url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-urges-additional-flexibility-for-digital-asset-rulemaking,Emmer Urges Additional Flexibility for Digital Asset Rulemaking,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and seven of his colleagues and Senator Tom Cotton sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to express concerns regarding a limited comment period to respond to a recently released rule making significant changes to the regulation of digital assets. The rule was announced on December 18, 2020, and comments must be received by January 4, 2021. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s (FinCEN) rule would require certain members of the cryptocurrency industry to submit additional reports and keep records relating to customer identities if transactions are made above certain thresholds. The additional data collection also pertains to unhosted wallets, which do not require a financial institution to conduct transactions. Congressman Emmer's letter requests a 60 day comment period for public and stakeholder input on the rule before it is finalized, and a potential delay of implementation to allow stakeholders to become compliant. “The blockchain industry and cryptocurrency innovations are constantly and rapidly evolving. Government frequently struggles to keep up. We owe it to this community to be fair, transparent, and open to stakeholder advice,"" said Emmer. ""Our request is simple: allow additional flexibility for stakeholders to comment and advise our government on this proposal,"" Emmer concluded. Read the letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://emmer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=14FD5053-6EE0-4841-B64E-11D13F004C19,Emmer Urges Additional Flexibility for Digital Asset Rulemaking,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-and-lynch-introduce-bill-to-study-use-of-distributed-ledger-technology-in-post-trade-clearing-and-settlement,Emmer and Lynch Introduce Bill to Study Use of Distributed Ledger Technology in Post-Trade Clearing and Settlement,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Representative Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) and Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced legislation, H.R. 8989, to require the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to study the operational regulatory challenges and opportunities in the use of distributed ledger technology (DLT) in the post-trade clearing and settlement process. The legislation, which would require the SEC to produce two reports over two years to identify best practices, steps toward establishing international standards, and the implications of utilizing DLT systems. In studying these issues, the SEC is directed to work with both domestic and international stakeholders. “I am very hopeful about distributed ledger technology and its use in the clearing and settlement process. These studies will provide the necessary advancement and understanding of this outstanding technology, and will eventually allow for the implementation of these important upgrades. In order to lead in the global financial landscape, we must be exploring and innovating. It has been an honor to work with Chairman Lynch on the Task Force on Financial Technology, and this effort is a great example of the nonpartisan work Congress can advance to support fintech in the United States,” said Emmer. “Distributed ledger technology, like Blockchain, has the potential to make systems more efficient and more secure,” said Lynch. “Post-trade clearing and settlement is ripe for the kind of evolution that DLT offers. These studies will lay the groundwork for upgrades in our financial markets necessary to maintain the preeminence of the American financial system. I’m grateful for the work of Mr. Emmer on this legislation and am looking forward to working with the SEC to ensure confidence in the technology used in capital markets.” Representative Lynch is the Chairman and Representative Emmer is the Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee’s Task Force on Financial Technology. Over the past 18 months, the Task Force has received considerable testimony on the potential benefits of DLT to increase transaction efficiency, transparency, and security. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://emmer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C87C2E63-5597-401D-BF15-C146F7197F02,Emmer and Lynch Introduce Bill to Study Use of Distributed Ledger Technology in Post-Trade Clearing and Settlement,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-craig-statement-voting-override-president-trump-s-veto-2021,Representative Craig Statement on Voting to Override President Trump’s Veto of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on her vote to override the President's veto of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act: By vetoing the bipartisan NDAA last week, the President chose to prioritize his own political interests over our national security. In doing so, he denied our service members a hard-earned pay raise, blocked paid family leave for countless federal employees and prevented Minnesota veterans from getting the care they deserve. Today, I'm proud to cast my vote to override this senseless stunt and to give our armed forces the resources they need to keep us safe in the year to come.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hagedorn.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-hagedorn-undergoes-successful-kidney-resection-surgery-mayo-clinic,Congressman Hagedorn Undergoes Successful Kidney Resection Surgery at the Mayo Clinic,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Jim Hagedorn,H001088,hagedorn.house.gov,,,legacy,"ROCHESTER, Minn. This morning, Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) underwent an elective procedure to remove his kidney and surrounding cancerous tissues at Rochester's Mayo Clinic. According to the Congressman's wife, Jennifer Carnahan, the performing surgeon said the procedure was a success and Jim is resting comfortably. The following statement was written by Congressman Hagedorn just prior to his surgery: Jennifer and I are at the Mayo Clinic this morningfor my elective kidney resection surgery. For those wondering if this is good news, it is! A little over 23 months ago, I was diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer. Ever since, I've been receiving immunotherapy at Mayo. My body's response to the innovative treatments has been fantastic. The cancer has been beaten back, degraded, and is localized on the kidney. Because my condition improved so dramatically these past months and my other kidney functions just fine, doctors decided it was time to go in and remove the kidney, and by doing so, extract an estimated 99 percent of the cancer in my body. This doesn't mean I can quit fighting or am cured, but to make it to this point and be able to work hard and live a full life along the way is a mini-miracle. I am extremely fortunate. Patients don't fight cancer by themselves. They need lots of help. I appreciate my loving wife, Jennifer, being by my side every step of the way. I'm also grateful for my family, friends, staff,and so many others for their support, prayers, and encouragement. Ultimately, it's the healing hands of God, the Mayo Clinic, and the innovative immunotherapy that are pulling me through. Special thanks to my doctors, nurses, technicians, and other professionals at Mayo for all their concern and world class quality care. For those dealing with serious illness, keep fighting, don't give up! New cures are available virtually every day. And to those enjoying good health, please see your doctor regularly and get those annual cancer screenings. For most, early detection makes a huge difference. Jim Hagedorn was elected in 2018 to represent Minnesota's First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He grew up on his family's grain and livestock farm near Truman. Jim's father, former U.S. Congressman Tom Hagedorn (MN-02), grandfather, and great-grandfather were all southern Minnesota farmers. Jim currently resides in the rural farming community of Blue Earth. Hagedorn brings policy experience to Capitol Hill from time spent as a congressional aide to former U.S. Congressman Arlan Stangeland (MN-07) and a congressional relations officer for two non-partisan U.S. Department of the Treasury agencies. Hagedorn serves on the House Committees on Agriculture and Small Business to promote farming, Main Street enterprises and southern Minnesota's way of life. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hagedorn.house.gov/media/press-releases/hagedorn-calls-return-regular-order-appropriations-process,"Hagedorn Calls for ""Return to Regular Order"" in Appropriations Process",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Jim Hagedorn,H001088,hagedorn.house.gov,,,legacy,"BLUE EARTH, Minn. - Rep. Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) today issued the following statement regarding needed reforms in the congressional appropriations and government funding process: ""While imperfect, the COVID relief package is a necessary lifeline for small businesses, agriculture, and familiesin the midst ofstate government-imposed shutdowns, and they will receive billions of dollars in direct aid and loans. ""Of course, the best recipe for the American people is to fully reopen our businesses, schools, and society. ""I have been a relentless advocate for reopening Minnesota and have not been shy about standing up to Governor Walz. He has instituted a series of arbitrary decrees that have picked winners and losers and harmed many Minnesotans in a number of ways. Governor Walz should immediately relinquish his emergency powers and begin crafting policies with our state legislature. ""The packagewe voted on earlier this weekis a result of negotiations led by the White House and congressional leadership.We arrived hereafter months of political stonewalling by Speaker Pelosi and aclosed-doorprocess orchestrated by her leadership. ""Something that was particularly unseemly was how Speaker Pelosi combined the bipartisan COVID relief package with an enormous continuing appropriations bill that funded a huge number of federal agencies for Fiscal Year 2021, which ends September 30, 2021. ""This has created some confusion by commingling coronavirus relief with programs like State Department funding and foreign aid. ""President Trump has insinuated that he may veto the legislation unless excessive foreign aid spending is eliminated. I wholeheartedly support the President's effort to cut needless spending and will encourage Republican House leadership to fight for taxpayers. ""This processand the Speaker's partisan games are simplyunfitting of the People's House.Moving forward, we must commit to regular order and an appropriations process with 12 separate bills subjected to the amendment process. This will afford all of us an opportunity to ferret out unnecessary appropriations and reform government. ""It alsomeans no more omnibus spending bills in the future! ""As your representative, I recommit my pledge to fight forresponsiblespending, government reform, and returning power to where it should reside with the American people!I will seek out budgetary reforms and real cuts to wasteful or specialinterest driven expenditures. ""For too many years,leaders of both parties in Congress have operated behind closed doors jamming through massive, irresponsible increases in government spendingat the 11thhour.It is long past time for Congress to return to regular order and100 percent transparency with the American people about how theirmoney is spent."" Jim Hagedorn was elected in 2018 to represent Minnesota's First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He grew up on his family's grain and livestock farm near Truman. Jim's father, former U.S. Congressman Tom Hagedorn (MN-02), grandfather, and great-grandfather were all southern Minnesota farmers. Jim currently resides in the rural farming community of Blue Earth. Hagedorn brings policy experience to Capitol Hill from time spent as a congressional aide to former U.S. Congressman Arlan Stangeland (MN-07) and a congressional relations officer for two non-partisan U.S. Department of the Treasury agencies. Hagedorn serves on the House Committees on Agriculture and Small Business to promote farming, Main Street enterprises and southern Minnesota's way of life. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/ilhan-omar-pardoning-monstrous-criminals-will-leave-dark-mark-history,Ilhan Omar: Pardoning Monstrous Criminals Will Leave a Dark Mark on the History of Presidential Pardons,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS— Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following Donald Trump's pardon of four Blackwater contractors convicted of killing 14 civilians in Iraq in 2007. ""This is a dark day for our country. Private Blackwater mercenaries Nicholas Slatten, Paul Alvin Slough, Evan Shawn Liberty, and Dustin Laurent Heard are war criminals. ""They killed 14 civilians in broad daylight and showed no remorse. Pardoning war criminals who murdered innocents—including children— goes directly against every value we claim to hold as Americans and gives a green light to war criminals and human rights abusers around the world. ""Of course, Blackwater was run by Trump supporter and war profiteer Erik Prince, also the brother of Trump Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. One set of rules for Trump and his cronies. Another one for everyone else. Pardoning monstrous criminals will leave a dark mark on the history of presidential pardons.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smith-presses-va-answers-after-hearing-minnesota-veterans-be-hit-bills-medical,U.S. Senator Tina Smith Presses VA for Answers After Hearing From Minnesota Veterans to be Hit by Bills for Medical Expenses Incurred During Pandemic Billing Moratorium,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"VA Took Step to Suspend Copay & Medical Billing Through December 31 in Response to Pandemic; Senator Calls to Extend Billing Moratorium as Financial Hardships Continue for Families & Veterans Across the Country WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/22/20]Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) is pressing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for answers after hearing from veterans who are set to receive medical bills for accrued copay and medical costs incurred during a VA billing moratorium issued in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Earlier this year, the VA suspended copay and other medical billing through December 31 to help veterans weather the hardships of COVID-19. Now, Sen. Smith is hearing from veterans who say they have received word from the VA that come January, they will receive bills for costs during the billing moratorium. Sen. Smith is calling on the VA to extend this moratorium, and to provide answers on the VA's billing practices. At the beginning of April, 2020, VA took the laudable step of suspending copay and other medical billing through December 31st, 2020, which helped our veterans through the initial economic hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I recently learned that VA sent out letters to Veterans notifying them that they will receive a bill in January to collect the accrued copay and medical debts incurred during this time. While I recognize the financial and operational necessity of collecting these bills, the extraordinary conditions that necessitated the billing suspension have not ended, wrote Sen. Smith. The pandemic is ongoing, and for many American families and veterans, the accompanying economic distress is more acute than ever. We must keep our focus on ensuring the full health and wellbeing of our veterans and their families. Therefore, at a minimum, I urge you to extend the billing moratorium through at least the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. In addition, Sen. Smith is asking for the VA to provide answers about whether veterans will be billed for COVID-related testing, and a detailed plan for how the VA will work with folks who are unable to cover debts due to the COVID-19 crisis. You can access full text of the letter below: Richard A. Stone, M.D. Executive in Charge Veterans Health Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420 Dear Dr. Stone: I write to inquire about the steps the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking to help veterans weather the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to urge you to use all the tools at VA's disposal to help veterans continue receiving care without imposing additional financial hardships. At the beginning of April, 2020, VA took the laudable step of suspending copay and other medical billing through December 31st, 2020, which helped our veterans through the initial economic hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I recently learned that VA sent out letters to Veterans notifying them that they will receive a bill in January to collect the accrued copay and medical debts incurred during this time. While I recognize the financial and operational necessity of collecting these bills, the extraordinary conditions that necessitated the billing suspension have not ended. The pandemic is ongoing, and for many American families and veterans, the accompanying economic distress is more acute than ever. We must keep our focus on ensuring the full health and wellbeing of our veterans and their families. Therefore, at a minimum, I urge you to extend the billing moratorium through at least the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Additionally, please provide written answers to the following questions by January 11th, 2021, regarding the implementation of billing practices to collect on copays and medical debts incurred from April 6th through December 31st, 2020, as well as actions to suspend copay debt owed to VA: Will veterans be billed for COVID-related testing? Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (P.L. 116-127), VA is prohibited from charging copayments or other cost sharing measures for COVID-19 testing and outpatient visits related to testing for the duration of the public health emergency. Is VA considering extending the billing deferral period for non-COVID care given the ongoing public health emergency and economic uncertainty facing many veterans? Please provide a detailed plan for how VA will work with veterans unable to cover debts incurred due to financial hardships during the COVID-19 crisis? Given the continued financial hardship and uncertainty that veterans are facing during this time, are you considering waiving the debt entirely? Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your response, and to working with you to protect our veterans' health and well-being during this most difficult time. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smiths-bipartisan-bills-help-tribes-combat-homelessness-help-more-native-families,U.S. Senator Tina Smith's Bipartisan Bills to Help Tribes Combat Homelessness & Help More Native Families Become Homeowners to be Signed Into Law,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Legislation Heads to President's Desk as Part of Congress' Year-End Appropriations Package WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/22/20]Two bipartisan bills led by U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) tohelp Tribes combat homelessness and tohelp Native families become homeownersare headed to the President's desk to be signed into law as part of Congress'year-end appropriations package. TheTribal Access to Homeless Assistance Actled by Sen. Smith and co-led by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)will make Tribes eligible to apply forthe Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s homeless assistance funds through the Continuum of Care program.While Tribal leaders in Minnesota and across the country have been working diligently to address housing insecurity in Tribal areas,Tribes andTribally designated housing entities have been unable to access these HUD resources to combat homelessness. TheNative American Housing Affordability Actco-led by Sen. Smith and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.)will reform the HUD Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program to make it easier to secure a mortgage on Tribal trust land. The passage of these two bipartisan laws will make improvements along the continuum of housing on Tribal lands in Minnesota and across the country,said Sen. Smith, a member of both the Senate Indian Affairs and Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committees. The bipartisanNative American Housing Affordability Actwill remove red tape that slows down loan processing time to promote homeownership and create opportunity for Native communities. And theTribal Access to Homeless Assistance Actwill helpIndigenous leaders combat housing insecurity in their communities by making Tribes eligible to apply forfederal assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-craig-statement-passage-government-funding-and-covid-19-relief,Representative Craig Statement on Passage of Government Funding and COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on the House passage of an omnibus government funding bill as well as a COVID relief bill. The bill now awaits approval in the Senate, before it heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. The legislation took too long and is far from perfect but I'm glad that we were finally able to come together to fund the government and pass a crucial relief package that will provide support to Minnesota families, struggling small businesses, out-of-work Americans and our health care professionals. There is still much work to be done to keep one another safe while the vaccines are distributed but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-hagedorn-stauber-and-state-leaders-urge-walz-to-do-more-to-reopen-schools,"Emmer, Hagedorn, Stauber, and State Leaders Urge Walz to Do More to Reopen Schools",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Minnesota State Senate Majority Leader Senator Paul Gazelka, Minnesota State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Senator Michelle Benson, and Minnesota State House Minority Leader Representative Kurt Daudt sent a letter to Governor Tim Walz urging him to reopen schools across the state based on recent news of rising failing grades in Minnesotan children, and data that has demonstrated schools can conduct in-person learning safely. This past Wednesday, Governor Walz announced that elementary schools would have the option to return to in-person learning in January. However, this action alone falls short of providing all Minnesota schools the necessary flexibility to quickly return to an in-person environment. The letter urges the Governor to do more to both promote and encourage a timely return to in-person learning at all levels. Recent reporting has detailed a dramatic increase of failing grades in Minnesota children. These impacts are also felt disproportionately among those learning English, and disabled or disadvantaged children. In Minnesota, there have been 389,171 positive coronavirus cases. Less than 3 percent (10,769) of those cases have been reportedly associated with PreK-12 buildings, and in the last two weeks, 68% of affected schools have reported only one case. The letter urges the Governor to follow a data-driven approach to schools, which if implemented would allow hundreds of thousands of children to return to an in-person educational setting that has proven to be a more effective learning environment. ""As a father of seven, I have seen through each of my children the importance of socialization and in-person learning. As a Representative, I have seen the toll closed schools have had on children most in need of a quality education, their parents, and our economy. The Governor’s choice to ignore this data has kept the children of Minnesota from reaching their full potential and receiving the education they deserve,"" said Emmer. ""Many news outlets have reported an alarming rate of students failing classes all across Minnesota, and these closures have disproportionately impacted the most vulnerable among us. For students with disabilities, those from low-income households, English language learners, and those in need of extra assistance, these actions have been a disservice to their educational development. I am urging Governor Walz to follow the science and reopen our schools,"" Emmer concluded. “The lockdowns and arbitrary regulations imposed upon school districts by the Walz administration have impaired learning opportunities for Minnesota’s students and led to many falling behind or even dropping out. Students are able to receive in-person learning safely - and for the good of our students - teachers, who are certainly as essential as the tens of millions of Americans who have been working throughout the pandemic, need to return to the classroom. Minnesota’s students, who by age group are least at risk from death or serious long term consequence from the coronavirus, must be granted the right to receive the highest quality education, which can only be achieved though in-person instruction,"" said Hagedorn. “As a parent and Representative, I know that keeping kids in school is both beneficial for their long-term development and for parents who are attempting to navigate this difficult period. Failure to provide our children with a safe, in-person learning environment could set back an entire generation of Minnesota’s students and prevent many parents from reentering the workforce as we rebuild our economy. Science has proven that there is minimal risk of COVID spreading in K-12 schools, so I am proud to join my colleagues in calling upon the Governor to safely reopen schools at all levels,” said Stauber. “The classroom is often the best, safest place for students to learn. There is enough data to support reopening schools and further delays will only exasperate Minnesota’s persistent achievement gap. Keeping students home any longer will have lasting and dramatic problems. We have to get kids back in schools if we hope to change their future,"" said Gazelka. ""Minnesota families want their children safely back to in-person learning. The science tells us that staff can be kept safe and that children are at low risk for spreading SARS-CoV-2. Schools are where children learn, connect with friends, and so much more. As a mom, I will advocate for the partnership between schools and parents in helping our children become all they can be,"" said Benson. ""Keeping our schools closed is having devastating consequences for student achievement and is widening Minnesota's achievement gap. We need Governor Walz to follow the data, follow the science, and help students and teachers safely return to the classroom,"" said Daudt. Read the letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-statement-on-passage-of-coronavirus-aid-package-and-government-funding,Emmer Statement on Passage of Coronavirus Aid Package and Government Funding,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Representative Tom Emmer (MN-06) issued the following statement regarding passage of Coronavirus aid and government funding: “Today, Congress finally came together to pass needed coronavirus relief for Americans. Just two months ago, Speaker Pelosi was offered a proposal twice the size of today’s relief package but turned it down. I am pleased she has finally decided to come to the table and find agreement on behalf of the American people. “Today's vote provides $28 billion for vaccines and distribution and sends hundreds of billions more to reenergize the Paycheck Protection Program, helping employers and employees struggling to stay afloat under COVID-19 restrictions. This legislation supports our childcare providers to help parents eager to return to work and provides $85 billion in funding for schools and universities so they can safely reopen for in-person learning. It also fully funds programs designed to ensure mental health care access for farmers and rural communities and supports our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics who care for the mental health needs of the most underserved among us. Despite the many positive provisions in this legislation, it should not require lightning to strike twice for Republicans and Democrats to agree on the scope and nature of pandemic assistance for the American people. To that end, today’s vote combined needed relief with an unsustainable level of federal government funding – further increasing our country’s growing national debt. Congress must end the all too routine pattern of brinkmanship and find methods to pay for emergency funding without saddling our children with our unfunded promises. By working together, we can overcome this crisis and correct the fiscal course of our nation.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://emmer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=AFD12B52-FACD-4D35-A75F-A2A9D04A25C8,"Emmer, Hagedorn, Stauber, and State Leaders Urge Walz to Do More to Reopen Schools",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FBB89190-704B-49F5-AA06-F76139D35ADC,Emmer Statement on Passage of Coronavirus Aid Package and Government Funding,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hagedorn.house.gov/media/press-releases/hagedorn-supports-relief-american-small-businesses-farmers-workers-and-families,"Hagedorn Supports Relief for American Small Businesses, Farmers, Workers, and Families",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Jim Hagedorn,H001088,hagedorn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) today voted in favor of the Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus & COVID Relief Deal, which works to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), enhance testing and vaccine distribution resources, and complete the annual appropriations process. The legislation passed the House with broad bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate for consideration. Following the vote, Rep. Hagedorn issued the following statement: This relief package is much needed and long overdue. For months on end, Speaker Pelosi shamelessly withheld aid from the American people in order to deny President Trump a legislative victory and prop up her party's electoral prospects. Rather than working together to meet the needs of our constituents, Speaker Pelosi pushed a progressive wish list' of radical policies that have nothing to do with helping Americans overcome the pandemic. I am proud of the way our House Republican Conference held strong and secured a PPP extension, clarified an important small businesses tax deduction issue, and streamlined the process for businesses and banks to convert PPP loans to grants. Altogether, our commonsense relief policies will benefit American small businesses, farmers, workers, and families. While imperfect, this package will go a long way to help small businesses maintain operations, enable hardworking Americans to provide for their families, and position our frontline healthcare professionals to successfully fight COVID-19. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee and the House Small Business Committee, Congressman Hagedorn advocated for and supported the inclusion of several key provisions in the COVID-19 relief package, including: Extension of the PPP, along with tax deductibility for PPP expenses; Opportunity for businesses facing severe revenue losses to apply for a second draw PPP loan; PPP loan eligibility for 501(c)(6) organizations, such as local chambers of commerce; Nearly $50 billion to aid vaccine distribution and testing efforts in order to reopen the economy; Enhanced assistance under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to support farmers, agribusinesses, local producers, processers, and rural communities; SBA grants to assist live venue operators, including those associated with county fairs, who lost 25 percent or more of revenues; and, $7 billion to fund broadband projects, including telehealth and rural broadband expansion. Jim Hagedorn was elected in 2018 to represent Minnesota's First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He grew up on his family's grain and livestock farm near Truman. Jim's father, former U.S. Congressman Tom Hagedorn (MN-02), grandfather, and great-grandfather were all southern Minnesota farmers. Jim currently resides in the rural farming community of Blue Earth. Hagedorn brings policy experience to Capitol Hill from time spent as a congressional aide to former U.S. Congressman Arlan Stangeland (MN-07) and a congressional relations officer for two non-partisan U.S. Department of the Treasury agencies. Hagedorn serves on the House Committees on Agriculture and Small Business to promote farming, Main Street enterprises and southern Minnesota's way of life. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/chair-mccollum-statement-passage-36107-billion-fy-21-interior-environment-bill,"Chair McCollum Statement on Passage of $36.107 Billion FY 21 Interior-Environment Bill, Appropriations Omnibus",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,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 after the passage of the conference agreement for the $36.107 billion FY 21 Interior-Environment funding bill as part of the 12-bill appropriations omnibus package, H.R. 133: ""The final $36.107 billion FY 21 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill represents a year of hard work, a complete rejection of the extreme cuts proposed by the Trump administration, and the largest investment in our environment and our communities in a decade,"" Chair McCollum said. ""These investments move us forward – by allocating resources in ways that keep our communities safe and healthy, protect and preserve our landscapes and biodiversity, and fund the arts and humanities. The bill also moves us in the right direction to meet the federal government's trust and treaty responsibilities to our Native American brothers and sisters, increasing funding for Indian health care, education, and more. This bill reflects the priorities of the American people."" This legislation makes significant investments in protecting and preserving public lands, building resilience to climate change, strengthening America's environmental workforce, and ensuring access to safe drinking water. Highlights include: Environmental Protection: $9.24 billion for the EPA, increasing funding by $180 million, with $3.49 billion for EPA's core science and environmental program work and $12.5 million for Environmental Justice activities. Strengthening Federal Commitments to our Native American Brothers and Sisters: $6.2 billion for the Indian Health Service, a $189 million increase; and $3.5 billion for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education, and Office of the Special Trustee, a $171 million increase. Public Lands: $13.7 billion for the Department of the Interior, increasing funding by $186 million, with $1.27 billion for the Bureau of Land Management, $1.58 billion for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and $3.12 billion for the National Park Service. Clean and Safe Drinking Water: The bill will make communities safer and healthier by providing investments to ensure that all Americans have access to clean and safe drinking water: $2.77 billion for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds; $91 million for Brownfields cleanup grants; and $53 million in additional funding at EPA for scientific and regulatory work on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), needed to establish drinking water and cleanup standards. Cultural Preservation: The bill includes $144 million for the Historic Preservation Fund, $26 million above the fiscal year 2020 enacted level and $104 million above the President's budget request. Within this amount, the bill includes: $71 million for State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, $25 million for Save America's Treasures grants, $21 million for competitive grants to preserve the sites and stories of underrepresented community civil rights, and $10 million for grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Arts and Humanities: $167.5 million each for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, an increase of $5.25 million above the 2020 enacted levels and a rejection of the President's proposal to eliminate the agencies. International Conservation: $15.4 million, a program increase of $6 million, for Forest Service International; $23 million, an increase of $4.2 million, for U.S. Fish and Wildlife International Affairs. Chair McCollum continued: ""This bill makes many crucial investments, but I am disappointed that Senate Republicans and President Trump refused to include House-passed provisions to remove hateful Confederate symbols from our national parks as a step toward confronting our nation's legacy of racial injustice. They also insisted on removing language passed by House Democrats to protect our public lands and waters, including a one-year halt on advancing a sulfide-ore copper mine project adjacent to the Boundary Waters. I look forward to working with the Biden administration to pursue these critical provisions in the next Congress."" The text of the legislation can be found here. A summary of critical FY 21 appropriations provisions is here. More details on the appropriations provisions, including Interior-Environment (Division G), can be found here. Read Congresswoman McCollum's statement on the $900 billion COVID relief package here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-passage-900-billion-covid-19-aid-package,McCollum Statement on Passage of $900 Billion COVID-19 Aid Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) issued the following statement today after a $900 billion COVID-19 federal aid deal passed the House of Representatives as part of H.R. 133, the federal appropriations omnibus: ""Our nation has lost more than 318,000 lives, including over 4,800 Minnesotans, to the COVID-19 pandemic. As our health care system strains under the weight of increasing caseloads, and American families are struggling with food insecurity, housing instability, job loss, and the emotional toll of isolation, Republicans failed for months to come to the table and negotiate in good faith with Democrats. The passage of this aid deal, though incomplete, provides a glimmer of hope in a time of great darkness for our nation. These funds will help accelerate vaccine distribution, and they will provide a measure of stability to working families and our struggling economy as we face this historic crisis. Small businesses and important cultural institutions will be able to stay afloat because of this legislation. It will also help ensure that our schools and universities can operate safely."" ""It is important that we provide this stability over the next few weeks until the Biden-Harris administration can put together a plan to work with Congress on additional federal assistance for state, local, and tribal governments that is so urgently needed."" Highlights of the COVID-19 deal include: $600 direct payments to most individuals, including children; $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the historic hunger crisis that has left up to 17 million children food insecure; $25 billion in rental assistance and an extended eviction moratorium to help ensure people can stay in their homes for the duration of this crisis; $284 billion for a second round of Paycheck Protection Program loans for businesses, with dedicated funding for small and underserved businesses through Community Development Financial Institutions; $300 per week in federal unemployment benefits for 11 weeks; $15 billion for theaters, music venues, and other important cultural institutions; $82 billion for local schools, colleges, and universities; $10 billion for child care to assist working families",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/ilhan-omar-statement-coronavirus-relief-package,Ilhan Omar Statement on Coronavirus Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement on the agreement on a coronavirus relief package and end of year spending bill, which she plans to support. ""My priority remains getting Minnesota families direct financial relief. Two weeks ago, survival checks for the American people were not even on the table. Along with Senator Bernie Sanders and the Congressional Progressive Caucus, I organized to get as much direct relief as possible for the American people. I led a letter with nearly 60 House Members from all wings of the Democratic Party calling for survival checks, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus later took on that position as a caucus. