Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Reintroduces Legislation to Protect Access to Reproductive Health Care Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. [6.23.23] – This week, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced legislation to protect access to critical reproductive health care services—like birth control, cancer screenings, and more—by providing a consistent and strong source of funding for the Title X Family Planning Program. The Title X Family Planning Program is the only federal program dedicated to providing comprehensive family planning and preventive health services. Hundreds of thousands of Americans rely on the program for essential health care. In 2020 alone, over 1.5 million patients received family planning services through Title X. Title X is funded through the annual appropriations process, which subjects the program to an unpredictable funding stream that is insufficient to meet the national need. The Expanding Access to Family Planning Act would provide a consistent and strong source of funding for Title X. The bill is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D- VT) ,and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03). “At a time when Americans’ reproductive freedoms are under attack from extremist Republicans, the Title X Family Planning Program is more important than ever,” said Senator Smith. “Title X funding provides American women with access
Senators Tina Smith, Joni Ernst Push USDA to Allow More Milk Options in Schools
WASHINGTON, D.C. [6.16.23] – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the Department to continue allowing non-fat and low-fat flavored milk in schools. The letter is in response to a proposed rule from the USDA that could limit flavored milk options in schools. However, school nutritionists have reported that dairy in the school meals is often the only or one of the only ways that many children consume nutrients like calcium and protein. “Each day during the academic year, over 15.5 million kids receive breakfast and another 29.9 million take lunch at school,” wrote the Senators. “A decision to remove flavored milk from both of these meals for grades K-8 could have devastating effects on student’s consumption of essential nutrients and their ability to learn in the classroom. Studies show that when low-fat or fat-free flavored milk was removed from the cooler, milk consumption went down. Likewise, when these options were again provided, milk consumption rebounded. By offering children additional milk options, schools can encourage more dairy intake and work towards closing nutrition gaps.” “Flavored milks provide children with the same 13 essential nutrients as unflavored milk, including three of the four nutrients identified as dietary components of public health concern in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA)—calcium, vitamin D and potassium,” said Dr. Michael Dykes, President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association. “Americans know, and the data show, that when low-fat flavored
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith Remains Skeptical of EPA’s Proposed Targets for Ethanol, Other Renewable Fuels to be Blended into Nation’s Fuel Supply in 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/26/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said she is skeptical of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of the amount of corn-based ethanol and other renewable fuels the agency says will be blended into the nation’s gasoline supply in 2019. Sen. Smith, who has pressed for expanded use of renewables, said the EPA-announced target of 19.88 billion gallons—required under the federal Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS)—does not specify how refiners will make up for the gallons lost from controversial EPA-granted waivers. Earlier this year, the agency granted a “financial hardship” waiver to an oil refinery owned by billionaire Carl Icahn,
Sen. Tina Smith’s Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Harmful Travel Ban
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/26/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement after the Supreme Court—in a 5-4 decision—upheld President Trump’s discriminatory travel ban. “Next week, our nation will celebrate the anniversary of our independence—a time when we reflect on the laws, history, and diverse groups of people who make up America. Today’s decision by the Supreme Court goes against the founding principles of our nation and defies our core beliefs,” said Sen. Smith. “This is not who we have been, and it’s not who we should be. We must keep working to help all people demand respect, freedom and dignity in
Sen. Tina Smith Says Bipartisan Measure She Helped Push Through Senate Education Committee Will Improve How Schools Prepare Students for 21st Century Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C [06/27/18]—U.S Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn) said today that a bipartisan measure she helped push through the Senate Education Committee will help schools in Minnesota and across the country better prepare students for 21st century jobs. The bill, which passed unanimously Tuesday, would modernize the current Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act to better provide students with technical training and workforce skills. “I’ve met with teachers, students, administrators, as well as business and industry leaders across Minnesota who understand that in our changing economy we need to improve how we prepare students for 21st Century jobs,” Sen. Smith said. “This
Sen. Tina Smith Says Bipartisan Measure She Helped Push Through Senate Education Committee Will Improve How Schools Prepare Students for 21st Century Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C [06/27/18]—U.S Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn) said today that a bipartisan measure she helped push through the Senate Education Committee will help schools in Minnesota and across the country better prepare students for 21st century jobs. The bill, which passed unanimously Tuesday, would modernize the current Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act to better provide students with technical training and workforce skills. “I’ve met with teachers, students, administrators, as well as business and industry leaders across Minnesota who understand that in our changing economy we need to improve how we prepare students for 21st Century jobs,” Sen. Smith said. “This
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