Press releases
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1,149 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "MN" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending
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| https://nolan.house.gov/the-monday-report/scrooged | Scrooged! | 2017-12-26 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | Scrooged! Republicans Pass Their $1.8 Trillion Tax Giveaway for the Rich - at the Expense of the Middle Class This cartoon by David Fitzsimmons of the Arizona Star perfectly captures what the Republican tax bill is really all about -- giving huge tax cuts to the wealthy at the expense of the middle class. Dear Friend, The simple truth is,the rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer, and the middle class is getting crushed.Andthis disastrous Republican tax bill makes the situation even worse. First off, this bill hands trillions of dollars in tax cuts to the wealthiest 1% of Americans, and super rich corporations. The Republican tax billgives 83% of its tax cuts to the richest 1% of Americans,and permanentlycuts the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%.And it doubles the estate tax exemption,making the richest 1% even richer. Republican leaders believe that giving the rich extra money will somehow miraculously create more jobs and raise wages. But heres the simple fact Giving the rich more money will not create a trickle-down effect it never has. American corporations are alreadyhoarding $2.5 trillion in overseas bank accounts,and $2 trillion more here at home. There is no evidence that tax cuts create jobsor cause wealthy CEOs to increase their employees wages. In fact, the opposite is true:Middle class wages have stagnated for a quarter century, while the rich have hoarded trillions and trillions for themselves. Second, the simple fact is that this tax bill raises taxes on 83 million middle class households. Millions of middle class families will see their taxes go up, according to an independent analysis by the Tax Policy Center. At best,some middle class Americans get enough to buy a hubcapon a Mercedes Benz whilethe millionaires and billionaires get enough to buy a whole Mercedes if not a fleet of Mercedes! And if thats not bad enough,the small middle class tax benefits are only temporary set to expire while the tax cuts for the rich are massive and permanent. Finally, this Republican bill by i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=74192437-7AA4-4A0D-84E0-07C91F2852D6 | Klobuchar, Grassley Seek Answers on Food and Drug Administration Policies for Personal Importation of Prescription Drugs from Canada | 2017-12-26 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) have sent a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb seeking answers regarding FDA policies on personal importation of prescription drugs. A recent Kaiser Health News article reported that FDA sent criminal investigation agents to nine Florida stores that help patients buy prescription drugs from pharmacies in Canada. We have heard from thousands of our constituents about skyrocketing prescription drug prices and have proposed several bills to address this urgent problemincluding by allowing for the safe importation of prescription drugs. Although the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act prohibits the importation of unapproved drugs, the FDA has long focused its enforcement efforts on products apparently intended for the commercial market and on fraudulent products, and those that pose an unreasonable health risk, the senators wrote. We are concerned that the Food and Drug Administration may be taking actions to scale back the agencys non-enforcement policy that currently allows for limited importation of prescription drugs. The letter also calls on Commissioner Gottlieb to endorse Klobuchar and Senator John McCains (R-AZ) Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act, which would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow for the personal importation of prescription drugs from approved pharmacies in Canada for personal use with a valid prescription. The letter is the latest in a continuing effort by Klobuchar and Grassley to find solutions to the ever-increasing costs of prescription medications. Earlier this year, Klobuchar and Grassley introduced the Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act to expand consumers access to the cost-saving generic drugs they need and increase competition by ending pay for delay dealsthe practice of brand-name drug companies using anti-competitive pay-off agreements to keep more affordable generic equivalents off the market. Klobuchar, Grassley, and a bipartis… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-12222017 | Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/22/2017 | 2017-12-22 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Sand Lake Dear Friends, The House and Senate passed a major tax bill this week, adding at least $1.5 trillion to the deficit.As a founding member of the Congressional Blue Dog Coalition, I have pushed for fiscally responsible policies throughout my entire career and have concerns about the impact this debt will have on future generations. The bill was a missed opportunity for a bipartisan effort to focus on promoting real economic growth and policies that help middle class families. This Christmas, I hope we are all able to take the spirit of the holiday season into a more cooperative and productive New Year. Sincerely, Congressman Collin C. Peterson Minnesota 7th District Happy Holidays Please click the above imageto see my holiday greeting. I wish all of you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Pheasant Hunting On Saturday, I was happy to get out for a pheasant hunt before heading back to Washington. I joined my friend Chuck Ellingson at Watson Hunting Camp in Chippewa County where we spent a few hours on 165 acres of western Minnesota prairie. I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy the outdoors before the season ends. Tax Reform discussion on KFGO I was a guest on KFGO News and Views with Joel Heitkamp on Tuesday morning to talk about the GOP tax reform and its impact on Minnesota and the U.S. I expressed my concerns with the tax bill and the strict partisan process it went through. While many people will see modest temporary tax cuts, others will see increases if they pay high state and local taxes or have families with many children. This was a missed opportunity to work on a bipartisan basis to promote economic growth and simplify the tax code. I was not able to support a bill that makes the tax system more complicated for the middle class and small businesses while adding up to $2 trillion to the nations debt. Listen to our discussion here. University of Minnesota Crookston Horticulture Club The University of Minnesota, Crookstons Horticultural students had to get an early October start on poin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-interior-department-s-decision-reinstate-mining-leases | McCollum Statement on Interior Departments Decision to Reinstate Mining Leases Adjacent to BWCA | 2017-12-22 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement on the Interior Departments decision to reverse itself and reinstate leases for dangerous sulfide-ore copper mining on federal lands adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: I spoke with the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on the phone yesterday and he reiterated to me directly just how precious the waters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Areaare and the need for ongoing environmental study. Twenty-four hours later, he broke his word and issued mining leases footsteps from the BWCA to a foreign-owned mining company. Clearly, the numerous assurances I received from Secretary Zinke about protecting the BWCA were worthless and deceitful. The Trump administration is blatantly dishonest and cannot be trusted. They are determined to sell, exploit, and destroy the American peoples natural treasures like Bears Ears National Monument, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and now our own Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park. For every Minnesotan and American who believes in conservation and values our national resources, the battle lines are drawn. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=990EDE0D-64F2-4297-A6E9-9392E81D3ACD | Klobuchar Urges U.S. Department of Education to Protect Students Affected by Abrupt Closure of McNally Smith College of Music | 2017-12-22 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | On December 14, McNally Smith College of Music notified students and faculty that it would close at the end of the fall semester on December 20; In the aftermath of this sudden closure, many of McNally Smiths approximately 600 students do not have a clear path forward In a letter to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Klobuchar calls on the Department to protect current and former students of McNally Smith by providing closed school loan discharge relief to eligible students WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has urged the U.S. Department of Education to protect students affected by the abrupt closure of McNally Smith College of Music. On December 14, McNally Smith College of Music notified students and faculty that it would close at the end of the fall semester on December 20. In the aftermath of this sudden closure, many of McNally Smiths approximately 600 students do not have a clear path forward. In a letter to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Klobuchar calls on the Department to protect current and former students of McNally Smith by providing closed school loan discharge relief to eligible students. I write to raise my concerns about the impact that the abrupt closure of McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, Minnesota will have on current and former students of the school, Klobuchar wrote. In the aftermath of this sudden closure, many of McNally Smiths approximately 600 students do not have a clear path forward. I urge the Department to protect current and former students of McNally Smith by providing closed school loan discharge relief to eligible students. Klobuchar continued, I ask that the Department immediately begin identifying and contacting students who are eligible for closed school loan discharge. The Department should clearly state the criteria for closed school discharge during the outreach process and notify students that those who transfer academic credits to a comparable educational program at another school may be ineligible for loan relief. Last year, Klobu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=A2FAAF2E-A7C4-4B5F-AAB3-BB56A35F23DC | Klobuchar, Thune Bipartisan Bills to Combat Human Trafficking in the Transportation Sector Pass House, Head to President’s Desk to be Signed into Law | 2017-12-22 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Bipartisan legislation passed the Senate in September WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and John Thune (R-SD) announced that the bipartisan Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act and No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act they introduced to combat human trafficking in the transportation sector have passed the House. The anti-trafficking legislation passed the Senate in September and will now head to the Presidents desk for signature. Commercial drivers and truckers are often the first line of defense against human trafficking, yet they dont always have the tools necessary to help prevent these crimes, Senator Klobuchar said. The passage of these two bills brings us one step closer to equipping and empowering our drivers to help prevent these heinous crimes were seeing too often in Minnesota and around the country. Once signed into law by the president, the No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act and the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act will greatly aid in the ongoing battle against human trafficking, said Senator Thune. The Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act focuses on the prevention of human trafficking. The bill would designate a human trafficking prevention coordinator at the U.S. Department of Transportation and increase outreach and education efforts at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The billis supported by Truckers Against Trafficking, National District Attorneys Association, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. The No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act would disqualify individuals from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for their lifetime if they used a CMV to commit a felony involving human trafficking. Klobuchar is a national leader in the fight to combat human trafficking. Earlier this year, the bipartisan Abolish Human Trafficking Act she introduced with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) passed the Senate. The legislation strengthens and reauthorizes key programs … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/letter-on-honduras-elections | Letter on Honduras Elections | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Keith Ellison | E000288 | ellison.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) and twenty-six colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives sent the following letter regarding the November 26th Honduran presidential election to President Donald Trump: | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ellison-to-ice-investigate-mistreatment-of-somali-detainees | Rep. Ellison to ICE: Investigate Mistreatment of Somali Detainees | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Keith Ellison | E000288 | ellison.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) sent a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement about reports that 92 Somali nationals had been beaten, restrained, deprived of food and water, and forced to urinate on themselves while in ICE custody on a plane in Senegal. The text of the full letter reads as the following: Dear Secretary Nielsen, Acting Director Homan, Inspector General Horowitz, and Acting Inspector General Kelly: I represent the Fifth Congressional District of Minnesota, home to the largest community of Somali-Americans in the country. Constituents contacted me to express grave concern about alleged human rights abuses of 92 Somali nationals while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in transit through Dakar, Senegal from December 7 to December 9, 2017. I request a detailed account of the 48 hours ICE attempted to deport these individuals, including all actions ICE intends to take involving the detained individuals, as well as ICE officers and supervisors involved in the matter. I also request ICE delay the deportation of all individuals on this flight who have pending legal reviews of their cases, or who wish to submit complaints of mistreatment while in U.S. custody. Reports from the media, attorneys in my district, and family members of loved ones have highlighted a grave disrespect for human dignity and federal law. While on the tarmac for nearly a day, detainees were deprived of adequate food, water, and access to a working bathroom, forcing many to defecate on themselves or urinate in bottles in the presence of other detainees. One detainee with diabetes was refused medical attention and forced to remain seated and in restraints for well over 10 hours while the plane was grounded. This resulted in his appendages becoming so swollen that he could not deplane without physical assistance several hours later. It was also reported that some detainees were punched in the face by ICE agents and that one detainee was choked, despite all of them being restraine… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&&id=3811 | Sen. Franken Delivers Final Senate Floor Speech | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Al Franken | F000457 | franken.senate.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Senator Al Franken delivered his final speech from the Senate floor. You can watch video of his speech by clickinghere. In his speech, Senator Franken said: "We will always have the democracy we deserve, if not the government we want. It's going to take ordinary Americans deciding to become more informed consumers of political news and opinion-and deciding that they're willing to be part of the argument themselves, instead of simply tuning it all out as noise. And if they do, I know that we will get this country back on track. "In October, 15 years after we lost Paul, I took to the Senate floor to remember him and to celebrate his life. Paul understood-better than anyone I know-the meaning and the power of politics, and I think he would have a lot to say about where we find ourselves today. Paul said, quote "Politics is not about power. Politics is not about money. Politics is not about winning for the sake of winning. Politics is about the improvement of people's lives. "Even in the face of everything that is happening today, I still believe in Paul's words. "Politics is about the improvement of people's lives." I know those words to be true because I know that the American people still believe in justice and equality and opportunity-and I see evidence of it every day." You can read Sen. Franken's remarks, as prepared for delivery,hereor below. Final Speech From Senate FloorSenator Al Franken(As prepared for delivery) M.PRESIDENT, this is my final speech on the floor of the United States Senate. I've come down here many times, as we all have. We come here to cast our votes on bills and amendments. We come to discuss and debate the issues that are important to our states and to the country. We introduce and explain legislation. And we talk about our states and what we learned on the latest visit to a community health center, a farm, or a small business. What we don't talk about all that often, M.PRESIDENT, is the work of all the men and women on our staffs who make all of this possible. I've been f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3810 | Sen. Franken Looks Back on Guarding Net Neutrality, Fighting Back Against Media Consolidation, Protecting Americans Right to Privacy | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Al Franken | F000457 | franken.senate.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Senator Al Franken delivered the second speech in a series of final remarks delivered on the Senate floor before his resignation. In the speech, Senator Franken, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, recalled spearheading the fight to guard net neutrality, beat back media consolidation, and protect Americans' fundamental right to privacy. You can watch video of his speech by clickinghere. "...When I came to the Senate, very few members of Congress were talking about corporate consolidation or commercial privacy or net neutrality - issues that have gained much-deserved attention in more recent years. Whatever the reason for other members' hesitance, I felt that it was incumbent on me to get in the weeds on these issues, so that I could be a leader on them in the Senate and ultimately address the concerns of ordinary Minnesotans."That's why when the interests of the American consumer have clashed with the desires of powerful telecommunications and technology companies, I've always tried to put the public first and to fight on their behalf - by shedding light on corporate abuses and using all the tools at my disposal to curb them." You can read Sen. Franken's remarks, as prepared for delivery,hereor below. Floor Statement on Guarding Net Neutrality, Fighting Back Against Media Consolidation, Protection Americans' Right to PrivacySenator Al Franken(As prepared for delivery) M. President, I rise today to deliver the second in a series of floor speeches that I offer as I close out my time in the Senate. This evening, I want to talk about Americans' relationship with telecommunications and technology companies, and what that means for their access to essential services and for their privacy. When I entered the Senate in July 2009, then Majority Leader Reid asked me to serve on the Judiciary Committee. I pointed out that there are a lot of lawyers in the Senate, and that I wasn't one of them, but he said that he needed members with my perspective on the Committee. I wondered how my background could poss… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-floor-remarks-opposing-republicans-continuing-resolution | McCollum Floor Remarks Opposing Republicans Continuing Resolution | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Ranking Member of the House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks in opposition to House Republicans irresponsible three-week continuing resolution, which includes provisions that waive fiscal responsibility measures triggered by the Trump-GOP tax scam: Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this continuing resolution. The federal governments fiscal year started three months ago. This Republican Congress still hasnt passed a full-year of federal funding. Rather than protecting our nation and meeting the needs of the American people, we are now debating a third continuing resolution to kick the can into January. Republicans control this House, the Senate, and the White House. Clearly they do not take their responsibility to fund the federal government seriously. Frankly, they should be embarrassed. For the past three months, Democrats have sought to work with Republicans to secure a budget agreement and responsibly pass appropriations bills. But Republicans have been too busy to meet this basic responsibility. Instead, they have spent months working in secret on their deficit-busting tax scam. And lets be clear: the Republican tax scam is part of this CR as well. This CR contains language to exempt the Republicans lavish tax cuts for big corporations and billionaires from the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act. Republicans passed their tax scam knowing that it was fiscally irresponsible and would trigger huge cuts to Medicare and other vital programs. Now they are asking Democrats to help bail them out. I didnt vote for the Republican tax scam, and Im not going to paper over their mistakes so President Trump can sign it into law. But here is what I will do. As the Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I know Republican appropriators are as frustrated as I am. And I want to work with them to find common ground and responsibly fund our government. Its time for appropriators to do our job Republicans and De… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walz-statement-on-continuing-resolution | Walz Statement on Continuing Resolution | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tim Walz | W000799 | walz.