Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Join Colleagues in Pushing a Framework for U.S. Recognition of a Nonmilitarized Palestinian State
[WASHINGTON] – In light of the ongoing negotiations around a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith joined a letter with 17 of their Senate colleagues to the Biden Administration, urging the President to establish a public framework for the U.S. to recognize a nonmilitarized Palestinian state. As a strong diplomatic leader in the region for decades, the U.S. must continue this role and take concrete action toward a two-state solution, in line with established U.S. foreign policy. “Given the severity of the current crisis, this moment requires determined U.S. leadership that must move beyond facilitation. As such, we request the Biden Administration promptly establish a bold, public framework outlining the steps necessary for the U.S. to recognize a nonmilitarized Palestinian state, which includes the West Bank and Gaza, to be governed by a revitalized and reformed Palestinian Authority,” the Senators write. They continue: “The diplomatic steps that you and your Administration have taken have been of utmost importance, and we urge you to do even more. We believe it is critical at this moment for the United States to signal our willingness to lead a regional peace initiative that would eventually result in U.S. recognition of a nonmilitarized Palestinian state, as well as Israel’s full integration into the region. The road to enduring peace in the region depends entirely on the two-state solution—the establishment of a Palestinian state, existing in concert with a regionally-integrated Israel. Despite decades of U.S. support for this policy, there has been limited success
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Funding to Study Restructuring Highway 55
[Washington, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith announced federal funding to support studying and developing a plan to revitalize Highway 55 in Hennepin County. The funding is made available thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which both Senators supported. “I grew up right off Highway 55 and I know how it serves as a critical link for families and businesses,” said Klobuchar. “With this federal grant, Hennepin County will kickstart the planning phase for improvements to the highway.” “If we’re going to build an economy that works for everyone, then we need to prioritize investments in critical infrastructure, like highways, that connect people with opportunities all across the state,” said Smith. “This grant is the first step to improving highway 55 to best serve the surrounding communities in the West Metro.” The $3.6 million in funding comes from the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program, which aims to connect communities by supporting neighborhood equity, safety and affordable transportation access while mitigating negative environmental impacts. ###
Senators Klobuchar, Smith Say $75K Federal Investment Will Target South Central Minnesota Manufacturers Hit Hard by Pandemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. [1/26/21]—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) say a $74,552 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant will help manufacturers and communities in South Central Minnesota recover from economic losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The investment will go to the Region 9 Development Commission (RNDC) as it establishes a disaster and economic recovery plan to address the manufacturing and job losses in local communities. Manufacturing accounts for more than 22 percent of the jobs in the region and the funds will help RNDC assist local manufacturers as they recover from COVID-19. “We know that our state’s manufacturers are hurting right now. This investment will
Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce More Than $375M in Federal Funding to Combat Coronavirus Pandemic in Minnesota
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will award the Minnesota Department of Health more than $375 million to support the state’s efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic. This funding is part of the $22 billion being provided to states by the federal government through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021. “For more than ten months, Minnesotans have worked tirelessly to combat the pandemic. This much-needed additional funding will expand testing and help prepare communities for vaccine distribution. There is a
U.S. Senators Smith, Warren Applaud President-elect Biden’s Call for Emergency Child Care Aid in COVID-19 Rescue Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C. [1/15/21]—Today, United States Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)—both members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP)—issued the following statement regarding the child care provisions included in President-elect Biden’s American Rescue Plan: “Right now, child care providers are struggling to keep their doors open while a pandemic and economic crisis devastate a system that was already deeply broken. That is why we are glad that President-elect Biden has included strong support for child ca WASHINGTON, D.C. [1/15/21]—Today, United States Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)—both members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor,
President Biden Heeds U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Call to Protect Americans from COVID-19 Testing Charges
WASHINGTON, D.C. [1/22/20]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) says that an executive order signed by President Joe Biden during his first week in office heeds her call to protect Americans from coronavirus (COVID-19) testing charges. The order directs agencies to provide free testing to people who lack health insurance. It also clarifies insurers’ obligation to cover testing. Sen. Smith has been working to make COVID-19 testing free for all Americans since the start of the pandemic. And on January 5, Sen. Smith urged President Biden and Vice President Harris to take executive action to protect patients from out-of-pocket charges for COVID-19 tests, regardless
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