Latest Releases
Senators Mullin, Smith Introduce the PRIME Meat Processing in Indian Country Act
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the Promoting Regulatory Independence, Mastery, and Expansion for Meat Processing in Indian Country Act, also known as the PRIME Meat Processing in Indian Country Act. This bill will support tribal meat processing operations by establishing self-governance authority for the inspection of tribal meat processing facilities. This authority would keep processing local and available and facilities running smoothly and safely. “Food sovereignty for our Tribal nations and businesses throughout Indian Country is critically important. The limitations of federal resources should not impact their growth,” said Senator Mullin. “Oklahoma is home to four of the twelve Tribal meat processing facilities in the United States. Given their operation in rural areas, these facilities are often booked for months, or even years in advance, leaving few processing options for Tribal producers. Common sense updates to current procedure will help Tribes expand production, capacity, and support a reliable food supply in their communities.” “Making Indigenous foods more accessible improves the health and economic well-being of Tribal communities,” said Senator Smith. “Though Tribal Nations in Minnesota have significantly grown their buffalo herds in recent years, it’s very difficult to access meat processing near Tribal lands. This bipartisan bill would support Tribal meat processing by authorizing Tribal inspectors to take on the responsibilities of federal inspectors. This is an efficient use of federal funds that recognizes Tribal governments’ rights to self-governance and self-determination.” “The InterTribal Buffalo Council, is a coalition of 89
Statement from U.S. Senator Tina Smith on Voting to Halt Military Actions in Iran
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after voting on a War Powers Resolution that stipulates any further United States participation in hostilities against Iran must be stopped unless they are explicitly authorized by Congress: “The Minnesota servicemembers stationed in the region and those stuck trying to find a way to evacuate are in my thoughts. Our prayers are with White Bear Lake’s Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor and her family, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. “We’ve been plunged into yet another dangerous, risky, and costly war in the Middle East with these strikes on Iran. The President has put tens of thousands of servicemembers and U.S. civilians in the region at risk. Every single American is less safe when we engage in open warfare with a terrorist regime like Iran. Nothing they told me in the classified briefing to Senators reassured me about their plan nor justified why this Administration decided to take such a serious risk. That is why I pushed the Senate to use our Constitutional power to put a halt on any further hostilities in Iran, and why I voted in favor of the War Powers Resolution. “The Iranian government is an evil terrorist regime, and I am in full support of the Iranian people’s fight for democracy. But when I talk to Minnesotans, a lot of people tell me this isn’t what they voted for. The President campaigned on ending wars, but now he’s started
U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Reps. Angie Craig, Brad Finstad Reintroduce Bill to Improve Access to Job Training in Schools
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN02) and Brad Finstad (R-MN01) reintroduced legislation to expand partnerships between schools and businesses to help ensure a future workforce that is trained and qualified for the jobs and careers employers are hiring for. Many employers struggle to find qualified workers across several industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and health care. Schools and employers are already building programs and partnerships like those outlined in the billto equip students with the skills needed to secure these jobs, but the lawmakers recognize that the need warrants greater federal investments to support these programs. “Workforce partnerships give students the opportunity
Following Efforts from Klobuchar, Smith, and the Entire Minnesota Delegation, FEMA Issues Disaster Assistance for Flood Recovery in Martin and Murray Counties
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the delivery of Individual Assistance for Minnesotans affected by severe storms and flooding across Martin and Murray counties. The Individual Assistance programs provide disaster survivors with access to a range of programs and services to aid in the recovery process, including financial assistance to eligible individuals and households. Damage assessments by federal, state, and local emergency management teams are ongoing, and FEMA may designate more counties and additional forms of assistance as damage is assessed. “The flooding this summer
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Announces Climate Resiliency Projects for Lower Sioux Indian Community
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced Lower Sioux Indian Community (LSIC) will receive federal funding to reduce harmful carbon emissions and energy costs in Tribal homes and businesses. LSIC will be awarded nearly $5 million from the Inflation Reduction Act’s climate provisions, which Senator Smith helped to pass into law. This award will allow LSIC to: “Our transition to a clean energy economy can’t leave Indian Country behind. We are finally starting to turn the page on generations of underinvestment and underfunding by the federal government in Indian Country through projects like this,” said Senator Smith. “Tribes know what works
Klobuchar, Smith Statements on the Bipartisan Senate Confirmation of Laura Provinzino to be U.S. District Court Judge
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Laura Provinzino to serve as United States District Court Judge for the District of Minnesota. Currently serving as an Assistant United States Attorney with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, Provinzino was one of the candidates sent to President Biden by Senators Klobuchar and Smith following the recommendation from a judicial selection committee. “As a federal prosecutor, Laura Provinzino has dedicated her career to upholding the rule of law and
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