url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=B6BF6C33-92F6-4587-8F5C-F59D674DF378,Klobuchar and Local Duluth Business Owners Advocate to Change Federal Hemp Ban,2025-12-30,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"DULUTH, MN — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was joined by Ryan Kopperud, Vice President of Growth for Birdie at Wild State Cider, and Adam Ruhland, CEO of Wild State Cider, to advocate to change the recently enacted federal ban on hemp. Klobuchar is working across the aisle to change it. “A one-size fits all approach to hemp regulation doesn't work for states like Minnesota that already have strong safety standards in place,” said Klobuchar. “We can protect our kids and support our small businesses — Minnesota’s model proves that’s possible. Under current state rules, small businesses like Wild State Cider are licensed, meet labeling and packaging standards, and ensure their products are available only to adults. I want our state’s small businesses and farmers to know: I’ve got your back.” “What’s at stake here is not just one business. Not just one taproom. It’s manufacturers, distributors, retailers, farmers, labs—the entire system behind these hemp products people already trust. Responsible, compliant, transparent businesses, and the jobs, revenue, and tax base that come with them. This is what happens when policy meets reality. And that reality—for us and for thousands of Minnesota businesses—is frankly terrifying,” said Ryan Kopperud, Vice President of Growth for Birdie at Wild State Cider. Wild State Cider is a well-known cidery based in Duluth that was founded in 2019. The cidery specializes in producing ciders made with natural ingredients. In 2023, Wild State Cider launched a successful line of THC-infused products called “Birdie.” However, a recent bill signed into law includes provisions that could severely impact Minnesota’s hemp industry by banning many products currently manufactured in the state. Senator Klobuchar voted against the bill and voted for an amendment by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) to remove the provision impacting Minnesota’s hemp businesses. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=082A36F7-1B14-44EB-81D7-6852ADCB2B2F,"Klobuchar, Sullivan and Colleagues Introduce VISIT USA Act to Promote U.S. Tourism",2025-12-26,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) —all members of the Senate Commerce Committee – introduced the bipartisan Vital Investment in Sustaining International Tourism to the USA (VISIT USA) Act to fully restore Brand USA’s funding in Fiscal Years (FY) 2026 and 2027. Brand USA is a public-private partnership charged with promoting America as a premier international travel destination and clearly communicating U.S. visa and entry policies abroad. This legislation will fully fund Brand USA to promote the United States as an international travel destination ahead of several significant events hosted in the U.S., including the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, the FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Olympic games. President Trump’s FY 2026 budget request also calls for fully funding Brand USA. “Travel and tourism powers economic growth in communities in Minnesota and across our country,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will restore funding for Brand USA, providing the resources it needs to continue to support an additional 1.6 million visitors, $6 billion in spending, and nearly 80,000 jobs every year—all at no cost to taxpayers.” “The United States is the third most visited country in the world. As we prepare to host several once-in-a-generation global events—from America250, to the FIFA World Cup, to the 2028 Olympic Games—there has never been a better moment to showcase all that our country has to offer,” Sen. Sullivan said. “Restoring Brand USA’s full funding will help us welcome more international visitors, strengthen our tourism economy, and support the thousands of small businesses that make America and Alaska such remarkable places to experience.” This legislation is endorsed by the U.S. Travel Association. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) have introduced companion legislation in the House. “This legislation is an important step forward, and we are grateful for Senators Sullivan and Klobuchar for leading this effort,"" said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. ""With the World Cup, America 250 and the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, the U.S. has a pivotal chance to capture global attention. By restoring Brand USA’s resources, Congress can help drive new visitors, support jobs nationwide and ensure the United States stands out on the world stage.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=2CE5D131-E44C-43C6-9E0D-612C6495AFBC,Klobuchar Announces Federal Funding for Minnesota Broadband Infrastructure,2025-12-23,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee and co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Minnesota’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Final Proposal. Minnesota received $652 million in funding to implement its BEAD proposal. “I’m thrilled to announce that Minnesota’s broadband funding proposal has been approved, which will bring fast, affordable, reliable internet to families in every corner of our state,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This funding is available thanks to my bipartisan legislation that I fought to pass so that Minnesota families—regardless of their ZIP code—have access to high-speed internet.” “This BEAD milestone represents a major step forward in our commitment to ensuring every Minnesotan — regardless of geography — has access to reliable, high quality broadband,” said Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Matt Varilek. “Minnesota extends its sincere appreciation to the many Internet service providers and partners across the state who worked alongside us to shape this proposal. Their dedication, expertise and willingness to engage deeply in this effort have been essential to reaching this point. With this BEAD approval, Minnesota is one step closer to closing the digital divide and building a more connected future for all.” This development advances Minnesota’s affordable broadband rollout to unserved and underserved areas of the state. Klobuchar has long led efforts to expand broadband access, support rural broadband, and bridge the digital divide. Klobuchar’s Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act was incorporated into the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and has delivered significant federal funding to Minnesota for expanding high-speed internet access statewide. In June 2023, Klobuchar announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce had awarded major federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring reliable, affordable, high-speed internet access to every household in Minnesota. The Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, Klobuchar’s legislation with then-House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) to expand high-speed internet nationwide, served as the basis for the program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In March 2023, Klobuchar and Senators John Thune (R-SD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand broadband access to rural communities. The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act would strengthen funding mechanisms for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF), which promotes universal access to broadband and other telecommunications services. Currently, the USF is primarily funded through landline fees, disproportionately impacting seniors, who are more likely to use landlines than other Americans. In February 2023, Klobuchar introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to strengthen broadband access for rural communities. The Rural Broadband Protection Act would ensure that providers applying for federal funding can reliably deliver broadband to underserved, rural communities. In July 2021, Klobuchar introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to expand rural broadband access by streamlining the funding process and removing barriers for broadband connectivity in hard-to-serve rural areas. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-introduces-bill-improve-va-sexual-assault-response,U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Introduces Bill to Improve VA Sexual Assault Response,2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) introduced the VA SAFE Care Act, which would equip VA medical facilities with the appropriate tools to support and care for veterans that have experienced sexual assault. 1 in 3 female veterans, and 1 in 50 male veterans, have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment. “Our veterans have put their lives on the line for our country, and their safety and security is paramount,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “It is completely unacceptable that so many of our service members have experienced sexual assault. We must make sure that we have the proper resources and guidelines to care for those who have sacrificed so much for us – which is why I’m proud to introduce the VA SAFE Care Act.” Representative Morrison is a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and a doctor who spent part of her training caring for veterans at a VA medical center. The VA SAFE Care Act is a tailored approach to requiring VA to strengthen its guidance for delivering care to veterans impacted by sexual assault by: Strengthening referral processes to community providers for facilities without a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) on staff Making sure facilities with SANEs have a supply of rape kits Making sure veterans receive prophylaxes for STDs or pregnancy when indicated Improving mental health and law enforcement referrals Improving training for appropriate clinical providers and VA police During her time in Congress, Representative Morrison has been fiercely dedicated to improving the lives and care of veterans, including: Passing legislation to improve veteran mental health care and prevent suicide Demanding answers from the Department of Veterans Affairs after learning that every VA medical center in America is understaffed Leading the effort to protect reproductive health care for veterans Creating a veterans advisory council made up of veterans and community leaders from Minnesota’s Third District Read the full text of the bill HERE. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=5FFA1D8D-0F75-4EC2-B3AF-F28835728882,Klobuchar Statement on Instacart Ending Dynamic Pricing,2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member on the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, released the following statement on Instacart announcing it will end its practice of charging some customers more than others for the same products. This follows Klobuchar leading a group of seven other Senators in calling for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate Instacart’s dynamic pricing. “Grocery prices are already too high—Americans shouldn’t be forced to pay even more because companies use artificial intelligence to inflate prices. I called on the FTC to investigate Instacart’s use of dynamic pricing to charge customers more for the same product because it is wrong and deceptive. Customers deserve fair prices and real competition to lower costs.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=E3DCCC10-4427-49D9-9EC2-9436FD12A89F,"Klobuchar, Firefighters and Advocates Celebrate Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act Being Signed Into Law",2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"ST. LOUIS PARK, MN — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was joined by Minnesota Professional Firefighters Association President Scott Vadnais, IAFF Saint Paul Local 21 President Kyle Thornberg, IAFF Minneapolis Local 82 President Mark Lakosky, St. Louis Park Fire Chief Peter Hanline, Julie and Meghan Paidar, St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed, and St. Louis Park firefighters to celebrate the passage of Klobuchar’s bipartisan Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act and honor the memory of Captain Michael Paidar, who died in 2020 from an aggressive form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia while serving with the Saint Paul Fire Department. “Passing this bipartisan legislation was a critical victory for our firefighters who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, and their loved ones,” said Senator Klobuchar. “With the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act now signed into law, we are ensuring that the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program covers service-related cancers—honoring the memory of Captain Paidar and their families who made the ultimate sacrifice.” “I’m grateful to Senator Klobuchar for leading the bipartisan Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act. Every day, our nation’s first responders selflessly serve and protect their communities. Unfortunately, through exposures on the job, many are also fighting occupational cancer. As our family knows firsthand, the lives of the first responder and their family are forever changed upon the cancer diagnosis. Mike loved being a career firefighter and paramedic. Losing him to Leukemia in 2020 was devastating not only for our family, but also for his fire family and our communities. This important legislation will honor his legacy and recognize the sacrifices of our fallen, allowing first responders and their families to receive the PSOB benefits they rightly deserve,” said Julie Paidar, widow of St. Paul Fire Captain Michael Paidar. “Minnesota's firefighters and their families are better protected than ever today because of the passage of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act,” said Scott Vadnais, President of the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters Association. “Thanks to Senator Klobuchar's steadfast leadership of the bipartisan effort to pass this bill, firefighters who perish in the line of duty from job-related cancer will get the benefits they deserve. Cancer is by far the greatest threat to firefighter safety, and the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act recognizes the constant risk for contracting cancer taken by our firefighters every day when they show up for work, in the same way we recognize the other risks of the dangerous nature of firefighting.” The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act expands access to federal support for the families of firefighters and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers. Last week, the President signed the bill into law. Previously, firefighters were only eligible for support under the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program for physical injuries sustained in the line-of-duty, or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11 related illnesses. In 2021, after strong advocacy from the Paidar family, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety awarded line-of-duty benefits to Captain Paidar’s widow Julie. This was the first time that a firefighter’s family had received benefits for cancer incurred in the line-of-duty through Minnesota’s state Public Safety Officer Benefits program. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act extends similar benefits to firefighters and other first responders across the country as a part of the federal PSOB program. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-returns-more-32-million-constituents-minnesotas-second-district-2025,Rep. Craig Returns More Than $3.2 Million to Constituents in Minnesota’s Second District in 2025,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"EAGAN, MN – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig announced that her office has returned more than $3.2 million to constituents across Minnesota's Second District this year. Since coming to Congress in 2019, Rep. Craig and her casework team have worked to help constituents resolve issues with federal agencies and access the refunds and benefits they deserve. Through these efforts, Rep. Craig has returned $8.77 million to residents of Minnesota's Second District and resolved over 2,700 individual issues with federal agencies. In 2025 alone, Rep. Craig’s constituent services team successfully closed 878 cases ""Working through issues with federal agencies can be confusing and frustrating, and as a result too many Minnesotans choose to forgo the refunds, benefits and payments they are rightfully owed,"" said Rep. Craig. ""To combat this, my office has spent countless hours cutting through red tape and advocating on behalf of constituents. I’m thrilled to announce that this year we’ve successfully put over $3.2 million back into the pockets of hardworking Minnesotans."" If residents of Minnesota's Second Congressional District are having trouble with a federal agency, they should visit Rep. Craig's website at https://craig.house.gov/casework. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-advocates-two-life-saving-bills-protect-our-childrens,U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Advocates for Two Life-Saving Bills to Protect Our Children’s Health and Safety at House Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) spoke at the House Energy and Commerce Committee, urging the Committee to advance two of Representative Morrison’s bipartisan and life-saving bills to protect our children’s health and safety: the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2025, and the Allergen Disclosure in Non-Food Articles (ADINA) Act. Representative Morrison spoke on her bipartisan Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2025, which will reauthorize crucial federal resources to support newborn screenings.. Over 15 million children in the United States have rare diseases, and newborn screening allows for early diagnosis and treatment. The legislation, first signed into law in 2008, saves or improves the lives of thousands of babies a year – Representative Morrison urged the Energy and Commerce Committee to advance the bill to full committee consideration without delay. Representative Morrison also spoke in support of her bipartisan bill the ADINA Act, which she introduced earlier this year. Inspired by Minnesota’s Third District constituent Adina, who suffered a severe allergy attack due to an unlabeled allergen in a prescribed medication, the ADINA Act would require pharmaceutical companies to clearly label common allergens and gluten present in medications. During her remarks, Rep. Morrison highlighted two advocate families including a constituent family from Minnesota who are fiercely advocating for the passage of these bipartisan pieces of legislation. As a doctor who cared for patients for over 20 years, improving health outcomes and making sure everyone has access to quality health care is one of Representative Morrison’s top priorities. Watch the video of Representative Morrison’s remarks HERE. Image Read a transcript of Representative Morrison’s remarks below: Thank you, Chair Guthrie and Ranking Member Pallone, I appreciate the opportunity to testify before you today. I’d like to begin by thanking the committee for advancing my bill, the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2025 out of the health subcommittee. This bipartisan legislation would renew and strengthen vital federal support for newborn screening programs, helping ensure lab quality, inform parents, and expand screening. Newborn screening has been an essential public health initiative that allows for life-saving early diagnosis and treatment. Each year, approximately four million newborns are screened in the U.S. and about 12,000 infants are identified as having a condition and benefit from these critical early diagnoses. The long history of bipartisan collaboration and support for the newborn screening program has been instrumental in helping improve diagnostic tools, expand screening access across states, and even support the development of rare disease treatments and therapies. This week I had the privilege of meeting with the father of one of the many families personally impacted by a rare disease newborn screenings could help identify and treat. Despite the tragic loss of their daughter Darcee in 1995 to MLD, Metachromatic Leukodystrophy and their devoted caregiving to their daughter Lindy also battling MLD, Dean Suhr and his wife Teryn have been dedicated to making sure other families do not suffer through the isolation and pain they faced during their nearly 7-years-long search for an accurate diagnosis for their daughter. Thanks to the dedicated work of fierce champions like the Suhrs along with other rare disease advocates, researchers, and physicians, we’ve seen incredible advances in the field of newborn screening. I’m honored to represent Minnesota’s Third Congressional District and in Minnesota, we’re proud to be a hub for pioneering research and a leader in studying rare disease diagnoses and interventions. Recent developments and advances in cell and gene therapies show how investing in these programs can transform long-term health outcomes. When we invest in newborn screening, we are protecting the most vulnerable among us, giving babies the best chance at a healthy start, and helping spare families the pain and exhaustion of searching for a diagnosis. Having cared for patients as an OBGYN for over two decades, I cannot emphasize enough how transformative and consequential it is to identify and when possible, treat conditions at the earliest possible moment. Parents already face so many challenges when they welcome a new baby to their family. The peace of mind and clarity that life-saving newborn screening can deliver is priceless. I’ve been so inspired by the courage and resilience of the advocate families I’ve cared for as a doctor and met with as a legislator. They persist regardless of the at times all-consuming caregiving responsibilities they have, and despite the heartbreaking losses some endure. They push past barriers, unwaveringly committed to getting every baby in America the access to the timely diagnosis and treatment they need. The Energy and Commerce committee has the opportunity to continue the progress we’ve made over the last 22 years. To help transform their dream of a world where every child has access to an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment into a reality. To honor the dedication and sacrifice of these families and the memories of their loved ones. I implore the committee to take the critical step of advancing this bill to full committee consideration without delay. In the spirit of recognizing devoted advocates, I would also like to request the committee’s consideration of the ADINA Act. While at sleep away camp in 2022, a constituent of mine, Adina Togal was rushed to the hospital following a severe allergic reaction to a prescribed medication. Since the incident, Adina and her family have been fighting to make sure no other family has the same frightening experience. The ADINA Act would require pharmaceutical companies to clearly label major allergens & gluten present in medications, bringing greater transparency, protecting patient safety, and delivering peace of mind to families like Adina’s and so many others. With an estimated 3.4 million Americans presenting to the emergency room annually for a food allergy reaction, this bill could help families avoid costly medical bills and alleviate emergency room case load. I look forward to continuing to work with the committee to advance policies that protect our children’s health and safety. I yield back. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-calls-out-backdoor-abortion-ban-republicans-health-care,U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Calls Out Backdoor Abortion Ban in Republicans’ Health Care Bill,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) joined Democratic leadership and fellow members of the Democratic Doctors Caucus for a press conference on the Republicans’ health care bill passed in the House of Representatives. Rep. Morrison, an OBGYN for more than 20 years, called out that the Republicans' health care bill fails to address the impending health care crisis for millions of Americans set to see their health insurance premiums skyrocket or get priced out of coverage entirely at the end of this year. The bill included a provision that would force private insurance companies to drop abortion coverage putting women’s lives and health in danger. Rep. Morrison also called out Speaker Johnson’s refusal to hold a vote on a bipartisan effort to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits and prevent tens of millions of Americans from seeing their health insurance premiums skyrocket or get priced out of coverage entirely. Rep. Morrison called on Speaker Mike Johnson to not send lawmakers home until the health care catastrophe is addressed. Rep. Morrison is the first and only pro-choice OBGYN to ever serve in Congress. Watch Rep. Morrison’s remarks HERE: Read Rep. Morrison’s full remarks below: Good morning, I’m Dr. Kelly Morrison – I represent Minnesota’s Third District and I’m proud to be the first and only pro-choice OBGYN to ever serve in Congress. In just two weeks, tens of millions of Americans will be forced to pay health insurance premiums that have skyrocketed, or get priced out of health insurance and lose coverage entirely. And what is Republican leadership doing? In our final three days of session? Using the precious little time that we have left to kick even more Americans off of their coverage – block the bipartisan effort to extend tax credits so that working families can afford health insurance – and shove through a backdoor ban on abortion. As an OBGYN, I want to call out this latest attempt at a national abortion ban included in the Republicans’ health care plan that we are voting on today. Their plan would force private insurance companies to drop abortion coverage. This means that even women who live in states where reproductive health care is protected would lose access to abortion care. That they would double down on banning access to lifesaving care at a time when we are already seeing the consequences of the abortion bans that have been enacted since the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade is especially unconscionable. Abortion bans literally put people’s lives in danger. I am so tired of having this conversation. This is not a joke - we are talking about people’s lives. Abortion bans increase maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. So this morning, I’m thinking about my patients and people across the country. Who, under the Republicans’ proposed health care plan, would have less access to care. Less affordable care. And more dangerous restrictions on women’s health. And, on top of that, will suffer from Republican leadership refusing to protect their access to health care. Speaker Johnson could bring the bipartisan clean extension to the floor today, and I urge him to do so. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=32F88312-3D29-475D-81D7-DB21363C1FF9,"Klobuchar, Booker, Colleagues Press the FTC to Investigate Instacart’s Dynamic Pricing",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"Letter urges for investigation to determine if the use of dynamic pricing violates the FTC Act WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, and Cory Booker, Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, led their colleagues in pressing Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Andrew Ferguson to investigate Instacart’s use of dynamic pricing. Citing a recent study, the letter urges the Commission to investigate whether Instacart’s pricing strategy violates the FTC Act’s prohibitions on unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts and practices; to reopen its market study on surveillance pricing; and to determine whether the FTC needs additional authority to protect consumers from potential harms that stem from these pricing practices. “We write to express our deep concern after a recent study found that Instacart was offering substantially different prices to different consumers for the same items, from the same stores, purchased at the same time. If true, such practices may result in higher overall prices, deter competition, and potentially run afoul of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act’s prohibitions on unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts and practices,” wrote the Senators. “In competitive markets, retailers should be incentivized to reduce prices to draw customers from their competitors. But dynamic and surveillance pricing—especially models built on sensitive personal or competitive information—upend this foundational principle of the free market, allowing firms to set prices based on a person’s willingness to pay instead of market factors.” the Senators concluded. Along with Klobuchar and Booker, the letter was signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The full text of the letter is below and can be found here. Dear Chair Ferguson: We write to express our deep concern after a recent study found that Instacart was offering substantially different prices to different consumers for the same items, from the same stores, purchased at the same time. If true, such practices may result in higher overall prices, deter competition, and potentially run afoul of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act’s prohibitions on unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts and practices. We urge the Commission to investigate this potential use of dynamic pricing to determine if it violates the FTC Act and whether the FTC needs additional authority to protect consumers from potential harms that stem from dynamic or surveillance pricing practices. A recent study found that some prices for the same products on Instacart varied by over 20 percent despite being purchased at the same store and under the same circumstances. For example, the study found that prices for everyday staples like sliced turkey, cornflakes, apples, crackers, and peanut butter all varied in price by more than 20 percent. Instacart’s dynamic pricing strategy reportedly affected nearly three-quarters of the products tested and was applied to each person who participated in the study. The study concluded that “corporate practices like these increase prices for American families.” In July 2024, the FTC sought information from eight companies as part of a market study on “surveillance pricing” to better understand how firms use personalized data and algorithmic tools to set individualized prices. In January 2025, the FTC issued a “staff perspective” on its ongoing study, noting that the practice of personalized pricing is becoming widespread and merits additional study. Unfortunately, the FTC appears to have shuttered further work on that market study, depriving the policymakers—and the public—of information vital to understanding the implications of this practice. We are concerned that surveillance pricing, like that described by the FTC’s market study, and dynamic pricing, like that found in the recent study of Instacart, can make pricing information more opaque to consumers and raise barriers for price competition and comparison shopping. These practices also incentivize companies to collect sensitive personal user data to aid in setting personalized prices. Additional antitrust concerns are raised if Instacart is setting or recommending prices for multiple companies that should be competing on price. Instacart has said that some of its retail partners use its algorithmic pricing product to optimize online pricing for its clients. Competitors should not be outsourcing pricing decisions to common algorithmic tools, especially those that have access to a competitor’s sensitive data. In competitive markets, retailers should be incentivized to reduce prices to draw customers from their competitors. But dynamic and surveillance pricing—especially models built on sensitive personal or competitive information—upend this foundational principle of the free market, allowing firms to set prices based on a person’s willingness to pay instead of market factors. We are deeply concerned that Instacart’s pricing tactics may result in higher food prices, less competition, fewer opportunities to comparison shop, more incentive for companies to collect sensitive personal data, and increased customer confusion—potentially in violation of the FTC Act. In light of these concerns, we urge the Commission to re-open its previous market study on surveillance pricing issues and investigate whether Instacart’s dynamic pricing violates the FTC Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/monopoly-busters-caucus-blasts-trump-administration-ending-key-partnership,"Monopoly Busters Caucus Blasts Trump Administration for Ending Key Partnership with States that Protects Competition in the Agriculture Industry, Lowers Prices for Consumers",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today, The Monopoly Busters Caucus, led by Co-Chairs U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Pat Ryan (NY-18), blasted the Trump Administration for ending a key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) partnership with bipartisan state attorneys general (AGs) that bolstered competition and tackled anticompetitive market structures in food and agricultural markets that have driven up prices for working Americans. Through the Agricultural Competition Partnership (ACP), USDA previously provided $15 million in funding, support, and expertise to under-resourced state AG offices to help facilitate partnerships between federal and state law enforcement in order to achieve fairer, more competitive markets and more resilient supply chains. This included a focus on price gouging and addressing market structure problems, barriers to competition, and conflicts of interest. In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the caucus stressed the importance of the ACP in combatting market consolidation, which has decreased margins for family farmers, producers and small business owners, while increasing prices for consumers. The Members also demanded answers from Secretary Rollins about how USDA plans to promote competition in the food and agriculture industries and supply emergency price relief to American farmers, workers and consumers. “Ending the partnership with state AGs threatens competition and is contrary to President Trump’s stated goals of lowering food prices, helping struggling independent farmers, and promoting national security,” the Members wrote. “Consolidation in the food and agriculture markets is significant and remains a growing problem for farmers and consumers,” the Members continued. “In consolidated markets like food and agriculture, dominant firms are able to abuse their market power, cutting costs and underinvesting in workers, supply chains, and key food infrastructure; forcing consumers and small businesses to pay higher prices; and reducing choice and quality in the marketplace. As consolidation has accelerated, hundreds of thousands of independent farms have shuttered, hurting rural communities, limiting production, and hindering food accessibility.” “Although the Trump Administration has claimed it intends to ‘deliver emergency price relief’ to defeat the ‘cost-of-living crisis’ and implement ‘America First Priorities,’ walking away from the ACP with state AGs signals you are abandoning antitrust efforts that could actually address rising food prices for consumers and rising costs for farmers,” the Members concluded. The letter was signed by Reps. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Jerry Nadler (NY-10), André Carson (IN-07), Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Greg Casar (TX-35). You can read the full text of the letter here. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-calls-out-administration-hindering-pathway-citizenship-legal,Rep. Craig Calls Out Administration for Hindering Pathway to Citizenship for Legal Immigrants,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig joined 118 of her House colleagues in calling out the Trump Administration for indefinitely pausing all green card applications, naturalization interviews, oath ceremonies and other immigration processing for legal immigrants from the 19 countries designated in President Trump’s June travel ban. In a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow, Rep. Craig and her colleagues blast the Administration for obstructing a pathway to citizenship for those who have followed the law and completed the necessary steps to achieve legal status. They urge the Administration to reverse its decision and demand transparency regarding the impacts and scope of this indefinite pause. “Despite the Trump Administration’s claims of going after the ‘worst of the worst,’ it is attacking the very people who have followed every process and undergone extensive and repeated vetting to secure legal status,” the Members wrote.“This sweeping action is unjustified, discriminatory, and inconsistent with our nation’s founding principles. We demand that you lift this pause immediately.” Rep. Craig and her colleagues also highlight that this pause is targeting those who have followed the law and completed many of the necessary steps to becoming a U.S. citizen. In the most egregious cases, individuals who were already approved for naturalization were pulled out of line by USCIS officials moments before their oath ceremonies. “These naturalization ceremonies are a time of celebration, as soon-to-be U.S. citizens welcome their friends and family to witness their achievement of becoming a U.S. citizen,” the Members continued. “To deny this monumental achievement to those who have waited years, if not decades, to pledge the Oath of Allegiance, delaying their naturalization through no fault of their own, is a slap in the face to all those who have devoted their time and energy to become U.S. citizens. It is also a waste of USCIS resources, such as employees who adjudicated applications, which includes vetting and screening, throughout the process.” “Many of the people now being blocked have lived in the United States for years, contributing to their communities and undergoing extensive and repeated vetting by DHS,” the Members concluded. “To suggest categorically, without any individual review of the case, that these same long-time residents suddenly pose a serious threat, defies both logic and the government’s own record."" You can read the full text of the letter here. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-statement-her-vote-against-house-republicans-health-care-bill-fails,"Rep. Craig Statement on Her Vote Against House Republicans’ Health Care Bill that Fails to Extend ACA Tax Credits, Excludes Coverage for Reproductive Care",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on her vote against the Republican-led Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. “My Republican colleagues had ample opportunity to address the health care crisis in this country when they repeatedly rejected calls to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits that expire this month. Now they’re trying to save face by putting forward an unserious bill that fails to extend the ACA tax credits and lower health care premiums for tens of thousands of Minnesotans. “Unsurprisingly, Republicans’ legislation also takes aim at a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions by banning ACA plans that cover abortion – targeting safe-haven states like Minnesota that require their plans to cover reproductive care. “At the end of the day, this sad excuse of a bill is a half-hearted attempt to address the health care affordability crisis President Trump and Republicans in Congress created. “I look forward to my Republican colleagues having to go on the record next year on extending the ACA tax credits. Every American deserves to know where their Representative stands on making their health care more affordable. I can only hope they’ll do the right thing by ALL Americans.” ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=77BDFBC4-95FA-4A09-B36C-59CD53B58D4D,Klobuchar and Cramer’s Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act Signed into Law,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced that their bipartisan Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act has been signed into law. The bipartisan legislation expands access to federal support for the families of firefighters and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers. Klobuchar introduced this legislation in honor of Michael Paidar, a St. Paul fire captain who died of an aggressive form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia on August 26, 2020 while still working for the fire department. In 2021, after strong advocacy from the Paidar family, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety awarded line-of-duty benefits to Captain Paidar’s widow Julie. This was the first time that a firefighter’s family had received benefits for cancer incurred in the line-of-duty through Minnesota’s state Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act ensures that firefighters and other first responders across the country are eligible to receive similar benefits under the federal PSOB program. “This is a critical victory for our firefighters who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, and for their loved ones,” said Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure that the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program covers service-related cancers—honoring the commitment we make to our firefighters like Captain Paidar and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. ” “Our first responders epitomize courage and selfless sacrifice, confronting both the immediate perils of their duty which are extreme and the lingering health risks associated with their service,” said Cramer. “Their exposure to dangerous carcinogens happens on our behalf. When these heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, their families should not have to bear these burdens alone. I’m grateful my Senate colleagues passed this important legislation.” Currently, firefighters are only eligible for support under the PSOB program for physical injuries sustained in the line-of-duty, or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11 related illnesses. “I’m grateful to Senators Klobuchar and Cramer for leading the bipartisan Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act. Every day, our nation’s first responders selflessly serve and protect their communities. Unfortunately, through exposures on the job, many are also fighting occupational cancer. As our family knows firsthand, the lives of the first responder and their family are forever changed upon the cancer diagnosis. Mike loved being a career firefighter and paramedic. Losing him to Leukemia in 2020 was devastating not only for our family, but also for his fire family and our communities. This important legislation will honor his legacy and recognize the sacrifices of our fallen, allowing first responders and their families to receive the PSOB benefits they rightly deserve,” said Julie Paidar, widow of St. Paul Fire Captain Michael Paidar. This legislation is co-sponsored by the following 58 Senators: Senators Banks (R-IN), Barrasso (R-WY), Blackburn (R-TN), Blumenthal (D-CT), Coons (D-DE), Cornyn (R-TX), Cruz (R-TX), Duckworth (D-IL), Durbin (D-IL), Fetterman (D-PA), Fischer (R-NE), Graham (R-SC), Hirono (D-HI), Hoeven (R-ND), Justice (R-WV), Kelly (D-AZ), Markey (D-MA), Padilla (D-CA), Rounds (R-SD), Schiff (D-CA), Shaheen (D-NH), Sheehy (R-MT), Smith (D-MN), Warner (D-VA), Warren (D-MA), Welch (D-VT), Whitehouse (D-RI), Wyden (D-OR); Hoeven (R-ND); Ossoff (D-GA); Capito (R-WV); Cantwell (D-WA); Gallego (D-AZ); Moreno (R-OH); Kennedy (R-LA); Merkley (D-OR); Kim (D-NJ); Rosen (D-NV); Moody (R-FL); Gillibrand (D-NY); Kaine (D-VA); Hassan (D-NH); Van Hollen (D-MD); Tillis (R-NC); Marshall (R-KS); Murkowski (R-AK); Alsobrooks (D-MD); Hawley (R-MO); McCormick (R-PA); Risch (R-ID); Moran (R-KS); Crapo (R-ID); Sanders (I-VT); Schmitt (R-MO); Cortez Masto (D-NV); Hyde-Smith (R-MS); Collins (R-ME);Heinrich (D-NM); and Husted (R-OH). The legislation is endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), as well as the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA); Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI); Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA); Fraternal Order of Police (FOP); International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC); Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA); Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs); National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO); National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF); National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC); National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC); and Sergeants Benevolent Association of the NYPD. Klobuchar is a co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and has long led efforts to support firefighters and first responders. Klobuchar co-led bipartisan legislation, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, to create a national cancer registry for firefighters diagnosed with deadly cancers, which was signed into law in 2018 and reauthorized last year. The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act calls on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor and study the relationship between career-long exposure to dangerous fumes and toxins and the incidence of cancer in firefighters. Klobuchar worked to pass the bipartisan Fire Grants and Safety Act which was signed into law in 2023 and provides funding for the Assistance for Firefighters Grant and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant programs. The Assistance for Firefighters Grant program helps firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources. The SAFER Grant program provides direct funding to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to increase or maintain the number of trained ""front line"" firefighters and enhance their capacity to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards. Klobuchar also worked to pass the Protecting America’s First Responders Act, which was signed into law in 2021. This legislation improves the PSOB program by allowing benefit amounts to be calculated based on the date of the award and account for cost of living increases. Klobuchar co-led legislation to retrofit older high-rise apartment buildings with sprinkler systems and help prevent future tragedies like the Cedar High Apartments fire, which took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2019. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=D6EECC12-C808-4059-B39D-039F0B6E5A57,Legislation to Bolster Support for Identifying and Returning Kidnapped Ukrainian Children Signed into Law,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"Russia has abducted thousands of Ukrainian children – attempting to erase their cultural identity and heritage WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) announced that their bipartisan Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act has been signed into law. The Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act increases support for Ukraine’s efforts to investigate and track the thousands of Ukrainian children who have been abducted during Putin’s brutal invasion, assist with the rehabilitation and reintegration of children who are returned, and advance justice and accountability for perpetrators of these abductions. “This is an important step to bring home the thousands of Ukrainian children who have been kidnapped by Russia. We cannot accept a world where children are abducted during wartime and used as a form of hostage-taking for negotiations. Now that our bipartisan bill is law, our country will provide necessary support to track these children, support those who return home, and hold the perpetrators accountable,” said Klobuchar. “After he started the largest war in Europe since World War II, Putin kidnapped thousands of Ukrainian children to brainwash and Russify them, trying to destroy their cultural identity and heritage. These children should be returned home as soon as possible. I’m glad to see our measure become law to support critical tools to identify and track the location of these children and reintegrate them into their homeland. We’re also helping hold perpetrators accountable for their atrocities to ensure justice is served,” said Grassley. Last month, Klobuchar met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican along with a delegation from Ukraine working to return the thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia during Putin’s brutal invasion. Klobuchar testified at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the abduction of Ukrainian children earlier this month where she discussed her meeting with the Pope and rescued Ukrainian children, and bipartisan efforts to bring the Ukrainian children home. The Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act is complementary to the Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act, which was introduced in September by Klobuchar and Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Katie Britt (R-AL) to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law if it fails to return the thousands of Ukrainian children who have been kidnapped during the course of the war. In March, Klobuchar and Grassley were joined by Senator Durbin in leading a bipartisan letter calling for the State Department to continue supporting efforts to investigate Russia’s abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children. To date, Ukrainian authorities have received thousands of confirmed reports of unlawful deportations and forced transfers of Ukrainian children to Russia, Belarus or Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. The abductions aim to erase the children’s Ukrainian names, language, and identity. As of today, Ukraine and its partners have managed to return about 1,900 abducted children. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-tina-smith-majority-leader-john-thune-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-american-honey-producers-harmed-by-chinas-unfair-trade-practices/,"U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Majority Leader John Thune Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support American Honey Producers Harmed by China’s Unfair Trade Practices",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) introduced the Trade Cheating Restitution Act of 2025, legislation that would support American honey producers and producers of other commodities, like crawfish, garlic, and mushrooms, who have been harmed by unfair trade practices, primarily by China. For decades, Minnesota honey producers harmed by unfair Chinese trade practices have been waiting for relief they were entitled to by law. This legislation would return wrongfully withheld interest from duties that were imposed for cheating American trade rules back to qualifying producers, including beekeepers. “Minnesota farmers produce some of the highest quality honey in the world, and they shouldn’t be unfairly harmed because China doesn’t play by the rules and engages in illegal dumping,” said Senator Smith. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill to give Minnesota apiaries the relief they are owed so they can remain competitive and strong for years to come.” “South Dakota is one of the top honey-producing states in the country,” said Senator Thune. “The unfair practice of circumventing U.S. trade laws, which jeopardizes honey producers’ financial security, should be met with strict enforcement and increased protections. South Dakota honey producers deserve a level playing field. This bipartisan legislation helps ensure fair treatment for affected domestic producers and strengthens their ability to compete globally.” “On behalf of Minnesotan beekeepers, I want to thank Senator Smith for introducing the Trade Cheating Restitution Act of 2025 along with other members of Congress that will provide long-overdue relief,” said Burt Honl of Honl’s Honey, a third-generation beekeeper based in Winthrop, MN. “Our industry has been harmed over the last two decades by unfair foreign competition and this legislation will make sure that all collected duties and interest that has erroneously been withheld will finally be distributed to qualifying Minnesotan beekeepers who need these funds to compete. We are grateful for your leadership, Senator Smith.” “U.S. beekeepers, as both honey producers and crop pollinators, are a critical component of American food security and the U.S. agriculture economy, supporting workers and communities around the country and right here in Minnesota,” said Ryan Lamb, a beekeeper from Minnesota. “On behalf of Minnesotan beekeepers, we want to thank Senator Smith for joining Senator Thune and Grassley in introducing the Trade Cheating Restitution Act of 2025 that will once and for all ensure we receive payments to which we are entitled that will help us compete in what has become a very challenging landscape for beekeepers.” “American honey producers were severely harmed by unfairly traded imports,” said Steven Coy, President of the American Honey Producers Association. “The Trade Cheating Restitution Act of 2025 finally provides producers the funds taken from duties related to interest on unfairly traded imports that they are entitled to in order to help our members reinvest and rebuild. We thank Senators Thune, Grassley, and Smith for introducing this important legislation that will finally get American honey producers what they deserve.” The Trade Cheating Restitution Act of 2025 builds on a provision that was signed into law in 2015 as part of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act that required CBP to distribute the interest realized on duties collected since 2014. The legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/ranking-member-mccollum-statement-war-powers-resolutions,Ranking Member McCollum Statement on War Powers Resolutions,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on two War Powers Resolutions aimed at curtailing the Trump Administration’s illegal actions in the Caribbean. The first resolution, H.Con.Res.61, would direct the withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with presidentially designated terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere. The second resolution, H.Con.Res.64, would direct the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress. Both measures failed. Ranking Member Betty McCollum voted in favor of both resolutions, citing Congress’ lack of explicit authorization of the Trump Administration’s military actions as the basis for her vote. Following the vote, Congresswoman McCollum issued the following statement: “The Trump Administration is engaged in a campaign of extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean, and it needs to end immediately. None of the Trump Administration’s military actions in the Caribbean or South America have been authorized by Congress, and both Republicans and Democrats in Congress have called on the administration to stop. I do not believe that engaging in military action in the Caribbean or conducting a regime change war in Venezuela is in the national security interests of the United States. If President Trump disagrees, then he must cease his unlawful actions, follow the Constitution, and ask Congress to formally authorize his military actions.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-calls-house-stay-dc-until-health-care-catastrophe,U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Calls on House to Stay in DC Until Health Care Catastrophe is Addressed,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) is calling on Speaker Mike Johnson to not send lawmakers home until the health care catastrophe is addressed. Right now, Speaker Johnson is scheduled to send lawmakers home for the holidays this Friday, December 17, 2025. But today, the House of Representatives reached the critical threshold of 218 signatures needed to force a vote on an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits for working families that are set to expire December 31, 2025. The effort has bipartisan support, with all 214 Democrats and 4 Republicans calling for a vote to stop health insurance premiums from skyrocketing for tens of millions of Americans. Watch the video from Rep. Morrison HERE: Image Read the transcript of Rep. Morrison’s remarks below: Speaker Mike Johnson should not send lawmakers home until the health care catastrophe is addressed. Right now, there is a bipartisan majority of members in the House of Representatives who want to vote to extend the ACA tax credits and stop millions of Americans’ health insurance premiums from skyrocketing in less than two weeks. Right now, Speaker Johnson plans to send lawmakers home for the holidays this Friday for three weeks, but we should not go home without fixing this crisis. We cannot and should not leave DC until we take a vote and pass this legislation. Americans should not have to spend the holidays worrying about whether they will be able to afford health insurance for themselves or their families while Speaker Johnson keeps lawmakers out on vacation. We have a fix. We have a solution. Not acting on it is unconscionable – and a dereliction of duty. Speaker Johnson, call the vote. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/after-close-house-vote-progressive-caucus-vows-continue-fight-stop-trumps,"After Close House Vote, the Progressive Caucus Vows to Continue Fight to Stop Trump’s Illegal War on Venezuela",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Deputy Chair Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) released the following statement following the narrow defeat of H.Con.Res. 64 to stop Trump’s illegal war against Venezuela: “Nearly a quarter-century ago, the American people were misled by a lawless president promoting lies about weapons of mass destruction, all to invade an oil-rich country that posed no threat to us. The result was a disaster that killed thousands of American servicemembers, triggered a humanitarian crisis in Iraq, and destabilized the entire region. Trump is pursuing the same course today in Venezuela, absurdly designating fentanyl a WMD while blockading Venezuela until the country gives him ‘all of the Oil, Land, and other Assets.’ “Tonight’s razor-thin, 211-to-213 vote on the bipartisan War Powers Resolution to end these illegal hostilities puts Trump on notice. America has no kings, and Trump has no mandate to continue his unconstitutional military campaign against Venezuela. If Trump continues to carry out oil-tanker seizures, impose a naval blockade, and put American servicemembers in harm’s way for an illegal regime-change war, he can surely expect a vote to immediately stop this disastrous conflict. The Progressive Caucus is committed to its passage.” In September, the Progressive Caucus introduced the first War Powers Resolution in Congress related to ending Trump’s illegal actions in the hemisphere, led by CPC Members Reps. Omar, García, Greg Casar (TX-35), Jim McGovern (MA-02), and Joaquin Castro (TX-20). The bipartisan H.Con.Res.64, led by McGovern and Castro, adapted that language and secured the cosponsorship of three House Republicans, Reps. Massie (KY-04), Bacon (NE-02), and Greene (VA-14). ### The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is made up of nearly 100 members standing up for progressive ideals in Washington and throughout the country. Since 1991, the CPC has advocated for progressive policies that prioritize working Americans over corporate interests. The CPC champions policies including comprehensive immigration reform, good-paying jobs, fair trade, universal health care, debt-free college, climate action, and a just foreign policy. The caucus is the leading voice calling for bold and sweeping solutions to the urgent crises facing this nation, including ending America’s broken for-profit health care system, raising American wages, eliminating political corruption, supporting the labor movement, and taking action to protect the planet for generations to come. Previo a las votaciones, el Caucus Progresista insta al Congreso a aprobar resoluciones privilegiadas para detener la guerra con Venezuela WASHINGTON — La vicepresidenta del Caucus Progresista del Congreso (CPC), la Representante Ilhan Omar (MN-05), y el Representante Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), coordinador de votación del CPC, emitieron la siguiente declaración sobre la Resolución Congressional 61 y Resolución Congressional 64, Directivas del Congreso para retirar a las fuerzas estadounidenses de las hostilidades no autorizadas en el hemisferio occidental: “Conforme Trump vuelve a amenazar con ‘ataques terrestres contra Venezuela’, cada representante estadounidense se enfrentará esta semana a una decisión crucial en la Cámara de Representantes: ¿Defenderán la Constitución y votarán para detener la guerra ilegal de Trump o no? Este no es un asunto partidista: tres de cada cuatro estadounidenses se oponen a una guerra de cambio de régimen para derrocar al gobierno venezolano, incluyendo dos tercios de los republicanos. “El Caucus Progresista se enorgullece de apoyar dos resoluciones impulsadas por los miembros de mayor rango de los Comités de Asuntos Exteriores y de Reglamentos de la Cámara de Representantes, Meeks y McGovern, para poner fin a la brutal campaña militar de Trump, que ha causado la muerte de al menos 87 personas y nos está llevando hacia una guerra interminable y catastrófica en Venezuela. Estas resoluciones tienen prioridad en virtud de la Ley de Poderes de Guerra y están disponibles para su votación en el pleno esta semana. “Con un voto inminente, tanto Demócratas como Republicanos envíen un mensaje contundente a la Administración Trump: Solo el Congreso puede autorizar el uso de fuerza militar ofensiva, no el presidente. Trump está desplegando personal estadounidense para incautarbarcos petroleros venezolanos en aguas internacionales. Ha lanzado ataques dobles que han matado a personas indefensas en barcos volcados. Declaró una zona de exclusión aérea en el espacio aéreo venezolano, despliega aviones F-18 sobre el Golfo de Venezuela y se niega a descartar el despliegue de tropas, mientras amenaza con derrocar a jefes de estado en toda la región. Estas son hostilidades ilegales. El Congreso debe detener esta campaña militar inconstitucional aprobando ambas Resoluciones de Poderes de Guerra.” En septiembre, el Caucus Progresista presentó la primera Resolución de Poderes de Guerra en el Congreso relacionada con las acciones ilegales de Trump en el hemisferio, liderada por los miembros del CPC Omar, García, Greg Casar (TX-35), Jim McGovern (MA-02) y Joaquín Castro (TX-20), en la que se basarán ambas votaciones. # # # El Caucus Progresista del Congreso (CPC) está compuesto por casi 100 miembros que defienden ideales progresistas en Washington y en todo el país. Desde 1991, el CPC ha abogado por políticas progresistas que priorizan a los trabajadores estadounidenses por encima de los intereses corporativos. El CPC defiende políticas como una reforma migratoria integral, empleos bien remunerados, intercambio comercial justo, atención médica universal, educación universitaria sin deudas, acción climática y una política exterior justa. El caucus es la voz principal que exige soluciones audaces y radicales a las crisis urgentes que enfrenta esta nación, incluyendo el fin del deficiente sistema de salud con fines de lucro de Estados Unidos, el aumento salarial, la erradicación de la corrupción política, el apoyo al movimiento sindical y la adopción de medidas para proteger el planeta para las generaciones futuras.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/omar-meeks-smith-himes-thompson-crow-issue-statement-following-house-war,"Omar, Meeks, Smith, Himes, Thompson, & Crow Issue Statement Following House War Powers Resolution Vote",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC -- Representatives Gregory W. Meeks (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; Jim Himes (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee; Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations; and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) issued a statement following the vote on their War Powers Resolution to end the Trump Administration’s military strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific: “The Trump Administration’s ongoing lethal U.S. military strikes on alleged drug boats in the Western Hemisphere are legally questionable, and ineffective. Under existing U.S. law, these vessels could have been interdicted and their occupants subjected to judicial process. Instead of pursuing prosecutions, this administration has deliberately avoided judicial scrutiny by conducting lethal strikes, repatriating survivors, and in at least one instance carrying out a second strike on defenseless persons. “The president has failed to demonstrate the necessary authority under U.S. or international law to conduct lethal military strikes on these boats. No one can credibly claim that these vessels, in some cases not even traveling to the United States and located thousands of miles from U.S. soil, posed an imminent threat to the American people warranting the use of military force. Our War Powers Resolution sought to terminate these extrajudicial strikes, yet most Republicans chose loyalty to Donald Trump over their oath to the Constitution. By not reining in Trump’s gross abuse of power, they are sending a dangerous signal that any president can unilaterally commit U.S. armed forces to hostilities without Congressional authorization. We hope our Republican colleagues find their courage in the face of President Trump’s threats to expand this military operation into Venezuela. Should he be allowed to do so, he will no doubt provoke another forever war that the American people do not support and Congress has certainly not authorized.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/progressive-caucus-slams-republican-houses-failure-protect-americans,Progressive Caucus Slams Republican House’s Failure to Protect Americans’ Healthcare,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Deputy Chair Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) issued the following statement in response to House Republicans’ failure to protect healthcare for millions of Americans: “Today’s vote on House Republicans’ warmed-over partisan policies was a disgrace. It did nothing to protect the 22 million Americans who will see their monthly premiums double on average. Their cruelty and incompetence will make health insurance so unaffordable that millions will face no choice but to go without any coverage at all. “Speaker Johnson has failed the American people and members of his own conference, whose constituents are demanding the relief that every House Democrat has supported: a simple three-year extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits. But that vote cannot wait until January, after the credits expire, for a Democratic discharge petition to be considered. Americans will face this financial cliff in a matter of days. “We demand that Speaker Johnson keep the House in session to schedule a vote to pass a clean, three-year extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits to provide ordinary Americans with the healthcare they need. If Johnson could move heaven and earth to deliver tax cuts to the richest and most powerful donors to Trump and the Republican Party, he can keep the House open to pass tax credits that protect millions of Americans’ healthcare and which now has support from the majority of Congress. “The Progressive Caucus will not stop fighting for affordable healthcare, and more importantly, insurance will move us away from a privatized for-profit system. The real solution to this crisis is a truly universal system, like Medicare for All, that provides healthcare as a human right to all Americans.” ### The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is made up of nearly 100 members standing up for progressive ideals in Washington and throughout the country. Since 1991, the CPC has advocated for progressive policies that prioritize working Americans over corporate interests. The CPC champions policies including comprehensive immigration reform, good-paying jobs, fair trade, universal health care, debt-free college, climate action, and a just foreign policy. The caucus is the leading voice calling for bold and sweeping solutions to the urgent crises facing this nation, including ending America’s broken for-profit health care system, raising American wages, eliminating political corruption, supporting the labor movement, and taking action to protect the planet for generations to come.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=5E8E2534-612A-4BB5-BFA5-1ACFDD82D920,Klobuchar and Cramer’s Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act Heads to the President’s Desk,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced that their bipartisan Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act passed the Senate. The legislation now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The bipartisan legislation will expand access to federal support for the families of firefighters and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers. Klobuchar introduced this legislation in honor of Michael Paidar, a St. Paul fire captain who died of an aggressive form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia on August 26, 2020 while still working for the fire department. In 2021, after strong advocacy from the Paidar family, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety awarded line-of-duty benefits to Captain Paidar’s widow Julie. This was the first time that a firefighter’s family had received benefits for cancer incurred in the line-of-duty through Minnesota’s state Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act would ensure that firefighters and other first responders across the country are eligible to receive similar benefits under the federal PSOB program. “Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, often exposing themselves to carcinogens that can have lethal long-term effects. It’s unacceptable that firefighters who succumb to cancer from work-related exposure don’t receive the same treatment as others who die in the line of duty,” said Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure that the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program covers service-related cancers—honoring the commitment we make to our firefighters like Captain Paidar and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. We must uphold our promise to care for their families.” “Our first responders epitomize courage and selfless sacrifice, confronting both the immediate perils of their duty which are extreme and the lingering health risks associated with their service,” said Cramer. “Their exposure to dangerous carcinogens happens on our behalf. When these heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, their families should not have to bear these burdens alone. I’m grateful my Senate colleagues passed this important legislation.” Currently, firefighters are only eligible for support under the PSOB program for physical injuries sustained in the line-of-duty, or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11 related illnesses. “I’m grateful to Senators Klobuchar and Cramer for leading the bipartisan Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act. Every day, our nation’s first responders selflessly serve and protect their communities. Unfortunately, through exposures on the job, many are also fighting occupational cancer. As our family knows firsthand, the lives of the first responder and their family are forever changed upon the cancer diagnosis. Mike loved being a career firefighter and paramedic. Losing him to Leukemia in 2020 was devastating not only for our family, but also for his fire family and our communities. This important legislation will honor his legacy and recognize the sacrifices of our fallen, allowing first responders and their families to receive the PSOB benefits they rightly deserve,” said Julie Paidar, widow of St. Paul Fire Captain Michael Paidar. This legislation is co-sponsored by the following 58 Senators: Senators Banks (R-IN), Barrasso (R-WY), Blackburn (R-TN), Blumenthal (D-CT), Coons (D-DE), Cornyn (R-TX), Cruz (R-TX), Duckworth (D-IL), Durbin (D-IL), Fetterman (D-PA), Fischer (R-NE), Graham (R-SC), Hirono (D-HI), Hoeven (R-ND), Justice (R-WV), Kelly (D-AZ), Markey (D-MA), Padilla (D-CA), Rounds (R-SD), Schiff (D-CA), Shaheen (D-NH), Sheehy (R-MT), Smith (D-MN), Warner (D-VA), Warren (D-MA), Welch (D-VT), Whitehouse (D-RI), Wyden (D-OR); Hoeven (R-ND); Ossoff (D-GA); Capito (R-WV); Cantwell (D-WA); Gallego (D-AZ); Moreno (R-OH); Kennedy (R-LA); Merkley (D-OR); Kim (D-NJ); Rosen (D-NV); Moody (R-FL); Gillibrand (D-NY); Kaine (D-VA); Hassan (D-NH); Van Hollen (D-MD); Tillis (R-NC); Marshall (R-KS); Murkowski (R-AK); Alsobrooks (D-MD); Hawley (R-MO); McCormick (R-PA); Risch (R-ID); Moran (R-KS); Crapo (R-ID); Sanders (I-VT); Schmitt (R-MO); Cortez Masto (D-NV); Hyde-Smith (R-MS); Collins (R-ME);Heinrich (D-NM); and Husted (R-OH). The legislation is endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), as well as the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA); Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI); Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA); Fraternal Order of Police (FOP); International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC); Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA); Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs); National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO); National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF); National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC); National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC); and Sergeants Benevolent Association of the NYPD. Klobuchar is a co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and has long led efforts to support firefighters and first responders. Klobuchar co-led bipartisan legislation, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, to create a national cancer registry for firefighters diagnosed with deadly cancers, which was signed into law in 2018 and reauthorized last year. The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act calls on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor and study the relationship between career-long exposure to dangerous fumes and toxins and the incidence of cancer in firefighters. Klobuchar worked to pass the bipartisan Fire Grants and Safety Act which was signed into law in 2023 and provides funding for the Assistance for Firefighters Grant and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant programs. The Assistance for Firefighters Grant program helps firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources. The SAFER Grant program provides direct funding to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to increase or maintain the number of trained ""front line"" firefighters and enhance their capacity to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards. Klobuchar also worked to pass the Protecting America’s First Responders Act, which was signed into law in 2021. This legislation improves the PSOB program by allowing benefit amounts to be calculated based on the date of the award and account for cost of living increases. Klobuchar co-led legislation to retrofit older high-rise apartment buildings with sprinkler systems and help prevent future tragedies like the Cedar High Apartments fire, which took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2019. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=63BC5442-A5CC-4FE9-987F-AA6B04A85F13,Klobuchar Questions Carr on Censorship and Free Speech at FCC Oversight Hearing,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing to conduct oversight of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) questioned FCC Chairman Brendan Carr about his conduct threatening free speech, citing his previous comments about Jimmy Kimmel, and about President Trump’s executive order which attempts to eliminate state AI safety standards. A rough transcript is available below and video is available HERE. Senator Klobuchar: I would prefer to be asking questions about the bipartisan work that needs to be done on universal service and broadband and spectrum, and I'll ask that in writing, but the events of this year moved me to focus on free speech and our democracy. Chairman Carr, in 2022, you tweeted, “Political satire is one of the oldest and most important forms of free speech. It challenges those in power while using humor to draw more people into the discussion. That's why people in influential positions have always targeted it for censorship.” Yes or no, do you still agree that political satire should be protected speech? Brendan Carr: Yes Senator and whenever that satire or any other programming is over the public airways. For broadcasters, there's a public interest standard, and there's a news distortion rule, a broadcast… Klobuchar: You answered it, you answered it, yes, and I'm just gonna go on. … You know, I believe, too, that there is no place in chilling political satire, but after Jimmy Kimmel's monologue, you went on a podcast and suggested that ABC should take Kimmel off the air, saying, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” Those were your words. Do you think it is appropriate to use your position to threaten companies that broadcast political satire? Carr: I think any licensee that operates on the public airwaves has a responsibility to comply with the public interest standard, and that's been the case for decades. Klobuchar: I asked if you think it's appropriate for you to use your position to threaten companies, and this incident with Kimmel wasn't an isolated event. You've launched investigations into every major broadcast network except FOX. Is that correct? Carr: I don't know if that's true or not. We do have investigations going on at NPR and PBS. We have a number of investigations that are ongoing. I think if you step back over the years, I think the FCC has walked away from enforcing the public interest standard, and I don't think that's a good thing. Klobuchar: Okay, you brought up social media. So do you think it's appropriate for after a horrific murder and the stabbing, the stabbing of Rob Reiner and his wife? Do you think it's appropriate for someone to say that it happened, when they know better, “reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as Trump derangement syndrome, he was known to have driven people crazy by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights.” Do you think that's appropriate for the president of the United States to do that? And if Jimmy Kimmel would have said that, would you have threatened to take him off the air? Carr: Senator, look, Democrats on this dais are accusing me of engaging in censorship, and now you're trying to encourage me to police speech on the internet. I'm simply not going to do it. Klobuchar: I’m just asking you. These are the kind of words, I think they are cruel, I think they hurt President Trump to say that kind of thing. I think it hurts him with trust from the American people. But this is the kind of stuff that's going on right now, and yet you are going after broadcast stations, except for FOX, and making threats. Carr: Senator, we are applying the law. Let's say broadcast TV is fundamentally different than any other forms of media, whether it's cable, podcasts, soapbox, or man on the street, there's a public trustee model that Congress has set up. When you go on a podcast… Klobuchar: But you think there should be no there should be no rules in place when it comes to tech platforms? Carr: I think there's no public-interest obligation; there is no license… Klobuchar: Do you think we should change the laws? Here's one. Last week, President Trump came out with this dangerous and likely illegal AI rule that preempts all the states from doing anything to try to save people, whether it is kids that are being exposed to content they shouldn't see, or fentanyl, or political videos that are lies. So, do you think Congress has the authority to preempt state laws, or do you think President Trump and the agencies like yourself have the authority to preempt state law when it comes to the internet and safety with AI? Carr: Well, when it comes to AI in particular, there's an executive order. It asks the FCC to initiate a proceeding. We're going to initiate a proceeding. We're open-minded on where that goes. But look, if you want to step back and talk about weaponization, we saw that for four years in the Biden Administration, Senate Democrats, including … Klobuchar: Joe Biden is no longer president. You are head of the FCC, and Donald Trump is the president. And I'm trying to deal with this right now. So I would ask you, Ms. Gomez, what are the risks of the commission trying to preempt state laws, particularly when there are no federal guardrails, because our colleagues, despite some good efforts, refuse to pass any kind of even minimal rules when it comes to AI, what are the risks of the commission or a president then trying to preempt state laws that can legally put state laws in place? Anna Gomez: Thank you, Senator. I believe that the FCC has very dubious authority to actually preempt state laws in this case, because without a comprehensive federal framework, there is nothing for the FCC to preempt. The Communications Act did not actually talk about artificial intelligence or provide authority to the FCC to do this preemption, so I'm very dubious of our authority to do so. That said, we have sought comment on this. Klobuchar: Okay. Thank you very much. