Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Susan Collins Introduce Bill to Build Health Care Workforce in Rural Areas
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced legislation to improve access to health care and address the physician shortage in rural areas. The Rural Residency Planning and Development Act of 2024 would authorize the Rural Residency Planning and Development Program to continue providing start-up funding to rural hospitals, medical schools, and other organizations to establish new rural residency programs. Among current medical residency programs, only 2 percent of residency training occurs in rural areas, and in Minnesota, 80 percent of counties qualify as mental health professional shortage areas. The Rural Residency Planning and Development Act of 2024 will help address the health care provider shortages by supporting the training of more clinicians in rural areas. “When I meet with families, farmers, businesses and Tribal and community leaders in rural Minnesota, one of the first issues that comes up is health care,” said Senator Smith. “There is a severe lack of access to health care in rural communities in Minnesota and across the country, and this bill is the first step to addressing that problem. Establishing more residency programs at rural hospitals and medical schools will incentivize doctors and nurses to work in these areas, help address physician shortages, and ensure Minnesotans living in small towns and rural places have access to the care they deserve.” “Expanding residency training opportunities in rural areas will help increase the number of physicians choosing to serve patients in these communities throughout their careers,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation will build on the success of the Rural Residency Planning and Development Program to directly address the health
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Major Federal Investment for SkyWater Technology’s Bloomington Manufacturing Facility
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Tina Smith (D-MN) and the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that SkyWater Technology will receive up to $16 million in federal funding as part of the CHIPS and Science Act to upgrade their facility, increasing overall production capacity by approximately 30 percent. “If we want to continue leading the global economy, we must be a country that makes stuff, invents things, and exports to the world. This significant investment in SkyWater Technology will transform domestic semiconductor manufacturing,” said Klobuchar. “I’m proud to have worked with SkyWater Technology to secure the resources needed to ensure Minnesota remains at the forefront of technological innovation. This is good for our state’s workers and businesses.” “Modern life depends on semiconductor chips. Whether it’s your car, your coffeemaker, your medical devices, or the equipment that our National Guard members rely on,” said Senator Smith. “This investment in SkyWater will make sure these chips aren’t just made in America, it’ll make sure they’re made right here in Minnesota.” This federal funding will invest in cutting-edge technology to modernize and expand SkyWater’s Bloomington facility, improve its cybersecurity by upgrading its IT systems, and create new jobs in high-demand fields like engineering and manufacturing. Klobuchar and Smith voted to pass the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen domestic semiconductor production and boost American competitiveness and innovation. The CHIPS and Science Act is providing significant resources to: In June 2023, Klobuchar hosted a roundtable discussion and press conference at Normandale Community College in Bloomington
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/24/22]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: “Russia’s premeditated and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign democratic nation, is an affront to freedom and democracy around the world. Putin’s decision to launch this unjustified war will cause catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia must be held accountable for this blatant and illegal aggression, and I will continue to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people as they defend their country. I commend the Biden administration for leading a unified front with our NATO allies to impose swift and severe sanctions
Klobuchar, Smith, Minnesota Delegation Push Legislation to Rename Local Post Offices in Honor of Fallen Minnesota Guardsmen
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) led the entire Minnesota Congressional delegation in a letter to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House Oversight and Reform Committee urging the Committees to take action on their bipartisan, bicameral legislation to rename three Minnesota US Postal Service (USPS) facilities in honor of three Minnesota National Guardsmen who were tragically killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash in 2019. “These National Guardsmen made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the safety and security of our nation. We are grateful for their sacrifice and believe that
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Investment to Strengthen the Economy in Rural Minnesota
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (Both D-Minn.) are announcing a new investment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen local economies in rural Minnesota. The funding supports a host of programs, which will help boost small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural communities through job training, business expansion, and technical assistance. “This federal funding will help small businesses and entrepreneurs access the workforce development opportunities that are key to supporting economic growth,” said Senator Klobuchar. “I’ll keep fighting to ensure rural Minnesotans have the resources they need to thrive.” “These investments will help rural ag producers,
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on President Biden’s Response to Russian Actions in Ukraine Senator Commends President Biden for his Decisive Leadership
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/22/22]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement on President Biden’s response to Russian actions in Ukraine: “As we face the worst threat of war in Europe since World War II, President Biden has laid out a strong, comprehensive approach to Vladimir Putin’s indefensible violations of Ukrainian sovereignty and international law. “Under President Biden’s leadership, the United States and our NATO allies are united in opposing Russian aggression against a sovereign democratic nation. I support the Biden administration’s move to deter further brazen aggression by imposing punishing sanctions on Russia. By rallying our allies and working together with
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