Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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1,172 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "MN" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending
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| https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-votes-pass-historic-drug-pricing-bill-0 | Rep. Angie Craig Votes to Pass Historic Drug Pricing Bill | 2019-12-30 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Angie Craig | C001119 | craig.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep. Angie Craig voted to pass the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which would save Minnesota families tens of thousands of dollars in prescription drug costs. Working families cannot wait for action on the outrageous cost of prescription drugs, said Rep. Craig. I cosponsored this historic piece of legislation to put common-sense solutions in place to cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors, invest in research for more effective treatments, and hold big drug companies accountable for profiting off the backs of Minnesota families. It is now the Senate's turn to take up this essential piece of legislation. The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act is estimated to save over $500 billion over ten years according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The bill would: Allow Medicare to negotiate prices for a minimum of 50 of the most expensive drugs and to extend the negotiated price to all health plans Create a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors Expand Medicare benefits to include vision, dental, and hearing for the first time, which would benefit over 100,000 people in Minnesota's Second District alone Invest in research for new innovation, cures and treatments Rep. Craig has been leading the effort to lower the cost of health care and the price of prescription drugs since she was sworn in this past January. She has introduced or cosponsored 59 health care bills, including the State Healthcare Premium Reduction Act, which would lower insurance premiums in the individual market and the Emergency Access to Insulin Act, which would create emergency insulin supplies and hold big drug companies accountable for jacking up prices. Additionally, she has held six health care listening sessions across the district in Eagan, Burnsville, Northfield, Wabasha, Shakopee, and Red Wing to hear directly from constituents on their experiences with health care. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=936D81BB-C358-4F59-891A-7F19B3BC5D11 | Klobuchar Statement on Thye-Blatnik Decision on Federal Payments to St. Louis, Lake, Cook Counties | 2019-12-30 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | After efforts by Klobuchar, the U.S. Forest Service will redo the appraisal for federal payments to St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties under the Thye-Blatnik Act that support crucial services including law enforcement, firefighting, and infrastructure improvements WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) issued the following statement after the U.S. Forest Service announced that they will re-do the appraisal of federal land in St. Louis, Lake, and Cook Counties and that the counties will continue to receive annual payments at 2008 levels under the Thye-Blatnik Act. Klobuchar has been a consistent advocate for the annual federal compensation payments to St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties under the Thye-Blatnik Act. In June and December of this year, Klobuchar called on officials at the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture to consider the concerns of these counties in northern Minnesota. A consistent and fair system of appraising Thye-Blatnik federal land payments is critical to ensuring that Minnesota counties can fully support crucial services like law enforcement, firefighting, and infrastructure improvements. I requested that the Department of Agriculture take action in response to the concerns raised by St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties about the appraisal, and this announcement is welcome news for these communities. Klobuchar, a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has consistently advocated for annual federal compensation payments to St. Louis, Lake, and Cook Counties under the Thye-Blatnik Act. Klobuchar sent a letter to the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, Vicki Christiansen on June 10, 2019 and followed up on December 11, 2019 to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to call on the U.S. Forest Service to take into account the concerns of the counties over the previous appraisal showing a significant difference in valuation of the lands. The counties, in northern Minnesota, have received federal payments for over 70 years to help offset lost pro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=C50869A3-1DA4-4FA0-8E95-851B2D5BAEA4 | Klobuchar Statement on Bombing in Somalia | 2019-12-28 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar released the following statement today on the bombing in Mogadishu, Somalia: I am deeply saddened by the bombing in Mogadishu, and my heart goes out to the victims and their families. Minnesota is home to the largest Somali community in the country, and we mourn with those who lost loved ones today including many university and other students returning to class. We stand steadfast with our allies, and we must find those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-and-colleagues-honor-75-years-smokey-bear | McCollum and Colleagues Honor 75 Years of Smokey Bear | 2019-12-27 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | mccollum | https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), released the following statement today after introducing H.Res.775, a resolution honoring the 75th birthday of Smokey Bear: "After carrying the torch on wildfire prevention for 75 years, I'm pleased to honor Smokey Bear and all he has done to educate Americans about the dangers of unwanted human-caused wildfires. As the longest running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history, Smokey has been hugely successful at igniting interest and awareness of how everyday Americans can prevent wildfires and protect forest health, all while becoming one of the most recognizable characters in the world. But after 75 years, the flame of Smokey's famous ‘Only You Can Prevent Wildfires' catchphrase has started to flicker – overlooking that we now know some natural and prescribed fires can be beneficial for the environment. By encouraging the Smokey Bear campaign to explore ways his message can be modernized, we can ensure Smokey will continue to spark the attention of future scientists in classrooms across the country, and stay true to his original message of preventing unwanted wildfires." Background: The full text of H.Res.775 can be found here. Thank you to original co-sponsors: Rep. David Joyce (OH-14); Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-02); Rep. Don Young (AK-AL); Rep. Deb Haaland (NM-01); Rep. Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03); and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01). # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=8D9BA75A-C95F-466F-94A0-F35F1EECAB76 | Klobuchar Urges Consumer Product Safety Commission to Protect Children from the Dangers of Small Rare-Earth Magnets | 2019-12-27 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Today's letter follows a Washington Post report that the number of children ingesting rare-earth magnets has skyrocketed in the three years since courts blocked federal efforts to regulate the industry WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) sent a letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) expressing her serious concerns about the alarming increase in injuries to children who have ingested small rare-earth magnets and requesting that the agency investigate this matter and take steps to ensure that children are kept safe from these dangerous products. Rare-earth magnets are strong, tiny balls that are popular desk toys, but are up to 10 times more powerful than ordinary magnets and can attract each other inside the intestine when swallowed by children, causing life-threatening injuries to the gastrointestinal tract, sometimes resulting in death. The letterfollows a recentWashington Post reportthat the number of children ingesting rare-earth magnets has skyrocketed in the three years since a court blocked the CPSC's initial efforts to regulate the industry. The CPSC plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of our children, including investigating hazardous children's products and banning certain dangerous products from the market altogether. Given the seriousness of this issue, I urge the CPSC to revisit this issue and take action to protect children from the dangers of small rare-earth magnets, Klobuchar wrote. As a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Klobuchar has been a leader in protecting consumer safety. Earlier this month, Klobuchar led a letter to CPSC urging the agency to open an investigation into contaminated toys following reports that a child from Minnesota was found to have toxic blood levels of lead after playing with an off-brand spin toy that was purchased online. She was also a chief author of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which gave CPSC the additional authority, resources, and staff to enforce consumer… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-spends-holidays-us-troops-middle-east | Phillips Spends Holidays with U.S. Troops in the Middle East | 2019-12-26 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Dean Phillips | P000616 | phillips.house.gov | legacy | MIDDLE EAST Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) returned today from spending his holiday week visiting U.S. troops serving in the CENTCOM Area of Operations in the Middle East. From December 22 26, Phillips traveled with a bipartisan Congressional delegation and discussed the fight against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, Iranian aggression, and trade in a series of high-level diplomatic and military visits in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. Phillips also served holiday meals, delivered gifts, and passed out holiday cards from preschoolers at St. David's Center in Minnetonka and several New Horizon Academy locations in Minnesota's Third District to troops in at every stop. As a Gold Star Son, my gratitude to our outstanding men and women in uniform is immeasurable, said Phillips. It was my honor to spend the holidays with these brave Americans, whose service and sacrifice keep us all safe. As we spend time with our loved ones this holiday season, may we all reflect on their extraordinary sacrifice and honor them with our own acts of service in our own community. Phillips traveled with seven other members of Congress - Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Rep. Max Rose (D-NY), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA), Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Rep. Aumua Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa) - who serve on the House Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Veterans Affairs Committees. The group visited the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City, Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, Naval Support Activity in Bahrain, and spent Christmas Day passing out gifts and serving a pancake breakfast at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. CLICK HERE to see more photos from Rep. Phillips's trip. CLICK HERE to see photos of preschool art Phillips delivered to U.S. troops. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-releases-end-year-progress-report-op-ed-her-tenure-congress | Rep. Ilhan Omar Releases End-of-Year Progress Report, Op-ed on her Tenure in Congress | 2019-12-23 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Ilhan Omar | O000173 | omar.house.gov | legacy | MINNEAPOLIS Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released an end of year progress report of her tenure in Congress thus far, along with an op-ed and graphic. I know how daunting the challenges before us can seem at times, Rep. Omar wrote. When faced with the words and actions of the current occupant of the White House, it is easy for hopelessness and cynicism to set in. But I want you to know: you have a representative who will do everything in her power to resist the forces of hate and division pushed by this president and pursue a politics of joy. Even in the darkest of moments, there is opportunity to build community and fight for a better world. I promise to continue to fight for that world as your representative in Congress. The achievements include: 28 bills and amendments introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives 16 bills and amendments passed in the U.S. House of Representatives 433 bills cosponsored 47,484 constituent letters answered 21 roundtables and town halls Over 1,000 meetings with constituents Over 200 constituent cases worked on $411,635 returned to constituents View the graphic View the op-ed here and below. Reflecting on a year of progress for Minnesotans By Congresswoman Ilhan Omar I came to Congress on a promise of cogovernance. As your Congresswoman, I do not only want to represent Minnesotans, I want to govern with you. As my first year in office comes to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to speak to you directly about the priorities I am focused on. When I was sworn in this year, I made my first and primary goal to invest in the people and the communities of Minnesota's 5th District and to fight against the forces of economic inequality that are holding working families back in Minnesota and across the country. Too many Minnesotans are struggling to make ends meet because of policies that value corporate profits over workers' rights, and by a rigged system that forces the average American to scrape by on stagnant wages as the cost of living skyrockets. Too often, our lawmakers … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-securing-bwcaw-report-language-final-spending-package | McCollum Statement on Securing BWCAW Report Language in Final Spending Package | 2019-12-21 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | mccollum | https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, released the following statement today after President Trump signed the FY 2020 funding package into law: "With President Trump signing H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158 into law, we've avoided another government shutdown and funded our government sufficiently," Chair McCollum said. "The funding that's now signed into law advances House report language that accompanies H.R. 2740, which was passed by the House of Representatives on June 19, 2019. This language directs the State Department to report to Congress on the effects of sulfide-ore copper mining in the Super National Forest on international waters shared with Canada and protected by the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty. While the White House took aggressive action to ensure similar language was stripped out of the Interior-Environment funding bill – which would have ensured science is used in determining the impact of mining on the Boundary Waters – the language that is included is an important step to keeping our shared international waters clean and safe. I look forward to the report, due to Congress in 60 days, on the potential for cross-boundary pollution resulting from sulfide-ore copper mining in the Superior National Forest. "To that end, I've sent letters to Secretary of State Pompeo as well as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, apprising them of the expected report by the State Department and recommitting to our international partnership and shared obligation to protect these irreplaceable natural resources. These pristine waters belong to all of us, and it's important we all do our part to keep them intact." Background: This language can be found on page 31 of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill Report (H.R. 2740), and as follows: Report Rainy River Drainage Basin.—The Committee supports the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty and the goal of limiting pollution of boundary waters. The Committee is concerned that d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/omar-mccollum-craig-and-phillips-urge-assessment-public-housing-stock-following | Omar, McCollum, Craig and Phillips Urge Assessment of Public Housing Stock following Cedar-Riverside Fire | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Ilhan Omar | O000173 | omar.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONReps. Ilhan Omar, Betty McCollum, Angie Craig and Dean Philips sent a letter to Ben Carson, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, asking the agency to conduct a full assessment of national public housing in order to determine exactly how many facilities are currently exempt from sprinkler requirements and how many of those have been retrofitted regardless. On Wednesday, November 27th, a tragic fire that broke out in a public housing high-rise in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, killing 5 people. More residents are still in the hospital recovering from injuries. The building was not fully equipped with sprinklers because it was constructed before laws mandated the equipment place. There are more than 20,000 publicly-owned units operated in our state, providing homes to 36,000 Minnesotans and families, the Members wrote. They are counting on the government to help keep them safe and prevent another senseless tragedy like what happened in Cedar Riverside last month. We look forward to hearing from your agency on the scope of the upgrades needed in order to help public housing residents across the country feel safer under their own roof. Although Public Housing Authorities conduct Capital Needs Assessment to catalogue all their maintenance and repair needs, sprinkler systems may not make it onto those lists for facilities that are exempt and already burdened with a high backlog of needs. Further, HUD does not formally keep track of which older buildings have or have not been outfitted with the life-saving equipment. The letter also asks for a cost estimate from HUD on how much federal funding the agency would need to ensure every public housing building was fully equipped, regardless of age. The full text of the letter is below and here. December 19, 2019 The Honorable Ben Carson Secretary U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20410 Secretary Carson: We write to request vital information from the Department of Housing and Urban Devel… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-applauds-new-permanent-resident-status-liberian-minnesotans | Phillips Applauds New Permanent Resident Status for Liberian Minnesotans | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Dean Phillips | P000616 | phillips.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) is celebrating with the members of the Liberian community in Minnesota after President Trump signed the National Defense Department Authorization (NDAA). The defense agreement provides Liberians on Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) with a pathway to citizenship for the first time - the culmination of a year-long effort by Phillips and a core group other lawmakers. Phillips has been working with the Liberian community, his colleagues in Congress and President Trump to first delay the expiration of DED in March and has advocated for a bipartisan permanent fix for the last year. The yearly defense bill contained the final provision, which was based on legislative efforts led by Phillips, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, and Rep. David Cicilline, Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed and Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith. Our nation is the land of promise and opportunity, said Phillips. If you are here legally, play by the rules, and contribute to your community, you should have nothing to fear - and our Liberian neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family are finally breathing a sigh of relief. Over many months, I have worked together with Minnesota's extraordinary Liberian community to elevate their stories and legislate a permanent fix for DED. I'm overjoyed and celebrating alongside them today and am thankful to my colleagues Rep. David Cicilline, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Sen. Tina Smith, and Sen. Jack Reed for finding a way to get this done. Minnesota is home to one of the largest Liberian immigrant populations in the United States, many of whom call Brooklyn Park home. For decades, Liberians on DED have worked legally, owned homes, and paid taxes in Minnesota with no pathway to citizenship. The community is also the hardworking bedrock of the northwest metro's health and senior care industry. The West African nation of Liberia was founded in 1822 by freed American slaves, and the two countries have since shared a special relationship. When a series of brutal civil wars broke out in 1989, man… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-reaffirms-commitment-strong-environmental-protections-bwca | Phillips Reaffirms Commitment to Strong Environmental Protections for the BWCA | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Dean Phillips | P000616 | phillips.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) issued the following statement after Chilean mining conglomerate and owner of Twin Metals, Antofagasta, submitted a plan to the Minnesota DNR detailing its proposal to develop a sulfide-ore copper mine adjacent to Minnesota's treasured Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness this week. The plan comes just days after the White House worked to strip a provision, authored by Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-04), from the federal spending agreement which would have required the U.S. Forest Service to complete its study on the risk sulfide-ore copper mining poses to the Boundary Waters. Last year, the Trump Administration cancelled the Forest Service study just before its completion and all information from this taxpayer-funded study is being withheld from the American people. This Administration has repeatedly stonewalled reasonable requests from Congress and the American people for more information about the implications of mining near Minnesota's, and the nation's, most popular Wilderness. I urge the Trump Administration to complete and publish the study of the potential impact of the Twin Metals mine on our treasured national forest lands, and I am proud to join Rep. Betty McCollum and thousands of my constituents in the mission to preserve the Boundary Waters for generations to come. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=02DB222D-29B7-41BE-BD76-FFB88694052A | Klobuchar, Craig, Phillips, McCollum, Emmer, and Stauber Urge Consumer Product Safety Commission to Open Investigation into Contaminated Toys to Ensure Child Safety | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) follows recent reports that a child from Minnesota was found with toxic blood levels of lead after playing with an off-brand spin toy purchased online WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representatives Angie Craig (MN-2), Dean Phillips (MN-3), Betty McCollum (MN- 4), Tom Emmer (MN-6), and Pete Stauber (MN-8) urged the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to open an investigation into contaminated toys following reports that a child from Minnesota was found to have toxic blood levels of lead after playing with an off-brand spin toy that was purchased online. Last month, the Minnesota Department of Commerce banned the sale of 15 off-brand versions of these toys in Minnesota after finding that they contained toxic levels of lead and cadmium. In a letter, the delegation urged the CPSC to take steps to ensure that contaminated toys are taken off the market to ensure that children are safe. We believe one lead-contaminated toy is too many and that it is unacceptable that parents could unknowingly purchase contaminated toys for their children, the members wrote. Given the seriousness of this issue and recognizing that families are spending a significant amount of time shopping online, we urge the CPSC to ensure that no contaminated toys remain on the market so that parents can shop safe and kids can play safe. The full text of the letter can be found HERE and below: Dear Acting Chairman Adler: We write to express our serious concerns regarding recent reports that a child from Minnesota was found with toxic blood levels of lead and cadmium after playing with an off-brand spin toy that was purchased online and to request that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) open an investigation and take steps to ensure that contaminated toys are taken off the market to ensure that children are safe. Over 400,000 Americans die each year due to lead exposure, which is also extremely hazardous to children's health by causing brain and nervous system da… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=13DFB955-8C1A-4A6E-AB1A-32CA59B8E758 | Klobuchar Provisions Included in National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Legislation signed into law includes Klobuchar provisions that will examine the health effects of exposure to burn pits on veterans; support children of National Guard and Reserve members; a Klobuchar-backed Reed provision to extend permanent residency status to eligible Liberians; improve voting processes for members of the military to ensure all ballots from servicemembers are counted; and combat foreign influence campaigns WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced today that five of her provisions to support servicemembers, veterans, and their families have been included in the reauthorization of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The first provision, based on the bipartisan Burn Pit Accountability Act, introduced with Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), would require servicemembers to be evaluated for health issues caused by exposure to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals during routine health exams. The second provision is based on the Supporting Children of the National Guard and Reserve Act, introduced with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), and would support children in National Guard and Reserve families by requiring states to identify students from military families in school records to ensure that schools and teachers know which students have parents in the military to help accommodate any additional needs. The third provision is based on the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, a Klobuchar-backed bill with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), which would allow eligible Liberians to apply for permanent residency and provide them with a pathway to citizenship. The fourth provision would authorize the Department of Defense and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to conduct a study to determine necessary steps to track ballots from servicemembers across the world to ensure that their votes are being counted. The fifth provision is based on the Combatting Foreign Influence Act, introduced with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), to establish a Malign Foreign Influence Response Center to combat election… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smith-says-thye-blatnik-decision-win-minnesotans-lake-st-louis-and-cook-counties | U.S. Senator Tina Smith Says Thye Blatnik Decision is a Win for Minnesotans in Lake, St. Louis and Cook Counties | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Smith Successfully Fought To Ensure Compensation Payments Through Thye Blatnik Act Remain at Current Levels WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/20/19]Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) heeded her call and will maintain federal payments tothree counties in northern Minnesota at current levels, which is welcome news to Lake, St. Louis and Cook Counties. The Counties benefit from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) as a world-renowned tourist destination, but they also forgo property taxes and other potential revenue streams. Congress passed theThye Blatnik Actover 70 years ago, which directed the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire lands within the future BWCAW and set up a system of annual compensation payments to the host counties. The most recent appraisal suggested that there had been an unbelievable 49 percent decline in property values in a mere decade, and Sen. Smith stood up for Lake, St. Louis and Cook Counties by urging USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky to continueThye Blatnikpayments at previous appraisal levels until either a full appeal process is completed or a new appraisal can be conducted. Thye Blatnik payments have been a vital source of revenue for Cook, St. Louis and Lake Counties in northeastern Minnesota since 1948. A suspect and likely wrong reappraisal of lands in those counties conducted by the Trump Administration last year threatened to reduce county revenue dramatically,said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.Today, I am pleased that the Administration has listened to my advice and will redo their 2018 reappraisal and continue current levels of payments to the counties until that new appraisal is complete. You can access Sen. Smith's letter to Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky pushing to secure this outcomehere. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-tina-smith-and-david-perdue-introduce-bipartisan-youth-workforce-readiness-act | U.S. Senators Tina Smith and David Perdue Introduce Bipartisan Youth Workforce Readiness Act | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Senators' Bill Would help Prepare Young People for the Workforce and Boost Their Economic Potential WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/20/19]This week, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and David Perdue (R-Ga.)along with Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)introduced a bipartisan bill to promote partnerships between afterschool providers and businesses so young people can explore career paths and opportunities that help them land their first jobs and thrive in the workforce. Right now, communities in Minnesota, Georgia, and across America face significant challenges in ensuring youth gain the skills needed to be adequately prepared to enter the workforce. Many young people share concerns about whether they have the skills necessary to secure a job. This lack of adequate workforce readiness also leads to negative economic impacts for employers, who often say they struggle to find workers with the right skills for open jobs. TheYouth Workforce Readiness Actwould support high-quality programs that help youth gain skills and connect these skills to critical real-life work experiences and learning opportunities. It would set up a grant program for national, youth-serving, out-of-school time organizations like the Boys & Girls Club to fund workforce preparation programs while also increasing coordination between local workforce boards and experts in youth policy. I hear from young people about their hopes for the future, which include contributing to their communities and getting good jobs. And I hear from employers that they need help getting connected to great employees. That's where afterschool and out-of-school time providers can play a role in helping young people gain skills and make connections to mentors, opportunities and local employers,said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Education Committee.Our bipartisan bill would help support youth success for years to come by exposing young people to the varied ways they can participate in the workforce. Currently, there are 7.3 million job openings and only … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/epa-lets-down-farmers-again | EPA Lets Down Farmers Again | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson released the following statement in regard to the release of the supplemental rule to address the Small Refinery Waiver actions that have been taken by the Administration: The Administration has repeatedly directed the EPA and other agencies to support the ethanol industry and corn farmers, and the EPA has told those farmers to trust them. Instead we're seeing a final rule out of EPA that doesn't guarantee the 15 billion gallons the RFS mandates. At a time when our agriculture economy is struggling, the EPA has ripped 4 billion gallons of ethanol out of the market and impacted corn prices and rural communities. We also have yet to see the other things that were promised to the biofuels industry and corn farmers to get more ethanol into the market via infrastructure incentives and policies related to higher ethanol blends. Chairman Peterson is also co-chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, a bipartisan group of Members of Congress who advocate for homegrown renewable fuel policies that boost farmer incomes and reduce dependence on foreign oil. He is also the sponsor of theRenewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act of 2019, a bill which provides certainty to the biofuels industry by setting an annual deadline for small refinery exemption applications and bringing transparency to the process. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/peterson-statement-house-vote-impeach-president-donald-j-trump | Peterson statement on House Vote to Impeach President Donald J. Trump | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Collin Peterson has issued this statement following a vote on two articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump: "Throughout my career, I have worked from the guiding belief that only through bipartisan action can we address the country's most pressing challenges.At the beginning of the impeachment debate we were told that it would only move ahead with bipartisan support in the Congress and significant support from the American people. "After the Russia investigation, Mueller Report and official impeachment investigation by the House Intelligence and the House Judiciary Committees we became more polarized and had less consensus. How can it be that after all the testimony, every Democrat thinks the president has committed an impeachable offense and every Republican thinks he has not? "I'm not a lawyer and am not sure what high crimes and misdemeanors are, but I do know that this process has not convinced the people in my district we have impeachable offenses and that the president needs to be removed. I disagreed with how the Russia probe and Mueller report were handled and think it set the stage for the failed impeachment inquiry. The inquiry and hearing have been partisan and have failed in convincing the country while further placating some people who have wanted the president impeached since he was elected. "This process has been a mistake and I will not be whipped in line by my party. I may stand alone but I stand in good conscience. History will show this to be a mistake and the Senate will make short work of an acquittal." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-angie-craig-applauds-usmca-house-passage | Congresswoman Angie Craig Applauds USMCA House Passage | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Angie Craig | C001119 | craig.house.gov | legacy | Today, Rep. Angie Craig voted to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) with overwhelming bipartisan support, giving family farmers and Minnesota businesses a new deal with our largest trading partners. Rep. Craig worked for months to help finalize a final trade agreement that is good for family farmers and protects American workers - without providing a hand out to prescription drugs companies. She met several times with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and led a group of over 100 Members of Congress in pushing back on a provision advocated by Big Pharma that would have extended market exclusivity on biologic drugs in the agreement. It was removed from the final trade deal. Over the past few months I've heard from farmers and businesses about the need for a trade deal that opens up export markets, and I've pushed to make sure hard-working Minnesotans weren't given a false choice between dependable markets and affordable healthcare, said Rep. Angie Craig. I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues and the Administration get this across the finish line. I'm pleased to vote for this important trade agreement, and now it's time for Mitch McConnell to prioritize this in the Senate. USMCA seeks to protect American jobs, improve labor standards abroad, and promote economic growth for family farmers and workers. This agreement has the overwhelming support of American labor groups, farm organizations, and business coalitions. The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks Congresswoman Angie Craig for her tireless work to stand up for our small businesses in the final USMCA deal. Our members will now have reliable markets with Mexico and Canada, our largest trade partners, said Maureen Scallen Failor, President of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Minnesota Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Congresswoman Craig's support for USMCA. She knows that Minnesota farmers needed an agreement that strengthens North America's strong, balanced partnership that locks in market opportunit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/citing-trump-administration-inaction-sanders-and-omar-pursue-oversight-effort | Citing Trump Administration Inaction, Sanders and Omar Pursue Oversight Effort on Amazon Workplace Abuse | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Ilhan Omar | O000173 | omar.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONIn the face of the Trump Administration's continued failure to hold Amazon accountable for endemic abuses at its warehouses, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) are demanding detailed information from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding injury reports at Amazon facilities over the past three years. Working conditions in the United States of America should be the best and safest in the world, write Sanders and Omar. Unfortunately, workers at Amazon facilities suffer from continued egregious safety lapses. The two lawmakers cite Amazon's own injury records, recently revealed in a Center for Investigative Reporting expos, that demonstrate that the company's rate of serious injuries is more than double the average of warehouses nationwide. Due to the company's pressure on warehouse employees during the holiday shopping season, the first two weeks of December are the most dangerous of the year for Amazon workers. In July, Sen. Sanders and Rep. Omar led a dozen lawmakers in calling for OSHA to launch a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the workplace conditions at all of Amazon's warehouses, and urged OSHA to prosecute any uncovered abuses to the fullest extent of the law. OSHA's response to the members of Congress did not commit to conducting any new investigations or to the enforcement of violations at Amazon. OSHA's inaction reflects a deliberate shift by the Trump Administration toward weaker workplace protections. OSHA's own data reveal a notable decline in the number of inspectors and worksite inspections. Given your agency's lack of attention to this very serious matter, Sanders and Omar conclude, OSHA must now produce injury reports for all Amazon facilities. By law, this data must be visibly posted on the worksite and made available to employees, former employees, and representatives of employees. As the injury reports are stored in an easily shared data file, the two lawmakers estimate that it should take no more than a day… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=70F8F7DE-E599-4F5E-91B4-24704410E2DE | Klobuchar Statement on Final Rule for Biofuel Volumes | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Klobuchar has spent months calling for an end to the harm caused by the abuse of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) hardship' waivers WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final rule setting biofuel-blending volumes for 2020 and biomass-based diesel volumes for 2021. The biofuel industry supports hundreds of thousands of rural jobs across the country. However, this final rule fails to make any substantive changes to what was proposed in October, which was already too little, too late for farmers, ethanol producers, and the environment. The Administration caused this problem by making exemptions for big oil companies, and its failure to uphold the RFS has already led to the closure or idling of more than 35 ethanol and biodiesel plants, leaving rural America further behind. Enough is enough. To ensure certainty for the marketplace and uphold the Congressional intent of the RFS, I will continue to encourage the Administration to follow the law and properly account for waived renewable gallons. Our environment, farmers, and rural communities depend on the faithful implementation of the RFS. For years, Klobuchar has also been a leader in the fight to strengthen the RFS to support American jobs and decrease dependence on foreign oil. Klobuchar has led several letters urging the Administration to cease issuing small refinery waivers and reject changes to the RFS that would upend stability and predictability for small businesses and rural communities. In November, Klobuchar led a public comment letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler expressing concern over the proposed supplemental rule establishing the Renewable Fuel Standard's (RFS) 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations and 2021 Biomass-Based Diesel Volumes. In October, Klobuchar sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue asking the agency to document the impact of small refinery waivers on farm income, commod… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=D0DE3A37-4ECC-4DAB-AD0A-897764278116 | Klobuchar-Backed Legislation to Protect Consumers from Robocalls Passes Senate | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. Senate passed legislation backed by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to protect consumers from robocalls. The Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act would protect consumers from illegal robocalls by giving regulators more time to find scammers, increasing civil penalties, promoting call authentication and blocking adoption technologies, and ensuring that consumers receive call authentication and blocking services at no cost. The bipartisan legislation led by Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ) also brings relevant federal agencies and state attorneys general together to address criminal prosecution of robocallers who intentionally violate the law. The bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Robocalls doubled last year in Minnesota. Worse still, they often target seniors, who can lose their entire life savings to fraudulent cons. Klobuchar said. We need to protect consumers from these annoying, unwanted, and potentially fraudulent calls That's why I have supported the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act, bipartisan legislation that helps regulators find scammers, increases civil penalties, and promotes call authentication and blocking technologies. I am pleased that this legislation has passed the Senate and look forward to seeing it signed into law. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, Klobuchar has been a leader in the fight to protect consumers from robocalls, ticket bots, unauthorized charges on their phone bills, and deceptive practices by fraudulent online travel booking websites. In July 2019, Klobuchar introduced the bipartisan Data Analytics Robocall Technology (DART) Act with Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to evaluate the most effective use of call blocking-technologies without disrupting… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=F013835C-40C5-418B-BB2B-33F5D1D7D724 | Klobuchar, Rubio Announce Senate Passage of Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | The bipartisan legislation would assist veterans re-entering the workforce by directing the National Science Foundation to encourage veterans to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) announced that the Senate has passed their bipartisan Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act to assist veterans re-entering the workforce by directing the National Science Foundation to encourage veterans to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. "Our veterans aren't just heroes on the battlefieldthey are the scientists, teachers, inventors, and engineers who will lead us to a brighter future. The passage of the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act through the Senate brings us one step closer to bringing veterans the benefits of well-paying jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math, and helping employers better meet their hiring needs. By supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life through STEM career training, we not only help them to succeed, but also strengthen our economy and our nation, Klobuchar said. The future of work in the 21st century will be dominated by STEM roles, and the United States should prioritize policies that utilize our well-qualified veterans to fill this future workforce, Rubio said. I thank my Senate colleagues for unanimously approving this important and bipartisan bill to ensure our nation's veterans have the skills and opportunities to succeed in STEM careers. I look forward to working with our colleagues in the House to get this bill to the President. We owe it to our nation's heroes to ensure this bipartisan bill gets across the finish line. The Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act would also require the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish an interagency working group to develop a strategic plan to address the barriers that veterans face when reentering the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/smith-klobuchar-senate-passes-legislation-give-eligible-liberians-permanent-residency-status-and | Smith, Klobuchar: Senate Passes Legislation to Give Eligible Liberians Permanent Residency Status and Pathway to Citizenship, Heads to President’s Desk | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Smith, Klobuchar say long fight to successfully ensure pathway to citizenship for Liberians in the U.S. won in National Defense Authorization Act WASHINGTON Yesterday, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that following years of advocacy and leadership to extend permanent residency status to Liberians, theNational Defense Authorization Act(NDAA), which includes a provision to allow eligible Liberians living in the United States currently on the temporary immigration status of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to continue living legally in the U.S. and get on a pathway to earning U.S. citizenship, has passed the Senate. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week and after Senate passage now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Our work to secure a path to citizenship for eligible Liberians here in America is one step closer to finally becoming law,Klobuchar said.There has been a vibrant Liberian community in Minnesota for decades, and they are an important part of our state, where they serve as business owners, teachers, and health care workers. This hard fought step toward permanent citizenship is well-deserved for this community that has worked hard and played by the rules. We foughtalongside brave community members who made their voices heardto extend humanitarian protections for Liberians because these people deserve the opportunity to become American citizens,Smith said.Creating a pathway to citizenship is a historic step for Congress, and it's the right step for us to take for Liberian families in Minnesota and across America. Klobuchar has been urgently requesting that the Administrationextend these protections for Liberians. Since 2007,Klobuchar hascosponsoredtheLiberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, led by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), which would allow eligible Liberians to apply for permanent residency and provide them with a pathway to citizenship. The provision in NDAA is based on that legislation. She hasalso cosponsoredtheSafe E… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/smith-portman-bipartisan-revitalizing-underdeveloped-rural-areas-and-lands-rural-act-be-signed-law | Smith, Portman Bipartisan Revitalizing Underdeveloped Rural Areas and Lands (RURAL) Act to be Signed Into Law | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Legislation Provides Certainty to Rural Co-ops to Accept Rural Broadband Grants and FEMA Disaster Relief, Promoting Economic Development & Job Creation Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Senate passed the final FY 2020 funding bill that includes their bipartisanRevitalizing Underdeveloped Rural Areas and Lands (RURAL)Actto preserve jobs and encourage infrastructure development by expanding tax-exempt cooperative organizations' access to government grants and assistance, including rural broadband grants and FEMA disaster relief. This legislation provides certainty for co-ops looking to utilize government resources to deliver critical services to their members, such as broader access to high-speed internet or repairs to the electrical grid. The legislation now heads to the president's desk for signature. I'm pleased that this bipartisan legislation will now head to the president's desk to be signed into law because in today's technology-dependent world, we must do more to bring high-speed internet and stronger grid infrastructure to the rural areas of our country. Tax-exempt rural co-ops provide these important services to parts of the country where access to reliable electricity and high-speed internet is the most limited, and they rely heavily on grants to perform these services. Without this legislation, many co-ops may miss out on grant income or disaster assistance, hurting our efforts to promote economic development and job creation in these rural areas,said Portman. We should take any action we can to help us get more Minnesotans and Americans in rural areas connected,said Smith.So when I heard from several Minnesota cooperatives at risk of losing their tax-exempt status, I wanted to reverse that. I introduced bipartisan legislation that would ensure co-ops can retain their tax exemptions when they receive grants to expand rural broadband or recover from a disaster. With this measure set to become law, we can make sure rural broadband keeps expanding in Minn… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-sen-tina-smith-administrations-renewable-fuel-standard-policy-bait-and-switch-and-falls-short | U.S. Sen. Tina Smith: Administration’s Renewable Fuel Standard Policy is “Bait and Switch” and Falls Short of What Minnesotans, Americans Deserve | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Had Repeatedly Called on Trump Administration to Address Abuse of Small Refinery Hardship Waivers WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/19/19]Today,U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.)a member of the Senate Agriculture Committeereleased the following statement after the Trump Administration announced final biofuel-blending quotas that fall short of accounting for the harmful abuse of small refinery waivers granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) blending targets. President Trump announced in early October that he would take steps to make up for the abuse of small refinery waivers, which have allowed oil refineries to avoid using four billion gallons of biofuels. But the Administration's plan released mid-October accounted for a fractionless than halfof the gallons of biofuels that have been lost. Now, Sen. Smith says the final blending targets are again disappointing and not what Minnesotans or Americans deserve. A strong Renewable Fuel Standard is important to rural communities, farmers, clean energy producers and agribusinesses.The RFS supports thousands of local jobs and helps lead to billions of dollars in economic activity, it cuts our dependence on foreign oil, and it helps fight global warming,said Sen. Smith.As I've said before,people were kind of feeling hopefulwhen the President talked about a 15 billion gallon blend assurance, after what's been a really cruddy year for corn producers and ethanol facilitiessome of whom are literally going out of business. This is another frustratingbait and switch by the President. His pro-oil and gas agenda stands out starkly in a week when we in Congress are about to pass a long-overdue extension of the biodiesel tax credit. In October, Sen. Smith pressed U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Censky about the Administration's policy on the amount of corn-based ethanol and other renewable fuels blended into the nation's gasoline supply at a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing.Sen. Smith has also pressed EPA Administrator Andre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smith-introduces-legislation-help-tribal-communities-address-opioid-epidemic-mental | U.S. Senator Tina Smith Introduces Legislation to Help Tribal Communities Address Opioid Epidemic, Mental and Behavioral Health | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Smith, Udall, Tester, Warren, Cortez Masto Push for Resources to Help People Struggling with Addiction, Mental Health Conditions & Other Behavioral Health Crises on Tribal Lands WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/19/19]Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced a billalong with U.S. Sens. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.)to help Tribal communities in Minnesota and across the country access the resources they need to support people who are struggling with mental health issues or substance use disorders. Tribal communities have been hit hard by the opioid epidemic. According to a leading health agency, American Indians and Alaska Natives experience some of the highest drug overdose death rates. However, many tribal communities don't have the resources they need to tackle this public health crisis. TheNative Behavioral Health Access Improvement Actwould create a behavioral health program to help Tribes develop solutions that include culturally-appropriate efforts aimed at prevention, treatment, and recovery. Sen. Smith's bill would set up the Special Behavioral Health Program for Indiansthe SBHPImodeled after the successful Special Diabetes Program for Indians. You can access a summary of the billhereand text of the billhere. Native communities have been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, yet too many aren't able to access the behavioral health services necessary to tackle these challenges,said Sen. Smith, a member of the both the Senate Health and Indian Affairs Committees.Tribes need to be able to access the resources necessary to address the opioid crisis, and other mental health and substance use crises. I'm putting this bill forward to helpleaders in Indian Country,and those closest to the work, create programs that leverage their unique strengths and cultural resources. Far too many families in Native communities throughout New Mexico and Indian Country have beenhurtby the opioid crisis, suicide, and other behavioral health emergenc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-release-twin-metals-mine-plan | McCollum Statement on Release of Twin Metals Mine Plan | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | mccollum | https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, released the following statement today after Twin Metals released its plan for a sulfide-ore mine near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: "Today, Twin Metals is releasing a mine plan to extract profits while poisoning Minnesota's most pristine waters. Only after the White House, a few days ago, intervened in final appropriations negotiations to strip out a directive for the National Academy of Sciences to study and inform the American people and Congress about the environmental impact of sulfide-ore mining on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Since taking office, the Trump administration has gone to extreme lengths – denying access to a scientific study, ignoring public input, and lying to Congress. Why? They did so in order to help a foreign mining company destroy our precious wilderness. "The science-based environmental review of the mining withdrawal of federal lands adjacent to the BWCA was nearly complete when it was terminated by President Trump. That taxpayer-funded study and its data, findings, and assessments have been kept a secret by the Trump administration. Access to the information that has been collected by this study is being denied to Congress and the American people. Minnesotans should ask themselves: why are President Trump and Republicans in Congress hiding this study from the American people? It is because they are willing to pollute and poison Minnesota's and Canada's waters in exchange for extracting profits. The fix is in. We must fight back to protect our Boundary Waters." # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-leads-letter-calling-investigation-alleged-turkish-war-crimes | Rep. Ilhan Omar Leads Letter Calling for Investigation Into Alleged Turkish War Crimes | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Ilhan Omar | O000173 | omar.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONRep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) today led a letter to Jim Jeffrey, the Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIL, about Turkey's alleged use of white phosphorous in an intentional attack on civilians. International organizations and observers on the ground in Northern Syria allege that on October 16th, Turkish forces used white phosphorous. If these allegations are true, this is a war crime and a crime against humanity. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has said it is monitoring the situation, but has declined to open a full investigation. Members are asking for a full briefing, classified if necessary, to address what the U.S. has learned about the alleged chemical attackand calling on the Department of State to commit to a full, impartial, multilateral investigation into the allegations. If the attack is found to violate domestic or international law, Members are requesting accountability for the perpetrators, including a potential Security Council resolution and International Criminal Court Investigation. The letter is led by Rep. Omar, along with Reps. Karen Bass, Chair of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations, Juan Vargas, and Sheila Jackson Lee. You can read the full letter here and below. Dear Ambassador Jeffrey, We are writing to express our grave concerns regarding allegations that Turkish forces used white phosphorous in an intentional attack on civilian populations in Syria on October 16th. The use of chemical weapons on civilian populations is one of the most atrocious and disturbing acts a government or military can take. We recognize that, under domestic and international law, white phosphorous has both legitimate military uses and illegitimate ones. However, the allegations from organizations and individuals on the ground, including the Kurdish Red Crescent, are clear in this case: that Turkey's use was targeted at civilians, and falls under the category of illegitimate use. Further, if the intention of usi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-statement-impeachment-president-trump | Rep. Ilhan Omar Statement on the Impeachment of President Trump | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Ilhan Omar | O000173 | omar.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONRep. Ilhan Omar issued the following statement on the Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump. Today, we in the United States House of Representatives fulfill our Constitutional responsibility. Today, we vote to restore balance to our democracyby voting to impeach the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump. On March 7th, 1788, six months after the Constitution was signed at Independence Hall, Alexander Hamilton laid out in detail the standards for impeachment in the Federalist papers. Impeachment should proceed from the misconduct of public men, or, in other words, from the abuse or violation of some public trust,' Hamilton wrote. If the federal governmentshould overpass the just bounds of its authority and make a tyrannical use of its powers,' the people must take such measures to redress the injury done to the Constitution.' He also warned that caution and investigation are a necessary armor against error and imposition. Donald Trump has abused the public trust and overpassed the bounds of his authority. He has used the office of the presidency for his own personal political gain. We in the United States House of Representatives have proceeded with caution and investigation. As a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, I listened deliberately to depositions as witness after witness laid out in detail the President's abuse of power. The evidence is incontrovertible. The president extorted a foreign government in an effort to benefit his reelection and obstructed the Congressional investigation into that extortion. He abused his oath of office. He must be impeached. These are not the President's only impeachable offenses. He obstructed justice when he fired the FBI Director responsible for overseeing the investigation into his relationship with Russia. He has repeatedly violated the Emoluments Clause by retaining ownership and promoting his businesses while in office. He has abused his pardon power. He has pressured the Department of Justice to investigate political o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-dean-phillips-mn-03-votes-impeachment | Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) Votes for Impeachment | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Dean Phillips | P000616 | phillips.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) voted in favor of botharticles of impeachment before the House of Representatives after viewing the whistleblower report and related evidence. Our Founders so feared the possibility of a future president abusing the powers of the office that they gave Congress the constitutional power to impeach before deciding on the powers of the presidency itself. They also created three co-equal branches of government, thereby creating a system of checks and balances - and a constitutional responsibility to provide oversight and accountability that made a Congressional investigation into the allegations made in the whistleblower's report an imperative. I take this duty very seriously. That is whyI participated in the depositions, attended the hearings, read the evidence, and consulted Constitutional lawyers both liberal and conservative in the lead up to yesterday's vote. I voted for both articles of impeachment because I believe that the evidence relative to obstruction of Congress and abuse of power is clear and damning, and it warrants a trial in the Senate. It was often repeated during the course of debate that those voting for impeachment are simply seeking to overturn the results of the 2016 election. It is of course the Senate who will decide whether to convict and remove the President from office - and every indication is that they will vote to acquit. I would remind my colleagues that there was also an election in 2018, resulting in a Democratic majority and a an historic freshman class with a mandate to provide a check on this President. We all took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. I am proud of my colleagues who voted to uphold their oaths knowing it may come at the cost of their re-election. That courage has been missing in Washington for some time, and their actions leave me hopeful for our collective futures. Ultimately, Americans will serve as the final judge when they go to the ballot box in November of 2020. I ask that they carefully review th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=66497B6E-B654-44F3-8770-0505C07DCD01 | Klobuchar, Smith Announce Public Housing Fire Safety Act Following Tragic Fire in Minneapolis | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Senators' bill would encourage public housing authorities to install sprinkler systems in older buildings to improve safety of residents and local communities WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced legislationthe Public Housing Fire Safety Actthat would create a program to provide support to public housing authorities who wish to retrofit older high-rise apartment buildings with sprinkler systems. The Federal Fire Safety Act of 1992 required the installation of sprinklers in all new government-owned high rise buildings. However, there are thousands of public housing apartment buildings around the country built before that date. According to data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for example, nearly all of the high-rise public housing buildings in Minneapolis, Minnesota were built before the mandatory sprinkler system laws look effect. One of these properties, Cedar High Apartments, suffered a tragic and fatal fire last month. The upper floors of the building, where the fire erupted, did not have sprinkler systems installed. Public housing authorities that wish to retrofit older buildings like Cedar High Apartments with sprinkler systems must use their already limited capital funds to do so. While many public housing authorities have recognized the importance of these upgrades, the federal government must take a larger role in supporting fire safety improvements. With the proper safeguards in place, tragic events like the recent Cedar-Riverside fire in Minneapolis could be prevented, Klobuchar said. The Public Housing Fire Safety Act would require HUD to set aside money for sprinkler systems and help ensure that buildings have properly installed fire systems. We mourn those we lost, and we are thankful for the swift and heroic action by firefighters and first responders who saved lives. I am dedicated to ensuring that safe and stable housing is available for families in Minnesota. The fire at Cedar High Apartments was a tragic loss for … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=A6D4F2D5-2E8E-4776-9A9E-E92DA5C375AF | Klobuchar, Smith: Senate Passes Legislation to Give Eligible Liberians Permanent Residency Status and Pathway to Citizenship, Heads to President’s Desk | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Klobuchar, Smith say long fight to successfully ensure pathway to citizenship for Liberians in the U.S. won in National Defense Authorization Act WASHINGTON Yesterday, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that following years of advocacy and leadership to extend permanent residency status to Liberians, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a provision to allow eligible Liberians living in the United States currently on the temporary immigration status of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to continue living legally in the U.S. and get on a pathway to earning U.S. citizenship, has passed the Senate. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week and after Senate passage now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Our work to secure a path to citizenship for eligible Liberians here in America is one step closer to finally becoming law, Klobuchar said. There has been a vibrant Liberian community in Minnesota for decades, and they are an important part of our state, where they serve as business owners, teachers, and health care workers. This hard fought step toward permanent citizenship is well-deserved for this community that has worked hard and played by the rules. We foughtalongside brave community members who made their voices heardto extend humanitarian protections for Liberians because these people deserve the opportunity to become American citizens, Smith said. Creating a pathway to citizenship is a historic step for Congress, and it's the right step for us to take for Liberian families in Minnesota and across America. Klobuchar has been urgently requesting that the Administrationextend these protections for Liberians. Since 2007,Klobuchar hascosponsoredthe Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, led by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), which would allow eligible Liberians to apply for permanent residency and provide them with a pathway to citizenship. The provision in NDAA is based on that legislation. She hasalso cosponsor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=F9229026-7F50-4435-8D1A-59E903CEF010 | Klobuchar Statement on the Impeachment of President Trump | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released this statement upon the impeachment today of President Donald John Trump: Today is a somber day for our country. In America, no one is above the law, and the American people deserve to hear evidence and witness testimony during a full and fair trial in the Senate. If the President has any facts to present in his defense to the articles of impeachment, we should hear them. When the Senate convenes for a trial, I will take my oath seriously and carry out my constitutional duty. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/2020-budget-agreement-passed-key-bipartisan-measures-us-senator-tina-smith-authored-championed-set | As 2020 Budget Agreement is Passed, Key Bipartisan Measures U.S. Senator Tina Smith Authored & Championed Set to Become Law and Benefit Minnesotans | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Successfully Includes Efforts to Lower Health Care Costs, Support Housing and Expand Broadband in Government Spending Package WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/18/19]As Congress sends its final budget agreement for 2020 to the President's desk, Minnesotans will benefit from several bipartisan measures U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) authored and championed. Sen. Smith's bipartisan efforts to address health care costs and skyrocketing prescription drug prices, support rural housing, ramp up clean energy, expand disaster relief to hard-hit farmers and preserve electric cooperatives' tax-exempt status while expanding much-needed broadband services in rural communities were all included in the final budget package expected to be signed into law in the coming days. Here we are at the end of the year, and I'm glad I was able to get a lot of the bipartisan efforts I've been working on across the finish line to help Minnesotans,said Sen. Smith.The government spending package includes measures focused on the issues I talk about with people from across the statelowering prescription drug prices, expanding affordable housing and broadband, supporting the economy and bolstering education programs. This shows that Congress can come together from both sides of the aisle and do what's right to move Minnesota and our nation forward, and create opportunity for American families. The government spending package includes several of Sen. Smith's top Senate priorities: Lowering Prescription Drug Prices and Health Care Patients should be able to afford the medication they need to live, and Sen. Smith is glad her bipartisanbillintroduced with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisianato bring more low-cost insulin products to market and lower the price of insulin is included in the budget agreement. Sen. Smith also supported a bipartisan bill that would preventbrand-name companies from using anti-competitive tactics to keep low-cost generic products off the market. With the number of Lyme disease cases on the rise, Sen. Smith worked… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-smith-klobuchar-announce-public-housing-fire-safety-act-following-tragic-fire | U.S. Senators Smith & Klobuchar Announce Public Housing Fire Safety Act Following Tragic Fire in Minneapolis | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Senators' Bill Would Encourage Public Housing Authorities to Install Sprinkler Systems in Older Buildings to Improve Safety of Residents and Local Communities WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/18/2019]Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced legislationthePublic Housing Fire Safety Actthat would create a program to provide support to public housing authorities who wish to retrofit older high-rise apartment buildings with sprinkler systems. The Federal Fire Safety Act of 1992 required the installation of sprinklers in all new government-owned high rise buildings. However, there are thousands of public housing apartment buildings around the country built before that date. According to data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for example, nearly all of the high-rise public housing buildings in Minneapolis, Minnesota were built before the mandatory sprinkler system laws look effect. One of these properties, Cedar High Apartments, suffered a tragic and fatal fire last month. The upper floors of the building, where the fire erupted, did not have sprinkler systems installed. Public housing authorities that wish to retrofit older buildings like Cedar High Apartments with sprinkler systems must use their already limited capital funds to do so. While many public housing authorities have recognized the importance of these upgrades, the federal government must take a larger role in supporting fire safety improvements. The fire at Cedar High Apartments was a tragic loss for the Cedar-Riverside community. Since the day Minnesotans woke up to the news of this terrible fire, I stared to connect with people closest to the fire and look into measures to keep such tragedies from happening,said Sen. Smith.After taking the time to listen to Minnesotans, advocates and community members, this bill gets right to the root of what we need to do: incentivize public housing authorities that want to be able to install sprinkler systems. With the proper safeguards in place, tragic events like the r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-tina-smith-mike-braun-introduce-bipartisan-bill-address-underhanded-big-pharma-tactic | U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Mike Braun Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Underhanded Big Pharma Tactic That Prevents Americans from Accessing Affordable Rx Drugs | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Smith's Expanding Access to Low-Cost Generics Act Taking Aim at Anti-Competitive Prescription Drug Practice Called Parking Secures Bipartisan Support Thanks to Senator Braun WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/18/19]Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) introduced legislation to bring low-cost generics to market, increase competition and help American families and seniors access their medications. TheExpanding Access to Low-Cost Generics Actwhich was the first standalone piece of legislation introduced by Sen. Smithgets to the heart of a major concern families are facing right now: prescription drug prices. Nearly three in ten Americans report that they did not fill a prescription because it was too expensive. Anti-competitive behavior between brand name and generic drug manufacturers is delaying timely access to low-cost generic drugs. For example, parking is a practice that can occur when a brand name manufacturer agrees not to sue the first company that submits an application to create a generic version of that druga so-called first fileras long as the generic company agrees to delay bringing that generic drug to market. This anti-competitive parking behavior creates a bottleneck in the number of generic products available on the market and drives up costs. Sen. Smith's billwhich is now bipartisan thanks to Sen. Braun throwing his support behind the legislationtakes major steps toward eliminating this practice. I've traveled around Minnesota to talk with families, seniors, and communities, and the topic of prescription drug prices almost always comes up. The amount of money that Minnesotans pay for medications is out of controland it's not something families can, or should have to, sustain,said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Health Committee.This is the very first bill I introduced, and I pledged that I'd fight to make it bipartisan. I'm glad that my Republican colleague Senator Mike Braun from Indiana has joined me in this effort, and our bill addresses an anti-competitive loophole t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-successfully-includes-second-congressional-district-priorities | Rep. Angie Craig Successfully Includes Second Congressional District Priorities In Year-End Action | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Angie Craig | C001119 | craig.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig voted for the end-of-year legislation that includes nearly all of the priorities Rep. Craig urged leadership to include as priorities of Minnesota's Second Congressional District. Today's bipartisan package includes: the CREATES Act to lower the cost of prescription drugs a permanent repeal of the Cadillac Tax on health insurance plans extending the biodiesel tax credit for five years a $400M increase in IDEA funding for our schools raising the minimum age to purchase any tobacco products, including vaping products investing in Head Start at unprecedented levels, to make sure our littlest learners have a high-quality education increasing the Pell Grant for students in college and post-secondary institutions blocking a raise for Members of Congress allowing the CDC to research gun violence for the first time in more than 20 years funding rural broadband providing high-quality health care, including mental health services by funding Community Health Centers and Certified Community Behavioral Clinics Every day I look for ways to find commonsense, bipartisan solutions for the issues hard-working Minnesotans talk with me about, said Rep. Craig. I'm pleased to support today's bipartisan year-end package that prioritizes solutions to lower the cost of prescription drugs, invest in infrastructure - including rural broadband, support our family farmers by extending the biodiesel tax credit for five years, and invest in our schools and students with IDEA and Head Start investments. You can read the bipartisan legislation here and here. Rep. Craig has authored 17 bills and cosponsored over 330 additional bills - more than two thirds of which are bipartisan, and held 12 town halls across Minnesota's Second Congressional District. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/chair-mccollum-statement-passage-fy20-interior-environment-conference-agreement | Chair McCollum Statement on Passage of FY20 Interior-Environment Conference Agreement, Appropriations Minibus | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | mccollum | https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | December 17, 2019 Interior-Environment agreement included in eight-bill appropriations minibus package Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, released the following statement after the passage of the conference agreement for the $35.989 billion FY 20 Interior-Environment funding bill as part of an eight-bill minibus appropriations package, H.R. 1865: "This conference report represents a year of hard work and a complete rejection of the destructive budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Instead, we invest billions in the health of our communities and the environment," Chair McCollum said. "House Democrats are investing in protecting and preserving our public lands and natural resources, ensuring clean and safe drinking water and protecting air quality, and honoring the federal government's trust and treaty responsibilities to Native American communities. Our bill directly confronts President Trump's extreme climate denial and starts to reverse this administration's disastrous climate policies and the risks they pose to the American people and our natural environment. "I am disturbed that the White House intervened in negotiations and as a result, the agreement does not include the National Academy of Sciences study to examine the harmful impacts of sulfide-ore mining in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. That said, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior will still have to address the question of whether mining, especially copper-sulfide ore mining, is appropriate on National Forest System lands in the Rainy River Watershed." The $35.989 billion Interior-Environment funding bill is an increase of $437 million over the 2019 enacted funding level. Highlights of the bill include: $9.06 billion for the EPA to ensure that all Americans have equal access to safe water to drink and clean air to breathe. This amount is $208 million higher than the 2019 enacted level, and $2.83 bil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/vice-chair-mccollum-statement-passage-national-security-appropriations-minibus | Vice Chair McCollum Statement on Passage of National Security Appropriations Minibus | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | mccollum | https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Vice Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after the passage of the national security minibus, H.R. 1158: "This appropriations minibus makes important investments to protect our national security and those who defend it," McCollum said. "It also prioritizes funding to bolster the health, safety, and well-being of service members and military families, and ensure our service members have the resources necessary to complete their missions safely. Additional investments in election security, the Census, science and research, and justice bolster our commitment to our shared future – strengthening and securing our election systems, ensuring every person is counted, and investing in the fight against climate change to protect the planet for future generations. This funding will strengthen our democracy and the freedoms we all enjoy." H.R. 1158 totals $860.3 billion and reflects conference agreements for four appropriations bills: Defense, Commerce-Justice-Science, Financial Services and General Government, and Homeland Security. Highlights of the package include: $1.42 billion for Department of Defense environmental restoration activities, including $172 million to address PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) remediation and protect the health and safety of our service members and communities in proximity to military installations. $34 billion for Defense Health programs, including major investments in cancer research. $110 million for upgrades to childcare facilities and language directing the Services to present innovative ideas to assist servicemembers with this important quality of life issue. Provides full funding necessary to support the proposed 3.1 percent military pay raise. $294 million for the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs. $1.8 billion for disaster relief to address recent earthquakes, hurricanes, and flooding in the United States. $425 million for election security… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-hails-debt-relief-somalia | Rep. Ilhan Omar Hails Debt Relief for Somalia | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Ilhan Omar | O000173 | omar.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONRep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement on securing debt relief for Somalia in H.R. 1158 the DHS Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Teams Act. I am thrilled we were able to secure debt relief for Somalia today. Somalia continues to hold crushing amounts of debtwhich holds back the economy and keeps millions of Somalis in poverty. This doesn't just have an impact on Somalis in Somalia, but on the thousands of Somali- Americans who live in my district and have family in the region. This debt relief package is a major milestone that validates the incredible progress that Somalia has made in the past several years. This should not be seen as the end, but the beginning of renewed diplomatic engagement with the country.There is still more that must be done when it comes to strengthening democracy, respect for human rights, and the relationship between Villa Somalia, regional governments and the people. The U.S. can play a major role in all of this. Debt relief is a step in the right direction, and I look forward to continuing to work for the free, peaceful, democratic Somalia we all want to see. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-statement-fy-2020-appropriations-deal | Rep. Ilhan Omar Statement on FY 2020 Appropriations Deal | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Ilhan Omar | O000173 | omar.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONRep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement after voting no on H.R. 1865, the National Law Enforcement Museum Commemorative Coin Act and H.R. 1158, DHS Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Teams Act. Today, the House passed two bills that fail to hold this president accountable for his human rights abusesboth foreign and domestic. Rather than using our mandate for reform, the national security bill passed today maintains the status quo in foreign policy, giving the president a blank check to continue unwinnable wars, allows him to fund his racist border wall, andincreases funding for human rights abuses under ICE. This is simply unconscionable. It will have devastating impacts on our undocumented communities and further destabilize our foreign policy. The second package maintains the global gag rule and the Hyde amendment, creates a backdoor way to eliminate aid and starve the Palestinian people, recognizes support for Juan Guaid as President of Venezuela and includes $1.3 billion in military funding for Egyptian dictator Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The bills are not without positive provisions. I was proud to see three of my amendments included in the final packageincluding an amendment to combat corruption and impunity in the Northern Triangle, another to increase funding for HUD's office of manufactured housing, and an amendment to stop Trump's abuse of a clean energy loan program. As I said earlier, securing debt relief for Somalia is a major milestone for me, for the country and for U.S. engagement. I'm also heartened to see the bill includes increased funding for child care grants and community health centersboth of which will benefit the fifth district. But we cannot be satisfied with making progress if we are falling short on our core duty as elected officials. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-amendment-clean-polluted-minnesota-missile-site-become-law-defense | Phillips Amendment to Clean Up Polluted Minnesota Missile Site to Become Law in Defense Deal | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Dean Phillips | P000616 | phillips.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) announced today that his amendment aimed at cleaning up a polluted former missile site in Watertown, MN was included in final passage of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which passed the Senate today. President Trump is expected to sign the bipartisan agreement into law. Watertown was the location of a Cold War anti-aircraft missile site until 1972. In 1974, it was jointly purchased from the military by 11 Minnesotacommunities Mound, Chanhassen, Chaska, Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Long Lake, Maple Plain, Mayer, St. Bonifacius, Victoria and Watertown. The 11 communities established the Western Area Fire Training Academy (WAFTA), an agreement between their local volunteer fire departments. Under the agreement, the grounds were used to conduct fire training exercises for the group for over a decade, until it was discovered that the site was contaminated with harmful pollutants left over from the Nike missile program. Since the 1990's, WAFTA has attempted to return the site to the military with the hope that it will be cleaned of pollutants. Phillips's provision in the final NDAA agreement will finally require the U.S. Army to identify the number of similar sites nationwide and make recommendations on how best to clean them up. When it comes to defense, it's my job to ensure that Washington is fulfilling its promise to uphold the safety and security of Minnesotans. said Phillips. That is exactly what we accomplished with our deal today and I'm proud that after more than two decades of hard work, a solution is in sight for eleven of our communities. My door is always open to local leaders who wish to be partners in my mission to generate results for Minnesota. During a tour of all 36 cities in Minnesota's Third District, Phillips and his staff were made aware of the problem by the Mound fire chief Gregory Pederson, who also serves as the President of WAFTA. Pederson had requested action from Third District representatives for nearly two decades with no succe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-leads-repealing-medical-device-tax-minnesota-innovators | Phillips Leads on Repealing the Medical Device Tax for Minnesota Innovators | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Dean Phillips | P000616 | phillips.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) announced today that he successfully pushed for a permanent repeal of the medical device tax to be included in Congress's end-of-year funding deal, which passed the House today. Minnesota is the birthplace and epicenter of the medical device industry, which leaves Minnesota medical device companies paying 25% of the total national medical device tax burden. Small and medium sized medical device businesses in the early innovation stage, which make up 80% of the industry in Minnesota, are particularly harmed because the tax is placed on revenue, not profit. The medical device tax has overstayed its welcome, said Phillips. Too many jobs have been lost and too much innovation has been stifled due to this tax, which disproportionately impacts Minnesota. Right now, Minnesota ranks second to last in the difference between the money we send to Washington and what we get back. Tax revenue should not come at the expense of Minnesota workers and Minnesota companies, and I am on a mission to make the tax code more equitable for our State. In Minnesota, the medical device industry supports more than 34,000 jobs and adds more than $23 billion to the state's economy every year. Phillips's Third District has the highest concentration of medical device businesses in Minnesota. The spending agreement also blocks efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act, stopping the Trump Administration from preventing automatic re-enrollment in plans purchased on the exchanges, even if the customer does not select a new plan during open enrollment. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=7EAA648A-344A-4CB7-97FD-DF51BDD5BD6E | Klobuchar-Backed Legislation to Improve Broadband Data Maps Passes House | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, announced that the House passed her bipartisan legislation with Senators RogerWicker (R-MS), Gary Peters (D-MI), and John Thune (R-SD) to improve the accuracy of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) broadband availability maps. The Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act would improve the accuracy of the FCC's broadband availability maps by improving the process by which broadband data is collected. Yesterday's action in the House is an important step in helping the kids that grow up in rural America to be able to live in rural America, Klobuchar said. When rural Americans have access to the infrastructure needed to support improving access to broadband then we keep rural America competitive in the 21st century and beyond. If we want to bridge the urban-rural divide, we have to close the digital divide and this legislation helps with granular data collection for more accurate mapping so that we can bring high-speed internet to every family, regardless of their zip code. Specifically, the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act: Requires the FCC to collect granular service availability data from wired, fixed wireless, and satellite broadband providers. Requires strongparameters for service availability data collected from mobile broadband providers to ensure accuracy. Asks the FCC to consider whether to collect verified coverage data from state, local, and tribal governments, as well as from other entities. Creates a process for consumers, state, local, and Tribal governments, and other groups to challenge FCC maps with their own data, and requires the FCC to determine how to structure the process without making it overly burdensome on challengers. The bill is endorsed by NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, USTelecom, NCTA-The Internet Cable Association, Competitive Carriers Association, and CTIA. For the full bill text, click here. As a m… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-smith-collins-bipartisan-bill-combat-lyme-and-other-tick-borne-diseases-advances | U.S. Senators Smith & Collins’ Bipartisan Bill to Combat Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases Advances | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Kay Hagan Tick Act Set to Become Law as Part of Key Government Spending Package WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/17/19]U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced that their bipartisan bill to improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for tick-borne diseases was included in the government spending agreement released yesterday. Once passed by both the House and Senate, the bill will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law. The Kay Hagan Tick Actunites the effort to confront the alarming public health threat posed by Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, which have risen exponentially from approximately 30,000 cases in 2003 to an estimated 450,000 last year. Sens. Smith and Collins renamed the bill in honor of former Senator Kay Hagan, who passed away in October due to complications from the tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus. I've said that for the sake of Americans' health and well-being, we need to move this bill forward. My hope is that our bipartisan bill quickly passes the House and Senate so it can go to the President's desk and be signed into law,said Sen. Smith.The number of Lyme disease cases is on the rise, and we need to address this so Minnesotans can continue to enjoy spending time outside exploring our parks, swimming and boating in our lakes, and hiking in our forests safely. The inclusion of theTick Actin the appropriations agreement is a major victory for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who contract Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses each year. I am grateful for the countless advocates who shared their struggles with these diseases and conveyed the urgent need for this comprehensive, bipartisan bill,said Sen. Collins.With a national effort theTICK Actwould establish, we can stop the spread of these devastating tick-borne illnesses and protect our health. I was misdiagnosed by 23 doctors and specialists to the tune of $250,000 before getting an official diagnosis and proper treatment,said Paula Jackson Jones, President and Co-… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/newletter-archive/rep-petersons-newsletter-12162019 | Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/16/2019 | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Air Force Appointee Madyson Ohren and Family (MOORHEAD) Dear Friends, After months of discussions with trade representatives and my other Members of Congress, the Administration has finalized an agreement on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which preserves markets and makes gains for various industries. I have been pushing for months to get this deal to the finish line and I am glad to get this done for producers, farmers, businesses, and workers in Western Minnesota. On Thursday, the House voted to pass the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which is bipartisan legislation that will provide a reliable and legal source of workers for farms and reform visa programs. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bipartisan bill that provides stability and fairness for farmers and ranchers. The Agriculture Committee also held a Member Day Hearing, where Members from outside the of the Committee were invited highlight important agriculture issues facing their constituents. I was glad to hear about issues impacting the farming community, and I am committed to ensuring that these communities have strong voices in Congress. I was happy to call Madyson Ohren and congratulate her on her appointment to the Air Force Academy. Service Academy Appointments are one of my favorite parts of this job, and I look forward to hearing about Madyson's bright future. Sincerely, Congressman Collin C. Peterson Minnesota 7th District Serving the 7th This week, Senator John Hoeven (ND), Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative CEO Kurt Wickstrom and I met with USDA Under Secretary Bill Northey to outline the challenges facing sugarbeet growers and cooperatives. The meeting was another step toward finding assistance for producers facing losses from sugar beets left in the ground. Under Secretary Northey has surveyed the conditions farmers in Minnesota face during harvest and he knows firsthand what issues producers are dealing with. Securing disaster assistance for sugar producers is critical and I am hopeful after last Tuesday's meeting … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=1884BCDA-AE76-4023-BFB4-F65049A1FDFD | Klobuchar, Schatz, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Personal Data Online | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Data Care Act will Stop Websites and Apps from Using Personal Data to Harm Consumers, Protect Consumer Information from Hacks, and Hold Companies Accountable for Misuse of Data WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) joined Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and 14 colleagues in reintroducing legislation to protect people's personal data online. The Data Care Act would require websites, apps, and other online providers to take responsible steps to safeguard personal information and stop the misuse of users' data. It is clear that we must do more to protect Americans' privacy. Online platforms are collecting an enormous amount of personal data on consumers everything from what we buy and what websites we go to, to what our emails say and where we go throughout the day. Our laws must keep up with advances in technology, Klobuchar said. The Data Care Act will ensure that companies secure consumers' sensitive data and give the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the tools to hold companies accountable when they fall short. People have a basic expectation that the personal information that is collected by websites and apps is well-protected and won't be used to harm them. Just as doctors and lawyers are expected to protect and responsibly use the personal data they hold, online companies should be required to do the same. Our bill will help make sure that when people give online companies their information, it won't be abused, Schatz said. Doctors, lawyers, and bankers are legally required to exercise special care to protect their clients and not misuse their information. While online companies also hold personal and sensitive information about the people they serve, they are not required to protect consumers' data. This leaves consumers in a vulnerable position; they are expected to understand the information they give to providers and how it is being used an unreasonable expectation for even the most tech-savvy consumer. By establishing an explicit duty for online providers, consumers can trust that their online d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-smith-tillis-bill-extend-terrorism-risk-insurance-program-nears-passage-senate-house | U.S. Senators Smith & Tillis’ Bill to Extend Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Nears Passage by Senate, House | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Measure Would Make it Possible for Businesses to Continue to Grow and Create Jobs, Support Institutions Hosting Major Events WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/16/2019]Today,U.S. SenatorsTina Smith (D-Minn.)and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) secured inclusion of their bipartisan bill to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program for seven years as part of a key government funding packageexpected to pass Congress this week. Last month, the Senate Banking Committee unanimously passed the legislation. During Committee consideration,Sen. Smith highlightedhow the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) makes it possible for Minnesota to host major events, including the 2018 Super Bowl which generated more than $350 million for the state's economy. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program was established in response tothescarcity of affordable insurance coverage for terrorism riskin the wake of the attacksonSeptember 11, 2001. Since then, theprogram has improved the availability and affordability of terrorism risk insurance coverage in the marketplace througha public/private partnership that allows the federal government and the insurance industry to share losses in the event of a major terrorist attack. The program ensures that adequate resources are available for businesses to recover and rebuild if they are the victims of a terrorist attack. Under TRIA, all property and casualty insurers in the U.S. are required to make terrorism coverage available. Without the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program, which is scheduled to expire at the end of 2020, major building projects and other key events could be halted or delayed, causing lost jobs and economic activity. The bill is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Insurance Federation of Minnesota, the Coalition to Insure Against Terrorism, the Reinsurance Association of America, Prudential, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the National Association of Realtors, the American Bankers Association and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. I've been focused on workin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=21099A26-539C-4398-ACDC-7CCC5CAF3BD2 | Klobuchar, Crapo Bill to Crack Down on Robocalls Clears Commerce Committee | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | The Data Analytics Robocall Technology (DART) Act would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure public safety calls are not blocked WASHINGTON This week, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) announced that their legislation to crack down on robocalls has passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee. The Data Analytics Robocall Technology (DART) Act would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a rulemaking to consider maintaining a critical call list to ensure that public safety calls are not impacted by call-blocking technologies. Most robocalls aren't just unwanted and disruptive they are illegal, Klobuchar said. Our legislation to expand the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) efforts to combat illegal robocalls passed the Commerce Committee. The DART Act would ensure that public safety calls are not blocked and direct the FCC to report to Congress on the effectiveness of call-blocking technologies. I look forward to this bill passing the full Senate and becoming law to protect consumers. Americans know these scams are out of control, Crapo said. Last year, robocalls increased by 47 percent, resulting in more than 26 billion robocalls. The DART Act gives us the opportunity to review call blocking programs and provides us opportunities to keep up and stop this fraudulent menace. Specifically, the bill would prevent the following types of numbers from being blocked: Numbers used for outgoing calls by public safety answering points or other facilities that route emergency calls; Numbers used for calls by government entities; Numbers used by schools to provide school-related notifications, including weather-related closings or emergencies; and Numbers used for similar or emergency purposes, as determined by the FCC. The bill would also require the FCC to submit a report to Congress on the effectiveness of call-blocking technologies. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcomm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=8FC3F0CC-9D5F-42E0-B0B4-C993B74EE84C | Klobuchar, Smith Seek Answers Following Deadly Public Housing Fire | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Senators are seeking answers after five Minnesotans were killed and four were injured in a tragic fire in a high-rise public housing building WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson seeking answers after five Minnesotans were killed and four were injured in a tragic fire in a high-rise public housing building that did not have fire sprinkler systems installed on its upper floors. While the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, it is clear that the upper floors of the building, where the fatal fire began, did not have sprinkler systems installed. Unfortunately, the vulnerability of this and other high-rise buildings that lack full sprinkler systems was recognized by the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) prior to the outbreak of the fire, but MPHA, like many public housing authorities, has limited funding available to address these maintenance needs. In the letter, the senators asked what steps the Department is taking to encourage public housing authorities to install sprinkler systems, whether this safety issue will be a priority as the Department sets its budget, and how Congress can assist the Department in encouraging public housing authorities to retrofit high-rise buildings with full sprinkler systems. This is a tragic loss for not only the families of the victims of the fire, but the entire Cedar-Riverside community, the senators wrote. Fire sprinkler systems are widely recognized as an essential element of fire safety and properly installed sprinklers on all floors of the building may have mitigated the devastation caused by this fire. The full text of the letter can be found HERE and below: Secretary Carson: We write to request information relating to fire sprinkler installation in public housing buildings overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development (HUD). As you are aware, five Minnesotans were killed and four were injured in a tragic fire that rav… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=CCCECBEA-C0DE-426C-8569-7EBC3ECB2CA1 | Klobuchar Statement on Reported Legal Action from Justice Department against Live Nation for Ticketing Violations | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, issued this statement following reports that the Justice Department is preparing to take legal action against Live Nation Entertainment Inc. on allegations that the company has been flouting the conditions of a 2010 consent decree that cleared the way for a merger with Ticketmaster. In August, Klobuchar and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) urged the Department to conduct an investigation into the state of competition in the ticketing marketplace given concerns that the company was ignoring the 2010 consent decree, which had already been criticized as ineffective. Americans purchase millions of tickets each year and shouldn't be forced to pay sky-high prices because of corporate greed in a broken ticketing industry. As I have expressed time and again, the online ticket markets don't work for American consumers. Lack of competition due to excessive consolidation has led to inadequate disclosures and inflated fees when people go to purchase tickets to live events. Live Nation's dominance in the sector raises serious antitrust concerns.I'm glad that the Department of Justice is preparing to take action to ensure compliance with the Ticketmaster/Live Nation consent decree following my requests to look into potential anticompetitive behavior in the ticketing industry. In her role as Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, Senator Klobuchar has championed efforts to protect consumers, promote competition, and fight consolidation in major industrial sectors, including the telecommunications, technology, agriculture, and pharmaceutical sectors. She has called for strong antitrust review and enforcement to protect consumers from mergers that threaten to raise prices or harm competition, including the Comcast/Time Warner Cable, AT&T/Time Warner Inc., Anheuser-Busch/Miller-Coors, and T-Mobile/Sprint, a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=D1F9E27B-6187-4800-8579-816016A2102D | Klobuchar, Shaheen, 24 Colleagues Urge Administration to Reconsider Paris Climate Accord Withdrawal | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON This week, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and 24 of their colleagues urged the administration to reconsider the decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. In a letter, Klobuchar and her colleagues highlighted the crisis of climate change and the damage that will be inflicted on Americans for future generations unless immediate action is taken. The Senators urged the administration against ceding U.S. leadership on this issue. The letter was sent as the 25th United Nations Climate Change conference takes place in Madrid this week. As the second largest global emitter of greenhouse gases, and the largest historical emitter, it is imperative that the United States assume our rightful place as a global leader in the fight to combat climate change, yet with this action you are ceding American leadership to other nations at great political and economic costs. the senators wrote. There is an international race to develop advanced energy technologies. Instead of capitalizing on this economic opportunity, this action to no longer participate in the Paris Climate Agreement places U.S. companies at a competitive disadvantage and effectively offshores American jobs to China and other countries, Moreover, the blow dealt to our national security by surrendering technological prowess to other countries is matched only by the damage caused by abdicating our international commitments made under the Paris Climate Agreement. In addition to Klobuchar and Shaheen, the letter was signed by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tom Udall (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Brian Sch… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-seek-answers-following-deadly-public-housing-fire | Klobuchar, Smith Seek Answers Following Deadly Public Housing Fire | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Senators are seeking answers after five Minnesotans were killed and four were injured in a tragic fire in a high-rise public housing building WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson seeking answersafterfive Minnesotans were killed and four were injured in a tragic firein a high-rise public housing building that did not have fire sprinkler systems installed on its upper floors. While the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, it is clear that the upper floors of the building, where the fatal fire began, did not have sprinkler systems installed. Unfortunately, the vulnerability of this and other high-rise buildings that lack full sprinkler systems was recognized by the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) prior to the outbreak of the fire, butMPHA, like many public housing authorities, has limited funding available to address these maintenance needs. In the letter, the senators asked what steps the Department is taking to encourage public housing authorities to install sprinkler systems, whether this safety issue will be a priority as the Department sets its budget, and how Congress can assist the Department in encouraging public housing authorities to retrofit high-rise buildings with full sprinkler systems. This is a tragic loss for not only the families of the victims of the fire, but the entire Cedar-Riverside community,the senators wrote.Fire sprinkler systems are widely recognized as an essential element of fire safety and properly installed sprinklers on all floors of the building may have mitigated the devastation caused by this fire. The full text of the letter can be foundHEREand below: Secretary Carson: We write to request information relating to fire sprinkler installation in public housing buildings overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development (HUD). As you are aware, five Minnesotans were killed and four were injured in a tragic fire that ravaged a 25-stor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/peterson-applauds-house-passage-bipartisan-farm-workforce-modernization-act | Peterson applauds House passage of Bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill spearheaded by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-19) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a 260-165 vote. The need for a reliable and legal source of workers is a top priority for the agriculture industry, and I am proud to support the bipartisan Farm Worker Modernization Act, which is a significant improvement for rural America. This bill is great for our dairy industry, but we still need to address meat and poultry processing workforce needs going forward. I want to thank Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Newhouse, and the bipartisan group of Members for their hard work in getting us to this point, said House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson. The bipartisan effort was negotiated over eight months with input from agricultural stakeholders and labor organizations and was introduced with the support of 26 Democrats and 23 Republicans. Click here for a one-pager and click here for bill text. Leaders from the dairy industry in the Seventh District and across Minnesota voiced their support for the bill as well, thanking Chairman Peterson for his leadership on the issue. The full list of cosponsors includes: Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV-02); Rep. James Baird (R-IN- 04); Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA-37); Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY-22); Rep. Susan W. Brooks (R-IN-05); Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24); Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-CA-29); Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA-27); Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK-04); Rep. Luis J. Correa (D-CA-46); Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA-16); Rep. TJ Cox (D-CA-21); Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN-02); Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO-6); Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28); Rep. John Curtis(R-UT-03); Rep. David Scott (D-GA-13); Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL-13); Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-NY-19); Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25); Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16); Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1); Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH-11); Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA-3); Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29); Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH-07); Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA-10); Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI-3); Rep. Peter King (… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-angie-craig-continues-work-lower-cost-health-care-minnesotans | Congresswoman Angie Craig Continues Work To Lower The Cost of Health Care For Minnesotans | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Angie Craig | C001119 | craig.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep. Angie Craig reiterated her commitment to lower the cost of health care and expand access for Minnesota families after the Medicare-X Choice Act of 2019 received a key hearing in the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health this week. The Medicare-X Choice Act of 2019, cosponsored by Rep. Craig, would allow Medicare to negotiate its drug pricing and create a public health insurance option for Minnesota families. It would increase competition in the individual marketplace for Minnesota families by establishing a public option health plan to compete with large insurance companies. The bill also contains tax provisions to incentivize more families to get covered, allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate Medicare prescription drug prices, and creates a reinsurance program to lower health insurance costs, similar to Rep. Craig's bill, the State Healthcare Premium Reduction Act. I've traveled across the district and heard from cancer patients and survivors, Alzheimer's caregivers, Type 1 diabetics, community health advocates, and providers from all across the district, Rep. Angie Craig. That's why I'm proud to see the Medicare-X Choice Act of 2019 receiving the consideration it deserves under the leadership of Chairwoman Eshoo. I urge my colleagues to join me in taking immediate action to reduce the cost of health insurance and prescription drugs for hard-working Americans. Rep. Craig has introduced or cosponsored 59 bills to lower the cost of health care and prescription drugs. Those include her introductions of the State Healthcare Premium Reduction Act, which would lower health insurance costs in the individual market; the PRICED Act, which would increase competition for more affordable generic drugs; and the Emergency Access to Insulin Act, which would create emergency insulin supplies and hold big drug companies accountable for jacking up prices. Additionally, she has held six health care listening sessions across the district in Eagan, Burnsville, Northfield, Wabasha, Shakopee, an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-votes-pass-historic-drug-pricing-bill | Rep. Angie Craig Votes to Pass Historic Drug Pricing Bill | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Angie Craig | C001119 | craig.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig voted to pass the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which would save Minnesota families tens of thousands of dollars in prescription drug costs. Working families cannot wait for action on the outrageous cost of prescription drugs, said Rep. Craig. I cosponsored this historic piece of legislation to put common-sense solutions in place to cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors, invest in research for more effective treatments, and hold big drug companies accountable for profiting off the backs of Minnesota families. It is now the Senate's turn to take up this essential piece of legislation. The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act is estimated to save over $500 billion over ten years according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The bill would: Allow Medicare to negotiate prices for a minimum of 50 of the most expensive drugs and to extend the negotiated price to all health plans Create a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors Expand Medicare benefits to include vision, dental, and hearing for the first time, which would benefit over 100,000 people in Minnesota's Second District alone Invest in research for new innovation, cures and treatments Rep. Craig has been leading the effort to lower the cost of health care and the price of prescription drugs since she was sworn in this past January. She has introduced or cosponsored 59 health care bills, including the State Healthcare Premium Reduction Act, which would lower insurance premiums in the individual market and the Emergency Access to Insulin Act, which would create emergency insulin supplies and hold big drug companies accountable for jacking up prices. Additionally, she has held six health care listening sessions across the district in Eagan, Burnsville, Northfield, Wabasha, Shakopee, and Red Wing to hear directly from constituents on their experiences with health care. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-us-mexico-canada-trade-agreement | McCollum Statement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | mccollum | https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement today after the United States-Mexico-Canada trade deal was announced: "After months of negotiations with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), House Democrats have come to an agreement regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade deal. While the initial proposal by the Trump administration fell woefully short of needed provisions to protect workers and consumers, House Democrats negotiated meaningful and transformative safeguards to ensure that the USMCA improves upon both the original NAFTA and the flawed proposal put forth by the Trump administration. The new agreement lays out stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure that our trading partners are living up to their end of the deal; mandates stronger protections for workers; creates a new, robust system to effectively monitor compliance with the agreement's labor obligations; and includes strong, clear, and enforceable rules to protect the environment. This deal is truly a new standard for U.S. trade agreements, and a win for our economy and American families." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-leads-push-state-and-local-tax-deduction-cap-repeal | Phillips Leads the Push for State and Local Tax Deduction Cap Repeal | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Dean Phillips | P000616 | phillips.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Late yesterday, the House Ways and Means Committee took action to repeal a 2017 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions after hearing from Rep. Dean Phillips about the cap's harmful impact on Minnesota's Third Congressional District. The committee passed the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act in a bipartisan 24-17 vote. Phillips is an original co-sponsor of the legislation, which eliminates the cap on SALT deductions in 2020 and 2021. The deficit-exploding 2017 tax bill capped SALT deductions at $10,000, penalizing residents of high-tax states like Minnesota. IRS Statistics on Income figures show that Phillips's district ranks 35th out of all 435 congressional districts as the most-impacted by the SALT cap and is the second-most harmed district in the Midwest. At 47%, Minnesota's Third District has the highest percentage of filers claiming the deduction in the state, and the highest average deduction about $20,000. Corporations, on the other hand, are allowed to deduct the entirety of their state and local tax payments from their federal taxes under the 2017 law. Our tax code should reflect our values, said Phillips. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was an irresponsible sugar rush that blew a hole in the deficit and came at a time when Congress should have been encouraging real, fair, and long-lasting prosperity. The average tax filer in my district is being taxed twice on $10,000 of their annual income. That's outrageous and it's hurting economy, our schools, and our communities. I'm grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who listened when I shared Minnesota's story and came together to propose this common-sense fix. After Phillips brought his case to the House Ways and Means Committee in June, the committee fast-tracked the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act, which includes: An elimination of the SALT deduction cap in 2020 and 2021, creating a bridge for a future administration to permanently reform the tax code An elimination of the marr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=D9D16548-F8AB-485B-88A5-C09F41BEB233 | Klobuchar Leads Senators in Pushing Internal Revenue Service to Reverse Decision that Protects Dark Money | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Klobuchar is the Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with jurisdiction over federal elections WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with jurisdiction over federal elections, submitted a comment to the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) urging the agency to reverse their decision to rollback transparency requirements for dark money groups. For decades, the IRS and the Treasury Department have required 501(c)(4) groups that engage in issue advocacy to identify, confidentially, the names of individual donors who make significant financial contributions ($5,000 or more). Last year, the IRS announced it would stop requiring such disclosures and Klobuchar led a letter with every Democratic senator encouraging the IRS and Treasury Department to reconsider the rule change. Last month, the agency announced it would be moving forward with the change and issued a notice soliciting comments on the proposed rule. In the comment, Klobuchar and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Tom Udall (D-NM), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) once again strongly urged Commissioner Charles Rettig not to implement the new rule. Americans have a right to know who is paying to influence our democracy. Rolling back transparency standards is wrong and it undermines our political system, which rests on the idea that each voter has an equal say in our democracy. As foreign adversaries ramp up their efforts to target our elections and look for new ways to influence our democracy, we need stronger rules for transparency and accountability in campaign finance, not weaker ones. For these reasons, and the issues discussed below, we strongly urge you not to reject the proposed rule, the senators wrote. Both Congress and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=E1F34542-B63A-4864-A768-63C3393F468E | Klobuchar, Smith Announce Minnesota Dairy Producers Now Have Extended Time to Enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage Program | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Enrollment Deadline for Market Facilitation Programs Has Also Been Extended WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN)both members of the Senate Agriculture Committeesaid that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the enrollment deadline for the Dairy Margin Coverage(DMC)program to December 20 due totheprolonged and extensive impacts of weather.The USDA announced it is also continuing to accept applications for the Market Facilitation Program through December 20. The Senators said that theDMCprogram helps Minnesota dairy producers manage the volatility of milk and feed prices more affordably. Dairy farmers continue tostruggle with market instability and low prices, and they deserve our support during these tough times, Klobuchar said.I encourage all dairy farmers who are not yet enrolled in the Dairy Margin Coverage program for 2020to sign up before December 20. I worked to include strong support for farmers in the 2018 Farm Bill and know thatthe Dairy Margin Coverage extension as well as the Market Facilitation Program extension will allow additional time for farmers to evaluate how the programs will benefit their operation and help them get through the serious challenges they are facing. I'm glad that the Dairy Margin Coverage programhas been extended because we should be doing everything we can to support producers who've been hit hard by years of low prices,Smith said.I fought to strengthen the dairy safety net and improve assistance for small and medium-size farms in the 2018 Farm Bill because I know it makes a difference in rural communities. I encourage Minnesota dairy producers to take advantage of this opportunity as well the Market Facilitation Programs. TheDMC programoffers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. All dairy operations in the United States are eligible for the DMC program. An operation can be run either… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=FA841C5B-C8B1-4A62-AB54-DD78F381206D | Klobuchar, Smith Announce Over $22 Million in Funding to Help Minnesota Farmers Cut Energy Costs | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that theU.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded grant and loan funding to Minnesota totaling $22,140,048 to help farmers and rural businesses reduce energy costs through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Grants totaling $1,109,430 have been awarded to 32 Minnesota projects and loans totaling $21,030,618 have been awarded to four Minnesota projects. Minnesota recipients can useREAPgrantsto install renewable energy systemslikebiofuelsorpower generation from wind, solar,orbiomass, for exampleand make energy efficiency improvements. Funds can also be used on energy storage projects and energy audits. Farmers and small businesses in rural communities often face higher energy costs due to low population densities and the need for long transmission lines. These Rural Energy for America Program grants and loans will improve access to reliable low-cost energy options and help Minnesotans reduce their energy costs with new renewable energy systems and energy efficiency upgrades, Klobuchar said. I fought to protect and expand REAP funding in both the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills because the program helps drive rural economic development, increases the productivity and efficiency of farmers and small businesses, and expands the use of renewable energy. I've visited the The Haubenschild Dairy Family Farm in Princeton which deploys a waste-to-energy biodigester to cut costs, encourage homegrown energy and help keep their operation strong, Smith said. I led the effort in last year's Farm Bill to strengthen REAP because I want to see more of this happening around the state. Minnesota leads the nation in using REAP funding because our state's farmers, ranchers and rural businesses know that it cuts costs, creates jobs and strengthens their communities. The 2018 Farm Bill included several of Klobuchar's priorities, including provisions to create an animal disease vaccine bank and disaster response program, provide more coverage and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-over-22-million-funding-help-minnesota-farmers-cut-energy-costs | Klobuchar, Smith Announce Over $22 Million in Funding to Help Minnesota Farmers Cut Energy Costs | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that theU.