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=6A74F38B-F3E3-4E87-977C-77318B08AAB6,"Klobuchar, Capito Introduce Bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Scam Prevention Act",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Scam Prevention Act, which would prohibit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate any person with the intent to defraud. Last year, Americans lost nearly $2 billion in scams originating through calls, texts, and emails. When people spoke to scammers on the phone, they lost more money per person than through any other type of scam — $1,500 on average. The use of AI allows fraudsters to create more sophisticated scams and target more people, including by phone. “Artificial intelligence has allowed scams to become more sophisticated, making it easier for fraudsters to deceive people—especially seniors and children—into giving up their personal information or hard-earned money,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will help take on scammers who use AI to copy someone’s voice or image.” “While there is incredible potential with artificial intelligence, we must also be vigilant in protecting against harmful uses of the technology, especially when it comes to fraud and scams. I’m proud to help introduce the Artificial Intelligence Scam Prevention Act, legislation that explicitly prohibits AI fraud, particularly impersonations and deepfakes, and empowers federal agencies to take greater action against these criminals,” said Capito. The Artificial Intelligence Scam Prevention Act would: Prohibit the use of AI to replicate any person’s image or voice with the intent to defraud Codify the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) ban on impersonating government or business officials. Update existing laws – that have not changed since 1996 – with definitions for text messages, video conference calls, and artificial or prerecorded voice Create an Advisory Committee to ensure inter-agency cooperation in enforcing scam prevention In addition, the bill also updates the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act and the Communications Act of 1934 by adding definitions for text messages, video conference calls, and artificial or prerecorded voice—ensuring that our laws reflect 21st century technology, and giving enforcers the tools they need to go after telemarketing and consumer fraud. Klobuchar has been leading efforts in Congress to create rules of the road for artificial intelligence. In May, Klobuchar and Senator Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act, the first meaningful federal regulation on AI, was signed into law. This bill criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated NCII, and requires social media and similar websites to have in place procedures to remove such content within 48 hours of notice from a victim. In July, Klobuchar and Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) reintroduced the bipartisan Preparing Election Administrators for AI Act to require the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to develop voluntary guidelines for election offices. These guidelines will address the use and risks of artificial intelligence (AI) in election administration, cybersecurity, information sharing about elections, and the spread of election-related disinformation. Last week, Klobuchar authored an op-ed in The New York Times on how, given the current lack of federal standards, it is essential for states to maintain and strengthen their own AI protections rather than override the few protections Americans have from the downsides of AI. In August, Klobuchar wrote another op-ed in The New York Times on the risks of AI-generated videos and the need to put in place rules of the road, including creating protections for those who have their voice and likeness replicated through AI without their permission. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=CFE712C7-C9FC-4347-9FDC-4D2C96CDA5F9,"Klobuchar, Grassley Legislation to Bolster Support for Identifying and Returning Kidnapped Ukrainian Children Heads to the President’s Desk",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"Russia has abducted thousands of Ukrainian children – attempting to erase their cultural identity and heritage WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) announced that their bipartisan Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act passed the Senate. The legislation now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act would increase support for Ukraine’s efforts to investigate and track the thousands of Ukrainian children who have been abducted during Putin’s brutal invasion, assist with the rehabilitation and reintegration of children who are returned, and advance justice and accountability for perpetrators of these abductions. “The mass kidnapping of Ukrainian children by Russia is an atrocity. We cannot accept a world where children are abducted during wartime and used as a form of hostage-taking for negotiations. Our bipartisan legislation will provide necessary support to track them and hold the perpetrators accountable,” said Klobuchar. “After he started the largest war in Europe since World War II, Putin kidnapped thousands of Ukrainian children to brainwash and Russify them, trying to destroy their cultural identity and heritage. These children should be returned home as soon as possible. I’m glad to see our measure included in the annual defense bill to support critical tools to identify and track the location of these children and reintegrate them into their homeland. We’re also helping hold perpetrators accountable for their atrocities to ensure justice is served,” said Grassley. Last month, Klobuchar met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican along with a delegation from Ukraine working to return the thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia during Putin’s brutal invasion. Klobuchar testified at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the abduction of Ukrainian children earlier this month where she discussed her meeting with the Pope and rescued Ukrainian children, and bipartisan efforts to bring the Ukrainian children home. The Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act is complementary to the Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act, which was introduced in September by Klobuchar and Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Katie Britt (R-AL) to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law if it fails to return the thousands of Ukrainian children who have been kidnapped during the course of the war. In March, Klobuchar and Grassley were joined by Senator Durbin in leading a bipartisan letter calling for the State Department to continue supporting efforts to investigate Russia’s abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children. To date, Ukrainian authorities have received thousands of confirmed reports of unlawful deportations and forced transfers of Ukrainian children to Russia, Belarus or Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. The abductions aim to erase the children’s Ukrainian names, language, and identity. As of today, Ukraine and its partners have managed to return about 1,800 abducted children. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-tina-smith-john-hoeven-amy-klobuchar-and-kevin-cramer-send-bipartisan-letter-urging-postmaster-general-to-address-chronic-postal-delays-across-minnesota-north-dakota/,"U.S. Senators Tina Smith, John Hoeven, Amy Klobuchar and Kevin Cramer Send Bipartisan Letter Urging Postmaster General to Address Chronic Postal Delays Across Minnesota, North Dakota",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) urged the Postmaster General to take action to improve postal services in the Minnesota-North Dakota Postal District. As the holiday season continues and the volume of mail increases, it’s especially important to ensure there aren’t delivery delays across the two states. “As our constituents prepare for the busy holiday season, we urge you to take actions to ensure that any performance issues are resolved in a timely manner so that Minnesotans and North Dakotans do not experience significant service disruptions this winter,” wrote the Senators. “For Minnesotans and North Dakotans, the Postal Service is an essential lifeline, delivering prescriptions, pay checks, and messages from loved ones. During the holiday season, it is even more essential. Any service disruptions within the MN-ND District create real consequences for the people who rely on your services, and as Postmaster General, we look to you to provide timely action to address these critical issues,” they concluded. You can read full text of the letter here or below. Dear Postmaster General Steiner, We write to highlight the importance of timely and reliable mail delivery within the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) Minnesota-North Dakota District, especially during this peak holiday season. As our constituents prepare for the busy holiday season, we urge you to take actions to ensure that any performance issues are resolved in a timely manner so that Minnesotans and North Dakotans do not experience significant service disruptions this winter. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. In recent years, our offices have received a significant number of concerns and complaints from constituents during the holiday and winter months. While we recognize that weather conditions during this time of year can often be unpredictable in our area of the country, solutions to address and overcome these challenges must be found. For Minnesotans and North Dakotans, the Postal Service is an essential lifeline, delivering prescriptions, pay checks, and messages from loved ones. During the holiday season, it is even more essential. Any service disruptions within the MN-ND District create real consequences for the people who rely on your services, and as Postmaster General, we look to you to provide timely action to address these critical issues. To this end, we ask that you provide answers to the following questions related to mail delivery service in the MN-ND District no later than Friday, December 19: What do you see as the greatest challenges for the district now and in the upcoming winter months? What, if any, actions has the district taken to improve on-time delivery performance this peak season? How is the USPS working to address any such challenges? How can our offices best assist and partner with you to strengthen mail delivery and postal services in Minnesota and North Dakota? We appreciate your prompt attention to this important matter and look forward to working with you to ensure timely and reliable mail service across Minnesota and North Dakota. Sincerely, cc: Angela Bye, Minnesota-North Dakota District Manager, U.S. Postal Service ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=0D64617D-C281-4BAC-A037-A1E4579A58C1,"Klobuchar, Cassidy, Jacobs Lead Bipartisan Bill to Help Families Claim the Child Tax Credit After a Natural Disaster",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51) today introduced the Working Families Disaster Tax Relief Act to allow disaster-impacted working families to use the previous year’s income to claim the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) after a presidential major disaster declaration. This will prevent families from losing access to these benefits due to temporary income loss. Congress has authorized similar temporary provisions for both the CTC and EITC following recent major disasters, and for all taxpayers nationwide during COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021. “In the wake of major disasters, Americans should not have to worry about their taxes increasing while at the same time losing pay that causes them to no longer qualify for the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit,” said Klobuchar. “Our legislation allows taxpayers in federally declared major disaster areas to use their prior-year earned income when calculating eligibility, ensuring they don’t get penalized for income drops that are caused by disasters and outside their control.” “When natural disasters hit, many working families lose their jobs, become furloughed, face business interruptions, or suffer property losses that can affect their ability to work. But unfortunately, existing law requires people to use their current year’s income to claim the Child Tax Credit, meaning those who’ve experienced natural disasters could suffer a double financial hit – losing both their income and their ability to claim the Child Tax Credit,” said Jacobs. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Working Families Disaster Tax Relief Act alongside Senators Klobuchar and Cassidy to change this and ensure families can use the previous year’s income to claim the Child Tax Credit and provide financial support for children’s well-being during a Presidential-declared major disaster.” The Working Families Disaster Tax Relief Act would: Amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow disaster-affected taxpayers to use a previous year’s income for the Child Tax Credit when the President declares a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Designate disaster-affected taxpayers to include individuals whose principal place of abode or principal place of work is located in a disaster zone. The bill is endorsed by the First Focus Campaign for Children, Americans for Tax Fairness, AICPA & CIMA, MomsRising, CLASP, and Chamber of Mothers, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Network Lobby, Economic Security Project Action, Coalition of Human Needs, and Zero to Three. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-calls-on-trump-administration-to-end-operation-metro-surge-in-twin-cities/,U.S. Senator Tina Smith Calls on Trump Administration to End “Operation Metro Surge” in Twin Cities,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement: “I believe in protecting public safety and upholding the rule of law. ‘Operation Metro Surge’ is actively undermining both. There has been none of the necessary cooperation and trust between federal officials and local government, and zero transparency from the Trump Administration into ICE’s operations in the Twin Cities. Minnesotans are seeing their friends and neighbors, including U.S. citizens with no criminal records, abducted by masked agents, shoved to the ground, and sprayed with mace. The fear and violence that President Trump has unleashed on our home is destroying any sense of public safety. The Administration needs to put an immediate end to ‘Operation Metro Surge’.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-demands-answers-instacart-following-reporting-company-used-sensitive,"Rep. Craig Demands Answers from Instacart Following Reporting the Company Used Sensitive Data and AI to Inflate Grocery Bills, Charge Different Prices for Same Products",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture Angie Craig pressed grocery delivery service and technology company Instacart following reporting that the company used customers’ sensitive personal data and artificial intelligence (AI) to inflate grocery bills and charge different prices for the same products based on their ability to pay. In a letter to Instacart CEO Chris Rogers, Rep. Craig blasted the technology company for exploiting families’ financial data to charge higher prices in the midst of a nationwide affordability crisis and demanded transparency about the scope and implications of any pricing experiment the company has previously conducted. “Americans are facing an affordability crisis, and your use of artificial intelligence to scam the average family of four out of $1,200 annually is alarming.” Rep. Craig wrote. “Food is not a privilege; it’s a basic need. Your services are a lifeline to individuals with mobility issues, families, caregivers and folks in rural communities or food deserts.” Rep. Craig cites that at a Target in St. Paul, MN some shoppers saw their grocery bill total vary by more than $5 for the same items. Researchers found that Instacart repeatedly showed customers different original prices for the same discounted items – using an AI-driven algorithm to inflate savings for some shoppers and not others. “Big Tech’s weaponization of our data to increase profits on essentials, like groceries, is at best, a horrific breach of trust and at worst, illegal,” Rep. Craig wrote. “The practice of charging my neighbors different prices for the same groceries at the same store is unacceptable, especially when families are being squeezed from all sides.” You can read the full text of the letter here. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ilhan-omar-leads-members-congress-demanding-answers-ices-racial-profiling,Rep. Ilhan Omar Leads Members of Congress in Demanding Answers on ICE’s Racial Profiling Operation in Minnesota and Trump Administration’s Threat to End TPS for Somali Nationals,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05) announced two formal congressional inquiries into the Trump Administration’s escalating attacks on Somali communities in Minnesota and across the country. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Rep. Omar demanded immediate answers regarding Operation Metro Surge, an ICE deployment to the Twin Cities that has resulted in widespread racial profiling, unlawful arrests of U.S. citizens, excessive force, and violations of constitutional rights. Rep. Omar’s letter cites multiple documented incidents in which ICE agents detained people who had identified themselves as U.S. citizens, mocked a woman for wearing a hijab, used pepper spray on bystanders, and refused to provide warrants while carrying out arrests near homes, schools, and a university campus. The New York Times also reported that approximately 100 ICE agents were deployed to Minnesota, at significant taxpayer expense. In a second letter sent to Secretary Noem, Rep. Omar led Members of Congress in demanding a full explanation of the administration’s threat to abruptly terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals in the United States. Earlier this month, President Trump publicly claimed he would end TPS for Somalis “effective immediately,” and DHS officials echoed these statements despite a longstanding federal law governing TPS designations. Somalia has been designated for TPS since 1991 due to ongoing humanitarian crises. Ending TPS would put lives at risk and tear apart families who have lived, worked, and contributed to our communities for decades. The letter, co-led by Representatives Adam Smith(WA-09), Joyce Beatty(OH-03), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Angie Craig (MN-02), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jared Golden (ME-02), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), and Chellie Pingree (ME-01), requests detailed explanations of the legal basis for terminating TPS, the administration’s assessment of current conditions in Somalia, consultations with humanitarian experts, and the potential consequences for regional stability. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-omar-honors-minneapolis-fire-departments-first-all-native-fire-crew-house,Rep. Omar Honors Minneapolis Fire Department’s First All-Native Fire Crew on the House Floor,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke on the House Floor to honor Minneapolis Fire Department’s first all-Native fire crew. The 4-member crew serves South Minneapolis with one shared goal: to strengthen trust between the department and the communities it serves. The full video can be found here. Full transcript below: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Minneapolis Fire Department for the historic assembly of their first all-Native Fire Crew. “Manned by Captain Michael Graves, fire motor operator Jessie Strong, and firefighters Johnny Crow and Bobby Headbird, the crew operates Engine 10 out of Fire House Number Six in Minneapolis. “The four firefighters share one goal: to build trust between the department and the communities it serves. “Beyond responding to fire and emergency medical calls across South Minneapolis, the crew makes a diligent effort to attend community events and ensure young kids see their identities represented in public service. “I’m incredibly grateful for the work they do to keep our city safe and inspire future generations to give back to their communities. “Thank you and I yield back.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=F5A66DA3-4332-4F2D-BFB2-2649EC2E4122,Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act Signed into Law to Celebrate 45th Anniversary of the Hockey Victory at the Winter Olympics,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"Congressional Gold Medals awarded to the Miracle on Ice U.S. Hockey Team, which defeated the four-time Olympic champion Soviet Union in 1980 WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the bipartisan Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, which they cosponsor, has been signed into law, recognizing the 45th anniversary of the extraordinary victory of the U.S. Men’s Hockey at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, where they defeated the Soviet Union. “In 1980, during a time of division, economic hardship, and global conflict, the U.S. Olympic hockey team made all Americans believe in miracles,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Congress and our country have now formally recognized this legendary team, which included 12 players and head coach Herb Brooks from Minnesota, for their ‘Miracle on Ice’ that brought hope and unity to our nation.” “More than half of the ‘Miracle on Ice’ hockey team was from Minnesota, the State of Hockey, and I’m incredibly proud to see their achievements honored,” said Senator Smith. “The iconic game was an upset nobody saw coming, and that win showcases American strength and resilience in the face of adversity.” In February 1980, the United States Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union 4-3 in the first game of the medal round of the 1980 Winter Olympic men’s hockey tournament in Lake Placid, New York. Team USA, which included 12 hockey players born in Minnesota and was coached by University of Minnesota championship-winning hockey coach Herb Brooks, defied expectations by defeating the four-time Olympic champion Soviet Union team in a game referred to as the “Miracle on Ice.” At a time when the United States was struggling with rampant stagflation, high gas prices, hostages held in Iran, and increased tensions with the Soviets after their invasion of Afghanistan, the Miracle on Ice was a welcome reprieve and a critical moment for American patriotism. Following the stunning victory against the Soviets, the Americans beat Finland 4-2 to secure the gold. The law awards three Congressional Gold Medals to members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, one of which will be displayed at the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minnesota. Click here for the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-statement-her-vote-against-national-defense-authorization-act,Rep. Craig Statement on Her Vote Against the National Defense Authorization Act,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on her vote against the Republican-led National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “While I appreciate my Democratic colleagues’ work over the past few months to strip the original House version of some of its most egregious Republican poison pills and implement important provisions, like a well-deserve pay raise for our troops, I am still deeply concerned that this bill abandons our country's LGBTQ+ veterans and servicemembers, immigrants and civil servants. “By including language that would expand the Trump Administration's authority to use the military to enforce immigration laws, Republicans have rubber stamped the President’s dangerous immigration agenda and disregard for due process. Not to mention, by failing to restore collective bargaining rights to the Department of Defense’s civilian workforce, they have doubled down on the President’s attacks on federal workers and turned their back on our nation’s civil servants. “These provisions don’t make our country safer, nor do they implement necessary checks on the President’s executive power – power he has used to undermine our global standing and violate the civil rights of those who have dedicated their lives to defending our freedoms. I am not enabling this President’s anti LGBTQ+, anti-immigrant and anti-worker agenda, and I am certainly not signing off on a blank check to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to continue putting our national security and servicemembers at risk.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-supports-bill-lower-drug-prices-more-americans-hold-big-pharma,Rep. Craig Supports Bill to Lower Drug Prices for More Americans; Hold Big Pharma Accountable for Price Gouging,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Angie Craig today announced legislation that would lower prescription drug prices for Americans and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for price gouging consumers. The Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act would build on her work on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to lower prescription drug prices for America’s seniors by expanding price negotiations so that more Americans can afford their medication. Specifically, the bill would: Extend the historic drug price negotiation program enacted through the IRA to all Americans with private insurance; Stop drug companies from raising prices faster than inflation by ensuring that the inflation rebates enacted under the IRA also apply to individuals covered by private health plans; Strengthen the drug price negotiation program to deliver more savings to the American people by increasing the annual number of prescription drugs selected for negotiation from 20 to 50. The Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act was originally introduced by Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Richard E. Neal (MA-01) and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03). “Since day one, lowering health care costs for Minnesotans has been one of my top priorities in Congress – and that starts with lowering the price of prescription drugs,” said Rep. Craig. “We made major strides in the Inflation Reduction Act to cap the price of prescription drugs for seniors, but we now must expand these cost savings to every American. I’m proud to support this legislation to build on the progress we made through IRA and hold Big Pharma accountable for price gouging hardworking Minnesotans.” Since entering Congress, Rep. Craig has been a leader in the fight to lower prescription drug prices. Last month, Rep. Craig introduced her Affordable Insulin Now Act, which would build on her work to make insulin more affordable by capping the price of insulin for Americans with private insurance. In 2022, the provision of Rep. Craig’s bill that capped insulin copays at $35/month for Medicare recipients was signed into law as part of the IRA. Last Congress, Rep. Craig also introduced the Emergency Access to Insulin Act to help Americans without health insurance afford insulin. This bill would expand emergency insulin access, lower costs for those without health insurance and take additional steps to hold drug companies accountable for price gouging Americans. During IRA negotiations, Rep. Craig stood with House progressives, refusing to support the bill until it included provisions to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices. Rep. Craig also cosponsored the Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act last Congress. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-betty-mccollum-condemns-racial-profiling-minnesotans-federal,Congresswoman Betty McCollum Condemns Racial Profiling of Minnesotans by Federal Immigration Agents,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation, issued the following statement on Thursday morning: “I strongly condemn the Trump administration for directing ICE agents to racially profile and randomly arrest residents on Minnesota’s streets. Since President Trump’s latest racist tirade against Somali Minnesotans, he has directed a campaign of incompetence and unprofessionalism that has nothing to do with the rule of law, and everything to do with terrorizing our community. “The appalling incident in Minneapolis Tuesday confirms that the Trump administration is unlawfully profiling Minnesotans who look Somali and arresting them on the spot, including American citizens. “Democrats will not forget Donald Trump’s words and his administration's outrageous, violent, and illegal actions against our neighbors. Thanks to courageous Minnesotans documenting these inappropriate actions, we have a growing record of the Trump administration’s misconduct. We will hold them accountable. Minnesotans and the American public deserve better.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-calls-out-republican-betrayal-stripping-ivf-coverage-out,U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Calls Out Republican Betrayal Stripping IVF Coverage Out of NDAA,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison (MN-03) called out President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ betrayal of American families after blocking critical IVF treatment expansion for military families. President Trump has called himself the “fertilization president” and promised to expand IVF treatment — but Congressional Republicans are sending a bill to President Trump’s desk that fails to expand coverage of IVF treatment for military families. An OB-GYN for more than 20 years and a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Rep. Morrison condemned President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ actions on the House floor. Watch a video of Rep. Morrison’s remarks HERE. Image Read a transcript of Rep. Morrison’s remarks below: Mr. Speaker, today I rise to condemn the betrayal of President Trump and his Republican majorities. Trump called himself the “fertilization president” and promised to expand access to IVF – but his Speaker of the House just blocked critical IVF expansion for military families. The American people overwhelmingly want to expand access to IVF. And it’s what Donald Trump promised them as he was running for president last year. And I quote word for word: ""Under the Trump administration, we are going to be paying for that treatment. Or we're going to be mandating that the insurance company pay."" But here we are, and the Republican Congress is sending a bill to President Trump’s desk that fails to expand coverage for military families to do just that. So the brave service members who put their lives on the line for our country and our freedoms will not be able to access the care they need to grow their families if they suffer from infertility. This is sadly only the latest betrayal by the Republican majority talking a big game about being “pro-family” but blocking policies that would actually support them. It is beyond disappointing. It is cruel. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-crack-down-scammers,U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Scammers and Eliminate Foreign Robocalls,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) is leading a bipartisan coalition of Republican and Democratic lawmakers in introducing the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act, which would strengthen efforts to stop unlawful robocalls originating from overseas. Minnesotans face almost 400 million robocalls a year — and robocalls are increasing across the country, often from overseas bad actors. Americans lost $29 billion to scam robocallsin 2021 alone. The Foreign Robocall Elimination Act would empower the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice to crack down on scammers and establish a taskforce to prevent foreign robocalls. This bipartisan legislation has received key endorsements from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and USTelecom. “No one likes robocalls. They are irritating, predatory, and steal billions of dollars from Americans every single year. They also erode public trust. You shouldn’t miss a call from the doctor just because you’re scared it could be a scammer. The Foreign Robocall Elimination Act is commonsense legislation to protect people – particularly older Americans who are disproportionately targeted – from harmful scammers. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan effort,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. Background on the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act: This bill would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), to establish an interagency taskforce. The taskforce would be made up of representatives from these three federal agencies and seven private sector representatives, including voice service and analytics providers, technology experts, marketing and nonprofit organizations, and consumer advocacy groups. The taskforce must: study and compare the volume of robocalls from domestic vs. international sources; identify countries responsible for high volumes of unlawful robocalls; provide information on how countries can collaborate on eliminating unlawful robocalls; promote global adoption of call authentication technologies (e.g., STIR/SHAKEN); recommend best practices and international cooperation to mitigate unlawful robocalls; and determine the need for more resources or a DOJ office dedicated to unlawful robocall enforcement. The taskforce would be required to create a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations and deliver it to Congress within one year of the taskforce’s formation. Read the full text of the bill HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/omar-jayapal-norcross-introduce-legislation-protect-app-based-workers,"Omar, Jayapal, Norcross Introduce Legislation to Protect App-Based Workers",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Donald Norcross (NJ-01) are introducing legislation to promote transparency and accountability for app-based workers. The Empowering App-Based Workers Act would put guardrails on digital labor platforms, including Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Amazon, to ensure that automated decisions do not lead to discrimination and price-gouging, and provide transparency to workers on how their data is used. “Gig workers like Uber and Lyft drivers in my home state of Minnesota deserve a fair share of the wealth they create. App-based corporations have hidden behind AI algorithms and predatory take rates while drivers’ pay shrinks and executive profits soar,” said Rep. Omar, Ranking Member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. ""The Empowering App-Based Workers Act will pull back the curtain on how these companies use data, set wages, and make decisions that shape people’s livelihoods. Gig workers should be part of a transparent system that values their labor.” “App-based workers work long hours, often with no consistency or predictability of how much they will make,” said Rep. Jayapal. “They are at the whim of algorithms that make automated decisions about who gets to work, and where, and when. Workers and consumers deserve a better system, where workers are protected, employment laws are followed, and where consumers have a transparent price.” ""The Empowering App-Based Workers Act is a long-overdue step toward fairness and transparency for the millions of rideshare drivers and delivery app workers who keep our economy running,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “By guaranteeing transparent payment information and higher wages, these workers will finally receive a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work. App-based workers deserve a good-paying job where they are treated with dignity, compensated fairly, and protected from exploitation.” In 2024, Uber and Lyft both regularly paid drivers wages less than minimum wage, while at the same time increasing costs paid by consumers. These corporations’ ‘take rates’, or the percentage of a ride-fare that they keep, is often around 40 percent, but can be as high as 70 percent on individual rides. The Empowering App-Based Workers Act would: Require detailed weekly pay statements and itemized receipts for workers; Require disclosure of electronic monitoring systems and how those are used to make automated decisions regarding work assignments; Ensure that ride-hail drivers receive at least 75 percent of the total amount paid by a consumer for each transaction; and Prohibit app-based platforms from violating equal pay for equal work by offering or paying different amounts to workers performing substantially similar or comparable work. “We’re excited to see Representatives Jayapal, Norcross, and Omar listening to app-based workers and introducing the Empowering App-Based Workers Act in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Rebecca Dixon, president and CEO of the National Employment Law Project (NELP). “Corporations that use hidden algorithms to determine app-based workers’ pay, job assignments, and discipline must be held accountable. This bill will give workers the transparency they have been demanding for years and will help move us toward a good-jobs economy where all workers are treated fairly.” The legislation is also sponsored by Dan Goldman (NY-10), Summer Lee (PA-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Mark Takano (CA-39), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=7D99B1E5-5124-4A35-9F79-026437983165,Klobuchar Statement on Vote to Extend the Health Care Tax Credit,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement after voting to extend the health care tax credit and prevent health insurance premiums from doubling for tens of millions of Americans. “Today, once again, I voted to extend the health care tax credits to prevent health insurance premiums from doubling for so many in our state. By refusing to act, Congress has put millions of Americans in an impossible position — forcing families, farmers, and small business owners to question whether they can even afford to keep their insurance,” said Klobuchar. “ I will keep fighting to end this health care crisis, lower costs, and increase access to quality care.