url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=C491D691-7010-4363-8E41-DD985E6D9CBF,Klobuchar Statement on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"MINNESOTA – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the passing of President Jimmy Carter. “Today, America mourns the loss of President Jimmy Carter — a husband, dad, grandpa, veteran, farmer, and lifelong public servant. President Carter earned a special place in the hearts of Minnesotans when he invited Senator Walter Mondale to join his presidential ticket. On the wall in the Carter Museum in Atlanta are Vice President Mondale’s words uttered shortly after their 1980 defeat, summing up their four years in office: “We told the truth. We obeyed the law. We kept the peace.” Minnesota will always remember the “Grits and Fritz” ticket, but President Carter gave our nation that and more. Even during a period of economic uncertainty, he made key advancements in protecting the environment, expanding access to health care, bolstering Social Security, and strengthening America’s leadership on the world stage. In the years following his presidency, President Carter showed the world that public service transcends public office. He founded the Carter Center, which to this day is advancing peace, public health, and human rights across the globe. His devotion to serving others continued until the very end — so many of us were moved by the videos of him building homes alongside fellow Habitat for Humanity volunteers in his final years. I was lucky enough to share several wonderful memories with President Carter in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. We prayed together at Maranatha Baptist Church, I watched him teach Sunday school, and we shared pimento cheese sandwiches. Each time, his profound faith was clearly on display. As President Carter reunites with his beloved wife Rosalynn, we should recognize his passing for what it is — the culmination of a life well lived. He will be remembered not as a politician, but as an unrelenting force for good. John’s and my prayers are with Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family at this time.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=239A2EF6-9609-4E16-AC9E-671633560D17,Klobuchar Statement on the Passing of State Senator Kari Dziedzic,2024-12-28,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"MINNESOTA – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the passing of Minnesota State Senator and former DFL Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic. Kari Dziedzic was an incredible public servant who gave so much to our state. She long served as my state Senator and I got to see firsthand how she listened to and worked with the people in the district and how effective she was. She governed with strength and calm and grace and was able to get big things done without political drama. That earned her the respect of her colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Our family’s prayers are with Kari’s friends and family during this difficult time. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=43C74E92-7898-43A6-9FA1-DC0C2459DB8F,Bipartisan Klobuchar Legislation to Designate the Bald Eagle as the National Bird is Signed into Law,2024-12-26,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith introduced the legislation in the Senate. Representatives Brad Finstad and Angie Craig led companion legislation in the House of Representatives. WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced her legislation to designate the bald eagle as the National Bird of the United States has been signed into law. This legislation was co-sponsored by Tina Smith (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Angie Craig (D-MN) led companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “In Minnesota, we know a thing or two about eagles: we are home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the country as well as the National Eagle Center in Wabasha,” said Klobuchar. “The bald eagle is a symbol of our country’s freedom and strength and with our legislation now signed into law, the bald eagle is officially our national bird.” “This is an exciting day. The Bald Eagle has symbolized American ideals since its placement on the Great Seal in 1782,” said Preston Cook, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center and author of American Eagle - A Visual History of Our National Emblem. “With this legislation, we honor its historic role and solidify its place as our national bird and an emblem of our national identity.” The bald eagle has proudly been depicted as the national symbol of the United States since June 20, 1782, when our country’s Founding Fathers at the Second Continental Congress approved the Great Seal of the United States. Since that time, the bald eagle design has gone on to appear on official documents, currency, flags, public buildings, sports teams, and other government-related items. Today, the bald eagle is synonymous with American life and this legislation will officially designate it as the National Bird of the United States. In the Senate, the legislation was led by Klobuchar and Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN), Angie Craig (D-MN), Dean Phillips (D-MN), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), and Don Beyer (D-VA). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=67A111C6-912D-44A0-BC9E-14484A8C2DAD,Klobuchar Statement on the Passing of Former State Representative Mary Murphy,2024-12-26,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"MINNESOTA – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the passing of former Minnesota State Representative Mary Murphy. “Mary Murphy was an incredible Minnesotan who dedicated her life to serving the Northland. As a former teacher, she was a strong advocate for improving education for our children and she also fought to protect victims of domestic violence and stalking. Mary was in so many ways ahead of her time and was often the only woman at the table in northern Minnesota. That’s changed now thanks to her trailblazing legacy. John and I send our deepest condolences to Mary’s friends and family.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smiths-provision-reconnecting-community-to-area-around-upper-st-anthony-falls-lock-to-be-signed-into-law/,U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Provision Reconnecting Community to Area Around Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock to Be Signed into Law,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) announced her provision, written along with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN05) to expand community access to land around the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock, passed the Senate as part of the Water Resources Development Act and is expected to be signed into law. The provision directs the Army Corps of Engineers to minimize the space they use around the lock and dam as much as possible, while maintaining access for safety and maintenance purposes, to make room for the development of a public recreation space. Redevelopment for a recreational space is being led by Owámniyomni Okhódayapi, a Dakota-led non-profit. “Minnesotans value our lakes and rivers, and this provision recognizes that,” said Senator Smith. “This policy change is a key step to reopening the area around the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam for the community to enjoy while ensuring the lock and dam infrastructure continues protecting Minneapolis’ water supply and protecting Lake Superior from invasive carp.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-tina-smith-amy-klobuchar-celebrate-historic-investment-in-states-largest-electric-co-op-for-affordable-clean-energy/,"U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Celebrate Historic Investment in State’s Largest Electric Co-Op for Affordable, Clean Energy",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN), celebrated historic funding for clean, reliable and low-cost energy for rural Minnesotans. Connexus Energy will use funding secured by Senators Smith and Klobuchar to produce over 280 megawatts of clean energy through hydro, solar and wind energy that will lower costs for its 146,000 members in rural Minnesota while supporting 400 jobs. With $170 million in funding, these projects will reduce climate pollution by more than 1.1 million tons of harmful, climate-warming emissions each year. Minnesota’s electric cooperatives provide electricity to nearly one-third of the state. Connexus is based in Ramsey, Minnesota and serves 146,000 members across Anoka, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Mille Lacs, Ramsey, Sherburne, and Washington counties. “The clean energy transition is here, and we can either lead or follow. I want Minnesota to lead, and with this announcement, we will,” said Senator Smith. “With this investment, cooperatives can unleash clean energy in a way that works best for their communities. This will fight climate change. This will lower energy costs. And this will strengthen our energy security and resilience by ensuring our rural communities continue to have safe, reliable and clean, American-made energy for years to come.” “Domestically produced renewable power strengthens our energy independence and boosts rural economies,” said Senator Klobuchar. “These Empowering Rural America Program grants will lower rural energy costs, create good paying jobs, and support renewable energy projects in Minnesota and across the country.” Senator Smith was instrumental in securing this funding for rural electric co-ops through her work on the clean energy provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. The program, dubbed the Empowering Rural America (or New ERA) program, was partially inspired by Senator Smith’s Flexible Financing for Rural America Act. This is the fourth Minnesota rural electric co-op to receive funding thanks to provisions authored by Smith. In September 2024, the following co-ops also received funding for clean, affordable energy. Dairyland Power Cooperative (Southeast Minnesota) This $573 million investment will support eight wind and solar power installations across rural Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois. Dairyland’s electric rates are estimated to be 42 percent lower over 10 years than they would have been without this funding. Great River Energy (Southern, Central, and Northeast Minnesota) Great River Energy will produce 1,275 megawatts of energy across rural portions of Minnesota and North Dakota. These investments are estimated to create over 1,600 short and long-term jobs, reduce costs by $30 million on average annually, and reduce carbon emissions by over 5.49 million tons each year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-tina-smith-and-amy-klobuchar-announce-over-20-million-in-federal-funding-to-preserve-affordable-housing/,U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar Announce Over $20 Million in Federal Funding to Preserve Affordable Housing,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Chair of the Senate Housing Subcommittee, and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN) announced over $20 million in federal funding for the Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) to preserve affordable housing in manufactured housing communities and support Tribal communities across the Upper Midwest. This funding, awarded through the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) grants, will ensure long-term housing affordability, infrastructure improvements, and community redevelopment for residents in historically underserved areas. The funding will support MHP’s D.R.E.A.M. Initiative (Driving Resilience, Equity, and Affordability through Manufactured Housing), benefiting six Resident-Owned Communities of manufactured housing in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as 28 Tribal communities across the Upper Midwest. “Without a safe, decent place to live, nothing else in your life works. Manufactured housing communities are a critical source of affordable homeownership for families, but they’ve been historically overlooked and under supported,” said Senator Smith. “This investment will help preserve affordable housing, strengthen infrastructure, and support a variety of communities in Minnesota and across the Upper Midwest. By ensuring long-term affordability, we’re giving people the stability, security, and opportunity they deserve.” “Safe and affordable housing is essential for families and the health of our communities, but right now, for far too many, the housing market is inaccessible,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This grant provides critical resources to improve long-term affordability, upgrade infrastructure, and expand access to quality housing where it’s needed the most.” “Manufactured housing is an essential component of our nation’s housing system, providing stability for over 22 million Americans,” said Anne Mavity, Executive Director of MHP. “MHP is eager to expand our community development work to preserve this vital housing resource. We are thrilled HUD has entrusted us with these funds to help manufactured home communities thrive.” “This PRICE grant represents a powerful opportunity to address long-standing challenges in manufactured housing communities,” said Victoria Clark-West, Executive Director of Northcountry Cooperative Foundation. “Through collaboration with MHP, we’re excited to deliver meaningful improvements that will enhance quality of life and preserve housing security for thousands of residents.” The D.R.E.A.M Initiative will fund critical infrastructure improvements, support community ownership transitions, and rehabilitate existing homes to ensure safe, affordable, and sustainable housing options. Targeted investments include: Infrastructure Improvements: Funding to repair and replace essential infrastructure like roads and utilities in existing Resident-Owned Communities. Community Ownership Support: Assistance for communities transitioning to resident ownership to ensure long-term affordability. Tribal Housing Rehabilitation: Grants for Tribes to rehabilitate owner-occupied and rental manufactured homes, improving living conditions and resilience against natural disasters. The funding will directly impact resident-owned communities in Moorhead, Fairmont, Fridley, and Worthington in Minnesota and Tribal Nations across the state will benefit from investments aimed at addressing disparities in housing affordability and access. Manufactured housing is a critical source of affordable homeownership for low- and moderate-income families, particularly in rural and Tribal areas where other housing options are limited or cost-prohibitive. This funding will help boost affordable homeownership and ensure the residents of manufactured housing communities have access to safe, stable, and affordable homes for decades to come. This funding is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE), which was created in 2022 and aims to address housing affordability and challenges nationwide by investing in manufactured housing. Senator Smith cosponsors the PRICE Act, led by Senator Cortez Masto (D-NV), which would permanently authorize the program, and she has supported funding for the program to fund neighborhood upgrades, home improvements and preserve affordable housing for communities nationwide.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=6B713089-F247-48E6-BB63-94B0FC7722A6,Klobuchar Selected as Top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, Senator Amy Klobuchar was chosen to serve as the ranking member on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Senator Klobuchar has been a member of the Agriculture Committee since her first term in Congress, working to pass three Farm Bills and successfully leading bills that have strengthened the safety net for Minnesota farmers and ranchers, invested in conservation programs, and supported homegrown energy. “When I first came to the Senate, my number-one request was to be on the Agriculture Committee. I wanted to work on behalf of Minnesota’s farmers, make sure Americans could feed their families, and boost our rural economy. From working across the aisle to strengthen our defenses against animal disease outbreaks to bolstering our ability to produce home-grown fuel and supporting conservation efforts, the work of the Agriculture Committee touches every aspect of our lives. I look forward to working with Chairman Boozman and Representatives Craig and G.T. Thompson to pass a strong farm bill.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=B52DFA8D-7D04-4DBE-A752-AA9DE5ABCF25,Klobuchar Opening Remarks at Antitrust Subcommittee on Continuing Bipartisan Antitrust Enforcement and Reform,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WATCH KLOBUCHAR’S FULL REMARKS HERE WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, held a hearing titled “Continuing a Bipartisan Path Forward for Antitrust Enforcement and Reform.” The hearing focused on areas of bipartisan agreement in antitrust enforcement, including cases brought under the past two administrations to address consolidation and monopolization markets including technology, healthcare, and live event ticketing, as well as the bipartisan collaboration among state attorneys general. The hearing caps Senator Klobuchar’s four years as Subcommittee Chairwoman, which included 20 hearings examining competition issues in markets as diverse as journalism, housing, prescription drugs, Big Tech, and supply chains. “Recent polling shows that Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike believe that there's a problem when too much power is concentrated in the hands of too few companies. One way we can tackle these problems is to vigorously defend competition and support it, and that means enforcing our antitrust laws. We know through time, and this is the nature of capitalism, that truly competitive markets can lower prices, give us better choices, and accelerate innovation. That is what has brought us to where we are in terms of innovation, and it's on us as leaders, as our forefathers have done back through history—and a few foremothers—what they have done is that they have fostered that competition by always making sure we're rejuvenating the antitrust laws and making sure they're getting enforced.” said Klobuchar at the hearing. As Chair, Klobuchar Passed the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), which updated merger filing fees for the first time since 2001, lowering fees on smaller acquisitions and increasing them for the largest mergers, raising additional revenue that Congress can use to fund antitrust enforcement. The legislation also included the State Antitrust Enforcement Venue Act, Klobuchar’s legislation with Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) to empower state antitrust enforcement by making it easier for state attorneys general litigating antitrust cases to remain in their selected courts. Introduced the American Innovation and Choice Online Act with Senator Chuck Grassley to set common sense rules of the road for major digital platforms to ensure they cannot abuse their dominance to unfairly preference their own products and services and distort competition. In January 2022, the legislation passed the Senate Judiciary Committee by a bipartisan vote of 16-6, making it the first major bill on technology competition to advance to the Senate floor since the dawn of the internet. The bill was reintroduced in June 2023. Introduced the Open App Markets Act with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)to promote increased competition and innovation in the software applications and app store markets. In February 2022, the legislation passed the Senate Judiciary Committee by a bipartisan vote of 20-2. Introduced the Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act with eleven her colleagues, including Judiciary Committee members Senators Blumenthal (D-CT), Booker (D-NJ), Whitehouse (D-RI), Hirono (D-HI), and Welch (D-VT), to modernize our laws so competition can flourish and American consumers are treated fairly. The legislation strengthens prohibitions on anticompetitive mergers, prevents exclusionary conduct by dominant firms, and increases funding for federal antitrust enforcers. Introduced the Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act with Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), to prevent companies from using algorithms to collude to set higher prices. A rough transcript of Klobuchar’s opening remarks is available below. Video is available HERE for download. Klobuchar: I call to order this hearing of the Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust and Consumer Rights. The name of this hearing is very, very fitting for where we are right now: “Continuing a Bipartisan Path Forward For Antitrust Enforcement and Reform.” And I first want to welcome our witnesses, which I'll do shortly, and I want to thank ranking member Lee and his staff, as well as my staff, for the work they did on this hearing. And I also want to note that we are joined by Senator Grassley, who will be the chair of this committee, and I am very, very honored to have him here and for all of the long-time work that he has done when it comes to antitrust. And I think it makes our point that this subject transcends party and that it is really important that we keep focused on getting things done when it comes to consolidation and monopolies. We have a lot to do on behalf of the American people, and from my perspective, that means, yes, standing our ground, but it also means finding common ground when we can't. And one thing on which I know we all agree is that Americans like to have choices. That is the whole nature of capitalism and a competitive economy. Without choices, they get impacted severely when there are disruptions to fragile supply chains, if there are shortages. And one reason for what we're seeing right now with some of the costs in our economy is consolidation. Across more than 75% of our economy, a smaller number of large companies control more of a market than they did 20 years ago. Since 2008, American firms have engaged in more than 10 trillion in acquisitions. That's trillion with a T, and we see this consolidation in everything from cat food to caskets. Maybe that'll be the last time you hear me use that one… And big tech companies, some of the largest companies the world has ever known, dominate our digital lives, influencing what we see, the products we buy, the voices we hear, and even how smaller businesses can operate and innovate. And that's one of the things during my last few years that's changed. We've had a number of small businesses now coming to us, certainly Senator Grassley and myself, on our bill that we have on tech, saying, “first, we thought this was great. We still need tech. We're glad it's there, but man, it is very hard for us when these big companies are putting their products [first] when they own the channel that these are marketed through, that would be the platforms, and then they also have their own products, and then they're putting them above ours. It's a big problem,” And that's something I think everyone should be watching for as we're seeing more and more support for the work that we're doing. Americans across the spectrum understand this. Recent polling shows that Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike believe that there's a problem when too much power is concentrated in the hands of too few companies. One way we can tackle these problems is to vigorously defend competition and support it, and that means enforcing our antitrust laws. We know through time, and this is the nature of capitalism, that truly competitive markets can lower prices, give us better choices, and accelerate innovation. That is what has brought us to where we are in terms of innovation, and it's on us as leaders, as our forefathers have done back through history—and a few foremothers —what they have done is that they have fostered that competition by always making sure we're rejuvenating the antitrust laws and making sure they're getting enforced. Four years ago, Senator Lee and I held a hearing examining what a competition policy for the 21st century should look like. At that hearing, I spoke about cracks in the foundation of our free market economy that stem from a lack of competition. Since then, I have chaired 19 hearings examining competition problems and algorithms and solutions, everything from consolidation in healthcare and the health insurance market to merger enforcement to housing, as well as the emerging issues that we are seeing, such as the impact of consolidation, as I mentioned, on our supply chain and with changing technology. We looked at what's happening in things like rental housing rental markets when it comes to what is really high-tech collusion with information and how that affects people. One of the things I was proudest about of our hearings—and the work we've done—is that I believe we have made real change. Yes, we passed some bills. Yes, we got more and more people on board with this. But most importantly, we have continued our role as not just advocates for change, but also for oversight of the agencies, and the work that has been done at the FTC and at the Justice Department. And the hearing that I will most remember was the work that Senator Lee and I did with Live Nation-Ticketmaster. It was a very memorable hearing because we couldn't really get many artists to come forward. And the one that came forward was Clyde Lawrence of the band Lawrence. He was really an effective witness, and for both Democrats and Republicans alike, it was very helpful for them to hear that[] story of consolidation, [and] how it affects artists. But in any case, during the hearing, I remember this, Mike, because it was one of your great moments. He kept turning around and talking to someone, and people asked me later, because it was a televised hearing, if that was his lawyer. And I said, No, it was his saxophone player, which it was. And so, at one point, a letter was read by a famous star musician by the CEO of Live Nation. And Senator Lee said, “We are all a fan of that musician, but with all due respect, they're not an expert on vertical mergers.” And I saw our witness writing things away, and I'm just like, maybe you want to just stay out of answering this. But it was a very memorable hearing, because you literally couldn't tell on what side of the aisle people came from. And it then led, not only to some work Mike and I did in pushing forward some ideas, and then Senator Cornyn and I have done a major bill for fans in the Commerce Committee. But out of that came a major, major investigation, and the evidence that we collected in that hearing, I know, informed the Justice Department's decision about moving forward with the work they are doing on the monopoly of Live Nation-Ticketmaster. This committee has also worked across the aisle to introduce and advance significant antitrust reforms. Such as my legislation with Senator Grassley to update corporate merger fees for the first time in 20 years, as Senator Grassley would always note. It was signed into law, and it allowed for more resources for the agencies. Before this law went into effect, there were more than 350 fewer employees working at the DOJ antitrust division than there were in 1979. And by the way, there was an actual vote on this and showed the significant support of the Senate on both sides for this. But we also passed legislation, led by Ranking Member Lee, to ensure state enforcers can keep their enforcement actions in the courts they choose, avoiding wasteful, time-consuming venue transfers and consolidation with private lawsuits, and that was supported by Republican and Democratic attorney generals across the nation. I continue to work with Senator Grassley on our legislation to stop anti-competitive self-preferencing in our digital markets… with Senators Blumenthal and Blackburn to pass their bill to promote competition in app stores. Very, very important. With Ranking Member Lee on our bill to ensure no online advertising giant can control every side of the ad tech market. Of course, a subject of the Justice Department action. Senator Durbin has also been very active in this and in many of the online issues. While these bills have yet, and I emphasize yet, to pass, their contents provide antitrust enforcers a roadmap for remedies on their cases, including the Justice Department's proposed ban on Google self-preferencing its search product in Android. Finally, the Judiciary Committee has passed numerous bipartisan bills, and we thank Senator Durbin and Senator Grassley for [their] long time work on this, Senator Cornyn and as well as Senator Lindsey Graham to stop the abuses of Big Pharma that keep affordable generic drugs off the market. It's time these bills become law. Bringing competition issues to the forefront has also resulted in bipartisan consensus that our antitrust laws must be enforced. I had the honor of introducing Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter. I remember that day well because his son, who was younger, was a big fan of Senator Ossoff and took Senator Ossoff's pencil, and Senate [coaster] as a souvenir from the event. As senators, this always means a lot when we have, like, a fan base and or a fan of some kind. Senator Ossof was a celebrity to Jonathan Kanter's son. And also I introduced FTC Chair Lina Khan to the Commerce Committee and helped shepherd both of them through the Senate with strong bipartisan votes. Khan 69 to 29, but who's counting? Kanter, 68 to 29. With this bipartisan mandate, they went on to bring major cases involving Google, Amazon, Apple, Live Nation, as I mentioned, and many others, groceries and healthcare. Importantly, Nearly every single one of these cases and many more, including the FTC's recent successful suit to block the merger of the two major grocery chains, was supported, and this is very key as we go forward and see a change in administration, that it was supported by a strong bipartisan coalition of Attorney Generals across the country. We don't often think of states like California and Oklahoma pairing up—or Minnesota and Texas—but this has happened in many ways for the support of the work that we have done. Another legacy from the Biden Administration was a continuation of a number of vital cases that started under the Trump administration, prevailing in the Google search case earlier this year and readying the Facebook case for trial next year. When you think of successful antitrust efforts that have been positive for the public, like the AT&T breakup, when you look at it, AT&T is still there and doing well, but you also have a much better cell phone marketplace and much lower long-distance rates. So, that case spanned several different administrations and different parties. So the Biden administration didn't simply toss cases brought by the Republicans or settle them for pennies on the dollar. They strengthened them. They won them, and we are hopeful that the incoming Trump administration will do the same thing. I will say, I will be watching. The Biden administration also built on the Trump administration's willingness to litigate the first case challenging a vertical merger in decades. While this case ultimately failed, it paved the way for the Biden FTC and Justice Department to challenge a number of vertical mergers, including unwinding an acquisition that stopped a single company from controlling cutting-edge cancer detection tests and preventing a major chip supplier from acquiring a key chip designer, just before the AI boom. We have talked a lot in this past election, if any of you noticed, about bringing down costs and how you can do it. And that is why I just want that to continue. I don't want it to be just talk. I want it to be action in every way possible. And to me, that means we're going to have to have strong enforcement of our antitrust laws. We are here together to say that this has always spanned politics, and that must continue. I'm looking forward to meeting the new nominee for the Antitrust Justice Department position. I know that there are people on both sides of the aisle who have worked with her and said good things. I'm sure I won't agree with everything she ever does or has said. I always have to say that, you know, when you're in the other party. But I just want to strongly encourage her to continue the work that's going on now. It has been a privilege. I would like to say just this committee to work with Jonathan Kanter. He is somehow the happy warrior through having to deal with a lot of hard cases and a lot of difficult Senator questions from all of us, and that's part of our job. I also, as a member of the Commerce Committee, have enjoyed working with Lina Khan, and I look forward to the confirmation hearing ahead for the antitrust position. As I prepare to hand the gavel back to Senator Lee… I also again want to acknowledge Chair Durbin, Ranking Member Graham, and, of course, the always present Senator Grassley, who actually texted me this morning about my Christmas card. It was pretty impressive. So I'd like to thank our committee staff for working together so well and to thank Phil, especially Ben, and Dan, my counsel, and our entire team for their work. And I will turn it over to Senator Lee for his opening remarks. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/in-big-win-for-minnesotans-in-lake-st-louis-and-cook-counties-u-s-senator-tina-smiths-bill-to-support-counties-passes-senate/,"In Big Win for Minnesotans in Lake, St. Louis and Cook Counties, U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Bill to Support Counties Passes Senate",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement after her bill to provide critical federal funding for hosting federal wilderness lands passed the Senate: “Thye-Blatnik payments have been a vital source of revenue for Cook, St. Louis and Lake Counties in northeastern Minnesota since 1948. But in 2018, a suspect and likely wrong reappraisal led to massive potential cuts in county revenue, which would have devastating impacts for communities in Northern Minnesota,” said Sen. Smith. “Today, after years of work with the Trump and Biden Administrations to reappraise and correctly uphold the value of this one-of-a-kind wilderness, I am pleased that my bill to permanently fix this issue has passed the United States Senate. My bill provides financial certainty and security to these counties and a permanent fix to the problem. I look forward to seeing this bipartisan and urgently needed legislation quickly move through the House of Representatives and go to the President’s desk so it can be signed into law.” The Counties benefit from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) as a world-renowned tourist destination, but they also forgo property taxes and other potential revenue streams. Congress passed the Thye-Blatnik Act over 70 years ago, which directed the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire lands within the future BWCAW and set up a system of annual compensation payments to the host counties. These funds go towards essential services like roadway infrastructure and public safety, and help the counties accurately plan their budgets. When the most recent appraisal in 2018 suggested that there had been an unbelievable 49 percent decline in property values over a mere decade, Sen. Smith stood up for Lake, St. Louis and Cook Counties by urging USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky to continue Thye -Blatnik payments at previous appraisal levels until either a full appeal process or a new appraisal could be conducted. Sen. Smith continued this work with Secretary Vilsack, including working with the U.S. Forest Service to come up with a legislative solution. Now, Senator Smith’s bill means that payments to these three counties in Minnesota are maintained at least at the 2008 level by federal law. The bill is cosponsored by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). It now heads to the House of Representatives. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-celebrates-rural-broadband-announcements-in-minnesota/,U.S. Senator Tina Smith Celebrates Rural Broadband Announcements in Minnesota,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) announced three grants from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide high-speed, reliable internet to residents in rural Minnesota. Over 5,000 people will benefit from these awards. Recipients include 139 different businesses and 368 farms across the state. “Internet access is not just a luxury in the 21st century, it’s a necessity,” said Senator Smith. “In Minnesota and across the country, people in rural areas, small towns, and Tribal communities need access to reliable, high-speed internet. Investing in broadband infrastructure with the ReConnect Grant Program will help connect communities in every part of the country to high-speed internet and I am proud to have helped bring this funding back to Minnesota.” Three organizations across Minnesota were awarded money: Consolidated Telephone Company – The investment will be used to deploy high-speed fiber optics to 67 businesses and 78 farms in Crow Wing and Morrison, and 2,831 people will benefit. They received $5,510,933 as a grant, and $5,510,933 as a loan. MiEnergy Cooperative – The investment will be used to deploy high-speed fiber optics to 55 businesses and 235 farms in Fillmore and Winona, and 2,255 people will benefit. They received $14,122,353 as a grant and $14,122,353 as a loan. Red River Rural Telephone Association – The investment will be used to deploy high-speed fiber optics to 17 businesses, 55 farms, and one school in Clay County, and 482 people will benefit. They received $5,166,742 as a grant. The investment comes from USDA Rural Development’s ReConnect Loan and Grant Program and totals $44,433,314 for all three awards. ReConnect provides loans and grants to bring high-speed internet to rural areas that lack access to broadband. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-tina-smith-amy-klobuchar-announce-funding-for-minnesota-rural-emergency-medical-services/,"U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Announce Funding for Minnesota Rural Emergency Medical Services",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS, MN – As access to emergency medical services (EMS) continues to be a top issue for leaders in Minnesota, U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN) announced federal funding to bolster rural EMS services in the Southwest Metro region and the Arrowhead counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis in Northeastern Minnesota. The funding was made available through the SIREN Act, which both Senators supported and was signed into law in October of this year. The Arrowhead EMS Association will receive $5,000,000 to pilot real-time tele-EMS technologies to connect area responders to emergency personnel in areas with high traffic fatalities. Ridgeview Ambulance Service, based in Waconia and serving all of Carver County, portions of Hennepin, Le Sueur, McLeod, Nicollet, Scott, Sibley and Wright counties, will receive $170,000 to purchase a highly sophisticated patient care simulator. Ridgeview will also use the funding to host an EMT course in Le Sueur County that will be free to those that join their local ambulance service and provide more opportunities and flexibilities for paramedics to obtain continuing education hours. “EMS providers are on the frontlines every single day, not only bridging the gap between life-threatening situations and treatment at local hospitals, but also providing critical care to people in their homes and communities. Their dedication and expertise are crucial for saving lives – but there’s a severe shortage in rural communities right now and it’s having a dire impact,” said Senator Smith. “These grants will help rural communities train new personnel, keep those personnel up to date on their licensure, and put in place an innovative telehealth option for communities in the Northland.” “It is essential to have emergency medical services available throughout Minnesota to ensure access to health care and enhance public safety,” said Klobuchar. “These grants will keep emergency medical services in our rural communities by increasing training to grow our rural EMS workforce and providing workers more opportunities to stay qualified. Additionally, with the purchase of this new technology, we can enhance the efficiency and response times of emergency personnel.” “Ridgeview is proud to receive these funds and put these dollars to work to ensure our communities have improved access to critical EMS services – including training new and more service providers to serve in our rural areas,” said Mark Anderson, Director of Ridgeview Ambulance. “Ridgeview will use these funds to pay for the initial and ongoing education required to help our EMS staff prepare for high-acuity clinical situations, reducing a barrier to becoming a rural EMS provider in the communities we serve.” “Residents of rural and remote areas in NE Minnesota face significantly greater challenges than their urban counterparts in getting to definitive care after a crash. EMS teams have longer distances between EMS hubs and few-to-no nearby specialty centers available, resulting in increased response and transport times. We believe our NEARR-EMS program will help rural communities make the most of extremely limited resources,” said Adam Shadiow, Executive Director of the Arrowhead EMS Association. Senators Smith and Klobuchar have heard from rural EMS providers across the state about their struggles. Smith and her staff have held meetings across Minnesota, from Hibbing to Barnesville, Blackduck, and New Richland, where local EMS leaders conveyed that first responders are in dire financial straits. Klobuchar has heard similar concerns in her visits with EMS personnel in Jackson and Hastings. Both Senators cosponsor a bill to provide Medicare reimbursement for care provided by EMS when no transportation to the hospital is provided, called the Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-Scene Care and Support (EMS ROCS) Act. Under current law, if EMS responds to a call, provides care, and doesn’t transport the patient to a hospital, Medicare won’t reimburse for the costs of the trip, leaving smaller, rural departments to foot the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=FF13C21A-F214-4D87-B6E5-65AF5C015EAC,"Klobuchar, Lummis, Mullin, Smith Bipartisan Legislation to Designate the Bald Eagle as the National Bird Passes Congress, Heads to the President’s Desk",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Angie Craig (D-MN) led companion legislation in the House of Representatives. WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced their bipartisan legislation to designate the bald eagle as the National Bird of the United States has passed the House of Representatives and the Senate. It will now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “The bald eagle is a symbol of our country’s freedom and strength. In Minnesota, we know a thing or two about eagles: we are home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the country as well as the National Eagle Center in Wabasha,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “With the passage of our legislation, the bald eagle will now officially be recognized as our nation's national bird.” “I am thrilled our bipartisan bill just passed the House,” said Sen. Lummis. “The bald eagle is an enduring symbol of American freedom and values, and thanks to bipartisan support, we are one step closer to officially designating the bald eagle as our national bird.” “The bald eagle has long been a symbol of freedom and patriotism for our nation,” said Sen. Mullin. “It’s only fitting we officially designate the bald eagle the national bird of the United States. I was glad to join my colleagues in leading this bipartisan effort and appreciate the House’s swift consideration.” “The Bald Eagle has been a universally recognizable symbol of patriotism in this country for centuries, and they thrive in Minnesota because of our lakes and forestry,” said Sen. Smith. “I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation designating the Bald Eagle as the official bird of the United States and am excited to celebrate its passage out of the House.” “More than two hundred and forty years ago, the Founding Fathers identified the bald eagle as a symbol of the strength and independence promised in our new nation. Since then, we have revered this majestic creature as the unquestionable icon of the United States,” said Rep. Finstad. “Today, we rightfully recognize the bald eagle as our official national bird – bestowing an honor that is long overdue. In the First District, we are the proud home of the National Eagle Center, our country’s only educational center dedicated to preserving the bald eagle and its historical and cultural significance. It has been an honor to work alongside them to make this historic moment a reality.” “This is an exciting day. The Bald Eagle has symbolized American ideals since its placement on the Great Seal in 1782,” said Preston Cook, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center and author of American Eagle - A Visual History of Our National Emblem. “With this legislation, we honor its historic role and solidify its place as our national bird and an emblem of our national identity.” The bald eagle has proudly been depicted as the national symbol of the United States since June 20, 1782, when our country’s Founding Fathers at the Second Continental Congress approved the Great Seal of the United States. Since that time, the bald eagle design has gone on to appear on official documents, currency, flags, public buildings, sports teams, and other government-related items. Today, the bald eagle is synonymous with American life and this legislation will officially designate it as the National Bird of the United States. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN), Angie Craig (D-MN), Dean Phillips (D-MN), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), and Don Beyer (D-VA). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-lummis-smith-mullin-bipartisan-legislation-to-designate-the-bald-eagle-as-the-national-bird-passes-congress-heads-to-the-presidents-desk/,"Klobuchar, Lummis, Smith, Mullin Bipartisan Legislation to Designate the Bald Eagle as the National Bird Passes Congress, Heads to the President’s Desk",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) announced their bipartisan legislation to designate the bald eagle as the National Bird of the United States has passed the House of Representatives and the Senate. It will now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “The bald eagle is a symbol of our country’s freedom and strength. In Minnesota, we know a thing or two about eagles: we are home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the country as well as the National Eagle Center in Wabasha,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “With the passage of our legislation, the bald eagle will now officially be recognized as our nation’s national bird.” “I am thrilled our bipartisan bill just passed the House,” said Sen. Lummis. “The bald eagle is an enduring symbol of American freedom and values, and thanks to bipartisan support, we are one step closer to officially designating the bald eagle as our national bird.” “The Bald Eagle has been a universally recognizable symbol of patriotism in this country for centuries, and they thrive in Minnesota because of our lakes and forestry,” said Sen. Smith. “I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation designating the Bald Eagle as the official bird of the United States and am excited to celebrate its passage out of the House.” “The bald eagle has long been a symbol of freedom and patriotism for our nation,” said Sen. Mullin. “It’s only fitting we officially designate the bald eagle the national bird of the United States. I was glad to join my colleagues in leading this bipartisan effort and appreciate the House’s swift consideration.” “More than two hundred and forty years ago, the Founding Fathers identified the bald eagle as a symbol of the strength and independence promised in our new nation. Since then, we have revered this majestic creature as the unquestionable icon of the United States,” said Rep. Finstad. “Today, we rightfully recognize the bald eagle as our official national bird – bestowing an honor that is long overdue. In the First District, we are the proud home of the National Eagle Center, our country’s only educational center dedicated to preserving the bald eagle and its historical and cultural significance. It has been an honor to work alongside them to make this historic moment a reality.” “This is an exciting day. The Bald Eagle has symbolized American ideals since its placement on the Great Seal in 1782,” said Preston Cook, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center and author of American Eagle – A Visual History of Our National Emblem. “With this legislation, we honor its historic role and solidify its place as our national bird and an emblem of our national identity.” The bald eagle has proudly been depicted as the national symbol of the United States since June 20, 1782, when our country’s Founding Fathers at the Second Continental Congress approved the Great Seal of the United States. Since that time, the bald eagle design has gone on to appear on official documents, currency, flags, public buildings, sports teams, and other government-related items. Today, the bald eagle is synonymous with American life and this legislation will officially designate it as the National Bird of the United States. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN), Angie Craig (D-MN), Dean Phillips (D-MN), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), and Don Beyer (D-VA). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/major-senate-report-recommends-passage-of-u-s-senator-tina-smiths-legislation-addressing-amazons-mistreatment-of-workers-unjust-quota-system/,"Major Senate Report Recommends Passage of U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Legislation Addressing Amazon’s Mistreatment of Workers, Unjust Quota System",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Senate Labor Committee released a report endorsing Senator Tina Smith’s (D-MN) legislation to end dangerous quota systems at Amazon warehouses. The report detailed Amazon’s mistreatment of warehouse workers under the corporation’s productivity quota system. The report analyzed Amazon’s data and found that Amazon warehouses recorded over 30 percent more injuries than the warehousing industry average in 2023. More than two-thirds of Amazon’s warehouses have injury rates that exceed the industry average. Minnesota is home to five Amazon warehouses, which have previously been reported for mistreatment of its workers. The first listed solution in the report is bipartisan legislation spearheaded by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, which would prohibit dangerous quota systems like Amazon’s, cited in Senate report. “This report highlights what we’ve already been hearing: Amazon’s quota system is pushing workers past their limits and is causing a high number of injuries among warehouse workers,” said Senator Smith. “The momentum to protect workers is growing. These big companies hold a lot of power. They are literally controlling the lives of workers minute by minute with their productivity metrics and quotas. We need to heed the calls of the report and pass the bipartisan Warehouse Worker Protection Act.” The bipartisan Warehouse Worker Protection Act would protect warehouse workers by prohibiting dangerous work speed quotas that lead to high rates of worker injuries. The legislation as re-introduced includes new enforcement authority for the Federal Trade Commission, as well as an exemption for small businesses. The legislation is cosponsored by Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Laphonza Butler (D-CA). The Warehouse Worker Protection Act is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the United Food and Commercial Workers, the National Employment Law Project (NELP), the Athena Coalition, and Oxfam America. A copy of the legislation can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=24ED866D-8351-4A04-A468-ACD505E26C1A,"Klobuchar, Cassidy Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Hazing on College Campuses Passes Senate, Will be Signed into Law",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced their Stop Campus Hazing Act to improve the reporting and prevention of hazing on college campuses has passed the U.S. Senate. This bipartisan legislation would require colleges to include hazing incidents in their annual campus safety report and establish a campus-wide, research-based program to educate students about the dangers of hazing. In addition, the bill would increase transparency and accountability by providing parents and students with better information about a student organization’s history of hazing incidents. The bill is championed by Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA) and Jeff Duncan (R-SC) in the House of Representatives. “When parents send their kids away to college, they expect they will get a good education and make new friends. They don’t expect them to be harassed and hazed. Unfortunately, hazing is a dangerous—and at times deadly—reality, and we must work to end it,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation to improve hazing prevention efforts on college campuses has now passed the Senate, and heads to the president's desk for signature, and I’ll keep working to stop this abuse and keep students safe.” “Every student should feel safe on their college campus,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By increasing transparency, the Stop Campus Hazing Act ensures that hazing is never ignored. Proud to see this legislation pass Congress and look forward to it becoming law.” “I know what it's like to lose a loved one to violence—no parent should ever have to bury their child. This bill empowers students and their families to make informed decisions about the schools they attend and the organizations they join. That information could be life-saving,” said Rep. Lucy McBath. “Our bipartisan legislation helps make sure that schools have the tools they need to foster safe learning environments. I am proud to see the Senate send this critical legislation to the President’s desk, and I thank my colleagues for their continued commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our students.” “With the Stop Campus Hazing Act passing in the Senate, we’re one step closer to saving lives like Tucker Hipps and other students tragically killed in a suspected incidents of campus hazing. I applaud my colleagues as we honor Tucker’s memory. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation mandates greater transparency in fraternity hazing reporting,” said Rep. Jeff Duncan This Stop Campus Hazing Act is cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bob Casey (D-PA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), James Lankford (R-OK), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Angus King (I-ME), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Mark Warner (D-VA). The National Study of Student Hazing found that more than half of college students involved in extracurricular clubs, athletic teams, and organizations experience hazing. Since 2000, there have been more than 50 hazing-related deaths. The Stop Campus Hazing Act would: Improve hazing reporting by requiring colleges to include hazing incidents in their Annual Security Report; Prevent hazing by establishing campus-wide, research-based hazing education and prevention programs; and Help students and their parents make informed decisions about joining organizations on campus by requiring colleges to publish on their websites the institution’s hazing prevention policies and the organizations that have violated them. This bipartisan, evidence-informed legislation is supported by the more than 50 organizations Clery Center; StopHazing; Anti-Hazing Coalition including the Hazing Prevention Network, Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values, Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, National Panhellenic Conference and its member sororities, the North American Interfraternity Conference and its member fraternities; National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.; Association of Big Ten Students; College Safety Coalition; SAFE Campuses, LLC; International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators; National Association of Clery Compliance Officers and Professionals; University of Minnesota, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and the parents of hazing victims. Klobuchar has been a leader in the fight to end hazing. Last year, Klobuchar and Cassidy introduced the bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act and the first ever congressional resolution designating “National Hazing Awareness Week.” The 2024 National Hazing Awareness Week resolution is cosponsored by Bob Casey (D-PA), James Lankford (R-OK), Senators Angus King (I-ME), Susan Collins (R-ME), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Joe Manchin (I-WV). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-presses-multi-billion-dollar-corporation-on-predatory-practices-that-are-pricing-out-lake-elmo-minnesota-residents-2/,"U.S. Senator Tina Smith Presses Multi-Billion Dollar Corporation on Predatory Practices That Are Pricing Out Lake Elmo, Minnesota Residents",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), Chair of the Senate Housing Subcommittee, sent a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of Equity LifeStyle Properties (ELP), an Illinois-based corporation, expressing deep concern over the company’s mistreatment of residents in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. Her letter comes following extensive reporting that residents of Cimarron Park, which is owned by ELP, are being priced out by egregious rent increases, dealing with hostile management and suffering under unfair rules that make selling or moving into a new home more difficult. “This corporation’s well-documented practices of hiking rents and making it more difficult to find other housing options only serves to boost shareholder profits while hanging Minnesotans out to dry,” said Senator Smith. “Residents have been pleading for help for nearly four years, and Equity LifeStyle Properties has failed to show they are even listening to concerns. I want them to meaningfully engage with residents instead of putting their shareholders ahead of hardworking Minnesotans.” Cimarron Park is home to roughly 500 Minnesota families. Their conflict with ELP was first reported by WCCO News in December 2020, when residents decried a rent increase at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that initial report, residents said the situation had only worsened, with the Minnesota Star Tribune reporting declining services and poor management earlier this year. Most recently, residents reported unfair rules that make selling or moving into a new home unnecessarily expensive, trapping households into a cycle of ever-increasing rent, now totaling a 30% increase over the last five years. Equity LifeStyle Properties owns roughly 72,0000 homes and operates in 35 states and British Columbia. They own 200+ manufactured home communities, 200+ RV resorts and campgrounds, and 23 marinas. In the letter, Senator Smith called on ELP to meaningfully engage with Cimarron Park residents and promptly address the many concerns that they have raised with management. Senator Smith has long championed solutions to America’s housing crisis. She teamed up with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to introduce the Homes Act, a comprehensive piece of legislation that would level the playing field against corporate housing investors while building and maintaining over 1.3 million affordable homes. She co-leads a bill to tax private equity companies if they own large numbers of single-family homes and use the proceeds to build millions of housing units for low-income households. She also cosponsors bills to ban hedge funds from owning single-family homes, restrict tax breaks for big corporate investors that buy up homes, and a bill that supports the PRICE Program, which aims to preserve long-term affordability of manufactured home communities. You can read the letter here or below. Ms. Marguerite Nader President and CEO Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. Two North Riverside Plaza Chicago, Illinois 60606 Dear Ms. Nader, I write to express my deep concern with the situation at the Cimarron Park community in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. Without a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home, nothing in your life works. Unfortunately, the business practices of your company are jeopardizing the livelihood of my constituents. I encourage you to listen to residents and work to address their needs. For years, residents of Cimarron Park have shared their frustrations over Equity LifeStyle Properties’ management practices and steep increases to lot rent. Rent has increased by more than 5% on average for each of the last five years. Now, residents face another 6% hike in the New Year. These continuous increases have added up while at the same time, residents report poor physical maintenance and crumbling amenities. This means that they are paying more and more towards rent, with little to show for it. This is especially concerning for the many residents who rely on fixed incomes and are struggling to make ends meet. I am also very concerned with your company’s practices that make it more difficult for a family to sell their home. Your rules make selling or moving into a new home are unnecessarily expensive and can trap households in a cycle of ever-increasing rent. Residents also report unacceptable treatment from the park’s management, including unannounced lot entries, arbitrary enforcement of regulations, and retaliation for their efforts to advocate for their community. We know that private equity firms and real estate investment trusts are buying a growing share of manufactured home communities in Minnesota and across the country. Profit-driven corporations must stop putting their shareholders ahead of hardworking Americans like those in Cimarron Park and the other 72,000 homes owned by Equity LifeStyle Properties. Again, I encourage you to engage with Cimarron Park residents to promptly address the many concerns they have raised to you and take action to address similar concerns at any of your other Minnesota properties. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Tina Smith Chair Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-presses-multi-billion-dollar-corporation-on-predatory-practices-that-are-pricing-out-lake-elmo-minnesota-residents/,"U.S. Senator Tina Smith Presses Multi-Billion Dollar Corporation on Predatory Practices That Are Pricing Out Lake Elmo, Minnesota Residents",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), Chair of the Senate Housing Subcommittee, sent a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of Equity LifeStyle Properties (ELP), an Illinois-based corporation, expressing deep concern over the company’s mistreatment of residents in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. Her letter comes following extensive reporting that residents of Cimarron Park, which is owned by ELP, are being priced out by egregious rent increases, dealing with hostile management and suffering under unfair rules that make selling or moving into a new home more difficult. “This corporation’s well-documented practices of hiking rents and making it more difficult to find other housing options only serves to boost shareholder profits while hanging Minnesotans out to dry,” said Senator Smith. “Residents have been pleading for help for nearly four years, and Equity LifeStyle Properties has failed to show they are even listening to concerns. I want them to meaningfully engage with residents instead of putting their shareholders ahead of hardworking Minnesotans.” Cimarron Park is home to roughly 500 Minnesota families. Their conflict with ELP was first reported by WCCO News in December 2020, when residents decried a rent increase at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that initial report, residents said the situation had only worsened, with the Minnesota Star Tribune reporting declining services and poor management earlier this year. Most recently, residents reported unfair rules that make selling or moving into a new home unnecessarily expensive, trapping households into a cycle of ever-increasing rent, now totaling a 30% increase over the last five years. Equity LifeStyle Properties owns roughly 72,0000 homes and operates in 35 states and British Columbia. They own 200+ manufactured home communities, 200+ RV resorts and campgrounds, and 23 marinas. In the letter, Senator Smith called on ELP to meaningfully engage with Cimarron Park residents and promptly address the many concerns that they have raised with management. Senator Smith has long championed solutions to America’s housing crisis. She teamed up with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to introduce the Homes Act, a comprehensive piece of legislation that would level the playing field against corporate housing investors while building and maintaining over 1.3 million affordable homes. She co-leads a bill to tax private equity companies if they own large numbers of single-family homes and use the proceeds to build millions of housing units for low-income households. She also cosponsors bills to ban hedge funds from owning single-family homes, restrict tax breaks for big corporate investors that buy up homes, and a billthat supports the PRICE Program, which aims to preserve long-term affordability of manufactured home communities. You can read the letter here or below. Ms. Marguerite Nader President and CEO Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. Two North Riverside Plaza Chicago, Illinois 60606 Dear Ms. Nader, I write to express my deep concern with the situation at the Cimarron Park community in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. Without a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home, nothing in your life works. Unfortunately, the business practices of your company are jeopardizing the livelihood of my constituents. I encourage you to listen to residents and work to address their needs. For years, residents of Cimarron Park have shared their frustrations over Equity LifeStyle Properties’ management practices and steep increases to lot rent. Rent has increased by more than 5% on average for each of the last five years. Now, residents face another 6% hike in the New Year. These continuous increases have added up while at the same time, residents report poor physical maintenance and crumbling amenities. This means that they are paying more and more towards rent, with little to show for it. This is especially concerning for the many residents who rely on fixed incomes and are struggling to make ends meet. I am also very concerned with your company’s practices that make it more difficult for a family to sell their home. Your rules make selling or moving into a new home are unnecessarily expensive and can trap households in a cycle of ever-increasing rent. Residents also report unacceptable treatment from the park’s management, including unannounced lot entries, arbitrary enforcement of regulations, and retaliation for their efforts to advocate for their community. We know that private equity firms and real estate investment trusts are buying a growing share of manufactured home communities in Minnesota and across the country. Profit-driven corporations must stop putting their shareholders ahead of hardworking Americans like those in Cimarron Park and the other 72,000 homes owned by Equity LifeStyle Properties. Again, I encourage you to engage with Cimarron Park residents to promptly address the many concerns they have raised to you and take action to address similar concerns at any of your other Minnesota properties. Thank you for your attention to this matter.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-tina-smith-amy-klobuchar-press-postmaster-general-louis-dejoy-about-minnesota-mail-delays/,"U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Press Postmaster General Louis DeJoy About Minnesota Mail Delays",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN) sent a letter pressing Postmaster General Louis DeJoy for answers on recent mail delays across Minnesota, particularly in the Rochester area. The follow-up comes after both Senators led the entire Minnesota and North Dakota Congressional delegations in a bipartisan letter pressing the Postmaster General to improve service following an Inspector General report. That report found nearly 130,858 missing or delayed pieces of mail at six post offices over the course of only two days. “Letter carriers, especially in rural areas, work extremely hard to make deliveries on time, especially around the holidays. But without support from district management and the Postmaster General in Washington, their jobs go from difficult to nearly impossible,” said Senator Smith. “These new reports only confirm what we’ve already been hearing, which is that USPS leadership is not doing enough to support their workers and deliver mail on time. The Postmaster General needs to take accountability for service issues and do something about it.” “Minnesotans rely on the Postal Service to deliver their prescriptions, Social Security checks, and more, and they need and deserve timely service,” said Senator Klobuchar. “We have heard reports of mail being delayed for four days or more in Rochester. That’s why Sen. Smith and I are calling on Postmaster General Dejoy to address these issues, ensuring that Rochester and the rest of Minnesota’s residents receive reliable service.” You can read the full letter to the Postmaster General here. Senators Smith and Klobuchar requested the audit of the Minnesota-North Dakota Postal District in December of 2023, and led the entire Minnesota and North Dakota delegations in pressing Postmaster DeJoy for better service in June of 2024. Senators Smith, Hoeven and Klobuchar introduced the bipartisan Postal Delivery Accountability Act, which would address USPS’ failure to accurately track when mail routes do not receive deliveries. The legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=1C5A4928-0C43-4009-9935-B43A382458E9,Klobuchar Statement on FBI Director Wray,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the statement below following FBI Director Christopher Wray’s resignation announcement. “The motto of the FBI is ‘Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity’ and those words perfectly describe Christopher Wray. For decades, he has dedicated his life to law enforcement and public safety. Appointed by President Trump to lead the FBI and overwhelmingly confirmed by the Senate, he has earned the support and respect of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. He has upgraded the FBI’s capacity to take on cyberterrorism and protect national security, all while improving morale. Christopher Wray has served our country faithfully, always putting his responsibility to the American people first, and I am thankful for his leadership.