Latest Releases
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 her work has earned her the respect of attorneys and law enforcement across the state,” said Klobuchar. “I am confident that she will make an outstanding jurist, and I know she will make St. Cloud proud. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I worked to advance her nomination and I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support of this outstanding nominee.” “Laura Provinzino has spent her career in service to Minnesotans. Her decades of experience advancing justice and protecting the rule of law will make her an exceptionally well-qualified U.S. District Court Judge,” said Smith. “I congratulate her on her bipartisan confirmation.” Laura Provinzino was born and raised in St. Cloud, and attended St. Cloud Technical High School. Her mother taught at Apollo High School, and her father was a lawyer in St. Cloud. Provinzino has spent her entire legal career in Minnesota. She has served as
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Applauds Biden-Harris Administration’s New Rule to Strengthen Mental Health Parity
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Tuesday released the following statement on the Biden-Harris administration’s recent actions to boost private insurance coverage for mental health care for 175 million Americans. Even though it’s already law that insurance companies must cover mental health as they do physical health, many don’t comply, and insured Americans are nearly four times as likely go out-of-network and pay higher fees for mental health care than for physical health care. “We need to treat mental health with the same urgency we treat physical health, and that means making sure everyone has access to the care they need,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris Administration taking significant steps to hold health insurers accountable when they violate mental health parity requirements. Whether it’s treatment for a substance-use disorder or depression, mental health care is health care, and Americans should be able to access quality, affordable treatment. This rule brings us closer to the goal of ensuring Americans are getting coverage from their insurer when they need it.” This rule strengthens the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act by reinforcing the law’s purpose to remove barriers for anyone seeking coverage from their insurer for mental health treatment services. The landmark law is named after former Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone, who was instrumental in its passage in 2008. Senator Smith remains committed to carrying on Senator Wellstone’s legacy and has been
U.S. Senators Smith, Baldwin, Kaine Press Biden Administration to Ensure Easy Access to COVID-19 Rapid Tests
WASHINGTON, D.C. [01/07/22]—Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) led a letter urging the Biden Administration to ensure easy access to rapid COVID-19 tests for Americans across the country. In a letter Friday, the Senators pressed the Biden Administration to take needed steps to streamline access to at-home testing. The letter comes after the Biden Administration announced additional actions to combat COVID-19, including through rapid COVID-19 tests. “As you work to draft guidance to allow Americans with private health insurance to be reimbursed for rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests, we urge you to take steps to make
U.S. Senator Tina Smith in Senate Floor Speech: “The Insurrection and Coup Attempt on January 6th, 2021 Was Unsuccessful. But the Fight Continues in State Legislatures Across the Country, and They Are Prevailing”
WASHINGTON, D.C. [01/06/22]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) delivered a speech from the Senate floor to mark the one year anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, recalling her experience that day and calling on her colleagues to protect our democracy against ongoing attacks. You can access video of Sen. Smith’s remarks here and the full remarks are included below. “The insurrection and coup attempt on January 6th, 2021 was unsuccessful. But the fight continues in state legislatures across the country, and they are prevailing,” said Sen. Smith in her remarks from the Senate floor. “According to the Brennan Center, in 2021, 19
U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Mike Crapo Announce Big Win For Dairy Farmers After Leading Bipartisan Push Against Unfair Trade Practices
WASHINGTON, [1.6.22] – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) announced a major victory for U.S. dairy farmers after spearheading Congressional efforts to hold Canada accountable for violations of a key trade agreement. “For nearly two years, Senator Crapo and I have been leading the charge to crack down on Canada’s illegal trade practices that are hurting U.S. dairy farmers,” said Sen. Smith. “This is a historic win for dairies in Minnesota and across the country, who will finally be able to sell U.S. products to Canadian buyers without unjustified restrictions.” “Enforcing our trade agreements to
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Leads Senate Hearing on Expanding Economic Development in Underserved Communities
WASHINGTON, [1.5.22] – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) chaired a productive hearing focused on addressing the economic challenges and disparities in underserved communities. The hearing covered two bipartisan bills authored by Sen. Smith, which would expand financial services and capital investment in communities of color, Tribal lands, and rural communities. Senators heard from a number of witnesses who shared how Sen. Smith’s legislation would make a difference for community development. Witnesses included: Lakota Vogel – Executive Director, Four Bands Community Fund Frank Altman – Founder and CEO, Community Reinvestment Fund John Holdsclaw – President, Coalition of Community Development Financial
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