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Tim Walz (MN-01) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 1370: Since the last continuing resolution, which I supported, Congressional Republicans had two weeks and an entire year before that to reach across the aisle to work out a bipartisan long-term funding deal. I stood ready, as I still do, to work with them to find common ground on a long-term funding measure that provides our military the resources and certainty it needs to plan into the future and ensures the Department of Veterans Affairs has the capacity to directly deliver quality and timely health care to our veterans. Instead, Republicans in Congress once again chose the path of partisanship and prioritized their devastating tax bill, of which 83% of tax cuts will go to the wealthiest one percent and 13 million Americans will lose health coverage due to their repeal of the ACA individual mandate. In doing so, they neglected Congress obligation to give our service members and the VA the long-term funding and certainty they require and deserve. While it is absolutely critical that the VA Choice Program continue to be funded, this stop-gap measure fails to live up to the promise we made to our veterans. My Republican colleagues also chose to turn their backs on bipartisan proposals which I fully support including protecting the 125,000 Minnesota children who rely on the Childrens Health Insurance Program through passage of a clean, full CHIP reauthorization, as well as protecting Americas Dreamers through passage of the Dream Act. My constituents are sick and tired of this constant partisan gameshow Republicans are playing here on Capitol Hill. Its long past time for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to recognize that working with Democrats is whats best for the country. We are all Americans, and we were all sent to Washington to work together to solve our nations challenges. Our democracy demands collaboration and compromise, and Americans demand better. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=76D7B421-76D6-449C-B77D-BC235A4F2153 | Klobuchar, Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan ‘Abby Honold Act’ to Promote Use of Trauma-Informed Techniques in Responding to Sexual Assault Crimes | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer joins senators in effort inspired by Abby Honold, a former University of Minnesota student and rape survivor Bill would establish a demonstration program for trauma-informed training for law enforcement, including training for interviewing victims of sexual assault and investigating sexual assault crimes WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced the Abby Honold Actbipartisan legislation that would promote the use of trauma-informed techniques in responding to sexual assault crimes. The legislation was inspired by Abby Honold, a former student of the University of Minnesota and rape survivor who worked with Senator Al Franken to bring this issue to the forefront. The bill would establish a demonstration program to expand the use of trauma-informed techniques intended to ensure the use of evidence-based practices in responding to sexual assault crimes, prevent re-traumatization of the victim, and improve communication between victims and law enforcement officers in an effort to increase the likelihood of the successful investigation and prosecution of alleged sexual assault crimes in a manner that protects the victim to the greatest extent possible. Congressman Tom Emmer (R-MN) today introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Im in awe of Abbys ability to turn an incredibly horrific experience into something that could help other survivors, Senator Klobuchar said. We can and should do more for survivors, including ensuring law enforcement has the skills and resources to avoid re-traumatization and effectively see investigations through to prosecution using the most sensitive and effective techniques. Often times the trauma victims experience after a sexual assault requires a special set of techniques for investigators to work with victims to understand what happened and make them feel comfortable to participate in investigations, said Senator Cornyn. This legislation will give law enforcement the training… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=807CF123-CDCA-4171-A813-2854E7ECE104 | Klobuchar, Lankford, Harris, Graham Introduce Bipartisan Election Security Bill | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Bill would protect against foreign interference of future elections WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), James Lankford (R-OK), Kamala Harris (D-CA), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) today introduced the Secure Elections Act, a bill to strengthen election cybersecurity in America and protect against foreign interference in future elections. Cosponsors include Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM). During the 2016 election, intelligence reports established that Russia hacked presidential campaign accounts, launched cyberattacks against at least 21 state election systems, and attacked a US voting systems software company. To protect future elections, the Secure Elections Act streamlines cybersecurity information-sharing between federal intelligence entities and state election agencies; provides security clearances to state election officials; and provides resources for states to upgrade election security. This bipartisan solution would bolster our election systems against future threats while protecting states primacy in running elections. Election security is national security, and our election systems have become a target for foreign adversaries, said Klobuchar, Ranking Member of the Rules Committee with jurisdiction over federal elections. The freedom to choose our leaders and know with full confidence that those leaders were chosen in free and fair elections is something that Americans have fought and died for since our country was founded. We must do everything in our power to protect our democracy from future attacks, and ensure those on the front-lines of administering elections are equipped with the tools and resources necessary to keep them safe. Time is of the essence, the next federal election is less than a year away. Safe and free elections run by individual states are at the core of our national identity, said Lankford, a member of the Intelligence Committee. We were born as a nation because patriots stood up against foreign tyranny.During the 2016 elections, Russia… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-ellison-jayapal-pocan-and-cicilline-introduce-antitrust-legislation | Reps. Ellison, Jayapal, Pocan and Cicilline Introduce Antitrust Legislation | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Keith Ellison | E000288 | ellison.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Rep. David N. Cicilline (D-RI) yesterday introduced the 21stCentury Competition Commission Act (H.R. 4686), which would fund the creation of a new body charged with investigating the impact of corporate mergers and increasing market concentration. The representatives bill would model the new commission on the Temporary National Economic Committee that existed during President Franklin D. Roosevelts administration. Monopolistic corporations have grown so big and powerful that they have hijacked our democratic process and our daily lives, leading us to a new Gilded Age, said Rep. Ellison. This sweeping bill aims to analyze all the ways monopolization has made our economy worse for working families, and help our government use existing antitrust laws to fix it. Robust anti-trust laws help protect everyday people and ensure that hardworking Americans have good wages, and that businesses are incentivized to improve consumer services and provide competitive prices,said Rep. Jayapal. Im proud to cosponsor the 21st Century Competition Commission Act. If Republicans are serious about protecting Main Street, not Wall Street, they will join us in passing this bill to simply assess the scope of America's market concentration problem." "This bill is an important step in the anti-monopoly movement,Said Lina Khan of Open Markets Institute.The first TNEC, and similar investigations such as the Pujo and Pecora hearings, helped expose the extremity of America's concentration problem. They prompted public officials and private parties to bring hundreds of lawsuits enforcing the antitrust laws, based on the information that these commissions uncovered. This effort will similarly fuel critical reforms." The 21st Century Competition Commission Act will require an examination into increasing market concentrationacross all sectors in the economy, includingagricultural and information technology industries.It also empowers existingregulat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&&id=3809 | In First of Final Senate Speeches, Sen. Franken Reflects on Working to Improve Education for Minnesotans and All Americans | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Al Franken | F000457 | franken.senate.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Senator Al Franken delivered the first of what will be a series of final speeches delivered on the Senate floor before his resignation. In the speech, Sen. Franken, a member of the Senate Education Committee, looked back on the years he's spent fighting to better the nation's education system, and urged his colleagues to defend and continue the progress he has made. You can watch video of his speech by clickinghere. "...We still have people on both sides of the aisle here in the Senate who care passionately about education, and who are willing to do the hard work of bipartisan legislating in order to improve our schools and keep that promise of opportunity for the next generation. "But if the last eight and a half years have taught me that progress on education is possible, even in a divided Washington, this past year has taught me that further progress isn't inevitable, and that the progress we've already made may not be safe. "It will be up to my colleagues not just to address the policy challenges posed by an education system that faces a big transition and a budget that forces hard choices, but the political challenges of the moment. It is my hope and prayer that they will be up to the task. Our children's future depends on it." You can read Sen. Franken's remarks, as prepared for delivery,hereor below. Floor Statement Reflecting on Working to Improve Education for Minnesotans and All Americans Senator Al Franken (As prepared for delivery) M. President: Unlike most of my colleagues, the time I've spent here in the Senate represents the sum total of my experience in elected office. For most of my life, I approached politics and public policy from a very different perspective. I tried to be an educated citizen who understood how the issues being debated here in Washington affected me, and my family, and my neighbors. I tried to be an advocate for the values I believed in: honesty in public discourse, for sure, but also fairness, and justice, and the idea that, in America, we're all in this toget… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3809 | In First of Final Senate Speeches, Sen. Franken Reflects on Working to Improve Education for Minnesotans and All Americans | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Al Franken | F000457 | franken.senate.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Senator Al Franken delivered the first of what will be a series of final speeches delivered on the Senate floor before his resignation. In the speech, Sen. Franken, a member of the Senate Education Committee, looked back on the years he's spent fighting to better the nation's education system, and urged his colleagues to defend and continue the progress he has made. You can watch video of his speech by clickinghere. "...We still have people on both sides of the aisle here in the Senate who care passionately about education, and who are willing to do the hard work of bipartisan legislating in order to improve our schools and keep that promise of opportunity for the next generation. "But if the last eight and a half years have taught me that progress on education is possible, even in a divided Washington, this past year has taught me that further progress isn't inevitable, and that the progress we've already made may not be safe. "It will be up to my colleagues not just to address the policy challenges posed by an education system that faces a big transition and a budget that forces hard choices, but the political challenges of the moment. It is my hope and prayer that they will be up to the task. Our children's future depends on it." You can read Sen. Franken's remarks, as prepared for delivery,hereor below. Floor Statement Reflecting on Working to Improve Education for Minnesotans and All Americans Senator Al Franken (As prepared for delivery) M. President: Unlike most of my colleagues, the time I've spent here in the Senate represents the sum total of my experience in elected office. For most of my life, I approached politics and public policy from a very different perspective. I tried to be an educated citizen who understood how the issues being debated here in Washington affected me, and my family, and my neighbors. I tried to be an advocate for the values I believed in: honesty in public discourse, for sure, but also fairness, and justice, and the idea that, in America, we're all in this toget… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/press-release/peterson-statement-gop-tax-bill | Peterson statement on GOP tax bill | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Collin C. Peterson made the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1. While many people will get a modest temporary tax cut under the Republican tax bill, others will see their taxes go up if they face high medical expenses, pay high state and local taxes, or have families with many children, Peterson said. I cant support a bill that will make the tax system more complicated for many small businesses while adding up to $2 trillion to the nations debt. This bill was a missed opportunity to promote real economic growth, simplify our tax code, and help the middle class. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-final-passage-trump-gop-tax-scam | McCollum Statement on Final Passage of Trump-GOP Tax Scam | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the final version of the Trump-GOP tax scam: Today House Republicans voted to raise taxes on middle class Minnesotans to pay for a deficit-exploding giveaway to big corporations and billionaires. With its rollback of the state and local tax deduction and its dismantling of key parts of the Affordable Care Act, this bill is especially harmful to Minnesota. The Trump-GOP tax bill was written in secret and loaded up with special interest provisions, including a kickback to wealthy real estate investors like President Donald Trump and a Big Oil-backed plan to turn parts of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge into an industrial oil field. The trillions of dollars in giveaways to the wealthy and well-connected in this bill will explode annual deficits and trigger cuts to vital programs like Medicare, Medicaid, nutrition assistance, veterans benefits, and even Social Security. In my 17 years in the U.S. House, I have seen few pieces of legislation as devastating as this tax scam. In the year ahead, I look forward to joining millions of Minnesotans and Americans holding the Republicans who voted for this bill accountable. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-votes-no-on-republican-tax-bill-that-punishes-america-s-middle | Nolan Votes No On Republican Tax Bill That Punishes Americas Middle Class | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON D.C.] Rep Rick Nolan today voted no on the conference report of the Republican tax bill that punishes Americas middle class. The bill, met with bipartisan opposition, would provide a $1.5 trillion dollar tax cut to the super-rich and corporations, raise taxes on 86 million middle class households more than half of Americas middle class and pave the way for cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. The simple truth is, this Republican tax bill is an underhanded and unconscionable attack on Americas middle class the very people who constitute the foundation of our Nations greatness, Nolan said. This Republican bill hands trillions to the super rich, raises taxes on millions of everyday Americans, and sets the stage for the privatization and gutting of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. I voted no on this bill and will continue to vehemently oppose it in every way I can. The most recent Tax Policy Center analysis of the conference report indicates that 83% of the tax cuts under H.R.1 will go to the top 1% of Americans. In addition, 86 million middle class households will see a tax increase. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walz-votes-no-on-gop-tax-bill-0 | Walz Votes No on GOP Tax Bill | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tim Walz | W000799 | walz.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Tim Walz (MN-01) released the following statement after voting against the Conference Report on H.R. 1, the Republican tax bill: Instead of working across the aisle to find common ground on real tax reform solutions, my Republican colleagues have once again rushed a vote on a partisan bill that would have a detrimental impact on millions of Americans. Under this legislation, 86 million middle class families would see their taxes increase; the funding for farm safety net programs our farmers rely on during tough times would be at risk; health insurance premiums would rise; 13 million fewer Americans would have health coverage; and the health and wellbeing of folks on Medicaid including 1.75 million veterans would be threatened as Republicans look to cut vital programs in the wake of the estimated $2.2 trillion this bill would add to our federal deficit. To make matters even worse, 83 percent of the tax cuts in this bill would go to the wealthiest one percent of Americans, many of whom belong to the political donor class that pours large sums of money into elections all across the nation. I believe this bill is evidence that the influence of money in our politics is taking a growing toll on the good we are capable of achieving here in Washington for working families back home. In order to ensure the voices of all those we are tasked with representing here on Capitol Hill are heard, it is imperative that we reform how campaigns are financed in this country. Walz, who has been vocal about the harm the GOP tax bill would do to veterans, farmers and middle class families, announced a statement from Vice President Walter Mondale and Governor Arne Carlson on an earlier version of the Republican legislation in November. The full statement can be read here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=99F158E6-E97D-47FF-97D0-991FE5AC5637 | Klobuchar, Collins, Baldwin Press Strongbridge Biopharma for Answers on Dramatic Price Increase for Keveyis Drug that Treats Glaucoma and Rare Genetic Disease | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | After a series of companies bought and sold the right to the decades-old drug, the list price was hiked from $50 to $13,650 for 100 pills in 2015; Strongbridge recently acquired the drug and hiked the price even further to $15,001 In a letter to Chief Executive Officer Matthew Pauls, Klobuchar, Collins, and Baldwin urge Strongbridge to take immediate steps to alleviate the burden their price increases have put on patients and to ensure the companys behavior fully complies with relevant laws, regulations and guidance WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) have pressed Strongbridge Biopharma for answers on the dramatic price increase for Keveyis, formerly known as Daranide, a drug that treats glaucoma and a type of rare genetic disease known as periodic paralysis, which causes attacks of muscle weakness or loss of muscle movement. After a series of companies bought and sold the right to the decades-old dichlorphenamide, the list price was hiked from $50 to $13,650 for 100 pills in 2015. Strongbridge recently acquired the drug and hiked the price even further to $15,001. In a letter to Chief Executive Officer Matthew Pauls, Klobuchar, Collins, and Baldwin urge Strongbridge to take immediate steps to alleviate the burden their price increases have put on patients and to ensure the companys behavior fully complies with relevant laws, regulations and guidance. We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the dramatic price increase for Keveyis, formerly known as Daranide, after Strongbridge Biopharma acquired the drug. As recently as the early 2000s, patients could obtain 100 pills of dichlorphenamide at a list price of $50, the senators wrote. Yet, after a series of companies bought and sold the rights to this decades-old drug and obtained a new rare disease designation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the list price increased to $13,650 for 100 pills in 2015. Strongbridge recently acquired the drug and hiked the price even further … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=B3961145-FBA8-4B71-BA36-0EB4FAB29C0E | As Department of Homeland Security Secretary Nielsen Begins Tenure, Klobuchar, Lankford Urge Making Election Cybersecurity a Top Priority | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Intelligence reports make it clear that Russia hacked presidential campaign accounts from both parties, launched cyberattacks against at least 21 state election systems, attacked a U.S. voting systems software company, and illegally obtained emails from more than 100 local election officials; In response to these attacks on our election system, in January 2017 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determined