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=42681D8B-3DBB-40E5-9D8D-0A28FFDD99CF,Klobuchar Opening Statement at Senate Committee on Rules and Administration Hearing on U.S. Capitol Police,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—At a Senate Committee on Rules and Administration hearing titled “Oversight of the U.S. Capitol Police,” U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with oversight over Capitol Police, led the discussion with testimony from Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police Tom Manger about the progress made since Manger was appointed Chief in July 2021 and the Department’s preparations for the upcoming Joint Session of Congress to certify the results of the election on January 6th and the inauguration on January 20th. At today’s hearing, Manger shared: The Department has made significant security improvements in recent years, including enhanced planning, improved handling of intelligence, and ensuring officers’ access to needed training and equipment. Congress has made two key improvements to the Department’s ability to handle major security challenges at the Capitol: (1) enabling the Department to reimburse local law enforcement partners to provide additional manpower, and (2) empowering Capitol Police chief to request emergency assistance from the National Guard directly, the result of bipartisan legislation led by Chairwoman Klobuchar and former Senator Blunt. Notably, the Department has implemented all 103 recommendations that the Capitol Police Inspector General issued in a series of reports after January 6th in addition to many measures recommended in the bipartisan security report issued by Chairwoman Klobuchar and Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Rob Portman (R-OH). The Department has prioritized hiring under Chief Manger’s leadership and now has 350 more sworn officers than it did four years ago. Chief Manger has hired 315 officers this year, exceeding his goal of hiring 280 new officers each year. This was the eighth hearing on the Capitol Police that the Rules Committee has held under Chairwoman Klobuchar – including two hearings with the Homeland Security Committee and the first joint hearing of the Capitol Police Board since 1945. Klobuchar and then former Ranking Member Blunt led the Capitol Police Emergency Assistance Act – which was signed into law in 2021 after passing the Senate and House unanimously – to empower the Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police to request the assistance of the District of Columbia National Guard or federal law enforcement agencies in emergencies without prior approval of the Capitol Police Board. The law reflects a recommendation of the bipartisan security report that was released by the Rules and Homeland Security Committees. Klobuchar and Ranking Member Deb Fischer (R-NE) led the Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act – which was signed into law in December 2023 – to strengthen congressional oversight of the Architect of the Capitol by empowering a congressional commission to appoint and remove the Architect by a bipartisan, majority vote. Klobuchar and Fischer led this bipartisan, bicameral legislation with Representatives Bryan Steil (R-WI) and Joe Morelle (D-NY), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration. A rough transcript of Klobuchar’s full opening statement is available below. Download a recording HERE. Sen. Klobuchar: Good afternoon. I call to order this hearing on oversight of the Capitol Police. As noted, this is our final Rules Committee hearing this Congress, and it is a fitting one as so much of the work that we have done, that I have done with Senator Fischer, as well as before with Senator Blunt, has been focused on public safety, especially over the last four years. I would like to thank Chief Manger, who came to us out of retirement. Thank you for the work you have done to support the Department's workforce and to make the needed security improvements we're here to discuss today. I'd also like to again express my gratitude to the brave men and women of the Capitol Police for the work that they do every day, and thank you, Gus, for your leadership of the union, and thank you to all of those involved in public safety. I'd like to thank Senator Fischer for her partnership in the last two years. Deb, I have appreciated the opportunity to work with you. We have tried so hard to, I think, positively, realize that this Committee's jurisdiction is a little different than some of the others, and it's more important than ever that we work together, and if we have disagreements, we work them out, and that we, I think Roy always used to say, are the mayors of the Capitol, and we get a lot of interesting requests as our wonderful staffs. And I specifically want to thank Elizabeth Farrar, my staff director, for her incredible work. I'd like to congratulate our incoming chair, Leader McConnell, as well as, I believe, Senator Padilla, who I think is going to be taking over our side in this Committee, and to thank the Rules Committee members for their work. We welcome our newest member Senator Schiff. This hearing is a time to look at the progress the Capitol Police have made in the last four years- under the leadership of the Chief since July of 2021. In that time, the Department has made necessary enhancements impacting all aspects of its work - including many recommendations in the original bipartisan security report that came out of this Committee, as well as Homeland Security. One of these is the legislation that I led with former Senator Blunt, which is now law, to allow the Capitol Police to immediately request assistance from the National Guard in an emergency. Critically, the Department has greatly improved under Chief Manger its handling of intelligence and how it shares information with rank and file officers, including by creating a centralized Intelligence Bureau …prioritized operational planning by requiring plans for all large-scale events… and taken steps to ensure officers have the training and equipment to do their jobs. Notably, all 103 recommendations that the Department's Inspector General issued in the series of reports after January 6 have now been implemented. I think we've had eight hearings on oversight of the Capitol Police. We have gone through the 103 recommendations and gone through the numbers, and I truly appreciate the public transparency and accountability we also had with Congressman Steil the first joint oversight hearing since 1945 on the security in the Capitol. And so we're really pleased with that as well, and your responsiveness, as well as the Sergeant at Arms Gibson. Here are some other examples of what this progress has looked like over the past four years. We know we have challenges, but I do think it's important to acknowledge the progress. The Department now has an additional 360 sworn officers on duty, from 1,842 to 2,202. There has been a 60 percent increase in the number of threat assessment agents. Four years ago, the Department did not maintain a dedicated Civil Disturbance Unit program, and today, it has six platoons totaling more than 225 officers. And while only 25 percent of officers had access to riot gear on January 6, something we will never forget, locked on a bus, now every officer has this equipment. None of this would be possible without the officers who stand in defense of the Capitol every day and who have risen to the occasion as various threats have confronted Members of Congress at the Capitol and beyond. In recent years, these men and women have worked significant overtime, had vacations canceled, family events canceled while the Department worked to add more officers. We thank them deeply for their service. I commend the Chief's commitment to ensuring the Department has the personnel it needs - including offering hazard pay, retention bonuses, and tuition support - and for exceeding the goal of hiring 280 additional officers this year. That was the goal but instead hired 315 officers. And thank you again, Gus, for being such a strong advocate for the officers. We owe it to these officers to show them that they have our full support. This includes continued funding for the Howard Liebengood Center for Wellness, and I would like to recognize the dedication of Dr. Serena Liebengood, the widow of Officer Howard Liebengood, or “Howie,” as he was known by so many of you, the 15-year veteran of the Department who tragically died in the days after January 6, and for whom the Center is named. Since its founding, the Center has started a chaplain program, created 24/7 support resources, and trained over 50 officers as peer support specialists. At the same time, we look at all of the good work that's been done, we must be clear-eyed about emerging demands on the Department's expanding operations that we need to confront head on. In addition to the security challenges we have seen here at the Capitol, there has been a disturbing and unprecedented rise in threats targeting members of Congress from both parties, and the ongoing volume and severity of those threats has posed new challenges for the Capitol police and local police departments across the country. The Department reported over 8,000 of these threats just last year, and we expect to exceed that this year. This is four times over the number that we have received in not that far away years of the past. Members have been targeted with bomb threats, subjects of cyber attacks, had their homes swatted, and more. We must keep striving to ensure the Capitol police can respond effectively to risks to Member safety, including prioritizing hiring of additional threat assessment agents and building on efforts through the Department's field offices and agreements with local law enforcement to ensure Members are safe beyond the Capitol Complex. Finally, as we look ahead, I know work is well underway to prepare for the events that will take place at the Capitol: the Joint Session of Congress to certify the results of the election on January 6 this coming year and also, of course, the inauguration that Deb and I are working on together with the Joint Inaugural Committee. Both events have been designated as National Special Security Events, which will provide federal agency resources to support the Capitol Police. While we won't get into law enforcement details today, it is crucial that the Department is ready to support these events that are at the very heart of our democracy - and I look forward to hearing the Chief’s comments on these efforts. Before I turn it over to Senator Fischer, I would like to make a few remarks to recognize what we have gotten done on the Committee in the last few years. Even beyond the major law enforcement changes and the hiring of Chief Manger, what may be our most lasting contribution to the Senate and the Country will be on display next month when we convene to certify the results of the election in line with the significant reforms to the Electoral Count Act, which passed in this Committee on a bipartisan vote of 14-1 and will ensure the will of the voters prevails in this and in future elections. And we will do so with key security improvements in place thanks in large part to Chief Manger and Sergeant at Arms General Karen Gibson. Beyond this work, we passed bipartisan legislation into law. We led this bill to improve accountability and empower Congress to appoint and remove the Architect of the Capitol. That was a major change. The President had always been able to do that. I'm not going to go into the issues of the past, but we were very pleased to get that authority. We should own this, and we should, as we just did, made a decision across party lines and across House and Senate and joined together to appoint our new architect, Tom Austin, with unanimous, bipartisan and bicameral support. During my time at the Committee, we have taken on a whole host of issues to improve the work for the Senate, for those who work and visit here - reopening the buildings after the pandemic… reforming the outdated process of reporting and handling sexual harassment claims on Capitol Hill… and making closed captioning available for all Senate committee hearings. We worked to ensure that people visiting the Capitol see more statues of women. It's not just about what paintings and statues you take away, it's what statues and paintings you put up. We were really pleased to work on a bipartisan basis to get the new statues with Senators Murkowski, Collins, and Sinema, of two former trailblazing Supreme Court Justices, Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and we doubled the number of rooms named after women in the Senate. Okay, I think there was just like zero before, but now we've doubled it all, right? We also have the bust of the author of the Dred Scott decision removed, and it will be replaced with one of Justice Thurgood Marshall. When our restaurant workers unionized, we made sure that they had a fair contract, and Senator Blunt and I worked together to update the rules. One of my favorite fun things that we did was ensure that babies can come on the Senate floor. When I promised Senator Duckworth I would get it done, and that was a proud day when she brought that little baby Maile Pearl, all six pounds of her, onto the floor, wheeling her in on her wheelchair, change finally, on the Senate floor. And, of course, we have not lost sight of the fact that we must protect our free and fair elections so that people can make their voices heard in our democracy. This is a commitment that we must carry forward on this Committee. I'm grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who I've worked with to get this done. I especially want to thank Senator Fischer and her great staff, and I look forward to working with them in whatever capacity at their new jobs. And I want to thank her very much for her leadership as well. Thank you. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=A9CC2A0F-F715-466C-935A-A2889D5E646D,Klobuchar Statement on Kroger-Albertsons Decision,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Amy Klobuchar, Chair of the Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, issued the following statement after a federal judge in Oregon blocked Kroger’s proposed merger with Albertsons. “Families across the country are grappling with the price of groceries and we must ensure consumers have the benefits of robust competition - lower prices, higher quality and innovation. The bipartisan hearing I held on the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger provided evidence that this deal could have reduced competition and thus hurt consumers and workers.” In November 2022, Klobuchar and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) held a Subcommittee hearing to examine the Competitive Impact of the Proposed Kroger-Albertsons Transaction. In October 2022, Klobuchar also sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging them to investigate the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons, voicing concern about this transaction’s potential implications for consumers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-tina-smith-amy-klobuchar-announce-130-new-clean-energy-projects-for-rural-minnesotans/,"U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Announce 130 New Clean Energy Projects for Rural Minnesotans",2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"CountyTownAward AmountDetails of ProjectAnnual Savings ($)Annual Energy Savings (kWh/year)Aitkin CountyHill City, MN$65,338Purchase and install an energy efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, laundry equipment, insulation, water heater, LED lighting, and other energy efficient improvements for a hotel and campground$16,03751,302Beltrami CountyBemidji, MN$94,850Purchase and install a 48 kW solar array for a commercial and residential cabinet factory$21,22660,466Benton CountyRice, MN$40,487Purchase and install a 50.6 kW solar array for a farm$7,76969,091Benton CountyFoley, MN$68,419Purchase and install a 39,56 kW solar array for a dairy farm$5,56746,231Benton CountyFoley, MN$35,200Purchase and install a 30 kW solar array for a embroidery business$4,20739,955Benton CountyFoley, MN$1,000,000Purchase and install a 825 kW solar array for a industrial machinery manufacturing business$97,7091,055,860Big StoneClinton, MN$57,075Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$10,186150,390Big Stone CountyJohnson, MN$138,413Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$12,796159,205Blue Earth and Faribault CountiesMinnesota Lake, MN$125,470Purchase and install a 50 kW solar array for a farm$12,82191,586Blue Earth CountyGood Thunder, MN$24,990Purchase and install a 19.4 kW solar array for a farm$3,76228,134Blue Earth CountyMapleton, MN$300,782Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$29,177410,887Blue Earth CountyMapleton, MN$500,000Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$10,942449,783Blue Earth CountyGood Thunder, MN$44,200Purchase and install a 43 kW solar array for a automotive repair business$7,76459,090Brown CountySpringfield, MN$92,975Purchase and install a 30 kW solar array for a hog farm$8,52656,650Brown CountyHanska, MN$73,655Purchase and install a 64.8 kW solar array for a hog farm$7,71989,567Carver CountyChaska, MN$72,500Purchase and install a 47.385 kW solar array for a retail business$13,25061,564Chippewa CountyMontevideo, MN$214,858Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$11,789162,235Chippewa CountyClara City, MN$67,995Purchase and install energy efficient lighting, insulation, doors and an in-floor heating system for a custom swine and cattle feeding operation$5,50559,374Chippewa CountyMilan, MN$45,603Purchase and install heat mats for a hog farm$7,650134,984Chisago CountyChisago City, MN$41,460Purchase and install a 27.88 kW solar array for a travel agency$3,24636,700Clay CountyHawley, MN$80,136Purchase and install a 50.8 kW solar array for a farm$11,46471,868Clay CountyBarnesville, MN$83,570Purchase and install a 58.2 kW solar array for rural nonresidential property management business$7,53469,850Crow Wing CountyBrainerd, MN$432,750 Purchase and install a 288 kW solar array for a property holding company$20,236305,644Crow Wing CountyBaxter, MN$78,650Purchase and install a 323.01 kW solar array for a electrical business$11,75053,160Dakota/Rice CountyNorthfield, MN$19,999Purchase and install a 29 kW solar array for a farm$7,14037,581Dakota/Rice CountyNorthfield, MN$80,064Purchase and install a 52.8 kW solar array for a farm$14,50170,313Dodge CountyClaremont, MN$84,868Purchase and install a 30 kW solar array for a farm$9,62551,395Dodge CountyKasson, MN$53,507Purchase and install a 48.6 kW solar array for a farm$12,90367,541Douglas CountyAlexandria, MN$93,892Purchase and install a 79.9 kW solar array for a wood processing facility$14,070106,392Douglas CountyKensington, MN$164,400Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$27,425441,551Faribault CountyMinnesota Lake, Blue Earth and Wells, MN$432,509Purchase and install a 50 kW solar array for three farm locations$49,667270,366Faribault CountyFrost, MN$25,500Purchase and install a 20.4 kW solar array for a construction company$3,69328,104Fillmore CountyPreston, MN$104,125Purchase and install a 85 kW solar array for a dairy and farm$28,043113,626Fillmore CountyPreston, MN$20,000Purchase and install a 25.9 kW solar array for a farm$8,59940,916Fillmore CountyRushford, MN$75,350Purchase and install a 50 kW roof-mounted solar array for a commercial rental property$10,84454,040Fillmore CountyWykoff, MN$86,374Purchae and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$8,032138,139Fillmore CountyRushford, MN$99,500Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$10,793218,865Fillmore CountyRushford, MN$98,718Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$13,173262,192Freeborn CountyGlenville, MN$55,344Purchase and install a 38 kW solar array for a farm$13,57768,722Goodhue CountyWanamingo, MN$85,575Purchase and install a 76.5 kW solar array for a farm$13,17995,281Goodhue CountyDennison, MN$46,574Purchase and install a 30 kW solar array for a farm$3,42538,605Goodhue CountyZumbrota, MN$57,750Purchase and install a 30 kW solar array for a farm$6,18538,431Goodhue CountyRed Wing, MN$52,488Purchase and install a 38.88 kW solar array for rental properties$19,42155,555Grant CountyElbow Lake, MN$76,820Purchase and install a 50.9 kW solar array for a farm$9,84538,000Grant CountyElbow Lake, MN$403,871Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$8,304150,758Grant CountyBarrett, MN$160,969Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$28,636522,755Isanti CountyIsanti, MN$78,275Purchase and install a 50.6 kW solar array for a farm$7,33671,128Kandiyohi CountyLake Lillian, MN$190,950Purchase and install a 151.7 kW solar array for a turkey farm$12,515204,201Kandiyohi CountyBlomkest, MN$128,596Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$11,123159,799Lincoln CountyTyler, MN$50,630Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$5,43274,565Lyon CountyAmiret, MN$17,610Purchase and install a 39 kW solar array for an auto repair business$2,03621,705Lyon CountyBalaton, MN$93,399Purchase and install an energy efficient geothermal heat pump for a farm shop$5,246147,212Marshall CountyWarren, MN$396,030Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$16,581286,149Martin CountyTrimont, MN$51,607Purchase and install a 44 kW solar array for a grain farm$10,22134,413McLeod CountyPlato, MN$39,015Purchase and install a 40,7 kW solar array for a rented commercial property$6,29253,644Meeker CountyWatkins, MN$164,704Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$13,178152,222Mille Lacs and Sherburne CountiesPrinceton, MN$179,731Purchase and install a 142.08 kW solar array for a metal fabrication business$13,199188,554Mille Lacs CountyMilaca, MN$39,150Purchase and install a 27.1 kW solar array for a towing company$4,61933,089Morrison and Benton CountiesRoyalton, MN$39,975Purchase and install a 50 kW solar array for a horse ranch$8,52765,590Morrison CountyPierz, MN$45,200Purchase and install a 50 kW solar array for a farm$7,88268,871Morrison CountyPierz, MN$40,000Purchase and install a 50 kW solar array for a farm$7,88268,871Morrison CountyPierz, MN$40,750Purchase and install a 50 kW solar array for a farm$7,73967,621Morrison CountyPierz, MN$47,965Purchase and install a 30 kW solar array for a automotive repair business$6,94738,023Mower CountyAustin, MN$56,745Purchase and install a 49.6 kW solar array for a farm$11,13863,580Mower CountyAustin, MN$47,430Purchase and install a 39.6 kW solar array for a farm$5,86550,200Mower CountyGrand Meadow, MN$99,315Purchase and install a 54 kW solar array for a farm$13,09473,319Mower CountyGrand Meadow, MN$44,514Purchase and install a 48 kW solar array for a farm$10,80973,849Murray CountySlayton, MN$99,375Purchase and install a 52.8 kW solar array for a farm$7,46771,795Murray CountyFulda, MN$84,465Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$8,663169,358Murray CountySlayton, MN$74,450Purchase and install a 55 kW solar array for a farm$7,36377,172Olmsted CountyStewartville, MN$93,352Purchase and install a 46 kW solar array for a mini warehouse and self storage business$5,06049,537Otter Tail CountyHenning, MN$54,975Purchase and install a 40.5 kW solar array for a small business$6,09854,935Otter Tail CountyParkers Prairie, MN$187,498Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$31,838883,491Otter Tail CountyRothsay, MN$20,000Purchase and install a 52.56 Kw solar array for a farm$7,46767,671Pennington CountyGoodridge, MN$62,727Purchase and install a 40.32 kW solar array for a farm$5,65749,652Pennington CountyGoodridge, MN$74,480Purchase and install a 41.6 kW solar array for a farm$7,55553,380Pine CountyPine City, MN$186,468Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$24,638519,657Pine CountyHinckley, MN$102,625Purchase and install a 90.3 kW solar array for a restaurant$58,578105,100Pipestone CountyPipestone, MN$156,597Purchase and install energy efficient LED lighting and heat mats for a hog farm$14,212389,368Pipestone CountyPipestone, MN$84,912Purchase and install energy efficient LED lighting and heat lamps for a hog farm$11,510315,351Pipestone CountyPipestone, MN$66,000Purchase and install heat mats for a hog farm$12,893180,363Polk CountyFosston, MN$69,109Purchase and install a 58.32 kW solar array for a farm$3,88476,983Pope CountyLowry, MN$149,758Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$28,220519,143Red Lake CountyBrooks, MN$96,240Purchase and install a 50 kW solar array for a farm$8,39966,053Redwood CountyVesta, MN$29,734Purchase and install a 23.1 kW solar array for a farm$3,38030,869Redwood CountySanborn, MN$150,937Purchase and install a 50 kW solar array for a hog farm$15,49296,937Redwood CountyVesta, MN$64,592Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$3,19744,588Redwood CountyWalnut Grove, MN$34,311Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$4794,827Renville CountyOlivia, MN$373,174Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farmer$12,845164,891Renville CountyBird Island, MN$100,132Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$5,84381,377Renville CountyMorton, MN$280,115Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$10,481236,992Renville CountyBird Island, MN$42,525Purchase and install a 35 kW solar array for an electrical contracting business$3,01543,439Renville CountyRenville, MN$166,975Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$8,808111,542Renville CountyFairfax, MN$527,786Purchase and install a 111.5 kW solar array for a farm$14,991157,801Rice CountyFaribault, MN$53,984Purchase and install a 60.14 kW solar array for a farm$21,99585,778Rice CountyWebster, MN$36,960Purchase and install a 23 kW solar array for a farm$7,47632,691Rock CountyHill, MN$65,562Purchase and install a 54.5 kW solar array for a farm$7,21779,943Rock CountyLuverne, MN$45,850Purchase and install an energy efficient geothermal system for a farm$8,40065,711Rock CountyLuverne, MN$66,500Purchase and install a 60kW solar array for a farm$8,42181,758Rock CountyLuverne, MN$72,128Purchase and install a 51.5 kW solar array for a farm$14,19668,582Rock CountyLuverne, MN$66,125Purchase and install a 51.5 kW solar array for a farm$14,19668,582Rock CountyLuverne, MN$99,959Purchase and install a 98.4 kW solar array for a construction company$26,810147,717Sibley CountyWinthrop, MN$1,000,000Purchase and install a Combined Heat and Power System for a dry-mill ethanol plant$16,711,494153,224,030Sibley CountyGibbon, MN$150,625Purchase and install a 50 kW solar array for a farm$17,90593,051St. Louis CountyHibbing, MN$37,746Purchase and install energy efficient storefront doors, windows and heating system for commercial rental buildings$5,719107,268Wabasha CountyLake City, MN$55,620Purchase and install a 49 kW ground-mounted solar array for a farm$13,16371,443Wabasha CountyLake City, MN$19,999Purchase and install a 15.4 kW solar array for a farm$3,21131,098Wabasha CountyKellogg, MN$62,500Purchase and install a 49 kW solar array for a farm$19,12976,494Wadena CountyMenaghga, MN$64,981Purchase and install a 54 kW solar array for a assisted living facility$5,37075,210Waseca CountyNew Richland, MN$135,393Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$8,668131,223Waseca CountyWaseca, MN$130,000Purchase and install a 50 kW solar array for a swine production operation$26,52193,301Watonwan CountyMadelia, MN$20,000Purchase and install a 49.5 kW solar array for a farm$11,85963,235Wilkin CountyDoran, MN$312,116Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$16,150272,625Wilkin CountyCampbell, MN$295,842Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$6,707122,955Wilkin CountyFoxhome, MN$90,240Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$6,707122,955Wilkin CountyFoxhome, MN$230,750Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$39,420848,175Winona CountyWinona, MN$22,847Purchase and install a 19.8 kW solar array for a turf maintenance business$5,62030,547Winona CountyRollingstone, MN$60,000Purchase and install a 37.5 kW solar array for a farm$23,86475,067Winona CountyWinona, MN$36,499Purchase and install a 21.6 kW roof mounted solar array for a home health care service business$3,74226,254Wright CountyBuffalo, MN$30,150Purchase and install a 21 kW roof-mounted solar array for an automotive repair business$4,36124,814Wright CountyDelano, MN$47,375Purchase and install a 50 kW solar array for a commercial rental property$6,55163,495Wright CountyDelano, MN$39,600Purchase and install a 26.4 kW solar array for a commercial property$2,95634,935Wright CountyCokato, MN$95,500Purchase and install a 80 kW solar array for a convenience store and gas station$36,641115,657Wright CountyDelano, MN$55,075Purchase and install a 41 kW solar array for a honey processing facility$9,88054,044",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-tina-smith-susan-collins-introduce-bill-to-build-health-care-workforce-in-rural-areas/,"U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Susan Collins Introduce Bill to Build Health Care Workforce in Rural Areas",2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced legislation to improve access to health care and address the physician shortage in rural areas. The Rural Residency Planning and Development Act of 2024 would authorize the Rural Residency Planning and Development Program to continue providing start-up funding to rural hospitals, medical schools, and other organizations to establish new rural residency programs. Among current medical residency programs, only 2 percent of residency training occurs in rural areas, and in Minnesota, 80 percent of counties qualify as mental health professional shortage areas. The Rural Residency Planning and Development Act of 2024 will help address the health care provider shortages by supporting the training of more clinicians in rural areas. “When I meet with families, farmers, businesses and Tribal and community leaders in rural Minnesota, one of the first issues that comes up is health care,” said Senator Smith. “There is a severe lack of access to health care in rural communities in Minnesota and across the country, and this bill is the first step to addressing that problem. Establishing more residency programs at rural hospitals and medical schools will incentivize doctors and nurses to work in these areas, help address physician shortages, and ensure Minnesotans living in small towns and rural places have access to the care they deserve.” “Expanding residency training opportunities in rural areas will help increase the number of physicians choosing to serve patients in these communities throughout their careers,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation will build on the success of the Rural Residency Planning and Development Program to directly address the health care workforce shortages that continue to challenge rural hospitals in Maine and across the country.” In 2023, almost two-thirds of rural areas faced a shortage of primary care physicians, but only 2 percent of physician residency programs occurred in rural communities. The Rural Residency Planning and Development Program was established in 2019 and has supported the creation of 46 new accredited rural residency programs spanning family medicine, internal medicine, psychiatry, and general surgery, creating 575 new rural residency jobs in 36 states. Codifying this program into law within the Public Health Service Act would help to create even more residency programs in rural areas, therefore improving access to health care for rural communities across the country. Read the full text of the bill here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=40A010F9-969B-4383-8EA2-71740886DD41,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Major Federal Investment for SkyWater Technology’s Bloomington Manufacturing Facility",2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Tina Smith (D-MN) and the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that SkyWater Technology will receive up to $16 million in federal funding as part of the CHIPS and Science Act to upgrade their facility, increasing overall production capacity by approximately 30 percent. “If we want to continue leading the global economy, we must be a country that makes stuff, invents things, and exports to the world. This significant investment in SkyWater Technology will transform domestic semiconductor manufacturing,” said Klobuchar. “I’m proud to have worked with SkyWater Technology to secure the resources needed to ensure Minnesota remains at the forefront of technological innovation. This is good for our state’s workers and businesses.” “Modern life depends on semiconductor chips. Whether it’s your car, your coffeemaker, your medical devices, or the equipment that our National Guard members rely on,” said Senator Smith. “This investment in SkyWater will make sure these chips aren’t just made in America, it’ll make sure they’re made right here in Minnesota.” This federal funding will invest in cutting-edge technology to modernize and expand SkyWater’s Bloomington facility, improve its cybersecurity by upgrading its IT systems, and create new jobs in high-demand fields like engineering and manufacturing. Klobuchar and Smith voted to pass the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen domestic semiconductor production and boost American competitiveness and innovation. The CHIPS and Science Act is providing significant resources to: Help companies build, expand, or modernize domestic facilities and equipment for semiconductor production; Kickstart development of the domestic semiconductor workforce and address near-term labor shortages; Make the largest five-year investment in public research and development in the nation’s history, including in critical technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing, as well as boosting STEM education and regional technology hubs. In June 2023, Klobuchar hosted a roundtable discussion and press conference at Normandale Community College in Bloomington with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to discuss the CHIPS and Science Act and how it can benefit Minnesota companies and workers. Skywater Technology President and CEO Thomas Sonderman attended the roundtable. In August 2022, Klobuchar held a press conference in Bloomington with executives from leading U.S.-based semiconductor designers and manufacturers with operations or headquarters in Minnesota to highlight how the CHIPS and Science Act will strengthen American economic competitiveness and spur innovation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-major-federal-investment-for-skywater-technologys-bloomington-manufacturing-facility/,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Major Federal Investment for SkyWater Technology’s Bloomington Manufacturing Facility",2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Tina Smith (D-MN) and the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that SkyWater Technology will receive up to $16 million in federal funding as part of the CHIPS and Science Act to upgrade their facility, increasing overall production capacity by approximately 30 percent. “If we want to continue leading the global economy, we must be a country that makes stuff, invents things, and exports to the world. This significant investment in SkyWater Technology will transform domestic semiconductor manufacturing,” said Klobuchar. “I’m proud to have worked with SkyWater Technology to secure the resources needed to ensure Minnesota remains at the forefront of technological innovation. This is good for our state’s workers and businesses.” “Modern life depends on semiconductor chips. Whether it’s your car, your coffeemaker, your medical devices, or the equipment that our National Guard members rely on,” said Senator Smith. “This investment in SkyWater will make sure these chips aren’t just made in America, it’ll make sure they’re made right here in Minnesota.” This federal funding will invest in cutting-edge technology to modernize and expand SkyWater’s Bloomington facility, improve its cybersecurity by upgrading its IT systems, and create new jobs in high-demand fields like engineering and manufacturing. Klobuchar and Smith voted to pass the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen domestic semiconductor production and boost American competitiveness and innovation. The CHIPS and Science Act is providing significant resources to: Help companies build, expand, or modernize domestic facilities and equipment for semiconductor production; Kickstart development of the domestic semiconductor workforce and address near-term labor shortages; Make the largest five-year investment in public research and development in the nation’s history, including in critical technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing, as well as boosting STEM education and regional technology hubs. In June 2023, Klobuchar hosted a roundtable discussion and press conference at Normandale Community College in Bloomington with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to discuss the CHIPS and Science Act and how it can benefit Minnesota companies and workers. Skywater Technology President and CEO Thomas Sonderman attended the roundtable. In August 2022, Klobuchar held a press conference in Bloomington with executives from leading U.S.-based semiconductor designers and manufacturers with operations or headquarters in Minnesota to highlight how the CHIPS and Science Act will strengthen American economic competitiveness and spur innovation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-amy-klobuchar-tina-smith-announce-new-medicare-funded-residency-slots-for-minnesota-addressing-physician-workforce-shortage/,"U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce New Medicare-funded Residency Slots for Minnesota, Addressing Physician Workforce Shortage",2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced additional medical residency slots in five Minnesota teaching hospitals. The slots were created in the 2022 budget law supported by both Senators. The law authorized funding 1,000 new residency slots across the country over a five-year period to combat the nation’s physician shortage by training new providers. 69 of Minnesota’s 87 counties are health professional shortage areas, and nearly 30% of Minnesota physicians are within retirement range. 200 additional slots are awarded funding every year, and these five Minnesota hospitals were selected for the most recent round: Hennepin County Medical Center, Emergency Medicine CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital, Pediatrics Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Neurology University of Minnesota Medical Center, Child Neurology Children’s Minnesota, Pediatric Neurology “Hospitals across Minnesota face a shortage of physicians, which is why I worked to secure this federal funding to invest in our state’s healthcare workforce. This funding means we can develop talent right here in Minnesota to better meet the needs of patients and to strengthen our healthcare system,” said Senator Klobuchar. “We need to train more physicians, simple as that. This is a good start. I’m glad we were able to secure funding for additional residencies at five hospitals in Minnesota this year,” said Senator Smith. “We pride ourselves on providing world class health care in our state, but that’s only possible thanks to the incredible physicians and physicians-in-training who work here. We need to support them, and part of that means making sure we are training enough doctors to handle patient demand without burning out our physicians. This funding gets us one step closer to making that a reality.” “This new funding is crucial in the University of Minnesota Medical School’s collaborative efforts to address the critical workforce shortage in child neurology and rural pediatrics across Minnesota, and ultimately provide improved care for these young patients,” said Dr. Bradley Benson, Chief Academic Officer at M Health Fairview and professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School. “These efforts would not be possible without our partners at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, Children’s Minnesota, Gillette Children’s Hospital, CentraCare and Hennepin County Medical Center.” Hennepin County Medical Center and University of Minnesota Medical Center also were selected for awards last year for Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, respectively. Decisions on which hospitals receive new slots are made by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS prioritized hospitals with training programs in geographic areas demonstrating the greatest need for additional providers. The newly awarded residency positions will be effective July 1, 2025. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-amy-klobuchar-tina-smith-celebrate-u-s-trade-mission-to-morocco/,"U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Celebrate U.S. Trade Mission to Morocco",2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) applauded that Minnesotan exporters are participating in a USDA agribusiness trade mission to Casablanca, Morocco, ending today. Morocco is the second-largest export market for U.S. agriculture in Africa. U.S. sales of farm and food products to the country topped $619 million last year. Representatives from the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, Lamex Foods of Bloomington, Merus LLC of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association of Mankato, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture are currently in Morocco to expand U.S. farm and food exports to their market and other West African markets. They are joined by representatives from nearly 50 U.S. agribusinesses and trade groups and 14 state departments of agriculture nationwide. “Minnesota’s participation in this trade mission to Morocco underscores our state’s commitment to expanding our agricultural exports and forging strong international partnerships,” said Klobuchar. “By connecting Minnesota agricultural producers with new buyers in Morocco and across West Africa, this mission will create opportunities to expand markets, strengthen our state’s economy, and support the farmers and businesses that keep Minnesota at the forefront of agriculture.” “Agricultural exports support farming in Minnesota and provide economic benefits to the state,” said Senator Smith. “This trade mission to Morocco is a great opportunity for Minnesota agribusinesses to cultivate new markets for their agriculture products.” Senator Smith, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has been a strong advocate for expanding agricultural market access globally. Earlier this year, she celebrated a USDA trade mission to Colombia, which Lamex Foods participated in. In April 2024, she supported a USDA trade mission to India focused on Indigenous food products. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-smith-daines-introduce-bill-to-combat-drug-trafficking-in-tribal-communities/,"U.S. Senators Smith, Daines Introduce Bill to Combat Drug Trafficking in Tribal Communities",2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) today announced the bipartisan Protection for Reservation Occupants Against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act to combat drug trafficking in tribal communities. The PROTECT Act would expand the Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) program to allow tribal nations to prosecute non-Native offenders for drug crimes and gun crimes in furtherance of STCJ covered crimes. The PROTECT Act would also allow tribal courts to execute warrants for electronic material to better combat drug traffickers and other criminals. “For years, Tribal leaders in Minnesota have raised the alarm that drug traffickers are exploiting complex legal jurisdiction on Tribal land, making Native communities some of the most harmed by the opioid and fentanyl epidemics,” said Senator Smith. “The PROTECT Act would help Tribes fight back against these drug traffickers. This proposal is bipartisan and common sense, and it respects and upholds Tribes’ inherent sovereignty and right to protect their people.” “As deadly drugs like fentanyl and opioids flow across our open southern border, states like Montana are bearing the burden. Drug traffickers continue to exploit our tribal communities, so I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to protect our Native American tribes and keep our communities safe, both in Montana and across the country,” said Senator Daines. “We thank Senator Smith for her continued commitment to law enforcement and Indian Country. Protecting our most vulnerable members is the fundamental goal of all governments. The PROTECT Act enhances tribal sovereignty and public safety and is an idea whose time has come. Minnesota Indian Country- and Indian Country throughout America is lucky to have a friend like Senator Tina Smith,” said Cathy Chavers, Chairwoman of the Bois Forte Band. “Expanding the Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction to include crimes related to drugs and guns is an important step in promoting the safety of tribal members and strengthening tribal sovereignty. We thank Senators Smith and Daines for taking action to provide Indian Country with additional tools needed to keep our communities healthy and safe,” said Virgil Wind, Chief Executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. “This bill is an important step in helping us protect our community. We applaud Sen. Smith’s continued leadership and efforts to strengthen tribal sovereignty. We need to be able to protect our own community from the predatory drug dealers that are wreaking havoc on our families. The future of the Red Lake Nation relies on it,” said Darrell Seki, Chairman of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. “The opioid and fentanyl epidemic is harming all citizens in Washington State. Our reservations are no different. Our Tribal lands are being targeted by organized crime because of the jurisdictional complexities and other vulnerabilities. The PROTECT Act of 2024 restores Tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians for drug trafficking within our reservation boundaries, helping protect not only the residents on our reservation, but all Washingtonians,” said Teri Gobin, Tulalip Tribes Chairwoman. “The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians passed ATNI Resolution 24-05 in support of the PROTECT Act of 2024, a bill that strengthens tribal criminal justice systems to help combat the opioid-fentanyl epidemic that is devastating our tribal communities. We urge Congress to move swiftly on this bill,” said the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians. “This is great and an important step forward in public safety in Indian country,”saidJustin Gray Hawk Sr., Tribal Chairman, Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes. For decades, drug traffickers have exploited the complexity of the criminal jurisdiction in Indian Country, which has contributed to American Indians and Alaska Natives being two and a half times more likely to become victims of violent crime and more likely to die of an overdose than other demographic groups. The PROTECT Act would expand the STCJ program to allow tribal nations to prosecute non-Native offenders for drug crimes and gun crimes committed in furtherance of drug trafficking and other STCJ crimes. It would also grant tribal courts parity with state courts to execute warrants for electronic material and allow offenders prosecuted under STCJ to be incarcerated through the Bureau of Prisons Tribal Prisoner Program. Read more about the PROTECT Act HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=0F992F60-9DA3-459C-8C43-8F1CFF582294,Klobuchar Elevated to Serve in the Third Highest Position in Senate Leadership,2024-12-03,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"“As Chair of Steering and Policy, I look forward to working with my colleagues to chart our path forward and ensure the policies we are fighting for in Washington reflect what the American people want and need. This is the time to find common ground when we can, and stand our ground where we must,” said Senator Klobuchar. Last Congress, Senator Klobuchar was ranked number one for bipartisan bills and number three for passing bills into law. She previously served in the number four leadership position as Chair of the Democratic Steering Committee. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=593181BA-C91E-48A2-A3D6-FE1E003196BA,Klobuchar Statement on Veterans Day 2024,2024-11-11,2024,2024-11,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"MINNESOTA - U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the statement below in honor of Veterans Day. “Veterans Day is a time to focus on what unites us: an unwavering gratitude for the men and women who put their lives on the line for our nation. It's our sacred obligation to pay respect to the heroes who fought for our rights and our freedoms. This means guaranteeing veterans can get their disability claims processed. It means ensuring they can get their G.I. benefits. And it means making sure they can get the health care they deserve, including for exposure to burn pits and Agent Orange. Honoring our veterans is a duty we all take seriously in Minnesota. I’m thinking about Earl Meyer, a war hero from St. Peter. During World War II, at the young age of 17, Earl joined the Merchant Mariners. On one mission, his ship hit a minefield. The crew had to cut the ship’s engine and sit as still as possible while Navy ships came in to clear the mines out of the waterway. As a teenager, Earl had already risked his life for our country. But Earl’s service didn’t end there. Just years after he returned home from the war and started farming, he joined the Army and went to the front lines of the Korean War. In June 1951, his unit was pinned down by mortar fire, and Earl was struck by shrapnel. Only four soldiers from his unit made it out alive. The medic who bandaged Earl said he’d put his name in for a Purple Heart, but Earl never saw that medic again. Decades passed and Earl still hadn’t received his Purple Heart, so his daughters reached out to my office. Together, we worked through the bureaucracy, and in May, Earl finally got his Purple Heart. Standing before a thousand people in the Gustavus chapel, he turned to me and said, ‘You know, this wasn’t really that big a deal.’ But it was a big deal. Because in Minnesota, we stand with those who stood with us. To all our service members and veterans — we honor you on Veterans Day and every day. Thank you for your service and sacrifice..” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:02:12Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=309E6AD6-1B44-44FA-992D-9048796A5570,"U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Funding to Help Minnesota Families and Seniors with Heating Costs Ahead of Winter",2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"Increased heating assistance was made possible by the Biden-Harris infrastructure law, which both Senators supported MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN), announced over $112 million in federal funding to help families and seniors pay for energy costs this winter. The funding was made possible in part through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which both Klobuchar and Smith helped pass. “As Minnesota prepares for winter, families shouldn’t have to choose between heating their homes or buying other necessities,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will help families and seniors across our state pay their energy bills and keep their homes warm.” “As the temperature starts to drop in Minnesota, everyone should be able to heat their homes and stay warm,” said Smith. “For low-income families, high energy prices can force an impossible choice between heating their homes and other essentials like rent, food, or medicine. I’m proud of our work to secure this funding, which will help families in Minnesota afford their heating costs and utility bills in the coming winter months.” “LIHEAP is essential to families who live on a limited income,"" said Denise Stewart, Executive Director of Lakes and Pines Community Action Council, a non-profit serving Aitkin, Carlton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine Counties. ""In today's economy with the rising cost of energy, housing and food, meeting basic needs is increasingly difficult. LIHEAP allows families and seniors to stay warm in our extremely cold winter months and frees up household funds to ensure other basic needs are met."" The funding is issued through the Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides families with payment assistance to support their home energy needs. LIHEAP can also be used to weatherize homes to make them more energy efficient and mitigate energy emergencies during disasters and extreme weather. Individuals interested in applying for energy assistance can visit www.energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at 1-866-674-6327. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:02:12Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=277F4838-CD9F-4779-8851-EDF2A2A776E1,"Klobuchar, Smith Working to Secure Funding for Projects for Carver County in Year End Budget",2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"The Senate and House Appropriations Committees Advanced Funding Bills with Resources for Minnesota Projects Secured and Backed by Klobuchar, Smith U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget bills that passed the Senate and House Appropriations Committees includes projects to benefit Carver County. These projects would invest in public infrastructure. On September 26, the Senate and House agreed to avoid a shutdown and continue to negotiate on a final budget proposal. Klobuchar and Smith will fight to ensure these projects are included in that final year-end bill. “From upgrading critical road infrastructure to investing in flood mitigation, we worked with local leaders to secure resources important to Carver County,” said Klobuchar. “Once completed, these projects will improve quality of life for Minnesotans.” “Transportation, drinking water and sewage infrastructure improvements will directly benefit residents in Carver County,” said Smith. “The federal government should be a partner in uplifting and providing necessary funding for vital community projects, and that’s exactly what we are hoping to accomplish in Carver County.” Klobuchar and Smith have successfully secured the following projects in the Appropriations Committee-approved bill: $4,700,000 for the Carver County Highway 5 Improvements Project in Victoria. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN). $3,350,000 for City of Carver to rebuild the Carver river levee system to FEMA and US Army Corps of Engineers standards to protect historic downtown Carver from flood damages. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN). $2,000,000 for the Laketown Township for Community Sewer Improvement Project. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN). $2,200,000 to assist the Western Area Fire Training Association (WAFTA) with on-site and off-site environmental investigations and development of a remedial action plan to address impacted soil and groundwater. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Dean Phillips (D-MN). $1,600,000 to the City of Norwood Young America for transportation, drinking water, and sewer infrastructure upgrades. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN). Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state. The projects are expected to pass the Senate over the next several months. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=A6C98267-CDB5-485E-9FA3-980E46813CCF,"Klobuchar, Smith Working to Secure Funding for Aitkin Airport Runway Reconstruction Project in Year End Budget",2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"The Senate and House Appropriations Committees Advanced Funding Bills with Resources for Minnesota Projects Secured and Backed by Klobuchar, Smith WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget bill that passed the Senate Appropriations Committee includes a $367,000 project to reconstruct the Aitkin Airport runway. The airport’s runway is in need of repair and expansion to ensure Aitkin can continue serving regional aircraft. On September 26, the Senate and House agreed to avoid a shutdown and continue to negotiate on a final budget proposal. Klobuchar and Smith will fight to ensure these projects are included in that final year-end bill. “Aitkin Airport needs to reconstruct its runway to improve access to regional air travel. With this federal grant, the airport will be able to build the new runway to continue serving travelers,” said Klobuchar. “Aitkin Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Aitkin Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding would go directly towards repaving the runway to ensure it remains safe and functional.” Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state. The projects are expected to pass the Senate over the next several months. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=E6101E1F-4B9B-4CED-826A-244A6C99D45B,"Klobuchar, Smith Working to Secure Funding for Projects for Mankato and Southern Minnesota in Year End Budget",2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"The Senate and House Appropriations Committees Advanced Funding Bills with Resources for Minnesota Projects Secured and Backed by Klobuchar, Smith U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget bills that passed the Senate and House Appropriations Committees includes projects to benefit Mankato and Southern Minnesota. These projects would invest in public infrastructure. On September 26, the Senate and House agreed to avoid a shutdown and continue to negotiate on a final budget proposal. Klobuchar and Smith will fight to ensure these projects are included in that final year-end bill. “From upgrading the Mankato Regional Airport Air Traffic Control Tower to investing in the local water system, we worked with local leaders to secure resources important to Mankato and Southwest Minnesota,” said Klobuchar. “Once completed, these projects will improve quality of life for Minnesotans.” “Upgrading crucial infrastructure for Southern Minnesota and constructing a new air traffic control tower for Mankato Airport are exactly the kinds of projects we should be investing in,” said Smith. “The federal government should be a partner in uplifting and providing necessary funding for vital community projects championed by local leaders, and that’s exactly what we are hoping to accomplish for residents of Mankato and Southwest Minnesota.” Klobuchar and Smith have successfully secured the following projects in the Appropriations Committee-approved bill: $1,050,000 for the City of Butterfield to update its wastewater treatment facility and reconstruct city streets, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and water mains, which are currently in unsafe conditions. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN). $1,050,000 for the City of Eagle Lake to construct a new water treatment facility to provide clean drinking water to residents. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN). $750,000 for the City of Henderson to construct a water filtration plant to remove iron and manganese contaminants from the drinking water. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-MN). $1,050,000 for the City of Okabena to repair, replace, or construct Okabena’s drinking water distribution system to provide the residents and businesses of Okabena with a safe and dependable drinking water system. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN). $1,050,000 for the City of Madison Lake to replace and improve its water supply system, storm sewer, sanitary collection system, and other critical infrastructure. $800,000 for the City of Pemberton for repairs to their drinking water storage, well house, distribution, and stormwater conveyance. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN). $2,100,000 for Mankato Regional Airport to construct a new air traffic control tower. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN). Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state. The projects are expected to pass the Senate over the next several months. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=071F101D-D7E6-4AE8-BCEC-B032727AEF6A,Klobuchar Awarded the National Guard Association’s Montgomery Medal,2024-10-25,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS - U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) was awarded the Montgomery Medal from the National Guard Association of the United States (NAGUS). The Montgomery Medal recognizes individuals or organizations who provide outstanding support to the NGAUS. Senator Klobuchar is receiving the award for championing issues important to National Guardsmen and veterans, such as bolstering the ""Beyond the Yellow Ribbon"" program, helping pass the historic PACT Act to ensure veterans exposed to toxic substances get the healthcare they need, and investments into the National Guard’s readiness and operational capabilities. At the presentation ceremony, NGAUS Minnesota Chapter President Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) 5 Brett Setterlund presented Klobuchar with the medal. Klobuchar, Minnesota National Guard Major General Shawn Manke, and CWO 5 Setterlund delivered remarks. “It’s a privilege to receive the Montgomery Medal from the National Guard Association,” said Klobuchar. “The men and women of the National Guard put everything on the line when they put on the uniform, and we owe them a debt we can never fully repay. That’s why I’ve fought to provide them with the resources and support they need to keep our state and our nation safe.” Colonel Jamie Lindman read the following citation at the award ceremony: For her exceptional leadership, dedication, and unwavering support for the Minnesota National Guard, Senator Amy Klobuchar is awarded the Montgomery Medal. Her commitment to the welfare of Soldiers, Airmen, and their families is exemplified through her tireless advocacy and legislative achievements. Senator Klobuchar's profound impact on the lives of National Guard members is evident in her comprehensive approach to support and promote our service. She spearheaded the development of the ""Beyond the Yellow Ribbon"" program, transforming it into a national model that provides crucial support to service members reintegrating into civilian life. Her advocacy for improving childcare access and championing PACT Act legislation to address toxic exposure demonstrates her commitment to enhancing the quality of life for military families. Senator Klobuchar's leadership in modernizing the National Guard has been instrumental in securing advancements that enhance readiness and operational capabilities. From securing new aircraft for both the 148th Fighter Wing and 133rd Airlift Wings to advocating for infrastructure improvements at Camp Ripley Training Center, her efforts ensure the Guard remains a critical asset to our nation's defense. Her dedication to fostering partnerships locally and globally strengthens the Guard's capabilities and interoperability with international allies. Her support for initiatives like the State Partnership Program with Norway underscores her commitment to enhancing strategic military ties and improving readiness for joint operations. Senator Klobuchar exemplifies the values of service, leadership, and dedication and leaves an indelible mark on the Department of Defense, the National Guard Association of the United States, and the Minnesota National Guard. Read the full citation HERE. As a member of the National Guard Caucus, Senator Klobuchar is a leading advocate in the Senate for the National Guard. Since her election to the Senate, Klobuchar has fought to secure regular funding to extend and expand to the national level Minnesota’s pioneering Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon helps soldiers transition from military to civilian life through counseling and other services. In 2023, the United States Air Force announced that Minnesota’s 133rd Airlift Wing was selected to receive eight new C-130J aircraft. Klobuchar worked across the aisle to help secure these aircraft for Minnesota’s 133rd Airlift Wing. The 133rd also leads the nation’s longest continuous troop exchange with Norway, and our Croatia and Norway State Partnership Programs. All these partners benefit and embrace the 133rd’s tactical airlift mission. In 2022, provisions from Klobuchar’s Toxic Exposure Training Act to improve education and training for VA health care personnel passed as part of the bipartisan PACT Act. In 2019, Klobuchar introduced legislation that became law to ensure that children of Guard members and Reservists are identified as students of military families in school records. This requirement, which already applied to children of active-duty servicemembers, ensures that schools and teachers know which students have parents in the Guard and Reserves and help accommodate those needs. In 2017, Klobuchar introduced legislation to help reduce the cost of service for National Guard members and make a big difference for thousands of soldiers in the Minnesota National Guard by reducing the mileage that can be claimed on taxes from 100 to 50. In Minnesota, 30 percent of all National Guard members travel more than 50 miles for training and can be burdened with costly travel expenses simply for completing their required duty training each month. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-tina-smith-amy-klobuchar-announce-clean-energy-projects-for-minnesota-farms-small-businesses-in-rural-areas-2/,"U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Announce Clean Energy Projects for Minnesota Farms, Small Businesses in Rural Areas",2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"LocationAwardDetailsAnnual $ SavingsAnnual Energy SavingsWestern MinnesotaNear Montevideo, MN$223,352Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$8,910146,200 kWh, enough to power 13 homesNear Clara City, MN$222,801Purchase and install energy efficient exterior steel siding and insulation for a welding business$39,607716,559 kWh, enough to power 66 homesNear Vesta, MN$487,860Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$12,04899,407 kWh, enough to power 9 homesNear Renville, MN$474,727Purchase and install a thin juice heater for a sugar processing facility$1,588,52887,724,211 kWh, enough to power 8,095 homesNear Gully, MN$154,240Purchase and install a 50kW solar array for a farm$10,67088,919 kWh, enough to power 8 homesNear Trail, MN$130,740Purchase and install a 50kW solar array for a farm$9,09888,907 kWh, enough to power 8 homesNear Marshall and Vesta, MN$120,721Purchase and install energy efficient heat mats for a small hog farm$35,154416,109 kWh, enough to power 38 homesNear Stephen, MN$134,490Purchase and install a 50kW solar array for a farm$8,81688,158 kWh, enough to power 8 homesNear Park Rapids, MN$74,205Purchase and isntall a 58.2kW solar array for a renewable energy production facility$8,03880,383 kWh, enough to power 7 homesNear Wilmont, MN$196,835Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm and stockyard$42,494563,453 kWh, enough to power 52 homesNear Brewster, MN$62,259Purchase and install a 64.8kW solar array for a farm$8,03286,641 kWh, enough to power 8 homesNear Park Rapids, MN$36,763Purchase and install an energy efficient boiler with baseboard heating and water heater$2,39057,361 kWh, enough to power 6 homesNear Foxhome, MN$62,993Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$4,40159,942 kWh, enough to power 6 homesNear Elbow Lake, MN$86,750Purchase and install an energy efficient grain handling system for a farm$5858,185 kWh, enough to power 1 homeNear Foxhome, MN$181,375Purchase and isntall an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$17,620420,661 kWh, enough to power 39 homesGreater Twin Cities Metro AreaNear Loretto, MN$211,350Purchase and install a 149kW solar array for a construction business$36,187163,977 kWh, enough to power 15 homesNear Hastings, MN$59,000Purchase and install a 54.2kW solar array for a farm$8,96568,162 kWh, enough to power 6 homesNear Hastings, MN$33,533Purchase and install a 30kW solar array for a farm$12,49144,429 kWh, enough to power 4 homesNear Farmington, MN$79,018Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$28,947473,613 kWh, enough to power 44 homesNear Rosemount, MN$83,500Purchase and install a 74.8kW solar array for a farm winery$7,04173,933 kWh, enough to power 7 homesNorthern MinnesotaNear Cotton, MN$19,999Purchase and install a 30.8kW solar array for a farm$8,36363,693 kWh, enough to power 6 homesCentral MinnesotaNear Hutchinson, MN$149,375Purchase and install a 50kW solar array farming and commercial real estate business$14,39996,468, enough to power 9 homesNear Hutchinson, MN$149,375Purchase and install a 50kW solar array for a small winery business$12,483.0096,468 kWh, enough to power 9 homesNear Spicer, MN$58,250Purchase and install a 54.5kW solar array for a custom farming business$7,40173,659 kWh, enough to power 7 homesNear Bowlus, MN$41,449Purchase and install a 50kW solar array for a farm$8,81867,314 kWh, enough to power 6 homesNear Bowlus, MN$49,875Purchase and install a 70.6kW solar array for an electrical contracting business$12,61496,237 kWh, enough to power 9 homesNear Bowlus, MN$41,449Purchase and install a 50kW solar array for a farm$9,04369,034 kWh, enough to power 6 homesNear Hutchinson, MN$55,000Purchase and install a 50kW solar array for a farm$8,26265,942 kWh, enough to power 6 homesNear Brainerd, MN$46,230Purchase and install a 37kW roof mounted solar array for a construction company$9,04142,640 kWh, enough to power 4 homesNear Bertha, MN$68,239Purchase and install energy efficient heat mats in hog farrowing crates for a hog farm$8,966195,958 kWh, enough to power 18 homesNear Hutchinson, MN$30,240Purchase and install a 25.2 kW solar array for a snimal food manufacturing facility$4,13632,929 kWh, enough to power 3 homesNear Hutchinson, MN$32,500Purchase and install a 25kW solar array for a farm$4,11934,273 kWh, enough to power 3 homesNear Isanti, MN$39,625Purchase and install a 25.22kW solar array for a berry agricultural production facility$4,22234,893 kWh, enough to power 3 homesNear Foley, MN$44,219Purchase and install a 36kW solar array for a farm$4,76444,766 kWh, enough to power 4 homesNear Buffalo, MN$118,048Purchase and install a 58.9kW solar array for a commercial rental property$19,28968,581 kWh, enough to power 6 homesNear Pierz, MN$61,945Purchase and install a 50kW solar array for a hog farm$8,42668,611 kWh, enough to power 6 homesNear Milaca, MN$86,424Purchase and install a 70.55kW solar array for an assisted living care facility$5,74894,753 kWh, enough to power 9 homesNear Long Prairie, MN$39,975Purchase and install a 50.6kW solar array for a farm$9,41868,477 kWh, enough to power 6 homesNear Swanville, MN$79,950Purchase and install two 50.6kW solar arrays for two farming locations$16,266139,318 kWh, enough to power 13 homesNear Annandale, MN$42,400Purchase and install a 28kW solar array for a farm$4,26537,461 kWh, enough to power 3 homesSouthern MinnesotaNear St. James, MN$230,500Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$53,8301,004,059 kWh, enough to power 93 homesNear Trimont, MN$130,077Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$32,257383,918 kWh, enough to power 35 homesNear Lamberton, MN$437,771Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$2,81048,793 kWh, enough to power 4 homesNear Porter, MN$127,347Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$2,15815,752 kWh, enough to power 1 homeNear Butterfield, MN$159,817Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$1,80044,796 kWh, enough to power 4 homesNear Winona, MN$20,000Purchase and install a 19kW solar array for a dog breeder$5,46447,742 kWh, enough to power 4 homesNear Hartland, MN$76,847Purchase and install a 42.64kW solar array for a farm$12,270.0050,201 kWh, enough to power 4 homesNear Alpha, MN$195,972Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$8,925154,361 kWh, enough to power 14 homesNear Ostrander, MN$28,892Purchase and install a geothermal heating and cooling system for a trucking business machine shop$98813,921 kWh, enough to power 1 homeNear Rochester, MN$32,416Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$5,905116,353 kWh, enough to power 11 homesNear Fulda, MN$309,380Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$28,479336,522 kWh, enough to power 31 homesNear Stewartville, MN$29,500Purchase and install a 25.9kW solar array for a nail salon$7,86934,437 kWh, enough to power 3 homesNear Rose Creek, MN$90,211Purchase and install a 76kW solar array for a farm$28,848153,944 kWh, enough to power 14 homesNear St. Charles, MN$22,995Purchase and install a 19.2kW solar array for a farm$5,01529,659 kWh, enough to power 2 homesNear Owatonna, MN$203,275Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$12,554450,895, enough to power 42 homesNear Kilkenny, MN$96,509Purchase and install an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm$8,936149,251 kWh, enough to power 14 homesNear Janesville, MN$20,000Purchase and install a 19.4kW solar array for a farm$3,40525,468 kWh, enough to power 2 homesNear Rochester, MN$60,000Purchase and install a 48kW solar array for Skyline Raceway$9,02673,138 kWh, enough to power 7 homesNear Elkton, MN$53,266Purchase and install a 38kW solar array for a farm$12,879.0063,709 kWh, enough to power 6 homes.Near Wells, MN$66,008Purchase and install a 50.88kW ground-mounted solar array for a hog farm$16,97871,021 kWh, enough to power 7 homesNear Ellendale, MN$132,500Purchase and install two solar arrays that total 105.8kW for two farms$55,915144,833 kWh, enough to power 13 homesWinona, MN$18,388Purchase and install a 12.3kW solar array for a commercial real estate business$1,87714,542 kWh, enough to power 1 homeNear Chatfield, MN$20,000Purchase and install a 28.8kW solar array for a farm$6,04439,895kWh, enough to power 3 homesNear Glenville, MN$55,431Purchase and install a 38kW solar array for a farm$11,29775,200 kWh, enough to power 7 homesNear Kasson, MN$55,070Purchase and install a 37.5kW solar array for a farm$12,02373,968 kWh, enough to power 7 homesNear Adams, MN$96,276Purchase and install a 153kW solar array for a farm$24,239228,871 kWh, enough to power 21 homesNear Adams, MN$20,000Purchase and install a 22kW solar array for a farm$4,32232,332 kWh, enough to power 3 homesNear Rose Creek, MN$51,199Purchase and install a 38kW solar array for a hog farm$15,83877,516 kWh, enough to power 7 homesNear Good Thunder, MN$20,000Purchase and install a 49.5kW solar array for a farm$11,096.0062,629 kWh, enough to power six homesNear Truman, MN$87,909Purchase and install energy efficient heat mats in the hog farrowing crates for a hog farm$22,028275,337 kWh, enough to power 25 homesNear Chatfield, MN$31,601Purchase and install a 35.6kW roof-mounted solar array for a commercial rental property$3,06244,940 kWh, enough to power 4 homesNear St. Peter, MN$67,075Purchase and install a 50kW solar array for a commercial property businesses$5,52665,402 kWh, enough to power 6 homes",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=0A16332D-4FAE-4E4C-B1E2-253EF72B36EF,"Klobuchar, Smith Working to Secure Funding for Projects for St. Cloud and Surrounding Communities in Year End Budget",2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"The Senate and House Appropriations Committees Advanced Funding Bills with Resources for Minnesota Projects Secured and Backed by Klobuchar, Smith WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget bills that passed the Senate and House Appropriations Committees includes projects to benefit St. Cloud and surrounding communities. These projects would invest in public infrastructure, emergency services, and workforce development. On September 26, the Senate and House agreed to avoid a shutdown and continue to negotiate on a final budget proposal. Klobuchar and Smith will fight to ensure these projects are included in that final year-end bill. “From upgrading critical infrastructure to investing first responders, we worked with local leaders to secure resources important to St. Cloud and surrounding communities” said Klobuchar. “Once completed, these projects will improve quality of life for Minnesotans.” “Those closest to an issue have the best solutions, and these projects were developed and designed to fit the specific needs of St. Cloud,” said Smith. “From expanding opportunities for students at SCTCC or upgrading our water infrastructure, to renovating the Cold Spring Fire Station, fixing Town Line and Heatherwood Roads, or helping Habitat for Humanity build more affordable housing, these projects will help strengthen our communities and I look forward to working with Senator Klobuchar to get them passed and signed into law.” Klobuchar and Smith have successfully secured the following projects in the Appropriations Committee-approved bill: $1,136,000 for the St. Cloud Technical & Community College to develop an Aircraft Maintenance Technician Certified Instructional Program Expansion. $2,000,000 for the City of Big Lake’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN). $7,000,000 for North Central Watab Watershed Flood Mitigation projects. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN). $7,000,000 for the Heatherwood Road Infrastructure and Multi-Modal Improvements Project in St. Cloud. The project extends a major regional roadway and trail, replaces an out of service bridge, and installs new water and sewer infrastructure. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN). $2,000,000 for renovations at the Cold Spring Fire Station. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-MN). $1,500,000 for the reconstruction of Town Line Road to meet current design standards for traffic levels, including six-foot paved shoulders, right turn lanes and safer roadsides and improving structural capacity to 10-ton axle weights. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN). $920,000 for the City of Lake Henry for wastewater infrastructure improvements. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-MN). $750,000 for the City of Princeton’s Mille Lacs County Joint Radio Simulcast Equipment Project. $420,000 for Central MN Habitat for Humanity to build infrastructure for affordable housing projects. Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state. The projects are expected to pass the Senate over the next several months. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=571785BA-CA71-4594-A895-A8A88E673D62,"Klobuchar, Smith Working to Secure Funding for Projects for the Iron Range in Year End Budget",2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"The Senate and House Appropriations Committees Advanced Funding Bills with Resources for Minnesota Projects Secured and Backed by Klobuchar, Smith WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget bills that passed the Senate and House Appropriations Committees include projects to benefit the Iron Range. These projects would invest in public infrastructure and local law enforcement. On September 26, the Senate and House agreed to avoid a shutdown and continue to negotiate on a final budget proposal. Klobuchar and Smith will fight to ensure these projects are included in that final year-end bill. “From upgrading critical infrastructure to investing in better tools for law enforcement, we worked with local leaders to secure resources important to the Iron Range,” said Klobuchar. “Once completed, these projects will improve quality of life for Minnesotans.” “Those closest to an issue have the best solutions, and these projects were developed and designed to fit the specific needs folks on the Iron Range,” said Smith. “From updating our water infrastructure in Ely, Hibbing, Keewatin, Coleraine, Eveleth and Mountain Iron to fixing Nashwauk’s infrastructure plans, these projects will help strengthen our communities and I look forward to working with Senator Klobuchar to get them passed and signed into law.” Klobuchar and Smith have successfully secured the following projects in the Appropriations Committee-approved bill: $750,000 for the Mountain Iron/Eveleth for Watermain Loop Project. The funds would be used for the installation of five miles of water main from Mountain Iron to Eveleth, MN. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN). $1,000,000 for the City of Coleraine for reconstructing sewer, water, storm sewer, and street infrastructure. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN). $750,000 for the City of Keewatin for replacement of water/sewage infrastructure. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN). $2,000,000 for the City of Ely for Water Intake and Burntside Lake Water Main Replacement. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN). $2,000,000 for the City of Hibbing for Water Treatment Improvement and Expansion Project. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN). $1,000,000 for the City of Nashwauk’s Third Street Infrastructure Improvements Project. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN). $315,000 for the City of Cook’s Wastewater Treatment Pond Reconstruction Project. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN). Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state. The projects are expected to pass the Senate over the next several months. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=74F6C4BC-1D10-4901-8603-15C0AA34FB2F,"Klobuchar, Smith Working to Secure Funding for Projects for Pine County in Year End Budget",2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"The Senate and House Appropriations Committees Advanced Funding Bills with Resources for Minnesota Projects Secured and Backed by Klobuchar, Smith WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget bills that passed the Senate and House Appropriations Committees include projects to benefit Pine County. These projects would invest in public water infrastructure and workforce housing. On September 26, the Senate and House agreed to avoid a shutdown and continue to negotiate on a final budget proposal. Klobuchar and Smith will fight to ensure these projects are included in that final year-end bill. “From upgrading critical water infrastructure in Pine City to investing in workforce housing in Sandstone, we worked with local leaders to secure resources important to Pine County,” said Klobuchar. “Once completed, these projects will improve quality of life for Minnesotans.” “Those closest to an issue have the best solutions, and these projects were developed and designed to fit the specific needs of Pine County,” said Smith. “From updating Pine City’s wastewater treatment system to redeveloping the Historic Sandstone School into affordable workforce housing, these projects will help strengthen our communities and I look forward to working with Senator Klobuchar to get them passed and signed into law.” Klobuchar and Smith have successfully secured the following projects in the Appropriations Committee-approved bill: $750,000 for Pine City’s Wastewater Treatment Pond System Upgrade Project. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN). $850,000 for the Sandstone School Workforce Housing Project to develop 31 units of workforce housing. Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state. The projects are expected to pass the Senate over the next several months. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=7F27FD34-A57B-43EE-BC0E-66386FC3D697,"Klobuchar, Smith Working to Secure Funding for Projects for Benton County in Year End Budget",2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"The Senate and House Appropriations Committees Advanced Funding Bills with Resources for Minnesota Projects Secured and Backed by Klobuchar, Smith WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget bills that passed the Senate and House Appropriations Committees includes projects to benefit Benton County. These projects would invest in public infrastructure. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN). On September 26, the Senate and House agreed to avoid a shutdown and continue to negotiate on a final budget proposal. Klobuchar and Smith will fight to ensure these projects are included in that final year-end bill. “We worked with local leaders to secure resources important to upgrading critical wastewater infrastructure in Benton County,” said Klobuchar. “Once completed, these projects will improve quality of life for Minnesotans.” “Minnesotans deserve to have safe, clean water,” said Smith. “Benton County is no exception, and this investment will update the city’s water and wastewater infrastructure system, directly impacting all of its residents.” Klobuchar and Smith have successfully secured the following projects in the Appropriations Committee-approved bill: $2,000,000 for the City of Foley for Water Treatment Plant and Well 6 Construction Project. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN). $2,000,000 for the City of Gilman to replace its wastewater collection pond and stormwater infrastructure. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN). Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state. The projects are expected to pass the Senate over the next several months. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-amy-klobuchar-tina-smith-announce-funding-secured-to-complete-msp-airports-concourse-g-remodel/,"U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Funding Secured to Complete MSP Airport’s Concourse G Remodel",2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced that the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport received the final funding amount necessary to complete the airport’s improvements to Concourse G. This grant, made possible through the Biden-Harris Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will expand the Terminal 1 building on Concourse G from Gates 8 –13 to include 5 new single use restrooms and 2 new multi-user restrooms, terminal passenger seating, and energy efficient spaces. “Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is among the busiest airports in the country and supports tens of thousands of jobs in our state,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This significant federal funding will enable the airport to fund the expansion of Terminal 1 to improve the travel experience for passengers and maintain its position as a top-ranking airport.” “MSP is a critical transportation hub and economic driver for communities across Minnesota. There’s a reason it’s been ranked the best airport in America so often, and we hope to keep it that way,” said Senator Smith. “The Concourse G upgrades have been years in the making. This investment will make sure MSP remains one of the best airports in the world and has the capacity to meet demand, and I’m proud to have supported the Biden-Harris Bipartisan infrastructure law to make this happen.” “We work hard to provide exceptional airport experiences for our travelers, and a big part of that is ensuring that MSP facilities keep pace with capacity demands while also meeting and exceeding expectations for quality and accessibility,” said Brian Ryks, CEO and executive director of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP Airport. “The $20 million in funding allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us move ahead with important expansion and development of Concourse G in Terminal 1. We are grateful for the ongoing support of Senator Smith and Senator Klobuchar and their work to help ensure a positive travel experience for Minnesotans.” MSP Airport’s Concourse G improvements began in earnest in 2020. The airport began: Reconfiguring and adding to the gate-hold seating areas Reconstructing and expanding the restrooms Removing and replacing the adjacent moving walkways Renovating the food, beverage and retail offerings This $20 million grant was made possible through the Biden-Harris infrastructure bill, which Senator Smith and Senator Klobuchar both supported. The grant was awarded through the FAA’s Airport Terminals Program, which received a $5 billion boost through the infrastructure law. The program funds safe, sustainable and accessible airport terminals, on-airport rail access projects and airport-owned traffic control towers. Several investments have been made in Minnesota’s largest airport since President Biden signed the infrastructure legislation that Klobuchar and Smith helped pass, including two new gates at Terminal 2 (H15 and H16), five new boarding bridges, new electrical substations for baggage claim, the north security checkpoint, and airport police, as well as new walkways, ramps, and slopes to support passengers with disabilities. You can find renderings of what the final result of the upgrades to Concourse G will look like here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=9D7B071B-843F-4179-9DA6-E1FFBC6638C0,Klobuchar and Colleagues Release Report on Vote Counting Process for the November Election,2024-10-22,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"Democratic Senators Warn Americans To Be On Alert Against Efforts To Undermine Public Confidence In Election Results READ THE REPORT HERE WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Rules Committee Chair Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released a report summarizing for the American people what to expect on Election Day and encouraging voters to cast their ballot. With the general election well underway in every state across the country, Senate Democrats have a clear message for the American people, which is to vote and cast their ballot as early as possible. As significant numbers of Americans choose to vote by mail, the report explains why it’s still possible that, in some states, the outcome might not be known on November 5th, in part because states differ in whether they allow mail-in ballots to be processed ahead of Election Day and whether ballots must be received by Election Day or postmarked by Election Day. The report also makes clear that voter intimidation is illegal and federal law prohibits coercing or threatening anyone in order to interfere with their right to vote. A copy of the report can be found HERE. “The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, and we must do everything we can to protect it and uphold the integrity of the election process. That means pushing back on efforts to sow chaos during election season. As this report explains, it also means making sure that Americans know that it is possible that the outcome in some states will not be known on November 5th. While some states have expedited their counting requirements since 2020, we should be prepared to be patient about results in places where counting ballots may take longer. Americans should keep making their voices heard at the ballot box,” said Klobuchar. “Just like 2020, Donald Trump and his allies continue to refuse to commit to accepting the results of the election if he loses while pushing dangerous and divisive rhetoric to sow discord and undermine confidence in our election process. Americans losing faith in the results of our elections doesn’t just risk another January 6th but puts our very democracy at risk,” said Leader Schumer. “Senate Democrats remain committed to ensuring all Americans can vote without fear or intimidation.” “As Donald Trump bets on chaos, division, and lies to fuel his campaign and get back into the White House, it’s on us to see through his fearmongering and stand up for our democracy. So vote early, vote by mail, vote in person—but vote. The future of our country depends on us rejecting fear and misinformation and making our voices heard,” said Murphy. “Former President Trump's dangerous rhetoric threatens to further divide our country and sow real potential for violence like we saw up close on January 6, 2021. Our elections are the foundation of American democracy. Protecting them should be the top priority for everyone who cares about the future of our country. Election officials, courts, and elected leaders must be accountable for upholding that principle,” said Heinrich. “There is no greater responsibility, or honor, as an American than exercising your right to vote. Our free, fair voting systems and our peaceful transitions of powers are two of the hallmarks that have separated America from authoritarianism for centuries now—and that will carry on far beyond this November, despite Donald Trump's desperate, sad attempts to sow seeds of chaos and distrust in our electoral processes. The most powerful defense against creeping autocracy in America is to make our voices heard at the ballot box—because carrying out our most sacred duty as citizens is the best way we can ensure remain a government of, by and for the people,” said Duckworth. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=63CE6670-708F-49DB-8AB5-1FB5DC555484,Klobuchar Statement on the Passing of Former U.S. Representative Rick Nolan,2024-10-18,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS - U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the statement below following the passing of former U.S. Representative Rick Nolan. “Rick Nolan was an incredible friend that dedicated his life to public service and his family. With his thunderous voice and passion for the people, Rick was a one-of-a-kind leader,” said Klobuchar. “He was the comeback kid. He went from being one of the youngest members of Congress to being one of the oldest freshmen when he was sworn in again at 69. He was the consummate outdoorsman, friend of labor, and he never forgot where he came from. John and my thoughts and prayers are with Mary and his family.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=3733217E-F10F-4D55-84AD-93B8E8DACEEB,"Klobuchar, Smith Working to Secure Funding for Projects for Duluth and Floodwood in Year End Budget",2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"The Senate and House Appropriations Committees Advanced Funding Bills with Resources for Minnesota Projects Backed by Klobuchar, Smith WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget bills that passed the Senate and House Appropriations Committees include projects to benefit Duluth and Floodwood. These projects would invest in public infrastructure and child care. On September 26, the Senate and House agreed to avoid a shutdown and continue to negotiate on a final budget proposal. Klobuchar and Smith will fight to ensure these projects are included in that final year-end bill. “From upgrading critical infrastructure to investing in expanding child care options for families, we worked with local leaders to secure resources important to Duluth and Floodwood,” said Klobuchar. “Once completed, these projects will improve quality of life for Minnesotans.” “Those closest to an issue have the best solutions, and these projects were developed and designed to fit the specific needs of the Duluth area,” said Smith. “From streamlining law enforcement and emergency data or fixing the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge, to updating our water infrastructure or investing in affordable childcare, these projects will help strengthen our communities and I look forward to working with Senator Klobuchar to get them passed and signed into law.” Klobuchar and Smith have successfully secured the following projects in the Appropriations Committee-approved bill: $2,000,000 for the Northern Minnesota Counties Records System Collaborative. This project between nine Minnesota counties will allow for seamless data sharing of 9-1-1 communications records, jail records, and law enforcement data. $500,000 for repairs on the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge. $1,000,000 for the City of Duluth to make improvements at the Lakewood Water Treatment Plant. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN). $1,500,000 for the City of Floodwood’s Infrastructure & Accessibility Improvements Project. The project consists of upgrading infrastructure including water, sewer, storm water and ancillary street reconstruction/curb/sidewalks. $674,000 for the Duluth Lincoln Park Restoration Project. $136,000 for supporting Divine Konnections’ child abuse prevention, recovery, and healing services for young moms. $50,000 to operate the Polar Cubs Child Care Center in Floodwood. Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state. The projects are expected to pass the Senate over the next several months. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=FB95CAA7-B339-42D6-AB1E-0D6AB4647910,Klobuchar Completes Visits to All 87 Counties in 2024,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"MINNESOTA – With stops today in three remaining counties: Aitkin (American Peat Manufacturing); Carlton (local airport), and Kanabec (Lakes & Pines Community Action Council), U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has once again visited every one of Minnesota’s 87 counties in one year. “The best way for me to do my job is by listening to the people of Minnesota and getting things done for them,” said Klobuchar. “That’s why every year I meet with Minnesotans all over our state and discuss what we can get done together. From expanding child care and housing to supporting local businesses, I’m committed to taking action on the issues that matter most.” Today, Klobuchar toured American Peat Technology in Aitkin and then went to the Cloquet Airport in Carlton County which is developing a new storage hanger thanks to federal funding. Klobuchar ended the day in Mora and visited the Lakes and Pines Community Action Council. This year, Klobuchar’s stops included: 1. Aitkin • Toured American Peat Technology and met with their leadership team. 2. Anoka • Gave remarks at the USA Cup Opening Ceremony in Blaine. • Attended the 43rd annual Game Fair and discussed conservation policy with Ron Schara. • Participated in Coon Rapids 4th of July Festivities. • Attended the Blaine Festival. 3. Becker • Led a child care discussion and toured the Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes LEAP Preschool. 4. Beltrami • Led a breakfast discussion with Bemidji City and Beltrami county and tribal leaders. • Spoke at the dedication ceremony of the new Bemidji Veterans Home, toured it with veterans, and met with Red Lake Band Members. 5. Benton • Toured SNX Technologies Inc. and met with their leadership. 6. Big Stone • Discussed agriculture with local farmers while touring Anne Schwagerl’s farm. 7. Blue Earth • Visited Mankato in the aftermath of severe flooding with Mankato mayor and Representative Finstad. • Met with family and friends of Sergeant Cade Wolfe. 8. Brown • Attended the community celebration at the Pheasant Opener in Sleepy Eye and spoke at the Pheasants Forever land dedication. • Toured the New Ulm Airport’s recent upgrades and met with local leaders. 9. Carlton • Toured the new Cloquet airport hangar with airport leadership and the Cloquet mayor. 10. Carver • Led a discussion with the City of Chaska mayor and public safety leadership about their Emergency Operations Center project. • Toured the town of Carver with the mayor in the aftermath of severe flooding. • Attended the Highway 212 Groundbreaking Ceremony. • Spoke to veterans at the Chanhassen Memorial Day event. 11. Cass • Led a community discussion with the Walker mayor and local business leaders. 12. Chippewa • Spoke with veterans and toured the new Montevideo Veterans Home. 13. Chisago • Discussed regional tourism and toured the Franconia Sculpture Park. 14. Clay • Celebrated the launch of the federally funded Moorhead 11th Street Underpass project. • Attended the Reimagine Romkey Park event. 15. Clearwater • Toured TEAM Industries and met with their leadership. 16. Cook • Visited the North Shore Winery and Coho Cafe. 17. Cottonwood • Toured Red Rock Rural Water Treatment Center and visited with local leaders. 18. Crow Wing • Met with the mayor and city leadership about the Highway 210 expansion in Brainerd. • Toured the new YMCA child care center. 19. Dakota • Gave remarks at the Kaposia Library opening in South Saint Paul. • Met with Burnsville first responders. • Attended the opening ceremony of the Veterans Memorial Greenway in Inver Grove Heights. • Met with law enforcement and community leaders in Hastings to highlight the Cooper/Davis Act that requires social media to alert authorities when controlled substances are being distributed illicitly on their platforms. • Attended an event in Inver Grove Heights to highlight the new Criminal Justice Network for Minnesota law enforcement. • Led the Survivor March and delivered remarks at the Susan G. Komen 32nd Annual Race for the Cure in Eagan. 20. Dodge • Met with the owner and toured Chaotic Good Brewery in Kasson. 21. Douglas • Led a discussion at the Alexandria YMCA about their child care program. 22. Faribault • Met with leadership and toured Winnebago Manufacturing in Blue Earth. 23. Fillmore • Toured Harmony Enterprises manufacturing facility and their child care center. • Toured the new Preston State Veterans Home and met with veterans. 24. Freeborn • Led a discussion and toured the Freeborn/Mower Electric Cooperative in Albert Lea. 25. Goodhue • Met with students and school leadership to hear about the Red Wing Flight Path workforce training program. • Spoke at the 50th Anniversary Jaunt With Jim bike ride in Cannon Falls. 26. Grant • Toured the West Central High School Greenhouse and the Central Lakes College’s mobile meat cutting trailer and met with FFA students and their instructors. 27. Hennepin • Attended the annual MLK Breakfast. • Delivered remarks at the Asia Mall Lunar New Year celebration in Bloomington. • Delivered Remarks at the MN Newspaper Association Convention. • Met with officers at the Minneapolis Second Precinct Station. • Convened a meeting with the Metropolitan Airport Commission leadership to hear updates on aviation safety and passenger experience. • Delivered remarks at the Stand with Ukraine Two Year Commemoration event. • Spoke at the Annual Parkinson’s Foundation Walk in Plymouth. • Delivered remarks at the Celebrating the Sistas Awards Ceremony and presented the Icon Award honoring Laysha Ward. • Delivered remarks at the MN Ovarian Cancer Alliance Gala. • Visited Woodlake Nature Center in Richfield and met with staff. • Spoke at the 78th Annual Paralyzed Veterans of America National Convention. • Participated in the groundbreaking event for the St. Louis Park Cedar Lake Road Reconstruction project. • Spoke at the Annual Somali Independence Day Street Festival. • Delivered remarks at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation 75th Anniversary Gala. • Toured the I-494 construction site and met with local project leaders in Bloomington. • Attended the Minnesota Business Partnership Annual Dinner. • Attended the Twin Cities Pride Parade and Festival in Minneapolis. • Honored the Legendary Cornbread Harris at an event with his son Jimmy Jam. • Attended Champlin Father Hennepin Festival. • Convened a meeting with the Metropolitan Airport Commission leadership to hear updates on aviation safety and passenger experience. • Attended the Charles Lindbergh Richfield Post Office Dedication Ceremony. • Presented the Spirit of Hospitality Award at the Bloomington Travel and Tourism Diamond Service Awards Gala. • Attended the Niron opening and met with local businesses and Shakopee Band investors. 28. Houston • Led a discussion with leadership and toured the Houston County airport in Caledonia. 29. Hubbard • Toured a workforce housing development and met with local leaders. 30. Isanti • Toured the North Star Child and Family Advocacy Center in Braham. 31. Itasca • Met with leadership and toured the KOOTASCA Child Care Hub. 32. Jackson • Met with first responders to discuss the new EMS telemedicine ambulance in Jackson. 33. Kanabec • Toured the Lakes and Pines Community Action Council and visited with leaders. 34. Kandiyohi • Toured the Life Link III Air Base at Willmar Municipal Airport. • Attended the four lane Highway 23 completion celebration. 35. Kittson • Met with owners and toured Far North Distillery. 36. Koochiching • Met with the team at the Voyageurs National Park Headquarters. 37. Lac qui Parle • Toured PURIS Plant-Based Protein manufacturing facility and met with leadership. 38. Lake • Visited the iconic Betty’s Pies in Two Harbors. 39. Lake of the Woods • Met with county leadership about their new water safety equipment. 40. Le Sueur • Led a discussion with the Le Sueur Sheriff and other local leaders and toured the department. • Viewed the flood damage and met with leadership in Waterville about federal assistance. 41. Lincoln • Led a discussion at Lyon-Lincoln Electric Co-Op with their leadership. 42. Lyon • Visited the farm of Carolyn and Jonathan Olson in Cottonwood. 43. McLeod • Participated in the Winsted Post Office Rededication Ceremony to James A. Rogers, Jr. 44. Mahnomen • Toured the White Earth Nation College with Chairman Fairbanks and members of the Tribal Council. 45. Marshall • Toured North Valley Health Center Community Hospital in Warren. 46. Martin • Toured the CHS soybean processing facility in Fairmont. 47. Meeker • Toured the Doosan Bobcat manufacturing plant and met with leadership in Litchfield. 48. Mille Lacs • Met with the owner and enjoyed breakfast at the Bee Cafe in Milaca. 49. Morrison • Delivered remarks at the Memorial Day program at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. • Met with the mayor and area leadership to discuss the Little Falls bridge project. 50. Mower • Led a discussion and toured the Hormel Foods child care center in Austin. • Attended the I-90 bridge project groundbreaking ceremony in Austin. 51. Murray • Met with the owners and got a tour of Painted Prairie Vineyard in Currie. 52. Nicollet • Toured KATO Engineering and met with leadership in North Mankato. • Delivered remarks and presented the Purple Heart at a ceremony honoring Corporal Earl Meyer in St. Peter. 53. Nobles • Met with CEDA and county officials to discuss child care projects and solutions in Worthington. • Toured the Highway 59 federally funded street project with Worthington leadership. 54. Norman • Convened a meeting with Norman County leadership to discuss the West Central Regional Water District project. 55. Olmsted • Delivered remarks at the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association Annual Legislative Conference in Rochester. • Attended the Memorial Day Rochester Honkers game. • Toured the Mayo Clinic’s new Kellen building. • Delivered remarks at the Soldier’s Field Aquatic Center improvements opening ceremony. • Led a discussion with county leadership and law enforcement about efforts to combat illegal fentanyl use in Rochester. 56. Otter Tail • Met with leadership from Pioneer Kids Child Care and toured the facility in Fergus Falls with Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce members. 57. Pennington • Visited Northern Woodwork Inc. in Thief River Falls. • Met with city and business leadership at Rivers and Rails Brewing Company. 58. Pine • Toured Pine Technical & Community College and met with leadership. 59. Pipestone • Met with local leaders at the Pipestone Airport to discuss improvement plans. 60. Polk • Met with child care and city leaders at the Prairie Pines Child Care Center in Fosston. 61. Pope • Met with staff and toured Clyde Machines in Glenwood with the mayor and Pope County leadership. 62. Ramsey • Toured PAR Systems in Shoreview. • Delivered remarks at the St. Paul Firefighters Local 21 Installation celebration. • Gave welcome remarks at the Thai Songkran Festival opening ceremony. • Delivered remarks at the Official State Memorial Day event at Fort Snelling. • Spoke at the Hmong Freedom Festival in St. Paul. • Hosted Secretary Becerra at the Episcopal Homes Senior Living Center to highlight Medicare drug pricing. • Hosted tourism event at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights. • Toured the Carter Work Project in St. Paul with Habitat for Humanity leadership. • Delivered remarks at the Military Appreciation Day event at the MN State Fair. • Spoke at the CLUES Fiesta Latina in St. Paul. • Toured Delkor Systems in Arden Hills with Ex-Im Bank Director Herrnstadt. • Led a round table discussion with Ex-Im Bank director and Minnesota business leaders. • Delivered remarks at the St. Paul Kellogg-Third Street Bridge Construction Kick Off event. • Attended the Serving Our Troops Event in support of military families. • Attended St. Paul St. Patrick's Day festivities. • Toured the Neighborhood Development Center with Secretary Yellen 63. Red Lake • Led a discussion about the Farm Bill with the Minnesota Wheat Growers Association and Minnesota Barley Growers Association. 64. Redwood • Delivered remarks and met with agricultural leaders at Farmfest. 65. Renville • Toured K&M Manufacturing in Renville and met with employees. 66. Rice • Met local leaders and manufacturers to tour a planned child care facility in Faribault. • Toured flood damage and met with leadership in Northfield. 67. Rock • Toured the new child care center under construction in Luverne. 68. Roseau • Attended annual Hockey Day Celebration activities in Warroad. 69. Saint Louis • Toured flood damage in downtown Cook with the mayor and local leaders. • Toured the flash flood damage in Biwabik with the mayor and local leaders. • Joined Duluth mayor to highlight the success of their flood mitigation projects. • Visited the Blatnik Bridge to highlight its need for repair. • Attended Fourth of July festivities in Aurora, Gilbert, Eveleth, Tower, and Ely. • Presented a flag to the Ely mayor at Ely Memorial High School in commemoration of their 100th Anniversary Celebration. • Attended Labor Day events in Duluth and Virginia. 70. Scott • Met with Scott County Sheriff leadership, viewed the new rescue equipment, and toured the 911 Dispatch Center in Shakopee. 71. Sherburne • Met with leadership of the Wave Youth Center in Big Lake to tour and discuss their expansion project for middle and high school-aged youth. 72. Sibley • Toured the Heartland Ethanol Plant in Winthrop with company leadership. 73. Stearns • Delivered remarks at the annual St. John's Boys' Choir Spring Gala in St. Cloud. • Spoke at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center 100th Anniversary celebration. • Toured the St. Cloud Coborn’s with business leadership. 74. Steele • Convened a discussion with Owatonna High School staff and Chamber of Commerce leadership about their Youth Skills Training Program. 75. Stevens • Met with the Chancellor of UMN Morris and toured the campus. 76. Swift • Toured the Swift County Historical Museum in Benson and met with leadership. 77. Todd • Met with company leadership of EnterpriseCP Manufacturing and toured the facility. 78. Traverse • Led a discussion with Browns Valley mayor and fire chief to hear about fire department operations. 79. Wabasha • Toured Pepin Manufacturing Inc. in Lake City. • Spoke at the Governor's Fishing Opener Kick-Off in Lake City. 80. Wadena • Met with Central Lakes College leaders to discuss their Butchery Program and federal partnerships. 81. Waseca • Met with staff and toured Winegar Manufacturing in Waseca. 82. Washington • Spoke at the 1st Annual Momentous Music Festival with Brian Mueller in Woodbury, honoring Aimee Muller. • Attended the Hugo Good Neighbors Day festivities. 83. Watonwan • Visited the farm of Harold Wolle in St. James. 84. Wilkin • Toured CHI St. Francis Health and met with leadership in Breckenridge. 85. Winona • Visited local businesses in Winona with Chamber of Commerce leadership to discuss tourism. 86. Wright • Attended the I-94 West Corridor Coalition Gap Project Groundbreaking Ceremony in Monticello which received federal funds. 87. Yellow Medicine • Met with leadership and visited the Yellow Medicine County Historical Society and Museum. • Walked the Dave Smiglewski Memorial Trail in Granite Falls with the Smiglewski Family. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-tina-smith-amy-klobuchar-announce-funding-to-help-beginning-emerging-farmers-access-farmland/,"U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Announce Funding to Help Beginning, Emerging Farmers Access Farmland",2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS, MN – U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced funding for Renewing the Countryside’s Upper Midwest Farmland Access Hub Navigator Program to improve farmland access outcomes for all stages of beginning farmers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The Farmland Access Hub, in its seventh year, pairs land-seeking farmers with an advocate who can provide guidance and resources to help farmers on their land access journey and connect them with farmland owners hoping to transfer their land to new owners. They will use the nearly $750,000 in federal funding to expand their program. “The average age of a producer in the United States is 58, and in Minnesota it’s 57. And of course, this number increases every year. That in a nutshell is why we need to invest in the next generation of farmers, so this country’s agriculture production continues to work,” said Senator Smith. “This is a matter of national security, food security, and the strength and vitality of rural America. Agriculture is a driving force in America’s economy, and this grant will make sure our Ag economy is strong as the next generation of farmers takes over.” “Agriculture is the economic backbone of rural communities across our state, and we need to ensure the next generation of farmers receive the support they need to succeed,” said Senator Klobuchar. “With this federal funding, we’re taking a big step toward ensuring beginning farmers can access land to start and grow their businesses.” “We are excited to receive this good news! This grant will support the work of the Farmland Access Hub that assists beginning farmers in finding and accessing land on which to farm. With farmland prices so high, and so many thousands of acres changing hands as older farmers retire, we are at a moment in time where this work is more critical than ever,” said Jan Joannides, Executive Director and co-founder of Renewing the Countryside. Senator Smith has long been a champion of supporting the next generation of farmers. During a Congressional hearing she chaired earlier this year on expanding opportunities for beginning farmers, she highlighted three pieces of legislation she has spearheaded in the Senate: The Increasing Land Access, Security, and Opportunities Act, which addresses land access, market access, and capital access issues that under-served farmers face while trying to start up their farming operations; The Agriculture Skills Preparation for Industry Recruitment Efforts (ASPIRE) Act, which would establish a work-based agriculture training program within the USDA’s existing Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. The reauthorization of the Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach Grant Program, which provides the funding for the award that the Farmland Access Hub received. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=744FE4E1-A0FB-4C68-8435-0E5F625BBDC7,Klobuchar On Track to Visit All Minnesota's 87 Counties By Tomorrow,2024-10-16,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"MINNESOTA – Today Senator Amy Klobuchar met with Minnesotans in five counties as part of her commitment to visit every county in 2024. Klobuchar stopped in Baudette in Lake of the Woods County to discuss federal funding she helped secure for search and rescue equipment. In Koochiching County, Klobuchar met with the widow and colleagues of fallen Voyageurs National Park Ranger Kevin Melvin Grossheim. In Itasca County, Klobuchar toured a child care hub in Grand Rapids, and in Hubbard County, Klobuchar met with local Park Rapids officials to tour housing that was supported with federal funding. Finally, in Cass County, Klobuchar met with the mayor and local business leaders to discuss economic development and tourism. Tomorrow, Klobuchar will have events at American Peat Technology in Aitkin, the Cloquet Carlton County Airport in Carlton, and Lakes and Pines Community Action Council in Kanabec at which point she will have visited every one of Minnesota’s 87 counties this year. “One of the best parts of my job is going out across the state every year and meeting with Minnesotans,” said Klobuchar. “I get to see incredible innovation, hear inspiring stories from families, thank our first responders, and talk to local leaders about what resources they need. These stops are how I get ideas for new legislation and how I know what to prioritize in Washington to make a real difference in people’s lives.