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded grant and loan funding to Minnesota totaling $22,140,048 to help farmers and rural businesses reduce energy costs through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Grants totaling $1,109,430 have been awarded to 32 Minnesota projects and loans totaling $21,030,618 have been awarded to four Minnesota projects. Minnesota recipients can useREAPgrantsto install renewable energy systemslikebiofuelsorpower generation from wind, solar,orbiomass, for exampleand make energy efficiency improvements. Funds can also be used on energy storage projects and energy audits. Farmers and small businesses in rural communities often face higher energy costs due to low population densities and the need for long transmission lines. These Rural Energy for America Program grants and loans will improve access to reliable low-cost energy options and help Minnesotans reduce their energy costs with new renewable energy systems and energy efficiency upgrades,Klobuchar said.I fought to protect and expand REAP funding in both the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills because the program helps drive rural economic development, increases the productivity and efficiency of farmers and small businesses, and expands the use of renewable energy. I've visited the The Haubenschild Dairy Family Farm in Princeton which deploys a waste-to-energy biodigester to cut costs, encourage homegrown energy and help keep their operation strong,Smith said. I led the effort in last year's Farm Bill to strengthen REAP because I want to see more of this happening around the state. Minnesota leads the nation in using REAP funding because our state's farmers, ranchers and rural businesses know that it cuts costs, creates jobs and strengthens their communities. The 2018 Farm Bill included several of Klobuchar's priorities, including provisions to create an animal disease vaccine bank and disaster response program, provide more coverage and more fle… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smiths-priorities-included-legislation-protect-children-support-health-care | U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Priorities Included in Legislation to Protect Children, Support Health Care Workforce | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Successfully Fights to Include Efforts to Connect Child Welfare System with Mental Health Services, Help Small Towns and Rural Areas Recruit and Retain Health Professionals in Legislative Package WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/12/19]U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) successfully worked to include her key priorities in legislation passed by the Senate Health Committee today that would make sure the child welfare system supports and connects families to needed mental health services, and help recruit and support health professionals in underserved and rural areas. TheChild Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act(CAPTA) was enacted 45 years ago and governs important child protection programs and services to prevent, assess, and identify child abuse and neglectand it is the only federal program exclusively dedicated to these aims.Earlier this year, Sen. Smith introducedSupporting Family Mental Health inCAPTAActto improve the delivery of mental health services for children and families, connect families with needed support services, support research on effective practices to prevent child abuse and neglect and address disparities in the child welfare system. Sen. Smith worked hard to ensure several provisions of her bill are included in CAPTA, which is due to be reauthorized and which the Senate HELP Committee voted unanimously to advance today. All children deserve a strong start in life which begins with safe, stable and nurturing relationships and environments. When I talk with people about how Minnesota's children are doing, so many are worried about the mental health challenges and trauma that children and families are facing. If we don't address trauma that some families and children go through, the cycle can continue through adulthood and onto future generations. That's why I'm pleased to see several of the provisions in my bill included in the CAPTA Reauthorization, which we marked up today,said Sen. Smith.When we connect families to the local services they need and we really work to support parents, families are st… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-klobuchar-smith-announce-minnesota-dairy-producers-now-have-extended-time-enroll-dairy | U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce Minnesota Dairy Producers Now Have Extended Time to Enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage Program | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/12/2019]U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn.)both members of the Senate Agriculture Committeesaid that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the enrollment deadline for the Dairy Margin Coverage(DMC)program to December 20 due totheprolonged and extensive impacts of weather.The USDA announced it is also continuing to accept applications for the Market Facilitation Program through December 20. The Senators said that theDMCprogram helps Minnesota dairy producers manage the volatility of milk and feed prices more affordably. Dairy farmers continue tostruggle with market instability and low prices, and they deserve our support during these tough times,said Sen. Klobuchar.I encourage all dairy farmers who are not yet enrolled in the Dairy Margin Coverage program for 2020to sign up before December 20. I worked to include strong support for farmers in the 2018 Farm Bill and know thatthe Dairy Margin Coverage extension as well as the Market Facilitation Program extension will allow additional time for farmers to evaluate how the programs will benefit their operation and help them get through the serious challenges they are facing. I'm glad that the Dairy Margin Coverage programhas been extended because we should be doing everything we can to support producers who've been hit hard by years of low prices,said Sen. Smith.I fought to strengthen the dairy safety net and improve assistance for small and medium-size farms in the 2018 Farm Bill because I know it makes a difference in rural communities. I encourage Minnesota dairy producers to take advantage of this opportunity as well the Market Facilitation Programs. TheDMC programoffers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. All dairy operations in the United States are eligible for the DMC program. An operation can be run either by a single producer or multiple producers who commercially … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-tina-smith-and-susan-collins-bipartisan-wind-energy-legislation-one-step-closer | U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Susan Collins’ Bipartisan Wind Energy Legislation One Step Closer to Becoming Law | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Say Bill Would Sustain and Enhance Department of Energy's Office of Wind Energy, Support American Jobs WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/12/19]Today U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) said that their bipartisan wind energy research and development legislation passed out of the Senate Energy Committee. This gets their bill over a major hurdle on its way to becoming law. Senator Smith and Collins' legislation, theWind Energy Research and Development Act of 2019, would renew and expand the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Wind Energy and award competitive grants to improve the energy efficiency, reliability and capacity of wind energy generation. Today's committee action shows that both sides of the aisle recognize the importance of investing in wind energy,saidSen.Smith.As anational leader in wind energy, Minnesota knows that it offers large economic and environmentalbenefits.We're home to the two largest wind construction companies in the country, and nearly 20 percent ofour state'selectricity last year was generated fromwind turbines. Senator Collins' and my bipartisan bill makes sense because wind energy is a rural economic engine, it's good for the environment and it's the cheapest way to add new electricity to the electrical grid. Within 50 miles of the U.S. coast, there is enough offshore wind capacity to power our country four times over. Offshore wind projects, such as Aqua Ventus at the University of Maine, have the potential to support more than 2,000 good-paying jobs in our state,saidSen.Collins.Our bipartisan bill would encourage and accelerate the excellent wind energy research being done on new technologies that will enable businesses to continue to develop this clean source of power, including off the coast of Maine. The wind energy sector supports more than 114,000 American jobs and provides more than $1 billion in revenue each year for states and local communities. Sens. Smith and Collins say that federal support for wind research and development has already delivered… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-peterson-opening-statement-house-agriculture-committee-member-day | Chairman Peterson Opening Statement at House Agriculture Committee Member Day | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON- House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson delivered the following opening statement at today's House Agriculture Committee Member Day. [As Prepared for Delivery] "Thank you to all the Members who have joined us for today's Member Day Hearing. "Agriculture has a strong foundation in our nation's history, and the House Ag Committee has a proud history of working together to advance legislation needed to ensure we continue to have thriving rural communities and the most productive food, fiber and fuel system in the world. "The jurisdiction of the Committee covers a wide range of topics related to agriculture and rural development. As Chairman, I have charged our subcommittee chairs and ranking members with giving these issues the time and attention they deserve. Jurisdiction over these issues often crosses over into other committees. I recognize the importance of working with Members outside of our Committee to find solutions to these issues. "It is no secret that farmers, ranchers and rural communities across the country are facing serious challenges. Rural communities have barriers to health care and broadband. Commodity prices have been on a roller coaster,andinput costs are continually rising.Erraticweather is destroying crops;andan unpredictable trade environment adds another level of stress. "I'm looking forward to hearing from the Members today on the issues impacting their constituents and their suggestions on how to address those issues." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/peterson-hoeven-continue-make-case-disaster-assistance-sugar-producers | Peterson, Hoeven Continue to Make the Case for Disaster Assistance for Sugar Producers | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Collin Peterson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, andSenator John Hoeven, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, this week continued their efforts to secure disaster assistance for sugar producers. The chairmen were joined by Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative CEO Kurt Wickstrom at a meeting with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary Bill Northey to outline the challenges facing sugarbeet growers. The leaders made the case for providing disaster assistance to sugar producers who face substantial losses after severe weather prevented them from harvesting their crop. Current disaster programs do not account for the budgeting constraints and unique structure of cooperatives, which is why Hoeven and Peterson are working with USDA to secure disaster assistance. This meeting is another step in finding assistance for those producers facing losses for sugar beets left in the ground," Peterson said. Undersecretary Northey has surveyed the conditions farmers in Minnesota faced during harvest and knows firsthand what our producers are facing. Securing disaster assistance for sugar producers is critical and I am hopeful after Tuesday's meeting that we're on track to getting this done. Our meeting continues our efforts to provide disaster assistance to producers impacted by the severe weather that prevented them from harvesting crops, said Hoeven. Given the unique challenges facing our sugar producers who were forced to leave their crop in the ground due to the late rain and early snow, we again made the case to USDA to provide them with much-needed disaster assistance. Peterson and Hoeven have been working to secure disaster assistance for sugar producers, including meeting with sugar growers in Moorhead at the end of November and earlier hosting Under Secretary Northey in North Dakota to meet with farmers and ranchers impacted by severe weather. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-reps-craig-meadows-bustos-and-gianforte-introduce-bill-tackle-government | U.S. Reps. Craig, Meadows, Bustos, and Gianforte Introduce Bill to Tackle Government Waste | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Angie Craig | C001119 | craig.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Reps. Angie Craig, Mark Meadows (NC-11), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), and Greg Gianforte (MT - At large) introduced a bipartisan bill that would save significant taxpayer dollars by cutting down on government waste in the form of overpayments, underpayments, improperly documented payments or payments made to ineligible recipients. In FY2018 alone, the Government Accountability Office estimated that improper payments throughout the federal government totaled over $151 billion. Since 2003, when agencies were first directed to begin reporting improper payments, cumulative improper payment estimates across government have totaled over $1.4 trillion. As our national debt reaches an all-time high, I'm proud to be introducing the commonsense Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 with a bipartisan group of my colleagues, Congresswoman Craig said. Hard-working Minnesotans deserve this commonsense solution to ensure their taxpayer dollars are treated with the utmost respect and put to use for them in their communities. I look forward to this bill's swift passage in the House. The level of improper payments that our government authorizes is staggering and it encompasses virtually the entire federal government, Congressman Mark Meadows said. Congress has an obligation to the taxpayers to step up and fix it. I applaud my colleagues for their willingness to work on a bipartisan basis. Taxpayers deserve to know that we're protecting their hard earned dollars and ensuring they are not improperly spent or mismanaged, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos said. That's why I'm proud to join this bipartisan group of colleagues to put forward a solution that cuts through red tape and delivers real reform to strengthen the government's management of taxpayer dollars. Every year, the federal government makes billions of dollars in improper payments to dead people, Congressman Greg Gianforte said. This bipartisan bill provides government agencies with tools to work together to ensure the government doesn't send checks to dead people in t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-statement-farm-workforce-modernization-act | Rep. Ilhan Omar Statement on the Farm Workforce Modernization Act | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Ilhan Omar | O000173 | omar.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONRep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement on H.R. 5038 Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019: The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is a major step forward for our immigration system and our workers. There are currently 2.4 million farmworkers in this country, half of whom are undocumented. And agriculture creates 147,000 jobs in Minnesotamore than almost any other state. Under the Trump Administration, these workers are subject to routine abuse and violations of their basic rights. This bill provides a pathway for qualified undocumented farmworkers and their families to legalize their status, a major victory. I am particularly proud that the bill includes protections for temporary workers with H-2A visas, over 1,000 of whom work in my home state of Minnesota. I am disappointed the final bill includes E-Verify, a federal tracking database that will cause companies to hire even more people under the table than they currently do, making them more vulnerable to abuse. No food is cruelty free' with our current system. But by recognizing the vast human rights abuses that are ingrained into our food and agricultural system, this bill is a significant accomplishment. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-statement-national-defense-authorization-act | Rep. Ilhan Omar Statement on National Defense Authorization Act | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Ilhan Omar | O000173 | omar.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONRep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement on the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): At a time when Minnesotans have unmet needs in healthcare, education and housing, it is simply unconscionable to pass a NDAA bill that continues to fund wasteful Pentagon spending to the tune of $738 billion. This bill commits the U.S. to endless involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, continues funding for endless war under the 2001 AUMF, and does nothing to prevent the Administration from launching a disastrous war with Iran. Despite its deep flaws, I am glad the National Defense Authorization Act includes some of my priorities and the priorities of my district. I am grateful that all of the amendments I introduced and passed in the House version of the NDAA were included in the final bill. The final version contains my amendments requiring reporting on the process of sharing the Terrorist Screening Database with foreign countries, including human rights abusers. It also requires the Pentagon to provide guidance for contractors and servicemembers who witness gross human rights violations, requires reporting on the costs of overseas military operations, and does not authorize permanent military bases in Somaliaall based on amendments I introduced. Lastly, the final text includes a bill I am an original cosponsor of, the Liberian Immigrant Fairness Act, which would give thousands of Liberians in my district protection from deportation. It was introduced by David Cicilline and originally authored by my predecessor Keith Ellison. I am proud that all of our amendments were included, but it past time we stop putting our servicemembers and civilians in harm's way by writing blank checks for endless warsand passing budgets that are not a reflection of our values. For these reasons, I plan to vote no. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=872A7CD1-0265-437D-9972-1D9FA2AEBDB6 | At Judiciary Committee Hearing, Klobuchar Questions Department of Justice’s Inspector General | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Department of Justice's Own Inspector General Released the Report Monday Finding Conclusive Evidence of No Political Bias in Investigation's Origins WASHINGTON Today, at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) highlighted conclusive evidence in the report from the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Inspector General (IG) that political bias did not affect the FBI's decision to investigate people associated with the Trump campaign and that the investigation was warranted. The report also found that the FBI did not improperly use confidential sources or undercover agents in its investigation. KLOBUCHAR: Does anything in your report call into question the assessment by FBI Director Ray that Russians' interference in our elections is ongoing, and that its interference in the 2018 midterms were a quote, dress rehearsal, end quote, for the 2020 elections? HOROWITZ: No, it doesn't. KLOBUCHAR: Does anything in your report call into question the finding in the special counsel's report that quote the Russian government perceived it would benefit from a Trump presidency and worked to secure that outcome? HOROWITZ: We don't take issue with any part of the special counsel's report now. KLOBUCHAR: Okay. Did you find any evidence that political bias or other improper considerations affected the FBI's decision to open the investigation into George Papadopoulos? HOROWITZ: No, we don't. KLOBUCHAR: Did you find any evidence that political bias or other improper considerations affected the decision to open the investigation into Paul Manafort? HOROWITZ: No, we don't. KLOBUCHAR: Did you find any evidence that political bias or other improper considerations affected the decision to open the investigation into Michael Flynn? HOROWITZ: We did not. KLOBUCHAR: Did you find any investigation that political bias or other improper considerations affected the decision to open the investigation into Carter Page? HOROWITZ: No, no documentary or testimonial evidence, or other evidence. KLOBUCHAR: So we … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-peterson-celebrates-announcement-clearing-path-usmca | Chairman Peterson Celebrates Announcement Clearing Path for USMCA | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON- House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson released the following statement today following the announcement of a deal between House Democrats and The White House on United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) I have been pushing for months to get this deal to the finish line, and this announcement is great news for farmers, businesses and workers in Western Minnesota and nationwide, saidPeterson. The threat of leaving NAFTA without a deal would have been devastating, and this deal provides needed certainty for our producers. This agreement makes updates to how the three countries will address biotechnology, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues. The USMCA also preserves the market our farmers are currently accessing while making modest gains for our dairy, poultry, and wheat growers in the Canadian market. Rural America has faced many hurdles and challenges with these trade wars, and passing the USMCA is a step in the right direction. Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Businesses of all shapes and sizes need sound, commonsense policy in place in order to get off the ground, grow, and succeed.On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce I thank Congressman Peterson for his leadership and strong support for USMCA and other pro-business policies.The Chamber appreciates the Congressman'scommonsense approach to legislation and policies that strengthen U.S. manufacturing and create a level playing field for American businesses. Kevin Paap, President of the Minnesota Farm Bureau,We appreciate Chairman Peterson's leadership on USMCA. We urge members of Congress to swiftly approve the USMCA agreement so that it can be ratified. Our farmers cannot wait any longer. This will bring much needed hope to farmers and rural America. These actions will signal to our trading partners that the U.S. is back in business in the international marketplace. Gary Wertish, President of the Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Farmers Union thanks Congressman Peterson for his hard work negot… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairmen-peterson-and-costa-statements-usmca | Chairmen Peterson and Costa statements on USMCA | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON- House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson and House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Chairman Jim Costa released the following statements today following the announcement of a deal between House Democrats and The White House on United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). I have been pushing for months to get this deal to the finish line, and this announcement is great news for farmers, businesses and workers, in Western Minnesota and nationwide, said Peterson. The threat of leaving NAFTA without a deal would have been devastating, and this deal provides needed certainty for our producers. This agreement makes updates to how the three countries will address biotechnology, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues. The USMCA also preserves the market our farmers are currently accessing while making modest gains for our dairy, poultry, and wheat growers in the Canadian market. Rural America has faced many hurdles and challenges with these trade wars, and passing the USMCA is a step in the right direction. Trade is vital to American agriculture, especially for the specialty crop,tree nut, dairy and livestock producers in the San Joaquin Valley and across California," said Costa. "The USMCA protects the access they had into the Canadian and Mexican markets, and provides nominal gains in some important areas. It's good to see that this deal strengthens labor and environmental standards and provides mechanisms to enforce this agreement. I am proud to support approval of the USMCA, but we also must recognize that going forward, incremental improvements and protecting the status quo won't reverse farmer losses as a result of the trade war. For that to happen, the Administration needs to remove its tariffs, which are the source of so much economic hardship for our farmers, and at the core of our depressed farm economy. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-angie-craig-s-statement-usmca-trade-agreement | Congresswoman Angie Craigs Statement on USMCA Trade Agreement | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Angie Craig | C001119 | craig.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig released the following statement on the announcement of a USMCA trade agreement: I'm proud to announce that an agreement has been reached on USMCA that bolsters our economy, is good for family farmers, protects American workers, and improves access to affordable prescription drugs, said Rep. Angie Craig. Over the past few months I've heard from farmers and business owners about the need for a trade deal that opens up export markets, and I've pushed to make sure hard-working Minnesotans weren't given a false choice between open markets and affordable healthcare. I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to make sure that big drug companies don't get away with inserting provisions that create less competition and higher prices. It's time to pass USMCA through the full House before the end of the year, and I look forward to voting for this important trade agreement. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-announcement-articles-impeachment-against-president-trump | McCollum Statement on Announcement of Articles of Impeachment Against President Trump | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | mccollum | https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement today after two articles of impeachment were announced in the U.S. House of Representatives: "The articles of impeachment announced today by the U.S. House of Representatives fulfill an obligation incumbent upon every Member of Congress to defend the Constitution, protect our national security, and ensure our democracy is not corrupted by a foreign power. For every Member of Congress, holding the President of the United States accountable to the Constitution and protecting our most fundamental democratic values is not a political decision based on loyalty or partisan affiliation. In fact, it is an inherent duty upon which we have sworn a sacred oath. "The sole person responsible for precipitating this impeachment process is Donald J. Trump. Mr. Trump's willful, flagrant, and corrupt misconduct is a betrayal of the public trust. At this historic and sober moment, the American people understand that as a nation of laws there can be no person, not even the President of the United States, who is above the law. Let these articles of impeachment also serve as a clear and unambiguous message to all future presidents: Congress, as a co-equal branch of government, will never tolerate or appease an abusive, corrupt executive. "With the power granted to the U.S. House under Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution (‘The House of Representatives…shall have the sole Power of Impeachment'), I intend to vote in favor of the resolution to impeach President Donald J. Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-touts-support-strong-bipartisan-usmca-trade-deal | Phillips Touts Support for Strong, Bipartisan USMCA Trade Deal | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Dean Phillips | P000616 | phillips.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC At a press conference today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) stood with House leaders to announce a strong and enforceable USMCA trade deal that will improve the American economy, safeguard workers' rights, protect the environment, and improve access to affordable prescription drugs. I'm on a mission to restore Americans' faith in our government, and the USMCA deal we announced today is exactly how our process should work, said Phillips. Republicans and Democrats in Congress, the White House, businesses, and labor organizations came together to forge a strong and solvent deal that is good for everyone. Whether it's increasing patients' access to affordable prescriptions, protecting workers, or keeping international markets open for Minnesota businesses this deal is proof that we all win when everyone comes to the table in good faith. Rep. Phillips was heavily involved in the passage of the trade deal, both through the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and as an individual lawmaker. He pushed hard for fixes related to drug prices and labor enforcement, and convened a September meeting with Cargill CEO Dave MacLennan and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Washington to discuss the negotiations. Businesses in Phillips's Third District export $1 billion in goods and services to trade partners in Canada and Mexico every year and that trade supports more than 40,000 jobs. The new agreement comes after House leaders and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) spent months working to improve the Trump Administration's original deal. Together, they secured critical updates, including: Open Markets ensures that markets in Mexico and Canada remain open to American businesses and job creators. Stronger enforcement closes enforcement loopholes and establishes rules to ensure that trading partners live up to their commitments Worker protections enacts mechanisms to ensure trading partners honor their commitments to protect workers from violence and labor violations Lower drug costs empowers Congress to make cheaper… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/newletter-archive/rep-petersons-newsletter-1292019 | Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/9/2019 | 2019-12-09 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | My Fall 2019 Intern Class Dear Friends, After the Thanksgiving break, the House of Representatives met to take action on a number of bills before the end of session, including voting on legislation to stop bad robocalls, another to protect citizen's right to vote in state with a history of election interference. I attended a Veterans' Affairs markup on pending legislation that focused on preventing veteran's suicide. I met with the national Milk Producers Association and also received the IDFA Leadership Award for my work on the 2018 Farm Bill and the Dairy Margin Coverage Program. I introduced the Stamp Out Lyme Disease Actwith Rep. Delgado, Rep. Smith, and Rep. Zeldin to fund future research, prevention, and treatment of tick-borne diseases. As co-chair of the Lyme Disease caucus, I know how important it is to support research and prevention programs for Lyme Disease. I am proud to announce that the CentraCare Health System was awarded a Department of Agriculture Rural Development Grant that will establish a telemedicine project to expand healthcare and education opportunities in rural Minnesota. Sincerely, Congressman Collin C. Peterson Minnesota 7th District Black Hawk Helicopter Crash Three National Guard soldiers on a maintenance test flight were killed Thursday afternoon when their helicopter crashed into a farm field about 16 miles southwest of St. Cloud. This is a tremendous loss for the Minnesota National Guard, our respective communities and most importantly, the family, friends and loved ones of these soldiers. The National Guard's mission is to maintain properly trained and equipped units and this is a tragic reminder of the risk they take everyday to serve. Serving the 7th TRACED Act I continue to hear from countless constituents about unwanted robocalls. Earlier this year, I cosponsored the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act, which will give the Federal Communications Commission the tools it needs to stop bad robocalls. I voted to pass the TRACED Act, another piece of legislation that will figh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-peterson-statement-delayed-csp-farm-bill-conservation-program-payments | Chairman Peterson statement on delayed CSP farm bill conservation program payments | 2019-12-09 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Collin Peterson, who serves as the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement today in regard to the delay in payments being made on USDA Conservation Stewardship Program contracts: I'm not sure what the delay was, but this is one more source of stress that farmers don't need right now. I'm told that the funding was released by the Office of Management and Budget on Friday, and I hope that payments will be made by USDA as quickly as possible. I would encourage folks who haven't gotten their CSP payments or heard from their local NRCS office to make a call or stop by to check on their status. A delay like this means bills can't be paid in their local communities and alsothreatens to impact tax planning. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-discussed-cedar-riverside-fire-response-housing-crisis-house | Rep. Ilhan Omar Discussed Cedar-Riverside Fire Response, Housing Crisis on House Floor | 2019-12-09 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Ilhan Omar | O000173 | omar.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONRep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) today discussed the Cedar-Riverside fire, which broke out in a 25-story public housing building in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, and the nationwide housing crisis on the Floor of the House of Representatives. Rep. Omar announced new legislative steps to address the safety of public housing in the coming weeks. 12 million Americans are paying more than half their income in rentAbout 6,300 people are evicted every single day.Make no mistake: we as lawmakers bear responsibility for the deplorable conditions of our public housing. It is time we address it once and for all. pic.twitter.com/9kPlotU8Cx Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) December 5, 2019 Last week, families across the country gathered around their dining tables to give thanks and break bread, Rep. Omar said. But many families in my home district were not sitting down for a holiday dinner instead they were facing indescribable tragedy. The day before Thanksgiving, a fire broke out in a 25-story public housing building in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, where I grew up. 5 people lost their lives that day. And more than a week later - residents are still in the hospital recovering from their injuries and from the devastating effects of smoke inhalation. After the brave men and women of the local fire department cleared the scene and controlled the blaze, we discovered an almost unbelievable reality these homes were not equipped with sprinklers. You see, this building is so old that it's exempted from laws that require such life-saving equipment. And that isn't the only egregious safety issue that our public housing residents are forced to endure. There's been a ban on building new public housing since the 1990s in fact the Cedar Riverside building that sustained the fire was built in the 1960s. And the federal government has been underfunding the repair and maintenance needs of the homes for years. In Minnesota, the backlog of repair needs totals over $300 million. I will be introducing le… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=6E3BDB31-DADB-401F-8043-895B26B65BBB | Klobuchar, Thune, 46 Colleagues Urge Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to Promote the Deployment of Sustainable Broadband Networks in Rural America | 2019-12-09 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD), and 46 of their colleagues urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promote the deployment of sustainable broadband networks as the FCC considers adopting new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) proceeding. The RDOF will award high-cost Universal Service Fund (USF) support to deploy broadband service in rural areas. In a letter, the senators called on FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to ensure that broadband networks built in rural areas using these funds can keep up with future demands for speed and capacity and to hold support recipients accountable for providing adequate broadband service to consumers. If our rural communities are to survive and flourish, our rural constituents need access to services that are on par with those in urban areas. By contrast, it would be an inefficient use of resources to promote services that cannot keep pace with consumer demand and the evolution of broadband in urban areas, the senators wrote. As the FCC moves forward to adopt new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund proceeding, we urge you to promote the deployment of networks that will be sustainable even as new advancements are made and are capable of delivering the best level of broadband access for the available USF budget for many years to come. In addition to Klobuchar and Thune, the letter was signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bob Casey (D-PA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Shell… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=DD987843-CAC1-412C-A452-A95A115ACF75 | Klobuchar, Smith Announce $1.75 Million Grant For Great Lakes Restoration Efforts | 2019-12-09 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) a $1,750,000 supplemental Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant to continue restoration efforts in the Saint Louis River Estuary Area of Concern (AOC) in Lake Superior. This supplemental grant brings the total GLRI investment in the project to $7,770,000 and represents a larger effort to restore and protect the Great Lakes through the GLRI. "The Great Lakes are a national treasure and vital to the economy and environment in Minnesota and our entire country," Klobuchar said. The restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem is estimated to provide $50 billion in long-term economic benefits for the region and this grant will ensure that the restoration of the important Saint Louis River area habitat continues. As one of the vice-chairs of the Great Lakes Task Force, I look forward to continuing this important work to protect the Great Lakes for generations to come." For thousands of years people have treasured Lake Superior and the rest of the Great Lakes chain.They are important to manyincludingthe Native American communities thathave long lived near them andutilizednearbyresources,tourists who visit them for outdoor recreation and businesses rely on them for shipping,Smith said.This important funding willhelp improve 257 acres of aquatic habitat in Lake Superior. Restoring the Great Lakes should be a top priority because it is good for our economy, tourism and natural resources. The grant supplements funding for work the Minnesota DNR has begun to implement two projects to restore the St. Louis River Estuary AOC. The projects, Grassy Point and Kingsbury Bay, will collectively contribute toward restoration of 257 acres of aquatic habitat and the removal of the associated beneficial use impairment in the AOC. In August, Klobuchar joined colleagues on the Senate Great Lakes Task Force to introduce bipartisan legisla… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-175-million-grant-great-lakes-restoration-efforts | Klobuchar, Smith Announce $1.75 Million Grant For Great Lakes Restoration Efforts | 2019-12-09 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) a $1,750,000 supplemental Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant to continue restoration efforts in the Saint Louis River Estuary Area of Concern (AOC) in Lake Superior. This supplemental grant brings the total GLRI investment in the project to $7,770,000 and represents a larger effort to restore and protect the Great Lakes through the GLRI. "The Great Lakes are a national treasure and vital to the economy and environment in Minnesota and our entire country,"Klobuchar said.The restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem is estimatedto provide $50 billion in long-term economic benefits for the region and this grant will ensure that the restoration of the important Saint Louis River area habitat continues. As one of the vice-chairs of the Great Lakes Task Force, I look forward to continuing this important work to protect the Great Lakes for generations to come." For thousands of years people have treasured Lake Superior and the rest of the Great Lakes chain.They are important to manyincludingthe Native American communities thathave long lived near them andutilizednearbyresources,tourists who visit them for outdoor recreation and businesses rely on them for shipping,Smith said.This important funding willhelp improve 257 acres of aquatic habitat in Lake Superior. Restoring the Great Lakes should be a top priority because it is good for our economy, tourism and natural resources. The grant supplements funding for work the Minnesota DNR has begun to implement two projects to restore the St. Louis River Estuary AOC. The projects, Grassy Point and Kingsbury Bay, will collectively contribute toward restoration of 257 acres of aquatic habitat and the removal of the associated beneficial use impairment in the AOC. In August, Klobuchar joined colleagues on the Senate Great Lakes Task Force to introduce bipartisan legislation to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/peterson-critical-epas-proposed-actions-rfs | Peterson Critical of EPAs Proposed Actions on RFS | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Collin Peterson, chair of the House Agriculture Committee, sent a letter today to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), raising concerns that the Agency's October supplemental proposed rule for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) fails to uphold the integrity of the RFS. The bottom line is the EPA continues to undermine the RFS at the expense of our farmers and biofuel producers," Peterson said. "I've said time and time again that any action from EPA that does not uphold the integrity of the RFS is unacceptable. In July, the EPA published a proposed rule for Renewable Volume Obligations for 2020 and 2021 as required by the RFS, and the Congressional Biofuels Caucus sent a comment letter on the overall rule. In October, the agency submitted a supplemental proposed rule and suggested changes to the formula EPA uses to restore gallons waived through the small refinery exemptions process. BACKGROUND Rep. Peterson serves as chair of the House Agriculture Committee and co-chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, a bipartisan group of Members of Congress who advocate for homegrown renewable fuel policies that boost farmer incomes and reduce dependence on foreign oil. He is also the sponsor of the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act of 2019, a bill which provides certainty to the biofuels industry by setting an annual deadline for small refinery exemption applications and bringing transparency to the process. In October, he challenged the EPA to follow Congressional intent of the RFS law in setting biofuel waivers which would shortchange the biofuels industry. In recognition of his efforts to champion renewable fuels, Rep. Peterson received the Fueling Growth Award from Growth Energy the country's largest ethanol association. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-stands-second-congressional-district-priorities-year-end-action | Rep. Angie Craig Stands Up For Second Congressional District Priorities In Year-End Action | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Angie Craig | C001119 | craig.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig sent a letter to House Democratic leaders asking them to prioritize and include programs of significant importance to Minnesota's Second Congressional District in end-of-year legislation being developed to fund the government and extend numerous expiring tax credits. Since her first day in Congress, Rep. Craig has championed commonsense, bipartisan solutions for the issues hardworking Minnesotans talk with her about. Her work includes lowering the cost of healthcare and the price of prescription drugs, transportation and infrastructure funding, funding special education and career and technical skills, helping family farmers and supporting rural communities. Every day I look for ways to find common ground on the issues that impact the lives of hardworking Minnesotans, said Rep. Craig. I will never stop fighting to lower the price of prescription drugs, invest in our infrastructure - including broadband, support our family farmers, and fund special education and career and technical skills. You can read the full letter here. Rep. Craig has authored 16 bills and cosponsored over 325 additional bills - more than two thirds of which are bipartisan. She will hold her 12th town hall in 12 months on Saturday, December 7th, in West St. Paul. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccollum.house.gov/media/statements-record/statement-h-res-326 | Statement on H. Res. 326 | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Betty McCollum | M001143 | mccollum.house.gov | legacy | As a co-sponsor of H. Res. 326 as introduced on April 25, 2019, I support Representative Lowenthal's determination to advance U.S. leadership in seeking a diplomatic resolution to achieve a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unfortunately, amendments to the resolution mean I can no longer vote in favor of H. Res. 326 and I will be voting present. For years, I have heard colleagues say, It's only a resolution. It really doesn't mean anything. At a time when the Trump administration is actively taking policy actions to inflict pain on the Palestinian people while giving a green light to Israel's annexation of Palestinian lands, a statement by the House of Representatives to Israelis and Palestinians does mean something. Is there any doubt Israel and the security of the Israeli people have the strong support of Congress? There is zero doubt. But millions of Palestinians working to build a peaceful future feel that they have been abandoned by Congress and attacked by the White House. The U.S. is no longer an honest broker in any diplomatic peace initiative between Israelis and Palestinians. The language added to H. Res. 326 stating an ironclad commitment to $38 billion in foreign military aid only highlights the contrast that there is no ironclad U.S. commitment to human rights or even providing the most basic life-saving humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. This House vote today does not reflect the reality on the ground. This is the time to unequivocally support both the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, justice, equality, and human rights as well as Israel's right to live in peace and security. U.S. aid must never be an ironclad blank check to any nation. I believe if U.S. military aid to Israel is being used to enable or support the military detention and torture of Palestinian children, the demolition of Palestinian homes, or the annexation of Palestinian lands there should be conditions on that aid not cuts to aid, but conditions as has been done to aid to the P… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=01F7B07A-354E-4AD9-AA45-D739BAE1A791 | Klobuchar, Smith Announce Open Signup for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is opening signup for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) on December 9, 2019. The deadline for agricultural producers to sign up for general CRP is February 8, 2020, while signup for continuous CRP is ongoing. The 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law in December 2018, includes Klobuchar's provision to increase the number of acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to 27 million acres, based on Klobuchar and Senator John Thune's (R-SD)Conservation Program Improvement Act. The 2018 Farm Bill also includes conservation efforts led by Smith, including a provision from Smith's SOIL Stewardship Act to expand efforts to reduce carbon emissions, prevent soil erosion, improve water quality and reform the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). It also includes Smith's amendment streamlining the transition between two working lands conservation programsthe Environmental Quality Incentives Program and CSP. The Conservation Reserve Program provides important benefits to our state's land and water, as well as economic benefits for our rural communities, Klobuchar said. That's why I worked to increase the number of acres in CRP in the 2018 Farm Bill, so that farmers and landowners continue to have the tools necessary to conserve and improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat. I encourage farmers and landowners to visit their local Farm Service Agency office to enroll. I fought for a spot on theSenate Agriculture Committeebecause I wanted to make sure Minnesota agriculture's priorities, including strong farm programs like conservation, get the support they deserve,Smith said.Farmers and ranchers understand that the way they farm impacts water quality, soil health and wildlife habitat. The Conservation Reserve Program will help them boost conservation efforts that protect the environment and sustain their farms. I encourage Minnesotans to take advantage of this opportunity. The 2018 F… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=0991D9D9-CBB2-4C93-8EA1-0ECD00D1A34C | Klobuchar, Smith Laud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Simplify the FAFSA, Improve Access to Affordable Student Loan Repayment Plans, and Support Tribal Colleges and Other Minority-Serving Institutions | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Help Legislation Pass Senate that Would Permanently Fund Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority-Serving Institutions WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) helped bipartisan legislation pass the Senate this week that would simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) andeliminate burdensome annual paperwork for federal student loan borrowers enrolled in income-driven repayment plans by automating income recertification, and permanently fund Tribal colleges. I'm pleased the FUTURE Act passed the Senate so that tribal colleges, historically black colleges and universities, and other minority-serving institutions of higher education across the country are one step closer to receiving the annual funding they need to keep serving millions of students, Klobuchar said. These institutions are critical to our higher education and workforce development systems, andMinnesotans and students nationwide deserve every opportunity to advance their education. I'm so pleased this common sense, bipartisan bill is moving forward. When I hear from Minnesota colleges and college students, one issue that everyone agrees on is simplifying the FAFSA for the millions of students and families who apply for aid.This measure will also make a real difference for the millions of student loan borrowers who are navigating our outdated and overly-complicated student loan system and trying to access more affordable repayments, Smith said. I am so glad this bill provides permanent support for such valuable institutions like the Tribal colleges we have in Minnesota. These colleges do important work and I am glad they will have financial certainty going into the future. I look forward to this bill passing the House and being signed into law. The Senate-passed Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act will permanently provide $255 million annually in support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other min… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=62B580B2-FF68-4D31-8697-EAEF2FBE5B70 | Klobuchar Statement Before Monday’s First Meeting of Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Precision Agriculture Connectivity Task Force | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | The 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law in December 2018, includes Klobuchar's provision to direct the FCC to establish a task force to promote precision agriculture and target broadband deployment to the nation's farms and ranches The Chair of the Task Force will be Minnesotan Teddy Bekele WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement ahead of Monday's first meeting of the new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Precision