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9,758 rows where party = "Democrat" and state = "MN" sorted by date descending

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url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
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 — 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 “National Hazing Awareness Week.” 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 “GT” Thompson (R-PA). “When parents send their kids away to college, they expect they will get a good education and make new friends. They don’t expect them to be harassed and hazed. Hazing is a dangerous — and at times deadly — reality that students are confronted with,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “With 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.” “Students should not have to fear getting physically or emotionally harmed while they are simply trying to find community at college,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Thanks 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.” “I 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,” said Rep. McBath. “I’m 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.” “Hazing 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… 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’s 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 – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig officially cosponsored bipartisan legislation that would make meaningful reforms to our country’s broken immigration system. The 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’s Dreamers. The DIGNITY Act was originally introduced by Reps. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL). “America 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,” said Rep. Craig. “It’s 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’m proud to support this critical bill, which makes meaningful reforms to our immigration system without compromising our communities’ safety and security. It’s a win-win” Rep. Craig has always advocated for a legal pathway to citizenship for our nation’s 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’s 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. Rep. Craig has also been a fervent defender of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program in the face of President Trump’s repeated attacks on TPS holders. In July, s… 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: “In the East Metro, we understand just how vital safe drinking water is to the health of our community,” Congresswoman McCollum said. “This federal investment will help protect the health of Gem Lake residents by providing them with safe drinking water.” “Clean drinking water should be a basic standard in this country,” said Senator Tina Smith. “Gem Lake citizens have been rightfully concerned about carcinogens in their water supply, and this new system will give residents some peace of mind. I’m glad Rep. McCollum and I were able to secure this funding.” “Betty McCollum’s 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” Gem Lake Mayor This 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. Sampling 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’S FULL REMARKS HERE WASHINGTON — 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. Senator 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. After more than six months–six months–it is clear that the President had no plan when the war started, and has no plan for how to end it. To 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. That'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. Our 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. Beyond 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, … 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 WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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’t find any shelter and are often forced to sleep outside. “Homeless 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’s not sustainable, and it’s past time the federal government stepped in,” said Sen. Smith. “This new legislation would increase funding for communities to build new shelters that meet their citizens’ 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.” “Addressing 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,” said the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless. “Senator Tina Smith’s 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 … 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 WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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. “Paying for college is a precarious balancing act for many students, and that’s when everything is going ‘right,’” said Sen. Smith. “This 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.” For 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). “Every student deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their personal and professional goals,” said Congressman Morelle. “Unfortunately, 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’s not right—which 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 rea… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
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 WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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. “In Minnesota, heating your home isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “With colder weather on the horizon, families shouldn’t have to choose between staying warm and putting food on the table.” “Mother Nature doesn’t play politics, and we shouldn’t either,” said Sen. Smith. “No one in Minnesota or across the country should have to choose between turning on the heat or paying for their medications or groceries.” Sens. 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. Senators 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-… 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’s (NRECA) 2026 Distinguished Service Award from NRECA CEO Jim Matheson MINNESOTA – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) was awarded the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (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. “Electric co-ops connect the farmers who feed our country, keep the lights on at our schools, hospitals, and small businesses, and power our communities,” said Klobuchar. “When 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’m focused on making sure co-ops have the support they need — especially now as global instability in energy markets increases, demand is up, and people across the country are facing higher electricity costs.” “Over your distinguished Senate career, you have consistently fought for policies of critical importance to America’s electric cooperatives,” NRECA CEO Jim Matheson wrote in a letter to Klobuchar. Matheson said the award is, “reserved for those who, over time, demonstrate repeated support for the 42 million Americans who belong to electric cooperatives.” “Senator 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,” Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) board chair Wesley Waller wrote in a letter to NRECA President Mike Partin. “Senator 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 wor… 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 from Renee Good’s Family Members and Firsthand Witness of Alex Pretti’s 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 “We all want our law enforcement officers to perform at the highest standards, but when they don’t, it shouldn’t matter who their employer is. There should be a path to justice for those they harm,” said Brent Ganger, brother of Renee Good. WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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. “I 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,”said Senator Smith. “How do you move forward when there hasn’t been accountability for these crimes, and when there isn’t 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.” “I 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… 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,” said Donna Ganger, mother of Renee Good, in written testimony. “Our 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 t… 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 — 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 “Our Values at Stake (Part V): Deaths, Deception, and a Failure of Accountability at DHS.” Donna and Brent Ganger, mother and brother of Renée 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: "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. "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. "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 w… 1 2026-09-24T10:30:22Z 2026-09-24T10:31:42Z
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 – 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). This funding would be available to states targeted by President Trump’s reckless and lawless immigration enforcement operations – including Minnesota, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina and Oregon – and would be distributed to impacted nonprofits and small businesses. The 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. “The psychological and financial impacts of Operation Metro Surge will be generational,” said Rep. Craig. “As Minnesotans begin the long process of healing from the wounds that President Trump’s ICE inflicted, it’s 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.” Rep. 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. This 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—Camp East Montana and the El Paso Service Processing Cente… 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 – Following the conclusion of “Operation Metro Surge” 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 “One, Big Beautiful Bill” Act (HR-1) and invest it into communities across the country that have been impacted by the Department of Homeland Security’s heinous operations. "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’ve left in their wake and ensure that these devastating operations can never be repeated." “The psychological and financial impacts of Operation Metro Surge will be generational,” said Rep. Craig. “As Minnesotans begin the long process of healing from the wounds that President Trump’s ICE inflicted, it’s 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.” The 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’s Web), and Oregon (Operation Black Rose). The 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, comm… 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 – 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’s 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. “Following 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,” said Klobuchar. “During 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.” “Parents everywhere owe a debt of gratitude to Connie Clery,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Following 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’ lives and giving parents peace of mind as they drop their children off at college.” “I’m proud to lead this resolution in Connie Clery’s 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',” said McBat… 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’s Bipartisan Legislation to Extend Terrorism Risk Insurance, Support Housing Construction Passes 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 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s 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). Following 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. The 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. “Without this bill, a potential terrorism event would mean an even greater financial catastrophe for businesses and taxpayers. It’s critical that we keep terrorism risk insu… 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. – 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. The 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’s 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. “To keep Minnesota’s 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,” said Sen. Smith. “Student 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.” “Wisconsin farmers work hard to feed our families, support our rural economies, and keep our state the agricultural prize of the country,” said Sen. Baldwin. “But right now, they are getting squeezed from all sides. Between President Trump’s 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’s already hard enough to make ends meet. Our bill will help ease the burden and incentivize getting into this rewarding work and help keep Wisco… 1 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
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 – Following the conclusion of “Operation Metro Surge” 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 “One, Big Beautiful Bill” Act (HR-1) and invest it into communities across the country that have been impacted by the Department of Homeland Security’s heinous operations. "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’ve left in their wake and ensure that these devastating operations can never be repeated." “The psychological and financial impacts of Operation Metro Surge will be generational,” said Rep. Craig. “As Minnesotans begin the long process of healing from the wounds that President Trump’s ICE inflicted, it’s 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.” The 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’s Web), and Oregon (Operation Black Rose). The 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, comm… 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