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-tina-smith-amy-klobuchar-announce-clean-energy-projects-for-minnesota-farms-small-businesses-in-rural-areas/,"U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Announce Clean Energy Projects for Minnesota Farms, Small Businesses in Rural Areas",2024-10-15,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"[MINNEAPOLIS, MN] – U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced funding awards for 10 farms and small businesses across rural and Greater Minnesota to install clean energy technology. This round of funding for Minnesota totals $1.3 million. This year alone, Minnesota has seen over 170 clean energy projects in small towns and rural places thanks to the Rural Energy for America Program. “The clean energy transition is happening; the question is whether we lead or follow. I want us to lead,” said Senator Smith. “But as we make the switch to cleaner, cheaper energy, we need to make sure everyone benefits. That’s one reason programs like REAP, which helps rural communities install renewable energy systems, are so important. These investments will save farms and small businesses across Minnesota thousands of dollars a year in energy costs while helping reduce harmful emissions.” “Investing in long-term energy is a win-win for rural customers and businesses,” said Senator Klobuchar. “With this federal funding, we’re taking a big step toward deploying new energy technologies to power rural communities across Minnesota for decades to come.” Projects included can be found in the table below. The funding is specifically set aside for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. The projects are possible thanks to the Renewable Energy for America (REAP) program, which Senator Smith championed and strengthened in the Inflation Reduction Act, which both Senators supported. Senator Smith continues to prioritize improvements to REAP, promote underutilized technologies, and help more farmers access the program. She has introduced the bipartisan, bicameral REAP Modernization Act which would increase the cost share for REAP grants, raise certain grant limits, and improve the accessibility of the program to farmers and small businesses.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=9E1FF11A-FBC0-46D5-B7FF-67A92458EA14,Klobuchar Calls on Administration To Take Action To Address Shortage Of IV Solutions Caused by Hurricane Destruction,2024-10-08,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is urging U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and administration officials to use all appropriate authorities to resolve the national shortage of intravenous (IV) solutions caused by the halt in production at the North Carolina IV fluids manufacturing plant hit by Hurricane Helene. Klobuchar also warns that another plant in Daytona Beach, Florida that manufactures IV solutions could also become compromised by fast-approaching Hurricane Milton, exacerbating the existing shortage. “Flooding from Hurricane Helene compromised the safe operations, inventory, raw materials and roadway access at Baxter International’s intravenous (IV) solution plant in Marion, North Carolina,” wrote Senator Klobuchar. “The plant - the largest manufacturing facility of IV solutions in the country - has been forced to cease production. This dangerous situation may be further exacerbated by fast-approaching Hurricane Milton, which may affect the operation of a Daytona Beach, Florida IV solutions plant.” “To address the potentially life-threatening shortage of IV solutions, I urge the Department of Health and Human Services to use all of its available authority to mitigate this devastating situation which threatens patient care, the work of medical and provider staff, and our emergency response readiness,” Klobuchar continued. “In addition to using your authority to address this shortage as quickly and safely as possible, I urge you to coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to prevent the distribution of counterfeit IV solutions.” Klobuchar has been a national leader in efforts to address prescription and over-the-counter drug shortages. In June, Senator Klobuchar chaired an Antitrust Subcommittee hearing titled “Strengthening U.S. Economic Leadership: The Role of Competition in Enhancing Economic Resiliency.” The hearing focused on the danger of consolidation in critical supply chains, which can make the country vulnerable to disruptions and supply shortages that can endanger U.S. economic resiliency and national security. In July 2023, Klobuchar, and Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Elizabeth Warren’s (D-MA) bipartisan legislation to prevent and mitigate drug shortages was passed out of the Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on a bipartisan vote of 17 to 3. The Drug Shortage Prevention Act would require manufacturers of over-the-counter and prescription medicines to notify the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) when they are unlikely to meet demand. The legislation also requires drugmakers to provide information about their suppliers of active pharmaceutical ingredients and in-process materials to the FDA. In 2012, Klobuchar and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) led the Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act, which Collins also cosponsored. This bipartisan legislation was signed into law as part of the Food & Drug Administration Safety & Innovation Act of 2012 (FDASIA). The Klobuchar law allows the FDA to require drug manufacturers to report to the FDA six months in advance if any supply or manufacturing disruption could lead to a prescription drug shortage. The law also created the Drug Shortage Prevention Task Force and requires the FDA to submit a report to Congress every year on drug shortages. In 2023, the number of new drug shortages tracked by FDA was 33, compared to a peak of 251 new shortages during 2011, before Klobuchar’s 2012 bill was passed into law giving FDA more tools to prevent shortages. The full text of the letter is available HERE and below: Secretary Becerra, As you know, Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction and flooding across much of the southern United States. This natural disaster has caused widespread disruption to vital services across the region and country. Notably, flooding from Hurricane Helene compromised the safe operations, inventory, raw materials and roadway access at Baxter International’s intravenous (IV) solution plant in Marion, North Carolina. The plant - the largest manufacturing facility of IV solutions in the country - has been forced to cease production. This dangerous situation may be further exacerbated by fast-approaching Hurricane Milton, which may affect the operation of a Daytona Beach, Florida IV solutions plant. To address the potentially life-threatening shortage of IV solutions, I urge the Department of Health and Human Services to use all of its available authority to mitigate this devastating situation which threatens patient care, the work of medical and provider staff, and our emergency response readiness. As you know, the Baxter facility is responsible for the manufacture of approximately 60 percent of IV fluids and peritoneal dialysis solutions available to health care providers in the United States. As a result of Hurricane Helene, hospitals, dialysis centers, and other health care providers around the country—including many in Minnesota—are already being forced to ration these basic, but life-saving supplies. This means many patients have no choice but to delay starting dialysis, delay elective care, or potentially receive suboptimal treatments. Hospitals and health providers are now canceling elective surgeries, such as cardiovascular and other surgical operations, and canceling organ transplants. In addition to using your authority to address this shortage as quickly and safely as possible, I urge you to coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to prevent the distribution of counterfeit IV solutions. Steps must be also taken to ensure that companies advertising or selling FDA-approved IV solutions do not engage in price gouging or other illegal practices. I also urge the administration to implement strategies outlined in recent federal supply chain and manufacturing resilience assessments to mitigate any supply and distribution disruptions.,, Today, few companies in the United States make IV solutions, with a majority share flowing from a single plant. No single entity should be responsible for such a large proportion of fundamental medical supplies on which the health of our nation depends. Thank you for your continued efforts as we recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene and for your attention to this urgent matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-tribal-leaders-announce-tribal-public-safety-projects/,"U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Tribal Leaders Announce Tribal Public Safety Projects",2024-10-08,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, announced funding for seven public safety initiatives for four Minnesota Tribes. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Red Lake Band of Chippewa, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and White Earth Nation received federal funding ranging between $450,000 and $900,000 for various Tribal programs aimed at increasing Tribal capacity to respond to violent crime, opioid abuse, and assist victims. Projects will be tailored to each Tribe’s unique needs, from expanding Tribal Courts’ capacities for home visits and supervision, to hiring staff to investigate child abuse and neglect cases, to onboarding personnel who coordinate resources to help those dealing with opioid addiction. Tribal leadership in Minnesota have long advocated for greater federal assistance for Tribal public safety efforts to respond to the opioid epidemic and violent crime. “Tribal leaders have been consistently clear that they need more support from the federal government to combat the opioid epidemic and prosecute crimes on their lands, and we have a trust responsibility to assist Tribal governments to keep their people safe,” said Senator Tina Smith. “Tribes know best how to reduce crime and substance abuse on their lands. These grants are directly supporting Tribally-driven solutions to these challenges.” “This grant is crucial in enhancing our ability to respond to the opioid epidemic. By bringing on additional staff, we will improve our efforts to connect those affected by addiction with the resources they need for recovery. Our goal is to reduce the cycle of addiction and offer real support to individuals and families impacted by this crisis,” said Leech Lake Tribal Police Chief Kenneth Washington. “We are deeply thankful for the support provided through this funding. The opioid crisis has had a profound impact on our community, and this grant will empower us to better serve our people by expanding essential services and support systems. It is through initiatives like this that we can foster healing and work toward a healthier future for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe,” said Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Tribal Chairman Faron Jackson Sr. “With funding from these two awards, Red Lake will be able expand services for children who may have been victims of crime, in a culturally-based and trauma-informed manner. And Red Lake will also be able to provide medication-assisted treatment at the Red Lake Detention facility as part of our efforts to address the opioid crisis and heal those in need. The result will be a safer community for everyone,” said Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Chairman Darrell G. Seki Sr. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Senator Tina Smith for her unwavering support of Minnesota’s Tribal Nations. These grants not only reflect her commitment to our community but also provide us with the resources needed to enhance the well-being of our members and uphold our cultural values. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe,” said Virgil Wind, Chief Executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. “White Earth Tribal Court is thrilled to be awarded grant funding from the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation for their Wellness Court program. The funding will help the program to continue improving the quality of life of the participants in leading clean, sober, independent and productive lives; with the option of participating in the best-practices principles of an Anishinaabe Mino-Bimaadiziwin (The Good Life) traditional/cultural model of living life,” said Lori Thompson, Court Administrator for White Earth Tribal Court. “The program helps protect the public through increasing public safety, reducing crime/recidivism, and making participants and the community whole by giving clients the option of both modern and traditional support options.” A full list of projects and funding amounts can be found below. Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Children’s Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities Program ($450,000) This funding will be used to staff the Child Advocacy Center (CAC), which investigates child abuse and neglect cases, in addition to serving children and families impacted by child abuse and neglect. Healing to Wellness Court Capacity Building ($516,703) This funding will expand MLBO’s Court of Central Jurisdiction, a culturally based Tribal Healing to Wellness Court. Project goals include increased capacity, increased accountability, greater Tribal community support, and reduced recidivism. Youth and Academic Cultural Intervention ($500,000) MLBO will hire or transition two staff into a Youth Facilitator and Cultural Apprentice position, who will meet work with youth in the area to develop tailored Youth Service Agreements. Goals include reducing absenteeism, reduction of disciplinary referrals, and academic improvement. Red Lake Band of Chippewa Children’s Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities Program ($450,000) The Red Lake Band of Chippewa will enhance the existing Red Lake Victim Services program and establish a multidisciplinary team that focuses on services for child abuse. Red Lake will hire a full time Child Crime Victim Specialist and will contract with a trainer to provide traditional healing ceremonies. Red Lake Detention Medication Assisted Treatment Program ($900,000) Red Lake will use this funding to develop, implement, and operate a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program in the Red Lake Detention Center to combat the opioid crisis. White Earth Nation White Earth Wellness Court ($895,556) With this funding the White Earth Tribal Court will promote community safety and well-being through intensive court supervision, frequent home contacts, and increase participants’ ability to live independently to create positive changes that lead to a reduction in drug abuse and associated criminal activity and reduce re-arrest rates. Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Leech Lake Community Opioid Response Project ($897,429) With this funding, LLBO will hire a case manager for the police department to help coordinate resources and connect citizens to support after contact with law enforcement related to opioid addiction or overdose. LLBO will also hire a court administrator who will be responsible for helping to connect individuals on probation with the case manager and for tracking the impact of this coordination on the outcomes of those served by this grant. Senator Smith has long been an advocate for providing Tribes with the help they need to keep their members safe. She routinely advocates for robust funding of these programs through the Congressional appropriations process. Her Justice for Native Survivors of Sexual Violence Act, which allowed Tribes to prosecute non-Native perpetrators in cases of sexual violence, domestic and dating violence, sex trafficking, stalking, and obstruction of justice committed on Tribal lands, was signed into law as part of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization in 2022. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=2BFFAAB4-BF02-453D-B61A-2C7E4C3DD744,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Rochester International Airport",2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Rochester International Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $15,774,313 to construct 1,647 feet of Runway 31’s safety area, reconstruct 6,450 feet of existing Runway 3/21, construct 2.5 miles of new service road, install 15,000 feet of wildlife perimeter fencing, and extend Runway 3/21 an additional 1,647 feet in length to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. “Rochester International Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Olmsted County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Rochester International Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards constructing runways and services to ensure it is safe and functional for travelers.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=028DD270-073F-4044-AD17-4626C8373180,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Cloquet Carlton County Airport",2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Cloquet Carlton County Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $241,149 for a new 11,500 square foot hangar for aircraft storage. “Cloquet Carlton County Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Carlton County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Cloquet Carlton Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards building an aircraft storage facility to ensure all planes are safely stored and secured.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=0297F693-8C31-4CFD-AE7E-ACFB5E0EFFBD,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Elbow Lake Municipal Airport",2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Elbow Lake Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $1,485,570 to reconstruct 8,030 square yards of the existing general aviation apron pavement and expand the existing general aviation apron by adding 6,583 square yards, constructing a new 1,600-foot paved Taxiway A, and installing new lighting equipment. “Elbow Lake Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Grant County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Elbow Lake Municipal Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards making structural upgrades to ensure it is safe and functional for travelers.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=4F716654-66A2-48E1-B528-EB5F4CB2D39D,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Range Regional Airport",2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Range Regional Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $958,644 to reconstruct 10,330 feet of existing wildlife fencing and three existing gates that have reached the end of their useful lives. “Range Regional Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in the Iron Range and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Range Regional Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards reconstructing wildlife fences and gates.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=AE1A52A3-998A-4DE9-A849-BA62866F460E,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Longville Municipal Airport",2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Longville Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $618,177 for the final phase of the Runway 13/31 improvement project. Improvements include installing a precision approach path indicator system and constructing a new 582 foot paved taxiway turnaround on the end of Runway 31. “Longville Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Cass County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Longville Municipal Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards updating and replacing the runway to ensure it is safe for travelers.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=F99F868A-977F-4394-B97A-BBBED2C2E480,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for St. Cloud Regional Airport",2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for St. Cloud Regional Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $352,548 to start Phase 1 of the Runway 13/31 improvement project. Improvements include reconstructing 900 feet of existing paved shoulders, acquiring three acres of land to protect the runway approaches, and conducting an environmental assessment. “St. Cloud Regional Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in the tri-county region and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the St. Cloud Regional Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards repaving roads and making other structural upgrades to ensure the airport is safe and functional for travelers.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=FDDD788F-9EFD-4408-9AEB-41F78E9E0D36,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Warroad International Memorial Airport",2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Warroad International Memorial Airport. The grant provides $498,600 to acquire snow removal equipment, to improve the airport's ability to clear priority areas of the airfield during adverse weather conditions. “Warroad International Memorial Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Northern Minnesota.,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will allow the airport to purchase important equipment to protect operations during heavy weather events.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Warroad International Memorial Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards buying necessary snow removal equipment to make sure the runways are clear and safe for travelers in the winter.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=FE7543B7-81B0-4CC4-98CD-941848B6CDB9,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Thief River Falls Regional Airport",2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Thief River Falls Regional Airport. The grant provides $833,204 to replace existing snow removal equipment and enhance the airport's ability to clear the priority areas of the airfield during adverse weather conditions. “Thief River Falls Regional Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Pennington County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will allow the airport to purchase important equipment to protect operations during heavy weather events.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Thief River Falls Regional Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards buying up-to-date snow removal equipment to make sure the runways are clear and safe for travelers in the winter.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=09CE3A72-16F8-458A-BE7C-C2478568D19E,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Crookston Municipal Airport",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Crookston Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $455,192 for a new 418 foot taxiway to provide airfield access to the site of a future hangar to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds the final phase, which consists of construction. “Crookston Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Polk County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Crookston Municipal Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards making much needed infrastructure updates to the runway and surrounding areas.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=49BF4794-645F-4BD0-8A7B-FC1C9C5D0112,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Rush City Regional Airport",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Rush City Regional Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $1,729,897 to reconstruct 4,400 feet of Taxiway A pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. “Rush City Regional Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Chisago County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Rush City Regional Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards repaving the runway so it is safe and functional for travelers.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=5425741B-81BD-4EFF-98A4-898A82873B34,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Mahnomen County Airport",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Mahnomen County Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $203,400 to start Phase 1 of the Runway 17/35 improvement project. Improvements include updating the existing lighting and rehabilitating 3,400 feet of paved runway. “Mahnomen County Airport is an essential link for area residents and businesses,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Mahnomen County Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards rehabilitating the runway to ensure it is safe for passengers and crew.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=5A64991D-E760-4619-99BB-80CFA9F50641,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Duluth International Airport",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Duluth International Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $9,478,180 to reconstruct 10,600 feet of Taxiway A. The pavement on Taxiway A has reached the end of its useful life and it no longer meets current FAA standards. The Duluth International Airport is undertaking a phased, multiyear project to reconstruct the taxiway. “Duluth International Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses across Northeast Minnesota,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates so that the airfield meets the needs of larger civilian aircraft and the 148th Fighter Wing, ensuring the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. Small and regional airports like Duluth International Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards repaving a taxiway so it is safe and functional for travelers.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=8EED5116-921E-4170-AA06-074331735FC6,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Falls International Airport",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Falls International Airport located in International Falls, MN. for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $3,635,242 to reconstruct 19,400 square yards of the existing general aviation apron pavement, shift Taxiway C1 by 50 feet to bring the airport into conformity with current standards, and reconstruct 220 feet of Taxiway B1 pavement. “Falls International Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Northern Minnesota, Canada, and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Falls International Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards structural upgrades so it is safe and functional for travelers.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=9C3A6A66-21F7-42B5-AB0F-83A2C8CC409D,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Staples Municipal Airport",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Staples Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $838,242 to construct a new 9,600 square foot hangar for aircraft storage. “Staples Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Wadena County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Staples Municipal Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards building an aircraft storage facility to ensure all planes are safely stored and secured.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=DC505D8F-4723-4123-8E7B-7333B32E51A0,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Mora Municipal Airport",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Mora Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $210,780 to start Phase 1 of the Runway 17/35 improvement project. Improvements include rebuilding and updating the existing lighting and rehabilitating 4,794 feet of paved runway which has met the end of its useful life. “Mora Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Kanabec County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Mora Municipal Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards repaving the runway and making necessary structural improvements.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=E77EFE77-973D-4C6D-826E-D3FB65CEE239,"Klobuchar, Marshall Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Coverage of Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnostic Imaging",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"The legislation would ensure all health insurance plans cover additional breast screenings with no cost-sharing for individuals at greater risk for breast cancer. WASHINGTON – Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), introduced the bipartisan Find It Early Act to improve health insurance coverage of breast cancer preventative care. This bill would ensure all health insurance plans cover screening and diagnostic breast imaging, including mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, molecular imaging, and other technologies, with no cost-sharing. U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) lead companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “Early detection is an important step in improving health outcomes for patients,” said Klobuchar. “While I was fortunate to have had a routine screening catch cancer at an early stage, that is not the case for many. This bipartisan legislation will enable more women to access screenings and diagnostic exams, which can make a big difference in treating this disease early.” ""This bill is a crucial step in ensuring that all women have access to the additional imaging they need for early detection of breast cancer, without the burden of extra costs. I am proud to help lead this bipartisan legislation that improves coverage of necessary follow-up care for women. This is a great first step, that has the opportunity to change lives,” Marshall said. This bipartisan legislation is supported by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer; Dense Breast-info; American College of Surgeons; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; My Density Matters; Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. In 2022, Klobuchar (D-MN) and a bipartisan, bicameral group of colleagues introduced the Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act to increase access to cancer screenings and reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). In addition, Klobuchar and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), along with their colleagues, introduced the Preventive Care Awareness Act, which promotes preventive health care services, like physicals, mammograms and other cancer screenings, and routine examinations. In 2014 and 2020, Klobuchar, Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) led the reauthorization and expansion of the EARLY Act to increase education and outreach on the breast cancer risks facing young women and provide them with the needed tools to fight breast cancer. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-federal-funding-for-crookston-municipal-airport/,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Crookston Municipal Airport",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Crookston Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $455,192 for a new 418 foot taxiway to provide airfield access to the site of a future hangar to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds the final phase, which consists of construction. “Crookston Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Polk County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Crookston Municipal Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards making much needed infrastructure updates to the runway and surrounding areas.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-federal-funding-for-duluth-international-airport/,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Duluth International Airport",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Duluth International Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $9,478,180 to reconstruct 10,600 feet of Taxiway A. The pavement on Taxiway A has reached the end of its useful life and it no longer meets current FAA standards. The Duluth International Airport is undertaking a phased, multiyear project to reconstruct the taxiway. “Duluth International Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses across Northeast Minnesota,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates so that the airfield meets the needs of larger civilian aircraft and the 148th Fighter Wing, ensuring the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. Small and regional airports like Duluth International Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards repaving a taxiway so it is safe and functional for travelers.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-federal-funding-for-falls-international-airport/,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Falls International Airport",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Falls International Airport located in International Falls, MN. for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $3,635,242 to reconstruct 19,400 square yards of the existing general aviation apron pavement, shift Taxiway C1 by 50 feet to bring the airport into conformity with current standards, and reconstruct 220 feet of Taxiway B1 pavement. “Falls International Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Northern Minnesota, Canada, and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Falls International Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards structural upgrades so it is safe and functional for travelers.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-federal-funding-for-mahnomen-county-airport/,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Mahnomen County Airport",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Mahnomen County Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $203,400 to start Phase 1 of the Runway 17/35 improvement project. Improvements include updating the existing lighting and rehabilitating 3,400 feet of paved runway. “Mahnomen County Airport is an essential link for area residents and businesses,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Mahnomen County Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards rehabilitating the runway to ensure it is safe for passengers and crew.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-federal-funding-for-mora-municipal-airport/,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Mora Municipal Airport",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Mora Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $210,780 to start Phase 1 of the Runway 17/35 improvement project. Improvements include rebuilding and updating the existing lighting and rehabilitating 4,794 feet of paved runway which has met the end of its useful life. “Mora Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Kanabec County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Mora Municipal Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards repaving the runway and making necessary structural improvements.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-federal-funding-for-rush-city-regional-airport/,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Rush City Regional Airport",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Rush City Regional Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $1,729,897 to reconstruct 4,400 feet of Taxiway A pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. “Rush City Regional Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Chisago County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Rush City Regional Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards repaving the runway so it is safe and functional for travelers.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-federal-funding-for-staples-municipal-airport/,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Staples Municipal Airport",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Staples Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $838,242 to construct a new 9,600 square foot hangar for aircraft storage. “Staples Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Wadena County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Staples Municipal Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards building an aircraft storage facility to ensure all planes are safely stored and secured.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-federal-funding-for-todd-field-airport/,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Todd Field Airport",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Todd Field Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $214,749 to resurface 3,501 feet of Runway 16/34, 1,340 feet of taxiway, 278 feet of other surfaces, and 9,320 square yards of general aviation apron pavement. The funding will also be used to rehabilitate 400 square feet of the parking lot and 1,000 feet of the terminal entrance access road. “Todd Field Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Long Prairie and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Todd Field Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towardsrepaving the runway and other important surfaces.