Agriculture Connectivity Task Force. The Task Force will make policy recommendations and produce public reports to ensure increased broadband internet access on agricultural land. The 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law in December 2018, includes Klobuchar's provision to direct the FCC to establish a task force to identify gaps in broadband coverage and encourage broadband deployment on farms and ranchland. The Chair of the Task Force will be Minnesotan Teddy Bekele. Too often, farmers and ranchers are unable to benefit from precision agriculture technologieswhich help farmers streamline their operations, boost their bottom lines, and improve crop yieldsdue to limited broadband access. After years of legislative effort, the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Task Force, which was established in June, will finally come together to continue the work of closing the digital divide, including on our farms and ranchlands. I look forward to seeing the recommendations of the Task Force, led by Minnesota's own Teddy Bekele, to promote broadband deployment and precision agriculture technology for our rural communities. Precision agriculture describes the use of mobile devices, robotics, field sensors, remote monitoring, and other technologies to manage agricultural production. Farmers and ranchers who use the technology can significantly increase crop yields, streamline operations, and reduce production expenses. In many areas of the United States, reliable, high-speed broadband is not consistently available to support precision agriculture operation… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=829BB67A-EB7F-4B8A-9264-160C5BF79550 | Klobuchar, Smith Announce Judicial Selection Committee for Vacancy on Federal District Court | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Senators will bring togethera group of distinguished Minnesota leaders to head search WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith announced the formation of a judicial selection committee to assist them in making recommendations to the President to fill a vacancy on Minnesota's federal district court. The vacancy was created by Judge Joan Ericksen's decision to assume senior status. The Committee will be chaired by Lolita Ulloa, Deputy Hennepin County Attorney and Director of Domestic Abuse Service Center; with members: David Ackerson, former state court judge on Minnesota's Sixth Judicial District Court; Amran Farah, attorney at Greene Espel and president of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers; Peter Knapp, Interim President and Dean of Mitchell Hamline School of Law; David Lillehaug, Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and a former United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota; Cecil Naatz, Managing Attorney of the Public Defender's Office in Marshall, Minnesota; Forrest Tahdooahnippah, partner at Dorsey & Whitney LLP and president of the Minnesota American Indian Bar Association; and Vildan Teske, founding partner of Teske, Micko, Katz, Kitzer & Rochel. These distinguished Minnesota leaders will come together to find a jurist to continue our state's long tradition of federal judges with varying experiences and unwavering commitments to fairness and justice, Klobuchar said. Federal judges have lifetime appointments, which is why it is critical that they have proven themselves to be fair-minded, conscientious, and even-handed in theirapplicationof the law. The Committee will be looking for a person of integrity with a first-rate legal mind and a breadth of professional experience. "I would like to thank Judge Joan Ericksen, who served as a federal district court judge for nearlytwo decades, having previously served as an Associate Justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court, for her commitment to the judiciary and public service, she concluded. Federal court… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=FFF30402-A909-4373-9316-2FA1A534F440 | Klobuchar, Smith Urge Department of Education to Address Loan Forgiveness for Defrauded Borrowers | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Letter to Secretary Betsy DeVos follows a June 2019 letter from Klobuchar and Smith inquiring into the status of the group discharge application for borrowers from now defunct Globe University and Minnesota School of Business WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) are continuing to call on the Department of Education to address protections for student loan borrowers. In a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Klobuchar and Smith called on the Department of Education to immediately stop collecting on the student debt of borrowers who were defrauded by Globe University (Globe) and Minnesota School of Business (MSB), discharge the covered loans, and process pending borrower defense applications. Klobuchar and Smith's call follows recent news of Globe and MSB filing for bankruptcy, which may prevent these defrauded students from receiving any of the tuition refunds that a state court recently ruled the students are owed. The senators believe the federal government must immediately stop collections on these loans and provide these defrauded students with debt relief. Students should be protected from predatory practices by academic institutions and the financial impact and academic disruption that occurs when a school closes,the senators wrote. It is critically important that the former students of Globe and MSB who were defrauded are able to pursue the discharge of their debt through borrower defense claims. Minnesota's Attorney General has identified more than 1,300 students enrolled in particular programs at Globe and MSB in need of debt relief amounting to over $33 million, and recent court filings indicate that more than 7,000 former students of these colleges may be eligible for debt relief. We urge you to immediately stop collecting on the student debt of borrowers who were defrauded by Globe and MSB, discharge the covered loans, and process pending borrower defense applications. The full text of the letter can be found below: Dear Secretary DeVos: We write to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-judicial-selection-committee-vacancy-federal-district-court | Klobuchar, Smith Announce Judicial Selection Committee for Vacancy on Federal District Court | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Senators will bring together a group of distinguished Minnesota leaders to head search WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith announced the formation of a judicial selection committee to assist them in making recommendations to the President to fill a vacancy on Minnesota's federal district court. The vacancy was created by Judge Joan Ericksen's decision to assume senior status. The Committee will be chaired by Lolita Ulloa, Deputy Hennepin County Attorney and Director of Domestic Abuse Service Center; with members: David Ackerson, former state court judge on Minnesota's Sixth Judicial District Court; Amran Farah, attorney at Greene Espel and president of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers; Peter Knapp, Interim President and Dean of Mitchell Hamline School of Law; David Lillehaug, Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and a former United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota; Cecil Naatz, Managing Attorney of the Public Defender's Office in Marshall, Minnesota; Forrest Tahdooahnippah, partner at Dorsey & Whitney LLP and president of the Minnesota American Indian Bar Association; and Vildan Teske, founding partner of Teske, Micko, Katz, Kitzer & Rochel. These distinguished Minnesota leaders will come together to find a jurist to continue our state's long tradition of federal judges with varying experiences and unwavering commitments to fairness and justice,Klobuchar said. Federal judges have lifetime appointments, which is why it is critical that they have proven themselves to be fair-minded, conscientious, and even-handed in theirapplicationof the law. The Committee will be looking for a person of integrity with a first-rate legal mind and a breadth of professional experience. "I would like to thank Judge Joan Ericksen, who served as a federal district court judge for nearlytwo decades, having previously served as an Associate Justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court, for her commitment to the judiciary and public service,she concluded. Federal courts make … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-open-signup-conservation-reserve-program-crp | Klobuchar, Smith Announce Open Signup for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is opening signup for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) on December 9, 2019. The deadline for agricultural producers to sign up for general CRP is February 8, 2020, while signup for continuous CRP is ongoing. The 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law in December 2018, includes Klobuchar's provision to increase the number of acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to 27 million acres, based on Klobuchar and Senator John Thune's (R-SD)Conservation Program Improvement Act. The 2018 Farm Bill also includes conservation efforts led by Smith, including a provision from Smith'sSOIL Stewardship Actto expand efforts to reduce carbon emissions, prevent soil erosion, improve water quality and reform the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). It also includes Smith's amendment streamlining the transition between two working lands conservation programsthe Environmental Quality Incentives Program and CSP. The Conservation Reserve Program provides important benefits to our state's land and water, as well as economic benefits for our rural communities,Klobuchar said.That's why I worked to increase the number of acres in CRP in the 2018 Farm Bill, so that farmers and landowners continue to have the tools necessary to conserve and improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat. I encourage farmers and landowners to visit their local Farm Service Agency office to enroll. I fought for a spot on theSenate Agriculture Committeebecause I wanted to make sure Minnesota agriculture's priorities, including strong farm programs like conservation, get the support they deserve,Smith said.Farmers and ranchers understand that the way they farm impacts water quality, soil health and wildlife habitat. The Conservation Reserve Program will help them boost conservation efforts that protect the environment and sustain their farms. I encourage Minnesotans to take advantage of this opportunity. The 2018 Farm Bill … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-urge-department-education-address-loan-forgiveness-defrauded-borrowers | Klobuchar, Smith Urge Department of Education to Address Loan Forgiveness for Defrauded Borrowers | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Letter to Secretary Betsy DeVos follows a June 2019 letter from Klobuchar and Smith inquiring into the status of the group discharge application for borrowers from now defunct Globe University and Minnesota School of WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) are continuing to call on the Department of Education to address protections for student loan borrowers. In a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Klobuchar and Smith called on the Department of Education toimmediately stop collecting on the student debt of borrowers who were defrauded by Globe University (Globe) and Minnesota School of Business (MSB), discharge the covered loans, and process pending borrower defense applications. Klobuchar and Smith's call followsrecent news of Globe and MSB filing for bankruptcy, which may prevent these defrauded students from receiving any of the tuition refunds that a state court recently ruled the students are owed.The senators believe the federal government must immediately stop collections on these loans and provide these defrauded students with debt relief. Students should be protected from predatory practices by academic institutions and the financial impact and academic disruption that occurs when a school closes,the senators wrote. It is critically important that the former students of Globe and MSB who were defrauded are able to pursue the discharge of their debt through borrower defense claims. Minnesota's Attorney General has identified more than 1,300 students enrolled in particular programs at Globe and MSB in need of debt relief amounting to over $33 million, and recent court filings indicate that more than 7,000 former students of these colleges may be eligible for debt relief. We urge you to immediately stop collecting on the student debt of borrowers who were defrauded by Globe and MSB, discharge the covered loans, and process pending borrower defense applications. The full text of the letter can be found below: Dear Secretary DeVos: We write today to request tha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-klobuchar-smith-laud-senate-passage-bipartisan-legislation-simplify-fafsa-improve | U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Laud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Simplify the FAFSA, Improve Access to Affordable Student Loan Repayment Plans, and Support Tribal Colleges and Other Minority-Serving Institutions | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Help Legislation Pass Senate that Would Permanently Fund Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority-Serving Institutions WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/06/19]U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) helped bipartisan legislation pass the Senate this week that would simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) andeliminate burdensome annual paperwork for federal student loan borrowers enrolled in income-driven repayment plans by automating income recertification, and permanently fund Tribal colleges. The Senate-passedFostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Actwill permanently provide $255 million annually in support forHistorically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)and other minority-serving institutions of higher education, whichfaced financial uncertainty when their funding lapsed earlier this year.Sens. Klobuchar, Smith and their colleagues have long been fighting to secure this funding and to simplify the FAFSA for the 20 million families who have to fill out the form each year. The Senate-passed bill will streamline the process of enrolling and staying in income-driven repayment programs, by eliminating duplicative paperwork between the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Education, for nearly 8 million student loan borrowers. The FUTURE Act would create the first and only permanent funding programoutside of Pell Grants and student loansto support students and colleges. I'm pleased the FUTURE Act passed the Senate so that tribal colleges, historically black colleges and universities, and other minority-serving institutions of higher education across the country are one step closer to receiving the annual funding they need to keep serving millions of students,Klobuchar said.These institutions are critical to our higher education and workforce development systems, andMinnesotans and students nationwide deserve every opportunity to advance their education. I'm so pleased this common sense, bipartisan bill is mo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=471C00BF-923F-4D5B-BE1C-D537C1323390 | Klobuchar Statement on Tragic National Guard Helicopter Crash | 2019-12-05 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | MINNEAPOLIS U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) issued the following statement after three Minnesota National Guard soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash in Stearns County. Today three brave Minnesota National Guard soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.I am deeply saddened, and their service to our state and our nation will never be forgotten.In Minnesota we wrap our arms around our brave men and women who make such immense sacrifices to keep our nation strong and free. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of these brave servicemembers and with the entire Minnesota National Guard community, at home and overseas. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=ECE6E736-D4C1-4AE5-93D8-E77D22F84568 | Klobuchar Statement on the 70th Anniversary of NATO | 2019-12-04 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the 70th Anniversary of the North American Treaty Organization (NATO): NATO is the most successful military alliance in history because we are united by values that continue to serve as the foundation for 70 years of unprecedented peace, security, and economic prosperity. Now, more than ever, we must reaffirm and strengthen our commitment to the alliance. Our adversaries around the world must know that we will stand together with our allies to defend against aggression and attempts to divide us. Klobuchar, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, which oversees federal elections, has been a stalwart supporter of NATO, especially in light of Russian interference in U.S. and European elections. Just three years ago to this month, Klobuchar traveled to former Eastern-bloc countries as a member of a bipartisan congressional delegation led by former Senator John McCain (R-AZ) to reinforce support for NATO and to focus on mounting international cybersecurity problems. The senators met with Presidents and Prime Ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Georgia, and Montenegro. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smith-continues-bipartisan-fight-improve-access-rural-health-care-new-and-expecting | U.S. Senator Tina Smith Continues Bipartisan Fight to Improve Access to Rural Health Care for New and Expecting Moms | 2019-12-04 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Tina Smith | S001203 | www.smith.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Calls for Health Committee Markup on Bill to Provide Training For Medical Professionals, Expand Telehealth, Improve Data Collection and Encourage Regional Care Coordination WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/04/19]U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) is continuing her efforts with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) to ensure new and expectingmomsliving inruralcommunities get the care they need by calling on Senate Health Committee leaders to hold a markup for theRural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services(Rural MOMS)Act. Earlier this year, Sen. Smith introduced her Rural MOMS legislation after hearing from Minnesotans and providers about the struggles families face in accessing maternity and obstetric care in rural areas and small towns. And this fall, the House companion bill to Sens. Smith and Murkowski's bill advanced out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. We believe Congress must take swift action to improve access to quality maternal and obstetric care. We urge you to hold a Committee markup to consider the Rural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services (MOMS) Act,wrote Sens. Smith and Murkowski.This bill would improve rural maternal and obstetric care data, provide new rural obstetric network grants to establish regional innovation networks, expand federal telehealth grant programs to include birth and postpartum services, allow use of federal funding to be used on modernizing maternal and obstetric health technology, establish new rural maternal and obstetric care training programs, and report on maternal care in rural areas to identify locations of gaps in maternity care. It is time we address the health disparities that prevent rural families from accessing quality care they can afford. You can access a full copy of the letterhereor below: December 3, 2019 The Honorable Lamar Alexander Chairman Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Patty Murray Ranking Member Senate Committee on Health, Educati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/peterson-announces-234000-telemedicine-expansion | Peterson announces $234,000 for Telemedicine Expansion | 2019-12-03 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Representative Collin Peterson today announced that CentraCare Health System will receive a USDA Rural Development grant that will expand access to education and health care opportunities in rural Minnesota. CentraCare Health System is receiving a $234,648 Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant to establish a telemedicine project and address the shortage of specialty care physicians in rural areas. Video equipment will be placed at 10 locations ineight central Minnesota counties: Kandiyohi, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Renville, Stearns, Swift, Todd, and Wadena.An additional 73 individual patient sites will be added as a result of this project with an estimated additional 2,000 patients served overthe project's two-year period. This grant will broaden the range of critical medical services accessible in rural areas specifically connecting facilities across eight counties, Peterson said. Removing barriers to access is key to improving health conditions for individuals and families in these communities. Peterson's announcement is in coordination with Deputy Under Secretary LaVoy's recent announcement that USDA is investing $42.5 million in 133 distance learning and telemedicine projects in 37 states and two U.S. territories. USDA is providing the funding through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program. These investments will benefit 5.4 million rural residents. USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visitwww.rd.usda.gov/mn. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=D4718B12-4866-4D84-85FE-EE9A7FCFDA3D | Klobuchar Leads Letter Expressing Concern that the Newly Proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Blending Targets Will Be Undermined by Continued Abuse of ‘Hardship’ Waivers | 2019-12-03 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Amy Klobuchar | K000367 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov | legacy | Klobuchar has spent months calling for an end to the harm caused by abuse of hardship waivers WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led a public comment letter last week to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler expressing concern over the proposed supplemental rule establishing the Renewable Fuel Standard's (RFS) 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations and 2021 Biomass-Based Diesel Volumes. The RFS has proven critical to strengthening states' rural and agricultural economies while also helping to ensure a clean energy future. The senators argued that the proposed rulewhich determines how much biofuel is required to be blended into our transportation fuel supply on an annual basisfails to adequately account for the waivers, including those given to big oil companies. Since 2016, the Administration has granted 85 small refinery exemptions (SREs), effectively waiving over 4 billion gallons of biofuels. Klobuchar was joined on the letter by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Tina Smith (D-MN). The biofuel industry supports hundreds of thousands of rural jobs across the country. This Administration's failure to uphold the RFS has already led to the closure or idling of more than 35 ethanol and biodiesel plants, leaving rural America further behind. To ensure certainty to the marketplace and uphold Congressional intent of the RFS, we encourage the Administration to properly account for waived gallons by using the three-year rolling average of actual SREs and to increase advanced biofuel volumes for the 2020 compliance year. Our environment, farmers, and rural communities depend on this corrective action, the senators wrote. For years, Klobuchar has also been a leader in the fight to strengthen the RFS to support American jobs and decrease dependence on foreign oil. Klobuchar has led several letters urging the Administration to cease issuing small refinery … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/newletter-archive/rep-petersons-newsletter-1222019 | Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/2/2019 | 2019-12-02 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Farmers scrambling to complete the harvest before winter Dear Friends, I am continuing conversations with the Department of Agriculture (USDA), sugar growers, and Senator Hoeven to secure disaster aid for producers that have been affected by this year's weather. On Tuesday, I visited Todd Weber Farm to discuss how the USDA can support producers. I signed onto a letter with the Minnesota delegation to address problems with the Medicare enrollment tool that has been giving seniors inaccurate information about pricing and coverage. On Thursday, the country celebrated Thanksgiving by sharing a feast with friends and family. Many people celebrate this meal with a home cooked turkey and Minnesota is the number one producer of turkeys with the 7th District producing the most amount of Turkeys than any other Congressional District. Sincerely, Congressman Collin C. Peterson Minnesota 7th District Serving the 7th Tariff Exclusions I've heard from businesses across western Minnesota that are negatively impacted by ongoing trade disputes. The Department of Commerce and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative have established an application process for exclusions from specific lists of tariffs, and I am advocating on behalf of small Minnesota companies in my district as they apply for these exclusions. I remain committed to strengthening local economies in my district so that families can continue to live and thrive in rural communities. If your business is being negatively affected by tariffs, please contact my office at (202) 225-2165 for assistance. Medicare Benefits Seniors have worked hard to earn their Medicare benefits. Unfortunately, I have heard from a number of counselors in the district about problems with the new Medicare enrollment tool that is giving seniors inaccurate information for drug pricing and network coverage. To address the issue, I joined members of the Minnesota delegation on a letter asking the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to fix the issue, allow senior… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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