Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Statement on Supreme Court’s Brackeen Decision
WASHINGTON, D.C. [6.15.23] – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Haaland v. Brackeen, which left the federal law governing the placement of Native American children in foster or adoptive homes intact: “Congress passed the Indian Child Welfare Act in 1978 to confront a massive injustice: the forced removal of countless Native American children from their families and their communities. Today, the Supreme Court upheld that law and respected Tribes’ rights to govern themselves. This is a welcome decision, but efforts to undermine Tribal sovereignty will no doubt continue, and I am fiercely committed to defending the law and upholding our responsibilities to Tribal Nations.”
U.S. Senators Smith, Lummis Defend Homeowners Against Predatory Home Buyers
WASHINGTON. D.C. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) sent a letter to the National Association of Attorneys General recommending that state attorneys general take steps to protect homeowners from predatory home-buying practices. Senators Smith and Lummis were concerned by allegations that some franchises of HomeVestors of America, commonly recognized by their advertising catchphrase, “We Buy Ugly Houses,” were targeting elderly and ill homeowners. “Home equity represents more than a quarter of all household wealth in our country and we are deeply troubled by schemes that are all too eager to pilfer it,” wrote the Senators. “We appreciate the dedication of the National Association of Attorneys General to safeguarding consumers and respectfully request that you continue work to put a stop to unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices, and ensure that HomeVestors and other similar firms are not allowed to take advantage of our nation’s most vulnerable homeowners. Americans work hard to build equity in their homes and should be protected from those seeking to reap the benefits of their investments.” The letter details alarming and misleading practices wherein some franchisees allegedly targeted vulnerable homeowners and communities, deceived and coerced homeowners to close sales, and employed complex legal maneuvers to prevent their victims from backing out of sales despite unfair conditions. The letter recommends that state attorneys general inform consumers, undertake a coordinated response to the repeated complaints, and advocate for tools that empower homeowners. Earlier this week, Senator Smith raised the allegations with the Director
Sen. Tina Smith’s Statement on Supreme Court’s Latest Labor Union Decision
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/27/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement after the Supreme Court released their 5-4 decision on the Janus labor union case. “I believe that workers have a fundamental right to join together to fight for fair wages and better working conditions,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m deeply disappointed in today’s Supreme Court decision to weaken this key protection for teachers, firefighters, nurses, and other public sector employees. We must now renew our commitment to fight against far-right, corporate-funded, special interests which backed this case—and continue to defend working families in Minnesota and across the country.” ###
Sen. Tina Smith on Supreme Court Justice Kennedy’s Retirement: “Pivotal Moment in Our Country”
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/27/18]—Today, while delivering a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Tina Smith made the following statement on Justice Kennedy’s retirement announcement. You can access video of her remarks here. “This is a pivotal moment in our country. With Justice Kennedy’s retirement announcement today, the stakes have never been higher for making sure we choose a Supreme Court justice committed to the constitution and protecting the most fundamental rights of Americans—the right to vote, the ability to organize, a woman’s right to choose. And whomever replaces Justice Kennedy will no doubt have a say on issues that affect the
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Helps Pass Bipartisan Senate Farm Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/28/18]—After taking a leading role in making sure Minnesota priorities are included in the 2018 Farm Bill as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, U.S Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) was proud to help pass the bipartisan legislation in the Senate today. The Senate Farm Bill includes measures authored and championed by Sen. Smith—her legislative roadmap for the energy title of the Farm Bill, her provision to expand access to much-needed broadband in rural communities and tribal areas across the country, and a provision to create a U.S. Department of Agriculture “Rural Health Liaison” who will work
Sen. Tina Smith in Senate Floor Speech: “Farm Bill Touches Lives of Virtually Every American”
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/28/18]—Today, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.)—a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee—urged her Senate colleagues to pass the bipartisan Farm Bill in order to provide more certainty to farmers, and to support jobs in Minnesota and across the country. You can download video of Sen. Smith’s speech here and access a copy of her remarks as prepared for delivery here. “The Farm Bill touches the lives of virtually every American, and it is vital to my state’s economy,” said Sen. Smith in her speech from the Senate floor. “This bill will provide important stability and predictability to Minnesota farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and
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