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.— 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: “This bill is a wolf in sheep’s 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. “The 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’s 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. “For 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’s aggression.” 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 – 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. The 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’s language in this bill will clarify that the Corps owns the cutoff wall and is responsible for its maintenance. “I’m thrilled to see my language about the cutoff wall included in the House passage of the Water Resources Development Act,” said Rep. Omar. “This 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’m grateful for our community, local, state, and federal partners that made this victory possible.” ### 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 – 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. In 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’s 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. “This bipartisan legislation makes critical updates to the original law that incentivized states to enact pool safety laws,” said Klobuchar. “Working 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.” “Parents should be able to trust that when their kids jump into a pool, the structure of the pool itself doesn’t pose any hazards,” said Curtis. “This bipartisan bill builds on a proven law to prevent drownings and protect children. I’m glad to see it advance out of committee and look forward to its passage by the full Senate.” "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,” said Alissa Magrum, Executive Director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. “This 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 onl… 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’s Statement on Agriculture Committee’s 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 WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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: “I said it before and I’ll say it again, patience is a virtue, it’s just not my virtue. I’m disappointed that, once again, Republicans have pursued a partisan path on the Senate Farm Bill; however, we’ll keep working to find a path forward. It’s crucial that we pass a bipartisan Farm Bill that meets the needs of farmers, ranchers and rural America, including year-round E15,” said Sen. Smith. “We 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’t afford a $140 million tax increase to pay for these SNAP cost shifts,” she continued. “Amid 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.” Sen. 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. The 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 l… 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’s Bill to Combat Lyme Disease & Other Tick-Borne Diseases Heads to President’s 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 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s (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’s desk to be signed into law. “When this bill soon becomes law, it will save lives and help people battling Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases,” said Sen. Smith. “Minnesota 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—and states across the country—goes 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’ health and well-being.” The 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. Over 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’s 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. Using a three-pronged approach, The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act will: Continue implementation and updates of the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in People. This would support ongoing federal efforts to advance research, improve diagnosti… 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. — 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). “Impeaching 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’s 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. “The 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.” ### 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.—Today, 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. “Securing a domestic critical mineral supply chain is essential for manufacturing clean energy technologies,” said Rep. McCollum. “For 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.” "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,” said Rep. Van Epps. “It 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’s why I’m 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." The U.S. critical minerals list contains 50 minerals – including graphite, nickel, and cobalt – that are essential to our economy… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
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’ 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— Today, House Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” 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’ Wages from Medical Debt Act. This bill would prohibit workers’ wages from being garnished to pay for medical debt. Right 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’ disastrous “Big, Ugly Bill.” Over 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. Currently, federal law allows up to 25 percent of a worker’s 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’ wages from being unnecessarily garnished. However, when workers are struggling, these constraints are not enough. The Protecting Workers’ 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: Bans any amount of a worker’s wage from being subject to garnishment for medical debt, and Prohibits any state or court from issuing or enforcing a wage garnishment order for medical debt. “In the richest country in the world, medical debt should not be a threat to working people’s 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.… 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’s 2001 delegation still serving today. “September 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. These 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’ 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. Today 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. And 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. But let us not forget the spirit of unity that was forged in those ashes. We put aside differences and came toget… 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 – 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. “Minnesotans depend on the Postal Service every day,” wrote the Senators. “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.” The full letter is available here and below. Dear 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. The 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. Many 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 c… 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 – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks: “This year we mark 25 years since the 9/11 attacks, when nearly 3,000 innocent Americans were killed in an unspeakable act of evil. We 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. We 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. Tom, 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. Let 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. Let us carry forward the spirit of courage, generosity, and shared purpose that our country showed in the days that followed. We will never forget.” ### 1 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=C6310B57-297B-445D-AE16-311B14BA8429 Klobuchar, Colleagues Statement on the President’s 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 – 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’s continued imposition of new tariffs on Canada: “The 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’s 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. Instead of working with our neighbors, President Trump is doubling down on a pointless trade war with Canada. His tariffs will squeeze our states’ 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. President Trump’s 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’s 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.” Klobuchar is a lead sponsor on legislation to revoke the newest global tariffs and 50 percent tariffs on Canada. Klobuchar, along with Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), introduced the Trade Review Act, legislation t… 1 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
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 – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group, released the following statement as Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods take effect today. Klobuchar is a lead sponsor on legislation to revoke the newest global tariffs and 50 percent tariffs on Canada. “The Administration’s 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods, along with Canada’s 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. I’ve 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. Canada is Minnesota’s top trading partner. The Administration must end its trade war with one of our closest allies. I’ll continue to stand up for the U.S.-Canada relationship and Minnesota’s economy.” Klobuchar, 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. In 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’s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on Canada. Earlier this year, similar legislation was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Klobuchar 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. ### 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’s 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 – 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. “I repeatedly pressed the U.S. Forest Service to protect Minnesota’s 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,” said Klobuchar. “I continue to be concerned that the U.S. Forest Service’s reorganization will undermine critical research.” The Forest Service has stated that it will close 23 research facilities across the country. After 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’s oversight hearing. ### 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 – 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. Under 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). “It’s past time we start holding Members of Congress accountable for violating their oath of office,” said Rep. Craig. “Minnesota taxpayers shouldn’t be paying disgraced Members of Congress even after they leave office. It’s just common sense. I’m proud to be partnering with Rep. Nunn on a bill that will help clean up Washington and restore trust in our government.” Since 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 – a package of six bills that would put power back in the hands of the American people. Last 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) Ac… 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. — 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: “I 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’s 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’s 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.” View 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 – 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. Their 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. “Through the Inflation Reduction Act, we made great strides toward lowering the cost of prescription drugs by capping the cost of insulin for our nation’s seniors,” Rep. Craig said. “Now, it’s time to extend that benefit to all Americans. I’m 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.” Since 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’s 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. Last 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. During IRA negotiations, Rep. Craig stood with House progressives, refusing to support the bill until it included provisions to allow Medicare to negotia… 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’s 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 – Ranking Member Ilhan Omar (MN-05) delivered the following opening statement at today’s Workforce Protections Subcommittee hearing entitled, “Less Red Tape, More Opportunity: Unleashing American Workers and Job Creators.” “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses for joining us today. “My Republican colleagues love to talk about getting rid of red tape, but let’s 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. “Every 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. “But now the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are trying to repeal them. “They have also fired staff across the Department of Labor and weakened important safety agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “The 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. “Now, 2025 was a very good year for President Trump personally. “According to his own federal disclosure forms, Trump received 2.2 billion dollars in income after returning to the White House. “Let 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. “While 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. “Worse, they actually added red tape of their own to the very programs all of these families need to survive. “In the year since this Republican Congress passed the ‘Big Ugly Bill,’ more than eight million Americans have lost their health c… 1 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
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’s 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 – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that the House passed the Senate’s 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). The bill will delay the looming federal hemp ban through December 11, 2026, and bans synthetic hemp derivatives. The bill now heads to the President’s desk. Last 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. “This is good news for Minnesota’s farmers, brewers, small businesses, and customers,” Klobuchar said. “Congress 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’s producers, retailers, and customers certainty, and give Congress more time to get to a long-term fix.” ### 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 – 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’s tragic shooting, as well as for school modifications, substitute teachers, and medical needs. Klobuchar 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. “The Annunciation community has shown incredible strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy, and they deserve the resources to help them heal,” said Klobuchar. “These federal funds will now be available to support the students, families, and educators impacted by this horrific shooting.” The 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 — 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. "Farmers are already facing the headwinds of the President’s 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." ### 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 DULUTH, MN — 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. The 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. “The Twin Ports are economic engines for the region, and that’s only possible because the Blatnik Bridge is there to move people and cargo between Duluth and Superior,” said Smith. “This new and improved bridge will pay dividends for the Northland and our entire state. I’m 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.” “For 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,” said Klobuchar. “A safe and reliable Blatnik Bridge is critical for Minnesota’s 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.” ### 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 — 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. The 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. “For 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,” said Klobuchar. “A safe and reliable Blatnik Bridge is critical for Minnesota’s 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.” “The Twin Ports are economic engines for the region, and that’s only possible because the Blatnik Bridge is there to move people and cargo between Duluth and Superior,” said Sen. Smith. “This new and improved bridge will pay dividends for the Northland and our entire state. I’m 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.” ### 1 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