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have also pushed for relief for mixed status families, who pay taxes and should be eligible for relief just like every American family. As a result, the bill contains survival checks, including for mixed status families. It also provides critical unemployment insurance to those who have lost their jobs due to this pandemic and extends the deadline for states and localities to use CARES Act funds, something our Mayors and Governors have been pleading for. As a Member of the Education & Labor Committee, I am also proud that we included billions in school funding and broadband investment in this emergency relief. ""But that doesn't mean this package is anything close to enough. Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans remain out of work, and millions more have had their hours cut or lost a steady income stream due to the pandemic. Six hundred dollars is not close to sufficient to cover eight months of lost wages, food or rent expenses. State and local governments in Minnesota are bleeding resources, while shouldering the burden of education, public safety, and public healthcare workers in the face of massive revenue shortfalls. Mitch McConnell and his Republican colleagues have stonewalled state and local aid, along with survival checks that meets the scale of the crisis. This is a collective failure in helping Americans in their time of need. ""This cannot be our last package. Families need so much more. State and local governments need help—desperately. I cast this vote as a down payment for a more just and humane pandemic response. Let us meet this moment and begin to support our communities when they need it most.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/covid-19-app-created-eden-prairie-student-wins-congressional-challenge,COVID-19 App Created By Eden Prairie Student Wins Congressional Challenge,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Dean Phillips,P000616,phillips.house.gov,,,legacy,"MINNETONKA, MN - Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) announced that Eden Prairie High School Senior Connor Holm won the 2020 Congressional App Challenge in Minnesota's Third District for his app, the COVID-19 Information Provider. The app connects users with detailed local public health data, allowing Minnesotans to assess the risk of contracting COVID-19 in their community and arming them with information that can save lives. I was inspired to create this COVID-19 Information Provider after seeing the devastating effects of COVID-19,said Connor Holm. The best type of programming is when the results are beneficial to society. People should not have to live without knowing if the risk of COVID-19 in their area is high or low. I knew that my passion for programming and learning could solve this problem by showing the current risk and informing the user on the correct safety procedures when going into public areas. Knowing how to stay safe is vital and my project is a small step for society to take in stopping COVID-19 forever. I am always so impressed by the passion, energy, and talent of our students, said Rep. Phillips. Now more than ever, we need thoughtful young people like Connor who care about our country and want to make a difference. It's going to take all of us, working together, to get through this pandemic as healthy, economically sound, and prepared for the future as possible. The Congressional App Challenge was launched by the House of Representatives in 2014 to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. All middle and high school students living or attending school in Minnesota's Third District were invited to participate. Submissions were scored based on originality, user experience, and demonstrated programming skills by a panel of local experts including: Casey Helbling, CEO of Software for Good, a nonprofit based in Minnesota focused on developing web and mobile applications for organizations working toward positive environmental and social change. Theresa Hendrickson, Computer Science Educator with Minnetonka High School Chris Kratoska, Director of Code Ninjas Chanhassen, a national organization that brings young students together to help educate on coding through fun and exciting curriculum. Click here to watch Connor explain more about his COVID-19 Information Provider app, which he created after he was the only student in his AP Chemistry class who chose to return to in-person learning. Connor will be invited to participate in the House of Code Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C. and his app will be featured alongside winners from around the country on the Congressional App Challenge website and displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-problem-solvers-lead-break-through-compromise-deliver-needed-aid,"Phillips, Problem Solvers Lead Break-Through Compromise To Deliver Needed Aid To American Families And Small Businesses",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Dean Phillips,P000616,phillips.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) praised the passage of a bipartisan emergency relief package to help American families and small businesses struggling during the most devastating public health emergency in modern American history. Last week, Phillips and Problem Solvers Caucus (PSC) members from the House of Representatives joined a bipartisan group of Senators including Mitt Romney (R-UT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) to release a framework for the compromise passed today. This is the culmination of months of work, led by the PSC Co-Chairs, Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Tom Reed (R-NY), along with Reps. Dean Phillips and Dusty Johnson (R-SD), who released a March to Common Ground framework in September and have pushed leaders from both parties to cast partisan politics aside and come together for the American people. After making it my personal mission for over four months, I'm pleased that emergency relief is finally on its way to American workers, families and small businesses, Rep. Phillips said. I'm particularly proud of the bipartisan Tiger Team' working group of the PSC, which worked together to inspire a breakthrough in stalled negotiations and played an integral role in delivering much needed aid to Americans at the precipice. Restoring Americans' trust in government requires members of Congress to place the needs of people above personal priorities, and we need more to take that pledge and fulfill the promise. America is great because we've always found the common ground necessary to serve our nation's best interests. As our country emerges from the worst health and economic crisis of our lifetimes, I'm committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure we can meet the moment. The package, while far from perfect, includes important provisions that will be a lifeline to many in need over the holidays: COVID-19 testing, tracing, and vaccine distribution Nutrition assistance Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds for small businesses and targeted support for theaters, concert venues, and non-profits with the ability for these funds to be tax exempt Paid Sick Leave and Employee Retention Tax Credit Education and Child Care support Rental assistance, eviction moratorium, and Low Income Housing Tax Credit Opioid support Broadband As with any compromise, there are many parts of the deal that the Congressman believes should have been improved, including: Enhanced unemployment for those who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic Stimulus checks,with much more than $600 going to people in need, and none for those who are secure Targeted aid for restaurants, gyms, and businesses that rely on public gathering Finally, the Congressman is dismayed in what was left out of the compromise. Rep. Phillips is committed to renewing the fight for: State and local aid, which our schools, firefighters, police, and other first responders so desperately need in order to continue serving our communities The spirit of working together and placing people over party ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-statement-house-passage-covid-relief-package,Stauber Statement on House Passage of COVID Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) voted to pass the omnibus and COVID relief deal, a bipartisan package to provide targeted relief to American workers, small businesses, and families. Stauber made the following statement after the bill's passage: ""Following the passage of tonight's relief package, my message to every American is this: more help is finally on the way. At the request of myself and my colleagues on the Problem Solvers Caucus, this package includes commonsense provisions to unleash more Paycheck Protection Program funds, end surprise medical billing, facilitate the safe reopening of schools and childcare centers, expand broadband services, address the dramatic rise in substance abuse, and assist with the rapid deployment of vaccines. I am proud to have played a role in crafting this legislation's framework and I look forward to seeing countless Americans benefit. ""However, this agreement is long overdue. For months, I joined many of my Congressional colleagues in calling on Speaker Pelosi to work across the aisle and bring up bipartisan legislation to address the American people's urgent needs. A virus that impacts our entire way of life calls for a bipartisan response, so I am happy that Speaker Pelosi finally set aside her list of partisan demands and focused on reaching an agreement on commonsense COVID relief. ""While the passage of this bipartisan relief package is a monumental step in the right direction, we are not yet out of the woods. The enormity of this bill points to the obvious – America needs to get back to work and our economy cannot continue to take these endless shutdowns. As more federal funds and vaccines are distributed across the state, I along with an overwhelming majority of my constituents will continue to pressure the Governor to allow our small businesses and schools to safely reopen. It's past time for the Governor to level the playing field and allow our small businesses to play by the same rules as major corporations."" This package includes provisions that: Extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and add deductibility for PPP expenses. End surprise medical billing. Provide $82 billion in funding for schools and universities to assist with reopening for in-person learning. Deliver $10 billion for grants to childcare centers to help providers safely reopen. Administer $7 billion in broadband funding. Allocate $4 billion for substance abuse – significant progress made over past several years on opioid addiction has been reversed because of the impact of COVID lockdowns. Deliver $20 billion for the purchase of vaccines and $8 billion for vaccine distribution. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smith-covid-19-relief-will-bring-support-minnesotans-more-must-be-done,"U.S. Senator Tina Smith: COVID-19 Relief Will Bring Support to Minnesotans, But More Must be Done",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/21/20]Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement on the coronavirus (COVID-19) relief and government funding agreement: This bipartisan COVID-19 emergency relief bill will provide much-needed and long-overdue relief to Minnesotans. In the midst of the dark days of this pandemic, this legislation is an economic and health bridge for Minnesota and all Americans, and it is desperately needed. During the course of 2020, my priorities have been Minnesota's prioritiesgetting direct help to families, small businesses, and our health care system. This relief package supports all three of these priorities, and I'm very glad it includes many of the provisions I led and co-sponsored like extending Liberian American humanitarian protections, and including my Tribal housing bills, my wind energy legislation, and substantial support for my Loggers' Relief Act to help Northern Minnesota. And for families, this legislative package provides direct relief for families fighting hunger, extended and expanded unemployment insurance, and rental assistance. This legislation also provides relief for small businesses and nonprofits, childcare providers, restaurants, music and entertainment venues, and resources to support minority-owned businesses. And for stronger, better health care to help Minnesota families, this legislation directs resources to help states distribute vaccines and improve testing to suppress COVID-19, and it finally takes action to protect Minnesotans from surprise medical bills. It supports mental health, telehealth and rural health. But the bill is far from perfect. I'm very disappointed that this legislation does not provide desperately needed help to local, state and Tribal governments, which face deep budget challenges through no fault of their own because of the historic economic downturn caused by COVID. Collectively, over 1 million Americans working in the public sector have lost their jobs due to budget challenges. This must be a priority when we return in the new year. COVID-19 has not been the great equalizerit has laid bare the inequities in our county, and hit hardest our elders, frontline workers, and Black, Brown and Native people, and all people of color. This bill does not go nearly far enough to address the catastrophic challenges that many folks are experiencing right now paying rent, buying food, and caring for their children. There will be much more work for us all to do together so we can build back better in 2021.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-tina-smith-and-james-lankfords-bipartisan-bill-expand-health-care-resources-urban,U.S. Senators Tina Smith and James Lankfords Bipartisan Bill to Expand Health Care Resources for Urban Indian Health Organizations Clears Senate and House,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/21/20]Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) to strengthen health resources for urban Indian health organizations amid the pandemicpassed the Senate yesterday and the House earlier last week.The legislation will amend theIndian Health Care Improvement Actto create parity within the Indian HealthServicesystem(ITU system).Itnext heads to the President to be signed into law. The ITU system is made up of the Indian Health Service, Tribal health programs, and urban Indian organizations (UIOs). UIOs provide culturally competent care for the over 70 percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives who live in urban centers, but right now providers at UIOs are not offered the same malpractice liability protection as otherproviderswithin the ITU system.Sens. Smith and Lankford'sCoverage for Urban Indian Health Providers Actwould expand Federal Torts Claim Act coverage (FTCA) to UIOs, which are currently required to divert already-limited resources away from patient care to cover liability costs. This bipartisan legislation will create parity within the Indian HealthService systemso urban Indian health organizations can spend their money on efforts to provide care rather than onlegal fees,said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.Thislegislationis especially important during the pandemic, which has hit Minnesota's urban Indigenous communities hard and has forced some urban Indian health organizations to experience financial hardship or even close operations. I'm glad to have worked in a bipartisan way to bring some relief to urban Indian health organizations. Urban Indian health providers should not have to pay more for their liability insurance simply because they are in an urban area. This bill will ensure Tribal health providers can focus funds on care, not court costs,said Sen. Lankford.This bill helps clear up disparities in the law that unfairly limit Urban Indian Health Organizations because they cannot currently access liability protection available to other health entities. That omission takes healthcare dollars away from Tribal members. I'm glad we can fix this error of omission for our Tribal members in Oklahoma and nationwide. In addition to Sens. Smith and Lankford, theCoverage for Urban Indian Health Providers Actis cosponsored by Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.),Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-rep-craig-s-bipartisan-legislation-reduce-costs-and-risks-natural,House Passes Rep. Craig’s Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce the Costs and Risks of Natural Disasters,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan disaster mitigation bill introduced by U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN) and Rodney Davis (R-IL) to help communities across the country prepare for and rebuild from extreme weather events. The Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act the Senate counterpart to Craig and Davis' Resilience Revolving Loan Fund Act introduced in July of 2019 would create a low-interest loan program for Minnesota and other states to fund mitigation projects that reduce the risks and costs of natural disasters. The bill is now headed to the President's desk to be signed into law. This will be Craig's third bill signed into law in her first term in Congress the most of any member of the Minnesota delegation Republican or Democrat. Loans would be available for projects that minimize the costs and risks associated with wildfires, earthquakes, floods, storm surges and other events deemed catastrophic by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program will not only reduce the financial burden of recovery on local governments but allow communities to invest in resilient infrastructure that can withstand severe weather events and natural disasters. U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Ron Johnson (R-WI), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced the Senate counterpart legislation which passed the Senate on December 9th by unanimous consent. The bill has received strong support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Mississippi Rivers Cities and Towns Initiative and several other groups. In recent years, cities and towns in the Second District have experienced some of the most devastating flood seasons in recent memory threatening Minnesotans' homes, doing severe damage to public property and costing our local communities millions of dollars in recovery efforts,said Rep. Angie Craig.I am incredibly proud that our bill which will soon be signed into law by President Trump will allow cities like Red Wing, Jordan and Hastings to invest in resilient infrastructure that will not only protect their communities, but also save countless taxpayer dollars in the years to come. Severe weather and catastrophic events cause great strain on local economies and municipal budgets in cities and towns in Illinois like Grafton and many others across the country,said Rep. Rodney Davis.Our bipartisan bill will give state and local governments the tools they need to prepare for emergency disasters before they happen. This will protect local economies and taxpayers alike. I'd like to thank Rep. Craig for our partnership on this issue in the House and all of the advocates who helped get this critical legislation passed. I look forward to the president swiftly signing this legislation into law so we can be prepared before the next time disaster strikes. Across our country, extreme weather events made worse by climate change have continued to take a devastating human and economic toll. As these disasters become increasingly frequent and severe, the Federal government must do more to ensure that communities remain resilient,said Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio.I thank Congresswoman Craig for understanding this need and introducing H.R. 3779, bipartisan legislation that would create a Federal Emergency Management Agency low-interest loan program for local governments to invest in disaster-resilient infrastructure. Thanks to Congresswoman Craig's tireless work, this bill passed the House today and the needs of hard-working families, businesses and communities were put first. Wisconsin faces threats of flooding and severe storms year after year, taking a toll on families, businesses, and communities. We need to be giving folks the tools they need to be properly prepared for future disasters,said Rep. Ron Kind, co-chair of the Mississippi River Caucus.This legislation will help communities in Wisconsin invest in projects to reduce damage and minimize risks of future floods and other natural disasters. I'm thrilled that this important bill has passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support and encourage the President to swiftly sign it into law. Providing cost-effective tools directly to local communities across Michigan is critical to helping them stave off the harmful effects that coastal erosion, flooding and rising water levels have on people's lives and livelihoods,said Ranking Member Gary Peters.I want to thank Congresswoman Craig for leading this bipartisan, commonsense legislation through the House and urge the President to sign it as soon as possible so that we can ensure that Michigan's coastlines remain safe and pristine for generations to come. Congratulations to Reps. Craig and Davis for their leadership on House passage of the STORM Act, said Chuck Chaitovitz, Vice President, Environmental Affairs and Sustainability at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.Building smart, modern resilient infrastructure is among the top priorities for the business community. We join with our partners at MRCTI and ASCE in calling on the president to sign the bill in short order. We congratulate Rep. Angie Craig (MN), Rep. Rodney Davis (IL), Rep. Cedric Richmond (LA), Senator Ron Johnson (WI), and Senator Gary Peters (MI) for their championship of this cause. Mayors up and down the Mississippi River throughout the ten-state corridor led on this legislation at the local level. With our region sustaining the largest and longest floor in US history through 2019 followed by the pandemic, we urge the President to sign this new and innovative solution to our impacts as soon as possible,urged Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative Co-Chair, Sharon Weston Broome, Mayor of Baton Rouge, LA. Today, the House of Representatives prioritized legislation that supports resilient infrastructure by passing the bipartisan Resilience Revolving Loan Fund bill, the STORM Act,said Tom Smith, Executive Director, American Society of Civil Engineers.ASCE has been proud to partner with bill sponsors Congresswoman Angie Craig and Congressman Rodney Davis to support this legislation, which will help mitigate disasters and record-breaking floods that have occurred along the Mississippi River. The Resilience Revolving Loan Fund is an important step towards improving resilience and planning for communities across the country. We urge President Trump to quickly sign this critical legislation into law so communities can get the resources they need to prepare, adapt and mitigate, and to quickly recover from the next catastrophic storm. Currently, only one FEMA program provides communities with resources to implement proactive efforts to prevent future damage and that program is restrictive in its eligible activities. The new revolving loan fund would allow states to bring low-interest loans to counties and cities for disaster mitigation projects of varying types that creates the flexibility local governments need to respond to mounting disaster impacts. Repayment of the loans would fund subsequent projects. The legislation is modeled, in part, after the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program, a successful federal-state partnership to help ensure safe drinking water in the United States. The 2019 January-May period was the wettest on record for the U.S., causing communities along the Mississippi River to incur severe costs in damages. The widespread flooding damaged homes, temporarily displaced families and delayed farmers' planting season. In response, local mayors and community leaders expressed the need for proactive investment in flood plain mapping, levees, water treatment plants, port protection and other critical infrastructure as the severity of natural disasters increases. The STORM Act, which now heads to the President's desk for final approval, would provide funding for those and other programs saving city and county governments millions of dollars over time.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/ilhan-omar-releases-end-term-progress-report-op-ed,"Ilhan Omar Releases End of Term Progress Report, Op-ed",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS— Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released an report of her accomplishments in her first term, along with an end-of-year op-ed in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. ""Before being sworn in, I was elected as Whip of the Progressive Caucus and Vice Chair of the Medicare for All Caucus,"" Rep. Omar said. ""We worked with you to enact community-centered legislation to abolish student debt, provide universal school meals, combat systemic racism, provide housing for all, reorient our foreign policy, and end the waste crisis that is fueling climate change. In the face of threats, we have passed over two dozen bills and amendments, more than 94% of the freshman class."" ""The enormity of the crises we faced required us to think differently, to do things in a different way, to abandon the status quo and to expand the role of what it means to be a legislator in times of crisis. But I believe it has made me a stronger representative for Minnesotans. This is just the beginning; I will continue fighting for the 5th District with co-governance and justice at the center—every day. To build a more equitable Minnesota and America that uplifts one another so we collectively benefit. That's the type of leadership I will continue to bring to the People's House. Let's get to work."" The achievements include: 664 bills cosponsored 60 bills and amendments introduced 28 bills and amendments passed in the House 7 bills and amendments passed into law 42 town halls and roundtables $1,750,000,000 in federal grant money secured Over 300 constituent cases worked on Over 2,500 meetings with constituents You can view the full progress report here. You can view the op-ed hereand below. U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar: A look back — and forward — at the end of a first term By Ilhan Omar As our first term comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on everything we have accomplished together—and the enormity of the threats we faced. We live in truly unprecedented times. I was sworn into office during the longest running government shutdown in American history—one that caused furloughs for thousands of government workers, and forced many more to go without basic government services. That same year, we faced a humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. And the House had the solemn responsibility of impeaching the sitting president who solicited foreign interference to help with his own reelection bid. Weeks after that, the nation nearly went to war with Iran. 2020 was no calmer. A mishandled global pandemic has impacted our whole nation, taking hundreds of thousands of lives and millions of jobs. In our own district, George Floyd died in police custody in broad daylight, leading to a long overdue racial justice reckoning across the country. Many of these crises are ongoing, and it will take decades to undo the damage of the last four years. But despite the enormity of the challenges our communities face, I remain deeply optimistic about the progress we have made and our ability to make change. In the face of constant obstacles vilification, our leaders have not cowered. We have shown up to work and taken on all these challenges – to legislate, to investigate, to litigate – and to represent our community. Before being sworn in, I was elected as Whip of the Progressive Caucus and Vice Chair of the Medicare for All Caucus. We worked with you to enact community-centered legislation to abolish student debt, provide universal school meals, combat systemic racism, provide housing for all, reorient our foreign policy, and end the waste crisis that is fueling climate change. In the face of threats, we have passed over two dozen bills and amendments, more than 94% of the freshman class. My MEALS Act, a critical bill to provide 22 million kids with federally subsidized school lunches during the coronavirus pandemic was signed into law as part of Families First Coronavirus Response Act. As someone who experienced the pangs of hunger as a young girl, child hunger is personal. This legislation provided USDA grant waivers to ensure our students are fed. The first bill passed by the House in the new Congress was the For the People Act, which was the most sweeping democracy reform package in a generation. The final bill included the PAUL Act, a bill I authored to end the culture of corruption by mandating more accountability and transparency for those lobbying on behalf of foreign governments. In the House, we introduced and passed bold pieces of legislation including the CARES Act to provide hazard pay for frontline works, relief for those facing eviction, and relief for state and local governments. As we speak we continue to fight to get more relief to Minnesotans, and I am prepared to work with the Biden-Harris Administration to provide badly needed relief to the American people. In the wake of George Floyd's death, people across the country and around the globe stood in solidarity to demand meaningful change in policing. I cosponsored the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and introduced a series of bills to create stronger accountability for law enforcement, protect protesters, limit the president's ability to deploy military forces domestically, and help communities rebuild. Systemic racism has plagued all aspects of being Black in Minnesota. In order to tackle the inherent inequities in our education system, I co-led the End PUSHOUT Act to end discrimination and unfair punishment against Black students. I also cosponsored H.R. 40, to investigate the ongoing harm of slavery and segregation, and make a formal proposal for reparations for African-Americans. In Congress, I will keep championing policies that address the systemic injustices embedded within our criminal justice, education, and economic system until we see lasting reform. I will not let our cries for change continue to echo unanswered. We have also secured other major victories for Minnesotans—including protections for our Liberian-American community from deportation, securing $13.5 million in Community Development Block Grants to help Minneapolis rebuild from the unrest after George Floyd's murder, and bringing home over $1,750,000,000 to our community in the form of federal grant money. My team and I have helped with over 700 constituent cases—ranging from social security to veterans to immigration issues. The enormity of these crises we faced required us to think differently, to do things in a different way, to abandon the status quo and to expand the role of what it means to be a legislator in times of crisis. But I believe it has made me a stronger representative for Minnesotans. This is just the beginning; I will continue fighting for the 5th District with co-governance and justice at the center—every day. To build a more equitable Minnesota and America that uplifts one another so we collectively benefit. That's the type of leadership I will continue to bring to the People's House. Let's get to work.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-angie-craig-nominated-serve-house-committee-energy-and-commerce,Representative Angie Craig Nominated to Serve on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in the 117th Congress,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Tonight, U.S. Representative Angie Craig was nominated to serve on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, one of Congress's most significant and influential committees. Among other priorities, the Energy and Commerce Committee is responsible for strengthening the economy, improving the nation's health care system, combating climate change and helping to guide the nation's energy policy. Craig was selected by a group of her peers serving on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which oversees committee assignments in the Caucus. Her nomination now goes to the full Democratic Caucus for approval. If approved, Craig will be seated on the Committee alongside Representatives Lori Trahan (D-MA), Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) and Kim Schrier (D-WA). It is an enormous privilege to have been nominated to serve on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in the 117thCongress. I am grateful to my colleagues for entrusting me with a key role on such an influential committee, where I look forward to enacting critical legislation that will improve the lives of hardworking Minnesotans in the Second District,said Rep. Craig.With more than two decades of experience working in health care, I am particularly thrilled to have the opportunity to help lead efforts to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and reduce the cost of prescription drugs while also working to advance key legislation on a broad range of issues, from combatting the effects of climate change and creating millions of good-paying jobs to protecting and strengthening our domestic biofuels markets for Minnesota family farmers. The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest continuous standing committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, originally established in 1795 to regulate interstate and foreign commerce. The Committee has the broadest jurisdiction of any authorizing committee in Congress legislating on a wide variety of issues including health care, environmental protection, national energy policy, interstate and foreign commerce, nuclear facilities and more. The Committee also oversees several federal departments and agencies including but not limited to the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Commerce and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/featured-demo-post,Featured Demo Post,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/pressley-omar-waters-adams-introduce-bold-resolution-calling-president-elect,"Pressley, Omar, Waters, Adams Introduce Bold Resolution Calling on President-Elect Biden to Cancel $50,000 in Federal Student Loan Debt",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Maxine Waters (CA-43),Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, and Alma Adams (NC-12) introduced a resolution outlining a bold plan for President-elect Joe Biden to cancel up to $50,000 in Federal student loan debt for student loan borrowers using existing legal authority under the Higher Education Act. The resolution, which outlines a pathway for the President-elect to use executive authority to cancel student loan debt while ensuring cancellation does not result in any tax liability for Federal student loan borrowers, is the House companion to Senate Resolution 711, introduced by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) earlier this year. Original co-sponsors of the House resolution include Congresswomen Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Jahana Hayes (CT-05). ""The student debt crisis is a racial and economic justice issue and we must finally begin to address it as such. Broad-based student debt cancellation is precisely the kind of bold, high-impact policy that the broad and diverse coalition that elected Joe Biden and Kamala Harris expect them to deliver,"" said Congresswoman Pressley. ""As we work to fight for meaningful economic relief for workers and families that meets the scale and scope of the crisis we face, canceling student debt is one of the most effective ways to provide direct relief to millions, help reduce the racial wealth gap, stimulate our economy, and begin to deliver an equitable and just recovery. On day one of his Administration, President-elect Biden will have the executive authority to cancel billions in student debt with the stroke of a pen. This resolution lays out a plan for him to do exactly that."" ""Over 90 percent of student debt is held by the federal government, which President-elect Joe Biden can cancel with the stroke of a pen,"" said Congresswoman Omar. ""Young people have been devastated by this economic crisis, with more than half living with their parents. Student debt cancellation would be a massive economic stimulus at a time when people desperately need it. It's also a racial equity issue. Students of color are more likely to take out federal student loans, and face higher rates of default. That's why I introduced the Student Debt Cancellation Act last year, and have called on leaders to make student debt relief a centerpiece of a coronavirus response package. It's why a majority of the country supports student debt relief. And it's why leaders from both Houses of Congress for substantial relief. Student debt cancellation isn't just an economic priority, it is a moral necessity."" ""As the student debt crisis continues to grow more urgent and the COVID-19 pandemic crisis continues to impact our communities and economy, the need to provide relief to student loan borrowers buried under mountains of debt is critical,"" said Chairwoman Maxine Waters. ""As a leader on this issue, I held a Financial Services Committee hearing last year on the student debt crisis and its adverse impact on individuals, families, and the economy. I helped to secure critical protections for student borrowers, including a pause on student loans during the pandemic, and advocated for legislation to help borrowers affected by the student debt crisis. Most recently, I wrote to President-elect Biden to recommend that he issue an executive order to promptly forgive up to $50,000 of debt for each student borrower and I am so pleased to join with Congresswomen Pressley, Adams, and Omar, who have all been critical voices in this fight, to address this crisis. I cannot overstate the importance of this resolution and the need for the Biden Administration to take bold action and deliver on this mandate from the people on day one."" ""The incoming Biden-Harris Administration has the opportunity to change lives and jumpstart our economy on day one by cancelling $50,000 in student loan debt,"" said Congresswoman Adams. ""These loans are holding American families back from buying houses, cars, and opening small businesses. Student loan debt prevents young families from building and creating wealth that they can pass down to their children and grandchildren – a freedom that historically has been denied to Black Americans in this country. Starting on January 20, it's up to us to rebuild the bridge to the middle class for millions of Americans. Let's start by cancelling the debt."" Long before the COVID-19 crisis, 45 million Americans were being crushed under the weight of an unprecedented $1.6 trillion student loan debt crisis. The unequal burden of the student debt crisis has disproportionately fallen on Black and Latinx borrowers who, as a result of generations of systemic racism and predatory policies, have been locked out of wealth building and have been forced to take on more debt, more often, just for a chance at the same degree as their white peers. The student debt crisis is both a racial and economic justice crisis, and student debt cancellation is bold, responsive policy that will help ensure the economic recovery strategy will prioritize workers and families and reduce the longstanding racial wealth gap. Specifically, the resolution: • Recognizes the Secretary of Education's broad administrative authority to cancel Federal student loan debt. • Urges the President to take executive action on day one of his Administration to cancel $50,000 in Federal student loan debt per borrower using the current legal authorities already granted by Congress. • Calls on the President to use existing authorities to prevent debt cancellation from resulting in a tax bill for borrowers. • Encourages the President to ensure that administrative debt cancellation helps to close racial wealth gaps. • Urges the President to extend the current payment relief on all Federal student loan payments and interest for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. ""Millions of borrowers had faced crushing burdens because of student loan debt now made worse by the economic devastation of COVID-19,"" said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers. ""As a result too many are choosing between loan payments, and housing, food, and medication. Four years of mismanagement of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the ongoing nightmare of corporate servicers who have made huge profits off federal student loan debt has turned higher education financing into a business venture for the United States. Administrative student debt cancellation would be a game-changer for borrowers across the country, and an important first step in President-Elect Biden's effort to help families recover."" ""Student Debt cancellation is a racial justice issue since Black and Brown borrowers face the greatest hurdles when it comes to access, affordability, and retention in higher education,"" said Tiffany Loftin, National Director, Youth and College Division, NAACP. In order to make education a right, we need radical policy that addresses the needs of 44.7 million people who are shackled by debt, that starts with cancellation now."" ""We applaud Representative Ayanna Pressley and allies in Congress for urging President-elect Joe Biden to use existing authority to cancel student debt. A nationwide, grassroots movement has called for debt cancellation for years and we are closer to permanent relief than ever before. The leadership and support of champions in Congress couldn't come at a more important time,"" said Natalia Abrams, executive director of the nonprofit advocacy organization Student Debt Crisis. ""As the COVID-19 pandemic grows, far too many people are choosing between student loan payments and making rent, putting food on the table, and keeping the lights on. President-elect Joe Biden can change that. Canceling student debt will provide much-needed financial relief for individuals and boost the economy for years to come. It will also help close the racial wealth gap that is widening due to the disparate impact of the pandemic. And, as Representative Pressley reminds us, the president-elect can do all of this on Day One using executive action."" ""Canceling student debt not only would be a lifeline to 45 million people, some of whom are struggling under the weight of their debt, it would help build a more robust economy,"" said Remington A. Gregg, Counsel for Civil Justice and Consumer Rights at Public Citizen. ""It's supported by a majority of Americans. And it makes good on the commitment so many leaders have made over the past year to focus on racial equity by working to close the racial wealth gap and giving Black and Brown borrowers a real chance to succeed."" ""We need to acknowledge that our student loan system is fundamentally broken and the first step to repair it is through across-the-board debt cancellation,"" said Ashley Harrington, Federal Advocacy Director and Senior Counsel at the Center for Responsible Lending. ""We applaud Congresswoman Pressley and Congresswomen Omar, Adams, and Chairwoman Maxine Waters for introducing this important legislation and supporting the urgent need for administrative debt cancellation. The time has come for a new Administration to prevent further financial devastation for those who are disproportionately struggling the most under the weight of their student debt burden, Black borrowers and communities of color."" ""We applaud Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar, Alma Adams and House Financial Services Chairwoman Maxine Waters for their leadership fighting for the economic needs of millions of families,"" said Alexis Goldstein, senior policy analyst at Americans for Financial Reform. ""No type of consumer debt is more widely held by the government than federal student loans. Cancelling federal student debt is a critical tool the government has to provide more funds for basic household needs when so many are on the precipice of financial ruin."" ""From big cities to small towns, one constant is the crushing weight of student debt,"" said Student Borrower Protection Center Executive Director Seth Frotman. ""With the stroke of a pen, President-elect Biden has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to cancel student debt and improve the lives of tens of millions of Americans."" ""We applaud Congresswomen Pressley, Omar, Adams and Chairwoman Maxine Waters in calling on cancellation of up to $50,000 in federal student loan debt which is caused by a system that has been inequitable and broken for decades. Student loan debt disproportionately burdens Black and Brown Americans and exacerbates the racial wealth gap. Abusive debt collection practices take funds like the Earned Income Tax Credit from borrowers' safety nets and garnish borrowers' wages, making it even harder for those who need every penny to put food on their families' tables and contribute to their local economies. Student debt cancellation is urgently needed on Day 1,"" said Persis Yu, director of the National Consumer Law Center's Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project. ""We can empower a generation, stimulate the economy, and begin to close the racial wealth gap on day one by enacting broad student debt cancellation,"" said Dr. Kyle Southern, Policy and Advocacy Director, Higher Education and Workforce. ""Taking this action is critical to advancing an equitable economic recovery. The compounding impact of systemic racism and gender discrimination on student borrowers who are Black, Latinx, and women means they incur more debt out of necessity and take longer to repay that debt. Currently, women borrowers hold two-thirds of all student debt. Broad student debt cancellation would substantially boost Black, Latinx, and women-led households, help close the racial wealth gap, and avert default."" Congresswoman Pressley has been leading the legislative fight for broad student debt cancellation. Reps. Pressley, Adams, and Omar have repeatedly led their colleagues in calling on House leadership to include student debt cancellation in any COVID relief package. In March, Pressley and Omar introduced the Student Debt Emergency Relief Act, legislation to cancel student loan debt and shield borrowers from any involuntary payments and garnishment during the COVID-19 crisis.