Latest Releases
Senator Smith Reintroduces Bill to Deploy Broadband to Underserved Rural and Tribal Communities
WASHINGTON [5.16.23] – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith reintroduced legislation—the Community Connect Grant Program Act—to reauthorize a key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program. The bill would make improvements to the grant program, making investments available for broadband projects in tribal, low-income, and remote rural areas. “Broadband is the infrastructure of the 21st Century—it isn’t just nice, it’s essential if we’re going to build an economy that works for everyone,” said Sen. Smith. “It is absolutely necessary whether you’re a student working on homework, a business owner selling products, a farmer using modern equipment, or a person who is trying to access health care. This bill is a step forward and will help connect more Minnesotans and people across the nation with affordable, reliable internet service.” “We appreciate Senator Tina Smith’s (D-MN) efforts to update the United States Department of Agriculture’s Community Connect Grant program,” said Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of the Rural Broadband Association. “We are proud to support the Community Grant Program Act of 2023, which would update the program’s requirements and standards to better meet the modern needs of consumers and improve coordination to ensure resources are going to areas most in need. The bill will strengthen a valuable program for rural areas and further the shared goal of getting every American connected.” The USDA Community Connect program through the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) helps fund broadband deployment into rural communities. In addition to authorizing the program and targeting areas that lack access across the nation, Sen. Smith’s bill would increase internet
Senators Smith, Shaheen Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Access to Affordable Housing for Families in Rural Areas
[Washington, DC] – This week, U.S. Tina Smith (D-MN) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) reintroduced legislation to ensure that thousands of low-income tenants in rural areas are able to maintain access to safe and affordable housing. The Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act would protect access to affordable housing for families in rural areas that are often elderly or disabled, who are at risk of losing rental assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS). “Without access to housing, nothing else in your life works. Not your job, your health, your education or your family,” said Senator Smith. “As Chair of the Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development, I have worked with stakeholders to expand access to affordable housing, but we also need to make sure that people who already have a place they call home can keep it that way. And that’s what this bill does. Our measure would help families and elderly Minnesotans stay in their homes.” “The pandemic exacerbated housing insecurity in New Hampshire and across the nation, and that was felt especially hard in rural communities,” said Senator Shaheen. “As Americans recover from the economic hardships of COVID-19, addressing the affordable housing crisis is pivotal. Every Granite Stater deserves to be safely housed, and it’s crucial that Congress acts now to lessen the impact of the affordable housing crisis on vulnerable families. The Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act would help address these obstacles by providing resources
Sen. Tina Smith’s Statement on Extension of Humanitarian Protections For Somali Nationals
WASHINGTON [07/19/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security heeded the call and granted an extension of humanitarian protections for hundreds of Somali nationals who have taken refuge in our nation—including many in Minnesota—to escape civil war, human rights abuses and violence in their home country. “This is a relief for hundreds of people who would have been forced to leave this country—including many in Minnesota,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m glad the Department of Homeland Security heeded the call to extend humanitarian protections for Somalia for 18 months, and now it’s time to work on a long-term solution.”
Sen. Tina Smith: Farmers Shouldn’t Bear Burden of President Trump’s Tariff Increases
WASHINGTON [07/23/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) shared concerns with top officials in the Trump administration about the effects the President’s recent tariff increases will have on farmers in Minnesota and across the country. Sen. Smith believes that the United States must take action to address trading practices that threaten U.S. jobs. However, she believe such actions must be done in a thoughtful, strategic way. In a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Sen. Smith—a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee—called for the Trump Administration to provide clear answers to farmers, ranchers, and the
Sen. Tina Smith’s Provisions to Improve Career and Technical Training Pass Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C [07/24/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said today that several provisions she authored to improve career and technical education passed a key hurdle with Senate passage Monday night. The bill would expand opportunities for young people who are looking for high-skill jobs that don’t require a four-year college degree. The bill passed with bipartisan support in the Senate Monday night. “Every student should be able to get the skills necessary to prepare for their future and create opportunity—but that doesn’t mean everyone wants to or has to go to a four-year college,” said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Education Committee. “This bipartisan bill
Sen. Tina Smith Condemns Trump Administration’s Damaging Changes to Family Planning Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. [07/31/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) condemned a Trump Administration proposal that would make it harder for millions of women to access quality health care from providers they know and trust. Sen. Smith, along with 45 of her Senate colleagues, called on Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar to reverse course on the planned changes to the Title X family planning program and protect the care families need. “We are deeply concerned the Trump-Pence Administration’s proposed rule to update the Title X program includes a number of significant changes that run counter to Congress’s intent in establishing the
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