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://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-votes-pass-historic-drug-pricing-bill-0,Rep. Angie Craig Votes to Pass Historic Drug Pricing Bill,2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Angie Craig voted to pass the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which would save Minnesota families tens of thousands of dollars in prescription drug costs. Working families cannot wait for action on the outrageous cost of prescription drugs, said Rep. Craig. I cosponsored this historic piece of legislation to put common-sense solutions in place to cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors, invest in research for more effective treatments, and hold big drug companies accountable for profiting off the backs of Minnesota families. It is now the Senate's turn to take up this essential piece of legislation. The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act is estimated to save over $500 billion over ten years according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The bill would: Allow Medicare to negotiate prices for a minimum of 50 of the most expensive drugs and to extend the negotiated price to all health plans Create a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors Expand Medicare benefits to include vision, dental, and hearing for the first time, which would benefit over 100,000 people in Minnesota's Second District alone Invest in research for new innovation, cures and treatments Rep. Craig has been leading the effort to lower the cost of health care and the price of prescription drugs since she was sworn in this past January. She has introduced or cosponsored 59 health care bills, including the State Healthcare Premium Reduction Act, which would lower insurance premiums in the individual market and the Emergency Access to Insulin Act, which would create emergency insulin supplies and hold big drug companies accountable for jacking up prices. Additionally, she has held six health care listening sessions across the district in Eagan, Burnsville, Northfield, Wabasha, Shakopee, and Red Wing to hear directly from constituents on their experiences with health care.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=936D81BB-C358-4F59-891A-7F19B3BC5D11,"Klobuchar Statement on Thye-Blatnik Decision on Federal Payments to St. Louis, Lake, Cook Counties",2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"After efforts by Klobuchar, the U.S. Forest Service will redo the appraisal for federal payments to St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties under the Thye-Blatnik Act that support crucial services including law enforcement, firefighting, and infrastructure improvements WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) issued the following statement after the U.S. Forest Service announced that they will re-do the appraisal of federal land in St. Louis, Lake, and Cook Counties and that the counties will continue to receive annual payments at 2008 levels under the Thye-Blatnik Act. Klobuchar has been a consistent advocate for the annual federal compensation payments to St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties under the Thye-Blatnik Act. In June and December of this year, Klobuchar called on officials at the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture to consider the concerns of these counties in northern Minnesota. A consistent and fair system of appraising Thye-Blatnik federal land payments is critical to ensuring that Minnesota counties can fully support crucial services like law enforcement, firefighting, and infrastructure improvements. I requested that the Department of Agriculture take action in response to the concerns raised by St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties about the appraisal, and this announcement is welcome news for these communities. Klobuchar, a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has consistently advocated for annual federal compensation payments to St. Louis, Lake, and Cook Counties under the Thye-Blatnik Act. Klobuchar sent a letter to the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, Vicki Christiansen on June 10, 2019 and followed up on December 11, 2019 to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to call on the U.S. Forest Service to take into account the concerns of the counties over the previous appraisal showing a significant difference in valuation of the lands. The counties, in northern Minnesota, have received federal payments for over 70 years to help offset lost property tax revenue as a result of nontaxable federal lands in these counties. The Thye-Blatnik Act payments support crucial services in St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties, including law enforcement, firefighting, and infrastructure improvements. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=C50869A3-1DA4-4FA0-8E95-851B2D5BAEA4,Klobuchar Statement on Bombing in Somalia,2019-12-28,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar released the following statement today on the bombing in Mogadishu, Somalia: I am deeply saddened by the bombing in Mogadishu, and my heart goes out to the victims and their families. Minnesota is home to the largest Somali community in the country, and we mourn with those who lost loved ones today including many university and other students returning to class. We stand steadfast with our allies, and we must find those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-and-colleagues-honor-75-years-smokey-bear,McCollum and Colleagues Honor 75 Years of Smokey Bear,2019-12-27,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), released the following statement today after introducing H.Res.775, a resolution honoring the 75th birthday of Smokey Bear: ""After carrying the torch on wildfire prevention for 75 years, I'm pleased to honor Smokey Bear and all he has done to educate Americans about the dangers of unwanted human-caused wildfires. As the longest running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history, Smokey has been hugely successful at igniting interest and awareness of how everyday Americans can prevent wildfires and protect forest health, all while becoming one of the most recognizable characters in the world. But after 75 years, the flame of Smokey's famous ‘Only You Can Prevent Wildfires' catchphrase has started to flicker – overlooking that we now know some natural and prescribed fires can be beneficial for the environment. By encouraging the Smokey Bear campaign to explore ways his message can be modernized, we can ensure Smokey will continue to spark the attention of future scientists in classrooms across the country, and stay true to his original message of preventing unwanted wildfires."" Background: The full text of H.Res.775 can be found here. Thank you to original co-sponsors: Rep. David Joyce (OH-14); Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-02); Rep. Don Young (AK-AL); Rep. Deb Haaland (NM-01); Rep. Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03); and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01). # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=8D9BA75A-C95F-466F-94A0-F35F1EECAB76,Klobuchar Urges Consumer Product Safety Commission to Protect Children from the Dangers of Small Rare-Earth Magnets,2019-12-27,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Today's letter follows a Washington Post report that the number of children ingesting rare-earth magnets has skyrocketed in the three years since courts blocked federal efforts to regulate the industry WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) sent a letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) expressing her serious concerns about the alarming increase in injuries to children who have ingested small rare-earth magnets and requesting that the agency investigate this matter and take steps to ensure that children are kept safe from these dangerous products. Rare-earth magnets are strong, tiny balls that are popular desk toys, but are up to 10 times more powerful than ordinary magnets and can attract each other inside the intestine when swallowed by children, causing life-threatening injuries to the gastrointestinal tract, sometimes resulting in death. The letterfollows a recentWashington Post reportthat the number of children ingesting rare-earth magnets has skyrocketed in the three years since a court blocked the CPSC's initial efforts to regulate the industry. The CPSC plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of our children, including investigating hazardous children's products and banning certain dangerous products from the market altogether. Given the seriousness of this issue, I urge the CPSC to revisit this issue and take action to protect children from the dangers of small rare-earth magnets, Klobuchar wrote. As a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Klobuchar has been a leader in protecting consumer safety. Earlier this month, Klobuchar led a letter to CPSC urging the agency to open an investigation into contaminated toys following reports that a child from Minnesota was found to have toxic blood levels of lead after playing with an off-brand spin toy that was purchased online. She was also a chief author of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which gave CPSC the additional authority, resources, and staff to enforce consumer protection laws. The full text of today's letter to Robert S. Adler, Acting CPSC Chairman, can be found below: Dear Acting Chairman Adler: I write to express my serious concerns regarding recent reports documenting an alarming increase in injuries to children who have ingested small rare-earth magnets and to request that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) investigate this matter and take steps to ensure that children are kept safe from these dangerous products. According to the National Poison Data System, there have been more than 1,500 accidental ingestions of this type of magnet in 2019 alone. Due to their small size and strengthup to 10 times more powerful than ordinary magnetsthese magnets can attract each other inside the intestine when swallowed by children, causing life-threatening injuries to the gastrointestinal tract, sometimes resulting in death. Despite the clear hazard these magnets pose to children's health, there are currently no safety standards or regulations governing their sale or use. While ASTM International is currently developing voluntary safety standards, early reports suggest that the standard being developed will fail to place any limits on the size and strength of the magnets available for sale to the public. Although the CPSC issued safety standards restricting the size and strength of nonindustrial magnets sold to the public in 2014, those standards were invalidated in a legal challenge in 2016, and the CPSC has declined to issue new regulationsdespite the urging of pediatricians and consumer groups. The CPSC plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of our children, including investigating hazardous children's products and banning certain dangerous products from the market altogether. Given the seriousness of this issue, I urge the CPSC to revisit this issue and take action to protect children from the dangers of small rare-earth magnets. In addition, I respectfully request responses to the following questions: What is the CPSC doing to investigate the incidence of injuries caused to children by the ingestion of small rare-earth magnets? Does the CPSC need additional resources to investigate this issue and take appropriate measures to protect children from these products? Does the CPSC believe that voluntary standards that fail to limit the size and strength of these magnets will adequately protect children from the safety risk presented by these dangerous products? Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-spends-holidays-us-troops-middle-east,Phillips Spends Holidays with U.S. Troops in the Middle East,2019-12-26,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Dean Phillips,P000616,phillips.house.gov,,,legacy,"MIDDLE EAST Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) returned today from spending his holiday week visiting U.S. troops serving in the CENTCOM Area of Operations in the Middle East. From December 22 26, Phillips traveled with a bipartisan Congressional delegation and discussed the fight against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, Iranian aggression, and trade in a series of high-level diplomatic and military visits in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. Phillips also served holiday meals, delivered gifts, and passed out holiday cards from preschoolers at St. David's Center in Minnetonka and several New Horizon Academy locations in Minnesota's Third District to troops in at every stop. As a Gold Star Son, my gratitude to our outstanding men and women in uniform is immeasurable, said Phillips. It was my honor to spend the holidays with these brave Americans, whose service and sacrifice keep us all safe. As we spend time with our loved ones this holiday season, may we all reflect on their extraordinary sacrifice and honor them with our own acts of service in our own community. Phillips traveled with seven other members of Congress - Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Rep. Max Rose (D-NY), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA), Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Rep. Aumua Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa) - who serve on the House Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Veterans Affairs Committees. The group visited the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City, Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, Naval Support Activity in Bahrain, and spent Christmas Day passing out gifts and serving a pancake breakfast at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. CLICK HERE to see more photos from Rep. Phillips's trip. CLICK HERE to see photos of preschool art Phillips delivered to U.S. troops. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-releases-end-year-progress-report-op-ed-her-tenure-congress,"Rep. Ilhan Omar Releases End-of-Year Progress Report, Op-ed on her Tenure in Congress",2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,,,legacy,"MINNEAPOLIS Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released an end of year progress report of her tenure in Congress thus far, along with an op-ed and graphic. I know how daunting the challenges before us can seem at times, Rep. Omar wrote. When faced with the words and actions of the current occupant of the White House, it is easy for hopelessness and cynicism to set in. But I want you to know: you have a representative who will do everything in her power to resist the forces of hate and division pushed by this president and pursue a politics of joy. Even in the darkest of moments, there is opportunity to build community and fight for a better world. I promise to continue to fight for that world as your representative in Congress. The achievements include: 28 bills and amendments introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives 16 bills and amendments passed in the U.S. House of Representatives 433 bills cosponsored 47,484 constituent letters answered 21 roundtables and town halls Over 1,000 meetings with constituents Over 200 constituent cases worked on $411,635 returned to constituents View the graphic View the op-ed here and below. Reflecting on a year of progress for Minnesotans By Congresswoman Ilhan Omar I came to Congress on a promise of cogovernance. As your Congresswoman, I do not only want to represent Minnesotans, I want to govern with you. As my first year in office comes to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to speak to you directly about the priorities I am focused on. When I was sworn in this year, I made my first and primary goal to invest in the people and the communities of Minnesota's 5th District and to fight against the forces of economic inequality that are holding working families back in Minnesota and across the country. Too many Minnesotans are struggling to make ends meet because of policies that value corporate profits over workers' rights, and by a rigged system that forces the average American to scrape by on stagnant wages as the cost of living skyrockets. Too often, our lawmakers prioritize wasteful Pentagon contracts or tax cuts for corporations over the basic needs of Minnesotans. I've centered my agenda around making a more just and livable world for future generationsand cogoverning with the people who sent me to Washington. Before I got to Congress, I worked with Speaker Pelosi and an interfaith coalition tooverturn the ban on head covering on the House floorbecause our constitution protects the rights of everyone to express their faith how they see fit. The first bill we introduced in the House was H.R. 1, the For The People Act, a major bill to get money out of politics and reform our elections. The final bill included my own legislation to restrict foreign lobbying, and I was honored to be one of the few freshmen members to play a part in that legislation. I introduced major bills to cancel student debt, make school meals universal, and guarantee housing as a human right. Whether it's by fighting for climate justice, pushing for Medicare for All, or working to clean up our elections, my work has been guided by the priorities you sent me to Washington to fight for. I also fought to ensure that our Liberian-American brothers and sisters could remain in the country, after the President decided to terminate Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberian Americans. After multiple letters to the Administration, the deadline was extendedand eventually we were able to pass a bill guaranteeing Liberians a path to legal status in this country. We were able to secure debt relief for Somaliaafter the Administration failed to notify Congress. In the House, we passed the Equality Act to ensure that LGBTQ Americans receive basic civil rights protections.We passed the Dream and Promise Act to give DREAMers a pathway to citizenship. We passed the Raise the Wage Act to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, a raise for 33 million Americans, including 20 million women, and the Butch Lewis Act, to protect the pensions of more than 1 million workers and retirees. For the personal and financial security of America's women, we passed a strong reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, the Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act, and the Paycheck Fairness Act for equal pay for equal work. For committee assignments, I was assigned to the Education & Labor, Budget, and Foreign Affairs Committeesall committees that can make a tangible impact on Minnesotans' lives. Whether it's raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, enacting stronger workplace safety laws, supporting workers' right to collectively bargain or creating a federal jobs guarantee programthey all go through the Ed & Labor committee. The Foreign Affairs Committee allows me to oversee all foreign assistance, national security affecting the country's foreign policy, treaties, peacekeeping and war powers. The budget committee sets the Congressional framework for all spending and revenue levels. So if you, like me, think we prioritize tax cuts for the wealthy and endless wars, when we should be investing in education and Medicare for All, the budget committee is the place to change those priorities We were able to secure major victories in appropriationsincluding a $3 million increase in Healthy Star funding, a $40 million increase in TRIO education funding, a $550 million increase in Head Start and early Head Startwhich will benefit over 12,000 kids in Minnesota. My team was able to return over $411,000 to constituents via caseworkserving over 200 Minnesotans. At each point, we were in close contact with youto make sure our decisions represented Minnesotans. We held over 21 roundtables and town halls this yearon everything from Medicare for All to environmental justice, pay equity, immigration and LGBTQIA+ rights. And we held over 1,000 meetings with constituents. And we responded to over 47,000 letters you sent us. Of course, the year was not without its challenges. We continue to face stonewalling on even basic legislation from the Senate and White House. We have a lawless president who shows disdain for basic democratic valuesand repeatedly has violated his oath to the country and Constitution. But we in the House of Representatives proved that we can legislative and investigate. We ended the year by upholding our oath by holding this President accountable for his abuse of power and outright obstruction of a legitimate Congressional inquiry. I know how daunting the challenges before us can seem at times. When faced with the words and actions of the current occupant of the White House, it is easy for hopelessness and cynicism to set in. But I want you to know: you have a representative who will do everything in her power to resist the forces of hate and division pushed by this president and pursue a politics of joy. Even in the darkest of moments, there is opportunity to build community and fight for a better world. I promise to continue to fight for that world as your representative in Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-securing-bwcaw-report-language-final-spending-package,McCollum Statement on Securing BWCAW Report Language in Final Spending Package,2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, released the following statement today after President Trump signed the FY 2020 funding package into law: ""With President Trump signing H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158 into law, we've avoided another government shutdown and funded our government sufficiently,"" Chair McCollum said. ""The funding that's now signed into law advances House report language that accompanies H.R. 2740, which was passed by the House of Representatives on June 19, 2019. This language directs the State Department to report to Congress on the effects of sulfide-ore copper mining in the Super National Forest on international waters shared with Canada and protected by the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty. While the White House took aggressive action to ensure similar language was stripped out of the Interior-Environment funding bill – which would have ensured science is used in determining the impact of mining on the Boundary Waters – the language that is included is an important step to keeping our shared international waters clean and safe. I look forward to the report, due to Congress in 60 days, on the potential for cross-boundary pollution resulting from sulfide-ore copper mining in the Superior National Forest. ""To that end, I've sent letters to Secretary of State Pompeo as well as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, apprising them of the expected report by the State Department and recommitting to our international partnership and shared obligation to protect these irreplaceable natural resources. These pristine waters belong to all of us, and it's important we all do our part to keep them intact."" Background: This language can be found on page 31 of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill Report (H.R. 2740), and as follows: Report Rainy River Drainage Basin.—The Committee supports the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty and the goal of limiting pollution of boundary waters. The Committee is concerned that decisions made by the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Interior to approve mineral leases in the Superior National Forest will result in an operational sulfide-ore copper mine that risks polluting the waters within the Rainy River Drainage Basin flowing into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Ontario, Canada's Quetico Provincial Park. Therefore, the Committee directs the Department of State to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations not later than 60 days of enactment of this Act detailing: the characteristics of the Boundary Waters-Quetico ecosystem and the hydrology of the Rainy River Drainage Basin and its impact on Canada; U.S. Government plans to monitor and mitigate the risk of acid mine drainage originating in the Superior National Forest polluting Canadian waters; and United States efforts to inform the Government of Canada on the potential for cross-boundary pollution resulting from sulfide-ore copper mining in the Superior National Forest. Article IV of The Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, a treaty between the United States and Canada, states: ""It is further agreed that the waters herein defined as boundary waters and waters flowing across the boundary shall not be polluted on either side to the injury of health or property on the other."" McCollum's letter to Secretary Pompeo can be found here and Prime Minister Trudeau letter can be found here. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/omar-mccollum-craig-and-phillips-urge-assessment-public-housing-stock-following,"Omar, McCollum, Craig and Phillips Urge Assessment of Public Housing Stock following Cedar-Riverside Fire",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONReps. Ilhan Omar, Betty McCollum, Angie Craig and Dean Philips sent a letter to Ben Carson, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, asking the agency to conduct a full assessment of national public housing in order to determine exactly how many facilities are currently exempt from sprinkler requirements and how many of those have been retrofitted regardless. On Wednesday, November 27th, a tragic fire that broke out in a public housing high-rise in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, killing 5 people. More residents are still in the hospital recovering from injuries. The building was not fully equipped with sprinklers because it was constructed before laws mandated the equipment place. There are more than 20,000 publicly-owned units operated in our state, providing homes to 36,000 Minnesotans and families, the Members wrote. They are counting on the government to help keep them safe and prevent another senseless tragedy like what happened in Cedar Riverside last month. We look forward to hearing from your agency on the scope of the upgrades needed in order to help public housing residents across the country feel safer under their own roof. Although Public Housing Authorities conduct Capital Needs Assessment to catalogue all their maintenance and repair needs, sprinkler systems may not make it onto those lists for facilities that are exempt and already burdened with a high backlog of needs. Further, HUD does not formally keep track of which older buildings have or have not been outfitted with the life-saving equipment. The letter also asks for a cost estimate from HUD on how much federal funding the agency would need to ensure every public housing building was fully equipped, regardless of age. The full text of the letter is below and here. December 19, 2019 The Honorable Ben Carson Secretary U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20410 Secretary Carson: We write to request vital information from the Department of Housing and Urban Development on the safety of public housing residents in our state and across the nation. As you are aware, just last month, a public housing high-rise apartment building in the Minneapolis neighborhood of Cedar Riverside suffered a devastating tragedy when a fire broke out the day before Thanksgiving. Five people lost their lives that day and more remain in the hospital, recovering from their injuries and the serious effects of smoke inhalation. Sadly, the building was not fully outfitted with fire sprinklers, having been constructed decades before regulations were put into place requiring such safety equipment in all residences. The presence of sprinklers could have made a real difference in the Cedar Riverside tragedy, considering that statistics show that the death rate in home fires is 81% lower when sprinklers are present. The federal government has a duty to protect the safety and security of public housing residents. But we cannot properly uphold that duty without an accurate accounting of what hazards are threatening these facilities, particularly in cases like this one - where the hazard may not be categorized by the Capital Needs Assessment or other maintenance-need inventories due to the retrofit exemptions. We request that your agency conduct a complete assessment of the nation's public housing stock to determine how many facilities are currently exempted from the sprinkler requirements established under the Fire Administration Authorization Act of 1992 and further, how many units in these facilities have been retrofitted despite the exemption. In addition to reporting on the overall number of units that currently lack a sprinkler system, we also request that you share with us the estimated amount of federal funding needed to bring all facilities into compliance with current sprinkler system regulations and ensure that residents are protected regardless of when their property was built. There are more than 20,000 publicly-owned units operated in our state, providing homes to 36,000 Minnesotans and families. They are counting on the government to help keep them safe and prevent another senseless tragedy like what happened in Cedar Riverside last month. We look forward to hearing from your agency on the scope of the upgrades needed in order to help public housing residents across the country feel safer under their own roof. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-applauds-new-permanent-resident-status-liberian-minnesotans,Phillips Applauds New Permanent Resident Status for Liberian Minnesotans,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Dean Phillips,P000616,phillips.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) is celebrating with the members of the Liberian community in Minnesota after President Trump signed the National Defense Department Authorization (NDAA). The defense agreement provides Liberians on Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) with a pathway to citizenship for the first time - the culmination of a year-long effort by Phillips and a core group other lawmakers. Phillips has been working with the Liberian community, his colleagues in Congress and President Trump to first delay the expiration of DED in March and has advocated for a bipartisan permanent fix for the last year. The yearly defense bill contained the final provision, which was based on legislative efforts led by Phillips, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, and Rep. David Cicilline, Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed and Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith. Our nation is the land of promise and opportunity, said Phillips. If you are here legally, play by the rules, and contribute to your community, you should have nothing to fear - and our Liberian neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family are finally breathing a sigh of relief. Over many months, I have worked together with Minnesota's extraordinary Liberian community to elevate their stories and legislate a permanent fix for DED. I'm overjoyed and celebrating alongside them today and am thankful to my colleagues Rep. David Cicilline, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Sen. Tina Smith, and Sen. Jack Reed for finding a way to get this done. Minnesota is home to one of the largest Liberian immigrant populations in the United States, many of whom call Brooklyn Park home. For decades, Liberians on DED have worked legally, owned homes, and paid taxes in Minnesota with no pathway to citizenship. The community is also the hardworking bedrock of the northwest metro's health and senior care industry. The West African nation of Liberia was founded in 1822 by freed American slaves, and the two countries have since shared a special relationship. When a series of brutal civil wars broke out in 1989, many Liberians fled to the United States and President George H.W. Bush extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Liberians as part of the U.S. humanitarian response. Then, in 1999, President Bill Clinton introduced DED as a temporary immigration status for Liberian refugees. DED has been routinely renewed by every subsequent Administration and Liberians have continued to seek refuge in the United States from ongoing violence and the Ebola crisis. In March 2019, after stating he would not act, President Donald Trump issued a one-year extension of protections for Liberians for the second time. He expressed a desire to give Congress time to consider legislation that would make repeatedly granting one-year extensions unnecessary. Phillips voted in favor of the annual defense spending bill, which passed the House last Wednesday. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-reaffirms-commitment-strong-environmental-protections-bwca,Phillips Reaffirms Commitment to Strong Environmental Protections for the BWCA,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Dean Phillips,P000616,phillips.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) issued the following statement after Chilean mining conglomerate and owner of Twin Metals, Antofagasta, submitted a plan to the Minnesota DNR detailing its proposal to develop a sulfide-ore copper mine adjacent to Minnesota's treasured Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness this week. The plan comes just days after the White House worked to strip a provision, authored by Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-04), from the federal spending agreement which would have required the U.S. Forest Service to complete its study on the risk sulfide-ore copper mining poses to the Boundary Waters. Last year, the Trump Administration cancelled the Forest Service study just before its completion and all information from this taxpayer-funded study is being withheld from the American people. This Administration has repeatedly stonewalled reasonable requests from Congress and the American people for more information about the implications of mining near Minnesota's, and the nation's, most popular Wilderness. I urge the Trump Administration to complete and publish the study of the potential impact of the Twin Metals mine on our treasured national forest lands, and I am proud to join Rep. Betty McCollum and thousands of my constituents in the mission to preserve the Boundary Waters for generations to come. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=02DB222D-29B7-41BE-BD76-FFB88694052A,"Klobuchar, Craig, Phillips, McCollum, Emmer, and Stauber Urge Consumer Product Safety Commission to Open Investigation into Contaminated Toys to Ensure Child Safety",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) follows recent reports that a child from Minnesota was found with toxic blood levels of lead after playing with an off-brand spin toy purchased online WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representatives Angie Craig (MN-2), Dean Phillips (MN-3), Betty McCollum (MN- 4), Tom Emmer (MN-6), and Pete Stauber (MN-8) urged the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to open an investigation into contaminated toys following reports that a child from Minnesota was found to have toxic blood levels of lead after playing with an off-brand spin toy that was purchased online. Last month, the Minnesota Department of Commerce banned the sale of 15 off-brand versions of these toys in Minnesota after finding that they contained toxic levels of lead and cadmium. In a letter, the delegation urged the CPSC to take steps to ensure that contaminated toys are taken off the market to ensure that children are safe. We believe one lead-contaminated toy is too many and that it is unacceptable that parents could unknowingly purchase contaminated toys for their children, the members wrote. Given the seriousness of this issue and recognizing that families are spending a significant amount of time shopping online, we urge the CPSC to ensure that no contaminated toys remain on the market so that parents can shop safe and kids can play safe. The full text of the letter can be found HERE and below: Dear Acting Chairman Adler: We write to express our serious concerns regarding recent reports that a child from Minnesota was found with toxic blood levels of lead and cadmium after playing with an off-brand spin toy that was purchased online and to request that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) open an investigation and take steps to ensure that contaminated toys are taken off the market to ensure that children are safe. Over 400,000 Americans die each year due to lead exposure, which is also extremely hazardous to children's health by causing brain and nervous system damage. Similarly, cadmiuma carcinogen that can cause kidney, lung, and bone damageis incredibly dangerous for children. Last month, the Minnesota Department of Commerce banned the sale of off-brand versions of a popular spin toy after a Minnesota child was found to have elevated toxic blood levels of lead and cadmium after playing with the toy. State investigators tested 50 name-brand and off-brand versions of the same toy purchased on the websites Amazon, AliExpress, and Wish.com and confirmed that there were toxic levels of lead and cadmium in 15 off-brand versions of the toy. The CPSC plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of our children, including investigating hazardous children's products and banning ones that present an unreasonable safety risk. While the three websites in the investigation stopped selling the off-brand toxic spin toys, we remain concerned that parents may unknowingly purchase these toys on other websites. In addition, the packaging of the off-brand toys is designed to look like the name-brand toys, making it difficult for parents to identify which toys are safe and which toys are dangerous. We believe one lead-contaminated toy is too many and that it is unacceptable that parents could unknowingly purchase contaminated toys for their children. Given the seriousness of this issue and recognizing that families are spending a significant amount of time shopping online, we urge the CPSC to ensure that no contaminated toys remain on the market so that parents can shop safe and kids can play safe. We respectfully request that you respond to the following questions: 1.What is the CPSC doing to investigate whether the spin toys containing toxic chemicals that were banned in Minnesota remain on the market? 2.Does the CPSC have a system in place to monitor toys sold online for lead, cadmium, and other toxic chemicals? 3.What is the CPSC doing to educate parents on the risks of purchasing off-brand toys online, how to distinguish between name-brand and off-brand toys, and how to protect their children from toxic chemicals like lead and cadmium? 4.Does the CPSC need additional resources to improve its oversight of toys and ensure children's safety? Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to your response. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=13DFB955-8C1A-4A6E-AB1A-32CA59B8E758,Klobuchar Provisions Included in National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA),2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation signed into law includes Klobuchar provisions that will examine the health effects of exposure to burn pits on veterans; support children of National Guard and Reserve members; a Klobuchar-backed Reed provision to extend permanent residency status to eligible Liberians; improve voting processes for members of the military to ensure all ballots from servicemembers are counted; and combat foreign influence campaigns WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced today that five of her provisions to support servicemembers, veterans, and their families have been included in the reauthorization of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The first provision, based on the bipartisan Burn Pit Accountability Act, introduced with Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), would require servicemembers to be evaluated for health issues caused by exposure to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals during routine health exams. The second provision is based on the Supporting Children of the National Guard and Reserve Act, introduced with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), and would support children in National Guard and Reserve families by requiring states to identify students from military families in school records to ensure that schools and teachers know which students have parents in the military to help accommodate any additional needs. The third provision is based on the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, a Klobuchar-backed bill with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), which would allow eligible Liberians to apply for permanent residency and provide them with a pathway to citizenship. The fourth provision would authorize the Department of Defense and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to conduct a study to determine necessary steps to track ballots from servicemembers across the world to ensure that their votes are being counted. The fifth provision is based on the Combatting Foreign Influence Act, introduced with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), to establish a Malign Foreign Influence Response Center to combat election interference operations conducted by foreign adversaries against the United States. We owe it to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for our country to provide them with the best possible health care, which includes evaluations of toxic exposure. We also must ensure that servicemembers' votes are counted no matter where they're stationed, and support their families here at home. Additionally, the creation of a disinformation response center at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) will help our intelligence community establish a collaborative, comprehensive approach to protecting our democracy from information warfare and better secure our democracy. These provisions will strengthen the NDAA and do right by those who sacrifice so much for our security, Klobuchar said. Our work to secure a path to citizenship for eligible Liberians here in America is now law. There has been a vibrant Liberian community in Minnesota for decades, and they are an important part of our state, where they serve as business owners, teachers, and health care workers. This hard fought step toward permanent citizenship is well-deserved for this community that has worked hard and played by the rules. The passage of this Burn Pit legislation is another positive step forward to address the health concerns of our armed forces. It means everything to our family that Amie's life impacted so many people and that her death did not go unnoticed. Brian Muller said. I am thankful for Senator Klobuchar's tireless efforts to ensure servicemembers will be evaluated for their exposure to toxic chemicals while they are still serving, and not after. Amie and I had a lot of plans together a lot of dreams, a lot of hopes but she would be proud of the progress that has been made here today. The Burn Pits Accountability Act In January 2019, Klobuchar and Sullivan reintroduced the bipartisan Burn Pits Accountability Act to require members of the Armed Forces to be evaluated for exposure to toxic airborne chemicals during routine health exams and to direct the Secretary of Defense to record and share whether servicemembers were based or stationed near an open burn pit, including any information recorded as part of the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, the Periodic Health Assessment (PHAs), Separation History and Physical Examination (SHPEs), and Post-Deployment Health Assessment (PDHAs). Members exposed to toxic airborne chemicals or stationed near an open burn pit would also be enrolled in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, unless they chose to opt out. The burning of waste on military bases exposed many servicemembers to a variety of potentially harmful substances. Plastic, aerosol cans, electronic equipment, human waste, tires, and batteries were thrown into open pits, often doused with jet fuel, and set on fire. As a result, many deployed soldiers were exposed to smoke from these open-air burn pits. Health effects from exposure to chemicals found in burn pits may include cancer, neurological effects, reproductive effects, respiratory toxicity, and cardiovascular toxicity. Troops who have worked in these areas are subject to higher rates of asthma, emphysema, and rare lung disorders. The Supporting Children of the National Guard and Reserve Act In March 2019, Klobuchar and Collins reintroduced the bipartisan Supporting Children of the National Guard and Reserve Act to support children in National Guard and Reserve families. Currently, children of National Guard and Reserve members are excluded from the Military Student Identifier program, part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which requires states to identify students from military families in school records to ensure that schools and teachers know which students have parents in the military to help accommodate any additional needs. Klobuchar has been outspoken in Minnesota for military families and met with members of the with the Minnesota Army National Guard in Winona and Moorhead to advocate for this legislation at roundtable shortly after it originally introduced in 2017. The Supporting Children of the National Guard and Reserve Act would amend ESSA to include children of National Guard and Reserve members. In addition to being deployed during domestic emergencies and natural disasters, National Guard and Reservists often deploy around the world and made up a significant portion of the U.S. forces that have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. More than one million military-connected children face challenges associated with service, including frequent moves, parental deployments, and other issues related to parents who may be experiencing trauma associated with deployment. The Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act Since 2007,Klobuchar hascosponsoredthe Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, led by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), which would allow eligible Liberians to apply for permanent residency and provide them with a pathway to citizenship. The provision in NDAA is based on that legislation. She hasalso cosponsoredthe Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and in Emergency (SECURE) Act, which would allow qualified Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and DED recipients to apply for legal permanent residency, since it was first introduced in 2017. Klobuchar has also emphasized the need to extend Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to Administration officials and Senate leaders. Klobuchar and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in March urging him to allow the Senate to consider legislation to extend protected status for Liberian recipients of DED before it expired. In February, Klobuchar, Smith, and U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN), Dean Phillips (D-MN), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Collin Peterson (D-MN) sent a letter to President Trump asking him to extend protected status for Liberians in the United States, allowing recipients to remain in the country legally and receive work authorization.One month later, in March, the Administration announced a one-year extension of DED for Liberians. Military Ballot Tracking Program In order to ensure that servicemembers know that their votes are being counted, the military partnered with the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 2016 to conduct a pilot program to track ballots from servicemembers. The pilot program provided end-to-end tracking on ballots, similar to how a consumer can track a package. The pilot program was successful, but only included 1,588 servicemembers. Klobuchar's provision with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) would authorize funds for the Department of Defense and USPS to conduct a study to determine what is necessary to scale the program to all members of the Armed Forces and overseas voters. The Combatting Foreign Influence Act In September 2019, Klobuchar and Reed introduced the Combatting Foreign Influence Act to establish a Malign Foreign Influence Response Center to combat election interference operations conducted by foreign adversaries against the United States. The legislation would require the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to establish a Malign Foreign Influence Response Center where officials from across the intelligence community could collaborate and ensure that agencies and departments are working together to assess influence operations with a whole-of-government approach. Similar steps have been taken to address terrorism through the establishment of the Counterterrorism Center at the ODNI. The Combatting Foreign Influence Act is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). Throughout her time in the Senate, Klobuchar has worked across the aisle to modernize G.I. Bill benefits for our troops, strengthen funding for veterans' health care and improve mental health care for our nation's soldiers. In December, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act was signed into law and contained two of Klobuchar's provisions. Klobuchar and Senator Thom Tillis' (R-NC) Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act will create a center of excellence within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to better understand the health effects associated with burn pits and treat veterans who become sick after exposure. Her bipartisan Support our Military Spouses Act will ease the relocation process frequently required of military families by ensuring that spouses of active duty servicemembers do not have to establish new legal residency every time they move for a military reassignment. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smith-says-thye-blatnik-decision-win-minnesotans-lake-st-louis-and-cook-counties,"U.S. Senator Tina Smith Says Thye Blatnik Decision is a Win for Minnesotans in Lake, St. Louis and Cook Counties",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Smith Successfully Fought To Ensure Compensation Payments Through Thye Blatnik Act Remain at Current Levels WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/20/19]Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) heeded her call and will maintain federal payments tothree counties in northern Minnesota at current levels, which is welcome news to Lake, St. Louis and Cook Counties. The Counties benefit from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) as a world-renowned tourist destination, but they also forgo property taxes and other potential revenue streams. Congress passed theThye Blatnik Actover 70 years ago, which directed the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire lands within the future BWCAW and set up a system of annual compensation payments to the host counties. The most recent appraisal suggested that there had been an unbelievable 49 percent decline in property values in a mere decade, and Sen. Smith stood up for Lake, St. Louis and Cook Counties by urging USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky to continueThye Blatnikpayments at previous appraisal levels until either a full appeal process is completed or a new appraisal can be conducted. Thye Blatnik payments have been a vital source of revenue for Cook, St. Louis and Lake Counties in northeastern Minnesota since 1948. A suspect and likely wrong reappraisal of lands in those counties conducted by the Trump Administration last year threatened to reduce county revenue dramatically,said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.Today, I am pleased that the Administration has listened to my advice and will redo their 2018 reappraisal and continue current levels of payments to the counties until that new appraisal is complete. You can access Sen. Smith's letter to Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky pushing to secure this outcomehere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-tina-smith-and-david-perdue-introduce-bipartisan-youth-workforce-readiness-act,U.S. Senators Tina Smith and David Perdue Introduce Bipartisan Youth Workforce Readiness Act,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators' Bill Would help Prepare Young People for the Workforce and Boost Their Economic Potential WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/20/19]This week, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and David Perdue (R-Ga.)along with Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)introduced a bipartisan bill to promote partnerships between afterschool providers and businesses so young people can explore career paths and opportunities that help them land their first jobs and thrive in the workforce. Right now, communities in Minnesota, Georgia, and across America face significant challenges in ensuring youth gain the skills needed to be adequately prepared to enter the workforce. Many young people share concerns about whether they have the skills necessary to secure a job. This lack of adequate workforce readiness also leads to negative economic impacts for employers, who often say they struggle to find workers with the right skills for open jobs. TheYouth Workforce Readiness Actwould support high-quality programs that help youth gain skills and connect these skills to critical real-life work experiences and learning opportunities. It would set up a grant program for national, youth-serving, out-of-school time organizations like the Boys & Girls Club to fund workforce preparation programs while also increasing coordination between local workforce boards and experts in youth policy. I hear from young people about their hopes for the future, which include contributing to their communities and getting good jobs. And I hear from employers that they need help getting connected to great employees. That's where afterschool and out-of-school time providers can play a role in helping young people gain skills and make connections to mentors, opportunities and local employers,said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Education Committee.Our bipartisan bill would help support youth success for years to come by exposing young people to the varied ways they can participate in the workforce. Currently, there are 7.3 million job openings and only 5.8 million people looking for work,said Sen. Perdue.It is important that we invest in the future of America's workforce by giving children the skills they need to succeed.This bipartisan effort withthe Boys & Girls Club and other youth organizations willsupportthe development of out-of-school programsthat arefocused on preparing our youth topursue the career of their choice. I'm proud the Boys & Girls Clubs of America calls Georgia home, and I share their commitment to helping kids and teens reach their fullpotential. Making sure young people are equipped with the skills they need for a successful future is a win for everyone, especially as more employers have jobs that America's youth are eager to fill,said Sen. Wyden.This bill puts workforce readiness front and center to set our young people on the fast track to earning a living wage. A well-educated, well-trained workforce is a key component to future economic development,said Sen. Graham.This legislation is great news for South Carolina and an important investment in the future of our nation. We can see what the future looks like by how we set up our kids and teens for success today. But to solve these challenges as a nation, we must start by investing in young people early. The Youth Workforce Readiness Act recognizes the time kids spend after-school and during the summer, to develop these skills, as critical for ensuring equity for all young people,said Jim Clark, president and CEO at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Smith and Perdue to address the needs of our country and future generations to ensure economic prosperity. By supporting out-of-school time youth development organizations, we can close the opportunity gap that exists for so many kids and teens today. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities thanks Senator Smith for her commitment to changing the lives and future opportunities for the youth in our state and around the country,said Terryl Brumm, CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.This bill is an investment in a transformational and effective program model that will support achievement of essential skill-building starting at an early age when we at Boys & Girls Clubs know we can make a difference. We've seen firsthand that providing a safe environment where young people are engaged and challenged to build and practice essential skills ensures that they can reach their full potential and are well prepared to enter the workforce strengthening the economy today and into the future. TheYouth Workforce Readiness Act of 2019will support programs that provide youth with: Essential-skill development by embedding social-emotional through formal and informal learning experiences; Career exploration through community-based business partnerships, including discovery opportunities, career assessments and planning into a variety of career paths; Employability skills including interviewing, resume writing, financial literacy and credential/certification opportunities that help youth find their first job; and Work-based learning opportunities to practice and apply skills in hands-on work environments through local community business partnerships.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/epa-lets-down-farmers-again,EPA Lets Down Farmers Again,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Collin Peterson,P000258,collinpeterson.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson released the following statement in regard to the release of the supplemental rule to address the Small Refinery Waiver actions that have been taken by the Administration: The Administration has repeatedly directed the EPA and other agencies to support the ethanol industry and corn farmers, and the EPA has told those farmers to trust them. Instead we're seeing a final rule out of EPA that doesn't guarantee the 15 billion gallons the RFS mandates. At a time when our agriculture economy is struggling, the EPA has ripped 4 billion gallons of ethanol out of the market and impacted corn prices and rural communities. We also have yet to see the other things that were promised to the biofuels industry and corn farmers to get more ethanol into the market via infrastructure incentives and policies related to higher ethanol blends. Chairman Peterson is also co-chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, a bipartisan group of Members of Congress who advocate for homegrown renewable fuel policies that boost farmer incomes and reduce dependence on foreign oil. He is also the sponsor of theRenewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act of 2019, a bill which provides certainty to the biofuels industry by setting an annual deadline for small refinery exemption applications and bringing transparency to the process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/peterson-statement-house-vote-impeach-president-donald-j-trump,Peterson statement on House Vote to Impeach President Donald J. Trump,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Collin Peterson,P000258,collinpeterson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Collin Peterson has issued this statement following a vote on two articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump: ""Throughout my career, I have worked from the guiding belief that only through bipartisan action can we address the country's most pressing challenges.At the beginning of the impeachment debate we were told that it would only move ahead with bipartisan support in the Congress and significant support from the American people. ""After the Russia investigation, Mueller Report and official impeachment investigation by the House Intelligence and the House Judiciary Committees we became more polarized and had less consensus. How can it be that after all the testimony, every Democrat thinks the president has committed an impeachable offense and every Republican thinks he has not? ""I'm not a lawyer and am not sure what high crimes and misdemeanors are, but I do know that this process has not convinced the people in my district we have impeachable offenses and that the president needs to be removed. I disagreed with how the Russia probe and Mueller report were handled and think it set the stage for the failed impeachment inquiry. The inquiry and hearing have been partisan and have failed in convincing the country while further placating some people who have wanted the president impeached since he was elected. ""This process has been a mistake and I will not be whipped in line by my party. I may stand alone but I stand in good conscience. History will show this to be a mistake and the Senate will make short work of an acquittal.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-angie-craig-applauds-usmca-house-passage,Congresswoman Angie Craig Applauds USMCA House Passage,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Angie Craig voted to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) with overwhelming bipartisan support, giving family farmers and Minnesota businesses a new deal with our largest trading partners. Rep. Craig worked for months to help finalize a final trade agreement that is good for family farmers and protects American workers - without providing a hand out to prescription drugs companies. She met several times with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and led a group of over 100 Members of Congress in pushing back on a provision advocated by Big Pharma that would have extended market exclusivity on biologic drugs in the agreement. It was removed from the final trade deal. Over the past few months I've heard from farmers and businesses about the need for a trade deal that opens up export markets, and I've pushed to make sure hard-working Minnesotans weren't given a false choice between dependable markets and affordable healthcare, said Rep. Angie Craig. I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues and the Administration get this across the finish line. I'm pleased to vote for this important trade agreement, and now it's time for Mitch McConnell to prioritize this in the Senate. USMCA seeks to protect American jobs, improve labor standards abroad, and promote economic growth for family farmers and workers. This agreement has the overwhelming support of American labor groups, farm organizations, and business coalitions. The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks Congresswoman Angie Craig for her tireless work to stand up for our small businesses in the final USMCA deal. Our members will now have reliable markets with Mexico and Canada, our largest trade partners, said Maureen Scallen Failor, President of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Minnesota Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Congresswoman Craig's support for USMCA. She knows that Minnesota farmers needed an agreement that strengthens North America's strong, balanced partnership that locks in market opportunities previously developed with our two closest neighbors that makes us more competitive internationally, said Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Papp. Ratifying USMCA sends a signal to trading partners across the world that the U.S. is back in business in the international marketplace. On behalf of MFU's family farmer members, I want to thank Congresswoman Craig for her hard work on USMCA, especially for standing firm on eliminating the provision on biologic drugs, which would have driven up health care costs for many farmers and others, said Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish. It was worthwhile to Minnesota's family farmers that she and other members of Minnesota's delegation took the time negotiating for a better deal than what was initially proposed. This holiday season will be a bit brighter for America's dairy farmers as today's vote brings us one step closer to finalizing USMCA and securing a more certain future for the dairy industry, said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation. Minnesota's dairy industry appreciates the work that Congresswoman Craig has invested to ensure USMCA will provide expanded market opportunities and a more level playing field for dairy exports. Now we are counting on the Senate to act quickly and finalize USMCA in order to deliver its improvements to North American trade. The Minnesota AgriGrowth Council (AgriGrowth) is pleased with the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by the House of Representatives. Congresswoman Craig's membership on the House Committee on Agriculture, as well as her leadership and support of this extremely important trade agreement is most appreciated, stated AgriGrowth Chairman Pat Lunemann. Swift ratification of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is critical to AgriGrowth's membership, which includes food producers, processors, and every business that has a connection to the second largest economic driver in the state, said Tamara Nelsen, Executive Director for AgriGrowth. It is great to see lawmakers from both sides of the aisle - as well as representatives from agriculture, labor, manufacturing, and other sectors - come to an agreement on a deal that means the difference between profit and loss to Minnesota's agri-food industry. Rep. Craig remains committed to working with the Administration when it benefits Minnesota's Second Congressional District and pushing back on anyone or any ideas that hurt them.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/citing-trump-administration-inaction-sanders-and-omar-pursue-oversight-effort,"Citing Trump Administration Inaction, Sanders and Omar Pursue Oversight Effort on Amazon Workplace Abuse",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONIn the face of the Trump Administration's continued failure to hold Amazon accountable for endemic abuses at its warehouses, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) are demanding detailed information from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding injury reports at Amazon facilities over the past three years. Working conditions in the United States of America should be the best and safest in the world, write Sanders and Omar. Unfortunately, workers at Amazon facilities suffer from continued egregious safety lapses. The two lawmakers cite Amazon's own injury records, recently revealed in a Center for Investigative Reporting expos, that demonstrate that the company's rate of serious injuries is more than double the average of warehouses nationwide. Due to the company's pressure on warehouse employees during the holiday shopping season, the first two weeks of December are the most dangerous of the year for Amazon workers. In July, Sen. Sanders and Rep. Omar led a dozen lawmakers in calling for OSHA to launch a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the workplace conditions at all of Amazon's warehouses, and urged OSHA to prosecute any uncovered abuses to the fullest extent of the law. OSHA's response to the members of Congress did not commit to conducting any new investigations or to the enforcement of violations at Amazon. OSHA's inaction reflects a deliberate shift by the Trump Administration toward weaker workplace protections. OSHA's own data reveal a notable decline in the number of inspectors and worksite inspections. Given your agency's lack of attention to this very serious matter, Sanders and Omar conclude, OSHA must now produce injury reports for all Amazon facilities. By law, this data must be visibly posted on the worksite and made available to employees, former employees, and representatives of employees. As the injury reports are stored in an easily shared data file, the two lawmakers estimate that it should take no more than a day for OSHA to comply with this request. Read the letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=70F8F7DE-E599-4F5E-91B4-24704410E2DE,Klobuchar Statement on Final Rule for Biofuel Volumes,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Klobuchar has spent months calling for an end to the harm caused by the abuse of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) hardship' waivers WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final rule setting biofuel-blending volumes for 2020 and biomass-based diesel volumes for 2021. The biofuel industry supports hundreds of thousands of rural jobs across the country. However, this final rule fails to make any substantive changes to what was proposed in October, which was already too little, too late for farmers, ethanol producers, and the environment. The Administration caused this problem by making exemptions for big oil companies, and its failure to uphold the RFS has already led to the closure or idling of more than 35 ethanol and biodiesel plants, leaving rural America further behind. Enough is enough. To ensure certainty for the marketplace and uphold the Congressional intent of the RFS, I will continue to encourage the Administration to follow the law and properly account for waived renewable gallons. Our environment, farmers, and rural communities depend on the faithful implementation of the RFS. For years, Klobuchar has also been a leader in the fight to strengthen the RFS to support American jobs and decrease dependence on foreign oil. Klobuchar has led several letters urging the Administration to cease issuing small refinery waivers and reject changes to the RFS that would upend stability and predictability for small businesses and rural communities. In November, Klobuchar led a public comment letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler expressing concern over the proposed supplemental rule establishing the Renewable Fuel Standard's (RFS) 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations and 2021 Biomass-Based Diesel Volumes. In October, Klobuchar sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue asking the agency to document the impact of small refinery waivers on farm income, commodity prices, and renewable fuel usage. Klobuchar has also led a bipartisan push for the EPA to allow for the year-round sale of E15, including letters to the Administration urging them to expand waivers for the sale of E15 in the summer months. Klobuchar is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would amend the Clean Air Act to allow for the year-round sale of E15. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=D0DE3A37-4ECC-4DAB-AD0A-897764278116,Klobuchar-Backed Legislation to Protect Consumers from Robocalls Passes Senate,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. Senate passed legislation backed by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to protect consumers from robocalls. The Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act would protect consumers from illegal robocalls by giving regulators more time to find scammers, increasing civil penalties, promoting call authentication and blocking adoption technologies, and ensuring that consumers receive call authentication and blocking services at no cost. The bipartisan legislation led by Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ) also brings relevant federal agencies and state attorneys general together to address criminal prosecution of robocallers who intentionally violate the law. The bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Robocalls doubled last year in Minnesota. Worse still, they often target seniors, who can lose their entire life savings to fraudulent cons. Klobuchar said. We need to protect consumers from these annoying, unwanted, and potentially fraudulent calls That's why I have supported the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act, bipartisan legislation that helps regulators find scammers, increases civil penalties, and promotes call authentication and blocking technologies. I am pleased that this legislation has passed the Senate and look forward to seeing it signed into law. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, Klobuchar has been a leader in the fight to protect consumers from robocalls, ticket bots, unauthorized charges on their phone bills, and deceptive practices by fraudulent online travel booking websites. In July 2019, Klobuchar introduced the bipartisan Data Analytics Robocall Technology (DART) Act with Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to evaluate the most effective use of call blocking-technologies without disrupting public safety. Klobuchar also joined Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to introduce the Protection from Robocalling Act to end an exemption in theFederal Trade Commission Actthat some companies have exploited to enable illegal robocalls. In June 2019, Klobuchar joined Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NM), Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) to reintroduce the Deter Obnoxious, Nefarious, and Outrageous Telephone (DO NOT) Call Act to increase civil and criminal penalties for making illegal robocalls. In April 2019, Klobuchar joined Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Tina Smith (D-MN) to introduce the Protecting American Consumers from Robocalls Act, which would enhance theTelephone Consumer Protection Act(TCPA) of 1991 and the Do-Not-Call Registry. In April 2018, Klobuchar joined members of the Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee to introduce theRobocall Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2018. The legislation, led by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), would help the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) remove barriers that prevent the agency from pursuing those who violate robocall rules. In 2015, Klobuchar called on the FCC to implement Do Not Disturb technology to block telemarketing and unwanted robocalls on both landline and wireless phones. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=F013835C-40C5-418B-BB2B-33F5D1D7D724,"Klobuchar, Rubio Announce Senate Passage of Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The bipartisan legislation would assist veterans re-entering the workforce by directing the National Science Foundation to encourage veterans to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) announced that the Senate has passed their bipartisan Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act to assist veterans re-entering the workforce by directing the National Science Foundation to encourage veterans to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. ""Our veterans aren't just heroes on the battlefieldthey are the scientists, teachers, inventors, and engineers who will lead us to a brighter future. The passage of the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act through the Senate brings us one step closer to bringing veterans the benefits of well-paying jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math, and helping employers better meet their hiring needs. By supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life through STEM career training, we not only help them to succeed, but also strengthen our economy and our nation, Klobuchar said. The future of work in the 21st century will be dominated by STEM roles, and the United States should prioritize policies that utilize our well-qualified veterans to fill this future workforce, Rubio said. I thank my Senate colleagues for unanimously approving this important and bipartisan bill to ensure our nation's veterans have the skills and opportunities to succeed in STEM careers. I look forward to working with our colleagues in the House to get this bill to the President. We owe it to our nation's heroes to ensure this bipartisan bill gets across the finish line. The Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act would also require the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish an interagency working group to develop a strategic plan to address the barriers that veterans face when reentering the workforce and in pursuing STEM careers. The bill is supported by The Manufacturing Institute, Samsung, TechNet, Verizon, and the Consumer Technology Association. Since coming to the Senate, Klobuchar has worked to ensure that veterans and servicemembers who have defended our freedom and security have the resources they need and deserve and has also been a leader in efforts to develop a strong science and engineering workforce ready for the jobs of tomorrow. In November, Klobuchar and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) sent a letter urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expand the list of presumptive medical conditions for veterans exposed to Agent Orange. In 2018, provisions based on Klobuchar and Senator Thom Tillis' (R-NC) Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act were signed into law as part of the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. The bipartisan legislation created a Center of Excellence in the VA focused on researching the health effects associated with burn pits and treating veterans who become sick after exposure. In May, Klobuchar and Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced legislation to ensure that servicemembers and veterans exposed to Occupational Environmental Health (OEH) hazards in the line of duty get the necessary medical care and benefits they need. The bipartisanOccupational and Environmental Transparency Health (OATH) Act would require the Department of Defense to track active duty military personnel and veterans' exposed to harmful chemicals in a system. Also in May, Klobuchar-backed legislation to prevent changes in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from unduly harming Gold Star military families passed the Senate. TheGold Star Family Tax Relief Actwill correct a mistake in President Donald Trump's Tax Cuts and Jobs Actand eliminate the unfair tax hike on survivors benefits for Gold Star military families. In March, Klobuchar and Tillis reintroduced theNewborn Care Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that would double the number of days veterans receive care for their newborns from 7 to 14. Klobuchar also worked to pass the landmark Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provided enhanced tuition and housing benefits to service members seeking to continue their education and smoothly transition into the civilian workforce. She also supported the pivotal Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act, which not only improved support and training for family caregivers who often carry the largest burden of nursing our wounded warriors back to health but also strengthened health programs for women and rural veterans. Last Congress, two of Klobuchar's bipartisan bills, the Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women Act and the Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act, were signed into law by the President. These bills encourage women to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and pursue careers in aerospace through NASA initiatives, and build on existing efforts by the National Science Foundation to increase women's participation in STEM education and research. Klobuchar's provisions to require the Director of the NSF to consider recommendations from organizations representing underrepresented groups for the STEM Education Advisory Panel, and allow for research to better understand factors relevant to the retention of STEM teachers from underrepresented groups, including women and minorities, were signed into law by the president in the 2017 reauthorization of the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (COMPETES) Act. She was also a strong supporter of the America COMPETES Act of 2007 and the reauthorization of the law in 2010. Klobuchar also introduced the Innovate America Act to promote innovation and increase America's competitiveness in the global economy. Klobuchar is one of the founding co-chairs of the Diversifying Technology Caucus. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/smith-klobuchar-senate-passes-legislation-give-eligible-liberians-permanent-residency-status-and,"Smith, Klobuchar: Senate Passes Legislation to Give Eligible Liberians Permanent Residency Status and Pathway to Citizenship, Heads to President’s Desk",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Smith, Klobuchar say long fight to successfully ensure pathway to citizenship for Liberians in the U.S. won in National Defense Authorization Act WASHINGTON Yesterday, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that following years of advocacy and leadership to extend permanent residency status to Liberians, theNational Defense Authorization Act(NDAA), which includes a provision to allow eligible Liberians living in the United States currently on the temporary immigration status of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to continue living legally in the U.S. and get on a pathway to earning U.S. citizenship, has passed the Senate. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week and after Senate passage now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Our work to secure a path to citizenship for eligible Liberians here in America is one step closer to finally becoming law,Klobuchar said.There has been a vibrant Liberian community in Minnesota for decades, and they are an important part of our state, where they serve as business owners, teachers, and health care workers. This hard fought step toward permanent citizenship is well-deserved for this community that has worked hard and played by the rules. We foughtalongside brave community members who made their voices heardto extend humanitarian protections for Liberians because these people deserve the opportunity to become American citizens,Smith said.Creating a pathway to citizenship is a historic step for Congress, and it's the right step for us to take for Liberian families in Minnesota and across America. Klobuchar has been urgently requesting that the Administrationextend these protections for Liberians. Since 2007,Klobuchar hascosponsoredtheLiberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, led by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), which would allow eligible Liberians to apply for permanent residency and provide them with a pathway to citizenship. The provision in NDAA is based on that legislation. She hasalso cosponsoredtheSafe Environment from Countries Under Repression and in Emergency (SECURE) Act, which would allow qualified Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and DED recipients to apply for legal permanent residency, since it was first introduced in 2017. Smith started fighting for the Liberian community as soon as she joined the Senate in 2018. In January 2018, Smith joined Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) in sending a letter to the Trump Administration asking him to extend DED protections. Smith then cosponsored Senator Reed'sLiberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, to provide a pathway to citizenship for qualifying Liberians. Smith continued the fight in early 2019, when shepenned an op-ed in the Star Tribunecalling on the administration to extend DED protections. After months of continued pressure on the White House, Senator Smith suggested a strategy to move theLiberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Actthrough Congress. Smith urged Senator Reed to introduce an amendment to the annual defense authorization bill offering protections for Liberians. Smith and Reed ultimately co-led this amendment, passing into law a pathway to citizenship for eligible Liberians. Klobuchar has also emphasized the need to extend Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to Administration officials and Senate leaders. Klobuchar and Smithsent a letterto Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in March urging him to allow the Senate to consider legislation to extend protected status for Liberian recipients of DED. In February, Klobuchar, Smith, and U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN), Dean Phillips (D-MN), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Collin Peterson (D-MN)sent a letterto President Trump asking him to extend protected status for Liberians in the United States, allowing recipients to remain in the country legally and receive work authorization.One month later, in March, the Administration announced a one-year extension of DED for Liberians.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/smith-portman-bipartisan-revitalizing-underdeveloped-rural-areas-and-lands-rural-act-be-signed-law,"Smith, Portman Bipartisan Revitalizing Underdeveloped Rural Areas and Lands (RURAL) Act to be Signed Into Law",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation Provides Certainty to Rural Co-ops to Accept Rural Broadband Grants and FEMA Disaster Relief, Promoting Economic Development & Job Creation Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Senate passed the final FY 2020 funding bill that includes their bipartisanRevitalizing Underdeveloped Rural Areas and Lands (RURAL)Actto preserve jobs and encourage infrastructure development by expanding tax-exempt cooperative organizations' access to government grants and assistance, including rural broadband grants and FEMA disaster relief. This legislation provides certainty for co-ops looking to utilize government resources to deliver critical services to their members, such as broader access to high-speed internet or repairs to the electrical grid. The legislation now heads to the president's desk for signature. I'm pleased that this bipartisan legislation will now head to the president's desk to be signed into law because in today's technology-dependent world, we must do more to bring high-speed internet and stronger grid infrastructure to the rural areas of our country. Tax-exempt rural co-ops provide these important services to parts of the country where access to reliable electricity and high-speed internet is the most limited, and they rely heavily on grants to perform these services. Without this legislation, many co-ops may miss out on grant income or disaster assistance, hurting our efforts to promote economic development and job creation in these rural areas,said Portman. We should take any action we can to help us get more Minnesotans and Americans in rural areas connected,said Smith.So when I heard from several Minnesota cooperatives at risk of losing their tax-exempt status, I wanted to reverse that. I introduced bipartisan legislation that would ensure co-ops can retain their tax exemptions when they receive grants to expand rural broadband or recover from a disaster. With this measure set to become law, we can make sure rural broadband keeps expanding in Minnesota and nationwide. NOTE:TheRURAL Actwill amend the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to ensure tax-exempt cooperative organizations do not lose their tax-exempt status when they make use of certain government grants, contributions, and assistance, including rural broadband grants and FEMA disaster relief.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-sen-tina-smith-administrations-renewable-fuel-standard-policy-bait-and-switch-and-falls-short,"U.S. Sen. Tina Smith: Administration’s Renewable Fuel Standard Policy is “Bait and Switch” and Falls Short of What Minnesotans, Americans Deserve",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Had Repeatedly Called on Trump Administration to Address Abuse of Small Refinery Hardship Waivers WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/19/19]Today,U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.)a member of the Senate Agriculture Committeereleased the following statement after the Trump Administration announced final biofuel-blending quotas that fall short of accounting for the harmful abuse of small refinery waivers granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) blending targets. President Trump announced in early October that he would take steps to make up for the abuse of small refinery waivers, which have allowed oil refineries to avoid using four billion gallons of biofuels. But the Administration's plan released mid-October accounted for a fractionless than halfof the gallons of biofuels that have been lost. Now, Sen. Smith says the final blending targets are again disappointing and not what Minnesotans or Americans deserve. A strong Renewable Fuel Standard is important to rural communities, farmers, clean energy producers and agribusinesses.The RFS supports thousands of local jobs and helps lead to billions of dollars in economic activity, it cuts our dependence on foreign oil, and it helps fight global warming,said Sen. Smith.As I've said before,people were kind of feeling hopefulwhen the President talked about a 15 billion gallon blend assurance, after what's been a really cruddy year for corn producers and ethanol facilitiessome of whom are literally going out of business. This is another frustratingbait and switch by the President. His pro-oil and gas agenda stands out starkly in a week when we in Congress are about to pass a long-overdue extension of the biodiesel tax credit. In October, Sen. Smith pressed U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Censky about the Administration's policy on the amount of corn-based ethanol and other renewable fuels blended into the nation's gasoline supply at a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing.Sen. Smith has also pressed EPA Administrator Andrew Wheelerto take action, pointing out that the granting of waivers had increased by 370 percent with small refinery waivers going to large oil companies under the Trump Administration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smith-introduces-legislation-help-tribal-communities-address-opioid-epidemic-mental,"U.S. Senator Tina Smith Introduces Legislation to Help Tribal Communities Address Opioid Epidemic, Mental and Behavioral Health",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Smith, Udall, Tester, Warren, Cortez Masto Push for Resources to Help People Struggling with Addiction, Mental Health Conditions & Other Behavioral Health Crises on Tribal Lands WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/19/19]Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced a billalong with U.S. Sens. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.)to help Tribal communities in Minnesota and across the country access the resources they need to support people who are struggling with mental health issues or substance use disorders. Tribal communities have been hit hard by the opioid epidemic. According to a leading health agency, American Indians and Alaska Natives experience some of the highest drug overdose death rates. However, many tribal communities don't have the resources they need to tackle this public health crisis. TheNative Behavioral Health Access Improvement Actwould create a behavioral health program to help Tribes develop solutions that include culturally-appropriate efforts aimed at prevention, treatment, and recovery. Sen. Smith's bill would set up the Special Behavioral Health Program for Indiansthe SBHPImodeled after the successful Special Diabetes Program for Indians. You can access a summary of the billhereand text of the billhere. Native communities have been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, yet too many aren't able to access the behavioral health services necessary to tackle these challenges,said Sen. Smith, a member of the both the Senate Health and Indian Affairs Committees.Tribes need to be able to access the resources necessary to address the opioid crisis, and other mental health and substance use crises. I'm putting this bill forward to helpleaders in Indian Country,and those closest to the work, create programs that leverage their unique strengths and cultural resources. Far too many families in Native communities throughout New Mexico and Indian Country have beenhurtby the opioid crisis, suicide, and other behavioral health emergencies,""said Sen. Udall, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.Any successful response to behavioral health and substance abuse issues in Indian Country must be driven by Tribes. That's why I'm proud to join SenatorSmithon this bill to give Tribes the resources to design treatment and prevention solutions that work for their communities. The federal government has an obligation to empower tribal nations with the resources they need to address mental health and substance use in Indian Country,said Sen. Warren.I'm glad to join my colleagues on a bill to help tribal nations develop and implement behavioral health programs that best suit the needs of their communities. Substance use disorder has touched every corner of this nation, but few communities have been hit as hard as Native Americans and Native Alaskans. This legislation will empower tribes to provide quality, culturally competent care to treat addiction and behavioral health issues and help individuals on the path to recovery,said Sen. Cortez Masto.I'm proud to join Senator Smith in this effort to honor our sacred trust responsibility to provide for the well-being of our tribal communities and ensure every American gets the care they deserve. American Indian and Alaska Native communities experience some of the starkest disparities in mental and behavioral health outcomes, yet lack sufficient direct access to critical funding and technical assistance resources. The National Indian Health Board commends Senator Smith for reintroducing the Native Behavioral Health Access Improvement Act. This legislation would ensure Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations have access to reoccurring, direct, and meaningful funding streams to create tailored and culturally appropriate care models to address mental and behavioral health challenges,National Indian Health Board. A Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) was created in response to the diabetes epidemic in Native American communities. SDPI enjoys bipartisan support and has led to an impressive reduction in diabetes-related illness in Native American communities, including a 54 percent decrease in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). SDPI shows that these communities see real health improvements when Congress provides them with the resources and local control needed to tackle public health emergencies. To combat the opioid epidemic and the broader behavioral health crisis in Indian Country, Tribes need flexible funding to create behavioral health programs that meet the unique needs of their communities. TheNative Behavioral Health Access Improvement Actwould create a Special Behavioral Health Program for Indians (SBHPI) modeled after the Special Diabetes Program for Indians to: Allow Tribes to develop solutions that incorporate traditional and cultural practices into evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery programs; and Establish that grant reporting standards be developed in consultation with tribes and provide Tribes with technical assistance needed to develop programs and meet grant requirements. You can access a summary of the billhereand text of the billhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-release-twin-metals-mine-plan,McCollum Statement on Release of Twin Metals Mine Plan,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, released the following statement today after Twin Metals released its plan for a sulfide-ore mine near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: ""Today, Twin Metals is releasing a mine plan to extract profits while poisoning Minnesota's most pristine waters. Only after the White House, a few days ago, intervened in final appropriations negotiations to strip out a directive for the National Academy of Sciences to study and inform the American people and Congress about the environmental impact of sulfide-ore mining on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Since taking office, the Trump administration has gone to extreme lengths – denying access to a scientific study, ignoring public input, and lying to Congress. Why? They did so in order to help a foreign mining company destroy our precious wilderness. ""The science-based environmental review of the mining withdrawal of federal lands adjacent to the BWCA was nearly complete when it was terminated by President Trump. That taxpayer-funded study and its data, findings, and assessments have been kept a secret by the Trump administration. Access to the information that has been collected by this study is being denied to Congress and the American people. Minnesotans should ask themselves: why are President Trump and Republicans in Congress hiding this study from the American people? It is because they are willing to pollute and poison Minnesota's and Canada's waters in exchange for extracting profits. The fix is in. We must fight back to protect our Boundary Waters."" # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-leads-letter-calling-investigation-alleged-turkish-war-crimes,Rep. Ilhan Omar Leads Letter Calling for Investigation Into Alleged Turkish War Crimes,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONRep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) today led a letter to Jim Jeffrey, the Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIL, about Turkey's alleged use of white phosphorous in an intentional attack on civilians. International organizations and observers on the ground in Northern Syria allege that on October 16th, Turkish forces used white phosphorous. If these allegations are true, this is a war crime and a crime against humanity. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has said it is monitoring the situation, but has declined to open a full investigation. Members are asking for a full briefing, classified if necessary, to address what the U.S. has learned about the alleged chemical attackand calling on the Department of State to commit to a full, impartial, multilateral investigation into the allegations. If the attack is found to violate domestic or international law, Members are requesting accountability for the perpetrators, including a potential Security Council resolution and International Criminal Court Investigation. The letter is led by Rep. Omar, along with Reps. Karen Bass, Chair of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations, Juan Vargas, and Sheila Jackson Lee. You can read the full letter here and below. Dear Ambassador Jeffrey, We are writing to express our grave concerns regarding allegations that Turkish forces used white phosphorous in an intentional attack on civilian populations in Syria on October 16th. The use of chemical weapons on civilian populations is one of the most atrocious and disturbing acts a government or military can take. We recognize that, under domestic and international law, white phosphorous has both legitimate military uses and illegitimate ones. However, the allegations from organizations and individuals on the ground, including the Kurdish Red Crescent, are clear in this case: that Turkey's use was targeted at civilians, and falls under the category of illegitimate use. Further, if the intention of using white phosphorous was to employ its incendiary effects on a civilian population, this use might well have been a war crime. In a hearing on the 23rdof October, you told multiple members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee that you are looking into these allegations. In the same hearing, you rightly mentioned that the United States has been opposed to the use of chemical weapons by other actors in Syria, including the Assad regime. Considering the seriousness of these allegations, simply looking into this matter is far from the appropriate response. Nothing short of a full and thorough investigation will suffice. The need for an investigation has been further compounded by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons' (OPCW) claims that is merely monitoring the situation rather than carrying investigating the allegations. It has been reported that the OPCW has refused to take skin samples from civilian victims.[1]Further, the day after the alleged attack, the Turkish government donated 30,000 to the OPCW for a Chemistry and Technology Center.[2]Whether this is related to the OPCW's decision regarding the allegations or not, it certainly presents the appearance of impropriety. Hamish Bretton-Gordon, the former head of the British Army's chemical weapons unit, toldNewsweekthat Nobody wants this to be investigated because of the answers that might come outI think one of the things people are worried about is that Turkey is responsible for this and Turkey is a NATO ally.[3] But it is preciselybecauseTurkey is a NATO ally that the United States must take these allegations especially seriously. It is our moral and strategic obligation to hold our allies to the same standards as our adversaries. If a NATO ally violates international law with impunity, it reflects on the rest of the countries in the alliance. It hands a propaganda win to Assad, Russia, ISIS, and Iran, who can claim that we only punish chemical weapons use when it serves our political interests. The United States is uniquely positioned, as a NATO ally of Turkey and a partner of the Syrian Kurds who are the alleged victims of this attack, to take the lead on a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the October 16thattack. We also have a unique interest because, if the attack did happen in violation of international law, it is likely that the planes used in the attack were of U.S. origin. This is a matter of urgency. The tissue samples taken from alleged victims, currently held in Ibril, Iraq, will denigrate over time. It is of the utmost importance that they are studied before that happens so the United States and international community can have the full evidence necessary to investigate these allegations. As a follow-up to your testimony on October 23rd, at we ask that you provide us with a full briefing, in a classified setting if necessary, on what the United States has learned about the alleged chemical attack on October 16thand that you address the following questions: What is the Department of State's position on United States obligations under both domestic and international laws in the event it is proven that Turkey used white phosphorous against civilians? Will the Department of State commit to a full, impartial, and multilateral investigation into the allegations of chemical weapons use by Turkey in Syria? Will the Department of State commit to full accountability for the perpetrators of the attack if it is found to be in violation of domestic or international law, including potentially using a Security Council resolution to request an investigation from the International Criminal Court? Sincerely, Ilhan Omar Member of Congress Karen Bass Member of Congress Juan Vargas Member of Congress Sheila Jackson Lee Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-statement-impeachment-president-trump,Rep. Ilhan Omar Statement on the Impeachment of President Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONRep. Ilhan Omar issued the following statement on the Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump. Today, we in the United States House of Representatives fulfill our Constitutional responsibility. Today, we vote to restore balance to our democracyby voting to impeach the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump. On March 7th, 1788, six months after the Constitution was signed at Independence Hall, Alexander Hamilton laid out in detail the standards for impeachment in the Federalist papers. Impeachment should proceed from the misconduct of public men, or, in other words, from the abuse or violation of some public trust,' Hamilton wrote. If the federal governmentshould overpass the just bounds of its authority and make a tyrannical use of its powers,' the people must take such measures to redress the injury done to the Constitution.' He also warned that caution and investigation are a necessary armor against error and imposition. Donald Trump has abused the public trust and overpassed the bounds of his authority. He has used the office of the presidency for his own personal political gain. We in the United States House of Representatives have proceeded with caution and investigation. As a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, I listened deliberately to depositions as witness after witness laid out in detail the President's abuse of power. The evidence is incontrovertible. The president extorted a foreign government in an effort to benefit his reelection and obstructed the Congressional investigation into that extortion. He abused his oath of office. He must be impeached. These are not the President's only impeachable offenses. He obstructed justice when he fired the FBI Director responsible for overseeing the investigation into his relationship with Russia. He has repeatedly violated the Emoluments Clause by retaining ownership and promoting his businesses while in office. He has abused his pardon power. He has pressured the Department of Justice to investigate political opponents. But just as Al Capone was sentenced to prison for only one of his violations, we can and must impeach the President on this violation alone. As Hamilton wrote, If there be no penaltythe resolutions or commands which pretend to be laws will, in fact, amount to nothing more than advice or recommendation.' Our role as lawmakers is more than advice and recommendation. There must be a penalty for this president's violations of the law. For this reason, I plan to vote yes on the articles of impeachment against the President.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-dean-phillips-mn-03-votes-impeachment,Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) Votes for Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Dean Phillips,P000616,phillips.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) voted in favor of botharticles of impeachment before the House of Representatives after viewing the whistleblower report and related evidence. Our Founders so feared the possibility of a future president abusing the powers of the office that they gave Congress the constitutional power to impeach before deciding on the powers of the presidency itself. They also created three co-equal branches of government, thereby creating a system of checks and balances - and a constitutional responsibility to provide oversight and accountability that made a Congressional investigation into the allegations made in the whistleblower's report an imperative. I take this duty very seriously. That is whyI participated in the depositions, attended the hearings, read the evidence, and consulted Constitutional lawyers both liberal and conservative in the lead up to yesterday's vote. I voted for both articles of impeachment because I believe that the evidence relative to obstruction of Congress and abuse of power is clear and damning, and it warrants a trial in the Senate. It was often repeated during the course of debate that those voting for impeachment are simply seeking to overturn the results of the 2016 election. It is of course the Senate who will decide whether to convict and remove the President from office - and every indication is that they will vote to acquit. I would remind my colleagues that there was also an election in 2018, resulting in a Democratic majority and a an historic freshman class with a mandate to provide a check on this President. We all took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. I am proud of my colleagues who voted to uphold their oaths knowing it may come at the cost of their re-election. That courage has been missing in Washington for some time, and their actions leave me hopeful for our collective futures. Ultimately, Americans will serve as the final judge when they go to the ballot box in November of 2020. I ask that they carefully review the facts and think about what kind of President they want to have leading our country in such historically divided and challenging times - keeping in mind the words of George Washington from his farewell address: Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government.' ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=66497B6E-B654-44F3-8770-0505C07DCD01,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Public Housing Fire Safety Act Following Tragic Fire in Minneapolis",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators' bill would encourage public housing authorities to install sprinkler systems in older buildings to improve safety of residents and local communities WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced legislationthe Public Housing Fire Safety Actthat would create a program to provide support to public housing authorities who wish to retrofit older high-rise apartment buildings with sprinkler systems. The Federal Fire Safety Act of 1992 required the installation of sprinklers in all new government-owned high rise buildings. However, there are thousands of public housing apartment buildings around the country built before that date. According to data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for example, nearly all of the high-rise public housing buildings in Minneapolis, Minnesota were built before the mandatory sprinkler system laws look effect. One of these properties, Cedar High Apartments, suffered a tragic and fatal fire last month. The upper floors of the building, where the fire erupted, did not have sprinkler systems installed. Public housing authorities that wish to retrofit older buildings like Cedar High Apartments with sprinkler systems must use their already limited capital funds to do so. While many public housing authorities have recognized the importance of these upgrades, the federal government must take a larger role in supporting fire safety improvements. With the proper safeguards in place, tragic events like the recent Cedar-Riverside fire in Minneapolis could be prevented, Klobuchar said. The Public Housing Fire Safety Act would require HUD to set aside money for sprinkler systems and help ensure that buildings have properly installed fire systems. We mourn those we lost, and we are thankful for the swift and heroic action by firefighters and first responders who saved lives. I am dedicated to ensuring that safe and stable housing is available for families in Minnesota. The fire at Cedar High Apartments was a tragic loss for the Cedar-Riverside community. Since the day Minnesotans woke up to the news of this terrible fire, I started to connect with people closest to the fire and look into measures to keep such tragedies from happening,Smith said.After taking the time to listen to Minnesotans, advocates and community members, this bill gets right to the root of what we need to do: incentivize public housing authorities that want to be able to install sprinkler systems. The tragedy in Minneapolis is another reminder of the need to invest in public housing and prioritize the health and safety of HUD-assisted households, said Sunia Zaterman, Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. We appreciate Senators Smith and Klobuchar's responsiveness and their legislation to fund a new grant program that provides additional resources to public housing authorities working to implement fire safety upgrades. Fire sprinkler systems save lives and reduce risk to fire fighters, stated Harold A. Schaitberger, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters. That's why the IAFF supports legislation establishing a grant program to fund the installation of fire sprinklers in public housing. I commend the work on this important issue, and the continued commitment to protecting the safety of the public and fire fighters. I am thankful for the proactive leadership of Senators Smith and Klobuchar for introducing the Public Housing Fire Safety Act. As the President of the National Fire Sprinkler Association, and as former Fire Chief and State Fire Marshal, I know there is no reason we should have residents in public housing dying in fires like we just saw tragically in Minnesota. There is no reason that our nation's fire responders need to risk their lives responding to multi-family housing units that, if built today, would almost certainly be required to have fire sprinklers. There is a simple solutionwe need to retrofit these public housing units with fire sprinklers. Senators Smith and Klobuchar's bill will create a grant program to help public housing agencies install fire sprinklers. This is a straightforward idea that we need to act on immediately, said Shane Ray, President of National Fire Sprinkler Association. On behalf of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, I applaud Senators Smith and Klobuchar for introducing this important legislation to help protect the lives and safety of public housing residents from the dangers of fire and smoke inhalation, stated Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Residents of public housing, including America's lowest income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and other individuals, deserve to live in safe homes, and it is far past time for Congress to enact this common sense bill to help save lives. Fire sprinklers are one of the most effective ways to minimize both lives lost and property damage in the event of a fire. We are pleased to support the Public Housing Fire Safety Act, which would help increase the use of fire sprinkler systems in public housing. This bill will help ensure the safety of our civilians and first responders alike, said Bill Webb, Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute. The Public Housing Fire Safety Act would: Create a competitive grant program in the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide funds to public housing authorities who wish to retrofit older high-rise apartment buildings with sprinkler systems; and Collect data on the status of sprinkler installations in public housing high-rises around the country. This legislation is supported by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the National Fire Sprinkler Association, the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), Minnesota NAHRO, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, the National Housing Law Project and the Congressional Fire Services Institute. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=A6D4F2D5-2E8E-4776-9A9E-E92DA5C375AF,"Klobuchar, Smith: Senate Passes Legislation to Give Eligible Liberians Permanent Residency Status and Pathway to Citizenship, Heads to President’s Desk",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Klobuchar, Smith say long fight to successfully ensure pathway to citizenship for Liberians in the U.S. won in National Defense Authorization Act WASHINGTON Yesterday, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that following years of advocacy and leadership to extend permanent residency status to Liberians, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a provision to allow eligible Liberians living in the United States currently on the temporary immigration status of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to continue living legally in the U.S. and get on a pathway to earning U.S. citizenship, has passed the Senate. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week and after Senate passage now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Our work to secure a path to citizenship for eligible Liberians here in America is one step closer to finally becoming law, Klobuchar said. There has been a vibrant Liberian community in Minnesota for decades, and they are an important part of our state, where they serve as business owners, teachers, and health care workers. This hard fought step toward permanent citizenship is well-deserved for this community that has worked hard and played by the rules. We foughtalongside brave community members who made their voices heardto extend humanitarian protections for Liberians because these people deserve the opportunity to become American citizens, Smith said. Creating a pathway to citizenship is a historic step for Congress, and it's the right step for us to take for Liberian families in Minnesota and across America. Klobuchar has been urgently requesting that the Administrationextend these protections for Liberians. Since 2007,Klobuchar hascosponsoredthe Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, led by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), which would allow eligible Liberians to apply for permanent residency and provide them with a pathway to citizenship. The provision in NDAA is based on that legislation. She hasalso cosponsoredthe Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and in Emergency (SECURE) Act, which would allow qualified Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and DED recipients to apply for legal permanent residency, since it was first introduced in 2017. Smith started fighting for the Liberian community as soon as she joined the Senate in 2018. In January 2018, Smith joined Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) in sending a letter to the Trump Administration asking him to extend DED protections. Smith then cosponsored Senator Reed's Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, to provide a pathway to citizenship for qualifying Liberians. Smith continued the fight in early 2019, when she penned an op-ed in the Star Tribune calling on the administration to extend DED protections. After months of continued pressure on the White House, Senator Smith suggested a strategy to move the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act through Congress. Smith urged Senator Reed to introduce an amendment to the annual defense authorization bill offering protections for Liberians. Smith and Reed ultimately co-led this amendment, passing into law a pathway to citizenship for eligible Liberians. Klobuchar has also emphasized the need to extend Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to Administration officials and Senate leaders. Klobuchar and Smith sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in March urging him to allow the Senate to consider legislation to extend protected status for Liberian recipients of DED. In February, Klobuchar, Smith, and U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN), Dean Phillips (D-MN), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Collin Peterson (D-MN)sent a letter to President Trump asking him to extend protected status for Liberians in the United States, allowing recipients to remain in the country legally and receive work authorization.One month later, in March, the Administration announced a one-year extension of DED for Liberians. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=F9229026-7F50-4435-8D1A-59E903CEF010,Klobuchar Statement on the Impeachment of President Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released this statement upon the impeachment today of President Donald John Trump: Today is a somber day for our country. In America, no one is above the law, and the American people deserve to hear evidence and witness testimony during a full and fair trial in the Senate. If the President has any facts to present in his defense to the articles of impeachment, we should hear them. When the Senate convenes for a trial, I will take my oath seriously and carry out my constitutional duty. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/2020-budget-agreement-passed-key-bipartisan-measures-us-senator-tina-smith-authored-championed-set,"As 2020 Budget Agreement is Passed, Key Bipartisan Measures U.S. Senator Tina Smith Authored & Championed Set to Become Law and Benefit Minnesotans",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Successfully Includes Efforts to Lower Health Care Costs, Support Housing and Expand Broadband in Government Spending Package WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/18/19]As Congress sends its final budget agreement for 2020 to the President's desk, Minnesotans will benefit from several bipartisan measures U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) authored and championed. Sen. Smith's bipartisan efforts to address health care costs and skyrocketing prescription drug prices, support rural housing, ramp up clean energy, expand disaster relief to hard-hit farmers and preserve electric cooperatives' tax-exempt status while expanding much-needed broadband services in rural communities were all included in the final budget package expected to be signed into law in the coming days. Here we are at the end of the year, and I'm glad I was able to get a lot of the bipartisan efforts I've been working on across the finish line to help Minnesotans,said Sen. Smith.The government spending package includes measures focused on the issues I talk about with people from across the statelowering prescription drug prices, expanding affordable housing and broadband, supporting the economy and bolstering education programs. This shows that Congress can come together from both sides of the aisle and do what's right to move Minnesota and our nation forward, and create opportunity for American families. The government spending package includes several of Sen. Smith's top Senate priorities: Lowering Prescription Drug Prices and Health Care Patients should be able to afford the medication they need to live, and Sen. Smith is glad her bipartisanbillintroduced with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisianato bring more low-cost insulin products to market and lower the price of insulin is included in the budget agreement. Sen. Smith also supported a bipartisan bill that would preventbrand-name companies from using anti-competitive tactics to keep low-cost generic products off the market. With the number of Lyme disease cases on the rise, Sen. Smith worked with Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine to include their bill that would improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for vector-borne diseases, which are spread by ticks, mosquitoes and fleas. Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs) have transformed mental health care for communities in Minnesota, and Sen. Smith fought to extend federal funding for these centers. Expanding Affordable Housing After hearing from Minnesotans during her office's affordable housing listening sessions, Sen. Smith led a bipartisan effort with Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) to get federal agencies' rental assistance programs in line with one another. Their amendment would make it easier for rural property owners to take advantage of both U.S. Department of Agriculture rental assistance and Low Income Housing Tax Credits. Sen. Smith also hears a lot from Minnesotans about the need for affordable housing in rural areas, and how the federal government isn't living up to its commitment to maintain rural properties. Sen. Smith worked with Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) to make sure that the Department of Agriculture prioritizes maintenance and repairs so that rural families can have a safe, affordable place to live. Creating Opportunity and Supporting the Economy When Sen. Smith heard that Minnesota cooperatives were at risk of losing their tax-exempt status if they received grants to expand broadband or recover from a disaster, she wanted to reverse that. The key government spending package includes her bipartisan bill with Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) that would ensure co-ops can retain their tax exemptions when they receive government grants. Sen. Smith fought to extend the Biodiesel Tax Credit, which is vitally important for Minnesota. Sen. Smith is focused on working with both parties to get things done to support economic growth in Minnesota. That's why she introduced a bipartisan measure to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program with Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). TheTerrorism Risk Insurance Act(TRIA) is vital to Minnesota institutions because having access to affordable insurance for terrorism-related risks makes it possible for businesses to be able to grow and create jobs. She also supported a pay raise for members of the militarythe largest raise in a decadebecause she understands that this is the right thing for the women and men who serve our country. Supporting Education for Minnesotans and Families Nationwide Parents and families need help affording childcare, and Sen. Smith led on pushing to invest in important programs like Head Start and the Child Care & Development Block Grant. Sen. Smith is glad this funding legislation provides record investments in early learning programs and childcare because these investments help parents and kids and garner pay-offs for years to come. Sen. Smith hears from educators, administrators and parents who are concerned about how school budgets in Minnesota are being squeezed by the federal government not holding up its end of the bargain to fully fund special education. The funding deal increases federal funding for special education to support high-quality early education and interventions for young children with disabilities and help states and districts cover the costs of special education. Minnesota college students struggle with the high cost of textbooks and sometimes forgo needed materials. Sen. Smith fought to fund grants for Open Textbooks. Minnesota State has been a leader in this area, and it is Sen. Smith's hope that with the additional investment from this deal, more students and institutions will be able to benefit. These efforts will help save students money and ultimately help bring down the amount of student loan debt that young people graduate with.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-smith-klobuchar-announce-public-housing-fire-safety-act-following-tragic-fire,U.S. Senators Smith & Klobuchar Announce Public Housing Fire Safety Act Following Tragic Fire in Minneapolis,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators' Bill Would Encourage Public Housing Authorities to Install Sprinkler Systems in Older Buildings to Improve Safety of Residents and Local Communities WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/18/2019]Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced legislationthePublic Housing Fire Safety Actthat would create a program to provide support to public housing authorities who wish to retrofit older high-rise apartment buildings with sprinkler systems. The Federal Fire Safety Act of 1992 required the installation of sprinklers in all new government-owned high rise buildings. However, there are thousands of public housing apartment buildings around the country built before that date. According to data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for example, nearly all of the high-rise public housing buildings in Minneapolis, Minnesota were built before the mandatory sprinkler system laws look effect. One of these properties, Cedar High Apartments, suffered a tragic and fatal fire last month. The upper floors of the building, where the fire erupted, did not have sprinkler systems installed. Public housing authorities that wish to retrofit older buildings like Cedar High Apartments with sprinkler systems must use their already limited capital funds to do so. While many public housing authorities have recognized the importance of these upgrades, the federal government must take a larger role in supporting fire safety improvements. The fire at Cedar High Apartments was a tragic loss for the Cedar-Riverside community. Since the day Minnesotans woke up to the news of this terrible fire, I stared to connect with people closest to the fire and look into measures to keep such tragedies from happening,said Sen. Smith.After taking the time to listen to Minnesotans, advocates and community members, this bill gets right to the root of what we need to do: incentivize public housing authorities that want to be able to install sprinkler systems. With the proper safeguards in place, tragic events like the recent Cedar-Riverside fire in Minneapolis could be prevented,said Sen.Klobuchar.The Public Housing Fire Safety Act would require HUD to set aside money for sprinkler systems and help ensure that buildings have properly installed fire systems. We mourn those we lost, and we are thankful for the swift and heroic action by firefighters and first responders who saved lives. I am dedicated to ensuring that safe and stable housing is available for families in Minnesota. The tragedy in Minneapolis is another reminder of the need to invest in public housing and prioritize the health and safety of HUD-assisted households,said Sunia Zaterman, Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities.We appreciate Senators Smith and Klobuchar's responsiveness and their legislation to fund a new grant program that provides additional resources to public housing authorities working to implement fire safety upgrades. Fire sprinkler systems save lives and reduce risk to fire fighters,stated Harold A. Schaitberger, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters.That's why the IAFF supports legislation establishing a grant program to fund the installation of fire sprinklers in public housing.I commend the work on this important issue, and thecontinued commitment to protecting the safety of the public and fire fighters. I am thankful for the proactive leadership of Senators Smith and Klobuchar for introducing the Public Housing Fire Safety Act. As the President of the National Fire Sprinkler Association, and as former Fire Chief and State Fire Marshal, I know there is no reason we should have residents in public housing dying in fires like we just saw tragically in Minnesota. There is no reason that our nation's fire responders need to risk their lives responding to multi-family housing units that, if built today, would almost certainly be required to have fire sprinklers. There is a simple solutionwe need to retrofit these public housing units with fire sprinklers. Senators Smith and Klobuchar's bill will create a grant program to help public housing agencies install fire sprinklers. This is a straightforward idea that we need to act on immediately,said Shane Ray, President of National Fire Sprinkler Association. On behalf of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, I applaud Senators Smith and Klobuchar for introducing this important legislation to help protect the lives and safety of public housing residents from the dangers of fire and smoke inhalation,stated Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.Residents of public housing, including America's lowest income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and other individuals, deserve to live in safe homes, and it is far past time for Congress to enact this common sense bill to help save lives. Fire sprinklers are one of the most effective ways to minimize both lives lost and property damage in the event of a fire. We are pleased to support the Public Housing Fire Safety Act, which would help increase the use of fire sprinkler systems in public housing. This bill will help ensure the safety of our civilians and first responders alike,said Bill Webb, Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute. ThePublic Housing Fire Safety Actwould: Create a competitive grant program in the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide funds to public housing authorities who wish to retrofit older high-rise apartment buildings with sprinkler systems; and Collect data on the status of sprinkler installations in public housing high-rises around the country. This legislation is supported by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the National Fire Sprinkler Association, the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), Minnesota NAHRO, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, the National Housing Law Project and the Congressional Fire Services Institute.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-tina-smith-mike-braun-introduce-bipartisan-bill-address-underhanded-big-pharma-tactic,"U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Mike Braun Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Underhanded Big Pharma Tactic That Prevents Americans from Accessing Affordable Rx Drugs",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Smith's Expanding Access to Low-Cost Generics Act Taking Aim at Anti-Competitive Prescription Drug Practice Called Parking Secures Bipartisan Support Thanks to Senator Braun WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/18/19]Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) introduced legislation to bring low-cost generics to market, increase competition and help American families and seniors access their medications. TheExpanding Access to Low-Cost Generics Actwhich was the first standalone piece of legislation introduced by Sen. Smithgets to the heart of a major concern families are facing right now: prescription drug prices. Nearly three in ten Americans report that they did not fill a prescription because it was too expensive. Anti-competitive behavior between brand name and generic drug manufacturers is delaying timely access to low-cost generic drugs. For example, parking is a practice that can occur when a brand name manufacturer agrees not to sue the first company that submits an application to create a generic version of that druga so-called first fileras long as the generic company agrees to delay bringing that generic drug to market. This anti-competitive parking behavior creates a bottleneck in the number of generic products available on the market and drives up costs. Sen. Smith's billwhich is now bipartisan thanks to Sen. Braun throwing his support behind the legislationtakes major steps toward eliminating this practice. I've traveled around Minnesota to talk with families, seniors, and communities, and the topic of prescription drug prices almost always comes up. The amount of money that Minnesotans pay for medications is out of controland it's not something families can, or should have to, sustain,said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Health Committee.This is the very first bill I introduced, and I pledged that I'd fight to make it bipartisan. I'm glad that my Republican colleague Senator Mike Braun from Indiana has joined me in this effort, and our bill addresses an anti-competitive loophole that big pharmaceutical companies exploit in order to force Americans into buying overpriced drugs. Unless you're the CEO of a big drug company, you shouldn't be opposed to this idea. We should get this over the finish line. Everywhere I go in Indiana, the issue I hear about the most is the price of prescription drugs. That's why I'm proud to sign on to Senator Smith's bill to expand access to low-cost generic drugs and get more of these affordable prescription alternatives to market for Hoosiers,said Sen. Braun. Sens. Smith and Braun'sExpanding Access to Low-Cost Generics Actwould solve this parking problem. Specifically, their bill would: Address a statutory incentive that awards 180-days of market exclusivity to first filers. Sens. Smith and Brauns' bill would allow generic companies that win their litigation against a brand-name company's patent the ability to share market exclusivity with the first filer; Change the incentive structure for generic companies seeking timely approval of their products. With the opportunity to receive sole 180-day market exclusivity for beating brand-name patents, and with evidence that these patents are weak and easily beat, this bill would encourage first-filers to rush to come to market rather than to park their products; and Stop the bottleneck of generic products waiting to come to market. The legislation would encourage the 48 generic products who delayed their market entry due to arrangements with brand-name companies to instead come immediately to market and deliver real relief to Americans. This legislation is supported by Families USA, the National Coalition on Health Care, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Apotex Corporation and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Sen. Smith has made bringing down the high cost of prescription drugs a top priority. In May of this year, a number of measures championed by Sen. Smith were included in a bipartisan package to address the rising cost of health care released by the Senate Health Committee. Her bipartisanEnsuring Innovation Actwas addedto the package, which was passed out of the Committee. In June, Sens. Smith introduced comprehensive legislation tohold large pharmaceutical companies accountable for high prices and bring down costs for Americans. HerAffordable Medications Actis a comprehensive set of reforms that wouldpromote transparency by requiring pharmaceutical companies to disclose just how much money is going toward research and development, as well as marketing and pay for executives. The bill would also end the restriction that prevents the federal Medicare program from using its buying power to negotiate lower drug prices for its beneficiaries, and curb drug company monopoly practices that keep prices high and prevent less expensive generics from coming to the market. Also in June, Sens. Smith and Cramer introduced bipartisan legislation toestablish emergency access to insulin, bring down the cost of insulin, and hold insulin manufacturers accountable for excessive increases in the price of the life-sustaining medicine.And just last month, Sens. Smith and Crameralong with Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)introduced a bipartisan bill to create a national study to more fully understand the scope of the insulin affordability crisis in America.Finally, this week a key government funding package included Sen. Smith's bipartisanProtecting Access to Biosimilars Act, which would codify the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) transition of regulatingcertain productslike insulinfrom being regulated as a drug to instead being regulated as a biologic. The package made sure the FDA continues reviewing generic insulin applications after the FDA's currently planned March 2020 cut-off date as well.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-successfully-includes-second-congressional-district-priorities,Rep. Angie Craig Successfully Includes Second Congressional District Priorities In Year-End Action,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig voted for the end-of-year legislation that includes nearly all of the priorities Rep. Craig urged leadership to include as priorities of Minnesota's Second Congressional District. Today's bipartisan package includes: the CREATES Act to lower the cost of prescription drugs a permanent repeal of the Cadillac Tax on health insurance plans extending the biodiesel tax credit for five years a $400M increase in IDEA funding for our schools raising the minimum age to purchase any tobacco products, including vaping products investing in Head Start at unprecedented levels, to make sure our littlest learners have a high-quality education increasing the Pell Grant for students in college and post-secondary institutions blocking a raise for Members of Congress allowing the CDC to research gun violence for the first time in more than 20 years funding rural broadband providing high-quality health care, including mental health services by funding Community Health Centers and Certified Community Behavioral Clinics Every day I look for ways to find commonsense, bipartisan solutions for the issues hard-working Minnesotans talk with me about, said Rep. Craig. I'm pleased to support today's bipartisan year-end package that prioritizes solutions to lower the cost of prescription drugs, invest in infrastructure - including rural broadband, support our family farmers by extending the biodiesel tax credit for five years, and invest in our schools and students with IDEA and Head Start investments. You can read the bipartisan legislation here and here. Rep. Craig has authored 17 bills and cosponsored over 330 additional bills - more than two thirds of which are bipartisan, and held 12 town halls across Minnesota's Second Congressional District. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/chair-mccollum-statement-passage-fy20-interior-environment-conference-agreement,"Chair McCollum Statement on Passage of FY20 Interior-Environment Conference Agreement, Appropriations Minibus",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 17, 2019 Interior-Environment agreement included in eight-bill appropriations minibus package Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, released the following statement after the passage of the conference agreement for the $35.989 billion FY 20 Interior-Environment funding bill as part of an eight-bill minibus appropriations package, H.R. 1865: ""This conference report represents a year of hard work and a complete rejection of the destructive budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Instead, we invest billions in the health of our communities and the environment,"" Chair McCollum said. ""House Democrats are investing in protecting and preserving our public lands and natural resources, ensuring clean and safe drinking water and protecting air quality, and honoring the federal government's trust and treaty responsibilities to Native American communities. Our bill directly confronts President Trump's extreme climate denial and starts to reverse this administration's disastrous climate policies and the risks they pose to the American people and our natural environment. ""I am disturbed that the White House intervened in negotiations and as a result, the agreement does not include the National Academy of Sciences study to examine the harmful impacts of sulfide-ore mining in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. That said, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior will still have to address the question of whether mining, especially copper-sulfide ore mining, is appropriate on National Forest System lands in the Rainy River Watershed."" The $35.989 billion Interior-Environment funding bill is an increase of $437 million over the 2019 enacted funding level. Highlights of the bill include: ​ $9.06 billion for the EPA to ensure that all Americans have equal access to safe water to drink and clean air to breathe. This amount is $208 million higher than the 2019 enacted level, and $2.83 billion more than the president's budget request. The conference report directs EPA to develop, in collaboration with for-profit, non-profit, state and local governments, and other stakeholders, a National Recycling Strategy to strengthen and sustain the current system with recommendations for voluntary action to be reported to Congress. $43 million for PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) research to establish standards for drinking water and cleanup. $2.77 billion for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, rejecting President Trump's proposed $782 million cut. $552 million for compliance monitoring and enforcement activities and grants – the first increase in a decade, to the tune of $24 million above the 2019 enacted level. $320 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a $20 million increase over the 2019 enacted level. $13.5 billion for the Department of Interior to protect our national parks, endangered species, and natural and cultural resources. This is $545 million over the 2019 enacted level, and $2.1 billion over the president's budget request. This funding includes: $3.38 billion for the National Park Service, including $119 million for the Historic Preservation Fund and $16 million for Save America's Treasures grants. $9.3 billionto support and strengthen Indian Country programs to honor our trust and treaty responsibilities and improve health care, education, and public safety within Native American communities. $1.4 billion for the Bureau of Land Management. The bill contains language describing how the agency did not properly follow the process for the relocation of its headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Colorado. Any further reorganization will require the consent of the Appropriations committees in accordance with new statutory guidelines incorporated in this year's bill. $162.25 million each for the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities to fund programs that enrich our culture, build community, and drive our local economy. This is the largest funding increase in a decade. $1.6 billion for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This funding includes: $266 million for Endangered Species Act and related activities – the highest funding level in history. $12.5 million for Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs). The bill also contains language that prevents the obligation of $1 million until the Service reports to Congress on details on program changes, stakeholder engagement, and how the Service will ensure collaborative conservation in the areas where LCCs have been diminished or dismantled. $495 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the highest-funded amount in nearly two decades. $10.2 million for environmental justice, a 47 percent increase over the 2019 enacted level, and the highest funding level ever. The bill also contains new policy provisions related to oil and gas drilling in order to increase transparency and safety. Throughout the bill, funding has been included to address climate change and build resiliency, addressing the urgency of climate change and prioritizing science and research. Full text of the appropriations minibus can be found here. H.R. 1865 also contains the FY 20 Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA; Labor, Health, and Human Services; Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development; Energy and Water; State and Foreign Operations; Legislative Branch; and Military-Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bills, which contain important investments for the American people: The Labor, Health, and Human Services funding bill includes $184.9 billion to invest in education, health care, mitigating poverty, and more. For the first time in more than 20 years, the bill includes $25 million for gun violence prevention research at the CDC and NIH. The Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA funding bill includes $23.493 billion to fund important agricultural and food programs and services, including food and medical product safety, animal and plant health programs, rural development, farm services, agricultural trade, financial marketplace oversight, and nutrition programs, both domestic and international. The Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development bill invests $135.6 billion in America's infrastructure, improves transportation safety, protects vulnerable populations, builds resilience to climate change, and expands access to safe, affordable, and fair housing. The Energy and Water funding bill includes $48.3 billion to invest in clean and renewable energy, research and development, and water infrastructure development. The State and Foreign Operations funding bill contains $54.7 billion to fund the State Department, international development, and other international programs and activities. The Legislative Branch funding bill invests $5.049 billion to ensure the Congress has the resources to carry out its responsibilities in developing legislation, conducting oversight, and assisting constituents in their interactions with the federal government. The Military-Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill contains $110.4 billion to provide for the construction of facilities to enable our military to fight current and emerging threats, to support increased troop levels, and to sustain services for military families. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/vice-chair-mccollum-statement-passage-national-security-appropriations-minibus,Vice Chair McCollum Statement on Passage of National Security Appropriations Minibus,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Vice Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after the passage of the national security minibus, H.R. 1158: ""This appropriations minibus makes important investments to protect our national security and those who defend it,"" McCollum said. ""It also prioritizes funding to bolster the health, safety, and well-being of service members and military families, and ensure our service members have the resources necessary to complete their missions safely. Additional investments in election security, the Census, science and research, and justice bolster our commitment to our shared future – strengthening and securing our election systems, ensuring every person is counted, and investing in the fight against climate change to protect the planet for future generations. This funding will strengthen our democracy and the freedoms we all enjoy."" H.R. 1158 totals $860.3 billion and reflects conference agreements for four appropriations bills: Defense, Commerce-Justice-Science, Financial Services and General Government, and Homeland Security. Highlights of the package include: $1.42 billion for Department of Defense environmental restoration activities, including $172 million to address PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) remediation and protect the health and safety of our service members and communities in proximity to military installations. $34 billion for Defense Health programs, including major investments in cancer research. $110 million for upgrades to childcare facilities and language directing the Services to present innovative ideas to assist servicemembers with this important quality of life issue. Provides full funding necessary to support the proposed 3.1 percent military pay raise. $294 million for the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs. $1.8 billion for disaster relief to address recent earthquakes, hurricanes, and flooding in the United States. $425 million for election security grants to states to protect and secure our election systems. $7.6 billion to provide a fair and accurate Census – $1.4 billion above the president's request. $169.5 million for NOAA Climate Research – an increase of $10.5 million above FY 2019 and $82 million above the president's request. $8.28 billion for the National Science Foundation, an increase of $203.3 million above the FY 2019 enacted level and $1.2 billion above the president's request. $2.64 billion for the Crime Victims Fund, including over $132 million for programs to assist Native American victims of crime. Full text of the appropriations minibus can be found here. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-hails-debt-relief-somalia,Rep. Ilhan Omar Hails Debt Relief for Somalia,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONRep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement on securing debt relief for Somalia in H.R. 1158 the DHS Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Teams Act. I am thrilled we were able to secure debt relief for Somalia today. Somalia continues to hold crushing amounts of debtwhich holds back the economy and keeps millions of Somalis in poverty. This doesn't just have an impact on Somalis in Somalia, but on the thousands of Somali- Americans who live in my district and have family in the region. This debt relief package is a major milestone that validates the incredible progress that Somalia has made in the past several years. This should not be seen as the end, but the beginning of renewed diplomatic engagement with the country.There is still more that must be done when it comes to strengthening democracy, respect for human rights, and the relationship between Villa Somalia, regional governments and the people. The U.S. can play a major role in all of this. Debt relief is a step in the right direction, and I look forward to continuing to work for the free, peaceful, democratic Somalia we all want to see.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-statement-fy-2020-appropriations-deal,Rep. Ilhan Omar Statement on FY 2020 Appropriations Deal,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONRep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement after voting no on H.R. 1865, the National Law Enforcement Museum Commemorative Coin Act and H.R. 1158, DHS Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Teams Act. Today, the House passed two bills that fail to hold this president accountable for his human rights abusesboth foreign and domestic. Rather than using our mandate for reform, the national security bill passed today maintains the status quo in foreign policy, giving the president a blank check to continue unwinnable wars, allows him to fund his racist border wall, andincreases funding for human rights abuses under ICE. This is simply unconscionable. It will have devastating impacts on our undocumented communities and further destabilize our foreign policy. The second package maintains the global gag rule and the Hyde amendment, creates a backdoor way to eliminate aid and starve the Palestinian people, recognizes support for Juan Guaid as President of Venezuela and includes $1.3 billion in military funding for Egyptian dictator Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The bills are not without positive provisions. I was proud to see three of my amendments included in the final packageincluding an amendment to combat corruption and impunity in the Northern Triangle, another to increase funding for HUD's office of manufactured housing, and an amendment to stop Trump's abuse of a clean energy loan program. As I said earlier, securing debt relief for Somalia is a major milestone for me, for the country and for U.S. engagement. I'm also heartened to see the bill includes increased funding for child care grants and community health centersboth of which will benefit the fifth district. But we cannot be satisfied with making progress if we are falling short on our core duty as elected officials.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-amendment-clean-polluted-minnesota-missile-site-become-law-defense,Phillips Amendment to Clean Up Polluted Minnesota Missile Site to Become Law in Defense Deal,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Dean Phillips,P000616,phillips.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) announced today that his amendment aimed at cleaning up a polluted former missile site in Watertown, MN was included in final passage of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which passed the Senate today. President Trump is expected to sign the bipartisan agreement into law. Watertown was the location of a Cold War anti-aircraft missile site until 1972. In 1974, it was jointly purchased from the military by 11 Minnesotacommunities Mound, Chanhassen, Chaska, Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Long Lake, Maple Plain, Mayer, St. Bonifacius, Victoria and Watertown. The 11 communities established the Western Area Fire Training Academy (WAFTA), an agreement between their local volunteer fire departments. Under the agreement, the grounds were used to conduct fire training exercises for the group for over a decade, until it was discovered that the site was contaminated with harmful pollutants left over from the Nike missile program. Since the 1990's, WAFTA has attempted to return the site to the military with the hope that it will be cleaned of pollutants. Phillips's provision in the final NDAA agreement will finally require the U.S. Army to identify the number of similar sites nationwide and make recommendations on how best to clean them up. When it comes to defense, it's my job to ensure that Washington is fulfilling its promise to uphold the safety and security of Minnesotans. said Phillips. That is exactly what we accomplished with our deal today and I'm proud that after more than two decades of hard work, a solution is in sight for eleven of our communities. My door is always open to local leaders who wish to be partners in my mission to generate results for Minnesota. During a tour of all 36 cities in Minnesota's Third District, Phillips and his staff were made aware of the problem by the Mound fire chief Gregory Pederson, who also serves as the President of WAFTA. Pederson had requested action from Third District representatives for nearly two decades with no success. In my decades of service I've overseen multi-million dollar improvements to our station, brought new fire trucks to our community, responded to 13,000 emergencies - and nothing has taken longer to achieve than this project,said Chief Pederson.Our WAFTA group has been actively pursuing funding or any viable solution for over 18 years that will assist us in resolving environmental issues with this site. Dean Phillips is the real deal. He reminds me of a firefighter he sees a problem and finds a way to get it done. Our entire WAFTA group is excited about the great effort and teamwork shown by Dean and his staff. A big thank you for all the help on this important issue. The NDAA has strong bipartisan support including approval from the Trump administration. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-leads-repealing-medical-device-tax-minnesota-innovators,Phillips Leads on Repealing the Medical Device Tax for Minnesota Innovators,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Dean Phillips,P000616,phillips.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) announced today that he successfully pushed for a permanent repeal of the medical device tax to be included in Congress's end-of-year funding deal, which passed the House today. Minnesota is the birthplace and epicenter of the medical device industry, which leaves Minnesota medical device companies paying 25% of the total national medical device tax burden. Small and medium sized medical device businesses in the early innovation stage, which make up 80% of the industry in Minnesota, are particularly harmed because the tax is placed on revenue, not profit. The medical device tax has overstayed its welcome, said Phillips. Too many jobs have been lost and too much innovation has been stifled due to this tax, which disproportionately impacts Minnesota. Right now, Minnesota ranks second to last in the difference between the money we send to Washington and what we get back. Tax revenue should not come at the expense of Minnesota workers and Minnesota companies, and I am on a mission to make the tax code more equitable for our State. In Minnesota, the medical device industry supports more than 34,000 jobs and adds more than $23 billion to the state's economy every year. Phillips's Third District has the highest concentration of medical device businesses in Minnesota. The spending agreement also blocks efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act, stopping the Trump Administration from preventing automatic re-enrollment in plans purchased on the exchanges, even if the customer does not select a new plan during open enrollment. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=7EAA648A-344A-4CB7-97FD-DF51BDD5BD6E,Klobuchar-Backed Legislation to Improve Broadband Data Maps Passes House,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, announced that the House passed her bipartisan legislation with Senators RogerWicker (R-MS), Gary Peters (D-MI), and John Thune (R-SD) to improve the accuracy of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) broadband availability maps. The Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act would improve the accuracy of the FCC's broadband availability maps by improving the process by which broadband data is collected. Yesterday's action in the House is an important step in helping the kids that grow up in rural America to be able to live in rural America, Klobuchar said. When rural Americans have access to the infrastructure needed to support improving access to broadband then we keep rural America competitive in the 21st century and beyond. If we want to bridge the urban-rural divide, we have to close the digital divide and this legislation helps with granular data collection for more accurate mapping so that we can bring high-speed internet to every family, regardless of their zip code. Specifically, the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act: Requires the FCC to collect granular service availability data from wired, fixed wireless, and satellite broadband providers. Requires strongparameters for service availability data collected from mobile broadband providers to ensure accuracy. Asks the FCC to consider whether to collect verified coverage data from state, local, and tribal governments, as well as from other entities. Creates a process for consumers, state, local, and Tribal governments, and other groups to challenge FCC maps with their own data, and requires the FCC to determine how to structure the process without making it overly burdensome on challengers. The bill is endorsed by NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, USTelecom, NCTA-The Internet Cable Association, Competitive Carriers Association, and CTIA. For the full bill text, click here. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Broadband Caucus, Klobuchar has long championed closing the digital divide and expanding access to the internet. She believes that connecting rural areas will provide rural businesses and families increased access to education, healthcare, and business opportunities. In December, Klobuchar, Senator John Thune (R-SD) and 46 of their colleagues urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in a letter to promote the deployment of sustainable broadband networks as the FCC considers adopting new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) proceeding.The RDOF will award high-cost Universal Service Fund (USF) support to deploy broadband service in rural areas. In July, Klobuchar and Senators RogerWicker (R-MS), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Thune's bipartisan legislation to improve the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) broadband coverage maps passed the Senate Commerce Committee. The Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act would require the FCC to collect more granular data from fixed, wireless, and satellite broadband providers, strengthen the accuracy of data from mobile broadband providers, consider a process to ensure data is reliable, and create a process for state, local, and Tribal governments to challenge the FCC maps' accuracy. In June, Klobuchar and Senator Shelley Moore Capito's (R-WV) legislation to improve broadband connectivity passed the Senate. TheMeasuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Actwould require the Bureau of Economic Analysis, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Technology, to conduct a study of the effects of the digital economy and the adoption of broadband deployment on the U.S. economy. In May, Klobuchar and Wicker'slegislation to ensure federal funds for broadband deployment are targeting unserved and underserved areas passed the Senate Commerce Committee. The Broadband Interagency CoordinationAct would direct the FCC, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to coordinate and share information on their broadband deployment efforts. In March, Klobuchar, Capito, and Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Hoeven (R-ND) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the FCC's broadband coverage maps. TheImproving Broadband Mapping Act directs the FCC to initiate a rulemaking to consider using consumer-reported data and state and local data from government entities to improve broadband mapping accuracy while also considering ways that both fixed and mobile coverage data can be challenged. Klobuchar and Wicker also led thePrecision Agriculture Connectivity Act, which was signed into law as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. The bipartisan legislation directs the FCC to establish a task force to identify gaps in broadband coverage and encourage broadband deployment on farms and ranchland. In March 2018, Klobuchar and Senator Deb Fischer's (R-NE) legislation to boost wireless broadband coverage across rural America was signed into law. The Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act incentivizes wireless carriers to lease unused spectrum to rural or smaller carriers to expand wireless coverage to more rural communities. Klobuchar also sponsored legislation to make broadband deployment easier by requiring coordination between state departments of transportation and broadband providers during construction projects so that they only have to dig once. A provision based on her bill was included in the government funding bill that was signed into law in March 2018. Dig once policies help streamline deployment and reduce the costs of building new broadband infrastructure while also helping expand wireless coverage in our rural areasa necessity for families and businesses. And in March 2016, Klobuchar and Thune led an effort calling on the FCC to modernize rules intended to ensure that rural Americans have access to affordable broadband services. With the support of 59 senators, they successfully pressured the FCC to update these rules. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-smith-collins-bipartisan-bill-combat-lyme-and-other-tick-borne-diseases-advances,U.S. Senators Smith & Collins’ Bipartisan Bill to Combat Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases Advances,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Kay Hagan Tick Act Set to Become Law as Part of Key Government Spending Package WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/17/19]U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced that their bipartisan bill to improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for tick-borne diseases was included in the government spending agreement released yesterday. Once passed by both the House and Senate, the bill will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law. The Kay Hagan Tick Actunites the effort to confront the alarming public health threat posed by Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, which have risen exponentially from approximately 30,000 cases in 2003 to an estimated 450,000 last year. Sens. Smith and Collins renamed the bill in honor of former Senator Kay Hagan, who passed away in October due to complications from the tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus. I've said that for the sake of Americans' health and well-being, we need to move this bill forward. My hope is that our bipartisan bill quickly passes the House and Senate so it can go to the President's desk and be signed into law,said Sen. Smith.The number of Lyme disease cases is on the rise, and we need to address this so Minnesotans can continue to enjoy spending time outside exploring our parks, swimming and boating in our lakes, and hiking in our forests safely. The inclusion of theTick Actin the appropriations agreement is a major victory for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who contract Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses each year. I am grateful for the countless advocates who shared their struggles with these diseases and conveyed the urgent need for this comprehensive, bipartisan bill,said Sen. Collins.With a national effort theTICK Actwould establish, we can stop the spread of these devastating tick-borne illnesses and protect our health. I was misdiagnosed by 23 doctors and specialists to the tune of $250,000 before getting an official diagnosis and proper treatment,said Paula Jackson Jones, President and Co-Founder of Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education.Enacting theTick Actthat Senator Collins introduced will provide a lifeline not only to patients but to medical providers. With funding available for research and education, we can get medical providers on the same page not only with improved diagnostic tools but better, more effective treatment options for their patients. With theTick Act, and Senator Collins' support in Washington, we can stem the growing threat of tick-borne disease. Lyme is a frustrating and debilitating disease, but it's a problem we can solve,said Bonnie Crater, co-founder and board member at Center for Lyme Action.What is needed is dedicated and sustained effort by the federal government to address this growing public health threat. The Kay Hagan Tick Act is a wonderful first step and is supported by more than 150 Lyme foundations and associations around the United States. Far too many Americans with Lyme disease experience a complex diagnostic odyssey that takes months or even years, while suffering severe and debilitating symptoms. In addition to the physical and emotional toll that Lyme disease takes, it is also expensive. Medical costs of Lyme disease are estimated at $1.3 billion per year. When accounting for indirect medical costs, including loss of work, the annual costs balloon to $75 billion per year. Using a three-pronged approach, theTick Actwould: 1.Require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a National Strategy.This would help expand research, improve testing and treatment, and coordinate common efforts with DOD, USDA, EPA, the VA, and the Departments of Interior and Homeland Security. 2.Reauthorize Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease for five years at $10 million per year.Funding for these centers, which was allotted in 2017, expires in 2021. These Centers have led the scientific response against tick-borne diseases, which now make up 75 percent of vector-borne diseases in the U.S. There are five centers located at universities in New York, California, Florida, Texas, and Wisconsin. 3.Authorize CDCGrants at $20 million per yearthat would be awarded to State Health Departments to improve data collection and analysis, support early detection and diagnosis, improve treatment, and raise awareness. These awards would help states build a public health infrastructure for Lyme and other tick and vector-borne diseases and amplify their initiatives through public-private partnerships. TheTick Actis supported by more than 155 organizations, including the Center for Lyme Action, the Entomological Society of America, National Association of Vector-Borne Disease Control Officials, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education Organization in Maine, the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases, the LivLyme Foundation, the Global Lyme Alliance, and The Avril Lavigne Foundation. Sens. Smith and Collins'Tick Actis cosponsored by 31 of their Senate colleagues including Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R- Miss.), Christopher Murphy (D-Conn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Margaret Hassan (D-N.H.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Diane Feinstein (D-Calif), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/newletter-archive/rep-petersons-newsletter-12162019,Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/16/2019,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Collin Peterson,P000258,collinpeterson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Air Force Appointee Madyson Ohren and Family (MOORHEAD) Dear Friends, After months of discussions with trade representatives and my other Members of Congress, the Administration has finalized an agreement on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which preserves markets and makes gains for various industries. I have been pushing for months to get this deal to the finish line and I am glad to get this done for producers, farmers, businesses, and workers in Western Minnesota. On Thursday, the House voted to pass the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which is bipartisan legislation that will provide a reliable and legal source of workers for farms and reform visa programs. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bipartisan bill that provides stability and fairness for farmers and ranchers. The Agriculture Committee also held a Member Day Hearing, where Members from outside the of the Committee were invited highlight important agriculture issues facing their constituents. I was glad to hear about issues impacting the farming community, and I am committed to ensuring that these communities have strong voices in Congress. I was happy to call Madyson Ohren and congratulate her on her appointment to the Air Force Academy. Service Academy Appointments are one of my favorite parts of this job, and I look forward to hearing about Madyson's bright future. Sincerely, Congressman Collin C. Peterson Minnesota 7th District Serving the 7th This week, Senator John Hoeven (ND), Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative CEO Kurt Wickstrom and I met with USDA Under Secretary Bill Northey to outline the challenges facing sugarbeet growers and cooperatives. The meeting was another step toward finding assistance for producers facing losses from sugar beets left in the ground. Under Secretary Northey has surveyed the conditions farmers in Minnesota face during harvest and he knows firsthand what issues producers are dealing with. Securing disaster assistance for sugar producers is critical and I am hopeful after last Tuesday's meeting that we are on track to getting this done. Click here to read more about my meeting with Under Secretary Northey. Minnesota National Guard Col. Sol Sukut, Lt. Col. Brian Winter, and Lt. Col. Mike Piontek First, I want to express my condolences for the families of three Minnesota National Guard soldiers who tragically passed away last week when their test flight of a Black Hawk helicopter went down. Their names are Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles P. Nord, Sgt. Kort M. Plantenberg, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 James A. Rogers Jr. Members of the Guard visited with me during a planned trip to Washington this week and we discussed the incident along with deployment and facility updates. Following votes, the Minnesota delegation paused in a moment of silence for the victims of the Minnesota National Guard Soldiers who passed away last week. Chairman's Corner The House Committee on Agriculture hosted a Member Day hearing last Wednesday to give members of the U.S. House of Representatives a chance to highlight the agriculture issues that are important to their constituents. Members of Congress both on and off the Agriculture Committee were invited to participate. Members spoke on a range of issues that included agriculture labor, the state of the farm economy, invasive species, nutrition assistance programs and rural development. It was great to see new members address the Committee and share their priorities for agriculture. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) // Trey Hicks Director of the Office of Food for Peace at USAID The Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing last week to get an update on the implementation of Farm Bill international food assistance and development programs. The Subcommittee heard testimony from Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Ken Isley and Trey Hicks from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The United States government purchases and distributes American foods to food insecure nations around the world. These efforts help millions of individuals access affordable food, while also increasing demand for American commodities. Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit Chairman David Scott (GA-13) // Ag Country Farm Credit Services President and CEO Marc Knisely The Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit heard testimony from executives representing the American Bankers Association, the Farm Credit Council, and the Independent Community Bankers of America last week. The witnesses shared their perspective on credit conditions in rural America, and they answered questions from the Subcommittee members. Ag Country Farm Credit Services serves western Minnesota as part of the Farm Credit System and their President and CEO Mark Knisely provided testimony for the Subcommittee. Trade disputes, weather and low commodity prices continue to put pressure on the agriculture community and agriculture lenders play an important role helping producers weather this downturn in the farm economy. I met with Matt Caswell, Vice President for Government Affairs at Ag Processing Inc. (AGP), which is based in Omaha but has locations in Dawson and Northwest Iowa that serve Minnesota soybean farmers and grain cooperatives. We talked about the situation facing U.S. biodiesel production and the outlook for the biodiesel tax credit, which lapsed in 2018. Legislation is currently being considered to cover the 2018 production year and phase out the tax credit, with that phase down period still under discussion. I met with National Association of State Departments of Agriculture President Doug Goehring last week to discuss NASDA's agriculture priorities for 2020. Doug Goehring also serves as North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner, a position he has held since April 2009. Air Force Academy Nomination One of the most rewarding aspects of being a United States Congressman is the opportunity to nominate young women and men from across the state to attend our nation's prestigious service academies. On Thursday, I was able to inform Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton senior Madyson Ohren of her appointment to the United States Air Force Academy where she will study, serve our country, and compete in Division 1 gymnastics. Congratulations, Madyson! Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company Last week Mark Wegner, President and CEO of Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company, visited my office to share an update on the current ag freight rail conditions. Short line freight trains play an important role in our ag economy. In this challenging harvest season, ag haulers like our railroads are pivotal in bringing Minnesota products to the market. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Representatives of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics visited my office this week to talk about food waste, child nutrition and programs to improve the quality of school lunches. Children and parents expect that the food served at schools is of good quality. For some kids, the meal they receive at school is their most reliable meal of the day. The organization also shared their efforts to teach children about the food they eat. The Academy believes that if kids know where their food comes from and get to see how it is prepared, they will be more likely to make healthy choices and try new foods. Minnesota State Forester My staff aide Zach Martin sat down with Minnesota's lead state forester to discuss the major seven USDA forest service programs used in Minnesota, including fire assistant and forest inventory and analysis programs. They also went over Good Neighbor Authorities and timber tariffs, a particularly difficult issue for private forest growers, too. Lamb and Wool Producers Association On Friday evening my staff attended the Lamb and Wool Producers Association (LWPA) Annual Event in St. Cloud. The event featured a local chef that had prepared lamb brought in by the producers. The Association offers a variety of support and assistance to sheep producers and educates Minnesotans about the sheep industry. I appreciate LWPA's efforts to keep me updated and always look forward to their visits. 2020 Census Effort On Friday, my staff attended a statewide update on 2020 Census efforts. There are many Complete Count Committees across the district working to ensure a successful Census. If your community has any questions, my staff are happy to connect you with our network of Census contacts working statewide to ensure complete counts. For more information about Complete Count Committees, click here. The Census Bureau has many job openings for next year to help with these efforts. Wages range between $16-$27 per hour. Applications are available, and hiring will occur in January. For more information about jobs click here. New London-Spicer School My staff aide Grant Herfindahl visited New London-Spicer Schools on Monday to learn more about their efforts to connect youth to greenhouse learning and renewable energy. The onsite greenhouse and wind turbine provide hands on learning opportunities. Questionnaire Results Last week, I asked your thoughts on voting. Here is what you had to say: The United States spent nearly $8.5 billion last year on broadband initiatives under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)'s Universal Service Fund. In just one week, the U.S. will spend almost the same amount servicing our national debt -- roughly $7.6 billion. Without our unsustainable debt, we could put adequate funding towards programs that increase internet access for the 7th District and our rural communities. As a fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrat, I have continually supported a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution, which would require Congress to get our fiscal house in order. I have also fought for Pay-As-You-Go legislation to ensure legislation doesn't add to our debt and recently voted against the Democratic budget which would have worsened our fiscal situation. Newsstand United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement On Tuesday, the House announced a clear path for passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). I've been pushing for months to get this deal passed because it will give farmers and rural communities certainty and hope for the future. Rural America has been hurt by these trade wars and passing the USMCA is a step in the right direction. Click here to read my press release. Passage of Bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act On Thursday, the House of Representatives voted to pass the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that I was proud to cosponsor. The need for a reliable and legal workforce is a top priority of mine and the agriculture industry. Click here to read my statement on this bill Conservation Stewardship Program The Department of Agriculture recently announced a delay in payments for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). After this year's weather and harvest problems, this is the last thing farmers need. I would encourage people to contact their local NRCS office to check on their status. Click here to read my statement on CSP Payments ARC/PLC Informational Meetings University of Minnesota Extension and the Farm Service Agency will be hosting informational meetings in December and January to answer questions about 2020 Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Hutchinson ~ Dec. 19th from 1-3 p.m. ~ Hutchinson Event Center Litchfield~ Dec. 20th from 9-11 a.m. ~ Eagles Club Benson~ Jan.6th from 10-12 p.m.~ Swift CountyCourthouse (LECMeeting room) Olivia~ Jan. 13th from 10-12 p.m.~ Max's Grill Maynard ~ Jan. 13from 2-4 p.m. ~Maynard Event Center Alexandria~ Jan. 17th from 2-4 p.m. ~ Holiday Inn Paynesville ~ Jan. 21st from 9-11 a.m. ~ Paynesville American Legion Buffalo ~ Jan 24th from 2-4pm ~ Rockford Township Hall For more information about ARC or PLC, visit this website, or contact your local Farm Service Agency office. USDA Extends Dairy Margin Coverage and Market Facilitation Program Signup Last week, USDA announced a one-week extensionto 2020 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and Market Facilitation Program (MFP) signup. Producers now have until Friday, December 20th to sign up for either program. The original deadline was December 13th. DMC was created by the 2018 Farm Bill to provide dairy operations with affordable protection from fluctuations in milk orfeed prices. DMC sign-up is open for operations that have not previously enrolled or that selected annual sign-up in 2019. Operations that selected five years of coverage in 2019 also need to affirm that they continue to actively operate. The Market Facilitation Program provides payments to dairy, crop and hog producers that are struggling due to the ongoing trade disputes. For more information, visit your local Farm Service Agency office. This Week in History On December 11, 1876 Ada Louise Comstock was born in Moorhead. She was the first Dean of women at the University of Minnesota and also served as the Dean of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. She was also the first president of the American Association of University Women",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=1884BCDA-AE76-4023-BFB4-F65049A1FDFD,"Klobuchar, Schatz, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Personal Data Online",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Data Care Act will Stop Websites and Apps from Using Personal Data to Harm Consumers, Protect Consumer Information from Hacks, and Hold Companies Accountable for Misuse of Data WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) joined Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and 14 colleagues in reintroducing legislation to protect people's personal data online. The Data Care Act would require websites, apps, and other online providers to take responsible steps to safeguard personal information and stop the misuse of users' data. It is clear that we must do more to protect Americans' privacy. Online platforms are collecting an enormous amount of personal data on consumers everything from what we buy and what websites we go to, to what our emails say and where we go throughout the day. Our laws must keep up with advances in technology, Klobuchar said. The Data Care Act will ensure that companies secure consumers' sensitive data and give the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the tools to hold companies accountable when they fall short. People have a basic expectation that the personal information that is collected by websites and apps is well-protected and won't be used to harm them. Just as doctors and lawyers are expected to protect and responsibly use the personal data they hold, online companies should be required to do the same. Our bill will help make sure that when people give online companies their information, it won't be abused, Schatz said. Doctors, lawyers, and bankers are legally required to exercise special care to protect their clients and not misuse their information. While online companies also hold personal and sensitive information about the people they serve, they are not required to protect consumers' data. This leaves consumers in a vulnerable position; they are expected to understand the information they give to providers and how it is being used an unreasonable expectation for even the most tech-savvy consumer. By establishing an explicit duty for online providers, consumers can trust that their online data is protected and used in a responsible way. The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Chris Murphy (D-CT). The Data Care Act establishes reasonable duties that will require providers to protect consumers' data and will prohibit providers from using consumers' data to their detriment: Duty of Care Providers must reasonably secure individual identifying data and promptly inform consumers of data breaches that involve sensitive information; Duty of Loyalty Providers may not use individual identifying data in ways that harm consumers; Duty of Confidentiality Providers must ensure that the duties of care and loyalty extend to third parties when disclosing, selling, or sharing individual identifying data; Federal and State Enforcement A violation of the duties will be treated as a violation of an FTC rule with fine authority. States may also bring civil enforcement actions, but the FTC can intervene. States and the FTC may go after both first- and third-party data collectors. Rulemaking Authority FTC is granted rulemaking authority to implement the Act. Klobuchar has been a leader in the fight to protect consumers' private information. In June, Klobuchar and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced new legislation to protect consumers' private health data.TheProtecting Personal Health Data Actaddresses health privacy concerns by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations for new health technologies such as health apps, wearable devices like Fitbits, and direct-to-consumer genetic testing kits that are not regulated by existing laws. In January, Klobuchar and Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) reintroduced theSocial Media Privacy and Consumer Rights Act,bipartisan legislation that would protect the privacy of consumers' online data by improving transparency, strengthening consumers' recourse options when a breach of data occurs, and ensuring companies are compliant with privacy policies that protect consumers. In November, Klobuchar joined Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and fellow senior members Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Ed Markey (D-MA) in unveiling comprehensive federal online privacy legislation to establish privacy rights, outlaw harmful and deceptive practices, and improve data security safeguards for the record number of American consumers who now shop or conduct business online. The Consumer Online Privacy Rights Act (COPRA) gives Americans control over their personal data; prohibits companies from using consumers' data to harm or deceive them; establishes strict standards for the collection, use, sharing, and protection of consumer data; protects civil rights; and penalizes companies that fail to meet data protection standards. The legislation also codifies the rights of individuals to pursue claims against entities that violate their data privacy rights. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-smith-tillis-bill-extend-terrorism-risk-insurance-program-nears-passage-senate-house,"U.S. Senators Smith & Tillis’ Bill to Extend Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Nears Passage by Senate, House",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Measure Would Make it Possible for Businesses to Continue to Grow and Create Jobs, Support Institutions Hosting Major Events WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/16/2019]Today,U.S. SenatorsTina Smith (D-Minn.)and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) secured inclusion of their bipartisan bill to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program for seven years as part of a key government funding packageexpected to pass Congress this week. Last month, the Senate Banking Committee unanimously passed the legislation. During Committee consideration,Sen. Smith highlightedhow the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) makes it possible for Minnesota to host major events, including the 2018 Super Bowl which generated more than $350 million for the state's economy. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program was established in response tothescarcity of affordable insurance coverage for terrorism riskin the wake of the attacksonSeptember 11, 2001. Since then, theprogram has improved the availability and affordability of terrorism risk insurance coverage in the marketplace througha public/private partnership that allows the federal government and the insurance industry to share losses in the event of a major terrorist attack. The program ensures that adequate resources are available for businesses to recover and rebuild if they are the victims of a terrorist attack. Under TRIA, all property and casualty insurers in the U.S. are required to make terrorism coverage available. Without the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program, which is scheduled to expire at the end of 2020, major building projects and other key events could be halted or delayed, causing lost jobs and economic activity. The bill is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Insurance Federation of Minnesota, the Coalition to Insure Against Terrorism, the Reinsurance Association of America, Prudential, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the National Association of Realtors, the American Bankers Association and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. I've been focused on working with both parties to get things done to support jobs and economic growth in Minnesota. Congress is an institution that rarely acts without a deadline, so I'm glad to see my bipartisan measure on the path to being signed into law more than a year before Terrorism Risk Insurance Program is scheduled to expire. The TRIA bill supports vital Minnesota institutions because having access to affordable insurance for terrorism-related risks makes it possible for businesses to be able to grow and create jobs,said Sen. Smith.The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program needs to be extended, and successfully including it in this legislative package shows we can work together to do that. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program is an important program that protectsNorth Carolina's economy and providespeace of mind to the private sector by providing insurance protections at no cost to taxpayers,said Sen. Tillis.I am proud to see my bipartisan legislation to extend this program will be signed into law so major events like the 2020 RNC Convention in Charlotte and American businesses can be protected and continue to create jobs. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Martha McSally (R-Ariz.),Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), David Perdue (R-Ga.),Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.),Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.),Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.),Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). Specifically, theTerrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2019: Reauthorizes the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program for seven years, through December 31, 2027,and preserves the taxpayer reforms included in the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015; Directs the Treasury Department in its biennial report on the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program and its effectiveness to include an evaluation of the availability and affordability of terrorism risk insurance, including specifically for places of worship; and Directs the Government Accountability Office to analyze and address, and report on, the vulnerabilities and potential costs of cyber terrorism, adequacy of coverage under the Program, and to make recommendations for future legislative changes to address evolving cyber terrorism risks.