that election infrastructure should be designated as a subsector of the existing Government Facilities critical infrastructure sector In a letter, Klobuchar and Lankford call on DHS Secretary Kristjen Nielsen to do more to fully protect our systems, including improving information sharing between states and the federal government and providing states with resources, best practices, and manpower to help combat attacks and update voting technology; The senators have also developed bipartisan legislation to require DHS cooperation and leadership on establishing information sharing processes and improving election cybersecurity WASHINGTON, DC As Department of Homeland (DHS) Security Secretary Kristjen Nielsen begins her tenure, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and James Lankford (R-OK) have urged her to prioritize election cybersecurity. Intelligence reports make it clear that Russia hacked presidential campaign accounts from both parties, launched cyberattacks against at least 21 state election systems, attacked a U.S. voting systems software company, and illegally obtained emails from more than 100 local election officials. In response to these attacks on our election system, in January 2017 the DHS determined that election infrastructure should be designated as a subsector of the existing Government Facilities critical infrastructure sector. In a letter, Klobuchar and Lankford call on DHS Secretary Nielsen to do more to fully protect our systems, including improving information sharing between states and the federal government and providing states with resources, best practices, and manpower to hel… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/press-release/peterson-klobuchar-walz-mccollum-nolan-emmer-and-ellison-urge-us-customs-and-border | Peterson, Klobuchar, Walz, McCollum, Nolan, Emmer, and Ellison urge U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to initiate a pilot program in border crossing technology and to delay the reduction in service hours at the Lancaster and Roseau Ports of Entry | 2017-12-18 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Collin C. Peterson led a bipartisan letter with Senator Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Tim Walz, Rep. Betty McCollum, Rep. Rick Nolan, Rep. Tom Emmer, and Rep. Keith Ellison urging U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to delay the announced reduction of service hours in Lancaster and Roseau Ports of Entry (POEs), and to create a pilot program using proven technology to increase service for non-commercial crossings at those sites. CBP surprised residents living in northwest Minnesota by announcing they would be dramatically reducing service hours in the Lancaster and Roseau POEs and shift officers to Pembina, ND. Residents attending town halls voiced their strong objections to the reduction of service citing concerns about the impact it would have on the regions economy. In the letter, the lawmakers identify the pilot program already underway at the NW Angle as a model for what can be created at the Lancaster and Roseau POEs. We write to urge U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to initiate a pilot program that utilizes existing virtual interview process technology at the Lancaster and Roseau Ports of Entry (POEs) and delay the reduction in service hours until the pilot can be launched. The lawmakers continued, with slight infrastructure improvements, Lancaster and Roseau POEs will be able to safely and efficiently process passenger vehicles twenty-four hours a day without rerouting them through inconvenient ports in Pembina or Warroad. If CBP agrees to expand the use of this technology for these ports of entry, it could have wide-ranging benefits for Minnesota. The benefits of the new technology include establishing an efficient way for area residents and tourists to check-in with CBP officials remotely while expanding resources for local businesses and resort owners. Current hours of service at the Port of Lancaster are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The CBP has announced that they will reduce the hours of service, operating from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. between October 1 and April 30 and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. between May 1 t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-12152017 | Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/15/2017 | 2017-12-18 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Wild Turkeys Outside Thief River Falls Dear Friends, This week I wrote and sent a bipartisan letter, along with Senator Klobuchar and Representatives Walz, Ellison, Nolan, and Emmer to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency after they finalized a proposal to reduce service hours at the Lancaster and Roseau Ports of Entry. Tourism and trade from our neighbors to the north continues to play an important part in keeping Minnesotas rural economy strong. Next week, I return to Washington as the House is expected to consider tax legislation and an additional government funding measure. Sincerely, Congressman Collin C. Peterson Minnesota 7th District American Petroleum Institute Jack Gerard, President and CEO of API I sat down with the President and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute Jack Gerard to talk about areas of common concerns regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard. I think there is room for agreement about the uncertainty surrounding the renewable fuel program, especially looking towards the future of the program. I always welcome serious discussions about these issues as it becomes more important than ever to have a diverse and competitive fuel supply. Minnesota Farm Bureau I met with Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap, his wife Julie, and Amber Glaeser on Monday to talk about the next farm bill. Kevin was in Washington for a meeting of the Farm Bureau state presidents. We talked about several programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), as well as the anticipated timeline for the farm bill moving ahead. I look forward to continuing the conversation with Minnesota Farm Bureau and other stakeholders as we progress on this bill. Point of View with Chris Berg Earlier this week I was a guest on Point of View with Chris Berg. We talked about Senator Frankens resignation, the appointment of Lt. Governor Tina Smith to the Senate, and the current GOP tax plan. I think my Republica… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ellison-on-honduran-election | Rep. Ellison on Honduran Election | 2017-12-18 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Keith Ellison | E000288 | ellison.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONRep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) issued the following statement after Honduras electoral commission declared right-wing incumbent Juan Orlando Hernndez as the winner of the November 26 presidential election: Whats happening in Honduras is an affront to people across the world who believe in the rule of law and government accountability. The Honduran presidential election has been stained by repeated inconsistencies, flaws, and allegations of fraud so widespread, credible and severe that the Organization of American States has already determined that elections lacked integrity and has expressed serious doubts about the results. They are right, and the Honduran people are owed either a full recount of the vote or a new election. Additionally, our State Department has to make clear that we will not tolerate when aforeign government starts to crack down on nonviolent protest within its borders. 22 protesters have already lost their lives at the hands of state-sponsored violence in Honduras, and we in the United States have to speak clearly in denouncing that abuse of power. The Honduran people deserve the right to a free and fair election, and to voice dissent without fear of violence. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/the-monday-report/hijacked | Hijacked! | 2017-12-18 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | The Internets Been Hijacked! Our Twitter graphic calling attention to the end of net neutrality went viral last week. The point is this is what the Slow Lane of the Internet could soon look like. Dear Friend, The Trump faction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has hijacked the Internet for super-rich corporate America.Ignoring protests submitted by millions of regular consumers, the FCCs Republican majority voted last week toend net neutrality. Ive already joined with a number of my colleagues in sponsoring legislation to reverse this anti-consumer decision.But in the meantime,out the door will go rules that have prevented giant telecom corporations like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast from creating a two-lane Internet a fast lane for the wealthy who can pay, and a slow lane or no lane at all for everyone else left behind. Now for example, with net neutrality rules gone, big box mega-store chains can pay their Internet service providers a premium price to speed online circulars to customers. Meanwhile, regular priced online offers from your local, family-owned hardware store will wait their turn. Anddont be surprised when your Internet provider begins offering high-priced service plans that look like Cable TV where you have to buy lots of channels you dont want to get the few you like and use. In short,the end of net neutrality will be bad for consumers, bad for small businesses, and bad for everyone who has come to depend on fast, dependable Internet in daily life.Mark my words Im going to do all I can to put the Internet back in the hands of regular people not wealthy service providers and the huge corporate interests that can pay for Cadillac level service others cant afford. We will keep you posted as events proceed. Meanwhile, I want to hear your thoughts. Feel free to contact any of our offices listed below orsend me an email. Sincerely, Read the full letter HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=636ED4FF-546F-43BD-9DDB-67B6A1719282 | Klobuchar, Markey, Blumenthal, Hirono Introduce Legislation to Encourage Young People to Vote | 2017-12-18 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Millennials and young voters make up 31 percent of the electorate but have the lowest turnout of any age group; In a study of voter registration, 24 percent of young people cited difficulties in the process for their failing to register, saying they did not know where or how to register to vote The Students Voicing Opinions in Todays Elections (VOTE) Act would create a pilot program to educate high school seniors about registering to vote WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) have introduced legislation to encourage young people to vote. Millennials and young voters make up 31 percent of the electorate but have the lowest turnout of any age group. In a study of young voter registration, 24 percent of young people cited difficulties in the process for their failing to register, saying they did not know where or how to register to vote. The Students Voicing Opinions in Todays Elections (VOTE) Act would create a pilot program to educate high school seniors about registering to vote. It has never been more important for young people to make their voices heard, and voting is one big way to do just that, Klobuchar said. Our bill would help empower high school seniors with the knowledge they need to register to vote as soon as they are eligible and make those voices count. This measure engages new voters when they are still in high school and strengthens our democracy, Blumenthal said. This first of its kind pilot program will inform and inspire the youngest generation invigorating a key demographic as we seek to engage all Americans in a truly participatory democracy. At a critical juncture in American history, our bill recognizes that our democracy is at its strongest when every voice is heard. While young people make up an increasing percentage of the electorate, those numbers are not reflected at the polls, Hirono said. The Students VOTE Act would give schools critical resources to help new voters register and encourage you… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=10260004-A91D-467E-B4D2-756C23B18D2C | Klobuchar Pushes to Restore FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules | 2017-12-15 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | CRA resolution would reinstate robust net neutrality protections and the Open Internet Order WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), along with Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and 14 other senators, announced a plan to introduce a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution that would undo yesterdays action by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and restore the 2015 net neutrality rules. On Thursday, the FCC approved an item to eliminate protections that prevented internet service providers from setting up internet fast and slow lanes and ensured they could not block, slow down or prioritize internet traffic. As a strong supporter of a free and open internet, I was extremely disappointed in the Federal Communications Commissions vote to eliminate net neutrality rulesa vote that will harm our rural communities, consumers, and small businesses, Klobuchar said. We must continue the fight to preserve net neutrality protections. With this action, Congress can push back on the Federal Communications Commissions decision to repeal protections that keep the internet free and open. A copy of the CRA can be found HERE. Other senators co-sponsoring the CRA resolution include Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (DCT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Gary Peters (D-MI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=A75E3410-12CE-4760-976D-143387AD6B3E | Klobuchar Statement on Disney’s Potential Acquisition of 21st Century Fox | 2017-12-15 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar released the following statement on the announcement of The Walt Disney Companys potential acquisition of 21st Century Fox: "This week we have seen the announcement of another industry-changing merger, which would have major implications in television, film, and media. Yesterday, Disney announced that it is acquiring 21st Century Foxs film and television studios, cable entertainment networks, and international television businesses. Im concerned about the impact of this transaction on American consumers. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, I have asked Senator Lee, who has worked closely with me in this area in the past, and Chairman Grassley to schedule a hearing on the proposed merger so that there is appropriate oversight over the antitrust review process. Klobuchar is the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights. She has chaired or been the Ranking Democrat on hearings regarding mergers in the telecommunications, health insurance, airlines, music publishing, beer, and contact lens industries. This week she met with Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim about current issues in antitrust law and policy and the need for continued vigilance in this area. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=D3E7E839-650C-4394-AB3B-FF212F19AB24 | Klobuchar Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Enhance American Timber Economy | 2017-12-15 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | The Good Neighbor Authority Improvement Act would update Good Neighbor Authority to avoid timber harvest delays, allow needed road repairs WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has cosponsored the bipartisan Good Neighbor Authority Improvement Act to amend the 2014 Farm Bill to allow the Forest Services Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) to cover forest management efforts that require road repair, improve forest access, and complete stalled Forest Service projects. The Good Neighbor Authority Improvement Act proactively addresses the need to conduct road repairs in order to complete Forest Service projects in the next few years. This modification also supports ecosystem goals by improving forest health, restoring wildlife and fish habitat, and improving water quality. The legislation was introduced by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and is also cosponsored by Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI). Minnesotas forests dont just provide recreational opportunities and environmental benefits. They can also sustain rural economies, said Klobuchar. This bipartisan bill will continue to encourage collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service and state agencies to undertake forest management projects, which will help protect water resources, enhance wildlife habitat, restore forest health, and strengthen our local economies. The Good Neighbor Authority Improvement Act is supported by the Federal Forest Resource Coalition, Forest Resources Association, National Association of State Foresters, Hardwood Federation, Boone and Crockett Club, and the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association. Klobuchar has urged the U.S. Forest Service to quickly implement Good Neighbor Authority and to use the authority to facilitate approved timber sales that may not be feasible with the agencys current resources and staffing levels. The forest products industry and related sectors have grown to support 40,000 jobs in Minnesota and directly contribute $9.7 billion in economic output. In a letter to the Supervisor of the Superior National For… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-condemns-net-neutrality-repeal-announces-intent-co-sponsor-legislation | McCollum Condemns Net Neutrality Repeal, Announces Intent to Co-Sponsor Legislation to Save Net Neutrality | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) today condemned the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to repeal net neutrality rules and announced her intention to co-sponsor new legislation to overturn the FCC’s decision. “Net neutrality is a cornerstone of a free and open internet. The FCC’s partisan decision to end this basic principle is yet another example of how Republicans are padding the pockets of big corporations at the expense of consumers and small businesses,” Congresswoman McCollum said. Congresswoman McCollum also announced her intention to join Congressman Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) and other House Democrats on legislation to use the Congressional Review Act to overturn the FCC’s decision and restore net neutrality. “Congress has the power to overturn the FCC’s terrible decision, and we should use it,” Congresswoman McCollum said. “I am proud to join House Democrats in support of commonsense legislation to nullify this decision, preserve net neutrality, and save the internet.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/democrats-push-to-add-pension-fix-to-spending-bill | Democrats push to add pension fix to spending bill | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | Top Democrats joined with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on Wednesday to demand that the government spending bill include rescues for struggling pension plans such as the Teamsters' Central States plan. "At the same time that we are doing a $1.5 trillion tax cut for the rich we ought to be able to find a few billions for workers' pensions," Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., said at a rally Wednesday on Capitol Hill hosted by the Teamsters. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., were among those who attended the event. Democrats said they were making pension plan rescues one of the demands for reaching a deal with the Republican leadership on the spending package. "Leader Schumer and Speaker Pelosi have made it clear to the president and the Republican leadership that the end-of-the-year spending bill has got to include the Butch Lewis Act," said Rep. Rick Nolan, D-Minn., referring to the main legislative vehicle to aid ailing pension funds. The legislation, authored by Sen Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, would direct the Treasury Department to loan funds to ailing plans at very low interest rates. Pelosi did not guarantee success however, saying instead that "we will try" to add the legislation at every opportunity. A short-term government funding bill runs out Dec. 22. Many pension programs, especially multiemployer ones, are drastically underfunded. Thomas Reeder, director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, told a congressional panel last month that pension premiums paid into his organization had been "too low for too long" to insure the nation's pension plans. The PBGC's multiemployer plan covers 10 million workers and retirees in about 1,400 plans. It has liabilities of $67.3 billion but assets of just $2.3 billion to cover them. One of the most troubled is the Teamsters Central States fund, which was listed as in "critical and declining status" earlier this year by the Labor Department. The maximum a person can receive from the PBGC should a plan f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=9346E5A8-929B-4B61-A00F-7F535D485133 | Klobuchar Requests Additional Information Regarding Department of Justice Review of Guidelines on Subpoenas for News Organizations | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | The Department’s current guidelines, which were last updated in 2015, protect reporters engaged in “newsgathering activities” from being prosecuted for doing their job; The 2015 revisions also expand high-level review, including review by the Attorney General, to enforce a subpoena against a media organization In a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Klobuchar expresses concerns about any potential action to weaken the existing protections for journalists in light of their previous exchanges before the Judiciary Committee this year WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has requested additional information regarding the Department of Justice’s review of its guidelines on subpoenas for news organizations. The Department’s current guidelines, which were last updated in 2015, protect reporters engaged in “newsgathering activities” from being prosecuted for doing their job. The 2015 revisions also expand high-level review, including review by the Attorney General, to enforce a subpoena against a media organization. In a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Klobuchar expresses concerns about any potential action to weaken the existing protections for journalists in light of their previous exchanges before the Judiciary Committee this year. “I write to request additional information regarding the Department of Justice’s review of its guidelines on subpoenas for news organizations, which was announced in August…I am particularly concerned about any potential action to weaken the existing protections for journalists in light of our previous exchanges before the Judiciary Committee this year,” Klobuchar wrote. “At the same time, you acknowledged in your confirmation hearing that ‘there is a broadly recognized and proper deference to the news media’ within the Department with respect to protections for journalists, and it is my hope that that same appreciation for the media’s role is seriously considered as part of the Department’s current effort.” During his confirmation hearing and at a Judiciary C… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=9CAFF7B4-E736-414B-A54D-6633B29E8E50 | Klobuchar Statement on Net Neutrality Vote | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) today released the following statement on the Federal Communications Commissions net neutrality vote. As a strong supporter of a free and open internet, I am opposed to the Federal Communications Commissions vote to eliminate net neutrality rules. These important protections prevent internet service providers from blocking, slowing and prioritizing web traffic. This vote will harm consumers, particularly in rural areas. It will limit competition. And it will hurt small business entrepreneurship and innovation. I will continue to push for a free and open internet. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/press-release/peterson-statement-governor-dayton%E2%80%99s-decision-appoint-lt-governor-tina-smith-us-senate | Peterson statement on Governor Daytons decision to appoint Lt. Governor Tina Smith to the U.S. Senate | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Collin C. Peterson made the following statement today after Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton appointed Lt. Governor Tina Smith to the U.S. Senate. “I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Lt. Governor Smith over the years and she has always been attentive to issues important to Greater Minnesota,” Peterson said. “In addition to her experience as Lieutenant Governor, she is a good shot, taking a pheasant at my Pheasant Hunt. I look forward to working with her in her new role as U.S. Senator for the people of Minnesota.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ellison-statement-on-us-senate-appointment | Ellison Statement on U.S. Senate Appointment | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Keith Ellison | E000288 | ellison.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON — After Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton announced his appointment of Lt. Gov Tina Flint Smith to the U.S. Senate, Rep. Keith Ellison issued the following statement: "Congratulations to my friend Tina Flint Smith on her appointment to the U.S. Senate. Tina is a progressive champion who will be an extraordinary senator for the people of Minnesota. From expanding broadband access in rural areas to investing in early childhood education, Tina has always put working people ahead of special interests, and that’s what she’ll do in the Senate. I look forward to working with her to protect health care, stand for respect for all, and fight for Minnesota families. Tina Smith is the right person at the right time and has my full support both now and when she runs in the 2018 special election.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ellison-on-hr-435-passage-in-financial-services-committee | Rep. Ellison on H.R. 435 Passage in Financial Services Committee | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Keith Ellison | E000288 | ellison.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON—Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) issued the following statement after a bill he authored, The Credit Access and Inclusion Act, passed in Financial Services Committee by a unanimous vote of 60-0: “Right now, we have a credit system stacked against working families. Even if someone makes nine out of every ten bill payments on time, only the one missed payment is usually recorded on someone’s credit score. This negative-only bias of credit reporting results in people receiving scores that do not accurately reflect their ability and willingness to pay loans. "More than 50 million Americans have no credit information, outdated information or too few credit lines to score. Those without a credit score pay more for insurance and deposits and may be unable to rent a house or get a loan. That’s a serious problem, and this bill helps to fix it. By fixing existing regulations, this bill helps people with no credit history as well as people across the country who deserve higher credit scores than they are currently stuck with. It is my hope that as this bill moves forward, housing providers and telecom and utility firms can easily help their customers build an accurate credit score by getting credit for paying the bills they already pay regularly.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3808 | Sen. Frankens Statement on Appointment of Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith to Serve as United States Senator for Minnesota | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Al Franken | F000457 | franken.senate.gov | legacy | There are no related items at this time. There are no related items at this time. There are no related items at this time. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-appointment-lt-gov-tina-smith-us-senate | McCollum Statement on Appointment of Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to the U.S. Senate | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement on Governor Mark Dayton’s appointment of Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith to serve in the United States Senate: “Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith is an outstanding choice to be Minnesota’s next United States Senator. I have worked with Tina for years — she is a good friend, an incredibly hard worker, and a woman who is totally committed to our state. “Tina will be a fierce advocate for families, work for good jobs, and fight to protect health care for all Minnesotans. I look forward to working with her in Congress to continue building a country where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-introduces-legislation-to-protect-social-security-medicare-and | Nolan Introduces Legislation to Protect Social Security, Medicare, And Medicaid And Calls on Tax Conferees to Uphold President Trumps Promise of No Cuts | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON D.C.] With significant cuts to Medicare providers looming under the pending Republican Tax Bill, U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan today introduced legislation (H.Res.659) intended to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid from any cuts in any bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report considered by the House. Rep. Nolan also called on the tax conferees to uphold President Trump’s promise of “no cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid” in their tax bill negotiations. “The bottom line is, there must be absolutely no cuts to Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid in the tax bill or any bill,” said Nolan. “Americans have earned and paid into these benefit funds through honest hard work, and they deserve every penny that they were promised. I call on House leadership to adopt my resolution right away.” The Nolan resolution, if adopted, would amend House Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) by establishing a Point of Order (thus effectively blocking action) on any bill, joint resolution, amendment, amendment between the Houses, or conference report that would (1) result in a reduction of guaranteed benefits scheduled under title II of the Social Security Act; (2) increase either the early or full retirement age for Social Security benefits; (3) privatize Social Security; (4) result in a reduction of guaranteed benefits for individuals entitled to, or enrolled for, benefits under Medicare; or (5) result in a reduction of benefits or eligibility for individuals enrolled in, or eligible to receive medical assistance under Medicaid. The full text of Rep. Nolan’s letter to the tax conferees is copied below: Dear Conferees, Please uphold President Trump’s promise to voters of “no cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid” as you resolve differences between the chambers on the tax proposal. The threat of these cuts, especially to Medicare, is very real. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recently provided an explanation of the impact H.R. 1 and its $1.5 trillion deficit in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-statement-on-dayton-appointment-of-tina-smith-to-be-next-minnesota | Nolan Statement on Dayton Appointment of Tina Smith To be Next Minnesota United States Senator | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan today released the following statement on Governor Dayton’s appointment of Lt. Governor Tina Smith to be the next Minnesota United States Senator: “Tina Smith has proven through her years of public service and recent work as Lt. Governor that she has the credentials, the integrity, and the dedication to improving Minnesotans’ lives that will make her a tremendous Senator for Minnesota. She has my full support and I am confident she will represent Minnesota with distinction in the United States Senate.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=855E0B2B-8F95-4C01-A33A-8988CD5D748D | Klobuchar Statement on Governor Dayton’s Senate Appointment | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today released the following statement on Governor Dayton’s appointment of Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith to the U.S. Senate. “During her years of experience serving our state, Lieutenant Governor Smith has shown herself to be a capable and effective leader who has worked to improve the lives of Minnesotans. She is well-qualified to step into this role and will be ready to hit the ground running. “We have a lot to get done over the next year--from strengthening our infrastructure to reducing the high cost of prescription drugs to ensuring our workers have the skills they need to get good jobs--and I look forward to working with Lieutenant Governor Smith on these critical issues.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/letter-to-fcc-chair-to-protect-net-neutrality | Letter to FCC Chair to Protect Net Neutrality | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Keith Ellison | E000288 | ellison.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON—Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) and 33 of his Democratic colleagues signed onto the following letter opposing FCC Chairman Ajit Pai's plan to repeal Title II protection for net neutrality: | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-writes-nation-human-rights-palestinian-children | McCollum Writes In The Nation on Human Rights for Palestinian Children | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) wrote in The Nation about her legislation — the Promoting Human Rights by Ending Israeli Military Detention of Palestinian Children Act, H.R. 4391 — that prevents United States tax dollars from supporting the Israeli military’s ongoing detention and mistreatment of Palestinian children. "The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has persisted for decades, including 50 years of Israeli military occupation of Palestinian lands. To help sustain the occupation, Israel’s military and police forces have arrested, interrogated, and imprisoned thousands of Palestinian children, mostly for throwing stones. Israel’s military court and detention system is unique in the world in its systematic incarceration of children, in this case Palestinian children. It is a system that denies basic due-process rights and is cruel, inhumane, and degrading. "It should not require tremendous moral courage to stand up for the human rights of children. Sadly, the exception appears to be when those children are Palestinian. I firmly believe that Palestinian children deserve to be treated with the same humanity, dignity, and human rights as any child anywhere, including children in the United States or Israel. "For Israel, this means honoring its international commitments and ending the widespread and systematic cruel and inhumane treatment of Palestinian children. For the United States, it means prohibiting American funds from being used to support Israel’s abusive military detention of children and requiring the State Department to certify Israel’s compliance. The full text of Congresswoman McCollum's op-ed can be found here. Resources on H.R. 4391 and the Congresswomna's work to promote human rights for Palestinian children can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=408569AA-B36F-458E-B262-F37B4DAC626B | Klobuchar, Peters to Federal Communications Commission: Order to Repeal Net Neutrality Protections Would “Take Us in the Wrong Direction” | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Minnesota and Michigan are home to hundreds of thousands of small businesses; Without strong net neutrality protections small businesses and startups will face new barriers to compete in the online marketplace In a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai, Klobuchar and Peters express their opposition to the recently released draft order to eliminate net neutrality protections; The senators also call on the FCC to focus its efforts on closing the digital divide rather than creating an online environment in which the success of small businesses and consumers is at the mercy of large internet service providers who are not bound to the doctrine of a free and open internet WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Gary Peters (D-MI), members of the Senate Commerce Committee, have said that the order to repeal net neutrality protections would “take us in the wrong direction.” Minnesota and Michigan are home to hundreds of thousands of small businesses. Without strong net neutrality protections small businesses and startups will face new barriers to compete in the online marketplace. In a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai, Klobuchar and Peters express their opposition to the recently released draft order to eliminate net neutrality protections. The senators also call on the FCC to focus its efforts on closing the digital divide rather than creating an online environment in which the success of small businesses and consumers is at the mercy of large internet service providers who are not bound to the doctrine of a free and open internet. “As members of the Senate Commerce Committee and strong supporters of an open internet, we write to express our opposition to the recently released draft order to eliminate net neutrality protections. Net neutrality is critical to the competitiveness of our economy and the health of small businesses and startups,” the senators wrote. “Both Minnesota and Michigan are home to hundreds of thousands of sma… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-1282017 | Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/8/2017 | 2017-12-11 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | 2017 National Christmas Tree Dear Friends, This week the House of Representatives passed a two-week Continuing Resolution as a stop-gap measure to keep the government funded. It is time that we worked together to create a bipartisan long-term funding solution that keeps our country running. Too many critical programs rely on our federal budget to allow partisan bickering to halt these deliberations. I will continue to work with all my colleagues to reach a deal that puts the American people first. Sincerely, Congressman Collin C. Peterson Minnesota 7th District International Franchise Association This week, I met with members of the International Franchise Association to discuss tax legislation. At the same, I was awarded the Franchise Small Business Award for my efforts to promote a strong economy for small businesses. I will keep working to ensure our local businesses have efficient and responsible assistance to keep growing. Western Peanut Growers On Thursday, I met with representatives from the Western Peanut Growers. We discussed the swings in their market over the last couple of years as well as their priorities for the farm bill. Although the peanut program has been working well, the trouble with cotton has spilled over into peanuts. Farm policy needs to function for all commodities and I'm working to make sure that it does. National Restaurant Association This week, I met with Cicely Simpson of the National Restaurants Association to discuss issues that impact restauranteurs and franchises. We discussed how changes to the tax code would affect their operations as well as a few recent votes related to the food service industry. I am happy to keep working in Congress to create a more business-friendly environment so industries like the restaurant industry can keep serving consumers across Minnesota. USDA Farm Service Agency Last week, I met with senior staff from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) and from Secretary Perdue’s office to talk about plans to reform and simplify the Conservation Reserve… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/the-monday-report/six-big-things | Six BIG Things | 2017-12-11 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | Six Big Things You Need to Know About Congressman Rick Nolan’s Position on Mining in Northern Minnesota Mining will never, ever be permitted in the BWCA. And as an original cosponsor of the legislation that established the BWCA, I will never support any bill, or any project - mining or otherwise - that could damage this precious and pristine national treasure. Dear Friend, We have the brains, the technology and the ability to protect our precious environment here in Minnesota and create good paying mining jobs for generations to come. Fear and misinformation must not be permitted to misrepresent the facts about our efforts to preserve and protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) – or legislation in Congress that would remove some barriers to copper and nickel mining on Minnesota’s Iron Range where these activities are permitted by law. Here are the facts in a nutshell: 1. There can be NO mining in the BWCA – EVER! Mining will never, ever be permitted in the BWCA. And as an original cosponsor of legislation that established the BWCA, I will never support any bill, or any project – mining or otherwise – that could damage those precious and pristine national treasures. 2. My Superior National Forest Land Exchange bill won’t affect the BWCA in any way – and does not interfere with any state or federal agencies that must approve the PolyMet mining project before it can go forward. Whether or not the PolyMet mining project is ever approved, the land exchange is a good deal for taxpayers who get more valuable land, more timber, more lakeshore, more wild rice waters, more wetlands and more access to recreation and enjoyment. 3. The MINER bill, which I supported in the House, does not allow mining or mining exploration in the BWCA. And it specifically requires rigorous environmental review of any mining leases issued under its provisions. Here is the language in the bill pertaining to the BWCA: “Nothing in this section may be construed as permitting the prospecting for development and uti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=52AEE817-ACB9-40BF-8455-730098DD91C4 | Klobuchar, Young, Blunt Encourage Ethiopian Prime Minister to Honor Adoptions | 2017-12-11 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | The Ethiopian government’s decision to halt international adoptions left more than 200 U.S. families — including the Nortons of St. Louis Park — in a difficult and heartbreaking position; After Klobuchar successfully pushed to secure visas for the Nortons’ sons, she met with the family to celebrate their reunion in October WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and a bipartisan group of senators urged the Prime Minister of Ethiopia to honor more than 200 international adoptions that have been halted by the Ethiopian government. In a letter to Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Klobuchar, along with Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), encouraged the Prime Minister to lift newly placed restrictions on pending adoptions. The Ethiopian government’s decision to halt international adoptions left more than 200 U.S. families — including David and Katie Norton of St. Louis Park — in a difficult and heartbreaking position. Senator Klobuchar successfully helped them receive the necessary documents to apply for a U.S. visa, allowing the Nortons to bring home their two sons in early August. Klobuchar met with the family to celebrate their reunion in October. “There are more than 200 cases in which American families have pending adoptions in various phases of completion,” the senators wrote. “We believe that Ethiopia’s pursuit of new adoption legislation must not prevent children who have already been matched with adoptive families from having the opportunity to complete their adoptions according to the law under which they were initiated.” In May, Senator Young and the co-chairs of the Senate's Adoption Caucus, Senators Klobuchar and Blunt, led a letter signed by 122 members of Congress to Prime Minister Desalegn urging the nation to reconsider its decision to halt international adoptions. Their action helped unite dozens of families whose adoptions had been finalized but the children were not being allowed to leave the country. Today’s letter seeks to help the remaining children and their w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/press-release/peterson-statement-senator-franken%E2%80%99s-resignation | Peterson statement on Senator Frankens resignation | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Collin C. Peterson made the following statement after Senator Franken’s decision to resign from the Senate. “The behavior described in these continued allegations is out of line and unacceptable. Senator Franken is making the right choice by resigning,” Peterson said. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ellison-statement-on-sen-al-frankens-resignation | Ellison Statement on Sen. Al Franken's Resignation | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Keith Ellison | E000288 | ellison.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Following Sen. Al Franken's decision to resign from the U.S. Senate, Rep. Keith Ellison issued the following statement: "I commend the brave women who have come forward in recent weeks to share their experience of sexual harassment and assault. Their courage is immense, and has sparked a long overdue national reckoning with persistent inequities and injustices in our society. "I am grateful for Al Franken’s progressive record of accomplishment over the years—from his forceful advocacy for a free and open internet, to his important work helping to shape the Affordable Care Act, to his support for policies that improve the lives of women, including championing the Violence Against Women Act. Still, as elected officials, we must stand for safe communities and work environments for everyone. Sen. Franken's decision to resign shows a strength of character that other elected officials haven’t. Al’s decision is the right one, and will bring us one step closer towards a society of true justice and equality for all." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3807 | Sen. Frankens Speech on the Senate Floor | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Al Franken | F000457 | franken.senate.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Senator Al Franken gave the following speech as prepared for delivery on the Senate floor. You can also download a video of the speech here. A couple of months ago, I felt that we had entered an important moment in the history of this country. We were finally beginning to listen to women about the ways in which men's actions affect them. That moment was long overdue. I was excited for that conversation, and hopeful that it would result in real change that made life better for women all across the country and in every part of our society. Then, the conversation turned to me. Over the last few weeks, a number of women have come forward to talk about how they felt my actions had affected them. I was shocked. I was upset. But in responding to their claims, I also wanted to be respectful of that broader conversation, because all women deserve to be heard, and their experiences taken seriously. I think that was the right thing to do. I also think it gave some people the false impression that I was admitting to doing things that, in fact, I haven't done. Some of the allegations against me are simply not true. Others, I remember very differently. I said at the outset that the Ethics Committee was the right venue for these allegations to be heard, and investigated, and evaluated on their merits. That I was prepared to cooperate fully. And that I was confident in the outcome. You know, an important part of the conversation we've been having the last few months has been about how men abuse their power and privilege to hurt women. I am proud that, during my time in the Senate, I have used my power to be a champion for women - and that I have earned a reputation as someone who respects the women I work alongside every day. I know there's been a very different picture of me painted over the last few weeks. But I know who I really am. Serving in the United States Senate has been the great honor of my life. I know in my heart that nothing I have done as a Senator - nothing - has brought dishonor on … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-resignation-senator-al-franken | McCollum Statement on Resignation of Senator Al Franken | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement on the resignation of Senator Al Franken: “Today is a sad day for Minnesota. Senator Al Franken has been more than a colleague — he has been a friend and an ally on the issues that are most important to Minnesota families. Al’s voice and vote were instrumental in extending health care to millions of Americans, helping our students succeed, and upholding our commitments to tribal nations. “As we move forward, I know that Governor Mark Dayton will appoint a qualified person to serve Minnesotans in the Senate. I look forward to working with our new Senator to help Minnesota families and stand up to President Trump and the Republicans’ divisive agenda.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-democrats-take-issue-with-big-mergers | House Democrats Take Issue With Big Mergers | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | A bill that would direct antitrust agencies to study the impact of mergers marks the first legislative step of the newly-formed House Antitrust Caucus and underscores how cracking down on corporate consolidation is a growing issue for congressional Democrats. The effort comes in the wake of major mergers, like Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market Inc., that some advocates said would hurt workers and competition. The legislation, which doesn’t yet have a bill number, was introduced Dec. 4 by seven Democrats. It would require the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to assess a merger’s effect on price and quality of products, along with job cuts and pay. It’s intended to “curb the harmful effects of corporate monopolization on working people,” said the bill’s lead sponsor, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), in a statement. Ellison is also deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and the bill is likely to function as a campaign tool as well as an attempt to amend antitrust law. So far, the measure has no Republican cosponsors. Even if it doesn’t go anywhere, Democrats can point to it as an effort to address their constituents’ concerns about big companies. The other sponsors are David Cicilline (D-R.I.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Rick Nolan (D-Minn.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), and Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.). Five Mergers a Year The bill would require the FTC and the DOJ antitrust division to select at least five mergers a year for analysis. Antitrust officials already conduct merger retrospectives, but their analyses are narrowly targeted on price effects and quality and don’t focus on factors like salaries and job losses. The bill would require the regulators’ reviews to also take into account the effectiveness of divestitures or other remedies, facility closures and job cuts resulting from the merger, any changes in employee salaries, and the deal’s impact on investment in research and development. Those results also would be made public under the bill. Some of the sponsors are… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walz-statement-on-senator-franken | Walz Statement on Senator Franken | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tim Walz | W000799 | walz.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tim Walz (MN-01) released the following statement concerning Senator Franken: “Like many Minnesotans, I have been deeply disappointed by the serious allegations against Senator Franken. I have served with Senator Franken for eight years in the U.S. Congress and he has accomplished a lot of good for Minnesotans. But I believe the pattern of his behavior is unacceptable and his ability to continue to effectively serve Minnesotans has been irreparably compromised. For the good of Minnesotans and the American people, I believe Senator Franken has made the right decision in stepping aside.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=A5C80467-5C7E-4286-9920-3F9FC0ABD099 | Klobuchar Statement on the Resignation of Senator Al Franken | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today released the following statement on the resignation of Senator Al Franken: “Today Senator Franken acknowledged that he could no longer serve in the Senate and resigned. As he and I discussed yesterday, this is the right decision. Senator Franken has worked for years on behalf of the people of Minnesota and he has been a leader on issues that are fundamental to Americans’ lives, including education, privacy, healthcare and mental health. He has been a friend to me and to many in our state. “As the women who have come forward to tell their stories across America have made clear, sexual harassment is never acceptable. In every workplace in America, including the U.S. Senate, we must confront the challenges of harassment and misconduct. Nothing is easy or pleasant about this, but we all must recognize that our workplace cultures—and the way we treat each other as human beings—must change. “For Franni, the Franken family, Senator Franken’s friends and supporters in our state, it’s a very tough day. I want you to know I remain as committed as ever to working together and standing up for people, for common decency, and for our democracy during an incredibly difficult and divisive time in our country. And as we go forward together, we must never forget the words of Senator Paul Wellstone, whom Senator Franken quoted in part today, ‘Politics is not about power. Politics is not about money. Politics is not about winning for the sake of winning. Politics is about the improvement of people’s lives.’” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ellison-on-trump-s-decision-to-recognize-jerusalem-as-the-capital-of | Rep. Ellison on Trumps Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Keith Ellison | E000288 | ellison.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON—Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel: “President Trump’s decision today to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel impedes the Israel-Palestine peace process, jeopardizes the safety of U.S. personnel stationed abroad, and seriously limits the U.S.’s ability to serve as an effective broker in the future. Trump irresponsibly broke with decades of precedent in order to fulfill a dangerous campaign promise, and did so despite the warnings of leaders around the world. This White House continues to play politics with issues of national security and international peace, and its reckless decision making should concern us all.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-president-trumps-recognition-jerusalem-israel-s-capital | McCollum Statement on President Trump's Recognition of Jerusalem as Israels Capital | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after it was reported that President Donald Trump will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and begin the process of relocating the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: “President Donald Trump’s decision to extend American recognition to Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is an unnecessary and irresponsible act designed solely to appease the most extreme ideologues in Israel and the United States. The President is willfully abdicating the United States’ role as a peacemaker in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ending any hope of a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state. “President Trump’s decision sabotages relations with the Palestinians, threatens to stoke even more conflict in the Middle East, and further embarrasses the United States in the world.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-senator-al-franken | McCollum Statement on Senator Al Franken | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement on Senator Al Franken: “The allegations against Senator Al Franken make it impossible for him to be an effective Senator for Minnesota. When he makes his announcement tomorrow, I have every confidence that he will do the right thing for Minnesota and our country.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressmans-view-tax-bill-mercedes-for-the-rich-hubcaps-for-the-middle | Congressman's View: Tax bill: Mercedes for the rich, hubcaps for the middle class | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | Each of these aspects of the bill is terrible in its own right. But combined, they constitute nothing less than a scam of historic proportions upon the American people. At the heart of the Republican tax bill is the age-old myth of so-called "trickle-down economics." Reward the rich, so goes the argument, and they will create more jobs and higher wages for the middle class. But the truth is, trickle-down economics has never worked. If you give the average CEO extra revenue, he or she is far more likely to hold onto that extra money than to create jobs or raise wages with it. In fact, according to 2017 Federal Reserve data, corporate America is hoarding a record nearly $2.3 trillion of cash. What's more, the National Bureau of Economic Research published a study that found "little evidence that corporate tax cuts boost economic activity" unless implemented in a recession. Any way you look at it, this tax bill disproportionately rewards the rich and gives the middle class almost nothing. It reminds me of what U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy once said about a past Republican tax plan: If you're a CEO, this plan hands you enough money to buy a Mercedes, but if you're a teacher or a nurse or a retail employee, it only gives you enough to buy a hubcap. Working families shouldn't be left standing on the side of the road, holding a hubcap while the super rich roll by in their fleet of Mercedes. If that's not bad enough, millions of middle-class families actually would see their taxes increase under the Republican tax bill. According to the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation, up to 16 million Americans would see their taxes go up under this plan. This increase would be partially due to the number of tax exemptions Republicans plan to repeal. For instance, the House Republican bill, which I voted against, would repeal the deduction for medical expenses like surgeries and vision care, meaning that chronically ill patients and their families could be hit hard with higher costs. The House bill also would prev… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-calls-on-congressional-leadership-to-find-immediate-fix-to-pension | Nolan Calls on Congressional Leadership to Find Immediate Fix to Pension Crisis In End-of-Year Budget Meeting with President Trump | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | [WASHINGTON D.C.] Rep Rick Nolan today called on Congressional leadership to find an immediate fix to the pension crisis as part of the end-of-year budget negotiations with President Trump. In his letter, Rep. Nolan pressed for solutions such as the President establishing a Pension Rehabilitation Administration within the Treasury Department that would help retirees received their full hard-earned pension benefits. “The bottom line is, we must not gut the pensions of the hardworking people in this country who contributed to – and earned – every penny of their pensions,” Nolan wrote. “I urge you to discuss pragmatic, fair-minded solutions to fix the pension crisis that do not force retirees to bear the burden of the pension deficit.” Rep. Nolan’s letter urges Congressional leadership to make the right decision to prioritize the retirees’ pension funds, and not repeat the mistake made in past budget negotiations of gutting retirees’ earned pension benefits. In 2014, the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act of 2014, an 11th-hour, last-ditch provision to the omnibus spending bill, gave the Treasury Department the ability to gut promised pension benefits for retirees. Rep. Nolan voted against this legislation in 2014 and urged Congressional leadership to find a new solution that protects retirees and their hard-earned pensions. In addition to calling for a fix to the pension crisis, Rep. Nolan’s letter also called for strong investments in domestic human development, public health, and infrastructure in the upcoming budget. The full letter is copied below. Dear Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Speaker Ryan, and Leader Pelosi: I urge you to press for an immediate fix to America’s pension crisis in your planned bipartisan, bicameral FY2018 budget meeting with President Trump tomorrow. This issue is a key priority both to my constituents in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District and to hardworking Americans across the country. There are a number of proposals on the table that would help prevent the insolve… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walz-statement-on-hr-38 | Walz Statement on H.R. 38 | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tim Walz | W000799 | walz.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tim Walz (MN-01) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 38: “As a 24-year veteran of the Army National Guard, I firmly believe in protecting the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, including an individual’s right to bear arms. I also understand the importance of preserving America’s unique hunting and recreational shooting heritage, as I am an avid sportsman myself. “However, by excluding important protections such as an audit of state guns laws and their impacts on public safety, H.R. 38 fails to ensure our federal laws reflect the needs of the states. This bill would upend each state’s carefully considered judgements about public safety and override determinations made about the specific needs of any given state and its communities. It is for this reason that I cannot support this legislation. “Moreover, I am deeply disappointed that House Republicans have chosen to lump H.R.38 with the Fix NICS Act, a bipartisan bill that aims to ensure domestic violence records are properly and swiftly reported to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS. I fully support the provisions of the Fix NICS Act and I am disappointed my Republican colleagues are playing politics with public safety. “Commonsense gun safety and responsible gun ownership can coexist. I will continue to be an advocate for sensible laws that protect our safety while also supporting the Second Amendment rights law-abiding gun owners hold dear.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=FAEC3ADF-07C0-4CF1-ADC2-B41EC1B585FF | Statement from Minnesota State Director Ben Hill | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following statement was released today from U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Minnesota State Director, Ben Hill: “Senator Klobuchar personally spoke with Senator Franken this morning. As has been reported, he will be making an announcement tomorrow morning.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-condemns-ethnic-cleansing-rohingya-urges-resolution-humanitarian | McCollum Condemns Ethnic Cleansing of Rohingya, Urges Resolution to Humanitarian Crisis | 2017-12-05 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in support of H. Con. Res. 90, which condemns the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya in Burma and calls for an end to the attacks in and an immediate restoration of humanitarian access to the state of Rakhine in Burma. Congresswoman McCollum visited Burma and Bangladesh on a Congressional fact-finding mission last month. Video of Congresswoman McCollum's remarks is here. Congresswoman McCollum's full remarks are below: "Mr. Speaker, last month I visited Burma and Bangladesh on a Congressional fact-finding mission. Our visits to refugee camps and our conversations with survivors made it clear that the persecution of the Rohingya people in Burma's Rakhine State is a severe humanitarian crisis that demands robust American leadership. "This resolution is an important first step in demonstrating that Congress will not tolerate human rights abuses against Rohingyas. As our delegation saw, there is a path forward. The Burmese government and military must fully implement the recommendations of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's advisory commission. "Burma must work with Bangladesh and the UN for the voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees with guarantees of a safe return. A fair process to allow Rohingyas to apply for and secure citizenship must be established. "Finally, there must be an independent investigation to ensure accountability for the atrocities and abuses that have taken place. "Mr. Speaker, I saw people suffering in both Burma and Bangladesh. They are crying out for action. The United States and the international community must help them secure justice." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=843475B9-8526-4D4E-AE40-91DD5B6BADC2 | As Minnesota Prepares to Host Super Bowl LII, Klobuchar Urges the National Football League to Combat Ticket Fraud | 2017-12-05 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | While the ticket marketplace for the Super Bowl has grown more sophisticated through the use of secure online distribution channels and ticket technology, many ticket buyers can still be victims of fraud In a letter to Commissioner Roger Goodell, Klobuchar encourages the NFL to take steps to address common fraud schemes WASHINGTON, DC – Ahead of Super Bowl LII, which will take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has urged the National Football League (NFL) to combat ticket fraud. While the ticket marketplace for the Super Bowl has grown more sophisticated through the use of secure online distribution channels and ticket technology, many ticket buyers can still be victims of fraud. In a letter to Commissioner Roger Goodell, Klobuchar encourages the NFL to take steps to address common fraud schemes. “I write to urge the National Football League to take action to combat ticket fraud in advance of Super Bowl LII in Minnesota. As you know, the Super Bowl is one of the largest single-day events in the world,” Klobuchar wrote. “While the ticket marketplace for the Super Bowl has grown more sophisticated through the use of secure online distribution channels and ticket technology, many ticket buyers can still be victims of fraud. As Super Bowl LII approaches, I encourage the NFL to take steps to address common fraud schemes.” “For decades, the NFL has focused on helping fans safely and securely purchase tickets to our games, including for our most popular event – the Super Bowl,” stated Jocelyn Moore, the NFL’s Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Government Affairs. “As we prepare for Super Bowl LII in Minnesota, the NFL will continue to implement technological improvements to deter counterfeiting and looks forward to working closely with Senator Klobuchar as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement to combat ticket fraud and to help protect consumers.” As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Klobuchar has been a leader in protecting consumers from ticket bots. Las… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-1212017 | Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/1/2017 | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Willmar Dear Friends, This week, I was honored to receive the National Grange Champion of Rural America Award in recognition of my time working with rural communities. I met with the National Biodiesel Board, Organic Trade Association, and the National Association of Conservation Districts to discuss agricultural developments and efforts to promote our rural economy. Finally, I’d like to congratulate Bemidji on their excellent representation of rural communities by winning Minnesota Monthly’s “Best MN Town” contest. Sincerely, Congressman Collin C. Peterson Minnesota 7th District National Grange Champion of Rural America Award On Wednesday, National Grange President Betsy Huber presented me with the organization’s Champion of Rural America Award. The award is presented to elected officials who embody the values of The National Grange. Awardees must demonstrate recognition of the importance of agriculture in our economy and our national security, and have fought to ensure rural Americans have equal access to broadband, quality health care, and excellent educational opportunities. Awardees must also persevere and embody the organization’s core values of faith, hope, charity and fidelity. The State Grange of Minnesota was the first chartered State Grange in the nation, just two years after the founding of the National Grange. The National Grange is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year and I thank them for this honor. National Biodiesel Board I met with members of the National Biodiesel Board, including biodiesel producers from Minnesota, in my Washington, D.C. office this week. The group discussed the critical importance of renewing the biodiesel tax credit for the biodiesel industry and the importance of farm bill programs across a number of titles. National Association of Conservation Districts This week, I met with members of the National Association of Conservation Districts’ (NACD) Executive Board. The NACD checked in on progress of the farm bill and advocated for a strong conservation title. C… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ellison-introduces-merger-retrospective-act | Rep. Ellison Introduces Merger Retrospective Act | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Keith Ellison | E000288 | ellison.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON—Reps. Keith Ellison (D-MN), David Cicilline (D-RI), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Rick Nolan (D-MN), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) this morning introduced the Merger Retrospective Act to curb the harmful effects of corporate monopolization on working people. Rep. Ellison’s bill attempts to illuminate the impact of corporate mergers on the American economy by directing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) to assess each merger’s effect on price, quality, and availability of products and services at the merged firm, as well as employment reduction and worker compensation. “When big companies merge, workers can be laid off in the thousands, prices can go up, and quality can go down for goods and services at the new firm. Decades of lax merger review and antitrust enforcement have helped bring us to a new Gilded Age, where inequality is higher than ever, and a handful of massive corporations control outsized wealth and political power at the expense of the rest of us. This legislation is aimed at reversing a decades-long trend toward concentrating power in our economy.” said Rep. Keith Ellison. “The American people deserve the truth about how mergers affect workers’ wages, layoffs, and lawsuits,” said Rep. Rick Nolan, co-chair of the House Antitrust Caucus. “This legislation is an important step forward towards ensuring transparency in the corporate sector and developing a worker-first approach to American business.” “You don’t have to be a PHD economist to understand that increasing levels of corporate concentration are bad for Americans. When airlines and telecom firms merge, they enrich a handful of executives at a cost of lost jobs, stagnant wages, and reduced service for customers. Monopoly power in big business has been a major cause of income inequality and the hollowing out of the middle class. The Merger Retrospective Act is an important first step towards understanding the true cost of corporate consolidation,” said Rep. Ro Khanna, co-chair … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&&id=3806 | Sen. Franken Presses FCC Chair to Delay Vote to End Net Neutrality Amid Reports of Corrupted Public Comment Period | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Al Franken | F000457 | franken.senate.gov | legacy | In light of reports that computer bots may have unfairly skewed the net neutrality debate, U.S. Senator Al Franken pressed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to delay a December 14 vote that would unravel net neutrality safeguards and dramatically alter the internet as we know it. A recent report revealed that computer bots filed hundreds of thousands of comments to the FCC during the net neutrality policymaking process, potentially corrupting the public comment period. In response, Sen. Franken and a group of his colleagues sent a public letter today calling on Chairman Pai to delay the net neutrality vote until an investigation into the matter is conducted. "A free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding," wrote Sen. Franken and his colleagues. "In fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, suggesting that your proposal is fundamentally flawed...we are requesting that you delay your planned vote on this item until you can conduct a thorough review of the state of the record and provide Congress with greater assurance of its accuracy and completeness." The letter, which you can read here or below, was led by Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.). December 4, 2017 The Honorable Ajit Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street Southwest Washington, DC 20554 Dear Chairman Pai: We are deeply concerned by your recently released proposal to roll back critical consumer protections by dismantling the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) current net neutrality rules. A free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding. In fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3806 | Sen. Franken Presses FCC Chair to Delay Vote to End Net Neutrality Amid Reports of Corrupted Public Comment Period | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Al Franken | F000457 | franken.senate.gov | legacy | In light of reports that computer bots may have unfairly skewed the net neutrality debate, U.S. Senator Al Franken pressed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to delay a December 14 vote that would unravel net neutrality safeguards and dramatically alter the internet as we know it. A recent report revealed that computer bots filed hundreds of thousands of comments to the FCC during the net neutrality policymaking process, potentially corrupting the public comment period. In response, Sen. Franken and a group of his colleagues sent a public letter today calling on Chairman Pai to delay the net neutrality vote until an investigation into the matter is conducted. "A free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding," wrote Sen. Franken and his colleagues. "In fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, suggesting that your proposal is fundamentally flawed...we are requesting that you delay your planned vote on this item until you can conduct a thorough review of the state of the record and provide Congress with greater assurance of its accuracy and completeness." The letter, which you can read here or below, was led by Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.). December 4, 2017 The Honorable Ajit Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street Southwest Washington, DC 20554 Dear Chairman Pai: We are deeply concerned by your recently released proposal to roll back critical consumer protections by dismantling the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) current net neutrality rules. A free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding. In fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-president-trump-s-attack-national-monuments | McCollum Statement on President Trumps Attack on National Monuments | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Ranking Member of the House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee and Democratic co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus, released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to divide and dramatically shrink the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments: “President Donald Trump has put Native American sacred sites and some of our nation’s most iconic places in the crosshairs of corporations who want to drill and mine on America’s public lands. Once again, President Trump is putting extractive industries before the best interests of the American people. “I am particularly outraged by the elimination of the Bears Ears National Monument. This monument was established with the support of the Zuni, Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, Navajo, and Hopi tribal nations, who petitioned our government to protect more than 100,000 cultural artifacts, sacred sites, and traditional tribal practices by creating this Monument. It is simply unconscionable to open these places that mean so much to our Native American brothers and sisters to oil drilling and uranium mining. “The preservation of places like Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante is the reason the Antiquities Act was established by Congress. President Trump’s decision to strip protections from more than two million acres of public lands is not just wrong — it is almost certainly illegal. I strongly support efforts to challenge President Trump’s abuse of power in court. Americans must keep working to safeguard our public lands and save America’s treasures.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-praises-va-announcement-of-new-veterans-id-card-rollout-in | Nolan Praises VA Announcement of New Veterans ID Card Rollout in Response to His October Letter And Pledges to Assist Veterans With Applications | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep Rick Nolan today praised the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ announcement of the rollout of an application process for the national Veterans Identification Card (VIC) and pledged to assist Veterans of Minnesota’s 8th District with their applications. This announcement follows the letter sent to the VA in October by Rep. Nolan and ranking Member on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee Tim Walz, which requested an update on the implementation of the rollout of the Veteran’s Identification Card program. This rollout is mandated through the Veteran’s Identification Card Act of 2015, which aims to make it easier for all Veterans to identify themselves to retailers and others. Prior to the enactment of this law, a Veteran who had served a minimum obligated time in service, but who did not meet the retirement or medical discharge threshold, was ineligible to receive an ID. “Veterans deserve recognition and a simple way to identify themselves without carrying around discharge paperwork. I am pleased to see that the VA is making good on its long-overdue promise,” said Nolan. “However, I am aware that the VA’s application website may be currently overloaded due to the high volume of traffic. I will continue to closely monitor the online application process to ensure it runs smoothly and that all deserving Veterans receive their identification cards in a timely manner. I will also work to ensure that Veterans lacking Internet access have an alternate means to register.” To request a VIC, Veterans must visit vets.gov, click on “Apply for Printed Veteran ID Card” on the bottom left of the page and sign in or create an account. Veterans who are having difficulty with the website should contact Rep. Nolan’s nearest office here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/the-monday-report/not-even-close-309-to-99 | Not even close: 309 to 99! | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | House Overwhelmingly Passes Nolan’s Superior National Forest Land Exchange Bill Bipartisan Margin was 309-99 Under our Superior National Forest Land Exchange bill, taxpayers will receive more lakeshore, more timber, more wild rice waters, and more wetlands for public enjoyment and recreation. Dear Friend, By a huge, bipartisan margin of 309-99, the House last week passed my Superior National Forest Land Exchange bill – a measure to finalize the long-awaited land swap between the U.S. Forest Service and PolyMet Mining. Whether or not a mining project is ever approved, the bill is a big win for taxpayers who get more lakeshore, more timber, more wild rice waters, and 2,000 acres of additional wetlands. In return, the Forest Service is trading public lands already surrounded by old mining sites, with no public access. PolyMet already owns the mining and mineral rights to the acres they would receive. Click on the screen above to hear my speech on the floor of the House explaining our Superior National Forest Land Exchange bill. The map on the screen, which I used to help explain the bill to my colleagues, is directly below. As I explained to my colleagues, the proposed PolyMet mining site is located below the Continental Divide, and the BWCA is located above the divide. And since water doesn’t flow up hill, the PolyMet site is not in the same watershed as the BWCA. Therefore, it is physically and geologically impossible for any water that flows from a PolyMet site to pollute the BWCA waters. Northern Minnesota has the cleanest water in the state – and we are determined to keep it that way. We’ve been mining up here on the Iron Range for more than 130 years, and our waters are the cleanest and purest in the state. Pollution increases dramatically as the Mississippi and other rivers and streams flow south through the Twin Cities. Runoff from farms and factories have even forced some communities in Western Minnesota to pipe in clean drinking water. This map shows how pollution in the Missis… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-flynn-guilty-plea-trump-russia-scandal | McCollum Statement on Flynn Guilty Plea in Trump-Russia Scandal | 2017-12-01 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after President Donald Trump’s National Security Adviser Michael Flynn pled guilty to lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the Trump-Russia scandal: “Today’s guilty plea confirms that collusion with Russia reached the highest levels of the White House. The extent of criminal activity and corruption in the Trump-Pence campaign, transition, and administration is becoming increasingly clear. “Every American should be outraged by the fact President Trump’s top advisor was colluding with Russia. No matter where this investigation leads, the Trump-Pence White House cannot wiggle out of responsibility for Flynn’s crimes: President Trump empowered Flynn despite warnings from both President Obama and his own transition team. “Given the Flynn plea, Congress must take action to both protect Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III from White House interference and to establish a bipartisan, independent commission to examine Russia’s interference in our democracy and Russia’s collusion with the Trump-Pence apparatus.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=B1B162DC-CBC4-45F4-B7C4-2521998948FF | Klobuchar Statement on Minnesota Lawsuits Against Opioid Drug Manufacturers and Distributors | 2017-12-01 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today released a statement following the announcement that Minnesota county attorneys have announced lawsuits against drug manufacturers and distributors for the public cost of the opioid crisis: “The Minnesota Department of Health reported that 637 Minnesotans died from drug overdoses last year alone—and this crisis is not just in our state, it’s all over the country. Drug manufacturers and distributors spent years misleading the public about the addictive nature of their prescription drugs, contributing to the epidemic that has been officially deemed a public health emergency. These companies should be held accountable for their role in this crisis – and help pay for drug treatment for the people they got addicted.” As a former Hennepin County Attorney, Klobuchar has long led local and national efforts to curb drug abuse and help people overcome addiction. Klobuchar was one of four senators, along with Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), to lead the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). This bipartisan bill, which was signed into law in July 2016, encourages states and local communities to pursue a full array of proven strategies in the fight against opioid addiction. At the end of 2016, $1 billion was made available by Congress to fund the national effort. To build on the monumental first step of CARA, Klobuchar introduced the Prescription Drug Monitoring Act, which would require the use of strong prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) in all states that receive certain federal funding to combat opioid abuse and also requires states to make their PDMP data available to other states. Earlier this year, she and ten other senators introduced the Budgeting for Opioid Addiction Treatment (LifeBOAT) Act, which would establish a reliable funding stream to provide and expand access to substance abuse treatment. She and a bipartisan group of senators also introduced the Synthetic Abuse and Labeling of Toxic S… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=E0566D6C-FCDB-4DCA-BC10-4F5F37981411 | Klobuchar Statement on Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn Guilty Plea | 2017-12-01 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar released a statement on the guilty plea by former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn: “This is an important development in the investigation. When the President’s former National Security Advisor pleads guilty to a felony and says he is cooperating with the investigation, it means it is just the beginning and not the end. We must continue letting Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller follow the facts without any interference by Congress or the Administration – we owe it to our democracy. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/event/us-capitol-christmas-tree-lighting | U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting | 2017-11-30 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | For any Minnesotans in Washington, D.C. this December, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be taking place on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at 5:00 PM on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. This tradition dates back to 1964 with the decorating of the first Christmas tree on the West Front Lawn. The U.S. Forest Service has selected the trees since 1970. This year's tree is an Engelmann spruce from Kootenai National Forest in Montana. The tree will be lit from dusk until 11:00 PM each evening through January 1, 2018. The U.S. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2016 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ellison-statement-on-honduras | Ellison Statement on Honduras | 2017-11-30 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Keith Ellison | E000288 | ellison.house.gov | legacy | Ellison Statement on Honduras WASHINGTON—Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement regarding the Honduran election. "I am deeply concerned by the lack of transparency and delays coming from the Honduran Supreme Electoral Tribunal, coupled with rising allegations of fraud and election tampering. This is unprecedented, and certainly appears aimed at subverting the will of the people. I urge the TSE to be fully transparent and immediately release updated, detailed results. The Honduran people deserve free, fair, and transparent elections — anything less is an assault on basic democratic norms that should concern us all." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-passage-anti-boundary-waters-legislation | McCollum Statement on Passage of Anti-Boundary Waters Legislation | 2017-11-30 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation paving the way for toxic sulfide-ore copper mining on the doorstep of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: “The polluters won today, but the fight is not over. I am deeply disappointed that the U.S. House of Representatives is now on the record supporting toxic sulfide-ore copper mining on the doorstep of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which would destroy this pristine wilderness forever. “However, the vote was close and showed the broad, bipartisan opposition to a foreign conglomerate threatening our Boundary Waters with toxic mining. I am very appreciative that 22 Republicans broke ranks and joined 182 Democrats voting against this destructive bill. “This close vote sends a clear message to the Senate that this legislation is politically toxic and should not even be considered, much less passed. Minnesotans and Americans must not give up: We must keep making our voices heard and urging our Senators to save the Boundary Waters.