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-smith-menendez-lead-push-make-sure-covid-19-vaccine-clinical-trials-continue-enroll,U.S. Senators Smith & Menendez Lead Push to Make Sure COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trials Continue to Enroll Diverse Participants,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Call on Nation's Top Health Agencies to Make Sure Clinical Trials Continue to Represent and Reflect Health Outcomes Across Communities WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/17/20]Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) led a group of their Senate colleagues in calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Operation Warp Speed and the U.S. Army Material Command (AMC) to make sure COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials continue to enroll a diverse group of participants. In addition to underscoring this priority, Sens. Smith, Menendez and their colleagues are urging HHS Secretary Alex Azar, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, Operation Warp Speed Chief Advisor Moncef Slaoui and General Gustave Perna to provide information on the demographics of current and future Phase III COVID-19 vaccine trial participants. COVID-19 has disproportionately harmed communities of color. Compared to white Americans, Black Americans are one and a half times more likely to contract COVID-19, over three and a half times more likely to be hospitalized, and nearly three times as likely to die from the disease, wrote the lawmakers. Americans of color are also more likely to develop severe COVID-19, requiring hospitalization. Hispanic and Latino Americans are hospitalized at a rate over four times higher than non-Hispanic white Americans, and American Indian and Alaska Native people who contract COVID-19 are four times more likely to be hospitalized than white Americans. The senators continued: Given this disparate impact, FDA and public health officials have stressed the need for clinical trials to enroll diverse populations. Clinical trials should enroll diverse participants to confirm that COVID-19 vaccine candidates are safe and effective for Americans of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Diverse clinical trial participation also builds vaccine confidence, which is critical in light of the United States' history of medical research exploitation and discrimination against minority patients. In addition to Sens. Smith and Menendez, the letter was signed by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.). You can access full text of the letter below: December 17, 2020 The Honorable Alex M. Azar II The Honorable Stephen Hahn, MD Secretary of Health and Human Services Commissioner 200 Independence Avenue, Southwest Food and Drug Administration, Washington, D.C. 20201 Silver Spring, MD 20993 Dr. Moncef Slaoui General Gustave F. Perna Chief Advisor, Operation Warp Speed Commanding General Department of Health and Human Services Army Materiel Command 200 Independence Avenue, Southwest 4400 Martin Road Washington, DC 20201 Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898 Dear Secretary Azar, Commissioner Hahn, General Perna, and Dr. Slaoui: We are writing to request information on how the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Operation Warp Speed (OWS) are ensuring that clinical trials for the development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 will continue to enroll participants in ways that are representative of the American population and reflect the differing risk of exposure and health outcomes across communities. COVID-19 has disproportionately harmed communities of color. Compared to white Americans, Black Americans are one and a half times more likely to contract COVID-19, over three and a half times more likely to be hospitalized, and nearly three times as likely to die from the disease. Americans of color are also more likely to develop severe COVID-19, requiring hospitalization. Hispanic and Latino Americans are hospitalized at a rate over four times higher than non-Hispanic white Americans, and American Indian and Alaska Native people who contract COVID-19 are four times more likely to be hospitalized than white Americans. Given this disparate impact, FDA and public health officials have stressed the need for clinical trials to enroll diverse populations. Clinical trials should enroll diverse participants to confirm that COVID-19 vaccine candidates are safe and effective for Americans of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Diverse clinical trial participation also builds vaccine confidence, which is critical in light of the United States' history of medical research exploitation and discrimination against minority patients. Pfizer and Moderna have provided public information about the demographics of participants enrolled in the Phase III clinical trials for their COVID-19 vaccine candidates. Among Pfizer's U.S. participants, 30 percent were from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, and 37 percent of Moderna's participants were from racial and ethnic minority groups. While these two companies have been transparent about the demographics of their COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial participants, comparable levels of transparency have not occurred with all COVID-19 vaccine candidates. The initial announcement on the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford did not include demographic data. Demographic information was only made publicly available after publication in an academic journal and did not include the demographic information of U.S. participants. Similarly, public information on the progress and participant demographics of trials for COVID-19 vaccine candidates developed by Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, Novavax, Sanofi/GlaxoSmithKline, and Merck/International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, which are the other candidates supported by OWS (according to public reports), remains limited or inaccessible. These other candidates also need to be demonstrated as effective in diverse populations in order to build trust in their safety and efficacy. This is especially important as experts predict multiple COVID-19 vaccines may be needed to ensure widespread immunization to end the pandemic.8 For these reasons, the federal government, acting through OWS and the FDA, should encourage COVID-19 vaccine developers to publicize demographic information of Phase III trial participants on a timely basis. While the FDA's investigational new drug application requires demographic information to be submitted as part of annual reports, communities of color should not be forced to wait months or years for such information. Additionally, the federal government should support COVID-19 vaccine developers in their efforts to enroll diverse participants in ongoing and future clinical trials. For example, OWS or FDA might provide best practices, technical assistance, or other support to companies as they work to overcome clinical trial access barriers, ensure language accessibility, hire diverse clinical personnel, and build effective community partnerships. In the interim, we ask that you provide information on the demographics of current and future Phase III COVID-19 vaccine trial participants in the United States by responding to the questions below by January 4, 2021. 1. Operation Warp Speed was reported to be in contact with test sites during enrollment of Moderna's Phase III trial to ensure diverse representation of trial participants.9 Are OWS or other federal agencies in contact with other COVID-19 vaccine developers or the investigators at their test sites regarding demographics of Phase III clinical trial participants? 2. Do OWS, FDA, or other federal agencies have information on the demographics of participants in the Phase III clinical trials of other COVID-19 vaccine candidates supported by OWS? a. If yes, please share the racial and ethnic demographics of these trial populations. We also seek information on age and sex demographics. b. If not, do OWS, FDA, or other federal agencies plan to request this information and make it public in the future? 3. What steps are OWS, FDA, and other federal agencies taking to ensure the diversity of clinical trial participants in ongoing and future COVID-19 vaccine trials? How are OWS, FDA, and other federal agencies supporting COVID-19 vaccine developers in their efforts to enroll diverse participants? 4. How is OWS encouraging and supporting companies and researchers to address vaccine hesitancy in diverse communities when enrolling participants? Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/ilhan-omar-republicans-are-gaslighting-public-and-it-s-costing-millions,Ilhan Omar: Republicans are Gaslighting the Public and it’s Costing Millions of Americans their Livelihoods and Lives,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONRep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement on the ongoing coronavirus relief talks. We are now nine months into a pandemic that has taken hundreds of thousands of lives and millions of livelihoods. And instead of getting direct relief to struggling American families and the frontline workers helping to save lives, Republicans are fighting to defund the government and protect corporations from liability for their employees'COVID-related injuries. Let's remember how we got here: in the CARES Act, we got immediate relief to Americans weeks after the pandemic hit. This was supposed to be a start. In May, the House passed the HEROES Act to get Americans and local governments additional relief. Kevin McCarthy, Steve Scalise and Mitch McConnell all opposed it. For months, Mitch McConnell stonewalled the bill, insisting that his only priority was protecting corporations from putting their workers' lives at risk during the pandemic. He literally laughed when confronted by his inaction on the stimulus. Americans have now gone 8 months without any relief, and the position of the Republican Party is that we should defund our firefighters, defund our frontline workers, not fund the distribution of the vaccine and provide no direct relief for American families. Then they have the gall to blame Democrats for the lack of action? This is the truest form of gaslighting. They always say they want money in people's pockets. But they are literally trying to stop us fromputting money in the pockets of millions of Americans. They talk about helping businessesbut they are literally blocking relief for small business owners and their workers. We know the outlines of a deal because we already passed one this year: survival checks for the American people, increased unemployment for people out of work, and funding for state and local services like firefighters and healthcare workers. This shouldn't be hard.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/ilhan-omar-republicans-are-gaslighting-public-and-its-costing-millions,Ilhan Omar: Republicans are Gaslighting the Public and it’s Costing Millions of Americans their Livelihoods and Lives,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement on the ongoing coronavirus relief talks. ""We are now nine months into a pandemic that has taken hundreds of thousands of lives and millions of livelihoods. And instead of getting direct relief to struggling American families and the frontline workers helping to save lives, Republicans are fighting to defund the government and protect corporations from liability for their employees' COVID-related injuries. ""Let's remember how we got here: in the CARES Act, we got immediate relief to Americans weeks after the pandemic hit. This was supposed to be a start. ""In May, the House passed the HEROES Act to get Americans and local governments additional relief. Kevin McCarthy, Steve Scalise and Mitch McConnell all opposed it. For months, Mitch McConnell stonewalled the bill, insisting that his only priority was protecting corporations from putting their workers' lives at risk during the pandemic. He literally laughed when confronted by his inaction on the stimulus. ""Americans have now gone 8 months without any relief, and the position of the Republican Party is that we should defund our firefighters, defund our frontline workers, not fund the distribution of the vaccine and provide no direct relief for American families. Then they have the gall to blame Democrats for the lack of action? This is the truest form of gaslighting. ""They always say they want money in people's pockets. But they are literally trying to stop us from putting money in the pockets of millions of Americans. They talk about helping businesses—but they are literally blocking relief for small business owners and their workers. ""We know the outlines of a deal because we already passed one this year: survival checks for the American people, increased unemployment for people out of work, and funding for state and local services like firefighters and healthcare workers. ""This shouldn't be hard.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smith-says-upcoming-government-funding-package-should-include-additional-long-term,"U.S. Senator Tina Smith Says Upcoming Government Funding Package Should Include Additional, Long-term Funding for Community Health Centers",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Urges Congressional Leadership to Provide Sustainability for the Almost 30 Million Low- and Lower-Income Americans Served by Community Health Centers WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/15/20]Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) joined a group of her colleagues in calling on Congressional leadership to include funding for community health centers (CHCs) in the upcoming government funding package to ensure that millions of Americans can continue to receive the care both during and after the pandemic. The pandemic has had a dramatic economic impact on our health centers, many of which have been forced to implement safeguarding measures to ensure the long-term financial stability of their organization, wrote Sen. Smith and her colleagues. This includes some having made difficult personnel decisions, including temporary reductions in staffing and closures of important healthcare delivery sites during this crisis, in fact 651 health centers across the nation are currently closed due to this pandemic. The senators continued: Given health centers' 50-plus years of dedicated service and vital role in protecting our nation's most vulnerable populations, both in rural and urban areas, more must be done to ensure their long-term financial viability. Ensuring long-term, robust health center funding is essential to health centers' ability to recruit and hire providers, expand capacity and plan for dramatic increases in demand for services, particularly as this crisis evolves. Sen. Smith and her colleagues want to ensure that CHCs have stability and can continue treating the almost 30 million low- and lower-income patients relying on these centers for care, which is why the lawmakers are pushing for reauthorizing CHCs for four years. In addition to Sens. Smith and Hassan, the letter was signed by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). You can read text of the letter below: December 15, 2020 The Honorable Mitch McConnell The Honorable Charles Schumer Majority Leader Minority Leader U.S. Senate U.S. Senate S-230, U.S. Capitol 322 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 2051 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi The Honorable Kevin McCarthy Speaker of the House Minority Leader U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives H-232, U.S. Capitol H-204, U.S. Capitol Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515 Dear Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McCarthy: Thank you for your bipartisan efforts to ensure our nation's health care providers have the resources they need to effectively prepare for and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As both chambers work on additional legislation to address this public health crisis before the close of the 116th Congress, we write to urge you to prioritize both a long-term reauthorization and additional infrastructure funding for Community Health Centers. The passage of the Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act, and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, extended funding for community health centers (CHCs), the National Health Service Corps, teaching health centers that operate GME programs (THCGME), and the Special Diabetes Programs at current funding levels through December 18, 2020. Additionally, the CARES Act and included $1.3 billion in supplemental funding for health centers for Fiscal Year 2020. However, the Continuing Resolution did not provide additional emergency funds for public health agencies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic or other COVID-related relief or policies. The COVID-19 public health crisis has had a devastating impact on CHCs, and it is more important than ever that Congress ensure stability by securing long-term funding for health centers. CHCs are operating on razor-thin margins that, for most, have been stretched to the proverbial breaking point due to Coronavirus response efforts and lost revenues, as well as multiple attacks to 340B prescription drug discount funding, resulting in a major reduction in patient visits and loss of revenue. As such, the pandemic has had a dramatic economic impact on our health centers, many of which have been forced to implement safeguarding measures to ensure the long-term financial stability of their organization. This includes some having made difficult personnel decisions, including temporary reductions in staffing and closures of important healthcare delivery sites during this crisis, in fact 651 health centers across the nation are currently closed due to this pandemic. Given health center's 50-plus years of dedicated service and vital role in protecting our nation's most vulnerable populations, both in rural and urban areas, more must be done to ensure their long-term financial viability. Ensuring long-term, robust health center funding is essential to health centers' ability to recruit and hire providers, expand capacity and plan for dramatic increases in demand for services, particularly as this crisis evolves. We urge you to consider legislation reauthorizing CHCs for four years to provide crucial long-term, sustainable funding and stability to the almost 30 million low and lower-income patients treated at our health centers. It is also critical that future legislation takes into account the urgent infrastructure needs of CHCs. Now more than ever, infrastructure funding is essential to both support ongoing projects to address unmet primary care needs that have been suspended due to COVID-19, as well as supporting the implementation of various new infrastructure needs to provide ongoing and necessary care during the pandemic. This includes rapidly adopted and expanded remote telemedicine and video medicine capabilities for patients to access the services they need while mitigating the spread of the coronavirus as well as urgent emergency facility alteration projects undertaken to shield crucial frontline staff while continuing to deliver critically needed testing, treatment, and every-day comprehensive preventive health care services. As the government funding deadline of December 18, 2020 rapidly approaches for CHCs, we urge you to continue our commitment protecting and expanding health care for American families, ensuring the long-term stability needed for CHCs to deal with this crisis, and supporting CHCs to meet current patient care needs as well as address any future surges in patient need related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-presses-fema-clarify-reimbursement-rules-local-governments-investing,Rep. Craig Presses FEMA to Clarify Reimbursement Rules for Local Governments Investing in COVID-19 Related Expenses,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC In a letter to local elected officials throughout Minnesota's Second Congressional District, U.S. Representative Angie Craig informed leaders that she had signed onto a letter urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to clarify guidance on the process by which COVID-19 related expenses are deemed eligible for reimbursement. Under current guidelines, state and local governments are unable to be reimbursed for the purchase of many necessary protective products such as masks, gloves and plexiglass partitions. In her letter, Rep. Craig described that guidance as careless, and assured local leaders that one of her top priorities in Congress is ensuring that cities and counties have access to the resources necessary to mitigate the costs of the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis. During these difficult times, it is the responsibility of the federal government to ensure that our city and county governments have the funds necessary to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, said Representative Craig. Unfortunately, the careless guidance provided by FEMA has left local governments across Minnesota with an unnecessary financial burden simply for investing in resources to keep their constituents safe. I am proud to stand up for our cities and counties in the Second District and will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that our elected officials can continue providing essential services in their communities without stretching their budgets thin. In addition to pressing FEMA to clarify their reimbursement rules, Rep. Craig has also cosponsored legislation requiring FEMA to provide full federal funding for virus-related emergency aid to state and local governments. That bill, which passed the House in November, would allow local governments constrained by balanced budget requirements, to invest in the programs and resources necessary to protect their communities throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Text of the letter is copied below and available here. Dear Local Leader, As we enter the tenth month of combatting COVID-19 and its complex repercussions, I want to thank you for your continued leadership and dedication to providing essential services in your community. By continuing to work together, we will get through this difficult chapter. One of my top priorities in Congress is to ensure our cities and counties have the necessary funds and resources to mitigate the unexpected costs of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why I recently signed onto a letter to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in response to their careless guidance on the process by which COVID-19 related expenses are deemed eligible for reimbursement under the Stafford Act and 44 CFR, the implementing regulation. Under FEMA's current guidance and new definitions of emergency protective measure and public facility, many necessary purchases such as masks, plexiglass partitions, gloves and additional maintenance staff shifts for cleaning will be disqualified from reimbursement. I am requesting clarifying guidance to broaden reimbursable expenses and to centralize the reimbursement process. In addition, I cosponsored H.R. 8266, the FEMA Assistance Relief Act of 2020 which passed the House on November 17th. This bill would require FEMA to provide full federal funding for virus-related emergency aid. This will save recipients money as they continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and its many repercussions. I will continue to push for relief to ensure our communities withstand this pandemic and your budgets do not take massive hits. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hagedorn.house.gov/media/press-releases/hagedorn-congratulates-congressional-app-challenge-winners,Hagedorn Congratulates Congressional App Challenge Winners,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Jim Hagedorn,H001088,hagedorn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) today voiced his congratulations to Anjali Donthi, Sarah Bulur and Caitlin McWilliams of Century High School in Rochester for being named the winners of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for Minnesota's First District. The winning app, OperationSerenity, was developed to help ease anxiety of children preparing for surgery. OperationSerenity is a truly innovative and honorable idea that will help children ease their fears and uncertainties as they approach medical procedures. Congratulations to Anjali, Sarah and Caitlin for winning the Congressional App Challenge and for making their school and community proud, said Hagedorn. I thank all the bright young minds in southern Minnesota who participated in this competition, and I encourage all students who are interested in the STEM fields to continue pursuing opportunities like these to express their creativity and develop critical skills for their future careers. The winning students will have the opportunity to feature their app at the 2021 House of Code conference next spring. Watch the winning team's presentation here. Jim Hagedorn was elected in 2018 to represent Minnesota's First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He grew up on his family's grain and livestock farm near Truman. Jim's father, former U.S. Congressman Tom Hagedorn (MN-02), grandfather, and great-grandfather were all southern Minnesota farmers. Jim currently resides in the rural farming community of Blue Earth. Hagedorn brings policy experience to Capitol Hill from time spent as a congressional aide to former U.S. Congressman Arlan Stangeland (MN-07) and a congressional relations officer for two non-partisan U.S. Department of the Treasury agencies. Hagedorn serves on the House Committees on Agriculture and Small Business to promote farming, Main Street enterprises and southern Minnesota's way of life. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-statement-decisive-biden-electoral-college-victory,Phillips Statement on Decisive Biden Electoral College Victory,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Dean Phillips,P000616,phillips.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) made the following statement after the Electoral College certified results of the 2020 Presidential Election: ""Inspiring a new era of collaboration in Congress and restoring Americans' faith in our government requires thoughtful compromise, but when it comes to protecting the foundations of American democracy there is no middle ground. Joe Biden is President-elect. Our democratic republic, if we can keep it, depends on elected leaders who demonstrate political courage when we need it most. Every Republican who has shared this truth, pushed back on dangerous conspiracy theories, and protected America from communism and fascism is a patriot and history will remember them as such. Now is the time for unity, for truth, and for optimism. Our best days are still ahead."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smith-us-representative-karen-bass-press-attorney-general-barr-information-use,U.S. Senator Tina Smith & U.S. Representative Karen Bass Press Attorney General Barr for Information on Use of Ketamine During Arrests,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Lawmakers' Probe Follows Incidents Highlighting Dangers of Ketamine, Including Death of Elijah McClain in CO & Medical Emergency of Max Johnson in MN WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/14/2020]Inaneffort to protect the health, safety and civil rights of Americans, today U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Representative Karen Bass (D-Calif.)led 7 lawmakers in pressingU.S.Attorney General William Barrfor information about the use of ketamine and other sedatives or chemical restraints on individuals during their arrest or detention by law enforcement.Recent incidents highlight thedangers of administering sedatives during an arrestin particular the death of Elijah McClain in Colorado and the medical emergency of Max Johnson in Minnesota. In their letter toBarr, Sen. Smith and Rep. Bassnoted that law enforcement medics or paramedics typically administer ketamine to incapacitate individuals who are demonstrating excited delirium"" a term that isn'tfound in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and iswithout a widely accepted medical definition. ""We are concerned that ketamine and other sedatives are being used to help effectuate arrests without a full appreciation of the health risks and potential liability involved,""wrote Sen. Smith and Rep. Bass.""For instance, in a 2018 report conducted by the City of Minneapolis, investigators described a situation in which an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider was not aware that people with asthma can suffer fatal consequences from ketamine, but administered it to an asthmatic individual who then stopped breathing.In Mr. Johnson's case, EMS first treated him for low blood sugar to address diabetic shock, but then law enforcement treated Mr. Johnson as if he exhibited drug-induced behavior. The 500 milligrams of ketamine administered to Mr. Johnson during this event sent him into the Intensive Care Unit for two days.Federal standards for EMS only mention sedatives as a potential cause of delirium, not as a treatment for it.However, an EMS trade publication identified ketamine as the primary treatment for excited delirium and recommended a low threshold for employing this treatment, in contrast to the warning from the American Academy of Anesthesiologists.The lack of a clear, consistent policy for this chemical restraint is very concerning."" In addition to Sen. Smith and Rep. Bass, the letter was signed by Sens.Ron Wyden (D-Ore.),Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.),Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) andCatherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). It was also signed byReps.Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.),Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) andDavid Cicelline (D-R.I.). You can read a copy of the letterherebelow. December 14,2020 The Honorable William Barr Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest Washington, D.C. 20530 Attorney General Barr, We write to request information from the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the use of ketamine and other sedatives or chemical restraints on individuals during their arrest or detention by law enforcement. Though data on this practice is scarce, several recent and highly publicized incidents make clear the potential dangers of administering sedatives during an arrest. We request the Department's assistance in gathering information about the use of ketamine and other chemical restraints during arrests or detentions by federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies, as well as any regulations or guidance the Department has issued regarding this practice. As policymakers, we are deeply concerned about both the ability of law enforcement officers to make arrests safely and protecting the health, safety, and civil rights of individuals who may be subject to arrest. Recent reporting indicates that use of sedatives during arrest may be more common than is currently understood in particular the death of Elijah McClain in Colorado and the medical emergency of Max Johnson in Minnesota. Given evidence that the administration of ketamine for law enforcement purposes carries significant risks of death or permanent harm, we are seeking information about this practice in order to aid our consideration of future oversight and regulatory efforts. Law enforcement medics or paramedics typically administer ketamine to incapacitate individuals who are demonstrating excited delirium, a term not found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and without a widely accepted medical definition.[2] However, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, ketamine can cause side effects that can end in death when administered in a non-health care setting without appropriately trained medical personnel and necessary equipment.[3]The organization's president separately noted that ketamine should not be given for purely law enforcement purposes.[4] Administering ketamine without ascertaining an individual's medical history is especially dangerous, as ketamine may cause serious adverse interactions with certain medical conditions or medications; yet when an individual demonstrates symptoms associated with excited delirium, it is understandably difficult to ascertain that person's medical history or underlying conditions. Of the 902 people who were administered ketamine during their arrest or detention in Colorado since 2017, seventeen percent experienced a serious complication, including hypoxemia, or low oxygen levels in the blood, a potentially life-threatening complication.[5] We are concerned that ketamine and other sedatives are being used to help effectuate arrests without a full appreciation of the health risks and potential liability involved. For instance, in a 2018 report conducted by the City of Minneapolis, investigators described a situation in which an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider was not aware that people with asthma can suffer fatal consequences from ketamine, but administered it to an asthmatic individual who then stopped breathing.[6] In Mr. Johnson's case, EMS first treated him for low blood sugar to address diabetic shock, but then law enforcement treated Mr. Johnson as if he exhibited drug-induced behavior. The 500 milligrams of ketamine administered to Mr. Johnson during this event sent him into the Intensive Care Unit for two days.[7] Federal standards for EMS only mention sedatives as a potential cause of delirium, not as a treatment for it.[8] However, an EMS trade publication identified ketamine as the primary treatment for excited delirium and recommended a low threshold for employing this treatment, in contrast to the warning from the American Academy of Anesthesiologists.[9]The lack of a clear, consistent policy for this chemical restraint is very concerning. Situations in which law enforcement personnel and EMS interact pose complex jurisdictional questions, as they occur in the field under varying and perhaps competing federal, state, and local policies. Furthermore, departmental policies may address their own employee's behavior in the field, but they may not address collaboration or interaction with other emergency responders.[10] The 2018 Minneapolis report found that law enforcement officers encouraged EMS to administer ketamine, sometimes despite objections from patients and without a clear reason for doing so.[11] Though department policy now forbids attempts to influence EMS's treatment, at that time the Minneapolis Police Department lacked formal policy regarding the interactions between law enforcement officers and EMS.