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=263B64C4-4B74-49CD-B9F1-28ABEFC3E081,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Winsted Municipal Airport",2024-10-02,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Winsted Municipal Airport for new snow removal equipment. The grant provides $558,043 to acquire snow removal equipment to enhance the airport's ability to clear the priority areas of the airfield during winter weather. “Pilots and passengers who use Winsted Municipal Airport deserve a safe and efficient air travel experience,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will ensure the airport can continue running smoothly during the winter, even when it snows heavily.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Winsted Municipal Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards keeping runways clear and safe in the winter.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=A6BB27EB-056E-46B1-8D60-8E94E6C63100,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Todd Field Airport",2024-10-02,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Todd Field Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $214,749 to resurface 3,501 feet of Runway 16/34, 1,340 feet of taxiway, 278 feet of other surfaces, and 9,320 square yards of general aviation apron pavement. The funding will also be used to rehabilitate 400 square feet of the parking lot and 1,000 feet of the terminal entrance access road. “Todd Field Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Long Prairie and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Todd Field Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towardsrepaving the runway and other important surfaces.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=A6AC22F8-B6D7-4C30-B4BF-3D5993C8E7F9,"Klobuchar, Cramer, Aderholt, Smith Request Action From State Department Regarding China Ending Its Intercountry Adoption Program",2024-09-30,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Adam Smith (D-WA), co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues Director Vlad Lipschutz expressing disappointment with the People’s Republic of China’s decision to halt its intercountry adoption program. The lawmakers requested additional information from the Chinese government on its decision to end this program and the status of pending adoption cases for American families. The lawmakers also urged the State Department to press Chinese officials to complete adoptions that were in process at the time of the announcement. “We are disappointed by the People’s Republic of China’s decision to halt its intercountry adoption program. This news is devastating for the hundreds of children and American families with adoption cases pending in China, many of whom have waited years for these adoptions to be completed,” wrote the lawmakers. “As co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, the safety of adopted children and hundreds of would-be adoptees is our top priority, and the sudden termination of China’s adoption program has exacerbated our concern for these children’s well-being.” “We request you seek further clarification from the Chinese government on the details and reasoning for its decision to end its intercountry adoption program, as well as the status of pending adoption cases, and share the information without delay with adoptive families and service providers. We urge you to press Chinese officials about finalizing adoption cases so these children may be united with their adoptive families in the United States,” concluded the lawmakers. As co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, Klobuchar, Aderholt, Cramer, and Smith have led efforts to give every child a permanent home and improve the adoption process. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA) is the largest bipartisan, bicameral caucus in Congress. CCA brings together members of Congress from both parties who share the goal of ensuring all children know the love and support of a family through legal permanency in the forms of adoption, guardianship, and kinship care. Klobuchar is a leader in the Senate in supporting adoptees and adoptive families. Klobuchar and Cramer introduced the Supporting Adopted Children & Families Act to provide pre- and post-adoption resources, including mental health treatment, to support adoptive families. Klobuchar and Cramer also lead the Safe Home Act to protect adopted children from unregulated custody transfers. Earlier this year, Klobuchar and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced the Voluntary Limited Accreditation for Adoption Services Act which would provide adoption agencies the flexibility and multiple avenues they can pursue to receive the necessary accreditation. The full text of the letter is availableHERE and below: Dear Director Lipschutz: We are disappointed by the People’s Republic of China’s decision to halt its intercountry adoption program. This news is devastating for the hundreds of children and American families with adoption cases pending in China, many of whom have waited years for these adoptions to be completed. As co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, the safety of adopted children and hundreds of would-be adoptees is our top priority, and the sudden termination of China’s adoption program has exacerbated our concern for these children’s well-being. Many of these children have special health care needs, and some will soon age out of care systems without the support of a permanent family. It is particularly critical that these children have access to the care and support that they need — which hundreds of American families approved for adoption are willing to provide. We request you seek further clarification from the Chinese government on the details and reasoning for its decision to end its intercountry adoption program, as well as the status of pending adoption cases, and share the information without delay with adoptive families and service providers. We urge you to press Chinese officials about finalizing adoption cases so these children may be united with their adoptive families in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We are prepared to work closely with you to ensure these children are welcomed into safe and stable homes. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=01EF75FF-BB0A-485A-80FA-CF7D7677211C,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Grant to Update Rochester’s Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Park",2024-09-27,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced a $1,522,000 grant from the National Park Service (NPS) Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program to update Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Park in Rochester. This funding will restore the park with new and improved amenities. It will specifically be used to resurface the basketball courts, install accessible playground equipment, develop a splash pad, build a large picnic shelter, expand the community garden, construct a new restroom, build new lighting at the basketball courts, add electrical connections in a plaza area where food trucks can park, and introduce Wi-Fi services. “Public parks not only provide a place for recreation and relaxation, but they also strengthen our sense of community,"" said Klobuchar. ""This federal grant will upgrade Rochester’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park with improved greenspace, sports areas, and facilities so residents can take full advantage of the park’s amenities.” “Everyone should have access to safe outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities,” said Smith. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Rochester is getting a grant to make the park safer and more accessible for the community. I am glad to see land conversation funds at work in Minnesota.” “We are grateful for the continued support and welcome this exciting news about the federal grant, which will provide the much-needed improvements to one of Rochester’s oldest and highly utilized parks, particularly by underrepresented communities,” said Rochester Mayor Kim Norton. “Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park has been and will continue to be a gathering space for robust community events, cultural gatherings, social meetups and a hub for health, wellness and belonging.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=EE624D63-4FF7-4561-ACFE-82A64CD7846F,Klobuchar Statement on Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky,2024-09-27,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Klobuchar along with Leader Schumer (D-NY), Leader McConnell (R-KY), and Senators Bennet (D-CO), Blumenthal (D-CT), Boozman (R-AR), Cardin (D-MD), Cornyn (R-TX), Durbin (D-IL), Graham (R-SC), Hoeven (R-ND), Kelly (D-AZ), Murkowski (R-AK), Reed (D-RI), Risch (R-ID), Schatz (D-HI), Shaheen(D-NH), Sullivan (R-AK), and Wicker (R-MS) hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Capitol. Download photos here. “Despite Vladimir Putin’s relentless assault, Ukraine continues to stand strong and stand up for democracy. I came together with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to meet with President Zelensky for an update on Ukraine’s defense efforts. With tremendous fortitude, the Ukrainian people are fighting against authoritarianism and Russian aggression, and together with democracies around the world, we will continue to stand with them.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=5E0F63CF-CC20-488D-9A69-170659F6C5AC,Klobuchar Statement on Federal Approval of Minnesota Broadband Infrastructure Plan,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce approved Minnesota’s plan for broadband infrastructure deployment. This development advances Minnesota to the next step in their planned affordable broadband rollout across the state. Klobuchar’s Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act was incorporated into the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and was the basis for the significant federal funding to Minnesota for expanding high-speed internet access. “Internet access is necessary for everything from education to healthcare, not to mention for keeping in touch with friends and family. However, many households in Minnesota currently don’t have a reliable broadband connection,” said Klobuchar. “That is why I fought to secure this game changing investment that will deliver affordable and reliable high-speed internet to everyone in Minnesota. With the approval of Minnesota’s rollout plan, we are one step closer to connecting every corner of our state.” Klobuchar has long led efforts to expand broadband access, support rural broadband, and bridge the digital divide. In June 2023, Klobuchar announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce had awarded major federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring reliable, affordable, high-speed internet access to every household in Minnesota. The Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, Klobuchar’s legislation with Former House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) to expand high-speed internet nationwide, served as the basis for the program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In March 2023, Klobuchar and Senators John Thune (R-SD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand broadband access to rural communities. The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act would strengthen funding mechanisms for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF), which promotes universal access to broadband and other telecommunications services. Currently, the USF is primarily funded through landline fees, disproportionately impacting seniors, who are more likely to use landlines than other Americans. In February 2023, Klobuchar introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to strengthen broadband access for rural communities. The Rural Broadband Protection Act would ensure that providers applying for federal funding can reliably deliver broadband to underserved, rural communities. In July 2021, Klobuchar introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to expand rural broadband access by streamlining the funding process and removing barriers for broadband connectivity in hard-to-serve rural areas. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/senator-smith-and-representative-omar-reintroduce-no-shame-at-school-act/,Senator Smith and Representative Omar Reintroduce No Shame at School Act,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON– Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) announced the reintroduction of the No Shame at School Act, a bill aimed at ending lunch shaming practices in schools nationwide. The No Shame at School Act would prohibit school districts from publicly identifying or shaming students who are unable to pay for school meals. It also bans schools from hiring debt collectors to recover unpaid school meal debt.The legislation requires schools to attempt to directly certify children with unpaid meal debt for free or reduced-price meals and allows schools to be retroactively reimbursed for meals served to these children. “No child should have to go through the experience of being shamed at school for an unpaid lunch bill,” said Senator Smith. “I’m so proud of the work Minnesota has done to address this issue through universal school lunches, but there are too many places around the country where we still see this happening. We need to set our children up for success in school, and making sure kids get the school lunches they need without being made to feel ashamed or embarrassed is an important part of that success.” “In Minnesota, we have already implemented universal school meals and are leading the charge to remove school lunch shaming,” said Rep. Omar, a member of the Committee on Education and Workforce. “It’s time for the rest of the nation to follow suit. Every child deserves to learn and grow without the pangs of hunger or the fear of being singled out for their family’s financial circumstances.” “I’m proud to support Congresswoman Omar’s and Senator Smith’s No Shame at School Act,” said Valerie Castile. “My son Philando was a school supervisor at Robbinsdale Cooper High School in New Hope. He knew all of the children he served by name and routinely paid for students’ lunches from his own pocket if they did not have enough money. No child should be deprived of a healthy meal because their family can’t afford it. Congresswoman Omar’s leadership in the fight against child hunger, including her work on the Education and Labor Committee, ensures our community has a voice on these critical issues.” The bill comes at a time when many families are already struggling with rising costs of living expenses and many schools across the country have singled out students for not being able to pay for their school lunch. By addressing the issue of school meal debt, the No Shame at School Act aims to alleviate financial pressure on families while ensuring that all students have equal access to nutritious meals during the school day. Current co-sponsors in the House include Nanette Barragan, Sanford Bishop, Jamaal Bowman, Julia Brownley, Andre Carson, Troy Carter, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Yvette D. Clarke, Lou Correa, Danny K. Davis, Adriano Espaillat, Jahana Hayes, Jonathan Jackson, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Robin Kelly, Ro Khanna, Barbara Lee, Jenn McClellan, James McGovern, Gwen Moore, Grace Napolitano, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Scott Peters, Chellie Pingree, Mark Pocan, Ayanna Pressley, Linda Sanchez, Jan Schakowsky, Melanie Stansbury, Mark Takano, Rashida Tlaib, Nydia Velazquez, Susan Wild, and Nikema Williams. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=0F21A453-9F49-4064-8AA7-4E24BB45DDD9,Klobuchar Statement on Continuing Resolution Vote,2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the statement below on her vote to support the Continuing Resolution which would keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown through December 20, 2024. “The Senate and the House just came together across the aisle to avoid a shutdown as we continue to negotiate on the budget. This means federal law enforcement pay will be uninterrupted, critical clinical trials and medical research can continue, small businesses will still be able to access financing, and our economy will not be subject to a preventable shockwave. Brinkmanship only hurts the American people and our economy, and I’m committed to working in a bipartisan way to get things done.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=C95EB80F-F28F-4AF3-BF30-398AB3C9D9DA,"During National Hazing Awareness Week, Klobuchar, Cassidy Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Hazing on College Campuses Passes House",2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced their Stop Campus Hazing Act to improve the reporting and prevention of hazing on college campuses has passed the House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation would require colleges to include hazing incidents in their annual campus safety report and establish a campus-wide, research-based program to educate students about the dangers of hazing. In addition, the bill would increase transparency and accountability by providing parents and students with better information about a student organization’s history of hazing incidents. The bill is championed by Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA) and Jeff Duncan (R-SC) in the House of Representatives. House passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act comes as the Senate passed Klobuchar and Cassidy’s bipartisan resolution to recognize National Hazing Awareness Week. The resolution designates this week, September 23 through 27, 2024, as “National Hazing Awareness Week,” recognizes the hundreds of students who have died or suffered severe, life-altering injuries as a result of collegiate hazing, and promotes efforts to prevent hazing. McBath and Duncan lead the companion resolution in the House of Representatives. “When parents send their kids away to college, they expect they will get a good education and make new friends. Unfortunately, too many are also exposed to hazing, a dangerous—and at times deadly—problem,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will improve hazing prevention efforts on college campuses to make sure we have the information we need to stop this abuse and keep students safe.” “Students and families should feel safe no matter what college they choose,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By increasing transparency, the Stop Campus Hazing Act will ensure that hazing is never ignored. We must get this bill across the finish line and passed into law.” This Stop Campus Hazing Act is cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bob Casey (D-PA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), James Lankford (R-OK), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Angus King (I-ME), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). The National Study of Student Hazing found that more than half of college students involved in extracurricular clubs, athletic teams, and organizations experience hazing. Since 2000, there have been more than 50 hazing-related deaths. The Stop Campus Hazing Act would: Improve hazing reporting by requiring colleges to include hazing incidents in their Annual Security Report; Prevent hazing by establishing campus-wide, research-based hazing education and prevention programs; and Help students and their parents make informed decisions about joining organizations on campus by requiring colleges to publish on their websites the institution’s hazing prevention policies and the organizations that have violated them. This bipartisan, evidence-informed legislation is supported by the Clery Center; StopHazing; Anti-Hazing Coalition including the Hazing Prevention Network, Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values, Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, National Panhellenic Conference and its member sororities, the North American Interfraternity Conference and its member fraternities; National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.; Association of Big Ten Students; College Safety Coalition; SAFE Campuses, LLC; International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators; National Association of Clery Compliance Officers and Professionals; and the parents of hazing victims. Klobuchar has been a leader in the fight to end hazing. Last year, Klobuchar and Cassidy introduced the bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act and the first ever congressional resolution designating “National Hazing Awareness Week.” The 2024 National Hazing Awareness Week resolution is cosponsored by Bob Casey (D-PA), James Lankford (R-OK), Senators Angus King (I-ME), Susan Collins (R-ME), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Joe Manchin (I-WV). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/bipartisan-momentum-builds-for-warehouse-worker-protection-act/,Bipartisan Momentum Builds for Warehouse Worker Protection Act,2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington (September 25, 2024) – U.S. Senator Tina Smith, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) committee, along with Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Bob Casey (D-PA), applauded the bipartisan momentum behind the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, legislation that would protect warehouse workers by prohibiting dangerous work speed quotas that lead to high rates of worker injuries. The legislation as re-introduced includes new enforcement authority for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as well as an exemption for small businesses. Senators Smith, Markey, and Casey, first introduced the Warehouse Worker Protection Act in May. “The Warehouse Worker Protection Act is about protecting the health and dignity of workers from the scourge of corporate greed at Amazon and other large companies,” said Senator Markey. “This movement is strong and growing, and we will not rest until warehouse workers know when they clock in that they will return home unharmed.” “Corporations too often prioritize profit over their workers’ safety and well-being, treating them like cogs in a machine. It has to stop. This legislation combats the warehouse industry’s worst practices while ensuring corporations do right by their employees in treating them with the dignity they deserve,” said Senator Hawley. “The momentum to protect workers is growing. These big companies hold a lot of power, they are literally controlling the lives of workers minute by minute with their productivity metrics and quotas,” said Senator Smith. “With this bill, we are saying, enough is enough. We’re putting accountability into this system and power back in the hands of workers subjected to systems that drive profits for billionaires while they wring workers dry.” “I have long fought to ensure that workplaces protect the health and safety of their employees. When giant corporations use intrusive surveillance technology and AI to track productivity, they can force warehouse workers to skip breaks and jeopardize their health and the health of their colleagues—all to meet quotas set by algorithms,” said Senator Casey. “By cracking down on dangerous surveillance technology, this legislation will help workers stand up for their own health and safety.” A copy of the reintroduced legislation can be found HERE. It is cosponsored by Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.). The Warehouse Worker Protection Act is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the United Food and Commercial Workers, the National Employment Law Project (NELP), the Athena Coalition, and Oxfam America. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=511DBEB0-8A3C-42DC-A2B9-F6F26AFD8B79,Klobuchar Announces Major Funding for Polar Semiconductor’s Bloomington Manufacturing Facility,2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, announced the U.S. Department of Commerce is awarding Polar Semiconductor $123 million in federal funding as part of the CHIPS and Science Act to expand its Bloomington manufacturing facility. Polar is the first company in the country to move from a preliminary agreement to the award stage. The funding will go toward expanding and modernizing the company’s manufacturing facility in Bloomington, doubling the company’s U.S. production capacity and creating new manufacturing and construction jobs in Minnesota. “America must stay on the cutting edge of manufacturing to maintain our economic edge on the world stage. This landmark federal investment in Polar Semiconductor’s Bloomington facility is a major step toward strengthening domestic production of advanced semiconductors,” said Klobuchar. “I worked closely with Polar Semiconductor to secure this grant and ensure Minnesota continues to be a premier destination for business investment.” Polar produces high-voltage semiconductors for use in automotive, commercial and industrial applications at its 310,000-square-foot facility in Bloomington. The company produces 21,000 wafer semiconductors per month. Klobuchar voted to pass the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen domestic semiconductor production and boost American competitiveness and innovation. The CHIPS and Science Act is providing significant resources to: Help companies build, expand, or modernize domestic facilities and equipment for semiconductor production; Kickstart development of the domestic semiconductor workforce and address near-term labor shortages; Make the largest five-year investment in public research and development in the nation’s history, including in critical technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing, as well as boosting STEM education and regional technology hubs. In June 2023, Klobuchar hosted a roundtable discussion and press conference at Normandale Community College in Bloomington with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to discuss the CHIPS and Science Act and how it can benefit Minnesota companies and workers. Polar Semiconductor VP of Business and Technology Development Rajesh Appat attended the roundtable. In August 2022, Klobuchar held a press conference in Bloomington with executives from leading U.S.-based semiconductor designers and manufacturers with operations or headquarters in Minnesota to highlight how the CHIPS and Science Act will strengthen American economic competitiveness and spur innovation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=9EE819BB-6CE9-4884-BDF6-3D177A19864F,Klobuchar Meets with Minnesota Veterans Visiting Washington,2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar met veterans visiting Washington, D.C. through the Honor Flight Network program. The Honor Flight Network has flown approximately over 2,300 World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans to Washington to see their memorials at no cost in recognition of their service and sacrifices. This flight consisted of 215 Minnesota and North Dakota-based veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. “It was an honor to meet these incredible Minnesota veterans on their trip to our nation’s capital for this important program,” said Klobuchar. “I am so thankful to all our veterans for their dedicated service to our country, and will continue fighting to ensure our servicemembers and veterans receive the full support they have earned.” Veterans from Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Beltrami, Polk, Red Lake, Pennington, Clearwater, Norman, Mahnomen, Hubbard, Clay, Becker, Wilkin, Otter Tail, Douglas, Grant, Traverse, Stevens, Swift, Big Stone, Pope, Todd and Wadena counties took part in this trip. Photos available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-joins-colleagues-to-introduce-resolution-to-make-sure-every-woman-can-access-emergency-health-care/,U.S. Senator Tina Smith Joins Colleagues to Introduce Resolution to Make Sure Every Woman Can Access Emergency Health Care,2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) joined her colleagues to introduce a resolution to ensure that every patient has the basic right to emergency health care, including abortion care, regardless of where they live. The introduction comes as new reporting from ProPublica states that Republican abortion bans are preventing women from receiving lifesaving emergency health care and resulting in preventable deaths. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade over two years ago, nearly two dozen US states led by Republicans have banned or severely restricted access to abortion. These strict laws have created confusion around the treatment doctors can provide even when a pregnant patient’s life is in danger, as physicians fear that they may lose their medical license, be sued, or even charged with a felony if they perform life-saving emergency care. Despite the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act’s (EMTALA) requirements that Medicare-participating hospitals treat and stabilize pregnant patients in need of emergency medical care, women are being turned away from emergency rooms. “Patients will suffer while lawsuits and litigation move forward. There should be no legal question when medicine is clear: Abortion is health care,” said Senator Tina Smith. “Pregnant women deserve access to emergency medical care. Doctors should be free to provide that care without interference from right-wing, anti-choice politicians.” In Moyle v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court had the opportunity to reaffirm that federal law requires pregnant patients to have access to life-saving emergency care in every state, but instead, the Court dismissed the case and sent it back to the lower courts. While the litigation continues in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the health and lives of women remain at risk as uncertainty around emergency abortion care persists. The resolution was led by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and cosponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), George Helmy (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). The full text of the resolution can be read HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=4DF472E8-EB3C-48D4-BA3B-6F5D6A92A03F,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Beltrami County to Receive Additional Federal Resources for Law Enforcement to Crack Down on Illicit Drug Trafficking and Address the Overdose Epidemic",2024-09-23,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced Beltrami County will receive federal resources to help law enforcement crack down on illicit drug trafficking and address the overdose epidemic through the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program. The HIDTA Program, funded by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), coordinates and assists federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to address regional drug threats and reduce illicit drug production and trafficking. This new designation will allow critical resources to be deployed to law enforcement in Beltrami County working to seize illicit drugs like fentanyl, prevent and reduce gun violence and other violent crime associated with drug trafficking, improve interdiction efforts through enhanced data sharing and targeting, and dismantle illicit finance operations. “The opioid epidemic is taking lives and tearing families apart. We need to continue to provide law enforcement with the tools they need to fight drug trafficking and the violent crime that comes along with it,” said Klobuchar. “These federal resources will allow for greater coordination among all levels of law enforcement in Beltrami County so they can do their jobs even more effectively.” “Families across our state are hurting from the opioid epidemic — I want to make sure we’re doing all we can to help law enforcement crack down on drug trafficking in our communities,” said Smith. “These newly unlocked federal resources that will be deployed in Beltrami County will make a big difference in our fight against opioid overdoses.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/senators-amy-klobuchar-tina-smith-announce-expansion-of-meat-processing-facility-in-perham-mn/,"Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Expansion of Meat Processing Facility in Perham, MN",2024-09-23,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced funding to double the capacity of a meat processing facility in Perham, MN. The $530,000 grant will go to Lakes Community Cooperative, a processing facility that provides its member owners with multi-species livestock processing services. Helping smaller, locally owned processing facilities like Lakes Community Cooperative to be competitive in today’s market will help lower costs for consumers by spurring competition in an already consolidated meat industry. “Minnesota’s meat and poultry products help feed the nation and the world,” said Klobuchar. “This new funding will make it easier for the Lakes Community Cooperative to bolster their capacity and get their high quality meats to new markets.” “A strong meat processing industry is critical to maintaining a stable economy in Minnesota, especially for Minnesota’s farmers,” said Smith. “By doubling the capacity of coops like Lakes Community Cooperative, producers will have another processing option. This helps farmers get a fair value for animals and also helps keep prices down for consumers at the grocery story.” Four large meat-packing companies control 85 percent of the beef market. In poultry, the top four processing firms control 54 percent of the market. And in pork, the top four processing firms control about 70 percent of the market. Klobuchar and Smith have long worked to spur competition in America’s meat processing industry. They secured funding to increase meat cutting and butchery career pathways for students by enabling the Minnesota State Northern Agricultural Center to expand its training facilities and purchase new processing equipment for Central Lakes College in Staples, MN. The Senators also secured mobile meat slaughtering and processing equipment for students enrolled in meat processing career pathways at both Central Lakes College and Ridgewater College. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-and-congresswoman-ocasio-cortez-introduce-homes-act-to-tackle-americas-housing-crisis/,U.S. Senator Tina Smith and Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez Introduce Homes Act to Tackle America’s Housing Crisis,2024-09-19,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chair of the Senate Housing, Transportation and Community Development Subcommittee, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) today unveiled legislation that would reimagine housing in America, making a historic and long overdue investment in our housing supply. The bill would help build and preserve as many as 1.3 million homes in small towns, big cities, and rural communities; and help families everywhere find a quality, affordable place to call home. Smith and Ocasio-Cortez are joined on the legislation by Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and 34 members in the House of Representatives. “Without a safe, decent and affordable place to live, nothing in your life works. It becomes nearly impossible to hold a job, go to school, or stay healthy,” said Senator Smith. “Our country is facing a housing crisis, with annual supply falling dramatically behind demand. Our proposal would serve renters, and homebuyers alike, providing millions of Americans in rural and urban communities with more options for a quality, affordable place to call home—with the sense of stability, security, comfort and pride that should come with it. Housing is a human right—this is a bill that meets the urgency of the moment we are in.” “Every day, we see families grappling with the harsh reality of the housing crisis—skyrocketing rents, evictions, and homelessness—while big banks and Wall Street prioritize profit over people. The Homes Act is our bold response to this crisis, investing $300 billion over the next decade to ensure everyone can access an affordable home,” said Rep. Ocasio-Cortez. “We cannot stand by while families are forced to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. This isn’t just about building structures; it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and the American Dream for all, not just a privileged few.” Today, in more than 90 percent of U.S. counties, minimum wage workers cannot afford to rent even a modest one-bedroom apartment. More than half of America’s 44 million renters are spending more than 30% of their income on rent, more than ever before. Meanwhile, corporate landlords are raking in record profits and deep-pocketed investors are buying up real estate with all-cash offers. Working families are bidding against the world’s biggest banks for homes. The Homes Act offers a new choice for housing – a public option – to meet the needs of people and communities that aren’t being served by the private market. These new options would be supported by a housing development authority, which will function as a public bank and developer and work directly with state, local and Tribal governmental agencies, mission-driven nonprofits, community land trusts and public housing authorities to build, rehabilitate, and maintain millions of sustainable, permanently affordable homes. The legislation would create more than 400,000 good-paying jobs a year, including more than 150,000 construction jobs each year. With its focus on building and maintaining 1.3 million homes, the Homes Act would chart a new path forward for Americans looking for an affordable place to live, and give people a new option for housing. The bill would: Establish a national Housing Development Authority to acquire and develop real estate to create and maintain a stock of permanent, sustainable, affordable housing, including single- and multi-family housing, with robust tenant protections. Empower local communities to address their specific housing needs by financing real estate acquisition or conveying property to public housing authorities, mission-driven nonprofits, tenant- or resident-owned cooperatives, state or local governments, and community land trusts. Require the housing development authority to maintain portfolio-wide affordability by setting aside 40% of units for extremely-low income households and 30% of units for low-income households. Cap rents for units financed under the Act at 25% of a household’s adjusted gross income and cannot increase more than 3% per year. Support homeownership by allowing residents to purchase homes under shared equity models and providing relief to mortgage borrowers at risk of foreclosure due to market instability or economic distress. Provide workers with strong labor protections building this new housing. ​​Provide tenants with opportunities to come together to purchase their buildings prior to large, for-profit developers buying them. Provide funding to rehabilitate and address the backlog of necessary improvements for public housing and repeal the Faircloth Amendment to allow new public housing. Authorize $30 billion in annual appropriations, combined with a revolving loan fund to recoup and reinvest funds back into housing. Annual appropriations include a 5% minimum set aside for Tribal communities and a 10% minimum set aside for rural communities. “Families and communities in rural states like Vermont have also been hit hard by the housing shortage, with our state experiencing record-high rates of housing insecurity. We need bold solutions to this crisis—and these solutions should be led by those who are doing the work on the ground to get folks a safe and permanently affordable place to live. The HOMES Act importantly will create a new authority within HUD to build and rehabilitate more affordable housing, treating housing like the social good it is,” said Senator Welch. “I am thankful to my colleagues Senator Smith and Representative Ocasio-Cortez for their leadership on this important issue and proudly join them as an original co-sponsor of the HOMES Act.” “When I worked with Habitat for Humanity, I saw every day how lives were changed for the better when folks could afford a good home in a decent community,” said Senator Merkley. “Everyone in America should have a safe, affordable roof overhead. Relying on the private market won’t solve our housing crisis—especially as hedge funds gobble up entire blocks in our neighborhoods, increasing the price to buy and rent a home. We need bold solutions to this complex issue, and the Homes Act is one important piece of that puzzle.” The legislation is endorsed by more than 100 organizations including the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), National Housing Resource Center, Tenant Union Federation, National Rural Housing Coalition, National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Housing Law Project, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), United Auto Workers (UAW), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Center for American Progress, , Evergreen Action, and the Sierra Club. See the full list of endorsers here and a full list of endorsement quotes here. Read the bill one-pager, here. Read the bill text, here. Read a section-by-section of the bill, here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=5C4F1778-09C9-433E-A24D-A9A96306E906,"Klobuchar, Warner Urge Major Tech Companies to Address Election-Related Misinformation and Disinformation",2024-09-18,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with oversight over federal elections, along with Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, sent a letter to the CEO of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg; CEO of X, Linda Yaccarino; CEO of Alphabet, Sundar Pichai; CEO of Twitch, Daniel Clancy; and CEO of Discord, Jason Citron to highlight the risks of election-related disinformation on their platforms, and to urge the companies to take decisive action, including bolstering content moderation resources, to combat deceptive content intended to mislead voters or sow violence. “Your companies are on the frontlines of the risks to our democracy posed by online disinformation and technology-enabled election influence, and it is for these reasons that we urge you to prioritize taking action to ensure that you have the policies, procedures, and staff in place to counter and respond promptly to these threats,” said the lawmakers. As Chair of the Rules Committee, Senator Klobuchar has worked on a bipartisan basis to safeguard our elections and strengthen democracy. In May 2024, the Senate Rules Committee passed three Klobuchar-led bipartisan bills to address the impact of AI on our elections. The bills include the Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act with Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Susan Collins (R-ME) joined by Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), the AI Transparency in Elections Act with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and the Preparing Election Administrators for AI Act with Senator Collins. In January 2024, Klobuchar and Collins called on the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to assist state and local election officials in combating the spread of AI-generated disinformation about our elections. Their letter followed the reports of AI-generated deepfake robocalls using President Biden’s voice to discourage voting in the New Hampshire primary election. In February, the EAC voted unanimously to allow election officials to use federal election funds to counter disinformation in our elections caused by AI. Klobuchar is a lead sponsor of the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act of 2023. The NO FAKES Act is a bipartisan proposal that would protect the voice and visual likeness of all individuals from unauthorized recreations from generative AI. The full text of the letter is availableHERE and below: Dear Mr. Zuckerberg, Ms. Yaccarino, Mr. Pichai, Mr. Clancy, and Mr. Citron: We write to express our persisting concerns about the spread of election-related disinformation on your platforms as the 2024 general election is quickly approaching and to call on your companies to prioritize taking decisive action, including bolstering content moderation resources, to combat deceptive content intended to mislead voters or sow violence. Election-related disinformation continues to go viral and reach millions of viewers on your platforms, and generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the capacity to turbocharge the spread of disinformation to greatly enable malign influence actors. As AI technology gets more sophisticated, voters will have an increasingly hard time knowing if what is being presented to them on your platforms about candidates or how to cast a ballot is real or fake. This kind of deceptive content has targeted candidates on both sides of the aisle, including a recent deepfake of Vice President Kamala Harris’ voice that reportedly received more than 130 million views in just four days and AI-generated images of former President Donald Trump spread online during the primary elections. The proliferation of hyper-realistic synthetic media may also erode public trust more broadly, particularly given the increasing prevalence with which influence actors utilize generative AI in the course of impersonating legitimate news organizations. Election officials from both parties and experts have testified in the Senate Rules Committee about how disinformation can deceive voters and erode trust and confidence in our democracy. National security officials have warned about these threats as well. The Department of Justice recently took action to disrupt Russian government-backed efforts to interfere in the election, including with AI-generated content to deceive people online. In May Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines testified before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about the increase in foreign adversaries attempting to influence our elections and how emerging technologies, including AI, are making it easier to create and amplify deceptive content online. Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray echoed those concerns earlier this year when he said that “the U.S. will face more adversaries, moving at a faster pace, and enabled by new technology.” The Department of Homeland Security has warned about the misuse of AI technologies by both domestic actors and foreign adversaries to attempt to interfere in U.S. elections including through online disinformation campaigns. We have already seen these efforts in other countries’ elections across the globe this year. Equally concerning, the Intelligence Community has warned about growing efforts by Russia and Iran to sow discord using online platforms; these warnings are particularly alarming given declassified information from previous elections indicating that Russian and Iranian influence operatives have sought to sow violence among Americans. Recent reports have raised significant questions about the extent to which online platforms are prepared to combat the threats presented by election-related misinformation, disinformation, and foreign influence efforts. Particularly in the context of safeguarding elections, it is vital that your companies maintain trust and integrity teams devoted to a number of functions related to addressing malicious activity, including content moderators, incident responders, legal compliance personnel, digital forensic specialists, and investigators. Your companies are on the frontlines of the risks to our democracy posed by online disinformation and technology-enabled election influence, and it is for these reasons that we urge you to prioritize taking action to ensure that you have the policies, procedures, and staff in place to counter and respond promptly to these threats. We also ask that you provide answers to the following questions: What actions has your company taken to update its policies to address the spread of election-related misinformation and disinformation in advance of this year’s election? How are you measuring if these policies are effective? Does your company plan to implement additional measures, policies, or procedures to counter election-related misinformation and disinformation on your platform in advance of the November election, and what processes does your company have in place to determine if additional actions to address these issues are needed? How is your company addressing the rising proliferation of deceptive AI-generated content concerning candidates and elections on your platform? What policies does your company have related to entities impersonating legitimate media organizations, including sharing plagiarized or manipulated content from legitimate media organizations? Did your company consult with or otherwise engage with legitimate media organizations in the development of the aforementioned policies? Has or will your company share information with other companies that own or operate social media platforms on election-related misinformation and disinformation that your company identifies in advance of this year’s election? This could include sharing information on identified or suspected actors or entities, malicious usage patterns and other tactics, techniques, or procedures, technical data, or any other information to address election-related misinformation and disinformation. How many employees at your company, including contractors, are dedicated to addressing election-related misinformation and disinformation for this year’s election, and how does that number compare to staffing in other recent election years? Do you believe you have sufficient staff to address these issues? How is your company working to identify and combat election-related misinformation from foreign actors on your platforms? Thank you for your attention to these critical matters. We look forward to your responses by October 1, 2024. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=804AFF5B-4F43-4F19-AB07-C454001D1F6B,Construction Begins on 2025 Presidential Inaugural Platform with Ceremonial Driving of the First Nail,2024-09-18,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"Senator Amy Klobuchar, Chair of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, Convened the Ceremony Washington, D.C. – Today the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) and the Architect of the Capitol held the First Nail Ceremony for the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. The event marks the launch of construction of the Inaugural Platform, where the next President and Vice President of the United States will take the oath of office on Monday, January 20, 2025. During the ceremony, JCCIC Chair Amy Klobuchar, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Rules Committee Ranking Member Deb Fischer, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Architect of the Capitol Thomas Austin drove nails into a plank at the site of the future platform on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. The Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black also offered a blessing over the platform. Download photos HERE. “The Presidential Inauguration is a powerful symbol of American democracy and our country’s commitment to the peaceful transfer of power. Today’s ceremony marks the beginning of this cherished tradition,” said Chair Klobuchar. “As the Chair of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in organizing a successful 60th Presidential Inauguration.” “For each incoming president, the Inaugural Platform is built anew to symbolize new beginnings. In this remarkable ceremony, Republicans and Democrats place the first nails together to show support for our peaceful transfer of power, a sacred tradition we should never take for granted. It’s a great honor to participate, and I look forward to the 2025 inauguration,” said Senator Fischer. The 60th Presidential Inaugural Platform will be more than 10,000 square feet - the same size as every platform used since the 2005 inaugural ceremonies - which was the largest platform built for any inauguration. The platform is constructed entirely from scratch for each inaugural ceremony. The completed platform will hold approximately 1,600 inaugural guests, including members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Supreme Court justices, former presidents, and the president and vice president and their families. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies is charged with the planning and execution of the inaugural events of the President-elect and Vice President-elect of the United States at the U.S. Capitol since 1901. The nail used by Senator Klobuchar at the ceremony was made from iron ore mined and processed on Minnesota’s Iron Range by U.S. Steel at their facilities in Keewatin and Mountain Iron. The hammer used was made by Malco Tools of Annandale, Minnesota. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=5F0D2338-567B-4E3C-B084-2FB718DF2989,"Klobuchar, Welch File Amicus Brief Urging Court to Uphold Medicare’s Ability to Negotiate Lower Prescription Drug Prices for Consumers",2024-09-17,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Peter Welch (D-VT) as well as Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Richard Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) filed an amicus brief in AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals v. Becerra; Bristol Myers Squibb Co. v. Becerra; and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. Becerra in the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit urging the court to uphold the constitutionality of Congress allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for consumers. The brief focuses on the legislative history leading to the law's enactment. It demonstrates that Congress, as entrusted by the Constitution, may enact policy reforms and improve federal programs. “In America, no one should be forced to choose between paying for life-saving medicine or paying their bills. Thanks to legislation we passed to end Big Pharma’s sweetheart deal, Medicare is starting to negotiate lower drug prices for consumers,” said Klobuchar. “It’s no surprise Big Pharma has been trying to stop this in the courts, and they’ve lost every case decided so far. I will continue fighting back against these absurd attempts to reinstate sky-high prices for prescription drugs.” “Big Pharma is once again refusing to accept that the power of the Biden-Harris Administration to negotiate drug prices is here to stay. Drug makers are again attempting to use the courts to undermine the Inflation Reduction Act–all to turn a bigger profit. And that’s despite the fact that the bill’s drug pricing provisions have the support of Americans—including 92% of Democrats and 77% of Republicans,” said Welch. “If Big Pharma thinks we’re going to stand by as they try to raise the prices of prescription drugs for seniors, they need a dose of reality.” An excerpt from the brief is below. The amicus brief is available HERE. “Appellants now attempt to accomplish through judicial action what they could not through the legislative process. Appellants’ position in this litigation boils down to the argument that the United States Constitution prohibits the federal government from negotiating the prices of the products it purchases. Appellants seek to prevent reform of a purchasing process that Congress itself made. They argue that, Congress having created this process, Congress now cannot unmake the process or even amend for the benefit of the American public and the American taxpayer. As the Appellees’ brief ably explains, this position is wrong as a matter of constitutional law. Congress improves laws all the time. Congress has the right and indeed the duty to do so. The Program takes nothing from the pharmaceutical industry—not its drugs and not its patents. And the Program does not coerce industry participants to do or say anything. Like every other market participant, manufacturers may sell their products at prices buyers think is fair (or not fair) and buyers may make market choices in turn.” Senator Klobuchar has been a leading voice in the Senate to lower prescription drug prices. Klobuchar’s bill to end the ban on Medicare negotiating lower prescription drug prices for Medicare’s 50 million seniors and help lower drug prices for all Americans was signed into law in 2022 as part of a larger legislative package. Klobuchar leads two bipartisan bills with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to promote competition and reduce drug prices: the Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act and the Stop STALLING Act. Last February, they both unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act would limit anticompetitive “pay-for-delay” deals that prevent or delay the introduction of affordable generic drugs . Pay-for-delay deals happen when branded pharmaceutical companies pay generic drug companies to delay the introduction of cheaper substitutes – increasing the cost of prescriptions and imposing significant costs on our health care system. The Stop Significant and Time-wasting Abuse Limiting Legitimate Innovation of New Generics (Stop STALLING) Act would deter branded pharmaceutical companies from filing sham petitions with the Food and Drug Administration in order to interfere with the approval of generic and biosimilar medicines that would compete with their own branded products, a tactic that delays patient access to affordable medications. The bill would also give the Federal Trade Commission enhanced authority to take action against those companies that file sham petitions. Earlier this year, Klobuchar worked with Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Mike Braun (R-IN) to introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to streamline drug patent litigation, encourage fair market competition, and lower prescription drug prices by making it easier for generic and biosimilar companies to enter the market. In 2023, Klobuchar along with Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) led a group of their colleagues in filing an amicus brief in Merck & Co. v. Becerra in the District Court for the District of Columbia and in Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. United States in the District Court for Connecting, urging the federal courts to uphold the constitutionality of Congress allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for consumers. On July 9, 2024, a federal judge in Connecticut dismissed Boehringer Ingelheim’s lawsuit. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/following-efforts-from-klobuchar-smith-and-the-entire-minnesota-delegation-fema-issues-disaster-assistance-for-flood-recovery-in-martin-and-murray-counties/,"Following Efforts from Klobuchar, Smith, and the Entire Minnesota Delegation, FEMA Issues Disaster Assistance for Flood Recovery in Martin and Murray Counties",2024-09-17,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the delivery of Individual Assistance for Minnesotans affected by severe storms and flooding across Martin and Murray counties. The Individual Assistance programs provide disaster survivors with access to a range of programs and services to aid in the recovery process, including financial assistance to eligible individuals and households. Damage assessments by federal, state, and local emergency management teams are ongoing, and FEMA may designate more counties and additional forms of assistance as damage is assessed. “The flooding this summer inflicted serious damage across our state, and we must continue working together to recover,” said Klobuchar. “FEMA continues to be an active partner in the recovery effort so that our state can receive critical federal disaster relief funds, and expanding assistance to Martin and Murray counties will ensure residents have the help they need to rebuild.” “Minnesotans are still struggling after this summer’s devastating floods, and every level of government is needed for our communities to recover,” said Smith. “FEMA is an important federal partner, and this new assistance for residents of Martin and Murray counties will help provide the support they need to get back on track.” In June, Klobuchar and Smith led the entire bipartisan Minnesota congressional delegation in securing President Biden’s approval of Minnesota’s request for federal assistance to help Minnesotans whose homes suffered damage from storms and flooding. This announcement follows the Administration’s previous round of Individual Assistance in July, which made 19 counties eligible for funding. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-reps-angie-craig-brad-finstad-reintroduce-bill-to-improve-access-to-job-training-in-schools/,"U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Reps. Angie Craig, Brad Finstad Reintroduce Bill to Improve Access to Job Training in Schools",2024-09-17,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN02) and Brad Finstad (R-MN01) reintroduced legislation to expand partnerships between schools and businesses to help ensure a future workforce that is trained and qualified for the jobs and careers employers are hiring for. Many employers struggle to find qualified workers across several industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and health care. Schools and employers are already building programs and partnerships like those outlined in the billto equip students with the skills needed to secure these jobs, but the lawmakers recognize that the need warrants greater federal investments to support these programs. “Workforce partnerships give students the opportunity to develop the skills they need for jobs that are available, often without taking on huge amounts of debt,” said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Education Committee. “But what I’ve learned is that oftentimes, students aren’t aware of—or don’t have access to—local programs that provide the training these jobs require. Our bill aims to fix this issue by expanding partnerships between schools and local employers. We know these partnerships work, and our goal is to make sure they are available for more Minnesotans and Americans.” The 21st Century Workforce Partnerships Act would establish grant programs at the U.S. Department of Education to introduce middle and high school students to career exploration and career pathway opportunities. It would also fund grants to foster partnerships between higher education institutions and businesses to provide career training programs which lead to postsecondary degrees. “Expanding workforce partnerships and apprenticeship programs means more Minnesotans are connected to good-paying job opportunities, without taking on the burden of student loans,” said Rep. Craig. “My bipartisan bill with Sen. Smith will help ensure our future workforce has the skills and training they need to succeed in the 21st century and help grow the middle class.” “Throughout the country, industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare are facing an unprecedented workforce shortage making it harder for them to keep up with the evolving economy,” said Rep. Finstad. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the 21st Century Workforce Partnerships Act which will enhance relationships between employers, secondary, and post-secondary institutions for the purpose of preparing young people to excel in the workforce.” The full text of the bill is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=818DBF5E-1106-498E-90F7-86B3631374F9,"Following Efforts from Klobuchar, Smith, and the Entire Minnesota Delegation, FEMA Issues Disaster Assistance for Flood Recovery in Martin and Murray Counties",2024-09-16,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the delivery of Individual Assistance for Minnesotans affected by severe storms and flooding across Martin and Murray counties. The Individual Assistance programs provide disaster survivors with access to a range of programs and services to aid in the recovery process, including financial assistance to eligible individuals and households. Damage assessments by federal, state, and local emergency management teams are ongoing, and FEMA may designate more counties and additional forms of assistance as damage is assessed. “The flooding this summer inflicted serious damage across our state, and we must continue working together to recover,” said Klobuchar. “FEMA continues to be an active partner in the recovery effort so that our state can receive critical federal disaster relief funds, and expanding assistance to Martin and Murray counties will ensure residents have the help they need to rebuild.” “Minnesotans are still struggling after this summer’s devastating floods, and every level of government is needed for our communities to recover,” said Smith. “FEMA is an important federal partner, and this new assistance for residents of Martin and Murray counties will help provide the support they need to get back on track.” In June, Klobuchar and Smith led the entire bipartisan Minnesota congressional delegation in securing President Biden’s approval of Minnesota’s request for federal assistance to help Minnesotans whose homes suffered damage from storms and flooding. This announcement follows the Administration’s previous round of Individual Assistance in July, which made 19 counties eligible for funding. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=014B04BB-B4A1-4363-A45A-365563B01F2E,"Klobuchar, Smith Statements on the Bipartisan Senate Confirmation of Laura Provinzino to be U.S. District Court Judge",2024-09-12,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Laura Provinzino to serve as United States District Court Judge for the District of Minnesota. Currently serving as an Assistant United States Attorney with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, Provinzino was one of the candidates sent to President Biden by Senators Klobuchar and Smith following the recommendation from a judicial selection committee. “As a federal prosecutor, Laura Provinzino has dedicated her career to upholding the rule of law and her work has earned her the respect of attorneys and law enforcement across the state,” said Klobuchar. “I am confident that she will make an outstanding jurist, and I know she will make St. Cloud proud. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I worked to advance her nomination and I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support of this outstanding nominee.” “Laura Provinzino has spent her career in service to Minnesotans. Her decades of experience advancing justice and protecting the rule of law will make her an exceptionally well-qualified U.S. District Court Judge,” said Smith. “I congratulate her on her bipartisan confirmation.” Laura Provinzino was born and raised in St. Cloud, and attended St. Cloud Technical High School. Her mother taught at Apollo High School, and her father was a lawyer in St. Cloud. Provinzino has spent her entire legal career in Minnesota. She has served as an Assistant United States Attorney since 2010. As a prosecutor, she has led efforts to prosecute violent crime, human trafficking, child pornography, and crimes against Native American women. In 2023, Provinzino was awarded the Attorney General’s David Margolis Award for Exceptional Service for her work in prosecuting an international sex trafficking organization that victimized hundreds of women. This is the highest award given by the Justice Department to recognize employee achievement. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Provinzino worked as an associate at Robins Kaplan LLP. She earned her B.A., with honors, from Lewis and Clark College in 1998 and Oxford University, as a Rhodes Scholar, in 2000. She received her J.D. from Yale Law School in 2002. She also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Diana Murphy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit from 2003 to 2004. Laura Provinzino was recommended by the Judicial Selection Committee, which was chaired by Lucinda Jesson, former judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals, and included Johnathan Judd, Judge on Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial Court; David Lillehaug, former Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and former U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota; Miguel Pozo, Member at Cozen O’Connor and former President of the Hispanic National Bar Association; Kristine Weeks, Judge on Minnesota’s Fifth Judicial Court and former assistant public defender; and X. Kevin Zhao, partner at Greene Espel PLLP. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-statements-on-the-bipartisan-senate-confirmation-of-laura-provinzino-to-be-u-s-district-court-judge/,"Klobuchar, Smith Statements on the Bipartisan Senate Confirmation of Laura Provinzino to be U.S. District Court Judge",2024-09-12,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Laura Provinzino to serve as United States District Court Judge for the District of Minnesota. Currently serving as an Assistant United States Attorney with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, Provinzino was one of the candidates sent to President Biden by Senators Klobuchar and Smith following the recommendation from a judicial selection committee. “As a federal prosecutor, Laura Provinzino has dedicated her career to upholding the rule of law and her work has earned her the respect of attorneys and law enforcement across the state,” said Klobuchar. “I am confident that she will make an outstanding jurist, and I know she will make St. Cloud proud. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I worked to advance her nomination and I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support of this outstanding nominee.” “Laura Provinzino has spent her career in service to Minnesotans. Her decades of experience advancing justice and protecting the rule of law will make her an exceptionally well-qualified U.S. District Court Judge,” said Smith. “I congratulate her on her bipartisan confirmation.” Laura Provinzino was born and raised in St. Cloud, and attended St. Cloud Technical High School. Her mother taught at Apollo High School, and her father was a lawyer in St. Cloud. Provinzino has spent her entire legal career in Minnesota. She has served as an Assistant United States Attorney since 2010. As a prosecutor, she has led efforts to prosecute violent crime, human trafficking, child pornography, and crimes against Native American women. In 2023, Provinzino was awarded the Attorney General’s David Margolis Award for Exceptional Service for her work in prosecuting an international sex trafficking organization that victimized hundreds of women. This is the highest award given by the Justice Department to recognize employee achievement. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Provinzino worked as an associate at Robins Kaplan LLP. She earned her B.A., with honors, from Lewis and Clark College in 1998 and Oxford University, as a Rhodes Scholar, in 2000. She received her J.D. from Yale Law School in 2002. She also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Diana Murphy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit from 2003 to 2004. Laura Provinzino was recommended by the Judicial Selection Committee, which was chaired by Lucinda Jesson, former judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals, and included Johnathan Judd, Judge on Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial Court; David Lillehaug, former Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and former U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota; Miguel Pozo, Member at Cozen O’Connor and former President of the Hispanic National Bar Association; Kristine Weeks, Judge on Minnesota’s Fifth Judicial Court and former assistant public defender; and X. Kevin Zhao, partner at Greene Espel PLLP. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-announces-climate-resiliency-projects-for-lower-sioux-indian-community/,U.S. Senator Tina Smith Announces Climate Resiliency Projects for Lower Sioux Indian Community,2024-09-12,2024,2024-09,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS, MN – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced Lower Sioux Indian Community (LSIC) will receive federal funding to reduce harmful carbon emissions and energy costs in Tribal homes and businesses. LSIC will be awarded nearly $5 million from the Inflation Reduction Act’s climate provisions, which Senator Smith helped to pass into law. This award will allow LSIC to: Install over 70 cold-climate heat pumps to heat and cool homes while reducing propane use by more than 60%, saving people money on their energy costs while reducing harmful emissions, even during Minnesota winters. Weatherize 60 Tribal homes to be more energy efficient, including through the use of hemp-based insulation to reduce utility costs and improve indoor air quality. Set up an energy efficiency improvement fund to make 22 tribally managed businesses more energy efficient. “Our transition to a clean energy economy can’t leave Indian Country behind. We are finally starting to turn the page on generations of underinvestment and underfunding by the federal government in Indian Country through projects like this,” said Senator Smith. “Tribes know what works best for them and their members, and this funding allows them to meet the unique needs of their communities.” “Lower Sioux Indian Community, Cansayapi, has been researching and working diligently to find ways to continue as good stewards of the Earth and reducing the carbon footprint by growing hemp and building homes made with hemp-based materials for insulation,” said Robert L. Larsen, Lower Sioux Community Council President. “With the help of Senators Klobuchar and Smith, we will continue reducing harmful emissions from fossil fuels and improving local resilience by installing solar-powered heat pumps so the traditional heat sources will not have to run as often or as long. This funding supports Lower Sioux’s strategy to evaluate and weatherize homes, which ultimately will affect the cost to heat them and reduce the harmful emissions from conventional heating sources. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will contribute directly to Lower Sioux’s resilience goals and demonstrate a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable building options. We appreciate the relationships that have developed over the years with our friends and Senators. They actually listen and respond when they ask us ‘What do you need?’ They follow through with words and actions.” Smith has worked diligently to ensure Tribal Nations are not left behind in the clean energy transition. She helped Red Lake Nation, Prairie Island Indian Community, and Bois Forte Band of Chippewa connect Tribal homes to clean electricity, delivered funding for White Earth Nation to increase their energy storage and use of solar power, in addition to securing funds for Tribal organizations to deploy Tribally-owned residential solar across the Upper Midwest. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z