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 – 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. "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. "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. "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. "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. "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. "It should not be controversial to pass commonsense lifesaving measures, including banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Our elect… 1 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
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 – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on today’s Meta settlement: “Today’s landmark settlement between Meta and a coalition of states, including Minnesota, is a critical step toward protecting children online. Meta 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. I’ve been taking on social media companies for years — 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’s constant push to make money no matter the harm. Parents shouldn’t 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’ safety rules and make these platforms responsible for the products they build so they stop blaming parents. It’s not the parents. It’s the products.” ### 1 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
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’s 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. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04) will host a health care roundtable at Gillette Children’s 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. WHO: Congresswoman Betty McCollum; Gillette Children’s 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’s patient and parent. WHAT: Health Care Roundtable WHERE: Gillette Children’s, 200 University Ave E, Saint Paul, MN 55101 WHEN: Wednesday, August 26th at 10:30-11:30 AM 1 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
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. MINNESOTA – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group, released the following statement on the Administration’s new tariffs on Canadian goods and Canada’s retaliatory tariffs. “Once again, the President’s tariffs are raising costs and increasing uncertainty for families, farmers, workers, and small businesses. I 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’s 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’s decision to retaliate, will only make it harder for Minnesota businesses and farmers to compete and will further drive up prices. I have opposed these tariffs from the beginning, and I will continue to stand up for the U.S.-Canada relationship to protect Minnesota’s economy and the strong trade ties that benefit both sides of the border.” Klobuchar, 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. Earlier this year, legislation to repeal President Trump’s 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. Klobuchar 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 Cana… 1 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
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 – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) have introduced the bipartisan Rebuilding America’s 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. “With the U.S. cattle herd at its smallest size in over 70 years, many farmers and ranchers need new opportunities to stay afloat,” said Klobuchar. “The 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.” “Anyone who has spent time around cattle understands one simple truth: no grass means no cattle,” said Rounds. “With ranchers facing drought, high input costs and a shortage of grazing land, America’s 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.” “The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association is grateful for Senator Amy Klobuchar’s and Senator Mike Rounds’ support of the RANCH Act, which would establish a new voluntary grazing land restoration program to support and enhance grazing lands across the country,” said Jake Thompson, President of the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association. “Grazing 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.” “Well-managed, restored grazing lands provide important habitat for wildlife while supporting ranchers, farmers, and rural economies,” said Aviva Glaser, Associate Vice President of… 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’s 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. – 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’s 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. “We write to you in strong support of the state of Minnesota’s 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,” said the lawmakers. The lawmakers continued, “Time 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’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance and ask that you grant its approval without delay.” Full text of the letter is available HERE and below: Dear Mr. President: We write to you in strong support of the state of Minnesota’s 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. In early July, southeastern Minnesota experienced severe weather events that caused flooding across the region. Heavy precipitation qualified as a rare “mega-rain” in some areas, with appro… 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’s 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. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D), the Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation, issued the following statement on Tuesday in response to Governor Tim Walz’s executive order banning mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA): “I commend Governor Walz’s 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 — 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’s why I’ve worked for two decades to defend this special place, our nation’s most-visited wilderness, just as we protect our nation’s most coveted national parks —Yosemite, Zion, Acadia, and Glacier.” 1 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
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’s Statement on Minnesota State Government’s 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 – 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): “Minnesotans 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,” said Senator Smith. “I 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’m glad Minnesota is standing up to protect this precious place.” ### 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. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Congressman Glenn “GT” 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. “Nonprofits are the backbone of our communities and our economy,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “They employ more than 12 million Americans — including 370,000 Minnesotans — 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.” “Pennsylvania’s nonprofit organizations make up more than 15% of the Commonwealth’s workforce, which translates into positive investments in our communities,” Rep. Thompson said. “We have joined together to designate August 17 as National Nonprofit Day in order to honor the generosity and service of these great organizations.” In 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://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. — 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. “I 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,” said Ranking Member McCollum. “Once 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. “Secretary Hegseth’s leadership of the Department of Defense has been nonexistent, and President Trump’s rudderless foreign policy has set our nation back severely. President Trump’s 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. “I 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.” 1 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
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 – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced the Water Cyber Shield Act to improve cybersecurity in America’s water infrastructure in the wake of recent cyberattacks against water utilities. The 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. “The recent cyberattacks on Minnesota have highlighted the urgent need to improve the security of our water systems and critical infrastructure,” said Klobuchar. “Our 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.” “Every 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,” said Schiff. “These threats are not hypothetical—they 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.” The 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. The Water Cyber Shield Act would: Authorize the EPA to conduct cybersecurity assessments and require corrective actions when significant vulnerabilities are identified. Authorize an additional $300 million each year for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds dedicated to cybersecurity improvemen… 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 – 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’s use of ICE and DHS to intimidate Americans who oppose their political agenda, this action raises serious concerns about the purpose of HSI’s presence at the Congresswoman’s public event. It 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’s 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. “HSI's actions yesterday evening put an entire community at risk,” said Rep. Omar. “Instead 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’t the best place to conduct a drug operation. At worst, it emphasizes many Americans’ growing concern that the Trump administration uses ICE to surveil political opponents and may interfere with our democracy.” Congresswoman Omar is demanding answers to the following questions: Please explain why an agent was detailed to Richfield Community Center on the evening of Thursday, August 6, 2026. Please explain when and how the HSI agent and her supervisors became aware I was … 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’s 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 WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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. “Minnesota is proud to have more than 10,000 lakes and thousands of rivers for us to enjoy, and we’re always especially eager to get outside after a long winter,” said Sen. Smith. “Unfortunately, the number of Lyme disease cases in the state—and states across the country—is 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’ health and well-being, we need to keep moving this bill forward.” The 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. Over 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’s 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. Using a three-pronged approach, The Kay Hagan Tick Act will: Continue implementation and updates of the Department of Health and Human Services’ 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. Reauthorize 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 disea… 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’s 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 – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after voting against the confirmation of the President’s nominee to be the next Attorney General, Todd Blanche: “Todd Blanche has clearly demonstrated that he lacks the integrity to be Attorney General. He demonstrated it when he defended the President’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election, when he defended the President’s hush money payments, and he demonstrated it when he committed to enacting a national ban on distributing medication abortion,” said Senator Smith. “It’s 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’s political enemies.” Smith 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. ### 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 – 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). The 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. The 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. “This is good news for Minnesota’s farmers, brewers, small businesses, and customers,” said Klobuchar. “The 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.” 1 2026-08-10T06:13:07Z 2026-08-10T06:14:46Z
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 WASHINGTON – 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. “For 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,” said Klobuchar. “This legislation would increase the number of new homes that are located in walkable or wheelchair-friendly communities to increase access to housing for all.” “As our aging population continues to grow, it is critical that we invest in affordable housing units with accessible features,” said Gillibrand. “The 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.” “About 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’s senior population grows! I want to thank Congressman Fitzpatrick and Senators Klobuchar and Gillibrand for partnering on this much-needed bill,” said Evan… 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 – 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): “The United States must stand up for democracy and against Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions we passed today are a powerful tool to cut off the funding for Russia’s war machine, even though the President should have imposed them himself much earlier. Combined with Ukraine’s recent successes on the battlefield, these new sanctions will help us force Putin to bring an end to this terrible war,” said Senator Smith. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives. ### 1 2026-08-11T05:54:29Z 2026-08-11T05:56:25Z