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-access-to-mental-health-clinics/,U.S. Senator Tina Smith Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Access to Mental Health Clinics,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act, which would improve access to mental health services nationwide. This bill would make it easier for seniors on Medicare to get care at Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), specialized clinics that provide mental health and substance use services. The bill would also ensure that these specialized clinics can continue to provide quality care to patients by ensuring that they receive adequate reimbursements from Medicaid. “Everybody deserves access to mental health care, regardless of their zip code,” said Senator Tina Smith. “Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers know the importance of treating the whole patient, and we need to do more to make this model of mental health care accessible and sustainable. I’m grateful to my former colleagues Senator Stabenow and Senator Blunt for laying the groundwork for this initiative. It’s an honor to be its new champion in the Senate.” Minnesota currently operates 22 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) that use a recovery-oriented philosophy, supporting pathways to success for individuals recovering from mental illness and substance use disorders. CCBHCs ensure access to coordinated behavioral health, including through medication-assisted recovery – the combined use of medication and counseling – to provide effective support for recovery. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 codified a permanent CCBHC option for states under the Medicaid program, but further action is now needed to establish CCBHCs in Medicare to allow comparable status and designated payment as other health care providers. Specifically, The Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act would: Establish Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs) under the Medicare program; Authorize CCBHC expansion grants at a level that allows current grantees to continue their efforts and ensure availability of technical assistance to help the grantee clinics succeed; Create opportunities to better integrate physical and behavioral health care by giving CCBHCs the option to offer primary care services within their Prospective Payment System (PPS); Provide guidance for organizations primarily serving distinct populations, including youth, veterans, and our most vulnerable, to understand how they can meet CCBHC requirements while continuing to provide appropriate, high-quality care; And further enhance accountability measures for CCBHCs by establishing a national data infrastructure and repository that would expand the ability of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Congress to track program progress and outcomes. This legislation is also led by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-amy-klobuchar-and-tina-smith-cosponsor-legislation-requiring-airlines-to-reimburse-passengers-for-delays-rebooking-fees-related-expenses-after-trump-cancels-consumer-protections/,"U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Cosponsor Legislation Requiring Airlines to Reimburse Passengers for Delays, Rebooking Fees & Related Expenses After Trump Cancels Consumer Protections",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) helped introduce legislation to protect flyers by requiring airlines to provide cash compensation and free rebooking for passengers facing significant delays or cancellations caused by the airline. The bill comes just in time for the holiday season which is expected to see record numbers of travelers. Early estimates project a record 8.03 million travelers will take domestic flights this holiday season, a 2.3% increase compared to last year. This would mark the first time in history that number tops 8 million. “It’s simple: if your flight is canceled or significantly delayed and disrupts your travel plans, you should be compensated,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This legislation will ensure airlines reimburse passengers for the cost of hotels, meals, and transportation as a result of flight cancellations or delays.” “Traveling is already expensive, and the last thing Minnesotans need is an unexpected and expensive bill for rebooking a flight that was canceled because of an airline, especially as folks try to be with their families over the holidays,” said Senator Smith. “This legislation holds airlines accountable for their mistakes and fixes another Trump administration blunder.” People are flying now more than ever. With more Minnesotans flying, refunds and reimbursements for significant cancellations and delays that disrupt travel plans are crucial. In 2024, roughly 20% of all flights departing from MSP were delayed or canceled. Under the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, the DOT would issue regulations that would set a baseline standard of compensation of at least $300 for a delay of more than 3 hours but less than 6 hours and at least $600 for a delay of 6 hours or more. The bill is led by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), and cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). Read the full text of the bill here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-omars-statement-fy26-ndaa,Rep. Omar's Statement on the FY26 NDAA,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON–Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “Today I voted ‘NO’ on the National Defense Authorization Act because Congress cannot continue writing blank checks for endless war while millions of Americans struggle to afford housing, health care, and basic necessities. “This year’s NDAA authorizes nearly $900 billion for the Pentagon, more than we spend on education, health, climate, and poverty programs combined. It pours billions into weapons systems the Pentagon itself has said it does not need. It increases funding for defense contractors who profit from global instability and it advances a vision of national security rooted in militarization instead of diplomacy, human rights, or community wellbeing. Republicans also removed an Afghan relocation legislation from the final NDAA, abandoning the very allies who risked their lives to help American service members. “At a time when families in Minnesota’s 5th District are struggling with rising costs, when our schools and social services remain underfunded, and when the Pentagon continues to evade a clean audit year after year, Congress should be investing in people. “I will always support giving service members what they need to stay safe but that does not mean rubber stamping bloated budgets or enabling unchecked executive war powers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=F79B7731-1D33-4711-B95F-D175F60616FC,ICYMI: Klobuchar Op-Ed in The New York Times: “State A.I. Laws Keep Us Safe. Trump’s Next Move Could Upend That.”,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) published an op-ed in The New York Times on how, with the lack of federal standards, it is essential for states to maintain and strengthen their own AI protections rather than override the few protections Americans have from the downsides of A.I. Read the op-ed below. The New York Times: Amy Klobuchar: State A.I. Laws Keep Us Safe. Trump’s Next Move Could Upend That. By Amy Klobuchar We’ve all heard about the revolutionary breakthroughs that could result from the deployment of artificial intelligence, including cures for cancer, advances in energy and individually tailored education for every student. These benefits would be truly game-changing. Unfortunately for many Americans, these advantages remain distant. And because of the lack of sensible rules governing A.I. technology, we are more familiar with its darker side: the theft of people’s voices and visual likenesses; scams directed at seniors; political attack videos in which you can’t tell if what you’re seeing or hearing is actually the candidate you love (or hate); and worst of all, children committing suicide after turning to A.I. chatbots for help. These harms will only multiply. That’s why it has been critical for states to step up and pass desperately needed A.I. safety standards while Congress sadly continues to delay enacting federal standards. Now we risk going backward, with President Trump saying on Monday that he will sign an executive order that will replace state laws with “One Rulebook” that the public has never seen. That executive order should concern every American. Tech companies should not be allowed to use their lobbying power to undo the few protections Americans have from the downsides of A.I. — passed at the state level with bipartisan support. Congress urgently needs to stop delaying the passage of mutually agreed upon federal A.I. standards. But it remains paramount that states be able to protect people right now, before such rules are enacted. Despite a series of well-meaning and thorough bipartisan Senate meetings, Congress has been unable to overcome its own institutional inertia to pass comprehensive A.I. regulation. And tech leaders — who once warned that “mitigating the risk of extinction from A.I. should be a global priority” — are at best divided on what to do or, at worst, actively lobbying against proposals they think will thwart their short-term interests. The most serious federal A.I. protection that has passed Congress and been signed into law by Mr. Trump is a bill I led with Senator Ted Cruz and 20 others, the Take It Down Act. This legislation allows victims to remove intimate images — both authentic and A.I.-created deepfakes — published without their consent. While it is a good model in that it requires platforms to take down content, it doesn’t scratch the surface of the many privacy, economic and national security risks A.I. poses. Enter the states. After years of waiting on Congress, both Democratic and Republican governors and state legislatures have passed their own deeply needed A.I. laws. Tennessee’s ELVIS Act gives artists control over their A.I.-generated digital replicas so others cannot use their voices and likenesses without consent. New laws in Utah require some companies to disclose when people are interacting with A.I. And from Alabama to Minnesota, 28 states have laws to rein in deceptive political deepfakes. Former Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once argued that states are the laboratories of democracy. Inspired by state action, many of us at the federal level are pressing for similar laws. Senator Chuck Schumer and a bipartisan group of senators have put forward a road map to support A.I. innovation and improve safeguards. Senator John Thune and I have come together to lead a bill that would promote innovation and transparency for A.I. systems in high-risk settings such as health care or public safety. Other federal bills would protect creators online, similar to Tennessee’s ELVIS Act. But as of now, these are just concepts and bills, not laws. States have no choice but to act. Tech lobbyists have frequently opposed even the most sensible federal standards and rules — such as labeling videos as produced by A.I. or taking down unauthorized content. In an act of total hubris, they are now arguing that states should be banned from regulating A.I., and pushing the president and Congress to override the states’ laws. That included a recent failed attempt to shoehorn a moratorium on state A.I. laws into Congress’s annual defense bill, and a similar failed attempt this summer as part of congressional Republicans’ budget bill, which the Senate rejected in a 99-1 vote. Details around the new executive order aren’t known yet, but a draft executive order that circulated last month directed the U.S. attorney general to sue states to overturn A.I. laws and withhold broadband grants and other funding from states with A.I. laws. Even if the executive order is challenged in court (as it should be), it’s clear the industry — which often says the right thing about wanting rules in place while actively working behind the scenes to scuttle major safeguards — and its allies in the White House and in Congress want to strip Americans of the few legal protections they currently have from A.I.-created harms, rather than work with lawmakers to ensure these technologies are deployed responsibly. This is wrong. We have seen the tragic consequences of the lack of enforceable safety standards, such as the young boy who died by suicide after confiding in ChatGPT about his emotional struggles and plans about ending his life. Though the chatbot suggested he seek help, it also provided feedback on a photograph of a noose that the boy had made. Repealing what standards exist at the state level will only make it worse. Once we actually have federal standards passed by Congress, it should be for Congress to decide whether to pre-empt state laws or allow them to go further. And as A.I. continues to evolve, there will always be new applications of the technology that spur states to act before the federal government does. That is something we should encourage — it is how our laboratories of democracy were intended to function. But we can’t supersede state protections until we have strong, enforceable federal standards in place. So A.I. companies should join us in putting meaningful safeguards spearheaded by Congress in place at the federal level — and stop pretending that in the meantime, state standards are too much of a burden to bear. After all, how can you expect us to believe you’re on the precipice of creating groundbreaking superintelligence if you can’t manage to comply with a handful of state laws? Tech leaders need to understand: There will be safety standards for these products. If they do not want a patchwork of state laws, they should work with Congress to pass comprehensive standards. Until then, states have a right — and a duty — to stand up for their citizens. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=8E237E61-66DB-4090-89E9-DCB9DC3FC7E4,Klobuchar and Hoeven Urge the CPSC to Strengthen Protections Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning,2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Hoeven (R-ND), the leads of the Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act, are urging Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Acting Chairman Peter Feldman to address the heightened risks of home carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter months and provide information on how the CPSC is working to combat this deadly risk, including the education and outreach being done to encourage people to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. Klobuchar and Hoeven’s bill was signed into law in 2022 and is named for two brothers from Kimball, Minnesota, who tragically died of carbon monoxide poisoning. The law established a grant program to fund initiatives to prevent similar tragedies in the future, which recently provided $200,000 to eight cities across Minnesota. “We write to express our concerns about the increased risks of home carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter months, and to inquire into actions the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is taking to ensure that Americans are kept safe from carbon monoxide poisoning this winter,” wrote the Senators. “More than 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized.” “These risks increase during the winter as people use heating systems, water heaters, and fireplaces that use natural gas,” the Senators continued. “When used properly, these systems safely keep people warm during the coldest times of year, but improper use and faulty products put people at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.” The full text of the letter is available here and below: Dear Acting Chairman Feldman: We write to express our concerns about the increased risks of home carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter months, and to inquire into actions the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is taking to ensure that Americans are kept safe from carbon monoxide poisoning this winter. More than 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized. Infants, elderly people, and those with underlying health issues are most vulnerable. These risks increase during the winter as people use heating systems, water heaters, and fireplaces that use natural gas. When used properly, these systems safely keep people warm during the coldest times of year, but improper use and faulty products put people at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Just last month a couple in Garfield, Minnesota was airlifted for treatment after a carbon monoxide leak in their home. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, which is why it is so critical that Americans are made aware of the importance of having carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. Our bill, the Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act, was signed into law in 2022. Named for two brothers from Kimball, Minnesota who tragically died of carbon monoxide poisoning, the law created a grant program to fund initiatives to prevent similar tragedies in the future. As you know, the law directs the CPSC to administer the grant program, which funds education and awareness campaigns about the need for carbon monoxide detectors, as well as the installation of these monitors. We respectfully request that you respond to the following questions by December 19, 2025: What steps is the CPSC taking to help prevent incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning at home? What steps has the CPSC taken to ensure states are aware of and taking advantage of the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Grant Program? What challenges do you face in working with states? What changes to the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Grant Program would increase the program’s effectiveness? What data has the CPSC collected on the number of carbon monoxide poisoning at-home incidents since the Grant Program went into effect? Does the CPSC need additional resources to investigate the increase in carbon monoxide poisoning in the winter and take appropriate measures to help educate the population? Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to your response. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=9D886678-DD7A-4D6A-BBEE-EEFDC37368FB,Klobuchar Statement on Supreme Court Oral Arguments in Trump v. Slaughter,2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the only Democratic Senator on both the Judiciary and Commerce Committees, released the following statement on the Supreme Court hearing oral arguments in Trump v. Slaughter. “Congress has long used its power to establish independent agencies to protect consumers, workers, investors, and others without undue political pressure,” said Klobuchar. “Commissioner Slaughter’s unlawful firing goes against nearly a century of precedent that ensures these agencies remain independent and work for Americans, not the President’s friends and donors. It is deeply troubling that conservative justices appear ready to give the president even more unchecked power.” In November, Klobuchar and 207 of her congressional colleagues filed an amicus brief opposing President Trump’s unlawful attempt to remove Commissioner Slaughter without cause. Giving the President this power would jeopardize the integrity of independent federal agencies and undermine the FTC’s ability to protect the public from unfair methods of competition, fraud, and other deceptive practices. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-joins-democratic-doctors-caucus-condemning-dangerous,U.S. Rep Kelly Morrison Joins Democratic Doctors Caucus in Condemning Dangerous ACIP Decision to Stop Recommending Birth Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) and the Democratic Doctors Caucus released the following statement after the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to stop recommending the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. “The Democratic Doctors Caucus unequivocally condemns the decision to end the decades-long standard practice of vaccinating every newborn against hepatitis B. Today’s decision — made without any scientific justification that a newborn dose is unsafe — will lead to more disease, more cancer, more preventable deaths, and will further increase the cost of health care in our nation. We call on Acting CDC Director O’Neill to reject this recommendation. The Democratic Doctors Caucus will keep up our fight against this administration’s continued attacks like this on basic science and do all we can to protect the health and well-being of the American people.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/progressive-caucus-deputy-chair-ilhan-omar-condemns-ice-agents-physical,Progressive Caucus Deputy Chair Ilhan Omar Condemns ICE Agents’ Physical Attacks on Congressmember Adelita Grijalva,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Deputy Chair Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) released the following statement regarding agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) using physical force against Rep. Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) when she conducted oversight into the due-process rights of her constituents affected by raids in her district: “I strongly condemn today’s disgusting display of violence against Congresswoman Grijalva, who was pepper-sprayed along with her staff and pushed aside by ICE agents as she asked questions about her community members being disappeared off the streets by ICE raids. “We are in a dangerous moment for American democracy. ICE agents are continuing to act with lawlessness and impunity and are cheered on by the President of the United States. If they are allowed to intimidate, harass, and physically assault members of Congress for doing their jobs, no one is safe in this country. “The Trump Administration is attacking the most basic liberties and freedoms Americans enjoy. Masked, armed, and often unidentified men now roam our neighborhoods, kidnap community members, and use undue force against those who might protest—including sitting lawmakers with the constitutional authority to conduct oversight into ICE’s practices. “We need an immediate Congressional investigation into these agents’ use of pepper spray and force against Representative Grijalva. And Congress must pass the Progressive Caucus’s legislative slate to rein in these abusive practices and restore accountability.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=21A0456D-AD58-4EB2-8615-2CB008C6E327,"Klobuchar, McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Skills Training",2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Dave McCormick(R-PA) reintroduced a bill to enhance access to skills training. The Skills Investment Act would expand Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)—tax advantaged savings accounts for educational expenses—so American workers can use the accounts to pay for skills training, career-related learning, adult education, and professional development. Companion legislation for the Skills Investment Act was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Brad Schneider (D-IL). “Now more than ever, innovation is key to moving the American economy forward. With technological advancements in manufacturing and many other parts of our economy, it is critical that American workers are positioned for success. That means increasing access to the specialized training and education needed to pursue good-paying, high-demand careers,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan Skills Investment Act will modernize tax advantaged savings accounts so workers can build skills for the 21st century economy.” “The energy and AI revolution is bringing demand for electricians, pipe and steamfitters, welders, and more skilled labor professions to levels we haven’t seen in decades. These are good paying jobs that lead to create stable, fulfilling careers,” said Senator McCormick. “This bill is an important step toward incentivizing more Americans to enter the skilled trades and fill these jobs while reinforcing that a four-year degree is far from the only path to the American Dream.” The Skills Investment Act transforms Coverdell ESAs into lifelong learning accounts, allowing workers to use tax-advantaged savings to pay for education and skills training programs throughout an account holder’s lifetime. The bill would eliminate the age-based contribution limit on Coverdell ESAs and expand the scope of allowable distributions to cover a broad array of career and technical education services. These savings accounts would now be eligible for pretax contributions and mid-career workers would be allowed to contribute up to $4,000 tax-free each year, with a maximum contribution limit of $10,000. Employers would receive a 25 percent tax credit for contributions to a worker’s account. Klobuchar has long led efforts to boost workforce development and skills training. In March 2025, Klobuchar and Senator Marshall (R-KS) introduced the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation to allow Americans to use ‘529’ education savings accounts for skills training, credentialing, and certification programs, which was signed into law earlier this year. Previously, ‘529’ accounts could only be used to pay for college, vocational school, K-12 education, and apprenticeship expenses. In March 2025, she and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) reintroduced the American Apprenticeship Act, which would provide states with tuition assistance funding to support apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. She also partnered with Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to reintroduce the Apprenticeships to College Act, bipartisan legislation to allow workers to earn college credits for completed apprenticeships. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/ranking-member-betty-mccollum-caribbean-boat-strike-deeply-alarming,Ranking Member Betty McCollum on Caribbean Boat Strike: 'Deeply Alarming',2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on Thursday: “The footage of the September 2nd boat strike in the Caribbean was deeply alarming and calls into question the Trump administration’s respect for the laws of armed conflict. The Pentagon should immediately release the strike video in its entirety so that the American public understands what President Trump has directed in the Caribbean without any authorization from Congress. Congress has a responsibility to fully investigate not only the September 2nd strike but the Trump administration’s entire operation in the Caribbean and should take testimony from Secretary Hegseth, U.S. Special Operations Commander Admiral Frank Bradley, and U.S. Southern Commander Admiral Alvin Holsey.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-calls-out-health-care-crisis-and-impending-enrollment,U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Calls Out Health Care Crisis and Impending Enrollment Deadline,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) joined the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee to call out Republicans’ refusal to take action on the cost of the health care crisis. “Thanks to the Republican health care crisis, instead of discussing holiday plans or Christmas wish lists, families will be around the kitchen table deciding what they’ll have to sacrifice to keep their health insurance,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “Facing sticker shock from skyrocketing premiums in addition to broken promises of lower energy, gas, and grocery prices, Trump and Republicans in Congress are once again failing to prioritize the needs of working-class Americans. Americans are less than two weeks out from the deadline to enroll in Affordable Care Act health care plans without a lapse in coverage – but Congressional Republicans are still refusing to extend the ACA tax credits which help millions afford health care. Without an extension, health care costs will skyrocket for 22 million Americans – including 90,000 Minnesotans. Representative Morrison, who cared for patients as an OB-GYN for more than 20 years, has been fighting to extend ACA tax credits and address health care affordability since before Congressional Republicans refused to extend them and worsened the health care crisis with their so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” that passed this summer. Representative Morrison has highlighted this health care crisis by: Standing with small business owners who will lose coverage if these ACA tax credits are not extended Spotlighting the impact to hospitals and clinics when Americans are forced to delay care Supporting multiple bills that would permanently extend the tax credits and protect health care for millions of Americans Watch Representative Morrison’s remarks HERE. Image Read a transcript of Representative Morrison’s remarks below: We are less than two weeks from the deadline to enroll in ACA plans without a lapse in coverage. Thanks to the Republican-created health care crisis, instead of discussing holiday plans or Christmas wish lists, most families will be around kitchen tables deciding what they’ll have to sacrifice to keep their health insurance. Facing sticker shock from skyrocketing premiums in addition to broken promises of lower energy, gas, and grocery prices, Trump and Republicans in Congress are once again failing to prioritize the needs of working-class Americans. For months they’ve deployed a variety of excuses. First, they tried denying the premium spikes, then they misdirected to scapegoat immigrants, then they turned to their old and tired call to repeal and replace the ACA, which as usual came with hollow promises of some secret plan. They insisted they just needed the government to open and now that it’s open it seems they are circling back to “concepts of a plan” and denial. Whether or not the excuse of the week allows them to acknowledge the crisis, Republicans in Congress have made it abundantly clear that they are not willing to help Americans afford health care or do anything to help lower the cost of living. For 20 years practicing as an OB-GYN myself, it was my responsibility to help my patients with preventative care, to problem solve, to diagnose, and to formulate a treatment plan with them. Can you imagine if your doctor kept making up excuses for why they couldn’t treat you or worse just fully denied your experience and refused to offer you anything? That’s exactly how Trump and the Republican majority have responded to the American people's repeated pleas to act on affordability. I know that the people of Minnesota’s third district — my district — and Americans across the country are counting on action and deserve real solutions. Unfortunately, we’re here today to discuss the devastating impact of what Trump and Congressional Republicans’ denial and inaction means for American families. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/ranking-member-omar-opening-remarks-subcommittee-hearing-revitalizing-american,Ranking Member Omar Opening Remarks at Subcommittee Hearing on Revitalizing American Boxing,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON–Ranking Member Ilhan Omar (MN-05) delivered the following opening statement at a Workforce Protections Subcommittee hearing entitled, “In Their Corner: Creating More Opportunities for American Boxers.” “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses for your testimony today. “When Republicans first notified us of today’s hearing, I was immediately excited. I have long been a fan of professional boxing and mixed martial arts, and I was hopeful that we could have a bipartisan discussion about revitalizing a sport that I love. I came to this issue not just as a legislator, but as someone who admires the courage and craft of fighters who put their bodies on the line in the pursuit of greatness. “At the turn of the century, Congress passed two landmark pieces of legislation to protect and support American boxers. In 1996, Congress passed the Professional Boxing Safety Act (or the PBSA), which outlined health and safety provisions and mandated state athletic commissions to oversee all professional boxing events. In 2000, Congress strengthened the PBSA with the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. “The Ali Act was designed to clean up the business side of boxing after decades of corruption that harmed boxers’ livelihoods and the integrity of the sport. It required better financial disclosures, increased transparency of ranking and title decisions, and limited conflicts of interest so that a single company or individual could not both control a boxer’s contract and access to titles. This was meant to stop promoters from demanding that boxers sign away their entire career just to have a chance at a title. “In practice, the Ali Act’s provisions helped give boxers more information and leverage to negotiate for a fairer share of the money that their fights generated and free themselves from any coercive and restrictive contract terms. We should build on these successes and take time to explore other critical issues, such as the long-term cost of brain injury and the need for athletes in other combat sports, like MMA, to enjoy these protections. “My hope is that we can use this hearing to discuss these issues thoughtfully and productively. However, my fear is that we are likely to focus on just one bill— H.R. 4624, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act—and consider moving it quickly. “But I urge my colleagues to take a moment to pause and hold two things in our minds at once. First, there are some genuinely promising provisions in the Revival Act. For example, a national one hundred and fifty dollar per-round minimum payment would lessen financial strain on boxers who are still finding their footing in the sport. The bill would also set a national twenty-five-thousand-dollar floor for insurance coverage that the PBSA currently requires for every fight. “Unfortunately, there are sections of the Revival Act that raise serious questions about who will actually control the future of boxing. It would remove guardrails that prevent influential promoters from controlling the industry and forcing boxers into contracts that they do not benefit from. This legislation could also allow major corporations to completely take over the sport, leaving boxers without the leverage or the ability to advocate for themselves and their physical and financial health. “These provisions prioritize Goliath to the detriment of David. Boxers, who put their bodies on the line, deserve to fight in an industry that pays them well, values their health and safety, and does not make them vulnerable to economic exploitation. While not entirely harmful, this bill – as drafted – gives more power to promoters and big corporations than to boxers. This is why many professional boxers are speaking out against it, including Evander Holyfield, Oscar de la Hoya, Claressa Shields, Jake Paul, and Nico Ali Walsh. “I am not here to reflexively support or oppose H.R. 4624. I am here to ask important questions to everyone involved—the promoters, the regulators, and especially the corporations that stand to gain the most. Because we have to make sure that any ‘revival’ of boxing does not come at the expense of the very athletes we say we are here to protect. “I want this hearing to be the start of a longer, serious bipartisan conversation about how we support our boxers and bring investment into the sport without sacrificing the necessary anti-monopoly firewalls that prevent American boxers from being exploited by powerful corporate actors and foreign investors. “I look forward to our discussion today, and I yield back.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-omar-carter-simon-and-titus-introduce-respect-resolution,"Reps. Omar, Carter, Simon, and Titus Introduce RESPECT Resolution",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswomen Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), and Dina Titus (D-NV), leaders in the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, introduced the Realizing Equitable & Sustainable Participation in Emerging Cannabis Trades (RESPECT) Resolution. This sense of Congress acknowledges steps and practices to create an equitable cannabis industry that addresses, reverses, and repairs the consequences of the failed “War on Drugs.” “For decades, harsh cannabis laws devastated Black, Brown, and low-income communities. Today, those same communities are facing new barriers that prevent many of them from benefiting from the opportunities offered by a multi-billion-dollar industry,” said Rep. Omar. Congress has a responsibility to ensure that cannabis policy expands access to capital and invests in entrepreneurs whose communities were most harmed by outdated drug laws.” Arrest and incarceration rates for marijuana offenses have been wildly disproportionate, with people of color far more likely to be targeted despite using marijuana at similar rates as white Americans. These laws have entrenched cycles of poverty and inequality. As more states continue to implement or expand marijuana legalization policies, job growth will continue in the industry, making it imperative to create a pathway to economic empowerment for Black and Brown communities to become entrepreneurs, leaders, and educators in this space. “Marijuana prohibition has failed our communities,” said Rep. Carter. “It has disproportionately harmed people of color, fueling mass incarceration, ruining families, taking away opportunities, and burdening them with criminal records. It's past time for the federal government to address the racial disparities that persist in the cannabis space and create inclusive pathways for people to access economic wealth.” “We must elevate the role of equity in the legal cannabis marketplace and take bold, deliberate action to close persistent disparities. The war on drugs has devastated communities of color, and it is long past time to repair the harm and move beyond outdated, punitive cannabis policies,"" said Rep. Simon. “I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues in introducing this Resolution, which will serve as a meaningful step towards economic and reparative justice.” “For too long federal and state governments have unfairly prosecuted cannabis usage as a Schedule 1 drug,” said Rep. Titus.