[12]These jurisdictional conflicts are no doubt complex, and this complexity creates confusion. The consequences of ketamine use are too dangerous to allow such confusion to continue. In a July hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, you did not provide any statistics or information regarding the administration of ketamine in the course of arrests.[13] If the Justice Department does not possess any such information, we believe additional research is needed to help policymakers determine if the practice should be federally regulated or possibly prohibited. Furthermore, we need additional data about whether there are racial disparities in the use of ketamine or other sedatives during arrests. Given existing racial inequities in arrest rates, it seems likely that people of color are subjected to ketamine sedation at disproportionate rates. In order to protect the health, safety, and civil rights of our constituents, policymakers need additional information about the scope of the practice of administering ketamine and other chemical restraints during arrest. We ask that you respond no later than November XX, 2020 to the following questions: 1.Does the DOJ currently collect data on the use of ketamine and other sedatives during arrest or detention by law enforcement (even if administered by EMS, paramedics, or other medical personnel)? If so, please include this data in your response. a.If yes, does the DOJ disaggregate that data by race, sex, age, or other demographic characteristics? If yes, please provide. If no, please explain why not. 2.Has the DOJ ever developed or issued guidance regarding the use of ketamine, or other sedatives or chemical restraints, by law enforcement agencies during arrests? If so, please include. 3.Has the DOJ ever developed or issued guidance to law enforcement agencies regarding coordinating with EMS, paramedics, and other medical personnel, about the use of ketamine or other sedatives in cases where an individual exhibits signs of excited delirium? If so, please include. 4.Has the DOJ ever developed or issued guidance or advisory opinions regarding potential liability for civil rights violations resulting from the use of ketamine or other sedatives and chemical restraints during arrest or detention? If so, please include. 5.Has the DOJ ever developed or issued guidance or advisory opinions regarding whether and when the use of ketamine or other sedatives or chemical restraints during an arrest or detention may be unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment? If so, please include. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-announces-apple-valley-students-winners-congressional-app-challenge,Rep. Craig Announces Apple Valley Students as Winners of the Congressional App Challenge,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig announced Nathan Labiosa and Akansha Kamineni as the winners of the Congressional App Challenge in Minnesota's Second Congressional District. The Congressional App Challenge is an annual nationwide competition for middle school and high school students interested in computer science. Labiosa and Kamineni received the distinction after designing a mobile application called Rethink Recycling which is designed to encourage young people to get excited about recycling and to help people understand which household items can be recycled by taking a short quiz. Nathan and Akansha who are Seniors at Eastview High School in Apple Valley chose to design their application because of their firm belief in social responsibility and protecting the environment. The designers also thought their application was especially important at a time when millions of Americans are staying home due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis. I'm incredibly proud to announce Nathan Labiosa and Akansha Kamineni as the winners of the Congressional App Challenge in Minnesota's Second Congressional District,said Rep. Craig.Now more than ever, it is crucial for Americans to act as responsible stewards of the world around us and Nathan and Akansha's innovative and commonsense app could help us all to do exactly that. I'm incredibly impressed by this accomplishment and optimistic about the future of our state with young folks like Nathan and Akansha leading the way. The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide effort by Members of Congress to encourage middle school and high school students to learn code and pursue careers in computer science. Each member of Congress is encouraged to nominate one submission to be put on display in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year. In the first four years of the challenge, the CAC has inspired more than 14,000 students in 48 states to get involved in application design by participating in the annual competition.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-dairy-industry-applaud-ustr-efforts-address-canadian-tariff-rate,"Rep. Craig, Dairy Industry Applaud USTR Efforts to Address Canadian Tariff Rate Quota Violations",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced that they will begin consultations on the enforcement of Canada's tariff rate quota (TRQ) allocations for imported dairy products. U.S. Representative Angie Craig joined the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) in applauding this news. Dairy farmers in Minnesota and across the country have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years,said Representative Craig.I supported the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to help make it possible for our family farmers to compete on a level playing field. I'm proud to see USMCA working for our dairy industry to bring market fairness and stability. Representative Craig helped deliver USMCA for Minnesota's dairy farmers and farmer-owned cooperatives and now is working hard to hold Canada accountable to its trade promises. USMCA is designed to bring tangible benefits home to America's dairy industry, yet Canada has manipulated its market access commitments, threatening these hard-fought wins. We applaud Congresswoman Craig for her leadership on this critical issue. Jim Mulhern, President & CEO, National Milk Producers Federation Representative Craig sits on the House Agriculture Committee where she has stood with the National Milk Producers Federation and colleagues from both parties in efforts to ensure the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is fully enforced.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-angie-craig-statement-protect-womens-sports-act,Representative Angie Craig Statement on the Protect Women's Sports Act,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on the Protect Women's Sports Act, which was introduced by Representatives Tulsi Gabbard and Markwayne Mullin: As a lesbian woman, I am no stranger to prejudice and intolerance but this legislation is beyond the pale. Plain and simple, the Protect Women's Sports Act is transphobic and this type of discrimination has no place in the halls of Congress. Especially at a time when the transgender community is suffering from a tragic rise in suicide rates and experiencing a surge of transphobic violence, such a bigoted and appalling effort is simply unacceptable. Queer and transgender women must stand together in the face of intolerance and I am proud to do so today by emphatically denouncing this narrow-minded and hateful legislation, which is harmful not only to transgender women but to the LGBTQ Community at-large.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hagedorn.house.gov/media/press-releases/hagedorn-signs-amicus-brief,Hagedorn Signs Amicus Brief to the U.S. Supreme Court Supporting the Texas Election Integrity Case,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Jim Hagedorn,H001088,hagedorn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) has signed onto an amicus brief, along with 125 of his House Republican colleagues, in the Supreme Court case Texas v. Pennsylvania, et al. Members are asking the Supreme Court to address the American people's serious concerns about the constitutionality of various state elections and integrity of the 2020 presidential election. Election laws across several states were amended or suspended in the closing months of the 2020 election by acts of state officials and courts, not state legislatures.I joined 125 of my colleagues and signed onto the amicus brief because I believe the Supreme Court should consider the Texas case on constitutional grounds to ensure that all U.S. citizens are treated fairly and the election was conducted in accordance with state laws, said Hagedorn. The state legislatures in Georgia, Wisconsin, Arizona and Pennsylvania should be empowered to elect electors or refuse to elect electors based upon the law and following the U.S. Constitution, Hagedorn added. The full brief can be read here. Jim Hagedorn was elected in 2018 to represent Minnesota's First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He grew up on his family's grain and livestock farm near Truman. Jim's father, former U.S. Congressman Tom Hagedorn (MN-02), grandfather, and great-grandfather were all southern Minnesota farmers. Jim currently resides in the rural farming community of Blue Earth. Hagedorn brings policy experience to Capitol Hill from time spent as a congressional aide to former U.S. Congressman Arlan Stangeland (MN-07) and a congressional relations officer for two non-partisan U.S. Department of the Treasury agencies. Hagedorn serves on the House Committees on Agriculture and Small Business to promote farming, Main Street enterprises and southern Minnesota's way of life. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-measure-support-gold-star-families-included-defense-bill-headed,"Phillips Measure to Support Gold Star Families Included in Defense Bill, Headed to President’s Desk",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Dean Phillips,P000616,phillips.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate passed theNational Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2021, including the bipartisan Cheryl Lankford Memorial to Improve Assistance for Gold Star Spouses and Other Dependents amendment by Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03). The amendment will help keep bereaved military families from slipping through the cracks andensure Gold Star dependent children can easily access the benefits they are owed. As a Gold Star Son, my gratitude to our servicemembers and their families is immeasurable, said Phillips. Gold Star Families have made unimaginable sacrifices, and we must do everything we can to deliver all benefits they are owed. Gold Star Families deserve our respect and support, and I am glad this amendment will soon be signed into law. Phillips voted for final passage of NDAA on December 8, 2020, which included eight of his amendments aimed at modernizing our national security, stabilizing international relationships, and preparing for the next global crisis, and supporting our veterans and their families: Supporting Gold Star Families: When a military member dies, the surviving family is visited by a Casualty Assistance Officer who advocates for the family and assists with processing benefits. However, if a Gold Star Spouse dies and leaves behind dependent children, the military does not provide any help. Phillips's amendment would provide, at the request of the family, a Casualty Assistance Officer to support eligible dependents if the spouse of a deceased servicemember passes away. Finding Best Practices in Local Veterans Services: Demobilization centers assist returning soldiers as they readjust to civilian life. Minnesota has an excellent demobilization program, which is known for its use of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs). Through discussions with a CVSO in Carver County, Phillips learned that the use of CVSOs is not common in other states. Navigating bureaucratic red tape can be difficult for anyone, but especially for returning troops. Having an advocate helps soldiers better understand and make use of their hard-earned benefits. Phillips's amendment requires a report on the effectiveness of CVSOs and feasibility of implementing this locally led program on a larger scale. Streamlining Drug Prevention Programs for Servicemembers:The Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDRP) seeks to detect and deter drug abuse. After conversations with Minnesota companies, Rep. Phillips discovered that new technology was available that could streamline the DDRP, increase effectiveness, and curb wasteful spending. Phillips's amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to brief Congress on inefficiencies in the DDRP. Stabilizing America's Response in War-Torn Regions:While the Department of Defense (DoD) receives more funding than most federal agencies, they are not always the best-equipped to address root causes of violence. The 2020 NDAA gave the DoD the ability to transfer funds to the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Phillips's amendment supports extends the deadline for this transfer of funds for stabilization activities by one year. Ensuring Peace Corps Operations in Times of Crisis:National service is a time-honored American tradition and is needed now more than ever. Phillips's amendment requires the Director of the Peace Corps to report to Congress on their plans to resume operations after the coronavirus pandemic. Rep. Phillips has advocated for Peace Corps volunteers, introducing two bills: H.R. 6853, the UNITE Act of 2020, and H.R. 6833, the Utilizing and Supporting Evacuated Peace Corps Volunteers Act. Modernizing Congressional Oversight: Congress regularly requests hundreds of reports from the Department of Defense (DoD), but the system for tracking these reports is outdated. Reports are critical to rooting our inefficiencies and preventing fraud, waste, and misuse of taxpayer funds. Phillips's bipartisan amendment requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to analyze the DoD process for responding to congressional reporting requirements and give suggestions for improving this process. Preventing Global Atrocities: Phillips worked with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to ensure the U.S. plays a role in preventing global atrocities for generations to come. This amendment expands on the Global Fragility Act and the Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act, mandates the use of the Atrocity Prevention Framework, and requires the State Department to report on their efforts to prevent atrocities. Training Our Military for 21st Century Warfare:As war becomes increasingly complex, and as terrorists and non-state actors continue to pose an increasing threat, we must adapt and learn from recent lessons. Phillips's bipartisan amendment directs the Department of Defense to brief Congress on how officers are trained in irregular warfare.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-announces-125000-grant-for-wright-county-to-achieve-drug-free-communities,"Emmer Announces $125,000 Grant for Wright County to Achieve Drug Free Communities",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) announced a $125,000 investment in Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District through the Drug Free Communities Support Program. The investment will be provided to the Mentorship, Education, and Drug Awareness (MEADA) Coalition of Wright County. The coalition will use the funds to assist in their mission to conduct local efforts to combat drug abuse. ""Ensuring our youth are drug free is an important step in building up the future of our nation. In order for these young Minnesotans to thrive, it's our responsibility to guarantee a safe and healthy environment for them to do so,"" said Emmer. Emmer concluded, ""Seeing the outstanding work taking place in Wright County to combat drug abuse in young adults is inspiring, and I hope this significant investment will allow them to continue these efforts. I am grateful to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for this strong investment in Wright County."" “We are making a concerted effort to focus on mentoring our youth and working with our schools on drug/alcohol prevention and education. This Grant will allow us to move in this direction. We are not going to solve the drug/alcohol issues facing our society simply by arresting and prosecuting. We need prevention and educational programs and this Grant will help in our efforts. We are both thankful and grateful we were a recipient of the Drug Free Communities Support Program Grant,” said Tom Kelly, Wright County Attorney and MEADA Chair The coalition will engage young adults in 6th through 12th grade with community engagement and events. The coalition aims to eliminate the use and abuse of marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol in young adults. This grant award was provided by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://emmer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=BA9FDE60-9AA8-4E79-95F1-7419BC85BCFA,"Emmer Announces $125,000 Grant for Wright County to Achieve Drug Free Communities",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hagedorn.house.gov/media/press-releases/hagedorn-joins-republican-colleagues-calling-aid-small-businesses,"Hagedorn Joins Republican Colleagues in Calling for Aid to American Small Businesses, Workers",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Jim Hagedorn,H001088,hagedorn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) today joined his colleagues on the steps of the United States Capitol calling for the immediate passage of an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) along with additional relief for small businesses in need. Through $11.2 billion in total loans to more than 100,000 small businesses across the state, the PPP has been critical to sustaining Minnesota's economy and workforce since the onset of the pandemic. It's unacceptable that Democrats continue to stall and play politics while small businesses fight just to keep their doors open. While Speaker Pelosi is dithering, Minnesotans are hurting, said Hagedorn. In August, House Republicans fought to free up $138 billion in unspent Paycheck Protection Program funds and permit small business to take out a second loan under the program. Unfortunately, not one of our Democrat colleagues joined us in the effort, and the American people are suffering as a result. It's time to put the partisan games aside and work with us to deliver much needed aid to American small businesses, workers and families, Hagedorn concluded. Watch the full press conference here. Jim Hagedorn was elected in 2018 to represent Minnesota's First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He grew up on his family's grain and livestock farm near Truman. Jim's father, former U.S. Congressman Tom Hagedorn (MN-02), grandfather, and great-grandfather were all southern Minnesota farmers. Jim currently resides in the rural farming community of Blue Earth. Hagedorn brings policy experience to Capitol Hill from time spent as a congressional aide to former U.S. Congressman Arlan Stangeland (MN-07) and a congressional relations officer for two non-partisan U.S. Department of the Treasury agencies. Hagedorn serves on the House Committees on Agriculture and Small Business to promote farming, Main Street enterprises and southern Minnesota's way of life. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/following-bipartisan-call-action-led-us-sen-tina-smith-us-trade-representative-launches-challenge,"Following Bipartisan Call for Action Led by U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, U.S. Trade Representative Launches Challenge to Unfair Canadian Trade Practices that Harm U.S. Dairy Producers",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Says Canada's Unfair Treatment of U.S. Dairy Exports Violates Provisions of New U.S.-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/09/20] U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said today that she was pleased U.S. Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer has taken the first step in challenging unfair Canadian trade practices that are harming dairy producers in Minnesota and across the country. In August, Sen. Smith led a bipartisan group of 25 Senators in pressing Ambassador Lighthizer and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to take action to ensure Canada abides by the dairy provisions of the USMCA. Sen. Smith helped secure stronger dairy trade provisions in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA). The agreement took effect in July, and Lighthizer's action was needed because of the trade barriers Canada has put up to block U.S. dairy exports to that country in violation of the agreement. I fought hard for provision in the USMCA to open up markets for our dairy producers and crack down on Canada's unfair treatment of U.S. dairy exports, said Senator Smith, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Unfortunately, Canada has failed to meet their obligations under the agreement, and I'm pleased that Ambassador Lighthizer has heeded my call to challenge Canada's actions. In this difficult time for American agriculture, it's a much-needed and welcome effort that will help dairy producers in Minnesota and across the country. This week, Ambassador Lighthizer signaled that he will begin dispute settlement proceedings aimed at removing Canadian dairy import barriers. It would be the first enforcement action under the new USMCA.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-urges-sec-to-provide-clarity-for-digital-securities,Emmer Urges SEC to Provide Clarity for Digital Securities,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer sent a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) urging them to address the issue of broker-dealer custody of digital securities. On July 22, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued an interpretive letter which clarified that national banks may provide custody services for crypto assets. Congressman Emmer’s letter urges the SEC to develop similar clarifications necessary for financial entities under their jurisdiction to provide custody services of digital securities, and enable FINRA to approve broker-dealer applications that meet these requirements. Establishing this regulatory guidance would create a level playing field for financial institutions, and provide the financial technology industry with the confidence to develop innovations in America. Additionally, it would expand the market of financial services so Americans can have greater choice and control over their financial futures. ""I was heartened to see the OCC take a lead on this issue, and I encourage the SEC and FINRA to follow suit. We know that strong financial markets attract investment and facilitate capital formation. To foster the digital asset industry in the United States, we need action now,"" said Emmer. Emmer continued, ""Regulators under this Administration have been open and willing to support new technologies. However, it is still critical that they continue to keep up with the pace of innovation. With these important steps, we can cultivate a regulatory environment that supports financial innovations and will foster investment and competition in the United States."" Congressman Emmer's letter urges the SEC to take three important actions: First, issue a formal clarification that banks may act as good control locations for the custody of digital securities. Second, advise FINRA on the specific criteria that must be met for broker-dealers to custody digital securities for their customers and for their own account. Third, instruct FINRA to approve broker-dealer applications that meet those requirements. In addition to five other Members, Congressman Emmer was joined on the letter by the full bipartisan leadership of the Blockchain Caucus, which he Co-Chairs. Read the letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://emmer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9454A4E4-BC25-4F61-BDA4-5484B3FB273A,Emmer Urges SEC to Provide Clarity for Digital Securities,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-progressive-caucus-announces-leadership-team-117th-congress,Congressional Progressive Caucus Announces Leadership Team for the 117th Congress,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Progressive Caucus announced its senior leadership, known as the CPC Executive Board, for the 117th Congress. The incoming Executive Board is made up of twenty-seven members – one Chair, one Deputy Chair, one Whip, three Chair Emeriti, two Special Order Hour Conveners, ten Vice Chairs, one Executive Board Member At-Large, and eight Deputy Whips. The CPC Executive Board is representative of the diversity within the caucus – more than half of Executive Board members are people of color and more than half are women. ""As a lifelong organizer, I am honored that my colleagues have elected me to lead the Congressional Progressive Caucus at this pivotal moment. We have massive crises knocking at our nation's door, and the work of the Progressive Caucus has never been more important. The American people need Congress to lead with vision, conviction, empathy, and dedication to people and families in every community who are struggling right now,"" said CPC Chair Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. ""It's time for Congress to act boldly, restoring power to where it belongs — with the people. I am confident that with this talented leadership team and the expertise and passion of our entire caucus, we can deliver progressive policies that bring real relief to families, advance racial justice, tackle poverty and inequality of any kind, strengthen worker power, advance climate justice, break up monopolies, bring humanity to our immigration system, and help transform this country so working people finally get ahead."" ""I'm deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve in the new role of Deputy Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus,"" said incoming CPC Deputy Chair Congresswoman Katie Porter. ""In 2018, many of my Democratic colleagues and I successfully ran campaigns rooted in progressive values. Rather than shying away from our core principles, we embraced them—making it clear that a progressive agenda is not only the right policy for America, but also a winning political message. I'm eager to continue fighting for progressive ideals, and I look forward to working with Chair Jayapal, Whip Omar, and our newly elected Vice Chairs to push the CPC agenda and make the Progressive Caucus a more unified, effective, and powerful force for progress in Congress."" ""I am honored to be reelected Whip of the Progressive Caucus. We have a unique opportunity to fight for transformative change in the 117th Congress—whether that is addressing the coronavirus pandemic, passing universal healthcare, tackling the climate crisis or reorienting our foreign policy,"" said CPC Whip Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. ""I look forward to continuing to represent my colleagues in building an effective progressive voting bloc in Congress alongside fearless leaders like Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Katie Porter."" The full CPC Executive Board for the 117th Congress will be:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/after-push-us-sen-tina-smith-usda-increasing-incentive-payments-some-conservation-reserve-program,"After Push From U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, USDA Increasing Incentive Payments For Some Conservation Reserve Program Practices from 5 to 20 Percent",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Urges Interested Producers to Contact Local Farm Service Agency Office to Enroll WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/09/20] U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has responded to her push to increase Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) incentive payments for certain CRP practices from 5 percent to 20 percent. In October, Sen. Smith pressed U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to increase incentive payments to stop the enrollment decline in the CRP, which plays a key role in protecting environmentally-sensitive farm land, stopping soil erosion, improving water quality and preserving wildlife habitat. In an October letter to Perdue, Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, pushed him to significantly increase Practice Incentive Payments (PIP) and to begin making rental rate incentive payments, both tools that past Administrations have used to maintain strong enrollment in CRP. She was joined on the letter by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Cory Booker (D-NJ). For 35 years, CRP has provided producers in Minnesota and across the with many economic and conservation benefits, said Senator Smith. Now that USDA has agreed to increase CRP incentive payments, I urge interested farmers to contact their local FSA office for information on enrolling and receiving the increased payments. Sen. Smith said the Farm Service Agency (FSA), which administers CRP, is upping the Practice Incentive Payment for installing practices, from 5 percent to 20 percent. Additionally, producers will receive a 10 percent incentive payment for water quality practices on land enrolled in CRP's continuous signup. Under continuous CRP, producers can enroll environmentally sensitive land devoted to certain conservation practices and can sign up at any time. FSA automatically accepts offers provided the land and producer meet certain eligibility requirements and the enrollment levels do not exceed the number of acres FSA is allowed to enroll in CRP, which was set by the 2018 Farm Bill. For more information on CRP, visit fsa.usda.gov, or contact yourlocal FSA county office.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/amid-covid-surge-us-sens-smith-warren-share-findings-investigation-national-testing-capacity,"Amid COVID Surge, U.S. Sens. Smith & Warren Share Findings From Investigation into National Testing Capacity & Pediatric Testing Availability",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Share Summary of Their Investigation, Urge U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to Improve National Testing Infrastructure WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/09/20]Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) shared a summary of the findings from their investigation into our nation's testing capacity and the availability of pediatric testing. Sens. Smith and Warrenboth members of the Senate Health Committeesent their findings to Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar and made recommendations to improve the nation's testing infrastructure. Together, our findings reveal significant gaps in COVID-19 testing capacity, exacerbating the ongoing public health threat. Addressing these problems will require aggressive federal government action, wrote Sens. Smith and Warren in their letter to Sec. Azar. We have previously called for dedicated federal funding and a national testing plan to ensure that everyone who needs a COVID-19 test can access one quickly and easily. You can access text of the letter here. Sens. Smith and Warren also shared the following recommendations with Sec. Azar: Invoke the Defense Production Act to make sure testing labs and providers have access to the supplies needed to conduct tests and that supplies are reaching the communities that need them; Clarify testing payment rules so that patients and providers can more clearly understand when third-party payers, the government, or other responsible parties should provide reimbursement for various types of COVID-19; Provide guidance on appropriate procedures for testing children, including education and outreach so retail providers can offer pediatric testing services more widely; and Work with independent pharmacies to address supply chain issues and provide greater access to tests so that they are able to participate in the HHS Community-Based Testing Sites program. In August of this year, Sens. Smith and Warren wrote to five of the largest COVID-19 testing labs about each company's capacity to process diagnostic tests and deliver timely results. The responses to these letters showed that surges in the summer months strained the labs' capacity. They experienced supply shortages, and they also experiences confusion about payment and reimbursement. Additionally, after reports of families having difficulty getting COVID-19 testing for young children, in October Sens. Smith and Warren wrote to retail providers in the HHS Community-Based Testing Sites partnership for information about pediatric testing policies and expanding testing to more age groups. The responses showed that the main barrier to expanding pediatric testing is the providers' use of self-swab test kits. These kits are difficult for kids and caregivers to use, and it's also difficult for independent pharmacies to get the tests needed to take part in the HHS program. After Sens. Smith and Warren's letters, Walgreens said it would start offering tests for children as young as three years old. Rite Aid said it would offer testing for children as young as 13. And back in April, Sens. Smith and Warren led 44 of their colleagues in calling on Vice President Mike Pence, Head of the White House Coronavirus Taskforce, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to conduct an inventory of the national COVID-19 diagnostic testing suppy, release date on testing results, and provide a clear plan and timeline for addressing future shortages and gaps in the testing supply chain. Vice President Pence and the Trump administration did not take these actions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/minnesota-and-north-dakota-congressional-leaders-introduce-bill-to-rename-wayzata-post-office-in-honor-of-former-representative-jim-ramstad,Minnesota and North Dakota Congressional Leaders Introduce Bill to Rename Wayzata Post Office in Honor of Former Representative Jim Ramstad,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Legislation to rename the Wayzata Post Office was introduced in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Dean Phillips introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to rename the Wayzata post office in honor of former Minnesota Representative Jim Ramstad who passed away last month. Senator Tina Smith and Representatives Tom Emmer (MN-06), Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Collin Peterson (MN-07), and Pete Stauber (MN-08) have also sponsored the legislation. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and John Hoeven (R-ND) joined as original cosponsors as Ramstad was born in North Dakota. Representative Phillips holds the seat Ramstad once held. “Minnesota has lost a friend and hero - former Representative Jim Ramstad. He was a faithful public servant whose personal struggle with addiction guided his life’s work to help those struggling with substance abuse and mental health,” Klobuchar said. “He was a true mentor to me on how to work with both Democrats and Republicans to get things done. Renaming the Wayzata post office in Jim’s name will allow Minnesotans to remember Jim for generations to come.” “Jim Ramstad served the people of Minnesota’s Third District – first as a citizen, then as a state Senator, then as a U.S. Congressman – for three decades,” Phillips said. “I am humbled to serve the very same community as he once did, and continue to look to his example for inspiration. His work leading the passage of the Paul Wellstone Mental Health Act was a powerful display of bipartisan leadership that has helped millions of families access the health care they need. Renaming the Wayzata Post Office in his name is a small gesture, but one I hope will add to the growing symphony of affection for the man who left a remarkable legacy in our community, our state, and our country.” Representative Jim Ramstad served in Congress from 1991 until 2009. He was a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Health and Trade Subcommittees and Chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee. Ramstad also served on the House Small Business Committee and co-chaired the Addiction Treatment and Recovery Caucus, Medical Technology Caucus, Law Enforcement Caucus and Disabilities Caucus. Representative Ramstad was co-sponsor of the landmark Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Parity Act which became law in 2008. “Jim Ramstad believed in and embodied the best of Minnesota values. As a State Senator and as a member of Congress he served with dignity and pragmatism, and he worked with both Republicans and Democrats to get things accomplished for our state,” Smith said. “Because he reached across the aisle to solve problems, many of his accomplishments are long lasting and touched the lives of people, not only in Minnesota, but across our country. Naming the Wayzata Post Office in his honor is a fitting tribute to his important legacy.” “Representative Ramstad, who was born in Jamestown, North Dakota, served in Congress for nearly 20 years,” Hoeven said. “Renaming the Wayzata post office is one way that we can honor his many years of public service.” “As a young politico in North Dakota, I was always proud of Congressman Ramstad’s political accomplishments and prowess. A native of Jamestown, ‘Rammer’ demonstrated how to carry that North Dakota work ethic to Congress and represent his constituents well,” Cramer said. “I am grateful to have gotten to know him over the years and to be a part of this effort to honor his memory and time in public service.” “Representative Jim Ramstad was a friend, a role model, and an incredible advocate for Minnesotans.” Emmer said. “His work on mental health care and addiction recovery are the inspirations for the work I do today. I hope to honor his legacy by serving Minnesotans with the same integrity that he did. Renaming the Wayzata post office for Representative Ramstad will continue to secure his rightful place in Minnesota history.” “Jim Ramstad served Minnesota and the nation honorably for nearly three decades and his dedication to increasing access to mental health and addiction treatment was nothing short of heroic,” Hagedorn said. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to honor the memory and legacy of Congressman Ramstad.” “I’m proud to join the full Minnesota delegation in an effort to rename the Wayzata post office in honor of former Representative Jim Ramstad,” Craig said. “His years of dedicated public service and his passionate advocacy for folks struggling with addiction made our state a better place and earned him this recognition.” “Congressman Jim Ramstad was a champion for Minnesota and someone I worked with on public education and women’s reproductive health,” McCollum said. “Jim was an effective, respected leader who will be missed by many, and this is one way we can honor his legacy.” “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jim Ramstad,” Omar said. “I applaud his years of service to our state and his commitment to improve the lives of Minnesotans. I’m glad to join my colleagues in support of renaming the Wayzata post office in Jim Ramstad’s name. May this renaming provide a smile to all those who knew and loved him.” “I served with Jim Ramstad in both the Minnesota Senate and in Congress,” Peterson said. “Jim was an outstanding public servant. He left an impact on his district and renaming the Wayzata Post Office for him is a fitting tribute to his service to his constituents.” “Jim Ramstad was an effective leader whose advocacy helped countless Americans struggling with addiction,” Stauber said. “Although I did not know Jim personally, his strong legacy of bipartisanship and dedicated service to our state serves as an inspiration to me and countless others. His incredible work has made a lasting impact that will be felt for generations to come, so I am honored to help ensure the Wayzata post office is renamed in his honor.