https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smiths-statement-on-farm-bill-markup/ U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on Agriculture Committee’s 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 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after the Senate Agriculture Committee failed to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill: “Patience is a virtue, it’s just not my virtue. I’m 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’s crucial that we pass a bipartisan Farm Bill that meets the needs of farmers, ranchers and rural America, including year-round E15,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m 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,” she continued. “While the Republican have not accepted this so far, we will keep working. I’m 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’s war in Iran, farmers need Congress to get the job done,” she concluded. Sen. 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. Democrats offered an amendment to delay the SNAP cost shift by two years, but it wa… 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’s 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 — 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 “so that the Dobbs decision becomes permanent in every single state” by banning the mailing of medication abortion, such as mifepristone: “Dismantling Roe v. Wade was never Republicans’ endgame, and we’ve always known they’ve 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’t rest until every woman in America was subject to an abortion ban, including in states where abortion rights are protected by state law,” says Smith. “Todd Blanche made clear in these secret calls with anti-choice activists that he wants to resurrect the Comstock Act – an antiquated anti-vice law from before women had the right to vote – 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,” she continued. “We’re 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,” Smith concluded. Smith’s 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. ### 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 – 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’s (DoEd) decision to gut department staff and offload its responsibilities to other federal agencies. In 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. “Since the start of your tenures, I have seen an increase in DoEd inquiries, with 50 constituents seeking my office’s assistance with FSA or OCR services,” Rep. Craig wrote. “Only 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.” “Ironically, your mission to dismantle DoEd and ‘Make Education Great Again’ 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,” Rep. Craig continued. “Given 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’ constitutional authority to call for your removal from office if deemed necessary,” Rep. Craig wrote. “I demand you support your remaining nonpartisan staff in their work to p… 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 – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that the Senate’s 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). The Senate’s 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. “Brewers, farmers, small businesses, and customers in Minnesota have made clear that the federal ban on hemp products will be devastating,” Klobuchar said. “The 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.” ### 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’s 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 – 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. “Adults 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,” said Senator Smith. “I’m 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.” Klobuchar 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. ### 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 – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement after receiving a briefing on the cyberattacks on Minnesota municipal water systems. “Today 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. “I 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’s water infrastructure. “While 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. “Director Cairncross and I discussed updated technology, recognizing that resources are an issue for so many communities, not just in Minnesota but across the country. “I 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.” 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. – 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). “Rural hospitals are vital for families in small towns and rural communities. These hospitals not only provide care close to home, they’re also economic engines for their region,” said Sen. Smith. “But 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. “I 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,” said Sen. Moran. “During 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 s… 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 – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the cyberattacks on Minnesota municipal water systems. “I’ve requested a briefing from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on the ongoing investigation and the potential involvement of foreign actors. I’m 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.” ### 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’s 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. — 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’s municipal water systems earlier this week: “This incident demonstrates that Minnesota’s municipalities, businesses, and residents must be prepared not only to ward off cybersecurity threats from cybercriminals, but also from terrorist organizations and nation-states,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “It 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’s businesses and municipalities.” “Cybersecurity 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,” said Faisal Kaleem, Director and Professor of Cybersecurity, Metro State University. “Minnesota’s 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 Minnesotan… 1 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-hosts-unsung-heroes-recognition-event-honor-cd2-labor-unions Rep. Craig Hosts Unsung Heroes Recognition Event to Honor CD2 Labor Unions 2026-07-29 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Angie Craig C001119 craig.house.gov craig https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper BURNSVILLE, MN – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Angie Craig hosted her inaugural Unsung Heroes Recognition Event in Burnsville to honor union workers in Minnesota’s Second District. Rep. Craig was joined by Minnesota labor leaders to highlight their collective support for working class wins. “Labor is the backbone of Minnesota’s economy, but right now it’s under attack,” said Rep. Craig. “From terminating union contracts to blocking the right to organize, the Trump Administration has made union-busting a primary part of its agenda. That’s why I'm honored to host this event – to double down on my support for Minnesota labor and make sure their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.” Rep. Craig was joined by Bernie Burnham, President, Minnesota AFL-CIO; Kim Nelson, Political Director, Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters; Amanda Heiser, Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters; John Burcaw, Director, Finishing Trades Institute; Laura Asklein, Political Organizer, AFSCME; Max Hall, External Relations and Planning Director, AFSCME; Rick Bartz, Business Manager and Financial Secretary, IBEW Local 949 and Denise White, President, AFGE Local 1969. Together, they recognized local union members for the following: Demonstrating a commitment to service and community engagement. Demonstrating tremendous leadership skills. Devoting 15+ years of service. Going above and beyond every day and showing tremendous pride in their work. Being assets to their unions, dedicating themselves to outstanding organizing and continuously going above and beyond in the recruiting process. Rep. Craig has stood with Minnesota’s labor unions and been a champion of organized labor since day one. She helped introduce the PRO Act, which protects workers’ right to organize and collectively bargain for higher wages, better benefits and safer working conditions. And she has penned her own legislation, like the Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act, which would help increase enrollment in registered apprenticeship programs. Rep. C… 1 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=B9E37348-DE2C-42E4-9915-7169EC303ED8 Klobuchar Joins Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Create and Expand Grant and Loan Programs to Monitor Air Pollution from Wildfires 2026-07-29 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 - U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) joined her colleagues in introducing the Wildfire Air Quality Sensor Expansion Act of 2026 to help state, local, and Tribal government agencies monitor worsening air pollution caused by wildfires and make more informed public health decisions. The legislation would direct the Environmental Protection Agency to create and expand new and existing grant and loan programs allowing agencies to purchase and operate portable air sensors – low-cost technology that can measure and detect harmful pollutants caused by wildfire smoke. Increasing access to air quality information will help leaders make better decisions for public health and wildfire response. “In Minnesota, smoke from the recent wildfires in the Superior National Forest created hazy and unhealthy air quality conditions throughout the state,” said Klobuchar. “I’m supporting this legislation to help areas impacted by wildfires measure air pollutants and keep our communities healthy and safe.” Along with Klobuchar, the legislation was introduced by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR). ### 1 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z
https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-helps-introduce-legislation-protect-tps-fight-trumps-attacks Rep. Angie Craig Helps Introduce Legislation to Protect TPS, Fight Trump’s Attacks on Immigrants 2026-07-27 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Angie Craig C001119 craig.house.gov craig https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper EAGAN, MN – U.S. Representative Angie Craig recently joined Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) in introducing legislation to protect Temporary Protected Statuses (TPS) and fight President Trump’s continued attacks on our nation’s immigrants. The Temporary Protected Status Review Act 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. Rep. Craig’s bill comes after last month’s Supreme Court decision in Mullin v. Doe, which ruled that the Administration’s termination of TPS for Haitians and Syrians cannot be reviewed by the courts. As a result, 1.3 million TPS recipients who fled violence, natural disasters or brutal political repression are at risk of losing their legal status and work authorization and could potentially face detention, family separation or deportation back to their home countries. “The Trump Administration has repeatedly targeted TPS and used those who have come to our country to flee some of the most horrific situations as political pawns,” said Rep. Craig. “Reversing TPS actively endangers the lives of TPS holders forced to return to the violence they fled. I’m proud help introduce this critical legislation to protect Minnesota’s TPS holders, take back control from this out-of-control president and combat his administration’s continued attacks on our immigrant neighbors.” Rep. Craig has repeatedly spoken out against President Trump's attacks on TPS, especially on behalf of Minnesota’s Somali community, for whom TPS was cancelled earlier this year. In April, Rep. Craig and her Democratic colleagues successfully forced a vote on legislation requiring the Trump Administration to reinstate TPS for Haitians. Earlier this year, she joined a group of 26 Senators and 157 House Members in filing an amicus brief challenging the Trump Administration’s illegal termination of TPS protections for Haiti and Syria in Trump v. Miot. Ultimately, the Sup… 1 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z
https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-betty-mccollum-introduces-bipartisan-disability-pride-month CONGRESSWOMAN BETTY McCOLLUM INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH RESOLUTION 2026-07-27 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Betty McCollum M001143 mccollum.house.gov mccollum https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), along with Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R, PA-15), re-introduced a bipartisan resolution today recognizing July as Disability Pride Month. This resolution highlights the importance of inclusion and increased accessibility for the disability community. The introduction of this resolution coincides with the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law, and serves as a reminder of the many accomplishments and contributions Americans with disabilities make to our country. “Every July, we celebrate the resilience, talent, and leadership of Americans with disabilities,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “Yet the federal government still hasn’t formally recognized Disability Pride Month. This resolution is a reminder that recognition matters — and that we still have work to do to break down barriers, expand accessibility, and ensure disability rights are fully realized in law and in practice.” This resolution was inspired by the advocacy of Gillette Children’s Hospital of Saint Paul, Minnesota and twenty national and state organizations, and was originally introduced by Congresswoman McCollum in 2022. “Disability Pride Month, celebrated every July, is an opportunity for us to celebrate the amazing contributions of individuals living with disabilities,” Rep. Thompson said. “Prior to serving in Congress, I spent 28 years as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager, and licensed nursing home administrator. I know firsthand the positive impacts those living with disabilities have in their communities, and I am proud to champion their accomplishments.” The resolution is co-sponsored by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN), Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA), Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), Rep. Henry C. “Hank” Johnson Jr. (D-GA), Rep. Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Rep. Christian D. Men… 1 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z