“The RESPECT Resolution is a critical step towards policy that addresses the disparities caused by the outdated scheduling of cannabis and the so-called War on Drugs. As Co-Chair of the Cannabis Caucus, I am advancing solutions that will finally put an end to the cycle of unjust incarceration and unequal enforcement.” In addition to Reps. Carter, Omar, Simon, and Titus, The RESPECT Resolution is co-sponsored by Reps. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Hank Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ). This legislation is endorsed by Drug Policy Alliance, Last Prisoner Project, the Minority Cannabis Business Association, and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). “The Drug Policy Alliance is proud to endorse the RESPECT Resolution, which calls for urgent action to ensure that cannabis markets and policies are fair for all communities. By highlighting state and local best practices, supporting global decriminalization, and urging states to end criminal penalties, restore rights, and ensure equitable participation in the emerging cannabis economy, the resolution charts a clear path toward meaningful reform. At a time when criminalization remains the law of the land and inequities remain deeply embedded in cannabis markets and policy, this resolution is both timely and critically necessary,” said Cat Packer, Director of Drug Markets and Legal Regulation for the Drug Policy Alliance. “Last Prisoner Project is grateful to the sponsors of the RESPECT Resolution for their leadership in confronting the deep racial and economic inequities created by decades of cannabis criminalization. This resolution recognizes that while state cannabis laws have evolved, far too many people and communities are still living with the consequences of outdated federal policies. By calling for record clearance, community investment, and equitable licensing, this resolution is a crucial reminder that those most harmed by prohibition must be able to participate in — and benefit from — any legal cannabis market,” said Jason Ortiz, Director of Strategic Initiatives with Last Prisoner Project. “It is important to remind lawmakers of the ongoing harms caused by marijuana prohibition and the opportunities to begin addressing them through sensible legislation. This resolution should serve as a call for Congress to prioritize dismantling failed criminalization policies, as well as a blueprint for doing so in a way that focuses on repairing the damage inflicted by decades of unjust enforcement,” said Morgan Fox, Political Director at the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). Background: The RESPECT Resolution: Urges cannabis reform by encouraging states and localities to adopt the best steps and practices to address equity in the industry and provide economic empowerment to communities of color disenfranchised by the “War on Drugs.” Acknowledges the racial disparities that exist in the cannabis industry, particularly for those who have criminal records for a substance that is now legal and regulated in most states. Calls on Congress to address, reverse, and repair the consequences of failed cannabis policies and regulations. Directs the United States to use its platform to advocate at the United Nations to de-schedule cannabis from international drug control treaties, expunge low-level marijuana offenses, study the impacts of controlling cannabis through international treaties, and treat cannabis as a legal commodity.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/ranking-member-betty-mccollum-demands-answers-letter-homeland-security,Ranking Member Betty McCollum Demands Answers in Letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem,2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sent Wednesday evening, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04) expressed outrage over the Administration’s deliberate targeting of Minnesota’s Somali community and demanded answers on the Department’s actions in the Twin Cities Metro area. Read the full text of the letter below or view a copy of the letter on Congresswoman McCollum’s website. Dear Secretary Noem: I write to express my outrage at the Trump Administration’s deliberate targeting of the Somali community in Minnesota. The President’s escalating racist attacks calling members of the Somali community “garbage” are vile, abhorrent and below the dignity of the Oval Office. America has lived through very dark chapters when entire communities were treated as less than human. Native Americans were violently forced from their homes and onto reservations. Black Americans faced systemic dehumanization and were subjected to laws that codified their oppression. Chinese immigrants were rounded up during the era of exclusion. Japanese Americans were interned in camps against during World War II. Each of these actions became a stain on our history. President Trump was wrong when he said members of our Somali-American community are “garbage.” Our Somali community are human beings. They are elected officials, business owners, doctors, nurses, teachers, drivers, neighbors and friends. The Somali community is woven into the fabric of Minnesota and are inseparable from the fabric of America, and their contributions strengthen both our state and our nation. As a Member of Congress representing many Somali families in Minnesota 4th District, I strongly oppose the Department of Homeland Security’s operations against the Somali community. I expect answers to the following questions no later than close of business on December 12, 2025. The vast majority of Minnesota’s Somali community are U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents. How will you ensure that American citizens are not wrongly targeted, harassed or criminalized by the Department of Homeland Security? What justification and explanation can the Department of Homeland Security offer for these pending Enforcement and Removal Operations that only destabilize and erode the trust between law enforcement and communities? What safeguards has your office put in place for pending Enforcement and Removal Operations to prevent any violations of due process? How will you ensure that Department of Homeland Security operations do not harm or put people’s lives in danger? It is imperative that the Department of Homeland Security stop racially targeting the Somali community. This policy only instills fear and divisiveness in our country. Minnesotans and the American public deserve better. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Betty McCollum Member of Congress ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-supports-bipartisan-cost-living-increase-veterans,U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Supports Bipartisan Cost of Living Increase for Veterans' Disability Benefits,2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) spoke on the House floor in strong support of the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025. This legislation delivers a 2.8% cost-of-living increase for veterans receiving disability benefits, ensuring their payments keep pace with rising costs. Rep. Morrison is a proud cosponsor of the bipartisan bill, and is calling on her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support its passage. “Affordability is a top concern for all of my constituents, including the veterans in my community,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “This adjustment is necessary to help ensure that our veterans and their families can keep pace with the cost of living.” Congresswoman Morrison is Minnesota’s only member of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation to sit on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is committed to ensuring our state’s nearly 300,000 veterans have the care and support they have earned and deserve. In Congress, Rep. Morrison has been a fierce advocate for veterans and their families. Watch the full video of Representative Morrison’s remarks HERE: Image Read a transcript of Representative Morrison’s remarks below: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of S. 2392, the Veterans Compensation Cost of Living Act. This bipartisan legislation would provide 2.8 percent cost of living for VA disability benefits like disability compensation in clothing allowance as well as survivor benefits such as dependency and indemnity compensation. Veterans and their families are entitled to and are owed these benefits and it is our responsibility in Congress to ensure that they continue to provide the utility and financial stability they deserve. Affordability is a top concern for all of my constituents, including the veterans in my community. This adjustment is necessary to help ensure that our veterans and their families can keep pace with the cost of living. As a cosponsor of this legislation and a member of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, I’m pleased that we are able to come together on a bipartisan basis to pass this bill that will do just that. I want to end by thanking the gentlemen from Texas, Mr. Lutrell, and Kentucky, Mr. McGarvey, for their leadership on this important bill. I also want to thank the Chair and Ranking Member for their support as well. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this legislation and I yield back. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-omar-honors-minneapolis-fire-department-chief-bryan-tyner-house-floor,Rep. Omar Honors Minneapolis Fire Department Chief Bryan Tyner on the House Floor,2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke on the House Floor to honor Minneapolis Fire Department Chief Bryan Tyner for over 30 years of service to Minneapolis’s communities. Chief Tyner has announced he will retire at the end of 2025. The full video can be found here. Full transcript below: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner for over 30 years of selfless, dedicated service to our city. “Serving as the second Black chief in the department’s history, Fire Chief Tyner led Minneapolis Fire through some of the city’s most significant public safety challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic. “Throughout his tenure, Chief Tyner has worked tirelessly to advance the department's health and safety initiatives, improve operations, and promote inclusion within the ranks. “At the end of this year, the Chief will be transitioning into a new role, continuing his devoted service to our city as Executive Director of the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center. “It’s been an honor to work alongside such a dedicated public servant and I’m incredibly grateful for his work to keep our communities safe. “Thank you and I yield back.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=105453FD-86CA-4AC6-8F45-E46109D4AACE,Klobuchar Testifies at Bipartisan Hearing on Ukrainian Children Abducted by Russia,2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"In Her Remarks, Klobuchar Discussed Her Recent Meeting with Ukrainian Children and Pope Leo Watch Klobuchar’s Full Remarks Here WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) testified at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the abduction of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation. At the hearing, Klobuchar discussed her recent meeting in Rome with rescued Ukrainian children and Pope Leo XIV, and her bipartisan legislation to support efforts to return the thousands of other Ukrainian children who have yet to be reunited with their families. A rough transcript of the Senator’s statement is below and a video to download is linked here. “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman Graham [and] Senator Schatz for leading this powerful subcommittee of people that have been leaders on this issue. You couldn’t think of a better time for this hearing as these negotiations are ongoing and we must stand with Ukraine, and I appreciated both of your words. I recently returned from Rome, where 12 days ago I had the honor of joining a Ukrainian delegation sent by President Zelenskyy to meet with Pope Leo at the Vatican. I was there alongside Maksym [Maksymov], who will testify today. It’s one thing to have the numbers that we all use, about the kids that are over there, some of them as old as teenagers, some of them as young as one-years-old, two-years-old, three-years-old. It’s another to actually sit across the table from them and their families. I met Sashko, who was taken from his home in Mariupol after being wounded in a Russian bombardment. At our breakfast he was there with his brave grandma, Liudmyl, who told me she eventually took matters into her own hands — this grandma — when he was able to get a cell phone and call her and she went into the occupied territory to rescue him. With the Pope, I stood next to Veronika, who was confined in Russia against her will for both her 13th and 14th birthdays — including periods of time in isolation — before she managed to escape. These are tragic stories of childhoods forever changed by brutality. But they are also stories of resilience and hope — the stories of the Ukrainian people who against all odds have continued to stand up to the brutality of Vladimir Putin. Veronika is attending school again in Kyiv, now in the 11th grade. And to see her big smile when she met the Pope and the tears coming out of her eyes as he gave her a rosary is something I will never forget. More than 1,800 children have been returned, some with the help of the Vatican, and we were there to urge the Pope to use his standing and strong moral authority in the world to help return more children through mediation. I believe the Pope plays a critical role, but in the end, children should never be pawns in a war. And that is why Senator Britt and I joined you Mr. Chairman and Senator Blumenthal on this important bill. But we must know, as you will hear today, how these kids are being moved in Russia through 200 sites, thanks to the incredible detective work of Yale researchers led by Nathaniel Raymond, who will testify today. His team has tracked the movements with biometrics and the like — of some kids that don’t even look like they looked when they were abducted because they were only babies. In addition to this important legislation that you’re talking about today that I hope advances to the Senate, Senator Shaheen and I were just discussing this, Senator Grassley and I have a bill that we thank all of you for supporting in the NDAA. That bill authorizes our federal agencies to continue supporting these tracking efforts. I want to thank Representative Fitzpatrick for co-leading the bipartisan companion legislation in the House, and Representative McCaul for leading a related resolution. The U.S. is not alone in assisting Ukraine with the tracking and recovery of our children. Our allies are stepping up. And in September, President Zelenskyy announced a new initiative among several countries to share data and build up the capacity of Ukraine’s own law enforcement. We all must do our part, and I'm pleased that First Lady Melania Trump joined us in this effort, but in the end, if we just sell out on some kind of an agreement that not only doesn’t bring the kids home, but literally gives Russia territory that they don’t even have right now, that’s the message we’re going to send to the world. So Chairman Graham, I want to thank you for at this really important time, having this hearing, and let's get these kids home. Thank you.” Last month, Klobuchar met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican along with a delegation from Ukraine working to return the thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia during Putin’s brutal invasion. Klobuchar has been a champion for legislative efforts to return the abducted Ukrainian children. Klobuchar leads the bipartisan Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), which passed the Senate as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 in October. This legislation is complementary to the Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act, which was introduced in September by Klobuchar and Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Katie Britt (R-AL) to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law if it fails to return the thousands of Ukrainian children who have been kidnapped during the course of the war. In March, Klobuchar and Grassley were joined by Senator Durbin in leading a bipartisan letter calling for the State Department to continue supporting efforts to investigate Russia’s abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children. To date, Ukrainian authorities have received thousands of confirmed reports of unlawful deportations and forced transfers of Ukrainian children to Russia, Belarus or Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. The abductions aim to erase the children’s Ukrainian names, language, and identity. As of today, Ukraine and its partners have only managed to return about 1,800 abducted children. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-angie-craig-blasts-usps-after-q4-report-ranks-mn-postal-performance-one,Rep. Angie Craig Blasts USPS after Q4 Report Ranks MN Postal Performance One of the Worst in the Country,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig blasted U.S. Postal Service (USPS) leadership in Minnesota following the release of the USPS Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) 4th quarter (Q4) service performance report, which ranked the MN-ND District 47th out of 50 nationwide. According to the USPS OIG, the service standard for first-class two-day service in the Minnesota-North Dakota region has declined since last quarter – with only 82% of mail arriving on time, 5 points below USPS’ national target of 87%. The national average this quarter was 86.3%. In FY25 Q3, the region saw 84.4% of mail delivered on time and ranked 32nd in the nation for two-day service. “Here in Minnesota, we started the year with unacceptable postal performance levels, and we’re ending with yet another startling quarterly report that puts our region in the bottom four districts nationwide,” said Rep. Craig. “This is beyond unacceptable. It’s well past time for USPS to re-evaluate their local leadership and start ensuring that letter carriers and postal workers have what they need to get Minnesotans their mail on time.” Rep. Craig has consistently spoken out against unacceptable USPS performance in the South Metro and has led the charge to improve mail service and protect USPS from privatization. Local letter carriers and others have also raised the alarm about leadership changes that are impacting morale and culture in Minnesota post offices. This Congress, Rep. Craig introduced her Deliver for Democracy Act, which would limit price increases on stamps until the USPS can achieve at least a 95% on-time delivery rate for periodicals and require the USPS to report annually to the U.S. Postal Regulatory Commission on its progress – including on-time delivery data for newspapers in its periodical service performance measurement. In October, Rep. Craig successfully pushed USPS to launch an internal investigation into reports of delayed delivery of the New Prague Times. And in January, she led a resolution urging her Congressional colleagues to take all appropriate measures to reject the privatization of USPS. Last year, following Rep. Craig’s bipartisan call for a statewide investigation, the USPS OIG announced an investigation into the entire MN-ND postal district. And in January 2023, she launched an online USPS survey to gauge the extent of postal issues in the Second District and received more than 3,300 responses from Minnesotans. Rep. Craig delivered those responses directly to Postmaster General DeJoy’s office in Washington DC. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-betty-mccollum-statement-trumps-racist-attacks-somali-community,Congresswoman Betty McCollum Statement on Trump's Racist Attacks on Somali Community,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s announced deployment of 100 ICE agents to the Twin Cities intended to target Somali Americans: “Somali Americans are a valued part of our community. President Trump calling fellow human beings ‘garbage’ is not only beneath the office but calls into question his capacity to serve all Americans. Trump’s ugly attacks on the Somali community do not reflect the views of our state, nor the reality of the contributions Somalis make every day. They are elected officials at the federal, state and local levels. They are business leaders, teachers, nurses, ride share drivers, neighbors, and friends. We will not be divided. We are One Minnesota. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-small-business-saturday-us-rep-kelly-morrison-introduces-bill-bring,"ICYMI: On Small Business Saturday, U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Introduces Bill to Bring Immediate Relief to Small Businesses",2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"OSSEO, MN – On Saturday, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) highlighted her new effort to bring small businesses relief from the Trump Administration’s global tariff war, which has caused enormous financial strain and uncertainty to small businesses across the United States. Representative Morrison’s new bill, the Small Business Restoring Equity for Local Importers through Economic Fairness (RELIEF) Act, would exempt small business owners from Trump’s exorbitant tariffs and provide refunds to the small businesses who were forced to pay them. “These tariffs are forcing small business owners to make impossible choices: to raise prices, to let go of staff, or even to close their doors permanently,” said Rep. Kelly Morrison. “It’s just untenable to ask small businesses to weather a tariff war like this – especially when the reasons why the Administration is levying these tariffs are ever changing, and the amount of tariffs they must pay is unpredictable and often unsustainably high. That’s why I’m introducing the Small Business RELIEF Act, which will exempt small businesses from these tariffs – and provide rebates to small businesses who have had to pay them and have suffered economic losses and financial strain because of them. Representative Morrison, a member of the U.S. House Small Business Committee, spent Small Business Saturday touring several local small businesses and hearing from small business owners. Watch Representative Morrison’s remarks highlighting the Small Business RELIEF ActHERE. Image Read a transcript of Representative Morrison’s remarks below: Hi everyone – thanks so much for being here. I’ll keep this brief, because I’m pretty excited to get out there and visit some of the amazing small businesses behind us. Especially today on Small Business Saturday! Today is all about being in community and supporting your local small businesses – from coffee shops to construction companies and everything in between. Because small businesses truly are the backbone of our community. They make up 99 percent of all businesses in the U.S. – so they are literally the engine of our economy. And in Congress, I’m proud to serve on the House Committee on Small Business. One of the highlights of my time in Congress is meeting hardworking small business owners all across Minnesota’s Third District and learning more about what’s going well for them and what their challenges are. And one thing I’ve been hearing over and over again: What small business owners really need is relief from the global tariff war that President Trump started this year. I’ve been hearing this all year, from small business owners right here in Osseo, to all over Minnesota and across the country small business owners about the enormous financial strain and uncertainty that they have been facing. That these tariffs are forcing small business owners to make impossible choices: to raise prices, to let go of staff, or even to close their doors permanently. It’s just untenable to ask small businesses to weather a tariff war like this – especially when the reasons why the Administration is levying these tariffs are ever changing, and the amount of tariffs they must pay is unpredictable and often unsustainably high. That’s why I’m introducing the Small Business RELIEF Act, which will exempt small businesses from these tariffs – and provide rebates to small businesses who have had to pay them and have suffered economic losses and financial strain because of them. I’ve actually been pushing for small businesses to be exempt from these tariffs for a while now – but in order to fully make sure small businesses are supported, the government needs to go beyond just exempting them and actually provide refunds to cover the enormous financial losses some small businesses have had to face. Because no matter what the President will try to tell us, we know the truth: Tariffs are a tax on the consumer, and they’re costing Americans billions. And also, let’s not forget: Congress has the Constitutional authority to levy tariffs, not the President! There are potentially some signs of life in Congress, at least in the Senate, though — the Senate recently passed three bipartisan resolutions — 4 to 5 Republicans joined all the Democrats -– to end Trump’s global trade war and restore congressional authority over tariffs.. But Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to do the Houses’ part to take back Congress’s authority and won’t call the House to vote on this issue. So I’m inviting House Republicans to reclaim their power from the President and pass my straightforward bill that will give small business owners some relief from this chaotic tariff war. I’m really looking forward to seeing this legislation pass, and I’m happy to announce it on Small Business Saturday, when we’re surrounded by so many great small businesses. Thank you so much, and enjoy Small Business Saturday. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=BA53359C-20D2-4924-8473-6B0FACCE0A1F,"Klobuchar, Murkowski Celebrate Passage of Bill to Support Individuals Living with FASD",2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) celebrated the signing of their legislation, the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Respect Act of 2025. The new law improves and reauthorizes programs and funding to support individuals and families impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders affect at least 1 in 20 people in the U.S., and too many lack access to diagnosis, treatment, and support services. Those impacted by FASD need access to care so they can be out on the best path forward towards a successful future,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan bill increases federal support for local, evidence-based services for people with FASD and their families. This progress is possible thanks to the tireless advocacy of former Minnesota First Lady Susan Shepard Carlson, who has led this fight for more than two and a half decades.” “Those affected by FASD need access to services across the board, including early intervention, medical resources, and tailored educational and behavioral support,” said Senator Murkowski. “It’s why Senator Klobuchar and I have been so persistent regarding the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Respect Act of 2025 over the last two Congresses, and why we’re so pleased that it has finally crossed the finish line. This legislation will build a more informed and responsive system of care for those with FASD by strengthening prevention efforts, expanding diagnostic capacity, and improving coordination across states, Tribes, and local communities. Today belongs to the many advocates, families, and healthcare professionals who have worked tirelessly to improve outcomes for those with FASD.” “In the annals of FASD advocacy over the years, the signing of the FASD authorization into law is truly historic and a huge victory for the FASD field,” said Susan Shepard Carlson, past FASD United Board Chair, retired juvenile court justice, and former First Lady of Minnesota. “This would not have happened without the leadership of our lead co-sponsors, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Amy Klobuchar, and the united effort of so many advocates around the country.” The FASD Respect Act of 2025: Reauthorizes federal FASD programs by directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish or continue a comprehensive FASD prevention, identification, intervention, and services delivery program which may include: Educational and public awareness programs for professionals in systems of care Developing and expanding screening and diagnostic capacity for FASD Research on FASD as appropriate Building State and Tribal capacity for the identification, treatment, and support of individuals with FASD and their families Builds local, Tribal, State, and national capacities to prevent the occurrence of FASD and other related adverse conditions, and to respond to the needs of individuals with FASD and their families. Eligible activities include: Develop and support public awareness and outreach activities Act as a clearinghouse for evidence-based resources on FASD prevention, identification, and culturally aware best practices Disseminate ongoing research and developing resources on FASD to help inform systems of care for individuals with FASD across their lifespan. Increase awareness and understanding of evidence-based FASD screening tools and culturally- and linguistically appropriate evidence-based intervention services and best practices across systems of care Improve capacity for State, Tribal, and local affiliates dedicated to FASD awareness, prevention, and identification and family and individual support programs and services (technical assistance provided by FASD Center of Excellence). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smiths-statement-on-president-trumps-targeting-of-somalis-in-twin-cities/,U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on President Trump’s Targeting of Somalis in Twin Cities,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement in response to reporting that President Trump is directing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to launch a raid targeting the Somali community in the Twin Cities: “When Donald Trump calls all Somalis ‘garbage’, he’s talking about the people who run your favorite deli in Minneapolis, the nurse who takes care of you at the hospital, the home health aide looking after your aging parent, the military veteran who served this country, your local and federal elected leaders, and hardworking patriotic American taxpayers who came to this country legally.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-leads-legislation-prevent-companies-using-tariffs-cover-price,Rep. Craig Leads Legislation to Prevent Companies from Using Tariffs as Cover for Price Gouging Consumers,2025-12-01,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig introduced legislation with Reps. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) to prohibit companies from using President Trump’s reckless tariffs as cover for price gouging consumers. The No GOUGE Act would create a ban on selling a tariffed good at an unreasonably high price during the five-year period following the announcement or implementation of a tariff or tariff rate change. “Unreasonably high price” is defined as a price increase greater than the costs directly generated by the tariff. The ban would be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the legislation would enable state Attorneys General to sue business that violate the ban in state or district court. Rep. Craig’s legislation includes an exemption for small businesses earning less than $100 million annually in gross revenue. “Minnesotans are already struggling with the sky-high cost of living, so while the President launches us headfirst into a global trade war, we have to work proactively to put guardrails in place that protect consumers from exorbitant price-hikes,” said Rep. Craig. “I’m proud to be introducing this legislation alongside my colleagues to prevent large companies from taking advantage of the Administration’s reckless trade policies to price gouge Minnesotans.” Rep. Craig has been outspoken about the impacts of tariffs on small business owners, family farmers and everyday Minnesotans. As the top Democrat on the House Committee on Agriculture, Rep. Craig has publicly opposed imposing tariffs on our country’s biggest trading partners and engaging in a global trade war, citing the potential for increased prices for producers and consumers alike. The legislation is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, commonly known as the United Steelworkers (USW), International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), American Economic Liberties Project and Groundwork Collaborative. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craigs-bill-combat-opioid-epidemic-expand-access-overdose-prevention,"Rep. Craig's Bill to Combat Opioid Epidemic, Expand Access to Overdose Prevention Resources Signed into Law",2025-12-01,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig’s bipartisan RECONNECTIONS Act to expand access to overdose prevention resources was signed into law. Rep. Craig’s bill directs the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to expand their overdose prevention efforts by bolstering prescription drug monitoring programs, promoting and evaluating community and health system interventions and conducting research on controlled substance overdoses. “The fentanyl crisis has touched folks in every corner of Minnesota, and that’s why expanding access to overdose prevention resources has been one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Rep. Craig. “Today is a major milestone in the fight to end the opioid epidemic in Minnesota and across our country. I couldn’t be prouder to see this common-sense bill signed into law.” The RECONNECTIONS Actpassed the House as part of the bipartisan SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act in June. Rep. Craig has been a leader in the fight to combat the opioid crisis, expand resources for law enforcement and improve addiction and recovery support in Congress. Last Congress, Rep. Craig introduced the bipartisan Kid PROOF Act to expand access to lethal means safety supplies – like lockboxes and safes – for parents of children at risk of overdose or suicide. In 2023, Rep. Craig successfully urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fully approve over-the-counter distribution of Narcan, a medicine used to reverse overdoses. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-betty-mccollum-statement-federal-law-enforcement-presence-saint-paul,U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum Statement on Federal Law Enforcement Presence in Saint Paul,2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement on Tuesday: “Today, masked federal agents were involved in another enforcement activity in Saint Paul, this time at a residential address the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. My office continues to seek answers about the circumstances surrounding these actions. Let me be abundantly clear: I strongly oppose the Trump administration’s actions to stoke conflict and division in our community. People have a right to express their first amendment freedoms, including protesting actions by their government, but they have a solemn obligation to do so peacefully.