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://emmer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=882FED14-05D5-40E4-A165-0A6580563886,Minnesota and North Dakota Congressional Leaders Introduce Bill to Rename Wayzata Post Office in Honor of Former Representative Jim Ramstad,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hagedorn.house.gov/media/press-releases/hagedorn-supports-restoration-ppp-expenses-deductibility,Hagedorn Supports Restoration of PPP Expenses Deductibility,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Jim Hagedorn,H001088,hagedorn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) yesterday joined a bipartisan coalition of 55 freshman House colleagues in a letter to House leadership, urging the restoration of deductibility for forgiven Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) expenses. While we appreciate previous COVID-related legislation in the House of Representatives addressed this important issue, we request Congress restore deductibility before the end of the year. If this notice is not corrected, the regulatory decision will damage the lasting success of the PPP program and hinder the small business economy's recovery from this crisis, the lawmakers wrote. The Paycheck Protection Program has been critical to the ability of small businesses across the country to maintain operations and keep Americans employed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as businesses are struggling to stay open through increased restrictions and statewide lockdowns, they simply cannot afford the surprise tax increases they will face if we do not restore deductions, said Hagedorn. Read the full letter here. Jim Hagedorn was elected in 2018 to represent Minnesota's First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He grew up on his family's grain and livestock farm near Truman. Jim's father, former U.S. Congressman Tom Hagedorn (MN-02), grandfather, and great-grandfather were all southern Minnesota farmers. Jim currently resides in the rural farming community of Blue Earth. Hagedorn brings policy experience to Capitol Hill from time spent as a congressional aide to former U.S. Congressman Arlan Stangeland (MN-07) and a congressional relations officer for two non-partisan U.S. Department of the Treasury agencies. Hagedorn serves on the House Committees on Agriculture and Small Business to promote farming, Main Street enterprises and southern Minnesota's way of life. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hagedorn.house.gov/media/press-releases/small-contractors-legislation-included-ndaa,Hagedorn's Small Contractors Legislation Included in NDAA,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Jim Hagedorn,H001088,hagedorn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jim Hagedorn's bipartisan legislation, H.R. 5146, the Unlocking Opportunities for Small Businesses Act, has been included in the final Conference Report of H.R. 6395, the Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA). Hagedorn voted in favor of the NDAA, which passed the House by a vote of 335-78. Once passed in the Senate, the bill will move to the president's desk to be signed into law. My bill expands opportunities for small businesses to compete as prime contractors for federal contracts. By enhancing access to the marketplace, we will incentivize small businesses to enter or rejoin the federal contracting community, and, as a result, federal agencies and the American people will benefit with increased efficiency and improved service, said Hagedorn. In addition to increasing competition in the federal contracting marketplace, this year's NDAA provides an array of pro-defense policies and authorizations to rebuild and strengthen America's Armed Forces. As a champion of Peace Through Strength,' I'm pleased the legislation provides increased resources to America's troops at home and abroad, modernizes U.S. weapons systems, and continues to assure America's military superiority over adversaries such as China, Russia and North Korea. While I do not support every line item of this bill, I am proud to support this bipartisan measure that promotes America's long-term security interests and the well-being of our military heroes and their families, Hagedorn added. H.R. 5146, which Hagedorn introduced alongside Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA) and passed the House as a standalone bill on January 8, 2020, works to remove barriers to entry for small businesses looking to compete for federal prime contracts by requiring contract officers to consider relevant past performance and subcontractor experience of these companies. The Hagedorn Amendment can be found in Section 868 of the Conference Report. Jim Hagedorn was elected in 2018 to represent Minnesota's First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He grew up on his family's grain and livestock farm near Truman. Jim's father, former U.S. Congressman Tom Hagedorn (MN-02), grandfather, and great-grandfather were all southern Minnesota farmers. Jim currently resides in the rural farming community of Blue Earth. Hagedorn brings policy experience to Capitol Hill from time spent as a congressional aide to former U.S. Congressman Arlan Stangeland (MN-07) and a congressional relations officer for two non-partisan U.S. Department of the Treasury agencies. Hagedorn serves on the House Committees on Agriculture and Small Business to promote farming, Main Street enterprises and southern Minnesota's way of life. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-leaders-introduce-bill-rename-wayzata-post-office-honor-former,Congressional Leaders Introduce Bill to Rename Wayzata Post Office in Honor of Former Representative Jim Ramstad,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Dean Phillips introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to rename the Wayzata post office in honor of former Minnesota Representative Jim Ramstad who passed away last month. Senator Tina Smith and Representatives Tom Emmer (MN-06), Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Collin Peterson (MN-07), and Pete Stauber (MN-08) have also sponsored the legislation. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and John Hoeven (R-ND) joined as original cosponsors as Ramstad was born in North Dakota. Representative Phillips holds the seat Ramstad once held. ""Minnesota has lost a friend and hero - former Representative Jim Ramstad. He was a faithful public servant whose personal struggle with addiction guided his life's work to help those struggling with substance abuse and mental health,"" Klobuchar said. ""He was a true mentor to me on how to work with both Democrats and Republicans to get things done. Renaming the Wayzata post office in Jim's name will allow Minnesotans to remember Jim for generations to come."" ""Jim Ramstad served the people of Minnesota's Third District – first as a citizen, then as a state Senator, then as a U.S. Congressman – for three decades,"" Phillips said. ""I am humbled to serve the very same community as he once did, and continue to look to his example for inspiration. His work leading the passage of the Paul Wellstone Mental Health Act was a powerful display of bipartisan leadership that has helped millions of families access the health care they need. Renaming the Wayzata Post Office in his name is a small gesture, but one I hope will add to the growing symphony of affection for the man who left a remarkable legacy in our community, our state, and our country."" Representative Jim Ramstad served in Congress from 1991 until 2009. He was a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Health and Trade Subcommittees and Chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee. Ramstad also served on the House Small Business Committee and co-chaired the Addiction Treatment and Recovery Caucus, Medical Technology Caucus, Law Enforcement Caucus and Disabilities Caucus. Representative Ramstad was co-sponsor of the landmark Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Parity Act which became law in 2008. ""I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jim Ramstad,"" Omar said. ""I applaud his years of service to our state and his commitment to improve the lives of Minnesotans. I'm glad to join my colleagues in support of renaming the Wayzata post office in Jim Ramstad's name. May this renaming provide a smile to all those who knew and loved him."" ""Jim Ramstad believed in and embodied the best of Minnesota values. As a State Senator and as a member of Congress he served with dignity and pragmatism, and he worked with both Republicans and Democrats to get things accomplished for our state,"" Smith said. ""Because he reached across the aisle to solve problems, many of his accomplishments are long lasting and touched the lives of people, not only in Minnesota, but across our country. Naming the Wayzata Post Office in his honor is a fitting tribute to his important legacy."" ""Representative Ramstad, who was born in Jamestown, North Dakota, served in Congress for nearly 20 years,"" Hoeven said. ""Renaming the Wayzata post office is one way that we can honor his many years of public service."" ""As a young politico in North Dakota, I was always proud of Congressman Ramstad's political accomplishments and prowess. A native of Jamestown, ‘Rammer' demonstrated how to carry that North Dakota work ethic to Congress and represent his constituents well,"" Cramer said. ""I am grateful to have gotten to know him over the years and to be a part of this effort to honor his memory and time in public service."" ""Representative Jim Ramstad was a friend, a role model, and an incredible advocate for Minnesotans."" Emmer said. ""His work on mental health care and addiction recovery are the inspirations for the work I do today. I hope to honor his legacy by serving Minnesotans with the same integrity that he did. Renaming the Wayzata post office for Representative Ramstad will continue to secure his rightful place in Minnesota history."" ""Jim Ramstad served Minnesota and the nation honorably for nearly three decades and his dedication to increasing access to mental health and addiction treatment was nothing short of heroic,"" Hagedorn said. ""I'm proud to join this bipartisan effort to honor the memory and legacy of Congressman Ramstad."" ""I'm proud to join the full Minnesota delegation in an effort to rename the Wayzata post office in honor of former Representative Jim Ramstad,"" Craig said. ""His years of dedicated public service and his passionate advocacy for folks struggling with addiction made our state a better place and earned him this recognition."" ""Congressman Jim Ramstad was a champion for Minnesota and someone I worked with on public education and women's reproductive health,"" McCollum said. ""Jim was an effective, respected leader who will be missed by many, and this is one way we can honor his legacy."" ""I served with Jim Ramstad in both the Minnesota Senate and in Congress,"" Peterson said. ""Jim was an outstanding public servant. He left an impact on his district and renaming the Wayzata Post Office for him is a fitting tribute to his service to his constituents."" ""Jim Ramstad was an effective leader whose advocacy helped countless Americans struggling with addiction,"" Stauber said. ""Although I did not know Jim personally, his strong legacy of bipartisanship and dedicated service to our state serves as an inspiration to me and countless others. His incredible work has made a lasting impact that will be felt for generations to come, so I am honored to help ensure the Wayzata post office is renamed in his honor."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-omar-leads-letter-calling-additional-relief-checks-next-covid-19-package,Rep. Omar Leads Letter Calling for Additional Relief Checks in Next COVID-19 Package,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) led a letter to House and Senate leadership calling for the inclusion of relief checks in the next COVID-19 stimulus package. The letter also reinforces the calls made by countless Americans to provide direct cash assistance in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. ""Millions across this country are without a job, without a paycheck, and without an ounce of compassion from the President of the United States,"" Rep. Omar said. ""Children are going to bed with an empty stomach because of this economic crisis. Families are worried about whether they will be on the streets when the eviction moratorium expires just weeks from now. Eight million additional people are in poverty now as a result of this government's failure to meet their basic human needs. The American people are suffering, and their leaders continue to ignore their plight. The American people are crying out for direct relief in the form of stimulus checks."" The cash assistance included in the CARES Act proved to be an effective way to provide direct support to the American people and shielded families from financial ruin. The previous relief checks also increased consumer spending, which helped boost economic activity. Economists project similar outcomes for subsequent relief checks. ""The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major shocks to the U.S. economy and public health system in our modern history,"" the members wrote. ""This pandemic has only worsened existing systemic inequities in our society, with low-wage earners, women, and Black and Latino communities disproportionately suffering from the human and economic toll of the virus. Almost half of all households in the United States reported experiencing serious financial concerns such as running out of savings and not having enough money for basic necessities. Direct cash assistance has become a lifeline for the American people."" The letter was signed by Rashida Tlaib, Jamie Raskin, Ayanna Pressley, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Donald S. Beyer Jr., Earl Blumenauer, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Suzanne Bonamici, Brendan Boyle, Tony Cárdenas, André Carson, Kathy Castor, Judy Chu, David N. Cicilline, Emanuel Cleaver, Jim Cooper, Madeleine Dean, Mark DeSaulnier, Veronica Escobar, Adriano Espaillat, Ruben Gallego, Sylvia R. Garcia, Al Green, Raúl M. Grijalva, Jimmy Gomez, Deb Haaland, Jahana Hayes, Pramila Jayapal, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Robin L. Kelly, Ro Khanna, John B. Larson, Brenda L. Lawrence, Barbara Lee, Alan Lowenthal, Carolyn B. Maloney, James P. McGovern, Jerry McNerney, Grace Meng, Gwen Moore, Jerrold Nadler, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chellie Pingree, Mark Pocan, Bobby L. Rush, Tim Ryan, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jan Schakowsky, José E. Serrano, Albio Sires, Mark Takano, Dina Titus, Lauren Underwood, Juan Vargas, Nydia M. Velázquez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Peter Welch. This letter was endorsed by Children's Defense Fund, Church World Service, Closing the Women's Wealth Gap, Common Defense, Demand Progress, Economic Security Project Action, Equal Rights Advocates, Friends of the Earth U.S., Indivisible, Native Women Lead, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Public Citizen, Tax March, Voices for Progress, Center for Popular Democracy, and Sunrise Movement. You can read the full letter here and below. The Honorable Speaker Nancy Pelosi The Honorable Mitch McConnell Speaker Majority Leader U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate H-232, U.S. Capitol S-230, U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Kevin McCarthy The Honorable Charles E. Schumer Minority Leader Minority Leader U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate H-204, U.S. Capitol S-221, U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Leader McConnell, and Leader Schumer: We write to convey the indisputable need to including relief checks in the stimulus package currently being negotiated, and to reinforce the call made by countless Americans for continued direct cash payments in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major shocks to the U.S. economy and public health system in our modern history. This pandemic has only worsened existing systemic inequities in our society, with low-wage earners, women, and Black and Latino communities disproportionately suffering from the human and economic toll of the virus. Almost half of all households in the United States reported experiencing serious financial concerns such as running out of savings and not having enough money for basic necessities.[1] Direct cash assistance has become a lifeline for the American people. We have learned from the CARES Act that the Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) saved many families from financial ruin and sheltered the economy as a whole. According to a Census Household Pulse Survey, most respondents used these checks to pay for everyday expenses including food, rents/mortgages, utilities, and other consumer debts.[2] This boost in consumer spending in the second quarter helped to prop up the economy. These cash payments were one of the main reasons why the poverty rate fell in the early months of the pandemic, before beginning to rise again as critical fiscal aid has been depleted or set to expire.[3] Now that much of the fiscal assistance in the CARES Act has run out, consumer spending is trending downward while COVID-19 cases are spiking across the country. It is clear that we need to provide financial support to those who must stay home, and prevent our most vulnerable populations from being pushed into poverty and homelessness. This type of cash assistance has already proved to be one of the most effective and most equitable ways to directly support the American people this year. Excluding universal and direct cash relief from the next stimulus will leave behind tens of millions of people who have lost income as well as many struggling individuals who cannot work and those left out of federal support programs. A robust relief package must pair cash assistance programming with increased unemployment insurance (UI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), aid to states and localities, and childcare funding. However, direct payments are one of the quickest ways to bring relief to the most people and must be a priority in the next package to ensure that American families will have the unconditional aid they need to support themselves and their local economies during this perilous time in our nation's history. We hope that you will keep in mind this urgent need as you continue to craft a relief package to help struggling Americans as we reach the end of the year. Our constituents are in great need, and we have a duty to deliver the most effective, most direct assistance possible. Thank you for your consideration,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-omar-ndaa-power-military-industrial-complex-firmly-entrenched,Rep. Omar on NDAA: Power of the Military-Industrial Complex ‘Firmly Entrenched’,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON–Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): ""It is unconscionable to pass a Pentagon budget that continues to fund unnecessary projects and endless wars during a time of widespread suffering across our country. Thousands of Minnesotans are struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. We should be investing our resources here at home—not increasing our already exorbitant Pentagon budget. ""This bill further commits our servicemembers to escalations abroad—including a now-two-decade old unpopular war in Afghanistan. Every dollar we spend on endless wars is another missed opportunity to invest in our communities. Shamefully, this bill does nothing to stop arms sales to some of the most corrupt and brutal regimes in the world, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. ""Congress should focus on responding to the urgent needs of the American people such as prioritizing healthcare, housing assistance, and food access—not passing a $740.5 billion bill to appease defense contractors and special interests. ""In 1961, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a Republican President and former esteemed World War II general, warned that ‘We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.' ""Nearly sixty years later to the day, this misplaced power is firmly entrenched.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/senator-klobuchar-representative-phillips-and-minnesota-and-north-dakota,"Senator Klobuchar, Representative Phillips, and Minnesota and North Dakota Congressional Leaders Introduce Bill to Rename Wayzata Post Office in Honor of Former Representative Jim Ramstad",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Dean Phillips,P000616,phillips.house.gov,,,legacy,"MINNEAPOLIS U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Dean Phillips introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to rename the Wayzata post office in honor of former Minnesota Representative Jim Ramstad who passed away last month. Senator Tina Smith and Representatives Tom Emmer (MN-06), Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Collin Peterson (MN-07), and Pete Stauber (MN-08) have also sponsored the legislation. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and John Hoeven (R-ND) joined as original cosponsors as Ramstad was born in North Dakota. Representative Phillips holds the seat Ramstad once held. Minnesota has lost a friend and hero - former Representative Jim Ramstad. He was a faithful public servant whose personal struggle with addiction guided his life's work to help those struggling with substance abuse and mental health, Klobuchar said. He was a true mentor to me on how to work with both Democrats and Republicans to get things done. Renaming the Wayzata post office in Jim's name will allow Minnesotans to remember Jim for generations to come. Jim Ramstad served the people of Minnesota's Third District first as a citizen, then as a state Senator, then as a U.S. Congressman for three decades, Phillips said. I am humbled to serve the very same community as he once did, and continue to look to his example for inspiration. His work leading the passage of the Paul Wellstone Mental Health Act was a powerful display of bipartisan leadership that has helped millions of families access the health care they need. Renaming the Wayzata Post Office in his name is a small gesture, but one I hope will add to the growing symphony of affection for the man who left a remarkable legacy in our community, our state, and our country. Representative Jim Ramstad served in Congress from 1991 until 2009. He was a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Health and Trade Subcommittees and Chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee. Ramstad also served on the House Small Business Committee and co-chaired the Addiction Treatment and Recovery Caucus, Medical Technology Caucus, Law Enforcement Caucus and Disabilities Caucus. Representative Ramstad was co-sponsor of the landmark Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Parity Act which became law in 2008. Jim Ramstad believed in and embodied the best of Minnesota values. As a State Senator and as a member of Congress he served with dignity and pragmatism, and he worked with both Republicans and Democrats to get things accomplished for our state, Smith said. Because he reached across the aisle to solve problems, many of his accomplishments are long lasting and touched the lives of people, not only in Minnesota, but across our country. Naming the Wayzata Post Office in his honor is a fitting tribute to his important legacy. Representative Ramstad, who was born in Jamestown, North Dakota, served in Congress for nearly 20 years, Hoeven said. Renaming the Wayzata post office is one way that we can honor his many years of public service. As a young politico in North Dakota, I was always proud of Congressman Ramstad's political accomplishments and prowess. A native of Jamestown, Rammer' demonstrated how to carry that North Dakota work ethic to Congress and represent his constituents well, Cramer said. I am grateful to have gotten to know him over the years and to be a part of this effort to honor his memory and time in public service. Representative Jim Ramstad was a friend, a role model, and an incredible advocate for Minnesotans. Emmer said. His work on mental health care and addiction recovery are the inspirations for the work I do today. I hope to honor his legacy by serving Minnesotans with the same integrity that he did. Renaming the Wayzata post office for Representative Ramstad will continue to secure his rightful place in Minnesota history. Jim Ramstad served Minnesota and the nation honorably for nearly three decades and his dedication to increasing access to mental health and addiction treatment was nothing short of heroic, Hagedorn said. I'm proud to join this bipartisan effort to honor the memory and legacy of Congressman Ramstad. I'm proud to join the full Minnesota delegation in an effort to rename the Wayzata post office in honor of former Representative Jim Ramstad, Craig said. His years of dedicated public service and his passionate advocacy for folks struggling with addiction made our state a better place and earned him this recognition. Congressman Jim Ramstad was a champion for Minnesota and someone I worked with on public education and women's reproductive health, McCollum said. Jim was an effective, respected leader who will be missed by many, and this is one way we can honor his legacy. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jim Ramstad, Omar said. I applaud his years of service to our state and his commitment to improve the lives of Minnesotans. I'm glad to join my colleagues in support of renaming the Wayzata post office in Jim Ramstad's name. May this renaming provide a smile to all those who knew and loved him. I served with Jim Ramstad in both the Minnesota Senate and in Congress, Peterson said. Jim was an outstanding public servant. He left an impact on his district and renaming the Wayzata Post Office for him is a fitting tribute to his service to his constituents. Jim Ramstad was an effective leader whose advocacy helped countless Americans struggling with addiction, Stauber said. Although I did not know Jim personally, his strong legacy of bipartisanship and dedicated service to our state serves as an inspiration to me and countless others. His incredible work has made a lasting impact that will be felt for generations to come, so I am honored to help ensure the Wayzata post office is renamed in his honor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-funding-job-training-and-services-combat-opioid-crisis,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Funding for Job Training and Services To Combat Opioid Crisis",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Department of Labor awarded the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development up to $1,368,421 to train at least 200 displaced workers WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith announced that the U.S. Department of Labor awarded an opioid-crisis National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker grant to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for up to $1,368,421 to train at least 200 displaced workers. The opioid epidemic is hurting communities across Minnesotanone have been immune from its devastating effects, Klobuchar said. This crucial funding will provide job training across the state and support those who are in recovery and preparing to rejoin the workforce. This grant willcreate economic opportunity for Minnesotans whose careers have beenimpacted by the opioid crisis,Smith said.The grant will help individuals re-enter the workforce by providing them with employment and training services. It will alsooffer recovery support through peer-support counseling. I look forward to following the progress made by the200workers, and I'll keep pushing for workforce development that reflectsthe needs ofMinnesotans."" An initial award of $800,000 will support disaster-relief jobs and provide employment services to eligible people in Minnesota communities affected by the health and economic effects of widespread opioid use, addiction, and overdose. The project will focus on the creation of peer-support counseling positions that will address the unique recovery needs of people affected by opioid use and on the brink of homelessness. The grant will also provide employment and training services to help workers affected by the opioid crisis rejoin the workforce. The State will provide these services to eligible individuals across 46 counties throughout central and southeast Minnesota. Dislocated Worker Grants temporarily expand the service capacity of dislocated worker programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events that cause significant job losses. Klobuchar has long led local and national efforts to address substance use disorder and help people overcome addiction. In October 2018, three of Klobuchar's bipartisan bills to combat the opioid epidemic were signed into law as part of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act. The Synthetic Abuse and Labeling of Toxic Substances (SALTS) Act, which Klobuchar introduced with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), will make it easier to prosecute the sale and distribution of analogue drugs, which are synthetic substances that are substantially similar to illegal drugs. The Synthetics Trafficking & Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act, which Klobuchar introduced with Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), will help stop dangerous synthetic drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil from being shipped through our borders to drug traffickers here in the United States. The Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act, which Klobuchar introduced with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), will help crack down on health care facilities or providers that try to game the system to take advantage of vulnerable patients. In February 2018, Klobuchar and Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) 2.0 Act. The bill would increase the funding authorization levels for the CARA programs enacted in 2016 and put in place additional policy reforms to help combat the opioid epidemic. To build on the monumental first step of CARA, Klobuchar also introduced the Prescription Drug Monitoring Act, which would require the use of strong prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) in all states that receive certain federal funding to combat opioid abuse and also requires states to make their PDMP data available to other states. Last year, she and other senators introduced the Budgeting for Opioid Addiction Treatment (LifeBOAT) Act, which would establish a reliable funding stream to provide and expand access to treatment for substance use disorders. Sen. Smith has made workforce development a top priority. In 2018 Sen. Smith's priorities to expand workforce development were signed into law by the President. This included her efforts to help recruit career and technical education teachers, expand career exploration activities to include middle school students, ensure small and rural school districts receive fair share of program funding, and increase the amount of funding to school districts to train students for careers in technical fields. Sen. Smith is also focused on addressing the opioid crisis. In 2018 a number of efforts championed by Sen. Smith to help combat thecrisis were signed into law by the President. This includedher provisions to establish comprehensive opioid recovery centers, expand access to medication-assisted treatment, and improve access to health professionals, tele-health services, long-distance care and recovery housing services. It also included her provisions to expandaccess to opioid reversal drugs, like naloxone, for first responders.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/senator-klobuchar-representative-phillips-and-minnesota-and-north-dakota-congressional-leaders,"Senator Klobuchar, Representative Phillips, and Minnesota and North Dakota Congressional Leaders Introduce Bill to Rename Wayzata Post Office in Honor of Former Representative Jim Ramstad",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation to rename the Wayzata Post Office was introduced in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives MINNEAPOLIS U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Dean Phillips introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to rename the Wayzata post office in honor of former Minnesota Representative Jim Ramstad who passed away last month. Senator Tina Smith and Representatives Tom Emmer (MN-06), Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Collin Peterson (MN-07), and Pete Stauber (MN-08) have also sponsored the legislation. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and John Hoeven (R-ND) joined as original cosponsors as Ramstad was born in North Dakota. Representative Phillips holds the seat Ramstad once held. Minnesota has lost a friend and hero - former Representative Jim Ramstad. He was a faithful public servant whose personal struggle with addiction guided his life's work to help those struggling with substance abuse and mental health, Klobuchar said. He was a true mentor to me on how to work with both Democrats and Republicans to get things done. Renaming the Wayzata post office in Jim's name will allow Minnesotans to remember Jim for generations to come. Jim Ramstad served the people of Minnesota's Third District first as a citizen, then as a state Senator, then as a U.S. Congressman for three decades, Phillips said. I am humbled to serve the very same community as he once did, and continue to look to his example for inspiration. His work leading the passage of the Paul Wellstone Mental Health Act was a powerful display of bipartisan leadership that has helped millions of families access the health care they need. Renaming the Wayzata Post Office in his name is a small gesture, but one I hope will add to the growing symphony of affection for the man who left a remarkable legacy in our community, our state, and our country. Representative Jim Ramstad served in Congress from 1991 until 2009. He was a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Health and Trade Subcommittees and Chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee. Ramstad also served on the House Small Business Committee and co-chaired the Addiction Treatment and Recovery Caucus, Medical Technology Caucus, Law Enforcement Caucus and Disabilities Caucus. Representative Ramstad was co-sponsor of the landmark Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Parity Act which became law in 2008. Jim Ramstad believed in and embodied the best of Minnesota values. As a State Senator and as a member of Congress he served with dignity and pragmatism, and he worked with both Republicans and Democrats to get things accomplished for our state, Smith said. Because he reached across the aisle to solve problems, many of his accomplishments are long lasting and touched the lives of people, not only in Minnesota, but across our country. Naming the Wayzata Post Office in his honor is a fitting tribute to his important legacy. Representative Ramstad, who was born in Jamestown, North Dakota, served in Congress for nearly 20 years, Hoeven said. Renaming the Wayzata post office is one way that we can honor his many years of public service. As a young politico in North Dakota, I was always proud of Congressman Ramstad's political accomplishments and prowess. A native of Jamestown, Rammer' demonstrated how to carry that North Dakota work ethic to Congress and represent his constituents well, Cramer said. I am grateful to have gotten to know him over the years and to be a part of this effort to honor his memory and time in public service. Representative Jim Ramstad was a friend, a role model, and an incredible advocate for Minnesotans. Emmer said. His work on mental health care and addiction recovery are the inspirations for the work I do today. I hope to honor his legacy by serving Minnesotans with the same integrity that he did. Renaming the Wayzata post office for Representative Ramstad will continue to secure his rightful place in Minnesota history. Jim Ramstad served Minnesota and the nation honorably for nearly three decades and his dedication to increasing access to mental health and addiction treatment was nothing short of heroic, Hagedorn said. I'm proud to join this bipartisan effort to honor the memory and legacy of Congressman Ramstad. I'm proud to join the full Minnesota delegation in an effort to rename the Wayzata post office in honor of former Representative Jim Ramstad, Craig said. His years of dedicated public service and his passionate advocacy for folks struggling with addiction made our state a better place and earned him this recognition. Congressman Jim Ramstad was a champion for Minnesota and someone I worked with on public education and women's reproductive health, McCollum said. Jim was an effective, respected leader who will be missed by many, and this is one way we can honor his legacy. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jim Ramstad, Omar said. I applaud his years of service to our state and his commitment to improve the lives of Minnesotans. I'm glad to join my colleagues in support of renaming the Wayzata post office in Jim Ramstad's name. May this renaming provide a smile to all those who knew and loved him. I served with Jim Ramstad in both the Minnesota Senate and in Congress, Peterson said. Jim was an outstanding public servant. He left an impact on his district and renaming the Wayzata Post Office for him is a fitting tribute to his service to his constituents. Jim Ramstad was an effective leader whose advocacy helped countless Americans struggling with addiction, Stauber said. Although I did not know Jim personally, his strong legacy of bipartisanship and dedicated service to our state serves as an inspiration to me and countless others. His incredible work has made a lasting impact that will be felt for generations to come, so I am honored to help ensure the Wayzata post office is renamed in his honor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smith-leads-bipartisan-senate-effort-reduce-greenhouse-emissions,U.S. Senator Tina Smith Leads Bipartisan Senate Effort to Reduce Greenhouse Emissions,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Group of Senators Offer Tax Credit Changes Designed to Cut Amount of Carbon Sent into Atmosphere WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/08/20]U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and a bipartisan group of senators have introduced legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making tax credits that encourage carbon capture projects more available and easier to use. The measure, the 45Q Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage Tax Credit Amendments Act of 2020, was introduced recently by Sen. Smith and Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.). It would reduce barriers to full utilization of the credit. The bill would extend the tax credit to encourage more carbon capture projects and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also includes other modifications to make the credit more useful. Sen. Smith will push to bundle the legislation with other clean energy credits. By passing a comprehensive clean energy tax credit package, we can help our economy recover from the current economic crisis while also moving us towards our climate goals, she said. We need to do everything we can to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, said Sen. Smith. Our bipartisan legislation, when coupled with extensions of other clean energy tax credits, will provide a win-win: good for our environment and good for our economy. In the time since our bipartisan group of Senators came together to create the FUTURE Actone of the most significant climate policies in U.S. history and certainly that with the most job creation and preservation potentialthe economic situation in our country has completely changed, said Sen. Capito. Since that time, we have not rested on our laurels. Instead, we have continued to engage with our industry, environmental, and labor stakeholders to ensure that the regulatory guidance implemented congressional intent and to look at next steps on how to maximize the return on these taxpayer investments, especially as we recover economically from COVID-19. The 45Q CCUS Amendments Act reflects the targeted, consensus-based changes called for by our stakeholders. These small modifications, following the models of previous energy policies that are supported by members of both parties for now well-established industries, will make a big difference in putting American innovation to work growing our economy and combatting climate change in a responsible way, regardless of the current economic circumstances. Our bipartisan FUTURE Act was a win for our climate and the promising new carbon capture technologies looking to gain a foothold in the market, said Sen. Whitehouse. This bill extends the credit for carbon capture, boosting technologies that remove carbon directly from the atmosphere and cutting carbon pollution at industrial facilities. I am pleased to continue this important bipartisan work with Senators Capito and Barrasso. North Dakota is leading the way in the development of clean, reliable energy by investing and applying carbon capture and use technologies to our lignite, oil, and ethanol facilities. Our bill will allow our innovators to get the most out of the tax credits we created, incentivizing further investments and ultimately lowering emissions, said Sen. Cramer. I appreciate Senator Capito and Senator Whitehouse's continued leadership on this issue and urge my colleagues to support our bipartisan legislation. This legislation would make the 45Q and 48A tax credits more accessible and benefit our coal producers, helping them to better take advantage of these critical revenue streams through the implementation of CCUS technology, said Sen. Hoeven. These tax credits are a central part of our efforts to ensure our nation can reduce emissions while continuing to harness its abundant coal resources, which provide the affordable and reliable power that homes and businesses rely on every day. You can access full text of the bill here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-sens-tina-smith-john-thunes-bipartisan-bill-maintain-funding-federally-impacted-schools-during,U.S. Sens. Tina Smith & John Thunes Bipartisan Bill to Maintain Funding for Federally Impacted Schools During COVID-19 is Now Law,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"New Law Will Maintain Funding to School Districts with Significant Federal Property Within Their Boundaries WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/08/20]Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) to help schoolsretain federalfunding during the coronavirus (COVID-19)pandemic is now law.Their Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Actwas signed by President Trump last week. Sen. Thune and I set out on a bipartisan effort to make sure federally impacted schools across the country were able to get the investments they need to continue operating and serving students during this pandemic, said Sen. Smith. I'm glad we could deliver on this and ensure that Impact Aid applications and funding will not be disrupted. It's more important than ever that participating school districts have the funding stability and certainty they need,said Sen. Thune. That's why I'm pleased the president signed this critical legislation into law to help ensure that Impact Aid schools can continue to educate their students now and into the future. Thanks to Senator Smith for helping to get this bill past the finish line. The Impact Aid Programprovides funding toschool districtswith significantfederal propertywithin their boundaries or with federally connected students.The program helps school districts make up for local property tax revenue lost due to the presence of this federal property. Under normal circumstances, schools mustconduct a student counteachyearas part of their application for Impact Aid, but such a count is likely to be difficult for many districts this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the work of Sens. Smith and Thune, schoolsreceiving federal funding throughthe Impact Aid Program will not need to recount their students during the pandemic. This will help prevent further spread of the virus.