craig stood with House progressives, refusing to support the bill until it included provisions to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices. She is also cosponsor of the Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act, which would expand Medicare drug price negotiation to lower the price of additional prescription drugs.\n\nYou can read the full text of the bill HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/workforce-protections-ranking-member-omar-remarks-hearing-president-trumps", "Workforce Protections Ranking Member Omar Remarks at Hearing on President Trump\u2019s Deregulatory Agenda at the Department of Labor", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Ilhan Omar", "O000173", "omar.house.gov", "omar", "https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Ranking Member Ilhan Omar (MN-05) delivered the following opening statement at today\u2019s Workforce Protections Subcommittee hearing entitled, \u201cLess Red Tape, More Opportunity: Unleashing American Workers and Job Creators.\u201d\n\n\u201cThank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses for joining us today.\n\n\u201cMy Republican colleagues love to talk about getting rid of red tape, but let\u2019s look at what they actually want to get rid of: it is the light at a construction site; it is the respirator a worker wears to protect themselves from asbestos exposure; it is an inspector looking at a mine and simply asking a coal operator whether the roof is going to hold.\n\n\u201cEvery one of these commonsense rules is on the books because a worker was hurt or killed on the job. And this country decided it would not let it happen again.\n\n\u201cBut now the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are trying to repeal them.\n\n\u201cThey have also fired staff across the Department of Labor and weakened important safety agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.\n\n\u201cThe attacks on workplace protections have made it harder to hold bad employ[ers] accountable, and harder for workers to trust that someone has their back.\n\n\u201cNow, 2025 was a very good year for President Trump personally.\n\n\u201cAccording to his own federal disclosure forms, Trump received 2.2 billion dollars in income after returning to the White House.\n\n\u201cLet me put that in perspective: the median American worker would have to work over forty-three thousand years to earn what President Trump made in a single year in office. Forty-three thousand years.\n\n\u201cWhile working families were falling further behind on their bills, the man in the Oval Office is cashing in. And Congressional Republicans are just looking the other way.\n\n\u201cWorse, they actually added red tape of their own to the very programs all of these families need to survive.\n\n\u201cIn the year since this Republican Congress passed the \u2018Big Ugly Bill,\u2019 more than eight million Americans have lost their health coverage and more than four million lost food assistance.\n\n\u201cRepublicans know they don\u2019t have a good economic record to run on. But let\u2019s be clear about the plan they are offering to the American people: it is more red tape [and] hardship for you, and less of it for their corporate beneficiaries.\n\n\u201cInstead of crafting an agenda that helps working people with the cost of living, Committee Republicans have consistently chosen to take the wrong priorities.\n\n\u201cThey have chosen to make labor cheap.\n\n\u201cThat is what their bills would do: making it easier for an employer to treat a worker like an independent contractor instead of a full-time employee; letting employers off the hook for wage theft; and making overtime cheaper and worth less for the workers putting in the time.\n\n\u201cAnd they have chosen to make jobs more dangerous.\n\n\u201cJust last month, Committee Republicans voted to block OSHA from ever issuing any standard [protecting] workers from extreme heat \u2013 in one of the hottest summers in our country\u2019s history.\n\n\u201cJust as troubling is what they have chosen not to do. This Committee has held zero hearings on issues that working people in my district and across the country care about most: not one hearing on raising the minimum wage; not one hearing on addressing the violence in the workplace; and not one hearing on our child labor laws, even as this Administration announced a plan to weaken them for 14-year-olds.\n\n\u201cMr. Chair, every worker in America deserves to come home safe at the end of the day. That should be one of the most basic obligations we have to our constituents.\n\n\u201cWorking families are not asking for much. They are asking for a fair shot, an honest wage, and a safe workplace.\n\n\u201cBut this Congress, and this Administration, are failing to meet the moment.\n\n\u201cStripping away labor protections will not unleash anything good.\n\n\u201cIt will just move the cost of doing business onto the bodies and livelihoods of working-class people who do the real work that powers this economy.\n\n\u201cWorking Americans deserve a government that works for them, not corporate interests.\n\n\u201cThank you, and I yield back.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/09/01/finstad-votes-to-fund-government-prevent-costly-shutdown/", "Finstad Votes to Fund Government, Prevent Costly Shutdown", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) released a statement following today\u2019s passage of the Senate amendment to H.R. 6500, Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027, legislation that extends government funding with a continuing resolution (CR) through December 11, 2026:\n\n\u201cAlmost a year ago, we experienced a record-long government shutdown and over 40 days of uncertainty because Democrats chose to inflict chaos and disruption on Americans rather than keep the government open and operating,\u201d said Rep. Finstad. \u201cMy House Republican colleagues and I have remained committed to responsibly funding the government and putting the American people above the political games to ensure our constituents have the essential government services they rely on. I was proud to vote yes and pass a clean CR, preventing another costly shutdown and funding the government through December 11. Now, I urge my Democrat colleagues in the House and Senate to work with us between now and December to pass the full-year appropriations bills that will fund the government through next September. The American people deserve certainty, and Congress should do its job and get this done.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=161222C7-63DC-4BD2-9BFF-EDDE73DAD661", "Klobuchar: Hemp Ban Delay Passes Congress, Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that the House passed the Senate\u2019s bipartisan bill that includes her provision to delay the federal hemp ban, based on the bipartisan Hemp Planting Predictability Act she introduced with Senator Rand Paul (R-KY).\n\nThe bill will delay the looming federal hemp ban through December 11, 2026, and bans synthetic hemp derivatives. The bill now heads to the President\u2019s desk.\n\nLast month, the Senate rejected an effort to strip the delay of the hemp ban from the bill by a vote of 61-32. Klobuchar worked through the night and got the support of Senators from both parties to delay the ban.\n\n\u201cThis is good news for Minnesota\u2019s farmers, brewers, small businesses, and customers,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cCongress has now passed a bipartisan bill that includes a key provision based on my legislation to delay the federal hemp ban, which I opposed last November. The President should sign this bipartisan bill into law immediately. This delay will give Minnesota hemp\u2019s producers, retailers, and customers certainty, and give Congress more time to get to a long-term fix.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=82D37F43-7018-4F92-8F1E-DEFACABFB5F6", "Klobuchar: Federal Funding Will Be Provided For Annunciation Community", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "MINNESOTA \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) was informed by the Department of Justice that the funding she and others had requested for the Annunciation Catholic School community has been awarded. This funding from the Office for Victims of Crime will provide resources for mental health and support services to those impacted by last year\u2019s tragic shooting, as well as for school modifications, substitute teachers, and medical needs.\n\nKlobuchar urged and received a commitment from Attorney General Blanche during his confirmation hearing to work with her to make federal funding available to support the Annunciation community.\n\n\u201cThe Annunciation community has shown incredible strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy, and they deserve the resources to help them heal,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cThese federal funds will now be available to support the students, families, and educators impacted by this horrific shooting.\u201d\n\nThe federal funding will provide approximately $2.6 million to the Annunciation community.", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=57132442-AA86-47F0-89BE-5122F878CBF0", "Klobuchar Statement on EPA Announcement on Biofuel Blending Exemptions", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "MINNESOTA \u2014 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement after the EPA announced a plan to grant new small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard for the 2025 compliance year.\n\n\"Farmers are already facing the headwinds of the President\u2019s tariffs, rising input costs from the war in Iran, and dwindling international markets, and now the Administration is choosing to damage another critical market for American farmers. I led bipartisan efforts to secure strong blending levels through both Republican and Democratic administrations and this announcement walks back that progress. I will continue to fight for stronger blending levels and a reallocation that helps Minnesota farmers.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/smith-klobuchar-celebrate-groundbreaking-of-blatnik-bridge-replacement/", "Smith, Klobuchar Celebrate Groundbreaking of Blatnik Bridge Replacement", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "Sens. Smith & Klobuchar secured federal funding to reconstruct the bridge connecting Duluth and Superior, WI\n\nDULUTH, MN \u2014 U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN) celebrated the groundbreaking of the Blatnik Bridge replacement project, after they secured federal funding for the bridge from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and successfully pressed the administration to release the funding so construction on the project could begin.\n\nThe Blatnik Bridge powers the regional economy with 33,000 vehicles crossing every day and $3.7 billion in goods transferred annually across the bridge between the Twin Ports. The reconstructed bridge is expected to be complete in 2031.\n\n\u201cThe Twin Ports are economic engines for the region, and that\u2019s only possible because the Blatnik Bridge is there to move people and cargo between Duluth and Superior,\u201d said Smith. \u201cThis new and improved bridge will pay dividends for the Northland and our entire state. I\u2019m grateful not only to the union workers who will build this bridge, but to everyone in the region who will put up with some construction delays while this incredible feat of engineering is completed.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor over 60 years, the Blatnik Bridge has connected commuters, businesses, and communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but it is in serious need of a replacement,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cA safe and reliable Blatnik Bridge is critical for Minnesota\u2019s economic future and for people across our entire region. We fought to secure this funding and then fought to make sure it was released, and now we are finally breaking ground on the new bridge our region needs. This project will improve safety and reliability and help keep our communities and economy moving for generations to come.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=F6DB3973-FFE9-42FE-BAB6-AE76C893CD2C", "Klobuchar, Smith Celebrate Groundbreaking of Blatnik Bridge Replacement", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "MINNESOTA \u2014 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) celebrated the groundbreaking of the Blatnik Bridge replacement project, after they secured federal funding for the bridge from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and successfully pressed the administration to release the funding so construction on the project could begin.\n\nThe Blatnik Bridge powers the regional economy with 33,000 vehicles crossing every day and $3.7 billion in goods transferred annually across the bridge between the Twin Ports. The reconstructed bridge is expected to be complete in 2031.