https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-urge-usps-to-protect-mail-service-during-wildfires-impacting-northern-minnesota/ Klobuchar, Smith Urge USPS to Protect Mail Service During Wildfires Impacting Northern Minnesota 2026-07-27 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate MN Tina Smith S001203 www.smith.senate.gov tinasmith https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) are urging the United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General to provide Minnesota with the necessary resources and support for postal operations impacted by wildfires. “We have heard from constituents who are concerned about mail delays resulting from the wildfires, and their ability to receive mail in the instance that they must evacuate,” wrote the Senators. “We urge you to ensure that Minnesota post offices receive the resources and support needed to maintain reliable service and communicate effectively with residents.” The full letter is available here and below. Dear Postmaster General Steiner: We are writing regarding serious mail service concerns in Northeast Minnesota due to ongoing wildfires. We have heard from constituents who are concerned about mail delays resulting from the wildfires, and their ability to receive mail in the instance that they must evacuate. We urge you to ensure that Minnesota post offices receive the resources and support needed to maintain reliable service and communicate effectively with residents. Minnesotans depend on the Postal Service for essential needs like medications, Social Security benefits, business mail, and paycheck that they rely on for their health and livelihoods. We appreciate the hard work of our postal workers who serve their communities and deliver the mail through extreme conditions and road closures. To that end, we request answers to the following questions: What is the U.S. Postal Service doing to address delivery issues affecting Minnesota communities affected by wildfires? Do postal operations in Northeast Minnesota have sufficient resources to ensure reliable delivery? How is the Postal Service communicating service impacts to customers, including those who have evacuated and need access to medications and other important deliveries? Minnesotans depend on the Postal Service every day. We urge you to do everything you can to address these postal operations concerns, … 1 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=F7315D3E-85DA-4076-9870-32CF92819077 Klobuchar, Smith Urge USPS to Protect Mail Service During Wildfires Impacting Northern Minnesota 2026-07-24 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 — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) are urging the United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General to provide Minnesota with the necessary resources and support for postal operations impacted by wildfires. “We have heard from constituents who are concerned about mail delays resulting from the wildfires, and their ability to receive mail in the instance that they must evacuate,” wrote the Senators. “We urge you to ensure that Minnesota post offices receive the resources and support needed to maintain reliable service and communicate effectively with residents.” The full letter is available here and below. Dear Postmaster General Steiner: We are writing regarding serious mail service concerns in Northeast Minnesota due to ongoing wildfires. We have heard from constituents who are concerned about mail delays resulting from the wildfires, and their ability to receive mail in the instance that they must evacuate. We urge you to ensure that Minnesota post offices receive the resources and support needed to maintain reliable service and communicate effectively with residents. Minnesotans depend on the Postal Service for essential needs like medications, Social Security benefits, business mail, and paycheck that they rely on for their health and livelihoods. We appreciate the hard work of our postal workers who serve their communities and deliver the mail through extreme conditions and road closures. To that end, we request answers to the following questions: What is the U.S. Postal Service doing to address delivery issues affecting Minnesota communities affected by wildfires? Do postal operations in Northeast Minnesota have sufficient resources to ensure reliable delivery? How is the Postal Service communicating service impacts to customers, including those who have evacuated and need access to medications and other important deliveries? Minnesotans depend on the Postal Service every day. We urge you to do everything you can to address these postal operations concerns, … 1 2026-07-25T07:13:44Z 2026-07-25T07:15:09Z
https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-statement-vote-against-republicans-anti-democratic-reconciliation Rep. Craig Statement on Vote Against Republicans’ Anti-Democratic Reconciliation Bill 2026-07-23 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Angie Craig C001119 craig.house.gov craig https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on her vote against House Republicans’ disastrous and blatantly anti-democratic budget reconciliation package that does nothing to lower costs for Minnesotans. “Today, Congressional Republicans jammed through their third disastrous budget bill this Congress — a plan that includes an additional $73 billion in defense and surveillance spending and $10 billion to implement President Trump’s election-rigging legislation. “At a time when folks across this country are reeling from the impacts of President Trump’s short-sighted economic policies and his illegal war in Iran, the last thing we should be doing is allocating more money to an administration that clearly prioritizes the President’s own political and foreign policy objectives over the livelihoods of the American people. “I am disappointed in my Republican colleagues for yet again bending to President Trump by enabling his dangerous efforts to rig our nation’s elections. This budget plan is a threat to our democracy, our national security and to every Minnesotan already struggling to make ends meet.” ### 1 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-passage-iran-war-powers-resolution McCollum Statement on Passage of Iran War Powers Resolution 2026-07-23 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Betty McCollum M001143 mccollum.house.gov mccollum https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper For the second time, the House of Representatives has rebuked President Trump and voted in a bipartisan fashion to end his unlawful war with Iran. The American people want this war to end now, and I stand with them. 1 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-omar-leads-progressive-members-congress-statement-condemning-trump-state Rep. Omar Leads Progressive Members of Congress in Statement Condemning Trump State Department’s McCarthyite Attack on Americans’ Free Speech Rights and Collective Punishment of Cubans 2026-07-23 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Ilhan Omar O000173 omar.house.gov omar https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON - Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Peace & Security Taskforce Chair Rep. Ilhan Omar and 10 other CPC members—Representatives Greg Casar, Maxine Dexter, Jesús "Chuy" García, Jonathan L. Jackson, Jim McGovern, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mark Pocan, Delia C. Ramirez, Rashida Tlaib, and Nydia M. Velázquez—issued the following statement in response to the Trump State Department's release of the 100-page report, Cuba: Capital of 21st-Century Communism: “Trump appears hellbent on taking America back 70 years to the height of Cold War McCarthyism, when hawkish foreign policy was paired with unsubstantiated accusations of communist subversion and political repression against dissidents at home. “Trump has repeatedly threatened to take over Cuba and has deployed U.S. military ships to seize fuel vessels attempting to arrive on the island. And yet, in an Orwellian move, this administration now claims it is Cuba carrying out the ‘assault’ against the United States, by turning ‘Americans into instruments of their own nation's undoing.’ “We condemn this report’s attack on Americans’ constitutional rights to free speech and assembly. We denounce this administration’s irresponsible attacks against civil society organizations, activists, journalists, labor leaders, Members of Congress, elected officials, and private individuals based on their advocacy for peaceful foreign policy and social justice at home. “And we stand firmly against this report and other efforts by the Trump Administration to weaponize the federal government against dissent, which is a patriotic tradition. We commit to using our full oversight power as Members of Congress and elected officials to stop the persecution of Trump’s perceived political enemies. “Trump and Secretary Rubio are intensifying decades of economic war against the very people they say they want to help—all while attacking Americans who oppose the policy. The U.S. blockade deliberately deprives the entire island’s population of adequate food, fuel, and medicine. It is pa… 1 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=5E4B8A1E-3DCC-421E-A4CA-8FD9C036EBF3 Klobuchar Statement on Sentencing in Attack Targeting Minnesota Lawmakers 2026-07-23 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 MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the sentencing in the attack targeting Minnesota lawmakers. “The murderer of Melissa and Mark Hortman was sentenced today to prison for the rest of his life. We're grateful that John and Yvette Hoffman—who courageously survived multiple gun shot wounds—are still with us and our hearts are with Colin and Sophie Hortman and everyone whose lives were forever changed by this tragedy. Nothing can undo the pain as heard in the victims’ statements today. Yet Melissa and Mark's legacy of service, kindness, and always showing up for others will be forever with us.” ### 1 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=3D5564AD-BDAA-4E1E-A241-91DF19E8DC40 Klobuchar: USDA Reversing Course on Prevented-Plant Buy-Up Crop Insurance 2026-07-23 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 – After pushing the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, announced that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins agreed to reverse a planned elimination of producers’ access to prevented-plant buy-up crop insurance. Prevented-plant buy-up crop insurance allows farmers to buy higher crop insurance coverage in case increasingly frequent extreme weather prevents them from planting crops. “Back in January, Senators Boozman, Hoeven, and I led 16 of our colleagues in encouraging USDA to reverse course on their planned elimination of prevented-plant crop insurance buy-up coverage,” Klobuchar said. “With this week’s announcement, farmers will be able to resume buying this important coverage option. With extreme weather making crop yields less predictable and tariffs and the war with Iran raising input costs, prevented-plant crop insurance is essential to helping producers stay afloat when disaster strikes at planting time.” Senators Klobuchar (D-MN), Boozman (R-AR), and Hoeven (R-ND) led a January letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins urging the department to reinstate additional crop insurance coverage for acres prevented from being planted. ### 1 2026-07-25T07:13:44Z 2026-07-25T07:15:09Z
https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-introduces-comprehensive-regulatory-framework-hemp Rep. Angie Craig Introduces Comprehensive Regulatory Framework for Hemp 2026-07-22 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Angie Craig C001119 craig.house.gov craig https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative and Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee Angie Craig (D-MN-02) introduced legislation alongside Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY-06) to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for hemp and hemp-derived THC products, ensuring hemp remains safe and available for Minnesota’s farmers, processors, brewers, retailers and consumers. Rep. Craig’s Lawful Hemp Protection Act comes after House Republicans effectively repealed a 2018 law that allowed Minnesota and other states to legally produce hemp and sell hemp-derived products, such as hemp beverages and textiles. Since 2018, the hemp industry has grown into a roughly $300 million a year industry and provided a new income stream for local farmers, brewers and small businesses. As of 2023, the Minnesota hemp industry supported over 3,400 jobs. The state is home to 132 licensed grow operations, 96 processors and over 2,000 retailers. If Congress does not act by November 12, 2026, Minnesota’s legal hemp industry will effectively be shut down. “Minnesota became the model for responsible hemp regulation when it established a regulatory framework that complied with federal law and enabled local farmers and businesses to thrive,” said Rep. Craig. “My commonsense legislation will give regulatory clarity to Minnesota farmers, brewers and small business owners and provide an alternative to short-sighted federal policies that threaten Minnesota jobs and consumer choice. I am proud to have worked with Rep. Barr on a solution that protects our farmers and small businesses while also keeping our kids and communities safe.” “Kentucky farmers helped build America’s hemp industry and they deserve certainty,” said Rep. Andy Barr. “The Lawful Hemp Protection Act protects Kentucky agriculture, safeguards consumers, and establishes a commonsense regulatory framework that allows this important industry to continue to grow while ensuring products are safe and kept out of the hands of children. Kentucky has demonstrated that hemp can be succes… 1 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-statement-ahead-vote-against-national-defense-authorization-act Rep. Craig Statement Ahead of Vote Against the National Defense Authorization Act 2026-07-22 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Angie Craig C001119 craig.house.gov craig https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement ahead of her vote against the Republican-led National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “While I appreciate that there are many important provisions in this legislation that I wholeheartedly support, like a pay raise for our troops and expanded support for military families, I simply cannot vote to authorize $1.15 trillion to President Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth while they continue to seek supplemental funding for their dangerous and costly war in Iran. “I am also deeply concerned that this bill abandons our country's LGBTQ+ veterans and servicemembers, who have put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms. These provisions do not make our country safer, and in fact, they deter Americans willing and able to serve our country. Bottom line: this legislation does nothing to rein in Trump's executive power, end this war and take our troops out of harm’s way.” “I am grateful to my House Democratic colleagues who worked tirelessly to secure critical provisions that push for transparency and accountability from the Defense Department, authorize health care coverage for IVF and other reproductive technologies for military families and protect collective bargaining rights. These are provisions I support, but not at the expense of more American lives lost in the Middle East, skyrocketing prices for Minnesotans and a target on the backs of our LGBTQ+ servicemembers.” ### 1 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-grills-sba-how-trumps-new-50-tariffs-canada-will-affect U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Grills SBA on How Trump’s New 50% Tariffs on Canada Will Affect Small Businesses 2026-07-22 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Kelly Morrison M001234 morrison.house.gov morrison https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after President Trump announced a new 50% tariff on Canadian imports, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03), a member of the House Small Business Committee, confronted Small Business Administration (SBA) Associate Administrator Paul Fitzpatrick on how these new