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hagedorn.house.gov/media/press-releases/hagedorn-names-kris-skrzycki-chief-staff,"Hagedorn Names Capitol Hill Veteran, Kris Skrzycki, as Chief of Staff",2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Jim Hagedorn,H001088,hagedorn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) today announced the appointment of Kris Skrzycki as his new Chief of Staff. Mr. Skrzycki, who most recently served as Chief of Staff at the Office of National Drug Control Policy, will be Rep. Hagedorn's top adviser and oversee the office's staff and operations in both Washington and southern Minnesota. Kris Skrzycki has a long, distinguished record of promoting and implementing conservative policies and serving as a trusted aide to some of America's top government officials. I am confident Kris will be a valuable addition to our team, and I look forward to working with him on behalf of the people of Minnesota's First District, said Hagedorn. Skrzycki has extensive senior-level experience in the Legislative and Executive Branches and brings a strong leadership and management background to the position. Prior to his time in the White House at the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Skrzycki served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Immediate Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Further, he spent more than 12 years on the staff of Congressman Tom Price, M.D. (R-GA) including six years as Chief of Staff. Skrzycki is also a veteran of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Jim Hagedorn was elected in 2018 to represent Minnesota's First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He grew up on his family's grain and livestock farm near Truman. Jim's father, former U.S. Congressman Tom Hagedorn (MN-02), grandfather, and great-grandfather were all southern Minnesota farmers. Jim currently resides in the rural farming community of Blue Earth. Hagedorn brings policy experience to Capitol Hill from time spent as a congressional aide to former U.S. Congressman Arlan Stangeland (MN-07) and a congressional relations officer for two non-partisan U.S. Department of the Treasury agencies. Hagedorn serves on the House Committees on Agriculture and Small Business to promote farming, Main Street enterprises and southern Minnesota's way of life. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-announces-over-one-million-dollar-grant-to-train-displaced-workers,Emmer Announces Over One Million Dollar Grant to Train Displaced Workers,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. -Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) announced the Department of Labor has provided more than one million dollars for a National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grant to help dislocated workers in Minnesota communities affected by the opioid epidemic. ""As the nation faces unprecedented economic challenges, and our fight against the opioid epidemic continues, this funding from the Department of Labor is a vital resource for Minnesota's workforce,"" said Emmer. ""Whether it’s dealing with the employment challenges resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, or closures of major businesses like Electrolux in St. Cloud, I am committed to ensuring that individuals who experience job loss receive the support and assistance they need to rejoin the workforce and have stable and reliable employment."" The U.S. Department of Labor issued an opioid-crisis National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grant to Minnesota for $1,368,421 to train 200 displaced workers. A portion of the funds, $800,000, will support disaster-relief jobs and provide employment services to Minnesota communities who have been impacted by the health and economic effects of opioids. The project will offer peer-support counselors who will work with individuals impacted by opioid use, helping them recover, rehabilitate, and return to the workforce. Employment and training services will also be offered to assist these Minnesotans. The program will operate throughout 46 counties in central and southeast Minnesota. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://emmer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3F80E782-D695-4A35-AEF8-8D94A581DB26,Emmer Announces Over One Million Dollar Grant to Train Displaced Workers,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-omar-statement-house-passage-bill-decriminalize-marijuana-and-expunge,Rep. Omar Statement on House Passage of Bill to Decriminalize Marijuana and Expunge Records Nationwide,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released this statement after the passage of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act in the House. This bill federally decriminalizes marijuana and expunges nonviolent federal marijuana convictions. She voted ""yes"" on the bill. ""This is a long overdue step to provide restorative justice to those devastated by the war on drugs,"" said Rep. Omar. ""My community has been crying out for justice and real reform for decades. Tragically, for far too long cannabis criminalization has disproportionally impacted communities of color and ruined countless lives. Today this victory was possible because of organizers in my district and across the country who demanded meaningful reform and the end of selective enforcement of the law.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smith-encourages-minnesota-producers-affected-covid-19-apply-usda-assistance,U.S. Senator Tina Smith Encourages Minnesota Producers Affected by COVID-19 to Apply for USDA Assistance by December 11,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Direct Payments Available for Many Commodities Grown or Raised by Minnesota Producers WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/4/2020] U.S.SenatorTina Smith (D-Minn.) is urging Minnesota producerswho have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting economic crisistosubmit applications for assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) by Dec. 11, 2020. This USDA program provides direct relief to producers for eligible commodities. Sen. Smith said that many commodities grown or raised by Minnesota producers are eligible. This includes corn, soybeans, wheat, sugar beets, wild rice, apples, dairy, turkey, beef, hogs and pigs, and more. 2020 has been a deeply challenging yearas we navigate the public health and economic crisis of COVID,said Sen. Smith. A Minnesota farmer said to me a few months back that with COVID, we are all in the same storm, but not all in the same boat. This gets at how we are all affected by COVID, and everyone's been affected by it in different ways.I feel a lot of urgency to help provide somecertainty and predictability for Minnesota producers. I hope that they consider applying for this program, and I want them toknow thatI'll keep fighting to get them additional relief. Producers can find eligible commodities, payment rates, calculations and options to apply onfarmers.gov/cfap.Producers can also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer general assistance. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office. The call center can provide service to non-English speaking customers.CFAP 2 is a separate program from the first iteration of CFAP, now referred to as CFAP 1. Participating in CFAP 1 is not a prerequisite for participating in CFAP 2. Additionally, producers who applied for CFAP 1 will not be automatically enrolled in CFAP 2 and must complete a new application to be eligible for assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-amy-klobuchar-and-tina-smith-push-extend-pandemic-unemployment-programs-set-expire,U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Push to Extend Pandemic Unemployment Programs Set to Expire December 26,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/4/2020] U.S.SenatorsAmyKlobucharand Tina Smith (D-Minn.) are urging Senate leaders to extend two coronavirus (COVID-19) unemployment programs that are set to expire December 26in the next relief package. In a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sens. Klobuchar, Smith and 30 of their colleagues calledfor these programs to be extended with additional weeks of eligibility for workers. They noted that approximately 4.4 million workers will have already run out of benefits by the end of the year, with millions more exhausting their benefits next year. The senators also stressed the importance of significantlyreforming the nation's unemployment system in the near future so that every American can count on a social safety net during times of need. As the virus surges going into the winter months, the loss of benefits at this time is particularly cruel. A recent report from The Century Foundation suggests that nearly 12 million workers could lose coverage once these programs expire over the holiday. In other words, roughly 12 million American workers will lose benefits this season for a job they lost through no fault of their own,wrote Sens. Klobuchar, Smith and their colleagues.For many, the knowledge of this benefits cliff will hang over them while they celebrate Christmas morning, share a meal for Christmasdinner, orobserveotherholidays with their families in the middle of what has already been a difficult and tragic year. Those who are socially distancing from their families for their safety as well as the nation's overall public health will likely experience this loss of federal financial assistance entirely alone. What's more, the loss of emergency benefits compounds the hardships many families are already facing in this economy. Since May, researchers have found that roughly 8 million Americans have slipped into poverty. That is the equivalent of the entire population of Virginia or Washington (as well as the combined populations of Kentucky and Oregon) falling into poverty over the span of a few months,the senators continued.Right now, one in six adults with children report that their household did not have enough to eat in the last seven days. For Black and Latino households, that figure is roughly one in five. Still worse, nearly 30% of households with children are not caught up with their rent payments. In other words, going into this holiday season, millions of additional American families are living below the poverty line, unable to provide sufficient food for their households and likely facing evictions from their home. ThePandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Programprovides unemployment assistance todomestic workers, freelance workers, contractorsand other workers in alternative work arrangements. ThePandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation(PEUC) Programtemporarily provides a 13-week extension ofbenefitstothosewhose regular unemployment benefits have expired butare still struggling to find employment during the pandemic. A copy of the letter is availablehereand below: Dear Leader McConnell and Leader Schumer: As the Senate considers the next coronavirus relief package, we urge you to include extensions of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program. We also urge you to include additional weeks of benefits for both programs. Right now, there are more than twice the number of Americans participating in these two programs combined as there are in the regular state unemployment system.[1] These workers are all facing job loss that has nothing to do with their skills, abilities, or performance. Congress created these programs to patch up the holes in our social safety net during a global pandemic. Congress stood up the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program to disburse benefits to workers who would normally not be eligible for unemployment assistance for a variety of reasons. These workers include employees with insufficient earnings or work history to qualify, domestic workers, freelance workers, contractors, and other workers in alternative work arrangements. Similarly, recognizing that most regular state unemployment programs provide only 26 weeks of coverage for workers (with some states providing as few as 12 weeks), Congress also created the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program to provide an extension of unemployment benefits to the long-term unemployed who exhaust their regular unemployment benefits. Both of these programs are set to expire on December 26th, the day after Christmas. As the virus surges going into the winter months, the loss of benefits at this time is particularly cruel. A recent report from The Century Foundation suggests that nearly 12 million workers could lose coverage once these programs expire over the holiday.[2] In other words, roughly 12 million American workers will lose benefits this season for a job they lost through no fault of their own. For many, the knowledge of this benefits cliff will hang over them while they celebrate Christmas morning, share a meal for Christmas dinner, or observe other holidays with their families in the middle of what has already been a difficult and tragic year. Those who are socially distancing from their families for their safety as well as the nation's overall public health will likely experience this loss of federal financial assistance entirely alone. What's more, the loss of emergency benefits compounds the hardships many families are already facing in this economy. Since May, researchers have found that roughly 8 million Americans have slipped into poverty.[3] That is the equivalent of the entire population of Virginia or Washington (as well as the combined populations of Kentucky and Oregon) falling into poverty over the span of a few months. Right now, one in six adults with children report that their household did not have enough to eat in the last seven days.[4] For Black and Latino households, that figure is roughly one in five.[5] Still worse, nearly 30% of households with children are not caught up with their rent payments.[6] In other words, going into this holiday season, millions of additional American families are living below the poverty line, unable to provide sufficient food for their households and likely facing evictions from their home. To address the economic hardships workers are facing during this time, these programs should be extended with additional weeks of eligibility for workers. Around 4.4 million workers will have already run out of benefits by the end of the year, regardless of their surrounding economic situation, and millions more will exhaust them next year if Congress does not add additional weeks of eligibility to both programs. We know that this virus has hit certain industries and sectors harder than others, particularly in the service sector and in the arts. Many workers need additional weeks of eligibility in these programs because demand for their services or industry has cratered during the pandemic. We know that it was the bipartisan intention of these emergency unemployment programs to provide all workers access to a safety net during this crisis, regardless of their worker classification status. Even the U.S. Secretary of Labor, Eugene Scalia, acknowledged in a Senate Finance Committee hearing on June 9th that these are important programs. On PUA, he noted that workers were given financial support through the unemployment insurance benefit they received, which was a very good benefit for a closing economy.[7] Today, with more than 20 million Americans claiming unemployment insurance benefits in all of the programs offered,[8] we are still in the middle of an unemployment crisis. In fact, the pandemic was the main impetus for the creation of these programs in March and, right now, we are averaging over five times the number of COVID-19 cases we had in the spring. It is clear that these programs are important lifelines for workers during this crisis and need to be extended with additional weeks of eligibility. Moving forward beyond this crisis, we will need to prioritize a dramatic update and reform to our unemployment system. Congress created the PUA and PEUC programs with the knowledge that our regular unemployment program is part of a patchwork system of worker benefits, inadequate for covering a nation facing an emergency public health crisis. The patchwork nature of American benefits does not disappear at the end of this crisis. With more than twice the number of workers presently participating in programs that did not exist before the passage of the CARES Act compared to regular programs, we will need to prioritize reforming our social safety net so that every American can gain access to a support system during times of need. Our social safety net should not require an Act of Congress to serve the American public well in the face of a disaster. We appreciate your past support for the provisions in the CARES Act that created these programs to begin with and which intended for all workers to access a basic safety net. We owe the American public the peace of mind this holiday season that Congress will continue to support them during this crisis. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-congratulates-rep-david-scott-agriculture-committee-chairmanship,McCollum Congratulates Rep. David Scott on Agriculture Committee Chairmanship,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) issued the following statement today after Rep. David Scott was affirmed as the next Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee: ""I want to congratulate Congressman David Scott (D-GA) on his election by the Democratic Caucus as Chair of the House Agriculture Committee for the 117th Congress. I was honored to speak in support of Congressman Scott during the Democratic House Steering and Policy Committee earlier this week. Mr. Scott grew up living and working on his grandparents' farm, and represents a diverse district that includes suburban and rural areas southwest of Atlanta, and part of Atlanta itself. Because of his 18 years on the Agriculture Committee, Congressman Scott has a deep understanding and knowledge of the issues facing our farmers and families experiencing food insecurity today. ""Congressman Scott's Chairmanship is historic, as the first African American to lead the committee. Farmers, students, and workers of color are historically underrepresented in the agriculture industry, and his committee work on providing meaningful scholarship and advancement opportunities for these communities is critical to ensuring equity and a skilled and diverse workforce in the future.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mccollum-and-sen-smith-bill-restore-11000-acres-land-leech-lake-band-ojibwe,"Rep. McCollum and Sen. Smith Bill to Restore 11,000 Acres of Land to Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe to be Signed Into Law",2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"After passing the U.S. House of Representatives today, legislation authored by U.S. Representative Betty McCollum (MN-04) and U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) to restore over eleven thousand acres of wrongly seized land to the Leech Lake Reservation is headed to the President's desk to be signed into law. ""The tribal leaders of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe entrusted Senator Smith and I with advancing this legislation that builds on their diligent work, open dialogue, and collaboration with the Chippewa National Forest and local communities,"" said Rep. McCollum. ""With its passage, our federal government is taking a significant step toward addressing the historic injustices that robbed the Band of much of their reservation land."" ""My colleague Representative McCollum and I worked to right this wrong and get this effort over the finish line, but above all I want to recognize the decades of work that Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe put into making this possible,"" said Sen. Smith. ""This historic win belongs to them and future generations who will benefit."" ""The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Tribal Council and our entire community say ""chi-miigwech"" to Senator Smith, Rep. McCollum, and everyone who helped in this longstanding effort to pass the Leech Lake Reservation Restoration Act,"" said Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Chairman Faron Jackson, Sr. ""Our Reservation was established through a series of treaties and executive orders from 1855 to 1874, which promised that it would serve as our permanent homeland. The United States violated these solemn promises repeatedly, reducing our trust lands to 5 percent of our initial Reservation. Additional lands were illegally transferred out of trust in the 1940s and 50s. The Leech Lake Restoration Act focuses on these illegal transfers by restoring 11,760 acres of our homelands to tribal trust status. ""Restoring this small portion of our homelands will enable us to combat the lack of housing and related problems that have been highlighted as urgent needs by the ongoing pandemic. ""We look forward to working with the Chippewa National Forest to finalize the plan of survey required under the Act to ensure that transferred lands address the immediate needs of the Band and comply with the Forest Service's policy of limiting fragmentation of federal land holdings."" Chairman Jackson closes by saying: ""Passage of this bill helps restore a sense of justice that generations of Leech Lakers have worked to achieve. This is a historical day for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Our entire community rejoices today, and we again thank Senator Smith, Rep. McCollum and everyone that helped make this day a reality."" Specifically, the bill—called the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act—would transfer land from the Chippewa National Forest in Cass County, Minnesota, to the United States Department of Interior, to be held in trust for the benefit of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. This land restoration would honor Tribal sovereignty and allow the Leech Lake Band to invest in its future generations and build more housing to accommodate their growing community.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-problem-solvers-caucus-push-bicameral-bipartisan-emergency-covid-19,"Phillips, Problem Solvers Caucus Push Bicameral, Bipartisan Emergency COVID-19 Relief Package",2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Dean Phillips,P000616,phillips.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Thursday, December 3, 2020, Dean Phillips (D-MN) and other members of the Problem Solvers Caucus stood together to fight for their common-sense bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief package. It is being supported by a rapidly growing group of Senators on both sides of the aisle, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and others to help American families, small businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. Leaders in both parties have stated support for the Problem Solvers Caucus' framework as the basis for immediate bipartisan, bicameral legislation.On Wednesday night, President-Elect Joe Biden announced his support for the plan, calling it a needed down payment ahead of more proposed aid under his administration next year. A breakdown of the COVID-19 emergency relief framework can be found here. Vision without action is just a daydream, and we have had enough daydreaming in Congress. We need to show Americans and our allies across the world that the great experiment of America still works. The clock is ticking, but we can and must pass the Emergency COVID Relief Framework. Failure is not an option when Americans are suffering, said Rep. Dean Phillips. We won't leave town until we pass a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer. Too many families, small businesses, and communities are suffering all across our country and that's why the momentum around our bipartisan, bicameral framework is continuing to grow by the hour. ""The bipartisan, bicameral relief package we've put forward with our Senate partners is already generating significant support from leaders across Washington because it is right in the range of reason,"" said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Tom Reed. ""Millions of Americans don't have time for Congress to continue playing games; let's pass this common-sense emergency relief measure to ensure our communities receive the federal support they deserve."" The effects of this pandemic have been cruelly uneven. While some individuals and businesses remain unscathed or even better off, others have been completely devastated. Only those living in a beltway fantasy land are immune from the cries for help to get through the winter. This bipartisan compromise is an essential lifeline that must be a starting point for Democratic and Republican leadership to demonstrate that the United States government can actually fulfill its obligation to serve the American people. We cannot, in good conscience, leave DC before the holidays without a relief package, said Rep. Tom Suozzi. While news about vaccines gives us hope for the future, right now Americans are suffering in even greater numbers as the COVID pandemic crisis deepens. This bipartisan, bicameral emergency relief plan formulated by the Problems Solvers Caucus and a bipartisan group of senators is our best hope for providing the emergency relief needed now by families, students, workers, small businesses, and health care providers. Democrats and Republicans, representatives and senators, Congress and the White House, all must come together to get this commonsense plan passed for the American people, said Rep. Dan Lipinski. As COVID cases skyrocket nationwide, Americans are struggling. It is getting more and more difficult for small businesses to keep their lights on and workers employed, said Rep. Kurt Schrader. Folks need relief now and it's time to put party aside and do what is right. This package is a bipartisan, bicameral solution, supported by House and Senate leadership and President-Elect Biden. It is the only one of its kind. I urge leaders of the House and Senate to put this package on the floor now and get aid into the hands of the American people. Our small business owners, teachers, workers, first responders, healthcare workers are doing everything they can to weather this crisis and they want to look to Washington and see that we are, too. There is no excuse for not passing a COVID relief package before the winter holidays. It is our fundamental responsibility as legislators. That's why I'm proud to join the Problem Solvers Caucus and a group of Senators from both sides of the aisle in putting forth this bipartisan, bicameral emergency relief proposal to take us through April 1st. Our group has been working diligently behind the scenes to get to this proposal. With support from Senators and 50 members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, we can, and must get this done, said Rep. Elissa Slotkin. This framework is the direct result of continued bipartisan collaboration between lawmakers from both chambers of Congress. Central New York and our nation desperately need additional COVID-19 relief. This bipartisan, bicameral framework represents an important step forward in delivering critical relief to the frontlines, said Rep. John Katko. The work being done by the Problem Solvers Caucus is bipartisan and bicameral. Our Caucus is working to deliver real results to the American people in their time of need, said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. Further delays in relief are unacceptable, and we need to provide real solutions that help the American people. We need to do our job and get America back to work. We must come together to deliver timely, targeted, and transparent COVID relief to the American people. We are still experiencing a historic pandemic. Our families, workers, communities and businesses need help to make it through. I'm proud to be a part of this bipartisan, bicameral effort to pass another relief package. Our framework includes expanded unemployment assistance, help for our hospitals and schools, state and local funding, and relief for small businesses. Importantly, it has the bipartisan support to pass into law. It's time to put political games aside and take action, said Rep. Kendra Horn. I am pleased to support a targeted relief package for the people of Pennsylvania and our country. This bicameral, bipartisan framework is focused on bolstering our economic recovery, supporting our schools, and distributing safe and effective vaccines in an efficient manner. I hope my colleagues in the House and Senate join the Problem Solvers to deliver immediate assistance for the millions of Americans who are counting on us, said Rep. Dan Meuser. Coronavirus cases are surging to unprecedented levels and millions of Americans have lost their jobs or their businesses to the pandemic. Sadly, many are now facing poverty, food insecurity, and eviction. The American people need immediate relief, and they are tired of waiting for Congress to do its job, said Rep. Salud Carbajal. Our proposal is a bipartisan down-payment, which is necessary to preserve the health and economic well-being of our country until the next Administration takes office. I'm proud of the bipartisan and bicameral package we've put forward and I urge my colleagues to pass this as soon as possible to deliver the immediate relief Americans need. With COVID-19 cases surging across the country, many Americans still out of work, small businesses continuing to struggle, and state and local governments teetering towards a fiscal cliff, Americans are desperate for more relief. This bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 relief package will see us through the worst of this crisis and give American families, small businesses, workers, and health care providers the support they need. Inaction is not an option any longer, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Eight months after the CARES Act became law, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate families and small businesses across our nation, said Rep. Elaine Luria. Congress must do its job by finding common ground and putting forth a realistic COVID-19 relief package. I am encouraged by this framework that presents the viable and bipartisan proposals our communities need during this unprecedented public health emergency and economic crisis. Right now, Americans are out of work, small businesses are closing their doors, and communities nationwide face incredible financial strain as they endure this bruising pandemic, said Rep. Jimmy Panetta. Our Problem Solvers Caucus bipartisan, bicameral package delivers relief to our nation's families, small businesses, workers, and health care providers, who have carried the burden of this pandemic for too long without comprehensive federal relief. It's time for Congress to step up, get back to the negotiating table, and provide the support the Central Coast and communities nationwide so desperately need. We cannot wait any longer for COVID relief. In addition to the heartbreaking loss from the pandemic, Washington inaction is hurting our communities. Our families, schools, small businesses, local governments, essential workers, and local economies need assistance. This compromise, led by members of both parties and both the House and Senate, needs to get done. With critical aid to small businesses, unemployment benefits, money for state and local governments, investment in education, child care, health care, and the postal service, we can get help to those who need it most. It's time to cut through the partisan politics and deliver much-needed relief, said Rep. Anthony Brindisi. Rep. Dusty Johnson said, ""It's time to act. Our relief proposal has gained broad support amongst businesses, political leaders, and most importantly, the American people. Let's get something done TODAY.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-champions-legislation-return-land-leech-lake-band-ojibwe,Stauber Champions Legislation to Return Land to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) helped advance legislation that would correct a historic wrong and transfer ownership of roughly eleven thousand acres from the Agriculture Department back to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, a tribe located in his district. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Lake Country Power, Beltrami Electric, and Crow Wing Power signed a Memorandum of Understanding to accompany the legislation, ensuring access to easements and rights-of-way for maintenance remain when the land is transferred. Of this legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, ""Back in the 1950's, the Secretary of Agriculture wrongly claimed land belonging to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Today, I was proud to help advance legislation that would right this wrong. This legislation is a win-win for everyone involved as it would not only return ownership of the land back to the Band, but it will also help continue the safe delivery of power. Since hearing about this issue, I have worked with both the Band and rural electric cooperatives to find a solution and I'm happy that we are one major step closer to a resolution."" Earlier today, Congressman Stauber spoke on the House Floor in support of this bill Watch HERE. He also spoke in favor and supported its passage during a September 30, 2020 markup in the House Natural Resources Committee. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/sen-tina-smith-rep-betty-mccollums-bill-restore-11k-acres-land-leech-lake-band-ojibwe-be-signed-law,Sen. Tina Smith & Rep. Betty McCollums Bill to Restore 11k Acres of Land to Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe to be Signed Into Law,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/03/20]After passing the U.S. House of Representatives today, legislation authored by U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Representative Betty McCollum (MN-04) to restore over eleven-thousand acres of wrongly seized land to the Leech Lake Reservation is headed to the President's desk to be signed into law. My colleague Representative McCollum and I worked to right this wrong and get this effort over the finish line, but above all I want to recognize the decades of work that Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe put into making this possible, said Sen. Smith. This historic win belongs to them and future generations who will benefit. The tribal leaders of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe entrusted Senator Smith and I with advancing this legislation that builds on their diligent work, open dialogue, and collaboration with the Chippewa National Forest and local communities, said Rep. McCollum. With its passage, our federal government is taking a significant step toward addressing the historic injustices that robbed the Band of much of their reservation land. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Tribal Council and our entire community say chi-miigwech to Senator Smith, Rep. McCollum, and everyone who helped in this longstanding effort to pass the Leech Lake Reservation Restoration Act, said Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Chairman Faron Jackson, Sr. Our Reservation was established through a series of treaties and executive orders from 1855 to 1874, which promised that it would serve as our permanent homeland. The United States violated these solemn promises repeatedly, reducing our trust lands to 5 percent of our initial Reservation. Additional lands were illegally transferred out of trust in the 1940s and 50s. The Leech Lake Restoration Act focuses on these illegal transfers by restoring 11,760 acres of our homelands to tribal trust status. Restoring this small portion of our homelands will enable us to combat the lack of housing and related problems that have been highlighted as urgent needs by the ongoing pandemic. We look forward to working with the Chippewa National Forest to finalize the plan of survey required under the Act to ensure that transferred lands address the immediate needs of the Band and comply with the Forest Service's policy of limiting fragmentation of federal land holdings. Chairman Jackson closes by saying: Passage of this bill helps restore a sense of justice that generations of Leech Lakers have worked to achieve. This is a historical day for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Our entire community rejoices today, and we again thank Senator Smith, Rep. McCollum and everyone that helped make this day a reality. Specifically, the billcalled the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Actwould transfer land from the Chippewa National Forest in Cass County, Minnesota, to the United States Department of Interior, to be held in trust for the benefit of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. This land restoration would honor Tribal sovereignty and allow the Leech Lake Band to invest in its future generations and build more housing to accommodate their growing community.