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
Sen. Tina Smith Throws Support Behind Proposal to Restore Net Neutrality
U.S. Senator Tina Smith backed a Senate effort to restore the national net neutrality protections that were recently gutted by President Trump’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC). “Net neutrality is the basic—but important—principle that what we read, view, and watch on the internet is free and open to everybody,” said Sen. Smith. “And that principle has long allowed for the internet to be a pillar of innovation that powers our modern economy. Tearing up net neutrality gives giant internet service providers the ability to pick and choose how Minnesota families, schools, and businesses use the internet. We can’t let that happen, which is why I’m backing the effort to restore the net neutrality protections that millions
Sen. Tina Smith Named to Key Senate Committees Tuesday
After being named to several key Senate committees, U.S. Senator Tina Smith vowed to use the posts to work on the most-pressing issues facing Minnesotans. Sen. Smith will start serving immediately on the following committees: The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs “It’s an honor to serve Minnesota in the U.S. Senate, and I’m excited that my new committee assignments will allow me to work on issues that touch every community in our state,” said Sen.
Sen. Smith Pushes for Action to Support Iron and Steel Workers in Minnesota
U.S. Senator Tina Smith is calling on the federal government to act promptly and conclude a Commerce Department investigation to determine the effect of steel imports on national security—known as a Section 232 investigation—in order to stem the tide of steel imports that puts the jobs of iron and steel workers in Minnesota at risk. In April of last year, President Trump announced that he would be invoking Section 232 of a U.S. trade law to launch an investigation into the effects of foreign steel imports on national security. After repeated delays from the Commerce Department in issuing recommendations for action, Sen. Smith—who recently
Sen. Smith “Proud” to be Joining Leadership of Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus
Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith released the following statement after being named to leadership of the bipartisan Senate Rural Health Caucus: “All families deserve quality health care no matter where they call home,” said Sen. Smith. “But rural communities face unique challenges when it comes to access to health care, which is why I’m proud that I’ll be able to serve as a leader of the Senate Rural Health Caucus. It will give me an additional avenue to help fight to lower the cost of health care, combat the opioid crisis, and address the needs that rural communities face when
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