sweeping tariffs will impact American small businesses. Canada is one of our nation’s closest allies and Minnesota’s largest trading partner. Minnesota imports more than $14 billion from Canada and exports more than $5 billion in goods to Canadaeach year. Trump’s new tariffs not only threaten the imports that many Minnesotan small businesses rely on, but raise the risk of retaliatory tariffs from Canada. This year, the Small Business Administration proposed eliminating 15 out of 16 federal entrepreneurial development programs, including the program that helps small businesses expand to international markets. This proposal, combined with the President’s new tariffs, pose a huge threat to Minnesota small businesses that rely on our trading partner to the north and have already been hit hard by tariffs over the last year. Representative Morrison asked SBA Associate Administrator Fitzpatrick to explain how small businesses will now be able to navigate trade with Canada given these changes. The Associate Administrator could not provide a clear plan on how to protect small businesses. Rep. Morrison, a member of the House Small Business Committee, has spent her first term in Congress fiercely advocating for small businesses, including by: Meeting with Minnesotan small businesses to understand how tariffs are affecting them Fighting to immediately exempt small businesses from tariffs Pressing Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler to exempt small businesses from tariffs Demanding the Trump Administration rescind tariffs on Canada Urging Speaker Mike Johnson to call the House to vote to end Trump’s tariff war Introducing and passing the Rural Small Business Resilience Act to help rural small businesses recover from natura… 1 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/omar-pocan-co-chairs-defense-spending-reduction-caucus-slam-trumps-immoral Omar, Pocan, Co-Chairs of the Defense Spending Reduction Caucus Slam Trump's Immoral Defense Budget 2026-07-22 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Ilhan Omar O000173 omar.house.gov omar https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), co-chairs of the Defense Spending Reduction Caucus, released the following statement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “Today, we voted NO on the National Defense Authorization Act because Congress cannot continue to write blank checks for endless wars. While millions of Americans are struggling to afford basic necessities, Congress is choosing to authorize over $1 trillion for the Pentagon, once again funneling billions of taxpayer dollars to defense contractors instead of investing in the needs of working people. The American people are sick and tired of funding atrocities abroad and want this war with Iran to end. Yet year after year, the Pentagon fails its audit with virtually no accountability, while Congress continues to increase military spending. We should be investing in affordable housing, healthcare, education, and good-paying jobs—not bankrolling defense contractors. “This bill also includes provisions that continue to fund and partner with Israel to develop weapons to further their campaign of terror. At a time when Americans are demanding an end to funding Netanyahu’s genocidal regime, Congress should not be quietly deepening our military entanglement. “For all of these reasons, we voted NO on this reckless defense bill.” ### 1 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mccollum-votes-against-national-defense-authorization-act Congresswoman McCollum Votes Against National Defense Authorization Act 2026-07-22 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Betty McCollum M001143 mccollum.house.gov mccollum https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on Wednesday evening upon voting against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “Our service members and their families deserve a bipartisan NDAA that respects everyone’s service to our nation and does not contain right-wing culture war policy provisions. Unfortunately, that is not the type of NDAA House Republicans have advanced. In fact, Republicans are so desperate to pass the SAVE America Act — their bill that would make it more difficult for Americans to vote — that they attached it to this bill. This Republican NDAA also does nothing to rein in President Trump’s ongoing misuse of the military — chief among them, the president’s war of choice with Iran, which has never been authorized by Congress. I am also deeply concerned that this bill authorizes over a trillion dollars in funding for the Pentagon at a time when Republicans in Congress continue to make deep cuts to healthcare, education, nutrition assistance, and other programs that Americans depend on.” 1 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-demands-doj-and-sec-investigate-trumps-insider-trading Rep. Angie Craig Demands DOJ and SEC Investigate Trump's Insider Trading Subscription Service, “Truth API” 2026-07-21 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Angie Craig C001119 craig.house.gov craig https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig demanded that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigate President Trump’s media company, “Trump Media & Technology Group” (“TMTG”), for its latest plan to unveil a $100,000 insider trading subscription service. In a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, Rep. Craig pressed the Administration on its inaction following the announcement of “Truth API” – a blatant insider trading scheme that would enable the President to rake in personal profits by offering Wall Street billionaires inside information on the President’s social media platform, Truth Social. “I am deeply disturbed by your agencies’ inaction on the $100,000 per-month insider trading subscription service unveiled by the President’s social media company, Truth Social,” Rep. Craig wrote. “This is another blatant giveaway to billionaires so that the President can make a quick buck at the expense of ordinary Americans.” “Reuters reports that for high-frequency traders, a head start of just a few milliseconds can translate into hundreds of thousands of dollars on a single large trade,” she continued. “Every one of those dollars comes at the direct expense of the average investor who does not have $100,000 a month to spare to bribe President Trump.” Rep. Craig highlighted that President Trump owns approximately 41 percent of TMTG through his revocable trust, so every dollar of revenue going to Truth API will go directly into the President’s pocket. “A $100,000-a-month subscription may look like a drop in the bucket next to a $400 million plane from Qatar, but what is being sold here is worse than the price tag: it is a standing structural advantage over the American public in our own markets, handed to President Trump’s billionaire buddies on Wall Street,” Rep. Craig concluded. Rep. Craig has led the charge to hold the President and his family members accountable for using the White House to enrich themselves. In Jan… 1 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-ilhan-omar-passes-bipartisan-bill-fight-medical-provider-fraud Congresswoman Ilhan Omar Passes Bipartisan Bill to Fight Medical Provider Fraud 2026-07-21 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Ilhan Omar O000173 omar.house.gov omar https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – The House unanimously passed a bipartisan bill led by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) to strengthen protections for injured federal workers against fraudulent medical providers and improve government accountability. The Putting Patients First by Strengthening Provider Accountability in FECA Act empowers the Department of Labor to suspend FECA payments to medical providers convicted of fraud, protecting both patients and taxpayers. This bill is a targeted fix to a well-documented problem that the Department of Labor Inspector General has been recommending for years. "I am thrilled to see the House pass my bill with Rep. Mackenzie to protect injured federal workers from fraudulent medical providers," said Rep. Omar.“When a federal worker gets injured on the job, we have an obligation to make sure they get the care and benefits they have earned. For too long, gaps in the system have wasted taxpayer dollars while creating financial uncertainty for injured workers and their families. This bill will ensure injured federal workers receive the care they are owed, and the resources meant for their recovery are used responsibly and effectively – this is exactly what good government looks like.” You can find the text of the Putting Patients First by Strengthening Provider Accountability in FECA Acthere. ### 1 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://www.smith.senate.gov/senators-tina-smith-jerry-moran-re-introduce-legislation-to-lower-cost-of-oral-cancer-treatments/ Senators Tina Smith, Jerry Moran Re-Introduce Legislation to Lower Cost of Oral Cancer Treatments 2026-07-20 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. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to cut costs for cancer patients. Specifically, the bill would ensure cancer patients who are prescribed oral chemotherapy medication can access their drugs at comparable prices to other cancer treatments. Their Cancer Drug Parity Act requires health insurers to cover patient-administered (oral) cancer medications at the same cost-sharing level as traditional intravenous (IV) anticancer drug treatments, closing the coverage gap for federally regulated health plans. Over 2 million Americans are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer each year, and oral medications are a simpler, highly effective treatment option for many patients. According to a Susan G. Komen study released earlier this year, people receiving IV treatment reported a significantly greater negative impact on their daily lives than people receiving oral treatment, including having to take more time off from work. Despite these benefits, oral cancer treatments remain inaccessible to many patients due to unaffordable copays. “Oral treatments for cancer are often less invasive than traditional IV medications and can be taken at home, reducing logistical and occupational barriers to treatment,” said Sen Smith. “However, unlike IV treatments, which are covered by a health plan’s medical benefits with moderate to minimal copays, oral medications often have high, unaffordable copays. It can add up to thousands of dollars in costs for patients each year and can cause many to delay or forego necessary care to treat their cancer. Our bill brings parity to these two kinds of treatments and lowers costs for those taking oral cancer drugs.” “As cancer research and medical innovation continue to expand treatment options for cancer patients, including with orally administered cancer therapies, patients ought to be able to benefit from these medical advancements,” said Sen. Moran. “This commonsense legislation would encourage ERISA health insurance plans… 1 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z
https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-pushes-trump-administration-shut-down-notorious-ice-0 Rep. Angie Craig Pushes Trump Administration to Shut Down Notorious ICE Processing Center Run by Private Prison Operator, CoreCivic 2026-07-16 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Angie Craig C001119 craig.house.gov craig https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig joined 108 of her colleagues in pushing the Trump Administration to shut down the notorious Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas run by private prison contractor, CoreCivic. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Rep. Craig and her colleagues blasted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and CoreCivic for profiting off the detention of migrant families, including children. Dilley, where five-year old Liam Ramos was held after being picked up by ICE in Columbia Heights, MN, is the only ICE facility in the country dedicated to detaining families with children. Current and former detainees have been outspoken about the unacceptable and dehumanizing conditions at the facility, including food contaminated with worms and mold, a lack of adequate education for school-age children and delayed and denied medical care. Detainees blame both ICE and CoreCivic, a company in which President Trump owns stock. “Former and current detained families describe horrific conditions perpetuated by CoreCivic and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that are meant to strip them of their dignity and make them feel hopeless,” the Members wrote. “Americans have watched ICE’s brutality play out in their communities, but what happens behind the walls of the Dilley detention facility remains out of sight by design. DHS must stop imprisoning families, end this inhumanity, and close the Dilley detention facility.” The Members specifically called out CoreCivic for using President Trump’s mass deportation agenda to profit millions of dollars from its contract with ICE. “Patrick Swindle, President and CEO of CoreCivic, recently boasted that CoreCivic provides the most humane, most efficient, most compliant, and best value to the government,” the Members continued. “Here, ‘best value’ means maximizing profit through lack of trained personnel, inedible food, and insufficient medical care. CoreCivic cares about their bottom lin… 1 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z