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-trump-anti-muslim-tweets-endangering-americansmccollum | McCollum Statement on Trump Anti-Muslim Tweets Endangering AmericansMcCollum Statement on Trump Anti-Muslim Tweets Endangering Americans | 2017-11-30 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after it was reported that the State Department warned the White House that President Donald Trump’s anti-Muslim Tweets put the safety of Americans at risk around the world: “Yesterday, President Donald Trump used his Twitter account to spew bigoted, racist, and vile propaganda produced by the hate group Britain First. I condemn President Trump’s dangerous actions, which put Americans at risk, undermine our relationships with allies like the United Kingdom, and embolden our adversaries. Increasingly, it appears that President Trump’s erratic behavior and irrational decision making is jeopardizing our national security. “When the President of the United States embraces and emboldens hate groups, at home or abroad, Congress must formally examine his fitness for office and his ability to continue to lead this great nation. President Trump must be held to account for his actions and his words.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walz-fights-for-working-class-and-scientific-review-in-opposing-hr-3905 | Walz Fights for Working Class and Scientific Review in Opposing H.R. 3905 | 2017-11-30 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Tim Walz | W000799 | walz.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tim Walz (MN-01) released the following statement after opposing H.R. 3905: “When it comes to making decisions concerning our beloved outdoor treasures like the Boundary Waters, we must follow a robust, credible process, science and facts. Equally as important, when it comes to making decisions about jobs and the quality of life for hard-working men and women in mining, small businesses and other industries, we must also follow a process, science and facts. “H.R. 3905 violates this core principle of mine, and that’s why I voted against the bill today. “As someone who supports responsible mining, and a long-time champion of working people and union members, I believe H.R. 3905 will ultimately make it harder to mine in Minnesota over the long term because it fails to respect the lawful environmental review process currently underway and jeopardizes the ability to earn the critical ‘social permit.’ I have often said that, in addition to having every permit to move forward with projects that impact our natural resources, you also need a ‘social permit.’ That is, we need to build trust in all of the communities affected and among all Minnesotans. Failing to acquire a ‘social permit’ will only lead to more division, more delay, and more frustration for all concerned. “H.R. 3905 also penalizes Minnesota in an unprecedented fashion by singling us out as the only state in the Union not covered by the Antiquities Act as we know it today, a 100-year old law designed to protect significant American natural wonders and historical sites. “Under current law, we are one year through a two year study examining whether cooper nickel mining and other industrial activities can co-exist safely near the Boundary Waters. H.R. 3905 will kill that study before it is done. I voted against H.R. 3905 in part because I believe it is entirely reasonable to allow this study to be completed and use the results of the study to inform public debate and decisions. Let me add, however, I am o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=8B18645D-B528-4C49-9D5E-FC89F7C080EE | Klobuchar on EPA Release of Renewable Fuel Standard Requirements | 2017-11-30 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement following the release of the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2018 and 2019 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements. “Renewable fuels are a Minnesota-grown economic generator for our state and country. The Administration’s choice to maintain ethanol volume requirements for 2018 and 2019 is a good decision that underscores the importance of—and signals a commitment to—corn ethanol. However, failing to increase the blend targets of advanced biofuels hamstrings the growth we have seen in clean energy innovation, needlessly flat-lining a sector that creates good jobs and strengthens rural communities. A strong RFS means a strong economy, improved national security, prosperous rural communities, and U.S. leadership in the energy of the future. I’ll continue to work with the Administration to ensure that the standard is administered in a way that is good for Minnesota and rural communities across the country.” For years, Klobuchar has led a bipartisan push for the EPA to release a stronger RFS to support American jobs and decrease dependence on foreign oil. Last November, the former Administration released a stronger final rule for 2017, which will require a record amount of biofuel to be mixed into our transportation fuel supply next year. Minnesota’s twenty ethanol plants and three biodiesel plants generate roughly $5 billion in combined economic output and have made our state the fourth-largest ethanol producing state in the country. In April, Klobuchar and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) led a bipartisan group of 23 senators in urging the Administration to reject changes to the RFS that would upend stability and predictability for small businesses and rural communities. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-floor-remarks-opposing-hr-3905-toxic-mining-adjacent-boundary-waters | McCollum Floor Remarks Opposing H.R. 3905, Toxic Mining Adjacent to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness | 2017-11-29 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) made the following remarks on the House Floor in strong opposition to H.R. 3905, legislation that paves the way for toxic sulfide-ore copper mining on the doorstep of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this destructive bill. This bill undermines bedrock environmental and public land management laws in order to create perpetual leases for a foreign-owned, toxic mine. This mine will be on the doorstep of one of our country’s last truly wild places—The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Boundary Waters contains 1.1 million acres of unspoiled woodlands and more than 1,000 pristine lakes. This water wilderness is beloved by adventurers, canoers, and sportsmen and women from across the United States and around the world. To safeguard this natural treasure, Congress has prohibited logging, mining, and even the use of most motorized vehicles on this federal land. This has made the Boundary Waters a haven for birds and other wildlife, and the most-visited wilderness area in the United States. These visitors—over 250,000 annually—have helped the economy and created jobs in northern Minnesota. But the bill we are debating today puts all that at risk. It paves the way for a massive sulfide-ore copper mine just a few miles from the Boundary Waters wilderness. Sulfide-ore mining is the most toxic industry in the United States. Sulfide mines pollute waterways with acid drainage that contains arsenic, mercury and lead. This type of mining is particularly risky in the vast, interconnected watershed that flows north through the Boundary Waters, into Voyageurs National Park, and across the border into a Canadian Provincial Park. Supporters of H.R. 3905 claim that the bill still protects the Boundary Waters, because the mines will be located outside the wilderness area. Mr. Speaker, this is simply not the case. Let me show you where this mining would take place. This is the site of the proposed mine, on the edge of the wilderness… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/mesabi-daily-news-politics-on-home-for-nolan-the-father | Mesabi Daily News: Politics on home for Nolan, the father | 2017-11-29 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | Eighth District U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan’s daughter Katherine is in a daily life-and-death struggle with a lung cancer for which there is currently no cure. But the congressman is still thankful this Thanksgiving weekend because Katherine is not only alive, but also handling well the latest regimen of “wonder” drugs trying to fend off the nasty foe that is adenocarcinoma stage 4 lung cancer. Katherine, in her early-40s with four children elementary school to college age, has the Irish fight and stubbornness of her old man, traits oh so needed in this battle for more adventures, more loving moments with family, more change of seasons, more life. “I always remind her what Rick says, ‘We win the tough races,’” said Nolan’s longtime friend and Washington aide Steve Johnson in a recent telephone interview, referring to a history of razor-thin election victories. “The new wonder drug …. which had been tried previously and worked for a while but then couldn’t be tolerated …. is doing well right now.” That small sigh you hear is a collective one of hope from the Nolan family. But, of course, the vigilant health fight goes on day after day for Katherine and loved ones. I first met and interviewed Rick Nolan in the late-1970s when he was serving as 6th District congressman from 1975 to 1981 and I was a political reporter for The Sentinel newspaper in Fairmont, Minn. Fairmont was in the Republican-friendly 6th District but butted up against the 2nd District. He was an energetic DFL political boy wonder at the time, first elected to Congress at age 31 in 1974 after narrowly losing to incumbent John Zwach in 1972 in an area that was a swing district. Nolan has always been a “good” interview for a reporter. Never one to dodge questions or speak in cliches, Nolan has a quick wit that he employs easily. There has never been anything forced by the congressman. My recollection is that the interview about 40 years ago dealt with agriculture and roads — prime topics always in southwestern Minnesota. Wha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/mesabi-daily-us-house-passes-polymet-land-exchange-bill | Mesabi Daily: U.S. HOUSE PASSES POLYMET LAND EXCHANGE BILL | 2017-11-29 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | Over the Thanksgiving recess last week, Congressman Rick Nolan received a bit of news. On the first day Congress would return to session, his bill authorizing the PolyMet land exchange into federal law would be in front of the U.S. House on the consent agenda. Instead of a simple majority, it would need a two-thirds vote, and Nolan and his staff were short a hard head count on supporters. Being a holiday break, few members were around to take an accurate pulse of the House. As the PolyMet project always seem to go — nothing comes easy. “It did create some anxiety,” Nolan said Tuesday in a phone interview from Washington. The land exchange bill had passed the House, 309-99, earlier in the night. The congressman added there were about a dozen more votes hanging around the halls — if he needed them. “We had people nervous enough to say we should withdraw the bill … I said it was too important, and it proved to be the right decision.” Passage of the bill in House marks a major milestone for the PolyMet project, which needs the land exchange to allow the Army Corps. of Engineers to weigh in on the project, effectively ending the federal hurdles for the long-awaited open pit copper-nickel mine near Hoyt Lakes. The land exchange, which was approved by the Obama administration, swaps more than 6,5000 acres with PolyMet and provides the federal government with more wetlands, public access lands, lakeshore and more. It does not approve the PolyMet project, Nolan stressed on the House floor Tuesday, but it does clear the way for the project in one respect, after more than 10 years of environmental review. “It’s very exciting,” Nolan said “It’s going to put a lot of people back to work in the mines. The success of this long, drawn-out PolyMet process is being watched by a lot of people around the country and around the world.” The bill needs a companion in the U.S. Senate to advance, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., has volunteered to carry the bill in the upper chamber, Nolan said. Klobuchar and Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., we… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-nolan-bill-to-facilitate-superior-national-forest-land | House Passes Nolan Bill to Facilitate Superior National Forest Land Exchange, A Good Deal for Taxpayers, Forestry, Tourism, and Jobs | 2017-11-29 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | The U.S. House of Representatives today passed U.S. Rep Rick Nolan’s bill, H.R. 3115, the Superior National Forest Land Exchange Act, which finalizes a long-awaited land exchange in Northern Minnesota between the U.S. Forest Service and PolyMet Mining. The exchange – approved earlier this year by the Obama Administration’s U.S. Forest Service after undergoing seven years of scrupulous review – is key to advancing PolyMet’s long-awaited project to open up the copper, nickel and other precious minerals under Iron Range land known as the Duluth Complex. In his remarks on the House floor, Rep. Nolan pointed out the future public and economic benefits of the legislation, including the creation of hundreds of good paying jobs in mining and related industries. Tourism-related activities in the Superior National Forest will also benefit with the increased public access to 2,000 acres of lakeshore, wetlands, and wild rice waters. Rep. Nolan also noted that the bill is supported by a bipartisan majority of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation, Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, Democratic and Republican leaders in the Minnesota legislature, and communities, businesses, private citizens, and economic development organizations throughout the region. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has also expressed his support for the project, which relies on the land exchange for its success. “This bill is a win for taxpayers, for the environment, and for good paying jobs,” said Rep Nolan. “The public will gain access to 2,000 acres of beautiful wetlands, lakeshore, and wild rice waters, while PolyMet receives a smaller area bordered by existing mining operations and infrastructure that it already owns the mineral rights to. If the land exchange – which has already been approved by the Obama Administration’s Forest Service – becomes law, it would mark an important step toward providing our Nation the precious metals it requires to meet growing demands in defense, manufacturing, health care, environmental “green” tech… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ellison.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ellison-sends-letter-sharing-constituent-concerns-on-line-3-pipeline | Ellison Sends Letter Sharing Constituent Concerns Over Line 3 Pipeline | 2017-11-28 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Keith Ellison | E000288 | ellison.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) sent the following letter to Nancy Lange, Chair of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission: “Dear Chair Lange and Members of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission: I write to share concerns from my constituents regarding Enbridge’s proposed Line 3 replacement pipeline. In recent months, hundreds of individuals have contacted me about the proposed project, and I’ve met with dozens of advocates on all sides of the issue. As the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MNPUC) reviews this pipeline proposal, I encourage Commissioners to address the following aspects of the project. When I met with a group of young climate organizers granted intervention status, they expressed concern regarding the impact this project will have on climate change. Many of my constituents noted that the Line 3 replacement pipeline would be transporting tar sands crude, which is among the dirtiest fossil fuels. Canadian tar sands oil is up to 370o more carbon intensive than regular oil. A new tar sands pipeline at full capacity 760,000 barrels per day would have a carbon footprint of about 16-18 million cars on the road every year of the pipeline’s operation. When reviewing this project, the MNPUC should ensure that the pipeline would not further exacerbate the warming of our planet or undermine Minnesota’s ability to achieve statutory greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Many constituents also expressed concern about the risk posed to downstream communities. The Polaris Institute found that Enbridge pipelines had over 800 spills between 1999 and 2010, including the release of hundreds of thousands of gallons of crude oil into the Kalamazoo River. The proposed Line 3 reroute would cross the Red River, the Mississippi, and the Lake Superior watersheds, 192 surface waters, and hundreds of wetland acres. Millions of people and thousands of cities line the shores of the Mississippi, and a spill or leak could have severe consequences on access to drinking water. Tribal communities have also sh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-floor-remarks-opposing-hr-3115-superior-national-forest-land-exchange | McCollum Floor Remarks Opposing H.R. 3115, Superior National Forest Land Exchange Act | 2017-11-28 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in opposition to H.R. 3115, the Superior National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2017, which mandates an exchange of more than 6,600 acres in the Superior National Forest to expedite construction of the Polymet mine: Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3115, the Superior National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2017. This bill mandates the exchange of more than 6,600 acres in the Superior National Forest for the construction of a massive open pit sulfide-ore copper and nickel mine. This project is very controversial, and a majority of Minnesotans oppose toxic sulfide-ore mining because it is a threat to water quality, public lands, and outdoor recreation in our state. This legislation also raises serious due process concerns. There are four pending lawsuits challenging the land exchange based on existing environmental laws and concerns about appropriate appraisal values. Federal courts are still considering these lawsuits, but this legislation undermines proper judicial review to expedite construction of the Polymet mine. Finally, this bill ignores the treaty rights of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, a federally recognized tribal nation. The Fond du Lac Reservation is downstream from the proposed mine site. As the Tribal Chairman has told Congress, this mine will “pose a direct threat to the water, and the fish, game and wild rice on which the Tribe depends.” The National Congress of American Indians also strongly opposes this legislation. H.R. 3115 undermines legal due process, environmental safeguards, and the treaty rights of our Native American brothers and sisters. I urge my colleagues to vote no on H.R. 3115. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walz-votes-for-nolan-legislation-to-approve-polymet-land-swap | Walz Votes for Nolan Legislation to Approve PolyMet Land Swap | 2017-11-28 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Tim Walz | W000799 | walz.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tim Walz (MN-01) released the following statement after voting for H.R. 3115: “Our can-do spirit of innovation and ability to reject false choices are hallmarks of who we are as Minnesotans. We know that we can help each other achieve economic security for our families and be good stewards of our state at the same time, which is why we must follow the science and require a robust, credible environmental review process. That’s also why I cosponsored and voted for Congressman Nolan's legislation. After years of environmental review and approval by the Obama Administration, we have an obligation to honor the process that is in place by ensuring this exchange moves forward.