\n\n\u201cFor over 60 years, the Blatnik Bridge has connected commuters, businesses, and communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but it is in serious need of a replacement,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cA safe and reliable Blatnik Bridge is critical for Minnesota\u2019s economic future and for people across our entire region. We fought to secure this funding and then fought to make sure it was released, and now we are finally breaking ground on the new bridge our region needs. This project will improve safety and reliability and help keep our communities and economy moving for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Twin Ports are economic engines for the region, and that\u2019s only possible because the Blatnik Bridge is there to move people and cargo between Duluth and Superior,\u201d said Sen. Smith. \u201cThis new and improved bridge will pay dividends for the Northland and our entire state. I\u2019m grateful not only to the union workers who will build this bridge, but to everyone in the region who will put up with some construction delays while this incredible feat of engineering is completed.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/08/28/finstad-deluzio-introduce-the-water-authority-cybersecurity-protection-act/", "Finstad, Deluzio Introduce the\u00a0Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) introduced the Water Authority Cybersecurity Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation would double the amount of funding available in certain grants and technical assistance to local water authorities to strengthen cybersecurity efforts.\n\nIn July, Minnesota faced more than 30 cyberattacks on water systems potentially linked to Iran. At least 11 other states have reported possible cyberattacks to their water systems\u2014with some experiencing flooding and reduced water pressure or going offline completely. At least 100 municipalities across the country have reported potential hacking efforts to their water systems.\n\n\u201cWe have seen far too many instances of cybersecurity threats to our critical water systems,\u201d said Rep. Finstad. \u201cJust this summer, Minnesota experienced over 30 cyberattacks targeting operational technologies that our communities rely on. I am proud to join Congressman Deluzio in introducing this important, bipartisan legislation that will help ensure our local water authorities have the proper capabilities to respond to threats from foreign adversaries.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-omar-statement-one-year-anniversary-annunciation-catholic-school-shooting", "Rep. Omar Statement on One Year Anniversary of the Annunciation Catholic School Shooting", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Ilhan Omar", "O000173", "omar.house.gov", "omar", "https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "MINNEAPOLIS \u2013 Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement to commemorate the one year anniversary of the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in her district.\n\n\"Today, our community gathers to remember Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, honor the survivors, and stand with every child, family, educator, parishioner, and first responder whose life was forever changed by the tragedy at Annunciation one year ago.\n\n\"Fletcher and Harper were targeted while doing something so innocent: sitting in prayer at the first all-school Mass of the school year. As a mother, I cannot imagine the heartbreak their families have endured. As a Minneapolis resident and your representative, my heart remains utterly shattered. I refuse to accept that this is the reality our children must grow up in.\n\n\"Annunciation Church has been a fixture of our Southside community for more than 100 years. My district office is just 10 minutes away, and members of my staff have deep ties to this church. They have celebrated weddings, baptisms, and first communions there. This tragedy struck not only a school and a parish, but a community that we hold close to our hearts.\n\n\"At the heart of today is a simple belief: one meaningful way we can remember is by showing up for others and moving our feet. Through acts of service and generosity, we can carry forward the love, courage, and care that have surrounded the Annunciation community over the past year. But remembrance must also be coupled with action.\n\n\"Gun violence is the number one killer of children and teens. Our leaders at every level of government have an obligation to confront this crisis and keep our children safe. As a legislator, I continue to be ashamed by the lack of political will to act, even after Columbine, Parkland, Uvalde, and far too many other tragedies. We must do whatever is within our power to protect our kids.\n\n\"It should not be controversial to pass commonsense lifesaving measures, including banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Our elected leaders should care more about the safety of our children than protecting access to weapons of war.\n\n\"We owe it to Fletcher and Harper, to the survivors, and to every single child who deserves to feel safe at school and in a house of worship to do everything in our power to prevent this from ever happening again.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/08/27/finstad-joins-minnesota-ambulance-association-for-ems-roundtable-in-austin/", "Finstad Joins Minnesota Ambulance Association for EMS Roundtable in Austin", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "ROCHESTER, MN \u2013 Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) attended a roundtable discussion with ambulance service leaders, emergency medical professionals, hospital representatives, and local officials hosted by the Minnesota Ambulance Association to discuss the challenges that are impacting emergency medical services (EMS) providers in southern Minnesota. The conversation covered topics like Medicare reimbursement rates, federal programs and grants, workforce challenges, and coordination with health care providers.\n\n\u201cOur dedicated EMS providers work day in and day out to ensure our families, friends, and neighbors have lifesaving emergency transport and medical services,\u201d said Rep. Finstad. \u201cAccess to ambulance services is an essential part of our rural healthcare and public safety infrastructure. Hearing the experiences and concerns directly from our first responders is what guides my efforts to support and advocate for our local providers while in Washington.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/08/27/finstad-joins-u-s-global-leadership-coalition-for-roundtable-in-rochester/", "Finstad Joins U.S. Global Leadership Coalition for Roundtable in Rochester", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "ROCHESTER, MN \u2013 Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) joined the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition for a roundtable in Rochester to discuss how strategic investments in diplomacy and international assistance strengthen our national security, expand opportunities for Minnesota agricultural producers, and showcase the best of American values around the globe. The Q&A session brought together representatives from Minnesota businesses, agriculture groups, and nonprofit organizations, as well as leaders in the local community. Congressman Finstad released a statement following the roundtable, saying:\n\n\u201cI believe America\u2019s strength comes not only from our military, but from our economic opportunity, our social fabric, and hardworking farmers, miners, loggers, and innovators who strengthen our country and extend its influence around the world,\u201d said Rep. Finstad. \u201cInvestments in international assistance and diplomacy are a key part of that strength\u2014helping Minnesota businesses and farmers reach new markets, create jobs, and compete globally while making our state and nation safer and more prosperous.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=8DC13D8C-0D89-408E-9DC2-20BE476B8702", "Klobuchar Statement on Meta Settlement", "2026-08-26", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "MINNESOTA \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on today\u2019s Meta settlement:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s landmark settlement between Meta and a coalition of states, including Minnesota, is a critical step toward protecting children online.\n\nMeta has finally agreed to put in place critical reforms to its platform like time limits on social media and restrictions on push notifications, and it will pay $17 billion for the harm it caused.\n\nI\u2019ve been taking on social media companies for years \u2014 from passing the bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act to stop the spread of sexually explicit deepfakes on social media to fighting to open the courtroom doors to parents harmed by Meta\u2019s constant push to make money no matter the harm.\n\nParents shouldn\u2019t have to fight Big Tech alone. We need rules of the road to hold tech companies accountable and protect kids. Congress needs to pass strong kids\u2019 safety rules and make these platforms responsible for the products they build so they stop blaming parents. It\u2019s not the parents. It\u2019s the products.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/08/25/finstad-holds-roundtables-in-nobles-rock-counties-to-discuss-housing-economic-development-rural-water-in-southern-minnesota/", "Finstad Holds Roundtables in Nobles, Rock Counties to Discuss Housing, Economic Development, Rural Water in Southern Minnesota", "2026-08-25", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "NEW ULM, MN \u2013 Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) visited Nobles and Rock counties for roundtable discussions and Q&A sessions with area leaders about issues impacting communities in southwestern Minnesota.\n\nFirst, Congressman Finstad attended a Rural Housing and Economic Development Roundtable in Worthington with city and county officials and area housing leaders to discuss their efforts to increase access to affordable housing in the area. Afterward, Congressman Finstad joined members of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System and Rock County Rural Water for a roundtable discussion in Luverne to discuss ongoing expansion projects in the First Congressional District and Congressman Finstad\u2019s work in Congress to support these infrastructure priorities. Congressman Finstad then met with representatives from the Buffalo Ridge Regional Rail Authority, along with Nobles and Rock County officials, to give an update on federal resources available to local railroad operations.\n\n\u201cIt was an honor to be in Nobles and Rock counties to hear directly from area leaders about their efforts to serve the folks in southwestern Minnesota,\u201d said Rep. Finstad. \u201cWhether it be discussing the need for more accessible rural housing, strengthening economic development, or upgrading the water systems our neighbors rely on, I\u2019m committed to giving farm country a seat at the table and delivering for rural communities like Worthington and Luverne.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-26T05:33:32Z", "2026-08-26T05:34:56Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-betty-mccollum-highlight-high-costs-reduced-coverage-minnesotans", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum to Highlight High Costs, Reduced Coverage for Minnesotans at Gillette Children\u2019s Health Care Discussion", "2026-08-25", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", "mccollum", "https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "SAINT PAUL, Minn. \u2014 Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04) will host a health care roundtable at Gillette Children\u2019s on Wednesday, bringing together patients, providers, and state health care leaders to highlight the high cost of care and reduced coverage Minnesotans are experiencing as a result of the Republican budget law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.\n\nWHO: Congresswoman Betty McCollum; Gillette Children\u2019s President & CEO Barbara Joers; Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, Minnesota Medical Association President Dr. Lisa Mattson, Minnesota Hospital Association Director of State Government Relations Danny Ackert, MNsure CEO Libby Caulum, Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging Executive Director Dawn Simonson, State Medicaid Director & Minnesota Department of Human Services Temporary Commissioner John Connolly, an SEIU health care worker, and a Gillette Children\u2019s patient and parent.\n\nWHAT: Health Care Roundtable\n\nWHERE: Gillette Children\u2019s, 200 University Ave E, Saint Paul, MN 55101\n\nWHEN: Wednesday, August 26th at 10:30-11:30 AM", 1, "2026-08-26T05:33:32Z", "2026-08-26T05:34:56Z"], ["https://fischbach.house.gov/2026/8/fischbach-staff-to-hold-mobile-office-hours-in-sauk-centre-on-september-18", "Fischbach Staff to Hold Mobile Office Hours in Sauk Centre on September 18", "2026-08-24", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Michelle Fischbach", "F000470", "fischbach.house.gov", "fischbach", "https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Staff from the Office of Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach will be holding mobile office hours in Sauk Centre at the Sauk Centre City Hall (320 Oak St. S) on September 18th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.\n\nThe congressional staff will be available to answer constituent questions and take feedback on policy issues. The Congresswoman\u2019s office will also be able to assist constituents with issues such as passport processing, veterans\u2019 needs, tax refunds, Social Security benefits, and connect them with federal agencies like FEMA, FSA, and more.