https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-pushes-trump-administration-shut-down-notorious-ice-processing Rep. Angie Craig Pushes Trump Administration to Shut Down Notorious ICE Processing Center Run by Private Prison Operator, CoreCivic 2026-07-16 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Angie Craig C001119 craig.house.gov craig https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig joined 108 of her colleagues in pushing the Trump Administration to shut down the notorious Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas run by private prison contractor, CoreCivic. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Rep. Craig and her colleagues blasted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and CoreCivic for profiting off the detention of migrant families, including children. Dilley, where five-year old Liam Ramos was held after being picked up by ICE in Columbia Heights, MN, is the only ICE facility in the country dedicated to detaining families with children. Current and former detainees have been outspoken about the unacceptable and dehumanizing conditions at the facility, including food contaminated with worms and mold, a lack of adequate education for school-age children and delayed and denied medical care. Detainees blame both ICE and CoreCivic, a company in which President Trump owns stock. “Former and current detained families describe horrific conditions perpetuated by CoreCivic and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that are meant to strip them of their dignity and make them feel hopeless,” the Members wrote. “Americans have watched ICE’s brutality play out in their communities, but what happens behind the walls of the Dilley detention facility remains out of sight by design. DHS must stop imprisoning families, end this inhumanity, and close the Dilley detention facility.” The Members specifically called out CoreCivic for using President Trump’s mass deportation agenda to profit millions of dollars from its contract with ICE. “Patrick Swindle, President and CEO of CoreCivic, recently boasted that CoreCivic provides the most humane, most efficient, most compliant, and best value to the government,” the Members continued. “Here, ‘best value’ means maximizing profit through lack of trained personnel, inedible food, and insufficient medical care. CoreCivic cares about their bottom lin… 1 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=71EBCA8D-E8EF-44C0-9546-AEBA6EF26A52 Klobuchar, Schmitt Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Americans from Anticompetitive Tactics Monopolizing the Online Search Market 2026-07-16 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 – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced the bipartisan Securing Enforcement of Americans’ Right to Competition at Home (SEARCH) Act to prevent dominant search engines from blocking smaller competitors and preferencing their search products in other lines of business. The bipartisan legislation would put into law many of the remedies sought by the Justice Department after it won its case against Google for illegally maintaining a monopoly in online search. “Through three administrations, the Justice Department has proven in court that Google has stifled competition and created barriers to user choice,” Klobuchar said. “Upstart search engines should be able to compete and innovate, bringing new tools to consumers. That’s why Congress should put the guardrails in place that both the Biden and Trump Administrations have said are necessary to bring competition to online search.” “Big Tech monopolies are shaping what information Americans see and censoring free speech. A handful of search engines dictate how virtually every American accesses information, meaning the companies controlling those search engines hold massive power over what people see online and control the most basic infrastructure of human speech and freedom of information in the digital sphere,” Schmitt said. “That is unacceptable. As Missouri’s Attorney General, I sued Google over its illegal online search monopoly and its efforts to crush competitors, as well as fought Big Tech companies’ collusion with left-wing organizations and the administrative state that censored conservatives. Now, I am proud to work with Senator Klobuchar to offer a bipartisan path to protect one of the key tenets of modern American society: free speech online.” The SEARCH Act would ban dominant search engines from blocking smaller competitors by paying distributors to make them users’ default choice, a practice federal courts have found violates antitrust laws by illegally maintaining a monopoly. The legislation would also require… 1 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z
https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-introduces-legislation-create-public-option-lower-health Rep. Angie Craig Introduces Legislation to Create a Public Option, Lower Health Insurance Costs for Minnesotans 2026-07-15 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Angie Craig C001119 craig.house.gov craig https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig introduced legislation to create a public option and lower health care costs for Minnesotans struggling to afford sky-high insurance premiums. Rep. Craig’s Medicare-X Choice Act builds on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicare frameworks to create a Medicare Exchange plan that would offer affordable health insurance options to families, individuals and small businesses and increase competition in the health insurance market. The bill would also permanently extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits that Congressional Republicans allowed to expire at the end of 2025, codify the “family glitch” fix and provide funding for a national reinsurance program – policies that Rep. Craig has long championed. Americans are facing skyrocketing insurance premiums following the expiration of the ACA tax credits and the implementation of President Trump and Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid last year. As a result, 17,000 Minnesotans have dropped their MNSure coverage – the health insurance plan they purchased through the state’s ACA marketplace – this year alone. “Even before Republicans made historic cuts to Medicaid and stripped the American people of the ACA tax credits they relied on to afford health coverage, it was too expensive to be sick in this country,” said Rep. Craig. “Now, thousands of Minnesotans have lost MNSure coverage and countless others are paying through the roof just to access the basic health care they need. But it doesn’t have to be this way. A public option will offer folks across this country lower premiums for quality care, and that’s why I’m proud to be introducing this common-sense legislation in the house – to actually lower health care costs and increase competition in the marketplace.” Since coming to Congress in 2019, Rep. Craig has worked to lower health care costs and make quality care accessible to every Minnesotan. In April, she introduced the Patient Refunds for Bad Denials Act… 1 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z
https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mccollum-votes-present-massie-amendment Congresswoman McCollum Votes Present on Massie Amendment 2026-07-15 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Betty McCollum M001143 mccollum.house.gov mccollum https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper ASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman McCollum, the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement after voting against the Massie amendment, which would strike all $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing to Israel. “I have long been a vocal opponent of the way the United States provides a blank check to the Netanyahu government. For the last nine years, I have carried a bill to put limits on how all US dollars to Israel may be used, which would ensure that not one penny of taxpayer dollars is used by Israel to violate the human rights of Palestinian children. I am also a cosponsor on legislation like the Block the Bombs Act, which also places limits on US assistance to Israel “However, I cannot support Mr. Massie’s amendment as I have serious concerns that with the way it is so broadly written. As drafted, other foreign assistance—including vital assistance to Palestinians—could be cut off as well. For many of my colleagues in the majority, this amendment is just another way for them to carry out President Trump’s isolationist agenda to limit and, in some cases completely cease, US foreign assistance.” 1 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z
https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-representative-ilhan-omar-introduces-resolution-urging-us-join U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar Introduces Resolution Urging U.S. to Join International Criminal Court 2026-07-15 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Ilhan Omar O000173 omar.house.gov omar https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) introduced a resolution calling on the United States to become a full member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and revoke sanctions and visa bans on ICC officials. The Congresswoman’s resolution comes days after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his intention to dismantle the ICC, an independent, credible tribunal built to prosecute the worst crimes known to man. This move would be antithetical not only to American values, but to global stability and international law. “I have seen firsthand that impunity breeds more violence,” said. Rep. Omar. “Failure to address atrocities entrenches divisions, prevents healing, and fuels cycles of insecurity. The ICC is a court of last resort, stepping in only when there is credible evidence of war crimes, genocide, or crimes against humanity and a country is unwilling or unable to prosecute those responsible. It is a crucial tool for justice in places where victims have nowhere else to turn. If we truly believe in human rights and the rule of law, we should strengthen international justice—not undermine it. The United States should lead by example and show that no one is above the law." The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives André Carson (D-IN), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Jesús "Chuy" García (D-IL), and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY). The full text of the resolution is available here. ### 1 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z
https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-statement-her-vote-against-massie-amendment Rep. Craig Statement on Her Vote Against Massie Amendment 2026-07-15 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Angie Craig C001119 craig.house.gov craig https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on her vote against Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act regarding funding for Israel. “Today’s vote was an unserious attempt by Rep. Thomas Massie to implement sweeping and irresponsible changes to America’s foreign policy. “Let me be clear. Benjamin Netanyahu’s reckless policies and the humanitarian crisis he has created in Gaza have damaged Israel’s reputation on the world stage and therefore jeopardized any progress toward weakening Hamas and implementing a necessary two-state solution. Not to mention, President Trump and Netanyahu’s dangerous and illegal war with Iran has driven up costs and put American troops in harm’s way. I firmly believe that the best thing for the U.S.-Israel relationship is for Netanyahu to lose his next election. “That said, the U.S.’ longstanding partnership with Israel is critical for maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and a blanket ban on all foreign aid, including humanitarian programs, would not only endanger the Israeli people, but also American troops and our allies in the region. “Attempting to litigate these complex foreign policy conversations through an amendment to the national security appropriations bill undermines the importance of our alliance with Israel and threatens to undercut ongoing efforts to restore peace in the Middle East.” ### 1 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z
https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-cosponsors-bill-block-iran-war-funding U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Cosponsors Bill to Block Iran War Funding 2026-07-14 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Kelly Morrison M001234 morrison.house.gov morrison https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after Donald Trump escalated his war with Iran, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) announced her cosponsorship of the No Funds for Iran War Act, which would prohibit any taxpayer dollars from being used for military action against Iran. Now, the Trump Administration is asking for billions more in taxpayer dollars to fund the war in Iran — even though the war is increasingly unpopular with the majority of Americans. The No Funds for Iran War Act was introduced by Representative Pat Ryan (NY-18), a combat veteran, and cosponsored by 37 House Democrats, including 14 veterans. Representative Morrison is a proud member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Under Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution, only Congress has the power to declare war. Since launching the first attack on Iran in February of this year, President Trump has neither sought nor received Congressional authorization for this war. Representative Morrison has been staunchly opposed to this illegal war and has voted for every War Powers Resolution to end the war. A member of the House Small Business Committee, Representative Morrison met with Minnesotan small business owners this spring who told her that rising prices due to the war in Iran pose an existential threat to their businesses. “Grocery prices are rising. Gas prices are rising. Half of Americans can’t afford health insurance. But instead of doing anything to address these problems or make life better for the American people, the President has dragged us into another costly, illegal, and foreign war and refuses to get us out of it,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “I’m cosponsoring the No Funds for Iran War Act to block the President from spending any more taxpayer dollars on this illegal war that’s deeply unpopular and increasingly reckless. Not one dollar more for this illegal war that the American people don’t want but are being forced to pay for.” Representative Morrison spoke on the House floor this morning, calling out Trump’s r… 1 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=18259100-D1E6-4AB2-80A7-9CC2365A2309 Klobuchar Urges Administration to Reinstate Food Safety Staff and Program Funding to Address Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak 2026-07-14 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 – Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is urging the CDC and FDA to reinstate funding and staffing for federal and state food safety programs to fight the currently uncontrolled Cyclosporiasis outbreak happening across the United States. Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by eating contaminated food or drinking water and can lead to severe dehydration, fatigue, and other health issues. So far, across the country, nearly 2,800 cases and 87 hospitalizations linked to this outbreak have been confirmed. “I write to urge the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to restore funding and staffing cuts made by the administration to federal and state food safety programs, including the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), Public Health Infrastructure Grants, Preventive Services Block Grant, Food Safety Inspection Service, and Food Emergency Response Network,” wrote Klobuchar. “As a currently uncontrolled large foodborne outbreak across the country continues, cuts to these programs are impacting our nation’s ability to prevent, detect, and contain foodborne illnesses and protect public health.” “Preventing foodborne illnesses like Cyclosporiasis and expediently detecting and responding to outbreaks are life-saving and economically essential functions of the FDA, CDC, and state health and agriculture departments working in collaboration and coordination with one another,” Klobuchar continued. “The recent actions taken by the administration have significantly weakened federal and state defenses and undermined nationwide coordination against foodborne illnesses, particularly when there is no longer a central location for reporting and comparing data across state lines.” Klobuchar has long led efforts to improve food safety, particularly by reducing harmful heavy metals in baby food and children's products. In 2024, Klobuchar introduced the Baby Food Safety Act of 2024 to limit the levels of harmful heavy metals allowed in commercial food for infants and toddlers. I… 1 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z
