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. ###
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on Cruise Ships Carrying Minnesotans and Other Americans
WASHINGTON, D.C. [04/01/20]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) issued the following statement calling for the Zaandam and Rotterdam cruise ships operated by Holland America Line to be allowed to dock in order for passengers—including the Minnesotans aboard—to disembark safely in a way that protects both their health and public safety amid coronavirus (COVID-19). Sen. Smith has been actively working to help find a solution for getting passengers off the Zaandam—which currently has four deceased people and over 150 others with flu-like symptoms aboard—as well as the Rotterdam cruise ship, which has passengers who report not having symptoms. Sen. Smith has
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Provides Guidance for How Minnesotans Can Access Assistance Passed in Bipartisan Coronavirus Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/31/20]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) provided guidance on how Minnesotans can access resources made available to them from the emergency coronavirus (COVID-19) legislation passed by Congress and signed into law last week, including how much people will receive in payments, information on unemployment insurance (UI), and resources available to small businesses. Sen. Smith’s resource also addresses support for student loans, child care, schools, local and Tribal governments, and hospitals and health systems. You can access Sen. Smith’s answers to frequently asked questions here or below: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About the $2 Trillion Funding Package Passed to Respond to the Coronavirus Pandemic On
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, Democratic Senate Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Expand Child Care Options for Workers and Families, Provide Guidance for Providers During Coronavirus Pandemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/31/20]—Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn.)—along with 20 of their Democratic Senate colleagues—urged the Office of Child Care within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take additional steps to expand child care options for health care workers and others on the frontlines responding to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The senators also advocated for providers by urging the Office of Child Care to provide critical guidance so centers that remain open know how to take appropriate action to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19, and to share details of how the emergency funding
Klobuchar, Smith, Stauber Announce $4.5 million Sediment Cleanup in the St. Louis River Area of Concern in Duluth, Minnesota
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and Representative Pete Stauber (MN-08) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has signed a $4.5 million agreement to remediate contaminated sediment in the St. Louis River Area of Concern (AOC) on Lake Superior. The St. Louis River AOC is one of 43 toxic hotspots identified by the United States and Canada in the Great Lakes basin, and is the second largest AOC in the United States. EPA and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will fund the work through a Great Lakes Legacy Act cost-sharing partnership. “The Great Lakes are a
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