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/ahead-small-business-saturday-us-rep-kelly-morrison-introduces-bill-provide,"Ahead of Small Business Saturday, U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Introduces Bill to Provide Immediate Tariff Relief to Small Businesses",2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"OSSEO, MN – Today, ahead of Small Business Saturday, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) introduced the Small Business Restoring Equity for Local Importers through Economic Fairness Act – the Small Business RELIEF Act– which would exempt small business owners from Trump’s global baseline tariffs and provide refunds to the small businesses who were forced to pay them. Small businesses across the country are at a breaking point due to these exorbitant tariffs, and are being forced to raise prices, lay off staff, or close entirely. Rep. Morrison, a member of the U.S. House Small Business Committee, introduced this legislation with Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01) and it is endorsed by Small Business Majority and Main Street Alliance. “President Trump’s tariffs have placed enormous financial strain and stress on so many hard-working small business owners, and it’s long overdue for Congress to act,” said Congresswoman Morrison. “I’ve heard from many small business owners: small businesses desperately need relief from the Trump Administration’s tariffs. Congress needs to reclaim its Constitutional authority and right this wrong. I’m proud to lead the Small Business RELIEF Act and will keep working every day to bring much-needed relief to our small business owners.” “In an entirely predictable outcome, President Trump’s tariffs have forced American small businesses to freeze hiring, hit pause on plans to expand, and cut their already tight budgets to keep their doors open,” said Congressman Pappas. “They can’t wait for a Supreme Court ruling or the end of this administration to get back on track. They need us to act now. That’s why we’re introducing the Small Business RELIEF Act, which would exempt all goods imported by small businesses from the Trump tariff tax and refund any tariffs they've paid. New Hampshire’s Main Street businesses are the heart of our communities, and we need to act now so that they can keep their doors open.” ""Small businesses need relief from tariffs because tariffs put small firms at a competitive disadvantage relative to larger companies. Due to the thin margins on which many small businesses already operate, sweeping tariffs will force many small firms to pass higher costs on to customers. Larger businesses, however, are more likely to have flexibility to absorb increased overhead, keeping prices lower and undercutting their smaller competitors. There is no time to lose as far as small businesses are concerned, and lawmakers must act now to save small businesses from damaging tariffs,"" said John Arensmeyer, Founder and CEO, Small Business Majority. ""Small business owners have been sounding the alarm for months: President Trump’s so-called ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs are nothing more than an illegal tax on Main Street. They’re driving up costs, squeezing margins, and forcing entrepreneurs to make impossible choices between raising prices, cutting staff, or closing their doors. The Small Business RELIEF Act is a critical step toward righting those wrongs. Exempting small businesses from these reckless tariffs—and refunding the dollars already taken—will deliver immediate, overdue relief. Main Street Alliance strongly supports this legislation and urges members of Congress to stand with the small, independent businesses that form the backbone of our local economies,” said Richard Trent, Main Street Alliance Executive Director. Read the full bill HERE. Today’s legislation follows on the heels of Rep. Morrison’s latest effort to get relief for small businesses, when she led her colleagues in calling for Speaker Mike Johnson to immediately take up the bipartisan resolutions that passed the Senate last month to end President Trump’s global trade war and restore Congressional authority over tariffs. Earlier this year, after President Trump first announced his sweeping global tariffs, Representatives Morrison and Pappas introduced the Small Business Liberation Act, which would exempt small businesses from tariffs. Since this summer, the Representatives have continued to hear from small business owners who are ringing the alarm bell that the Trump Administration's tariffs pose an “existential threat” to their businesses. As a member of the U.S. House Small Business Committee, Rep. Morrison has spent the year advocating for small business owners as they handle the uncertainty and financial stress that the Trump Administration’s tariffs have caused, including: Calling on the Administration to exempt small businesses from tariffs Pressing Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler to exempt small businesses from tariffs Meeting with small business owners who are calling out Trump’s harmful tariffs ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=7C569F8C-54FA-48DF-83B8-0D04FA6ACAE0,Klobuchar Statement on Newly Released Prices for 15 Additional Prescription Drugs Subject to Medicare Negotiations,2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), who led the Empowering Medicare Seniors to Negotiate Drug Prices Act to end the nearly 20-year ban on Medicare negotiating lower prescription drug prices for consumers, released the following statement on today’s announcement of the negotiated prices for the second round of medications under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. “For too long, pharmaceutical giants have put their profits ahead of the well-being of Americans who rely on life-sustaining medications. That is why I worked for years to end big drug companies’ sweetheart deal that artificially raised prices at the expense of our seniors and taxpayers. Today’s announcement is thanks to our historic law, passed by Democrats in Congress in 2022, that finally allows Medicare to negotiate lower prices for some of the most widely-used, costly medications. Across the country, this will save 5 million seniors hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year, and save American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars. We need to build on this progress by passing my bill to lower drug prices for more prescription drugs — for seniors and all Americans.” This second round of drugs selected for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program will have the following discounts off the 2024 list price, starting in 2027: 71% lower for Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, which treat Type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity with cardiovascular disease, and were taken by 2.3 million Medicare Part D enrollees last year; 48% lower for Xtandi, which treats prostate cancer and was taken by 35,000 Medicare Part D enrollees last year; 73% lower for Trelegy Ellipta, which treats asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and was taken by 1.3 million Medicare Part D enrollees last year. 60% lower for Pomalyst, which treats blood and bone cancers and was taken by 14,000 Medicare Part D enrollees last year; 50% lower for Ibrance, which treats breast cancer and was taken by 16,000 Medicare Part D enrollees last year; 50% lower Ofev, which treats lung disease including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and was taken by 24,000 Medicare Part D enrollees last year; 75% lower for Linzess, which treats certain GI disorders and was taken by 627,000 Medicare Part D enrollees last year; 40% lower for Calquence, which treats certain blood cancers including leukemia and lymphomas, and was taken by 15,000 Medicare Part D enrollees last year; 38% lower for Austedo and Austedo XR which treat movement disorders like chorea in Huntington’s disease, and were taken by 26,000 Medicare Part D enrollees last year. 83% lower for Breo Ellipta, which treats asthma and COPD and was taken by 634,000 Medicare Part D enrollees last year; 84% lower for Tradjenta, which treats Type 2 diabetes and was taken by 278,000 Medicare Part D enrollees last year; 63% lower for Xifaxan, which treats certain gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and was taken by 104,000 Medicare Part D enrollees last year; 44% lower for Vraylar which treats Bipolar I, Major Depressive Disorder, and Schizophrenia, and was taken by 116,000 Medicare Part D enrollees last year; 85% for Janumet which treats Type 2 diabetes and was taken by 243,000 Medicare Part D enrollees last year; And 65% for Otezla which treats chronic inflammation such as plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and was taken by 31,000 Medicare Part D enrollees last year. Klobuchar has long led efforts to lower drug prices. The Empowering Medicare Seniors to Negotiate Drug Prices Act, Klobuchar’s bill to end the ban on Medicare negotiating lower prescription drug prices for Medicare’s 51 million seniors and help lower drug prices for all Americans was signed into law in August 2022. In May, Klobuchar, Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), and 25 of their colleagues re-introduced the Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act, which would expand the number of prescription drugs that HHS could negotiate lower prices for and increase the amount of savings Medicare could negotiate. Klobuchar also led the fight against big pharma’s lawsuits attempting to dismantle Medicare negotiations. In 2023 and 2024, Klobuchar and her Senate colleagues filed an amicus brief in Merck & Co. v. Becerra in the District Court for the District of Columbia, in Boehringer Ingelheim v. United States Department of Health and Human Services in the District Court for the District of Connecticut, and in urging the federal court to uphold the constitutionality of Congress allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for consumers. In cases so far, pharmaceutical companies have lost lawsuits against the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program 16 times. In April, two of Klobuchar and Senator Chuck Grassley’s (R-IA) bipartisan bills to promote competition and reduce drug prices — the Preserving Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act and the Stop STALLING Act — passed the Senate Judiciary Committee by voice vote. Together these bills would save taxpayers $1.9 billion over 10 years. The Preserving Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act would limit anticompetitive “pay-for-delay” deals that prevent or delay the introduction of affordable follow-on versions of branded pharmaceuticals. The Stop Significant and Time-wasting Abuse Limiting Legitimate Innovation of New Generics (STALLING) Act would deter pharmaceutical companies from filing sham petitions with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in order to interfere with the approval of generic and biosimilar medicines that compete with their own brand products, a tactic that delays patient access to affordable medications. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-statement-on-federal-operation-in-st-paul/,U.S. Senator Tina Smith Statement on Federal Operation in St. Paul,2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"ST. PAUL, MN – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement on the federal operation in St. Paul: “We’re still gathering information about what happened in St. Paul, but what we do know is that once again, federal authorities provided no notice to local leaders or law enforcement. This is their playbook: no warning, no transparency, no coordination. Their goal here isn’t safety, it’s to sow chaos, fear, and intimidation. Minnesotans deserve answers.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-betty-mccollum-defends-minnesotas-somali-community-during,Congresswoman Betty McCollum Defends Minnesota's Somali Community During Remarks at Minnesota State Capitol,2025-11-24,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"SAINT PAUL, Minn. — In a post on his social media platform late Friday night, President Donald Trump announced that he would “immediately” terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants living in Minnesota. In response to the President’s attacks on Minnesota’s Somali community, Congresswoman McCollum joined Minnesota leaders and stakeholders from the Somali community at a press event in the Minnesota Capitol Rotunda on Monday morning to defend our Minnesota values and vibrant immigrant communities. During the press event, Congresswoman McCollum delivered the following remarks: “The Somali-American community is a vibrant part of our state, and I’m here today to stand with my brothers and sisters. In Minnesota, as was pointed out by the other speakers, we welcome our immigrant neighbors and treat them with respect, and we treat them with dignity. It’s been 50 years since the Vietnam War when we welcomed Hmong and Lao war veterans who fought alongside American forces during the secret war in Laos. They were welcomed into our communities. In the 1990s during the Somali Civil War, Minnesota again provided a safe new home for families displaced by extreme violence. The Minnesota immigrant communities are making contributions that make our neighborhoods and our nation a better place. “Republicans continue to single out Democratic states that follow federal immigration law, turning our neighbors into scapegoats to win votes. I’m ready to get to work, seriously, about fixing our broken immigration system. It’s time for Trump and Republicans to come to the table if they truly care about comprehensive reform that upholds America’s values and keeps our country safe. Instead, for months Trump’s been stoking tensions across the country with reckless and illegal mass deportations that violate the essence of America: due process. Across America, he’s illegally deploying the National Guard and at the cost of hundreds of millions of dollars per day. In Washington D.C., it’s $1.3 million per day for the deployed National Guard. “Now, back to late Friday night, when he hurled ugly late-night threats against Minnesota’s Somali community. You have to ask yourself why. It’s because Trump and Republicans are doing nothing to address the real crises facing us as Americans: The U.S. economy is in shambles, the cost of living is soaring, Trump and Republicans have created a health care crisis, and they’ve failed to deliver essential heating assistance for Minnesotans this winter. “We know that when Donald Trump is in trouble, he always falls back to what he knows: throwing attacks and creating chaos. Americans deserve better than Trump’s attacks and misinformation about what’s happening here in Minnesota. Here’s the reality: Crime is declining. We continue to be ranked as one of the best states to start a business and raise a family. If Trump and House Republicans are serious about addressing the real challenges facing our country, they wouldn’t be attacking; they’d be listening to Minnesotans seeing their health care premiums rise, struggling to afford Trump’s taxes of tariffs – and that effects everything from groceries, to gas, to heating. “I want to be clear: An attack against one of us is an attack against all of us. I’m proud to stand up for our Minnesota values with my brothers and sisters. I thank Governor Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison for all they do to move things forward in court. And I’m so proud to stand with my brothers and sisters in the Minnesota House and Senate. We haven’t changed our values since I served here. Let me say it again: An attack against one of us is an attack against all of us.” Click here to watch Congresswoman McCollum’s remarks on YouTube. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-reintroduces-legislation-prevent-discrimination-americas-adoption,Rep. Craig Reintroduces Legislation to Prevent Discrimination in America’s Adoption and Foster Care Systems,2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02) and Danny K. Davis (IL-07) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced legislation to prevent discrimination in America’s adoption and foster care systems and ensure that all children in the foster care system have the opportunity to end up in a loving home. The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act would also improve services to LGBTQ+ and religious minority youth by prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, and marital status against families and youth in taxpayer-funded child welfare services. The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act is named after the late Congressman and civil rights hero John Lewis, an adoptive parent who worked alongside Representative Craig to champion this bill in the 116th Congress. Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Gwen Moore (WI-04) are also cosponsors of the legislation. ""As an LGBTQ+ adoptive parent and a mother who had to fight in court to adopt my son, I have witnessed firsthand the widespread discrimination in our country's adoption and foster care systems,"" said Rep. Craig. ""No state should allow discrimination against LGBTQ+ foster children or adoptive parents who can provide a safe and loving home. I'm proud to help carry on the late John Lewis' legacy through this critical legislation we crafted together to ensure that LGBTQ+ adoptive parents and children are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve."" The bill is endorsed by Family Equality, the Human Rights Campaign, FosterClub, Lambda Legal, PFLAG, True Colors United and others. ""Children enter the child welfare system through no fault of their own, and our communities have a shared responsibility to ensure they are cared for with dignity and fairness,” said Darra Gordon, CEO, Family Equality. “This bill is a vital, practical step toward ending discriminatory barriers that prevent thousands of children from finding the safe, loving, and permanent homes they deserve. We thank Rep. Davis and Sen. Gillibrand for their leadership and urge Congress to act swiftly.” ""Every child deserves a safe, loving, and affirming home. But too often, LGBTQ+ youth face unique challenges in the foster care system,” said David Stacy,Vice President of Government Affairs, the Human Rights Campaign. “When youth enter foster care, the State has a responsibility to place them with families that will support them—not exclude them because of who they are or who their caregivers are. That’s why we support the Every Child Deserves a Family Act, which ensures that agencies receiving federal funds cannot discriminate based on religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity."" “LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit children, parents, kin, and families have the right to be free from discrimination and harm while involved with the child welfare system and to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Currey Cook, Senior Counsel, Lambda Legal and Project Director, Youth in Out-of-Home Care. “The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act is an important step forward to ensure those rights are clear and explicit so children and families can expect and receive fair treatment by a system that too often harms rather than helps.” “Having grown up and aged out of the foster care system, I know firsthand why this legislation is vital to reducing the number of children who linger in care without a place to call home. Too many children still lack foster families and end up in group homes or residential centers simply because there is nowhere else to place them,” said Schylar Baber, a foster care alum. “I was part of what is now called the generation that waits—removed at age six, denied adoption at age twelve because the prospective parent was an unmarried male, and told I was ‘unadoptable.’ Instead of permanency, I endured years of instability and trauma caused by outdated policies and discrimination. Love eventually prevailed when I was adopted at age 25 by the same person who had been denied years earlier, but that was six years of a home I should never have been denied. We must remove barriers that exclude viable families, because every child deserves permanency, stability, and love.” Representative Craig was the first LGBTQ+ mother in Congress and serves as a co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. She is an original cosponsor of the Equality Act. You can learn more about her own adoption struggle here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-craig-mcbath-landsman-horsford-schrier-introduce-bill-cap-price-insulin,"Reps. Craig, McBath, Landsman, Horsford, Schrier Introduce Bill to Cap Price of Insulin at $35 Per Month",2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, during Diabetes Awareness Month, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Steven Horsford (NV-04) and Kim Schrier (WA-08) introduced the Affordable Insulin Now Act to help Americans with private insurance afford insulin. The bill would extend the $35 insulin cap for seniors on Medicare that was passed into law through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to all Americans with private insurance. “For years, pharmaceutical companies have raked in record profits by price gouging consumers – forcing everyday Minnesotans to make the impossible choice between picking up lifesaving prescriptions and putting food on the table,” said Rep. Craig. “We have seen over time that the pressure we’ve put on Big Pharma is working, and this bill is the next step in our fight to make insulin affordable for every American who needs it.” ""No person should be forced to skip or ration medication because they cannot afford it,"" said Rep. McBath. ""With health care affordability concerns more relevant than ever, we must work with urgency to address some of the most common medical expenses that strain American household budgets. I am grateful to my colleagues for our continued work to drive down the cost of insulin for all who need it."" “Insulin is a lifesaving medication, but every day in this country people are forced to make drastic financial decisions just to afford it,” said Rep. Landsman. “Americans deserve affordable healthcare, and we have to finish the job of capping insulin costs, so no one has to struggle to survive.” “High insulin prices can cost someone their life,” said Rep. Horsford. “I’m proud to partner with Representatives Craig, Landsman, McBath, and Schrier to make sure this critical medication is accessible and affordable to all who need it. State lawmakers in Nevada passed a bill ensuring affordable insulin prices earlier this summer, and the bill we’re introducing today will expand that effort nationally. As tens of millions of Americans stand to lose health care coverage from Republican ‘Big Beautiful’ bill cuts and their refusal to extend health care tax credits, there has never been a more important time to pass the Affordable Insulin Now Act into law.” ""As a doctor and someone who has lived with type 1 diabetes for over four decades, I have seen how the price of insulin has skyrocketed over the years and know firsthand the pressure that these price hikes have put on patients,"" said Rep. Schrier, M.D. “Unaffordable insulin has even forced some to ration or go completely without the medication their lives depend on, with deadly consequences. I was proud to work with my colleagues to cap the cost of insulin for those on Medicare, and I am thrilled to continue our work to lower the price of this lifesaving medication for millions more."" The bill is also endorsed by Protect Our Care, the American Diabetes Association, Social Security Works and Breakthrough T1D. “No one should go bankrupt buying the insulin that keeps them alive,” said Protect Our Care Director of Policy Programs Vaishu Jawahar. “By capping what privately insured Americans pay out-of-pocket for insulin, the Affordable Insulin Now Act extends a critical lifeline to diabetics and their families. While Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress continue driving up drug costs and padding drug company profits, this legislation will save lives and make health care more affordable for everyday Americans.” “The ADA supports the Affordable Insulin Now Act, which would limit out-of-pocket cost for insulin at $35 a month for individuals with private health insurance,” said Catherine Ferguson, Vice President for Federal Advocacy, the American Diabetes Association. “This bill is a critical step to ensure people with diabetes who need insulin to live can afford it.” ""No one should suffer, go bankrupt, or die because big pharma billionaires are price gouging the insulin they need to survive,” said Alex Lawson, Executive Director, Social Security Works. “This bill is a critical step towards ensuring that insulin is affordable and protecting Americans from the criminally high prices that pharmaceutical companies charge."" Since entering Congress, Rep. Craig has been a leader in the fight to lower prescription drug prices with a specific focus on insulin. In 2022, the provision of Rep. Craig’s bill that capped insulin copays at $35/month for Medicare recipients was signed into law as part of the IRA. Last Congress, Rep. Craig also introduced the Emergency Access to Insulin Act to help Americans without health insurance afford insulin. This bill would expand emergency insulin access, lower costs for those without health insurance and take additional steps to hold drug companies accountable for price gouging Americans. During IRA negotiations, Rep. Craig stood with House progressives, refusing to support the bill until it included provisions to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices. She is also cosponsor of the Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act, which would expand Medicare drug price negotiation to lower the price of additional prescription drugs. You can read the text of the bill here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-betty-mccollum-demands-answers-about-raid-bro-tex-inc-saint-paul,"U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum Demands Answers about Raid at Bro-Tex Inc. in Saint Paul by Federal Agents, Including Reports of Violence Against Demonstrators",2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel on Friday demanding answers about a raid at Bro-Tex, Inc. in Saint Paul on Tuesday by masked federal agents, including those who appeared to be affiliated with the FBI and various DHS agencies. “I remain strongly opposed to the Trump Administration’s efforts to deploy masked federal agents to terrorize law-abiding members of our community who are simply doing their jobs and caring for their families,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “Reports of violence against peaceful demonstrators during the immigration raid that took place at Bro-Tex on Tuesday are deeply concerning,” added the Congresswoman. “Everyone in the United States has a constitutionally protected right to free speech, and federal agents must allow protestors to freely and peacefully express their opinions, including opposition to the actions of their government. Additionally, my office is aware of reports that several vehicles were removed during this operation. Federal agencies are denying involvement in these actions, but these individuals deserve answers about the location of their personal property.” Click here to read Congresswoman McCollum’s letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-and-democratic-doctors-slam-rfk-jr-promoting-false-claim,U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison and Democratic Doctors Slam RFK Jr. For Promoting False Claim that Vaccines Cause Autism,2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) and her fellow members of the Democratic Doctors Caucus led 65 other members to demand that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. immediately correct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s website after it was updated to promete the widely disproven and dangerous claim that vaccines may cause autism. “RFK Jr. and the Trump Administration’s baseless claims that vaccines cause autism are reckless and dangerous to the American people,” said Congresswoman Morrison. “Vaccines are modern miracles that have saved countless lives, and as a doctor, I am shocked that our top health officials are putting American families at risk like this. The politicization of science and public health must stop before more harm is done.” “We write to you regarding the alarming removal of scientific information refuting the link between vaccines and autism spectrum disorders (autism) from the Vaccine Safety page of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website on November 19. The installation of false claims, without CDC expert career staff knowledge according to reporting, regarding a false connection between autism and vaccines is a direct threat to our nation’s public health. Before your agency’s anti-vaccine propaganda appeared on the CDC’s Vaccine Safety webpage, the CDC webpage stated that studies have shown that there is “no link” between vaccines and developing autism and that “no links” have been found between any vaccine ingredients and the disorder, according to archived webpages,” the letter states. The letter continues, “Your politicization of vaccines has made American families less safe, returns the U.S. to an era before mass vaccination prevented millions of infections, and will result in tragic deaths, particularly among children.” Background on the Democratic Doctors Caucus All six Democratic physicians serving in the U.S. House of Representatives joined together this year to launch the first-ever Democratic Doctors Caucus. The caucus is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of Americans, advancing pragmatic health care policy, and providing fellow Members with insights on critical health issues. Members of the Democratic Doctors Caucus include: Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) – Internal Medicine Herb Conaway Jr., M.D. (NJ-03) – Internal Medicine Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) – Pulmonary & Critical Care Kelly Morrison, M.D. (MN-03) – Obstetrics & Gynecology Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) – Emergency Medicine Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) – Pediatrics Read the full letter HERE and below. Dear Secretary Kennedy, We write to you regarding the alarming removal of scientific information refuting the link between vaccines and autism spectrum disorders (autism) from the Vaccine Safety page of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website on November 19. The installation of false claims, without CDC expert career staff knowledge according to reporting, regarding a false connection between autism and vaccines is a direct threat to our nation’s public health. Before your agency’s anti-vaccine propaganda appeared on the CDC’s Vaccine Safety webpage, the CDC webpage stated that studies have shown that there is “no link” between vaccines and developing autism and that “no links” have been found between any vaccine ingredients and the disorder, according to archived webpages. A robust review of scientific literature, from studies all around the world, show no correlation between autism and childhood vaccines. The percentage of children with autism spectrum disorders is the same in vaccinated and non-vaccinated populations. Physicians, public health experts, and autism advocates are united in condemning this harmful myth and stopping the spread of misinformation. Vaccines are rigorously tested and monitored for safety, and there is robust scientific evidence showing that they save millions of lives each year - especially the lives of children. For a Health and Human Services Secretary who constantly talks about radical transparency, you have obscured real, evidence-based science and replaced it with conspiracy theories. You have discredited sound science vetted by scientists across the globe, undermined confidence in the CDC, and endangered Americans’ health. Americans deserve robust evidence-based recommendations, especially when it comes to their health. As the Secretary of Health and Human Services, you continue to espouse harmful anti-vaccine rhetoric from our national public health agency which sows doubt and fear in the American public that will ultimately cost lives. Your politicization of vaccines has made American families less safe, returns the U.S. to an era before mass vaccination prevented millions of infections, and will result in tragic deaths, particularly among children. We demand that you correct CDC’s website by removing vaccine misinformation and restore America’s trust in our national public health agency. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=C5EAC4D9-00BE-4588-9721-5CFC7527417A,Klobuchar Statement on Meeting with Pope Leo XIV Alongside Ukrainian Delegation Working to Return Abducted Children,2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"VATICAN CITY — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) issued the following statement on her meeting with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican along with a delegation from Ukraine working to return the over 19,000 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia during Putin’s brutal invasion. “Pope Leo is a true moral force for peace and justice and a champion for children around the world. It was an honor to meet him as part of our mission to bring home the Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and chart a path towards peace and healing for Ukraine,” said Klobuchar. “We cannot accept a world where children are abducted during wartime and used as hostages for negotiations. The United States must remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom, and we should all heed Pope Leo’s example of serving those in need, pursuing the common good, and calling for peace.” Klobuchar has been a leader in the Senate in supporting Ukraine after Russia’s brutal invasion and, as a former prosecutor, has led on human trafficking issues in the Senate. She was invited by the Ukrainians to join their delegation to the Vatican to advocate for the return of the abducted Ukrainian children and attend the meeting with the Pope. While in Rome, Klobuchar also spoke with Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna, President of the Italian Episcopal Conference, and personal papal envoy for peace in Ukraine, to discuss efforts to bring home Ukrainian kids abducted by Russia. The Ukrainian delegation includes four Ukrainian children who were kidnapped by Russian forces and have since been reunited with their families, including: Mark Razvozov, a 14-year-old from the occupied city of Torez. He was 11 years old when his mother was imprisoned by the Russian forces on false charges of espionage and spent two years without her. At school, he faced constant exposure to Russian propaganda and was not allowed to speak the Ukrainian language, yet he managed to preserve his identity. In 2023, Mark and his brother were finally reunited with their mother in Kyiv. Today, Mark attends school again, studies Ukrainian, and is gradually returning to a normal childhood. Oleksandr “Sashko” Radchuk, now 15, was severely wounded during shelling in Mariupol in March 2022 when he was just 12 years old. He was separated from his mother and taken to a hospital in Donetsk, where he received inadequate medical care and faced the threat of being sent to an the Baltic states. Today, Sashko lives with his grandmother, continues his medical treatment, and tirelessly searches for any information about his mother, who he believes remains in Russian captivity. Klobuchar has been a champion for legislative efforts to return the abducted Ukrainian children. Klobuchar leads the bipartisan Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), which passed the Senate as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 in October. This legislation is complementary to the Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act, which was introduced in September by Klobuchar and Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Katie Britt (R-AL) to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law if it fails to return the more than 19,000 Ukrainian children that have been kidnapped during the course of the war. In March, Klobuchar and Grassley were joined by Senator Durbin in leading a bipartisan letter calling for the State Department to continue supporting efforts to investigate Russia’s abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children. To date, Ukrainian authorities have received at least 19,546 confirmed reports of unlawful deportations and forced transfers of Ukrainian children to Russia, Belarus or Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. The abductions aim to erase the children’s Ukrainian names, language, and identity. As of October 9, Ukraine and its partners have only managed to return about 1,800 abducted children. The State Department’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report found Russia recruits or uses child soldiers, has a state-sponsored policy or pattern of human trafficking, and is among the worst hubs for human trafficking in the world. At the Vatican, Senator Klobuchar presented the Pope with a Senate resolution honoring the victims and survivors of the mass shooting at the Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. Photos of Senator Klobuchar with Pope Leo XIV and the delegation from Ukraine are beow: Photo credit: © Vatican Media. Photos to be used for news purposes, media & social: Authorization to publish the photos does not confer ownership rights or exclusivity (cf. Law CXXXII of 1 September 2017 on the protection of copyright on works of ingenuity and related rights, arts. 3§2 and 3§3). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smiths-statement-on-attorney-general-ellisons-settlement-with-nations-largest-landlord-for-artificially-inflating-rental-prices/,U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on Attorney General Ellison’s Settlement with Nation’s Largest Landlord for Artificially Inflating Rental Prices,2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), top Democrat on the Senate Housing Subcommittee, released the following statement after Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a $7 million settlement with the nation’s largest landlord, Greystar, as part of his ongoing litigation against property management software company RealPage. “When everything is already so unaffordable, cheating by artificially inflating rent adds insult to injury. These corporate landlords will do anything to pad their pockets and that’s why I’m so appreciative of Attorney General Ellison’s work to bring accountability for Minnesota renters,” said Senator Smith. “I’m pushing legislation to ban these practices nationwide and empower renters. Landlords should be competing on price, lease terms and amenities, not illegally colluding to keep prices high.” RealPage is accused of using confidential information from landlords such as Greystar in order to inflate rental prices and decrease competition in the free market. Minnesota is expected to receive approximately $500,000 in the settlement. Smith is a co-sponsor of the End Rent Fixing Act, legislation that would crack down on landlords that collude to set prices with software and price-setting algorithms. In addition to the monetary payment to the states as a result of Attorney General Ellison’s lawsuit, the proposed consent decree, if approved by the court, would require Greystar to: Refrain from using any anticompetitive algorithm that generates pricing recommendations using its competitors’ competitively sensitive data or that incorporates certain anticompetitive features; Refrain from sharing competitively sensitive information with competitors; Accept a court-appointed monitor if it uses a third-party pricing algorithm that is not certified pursuant to the terms of the consent decree; Refrain from attending or participating in RealPage-hosted meetings of competing landlords; and Cooperate with Minnesota and other plaintiffs in the ongoing litigation against RealPage and other landlords Earlier this year, Smith joined an effort to press RealPage to answer for its multi-million dollar lobbying campaign for a provision that would have shielded them from state or local laws regulating improper use of artificial intelligence. She has also pressed RealPage about its algorithmic pricing software and its role in driving up rents across the country. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-introduces-bill-help-more-seniors-access-medicare-benefits,Rep. Craig Introduces Bill to Help More Seniors Access Medicare Benefits,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig introduced the bipartisan Senior Savings Protection Act to help more low-income seniors learn about and access essential Medicare benefits. Rep. Craig’s bill would reauthorize federal resources that expand outreach to potential low-income Medicare beneficiaries and boost enrollment efforts. These resources are set to expire on January 30, 2026. They have been extended with bipartisan support multiple times over the past 17 years. There are currently more than 1 million Minnesotans enrolled in Medicare. The Senior Savings Protection Act was co-introduced by Representatives Doris Matsui (CA-07), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11). “Every senior should have the information and support they need to access their earned Medicare benefits, and that’s why it’s critical that existing outreach and enrollment resources are extended,” said Rep. Craig. “I’m proud to be introducing the Senior Savings Protection Act to improve health outcomes and ensure that our nation’s seniors can access the affordable care they are owed."" Rep. Craig has long fought to protect and expand Minnesota seniors’ access to the Medicare benefits they have earned. Earlier this month, Rep. Craig introduced the Seniors Deserve SMARTER (Streamlined Medical Approvals for Timely, Efficient Recovery) Care Act to prevent the expansion of prior authorization in Traditional Medicare and protect seniors from being denied care based on artificial intelligence (AI)-generated coverage decisions. Rep. Craig also introduced the Medicare Enrollment Protection Act earlier this year. This bill aims to protect seniors who enroll in Medicare Part B from potential coverage gaps and late enrollment penalties after their COBRA coverage ends. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-secures-more-10-million-low-emission-buses-and-bus-infrastructure,Rep. Craig Secures More Than $10 Million for Low Emission Buses and Bus Infrastructure in MN02,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Craig announced that she secured $10,720,000 in federal funding for the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) to add hybrid diesel buses to its fleet and modernize the Burnsville Bus Garage. MVTA will receive $8,000,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Low-or-No-Emission Grant Program to support its fleet expansion and $2,720,000 from DOT’s Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant Program to fund Phase IV of the Burnsville Bus Garage Modernization project. Rep. Craig advocated for this funding and wrote letters of support to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for both projects. “Minnesotans depend on safe and reliable public transportation to get around, and that starts with modernizing our bus infrastructure and getting more low emission buses on our streets,” said Rep. Craig. “I’m proud to have worked with MVTA and local officials to bring this federal funding back to MN02 that will help reduce our carbon footprint, improve public transit and increase traffic to local businesses.” You can read Rep. Craig’s letter of support for the MVTA fleet expansion here and the Burnsville Bus Garage Modernization here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-omar-honors-minneapolis-american-indian-center-house-floor,Rep. Omar Honors the Minneapolis American Indian Center on the House Floor,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) spoke on the House Floor to honor the Minneapolis American Indian Center for their 50 years of service to Minnesota’s indigenous communities. The full video can be found here. Full transcript below: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Minneapolis American Indian Center and to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The Minneapolis American Indian Center has carried out its mission of celebrating and uplifting Native culture through a wide range of programs and services that preserve important traditions. The center creates pathways for opportunity for over 35,000 tribally diverse American Indians living in the metropolitan area. I am proud that my office was able to secure three million dollars in federal funding to support their renovation and expansion. The Center stands as a powerful example of resilience and the enduring strength of the Native community. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the Minneapolis American Indian Center’s 50 years of service. Thank you and I yield back.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=8A54914B-AD30-4C4A-BDB4-B9F50B37349E,"Klobuchar, Luján, Schumer, Merkley, Hayes, Craig Lead Congressional Democrats in Introducing Legislation to Reverse SNAP Cuts and Restore Food Security for Millions of Americans",2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee; Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research; Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in introducing the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025. The legislation would repeal all the devastating Republican cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) made in the Republican Budget Betrayal. U.S. Representatives Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and Angie Craig (D-MN), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress has upheld a 50-year bipartisan commitment that Americans should not go hungry, but the Republican Budget Betrayal breaks that promise with the largest SNAP cuts in history. To fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy, Congressional Republicans approved cuts that the Congressional Budget Office estimates will eliminate $187 billion in food assistance over the next decade, even as grocery prices rise and President Trump’s tariff costs increase. These Republican cuts will take meals from millions of Americans, including children, seniors, veterans, workers, and people with disabilities, while harming farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and grocers who rely on SNAP dollars. Additionally, the Republican Budget Betrayal creates a massive unfunded mandate on state governments that could force deep cuts or even eliminate SNAP entirely. “From gutting SNAP in their Big Beautiful Betrayal of a bill to refusing to provide food assistance to families in need during the shutdown, this Administration has taken every opportunity to make it harder for Americans to put food on the table,” said Senator Klobuchar, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. “With this legislation, we will keep fighting every step of the way to restore food assistance to families in need and ensure the 42 million Americans — including veterans, seniors and children — who count on SNAP don’t go to bed hungry.” “For half a century, our nation has stood behind a bipartisan promise: that no child, no senior, no veteran, and no working family should go hungry. Republicans broke that promise and ripped meals away from millions of Americans in their Budget Betrayal,” said Senator Luján. “SNAP puts food on the table for 42 million people – including one in every five New Mexicans – yet the Trump administration spent the shutdown trying to block families from receiving food assistance and make it as difficult as possible to access their benefits. We have a responsibility to protect these families. That’s why I am leading Congressional Democrats in introducing legislation to fully repeal the Republican cuts to SNAP and ensure no American family goes hungry.” “SNAP isn’t an abstract policy or a number in a spreadsheet, it’s food, dignity and survival for 42 million Americans,” said Leader Schumer. “This summer, the Republican “Big, Ugly Bill” made the single largest cut to federal food assistance in our nation’s history. And during the Republican shutdown, the Trump administration weaponized hunger, blocking families from receiving SNAP benefits that Congress had already funding. Democrats are fighting back. Today, we introduced legislation to reverse these disastrous and deadly cuts and restore food security for millions of Americans. We will keep fighting until every family has the basic security and dignity of food on the table.” “Children, seniors, and low-income families will go hungry because of the Republican cuts to SNAP. This is yet another heartbreaking consequence of the Republican agenda to fund tax breaks for the ultrarich while working families struggle,” said Senator Merkley. “Under Trump, it is always the red carpet for billionaires and red tape for families. I’ll keep fighting to reverse these devastating cuts.” “At every opportunity, Republicans have chosen to target and decimate the programs that feed people. The Big Beautiful Bill implemented the largest cut to SNAP in history – putting the most vulnerable at higher risk of hunger,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “Republicans have proven that cruelty is the point. During the government shutdown, all of America watched as they once again chose to use hunger as a weapon and blocked emergency funding for SNAP – marking the first ever lapse in funding. With the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act we can reverse the damage caused by this legislation and restore the nearly $200 billion eliminated from SNAP.” “President Trump has spent his first year in office repeatedly attacking our nation’s most effective anti-hunger program at a time when his tariffs are contributing to record food prices. His Big Ugly Bill cut SNAP – a basic needs food assistance program – by $187 billion, taking food away from millions of hungry American seniors, children, people with disabilities and veterans. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up for our vulnerable neighbors and help to pass the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act,” said Representative Angie Craig, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, earlier this week, nearly 1,500 national, state, and community-based organizations joined a letter voicing support for this effort. SNAP is a lifeline for over 42 million Americans, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans. During the government shutdown, Klobuchar and Lujan led the Senate Democratic Caucus in introducing legislation that prevents the Trump administration from illegally withholding available funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). In addition to Ranking Member Klobuchar, Senator Luján, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, and Ranking Member Merkley, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-Maine), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The full bill text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=A15EACD4-3470-41AB-B421-FAA482440AED,"Klobuchar, Britt, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan ADOPT Act to Protect Adoptive Families from Exploitation",2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced the bipartisan Adoption Deserves Oversight, Protection, and Transparency (ADOPT) Act. This comprehensive legislation protects adoptive families, children, and expectant mothers from exploitation by unlicensed adoption intermediaries and ensures that adoption providers and attorneys operate only in states where they are licensed to do so. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Jon Husted (R-OH). Companion legislation for the ADOPT Act was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Laurel Lee (R-FL), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA). “Adoption changes lives — for kids and adoptive parents alike. Unfortunately, unlicensed ‘baby brokers’ prey on vulnerable mothers and families, hurting everyone in the process,” said Klobuchar, co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption. “That’s why Senator Britt and I are introducing the bipartisan ADOPT Act, which protects expecting mothers and adoptive families from exploitation by ensuring that parents pursuing private, domestic adoption are working with trusted, licensed professionals.” “I believe it is incumbent upon Congress to ensure loving parents pursuing adoption to grow their families, expectant mothers working with adoption providers, and children are protected from bad actors seeking to take advantage of the adoption process,” said Britt. “This legislation does just that, establishing necessary oversight in the adoption process to promote transparency and uphold the integrity of adoption in our nation. I’ll always use my position on the federal level to fight for women, children, and families, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in this latest effort to defend those involved in the adoption process from exploitation.” The ADOPT Act protects adoptive families, children, and expectant mothers from exploitation by: Prohibiting adoption advertising and the provision of private adoption services for compensation by any entity not licensed as a child-placing agency or attorney; and Restricting payments to expectant mothers unless made through a provider licensed in the state where the expectant mother resides. The bill is supported by leading adoption organizations including the National Council For Adoption (NCFA), Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA), Ethical Family Building, Adoptees United, and Families Rising. ""The ADOPT Act better ensures expectant mothers contemplating adoption have a trustworthy team around them, and that they have all the information and resources available to them before deciding whether to place their child for adoption,"" says Ryan Hanlon, president and CEO of National Council For Adoption. ""What's more, the ADOPT Act will spare prospective adoptive families—many of whom consider adoption after a painful infertility journey—time, resources and the heartbreak that so often accompanies signing with a predatory, unlicensed adoption intermediary."" “The Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA) applauds efforts to protect adoptive families and children during the adoption process, by ensuring they are served by licensed adoption professionals, with appropriate oversight and transparency,” said Genie Miller Gillespie, Adoption Policy Director of AAAA. “Welcoming a child into a family through adoption is a tremendous and joyous event; the legal process behind that adoption must match the magnitude of the event. Ensuring the guardrails of the legal process are maintained and that all parties to an adoption are protected will help ensure that families do not have their hopes exploited. The ADOPT Act is an important step in protecting families and children.” “The ADOPT ACT delivers long-overdue safeguards for vulnerable women, families, and children by combatting the exploitation carried out by unlicensed adoption intermediaries, and by ensuring that both expectant parents considering adoption and families hoping to adopt receive compassionate, qualified support,” said Celeste Liversidge, Executive Director of Ethical Family Building. “The Bill further reinforces essential protections for adopted children, whose long-term well-being must remain at the center of every adoption decision.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mccollum-votes-release-epstein-files,Congresswoman McCollum Votes to Release Epstein Files,2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, by a vote of 427-1. Congresswoman McCollum voted in favor of the measure. Following passage of the bill that would compel the Department of Justice to release all unclassified DOJ documents pertaining to Jeffrey Epstein, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04) released the following statement: “In America, all of us are subject to the same laws. We cannot have one set of laws for the rich and powerful and another set of laws for everyone else. Those who were engaged in Jeffrey Epstein’s disgusting crimes and efforts to cover them up must be held accountable for their actions. “To be clear, President Trump has the power to make the documents surrounding this case public today. It’s appalling that Trump and Speaker Johnson worked to delay a vote to release the Epstein Files for over eight months. The Trump Department of Justice has completely ignored a Congressional subpoena compelling the release of the Epstein Files, which was issued earlier this year by the House Oversight Committee. Now, Trump has reversed his position. If he means what he says now, then he should direct the Department of Justice to release the files immediately. The Republican Majorities in the House and Senate must ensure that Trump and his Justice Department comply with Congressional oversight and follow the law.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/progressive-caucus-seec-and-new-democrat-coalition-any-permitting-reform,"Progressive Caucus, SEEC, and New Democrat Coalition on Any Permitting Reform Legislation: Trump’s Scorched-Earth Attacks on Clean Energy Must Be Curbed",2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Deputy Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Rep. Ilhan Omar, the Co-Chairs of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko, and the Chair of the New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Rep. Brad Schneider, released the following statement in response to the current status of permitting reform negotiations in Congress: “The members of our respective caucuses hold diverse views of how Congress should improve the energy infrastructure permitting process; however, as leaders of these caucuses, we are unified in our belief that the current actions of the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are blocking us from engaging in good-faith, bipartisan permitting reform negotiations. “Any serious permitting reform package must address—as a threshold matter—the Trump Administration’s active undermining of America’s clean energy industry by using every tool it can find to slow or block projects. The Administration regularly does not follow existing law, including revoking duly issued permits, rescinding previously awarded grants, and issuing stop-work orders on projects well under construction. Over the past 10 months, we have heard outcries over the Administration’s actions from state governments, businesses, and workers responsible for building critical clean energy projects to address growing electricity demand while improving the reliability and affordability of our energy system, but our Republican colleagues in Congress have remained largely silent in the face of the Trump Administration’s abuses. “Ensuring that clean energy projects are treated fairly and can move forward where appropriate is the prerequisite for serious, practical negotiations on a reform package capable of meeting the nation’s energy needs. Additionally, to be comfortable with any sort of agreement, we need to be able to trust that this Administration is going to follow the law that we write. “We are prepared to engage in and support good-faith negotiations, but meaningful negotiations require a shared, bipartisan commitment to enabling the deployment of clean-energy resources that are currently being targeted by the Trump Administration. The legislation must affirmatively end the scorched-earth attacks on clean energy, restore permitting integrity for projects that have been unfairly targeted, and ensure fairness and neutrality going forward. Without that foundation, permitting reform cannot succeed in the end goal of delivering affordable and reliable energy that Americans expect.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/ranking-member-omar-opening-remarks-subcommittee-hearing-e-verify,Ranking Member Omar Opening Remarks at Subcommittee Hearing on E-Verify,2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Ilhan Omar (MN-05) delivered the following opening statement at a Workforce Protections Subcommittee hearing entitled, “E-Verify: Ensuring Lawful Employment in America.” “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses for your testimony today. “Welcome back, everyone. I hope my colleagues across the aisle are rested from their eight-week-long paid vacation. Over the last two months, I have been speaking with my constituents, and I have heard firsthand how the Trump Administration’s reckless economic policies and the Republican-fueled health care crisis are impacting their lives. From higher utility prices to expensive grocery bills to rising healthcare premiums, working families are feeling the strain as the cost of living continues to climb. “I had hoped that Congress would return ready to address the real issues affecting the American people. Instead, our hearing today revolves around E-Verify – a 20-year-old program that we already know does not work. E-Verify is an electronic employment eligibility verification system that began as a voluntary pilot program and is now used by only a small percentage of employers. Nothing stops any employer from voluntarily using E-Verify. But despite the fact that it has existed for decades, very few employers use it. Why? Because it simply does not work. “Since 2006, my Republican colleagues have repeatedly tried to mandate its use across the board, but those efforts have all failed because of broad opposition. Widespread use of E-Verify is opposed by the small business community, civil liberties groups, religious organizations, agricultural associations and growers, privacy advocates, libertarian think tanks, and immigration reform groups. Even some libertarian politicians have warned that a national E-Verify mandate would hand the government ‘the ultimate on/off switch’ for whether any American is allowed to work. “Think about that for a moment: My Republican colleagues claim to be pro-business and the party of small government. And yet they want the federal government to expand a program that would only work with a massive national database that tracks and consolidates private worker information. “In practice, E-Verify has proven ineffective and harmful to employers, immigrants, and American workers. This system often generates errors that deny American citizens and legal permanent residents job opportunities for which they are fully qualified. In 2018, a study by the Cato Institute revealed that over 70,000 legal American workers were told by E-Verify they were not authorized to work. If every employer were forced to use E-Verify, experts estimate that those errors would hit roughly 200,000 legal workers every year, with tens of thousands wrongly pushed out of the labor market entirely. E-Verify can also facilitate hiring discrimination against job applicants of color, especially those from Latino backgrounds, because employers might unfairly avoid hiring workers who look like they may not pass the system. “So, this is the Republican plan: an ineffective system that is harsh on workers and burdensome on employers. And at a time when the surveillance state only continues to ramp up under President Trump, the last thing we need is to give the government another tool to intrude on our constitutional rights and economic freedom. “To truly help workers, Congress should focus on policies that address their real needs, such as raising wages, guaranteeing paid leave, and ensuring access to quality, affordable health care. “Instead, Congressional Republicans are trying to distract us from their own failing agenda: they are blaming immigrants and dividing our communities while they rip away health care and nutrition assistance from millions of Americans and jack up prices with their reckless tariffs in order to pay for massive tax cuts for the rich. “At a time of real economic uncertainty, our job should be to protect people’s livelihoods and bring costs down. E-Verify does nothing to help people pay for their food, their rent, or their child care. It does nothing to protect workers from wage theft, abuse, or unsafe working conditions. “Instead of focusing on a flawed system that would worsen discrimination, complicate life for small businesses, and cause undue stress for job seekers, Congress should use its power to address the real needs of working families. Despite Americans’ pleas for help, Congress has not raised the federal minimum wage in fifteen years. We are not focusing on how to expand access to paid leave, child care, or health care. In this very Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, we have yet to hold a hearing this year that actually expands workers’ protections. These are the things that this Congress and this Subcommittee should focus on – to create an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected. “It’s time to get back to work and deliver on the issues that the American people truly care about. When I’m in my district, small business owners and workers are not asking for us to mandate E-Verify. I’m hearing about prices rising, wage stagnation, hardworking people unable to find jobs, and small businesses struggling under the weight of President Trump’s tariffs. If we want to support working-class people, we need to address these issues and invest in our workforce – not build another broken surveillance tool. “Thank you, and I yield back.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-stands-survivors-ahead-vote-release-epstein-files,U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Stands with Survivors Ahead of Vote to Release Epstein Files,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) spoke at a press conference along with survivors, advocates, and members of the House and Senate ahead of the House’s vote to release the Epstein files. Rep. Morrison joined the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) as they delivered a letter bringing nearly 50 organizations dedicated to ending child abuse, sexual violence, and human trafficking together to call on Congress to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act and demand the release of the files. Congresswoman Morrison is one of the 218 U.S. Representatives who signed the discharge petition to force the House to vote to release the files after Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump refused to bring justice to the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Rep. Morrison met with some of Epstein's survivors earlier this fall – and again today, alongside members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus. Rep. Morrison has been advocating for the release of the Epstein files to ensure that the victims get justice, that the perpetrators are held accountable, that the American people get the transparency they have demanded, and that we do not allow corrupt leaders to cover up for the rich and powerful. Watch the full video of Representative Morrison’s remarks HERE: Image Read a transcript of Representative Morrison’s remarks below: Good morning. I’m Kelly Morrison, Congresswoman for Minnesota’s Third District – it’s good to be here with all of you this morning on this incredibly important day. Thank you so much to the Sexual Violence Prevention Association for bringing us together. And so much gratitude to Teresa for being here today. Your bravery, selflessness, and advocacy are truly remarkable. Your courage to speak out and stand up for others is the only reason we are in this position today, finally able to try and bring the justice and transparency that is far too long overdue. And thank you to the Sexual Violence Prevention Association for delivering this letter today – bringing nearly 50 organizations dedicated to ending child abuse, sexual violence, and human trafficking together to call on Congress to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act and demand the release of the files. Because that is exactly what today is about. Standing up against child abuse, sexual violence, and human trafficking. Today is an opportunity for us to send an important message here in DC, across the country, and across the world. Today is our opportunity to say: no matter who you are, no matter how rich you are, no matter how powerful you are, You are not above the law. No amount of money, power, connections, or corruption can buy you a free pass to abuse children or sell human beings. For decades, the government and people in power have been complicit in covering up the horrific abuses of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Today, we will say: no more. The time has come for the victims to get the justice and the transparency they are asking for and deserve. The time has come for the perpetrators to be held accountable. The time has come for the corrupt leaders who were complicit in facilitating this to be exposed. The time has come for the American people to get the transparency they have demanded. And we have to ask ourselves: if we don’t get this right, if we don’t release the files and bring justice to the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable, what message would that send? Today marks a new day. Today we say: this will no longer stand. We are putting the rich and powerful on notice. We are saying you cannot – and will not – get away with exploitation and abuse. There is nothing more deeply American than the notion that everyone has equal rights under the law. And today, we are reasserting our rights as Americans. I met with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell alongside members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus earlier this fall. Their stories are harrowing. Their testimony is powerful. Their bravery is unmatched. We have seen the lengths the rich and powerful will go to to cover up their crimes. But these women are putting everything on the line simply to ensure that we never allow this to happen to anyone else ever again. Today, every single Member of the U.S. House of Representatives will go on record to say whether they will be complicit in a coverup protecting pedophiles and the corrupt rich and powerful, or if they stand on the side of justice, truth, transparency, and the American people. It should not be lost, however, that the only reason we are having to take this vote is because the Trump Administration is refusing to comply with a subpoena and release the files. The President and his Administration are legally required to release the files to Congress and could do so today - they could have released them at any time since he was sworn in! Not only has he refused to comply with the subpoena, he and the Speaker of the House have tried to block the release of the files at every turn – going so far as to shut down the House of Representatives for more than a month. But Americans understand that this is simply not a partisan issue. This is about our very humanity. I hope to see this pass with a unanimous vote in the House today. And I expect the Senate to take it up immediately, and pass it with the support of every single Senator. And then, the President must sign it into law, and finally release the files, so that the survivors can finally get the justice they have been denied for far too long. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/cpc-deputy-chair-omar-statement-vote-release-epstein-files,CPC Deputy Chair Omar Statement on Vote to Release Epstein Files,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus Deputy Chair Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) issued the following statement after the House vote to release the Epstein Files. “Today, my Progressive Caucus colleagues and I unanimously voted to release the Epstein Files. The American people deserve to know who enabled Jeffrey Epstein, who looked the other way, and who’s still being protected. It is shameful that the pedophile protection party refused to take this issue seriously, all to protect Donald Trump at the expense of survivors who have waited long enough. While I am glad the House passed this legislation, it is unconscionable that we needed a discharge petition to get a vote because Republican Leadership refused to take up this issue. Despite an overwhelming vote in favor, we know Trump will still try to conceal the truth from coming to light which he can release on his own. “Our Caucus is grateful for the incredible work CPC Member Ranking Member Robert Garcia did on the Oversight Committee, as well as the efforts of CPC Member Congressman Ro Khanna in helping move this legislation across the finish line. This vote would not have happened without CPC Member Congresswoman Summer Lee, who forced the vote to subpoena the DOJ. “Survivors of Epstein’s abuse—and all survivors of abuse and sex trafficking—deserve justice. We will keep fighting to ensure the public gets answers and transparency. Today is an important step in holding some of the most powerful institutions and people accountable.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/omar-meeks-smith-himes-thompson-crow-introduce-war-powers-resolution-block,"Omar, Meeks, Smith, Himes, Thompson, Crow Introduce War Powers Resolution to Block the Trump Administration's Boat Strikes",2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC -- Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Gregory W. Meeks (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; Jim Himes (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee; and Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations introduced a War Powers Resolution to block the Trump Administration from continuing to use U.S. Armed Forces to conduct strikes in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific, operations the administration has carried out for more than 60 days without congressional authorization. “The Trump Administration has not provided a credible rationale for its 21 unauthorized military strikes on vessels in the Western Hemisphere, which have resulted in the extrajudicial killings of dozens of individuals. Nor has this administration explained why it has deployed an invasion-level force of roughly 15,000 troops, a carrier strike group, and military aircraft for a mission it claims is about counter-narcotics. This posture is wildly disproportionate to the stated objective and far more reminiscent of preparations for war. “The administration has also failed to justify why these boats could not have been interdicted and their crews questioned for information and brought to justice, or why they posed an imminent threat to the United States. If these operations are truly intended to prevent illicit drugs from reaching the United States, then the administration must explain why this is not a mission for the U.S. Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies, who the Congress has authorized to intercept suspicious vessels and to prosecute criminal suspects. The Congress has not authorized the use of military force. “The Constitution grants Congress, not the president, the power to declare war; without Congressional approval, the president is not only circumventing the legislative branch, but grossly expanding his power to act as judge, jury, and executioner.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/progressive-caucus-deputy-chair-condemns-trumps-white-house-embrace-saudi,Progressive Caucus Deputy Chair Condemns Trump’s White House Embrace of Saudi Ruler Mohammed Bin Salman,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Deputy Chair Ilhan Omar (MN-05) released the following statement regarding Trump’s White House meeting with Saudi ruler Mohammed Bin Salman: “Trump’s disgusting display at a White House reception for MBS—attacking American journalists on MBS’s behalf and warmly embracing the Saudi dictator—marks a new low in longstanding U.S. support for the repressive monarchy. “I strongly condemn Trump’s insults of the courageous dissident journalist and U.S. resident Jamaal Kashoggi, as well as his attack on the ABC reporter who raised Khashoggi’s killing as a ‘terrible person.’ It is truly disturbing that the president of the United States dismissed Kashoggi’s entrapment, murder, and dismemberment at the hands of MBS’s assassins simply as, ‘things happen.’ “With announced sales of F-35 warplanes and billions in financial investments, Trump is prioritizing weapons-contractor profits and his own family’s business interests, including Jared Kushner’s private equity firm that took $2 billion from MBS. After MBS’s consistent use of U.S. arms to devastate Yemen, Congress must do everything in our power to rein in and block Trump’s reckless and corrupt deals. “Finally, with respect to any mutual defense agreement being considered with MBS, no American soldiers may be sent into harm’s way to defend Saudi Arabia without a debate and vote of authorization from Congress. My Progressive Caucus colleagues and I are committed to ensuring that this remains the case.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=89107B12-4D42-4F7F-A2C3-1D1944BD54E6,Klobuchar Statement on Meta FTC Ruling,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) issued the following statement in response to the D.C. District Court’s ruling against the Federal Trade’s Commission’s (FTC) monopoly suit against Meta. “I disagree with today’s ruling and hope the FTC will appeal. The court’s opinion makes clear that our laws are not keeping pace with advances in technology and that we must pass legislation to take on tech monopolists and return competition to digital markets,” said Klobuchar. “That’s why I’m fighting to modernize the law to stop dominant platforms like Meta from buying up competitors and creating monopolies that hurt consumers and entrepreneurs, put kids at risk, and stifle innovation. Now, there are no more excuses for not passing this legislation.” Klobuchar has long been a leading advocate for taking on Big Tech monopolies and championing antitrust efforts. In 2025, Klobuchar reintroduced the Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act to give federal enforcers the resources they need to do their jobs, strengthen prohibitions on anticompetitive conduct and mergers, and make additional reforms to improve enforcement. In 2023, Klobuchar and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) reintroduced their American Innovation and Choice Online Act which would set clear, effective rules to protect competition and prevent self-preferencing by the most economically significant online platforms, while maintaining a secure online experience for users. In 2022, the bill passed out of the Judiciary Committee on a bipartisan vote. In December 2022, Klobuchar and Grassley’s Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act was passed into law. This legislation updated merger filing fees for the first time since 2001, lowering fees on smaller acquisitions and increasing them for the largest mergers, raising additional revenue that Congress can use to fund antitrust enforcement, and ultimately giving the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division the resources necessary to try and win cases against Big Tech. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators-amy-klobuchar-tina-smith-call-for-senate-vote-to-release-the-epstein-files/,"U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Call for Senate Vote to Release the Epstein Files",2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) have requested Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) immediately hold a floor vote on legislation to release the Epstein Files. Klobuchar and Smith requested that the Senate vote on the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act, which passed the House of Representatives with nearly unanimous bipartisan support (427-1) – enough to overcome a Presidential veto. “The victims of Jeffrey Epstein and the American people deserve answers, accountability and the truth. So far, they have only seen empty promises from President Trump and his Administration. Now that a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has responsibly acted to provide transparency on this matter we call on you to quickly hold a vote in the U.S. Senate to help deliver the accountability that was promised and that so many Americans are demanding,” wrote the Senators in their request. “This case is about exploitation and abuse, and these victims deserve justice. I will vote to release these files because this transparency is owed to the American people,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Given that the President has said he wants the files released, there is absolutely no reason Senate Republicans should delay calling for this vote tomorrow.” “These young girls were misled and abused by powerful men who thought that the rules didn’t apply to them, that they could get away with anything. They deserve justice, and many of Epstein’s victims have called for us to support them through voting yes on releasing the Epstein Files, and I stand with them,” said Senator Smith. “In my mind, there is no justification to vote to keep these files hidden. The Senate should pass this bill as soon as possible. Should the Trump Administration continue their efforts to hide documents from public view even after this legislation passes, Congress should seek further action. The American people deserve answers of who was involved in Epstein’s despicable crimes.” The request was signed by 47 Senators. You can read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-us-rep-kelly-morrison-reads-letter-epstein-survivors-house-floor,ICYMI: U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Reads Letter from Epstein Survivors on House Floor,2025-11-17,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – ICYMI: U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) read a letter from more than 20 survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, urging Members of Congress to stop protecting those who enabled Epstein’s crimes and instead stand firm in protecting the women and children he harmed. “Jeffrey Epstein abused hundreds of women. The United States Government itself held evidence that he had sexually abused forty children. Some of us are those children… We implore you to stop protecting those who enabled Epstein’s crimes and instead stand firm in protecting the women and children he harmed. Stand up against abuse of power. Take action to end the silence and speculation surrounding this criminal,” the victims wrote. Rep. Morrison met with some of Epstein's survivors earlier this fall, alongside members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus. Rep. Morrison has been advocating for the release of the Epstein files to ensure that the victims get justice, that the perpetrators are held accountable, that the American people get the transparency they have demanded, and that we do not allow corrupt leaders to cover up for the rich and powerful. The bipartisan resolution calling for the release of the Epstein files reached the critical threshold of 218 signatures to force a vote on releasing the files, and the U.S. House of Representatives will be voting to release the files tomorrow – Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Watch Rep. Morrison read the full letter on the House floor HERE. Read a transcript of Representative Morrison’s remarks below: Mr. Speaker, Today I rise to read a letter from more than 20 survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. I implore my colleagues – and all Americans – to listen to their words. Dear Members of the Republican Women’s Caucus, We write to you today with urgency, respect, and hope. Strong American women are serving in the House of Representatives, and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s abuse need you to stand with them. It is difficult to articulate the appreciation that we have for each member of the Democratic Women’s Caucus who took the time to meet with us on September 3, 2025. Because of the intrepid leadership of Chairwoman Teresa Leger Fernandez and the Congresswomen who gathered together to support us, we left the Capitol with dignity and resolve. We are likewise eternally grateful to Congresswomen Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, and Nancy Mace as well as to Congressman Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna for taking bold steps to help us in our quest for justice. While we are at a loss for how supporting survivors or transparency could ever be seen as a “hostile act,” what you are doing is not only right—it is necessary. This is not a partisan issue. It is a human issue. Jeffrey Epstein abused hundreds of women. The United States Government itself held evidence that he had sexually abused forty children. Some of us are those children. Any other American man would have been imprisoned for life, yet Epstein was not. Instead, he was shielded by a Non-Prosecution Agreement that blatantly violated the rights of children, and he was set free to continue abusing women in this country for another 9 years prior to his death. Our government conspired with him and, in doing so, failed to protect hundreds of girls who would never have been harmed had our government simply done its job. Those children are now grown women. We stand together in pain and resilience, and we are asking for your help. We have a right to feel safe in this country. We have a right to know why a serial sexual predator was treated with more humanity than we have ever experienced from our own government. You now have the chance to be on the right side of history. Unlike past administrations, you are uniquely positioned to tell us that our voices matter and that we have finally been heard. Some of us live in your districts. We look to you to represent us. We deserve for you to represent us. We implore you to stop protecting those who enabled Epstein’s crimes and instead stand firm in protecting the women and children he harmed. Stand up against abuse of power. Take action to end the silence and speculation surrounding this criminal. There should be equal protection under the laws in the United States of America. This is one country, not two. The rich and powerful should answer for their crimes the same way that everyone else does. And when they don’t, we deserve to know why. Ghislaine Maxwell was tried by a jury of her peers for the crimes that she committed, and she was convicted. That is how the American justice system works. The idea of a pardon is beyond the comprehension of the victims who mustered the courage to testify against her and should be beyond the comprehension of the American people. No one should live above the law. Ghislaine Maxwell is certainly no exception. You may be wondering how you can help us in this fight. At least we hope that you are. As American women, please hear our voices. For yourselves, for your daughters, for women, and for the future of our country. First, we ask that you vote in favor of the Epstein Transparency Act and that you help us ensure with its passing that the identities of survivors are protected, and the identities of the perpetrators or enablers are not. Remind us that America is the country that we thought it was when we were little girls, before we were let down repeatedly by our own government. Second, start with H.R. 9444 and re-write the Crime Victim’s Rights Act, as codified in 18 USC § 3771 to protect future generations of Americans. Third, extend the same opportunity that the Democratic Women’s Caucus did and invite us to meet with you so that we can try to convince you that we matter. We will come back to Washington. We will tell you why we matter. We will tell you why THIS matters. We are not a “hoax.” We are mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, and wives. We are America. We have sought justice for decades to no avail. We have been denied the basic rights that should be afforded to every American citizen time and time again. The fact that it took this long for anyone to care about us is a true American tragedy. Please stand with us, help us uncover the truth, and give us the respect and justice that we deserve. We deserve to put this chapter behind us. Americans deserve to move forward knowing that they have rights in this country that will be enforced even in the face of power; in fact, especially in the face of power. With hope and resolve, Signed by more than 20 survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-leads-effort-calling-speaker-johnson-take-action,U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Leads Effort Calling on Speaker Johnson to Take Action on Bipartisan Bills to End Tariff War,2025-11-17,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) led her colleagues in calling for Speaker Mike Johnson to immediately take up the bipartisan resolutions that passed the Senate last month to end President Trump’s global trade war and restore congressional authority over tariffs. Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the power to levy taxes and tariffs, not the President. Last month, the Senate passed a series of bipartisan resolutions to overturn the Trump Administration’s tariffs, which have worsened our nation’s affordability crisis, driven up costs for consumers, and posed an existential threat to our nation’s small businesses. “These tariffs are a tax on the consumer and an existential threat to many of our small businesses. President Trump’s tariff war has been nothing but costly, chaotic, and corrupt. He’s leveraging other countries for personal gain, while driving up costs for American families on everything from coffee to cars. A bipartisan group of legislators has finally agreed to reassert the Constitutional authority of Congress on this issue – and we cannot let this die in Speaker Johnson’s hands. The American people are demanding we address the affordability crisis in this country – and this is a step we can take today to do just that,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. Representative Morrison, a member of the House Small Business Committee, recently met with small business owners from Minnesota’s Third Congressional District to understand how they were being affected by tariffs. From coffee roasters who need to source beans from Brazil, to boutique owners whose supplies are sourced from Canada, small business owners are facing an existential threat from these tariffs and Congress needs to act immediately to overturn them. Read Rep. Morrison’s full letter to Speaker Johnson HERE and below: Dear Speaker Johnson, We urge you to allow for consideration of the three bipartisan resolutions that passed the Senate during the week of October 27th, which would terminate national emergencies declared by the Trump Administration to impose tariffs on Brazil, Canada, and numerous other countries. As these tariffs, which are likely illegal, continue to make life more expensive for workers, families, farmers, and small businesses, we have heard repeated calls from our constituents to take action to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump’s chaotic trade policies. Our constituents elected us to work on behalf of the American people, but prior to yesterday, you chose to keep the House in an unprecedented recess for nearly eight weeks straight. Now that you have finally ended this protracted recess, we implore you to allow for swift action to repeal these harmful tariffs. As you know, the Senate passed S.J.Res.81, S.J.Res.77, and S.J.Res.88 with bipartisan support. These resolutions would undo the tariffs President Trump has placed on Brazil, Canada, and other global trading partners, consistent with Congress’ constitutional authority to levy new taxes. While the Senate has reasserted its constitutional authority, under your leadership, the House has ceded control to the President and abdicated its responsibility to the American people. Although you have blocked any similar resolutions from coming to the floor under privileged consideration through March 2026, we urge you to reconsider your position as these tariffs threaten to ravage the American economy. It is essential that each member of Congress has the opportunity to show their constituents where they stand on this critical issue and that is only possible if you allow for a vote on the House floor. As the federal government emerges from the longest shutdown in history – due to Republicans’ refusal to protect health care for millions of Americans – it is time to show the American people that we are serious about lowering costs. President Trump’s tariffs are causing chaos in the economy and exacerbating the affordability crisis facing our country today. We cannot afford to wait any longer to take action. You have the opportunity to take a concrete step toward ending this manufactured crisis by allowing these bipartisan resolutions to come to the House floor. We urge you to do so expeditiously. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=6FCE8700-D66D-4488-9DC4-C3F6F5B03E89,Klobuchar and Smith Announce Significant Federal Infrastructure Funding for Duluth International Airport,2025-11-17,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they have secured significant federal funding for Duluth International Airport’s air traffic control tower replacement project. The grant provides $20 million to fund the relocation of the Duluth air traffic control tower, a non-standard tower commissioned more than 70 years ago. “Duluth International Airport’s air traffic control tower is one of the oldest in the country and urgently needs an upgrade, which is why I have worked across the aisle to secure this funding,” said Senator Klobuchar. “The Duluth Airport is a gateway for visitors from around the country and the world to visit Duluth, and is critical to the Northland’s economy. With this major federal investment, Duluth International Airport will be able to continue the vital work of relocating this tower, which will boost efficiency to help travelers arrive and depart on time.” “The Duluth International Airport provides critical service to northern Minnesota, from commercial service to cargo, military and medical flights. Yet it’s operating with a 70-year-old tower – the third oldest in the nation. It’s out of date, doesn’t meet national standards, and has needed replacing for a long time,” said Senator Smith. “Air traffic controllers have been doing a tremendous job making the outdated tower work and keeping our skies safe, but funding a new tower will make air travel in the Northland safer and more efficient. I’m glad to see this announcement, and I’ll keep pushing for the rest of the funding necessary to get the new tower built.” “With the continued growth of air travel and growing aviation cluster at DLH, investing in infrastructure that supports aviation in our region is more important than ever,” said Tom Werner, Executive Director of the Duluth Airport Authority. “We are thankful to the Federal Aviation Administration and our Congressional Delegation for their steadfast commitment to securing this essential funding for this shovel ready project.” This grant brings total federal investment secured by Klobuchar and Smith for this project to $37 million, including nearly $6 million secured earlier this year and $10 million secured in 2024. This funding comes from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Duluth air traffic control tower replacement project includes design, formulation, site preparation, line of sight obstruction removal, and other related actions. Klobuchar emphasized the need for further federal support for the project to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford during their nomination hearings before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. In 2023, Klobuchar and Smith, and Stauber led the entire Minnesota delegation in sending a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requesting that they expedite reviews and approvals required for Duluth International Airport to apply for grant funding to build a new air traffic control tower. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senator-tina-smith-leads-fight-against-trump-administrations-cuts-to-housing-for-formerly-homeless-minnesotans/,U.S. Senator Tina Smith Leads Fight Against Trump Administration’s Cuts to Housing for Formerly Homeless Minnesotans,2025-11-17,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,MN,Tina Smith,S001203,www.smith.senate.gov,tinasmith,https://www.smith.senate.gov/media/press-releases/,scraper,"MINNEAPOLIS, MN — U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) led 41 of her colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to immediately halt plans to cut housing funding for people who were previously homeless. 3,600 Minnesotans could lose their housing and be forced back into homelessness under the Trump Administration’s proposed changes to the Continuum of Care program. Minnesota received approximately $48 million in funding last year. Most of those funds are used to provide affordable housing with intensive, supportive services to people experiencing homelessness. The Senators requested that the Administration use existing authorities to renew grants and change course to prevent massive disruption to homelessness programs. A similar letter was led by House Republicans. “There are a lot of things we can do to combat homelessness in Minnesota. Taking housing and services away from people who have escaped homelessness is not a solution and kicking people out on the streets before winter is just cruel,” says Senator Smith. “More than 3,600 of our neighbors could lose their housing and services if the Trump Administration’s plans go through. It will pull the rug out from underneath every one of these Minnesotans when they have found some stability to try to get sober, take care of themselves, find work and turn their lives around. The Administration needs to reverse course immediately.” “In 2024, the federal government awarded funding that preserves housing and services for more than 3,661 Minnesotans. Losing those dollars would jeopardize proven solutions and put our neighbors at risk,” says Anne Mavity, Executive Director of Minnesota Housing Partnership. “We use Continuum of Care funding for critical rental subsidy and supportive services for 103 Minnesotans moving from homelessness to stability. Without these funds, rents will become unaffordable, and formerly homeless individuals will be back on the street,” says Jessie Hendel, Executive Director of Minneapolis-based Alliance Housing, which manages over 370 quality affordable housing units for people with very low incomes. “There is a better way forward… HUD’s current path risks causing a dangerous spike in street homelessness and creating chaos in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike by forcing nearly 200,000 chronically homeless Americans with disabilities and families back onto the streets. We implore you to make the better choice and expeditiously renew current CoC grants for fiscal year 2025 as authorized by Congress to protect communities and avoid displacing thousands of our nation’s most vulnerable individuals,” concluded Senators in their request. The proposed cuts come after the Trump Administration already reneged on $5.2 million in CoC funds promised to a Minnesota nonprofit developer to build 78 new units of supportive housing across two projects. Smith led the letter alongside Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies; and 38 other Senators. You can read the whole letter here or below. Dear Secretary Turner: We write to express our deep concerns regarding the instability the entire homeless support system could face if funding delays, uncertainty, and rushed policy changes continue. Reports indicate that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) intends to issue a new fiscal year 2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and make substantial changes to how funds are awarded. HUD must immediately reconsider these harmful and potentially illegal changes that could result in nearly 200,000 older adults, chronically homeless Americans with disabilities, veterans, and families being forced back onto the streets. As Secretary, you have the authority to avoid this worst-case scenario by carrying out the previously planned and Congressionally authorized two-year NOFO[1], and we strongly urge you to do so expeditiously. The Continuum of Care program is the largest source of Federal grant funds for providing a wide range of housing and services for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness that are responsive to local community needs. On September 29, 2025, Politico reported that the Department intends to make wholesale changes to the fiscal year 2025 CoC NOFO.[2] The most troubling of these changes is a new, arbitrary cap on the amount of funds that may be used for permanent housing. Currently, 87 percent of CoC funds support permanent housing, but the new NOFO reportedly limits the amount of funding for permanent housing to only 30 percent. This appears to be in contravention of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act[3], undermines local decision-making authority, and ignores decades of research that has proven that permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing are less costly and more likely to be successful in providing long-term stability than other strategies, particularly for chronically homeless people and families. Today, CoC funds serve over 750,000 Americans experiencing homelessness each year, and every community will feel the impact of this dramatic cut. The cut will be largest for major cities in absolute terms, but rural communities—who experienced a 12 percent increase in homelessness between 2023 and 2024[4] and are more reliant on Federal funding—are likely to feel the impacts most severely[5]. In your written testimony for the June 2025 Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on HUD’s fiscal year 2026 budget request, you stated that your budget aimed to “better serve the American people while maintaining necessary assistance for the elderly and disabled.”[6] However, seniors are the fastest-growing demographic among people experiencing homelessness. The share of the homeless population aged 60 years and older in 2020 was 2.6 times higher than it was in 1990.[7] By dramatically cutting funding for permanent housing, tens of thousands of older adults and people with disabilities who currently reside in CoC funded permanent supportive housing could soon lose their homes and lose access to the supportive services they need to take care of their physical and mental health needs. Each new administration can make policy changes when they take office. While we may not always agree on those policy changes, we should never have to question whether agency officials will faithfully follow the law and work to minimize harm to our constituents and communities when implementing those new policies. Reports of HUD intentionally blocking staff from examining the legality of the fiscal year 2025 NOFO changes with its own attorneys are deeply troubling. We are also concerned by HUD’s lack of communication with grantees, especially as any new NOFO at this point in the year would not provide grantees with adequate time or opportunity to plan for sweeping changes before some projects begin to run out of CoC funds in January 2026. Over the past decade, HUD has always issued the annual CoC NOFO by mid-August and provided on average 82 days for CoCs to develop applications. Without a NOFO published as of November 12, 2025, thousands of CoC project grants that expire between January and June 2026 will be at risk of funding disruptions or shuttering operations. Further, HUD has taken several steps since January 20, 2025 to spark chaos and disrupt grantee operations, including applying new and likely illegal conditions to previously awarded CoC grants[8], repeatedly recompeting the fiscal year 2023 CoC Builds funding[9], proposing to eliminate the CoC program altogether[10], repeating rhetoric used by the President to villainize homeless people, and gutting the HUD workforce that implements the CoC and other community development programs[11]. All these actions raise serious questions and concerns about whether HUD is intentionally violating the law to prevent Congressionally appropriated funds from reaching the people and communities they were intended to support. For months, we have heard from countless front-line workers, faith-based and non-profit service providers, mayors, and governors who have been frantically attempting to navigate HUD’s actions and anxiously waiting for HUD to provide details around the fiscal year 2025 NOFO changes. For months, our staffs have sent HUD countless questions about its intents and actions around CoC funding that have remained unanswered, undermining Congress’s ability to carry out its legislative and oversight functions. Real people in every community across the country rely on these funds to address homelessness. The funding competition process for fiscal year 2025 has not begun, and with CoC project awards beginning to expire in less than two months, HUD is simply out of time. There is a better way forward. Congress already authorized HUD to compete CoC funds on a two-year basis for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, and communities already went through a two-year planning process. The shift to a two-year funding cycle had strong bipartisan support and aimed to reduce the burden on communities and provide greater predictability of funding, and members on both sides of the aisle support this approach.[12] HUD should make the responsible choice to renew current CoC grants, proactively work with communities to promote other proven strategies “based on research and after notice and public comment”[13], and work to ensure any policy changes meet all legal requirements to avoid more funding delays. HUD’s current path risks causing a dangerous spike in street homelessness and creating chaos in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike by forcing nearly 200,000 chronically homeless Americans with disabilities and families back onto the streets. We implore you to make the better choice and expeditiously renew current CoC grants for fiscal year 2025 as authorized by Congress to protect communities and avoid displacing thousands of our nation’s most vulnerable individuals. Thank you for your attention to this matter.’ ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-craig-statement-vote-against-government-funding-bill-raises-health-care,Rep. Craig Statement on Vote Against Government Funding Bill that Raises Health Care Costs for Millions of Americans,2025-11-13,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Angie Craig,C001119,craig.house.gov,craig,https://craig.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on her vote against the government funding bill that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and raises health care costs for millions of Americans. “I have said from the beginning of this shutdown that I refuse to abandon the tens of thousands of Minnesotans who could lose their health coverage because of Republicans’ unrelenting attacks on health care. “I voted against this so-called ‘deal’ today because Minnesotans are asking their leaders to stand up to the Trump Administration and fight for them when it matters most. “Minnesota, I heard you loud and clear. It’s past time for us to lower costs for working folks in this country, and this bill doesn’t do that.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-betty-mccollum-house-floor-republican-government-funding-bill,"Congresswoman Betty McCollum on House Floor: Republican Government Funding Bill ""A Terrible Deal for the American People""",2025-11-13,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Betty McCollum,M001143,mccollum.house.gov,mccollum,https://mccollum.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Earlier this evening, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation, delivered the following remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives during debate on H.R. 5371: “Mr. Speaker, Donald Trump and Republicans control the entire government. For 42 days, Republicans shut it down. Why? Because they refuse to extend tax credits to help millions of Americans afford their healthcare. If that wasn’t bad enough, President Trump even withheld food assistance during the shutdown. Hunger should never be used as a weapon. This CR continues the Republican health care crisis. The Speaker already said that he won’t hold a vote to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits to reduce health care costs for Americans. So now, my constituents are going to have to choose between heating their homes, feeding their families, or taking their children to the doctor. It’s a terrible deal for the American people. Americans deserve an open and transparent government that works for them. They deserve access to affordable healthcare and nutritious food for their families. That’s what House Democrats are fighting for. I wish the President and Republicans would join us in this fight and share our priorities. I yield back.” Click here to watch the full remarks on YouTube.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=18FB7FBF-300E-449D-AF55-357F75FF923C,Klobuchar Once Again Visits All 87 Counties in 2025,2025-11-13,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"MINNESOTA — With stops this week in Pennington, Beltrami, Lyon, Kittson, Roseau, Lake of the Woods, and Koochiching counties, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has once again visited every one of Minnesota’s 87 counties in one year. “Meeting with people across our state is the best part of my job,” said Klobuchar. “That’s why I visit with Minnesotans in every corner of our state to discuss their concerns and priorities — from lowering costs, including for health care and groceries, to fixing the tariffs that are hurting our farmers, small businesses and local economies. I’ll keep putting Minnesotans’ ideas into action to make a difference for the people of our state.” The final leg of Klobuchar’s annual 87-county tour included visits to six family farms throughout northern Minnesota and concluded with a stop in International Falls, where the Senator was joined by Mayor Drake Dill to meet with nursing and engineering students, faculty, and community leaders on Minnesota North College’s Rainy River Campus. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=A07DF233-AC08-4214-A26A-575D4236A3FC,"Klobuchar, Curtis Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Child Care Providers",2025-11-13,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,MN,Amy Klobuchar,K000367,www.klobuchar.senate.gov,klobuchar,https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases,scraper,"Legislation is led in the House by Reps. Williams, Stauber, and Chu WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the bipartisan Convening Operations Assistance for Childcare Heroes (COACH) Act in the Senate. This bipartisan bill aims to support child care providers by directing the Small Business Administration (SBA) to create and maintain an up-to-date resource guide specifically for small child care businesses, providing them with the necessary tools to establish and sustain their operations. Companion legislation in the House of Representatives was introduced by Representatives Nikema Williams (D-GA), Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Judy Chu (D-CA). “When we invest in child care, we invest in our future,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will give child care providers resources to support their businesses and bolster their workforce, while making quality child care more affordable for working families and allowing more parents to enter the workforce. It’s a win-win.” “In Utah, we believe in investing in the next generation and that starts with making sure families have access to high-quality, affordable childcare,” said Curtis. “The COACH Act will help small childcare providers better serve hardworking parents in their communities and will give families more options to access the care they need.” “Childcare is infrastructure — and childcare professionals, many of whom are women of color, are essential workers. The COACH Act will make childcare more accessible to working families while delivering resources to hardworking childcare providers to help their businesses thrive,” said Williams. “As a working mama, I know that childcare is a must for parents who need to work with the confidence that their children are receiving the best care possible. As working families continue to face rising costs, we must do everything in our power to help parents get ahead of the curve and support the small businesses that best support them.” ""I am proud to co-lead the bipartisan, bicameral COACH Act with Rep. Williams. This bill empowers small child care providers with essential SBA resources on operations, finances, and compliance, supporting families and jobs in Minnesota and nationwide,” said Stauber. “As our nation faces a childcare crisis, I am proud to join Rep. Williams in reintroducing the COACH Act, to increase our investment in our childcare providers. By giving our nation’s small childcare businesses the tools and support they need to succeed, this bill will help bolster the childcare workforce and close the growing gap in childcare availability across America. Parents should be able to go to work knowing their children are safe, learning, and thriving, and the COACH Act will help ensure that more families can access reliable, high-quality childcare,” said Chu. Organizations including First Five Years Fund, Main Street Alliance, Save the Children, and Small Business Majority support the COACH Act. “Our research shows that small businesses are struggling to access affordable childcare, a growing concern that’s making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to thrive. We support legislation that would provide valuable resources to entrepreneurs and would help alleviate a problem plaguing small businesses throughout the United States,” said John Arensmeyer, Small Business Majority Founder and CEO. “Our research shows that small businesses are struggling to access affordable childcare, a growing concern that’s making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to thrive. We support legislation that would provide valuable resources to entrepreneurs and would help alleviate a problem plaguing small businesses throughout the United States,” said Shawn Phetteplace, National Campaigns Director of Main Street Alliance. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-rep-kelly-morrison-statement-continuing-resolution,U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Statement on Continuing Resolution,2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Kelly Morrison,M001234,morrison.house.gov,morrison,https://morrison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) released the following statement on the continuing resolution, which fails to address the health care crisis created by Republicans, who enacted the single largest cut to health care in American history earlier this year and plan to abandon the 22 million Americans who access health care through the ACA. “Any bill that doesn’t address the health care crisis is a complete nonstarter. In just a few weeks, millions of Americans won’t be able to afford their health care, and Republicans have refused to come to the negotiating table to prevent this from happening. Addressing the affordability crisis should be our top priority – but this bill does nothing to lower health care costs. I voted NO on a bill that fails to help the American people.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-progressive-caucus-statement-house-passage-senate-government,Congressional Progressive Caucus Statement on House Passage of Senate Government Spending Bill,2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus Deputy Chair Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) issued the following statement following the House vote on the Senate spending deal to reopen the government: “Today, my Progressive Caucus colleagues and I unanimously voted against the Senate deal on government funding today, just as we unanimously opposed the partisan House bill in September. Progressives were clear from the beginning of this fight: the American people need Congressional Democrats to demand real relief, not empty promises. “This deal does nothing to stop healthcare premiums from doubling for tens of millions of Americans or stop 4 million people from losing their coverage. It allows Trump to continue violating the law and withhold funds that Congress already approved. And in an egregious last-minute maneuver, this bill attached language that allows eight Senate Republicans to extract millions of dollars from taxpayers by suing the government for investigating Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. “The public rightly recognizes that Trump and Congressional Republicans are to blame for the longest government shutdown in history, exploding healthcare costs, and the cruel and needless punishment of 42 million Americans receiving nutrition support. And the American people stood with Democrats as we stood firm and fought for Americans’ right to healthcare. Over the past two months, Progressive Caucus members sounded the alarm on behalf of Americans in districts across the country who won’t be able to afford their insulin or chemotherapy due to the Republicans’ healthcare crisis. As this shutdown ends, we are more committed than ever to the fight for health care as a human right.” ### The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is made up of nearly 100 members standing up for progressive ideals in Washington and throughout the country. Since 1991, the CPC has advocated for progressive policies that prioritize working Americans over corporate interests. The CPC champions policies including comprehensive immigration reform, good-paying jobs, fair trade, universal health care, debt-free college, climate action, and a just foreign policy. The caucus is the leading voice calling for bold and sweeping solutions to the urgent crises facing this nation, including ending America’s broken for-profit health care system, raising American wages, eliminating political corruption, supporting the labor movement, and taking action to protect the planet for generations to come.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-omar-statement-no-vote-senate-government-spending-bill,Rep. Omar Statement on NO Vote on Senate Government Spending Bill,2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement on the Government Spending Bill: “This legislation fails to meet the moment. Working Minnesotans will pay the price for this beyond inadequate spending bill. I have heard from countless Minnesotans expressing their frustration and worry on how they will afford their healthcare payments. It is shameful that thousands of Minnesotans and millions of Americans will see their premiums double or lose their healthcare coverage all together. I am outraged that Republicans in Congress and 8 Senate Democrats put us into this situation. Nearly 400,000 Minnesotans will see their premiums increase by an average of 21.5% more each month for the same coverage, with others facing even greater hikes. To put that into perspective, a Minnesota family making $85,000 a year will see their annual health insurance premiums rise by nearly $16,000 – that’s an extra $1,300 a month. People will die from these unconscionable cuts. For those reasons, I will vote NO.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-progressive-caucus-adopts-official-position-oppose-senate,Congressional Progressive Caucus Adopts Official Position to Oppose Senate Government Spending Bill,2025-11-11,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,MN,Ilhan Omar,O000173,omar.house.gov,omar,https://omar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Following a survey of its members, the Congressional Progressive Caucus announced its official position to oppose the current Senate deal to reopen government, which includes no provisions to guarantee affordable healthcare and protect tens of millions of Americans from massive price spikes to their premiums, and imposes no strong guardrails to prevent the Trump Administration from violating appropriations laws. “The Senate-passed bill is a betrayal of working people and massively fails to address the urgent needs of the American people,” said CPC Deputy Chair Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05). “The Progressive Caucus stands united in opposing this sham deal. Instead of working toward a fair deal, House Republicans refused to negotiate and abdicated their duty to serve the American people. The Senate-passed bill is morally bankrupt. It is indefensible to allow more than 20 million Americans to see their premiums double and let millions lose their healthcare coverage. Healthcare is a human right, and this bill contradicts that fundamental principle. Make no mistake, people will die from these skyrocketing healthcare costs, paired with Republicans’ brutal Medicaid cuts. “It is utterly devastating that working people will pay the price for this inadequate legislation,” Omar continued. “The adoption of this official caucus position by a supermajority of our caucus not only demonstrates our members’ overwhelming opposition to this bill on the House floor, but our shared commitment to continue fighting for universal healthcare and constitutional governance in the face of Trump’s corrupt and authoritarian administration.” ### The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is made up of nearly 100 members standing up for progressive ideals in Washington and throughout the country. Since 1991, the CPC has advocated for progressive policies that prioritize working Americans over corporate interests. The CPC champions policies including comprehensive immigration reform, good-paying jobs, fair trade, universal health care, debt-free college, climate action, and a just foreign policy. The caucus is the leading voice calling for bold and sweeping solutions to the urgent crises facing this nation, including ending America’s broken for-profit health care system, raising American wages, eliminating political corruption, supporting the labor movement, and taking action to protect the planet for generations to come.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z