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=0ED75A5E-2393-4D4A-8B7E-6E9C911768D4 | Klobuchar Urges U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Take Action to Address Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes and Assisted-Living Facilities and Requests GAO Report to Examine Additional Solutions | 2017-11-28 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | A recent report found that in 2016, 97 percent of the more than 25,000 allegations of neglect, physical abuse, unexplained serious injury, and theft in state-licensed facilities for seniors in Minnesota were never investigated and that facilities systematically failed to notify the families and guardians of victims when incidents occurred; Preliminary conclusions of an ongoing national review by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General have also found “inadequate procedures” at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for identifying and reporting potential incidents of abuse or neglect in nursing home facilities In a letter to the Acting Secretary of HHS, Klobuchar urged the agency to take action to prevent and more effectively respond to elder abuse in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities; In a letter to the Comptroller General of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Klobuchar asked for a GAO report to examine additional actions the federal government can take to address this issue WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help prevent and more effectively respond to elder abuse in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities and also asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine additional actions the federal government can take to address this issue. The Star Tribune newspaper recently reported that in 2016, 97 percent of the more than 25,000 allegations of neglect, physical abuse, unexplained serious injury, and theft in state-licensed facilities for seniors in Minnesota were never investigated and that facilities systematically failed to notify the families and guardians of victims when incidents occurred. The preliminary conclusions of an ongoing national review by the HHS Office of Inspector General have also found “inadequate procedures” at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for identifying and reporting potential incidents of abuse or neglect … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=18F6915E-BD86-4207-AD53-C1B9547DA8F3 | Klobuchar, Bipartisan Group of Great Lakes Senators Raise Alarm over Delay in Finalizing Critical Invasive Carp Study | 2017-11-28 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Senators express serious concerns over the timeline for implementing permanent measures to combat invasive carp WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a vice-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, and a bipartisan group of other Great Lakes senators have sent a letter to the Acting Secretary of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers raising alarm over the delay in finalizing the Brandon Road Study, a critical action-plan for keeping invasive carp from reaching the Great Lakes. “It is imperative that the USACE meet the original timeline for completing the Chief’s Report by January 2019,” wrote the senators. “The USACE initiated the Brandon Road Study in April 2015 after the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basin Study identified the Brandon Road Lock & Dam as a location to control the movement of Asian Carp into the Great Lakes.” “USACE has indicated that implementing the recommended measures in the TSP is unlikely before 2025,” the senators continued. “This timeline is particularly concerning given recent findings that demonstrated new ways for Asian Carp to enter the Great Lakes…This past June, an eight pound Silver Carp made its way up the Illinois River, beyond the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, and was found above the electric barrier – just nine miles from Lake Michigan.” In addition to Klobuchar, the letter was signed by Task Force members Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Rob Portman (R-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY). As one of the vice-chairs of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, Klobuchar is a leader in helping to fight the spread of invasive carp. When the Administration delayed the February 2017 release of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Brandon Road Project Tentatively Selected Plan to prevent invasive carp from reaching the Great Lakes, Klobuchar and a group of Great Lakes Senators pressed the Administration to release the draft prop… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-11222017 | Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 11/22/2017 | 2017-11-27 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Drumstick and Wishbone The two lucky Minnesota turkeys at The White House Pardoning Ceremony Dear Friends, As families celebrate Thanksgiving throughout the country this week, let’s remember to be thankful for the hardworking farmers and producers who make our favorite meal of the year possible. Our agricultural community not only provides for healthy and fresh meals but supports more than a fifth of the U.S. economy. I will continue to work to provide safeguards that keep our rural economy strong for both our farmers and all those they feed. This Thanksgiving, I am thankful to serve as your Representative. Sincerely, Congressman Collin C. Peterson Minnesota 7th District Presidential Turkey Pardoning This week I was honored to take part in the annual Presidential Turkey Pardoning festivities as this year’s turkeys came from the 7th District of Minnesota. The Chairman of the National Turkey Federation, Carl Wittenburg, along with his wife Sharlene, raised this year’s birds on their farm in Alexandria, Minnesota. Five Douglas County 4-Hers assisted the Wittenburgs with raising and training the 2017 National Thanksgiving Flock: Kodi Bundermann, Kayla Egenes, Christina Kuismi, Kerryn Lund, and Katie Kent. Prior to this year, none of the five 4-Hers had experience with turkeys, but they were mentored by the Wittenburgs and 4-H volunteer, Barb Egenes. On Monday, Chairman Wittenburg announced at the Turkey Pardoning Media Day at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington that the two birds were named Drumstick and Wishbone by popular vote. Drumstick and Wishbone were chosen from the larger 2017 Thanksgiving Flock based on their showmanship, character, and stature. On Tuesday, the Minnesotans took the birds to the White House for the official 2017 National Turkey Pardoning by President Trump. While Drumstick won the official 2017 pardoning, alternate Wishbone will also be spared, as the two birds will join last year’s pardoned turkeys, Tater and Tot, at Virginia Tech’s “Gobbler’s Rest” exhibit. This was a gre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/the-monday-report/theyre-in-serious-trouble | They're in serious trouble! | 2017-11-27 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | Saving Minnesota’s Loons - Before It’s Too Late These iconic Minnesota loons are swimming near Ely, on Minnesota’s Iron Range. Dear Friend, The community of Crosslake is stepping up to help save the Minnesota loon, the iconic state bird we love so much here in the Northland. The loon is in serious trouble. And I’m working with Crosslakers, and with my colleagues in Congress, to help lead the rescue before it’s too late. Minnesota has more loons than any other state in the lower 48, and we aim to keep it that way. The facts are clear The National Audubon Society has placed the loon on its list of 300 birds that may become extinct in the lower 48 states by the turn of the Century. Climate change and man-made pollution are eroding loon habitat and breeding grounds. Invasive zebra mussels are spreading a deadly form of botulism that has already killed thousands of loons. Scientists confirm that the deadly BP oil spill that occurred seven years ago in the Gulf of Mexico has probably caused genetic damage to the young loons that migrate south, live in those waters, and stay in the Gulf region for three or four years before returning. The Community of Crosslake Steps Up to Help Save Our Loons With the future of our loon population at stake, the community of Crosslake – including a growing coalition of local businesses, civic groups and citizens – has launched a groundbreaking new project to turn the tide by establishing a National Loon Center and model Green Marina Project for the region. Among many other things, the project would help build awareness and advocacy for loons and formulate loon survival strategies. The effort would also help restore fragile shoreline and loon habitat, promote environmental education, recreation, and tourism, and enhance the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ camp ground to encourage folks to watch and appreciate loons in their natural state. I have asked the Army Corps to include the National Loon Center and Green Marina Project in its 2018 Civil Works Plan. Moreover, I am stro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=D0B55BCB-D8C9-4D50-9F8C-932FD1F8AD9A | Klobuchar Statement on Passing of Warren Spannaus | 2017-11-27 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar released the following statement on the passing of former Minnesota Attorney General Warren Spannaus: “One of my first jobs in government was as an intern in the consumer division for Attorney General Warren Spannaus. He became a lifelong friend and mentor. “We worked again together for eight years at Dorsey & Whitney law firm where my office was right next door to his. Warren was a unique figure at the law firm. He would always sit back in his chair and put his feet up on his desk, and the soles of his shoes would inevitably have holes in them. He kept a tin of shoe polish and an old cloth in his desk drawer, and he would often shine his shoes while we talked about work or, more often, politics. For years he and his pal Judge Gerald Heaney would regularly talk on the phone at great length, Warren from the law firm, Judge Heaney from his chambers in Duluth. The topic was always the latest political battle. Like Judge Heaney, Warren never forgot where he came from. At least once a month a man with disabilities who Warren had helped back when he was attorney general would stop by. Warren would always give him a little cash for lunch. “Warren was always of course very close to my other mentor, Vice President Walter Mondale. It is a lasting testament to their friendship that when Vice President Mondale learned that the University of Minnesota Law School wanted to name its new building after him, he insisted that the student lounge in the building be named after a true friend of the man on the street, Warren Spannaus. “I’m grateful for all of the things Warren Spannaus taught me, and Minnesota is better for his service.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-joins-colleagues-congressional-delegation-burma-bangladesh | McCollum Joins Colleagues on Congressional Delegation to Burma, Bangladesh | 2017-11-22 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | As horrifying acts against the Burmese Rohingya minority and the related refugee crisis continue, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) and a Congressional delegation led by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) has completed a fact-finding mission to Burma and Bangladesh. Congresswoman McCollum and her colleagues visited refugee camps in Bangladesh and Rohingya communities in Burma and saw firsthand the impact of the humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for international action to end the violence and repatriate the Rohingya who are currently in refugee camps in Bangladesh. The delegation also met with government officials and international organizations in both countries. “The persecution of Rohingya in Burma is a humanitarian crisis that has shocked the world and demands robust American leadership,” said McCollum. “The message of our trip is clear: we must not tolerate violence, discrimination, and human rights abuses anywhere in the world. We are also insisting that the United States must do our part to assist the refugees who have fled Burma as they work to rebuild their lives.” The delegation called on Burma to address the root causes of the conflict and address the plight of the 600,000 Rohingya refugees. Specifically, Congresswoman McCollum and the delegation called on the government of Burma to take the following steps: Full implementation of the recommendations of former United Nations (UN) Secretary General Kofi Annan’s advisory commission on the Rakhine state. Full access for humanitarian organizations. Currently only the International Committee of the Red Cross has access. Freedom of movement and a path to ending discrimination. A fair path to securing full citizenship rights. Work with Bangladesh and the UN for voluntary and safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees, who should have the ability to go back to their villages and farms, with guarantees of safety. The delegation also called for refugees to receive assistance rebuilding homes and community facilities that have been burned. A full invest… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-national-native-american-heritage-month | McCollum Statement on National Native American Heritage Month | 2017-11-22 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement in commemoration of National Native American Heritage Month, which is proclaimed each November: "National Native American Heritage Month is a celebration of the contributions of the First Americans. November is a time to honor the 11 Ojibwe and Dakota nations in Minnesota and the 567 diverse federally recognized tribal nations across the country. We remember their vital and often difficult role in our national history, and celebrate how tribal nations make our communities and our country stronger today. "Despite centuries of violent discrimination and abusive policies, our country’s Native American cultures and nations have endured. Tribal governments and Native communities have made monumental progress. Our federal trust relationship with tribal nations has grown stronger in the current era of self-governance among Native American tribes. This proud accomplishment requires the federal government’s full and respectful engagement, and there can be no backsliding. "As a co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus and the Ranking Member of the House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I have met with hundreds of tribal leaders to discuss the needs of Indian Country. Working together, we have succeeded in making substantial progress on education, health, and criminal justice issues. Across party lines, we have rejected proposals to cut services for Native Americans and instead worked to increase the federal resources flowing to Indian Country. "Despite these steps, we have much more work to do to address disparities and empower all Native Americans – especially our Native youth. As we honor the achievements and resilience of our First Americans, I will continue working to ensure that our Native American brothers and sisters have every opportunity to succeed." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-trump-gop-tax-scams-attack-affordable-housing | McCollum Statement on Trump-GOP Tax Scam's Attack on Affordable Housing | 2017-11-21 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement on House and Senate Republicans' tax bills and their serious detrimental effects on affordable housing for Minnesotans and Americans: “Minnesotans and Americans have an urgent need for more affordable housing, yet President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans seem intent on taking us in the wrong direction with their tax legislation. When it comes to housing, the House-passed tax bill renders much of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit useless and repeals the Historic Tax Credit entirely. It threatens affordable housing for thousands of Minnesotans and it means that more families find it harder to make ends meet. “The legislative process is not over, and we must keep working to defeat this bill. Last Thursday, Democrats were joined by 13 Republicans in voting against the Trump-GOP tax scam. While it wasn’t enough, if Minnesotans and Americans keep standing up and speaking out, we can stop this bill and protect affordable housing for our children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/rep-petersons-newsletter-11172017 | Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 11/17/2017 | 2017-11-20 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Otter Tail County Dear Friends, The House of Representatives passed the Republican-led tax bill this week; legislation that will lower the corporate tax rate at the expense of protections for families facing medical bills, tuition costs, and other individual deductions. I support making the corporate tax rate more competitive internationally and simplifying our system. However, I cannot in good conscience support a bill that drives up our deficit and will increase taxes on thousands of Minnesotans. Sincerely, Congressman Collin C. Peterson Minnesota 7th District Natural Resources Conservation Service This week I sat down with Congressman Kevin Cramer, from North Dakota, and the Deputy Chief of Programs at USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Jimmy Bramblett. We discussed the importance of water retention in the Red River Valley watershed, and the important role drainage water management can play in helping hold back water during the wet season. We asked NRCS to help work with farmers who are interested in pursuing tile drainage and drainage structures. National Grain and Feed Association Randy Gordon, Max Fisher, Bobby Fredericks This week I met with National Grain and Feed Association President Randy Gordon to discuss expansion and reforms to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) as part of the upcoming farm bill. I am committed to increasing the cap of CRP acres, making the program work better for producers, and ensuring CRP rental rates aren’t out competing farmers. More work is needed on CRP reforms to ensure that good farmland remains in agriculture production. Red River Farm Network On Wednesday, I visited with Red River Farm Network’s Don Wick as part of the network’s “Farm Bill Focus” coverage in advance of the next farm bill. In addition to outlining farm bill reauthorization, I shared my concerns with the Republican tax plan and the potential impact it could have on farmers. We also discussed NAFTA renegotiations, and I urged negotiators not to give away agriculture gains in an att… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/dem-lawmaker-introduces-airline-passenger-bill-of-rights-legislation | The Hill: Dem lawmaker introduces airline passenger 'bill of rights' legislation | 2017-11-20 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | Read online. A House Democrat is introducing new legislation to strengthen airline consumer protections, which comes in response to a United Airlines passenger getting violently dragged off a flight earlier this year. Rep. Rick Nolan (D-Minn.) unveiled a bill on Thursday, ahead of the busy Thanksgiving travel period next week, that would require airlines to provide passengers with a one-page “bill of rights.” The European Union already requires a similar document to be posted online in order to better inform airline consumers of their rights. “As we saw with the horrific United Airlines incident where a passenger was forcibly removed after he was seated on an aircraft, there is an urgent need for airlines to be transparent and inform consumers of their rights,” Nolan said in a statement. Under Nolan’s measure, the one-pager would describe the airline’s policies for involuntary bumping, lost or damaged baggage, compensation for flight cancellations or delays and what happens when a traveler is disabled or injured. Similar language was included in the House’s long-term reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), but the package has stalled in Congress. The airline industry’s customer service practices came under fire this spring when videos went viral on social media showing a United passenger being forcibly removed from his seat and dragged down the aisle by his wrists. The airline said it needed to make room for airline personnel on the full flight, but the man refused to give up his seat. Airlines are legally allowed to overbook flights and bump passengers against their will, through issues are typically figured out prior to boarding. They also set their own policies on who gets bumped from a full flight. However, most customers are unaware that they are signing a “contract of carriage” whenever they purchase an airline ticket, and sometimes the document can be thousands of pages long. Nolan’s bill aims to improve transparency around airline policies by requiring a simple, one-page explanatio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://nolan.house.gov/the-monday-report/its-a-scam | It's a scam! | 2017-11-20 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Rick Nolan | N000127 | nolan.house.gov | legacy | GOP Passes Tax Scam Bill to Raise Taxes on the Middle Class, Cut Taxes for the Super-Rich, and Explode the Deficit As these protestors in front of the U.S. Capitol pointed out last week, the GOP tax scam raises taxes on the middle class, hands the super-rich and big corporations an enormous tax cut, explodes the deficit, and paves the way for drastic cuts in Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Dear Friend, House Republicans last week passed their phony and dangerous tax scam – a measure thatraises taxes on millions of middle class working families, hands the super-rich and big corporations a $1.5 trillion dollar tax cut, and requires a massive increase in the debt our children and grandchildren will have to pay. This is easily the most egregious tax bill ever perpetrated on the middle class, seniors, students and those in need. In fact, a recent analysis by the New York Times concludes that this measure would raise taxes on nearly half of all middle class families by 2026. About one third of middle class families would begin paying higher taxes in 2018. And according to the bipartisan Joint Economic Committee, some 73 million taxpayers with incomes between $10,000 and $50,000 would collectively pay $2.9 billion more in individual income taxes beginning in 2027. Moreover, this Republican boondoggle sets the stage for massive cuts in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid to pay for a plan that gives 80% of tax relief to the richest one-percent of Americans – millionaires, billionaires, and multi-national corporations that send good-paying jobs overseas. That’s one big reason why AARP and the National Committee to Preserve and Protect Medicare – two of the Nation’s strongest advocates for seniors – have registered their strong opposition to this Republican measure. Furthermore, while the rich get richer at rates unprecedented, taxpayers would lose their student loan interest deductions, people with expensive chronic medical conditions like cancer and diabetes would lose their medical deductions, and tax… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/press-release/peterson-calls-us-customs-and-border-protection-reverse-decision-reduce-hours | Peterson calls on U.S. Customs and Border Protection to reverse decision to reduce hours at Lancaster, Roseau Port of Entry | 2017-11-17 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | In a phone call to U.S Customs and Border Protection, Congressman Collin C. Peterson asked the agency to reconsider their decision in reducing service hours and shifting staff at key border entry ports in Lancaster and Roseau. “These ports help drive the local economy when Canadians visiting Minnesota spend money at our restaurants, gas stations, golf courses, and campgrounds. In addition to tourism, this change will affect the ability for medical personnel in Roseau to respond to emergency calls in the Northwest Angle and smaller towns in Manitoba,” Peterson said. “I hope the Customs officials will begin to listen to the concerns of those living and working in these communities.” On the call, the agency confirmed that a final decision has not been made and that there is still a possibility for an adjustment of the proposed hours at the ports. Since the decision was announced, both Lancaster and Roseau have had town halls for area residents to voice their concerns with CBP officials. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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