\n\nFor any questions regarding the mobile office hours, please call the Congresswoman\u2019s office at (202) 225-2165. For more information on Congresswoman Fischbach and her service on behalf of Western Minnesota, please visit fischbach.house.gov.", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=24870B36-1145-44A5-9652-8BF90921A11C", "Klobuchar Statement on New Tariffs on Canada", "2026-08-24", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "Klobuchar heads up bipartisan Canada-U.S. group in the Senate and was one of the leaders of the bill to overturn tariffs against Canada.\n\nMINNESOTA \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group, released the following statement on the Administration\u2019s new tariffs on Canadian goods and Canada\u2019s retaliatory tariffs.\n\n\u201cOnce again, the President\u2019s tariffs are raising costs and increasing uncertainty for families, farmers, workers, and small businesses.\n\nI was one of the lead sponsors of the bill to overturn the tariffs on Canada that successfully passed the U.S. Senate. Canada is Minnesota\u2019s top trading partner and our economies and communities are deeply connected. We have always been able to work through our differences and find solutions that benefit both countries. But instead this Administration has chosen to escalate a trade war with one of our closest allies. The new 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods, followed by Canada\u2019s decision to retaliate, will only make it harder for Minnesota businesses and farmers to compete and will further drive up prices.\n\nI have opposed these tariffs from the beginning, and I will continue to stand up for the U.S.-Canada relationship to protect Minnesota\u2019s economy and the strong trade ties that benefit both sides of the border.\u201d\n\nKlobuchar, along with Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), introduced the Trade Review Act, legislation to require that any new tariffs receive congressional review and approval within 60 days.\n\nEarlier this year, legislation to repeal President Trump\u2019s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on Canada was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. In October 2025, similar bipartisan legislation led by Senators Klobuchar, Kaine, Paul, and Warner passed the Senate 50-46.\n\nKlobuchar serves as co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group together with Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). The group was established in 1959 as a forum for U.S. members of Congress and Canadian parliamentarians to have an ongoing dialogue on major issues of mutual concern.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/08/21/finstad-klobuchar-and-smith-request-approval-of-minnesotas-request-for-major-disaster-declaration/", "Finstad, Klobuchar, and Smith Request Approval of Minnesota\u2019s Request for Major Disaster Declaration", "2026-08-21", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) in sending a letter to President Trump and his administration, urging their support and approval of the state of Minnesota\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration to assist constituents recovering from severe storms and flash flooding. After significant damage due to natural disasters, this grant approval will allow for federal disaster assistance for recovery efforts.\n\nThe letter reads:\n\n\u201cDear Mr. President:\n\n\u201cWe write to you in strong support of the state of Minnesota\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance under the Stafford Act to assist our constituents recovering from severe storms and flash flooding. These natural disasters have caused significant damage, and we ask that you quickly grant approval for federal disaster assistance.\n\n\u201cIn early July, southeastern Minnesota experienced severe weather events that caused flooding across the region. Heavy precipitation qualified as a rare \u201cmega-rain\u201d in some areas, with approximately 75 percent of Fillmore County and more than half of Houston County receiving more than 6 inches of rain. The severe storms and resulting flooding caused significant damage to homes in the affected area. Each home that received major damage had a submerged furnace or boiler, many of which will need repair or replacement ahead of Minnesota\u2019s fall and winter seasons. Some homes have been condemned or determined to be uninhabitable due to structural issues resulting from the disaster.\n\n\u201cJoint federal and state emergency management teams have conducted preliminary damage assessments and have determined that the losses meet the threshold for federal assistance under the Stafford Act through a Major Disaster Declaration. Governor Walz has submitted an official request for disaster assistance for the period of July 2 to July 8, 2026. The request, dated August 21, 2026, covers Fillmore, Houston, and Mower Counties.\n\n\u201cTime and time again, Minnesotans have stepped up to support their neighbors after natural disasters. When flood waters rise and homes are damaged, volunteers and neighbors are quick to fill sandbags, clean up debris, and lend a hand to those in need. Impacted communities will repair the damage and rebuild following these disasters, but rapid federal assistance will speed up this recovery effort.", 1, "2026-08-22T05:24:59Z", "2026-08-22T05:26:16Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=6A2F68BF-CF02-4A22-A85C-4E85A29BD29C", "Klobuchar, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan RANCH Act to Rebuild Domestic Cattle Herd", "2026-08-20", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) have introduced the bipartisan Rebuilding America\u2019s National Cow Herd (RANCH) Act. The RANCH Act will incentivize voluntary conversion of marginal cropland to grazing land to encourage cattle herd recovery as the United States beef cattle herd has contracted to its smallest size in over 70 years.\n\n\u201cWith the U.S. cattle herd at its smallest size in over 70 years, many farmers and ranchers need new opportunities to stay afloat,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cThe bipartisan RANCH Act will help farmers looking to start a cow-calf herd or expand their existing herd while also providing wildlife habitat on the land. In the long-term, this plan can rebuild the domestic cattle herd and help drive down beef costs.\u201d\n\n\u201cAnyone who has spent time around cattle understands one simple truth: no grass means no cattle,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cWith ranchers facing drought, high input costs and a shortage of grazing land, America\u2019s beef cow herd is at its smallest size in over 70 years. The RANCH Act would create a voluntary Ranchland Program that helps producers restore eligible marginal cropland into grasslands for grazing. Producers can use their land in a way that makes the most sense for each individual operation, giving those who know their land best the tools needed to succeed.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Minnesota State Cattlemen\u2019s Association is grateful for Senator Amy Klobuchar\u2019s and Senator Mike Rounds\u2019 support of the RANCH Act, which would establish a new voluntary grazing land restoration program to support and enhance grazing lands across the country,\u201d said Jake Thompson, President of the Minnesota State Cattlemen\u2019s Association. \u201cGrazing is an incredible tool for land management, and it is great to see a program that offers cost-share and signing incentive payments to offset financial costs for the producers.\u201d\n\n\u201cWell-managed, restored grazing lands provide important habitat for wildlife while supporting ranchers, farmers, and rural economies,\u201d said Aviva Glaser, Associate Vice President of Agriculture and Grasslands Conservation for the National Wildlife Federation. \u201cThank you to Senators Rounds and Klobuchar for introducing the RANCH Act, which provides opportunities for producers to restore marginal cropland to grasslands for grazing. By restoring these lands for grazing, this bill can help rebuild the U.S. cow herd while delivering a win for wildlife, ranchers, and rural communities alike.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe RANCH Act is a smart investment in America\u2019s working lands at a critical time for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities,\u201d said Andrew Schmidt, Director of Government Affairs for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. \u201cGiving producers the tools to convert marginal cropland to grazing land can help ranchers grow their operations, bring more grass back to the landscape, and increase the habitat that pheasants, quail, and other wildlife depend on. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever thank Senators Rounds and Klobuchar for their leadership on this important legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe RANCH Act meets a critical need for America's ranchers and grasslands, particularly in the Great Plains,\u201d said Alexis Bonogofsky, Vice President of the Great Plains Program at the World Wildlife Fund. \u201cIt would create a dedicated program to restore grasslands for grazing and enable effective grazing management plans, which are essential to the productivity of both ranchers and grassland ecosystems. While the scale of marginal lands that need to be restored far exceeds the 20 million acres this program would support, this is a significant and welcome step forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe RANCH ACT is the sort of legislation and idea that we have long worked on and hoped for to find new ways to incentivize creation of working forage to support ranchers, cow calf operations and cover for nesting ducks and other species,\u201d said John L. Devney, Chief Policy Officer at Delta Waterfowl. \u201cWe sincerely appreciate Senator Rounds and Senator Klobuchar for advancing this important idea.\u201d\n\n\u201cHealthy grazing lands are essential to a healthy landscape,\u201d said Ryan Taylor, Director of Public Policy at Ducks Unlimited. \u201cThe RANCH Act recognizes the conservation value of these working lands while helping address the need for additional livestock grazing. This legislation helps ranchers restore marginal cropland to perennial cover and managed grazing. Ducks Unlimited supports voluntary, rancher-driven solutions that improve habitat, soil health, and water quality while keeping ranchers on the land for generations to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-21T05:30:57Z", "2026-08-21T05:32:22Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/smith-klobuchar-finstad-urge-trump-administration-to-approve-minnesotas-request-for-disaster-declaration/", "Smith, Klobuchar, Finstad Urge Trump Administration to Approve Minnesota\u2019s Request for Disaster Declaration", "2026-08-20", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN) and U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN) urged the Trump Administration to approve Minnesota\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration to help communities in southeastern Minnesota that are working to recover from severe weather and flooding. If this disaster declaration is approved, the federal government will be able to provide disaster assistance for various recovery efforts.\n\n\u201cWe write to you in strong support of the state of Minnesota\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance under the Stafford Act to assist our constituents recovering from severe storms and flash flooding. These natural disasters have caused significant damage, and we ask that you quickly grant approval for federal disaster assistance,\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\nThe lawmakers continued, \u201cTime and time again, Minnesotans have stepped up to support their neighbors after natural disasters. When flood waters rise and homes are damaged, volunteers and neighbors are quick to fill sandbags, clean up debris, and lend a hand to those in need. Impacted communities will repair the damage and rebuild following these disasters, but rapid federal assistance will speed up this recovery effort. We strongly support Minnesota\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance and ask that you grant its approval without delay.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe write to you in strong support of the state of Minnesota\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance under the Stafford Act to assist our constituents recovering from severe storms and flash flooding. These natural disasters have caused significant damage, and we ask that you quickly grant approval for federal disaster assistance.\n\nIn early July, southeastern Minnesota experienced severe weather events that caused flooding across the region. Heavy precipitation qualified as a rare \u201cmega-rain\u201d in some areas, with approximately 75 percent of Fillmore County and more than half of Houston County receiving more than 6 inches of rain. The severe storms and resulting flooding caused significant damage to homes in the affected area. Each home that received major damage had a submerged furnace or boiler, many of which will need repair or replacement ahead of Minnesota\u2019s fall and winter seasons. Some homes have been condemned or determined to be uninhabitable due to structural issues resulting from the disaster.