Latest Releases
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. Senators Tina Smith, Mike Rounds, Tammy Baldwin Introduce Investments in Rural Transit Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Investments in Rural Transit Act, a bipartisan bill to help rural transit providers improve their services. Rural transit operators provide essential lifeline services to millions of Americans, getting them to work, school, grocery stores, medical appointments, and more. The Investments in Rural Transit Act would address key issues facing rural transit providers, including rising operating costs, complicated red tape, and difficulty procuring new vehicles. It would also support Tribal transit providers, who serve some of the most geographically isolated communities in the country. “High-quality, efficient public transit systems are important for Minnesotans who rely on them every day to get to the office, school, the doctor, and to make their lives work,” said Senator Smith. “This bipartisan legislation would support reliable public transit in rural communities where it’s a lifeline.” “For rural South Dakotans who do not own a vehicle, transit services are a lifeline to reach their jobs, medical appointments, grocery stores and other necessities,” said Rounds. “This legislation aims to support the operators who provide these essential services, so that they may continue to get our rural residents where they need to go.” “Whether you are in a big city or a rural part of our state, every Wisconsinite should have access to good public transit. Unfortunately, that is just not the case in too many places and limited transit options are a significant barrier for folks trying to get to work, the store, or the doctor,” said Senator Baldwin. “Our bipartisan legislation will invest in rural communities so
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Significant Biofuel and Clean Energy Expansion Projects Across Minnesota
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN), announced 71 farms and small businesses across Minnesota will receive federal funding to install clean energy technology and make energy efficiency improvements, in addition to 15 awards to build out the infrastructure businesses need to make domestic biofuels more accessible. These investments will lower Minnesota’s carbon emissions while saving consumers money on energy and gas. “Domestically produced biofuel and renewable power systems strengthen our energy independence, support our farmers, and boost rural economies,” said Senator Klobuchar. “These federal funds will also help families and businesses transition to
Klobuchar, Smith, Finstad Resolution to Recognize Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Woman and Men’s Basketball Team Passes Senate
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced their resolution celebrating the Minnesota State University, Mankato Women’s and Men’s basketball teams’ winning the 2024 NCAA Division II Basketball National Championships passed the Senate. U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN) led companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “One school, two national championships, and a chapter in the Minnesota sports history books,” said Klobuchar. “This resolution recognizes the hard work and incredible accomplishments of the Mankato Maverick Basketball teams during the 2024 season. Congratulations to the players, coaches, staff, administrators and fans on a great season!” “I am so proud to see both
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, and Rep. Michelle Fischbach Announce Grant for Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls
MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) and Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07) announced a grant from the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP) for the expansion of the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. The cemetery serves more than 59,000 Veterans and their eligible family members and the $1,368,100 grant will fund 1,080 columbarium vaults, update landscaping, and improve irrigation. “It’s on all of us to remember fallen service members and to honor their memories,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will go towards upgrading the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls so families can continue to have a peaceful and dignified place to
Klobuchar, Smith, Stauber, and Entire Minnesota Congressional Delegation Introduce Bill Naming Pengilly Post Office in Honor of First Lieutenant Richard A. Koski
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) announced new legislation to rename the Pengilly Post Office after First Lieutenant Richard A. Koski, a Pengilly resident who was killed in action at age 25 during the Vietnam War. First Lieutenant Koski was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star, Silver Star, and First Oak Leaf Cluster for battlefield valor. Pengilly resident Brian Walker, who was saved from drowning when he was a child by First Lieutenant Koski, worked with Klobuchar on the naming effort. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN-08), along with Representatives Brad
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