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=21099A26-539C-4398-ACDC-7CCC5CAF3BD2,"Klobuchar, Crapo Bill to Crack Down on Robocalls Clears Commerce Committee",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Data Analytics Robocall Technology (DART) Act would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure public safety calls are not blocked WASHINGTON This week, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) announced that their legislation to crack down on robocalls has passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee. The Data Analytics Robocall Technology (DART) Act would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a rulemaking to consider maintaining a critical call list to ensure that public safety calls are not impacted by call-blocking technologies. Most robocalls aren't just unwanted and disruptive they are illegal, Klobuchar said. Our legislation to expand the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) efforts to combat illegal robocalls passed the Commerce Committee. The DART Act would ensure that public safety calls are not blocked and direct the FCC to report to Congress on the effectiveness of call-blocking technologies. I look forward to this bill passing the full Senate and becoming law to protect consumers. Americans know these scams are out of control, Crapo said. Last year, robocalls increased by 47 percent, resulting in more than 26 billion robocalls. The DART Act gives us the opportunity to review call blocking programs and provides us opportunities to keep up and stop this fraudulent menace. Specifically, the bill would prevent the following types of numbers from being blocked: Numbers used for outgoing calls by public safety answering points or other facilities that route emergency calls; Numbers used for calls by government entities; Numbers used by schools to provide school-related notifications, including weather-related closings or emergencies; and Numbers used for similar or emergency purposes, as determined by the FCC. The bill would also require the FCC to submit a report to Congress on the effectiveness of call-blocking technologies. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, Klobuchar has been a leader in the fight to protect consumers from robocalls, ticket bots, unauthorized charges on their phone bills, and deceptive practices by fraudulent online travel booking websites. In December 2019, the bipartisan, Klobuchar-backed Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act passed the House. The bill gives regulators more time to find scammers, increases civil penalties, promotes call authentication and blocking adoption technologies, and ensures that consumers receive call blocking services at no cost. The bill reflects a compromise between Senator John Thune's (R-SD) TRACED Act, which passed the Senate in May, and Rep. Frank Pallone's (D-NJ) Stopping Bad Robocalls Act, which passed the House in July, and will now go to the Senate for passage. In July 2019, Klobuchar joined Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to introduce the Protection from Robocalling Act to end an exemption in theFederal Trade Commission Actthat some companies have exploited to enable illegal robocalls. In June 2019, Klobuchar joined Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NM), Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) to reintroduce the Deter Obnoxious, Nefarious, and Outrageous Telephone (DO NOT) Call Act to increase civil and criminal penalties for making illegal robocalls. In April 2019, Klobuchar joined Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Tina Smith (D-MN) to introduce the Protecting American Consumers from Robocalls Act, which would enhance theTelephone Consumer Protection Act(TCPA) of 1991 and the Do-Not-Call Registry. In April 2018, Klobuchar joined members of the Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee to introduce theRobocall Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2018. The legislation, led by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), would help the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) remove barriers that prevent the agency from pursuing those who violate robocall rules. In 2015, Klobuchar called on the FCC to implement Do Not Disturb technology to block telemarketing and unwanted robocalls on both landline and wireless phones. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=8FC3F0CC-9D5F-42E0-B0B4-C993B74EE84C,"Klobuchar, Smith Seek Answers Following Deadly Public Housing Fire",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators are seeking answers after five Minnesotans were killed and four were injured in a tragic fire in a high-rise public housing building WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson seeking answers after five Minnesotans were killed and four were injured in a tragic fire in a high-rise public housing building that did not have fire sprinkler systems installed on its upper floors. While the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, it is clear that the upper floors of the building, where the fatal fire began, did not have sprinkler systems installed. Unfortunately, the vulnerability of this and other high-rise buildings that lack full sprinkler systems was recognized by the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) prior to the outbreak of the fire, but MPHA, like many public housing authorities, has limited funding available to address these maintenance needs. In the letter, the senators asked what steps the Department is taking to encourage public housing authorities to install sprinkler systems, whether this safety issue will be a priority as the Department sets its budget, and how Congress can assist the Department in encouraging public housing authorities to retrofit high-rise buildings with full sprinkler systems. This is a tragic loss for not only the families of the victims of the fire, but the entire Cedar-Riverside community, the senators wrote. Fire sprinkler systems are widely recognized as an essential element of fire safety and properly installed sprinklers on all floors of the building may have mitigated the devastation caused by this fire. The full text of the letter can be found HERE and below: Secretary Carson: We write to request information relating to fire sprinkler installation in public housing buildings overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development (HUD). As you are aware, five Minnesotans were killed and four were injured in a tragic fire that ravaged a 25-story apartment tower in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis. This is a tragic loss for not only the families of the victims of the fire, but the entire Cedar-Riverside community. While the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, it is clear that the upper floors of the building, where the fatal fire began, did not have sprinkler systems installed. According to Minneapolis officials, the main floor and lower mechanical rooms of the building had partial sprinkler coverage but the rest of the building did not. HUD manages this building through the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA), but because it was built in 1969, it is exempt from the federal law passed in 1992 that requires automatic sprinkler systems in new multifamily public housing properties. Unfortunately, the vulnerability of this and other high-rise buildings that lack full sprinkler systems was recognized by MPHA prior to the outbreak of the fire. Earlier this year, MPHA identified $152 million in immediate capital needs, including $69 million that it required for mechanical systems (includes plumbing & fire). In the same report, MPHA stated that as building codes have evolved, we need to address increased life/safety requirements such as retrofitting our high rise buildings with sprinkler systems. Unfortunately, MPHA, like many public housing authorities, has limited funding available to address these deferred maintenance needs. Fire sprinkler systems are widely recognized as an essential element of fire safety and properly installed sprinklers on all floors of the building may have mitigated the devastation caused by this fire. To better understand HUD's plans for promoting the adoption of sprinkler systems in high-rise public housing buildings, we ask that you provide answers to the following questions: What steps is HUD taking to encourage public housing authorities to install sprinkler systems in high-rise buildings whose construction predates 1992, and are not covered by sprinkler installation requirements in state and local building codes? HUD's fiscal year 2020 budget request proposed zeroing out the Public Housing Capital Fund, which provides resources to public housing authorities to address maintenance and building needs. Will it be a priority in HUD's fiscal year 2021 budget request to ensure that public housing authorities have the resources to address these needs? What can Congress do to assist HUD in encouraging housing authorities to retrofit high-rise buildings with full sprinkler systems? We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=CCCECBEA-C0DE-426C-8569-7EBC3ECB2CA1,Klobuchar Statement on Reported Legal Action from Justice Department against Live Nation for Ticketing Violations,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, issued this statement following reports that the Justice Department is preparing to take legal action against Live Nation Entertainment Inc. on allegations that the company has been flouting the conditions of a 2010 consent decree that cleared the way for a merger with Ticketmaster. In August, Klobuchar and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) urged the Department to conduct an investigation into the state of competition in the ticketing marketplace given concerns that the company was ignoring the 2010 consent decree, which had already been criticized as ineffective. Americans purchase millions of tickets each year and shouldn't be forced to pay sky-high prices because of corporate greed in a broken ticketing industry. As I have expressed time and again, the online ticket markets don't work for American consumers. Lack of competition due to excessive consolidation has led to inadequate disclosures and inflated fees when people go to purchase tickets to live events. Live Nation's dominance in the sector raises serious antitrust concerns.I'm glad that the Department of Justice is preparing to take action to ensure compliance with the Ticketmaster/Live Nation consent decree following my requests to look into potential anticompetitive behavior in the ticketing industry. In her role as Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, Senator Klobuchar has championed efforts to protect consumers, promote competition, and fight consolidation in major industrial sectors, including the telecommunications, technology, agriculture, and pharmaceutical sectors. She has called for strong antitrust review and enforcement to protect consumers from mergers that threaten to raise prices or harm competition, including the Comcast/Time Warner Cable, AT&T/Time Warner Inc., Anheuser-Busch/Miller-Coors, and T-Mobile/Sprint, and consolidation in the agricultural industry and the online travel industry. She has also led the call to protect the independence and integrity of the antitrust enforcement agencies from political interference by the Trump administration. In September, in light of ongoing consolidation in the pharmaceutical sector, Klobuchar led a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Joseph Simons calling on the agency to closely scrutinize pharmaceutical mergers that raise competition issues. In the letter, Klobuchar and her colleagues raised concerns about the potential impact of these proposed transactions on pharmaceutical innovation and the potential harm to consumers that may come from the increased negotiating leverage of merging companies. The senators also urged the FTC to take all necessary steps to ensure that the terms of any consent decrees under which pharmaceutical mergers are allowed to proceed are effective in addressing threats to competition. In August, Klobuchar introduced theMonopolization Deterrence Actto crack down on monopolies that violate antitrust law. The legislation would give the DOJ and FTC the authority to seek civil penalties for monopolization offenses under the antitrust laws, a power they currently do not have. In June, she led efforts to obtain details about possible FTC antitrust investigations into Amazon and Facebook and possible Justice Department antitrust investigations into Google and Apple. In letters to enforcers, the senators requested information regarding the existence and scope of the potential investigations. Klobuchar has also been an outspoken voice in opposing anticompetitive mergers and has introduced legislation to help prevent them. In June, Klobuchar and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced new bipartisan legislation to ensure that antitrust authorities have the resources they need to protect consumers. TheMerger Filing Fee Modernization Actwould update merger filing fees for the first time since 2001, lower the burden on small and medium-sized businesses, ensure larger deals bring in more income, and raise enough revenue so that taxpayer dollars aren't required to fund necessary increases to agency enforcement budgets. Klobuchar leads theConsolidation Prevention and Competition Promotion Actto restore the original purpose of the Clayton Antitrust Act to promote competition and protect American consumers. The bill would strengthen the current legal standard to help stop harmful consolidation that may materially lessen competition. It would clarify that a merger could violate the statute if it gives a company monopsony power to unfairly lower the prices it pays or wages it offers because of lack of competition among buyers or employers. The bill further strengthens the law to guard against harmful mega-mergers and deals that substantially increase market concentration, shifting the burden to the merging companies to prove that their consolidation does not harm competition. She also introduced theMerger Enforcement Improvement Actwhich would update existing law to reflect the current economy and provide agencies with better information post-merger to ensure that merger enforcement is meeting its goals. This bill would modernize antitrust enforcement by improving the agencies' ability to assess the impact of merger settlements, requiring studies of new issues, adjusting merger filing fees to reflect the 21st century economy, and providing adequate funding for antitrust agencies to meet their obligations to protect American consumers. Klobuchar introduced both bills in February. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=D1F9E27B-6187-4800-8579-816016A2102D,"Klobuchar, Shaheen, 24 Colleagues Urge Administration to Reconsider Paris Climate Accord Withdrawal",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON This week, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and 24 of their colleagues urged the administration to reconsider the decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. In a letter, Klobuchar and her colleagues highlighted the crisis of climate change and the damage that will be inflicted on Americans for future generations unless immediate action is taken. The Senators urged the administration against ceding U.S. leadership on this issue. The letter was sent as the 25th United Nations Climate Change conference takes place in Madrid this week. As the second largest global emitter of greenhouse gases, and the largest historical emitter, it is imperative that the United States assume our rightful place as a global leader in the fight to combat climate change, yet with this action you are ceding American leadership to other nations at great political and economic costs. the senators wrote. There is an international race to develop advanced energy technologies. Instead of capitalizing on this economic opportunity, this action to no longer participate in the Paris Climate Agreement places U.S. companies at a competitive disadvantage and effectively offshores American jobs to China and other countries, Moreover, the blow dealt to our national security by surrendering technological prowess to other countries is matched only by the damage caused by abdicating our international commitments made under the Paris Climate Agreement. In addition to Klobuchar and Shaheen, the letter was signed by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tom Udall (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV). The full text of the letter can be found HERE and below: December 9, 2019 Dear Mr. President: We write to express our concern and opposition to your dangerous decision to begin the process of formally withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. Failing to address the worsening crisis of climate change will wreak damages on all Americans for centuries into the future. When you first signaled your intent to withdraw the United States from this comprehensive agreement, you indicated that you would ""immediately work with Democrats to either negotiate our way back into Paris, under the terms that are fair to the United States and its workers, or to negotiate a new deal."" We have yet to see any action to honor that commitment. As the second largest global emitter of greenhouse gases, and the largest historical emitter, it is imperative that the United States assume our rightful place as a global leader in the fight to combat climate change, yet with this action you are ceding American leadership to other nations at great political and economic costs. There is an international race to develop advanced energy technologies. Instead of capitalizing on this economic opportunity, this action to no longer participate in the Paris Climate Agreement places U.S. companies at a competitive disadvantage and effectively offshores American jobs to China and other countries, Moreover, the blow dealt to our national security by surrendering technological prowess to other countries is matched only by the damage caused by abdicating our international commitments made under the Paris Climate Agreement. The business community recognizes the missed opportunities resulting from your decision and understand the negative consequences associated with losing access to international clean energy markets. More than 2,200 American businesses and investors are committed to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement, and many American companies have urged you to remain committed to the Agreement such as Google, ConocoPhillips, National Grid, Levi Strauss & Co., Morgan Stanley and Unilever. 1 2 American citizens want you to take strong action on climate change, with roughly 67% of the country agreeing it is the responsibility of the federal government to address the climate crisis, and 64% disapproving of your climate change policies? Three out of four registered voters (77%) believe the United States should participate in the Paris Climate Agreement. This sentiment is also echoed by state and local governments. Since May 3 1, 2017, more than 400 United States mayors have adopted the Paris Agreement goals for their cities and 24 United States governors have formed a bipartisan coalition to realize the Paris Agreement goals at the State level. Furthermore, our national security experts frequently conclude that climate change is disrupting military readiness and exacerbating conflicts.6 As the 25th United Nations Climate Change conference is underway in Madrid, Spain this week,we urge you to consider the impact of this decision on the livelihood of Americans, the American economy and our national security as it will undoubtedly have long-lasting adverse effects on our way of life and America's position in the world. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-seek-answers-following-deadly-public-housing-fire,"Klobuchar, Smith Seek Answers Following Deadly Public Housing Fire",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators are seeking answers after five Minnesotans were killed and four were injured in a tragic fire in a high-rise public housing building WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson seeking answersafterfive Minnesotans were killed and four were injured in a tragic firein a high-rise public housing building that did not have fire sprinkler systems installed on its upper floors. While the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, it is clear that the upper floors of the building, where the fatal fire began, did not have sprinkler systems installed. Unfortunately, the vulnerability of this and other high-rise buildings that lack full sprinkler systems was recognized by the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) prior to the outbreak of the fire, butMPHA, like many public housing authorities, has limited funding available to address these maintenance needs. In the letter, the senators asked what steps the Department is taking to encourage public housing authorities to install sprinkler systems, whether this safety issue will be a priority as the Department sets its budget, and how Congress can assist the Department in encouraging public housing authorities to retrofit high-rise buildings with full sprinkler systems. This is a tragic loss for not only the families of the victims of the fire, but the entire Cedar-Riverside community,the senators wrote.Fire sprinkler systems are widely recognized as an essential element of fire safety and properly installed sprinklers on all floors of the building may have mitigated the devastation caused by this fire. The full text of the letter can be foundHEREand below: Secretary Carson: We write to request information relating to fire sprinkler installation in public housing buildings overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development (HUD). As you are aware, five Minnesotans were killed and four were injured in a tragic fire that ravaged a 25-story apartment tower in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis. This is a tragic loss for not only the families of the victims of the fire, but the entire Cedar-Riverside community. While the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, it is clear that the upper floors of the building, where the fatal fire began, did not have sprinkler systems installed. According to Minneapolis officials, themain floor and lower mechanical rooms of the building had partial sprinkler coverage but the rest of the building did not.HUD manages this building through the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA), but because it was built in 1969, it is exempt from the federal law passed in 1992 that requires automatic sprinkler systems in new multifamily public housing properties. Unfortunately, the vulnerability of this and other high-rise buildings that lack full sprinkler systems was recognized by MPHA prior to the outbreak of the fire. Earlier this year, MPHA identified $152 million in immediate capital needs, including $69 million that it required for mechanical systems (includes plumbing & fire). In the same report, MPHA stated thatas building codes have evolved, we need to address increased life/safety requirements such as retrofitting our high rise buildings with sprinkler systems. Unfortunately, MPHA, like many public housing authorities, has limited funding available to address these deferred maintenance needs. Fire sprinkler systems are widely recognized as an essential element of fire safety and properly installed sprinklers on all floors of the building may have mitigated the devastation caused by this fire. To better understand HUD's plans for promoting the adoption of sprinkler systems in high-rise public housing buildings, we ask that you provide answers to the following questions: What steps is HUD taking to encourage public housing authorities to install sprinkler systems in high-rise buildings whose construction predates 1992, and are not covered by sprinkler installation requirements in state and local building codes? HUD's fiscal year 2020 budget request proposed zeroing out the Public Housing Capital Fund, which provides resources to public housing authorities to address maintenance and building needs. Will it be a priority in HUD's fiscal year 2021 budget request to ensure that public housing authorities have the resources to address these needs? What can Congress do to assist HUD in encouraging housing authorities to retrofit high-rise buildings with full sprinkler systems? We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/peterson-applauds-house-passage-bipartisan-farm-workforce-modernization-act,Peterson applauds House passage of Bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Collin Peterson,P000258,collinpeterson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill spearheaded by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-19) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a 260-165 vote. The need for a reliable and legal source of workers is a top priority for the agriculture industry, and I am proud to support the bipartisan Farm Worker Modernization Act, which is a significant improvement for rural America. This bill is great for our dairy industry, but we still need to address meat and poultry processing workforce needs going forward. I want to thank Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Newhouse, and the bipartisan group of Members for their hard work in getting us to this point, said House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson. The bipartisan effort was negotiated over eight months with input from agricultural stakeholders and labor organizations and was introduced with the support of 26 Democrats and 23 Republicans. Click here for a one-pager and click here for bill text. Leaders from the dairy industry in the Seventh District and across Minnesota voiced their support for the bill as well, thanking Chairman Peterson for his leadership on the issue. The full list of cosponsors includes: Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV-02); Rep. James Baird (R-IN- 04); Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA-37); Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY-22); Rep. Susan W. Brooks (R-IN-05); Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24); Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-CA-29); Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA-27); Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK-04); Rep. Luis J. Correa (D-CA-46); Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA-16); Rep. TJ Cox (D-CA-21); Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN-02); Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO-6); Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28); Rep. John Curtis(R-UT-03); Rep. David Scott (D-GA-13); Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL-13); Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-NY-19); Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25); Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16); Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1); Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH-11); Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA-3); Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29); Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH-07); Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA-10); Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI-3); Rep. Peter King (R-NY-2); Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01); Rep. Al Lawson (D-FL-05); Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-05); Rep. Paul Mitchell (R-MI-10); Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-10); Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04); Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA-22); Rep. Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ-1); Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20); Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA-52); Rep. Collin C. Peterson (D-MN-07); Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1); Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY-23); Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA-36); Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA-38); Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR-05); Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA-08) ; Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID-02); Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-08); Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11); Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07); Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-19); Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21); Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT-2); Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH-15); Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY-3); Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA-5); Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO-3); Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA-35); Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM-02); Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI-06); Rep. Filemon Vela (D-TX-34); Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR-02); and Rep. Don Young (R-AK- At Large). Background: Farmers and ranchers across the United States are in desperate need of a high-quality, reliable workforce, and the current H-2A guestworker program is in need of meaningful, bipartisan reform. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act creates a workforce solution for America's agriculture industry by providing stability, predictability, and fairness to one of the most critical sectors of our nation's economy. The bill will: Establish a program for agricultural workers in the United States to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment and contribution to the U.S. agricultural economy. Reform the H-2A program to provide more flexibility for employers, while ensuring critical protections for workers. The bill focuses on modifications to make the program more responsive and user-friendly for employers and provides access to the program for industries with year-round labor needs. Establish a mandatory, nationwide E-Verify system for all agricultural employment with a structured phase-in and guaranteed due process for authorized workers who are incorrectly rejected by the system.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-angie-craig-continues-work-lower-cost-health-care-minnesotans,Congresswoman Angie Craig Continues Work To Lower The Cost of Health Care For Minnesotans,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Angie Craig reiterated her commitment to lower the cost of health care and expand access for Minnesota families after the Medicare-X Choice Act of 2019 received a key hearing in the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health this week. The Medicare-X Choice Act of 2019, cosponsored by Rep. Craig, would allow Medicare to negotiate its drug pricing and create a public health insurance option for Minnesota families. It would increase competition in the individual marketplace for Minnesota families by establishing a public option health plan to compete with large insurance companies. The bill also contains tax provisions to incentivize more families to get covered, allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate Medicare prescription drug prices, and creates a reinsurance program to lower health insurance costs, similar to Rep. Craig's bill, the State Healthcare Premium Reduction Act. I've traveled across the district and heard from cancer patients and survivors, Alzheimer's caregivers, Type 1 diabetics, community health advocates, and providers from all across the district, Rep. Angie Craig. That's why I'm proud to see the Medicare-X Choice Act of 2019 receiving the consideration it deserves under the leadership of Chairwoman Eshoo. I urge my colleagues to join me in taking immediate action to reduce the cost of health insurance and prescription drugs for hard-working Americans. Rep. Craig has introduced or cosponsored 59 bills to lower the cost of health care and prescription drugs. Those include her introductions of the State Healthcare Premium Reduction Act, which would lower health insurance costs in the individual market; the PRICED Act, which would increase competition for more affordable generic drugs; and the Emergency Access to Insulin Act, which would create emergency insulin supplies and hold big drug companies accountable for jacking up prices. Additionally, she has held six health care listening sessions across the district in Eagan, Burnsville, Northfield, Wabasha, Shakopee, and Red Wing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-votes-pass-historic-drug-pricing-bill,Rep. Angie Craig Votes to Pass Historic Drug Pricing Bill,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig voted to pass the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which would save Minnesota families tens of thousands of dollars in prescription drug costs. Working families cannot wait for action on the outrageous cost of prescription drugs, said Rep. Craig. I cosponsored this historic piece of legislation to put common-sense solutions in place to cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors, invest in research for more effective treatments, and hold big drug companies accountable for profiting off the backs of Minnesota families. It is now the Senate's turn to take up this essential piece of legislation. The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act is estimated to save over $500 billion over ten years according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The bill would: Allow Medicare to negotiate prices for a minimum of 50 of the most expensive drugs and to extend the negotiated price to all health plans Create a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors Expand Medicare benefits to include vision, dental, and hearing for the first time, which would benefit over 100,000 people in Minnesota's Second District alone Invest in research for new innovation, cures and treatments Rep. Craig has been leading the effort to lower the cost of health care and the price of prescription drugs since she was sworn in this past January. She has introduced or cosponsored 59 health care bills, including the State Healthcare Premium Reduction Act, which would lower insurance premiums in the individual market and the Emergency Access to Insulin Act, which would create emergency insulin supplies and hold big drug companies accountable for jacking up prices. Additionally, she has held six health care listening sessions across the district in Eagan, Burnsville, Northfield, Wabasha, Shakopee, and Red Wing to hear directly from constituents on their experiences with health care.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-us-mexico-canada-trade-agreement,McCollum Statement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement today after the United States-Mexico-Canada trade deal was announced: ""After months of negotiations with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), House Democrats have come to an agreement regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade deal. While the initial proposal by the Trump administration fell woefully short of needed provisions to protect workers and consumers, House Democrats negotiated meaningful and transformative safeguards to ensure that the USMCA improves upon both the original NAFTA and the flawed proposal put forth by the Trump administration. The new agreement lays out stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure that our trading partners are living up to their end of the deal; mandates stronger protections for workers; creates a new, robust system to effectively monitor compliance with the agreement's labor obligations; and includes strong, clear, and enforceable rules to protect the environment. This deal is truly a new standard for U.S. trade agreements, and a win for our economy and American families.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-leads-push-state-and-local-tax-deduction-cap-repeal,Phillips Leads the Push for State and Local Tax Deduction Cap Repeal,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Dean Phillips,P000616,phillips.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Late yesterday, the House Ways and Means Committee took action to repeal a 2017 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions after hearing from Rep. Dean Phillips about the cap's harmful impact on Minnesota's Third Congressional District. The committee passed the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act in a bipartisan 24-17 vote. Phillips is an original co-sponsor of the legislation, which eliminates the cap on SALT deductions in 2020 and 2021. The deficit-exploding 2017 tax bill capped SALT deductions at $10,000, penalizing residents of high-tax states like Minnesota. IRS Statistics on Income figures show that Phillips's district ranks 35th out of all 435 congressional districts as the most-impacted by the SALT cap and is the second-most harmed district in the Midwest. At 47%, Minnesota's Third District has the highest percentage of filers claiming the deduction in the state, and the highest average deduction about $20,000. Corporations, on the other hand, are allowed to deduct the entirety of their state and local tax payments from their federal taxes under the 2017 law. Our tax code should reflect our values, said Phillips. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was an irresponsible sugar rush that blew a hole in the deficit and came at a time when Congress should have been encouraging real, fair, and long-lasting prosperity. The average tax filer in my district is being taxed twice on $10,000 of their annual income. That's outrageous and it's hurting economy, our schools, and our communities. I'm grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who listened when I shared Minnesota's story and came together to propose this common-sense fix. After Phillips brought his case to the House Ways and Means Committee in June, the committee fast-tracked the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act, which includes: An elimination of the SALT deduction cap in 2020 and 2021, creating a bridge for a future administration to permanently reform the tax code An elimination of the marriage penalty in 2019, doubling the SALT deduction cap for married filers The reinstatement of the top individual income rate (individuals with an income of more than $427,000) to 39.6% An increase of the Educator Expense Deduction, doubling the amount educators can deduct annually for classroom purchases to $500 The creation of a $500 deduction for the expenses of professional first responders More than 7,670 educators in Minnesota's Third District take advantage of the Educator Expense Deduction, one of the highest numbers in the state. The legislation is expected to raise $190 billion and cost $186 billion. Leftover funding will go to deficit reduction. The House is expected to pass the Restoring Tax Fairness for States ad Localities Act next week. Click here to watch the full video of Rep. Phillips's June testimony about the harmful impacts of the 2017 SALT deduction cap. Click here to read the full text of the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=D9D16548-F8AB-485B-88A5-C09F41BEB233,Klobuchar Leads Senators in Pushing Internal Revenue Service to Reverse Decision that Protects Dark Money,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Klobuchar is the Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with jurisdiction over federal elections WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with jurisdiction over federal elections, submitted a comment to the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) urging the agency to reverse their decision to rollback transparency requirements for dark money groups. For decades, the IRS and the Treasury Department have required 501(c)(4) groups that engage in issue advocacy to identify, confidentially, the names of individual donors who make significant financial contributions ($5,000 or more). Last year, the IRS announced it would stop requiring such disclosures and Klobuchar led a letter with every Democratic senator encouraging the IRS and Treasury Department to reconsider the rule change. Last month, the agency announced it would be moving forward with the change and issued a notice soliciting comments on the proposed rule. In the comment, Klobuchar and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Tom Udall (D-NM), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) once again strongly urged Commissioner Charles Rettig not to implement the new rule. Americans have a right to know who is paying to influence our democracy. Rolling back transparency standards is wrong and it undermines our political system, which rests on the idea that each voter has an equal say in our democracy. As foreign adversaries ramp up their efforts to target our elections and look for new ways to influence our democracy, we need stronger rules for transparency and accountability in campaign finance, not weaker ones. For these reasons, and the issues discussed below, we strongly urge you not to reject the proposed rule, the senators wrote. Both Congress and executive agencies like the IRS should be focused on exploring ways to increase transparency in our political system. Instead of engaging in rule-making to increase the amount of dark money in our system, the IRS should require political nonprofits to record all of their donors over $5000 and share that information with the public. The full text of the letter can be found HERE and below: Dear Commissioner Rettig, We write to express significant concern regarding this proposed rule because it will further enable dark money interests to distort our democracy by repealing the requirement that certain tax-exempt organizations identify the names of donors who contribute significant sums of money. Americans have a right to know who is paying to influence our democracy. Rolling back transparency standards is wrong and it undermines our political system, which rests on the idea that each voter has an equal say in our democracy. As foreign adversaries ramp up their efforts to target our elections and look for new ways to influence our democracy, we need stronger rules for transparency and accountability in campaign finance, not weaker ones. For these reasons, and the issues discussed below, we strongly urge you to reject the proposed rule. We Must Strengthen Transparency Instead of Weakening It For decades, the IRS and the Treasury Department have required 501(c)(4) groups that engage in issue advocacy to identify, confidentially, the names of individual donors who make financial contributions of $5,000 or more during a taxable year to their organization on Schedule B of Form 990. The IRS has proposed rolling back this rule change because it wants to balance the IRS's need for the information against the costs and risks associated with reporting on the information. This rationale is not persuasive and courts have rejected it. Notwithstanding Justice Scalia's argument that requiring people to stand up in public for their political acts fosters civic courage, without which democracy is doomed, schedule B forms are often not made publiceven though, as the Ninth Circuit has said, any risk of accidental disclosure is small and that disclosure has not shown to actually and meaningfully deter contributors. The Campaign Legal Center's comment to this rulemaking reinforces this point and notes that the risk of accidental disclosure is exceptionally small because the IRS has taken steps at preventing accidental disclosure. And as Governor Bullock notes in the comment he submitted opposing the rule, the benefits of disclosure far outweigh any cost because this type of disclosure is an important tool for state and federal law enforcement officials to enforce campaign finance laws, especially the ban on foreign contributions. Changing the Rule Makes it Easier for Foreign Adversaries to Influence Our Elections One of the most important reasons that disclosure is critical is to uphold the ban on foreign contributions. Federal law prohibits foreign nationals from influencing our elections. Despite this prohibition, foreign adversaries are working to undermine our democracy by exploiting our lack of transparency regulations. These foreign actors attempt to influence our elections through various methods, including the use of the internet, dark money groups, and foreign-owned corporations. The IRS's proposed rule makes it easier for adversaries to contribute unlimited sums of money to influence our democracy at a time when our elections are at a heightened risk. Top law enforcement and military officials continue to warn that our elections are a target. Last year, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a joint statement of concern about ongoing campaigns by foreign actors, including Russia, China, and Iran, to undermine confidence in democratic institutions. As recently as two months ago, the Department of Justice indicted Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman for attempting to circumvent the federal laws against foreign influence by engaging in a scheme to funnel foreign money to candidates for federal and state office so that the defendants could buy potential influence with the candidates, campaigns, and the candidates' governments. Other investigations over the last two years have revealed numerous and significant attempts to influence the 2016 elections by skirting campaign finance disclosure rules. The IRS' proposed change would shield foreign actors who donate millions of dollars to issue organizations from state and federal regulators. Dark Money Poses a Threat to Americans' Political Rights The opening of the dark money floodgates after Citizen's United coupled with emboldened efforts by foreign adversaries to influence our elections have weakened Americans' faith in our political process. One of the best ways to restore trust in government is to ensure we have meaningful transparency that means we need stronger campaign finance laws. At its core, the IRS's proposed rule strengthens private interests and the prevalence of dark money at the expense of the American people, and it does so at a time when there has been a significant increase in dark money expenditures. A recent report from the Center for Responsive Politics reveals that in the last decade more than $2 billion dollars has been spent by groups that do not fully disclose their donors. Experts warn that this is only a small fraction of the actual amount of undisclosed money that flows into our political system. Dark money flows through the very same organizations implicated under this proposed rule. Experts have warned that corrupting forces have taken advantage of the fact that 501(c)(4) groups also known as issue advocacy or social welfare organizations are not required to disclose all of their donors. Super PACs, organizations that are required to disclose their donors, have found a loophole in the law that allows them to accept money from secret donors by taking in unlimited contributions from political non-profits, like 501(c)(4) groups. This is an unacceptable workaround to laws that require transparency, and instead of closing the loophole the proposed rule widens it. Dark money interests are increasingly pushing for policies and outcomes in secret. The examples below represent a small fraction of the issues being influenced by dark money. Climate Change - Dark money groups have also poured money into state legislatures with the goal of affecting policy outcomes related to the environment. For example, just last month, several dark money groups contributed tens of thousands of dollars in Ohio to oppose an energy referendum that would help combat climate change. Outside of state legislatures, dark money groups have continuously funded climate change denial efforts. One study found that a large portion of the money behind organizations that deny global warming are funneled through dark money groups. Combating Gun Violence - Another example of dark money's influence on our political system includes efforts to combat gun violence. During the 2016 election, the NRA spent close to $70 million on advertisements opposing gun safety measures and promoting guns. Most of this funding came through the NRA's 501(c)(4) organization that does not have to disclose its donors. Both Congress and executive agencies like the IRS should be focused on exploring ways to increase transparency in our political system. Instead of engaging in rule-making to increase the amount of dark money in our system, the IRS should require political nonprofits to record all of their donors over $5000 and share that information with the public. Congress is working on proposals to increase transparency and accountability in our campaign finance system. This year, the House of Representatives passed the For the People Act, legislation that would help end dark money's influence on our elections. Additionally, members of both the House and the Senate have introduced dozens of bills to increase transparency through heightened disclosure requirements and strengthen oversight over our elections by creating new rules for Super PACs and strengthening the Federal Election Commission. Judges - According to the Brennan Center, wealthy interests seeking to influence the makeup of our courts are increasingly turning to outside spending by groups. 