\n\nJoint federal and state emergency management teams have conducted preliminary damage assessments and have determined that the losses meet the threshold for federal assistance under the Stafford Act through a Major Disaster Declaration. Governor Walz has submitted an official request for disaster assistance for the period of July 2 to July 8, 2026. The request, dated August 21, 2026, covers Fillmore, Houston, and MowerCounties.\n\nTime and time again, Minnesotans have stepped up to support their neighbors after natural disasters. When flood waters rise and homes are damaged, volunteers and neighbors are quick to fill sandbags, clean up debris, and lend a hand to those in need. Impacted communities will repair the damage and rebuild following these disasters, but rapid federal assistance will speed up this recovery effort.\n\nWe strongly support Minnesota\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance and ask that you grant its approval without delay.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-22T05:24:59Z", "2026-08-22T05:26:16Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-betty-mccollum-commends-governor-walzs-executive-order-banning", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum Commends Governor Walz\u2019s Executive Order Banning Mining Near the Boundary Waters", "2026-08-19", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", "mccollum", "https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "SAINT PAUL, Minn. \u2014 Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D), the Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation, issued the following statement on Tuesday in response to Governor Tim Walz\u2019s executive order banning mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA):\n\n\u201cI commend Governor Walz\u2019s bold leadership in issuing this executive order that protects the pristine waters of the Boundary Waters and its watershed, and honors our Tribal treaty obligations for generations to come. Now Congress needs to act to pass my legislation, the Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act (H.R. 588) to provide a permanent federal protection for this national treasure. The Boundary Waters holds 20% of all the fresh water in the U.S. National Forest System \u2014 water so clean you can drink it. The danger of copper mining to our clean water is clear and overwhelming: 100% of copper mines have failed, leading to polluted water. The wildfires that have raged in the BWCA this summer remind us just how vulnerable this area is. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve worked for two decades to defend this special place, our nation\u2019s most-visited wilderness, just as we protect our nation\u2019s most coveted national parks \u2014Yosemite, Zion, Acadia, and Glacier.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-20T05:28:41Z", "2026-08-20T05:29:58Z"], ["https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-statement-walz-executive-order-block-mining-northeast-minnesota", "Stauber Statement on Walz Executive Order to Block Mining in Northeast Minnesota", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Pete Stauber", "S001212", "stauber.house.gov", "stauber", "https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) made the following statement after Governor Tim Walz issued a harmful blow to critical mineral mining in Northeast Minnesota.\n\n\u201cIn the twilight of his failed Administration, it is disappointing, yet unsurprising to learn that Governor Walz has launched a spiteful and harmful attack against the hardworking people of the Iron Range. His radical, job killing executive order puts thousands of family-supporting union jobs at risk and ignores the will of those who actually live and work in Northern Minnesota. In addition, it jeopardizes the crucial school funding that benefits every district across the state. Next time a Democrat politician claims to support permitting reform, remember what they really mean: eliminating the process altogether, just as Governor Walz has now done. Years of rigorous review, environmental study, and massive private investment have been erased in seconds by a deeply unpopular Governor, who has once again shown that he places far-left ideology above Minnesotans\u2019 jobs and economic future.", 1, "2026-08-19T05:29:02Z", "2026-08-19T05:30:24Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smiths-statement-on-minnesota-state-governments-executive-actions-to-prevent-copper-nickel-mining-in-the-watershed-of-the-boundary-waters-canoe-area-wilderness/", "U.S. Senator Tina Smith\u2019s Statement on Minnesota State Government\u2019s Executive Actions to Prevent Copper-Nickel Mining in the Watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "MINNEAPOLIS, MN \u2013 U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency announced it will take aggressive executive action to stop a copper-sulfide mine within the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA):\n\n\u201cMinnesotans strongly support protecting the Boundary Waters. We are a mining state, but not this mine in this place. The Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress ignored the science and overturned protections for the Boundary Waters, but the fight continues here at home,\u201d said Senator Smith. \u201cI strongly support Minnesota using all our regulatory powers to stop this mine. I also support the legislature taking action to stop this mine. At the end of the day, this is about a foreign company mining our metals, shipping them to China, almost certainly polluting the BWCA in the process, and then selling them back to us for their profit and our loss. I\u2019m glad Minnesota is standing up to protect this precious place.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-19T05:29:02Z", "2026-08-19T05:30:24Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-mccollum-and-thompson-reintroduce-resolution-recognize", "Representatives McCollum and Thompson Reintroduce Resolution to Recognize National Nonprofit Day", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", "mccollum", "https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Congressman Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-PA) introduced a bipartisan resolution on Monday to designate August 17 as National Nonprofit Day, recognizing the 1.3 million nonprofit organizations and 12 million nonprofit employees in the U.S. who serve local, national, and international needs.\n\n\u201cNonprofits are the backbone of our communities and our economy,\u201d said Congresswoman McCollum. \u201cThey employ more than 12 million Americans \u2014 including 370,000 Minnesotans \u2014 and deliver the services families rely on every day, from food shelves to after-school programs to elder care. By officially recognizing National Nonprofit Day, we honor the people who show up for their neighbors and make sure this sector has the support it needs to keep doing that work.\u201d\n\n\u201cPennsylvania\u2019s nonprofit organizations make up more than 15% of the Commonwealth\u2019s workforce, which translates into positive investments in our communities,\u201d Rep. Thompson said. \u201cWe have joined together to designate August 17 as National Nonprofit Day in order to honor the generosity and service of these great organizations.\u201d\n\nIn addition to introducing this resolution recognizing National Nonprofit Day, Congresswoman McCollum has long worked in partnership with nonprofit organizations to strengthen the sector and its relationship with the federal government through the Nonprofit SEAT Act. The legislation is designed to facilitate mechanisms for nonprofits to have a more direct voice in policy decisions that affect their work and the communities they serve.", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/08/14/reps-finstad-fischbach-house-ag-committee-chairman-thompson-hold-roundtable-discussions-in-mankato/", "Reps. Finstad, Fischbach, House Ag Committee Chairman Thompson Hold Roundtable Discussions in Mankato", "2026-08-14", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "NEW ULM, MN \u2013 Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (PA-15) held roundtable discussions with southern Minnesota business and financial leaders in Mankato. First, Congressman Finstad, Chairman Thompson, and Congresswoman Fischbach joined Compeer Financial and local officials to discuss community facilities funded in partnership with local lenders and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development.\n\nAfterwards, they joined members of Greater Mankato Growth for a discussion on how the Working Families Tax Cuts are benefiting small, locally owned businesses and the farm economy throughout the Mankato area.\n\n\u201cConversations like the ones we had today are what make legislation like the Farm Bill and the Working Families Tax Cuts successful,\u201d said Rep. Finstad. \u201cHearing directly from those on the ground allows my colleagues and I to truly understand what farm country and rural communities need to thrive. I appreciate everyone who attended today\u2019s roundtables to give thoughtful insights into how we can support the places we\u2019re proud to call home.\u201d\n\nFinstad continued, \u201cI was proud to join Congresswoman Fischbach in leading and securing inclusion of the Investing in Rural America Act in the House Farm Bill, allowing Farm Credit institutions, like Compeer, to finance essential rural facilities in partnership with local lenders through the USDA Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program. I appreciate Congresswoman Fischbach and Chairman Thompson\u2019s critical work on the Farm Bill and the time they took to hear firsthand how our work in Congress is helping southern Minnesotans in the First District today.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is always an honor to join the Minnesota producers and agribusinesses that keep our rural economies strong. With the steadfast support of Congressman Finstad, Congress made great strides last year for American agriculture through the Working Families Tax Cuts. I look forward to working alongside him as we get the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 across the finish line this year,\u201d said Chairman Thompson.", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/08/14/finstad-joins-house-ag-committee-chairman-thompson-at-agribusiness-luncheon/", "Finstad Joins House Ag Committee Chairman Thompson at Agribusiness Luncheon", "2026-08-14", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "ROCHESTER, MN \u2013 Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) joined House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (PA-15), local farmers, and stakeholders from southern Minnesota\u2019s agriculture community at the Steele County Agribusiness Luncheon hosted by Linder Farm Network in Owatonna. The event included remarks from Linder Farm Network, Congressman Finstad, and Chairman Thompson, as well as important discussions on the current state of America\u2019s agriculture policy and economy.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to represent my fellow farmers in Congress and ensure we are delivering for the men and women who feed and fuel the world,\u201d said Rep. Finstad. \u201cToday\u2019s luncheon gave us the opportunity to discuss how we can continue defending and supporting our producers. In the House, Chairman Thompson, my fellow members of the House Ag Committee, and I have kept our promise to pass year-round, nationwide E15 and pass a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill written by, and for, rural America, and we\u2019ll continue fighting for the hardworking folks in farm country. I want to say a special thank you to Chairman Thompson for making the trip to southern Minnesota and to those who joined us for this important conversation.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-15T05:23:20Z", "2026-08-15T05:24:50Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mccollum-statement-servicemembers-aboard-uss-abraham-lincoln", "Congresswoman McCollum Statement on Servicemembers Aboard the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln", "2026-08-14", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", "mccollum", "https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "SAINT PAUL, Minn. \u2014 Congresswoman Betty McCollum, the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on Friday amid reports of poor living conditions on board the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln because of the extended deployment of American servicemembers in the Arabian Sea.\n\n\u201cI have been demanding answers from the Pentagon for weeks about the conditions not only on the U.S.S. Lincoln, but also the U.S.S. Ford,\u201d said Ranking Member McCollum. \u201cOnce again, this week, I requested information from the Pentagon about the conditions aboard the U.S.S. Lincoln including how a food shortage, substandard sanitation, and no port time has led to low morale and a mental health crisis for some service members.