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-statement-on-the-administration-s-announcement-permanently-expanding-telehealth-services,Emmer Statement on the Administration’s Announcement Permanently Expanding Telehealth Services,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) issued the following statement in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcement of a permanent expansion of telehealth services in their annual Physician Fee Schedule rule. “This commitment by CMS to telehealth will ensure vital services for many vulnerable Americans. This is a huge step forward in access to care for those in need of group psychotherapy, home visits, and even care planning services. As a long-time advocate of telehealth services across Minnesota, including vital mental health services, this action will help Americans across the country benefit from these innovations,"" said Emmer. ""Telehealth is the future of health care and a practical necessity during this time. We must begin to integrate it when appropriate in order to serve everyone where they are. Minnesota is both an expansive state that will greatly benefit from telehealth, and a leader in developing medical breakthroughs that deliver timely and quality care. Health care access must be expanded through the use of telehealth, and I applaud CMS for doing their part to ensure those in need get the care they require,” Emmer concluded. In May, Congressman Emmer wrote a letter urging Congressional leadership to consider extending behavioral telehealth services in any upcoming COVID-19 response packages for a reasonable time following the COVID-19 emergency to assess which of the services should be continued permanently. Read the letter here. In August, Congressman Emmer also joined a letter with 49 of his colleagues to CMS Administrator Seema Verma encouraging permanent expansion of telehealth services. Read the letter here. Telehealth is the provision of long-distance health care through electronic platforms such as video chats. It has proven to be an extremely successful approach in ensuring that patients are receiving mental health and addiction care during the COVID-19 outbreak. Specifically, CMS expanded certain behavioral telehealth flexibilities, and ultimately increased access to these essential services. At the beginning of the public health emergency for COVID-19, CMS added 144 telehealth services covered by Medicare through the end of the public health emergency. In the final rule, CMS added more than 60 services to the Medicare telehealth list that will continue to be covered beyond the public health emergency. CMS has also a commissioned study of its telehealth flexibilities provided during the COVID-19 public health emergency to determine new opportunities for services where telehealth can be further used. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://emmer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6235C226-A17C-4511-B2A9-453D5E9D0913,Emmer Statement on the Administration’s Announcement Permanently Expanding Telehealth Services,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-commend-alexandria-technical-and-community-college-selection-us-naval-community,"Klobuchar, Smith Commend Alexandria Technical and Community College for Selection to U.S. Naval Community College Program",2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Alexandria Tech is one of five institutions in the country to be selected for pilot-program WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith commended the Alexandria Technical and Community College in Alexandria, MN for their selection in the newly formed U.S. Naval Community College (USNCC) pilot program. The six-month pilot program is set to begin in January 2021 and will gather data and information to help develop the USNCC's program as it prepares to welcome its first students. The foundation of our future prosperity can be found in education. As we continue to confront the coronavirus pandemic, new and innovative programs are critical to develop and educate our communities, and the Navy and Alexandria Tech are part of that, Klobuchar said. I am pleased to see Alexandria Tech partner with the US Naval Community College as they continue to deliver quality education to our servicemembers. Programs like this ensure our brave men and women who serve can transition the skills they've learned into the workforce when they come home. ""Congratulations to Alexandria Technical and Community College for being selected to participate in the U.S. Naval Community College pilot program,"" Smith said. ""This honor is a testament to its record of delivering a quality education to students in Minnesota. It will play an important role in supporting the capabilities of the Navy and Marine Corps by teaching math courses to servicemembers that can be applied toward a degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology. I wish it a successful pilot program."" More information is available here. In addition to Alexandria Technical and Community College in Minnesota, the other institutions selected include the State University of New York system; the University of Arizona; the University of Maryland Global Campus; and the Virginia Community College system.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-sen-tina-smith-tells-agriculture-committee-minnesota-farmers-feel-impact-climate-change,"U.S. Sen. Tina Smith Tells Agriculture Committee that Minnesota Farmers Feel Impact of Climate Change, Discusses Innovative State Efforts to Address it",2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Earlier Wednesday Senator Discussed Importance of Nation's Sugar Program, And Efforts to Bolster Rural Health Care with Red River Valley Sugar Beet Growers WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/02/20]U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said at a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing today that Minnesota farmers see the reality of climate change every year with the increasing impact of drought, heat, and floods, and she pointed to the innovative work of a new coalition of Minnesota businesses and researchers that is working to find solutions. Sen. Smith told the panel about MBOLD, a coalition of food and agriculture leaders who are working to deal with climate change, food insecurity and many other pressing problems for agriculture. The group includes the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Fortune 100 companies as well as researchers and advocacy groups and is a model for the nation's battle against climate change. You don't have to tell Minnesota farmers about the realities of climate change. They see it every year, Senator Smith told the Committee. When it comes to climate change solution, we can either lead or we can follow. If we lead we create more opportunity, more innovation, and with our focus on research, we can increase our competitive advantage. Dr. Steven Rosenzweig, a soil scientist Minnesota-based General Mills, told the Committee, which is part of MBOLD, told the committee about several of the initiatives that the coalition is undertaking to deal with climate change. Discussing Importance of U.S. Sugar Program, Quality Rural Health Care With MN Sugar Growers Prior to the hearing on Wednesday, Sen. Smith spoke to the Red River Valley Sugar Beet Growers Association annual meeting where she discussed the importance of a strong U.S. sugar program, which generates $3.4 billion in economic activity across the country. The sugar industry is critically important to Minnesota's economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs in the Red River Valley, and more than 142,000 nationwide, Sen. Smith told the group. I fought to protect the USDA sugar program, the last Farm Bill because it provides important help for sugar growers at no cost to taxpayers. She also told them that she will continue to press to ensure that rural communities in Minnesota and across the country continue to have access to affordable, quality health care services, especially during the ongoing pandemic. She pointed to her bipartisan efforts to strengthen the rural health work force, expand telemedicine, and to modernize rural health clinics and improve health services for new and expecting mothers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smith-applauds-move-help-high-school-students-minnesota-who-lost-jobs-due-covid-19,"U.S. Senator Tina Smith Applauds Move to Help High School Students in Minnesota Who Lost Jobs Due to COVID-19, Urges Eligible Students to Apply Soon",2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Fought to Make Unemployment Assistance Available to Eligible High School Students, Says Recent Court Ruling is Great News WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/02/20]U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) says a recent Minnesota Court of Appeals ruling allowing eligible high school students to receive coronavirus (COVID-19) unemployment assistance is welcome news,and she urges eligible students to apply before December 25. Earlier this year, Sens. Smith and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced bicameral legislation with U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (MN-2), Dean Phillips (MN-3), Ilhan Omar (MN-5) and Betty McCollum (MN-4) to help high school students in Minnesota who have lost jobs due to the pandemic. Minnesota high schoolers who lost jobs in the pandemic had been denied unemployment benefits they should have been eligible forbenefits I fought for,said Sen. Smith.The court ruling yesterday is great news because it fixes that.I commend the students and their advocates who have been persistent in working to get access to the relief Congress intended for them, even though their applications were initially denied.Now, it's important for eligible Minnesotans to applyfor unemployment reliefby the December 25 deadline. You can access more information about Minnesota youth unemployment resourceshere. Sen. Smith's bill,The High School Student Unemployment Eligibility Clarification Act, would clarify language in the next round of COVID-19 relief to overcome conflicts with state laws across the country and help make high school students eligible for unemployment compensation nationally if they meet the other unemployment rules applicable to adults. The High School Student Unemployment Eligibility Clarification Actis supported by Bridgemakers, Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board, Center for School Change, Minnesota Alliance With Youth, Centro Tyrone Guzman, Minnesota Parent Union, Change Inc. Minnesota Youth Council, Children's Defense Fund, National Youth Leadership Council, Coalition of Asian American Leaders, Northfield Healthy Community Initiative, Community Integration Center (CIC), Pillsbury United Communities, Courageous heARTS, Somali American Social Service Association, Early College Academy Brooklyn Center Community Schools, Sundance Family Foundation, East Side Neighborhood Services, Twin Cities Changemakers, FamilyWise, We IMPACT!, Great Expectations, West Central Initiative, High School for Recording Arts, Women's March Minnesota, IMPACT LIVING Christian Center, World Savvy, Ka Joog, Youthprise and LISC Twin Cities. You can access text of the billhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-problem-solvers-caucus-announce-bipartisan-bicameral-covid-relief,"Phillips, Problem Solvers Caucus Announce Bipartisan, Bicameral COVID Relief Offer",2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,MN,Dean Phillips,P000616,phillips.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, House Problem Solvers Caucus members Dean Phillips (D-MN) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) joined a bipartisan group of Senators in announcing a four-month, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief framework that will help American students, families, small businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. The Problem Solvers Caucus, 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans, helped develop the bicameral package. A breakdown of the COVID-19 emergency relief framework can be found here. This effort is the culmination of months of leadership from Phillips and the Problem Solvers Caucus, as members have worked to break through partisan gridlock on a COVID relief plan since they unveiled their March to Common Ground bipartisan framework in September. Reps. Dean Phillips (D-MN), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Fred Upton (R-MI), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), and Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) joined Problem Solvers Co-Chairs Tom Reed (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) as well as Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (R-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) to announce the COVID-19 emergency relief framework that will help American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. The Problem Solvers Caucus, made up of 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans, helped draft and endorsed the package. The framework allocates $908 billion in total aid, including both new funding and the reallocation of previously appropriated CARES Act funding. The framework targets resources to the following key categories: State, Local, and Tribal Governments - $160 billion, including $3 billion for the state of Minnesota Additional Unemployment Insurance (UI) - $180 billion Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) including restaurants, stages, and deductibility - $288 billion CDFI/MDI Community Lender Support - $12 billion Transportation (Airlines, Airports, Buses, Transit and Amtrak) - $45 billion Vaccine Development and Distribution and Testing and Tracing - $16 billion Healthcare Provider Relief Fund - $35 billion Education Funding - $82 billion Student Loans - $4 billion Housing Assistance (Rental) - $25 billion Nutrition/Agriculture - $26 billion U.S. Postal Service - $10 billion Child Care - $10 billion Dedicated Broadband Funding - $10 billion Opioid Funding - $5 billion A recording of today's press conference can be foundHERE. The need is great, the time is short, and the urgency is real, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-3) said. Our bipartisan, bicameral working group has found common ground, and now Congress must begin restoring faith in our government by passing an emergency COVID relief measure before year's end, Millions of Americans have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are hurting, but Congress has been deadlocked for months with both sides unwilling to compromise to help our fellow Americans who are in desperate need, Senator Manchin said. The bipartisan, bicameral framework announced today proves that we can reach across the aisle and create meaningful compromise that will help those who need it most for the next few months. Our $908 billion framework provides our front line healthcare providers, students, families, small businesses, and workers with the support they need and deserve during this devastating pandemic. I urge my fellow colleagues to work with our bipartisan, bicameral group on this proposal so Congress can finally pass an emergency COVID-19 relief package to help Americans and West Virginians during this difficult stretch of the pandemic. This bipartisan, bicameral group worked night and day throughout the Thanksgiving recess because we recognize that families all across America are struggling, that businesses are closing, and that hospitals are overwhelmed, said Senator Collins.I am particularly pleased that this package includes funding for another round of Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans, which has helped keep our small businesses afloat. In Maine alone, the PPP has helped sustain the jobs of 250,000 workers. After many days of bipartisan negotiations, I'm proud that we've reached a compromise to help Americans get through the holiday season, while providing much-needed relief for small businesses, local governments, health care providers, and low-income and minority communities, among others, said Senator Warner. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put the months of stalled negotiations behind us, and to support this bipartisan compromise in order to ensure that families across the country are not forced to spend the holiday unable to put food on the table. This is a bipartisan, bicameral effort that creates a pathway forward to bring relief to those who need it most. Republicans and Democrats in both chambers got much of what we wanted, and neither got everything we wanted. That combination reflects what Congress is supposed to do: reconcile priorities and deliver for the American people, said Dr. Cassidy. Throughout New Hampshire from small businesses struggling to make payroll to hospitals fighting to keep their doors open and beds available I'm hearing from Granite Staters who cannot wait any longer.And they shouldn't. Over a quarter of a million Americans have died from COVID and more than 13.5 million Americans have been afflicted with it. The human toll of this crisis is crushing and that's before we even address the severe economic fallout it created, said Senator Shaheen. Some of those hardest hit have been our small businesses. When this body came together in March, we worked in good-faith to deliver the CARES Act that provided immediate relief through the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.We put our heads together again and have come up with a new bipartisan framework to build on that progress to help small businesses get to the other side of this crisis, and to provide funds for state and local government governments, support for vaccine development and distribution, assistance for our schools and universities, and relief for our health care providers. But this is just step one. We need more leaders on both sides of the aisle to join us so we can finish what we've started and deliver the relief that Americans are calling for. I am honored to work with an exceptional group of Senators, as well as colleagues in the House, on a bipartisan measure to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In my home state of Alaska, Anchorage is officially going into our third round of hunker-down orders, shutting down businesses, restaurants, bars, hair salons, gymsessentially bringing to a halt the day-to-day life of many people in Anchorage. Many of our rural villages and off road communities are also in various stages of shutdown to control the spread of this awful virus. These lockdowns come at a significant cost. As the long winter approaches, the uncertainties of job loss, food insecurity, and stable housing all continue to grow, said Senator Murkowski. Our response our responsibility is to come together not as Republicans with a plan or Democrats with a counter-plan, but coming together with a proposal that will provide for targeted emergency relief for the American people. I am calling on my colleagues to join us in advancing the proposal we offer today, to provide much-needed relief for our nation. After nearly nine months of the coronavirus pandemic and far too little federal support, millions of Americans are facing financial ruin. It's past time for Congress to put political arguments aside and step up for those in need, said Senator King. If enacted into law, today's bipartisan package would increase unemployment benefits to help families make ends meet, give essential assistance to small businesses on the verge of closing, provide funds to the state and local governments who've led the response to this crisis, and much more including support for schools, hospitals, and vaccine distribution. This plan isn't perfect, and will require future Congressional action in order to help our country fully weather this pandemic but if we pass this bill before the year's end, we'll extend a lifeline to millions of Americans in need just as cases are spiking, CARES Act protections are expiring, and winter is arriving. The American people need us to work together to save lives and livelihoods so let's get it done. This is not a $1.8 trillion stimulus bill. This is a relief measure half that amount$908 billion, with $560 billion in repurposed funds from the first CARES Act, so the amount of new money is actually $348 billion, Senator Romney said. Included in this measure is a liability provision that provides a temporary suspension of any liability-related lawsuits at the state or federal level associated with COVID-19, giving states enough time to put in place their own protections. I am very pleased to be part of this effort, and urge my colleagues to come together on a deal. Our bipartisan COVID-19 emergency relief framework provides the most viable path forward in months, and we must seize this opportunity now to provide critical relief for the American people,Senator Hassansaid. I am grateful to my colleagues from both parties for coming together on this bipartisan effort, and I will do everything I can to get a deal across the finish line. ""This is a win for the American people, for common sense, and for problem solving. With cases spiking, winter around the corner, and countless small businesses closing every day, and far too many families hurting, we simply cannot leave anyone out in the cold. This is an essential down payment on what our families, small businesses, and local communities need,"" said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. ""This four-month COVID-19 emergency relief package will get us through the hardest months of winter and into a new Administration."" For far too long, working families, small businesses, local governments, critical health care providers, and school districts across America have been left wondering when Washington would stop the partisan bickering and pass a comprehensive stimulus package, said Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY). Now, we have a bipartisan, bicameral deal that directly addresses the needs of the nation and best positions the country for an effective rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine. It's time to come together as proud Americans and get the job done. With the development of multiple successful vaccines, we are on the cusp of beating covid-19 and restoring our way of life, but we are not there yet. This sensible, bipartisan, bicameral proposal will provide those most in need with the bridge necessary to see us through this crisis. The time to act is now, said Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH). Our nation's top economists have made it clear: Congress needs to act sooner than later on targeted focused relief, said Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD). I'm proud to be a part of this bipartisan, bicameral group that's put much-needed relief before politics. More than half of these dollars have been repurposed from CARES Act funding it's a responsible proposal. Our teachers, healthcare workers, business owners, and producers continue to step up as we battle COVID-19, it's time Congress does too. Working families, small businesses, restaurant owners, and our communities need relief and Congress must act. The failure to provide that relief over the last several months has been shameful, especially given that there are relief provisions and programs that are supported by both parties and both chambers of Congress, and most importantly, needed by the American people and our economy, said Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bipartisan, bicameral package reflects the priorities of the Seventh District including funding for unemployment assistance, PPP, food assistance programs and our district's farmers, rental assistance, broadband internet, and opioid treatment. Today we have demonstrated that we can unite around a common purpose in the face of a national emergency, and I urge my colleagues as well as House and Senate leadership to bring this package forward for a vote. Michigan just had the deadliest month from COVID-19 since the pandemic begin. I hear daily from constituents who are struggling to make ends meet. Congress should not go home until we are able to get a COVID-19 deal passed and signed, delivering real help to those who need it most. It's time for us to step up, and our colleagues need to get behind this effort or out of the way, said Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-stauber-and-hagedorn-welcome-congresswoman-elect-michelle-fischbach-to-the-minnesota-delegation,"Emmer, Stauber, and Hagedorn Welcome Congresswoman-Elect Michelle Fischbach to the Minnesota Delegation",2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"""Congratulations to my friend and now colleague, Congresswoman-elect Michelle Fischbach. I look forward to working with the new Congresswoman from the Seventh District on policies that will help the agriculture community. I know she will be a great Representative for her constituents,"" said Congressman Tom Emmer. “I am proud to call Michelle a friend and I look forward to calling her a colleague. She has a long and proven track record of public service in Minnesota and I know she will bring that same dedication to Washington. I welcome Michelle to the Minnesota delegation and I’m eager to work with her on many of the issues most important to rural Minnesotans,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. ""Michelle Fischbach won an impressive victory and is a welcome addition to our delegation. I look forward to serving alongside her in the House of Representatives as we continue fighting for Minnesota's farmers, small businesses, workers and families,"" said Congressman Jim Hagedorn. ""I am honored to join Congressmen Tom Emmer, Jim Hagedorn, and Pete Stauber to fight for the people of Minnesota in Congress. During the 117th Congress, I am proud to have the opportunity to work with these great leaders on behalf of Minnesota families, and hardworking men and women everywhere,” said Congresswoman-elect Michelle Fischbach. Congresswoman-elect Michelle Fischbach was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1996 and served until 2018. During her time as a Minnesota State Senator, she became the first woman in Minnesota history to serve as President of the Minnesota Senate. She is a graduate of St. Cloud State University and William Mitchell College of Law. Most recently, she served as the 49th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. She and her husband, Scott, live near Paynesville and have two grown children and five grandchildren. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://emmer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5DF4C462-D992-4997-8A99-7E9EA610D329,"Emmer, Stauber, and Hagedorn Welcome Congresswoman-Elect Michelle Fischbach to the Minnesota Delegation",2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-celebrates-accomplishment-construction-line-3-permitted-move-forward,Stauber Celebrates Accomplishment as Construction on Line 3 Permitted to Move Forward,2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"MINNESOTA – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) released the following statement after the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued the final permit necessary for construction on the Line 3 replacement project to begin. ""Today's news is a massive victory. After six years of review, the Line 3 replacement project has passed every test, met every rigorous standard and will finally be allowed to move forward. I have supported this commonsense project from the beginning and I'm grateful to every Minnesotan whose steadfast advocacy helped get us to this point. I now look forward to seeing thousands of Minnesota's skilled workers and union members get to work on this project and help unleash economic prosperity in our communities."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-omar-introduces-resolution-condemning-police-violence-worldwide-0,Rep. Omar Introduces Resolution Condemning Police Violence Worldwide,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) introduced a resolution today to condemn police violence worldwide. The resolution calls on Congress to stand with peaceful protesters around the world in their calls for justice and accountability for police brutality. The introduction comes after continued police violence in the United States including the horrific murder of George Floyd in Rep. Omar's district in Minneapolis. Highly militarized police forces have also been used to disproportionately harm vulnerable communities around the world including in Nigeria, Cameroon, Honduras, Chile, Hong Kong, Belarus, Poland, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. ""This year, much of our attention has been focused on the problem of police violence,"" said Rep. Omar. ""In my home district, we felt this pain acutely with the murder of George Floyd. We have also seen the horrifying images of police armed with military equipment responding to peaceful protests. And we have rightly begun painful conversations around the use of force, the use of military weapons by police, and the targeting of minorities by law enforcement. Police brutality has transcended geography and local context. It has shown its face in democracies and dictatorships, which is why we must not only condemn police brutality domestically, but worldwide. Our movements are inextricably linked, and the sources of the violence are often the same. Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are among our most foundational, cherished values. We must stand up to protect them."" She also wrote a Medium piece about the resolution, which can be read here. Over the summer, Rep. Omar co-introduced a resolution to condemn police brutality, and sponsored legislation to criminalize violence against protesters. Last week, she wrote an op-ed calling on the Biden Administration to reorient U.S. foreign policy toward justice and human rights. You can read the full resolution here and below. Whereas, in 2020, there have been significant peaceful assemblies protesting against police brutality throughout the world, including in the United States; Whereas police brutality may include human rights violations such as the use of excessive force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, torture, and the use of lethal rounds and the unnecessary use of ‘‘less-lethal'' crowd control weapons by law enforcement, in response to peaceful assemblies; Whereas police brutality may occur prior to an arrest, during crowd control operations, during an arrest, and while an individual is in custody; Whereas the Small Arms Survey identified that between 2007–2012, 19,000 people worldwide were killed by police annually; Whereas a 2017 United Nations Development Program report found that more than 70 percent of individuals who had joined violent extremist groups across Africa self-reported that ‘‘government action'', including police brutality, was the determining factor in their decision to join such groups; Whereas the United States is the largest arms exporter in the world, including as the top provider to 13 out of 19 countries in the Middle East; Whereas the United States is the largest developer and exporter of ‘‘less-lethal'' weapons, including tear gas, in the world; Whereas the United States, especially under the auspices of the wars on drugs and global terrorism, has in recent decades dramatically increased its influence on the tactics, equipment, and purpose of policing around the world; Whereas during that same period and under those same auspices, domestic police forces at the State, local, and Federal level have become increasingly militarized in both equipment and tactics; Whereas several United States embassies in Africa released statements in the aftermath of the May 25, 2020, police killing of Minneapolis resident George Floyd, explicitly recognizing the foreign policy dimension of domestic police violence; Whereas many of those statements included reminders of the importance of an impartial judicial system and accountability for state security forces who commit human rights violations; Whereas on a global scale, police brutality occurs on every continent, in both democracies and dictatorships, and in countries that are both partners and adversaries of the United States; Whereas on a global scale, police brutality disproportionately harms already vulnerable people, including racial, ethnic, and religious minorities, women, migrants, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community; and Whereas on a global scale, impunity for both individual police officers and departments or units who commit police brutality is an endemic problem: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— (1) condemns police brutality wherever in the world it occurs; (2) stands with peaceful protesters around the world in their calls for justice and accountability for police brutality; (3) recognizes that police brutality disproportionately targets already vulnerable populations, including racial, ethnic, religious minorities, women, migrants, and the LGBTQIA+ community; (4) recognizes that impunity for police brutality undermines the rule of law, erodes public confidence in state institutions and degrades social cohesion; (5) calls on the United States Government to— (A) take immediate and significant steps to eliminate police brutality and impunity for police brutality in the United States; (B) prohibit the sales of arms, ammunition, and ‘‘less-lethal'' policing equipment to countries with demonstrated patterns of human rights violations by security forces or impunity for human rights violations by security forces; (C) prohibit other forms of security assistance, including police training, to countries with demonstrated patterns of human rights violations by security forces or impunity for human rights violations by security forces; (D) use its voice, vote, and influence in international institutions to work toward the elimination of police brutality and ending impunity for police brutality around the world; (E) end the use of militarized equipment and tactics in policing both at home and abroad; and (F) reallocate funding in both the United States and abroad to peacebuilding, job training, counseling and mental health programming, and violence-preventing programming; and (6) calls on businesses based in the United States that sell lethal and less-lethal policing equipment to adopt strict protocols prohibiting the sale of such articles to countries with demonstrated patterns of police brutality or impunity for police brutality.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-urges-department-of-justice-to-enact-abby-honold-act,Emmer Urges Department of Justice to Enact Abby Honold Act,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Otsego, MN - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr and the Department of Justice (DOJ) urging swift implementation of the Abby Honold Act, which would offer competitive grants to law enforcement agencies and victim services organizations to implement evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches in responding to and investigating domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Congressman Emmer is the author of the Abby Honold Act, and this initiative by the Department of Justice would mirror the nonpartisan legislation, which passed as an amendment to the Violence Against Women Act in the House of Representatives. ""Victims of sexual assault and trauma deserve immediate support. Abby Honold was a student at the University of Minnesota when she reported her rape to the police and investigators. Her case ended with the prosecution of the perpetrator, but only because of Abby's bravery and the Forensic Experiential Trauma Interview (FETI) interviewing method that the nurse who cared for Abby utilized."" Emmer said. Emmer continued, ""We now have a better understanding of the science of the brain, which often copes with traumatic experiences by shutting down portions, like the pre-frontal cortex. We also know this can cause a victim of trauma to have difficulty in recounting specific details of the crime. The interview technique used by Abby's nurse, Linda, was what allowed Abby to remember. This technique prevents re-traumatization and ensures law enforcement get the accurate information they need to properly investigate and eventually, secure a prosecution."" Emmer concluded, ""The Department of Justice can take steps to implement this program, and provide resources nationwide to expand training to care for victims of sexual assault. I hope the DOJ will take immediate action on this important initiative. For Abby, and for the thousands of victims who experience trauma, this is a key part of their recovery process. By advancing the provisions of the Abby Honold Act, we will help victims all across America get justice and find healing."" Background: Inspired by Abby Honold's story, Congressman Emmer worked with Senator Klobuchar to introduce the Abby Honold Act in both chambers of Congress during the 115th Congress. The legislation was reintroduced during the 116th Congress, and included as an amendment to the Violence Against Women Act. Specifically, the bill will create a grant program to train law enforcement agencies willing to participate in evidence-based, trauma-informed interview techniques to prevent re-traumatization of victims, improve communication between victims and law enforcement, and ensure accurate and complete information is submitted to law enforcement. Today, Congressman Emmer is urging the Department of Justice to implement this demonstration program at the Department of Justice to issue grants in order to promote trauma-informed training for law enforcement and other personnel. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-helps-advance-legislation-expand-registered-apprenticeships,Stauber Helps Advance Legislation to Expand Registered Apprenticeships,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) helped advance the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, legislation that will expand our nation's workforce by investing more than $3.5 billion to increase access to registered apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships. Of this legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, ""As our nation works to overcome the COVID-19 crisis, it is more important than ever to give Americans tools to succeed. By investing in registered apprenticeship programs, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 will ensure Americans have access to programs that allow them to earn while they learn and find success in a wide range of industries. Northern Minnesota has several upcoming projects in mining, healthcare, construction, and other sectors. Today's vote is a critical step in ensuring projects that will rejuvenate our economy move forward seamlessly. Therefore, I was proud to help advance registered apprenticeship programs and I hope the Senate does the same soon."" This legislation will also codify the Office of Apprenticeships at the Department of Labor, create a National Advisory Committee to advise on apprenticeships, and produce $10.6 billion in net benefits to the taxpayer through increased tax revenue and decreased spending on public assistance programs and unemployment insurance. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-votes-to-support-america-s-veterans,Emmer Votes to Support America's Veterans,2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Otsego, MN - Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) voted in favor of several pieces of legislation this week to support America's veterans, including ensuring free access to National Parks and securing accountability from the Veterans Administration (VA) on their patient safety policies. ""Our nation's veterans fought to keep us safe and free, and they sacrificed their health and safety to do so. They deserve our support and care now. These important votes will continue to show our veterans and service members that their fellow Americans appreciate their selfless efforts to protect our nation."" said Emmer. Congressman Emmer supported and the House passed the Wounded Veterans Recreation Act, which allows veterans who have a service-connected disability to qualify for free entrance to National Parks. Free entrance includes a lifetime pass to all parks within the National Park Service. Congressman Emmer also supported the Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act, which requires the VA to report on its patient safety policies as well as their quality of care. The VA will also be required to report on the measures they have taken to increase these patient care policies. This will help provide accountability and transparency for veterans and their families while under the VA’s care. The House of Representatives also passed the Department of Veterans Affairs Website Accessibility Act this week, which will study VA websites to ensure they are accessible to those with disabilities. Congressman Emmer is the author of the Same-Day Accountability Veterans Enhancement (SAVE) Act to ensure the VA has accountability mechanisms in place to successfully offer same-day physical and mental health treatment to veterans in need. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-promote-middle-east-peace-and-security-democrats-congress-must-reject,"McCollum: To Promote Middle East Peace and Security, Democrats in Congress Must Reject Illegal Israeli-Trump Annexation of Palestinian Lands",2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) issued the following statement today after Sec. Mike Pompeo became the first U.S. Secretary of State to visit an Israeli settlement, signaling a symbolic U.S. stamp of approval of Israel's military occupation: ""Yesterday, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo issued official U.S. ‘country of origin' labeling guidelines that grant legitimacy to Israel's illegal settlements by requiring all products produced in Area ‘C' of the occupied West Bank to be marked as ‘Product of Israel' or ‘Made in Israel' when exported to the United States. ""Secretary Pompeo is once again flagrantly advancing the Israeli government's effort to unlawfully annex Palestinian lands. This act effectively erases the longstanding bipartisan U.S. policy differentiating between Israel and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, territory occupied by Israel in 1967. ""This official State Department action means that the U.S. has provided tacit recognition of de facto Israeli annexation of occupied Palestinian lands in violation of international law. This further entrenches an undemocratic system in which Israel would permanently rule over a Palestinian people who are denied basic civil rights and human rights. ""Secretary Pompeo claims his actions are consistent with a ‘reality-based foreign policy approach.' This right-wing ‘reality' is nothing more than overt Trump administration support for Israel to maintain an unjust political system that denies Palestinians the right to self-determination and an independent Palestinian state. ""The Trump administration has acted with complete disregard for international law and decades of bipartisan U.S. foreign policy consensus to aggressively support and legitimize permanent occupation and a de facto system of apartheid. I reject Israeli annexation and will work to ensure the U.S. does not support, defend, or legitimize any plan to illegally annex occupied Palestinian lands. This is exactly why I introduced H.R. 8050, The Israeli Annexation Non-Recognition Act, in August. ""I urge Democrats in Congress to support efforts to promote peace, justice, and equality by prohibiting the U.S. from formally recognizing, legitimizing, or providing U.S. taxpayer assistance to any area of the occupied West Bank annexed by the Government of Israel in violation of international law. ""I also strongly urge President-elect Biden to implement rights-respecting policies grounded in U.S. obligations under international law, including United Nations Security Council resolutions, specifically Resolution 2334."" A PDF version of this statement is available here. Information on H.R. 8050, The Israeli Annexation Non-Recognition Act, is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-opens-personalized-medicine-briefing-with-optimism-for-future-medical-breakthroughs,Emmer Opens Personalized Medicine Briefing with Optimism for Future Medical Breakthroughs,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) spoke at a briefing of the Congressional Personalized Medicine Caucus, which he Chairs. This bicameral, bipartisan Caucus was launched in February of this year to bring Congressional attention to new biomedical innovations and advance policies that help American patients affected by cancer and other devastating diseases. The emergence of personalized medicine emphasizes that the approaches to health care should be as diverse and individualized as the patients it serves. ""Pharmacogenomics, or PGx testing, is the answer to an ongoing and pervasive problem for our health care delivery system. If we can provide information to the clinician that will enable them to prescribe safer drugs for patients, we can ultimately save lives - and we must utilize this tool,"" said Emmer. Pharmacogenomics uses information about a person's genetic makeup to choose the drugs and doses that are likely to work best for that particular person. PGx involves a combination of the science of how drugs work (pharmacology) with the science of the human genome (genomics). Emmer continued, ""This tool is ready and available now. We should be finding ways for this to be broadly adopted. It will help all Americans, but mainly, those who take more medications like seniors, veterans, and vulnerable individuals who need medications that do not negatively interact with each other."" Today's briefing focused on pharmacogenomics and the high rate of patients suffering and even dying as a result of their prescription medications. Currently, adverse drug reactions kill someone every two minutes. 99% of the population has a genetic variant that impacts how their body responds to a pharmaceutical drug, and more than 91% of the population is unable to process medications in the way that they are intended. Emmer concluded, ""As we continue to combat the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact, these medical innovations would optimize their prescription needs and serve them more efficiently. I'll continue to advocate for personalized medicine initiatives like these, which will create a healthier future for all Americans."" Congressman Emmer serves a Co-Chair of the Personalized Medicine Caucus, alongside Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC). Read more about Rep. Emmer's work on health care and medical innovation here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-omar-introduces-resolutions-banning-trumps-arms-sales-uae,Rep. Omar Introduces Resolutions Banning Trump’s Arms Sales to UAE,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) today introduced a package of resolutions to ban the Trump Administration's proposed sale of weapons to the United Arab Emirates. Earlier this month, the Trump Administration announced a $23 billion package of weapons sales to the UAE, despite consistent human rights violations by the regime. ""Since he took office, Donald Trump has empowered some of the worst human rights abusers in the world—and the UAE is no exception,"" Rep. Omar said. ""Besides their very well-documented war crimes in Yemen, the UAE has also been credibly accused of committing war crimes in Libya. They're also reportedly paying for child soldiers from the same militia that committed the Darfur genocide, badly undercutting the transition to democracy in Sudan. Amidst a deadly pandemic, we should be investing in our own communities here at home, not selling weapons to help dictators commit human rights abuses."" The four resolutions target each component of the Trump Administration's proposal, including F-35 fighter jets and armed drones ― major advanced systems that the U.A.E. does not presently have. The transfer would be the first time the United States has ever sold combat drones to any Arab nation, and the UAE would become the first Gulf country to get F-35 stealth jets, the most advanced fighter aircraft on the market. The UAE is implicated in war crimes in Yemen, fomenting chaos and civil war in Libya, and an atrocious domestic human rights record. They are also close partners with Russia and China, and have been credibly accused of transferring weapons to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Any transfers of arms to the UAE puts our interests and values at enormous risk.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/stauber-s-commonsense-police-reform-bill-blocked-house-democrats-third-time,Stauber’s Commonsense Police Reform Bill Blocked by House Democrats for Third Time,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last August, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced legislation that would fund better training for police officers, increase the number of body cameras, and fund important grants to police departments that help with community policing. Today, during debate on the House Floor, a motion was made to bring up three additional funding bills for consideration, including Congressman Stauber's police reform funding bill. The motion was blocked on a party line vote of 227-169. Following this vote, Congressman Stauber stated, ""It is unfortunate House Democrats have once again blocked my efforts to bring police reform legislation to the Floor. As the American people continue to suffer from this health crisis and subsequent economic disaster, they also continue to call for justice for their fellow Americans. We are back in Washington, D.C. after seven weeks, and not one item on the Speaker's agenda is an answer to the American people's call nor provides them with relief. I am disappointed with this blatant display of partisanship. Both sides of the aisle must get back to work to deliver results and relief for the American people."" Prior to the vote, Congressman Stauber spoke on the House Floor about the need for Congress to get to work and deliver results for the American people. Watch his full remarks HERE. BACKGROUND: As a former Duluth police officer, Congressman Stauber has led bipartisan police reform efforts in the House of Representatives by introducing the JUSTICE Act. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) is the lead on this legislation in the Senate. Learn more about the bill, HERE. On June 25, Congressman Stauber's attempt to bring the JUSTICE Act to the House Floor was blocked as House Democrats passed their own, partisan bill. Learn more about this action, HERE. On August 22, Congressman Stauber's second attempt to bring the police reform funding bill to the House Floor was again blocked. Learn more, HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-tina-smith-susan-collins-secure-passage-resolution-recognizing-importance-school,U. S. Senators Tina Smith & Susan Collins Secure Passage of Resolution Recognizing the Importance of School Principals to Students Success,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Resolution Establishes October as National Principals Month and Honors Contributions of Principals Across the Country WASHINGTON, D.C. [11/19/20]U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) recently secured passage of their bipartisan resolution honoring principals and recognizing the contributions they make to helping students succeed. Principals work with educators to create school communities where students can learn and thrive, said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Education Committee. I'm glad we can honor them in this way, and recognize how principals are so critical to the success of students and schools in Minnesota and across the country. Principals in Maine and across the country have gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic, working to keep school communities safe as they continue to prepare students for the future, said Sen. Collins. This resolution recognizes the countless contributions and tireless devotion of our nation's principals to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education. Sens. Smith and Collins' resolution is cosponsored by Sens. Angus King (I-Maine), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). You can access text of the resolution below: Recognizing October 2020 as National Principals Month. Whereas the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators have declared October 2020 to be National Principals Month; Whereas principals are educational visionaries, instructional and assessment leaders, disciplinarians, community builders, budget analysts, facilities managers, and administrators of legal and contractual obligations; Whereas principals work collaboratively with teachers and parents to develop and implement clear missions, high curriculum standards, and performance goals; Whereas principals create school environments that facilitate great teaching and learning and continuous school improvement; Whereas principals demonstrate leadership and play important roles in meeting the needs of students, families, and communities while responding to the coronavirus pandemic; Whereas the vision, actions, and dedication of principals provide the mobilizing force behind any school improvement effort; and Whereas the celebration of National Principals Month would honor elementary school, middle school, and high school principals and recognize the importance of principals in ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate (1) recognizes October 2020 as National Principals Month; (2) honors the contributions of principals in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools in the United States; and (3) supports the goals and ideals of National Principals Month.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-encourages-agriculture-community-to-enroll-in-assistance-programs,Emmer Encourages Agriculture Community to Enroll in Assistance Programs,2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) issued the following announcement to remind Minnesota's agriculture community of important sign-up deadlines related to the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program and the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Producers must sign up for either program by December 11, 2020. ""I supported the 2018 Farm Bill because of important programs like the DMC, and funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) from my STRESS Act, which allocated mental health resources to our agriculture communities. I hope dairy producers will take advantage of the assurances the DMC program offers during these uncertain times,"" said Emmer. The DMC program, created by the 2018 Farm Bill, offers dairy farmers market protection when the difference between the milk price and the average feed cost falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the farmer. Enrollment for the program for 2021 ends Friday, December 11, 2020. Learn more information about the program. Emmer continued, ""Our agriculture community worked extremely hard to keep the supply chain moving and produce for the American people. However, losses were incurred by many farm operations. For those who have suffered losses, the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program has launched a second round of this vital assistance."" President Donald J. Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue expanded CFAP after Congress authorized funding for the program in the CARES Act, which Congressman Emmer supported. CFAP 2 will provide producers with financial assistance to offset the losses incurred due to the COVID-19 outbreak. You can apply for CFAP 2 by visiting. A call center is available for producers who would like additional one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application process. Please call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance. Enrollment for CFAP 2 ends Friday, December 11, 2020. Emmer concluded, ""Our farmers and agriculture producers deserve this critical assistance. The COVID-19 outbreak has been a difficult time for all Americans, but for this industry and way of life, it has been devastating. I encourage our agriculture producers to apply and to connect with your local Farm Service Agency for guidance."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-urges-action-for-tax-non-filers-to-request-economic-assistance,Emmer Urges Action for Tax Non-Filers to Request Economic Assistance,2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,MN,Tom Emmer,E000294,emmer.house.gov,emmer,https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) issued the following announcement to remind the approximately nine million Americans, including more than 115,000 Minnesotans, who do not normally file taxes but may be eligible for an Economic Impact Payment to register using the Non-Filers Portal on IRS.gov before the Saturday, November 21 deadline. ""Congress came together in a non-partisan fashion to pass the CARES Act and provide eligible Americans with assistance during this trying time. Americans and struggling families in need have the opportunity to claim their benefits, but they must do so soon. If you do not normally file taxes and have not received your Economic Impact Payment, please register today,"" said Emmer. Eligible Americans are those who have not already received their Economic Impact Payment, do not typically file a tax return, are not required to file a tax return, or certain benefit recipients who got an EIP for themselves but need to provide information about a non-beneficiary spouse or qualifying child. For those who do file a tax return, including low- and moderate-income workers and families claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or other tax benefits, are not eligible to utilize the tool. Emmer concluded, ""If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty navigating the IRS, or is having any issues with a federal agency, please do not hesitate to contact my casework staff to assist you. We are always here and ready to help."" All Americans can use the Get My Payment application to check the status of their payment. The designation of ""Payment Status Not Available"" will be visible until the payment is scheduled to be issued. This response does not mean a person is not eligible or will not receive a payment. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://hagedorn.house.gov/media/press-releases/hagedorn-bustos-introduce-bill-lower-greenhouse-gas-emissions-encourage-low,"Hagedorn, Bustos Introduce Bill to Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Encourage Low-Carbon Fuel Production",2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,MN,Jim Hagedorn,H001088,hagedorn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would lower greenhouse gas emissions and encourage low-carbon fuel production. The Streamlining Advanced Biofuels Registration Act would help biofuels plants cut through red tape in order to increase production of cellulosic biomass into renewable fuels. ""This legislation is an important step toward improving clean energy technology and efficiency with the help of corn producers and the ethanol industry, said Congressman Hagedorn. By forcing the EPA to make timely decisions on these applications, we are opening new markets that will power southern Minnesota communities and the nation's economy. I'm extremely pleased to work in bipartisan fashion with Congresswoman Bustos on this important initiative."" Reducing greenhouse gases while investing in renewable fuels means we must take steps to help our biofuels producers utilize every available fuel source, while supporting our corn farmers, said Congresswoman Bustos. That's why I'm proud to introduce the Streamlining Advanced Biofuels Registration Act with Congressman Hagedorn. By cutting red tape and ensuring that producers receive a timely response from the EPA, we can encourage the use of cellulosic biomass in low-carbon, renewable fuel production and continue to create cleaner, more environmentally-friendly fuels. The Renewable Fuel Standard requires energy producers to utilize low-carbon, renewable fuels. Cellulosic biomass, a non-food product that can be used as an energy source, can be utilized to produce low-carbon, renewable fuels with a 60 percent reduction on greenhouse gas emissions, compared to nonrenewable fuels. The increased use of cellulosic biomass to produce renewable fuels could greatly reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the environment. However, in order to process cellulosic biomass under the Renewable Fuel Standard, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must approve applications on behalf of biofuels producers. The EPA has refused to act on dozens of applications on behalf of biofuels producers. The Streamlining Advanced Biofuels Registration Act would force the EPA to act on outstanding applications and compel the EPA to accept applications if, after 90 days, the fuel could participate in at least one state's clean transportation program. Read more about the Streamlining Advanced Biofuels Registration Act. We applaud Representatives Bustos and Hagedorn for introducing this legislation to streamline pathways for low-carbon biofuels, said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. Unnecessary delays have stalled progress on the biofuels industry's ability to harness clean energy from agricultural residue, corn fiber, and waste. We know that cellulosic technologies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100% or more, providing options for negative-emissions liquid fuels and providing a low-cost alternative to petroleum-based aromatics that poison our air and threaten our health. This important legislation will help clear the deck on long-overdue approvals and jumpstart growth in these innovative technologies at a time when revitalizing rural communities has never been more important. POET applauds Representatives Bustos and Hagedorn for their leadership on this important issue. Renewable fuels are a critical part of the solution in the fight against climate change, and our nation needs to use every tool at its disposal, said Josh Shields, Senior Vice President of External Affairs. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has long promised not only low-carbon fuel from corn starch, but also that which can be made from additional feedstocks and energy-dedicated crops. While companies like POET have honored our commitment to developing these fuels with billions of dollars of research, EPA has consistently prevented our applications from moving forward and left us with little to no incentive to continue our vital research and development in this area of energy innovation. This legislation will remedy the EPA logjam and get our nation back on the right path to pursuing the zero-carbon liquid fuel option that drivers will need to overcome our reliance on fossil fuels. We applaud Congresswoman Bustos and Congressman Hagedorn for proposing a bipartisan and common sense solution to the regulatory logjam blocking cellulosic biofuels from the consumer marketplace, said Brooke Coleman, Director of the Advanced Biofuels Business Council. There are dozens of registration applications in seemingly perpetual review at EPA, freezing the commercial deployment of low-carbon, cellulosic biofuels and discouraging investment in U.S. innovation. This legislation takes the critical first step of recognizing the problem and forcing EPA to rule on long-overdue pathway and registration petitions. The cellulosic biofuels industry is ready to help decarbonize and revitalize the U.S. economy - solving the EPA registration problem is a critical piece of the puzzle. The Biomass Power Association is grateful to Rep. Bustos and Rep. Hagedorn for introducing this bill and holding EPA to account for the qualifying fuels it hasn't yet included in the RFS, said Carrie Annand, executive director of Biomass Power Association. Electricity producers have been waiting for nearly 13 years to be included in the program, even after RFS2 made clear that electricity generated from approved feedstocks qualifies to generate RINs. It's time for the EPA to do its job by processing applications for electricity producers and others to participate in the RFS. We urge swift approval and enactment of this bill. The American Biogas Council (ABC) is very thankful for the introduction of this bill by Representatives Bustos and Hagedorn. We believe it proposes a reasonable solution to a long running problem which has led to delays in the development of biogas to electricity projects, stated Patrick Serfass, Executive Director of the ABC. As a result of the unprocessed applications at EPA, many biogas developers have decided to forgo applying to the program rather than devoting resources to a process that would leave them in limbo. Biogas projects want to participate in the RFS by making electricity. We are hopeful this legislation will enable them to do so. Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) carry the legislation in the Senate. Jim Hagedorn was elected in 2018 to represent Minnesota's First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He grew up on his family's grain and livestock farm near Truman. Jim's father, former U.S. Congressman Tom Hagedorn (MN-02), grandfather, and great-grandfather were all southern Minnesota farmers. Jim currently resides in the rural farming community of Blue Earth. Hagedorn brings policy experience to Capitol Hill from time spent as a congressional aide to former U.S. Congressman Arlan Stangeland (MN-07) and a congressional relations officer for two non-partisan U.S. Department of the Treasury agencies. Hagedorn serves on the House Committees on Agriculture and Small Business to promote farming, Main Street enterprises and southern Minnesota's way of life. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-walz-s-announcement-stauber-requests-unallocated-federal-funds-be,"Following Walz’s Announcement, Stauber Requests Unallocated Federal Funds Be Sent to Impacted Businesses",2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,MN,Pete Stauber,S001212,stauber.house.gov,stauber,https://stauber.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"MINNESOTA – Today, following Governor Walz's announcement regarding new restrictions on bars, restaurants, and gyms, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) led his colleagues, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) in sending a letter to the Governor, urging him to distribute unallocated federal funds to the businesses his new restrictions will impact. Following the passage of the CARES Act in March, Minnesota received $1 billion, yet millions of those funds sit idle. Stauber stated, ""Minnesota is experiencing concerning spikes in COVID-19 cases. This is an alarming trend that we must take seriously to ensure the health and safety of all Minnesotans. With that being said, I, along with many of my constituents remain concerned with the impact these blanket restrictions could have on small businesses. ""For many of Minnesota's businesses, the Governor's new restrictions may be the devastating setback from which they never recover. Now that the Governor has closed these businesses for four weeks, he has a responsibility to help them get through this crisis. Therefore, I urge Governor Walz to heed our advice and distribute the millions of dollars in unallocated federal funding to the businesses and employees impacted by his statewide shutdown."" The letter reads (in part): ""Over the last several months, Minnesotans have worked tirelessly to save their businesses, reemploy staff, and restart our economy. Now, Minnesotans are scrambling for their livelihoods once more, even as funds sit idle that should provide them relief and security. ""As you force Minnesotans to close their businesses, we request that you immediately use the CARES Act money to provide Minnesota's small businesses financial relief. Small business owners bear the cost of your new restrictions and it is imperative that these funds are used to assist them in their most dire hour."" Read the full letter, HERE ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smith-us-representatives-angie-craig-betty-mccollum-collin-peterson-urge-federal,"U.S. Senator Tina Smith, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig, Betty McCollum & Collin Peterson Urge Federal Agencies to Provide Clarity on Hemp Rules",2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Minnesota Lawmakers Say We Must Address Contradictory Federal Efforts to Help Farmers and Tribes Reap Benefits of Growing Hemp WASHINGTON, D.C. [11/18/20]Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN 2), Betty McCollum (D-MN 4) and Collin Peterson (D-MN 7) are calling on the leaders of four federal agencies to streamline hemp rules. Currently, contradictory federal guidelines are leading to uncertainty in the market and preventing Minnesota farmers and Tribes from fully reaping the economic benefits of growing hemp. The bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp in order to create economic opportunities for farmers. Minnesota farmers appreciate the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) efforts in implementing the Interim Rule on Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program. However, despite the Interim Rule there are still hurdles in place for Minnesota farmers to fully realize the economic benefits of growing hemp, wrote the lawmakers in their letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Sen. Smith and Reps. Craig, McCollum and Peterson go on to identify some of the inconsistencies that need to be addressed: The federal regulatory framework has proven to be inconsistent. For example, the USDA's rule stated that farmers will be held accountable facing possible revoking of their licenses if their crops test above a .5 percent THC level three times in a five year period. Despite this somewhat onerous and arbitrary level, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) instituted their own rule saying that exceeding .3 percent THC level deems the crop a controlled substance. The burdensome competing rules don't allow for remediation if the crop tests above the deemed inappropriate levels. Farmers should not be penalized for plants that they intended to grow as hemp, but for any number of reasons, the final THC numbers exceeded the arbitrary 0.3% THC level. At the same time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance on CBD is still pending at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which adds even more uncertainty to the marketplace. You can access a copy of the letter here or below: Secretary Sonny Perdue The Honorable Russell T. Vought U.S. Department of Agriculture Director, Office of Management and Budget 1400 Independence Avenue SW 725 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20250 Washington, DC 20503 Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. The Honorable Timothy J. Shea U.S. Food and Drug Administration Acting Administrator White Oak Campus U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue 8701 Morrissette Drive Silver Spring, MD 20903 Springfield, VA 22152 Dear Secretary Perdue, Director Vought, Commissioner Hahn, and Acting Administrator Shea: The bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp in order to create economic opportunities for farmers. Minnesota farmers appreciate the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) efforts in implementing the Interim Rule on Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program. However, despite the Interim Rule there are still hurdles in place for Minnesota farmers to fully realize the economic benefits of growing hemp. While many states and tribes are still awaiting approval for their hemp programs from the USDA, the state of Minnesota, the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, and the Lower Sioux Indian Community have all had their applications approved. Interest in growing hemp remains high among farmers. The Minnesota Industrial Hemp Pilot grew from four licensed growers in 2016 to 467 licensed growers in 2020. Despite this interest, farmers face a lack of certitude due to unclear and contradicting federal efforts. This has resulted in fewer hemp acres in Minnesota being planted from 2019 to 2020. In 2019, 7353 acres of hemp were planted. In 2020, that number dropped to 5809 acres. The federal regulatory framework has proven to be inconsistent. For example, the USDA's rule stated that farmers will be held accountable facing possible revoking of their licenses if their crops test above a .5 percent THC level three times in a five year period. Despite this somewhat onerous and arbitrary level, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) instituted their own rule saying that exceeding .3 percent THC level deems the crop a controlled substance. The burdensome competing rules don't allow for remediation if the crop tests above the deemed inappropriate levels. Farmers should not be penalized for plants that they intended to grow as hemp, but for any number of reasons, the final THC numbers exceeded the arbitrary 0.3% THC level. At the same time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance on CBD is still pending at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which adds even more uncertainty to the marketplace. Lack of clarity has resulted in under-investments in growing and processing from banks and hemp production companies. In order to create a more stable market for hemp farmers and ease the concerns of investors, the USDA, the DEA, the FDA, and the OMB need to work together and issue federal guidelines that will benefit farmers rather than punish farmers for factors that are out of their control. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-tina-smith-marco-rubio-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-recognize-november-national-lung,"U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Marco Rubio Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize November as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month",2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Measure Promotes Research, Early Detection of Disease That Kills Tens of Thousands of Americans Each Year MINNESOTA [11/18/20] U.S. SenatorsTina Smith (D-Minn.) and Marco Rubio(R-Fla.) introduced a bipartisanresolutionto designate November 2020 as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Theirresolutionpromotes the importance of early detection of lung cancer to help save lives. It also recognizes the need for research toimprove early diagnosis, screening and treatment. Sens. Smith and Rubio said that lung cancer is unfortunatelythe leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women in the United Statesaccounting for more deaths than colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. We need to take every possible step to fight this terriblediseasethatkills tens of thousands of people in Minnesota and across the country each year,said Sen. Smith.In July I introduced legislation to expand coverage for lung cancer screenings for individuals 40 or older to help detect the cancer earlier. Former Minnesota U.S. Representative Rick Nolan and his daughter Katherine inspired me to introduce the bill. Katherine, whocourageouslyfoughtstage 4 non-smoking, non-small cell lung cancerfor five years before succumbing to the disease, was a fierceadvocatefor early detectionandresearch.I'm glad to introduce this bipartisan resolution andcarry on Katherine's fight. Thank you Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Tina Smith (D-MN) for working with us to provide national attention to the needs of the lung cancer community through this Senate Resolution that honors November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Your leadership helps spotlight this devastating disease and brings opportunities for us to work together to save lives and improve the quality of life for the hundreds of thousands of people impacted. This Lung Cancer Awareness Month Resolution will add momentum to efforts to build national awareness, advance earlier detection and personalized treatments and help increase research funding to discover breakthroughs and cures.Thank you for helping lead this coordinated plan of action to transform survivorship. --Laurie Fenton Ambrose, Co-Founder, President & CEO of GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer The resolution is cosponsored by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Shelley Capito (W. Va.). The resolution is also supported by the Minnesota American Cancer Society/Cancer Action Network,the American Cancer Society,the American Lung Association, the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative (ALCSI), the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancerand the Oncology Nursing Society. You can read a copy of theresolutionhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-receives-medical-imaging-technology-alliance-innovation-award,Rep. Angie Craig Receives Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance Innovation Award,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"This month, U.S. Rep Angie Craig was announced as a recipient of the Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Innovation Award, which recognizes members of Congress who have demonstrated outstanding, ongoing efforts to promote innovation within the medical technology industry and improve patient care. Medical innovation saves lives, and I'm proud to be a strong advocate for technological advancements that improve health outcomes for patients,said Rep. Craig.I'm honored to receive this recognition from the Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance and I look forward to continuing to advocate for improvements to health care. Throughout the 116th Congress, Representative Craig has demonstrated a strong commitment to medical innovation and the delivery of life-saving healthcare technologies to patients in need,said Patrick Hope, Executive Director of MITA.Recognizing this commitment, we are pleased to honor her as a recipient of MITA's Innovation Award. Congratulations, Congresswoman!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-omar-sent-letter-condemning-facebook-s-role-ongoing-violence-ethiopia,Rep. Omar Sent Letter Condemning Facebook’s Role in Ongoing Violence in Ethiopia & Around the World,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONAhead of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) sent a letter to Zuckerberg opposing Facebook's role in the violence around the world, most recently in Ethiopia. The letter also raises serious concerns related to the online hate speech that contributed to the violence against Sri Lankan Muslims and the genocide against Rohingya people in Burma. I am writing to express my deep alarm at the role Facebook is playing in the catastrophic violence that has encompassed Ethiopia,Rep. Omar wrote.Sometimes genocidal hate speech that is being propagated in many languages by many actors, both inside Ethiopia and abroad, has found a viral audience on your platform, and has almost certainly contributed directly to the massacres of civilians based on their ethnicities. You and Facebook should have learned from past experience. The role Facebook played in the 2018 violence against Sri Lankan Muslims prompted a public apology earlier this year. In that crisis, people were killed and beaten, and mosques and Muslim-owned homes and businesses burnt because of hate speech that disseminated on your platform. Ethiopia is on the verge of collapsing into one of the worst human rights and humanitarian crises in modern history. Experts believe the region could experience a massive refugee crisis, continued interethnic violence, and genocide. Many state and non-state actors have propagated genocidal hate speech on Facebook that has likely contributed to the massacres of civilians. The letter addresses the need for Facebook to prevent and monitor the fomentation of hate speech and violence. A PDF of the letter can be foundhere, and the full text of the letter is below. Mark Zuckerberg CEO Facebook, Inc. 1 Hacker Way Menlo Park, CA 94025 November 17, 2020 Dear Mr. Zuckerberg, I am writing to express my deep alarm at the role Facebook is playing in the catastrophic violence that has encompassed Ethiopia. Sometimes genocidal hate speech that is being propagated in many languages by many actors, both inside Ethiopia and abroad, has found a viral audience on your platform, and has almost certainly contributed directly to the massacres of civilians based on their ethnicities. The situation in Ethiopia is precarious and has a very real chance of collapsing into one of the worst human rights and humanitarian crises in the world. Thousands have already fled across the border to Sudan, which is itself in a deeply fragile transition from dictatorship to democracy. Massacres of civilians because of their ethnicity and religion have become tragically commonplace. The Ethiopian government has jailed dissidents, threatened to bomb civilian areas, and entered into an all-out war with one of its regions. Experts on the region and atrocity crimes are ringing the alarm about the possibility of a massive refugee crisis, continued interethnic violence, and genocide. You and Facebook should have learned from past experience. The role Facebook played in the 2018 violence against Sri Lankan Muslims prompted a public apology earlier this year. In that crisis, people were killed and beaten, and mosques and Muslim-owned homes and businesses burnt because of hate speech that disseminated on your platform. Facebook's part in the genocide against Rohingya people in Burma is also well-documented. Facebook has publicly acknowledged its failure in that case to prevent the fomentation of hate speech and violence. Alex Warofka said in 2018, regarding the Rohingya, that Facebook can and should do more to prevent its use for these brutal ends, but your ongoing contribution to sowing division, hatred, and genocidal violence in Ethiopia makes those words profoundly and disastrously hollow. Instead we have found once again that, when societies become divided to the point of hatred, and when that hatred burns to the point of targeted murder and massacres, there Facebook is in the center of it, as the catalyst and the engine of discord. In Rwanda in 1994, the orders to murder Tutsis by extremist Hutus bent on genocide were famously issued over the radio. Mr. Zuckerberg, in 2020, you are that radio. It is up to you to turn it off. Sincerely, Ilhan Omar Member of Congress ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z