https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-omar-statement-rubio-icc-announcement Rep. Omar Statement on Rubio ICC Announcement 2026-07-13 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Ilhan Omar O000173 omar.house.gov omar https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement in response to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement on his intent to dismantle the International Criminal Court: “Secretary Rubio’s announcement that he will dismantle the International Criminal Court is reckless and dangerous. It undermines the rule of law, weakens global accountability, and turns America's back on the values we claim to champion. “The ICC is an independent international court created to ensure that perpetrators of the world's gravest crimes—genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity—cannot escape justice. “Secretary Rubio claims that the ICC poses ‘an intolerable threat to U.S. sovereignty’ and that American servicemembers could be prosecuted simply for serving our country. That is simply not true. The ICC is an international court of last resort, intended to prosecute only the most horrific crimes – war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity – when countries are unable or unwilling to do so themselves. The best way to avoid ICC scrutiny is simple: don't commit atrocity crimes, and if credible allegations arise, investigate them transparently and hold those responsible accountable. “The United States should lead by example, not exempt itself from the standards it expects everyone else to follow. In 2022, I introduced a resolution calling on the United States to join the ICC because I believe America should stand with victims of atrocities, defend human rights, and strengthen the international rule of law. I will reintroduce that resolution in the coming days, and I urge my colleagues who believe in justice and human rights to join me. “America is strongest when we lead with our values, not when we demand immunity from them. If we respect human rights, uphold the rule of law, and hold ourselves to the same standards we ask of others, we have nothing to fear from the ICC.” ### 1 2026-07-14T07:08:55Z 2026-07-14T07:10:52Z
https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-passing-us-senator-lindsey-graham Statement on Passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham 2026-07-12 2026 2026-07 Democrat House MN Betty McCollum M001143 mccollum.house.gov mccollum https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement on Sunday following the death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina: “I offer my sincere condolences to Senator Graham’s family, his colleagues, and his many friends. Though Senator Graham and I sat on different sides of the aisle, we found common ground in our shared commitment to our Ukrainian allies and their fight to defend their sovereignty against Russian aggression. As a House co-chair of the International Conservation Caucus, Senator Graham and I worked together in partnership with villages and governments across Africa to protect unique and threatened places both today and for future generations.” ### 1 2026-07-13T08:14:37Z 2026-07-13T08:15:42Z
https://www.smith.senate.gov/rural-housing-supply-legislation-becomes-law/ U.S. SENATOR TINA SMITH’S BIPARTISAN RURAL HOUSING SUPPLY LEGISLATION BECOMES LAW 2026-07-11 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate MN Tina Smith S001203 www.smith.senate.gov tinasmith https://www.smith.senate.gov/press-releases/ scraper 9,000 homes in rural Minnesota will be saved by Smith’s bill MINNEAPOLIS, MN – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), the top Democrat on the Senate Housing Subcommittee, announced her major bipartisan bill to preserve 400,000 rural homes across the country became law today. Smith’s Rural Housing Service Reform Act was included in a housing supply package that passed the House and Senate with veto-proof majorities. President Trump refused to sign the bill, but because he did not veto the legislation outright it automatically became law after 10 days of Presidential inaction. “Without a safe, affordable place to live, nothing in your life works. Not your health, not your job, and not your education,” said Senator Smith. “The lack of affordable, decent housing in this country has been a major problem for working families for years, but with the 21st Century Road to Housing Act becoming law, we’re choosing a different path: Build more housing and protect the homes we already have from falling into disrepair. I am so proud that language I wrote to reform the Rural Housing Service and save thousands of affordable homes in rural communities is now law.” Senator Smith’s bipartisan Rural Housing Service Reform Act would preserve up to 400,000 affordable homes in small towns and rural communities across the country, and more than 9,000 units in Minnesota, by making commonsense updates to programs at the USDA’s Rural Housing Service for the first time in decades. In addition to Senator Smith’s Rural Housing Service Reform Act, the package included a number of bills Senator Smith cosponsored and supported, including: Whole-Home Repairs Act: Authorizes a pilot program to help thousands of working families afford essential, costly home repairs through grants and forgivable loans. Choice in Affordable Housing Act: Expands access to federal government’s largest rental assistance program for affordable housing. HOME Investment Partnerships Program Reauthorization and Reform Act: Makes critical updates to the largest federal affo… 1 2026-07-14T07:08:55Z 2026-07-14T07:10:52Z
https://www.smith.senate.gov/smith-klobuchar-secure-infrastructure-improvements-in-anoka-county/ U.S. Senators Smith, Klobuchar Secure Significant Federal Funding for Infrastructure Improvements in Anoka County 2026-07-10 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. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $18 million for the Minnesota State Highway 65 and Bunker Lake Boulevard Project. The grant, provided through the USDOT’s BUILD program, will be used to construct an interchange at the intersection of Minnesota State Highway 65 and Bunker Lake Boulevard. This project is part of a larger initiative to convert the highway into a freeway with grade-separated interchanges. “Highway 65 is a critical link between the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota. But we’re seeing drivers intentionally avoiding the intersection at Bunker Lake Boulevard to avoid the traffic and congestion, which only increases congestion on nearby roads. This intersection is outdated and needs an update,” said Senator Smith. “A new interchange will handle more traffic and take the strain off of side-roads, meaning Minnesotans can more easily get to their families, to their work or where they need to go.” “Investments in our infrastructure serve as down payments on the long-term economic well-being of our state,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This federal funding will help make our roads safer and more accessible and allow Minnesotans to more easily reach work, school, and other destinations in Anoka County.” Senators Smith and Klobuchar have long supported investment in the Highway 65 corridor. In 2023, Senators Smith and Klobuchar announced $20 million in federal funding to improve road safety and accessibility on Highway 65 from 97th Avenue to 117th Avenue. In 2022, Senators Smith and Klobuchar secured $9 million for Highway 65 improvements at 99th Avenue and 109th Avenue intersections, as well as an additional $4 million for the 117th Avenue intersection in 2024. BUILD grants, previously referred to as RAISE grants, can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of transportation projects with significant local or regional impact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senators Smith an… 1 2026-07-14T07:08:55Z 2026-07-14T07:10:52Z
https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-smith-klobuchar-secure-significant-federal-funding-to-improve-rail-crossing-safety-in-st-louis-county/ U.S. Senators Smith, Klobuchar Secure Significant Federal Funding to Improve Rail Crossing Safety in St. Louis County 2026-07-10 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. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $6 million for the CSAH 100 Rail Crossing Grade Separation Project in Aurora, Minnesota. The grant, provided through USDOT’s BUILD program, will construct a grade separated bridge to improve connectivity for school transportation, emergency services, and freight for mining and logging. The overpass would include a dedicated space for bicycles, snowmobiles, and ATVs. “Nothing is worse than running late and being stuck sitting on the road waiting for trains to pass on Highway 100. We hear you, and we’re fixing that,” said Senator Smith. “The new railroad overpass in Aurora will keep traffic and pedestrians moving instead of getting stuck at the crossing. We’re making it safer and more efficient for drivers.” “Blocked rail crossings not only inconvenience drivers, but also delay emergency vehicles and threaten public safety,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This federal investment will reduce traffic, boost efficiency, and improve rail crossing safety. Investments in our infrastructure serve as a down payment on the long-term economic well-being of our state.” BUILD grants, previously referred to as RAISE grants, can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of transportation projects with significant local or regional impact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senators Smith and Klobuchar supported and was signed into law in 2021, delivered a 50 percent increase in the amount of available funding for the BUILD grants, as well as resources for improving the state’s roads, bridges, public transportation and water infrastructure. 1 2026-07-14T07:08:55Z 2026-07-14T07:10:52Z
https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-smith-klobuchar-secure-significant-federal-funding-to-replace-bridges-over-the-red-river-in-norman-polk-and-clay-counties/ U.S. Senators Smith, Klobuchar Secure Significant Federal Funding to Replace Bridges Over the Red River in Norman, Polk and Clay Counties 2026-07-10 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. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $24 million for the Red River Regional Bridge System Replacement Project in Norman, Polk and Clay counties. The grant, provided through USDOT’s BUILD program, will replace up to three bridges over the Red River. This project upgrades aging bridges frequently impacted by flooding across the three counties. The bridge system supports commuters, freight movement and commercial transportation between Minnesota and North Dakota. “The bridges connecting Minnesota and North Dakota in the Red River Valley are vital to our ag economy and the surrounding communities,” said Senator Smith. “Replacing three old bridges across the Red River will keep commodities moving to market and ensure friends and neighbors have safe crossings as they drive across the prairie.” “The bridges over the Red River are aging, vulnerable to flooding, and need to be replaced. This federal grant will deliver resources for the bridge replacement project, ensuring both drivers and freight can safely cross the Red River between Minnesota and North Dakota,” Senator Klobuchar said. Today’s announcement builds on Senators Smith and Klobuchar’s past work to support infrastructure in the Red River Valley. In 2022, Senators Smith, Klobuchar and John Hoeven (R-ND) secured $437 million of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funding for the construction of permanent flood protection in the Red River Valley. With that award, the project received the complete federal funding commitment of $750 million. BUILD grants, previously referred to as RAISE grants, can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of transportation projects with significant local or regional impact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senators Smith and Klobuchar supported and was signed into law in 2021, delivered a 50 percent increase in the amount of available funding for the BUILD grants, as well as resources for improvin… 1 2026-07-14T07:08:55Z 2026-07-14T07:10:52Z
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=53D456D4-0F35-49D0-97C5-49A73DE91D0D Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Replace Bridges Over the Red River in Norman, Polk, and Clay Counties 2026-07-10 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 - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $24 million for the Red River Regional Bridge System Replacement Project in Norman, Polk, and Clay counties. The grant, provided through USDOT’s BUILD program, will replace up to three bridges over the Red River. This project upgrades aging bridges that are frequently impacted by flooding across the three counties. The bridge system supports commuters, freight movement, and commercial transportation between Minnesota and North Dakota. “The bridges over the Red River are aging, vulnerable to flooding, and need to be replaced. This federal grant will deliver resources for the bridge replacement project, ensuring both drivers and freight can safely cross the Red River between Minnesota and North Dakota,” Klobuchar said. “The bridges connecting Minnesota and North Dakota in the Red River Valley are vital to our ag economy and the surrounding communities,” said Smith. “Replacing three old bridges across the Red River will keep commodities moving to market and ensure friends and neighbors have safe crossings as they drive across the prairie.” Today’s announcement builds on Klobuchar and Smith’s past work to support infrastructure in the Red River Valley. In 2022, Klobuchar, Smith and Senator Hoeven secured $437 million of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funding for the construction of permanent flood protection in the Red River Valley. With that award, the project received the complete federal funding commitment of $750 million. BUILD grants, previously referred to as RAISE grants, can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of transportation projects with significant local or regional impact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Klobuchar and Smith supported and was signed into law in 2021, delivered a 50 percent increase in the amount of available funding for the BUILD grants, as well as resources for improving the state’s roads, bridges, public trans… 1 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z

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