\n\n\u201cSecretary Hegseth\u2019s leadership of the Department of Defense has been nonexistent, and President Trump\u2019s rudderless foreign policy has set our nation back severely. President Trump\u2019s reckless decision to withdraw from the JCPOA, negotiated by President Obama, had an immediate destabilizing effect on the Middle East. In his second term, President Trump has managed to turn a bad situation into a dangerous one by starting a war without a strategy and declaring victory prematurely. Servicemembers have died. The Trump Administration has spent billions of dollars. The strait of Hormuz was once open; it is now effectively closed by Iran. This is not a success story. It is a failure of leadership.\n\n\u201cI am grateful for the service of all the women and men aboard the U.S.S. Lincoln, as well as all American servicemembers deployed in the Middle East and around the world, whether at sea or on land. Our great men and women in uniform make our nation proud.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-15T05:23:20Z", "2026-08-15T05:24:50Z"], ["https://fischbach.house.gov/2026/8/rep-fischbach-introduces-the-hardworking-seniors-act", "Rep. Fischbach Introduces the Hardworking Seniors Act", "2026-08-14", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Michelle Fischbach", "F000470", "fischbach.house.gov", "fischbach", "https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC - This week, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) introduced the Hardworking Seniors Act to allow our seniors to continue contributing to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) while covered under Medicare Part A.\n\n\"Hardworking seniors are currently barred from contributing to tax-advantaged Health Savings Accounts just because they are receiving Medicare,\" said Rep. Fischbach. \"I am excited to introduce the Hardworking Seniors Act to help America's working seniors continue to make these contributions and receive the tax benefits that go with them.\"\n\nThe Hardworking Seniors Act received support from several outside organizations:\n\nA letter of support from the Employers Council on Flexible Compensation (ECFC) stated, \"Allowing HSA contributions for working seniors would give them a flexible, tax advantaged tool to prepare for these costs, strengthening the financial security and reducing the long term burden on those with fixed incomes. ECFC supports your introduction of legislation to allow working senior to continue to have access to HSAs.\"\n\n\"Thank you very much for introducing the important, hardworking seniors legislation to allow working seniors of large employers with qualifying High Deductible Health Plans to contribute to a Health Savings Account while on their employer's health plan,\" said Daniel Perrin, Founder of HSA Coalition. \"This is a key step forward to allowing those on public health plans to be eligible for a Health Savings Account.\"", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=144695EB-E5A4-414B-8634-A6D35BC6645D", "Sens. Klobuchar, Schiff Introduce Comprehensive Cybersecurity Bill in Wake of Recent Cyberattacks on Water Infrastructure", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced the Water Cyber Shield Act to improve cybersecurity in America\u2019s water infrastructure in the wake of recent cyberattacks against water utilities.\n\nThe legislation would strengthen federal oversight by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provide critical funding for local utilities, and safeguard drinking water and wastewater systems from cyberattacks.\n\n\u201cThe recent cyberattacks on Minnesota have highlighted the urgent need to improve the security of our water systems and critical infrastructure,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cOur legislation will direct the EPA to assess water infrastructure cybersecurity and identify vulnerabilities, and help municipal water systems defend against cyber threats. Protecting our critical infrastructure and the safety of Minnesotans is a top priority.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery American depends on safe, reliable drinking water, yet recent events have exposed just how vulnerable our water systems remain to cyberattacks by foreign adversaries and criminal entities,\u201d said Schiff. \u201cThese threats are not hypothetical\u2014they are happening right now. This legislation gives EPA the tools it needs to protect this critical infrastructure while providing the resources that local water and wastewater systems need to strengthen their cybersecurity without passing the cost on to ratepayers.\u201d\n\nThe new bill comes as federal officials warned in April of an alarming increase in cyberattacks against water utilities. In the last few weeks, coordinated attacks targeted more than 30 community water systems in Minnesota, underscoring the vulnerability of local infrastructure and the potential for the contamination of clean drinking water.\n\nThe Water Cyber Shield Act would:\n\nAuthorize the EPA to conduct cybersecurity assessments and require corrective actions when significant vulnerabilities are identified.\n\nAuthorize an additional $300 million each year for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds dedicated to cybersecurity improvements.\n\nRequire large drinking water and wastewater systems to assess cybersecurity risks as part of their existing risk and resilience planning.\n\nDirect the EPA to establish tiered cybersecurity standards developed in consultation with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), states, and water sector stakeholders.\n\nExtend federal cyber incident reporting requirements to state and locally owned water and wastewater systems that were previously exempt.\n\nProtect sensitive cybersecurity information submitted by utilities from public disclosure.\n\nProvide pathways for states with sufficient capacity to assume primary enforcement responsibility while allowing EPA to lead where needed.\n\nSmaller water systems and those with less capacity would receive additional flexibility and be prioritized for federal financial assistance, while EPA would be required to work closely with water utilities through a new technical advisory committee to develop practical cybersecurity standards.\n\nFollowing the cyberattacks on Minnesota municipal water facilities, Klobuchar received a briefing from U.S. National Cyber Director and Minnesota native Sean Cairncross and spoke to several mayors whose communities have been impacted.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-ilhan-omar-demands-answers-about-presence-undercover-hsi-agent", "Congresswoman Ilhan Omar Demands Answers About the Presence of an Undercover HSI Agent Outside her Town Hall Meeting", "2026-08-10", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Ilhan Omar", "O000173", "omar.house.gov", "omar", "https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "MINNEAPOLIS \u2013 Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) sent an oversight letter to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) demanding a response as to why an undercover HSI agent was stationed outside of her monthly town hall meeting in Richfield. Following nationwide concerns about the Trump Administration\u2019s use of ICE and DHS to intimidate Americans who oppose their political agenda, this action raises serious concerns about the purpose of HSI\u2019s presence at the Congresswoman\u2019s public event.\n\nIt also raises concerns about practices at HSI and ICE more broadly. It calls into question the level of training agents are receiving before being sent out into the field, given the agent claimed to have been conducting an undercover criminal operation with no prior coordination with local law enforcement near the Congresswoman\u2019s event. Importantly, it indicates that HSI is continuing to use mismatched license plates on vehicles, in violation of state law and in contradiction to earlier commitments HSI made to Rep. Omar.\n\n\u201cHSI's actions yesterday evening put an entire community at risk,\u201d said Rep. Omar. \u201cInstead of monitoring the area for those who might wish harm to me and my constituents, Richfield Police were required to devote time to investigating why an HSI agent was outside of a Congressional event in a vehicle with mismatched plates. It also raises serious and uncomfortable questions about the purpose of HSI's presence outside of my event. At best, your agent was unable to assess that the parking lot of a community center hosting a Congressional event wasn\u2019t the best place to conduct a drug operation. At worst, it emphasizes many Americans\u2019 growing concern that the Trump administration uses ICE to surveil political opponents and may interfere with our democracy.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Omar is demanding answers to the following questions:\n\nPlease explain why an agent was detailed to Richfield Community Center on the evening of Thursday, August 6, 2026.\n\nPlease explain when and how the HSI agent and her supervisors became aware I was hosting a town hall at this location and what action that knowledge prompted.\n\nPlease provide an overview of the training the agent had completed prior to her assignment at this location, as well as how long she has served as an HSI agent.\n\nRichfield Police Department reported that they had received no advance communication of an undercover operation from HSI that would have allowed them to ensure the safety of the officer and the community, as well as support HSI's broader work to combat drug trafficking. Please explain what steps you take to coordinate undercover criminal operations with local law enforcement, and why in this instance there was no prior coordination with Richfield Police Department.\n\nPlease share details of any meetings or events I have hosted in my official capacity as a Member of Congress that HSI agents may have been assigned to observe and why. Please share whether HSI agents have observed any other activity being undertaken in an official capacity by any other local, state, or federal officials in Minnesota this year.\n\nYou can find the full text of the oversight letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-11T05:54:29Z", "2026-08-11T05:56:25Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smiths-bipartisan-legislation-to-combat-lyme-disease-and-other-tick-borne-illnesses-passes-the-senate-unanimously/", "U.S. Senator Tina Smith\u2019s Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Lyme Disease and Other Tick-Borne Illnesses Passes the Senate Unanimously", "2026-08-10", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "Most recent data shows Minnesota saw 3,551 cases in 2024 alone\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tina Smith announced the bipartisan Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act passed the Senate unanimously. The bill will expand research, testing and treatment for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.\n\n\u201cMinnesota is proud to have more than 10,000 lakes and thousands of rivers for us to enjoy, and we\u2019re always especially eager to get outside after a long winter,\u201d said Sen. Smith. \u201cUnfortunately, the number of Lyme disease cases in the state\u2014and states across the country\u2014is on the rise. This bill would step up regional efforts at researching, testing and treating Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. We must cut down on tick-borne illnesses and for the sake of Americans\u2019 health and well-being, we need to keep moving this bill forward.\u201d\n\nThe bill, co-led by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), was named in honor of former Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC), who passed away on October 28, 2019, due to complications from the tick-borne disease Powassan virus.\n\nOver the past two decades, Minnesota has experienced a significant rise in tick-borne diseases. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, Lyme disease remains the state\u2019s most commonly reported tick-borne illness, with 3,551 probable cases reported in 2024. In the same year, Minnesota also reported hundreds of cases of other tickborne diseases: 627 cases of anaplasmosis, 89 cases of babesiosis and 14 cases of Powassan virus disease.\n\nUsing a three-pronged approach, The Kay Hagan Tick Act will:\n\nContinue implementation and updates of the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in People. This would support ongoing federal efforts to advance research, improve diagnostics, and strengthen coordination on vector-borne diseases.\n\nReauthorize the Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease for five years. These centers support critical research, surveillance and public health efforts to address tick-borne diseases and other vector-borne threats.\n\nReauthorize CDC grants to state health departments to strengthen vector-borne disease prevention and response efforts. These grants would support surveillance, early detection and diagnosis, treatment efforts, public education, and partnerships to address Lyme disease and other vector-borne diseases.