Latest Releases
Sen. Tina Smith’s Statement on Governor Walz’s Decision Not to Seek Re-Election
ST. PAUL, MN – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after Governor Tim Walz announced he would not seek re-election in 2026. “Governor Walz’s decision to not seek re-election is what it looks like when leaders put the interests of the people before politics. Tim’s career has been defined by getting results for Minnesotans, doing the right thing, and always putting people first. In the face of an unprecedented and coordinated attack on Minnesota by President Trump and his administration, the Governor is once again doing the right thing. I’m grateful for Governor Walz’s service and I will always support him.” ###
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Majority Leader John Thune Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support American Honey Producers Harmed by China’s Unfair Trade Practices
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
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on Attorney General Ellison’s Settlement with Nation’s Largest Landlord for Artificially Inflating Rental Prices
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
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Call for Senate Vote to Release the Epstein Files
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. Senator Tina Smith Leads Fight Against Trump Administration’s Cuts to Housing for Formerly Homeless Minnesotans
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
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on Tonight’s Vote on the Federal Government Shutdown
WASHINGTON – Tonight, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after voting against a continuing resolution to fund the federal government: “I will not support this bill that completely fails to help Americans afford their health care. Trump and Republicans more than doubled Americans’ health care premiums, and for 40 days they have refused to lift a finger to do a thing about it. In fact, they’ve made it worse by taking food away from kids. Allowing this to pass is a mistake.”