38 states hold elections for their high courts, and between 2015-2016, super PACs, social welfare organizations, and other groups spent a record $27.8 million to influence those elections, which accounted for 40 percent of all state supreme court election spending. Only 18 percent of the money spent in 2015-2016 could be easily traced to specific donors; the majority of the money came from undisclosed donors. In addition to blocking voters from having important information about the interests influencing state judicial systems, these secret donations represent a conflict of interest. Researchers who have been able to trace some of the money have tied some of it to individuals who have cases pending before the courts. Dark money interests are not only targeting state courts, they are attempting to influence the Supreme Court as well. In a recent article, Senator Whitehouse highlights the alarming fact that one wealthy anonymous donor gave $17 million to groups to help oppose Judge Merrick Garland and another $17 million to help confirm Justice Kavanaugh, all in undisclosed, dark money spending. Senator Whitehouse rightly notes that the dark money network applies its influence at all levels of the judiciary and all phases of the process. We need to restore Americans' confidence in our political system which means making it harder for dark money special interests and foreign actors to exploit loopholes at the expense of the American people. Accordingly, we strongly urge you to reject this proposed rule. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=E1F34542-B63A-4864-A768-63C3393F468E,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Minnesota Dairy Producers Now Have Extended Time to Enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage Program",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Enrollment Deadline for Market Facilitation Programs Has Also Been Extended WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN)both members of the Senate Agriculture Committeesaid that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the enrollment deadline for the Dairy Margin Coverage(DMC)program to December 20 due totheprolonged and extensive impacts of weather.The USDA announced it is also continuing to accept applications for the Market Facilitation Program through December 20. The Senators said that theDMCprogram helps Minnesota dairy producers manage the volatility of milk and feed prices more affordably. Dairy farmers continue tostruggle with market instability and low prices, and they deserve our support during these tough times, Klobuchar said.I encourage all dairy farmers who are not yet enrolled in the Dairy Margin Coverage program for 2020to sign up before December 20. I worked to include strong support for farmers in the 2018 Farm Bill and know thatthe Dairy Margin Coverage extension as well as the Market Facilitation Program extension will allow additional time for farmers to evaluate how the programs will benefit their operation and help them get through the serious challenges they are facing. I'm glad that the Dairy Margin Coverage programhas been extended because we should be doing everything we can to support producers who've been hit hard by years of low prices,Smith said.I fought to strengthen the dairy safety net and improve assistance for small and medium-size farms in the 2018 Farm Bill because I know it makes a difference in rural communities. I encourage Minnesota dairy producers to take advantage of this opportunity as well the Market Facilitation Programs. TheDMC programoffers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. All dairy operations in the United States are eligible for the DMC program. An operation can be run either by a single producer or multiple producers who commercially produce and market cows' milk. For more information, visit farmers.gov DMC webpage or contact your local USDA service center. To locate your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/service-locator. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=FA841C5B-C8B1-4A62-AB54-DD78F381206D,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Over $22 Million in Funding to Help Minnesota Farmers Cut Energy Costs",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that theU.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded grant and loan funding to Minnesota totaling $22,140,048 to help farmers and rural businesses reduce energy costs through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Grants totaling $1,109,430 have been awarded to 32 Minnesota projects and loans totaling $21,030,618 have been awarded to four Minnesota projects. Minnesota recipients can useREAPgrantsto install renewable energy systemslikebiofuelsorpower generation from wind, solar,orbiomass, for exampleand make energy efficiency improvements. Funds can also be used on energy storage projects and energy audits. Farmers and small businesses in rural communities often face higher energy costs due to low population densities and the need for long transmission lines. These Rural Energy for America Program grants and loans will improve access to reliable low-cost energy options and help Minnesotans reduce their energy costs with new renewable energy systems and energy efficiency upgrades, Klobuchar said. I fought to protect and expand REAP funding in both the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills because the program helps drive rural economic development, increases the productivity and efficiency of farmers and small businesses, and expands the use of renewable energy. I've visited the The Haubenschild Dairy Family Farm in Princeton which deploys a waste-to-energy biodigester to cut costs, encourage homegrown energy and help keep their operation strong, Smith said. I led the effort in last year's Farm Bill to strengthen REAP because I want to see more of this happening around the state. Minnesota leads the nation in using REAP funding because our state's farmers, ranchers and rural businesses know that it cuts costs, creates jobs and strengthens their communities. The 2018 Farm Bill included several of Klobuchar's priorities, including provisions to create an animal disease vaccine bank and disaster response program, provide more coverage and more flexible tools for dairy producers, and protect the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding. The REAP program was created in the 2008 Farm Bill to provide guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to farmers and rural small businesses to purchase or install renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. The program helps install energy systems such as solar panels, anaerobic digesters, or small wind turbines. It also helps reduce energy demand by making energy efficiency improvements to heating and cooling systems, irrigation pumps, grain dryers, and other energy intensive areas and activities on farms and rural businesses. The 2018 Farm Bill also included measures championed by Senator Smithincluding many aspects of her legislative roadmap for the energy section of the Farm Billto help spur economic development, job creation and trade. It includes mandatory funding for the Biobased Markets Program, the Biorefinery Assistance Program, the Biomass Research and Development Program, the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuel, and the Biomass Crop Assistance Program. The Farm Bill also increases funding for REAP and makes additional technologies eligible for the REAP funding that Sen. Smith pushed for. More information about the funding can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-over-22-million-funding-help-minnesota-farmers-cut-energy-costs,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Over $22 Million in Funding to Help Minnesota Farmers Cut Energy Costs",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that theU.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded grant and loan funding to Minnesota totaling $22,140,048 to help farmers and rural businesses reduce energy costs through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Grants totaling $1,109,430 have been awarded to 32 Minnesota projects and loans totaling $21,030,618 have been awarded to four Minnesota projects. Minnesota recipients can useREAPgrantsto install renewable energy systemslikebiofuelsorpower generation from wind, solar,orbiomass, for exampleand make energy efficiency improvements. Funds can also be used on energy storage projects and energy audits. Farmers and small businesses in rural communities often face higher energy costs due to low population densities and the need for long transmission lines. These Rural Energy for America Program grants and loans will improve access to reliable low-cost energy options and help Minnesotans reduce their energy costs with new renewable energy systems and energy efficiency upgrades,Klobuchar said.I fought to protect and expand REAP funding in both the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills because the program helps drive rural economic development, increases the productivity and efficiency of farmers and small businesses, and expands the use of renewable energy. I've visited the The Haubenschild Dairy Family Farm in Princeton which deploys a waste-to-energy biodigester to cut costs, encourage homegrown energy and help keep their operation strong,Smith said. I led the effort in last year's Farm Bill to strengthen REAP because I want to see more of this happening around the state. Minnesota leads the nation in using REAP funding because our state's farmers, ranchers and rural businesses know that it cuts costs, creates jobs and strengthens their communities. The 2018 Farm Bill included several of Klobuchar's priorities, including provisions to create an animal disease vaccine bank and disaster response program, provide more coverage and more flexible tools for dairy producers, and protect the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding. The REAP program was created in the 2008 Farm Bill to provide guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to farmers and rural small businesses to purchase or install renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. The program helps install energy systems such as solar panels, anaerobic digesters, or small wind turbines. It also helps reduce energy demand by making energy efficiency improvements to heating and cooling systems, irrigation pumps, grain dryers, and other energy intensive areas and activities on farms and rural businesses. The 2018 Farm Bill also included measures championed by Senator Smithincluding many aspects of her legislative roadmap for the energy section of the Farm Billto help spur economic development, job creation and trade. It includes mandatory funding for the Biobased Markets Program, the Biorefinery Assistance Program, the Biomass Research and Development Program, the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuel, and the Biomass Crop Assistance Program. The Farm Bill also increases funding for REAP and makes additional technologies eligible for the REAP funding that Sen. Smith pushed for. More information about the funding can be foundhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smiths-priorities-included-legislation-protect-children-support-health-care,"U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Priorities Included in Legislation to Protect Children, Support Health Care Workforce",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Successfully Fights to Include Efforts to Connect Child Welfare System with Mental Health Services, Help Small Towns and Rural Areas Recruit and Retain Health Professionals in Legislative Package WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/12/19]U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) successfully worked to include her key priorities in legislation passed by the Senate Health Committee today that would make sure the child welfare system supports and connects families to needed mental health services, and help recruit and support health professionals in underserved and rural areas. TheChild Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act(CAPTA) was enacted 45 years ago and governs important child protection programs and services to prevent, assess, and identify child abuse and neglectand it is the only federal program exclusively dedicated to these aims.Earlier this year, Sen. Smith introducedSupporting Family Mental Health inCAPTAActto improve the delivery of mental health services for children and families, connect families with needed support services, support research on effective practices to prevent child abuse and neglect and address disparities in the child welfare system. Sen. Smith worked hard to ensure several provisions of her bill are included in CAPTA, which is due to be reauthorized and which the Senate HELP Committee voted unanimously to advance today. All children deserve a strong start in life which begins with safe, stable and nurturing relationships and environments. When I talk with people about how Minnesota's children are doing, so many are worried about the mental health challenges and trauma that children and families are facing. If we don't address trauma that some families and children go through, the cycle can continue through adulthood and onto future generations. That's why I'm pleased to see several of the provisions in my bill included in the CAPTA Reauthorization, which we marked up today,said Sen. Smith.When we connect families to the local services they need and we really work to support parents, families are stronger and children can get a better start in life. Sen. Smith fought to make sure CAPTA includes measures to: Improve state grants for child welfare programs and child protective services Enhance focus on the primary prevention of child abuse and neglect Increase collaboration among entities that provide child welfare services and those that provide health care needs, including services for mental health and substance use disorders Strengthen training to enhance interagency coordination and improve facilitation of best practices when working with families with mental health needs Strengthen community-based grants for child abuse prevention Connect individuals and families to basic needs including childcare and nutritional programs Outreach to, and improved support of, underserved and at-risk populations including LGBTQ+ youth Ensure Tribes receive robust support and funding for prevention services Enhance research and technical assistance programs at the Department of Health and Human Services Leverage community-based resources to prevent child abuse and neglect including those related to health (including mental health), housing, parent support, financial assistance, early childhood education and care and other services Improve methods of collaboration between the child protection system and other agencies, including the juvenile justice system and entities that deliver services and treatment related to domestic violence and mental health Identify evidence-based programs that prevent child abuse and neglect in families that have not had contact with the child welfare system Address geographic, racial and cultural disparities in the child welfare system In addition to fighting for families in CAPTA, Sen. Smith partnered with her Republican colleague Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming on legislation to help rural communities overcome the challenges of recruiting and retaining qualified health professionals. A number of measures from their bill were included in the Title VII Health Care Workforce Reauthorization Act, which the Senate also marked up today. Sens. Smith and Barrasso's bill would reauthorize the Primary Care Training Enhancement Program, which creates more training positions for family, internal and pediatric physicians and prioritizes training in rural locations. Their bill would also reauthorize Area Health Education Centers, which help recruit and support health professionals in underserved and rural areas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-klobuchar-smith-announce-minnesota-dairy-producers-now-have-extended-time-enroll-dairy,"U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce Minnesota Dairy Producers Now Have Extended Time to Enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage Program",2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/12/2019]U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn.)both members of the Senate Agriculture Committeesaid that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the enrollment deadline for the Dairy Margin Coverage(DMC)program to December 20 due totheprolonged and extensive impacts of weather.The USDA announced it is also continuing to accept applications for the Market Facilitation Program through December 20. The Senators said that theDMCprogram helps Minnesota dairy producers manage the volatility of milk and feed prices more affordably. Dairy farmers continue tostruggle with market instability and low prices, and they deserve our support during these tough times,said Sen. Klobuchar.I encourage all dairy farmers who are not yet enrolled in the Dairy Margin Coverage program for 2020to sign up before December 20. I worked to include strong support for farmers in the 2018 Farm Bill and know thatthe Dairy Margin Coverage extension as well as the Market Facilitation Program extension will allow additional time for farmers to evaluate how the programs will benefit their operation and help them get through the serious challenges they are facing. I'm glad that the Dairy Margin Coverage programhas been extended because we should be doing everything we can to support producers who've been hit hard by years of low prices,said Sen. Smith.I fought to strengthen the dairy safety net and improve assistance for small and medium-size farms in the 2018 Farm Bill because I know it makes a difference in rural communities. I encourage Minnesota dairy producers to take advantage of this opportunity as well the Market Facilitation Programs. TheDMC programoffers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. All dairy operations in the United States are eligible for the DMC program. An operation can be run either by a single producer or multiple producers who commercially produce and market cows' milk. For more information, visitfarmers.govDMC webpage or contact your local USDA service center. To locate your local FSA office, visitfarmers.gov/service-locator.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-tina-smith-and-susan-collins-bipartisan-wind-energy-legislation-one-step-closer,U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Susan Collins’ Bipartisan Wind Energy Legislation One Step Closer to Becoming Law,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Say Bill Would Sustain and Enhance Department of Energy's Office of Wind Energy, Support American Jobs WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/12/19]Today U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) said that their bipartisan wind energy research and development legislation passed out of the Senate Energy Committee. This gets their bill over a major hurdle on its way to becoming law. Senator Smith and Collins' legislation, theWind Energy Research and Development Act of 2019, would renew and expand the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Wind Energy and award competitive grants to improve the energy efficiency, reliability and capacity of wind energy generation. Today's committee action shows that both sides of the aisle recognize the importance of investing in wind energy,saidSen.Smith.As anational leader in wind energy, Minnesota knows that it offers large economic and environmentalbenefits.We're home to the two largest wind construction companies in the country, and nearly 20 percent ofour state'selectricity last year was generated fromwind turbines. Senator Collins' and my bipartisan bill makes sense because wind energy is a rural economic engine, it's good for the environment and it's the cheapest way to add new electricity to the electrical grid. Within 50 miles of the U.S. coast, there is enough offshore wind capacity to power our country four times over. Offshore wind projects, such as Aqua Ventus at the University of Maine, have the potential to support more than 2,000 good-paying jobs in our state,saidSen.Collins.Our bipartisan bill would encourage and accelerate the excellent wind energy research being done on new technologies that will enable businesses to continue to develop this clean source of power, including off the coast of Maine. The wind energy sector supports more than 114,000 American jobs and provides more than $1 billion in revenue each year for states and local communities. Sens. Smith and Collins say that federal support for wind research and development has already delivered significant results, and their bill is part of a larger effort to accelerate innovative technologies, educate local communities, create more jobs and enhance the economy in rural areas. TheWind Energy Research and Development Act of 2019authorizes and expands DOE's Office of Wind Energy for five years and directs the Secretary of Energy to award competitive grants to: Improve the energy efficiency, reliability & capacity of wind energy generation; Improve land-based and offshore blade, generator, tower, and support designs and transformational technologies for harnessing wind energy, including airborne wind energy generators; Increase recycling and reuse of wind-energy components; Reduce cost of permitting, construction, operation & maintenance of wind energy systems; Conduct a wind energy technology validation and market transformation program; Reduce barriers to widespread adoption of wind power; and Develop new wildlife impact mitigation technologies. The bipartisan House companion bill is led by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY 20), Don Bacon (R-NE 2), Joe Kennedy (D-MA 4) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE 1). You can access a summary of the billhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-peterson-opening-statement-house-agriculture-committee-member-day,Chairman Peterson Opening Statement at House Agriculture Committee Member Day,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Collin Peterson,P000258,collinpeterson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON- House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson delivered the following opening statement at today's House Agriculture Committee Member Day. [As Prepared for Delivery] ""Thank you to all the Members who have joined us for today's Member Day Hearing. ""Agriculture has a strong foundation in our nation's history, and the House Ag Committee has a proud history of working together to advance legislation needed to ensure we continue to have thriving rural communities and the most productive food, fiber and fuel system in the world. ""The jurisdiction of the Committee covers a wide range of topics related to agriculture and rural development. As Chairman, I have charged our subcommittee chairs and ranking members with giving these issues the time and attention they deserve. Jurisdiction over these issues often crosses over into other committees. I recognize the importance of working with Members outside of our Committee to find solutions to these issues. ""It is no secret that farmers, ranchers and rural communities across the country are facing serious challenges. Rural communities have barriers to health care and broadband. Commodity prices have been on a roller coaster,andinput costs are continually rising.Erraticweather is destroying crops;andan unpredictable trade environment adds another level of stress. ""I'm looking forward to hearing from the Members today on the issues impacting their constituents and their suggestions on how to address those issues.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/peterson-hoeven-continue-make-case-disaster-assistance-sugar-producers,"Peterson, Hoeven Continue to Make the Case for Disaster Assistance for Sugar Producers",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Collin Peterson,P000258,collinpeterson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Collin Peterson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, andSenator John Hoeven, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, this week continued their efforts to secure disaster assistance for sugar producers. The chairmen were joined by Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative CEO Kurt Wickstrom at a meeting with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary Bill Northey to outline the challenges facing sugarbeet growers. The leaders made the case for providing disaster assistance to sugar producers who face substantial losses after severe weather prevented them from harvesting their crop. Current disaster programs do not account for the budgeting constraints and unique structure of cooperatives, which is why Hoeven and Peterson are working with USDA to secure disaster assistance. This meeting is another step in finding assistance for those producers facing losses for sugar beets left in the ground,"" Peterson said. Undersecretary Northey has surveyed the conditions farmers in Minnesota faced during harvest and knows firsthand what our producers are facing. Securing disaster assistance for sugar producers is critical and I am hopeful after Tuesday's meeting that we're on track to getting this done. Our meeting continues our efforts to provide disaster assistance to producers impacted by the severe weather that prevented them from harvesting crops, said Hoeven. Given the unique challenges facing our sugar producers who were forced to leave their crop in the ground due to the late rain and early snow, we again made the case to USDA to provide them with much-needed disaster assistance. Peterson and Hoeven have been working to secure disaster assistance for sugar producers, including meeting with sugar growers in Moorhead at the end of November and earlier hosting Under Secretary Northey in North Dakota to meet with farmers and ranchers impacted by severe weather.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-reps-craig-meadows-bustos-and-gianforte-introduce-bill-tackle-government,"U.S. Reps. Craig, Meadows, Bustos, and Gianforte Introduce Bill to Tackle Government Waste",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Reps. Angie Craig, Mark Meadows (NC-11), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), and Greg Gianforte (MT - At large) introduced a bipartisan bill that would save significant taxpayer dollars by cutting down on government waste in the form of overpayments, underpayments, improperly documented payments or payments made to ineligible recipients. In FY2018 alone, the Government Accountability Office estimated that improper payments throughout the federal government totaled over $151 billion. Since 2003, when agencies were first directed to begin reporting improper payments, cumulative improper payment estimates across government have totaled over $1.4 trillion. As our national debt reaches an all-time high, I'm proud to be introducing the commonsense Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 with a bipartisan group of my colleagues, Congresswoman Craig said. Hard-working Minnesotans deserve this commonsense solution to ensure their taxpayer dollars are treated with the utmost respect and put to use for them in their communities. I look forward to this bill's swift passage in the House. The level of improper payments that our government authorizes is staggering and it encompasses virtually the entire federal government, Congressman Mark Meadows said. Congress has an obligation to the taxpayers to step up and fix it. I applaud my colleagues for their willingness to work on a bipartisan basis. Taxpayers deserve to know that we're protecting their hard earned dollars and ensuring they are not improperly spent or mismanaged, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos said. That's why I'm proud to join this bipartisan group of colleagues to put forward a solution that cuts through red tape and delivers real reform to strengthen the government's management of taxpayer dollars. Every year, the federal government makes billions of dollars in improper payments to dead people, Congressman Greg Gianforte said. This bipartisan bill provides government agencies with tools to work together to ensure the government doesn't send checks to dead people in the first place. This measure will protect taxpayers' money and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. Specifically, the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 would: Require agencies to undertake additional efforts and develop plans to prevent improper payments before they happen. Improve the way agencies identify programs with the highest risk of improper payments. Require the Office of Management and Budget and the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) to issue guidance to improve annual reporting on agencies' compliance with improper payment statutes. Create a working group that will enable federal agencies to collaborate with each other and non-federal, such as state governments, to develop strategies for addressing key drivers of improper payments, such as fraud and eligibility determinations in state-managed federal benefits programs. The Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 passed out of the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-statement-farm-workforce-modernization-act,Rep. Ilhan Omar Statement on the Farm Workforce Modernization Act,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONRep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement on H.R. 5038 Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019: The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is a major step forward for our immigration system and our workers. There are currently 2.4 million farmworkers in this country, half of whom are undocumented. And agriculture creates 147,000 jobs in Minnesotamore than almost any other state. Under the Trump Administration, these workers are subject to routine abuse and violations of their basic rights. This bill provides a pathway for qualified undocumented farmworkers and their families to legalize their status, a major victory. I am particularly proud that the bill includes protections for temporary workers with H-2A visas, over 1,000 of whom work in my home state of Minnesota. I am disappointed the final bill includes E-Verify, a federal tracking database that will cause companies to hire even more people under the table than they currently do, making them more vulnerable to abuse. No food is cruelty free' with our current system. But by recognizing the vast human rights abuses that are ingrained into our food and agricultural system, this bill is a significant accomplishment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-statement-national-defense-authorization-act,Rep. Ilhan Omar Statement on National Defense Authorization Act,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONRep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement on the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): At a time when Minnesotans have unmet needs in healthcare, education and housing, it is simply unconscionable to pass a NDAA bill that continues to fund wasteful Pentagon spending to the tune of $738 billion. This bill commits the U.S. to endless involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, continues funding for endless war under the 2001 AUMF, and does nothing to prevent the Administration from launching a disastrous war with Iran. Despite its deep flaws, I am glad the National Defense Authorization Act includes some of my priorities and the priorities of my district. I am grateful that all of the amendments I introduced and passed in the House version of the NDAA were included in the final bill. The final version contains my amendments requiring reporting on the process of sharing the Terrorist Screening Database with foreign countries, including human rights abusers. It also requires the Pentagon to provide guidance for contractors and servicemembers who witness gross human rights violations, requires reporting on the costs of overseas military operations, and does not authorize permanent military bases in Somaliaall based on amendments I introduced. Lastly, the final text includes a bill I am an original cosponsor of, the Liberian Immigrant Fairness Act, which would give thousands of Liberians in my district protection from deportation. It was introduced by David Cicilline and originally authored by my predecessor Keith Ellison. I am proud that all of our amendments were included, but it past time we stop putting our servicemembers and civilians in harm's way by writing blank checks for endless warsand passing budgets that are not a reflection of our values. For these reasons, I plan to vote no.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=872A7CD1-0265-437D-9972-1D9FA2AEBDB6,"At Judiciary Committee Hearing, Klobuchar Questions Department of Justice’s Inspector General",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Department of Justice's Own Inspector General Released the Report Monday Finding Conclusive Evidence of No Political Bias in Investigation's Origins WASHINGTON Today, at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) highlighted conclusive evidence in the report from the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Inspector General (IG) that political bias did not affect the FBI's decision to investigate people associated with the Trump campaign and that the investigation was warranted. The report also found that the FBI did not improperly use confidential sources or undercover agents in its investigation. KLOBUCHAR: Does anything in your report call into question the assessment by FBI Director Ray that Russians' interference in our elections is ongoing, and that its interference in the 2018 midterms were a quote, dress rehearsal, end quote, for the 2020 elections? HOROWITZ: No, it doesn't. KLOBUCHAR: Does anything in your report call into question the finding in the special counsel's report that quote the Russian government perceived it would benefit from a Trump presidency and worked to secure that outcome? HOROWITZ: We don't take issue with any part of the special counsel's report now. KLOBUCHAR: Okay. Did you find any evidence that political bias or other improper considerations affected the FBI's decision to open the investigation into George Papadopoulos? HOROWITZ: No, we don't. KLOBUCHAR: Did you find any evidence that political bias or other improper considerations affected the decision to open the investigation into Paul Manafort? HOROWITZ: No, we don't. KLOBUCHAR: Did you find any evidence that political bias or other improper considerations affected the decision to open the investigation into Michael Flynn? HOROWITZ: We did not. KLOBUCHAR: Did you find any investigation that political bias or other improper considerations affected the decision to open the investigation into Carter Page? HOROWITZ: No, no documentary or testimonial evidence, or other evidence. KLOBUCHAR: So we are clear, did your report uncover systemic political bias at the FBI? HOROWITZ: As to what we looked at inthe openings, we did not finddocumentary testimonial evidence to support a finding ofbias. For video footage of Klobuchar's remarks, click HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-peterson-celebrates-announcement-clearing-path-usmca,Chairman Peterson Celebrates Announcement Clearing Path for USMCA,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Collin Peterson,P000258,collinpeterson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON- House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson released the following statement today following the announcement of a deal between House Democrats and The White House on United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) I have been pushing for months to get this deal to the finish line, and this announcement is great news for farmers, businesses and workers in Western Minnesota and nationwide, saidPeterson. The threat of leaving NAFTA without a deal would have been devastating, and this deal provides needed certainty for our producers. This agreement makes updates to how the three countries will address biotechnology, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues. The USMCA also preserves the market our farmers are currently accessing while making modest gains for our dairy, poultry, and wheat growers in the Canadian market. Rural America has faced many hurdles and challenges with these trade wars, and passing the USMCA is a step in the right direction. Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Businesses of all shapes and sizes need sound, commonsense policy in place in order to get off the ground, grow, and succeed.On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce I thank Congressman Peterson for his leadership and strong support for USMCA and other pro-business policies.The Chamber appreciates the Congressman'scommonsense approach to legislation and policies that strengthen U.S. manufacturing and create a level playing field for American businesses. Kevin Paap, President of the Minnesota Farm Bureau,We appreciate Chairman Peterson's leadership on USMCA. We urge members of Congress to swiftly approve the USMCA agreement so that it can be ratified. Our farmers cannot wait any longer. This will bring much needed hope to farmers and rural America. These actions will signal to our trading partners that the U.S. is back in business in the international marketplace. Gary Wertish, President of the Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Farmers Union thanks Congressman Peterson for his hard work negotiating a better deal for family farmers. While the deal isn't likely to drastically change the outlook for them, it is a positive step forward and is much improved from the original deal the Trump administration proposed. Les Anderson, President of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, The news that the White House and Congress are moving toward passing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is a very positive step for Minnesota's corn growers Mexico and Canada represent the largest export market for American corn farmers today, which is the result of open trade between our borders. We are pleased to hear USMCA will continue this momentum in the years ahead. Thank you to Chairman Peterson, other members of Congress and the Administration for prioritizing reaching an agreement, which brings us closer to ratification and much-needed certainty for corn farmers in Minnesota and beyond. The National Turkey Federationissued this statement, The USMCA is a win for the U.S. turkey industry, and with today's announced agreement we're one step closer to ratification. It's taken a great deal of hard work to reach consensus on the USMCA, and we thank President Trump, Ambassador Lighthizer, Secretary Perdue, Speaker Pelosi and congressional leaders in both parties who have gotten us to this point. Now, it's time for Congress to come together and vote in support of the USMCA, which reinforces our country's relationship with two critical foreign markets for U.S. turkey products. The best gift Congress can give America's turkey farmers and processors going into the new year is greater certainty that these important trade relationships with Mexico and Canada will be preserved. Paul Kvistad, president of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, As the largest turkey producing state in the nation, we need access to North American markets for our products. The USMCA preserves the turkey industry's trade relationship with Mexico the industry's largest export partner and creates new opportunities for trade with Canada. We thank Chairman Peterson for his continued support of Minnesota's turkey industry and the USMCA.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairmen-peterson-and-costa-statements-usmca,Chairmen Peterson and Costa statements on USMCA,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Collin Peterson,P000258,collinpeterson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON- House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson and House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Chairman Jim Costa released the following statements today following the announcement of a deal between House Democrats and The White House on United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). I have been pushing for months to get this deal to the finish line, and this announcement is great news for farmers, businesses and workers, in Western Minnesota and nationwide, said Peterson. The threat of leaving NAFTA without a deal would have been devastating, and this deal provides needed certainty for our producers. This agreement makes updates to how the three countries will address biotechnology, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues. The USMCA also preserves the market our farmers are currently accessing while making modest gains for our dairy, poultry, and wheat growers in the Canadian market. Rural America has faced many hurdles and challenges with these trade wars, and passing the USMCA is a step in the right direction. Trade is vital to American agriculture, especially for the specialty crop,tree nut, dairy and livestock producers in the San Joaquin Valley and across California,"" said Costa. ""The USMCA protects the access they had into the Canadian and Mexican markets, and provides nominal gains in some important areas. It's good to see that this deal strengthens labor and environmental standards and provides mechanisms to enforce this agreement. I am proud to support approval of the USMCA, but we also must recognize that going forward, incremental improvements and protecting the status quo won't reverse farmer losses as a result of the trade war. For that to happen, the Administration needs to remove its tariffs, which are the source of so much economic hardship for our farmers, and at the core of our depressed farm economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-angie-craig-s-statement-usmca-trade-agreement,Congresswoman Angie Craigs Statement on USMCA Trade Agreement,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig released the following statement on the announcement of a USMCA trade agreement: I'm proud to announce that an agreement has been reached on USMCA that bolsters our economy, is good for family farmers, protects American workers, and improves access to affordable prescription drugs, said Rep. Angie Craig. Over the past few months I've heard from farmers and business owners about the need for a trade deal that opens up export markets, and I've pushed to make sure hard-working Minnesotans weren't given a false choice between open markets and affordable healthcare. I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to make sure that big drug companies don't get away with inserting provisions that create less competition and higher prices. It's time to pass USMCA through the full House before the end of the year, and I look forward to voting for this important trade agreement.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/mccollum-statement-announcement-articles-impeachment-against-president-trump,McCollum Statement on Announcement of Articles of Impeachment Against President Trump,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement today after two articles of impeachment were announced in the U.S. House of Representatives: ""The articles of impeachment announced today by the U.S. House of Representatives fulfill an obligation incumbent upon every Member of Congress to defend the Constitution, protect our national security, and ensure our democracy is not corrupted by a foreign power. For every Member of Congress, holding the President of the United States accountable to the Constitution and protecting our most fundamental democratic values is not a political decision based on loyalty or partisan affiliation. In fact, it is an inherent duty upon which we have sworn a sacred oath. ""The sole person responsible for precipitating this impeachment process is Donald J. Trump. Mr. Trump's willful, flagrant, and corrupt misconduct is a betrayal of the public trust. At this historic and sober moment, the American people understand that as a nation of laws there can be no person, not even the President of the United States, who is above the law. Let these articles of impeachment also serve as a clear and unambiguous message to all future presidents: Congress, as a co-equal branch of government, will never tolerate or appease an abusive, corrupt executive. ""With the power granted to the U.S. House under Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution (‘The House of Representatives…shall have the sole Power of Impeachment'), I intend to vote in favor of the resolution to impeach President Donald J. Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://phillips.house.gov/media/press-releases/phillips-touts-support-strong-bipartisan-usmca-trade-deal,"Phillips Touts Support for Strong, Bipartisan USMCA Trade Deal",2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Dean Phillips,P000616,phillips.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC At a press conference today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) stood with House leaders to announce a strong and enforceable USMCA trade deal that will improve the American economy, safeguard workers' rights, protect the environment, and improve access to affordable prescription drugs. I'm on a mission to restore Americans' faith in our government, and the USMCA deal we announced today is exactly how our process should work, said Phillips. Republicans and Democrats in Congress, the White House, businesses, and labor organizations came together to forge a strong and solvent deal that is good for everyone. Whether it's increasing patients' access to affordable prescriptions, protecting workers, or keeping international markets open for Minnesota businesses this deal is proof that we all win when everyone comes to the table in good faith. Rep. Phillips was heavily involved in the passage of the trade deal, both through the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and as an individual lawmaker. He pushed hard for fixes related to drug prices and labor enforcement, and convened a September meeting with Cargill CEO Dave MacLennan and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Washington to discuss the negotiations. Businesses in Phillips's Third District export $1 billion in goods and services to trade partners in Canada and Mexico every year and that trade supports more than 40,000 jobs. The new agreement comes after House leaders and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) spent months working to improve the Trump Administration's original deal. Together, they secured critical updates, including: Open Markets ensures that markets in Mexico and Canada remain open to American businesses and job creators. Stronger enforcement closes enforcement loopholes and establishes rules to ensure that trading partners live up to their commitments Worker protections enacts mechanisms to ensure trading partners honor their commitments to protect workers from violence and labor violations Lower drug costs empowers Congress to make cheaper generic drugs more accessible to American patients . Today's agreement has been endorsed by the AFL-CIO. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/newletter-archive/rep-petersons-newsletter-1292019,Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/9/2019,2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Collin Peterson,P000258,collinpeterson.house.gov,,,legacy,"My Fall 2019 Intern Class Dear Friends, After the Thanksgiving break, the House of Representatives met to take action on a number of bills before the end of session, including voting on legislation to stop bad robocalls, another to protect citizen's right to vote in state with a history of election interference. I attended a Veterans' Affairs markup on pending legislation that focused on preventing veteran's suicide. I met with the national Milk Producers Association and also received the IDFA Leadership Award for my work on the 2018 Farm Bill and the Dairy Margin Coverage Program. I introduced the Stamp Out Lyme Disease Actwith Rep. Delgado, Rep. Smith, and Rep. Zeldin to fund future research, prevention, and treatment of tick-borne diseases. As co-chair of the Lyme Disease caucus, I know how important it is to support research and prevention programs for Lyme Disease. I am proud to announce that the CentraCare Health System was awarded a Department of Agriculture Rural Development Grant that will establish a telemedicine project to expand healthcare and education opportunities in rural Minnesota. Sincerely, Congressman Collin C. Peterson Minnesota 7th District Black Hawk Helicopter Crash Three National Guard soldiers on a maintenance test flight were killed Thursday afternoon when their helicopter crashed into a farm field about 16 miles southwest of St. Cloud. This is a tremendous loss for the Minnesota National Guard, our respective communities and most importantly, the family, friends and loved ones of these soldiers. The National Guard's mission is to maintain properly trained and equipped units and this is a tragic reminder of the risk they take everyday to serve. Serving the 7th TRACED Act I continue to hear from countless constituents about unwanted robocalls. Earlier this year, I cosponsored the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act, which will give the Federal Communications Commission the tools it needs to stop bad robocalls. I voted to pass the TRACED Act, another piece of legislation that will fight robocalls by requiring every call to be verified and block spam calls. Every day, robocallers make over 100 million calls that are sometimes predatory or fraudulent. I am glad to support this measure to put an end to robocalls. Chairman's Corner Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Sen. Pat Roberts, IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes, D.V.M I was honored to accept the International Dairy Foods Association's (IDFA) Leadership Award for my work supporting the dairy industry. Dairies are an important part of the 7th district economy, and the economy of rural America, and I do what I can to make sure our producers have an adequate safety net in times of increased market volatility. The 2018 Farm Bill created the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program to protect producers from large swings in milk or feed prices and many producers are benefitting from DMC as it begins its second year of implementation. IDFA also honored the leadership of Senators Pat Roberts and Tammy Baldwin, Representative Ron Kind and Chief Agriculture Negotiator Ambassador Gregg Doud for their support of America's dairy farmers. House Veterans' Affairs Committee On Thursday, the House Veterans' Affairs Committee marked up pending legislation, H.R. 4290, the Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting Preference Consistency Act, and the A.N.S. to H.R. 3495, the IMPROVE Well-Being for Veterans Act. The first bill was a compromise allowing certain VA contracts to be grandfathered in so that blind and disabled workers do not lose their existing jobs. The second bill related to veteran suicide prevention. As a cosponsor of the underlying veteran suicide prevention bill, I feel strongly that this is an important topic that Congress needs to be addressing. We know that more than 20 veterans take their lives each day, and we need to find ways to reach them and provide support. This bill provided funding to establish a grant program to help provide services to veterans at risk of suicide. Ensuring Lasting Smiles Update On Wednesday, Minnesotans Karl and Nancy Nelsen visited with my health care staff aide Rebekah Solem about progress on my bill, H.R. 1379, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA). This bill seeks to close an insurance loophole so that children born with congenital anomalies such as ectodermal dysplasias can get the medically-necessary treatments that they need. The Nelsens have been huge advocates on this issue, working to raise awareness of this issue and to connect impacted families with their Members of Congress. H.R. 1379 now has 253 cosponsors. Later that day, advocates gathered for the Rare Disease Legislative Advocates Annual RareVoice Awards. Fourteen-year-old Aidan Abbott from Slinger, Wisconsin, was recognized as the Teen Advocate of the Year for his efforts advocating for ectodermal dysplasias and the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act on Capitol Hill. I'm proud of Aidan for this tremendous accomplishment, and thank him for his hard work. My hope is that we can keep working to move this bill through the process and become law. It is great to see young people getting engaged on issues that impact them, and I hope Aidan inspires others to fight for what is important to them. Jim and Rosie Clemenson Jim and Rosie Clemenson (VERGAS) stopped by my Washington office this week to connect with my staff aide Rebekah Solem about veterans' issues. A retired Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force, Jim shared about his more than 40 years of military service, from two tours in Vietnam while in the Army to 25 years with the Air National Guard in Fargo to time abroad on a counterdrug mission, as well as serving in Washington, DC following the 9/11 attacks. I was happy to sign on to a bill supporting our veterans after hearing from Jim and other constituents earlier this year. Honoring our veterans and actively working on their behalf is a key reason why I wanted to serve on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. Thank you, Jim, for your decades of service to our country and to you and your family for your sacrifice! Ecolab Gabe Pellathy of Ecolab visited my office to discuss domestic and international standards for the use of fumigants in trade. Many nations require commodities and other imports to be fumigated before they enter the country to prevent the spread of invasive pests. Our trading partners have differing fumigation requirements, and some require the use of chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Ecolab hopes to see nations and states modify their requirements away from harmful fumigants and instead utilize environmentally friendly alternatives. National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Patricia Lovelette and Corey Anderson of National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) visited my office to discuss the recent passage of the SECURE Act and other issues facing the financial services industry and those saving for retirement. I have enjoyed working with Insurance and Financial Advisors over the years and will continue to work to create regulation and market conditions that best serve the people of western Minnesota who are saving for retirement. American Crystal Sugar Meeting Members and employees of American Crystal Sugar held their 2019 Annual Meeting in Fargo this week. While the 2019 harvest has been a challenge for growers, the co-op and its mission remains strong and there is much optimism for next year. Two long-time members of the Crystal Board of Directors, Bill Hejl and Chairman Curt Knutson, said their farewell to the board and I know how much their service will be missed. I have appreciated their work to make the sugar industry a vital part of our rural economy in western Minnesota and beyond. Military and Veteran Exchange This week, my staff Meg Louwagie attended the Military and Veteran Exchange meeting. The Minnesota Military and Veteran's exchange is a great resource for creating a community and strengthening military and veteran families. United Veterans Legislative Council Meeting My staff attended the United Veteran's Legislative Council (UVLC). The UVLC is a great resource for organizations, federal, city, state legislators, and agencies to educate and learn about resources for veterans and active military. Minnesota Hemp Conference Expo 2019 The Minnesota Hemp Association and Minnesota Department of Agriculture presented the MN Hemp Conference and Expo 2019 at the St. Cloud River's Edge Convention Center. The possibility of industrial hemp attracted growers, seed producers, scientists, processors, manufactures and retailers. Different parts of industrial hemp can be used for paper, cardboard, canvas, carpet, clothing, fabric, rope, netting, textiles, animal bedding, mulch, fiber board, insulation concrete and many other health food items. This is a developing industry with many rules and regulations that need to be worked out over the next few years. U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree On Thursday, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was lit up on the west front of the U.S. Capitol. This year's tree is from the Carson National Forest in New Mexico. The tree will be lit from nightfall until 11 PM every evening until January 1st. Legislative Update Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Exports drive our rural economy which is why I joined more than 230 of my Democrat and Republican colleagues and supported a 10-year reauthorization of the critically important Export-Import Bank. The Export-Import Bank helps American workers and businesses compete in the global economy. This September in the Seventh Congressional District alone, the Export-Import Bank provided $1.47 million in financing to support western Minnesota businesses export their products abroad. Questionnaire Results Over Thanksgiving weekend, Minnesota got its first major snow storms of the winter. Parts of the 7th District had over a foot of snow. According to the Department of Transportation, Minnesota spent $133 million on clearing snow last winter. That is equal to what the United States spends serving the national debt every 3 hours. As a fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrat, I have continually supported a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution, which would require Congress to get our fiscal house in order. I have also fought for Pay-As-You-Go legislation to ensure legislation doesn't add to our debt and recently voted against the Democratic budget which would have worsened our fiscal situation. Newsstand USDA Announces CRP General Signup A general signup for USDA's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) begins today, December 9th. Producers have until February 28, 2020 to signup for general CRP, a program that provides a yearly rental payment to producers that take land out of production and establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species to prevent soil erosion and develop wildlife habitat. Producers that have expired or extended CRP contracts, or contracts that expire on September 30, 2020, will receive letters from USDA outlining their options for reenrollment. The 2018 Farm Bill will increase the acreage cap for CRP from 24 million to 27 million over the next 4 years. Landowners that are interested in enrolling in CRP should contact their local Farm Service Agency office. Click here to read more about CRP signup. Renewable Fuel Standard Update I sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) raising concerns about the October rule that failed to uphold the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The EPA continues to undermine the RFS and hurt farmers and biofuel producers. Click here to read my statement American Agriwomen Elects National Officers American Agriwomen recently elected Karolyn Zurn of Callaway to be its national president during the AAW 2019 National Convention. Karolyn has been a leader for agriculture for many years and I congratulate her on this new role. Karolyn has served as President of Minnesota Agri-Women and grows corn, soybeans, sugarbeets and wheat on the family farm in northwestern Minnesota. Social Security Administration Expanding Field Office Hours The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that they would be expanding field office hours. This change will have field offices remaining open on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In addition to expanding field office hours of service, the SSA will be hiring an additional 1,100 employees to provide service on the agency's 1-800 number to speed up waiting times to better serve the public. This is certainly a step in the right direction for the SSA to provide timely and adequate service to the public that deserves it. If you need service from the Social Security Administration, you can always call the Agency at 1-800-772-1213, or stop by one of their Western Minnesota field offices, located in Alexandria, Bemidji, Marshall, or St. Cloud. As always, if you are encountering difficulties with the SSA, my office is always available to provide assistance. $234,000 in Telemedicine Expansion The United States Department of Agriculture awarded a Rural Development grant to expand access to education and healthcare in rural Minnesota. The CentraCare Health System will receive a $234,648 in a Distance and Learning Telemedicine Grant to address the shortage of specialty care in rural areas. Video equipment will be placed in eight Minnesota counties: Kandiyohi, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Renville, Stearns, Swift, Todd, and Wadena, creating an additional 73 individual patience sites and serving 2,000 patients over a two-year period. Click here to read my press release This Week in History On December 2, 1857, the first Minnesota State Legislature convened. Despite the fact that Minnesota would not be admitted to the Union for another 5 months, the session passed over 90 laws. Henry Mower Rice and James Shields were also elected as the first Minnesota U.S. Senators. A statue of Henry Mower Rice sits in national statuary hall in the U.S. Capitol to commemorate his contributions to Minnesota.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-peterson-statement-delayed-csp-farm-bill-conservation-program-payments,Chairman Peterson statement on delayed CSP farm bill conservation program payments,2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Collin Peterson,P000258,collinpeterson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Collin Peterson, who serves as the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement today in regard to the delay in payments being made on USDA Conservation Stewardship Program contracts: I'm not sure what the delay was, but this is one more source of stress that farmers don't need right now. I'm told that the funding was released by the Office of Management and Budget on Friday, and I hope that payments will be made by USDA as quickly as possible. I would encourage folks who haven't gotten their CSP payments or heard from their local NRCS office to make a call or stop by to check on their status. A delay like this means bills can't be paid in their local communities and alsothreatens to impact tax planning.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-discussed-cedar-riverside-fire-response-housing-crisis-house,"Rep. Ilhan Omar Discussed Cedar-Riverside Fire Response, Housing Crisis on House Floor",2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONRep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) today discussed the Cedar-Riverside fire, which broke out in a 25-story public housing building in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, and the nationwide housing crisis on the Floor of the House of Representatives. Rep. Omar announced new legislative steps to address the safety of public housing in the coming weeks. 12 million Americans are paying more than half their income in rentAbout 6,300 people are evicted every single day.Make no mistake: we as lawmakers bear responsibility for the deplorable conditions of our public housing. It is time we address it once and for all. pic.twitter.com/9kPlotU8Cx Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) December 5, 2019 Last week, families across the country gathered around their dining tables to give thanks and break bread, Rep. Omar said. But many families in my home district were not sitting down for a holiday dinner instead they were facing indescribable tragedy. The day before Thanksgiving, a fire broke out in a 25-story public housing building in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, where I grew up. 5 people lost their lives that day. And more than a week later - residents are still in the hospital recovering from their injuries and from the devastating effects of smoke inhalation. After the brave men and women of the local fire department cleared the scene and controlled the blaze, we discovered an almost unbelievable reality these homes were not equipped with sprinklers. You see, this building is so old that it's exempted from laws that require such life-saving equipment. And that isn't the only egregious safety issue that our public housing residents are forced to endure. There's been a ban on building new public housing since the 1990s in fact the Cedar Riverside building that sustained the fire was built in the 1960s. And the federal government has been underfunding the repair and maintenance needs of the homes for years. In Minnesota, the backlog of repair needs totals over $300 million. I will be introducing legislation that ensures every public housing unit in this country is equipped with sprinkler so that we never see another devasting tragedy like the one that befell the residents of my district. And I'll be demanding accountability from HUD requiring the agency to report on exactly how many units are not fitted with sprinklers and how much money the agency needs to fix this glaring hazard. You can watch the video here. ##",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=6E3BDB31-DADB-401F-8043-895B26B65BBB,"Klobuchar, Thune, 46 Colleagues Urge Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to Promote the Deployment of Sustainable Broadband Networks in Rural America",2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD), and 46 of their colleagues urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promote the deployment of sustainable broadband networks as the FCC considers adopting new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) proceeding. The RDOF will award high-cost Universal Service Fund (USF) support to deploy broadband service in rural areas. In a letter, the senators called on FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to ensure that broadband networks built in rural areas using these funds can keep up with future demands for speed and capacity and to hold support recipients accountable for providing adequate broadband service to consumers. If our rural communities are to survive and flourish, our rural constituents need access to services that are on par with those in urban areas. By contrast, it would be an inefficient use of resources to promote services that cannot keep pace with consumer demand and the evolution of broadband in urban areas, the senators wrote. As the FCC moves forward to adopt new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund proceeding, we urge you to promote the deployment of networks that will be sustainable even as new advancements are made and are capable of delivering the best level of broadband access for the available USF budget for many years to come. In addition to Klobuchar and Thune, the letter was signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bob Casey (D-PA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Patty Murray (D-WA), David Perdue (R-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), James Risch (R-ID), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tom Tillis (R-NC), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Todd Young (R-IN). The full text of the letter can be found HERE and below: December 9, 2019 Dear Chairman Pai: As the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund proceeding, we write to emphasize the importance of sustainable networks that meet the needs of consumers now and in the future. Given that the FCC plays a critical role in connecting rural communities to high-speed internet through the universal service fund (USF), we encourage the FCC to make the most efficient and effective use of those funds. Any large-scale infrastructure project requires reasonable planning that takes account not only of current needs, but also of projected demands over the life of the asset being funded; and the distribution of USF should be no different. For broadband specifically, this requires that networks, built using USF, must be capable of delivering speeds, latency, and usage capacity according to what the FCC deems necessary to meet the needs of consumers over the next decade. If our rural communities are to survive and flourish, our rural constituents need access to services that are on par with those in urban areas. By contrast, it would be an inefficient use of resources to promote services that cannot keep pace with consumer demand and the evolution of broadband in urban areas. As the FCC moves forward to adopt new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund proceeding, we urge you to promote the deployment of networks that will be sustainable even as new advancements are made and are capable of delivering the best level of broadband access for the available USF budget for many years to come. Similarly, we believe it is important for the FCC to be responsible for USF resources and ensure that those parties receiving such support can deliver on the commitments they make. This requires monitoring and reporting once USF support is received to guarantee it is being used as intended. The FCC should also make sure before the auction occurs that the participants in the auction can successfully deliver on their promises. If a party is incapable of delivering broadband as promised, the American ratepayer loses twice over first for having contributed sums that did not go toward the deployment of broadband as hoped, and then again for those ratepayers who reside in the area that ended up not receiving the promised service. It is therefore critical that any use of an auction to distribute USF support include meaningful processes upfront to prequalify bidders. This should apply to all bidders, regardless of the technology they propose to use or the performance levels they promise to deliver. Thank you for your work to deploy reliable broadband networks in rural America. We look forward to working with you to help close the digital divide and provide rural American consumers with the same kinds of digital opportunities that many others take for granted. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=DD987843-CAC1-412C-A452-A95A115ACF75,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce $1.75 Million Grant For Great Lakes Restoration Efforts",2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) a $1,750,000 supplemental Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant to continue restoration efforts in the Saint Louis River Estuary Area of Concern (AOC) in Lake Superior. This supplemental grant brings the total GLRI investment in the project to $7,770,000 and represents a larger effort to restore and protect the Great Lakes through the GLRI. ""The Great Lakes are a national treasure and vital to the economy and environment in Minnesota and our entire country,"" Klobuchar said. The restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem is estimated to provide $50 billion in long-term economic benefits for the region and this grant will ensure that the restoration of the important Saint Louis River area habitat continues. As one of the vice-chairs of the Great Lakes Task Force, I look forward to continuing this important work to protect the Great Lakes for generations to come."" For thousands of years people have treasured Lake Superior and the rest of the Great Lakes chain.They are important to manyincludingthe Native American communities thathave long lived near them andutilizednearbyresources,tourists who visit them for outdoor recreation and businesses rely on them for shipping,Smith said.This important funding willhelp improve 257 acres of aquatic habitat in Lake Superior. Restoring the Great Lakes should be a top priority because it is good for our economy, tourism and natural resources. The grant supplements funding for work the Minnesota DNR has begun to implement two projects to restore the St. Louis River Estuary AOC. The projects, Grassy Point and Kingsbury Bay, will collectively contribute toward restoration of 257 acres of aquatic habitat and the removal of the associated beneficial use impairment in the AOC. In August, Klobuchar joined colleagues on the Senate Great Lakes Task Force to introduce bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and expand funding for the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019 will reauthorize the GLRI, which is set to expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2021, for another five years. The bill increases the current authorization level from $300 million to $375 million in Fiscal Year 2022 and increases funding by $25 million per year until it reaches $475 million in Fiscal Year 2026. In June, Klobuchar was joined in Duluth by Mayor Emily Larson and representatives from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Visit Duluth to review clean-up efforts of the Duluth Harbor as part of the GLRI. Klobuchar discussed how GLRI funds have been instrumental in restoring freshwater ecosystems, spurring economic opportunity, and redeveloping waterfront communities like Duluth. As one of the vice-chairs of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, Klobuchar is a leading advocate for the protection of the Great Lakes. She has worked to bolster pollution clean-up efforts in the Great Lakes, prevent diversions of Great Lakes water out of the region, and establish new water conservation and environmental protection standards in the Great Lakes area. Earlier this year, Klobuchar fought President Trump's proposed 90 percent budget cut from the GLRI, as she has in prior years. She has also fought to keep aquatic invasive species out of Minnesota's river and lakes, including authoring legislation to help fight the spread of invasive carp that was signed into law in 2014. Since its inception, the GLRI has tripled the successful cleanup and delisting of AOCs throughout the country, reduced phosphorus runoff and the threat of harmful algal blooms, controlled and stopped the advancement of invasive species, and restored wildlife habitat over thousands of miles of rivers and waterways. Since 2010, the GLRI has provided more than $2.5 billion to fund 4,706 projects throughout the Great Lakes region. The St. Louis AOC is the second largest U.S.-based AOC, draining 3,634 square miles of watershed and encompassing a 1,020 square-mile area. The AOC boundary includes the lower 39 miles of the St. Louis River, from upstream of Cloquet, Minnesota to its mouth at the Duluth/Superior Harbor, and that portion of the watershed; the Nemadji River watershed; and the western portion of Lake Superior defined on its eastern edge by a line drawn from the eastern HUC 12 Dutchman Creek watershed boundary in Wisconsin where it intersects the Lake Superior shoreline north to where the eastern HUC 12 Talmadge Creek watershed boundary in Minnesota intersects with the Lake Superior shoreline north to the intersection of the Cloquet River HUC 8. Historical industrial use of the river, before modern environmental laws, has resulted in pollutants found in sediments, the water column, and wildlife. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-175-million-grant-great-lakes-restoration-efforts,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce $1.75 Million Grant For Great Lakes Restoration Efforts",2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) a $1,750,000 supplemental Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant to continue restoration efforts in the Saint Louis River Estuary Area of Concern (AOC) in Lake Superior. This supplemental grant brings the total GLRI investment in the project to $7,770,000 and represents a larger effort to restore and protect the Great Lakes through the GLRI. ""The Great Lakes are a national treasure and vital to the economy and environment in Minnesota and our entire country,""Klobuchar said.The restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem is estimatedto provide $50 billion in long-term economic benefits for the region and this grant will ensure that the restoration of the important Saint Louis River area habitat continues. As one of the vice-chairs of the Great Lakes Task Force, I look forward to continuing this important work to protect the Great Lakes for generations to come."" For thousands of years people have treasured Lake Superior and the rest of the Great Lakes chain.They are important to manyincludingthe Native American communities thathave long lived near them andutilizednearbyresources,tourists who visit them for outdoor recreation and businesses rely on them for shipping,Smith said.This important funding willhelp improve 257 acres of aquatic habitat in Lake Superior. Restoring the Great Lakes should be a top priority because it is good for our economy, tourism and natural resources. The grant supplements funding for work the Minnesota DNR has begun to implement two projects to restore the St. Louis River Estuary AOC. The projects, Grassy Point and Kingsbury Bay, will collectively contribute toward restoration of 257 acres of aquatic habitat and the removal of the associated beneficial use impairment in the AOC. In August, Klobuchar joined colleagues on the Senate Great Lakes Task Force to introduce bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and expand funding for the Great Lakes. TheGreat Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019will reauthorize the GLRI, which is set to expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2021, for another five years. The bill increases the current authorization level from $300 million to $375 million in Fiscal Year 2022 and increases funding by $25 million per year until it reaches $475 million in Fiscal Year 2026. In June, Klobuchar was joined in Duluth by Mayor Emily Larson and representatives from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Visit Duluth to review clean-up efforts of the Duluth Harbor as part of the GLRI. Klobuchar discussed how GLRI funds have been instrumental in restoring freshwater ecosystems, spurring economic opportunity, and redeveloping waterfront communities like Duluth. As one of the vice-chairs of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, Klobuchar is a leading advocate for the protection of the Great Lakes. She has worked to bolster pollution clean-up efforts in the Great Lakes, prevent diversions of Great Lakes water out of the region, and establish new water conservation and environmental protection standards in the Great Lakes area. Earlier this year, Klobuchar fought President Trump's proposed 90 percent budget cut from the GLRI, as she has in prior years. She has also fought to keep aquatic invasive species out of Minnesota's river and lakes, including authoring legislation to help fight the spread of invasive carp that was signed into law in 2014. Since its inception, the GLRI has tripled the successful cleanup and delisting of AOCs throughout the country, reduced phosphorus runoff and the threat of harmful algal blooms, controlled and stopped the advancement of invasive species, and restored wildlife habitat over thousands of miles of rivers and waterways. Since 2010, the GLRI has provided more than $2.5 billion to fund 4,706 projects throughout the Great Lakes region. The St. Louis AOC is the second largest U.S.-based AOC, draining 3,634 square miles of watershed and encompassing a 1,020 square-mile area. The AOC boundary includes the lower 39 miles of the St. Louis River, from upstream of Cloquet, Minnesota to its mouth at the Duluth/Superior Harbor, and that portion of the watershed; the Nemadji River watershed; and the western portion of Lake Superior defined on its eastern edge by a line drawn from the eastern HUC 12 Dutchman Creek watershed boundary in Wisconsin where it intersects the Lake Superior shoreline north to where the eastern HUC 12 Talmadge Creek watershed boundary in Minnesota intersects with the Lake Superior shoreline north to the intersection of the Cloquet River HUC 8. Historical industrial use of the river, before modern environmental laws, has resulted in pollutants found in sediments, the water column, and wildlife.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/peterson-critical-epas-proposed-actions-rfs,Peterson Critical of EPAs Proposed Actions on RFS,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Collin Peterson,P000258,collinpeterson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Collin Peterson, chair of the House Agriculture Committee, sent a letter today to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), raising concerns that the Agency's October supplemental proposed rule for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) fails to uphold the integrity of the RFS. The bottom line is the EPA continues to undermine the RFS at the expense of our farmers and biofuel producers,"" Peterson said. ""I've said time and time again that any action from EPA that does not uphold the integrity of the RFS is unacceptable. In July, the EPA published a proposed rule for Renewable Volume Obligations for 2020 and 2021 as required by the RFS, and the Congressional Biofuels Caucus sent a comment letter on the overall rule. In October, the agency submitted a supplemental proposed rule and suggested changes to the formula EPA uses to restore gallons waived through the small refinery exemptions process. BACKGROUND Rep. Peterson serves as chair of the House Agriculture Committee and co-chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, a bipartisan group of Members of Congress who advocate for homegrown renewable fuel policies that boost farmer incomes and reduce dependence on foreign oil. He is also the sponsor of the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act of 2019, a bill which provides certainty to the biofuels industry by setting an annual deadline for small refinery exemption applications and bringing transparency to the process. In October, he challenged the EPA to follow Congressional intent of the RFS law in setting biofuel waivers which would shortchange the biofuels industry. In recognition of his efforts to champion renewable fuels, Rep. Peterson received the Fueling Growth Award from Growth Energy the country's largest ethanol association.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-stands-second-congressional-district-priorities-year-end-action,Rep. Angie Craig Stands Up For Second Congressional District Priorities In Year-End Action,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig sent a letter to House Democratic leaders asking them to prioritize and include programs of significant importance to Minnesota's Second Congressional District in end-of-year legislation being developed to fund the government and extend numerous expiring tax credits. Since her first day in Congress, Rep. Craig has championed commonsense, bipartisan solutions for the issues hardworking Minnesotans talk with her about. Her work includes lowering the cost of healthcare and the price of prescription drugs, transportation and infrastructure funding, funding special education and career and technical skills, helping family farmers and supporting rural communities. Every day I look for ways to find common ground on the issues that impact the lives of hardworking Minnesotans, said Rep. Craig. I will never stop fighting to lower the price of prescription drugs, invest in our infrastructure - including broadband, support our family farmers, and fund special education and career and technical skills. You can read the full letter here. Rep. Craig has authored 16 bills and cosponsored over 325 additional bills - more than two thirds of which are bipartisan. She will hold her 12th town hall in 12 months on Saturday, December 7th, in West St. Paul.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/statements-record/statement-h-res-326,Statement on H. Res. 326,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,,,legacy,"As a co-sponsor of H. Res. 326 as introduced on April 25, 2019, I support Representative Lowenthal's determination to advance U.S. leadership in seeking a diplomatic resolution to achieve a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unfortunately, amendments to the resolution mean I can no longer vote in favor of H. Res. 326 and I will be voting present. For years, I have heard colleagues say, It's only a resolution. It really doesn't mean anything. At a time when the Trump administration is actively taking policy actions to inflict pain on the Palestinian people while giving a green light to Israel's annexation of Palestinian lands, a statement by the House of Representatives to Israelis and Palestinians does mean something. Is there any doubt Israel and the security of the Israeli people have the strong support of Congress? There is zero doubt. But millions of Palestinians working to build a peaceful future feel that they have been abandoned by Congress and attacked by the White House. The U.S. is no longer an honest broker in any diplomatic peace initiative between Israelis and Palestinians. The language added to H. Res. 326 stating an ironclad commitment to $38 billion in foreign military aid only highlights the contrast that there is no ironclad U.S. commitment to human rights or even providing the most basic life-saving humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. This House vote today does not reflect the reality on the ground. This is the time to unequivocally support both the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, justice, equality, and human rights as well as Israel's right to live in peace and security. U.S. aid must never be an ironclad blank check to any nation. I believe if U.S. military aid to Israel is being used to enable or support the military detention and torture of Palestinian children, the demolition of Palestinian homes, or the annexation of Palestinian lands there should be conditions on that aid not cuts to aid, but conditions as has been done to aid to the Palestinians. Striving for an Israeli state and a Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security is worth the effort of every Member of Congress. But that means Congress will need to support the legitimate rights, needs, and aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis. In my opinion, H. Res. 326 maintains the status quo and fails to move us towards achieving peace. A peace that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve and need. # # # Extension of Remarks on H. Res. 326:Netanyahu Says 'Our Full Right' to Annex Jordan Valley, Despite ICC Prosecutor Report",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=01F7B07A-354E-4AD9-AA45-D739BAE1A791,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Open Signup for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)",2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is opening signup for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) on December 9, 2019. The deadline for agricultural producers to sign up for general CRP is February 8, 2020, while signup for continuous CRP is ongoing. The 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law in December 2018, includes Klobuchar's provision to increase the number of acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to 27 million acres, based on Klobuchar and Senator John Thune's (R-SD)Conservation Program Improvement Act. The 2018 Farm Bill also includes conservation efforts led by Smith, including a provision from Smith's SOIL Stewardship Act to expand efforts to reduce carbon emissions, prevent soil erosion, improve water quality and reform the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). It also includes Smith's amendment streamlining the transition between two working lands conservation programsthe Environmental Quality Incentives Program and CSP. The Conservation Reserve Program provides important benefits to our state's land and water, as well as economic benefits for our rural communities, Klobuchar said. That's why I worked to increase the number of acres in CRP in the 2018 Farm Bill, so that farmers and landowners continue to have the tools necessary to conserve and improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat. I encourage farmers and landowners to visit their local Farm Service Agency office to enroll. I fought for a spot on theSenate Agriculture Committeebecause I wanted to make sure Minnesota agriculture's priorities, including strong farm programs like conservation, get the support they deserve,Smith said.Farmers and ranchers understand that the way they farm impacts water quality, soil health and wildlife habitat. The Conservation Reserve Program will help them boost conservation efforts that protect the environment and sustain their farms. I encourage Minnesotans to take advantage of this opportunity. The 2018 Farm Bill included several of Klobuchar's priorities, including provisions to create an animal disease vaccine bank and disaster response program, provide more coverage and more flexible tools for dairy producers, and protect the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding. Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the U.S. The program was originally primarily intended to control soil erosion and potentially stabilize commodity prices by taking marginal lands out of production. This Farm Bill program has evolved over the years, providing a variety of conservation and economic benefits from coast to coast. CRP has: Prevented more than 9 billion tons of soil from eroding, enough soil to fill 600 million dump trucks; Reduced nitrogen and phosphorous runoff relative to annually tilled cropland by 95 and 85 percent respectively; Sequestered an annual average of 49 million tons of greenhouse gases, equal to taking 9 million cars off the road; Created more than 3 million acres of restored wetlands while protecting more than 175,000 stream miles with riparian forest and grass buffers, enough to go around the world 7 times; and Benefited bees and other pollinators and increased populations of ducks, pheasants, turkey, bobwhite quail, prairie chickens, grasshopper sparrows and many other birds. By enrolling in CRP, producers are improving water quality, reducing soil erosion, and restoring habitat for wildlife. This in turn spurs hunting, fishing, recreation, tourism, and other economic development across rural America. To enroll in CRP, contact your local FSA county office or visit fsa.usda.gov/crp. To locate your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/service-locator. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=0991D9D9-CBB2-4C93-8EA1-0ECD00D1A34C,"Klobuchar, Smith Laud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Simplify the FAFSA, Improve Access to Affordable Student Loan Repayment Plans, and Support Tribal Colleges and Other Minority-Serving Institutions",2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Help Legislation Pass Senate that Would Permanently Fund Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority-Serving Institutions WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) helped bipartisan legislation pass the Senate this week that would simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) andeliminate burdensome annual paperwork for federal student loan borrowers enrolled in income-driven repayment plans by automating income recertification, and permanently fund Tribal colleges. I'm pleased the FUTURE Act passed the Senate so that tribal colleges, historically black colleges and universities, and other minority-serving institutions of higher education across the country are one step closer to receiving the annual funding they need to keep serving millions of students, Klobuchar said. These institutions are critical to our higher education and workforce development systems, andMinnesotans and students nationwide deserve every opportunity to advance their education. I'm so pleased this common sense, bipartisan bill is moving forward. When I hear from Minnesota colleges and college students, one issue that everyone agrees on is simplifying the FAFSA for the millions of students and families who apply for aid.This measure will also make a real difference for the millions of student loan borrowers who are navigating our outdated and overly-complicated student loan system and trying to access more affordable repayments, Smith said. I am so glad this bill provides permanent support for such valuable institutions like the Tribal colleges we have in Minnesota. These colleges do important work and I am glad they will have financial certainty going into the future. I look forward to this bill passing the House and being signed into law. The Senate-passed Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act will permanently provide $255 million annually in support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions of higher education, whichfaced financial uncertainty when their funding lapsed earlier this year. Sens. Klobuchar, Smith and their colleagues have long been fighting to secure this funding and to simplify the FAFSA for the 20 million families who have to fill out the form each year. The Senate-passed bill will streamline the process of enrolling and staying in income-driven repayment programs, by eliminating duplicative paperwork between the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Education, for nearly 8 million student loan borrowers. The FUTURE Act would create the first and only permanent funding programoutside of Pell Grants and student loansto support students and colleges. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=62B580B2-FF68-4D31-8697-EAEF2FBE5B70,Klobuchar Statement Before Monday’s First Meeting of Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Precision Agriculture Connectivity Task Force,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law in December 2018, includes Klobuchar's provision to direct the FCC to establish a task force to promote precision agriculture and target broadband deployment to the nation's farms and ranches The Chair of the Task Force will be Minnesotan Teddy Bekele WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement ahead of Monday's first meeting of the new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Precision Agriculture Connectivity Task Force. The Task Force will make policy recommendations and produce public reports to ensure increased broadband internet access on agricultural land. The 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law in December 2018, includes Klobuchar's provision to direct the FCC to establish a task force to identify gaps in broadband coverage and encourage broadband deployment on farms and ranchland. The Chair of the Task Force will be Minnesotan Teddy Bekele. Too often, farmers and ranchers are unable to benefit from precision agriculture technologieswhich help farmers streamline their operations, boost their bottom lines, and improve crop yieldsdue to limited broadband access. After years of legislative effort, the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Task Force, which was established in June, will finally come together to continue the work of closing the digital divide, including on our farms and ranchlands. I look forward to seeing the recommendations of the Task Force, led by Minnesota's own Teddy Bekele, to promote broadband deployment and precision agriculture technology for our rural communities. Precision agriculture describes the use of mobile devices, robotics, field sensors, remote monitoring, and other technologies to manage agricultural production. Farmers and ranchers who use the technology can significantly increase crop yields, streamline operations, and reduce production expenses. In many areas of the United States, reliable, high-speed broadband is not consistently available to support precision agriculture operations. The legislation introduced by Klobuchar and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) outlines the following duties for the new FCC task force: Identify and measure current gaps in broadband coverage on cropland and ranchland; Develop policy recommendations, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to promote the rapid, expanded deployment of fixed and mobile broadband on cropland and ranchland, with the goal of achieving service on 95 percent of croplands and ranchlands in the United States by 2025; Recommend specific steps the FCC should consider to ensure that available farm data from the USDA is reflected in the development of future FCC programs dedicated to the deployment of broadband infrastructure to croplands and ranchlands; and, Develop a public report detailing the status of fixed and mobile broadband coverage on croplands and ranchlands; the projected future connectivity needs of agricultural operations, farmers, and ranchers; and the steps being taken to accurately measure the availability of broadband on croplands and ranchlands and the limitations of current measurement processes. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Broadband Caucus, Klobuchar has long championed closing the digital divide and expanding access to the internet. In July, Klobuchar Wicker, and Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Thune's (R-SD) bipartisan legislation to improve the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) broadband coverage maps passed the Senate Commerce Committee. The Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act would require the FCC to collect more granular data from fixed, wireless, and satellite broadband providers, strengthen the accuracy of data from mobile broadband providers, consider a process to ensure data is reliable, and create a process for state, local, and Tribal governments to challenge the FCC maps' accuracy. In June, Klobuchar and Senator Shelley Moore Capito's (R-WV) legislation to improve broadband connectivity passed the Senate. TheMeasuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Actwould require the Bureau of Economic Analysis, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Technology, to conduct a study of the effects of the digital economy and the adoption of broadband deployment on the U.S. economy. In May, Klobuchar and Wicker'slegislation to ensure federal funds for broadband deployment are targeting unserved and underserved areas passed the Senate Commerce Committee. The Broadband Interagency CoordinationAct would direct the FCC, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to coordinate and share information on their broadband deployment efforts. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=829BB67A-EB7F-4B8A-9264-160C5BF79550,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Judicial Selection Committee for Vacancy on Federal District Court",2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators will bring togethera group of distinguished Minnesota leaders to head search WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith announced the formation of a judicial selection committee to assist them in making recommendations to the President to fill a vacancy on Minnesota's federal district court. The vacancy was created by Judge Joan Ericksen's decision to assume senior status. The Committee will be chaired by Lolita Ulloa, Deputy Hennepin County Attorney and Director of Domestic Abuse Service Center; with members: David Ackerson, former state court judge on Minnesota's Sixth Judicial District Court; Amran Farah, attorney at Greene Espel and president of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers; Peter Knapp, Interim President and Dean of Mitchell Hamline School of Law; David Lillehaug, Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and a former United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota; Cecil Naatz, Managing Attorney of the Public Defender's Office in Marshall, Minnesota; Forrest Tahdooahnippah, partner at Dorsey & Whitney LLP and president of the Minnesota American Indian Bar Association; and Vildan Teske, founding partner of Teske, Micko, Katz, Kitzer & Rochel. These distinguished Minnesota leaders will come together to find a jurist to continue our state's long tradition of federal judges with varying experiences and unwavering commitments to fairness and justice, Klobuchar said. Federal judges have lifetime appointments, which is why it is critical that they have proven themselves to be fair-minded, conscientious, and even-handed in theirapplicationof the law. The Committee will be looking for a person of integrity with a first-rate legal mind and a breadth of professional experience. ""I would like to thank Judge Joan Ericksen, who served as a federal district court judge for nearlytwo decades, having previously served as an Associate Justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court, for her commitment to the judiciary and public service, she concluded. Federal courts make decisions that affect every part of our lives: who we marry, our privacy and freedom to make our own medical decisions, our right to vote, and our right to equal treatment at work, Smith said. Minnesotans of every race and gender deserve a fair justice system that will protect their rights, and I have no doubt that this Committee will help identify an individual who pledges to successfully uphold our most fundamental value: equal justice for all. Thank you to Judge Joan Ericksen for your service to Minnesota, and I look forward to working with this diverse group of Committee members from across Minnesota. Those wishing to be considered for the positions of Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, should submit a letter of interest and resume betweenDecember 12, 2019 and December 31, 2019 tothe Judicial Selection Committee, Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar, 1200 Washington Avenue South, Suite 250, Minneapolis, MN 55415.Materials may also be e-mailed to the Committee atMNCommittee@judiciary-dem.senate.gov. References will be requested at a later date during the interview process. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=FFF30402-A909-4373-9316-2FA1A534F440,"Klobuchar, Smith Urge Department of Education to Address Loan Forgiveness for Defrauded Borrowers",2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Letter to Secretary Betsy DeVos follows a June 2019 letter from Klobuchar and Smith inquiring into the status of the group discharge application for borrowers from now defunct Globe University and Minnesota School of Business WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) are continuing to call on the Department of Education to address protections for student loan borrowers. In a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Klobuchar and Smith called on the Department of Education to immediately stop collecting on the student debt of borrowers who were defrauded by Globe University (Globe) and Minnesota School of Business (MSB), discharge the covered loans, and process pending borrower defense applications. Klobuchar and Smith's call follows recent news of Globe and MSB filing for bankruptcy, which may prevent these defrauded students from receiving any of the tuition refunds that a state court recently ruled the students are owed. The senators believe the federal government must immediately stop collections on these loans and provide these defrauded students with debt relief. Students should be protected from predatory practices by academic institutions and the financial impact and academic disruption that occurs when a school closes,the senators wrote. It is critically important that the former students of Globe and MSB who were defrauded are able to pursue the discharge of their debt through borrower defense claims. Minnesota's Attorney General has identified more than 1,300 students enrolled in particular programs at Globe and MSB in need of debt relief amounting to over $33 million, and recent court filings indicate that more than 7,000 former students of these colleges may be eligible for debt relief. We urge you to immediately stop collecting on the student debt of borrowers who were defrauded by Globe and MSB, discharge the covered loans, and process pending borrower defense applications. The full text of the letter can be found below: Dear Secretary DeVos: We write today to request that the Department of Education (Department) process the group discharge application on behalf of defrauded students who attended Globe University (Globe) and its affiliate, Minnesota School of Business (MSB). As you know, group discharge applications submitted by the attorneys general of 20 states seek loan relief on behalf of groups of student borrowers and are intended to eliminate the need for each student borrower to apply for relief individually. Students should be protected from predatory practices by academic institutions and the financial impact and academic disruption that occurs when a school closes. For this reason, provisions in the Higher Education Act permit student borrowers to seek loan forgiveness when they have been misled or defrauded by a college through a borrower defense to repayment. The 2016 borrower defense rule went into effect July 1, 2017 and a federal court has ruled that the Department must review the group discharge applications from state attorneys general. It is critically important that the former students of Globe and MSB who were defrauded are able to pursue the discharge of their debt through borrower defense claims. Minnesota's Attorney General has identified more than 1,300 students enrolled in particular programs at Globe and MSB in need of debt relief amounting to over $33 million, and recent court filings indicate that more than 7,000 former students of these colleges may be eligible for debt relief. Action from the Department is particularly necessary as Globe and MSB have recently filed for bankruptcy, a move which may prevent defrauded students from receiving any of the tuition refunds that a state court recently ruled that students are owed. On June 8, 2019, we wrote to inquire into the status of these group discharge applications and to urge you to provide full discharges to qualified borrowers. Since we sent this letter, former students have alleged in court filings that the Department continues to collect on the loans of defrauded students by seizing their tax refunds and garnishing their wages. On September 23, 2019, the Department published a new borrower defense rule that will only create additional barriers for students seeking reliefincluding a provision to eliminate automatic loan discharges for future groups of borrowers that will require a time-intensive review of claims on a case-by-case basis. According to data available on the Department's website, more than 210,000 borrower defense claims from students across the country are still awaiting action by the Department. Accordingly, we respectfully ask that you provide answers to the following questions by January 2, 2020: What is the current status of the Globe and MSB group discharge application? What is the average amount of time the applications of Globe and MSB borrowers have been pending? Will you stop involuntary collections and wage garnishments on the loans covered under the Globe and MSB group discharge application? Will you immediately discharge the loans covered under the Globe and MSB group discharge application? What steps has the Department taken to resolve the pending borrower defense claims asserted by borrowers nationwide? We urge you to immediately stop collecting on the student debt of borrowers who were defrauded by Globe and MSB, discharge the covered loans, and process pending borrower defense applications. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-judicial-selection-committee-vacancy-federal-district-court,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Judicial Selection Committee for Vacancy on Federal District Court",2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators will bring together a group of distinguished Minnesota leaders to head search WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith announced the formation of a judicial selection committee to assist them in making recommendations to the President to fill a vacancy on Minnesota's federal district court. The vacancy was created by Judge Joan Ericksen's decision to assume senior status. The Committee will be chaired by Lolita Ulloa, Deputy Hennepin County Attorney and Director of Domestic Abuse Service Center; with members: David Ackerson, former state court judge on Minnesota's Sixth Judicial District Court; Amran Farah, attorney at Greene Espel and president of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers; Peter Knapp, Interim President and Dean of Mitchell Hamline School of Law; David Lillehaug, Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and a former United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota; Cecil Naatz, Managing Attorney of the Public Defender's Office in Marshall, Minnesota; Forrest Tahdooahnippah, partner at Dorsey & Whitney LLP and president of the Minnesota American Indian Bar Association; and Vildan Teske, founding partner of Teske, Micko, Katz, Kitzer & Rochel. These distinguished Minnesota leaders will come together to find a jurist to continue our state's long tradition of federal judges with varying experiences and unwavering commitments to fairness and justice,Klobuchar said. Federal judges have lifetime appointments, which is why it is critical that they have proven themselves to be fair-minded, conscientious, and even-handed in theirapplicationof the law. The Committee will be looking for a person of integrity with a first-rate legal mind and a breadth of professional experience. ""I would like to thank Judge Joan Ericksen, who served as a federal district court judge for nearlytwo decades, having previously served as an Associate Justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court, for her commitment to the judiciary and public service,she concluded. Federal courts make decisions that affect every part of our lives: who we marry, our privacy and freedom to make our own medical decisions, our right to vote, and our right to equal treatment at work,Smith said.Minnesotans of every race and gender deserve a fair justice system that will protect their rights, and I have no doubt that this Committee will help identify an individual who pledges to successfully uphold our most fundamental value: equal justice for all. Thank you to Judge Joan Ericksen for your service to Minnesota, and I look forward to working with this diverse group of Committee members from across Minnesota. Those wishing to be considered for the positions of Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, should submit a letter of interest and resume betweenDecember 12, 2019 and December 31, 2019 tothe Judicial Selection Committee,Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar, 1200 Washington Avenue South, Suite 250, Minneapolis, MN 55415.Materials may also be e-mailed to the Committee atMNCommittee@judiciary-dem.senate.gov. References will be requested at a later date during the interview process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-announce-open-signup-conservation-reserve-program-crp,"Klobuchar, Smith Announce Open Signup for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)",2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is opening signup for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) on December 9, 2019. The deadline for agricultural producers to sign up for general CRP is February 8, 2020, while signup for continuous CRP is ongoing. The 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law in December 2018, includes Klobuchar's provision to increase the number of acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to 27 million acres, based on Klobuchar and Senator John Thune's (R-SD)Conservation Program Improvement Act. The 2018 Farm Bill also includes conservation efforts led by Smith, including a provision from Smith'sSOIL Stewardship Actto expand efforts to reduce carbon emissions, prevent soil erosion, improve water quality and reform the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). It also includes Smith's amendment streamlining the transition between two working lands conservation programsthe Environmental Quality Incentives Program and CSP. The Conservation Reserve Program provides important benefits to our state's land and water, as well as economic benefits for our rural communities,Klobuchar said.That's why I worked to increase the number of acres in CRP in the 2018 Farm Bill, so that farmers and landowners continue to have the tools necessary to conserve and improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat. I encourage farmers and landowners to visit their local Farm Service Agency office to enroll. I fought for a spot on theSenate Agriculture Committeebecause I wanted to make sure Minnesota agriculture's priorities, including strong farm programs like conservation, get the support they deserve,Smith said.Farmers and ranchers understand that the way they farm impacts water quality, soil health and wildlife habitat. The Conservation Reserve Program will help them boost conservation efforts that protect the environment and sustain their farms. I encourage Minnesotans to take advantage of this opportunity. The 2018 Farm Bill includedseveral of Klobuchar's priorities, including provisions to create an animal disease vaccine bank and disaster response program, provide more coverage and more flexible tools for dairy producers, and protect the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding. Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the U.S. The program was originally primarily intended to control soil erosion and potentially stabilize commodity prices by taking marginal lands out of production. This Farm Bill program has evolved over the years, providing a variety of conservation and economic benefits from coast to coast. CRP has: Prevented more than 9 billion tons of soil from eroding, enough soil to fill 600 million dump trucks; Reduced nitrogen and phosphorous runoff relative to annually tilled cropland by 95 and 85 percent respectively; Sequestered an annual average of 49 million tons of greenhouse gases, equal to taking 9 million cars off the road; Created more than 3 million acres of restored wetlands while protecting more than 175,000 stream miles with riparian forest and grass buffers, enough to go around the world 7 times; and Benefited bees and other pollinators and increased populations of ducks, pheasants, turkey, bobwhite quail, prairie chickens, grasshopper sparrows and many other birds. By enrolling in CRP, producers are improving water quality, reducing soil erosion, and restoring habitat for wildlife. This in turn spurs hunting, fishing, recreation, tourism, and other economic development across rural America. To enroll in CRP, contact your local FSA county office or visit fsa.usda.gov/crp. To locate your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/service-locator.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/klobuchar-smith-urge-department-education-address-loan-forgiveness-defrauded-borrowers,"Klobuchar, Smith Urge Department of Education to Address Loan Forgiveness for Defrauded Borrowers",2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Letter to Secretary Betsy DeVos follows a June 2019 letter from Klobuchar and Smith inquiring into the status of the group discharge application for borrowers from now defunct Globe University and Minnesota School of WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) are continuing to call on the Department of Education to address protections for student loan borrowers. In a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Klobuchar and Smith called on the Department of Education toimmediately stop collecting on the student debt of borrowers who were defrauded by Globe University (Globe) and Minnesota School of Business (MSB), discharge the covered loans, and process pending borrower defense applications. Klobuchar and Smith's call followsrecent news of Globe and MSB filing for bankruptcy, which may prevent these defrauded students from receiving any of the tuition refunds that a state court recently ruled the students are owed.The senators believe the federal government must immediately stop collections on these loans and provide these defrauded students with debt relief. Students should be protected from predatory practices by academic institutions and the financial impact and academic disruption that occurs when a school closes,the senators wrote. It is critically important that the former students of Globe and MSB who were defrauded are able to pursue the discharge of their debt through borrower defense claims. Minnesota's Attorney General has identified more than 1,300 students enrolled in particular programs at Globe and MSB in need of debt relief amounting to over $33 million, and recent court filings indicate that more than 7,000 former students of these colleges may be eligible for debt relief. We urge you to immediately stop collecting on the student debt of borrowers who were defrauded by Globe and MSB, discharge the covered loans, and process pending borrower defense applications. The full text of the letter can be found below: Dear Secretary DeVos: We write today to request that the Department of Education (Department) process thegroup discharge application on behalf of defrauded students who attended Globe University (Globe) and its affiliate, Minnesota School of Business (MSB). As you know, group discharge applications submitted by the attorneys general of 20 states seek loan relief on behalf of groups of student borrowers and are intended to eliminate the need for each student borrower to apply for relief individually. Students should be protected from predatory practices by academic institutions and the financial impact and academic disruption that occurs when a school closes. For this reason,provisions in the Higher Education Act permit student borrowers to seek loan forgiveness when they have been misled or defrauded by a college through a borrower defense to repayment. The 2016 borrower defense rule went into effect July 1, 2017 and a federal court has ruled that the Department must review the group discharge applications from state attorneys general. It is critically important that the former students of Globe and MSB who were defrauded are able to pursue the discharge of their debt through borrower defense claims. Minnesota's Attorney General has identified more than 1,300 students enrolled in particular programs at Globe and MSB in need of debt relief amounting to over $33 million, and recent court filings indicate that more than 7,000 former students of these colleges may be eligible for debt relief. Action from the Department is particularly necessary as Globe and MSB have recently filed for bankruptcy, a move which may prevent defrauded students from receiving any of the tuition refunds that a state court recently ruled that students are owed. On June 8, 2019, we wrote to inquire into the status of these group discharge applications and to urge you to provide full discharges to qualified borrowers. Since we sent this letter, former students have alleged in court filings that the Department continues to collect on the loans of defrauded students by seizing their tax refunds and garnishing their wages. On September 23, 2019, the Department published a new borrower defense rule that will only create additional barriers for students seeking reliefincluding a provision to eliminate automatic loan discharges for future groups of borrowers that will require a time-intensivereview ofclaims on a case-by-case basis.According to data available on the Department's website, more than 210,000 borrower defense claims from students across the country are still awaiting action by the Department. Accordingly, we respectfully ask that you provide answers to the following questions by January 2, 2020: 1.What is the current status of the Globe and MSB group discharge application? 2.What is the average amount of time the applications of Globe and MSB borrowers have been pending? 3.Will you stop involuntary collections and wage garnishments on the loans covered under the Globe and MSB group discharge application? 4.Will you immediately discharge the loans covered under the Globe and MSB group discharge application? 5.What steps has the Department taken to resolve the pending borrower defense claims asserted by borrowers nationwide? We urge you to immediately stop collecting on the student debt of borrowers who were defrauded by Globe and MSB, discharge the covered loans, and process pending borrower defense applications. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senators-klobuchar-smith-laud-senate-passage-bipartisan-legislation-simplify-fafsa-improve,"U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Smith Laud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Simplify the FAFSA, Improve Access to Affordable Student Loan Repayment Plans, and Support Tribal Colleges and Other Minority-Serving Institutions",2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Help Legislation Pass Senate that Would Permanently Fund Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority-Serving Institutions WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/06/19]U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) helped bipartisan legislation pass the Senate this week that would simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) andeliminate burdensome annual paperwork for federal student loan borrowers enrolled in income-driven repayment plans by automating income recertification, and permanently fund Tribal colleges. The Senate-passedFostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Actwill permanently provide $255 million annually in support forHistorically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)and other minority-serving institutions of higher education, whichfaced financial uncertainty when their funding lapsed earlier this year.Sens. Klobuchar, Smith and their colleagues have long been fighting to secure this funding and to simplify the FAFSA for the 20 million families who have to fill out the form each year. The Senate-passed bill will streamline the process of enrolling and staying in income-driven repayment programs, by eliminating duplicative paperwork between the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Education, for nearly 8 million student loan borrowers. The FUTURE Act would create the first and only permanent funding programoutside of Pell Grants and student loansto support students and colleges. I'm pleased the FUTURE Act passed the Senate so that tribal colleges, historically black colleges and universities, and other minority-serving institutions of higher education across the country are one step closer to receiving the annual funding they need to keep serving millions of students,Klobuchar said.These institutions are critical to our higher education and workforce development systems, andMinnesotans and students nationwide deserve every opportunity to advance their education. I'm so pleased this common sense, bipartisan bill is moving forward. When I hear from Minnesota colleges and college students, one issue that everyone agrees on is simplifying the FAFSA for the millions of students and families who apply for aid.This measure will also make a real difference for the millions of student loan borrowers who are navigating our outdated and overly-complicated student loan system and trying to access more affordable repayments,said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Education Committee.I am so glad this bill provides permanent support for such valuable institutions like the Tribal colleges we have in Minnesota. These colleges do important work and I am glad they will have financial certainty going into the future. I look forward to this bill passing the House and being signed into law. Sen. Smith is working to help update our nation's higher education system and supports reauthorizing theHigher Education Actin a comprehensive way. She is pushing to make higher education more affordable and accessible to students and ensure that two-year colleges are better supported and included in our system. She has introduced three bipartisan bills to empower students and families with better informationabout the costs of college from the initial college search and theapplication process,to when it comes time to acceptfinancial aid. Sen. Smith strongly supports initiatives to make college textbooks more affordable through open access educational resources, to support student parents with on campus child care, and to allow borrowers to refinance their student loans at lower interest rates.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=471C00BF-923F-4D5B-BE1C-D537C1323390,Klobuchar Statement on Tragic National Guard Helicopter Crash,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MINNEAPOLIS U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) issued the following statement after three Minnesota National Guard soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash in Stearns County. Today three brave Minnesota National Guard soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.I am deeply saddened, and their service to our state and our nation will never be forgotten.In Minnesota we wrap our arms around our brave men and women who make such immense sacrifices to keep our nation strong and free. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of these brave servicemembers and with the entire Minnesota National Guard community, at home and overseas. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=ECE6E736-D4C1-4AE5-93D8-E77D22F84568,Klobuchar Statement on the 70th Anniversary of NATO,2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the 70th Anniversary of the North American Treaty Organization (NATO): NATO is the most successful military alliance in history because we are united by values that continue to serve as the foundation for 70 years of unprecedented peace, security, and economic prosperity. Now, more than ever, we must reaffirm and strengthen our commitment to the alliance. Our adversaries around the world must know that we will stand together with our allies to defend against aggression and attempts to divide us. Klobuchar, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, which oversees federal elections, has been a stalwart supporter of NATO, especially in light of Russian interference in U.S. and European elections. Just three years ago to this month, Klobuchar traveled to former Eastern-bloc countries as a member of a bipartisan congressional delegation led by former Senator John McCain (R-AZ) to reinforce support for NATO and to focus on mounting international cybersecurity problems. The senators met with Presidents and Prime Ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Georgia, and Montenegro. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/us-senator-tina-smith-continues-bipartisan-fight-improve-access-rural-health-care-new-and-expecting,U.S. Senator Tina Smith Continues Bipartisan Fight to Improve Access to Rural Health Care for New and Expecting Moms,2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Calls for Health Committee Markup on Bill to Provide Training For Medical Professionals, Expand Telehealth, Improve Data Collection and Encourage Regional Care Coordination WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/04/19]U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) is continuing her efforts with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) to ensure new and expectingmomsliving inruralcommunities get the care they need by calling on Senate Health Committee leaders to hold a markup for theRural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services(Rural MOMS)Act. Earlier this year, Sen. Smith introduced her Rural MOMS legislation after hearing from Minnesotans and providers about the struggles families face in accessing maternity and obstetric care in rural areas and small towns. And this fall, the House companion bill to Sens. Smith and Murkowski's bill advanced out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. We believe Congress must take swift action to improve access to quality maternal and obstetric care. We urge you to hold a Committee markup to consider the Rural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services (MOMS) Act,wrote Sens. Smith and Murkowski.This bill would improve rural maternal and obstetric care data, provide new rural obstetric network grants to establish regional innovation networks, expand federal telehealth grant programs to include birth and postpartum services, allow use of federal funding to be used on modernizing maternal and obstetric health technology, establish new rural maternal and obstetric care training programs, and report on maternal care in rural areas to identify locations of gaps in maternity care. It is time we address the health disparities that prevent rural families from accessing quality care they can afford. You can access a full copy of the letterhereor below: December 3, 2019 The Honorable Lamar Alexander Chairman Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Patty Murray Ranking Member Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Chairman Alexander and Ranking Member Murray, We write to request a markup in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on the bipartisan Rural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services (MOMS) Act to address the root causes of maternal mortality and morbidity and develop solutions to improve maternal care in rural America. The Rural MOMS Act has garnered bipartisan support and recently advanced out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on November 19. We are encouraged by our colleagues in the House and their efforts to improve maternal care in rural areas. The United States ranks forty-sixth when it comes to pregnancy related deaths and is the onlyindustrialized country in the world with an increasing maternal mortality rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a woman giving birth in 1987 had a greater likelihood of surviving childbirth than her daughter does today. The increasing prevalence of maternal mortality in the U.S. is one that discriminates against communities of color. African American women are over three times as likely to die due to a pregnancy-related complication, and American Indian and Alaska Native women are two and a half times as likely to die. Maternal mortality is a particularly striking issue in rural America. With shortages of health care providers and a challenging payer mix, rural hospitals are more likely to close their labor and delivery units in order to make ends meet. In fact, more than half of rural counties lack hospitals with labor and birthing services. This contributes to a disparity in access to care and worse outcomes for the 18 million women and people of reproductive age who live in rural areas. Unfortunately, as in urban America, this disparity is more prominent for minority populations. Counties with more black residents are at greater risk of losing their labor and delivery services. Worsening access to maternity care in rural America further exacerbates health disparities between white populations and communities of color. In the wealthiest country in the world, this is unacceptable. Nearly 60 percent of maternalmortality is preventable. Hemorrhage, mental health conditions, and hypertension are some of the leading causes of maternal mortality, and they can all be prevented. We believe Congress must take swift action to improve access to quality maternal and obstetric care. We urge you to hold a Committee markup to consider the Rural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services (MOMS) Act. This bill would improve rural maternal and obstetric care data, provide new rural obstetric network grants to establish regional innovation networks, expand federal telehealth grant programs to include birth and postpartum services, allow use of federal funding to be used on modernizing maternal and obstetric health technology, establish new rural maternal and obstetric care training programs, and report on maternal care in rural areas to identify locations of gaps in maternity care. It is time we address the health disparities that prevent rural families from accessing quality care they can afford. Thank you for considering our request. If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to reach out to Kripa Sreepada with Senator Smith or Anna Dietderich with Senator Murkowski.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/press-releases/peterson-announces-234000-telemedicine-expansion,"Peterson announces $234,000 for Telemedicine Expansion",2019-12-03,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Collin Peterson,P000258,collinpeterson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Collin Peterson today announced that CentraCare Health System will receive a USDA Rural Development grant that will expand access to education and health care opportunities in rural Minnesota. CentraCare Health System is receiving a $234,648 Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant to establish a telemedicine project and address the shortage of specialty care physicians in rural areas. Video equipment will be placed at 10 locations ineight central Minnesota counties: Kandiyohi, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Renville, Stearns, Swift, Todd, and Wadena.An additional 73 individual patient sites will be added as a result of this project with an estimated additional 2,000 patients served overthe project's two-year period. This grant will broaden the range of critical medical services accessible in rural areas specifically connecting facilities across eight counties, Peterson said. Removing barriers to access is key to improving health conditions for individuals and families in these communities. Peterson's announcement is in coordination with Deputy Under Secretary LaVoy's recent announcement that USDA is investing $42.5 million in 133 distance learning and telemedicine projects in 37 states and two U.S. territories. USDA is providing the funding through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program. These investments will benefit 5.4 million rural residents. USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visitwww.rd.usda.gov/mn.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=D4718B12-4866-4D84-85FE-EE9A7FCFDA3D,Klobuchar Leads Letter Expressing Concern that the Newly Proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Blending Targets Will Be Undermined by Continued Abuse of ‘Hardship’ Waivers,2019-12-03,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Klobuchar has spent months calling for an end to the harm caused by abuse of hardship waivers WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led a public comment letter last week to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler expressing concern over the proposed supplemental rule establishing the Renewable Fuel Standard's (RFS) 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations and 2021 Biomass-Based Diesel Volumes. The RFS has proven critical to strengthening states' rural and agricultural economies while also helping to ensure a clean energy future. The senators argued that the proposed rulewhich determines how much biofuel is required to be blended into our transportation fuel supply on an annual basisfails to adequately account for the waivers, including those given to big oil companies. Since 2016, the Administration has granted 85 small refinery exemptions (SREs), effectively waiving over 4 billion gallons of biofuels. Klobuchar was joined on the letter by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Tina Smith (D-MN). The biofuel industry supports hundreds of thousands of rural jobs across the country. This Administration's failure to uphold the RFS has already led to the closure or idling of more than 35 ethanol and biodiesel plants, leaving rural America further behind. To ensure certainty to the marketplace and uphold Congressional intent of the RFS, we encourage the Administration to properly account for waived gallons by using the three-year rolling average of actual SREs and to increase advanced biofuel volumes for the 2020 compliance year. Our environment, farmers, and rural communities depend on this corrective action, the senators wrote. For years, Klobuchar has also been a leader in the fight to strengthen the RFS to support American jobs and decrease dependence on foreign oil. Klobuchar has led several letters urging the Administration to cease issuing small refinery waivers and reject changes to the RFS that would upend stability and predictability for small businesses and rural communities. In October, Klobuchar sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue asking the agency to document the impact of small refinery waivers on farm income, commodity prices, and renewable fuel usage. The full text of the letter can be found below: Dear Administrator Wheeler: We write to comment on the proposed supplemental rule establishing the Renewable Fuel Standard's (RFS) 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations and 2021 Biomass-Based Diesel Volumes. The RFS has proven critical to all of our states in strengthening rural and agricultural economies while helping to ensure a clean energy future. That is why we are concerned that the proposed rule fails to respond adequately to the concerns that have been raised by biofuel producers and others in rural America that depend on certainty in the marketplace. The proposed rule determines how much biofuel is required to be blended into our transportation fuel supply on an annual basis. While we appreciate the EPA's modest increase of total renewable fuel volumes from previous years, this proposed rule fails to assure renewable fuel producers that the proposed blending targets will not be undermined by the approval of future SREs. The EPA has asserted publicly that 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuel will be required for the 2020 year, yet these proposed volumes fail to account for the expanded use of small refinery exemptions (SREs) retroactively granted by the agency. Since 2016, the Administration has granted 85 SREs, effectively waiving over 4 billion gallons of demand for biofuels. Over the last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has reduced its estimates for corn used in ethanol by nearly 229 million bushels. Our farmers are already struggling due to low prices, uncertainty with access to export markets, and erratic weather events that have caused planting and harvest delays and yield losses. The continued abuse of SREs is contributing to the declining economic conditions in rural America. On October 15, 2019, the EPA announced the details of a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking. These highly anticipated details fell short of the solution to properly account for waived gallons that was originally promised by the President on October 4, 2019. The proposed supplemental rule fails to account for actual waived gallons by instead using a three-year rolling average of volumes that the Department of Energy recommends. The EPA has continually exceeded the DOE's recommendations on waived gallons and there is no guarantee that this proposed rule will reopen biofuel plants and restore integrity to the program. The biofuel industry supports hundreds of thousands of rural jobs across the country. This Administration's failure to uphold the RFS has already led to the closure or idling of more than 35 ethanol and biodiesel plants, leaving rural America further behind. To ensure certainty to the marketplace and uphold Congressional intent of the RFS, we encourage the Administration to properly account for waived gallons by using the three-year rolling average of actual SREs and to increase advanced biofuel volumes for the 2020 compliance year. Our environment, farmers, and rural communities depend on this corrective action. Thank you for your consideration of our comments. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/newletter-archive/rep-petersons-newsletter-1222019,Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 12/2/2019,2019-12-02,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,MN,Collin Peterson,P000258,collinpeterson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Farmers scrambling to complete the harvest before winter Dear Friends, I am continuing conversations with the Department of Agriculture (USDA), sugar growers, and Senator Hoeven to secure disaster aid for producers that have been affected by this year's weather. On Tuesday, I visited Todd Weber Farm to discuss how the USDA can support producers. I signed onto a letter with the Minnesota delegation to address problems with the Medicare enrollment tool that has been giving seniors inaccurate information about pricing and coverage. On Thursday, the country celebrated Thanksgiving by sharing a feast with friends and family. Many people celebrate this meal with a home cooked turkey and Minnesota is the number one producer of turkeys with the 7th District producing the most amount of Turkeys than any other Congressional District. Sincerely, Congressman Collin C. Peterson Minnesota 7th District Serving the 7th Tariff Exclusions I've heard from businesses across western Minnesota that are negatively impacted by ongoing trade disputes. The Department of Commerce and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative have established an application process for exclusions from specific lists of tariffs, and I am advocating on behalf of small Minnesota companies in my district as they apply for these exclusions. I remain committed to strengthening local economies in my district so that families can continue to live and thrive in rural communities. If your business is being negatively affected by tariffs, please contact my office at (202) 225-2165 for assistance. Medicare Benefits Seniors have worked hard to earn their Medicare benefits. Unfortunately, I have heard from a number of counselors in the district about problems with the new Medicare enrollment tool that is giving seniors inaccurate information for drug pricing and network coverage. To address the issue, I joined members of the Minnesota delegation on a letter asking the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to fix the issue, allow seniors to amend their selected plans if needed, and extend the open enrollment period. Click here to read our letter. Meetings with American Crystal Sugar I met with Red River Valley sugar growers, representatives from American Crystal Sugar and Senator Hoeven at the Todd Weber Farm to discuss disaster assistance for producers after this year's harvest. I am continuing conversations with the United States Department of Agriculture to see what can be done to address these concerns. Number 1 Turkey District As you celebrated Thanksgiving, chances are you ate some turkey. Turkey is an important part of a Thanksgiving meal and also a large part of the 7th District's economy. Minnesota is the number 1 turkey producer and according to USDA's Census of Agriculture the 7th District sells more turkeys than any other congressional district in the United States. Part of what makes Minnesota's turkey farms so unique is that we have the most independent turkey farms compared to others. Many of these farms have been owned by generations of family farmers. I am proud of the 7th District and all that we contribute to the turkey industry and agriculture as a whole. Service Academy Interviews My office held interviews for students wanting to attend the Service Academies.I have a panel of Academy graduates who interview and make recommendations to me for nominations.I am impressed with the high quality of students that applied this year and I thank the panelists who do a fantastic job vetting these students.I am honored to be able to nominate several of this year's students to continue with their journey as they begin their military career in the service to our country. Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council My staff attended the Wheat to Bread seminar put on by Northern Crops Institute at the Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River and was briefed on the life of wheat from breeding, processing, milling and exporting.During this seminar participants worked in the lab discussing flour quality and dough strength while doing hands on bread making. Regional Employer Summit in Alexandria My staff aide Jacki Anderson attended the Regional Employer Summit in Alexandria. Employers are eager to attract and retain a talented workforce. I was pleased to see so many communities working with area employers to promote opportunities in the 7th District. Questionnaire Results Last week, I asked your thoughts on the ongoing impeachment hearings. Here is what you had to say: According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average cost for a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 will be $48.91. This is a total of less than $5 per person. Yet, on Thanksgiving Day the U.S. spent $1.07 billion on serving the national debt. This is an average of $3 per person, over half of what each person is expected to spend on their Thanksgiving meal. As a fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrat, I have continually supported a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution, which would require Congress to get our fiscal house in order. I have also fought for Pay-As-You-Go legislation to ensure legislation doesn't add to our debt and recently voted against the Democratic budget which would have worsened our fiscal situation. Newsstand School Bus Safety One out of every eight First Student school buses failed to meet Minnesota safety standards due to serious defects in brakes, flat tires, steering issues, and faulty emergency door buzzers. I joined members of the Minnesota delegation in a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to request additional information on what can be done to improve oversight of the maintenance and safety of school buses. Click here to read the letter USDA Offers Low-Interest Farm Storage Loans The Farm Service Agency's Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program offers low-interest financing that can be used to upgrade or purchase structures, equipment, storage and handling trucks. Liquified petroleum tanks that hold fuel for grain dryer equipment are also eligible for loans. Producers do not need to demonstrate the lack of commercial credit availability to apply. The loans are designed to help farm operations of all sizes. To learn more about FSFLs and how these loans can help with your farm's propane storage needs, contact your local FSA county office. This Week in History On November 26, 1922 the Cartoonist Charles M. Schulz was born in Minnesota. He would go on to be the creator of Peanuts. Charles Schultz won two Rueben, two Peabody, and five Emmy awards for his cartoons. He is also a member of the Cartoonist Hall of Fame.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z