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-11T05:54:29Z", "2026-08-11T05:56:25Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smiths-statement-on-voting-against-the-confirmation-of-attorney-general-todd-blanche/", "U.S. Senator Tina Smith\u2019s Statement on Voting Against the Confirmation of Attorney General Todd Blanche", "2026-08-08", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after voting against the confirmation of the President\u2019s nominee to be the next Attorney General, Todd Blanche:\n\n\u201cTodd Blanche has clearly demonstrated that he lacks the integrity to be Attorney General. He demonstrated it when he defended the President\u2019s attempts to overturn the 2020 election, when he defended the President\u2019s hush money payments, and he demonstrated it when he committed to enacting a national ban on distributing medication abortion,\u201d said Senator Smith. \u201cIt\u2019s disappointing, though not surprising, to see Republicans cave to the President once again and confirm a nominee who they know will continue weaponizing the Department of Justice against the President\u2019s political enemies.\u201d\n\nSmith had criticized Blanche earlier this week for threatening to invoke the Comstock Act, an antiquated anti-vice law from before women had the right to vote, to ban the distribution of medication abortion in every single state regardless of state level abortion protections, including Minnesota.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-09T05:47:57Z", "2026-08-09T05:49:40Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=34A3205B-E8EF-4DA3-B9F6-EDAADBC73011", "Klobuchar: Senate Passes Delay of Hemp Ban, Giving Time to Find Long-Term Solution and Not Ban Hemp in Minnesota", "2026-08-08", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that the Senate passed a bipartisan bill that includes her provision to delay the federal hemp ban, based on the bipartisan Hemp Planting Predictability Act she introduced with Senator Rand Paul (R-KY).\n\nThe Senate also rejected an effort to strip the delay of the hemp ban from the bill by a vote of 61-32. Klobuchar worked through the night and got the support of Senators from both parties for her measure.\n\nThe bill will delay the looming federal hemp ban through December 11, 2026, and bans synthetic hemp derivatives. The legislation now needs to pass the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cThis is good news for Minnesota\u2019s farmers, brewers, small businesses, and customers,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cThe Senate has passed a bipartisan bill with a key provision based on my legislation to delay the ill-conceived federal hemp ban, which I opposed last year. This delay provides more time to find a long-term solution, like the sensible safety rules we have in Minnesota, rather than allowing a federal ban to wipe out a thriving industry. I will keep working to make sure Minnesota continues to have a safe and strong hemp industry.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-10T06:13:07Z", "2026-08-10T06:14:46Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/08/07/finstad-sends-letter-to-mn-secretary-of-state-steve-simon-regarding-election-integrity/", "Finstad Sends Letter to MN Secretary of State Steve Simon Regarding Election Integrity", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) sent a letter to Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon regarding the integrity of Minnesota\u2019s election system and concerns about the potential for individuals who are not legally eligible to vote, including those unlawfully present in the United States, to register to vote or cast ballots in Minnesota elections. The letter highlights vulnerabilities within Minnesota\u2019s \u201cDriver\u2019s License for All\u201d law and Secretary Simon\u2019s refusal to turn over voter rolls to the Department of Justice.\n\n\u201cElection security is national security, and Minnesotans deserve to know that every reasonable measure possible is taken to protect the rights of eligible voters,\u201d said Rep. Finstad. \u201cI sent a letter to Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon expressing my concerns about our state\u2019s election system and requested more information on what Secretary Simon and his office are doing to ensure secure, transparent, and trusted elections in Minnesota.\u201d\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=7491FB0D-6663-4359-AEE3-04D8F655744D", "Klobuchar, Gillibrand Introduce Bill to Build More Accessible, Affordable Housing", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "The legislation would increase the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and expand development of accessible housing for seniors and people with disabilities\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, introduced the Visitable Inclusive Tax Credits for Accessible Living (VITAL) Act to strengthen the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to expand the supply of affordable, accessible housing for older adults and people with disabilities. U.S. Representatives Dwight Evans (D-PA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cFor far too many Americans living with disabilities and older adults with mobility issues, safe housing is out of reach due to a lack of affordable and accessible options,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cThis legislation would increase the number of new homes that are located in walkable or wheelchair-friendly communities to increase access to housing for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs our aging population continues to grow, it is critical that we invest in affordable housing units with accessible features,\u201d said Gillibrand. \u201cThe VITAL Act would help ensure that affordable housing meets the mobility and accessibility needs of New York seniors and people with disabilities, allowing them to age comfortably in the communities of their choice. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I am proud to lead this bill, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.\u201d\n\n\u201cAbout 26 percent of people in the United States have a disability, yet less than 6 percent of the national housing supply is designed to be accessible at even a basic level. This bill would change that by expanding low-income housing tax credits to make affordable housing more accessible for seniors and people with disabilities. The need for accessible housing will only continue to grow as America\u2019s senior population grows! I want to thank Congressman Fitzpatrick and Senators Klobuchar and Gillibrand for partnering on this much-needed bill,\u201d said Evans.\n\n\u201cAs we work to increase housing supply and make homes more affordable, we must also build with the needs of our seniors and Americans with disabilities in mind. The VITAL Act uses the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to promote accessible, adaptable homes in communities connected to transportation and essential services. This legislation reflects the kind of housing policy I will always champion\u2014one that strengthens independence, expands opportunity, and helps every person live with dignity,\u201d said Fitzpatrick.\n\nAlong with Klobuchar and Gillibrand, the VITAL Act was cosponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nThe LIHTC is a federal program providing tax credits to developers who build new housing for low-income renters. The VITAL Act would increase state LIHTC allocations, provide an enhanced tax credit for qualifying affordable housing developments that include accessible units for people with disabilities in walkable communities, and incentivize state housing finance agencies to prioritize the development of more accessible housing.\n\nThe VITAL Act is endorsed by The Kelsey, LeadingAge, Pathways to Housing PA, TriageCancer, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Liberty Housing Development Corporation, National Council on Independent Living, National Disability Rights Network, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, The Arc of the United States, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, Justice in Aging, National Housing Law Project, National Council on Aging, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National NeighborWorks Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, TASH, ANCOR, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, The Amputee Coalition, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, YIMBY Action, Disability Empowerment Center of Lancaster PA, American Foundation of the Blind, America Walks, National Homelessness Law Center, Caring Across Generations, National Association of the Deaf, Community Solutions, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), American Council of the Blind, HDC MidAtlantic, New Disabled South, and Autism Speaks.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-votes-to-impose-harsh-sanctions-on-russia-for-invasion-of-ukraine/", "U.S. Senator Tina Smith Votes to Impose Harsh Sanctions on Russia for Invasion of Ukraine", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHIGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after voting to impose harsh sanctions on Russia for its illegal invasion of Ukraine, which passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support (86-11):\n\n\u201cThe United States must stand up for democracy and against Putin\u2019s invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions we passed today are a powerful tool to cut off the funding for Russia\u2019s war machine, even though the President should have imposed them himself much earlier. Combined with Ukraine\u2019s recent successes on the battlefield, these new sanctions will help us force Putin to bring an end to this terrible war,\u201d said Senator Smith.\n\nThe bill now heads to the House of Representatives.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-11T05:54:29Z", "2026-08-11T05:56:25Z"], ["https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-celebrates-funding-for-minnesota-law-enforcement-after-advocating-for-program", "Emmer Celebrates Funding for Minnesota Law Enforcement after Advocating for Program", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Tom Emmer", "E000294", "emmer.house.gov", "emmer", "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released a statement after funding was awarded to the Wright and Stearns County Sheriff\u2019s Offices through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. Emmer supported funding for this program through the appropriations process. This program allows offices to tailor the funding to best fit their public safety needs.\n\n\u201cMinnesota is home to the best peace officers in the nation and supporting them will always be one of my top priorities. I am thrilled to see the Stearns and Wright County Sheriff's Offices receive these grants, which will help keep Minnesota\u2019s Sixth Congressional District safe,\u201d said Congressman Emmer. \u201cLaw enforcement is overworked and underfunded because of the Walz administration\u2019s soft-on-crime agenda, but thanks to this much-needed funding, the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep us safe will have the resources they desperately need.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis grant is going to help us update some of our technology needs that are long overdue! Thank you very much to Congressman Emmer for his efforts in securing this grant to help keep Wright County safe and secure for our residents and visitors,\u201d said Wright County Sheriff Sean Deringer.\n\n\u201cIn the past, this grant funding has allowed us to acquire items such as ballistic shields for officer safety and a speed limit warning trailer for community safety. The 2025 grant will be used to purchase online citizen police reporting software, leveraging technology and making it easier for citizens to report crimes,\u201d said Stearns County Sheriff Steve Soyka.\n\nBackground\n\nWhen it comes to supporting law enforcement and ensuring that officers have the resources they need, Congressman Emmer has a proven record of success. He has been a long time supporter of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The program was created in memory of New York City Police Officer Edward Byrne, who was shot and killed by a gang member when he was only 22 years old while sitting in his patrol car. The Byrne JAG Program provides funding for law enforcement for the tools and resources to protect their communities and address public safety needs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smiths-statement-on-farm-bill-markup/", "U.S. Senator Tina Smith\u2019s Statement on Agriculture Committee\u2019s Markup of Long-Delayed Farm Bill", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "Sen. Smith and colleagues offered dozens of amendments to strengthen the Farm Bill, which ultimately failed to gain bipartisan support\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after the Senate Agriculture Committee failed to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill:\n\n\u201cPatience is a virtue, it\u2019s just not my virtue. I\u2019m disappointed that we could not come to agreement on the Senate Farm Bill today, but we will keep working to find a path forward. It\u2019s crucial that we pass a bipartisan Farm Bill that meets the needs of farmers, ranchers and rural America, including year-round E15,\u201d said Sen. Smith.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad that several of my provisions are included in this bill. However, it is not possible to pass a Farm Bill that fails to fix the deep cuts to SNAP that are taking food off the table for millions of Americans, including at least 1.5 million children. Democrats have offered a commonsense solution that would delay the giant cost shift to county taxpayers, which would end up costing Minnesota taxpayers $140 million, for two years,\u201d she continued.