Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Joins Van Hollen, Durbin, Kaine, Schatz Amendment Requiring the Use of U.S. Supplemental Aid Comply with U.S., International Law
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dick Durbin, (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) announced growing momentum around their amendment to require that the weapons received by any country under the proposed national security supplemental are used in accordance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict. The amendment is now supported by Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.). These Senators add their support to the group of over a dozen Senators who initially cosponsored the amendment: Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.). The Senators’ amendment also requires that the president report to the Congress on whether countries receiving military equipment paid for by American taxpayers meet that test and whether the use of U.S-supplied weapons comports with established presidential directives on arms transfers and Defense Department policies for reducing harm to civilians. And it would buttress current law that prohibits U.S. security assistance to any country that prevents or restricts U.S. humanitarian assistance to those in need, subject to a presidential waiver. The amendment does not apply to funds for air defense systems or other systems that the president determines will be used for strictly defensive purposes. “I am pleased to see growing momentum behind our effort to ensure that American taxpayer dollars are used by our
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Celebrate Selection of Minnesota Tribe for Innovative, Culturally Responsive Social Services Pilot Program
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-Minn.) celebrated news that the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe was selected for the Tiwahe Program Social Services Demonstration Project, an innovative program that allows participating Tribal Nations to integrate certain services for their members and incorporate culturally-appropriate components. Tiwahe, which means “family” in the Lakota language, focuses on job placement and training, social services, housing, wellness, and various courts to give Tribal Nations the ability to make these programs work best for their communities. “The Tiwahe Program gives Tribes the flexibility to design family and social services programs that fit the specific needs of their communities,” said Klobuchar. “The Leech Lake Band’s inclusion in the Tiwahe program and White Earth Band’s new grant will help improve the delivery of services for children and families while ensuring Chippewa traditions and values are incorporated into the programs.” “This program means Tribes will have the freedom to govern and deliver social services to their members in the way that works best for them,” said Smith, member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. “The Tiwahe program is a crucial part of fulfilling our trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations and Native communities. I am proud of support the Tiwahe program and the work of Tribal Nations in Minnesota.” Senator Smith wrote to the United States Department of Interior supporting Leech Lake Band’s application. Leech Lake Band’s Tiwahe project will work to improve economic security, cultural connections, natural resource stewardship, healthy lifestyles, and other key needs among Tribal members. Red Lake Nation has participated in the program
U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Democratic Senate Colleagues Call on President to Enhance and Protect Health of Americans, Urge Administration to Abandon Proposal to Weaken Protections Against Discrimination in Health Care
WASHINGTON, D.C. [08/14/19]—This week, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and 35 of her fellow Democratic Senate colleagues condemned a proposed rule that would weaken critical protections aimed to help address discrimination in health care. Sen. Smith believes the Trump Administration should instead focus on solutions like fulfilling promises to lower prescription drug prices and addressing health care costs. Sen. Smith and her Democratic Senate colleagues outlined several issues with the proposed rule, including how it could harm patients who already face barriers when seeking care by emboldening insurers and health care providers to discriminate against them, and called on the
U.S. Senator Smith, Representative Phillips Announce More Than $250k Grant for Critical Housing and Community Development in Eden Prairie
WASHINGTON, D.C. [08/28/19]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Representative Dean Phillips (D-MN 3) announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is investing more than $250,000 to Eden Prairie to develop affordable housing and economic opportunity for low- and moderate-income families. “Having a safe, stable, affordable place to live is what makes everything in our lives work. Without housing, it is nearly impossible to keep your job, go to school and stay healthy,” said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Housing Committee. “We need to make sure that Eden Prairie has enough housing to support families and economic development. This grant is one step we
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Announces More Than $3 Million in Grants for Critical Housing and Community Development in Duluth
WASHINGTON, D.C. [08/28/19]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is investing more than $3 million in grants to Duluth to develop affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families, help people who are experiencing homelessness and create economic opportunity. “Having a safe, stable, affordable place to live is what makes everything in our lives work. Without housing, it is nearly impossible to keep your job, go to school and stay healthy,” said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Housing Committee. “There is no doubt that Duluth is facing an affordable housing crisis, and needs relief now. These grants are one
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Jeff Merkley Introduce Bill to Lower Americans’ Energy Bills, Create Jobs, Reduce Carbon Pollution
WASHINGTON, D.C. [09/05/2019]—This week, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)—along with Sens. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)—introduced legislation that would help families lower monthly energy bills, reduce wasted energy and carbon pollution, and create good-paying jobs. The Community Energy Savings Program Act of 2019 (CESP) would provide low-interest financing to consumers who want to make energy efficient upgrades to their homes. These upgrades are good for public health and the environment, and would help create good-paying jobs across America through the manufacturing and installation of materials used in the projects. “Our country can lead or we can
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