\n\n\u201cWhile the Republican have not accepted this so far, we will keep working. I\u2019m grateful for the relentless efforts of Ranking Member Klobuchar to improve this Farm Bill and find a bipartisan solution. Amid shrinking markets, tariffs and skyrocketing costs for fuel and fertilizer caused by Trump\u2019s war in Iran, farmers need Congress to get the job done,\u201d she concluded.\n\nSen. Smith, along with her Democratic colleagues, were clear that they could not support a Farm Bill that did not delay the cost-shift of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by at least two years. Without this delay, counties would be forced to increase property taxes to cover the costs of administering the program, which most Minnesotans could not afford. Senate Republicans went forward with a markup in full knowledge that without a provision addressing SNAP, the bill would fail.\n\nDemocrats offered an amendment to delay the SNAP cost shift by two years, but it was blocked by Republicans. Sen. Smith pushed for multiple amendments to the legislation that would have improved its chances of passing, including amendments that would:\n\nAllow for year-round sale of E-15\n\nExpand Tribal self-determination authority for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations\n\nEstablish self-determination authority for Tribal meat processing\n\nRestore canceled Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants, which is particularly important for recipients who spent money preparing their operation for projects that the federal government had already committed to\n\nProhibit prediction markets from offering sports betting and casino-like games that violate state and Tribal regulations\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smiths-statement-on-leaked-audio-confirming-attorney-general-nominee-todd-blanche-plans-to-restrict-medication-abortion-access-nationwide-including-in-states-with-abortion-protect/", "U.S. Senator Tina Smith\u2019s Statement on Leaked Audio Confirming Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche Plans to Restrict Medication Abortion Access Nationwide, Including in States with Abortion Protections", "2026-08-04", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after breaking news from POLITICO that Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche is working with federal agencies \u201cso that the Dobbs decision becomes permanent in every single state\u201d by banning the mailing of medication abortion, such as mifepristone:\n\n\u201cDismantling Roe v. Wade was never Republicans\u2019 endgame, and we\u2019ve always known they\u2019ve wanted to go further. They grew quieter about their next moves after the fierce public backlash in the wake of the Dobbs decision, but we knew the Trump Administration wouldn\u2019t rest until every woman in America was subject to an abortion ban, including in states where abortion rights are protected by state law,\u201d says Smith.\n\n\u201cTodd Blanche made clear in these secret calls with anti-choice activists that he wants to resurrect the Comstock Act \u2013 an antiquated anti-vice law from before women had the right to vote \u2013 to ban sending medication abortion in the mail. Republicans will likely do what they always do and confirm Blanche as Attorney General despite all of this, and once again, women across America will pay the price,\u201d she continued.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re going to fight back in the courts, and when we take back power, we need to be ready to pass my Stop Comstock Act to make sure no administration can abuse this zombie law ever again,\u201d Smith concluded.\n\nSmith\u2019s Stop Comstock Act would repeal language in the Comstock Laws that could be used by an anti-abortion administration to ban the mailing of mifepristone and other drugs used in medication abortions, instruments and equipment used in abortions, and educational material related to sexual health. Medication abortion is how nearly 60% of abortions take place in this country today. It is the most common form of abortion in the United States. Smith is the only sitting U.S. Senator to have worked for Planned Parenthood, where she served as an executive for Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-05T07:37:37Z", "2026-08-05T07:38:44Z"], ["https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-presses-trump-administration-lack-responsiveness-dept-ed-continued", "Rep. Craig Presses Trump Administration on Lack of Responsiveness from Dept. of Ed, Continued Confusion Surrounding Student Loan Repayments, Civil Rights Complaints", "2026-08-03", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Angie Craig", "C001119", "craig.house.gov", "craig", "https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "EAGAN, MN \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig pressed the Trump Administration on their continued lack of responsiveness to inquiries directed to the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) and the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) following the Department of Education\u2019s (DoEd) decision to gut department staff and offload its responsibilities to other federal agencies.\n\nIn a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Education Undersecretary Nicholas Kent and Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey, Rep. Craig cited a significant increase in constituent cases with FSA and OCR since President Trump took office, and expressed concern with the low number of cases that have been positively resolved. She also demanded answers from the Administration about why her office has experienced delays in communication, from FSA and OCR when submitting inquiries on behalf of her constituents.\n\n\u201cSince the start of your tenures, I have seen an increase in DoEd inquiries, with 50 constituents seeking my office\u2019s assistance with FSA or OCR services,\u201d Rep. Craig wrote. \u201cOnly five of these cases (just 10%) received a positive resolution from FSA. 16 of these cases involve delays in student loan application statuses, buybacks and transfers, and 20% of all cases lacked any communication from DoEd or their student loan servicer.\u201d\n\n\u201cIronically, your mission to dismantle DoEd and \u2018Make Education Great Again\u2019 has resulted in more bureaucratic red tape, an increase in unsolved or unanswered cases and wasted taxpayer dollars, all with the goal of fulfilling a political agenda that does not serve my constituents,\u201d Rep. Craig continued.\n\n\u201cGiven the strong bipartisan opposition to your illegal actions and your continued failure to assist my constituents, I must remind you of your oaths of office and moral obligations of your public service, as well as Congress\u2019 constitutional authority to call for your removal from office if deemed necessary,\u201d Rep. Craig wrote. \u201cI demand you support your remaining nonpartisan staff in their work to provide estimated PSLF processing and buyback timelines, directly respond to borrower and caseworker inquiries in a timely manner and provide proper public notice regarding PSLF Program buyback delays.\u201d\n\nRep. Craig has fought Republican efforts to dismantle the Department of Education from day one. This Congress, she co-sponsored the Department of Education Protection Act, which would prohibit Congressional funds from being used to fire agency workers or drastically alter the Education Department. She also led a joint resolution opposing cuts to the Department of Education and condemning any Congressional or Executive action that attempts to dismantle the Department.\n\nYou can read the full text of her letterhere.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-04T07:35:49Z", "2026-08-04T07:37:27Z"], ["https://finstad.house.gov/2026/08/03/finstad-sends-letter-to-governor-walz-expressing-concerns-about-minnesotas-educational-performance/", "Finstad Sends Letter to Governor Walz Expressing Concerns About Minnesota\u2019s Educational Performance", "2026-08-03", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Brad Finstad", "F000475", "finstad.house.gov", "finstad", "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "scraper", "ROCHESTER, MN \u2013 Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) attended and delivered remarks at the Flint Hill Resources...\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Armed Services Committee, released a...\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) released a statement following today\u2019s passage of H.R. 9770,...\n\nNEW ULM, MN \u2013 Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) hosted a roundtable discussion in Mankato with Secretary of the U.S....\n\nNEW ULM, MN \u2013 Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) announced that he has nominated four southern Minnesota...\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) introduced the...\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Committee on Small Business,...\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) sent a letter to the Minnesota Department of Education...\n\nROCHESTER, MN \u2013 Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) was joined by Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling in...\n\nROCHESTER, MN \u2013 Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) hosted a roundtable discussion with U.S. Attorney for the...\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) sent a letter to United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster...", 1, "2026-08-04T07:35:49Z", "2026-08-04T07:37:27Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=E49714F1-7975-4D00-9C4B-5CE5087BC9F0", "Klobuchar: Hemp Ban Delay Included in Senate Budget Bill", "2026-08-03", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that the Senate\u2019s bipartisan government funding bill includes a provision to delay the federal hemp ban, based on the bipartisan Hemp Planting Predictability Act she introduced with Senators Paul (R-KY) and Merkley (D-OR) and negotiated with the strong support of Sen. Sheehy (R-MT).\n\nThe Senate\u2019s bill would fund the federal government and delay the looming federal hemp ban through December 11, 2026, giving Minnesota hemp farmers, brewers, and small businesses additional time to plan for the future and giving Congress more time to pursue a long-term solution rather than allowing a federal crackdown to shut down a thriving, multi-billion-dollar American industry. In order to best protect public health and safety, the bipartisan Senate budget bill also bans synthetic hemp derivatives.\n\n\u201cBrewers, farmers, small businesses, and customers in Minnesota have made clear that the federal ban on hemp products will be devastating,\u201d Klobuchar said. \u201cThe new government funding bill in the Senate includes a key provision based on my bipartisan bill to delay the federal hemp ban, which I opposed last November, so other states can put more sensible safety rules in place like we have in Minnesota. This delay was immediately necessary to give Minnesota hemp producers and customers certainty, while giving Congress more time to get to a long-term fix.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-04T07:35:49Z", "2026-08-04T07:37:27Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smiths-statement-on-proposed-delay-of-national-ban-on-hemp-derived-thc-products/", "U.S. Senator Tina Smith\u2019s Statement on Proposed Delay of National Ban on Hemp-Derived THC Products", "2026-08-03", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "MINNEAPOLIS, MN \u2013 U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after language delaying a national ban on most hemp-derived THC products, including THC beverages, was included in a must-pass budget resolution set to be voted on in the Senate this week. The ban was set to take place in November and would now be delayed until December, buying lawmakers more time to negotiate.\n\n\u201cAdults should be allowed to have a THC beverage if they so choose. Minnesota has created one of the strongest, most carefully regulated systems in the country to allow the sale of hemp products. The initial ban set to take place was ill-advised and would have hurt both hemp farmers and Minnesota breweries alike,\u201d said Senator Smith. \u201cI\u2019m grateful Senator Klobuchar and I were able to secure bipartisan language to delay this ban to December 11. While helpful to hemp farmers, brewers, and consumers, we still need to work towards a long-term solution that will allow for the industry to move forward.\u201d\n\nKlobuchar and Smith partnered with Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) to initially try and stop the ban from becoming law. The Senators pushed for language delaying the ban to be included in a continuing budget resolution to fund the government until December, which will be voted on later this week. The delay is supported by the Minnesota Craft Brewers Association.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-04T07:35:49Z", "2026-08-04T07:37:27Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=ACF79BA8-1772-4C09-A954-6396D7C09443", "Klobuchar Statement on Cyberattacks on Minnesota Water Systems", "2026-07-31", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement after receiving a briefing on the cyberattacks on Minnesota municipal water systems.\n\n\u201cToday I spoke with U.S. National Cyber Director and Minnesota native Sean Cairncross about the recent cyberattacks impacting Minnesota municipal water facilities. Director Cairncross confirmed that at this point there are no effects on services.\n\n\u201cI have also talked to several mayors whose communities have been impacted by the attacks. I want to thank federal, state, and local law enforcement, including the FBI, for their work on the investigation of the cyberattacks against Minnesota\u2019s water infrastructure.\n\n\u201cWhile the investigation is still ongoing, the FBI and EPA are warning utilities that hackers are trying to disrupt critical water infrastructure, and that the hackers targeted specific brands of control systems used by municipal water utilities.\n\n\u201cDirector Cairncross and I discussed updated technology, recognizing that resources are an issue for so many communities, not just in Minnesota but across the country.\n\n\u201cI will continue to advocate for strong federal, state, and local coordination to immediately investigate and stop cyberattacks as well as for updated technology to secure our critical infrastructure from cyber threats.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-01T07:27:26Z", "2026-08-01T07:28:22Z"], ["https://www.smith.senate.gov/sen-smith-working-to-keep-rural-hospitals-open/", "Sens. Smith, Moran Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Rural Hospitals", "2026-07-31", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Tina Smith", "S001203", "www.smith.senate.gov", "tinasmith", "https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) Jerry Moran (R-KS) this week introduced the Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act (REH 2.0), bipartisan legislation to expand access to federal resources for rural hospitals through the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Medicare designation. This legislation would allow more Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) and rural hospitals at risk of closure to sustain health care services in rural communities, and it would make technical improvements to the designation. The legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Katie Britt (R-AL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and Roger Marshall, M.D., (R-KS).\n\n\u201cRural hospitals are vital for families in small towns and rural communities. These hospitals not only provide care close to home, they\u2019re also economic engines for their region,\u201d said Sen. Smith. \u201cBut many rural hospitals face increasingly dire financial strain and workforce shortages, forcing them to cut services or even close down altogether. This important legislation is just one tool in the toolbox to help rural hospitals on the verge of closure keep their doors open. Make no mistake, much more is needed to ensure the health and wellness of rural hospitals and families.\n\n\u201cI have visited every hospital in Kansas numerous times, and these conversations help guide my efforts to make certain health care providers across our state have the support they need to provide critical services to patients in their communities,\u201d said Sen. Moran. \u201cDuring these visits, providers shared with me their recommendations for strengthening the Rural Emergency Hospital designation so it can better support the struggling facilities it was originally intended to serve. The legislation I am introducing with Senator Tina Smith is the direct result of what we have heard from rural hospitals and health care providers in our states, and it makes needed improvements to the program to help make certain patients can continue to access critical health care services in their communities for years to come.\u201d\n\nThe REH Designation Improvement Act is also supported by the National Rural Health Association.\n\nThe provisions in the REH Designation Improvement Act are the result of numerous conversations Sens. Smith and Moran held with rural health care providers and CEOs of hospitals that are eligible for the REH designation. REH is a Medicare provider designation that offers certain rural hospitals the opportunity to convert and continue operating with limited services rather than closing.\n\nThe Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act would:\n\nAllow previously closed rural hospitals to re-open and apply for the Rural Emergency Hospital designation if they can demonstrate they met all eligibility requirements between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 27, 2020.\n\nDirect the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a waiver program for facilities operating similarly to an REH in order to convert to an REH.\n\nAllow REH facilities to maintain or create a unit for inpatient psychiatric care, obstetric care and allow for limited inpatient rehabilitation services.\n\nRequire the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide additional funding for laboratory services.\n\nClarify that REH facilities are eligible for Small Rural Hospital Improvement grants.\n\nDirect the Secretary of HHS to allow an REH to be eligible as a National Health Service Corp site.\n\nAuthorize REH facilities to transfer patients from acute care to a Skilled Nursing Facility without leaving the hospital, in accordance with the Social Security Act.\n\nAllow an REH facility to revert back to a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) to regain necessary provider status, only if the facility was designated a necessary provider prior to converting to REH.\n\nClarify state Medicaid agencies can pay REH facilities as hospitals.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found HERE.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-05T07:37:37Z", "2026-08-05T07:38:44Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=EE4FFF01-7E03-4E4E-92F5-306069426BCA", "Klobuchar Statement on Cyberattacks on Minnesota Municipal Water Systems", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "Senate", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "klobuchar", "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the cyberattacks on Minnesota municipal water systems.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve requested a briefing from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on the ongoing investigation and the potential involvement of foreign actors. I\u2019m also in communication with state officials to help make sure they have the resources they need. Protecting our critical infrastructure and the safety of Minnesotans remains a top priority.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mccollum-statement-suspected-iranian-involvement-attack", "Congresswoman McCollum Statement on Suspected Iranian Involvement in Attack on Minnesota\u2019s Water Infrastructure", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", "mccollum", "https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Betty McCollum, the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on Thursday in response to reporting from the New York Times indicating that investigators suspect that Iranian hackers were behind the cyberattacks on dozens of Minnesota\u2019s municipal water systems earlier this week:\n\n\u201cThis incident demonstrates that Minnesota\u2019s municipalities, businesses, and residents must be prepared not only to ward off cybersecurity threats from cybercriminals, but also from terrorist organizations and nation-states,\u201d said Congresswoman McCollum. \u201cIt also shows the urgent need for the federal government to advance critical cybersecurity measures to protect small businesses, large enterprises, and local governments by providing state-of-the-art defensive measures to defend against malicious attacks by bad actors who intend to sow chaos and extract ransom. I have worked closely with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in partnership with Metro State University to ensure that our communities are prepared to protect themselves from these attacks, and I will continue to aggressively pursue funding and resources to support defensive measures for Minnesota\u2019s businesses and municipalities.\u201d\n\n\u201cCybersecurity is inseparable from public safety. Although no contamination or public health impacts have been reported, this attack demonstrates the risks posed when malicious actors gain access to the operational technology that supports essential water and wastewater services,\u201d said Faisal Kaleem, Director and Professor of Cybersecurity, Metro State University. \u201cMinnesota\u2019s communities need trained cybersecurity professionals, secure systems, affordable continuous monitoring, and strong partnerships among federal, state, local, and educational institutions. Metro State University is committed to helping build that resilience through education, workforce development, and partnerships that strengthen the critical infrastructure Minnesotans depend on every day.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs these attacks become increasingly common, leaders at every level of government are working tirelessly with academic and industry partners for our common defense in the cyber domain, improving information sharing, coordination and cyber talent development to detect and defend against elevated attacks,\" said Army Maj. Gen. Stefanie Horvath, Minnesota National Guard\u2019s Assistant Adjutant General. \"A united approach is just as important in the cyber domain as it is in the physical domain to defend against attacks.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman McCollum has worked to provide federal resources for cybersecurity initiatives since 2021, when she served as the Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. She believes that Minnesota must continue to work to take advantage of the opportunities provided by this federal funding. These attacks show the necessity of developing a strong workforce that includes cybersecurity professionals who will be able to support efforts to prevent and defend against cyberattacks.\n\nCongresswoman McCollum has also worked closely with Metro State University in Saint Paul, which continues to be a key leader in this effort, and she has supported the expansion of Metro State\u2019s cybersecurity education programs through Community Project Funding. Metro State University has also led the way in partnering with the Minnesota National Guard on cyber training initiatives, providing a model for how Minnesota\u2019s public and private sectors can work with the cybersecurity professionals in the National Guard to defend our communities. Congresswoman McCollum will continue to support these efforts through her work in Congress to supply them with the resources required to protect Minnesotans.", 1, "2026-08-01T07:27:26Z", "2026-08-01T07:28:22Z"], ["https://fischbach.house.gov/2026/7/rep-fischbach-mn-gop-delegation-praise-trump-admin-for-the-deportation-of-walz-pardoned-child-rapist", "Rep. Fischbach, MN GOP Delegation Praise Trump Admin for the Deportation of Walz-Pardoned Child Rapist", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Michelle Fischbach", "F000470", "fischbach.house.gov", "fischbach", "https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 This week, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) joined Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), and Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06) in sending a letter to President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, thanking them for taking action to deport convicted child rapist Tou Lue Vang from the United States.\n\nTou Lue Vang entered this country illegally and was convicted of repeatedly raping a 10-year-old girl in Minnesota in 2006. Despite his illegal status and the depravity of his crimes, Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison supported issuing a pardon for Vang this past June in an attempt to shield him from deportation.\n\nTheir letter reads (in part):\n\n\"Despite your mandate to remove the worst-of-the-worst from our nation, Tim Walz and his cronies have attempted to defy federal law and executive authority during both Operation Metro Surge and in the case involving Tou Lue Vang. Thus, their actions have continually placed our constituents in danger by endeavoring to allow criminals and gang members to walk freely amongst law-abiding Americans. Given Tim Walz and Keith Ellison's inexplicable despise for law and order, your campaign to rid illegal aliens from America has been desperately needed in our state.\n\n\"The contrast between this administration and the extreme, pro-criminal Walz Administration could not be clearer; you find, arrest, and deport child abusers. Tim Walz and Keith Ellison try, and fail, to stop you. As fathers, mothers, and elected representatives of Minnesota, we are grateful for your continued leadership and commitment to making our communities safe.\"", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 12106, "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 \"state\" = :p0 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "MN"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=MN", "results": [{"value": 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