Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Steve Daines Re-Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Drug, Gun Crimes on Tribal Lands
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) announced the bipartisan Protection for Reservation Occupants Against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act to combat drug trafficking in Tribal communities. Drug traffickers exploit prosecutorial loopholes, including the fact that Tribal courts do not have jurisdiction over non-Native offenders who traffic illegal drugs, like fentanyl, on to Tribal lands. The PROTECT Act would address this problem by enabling Tribal Nations to exercise their inherent authority to prosecute non-Native offenders for drug crimes and gun crimes. The PROTECT Act also includes provisions for Tribal courts to execute warrants for electronic communications to better combat drug traffickers and other criminals. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) and Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.). “For years, Tribal leaders in Minnesota have raised the alarm that drug traffickers are exploiting complex legal jurisdiction on Tribal land, making Native communities some of the most harmed by the opioid and fentanyl epidemics. I hear directly from Tribal leaders about how their Tribal law enforcement routinely arrests the same people for selling drugs, drop them off with the county police, and have to arrest them again the next day. The Tribe can’t do anything about it,” said Senator Smith. “The PROTECT Act would help Tribes fight back against these drug traffickers. This proposal is bipartisan and common sense, and it respects and upholds Tribes’ inherent sovereignty and right to protect their people.” “Under President Trump’s leadership, we’ve seen strong decisive action to secure the southern border and keep our communities safe. I’m proud to work alongside my bipartisan colleagues to
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Celebrate Grants to Repair Flood Damage Across Chippewa and Superior National Forests
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced two grants to the U.S. Forest Service to repair the transportation infrastructure in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan that was damaged due to significant flooding and high temperature spikes in the region. “Minnesotans are still dealing with the aftermath of severe flooding and extreme heat, and the damage to our transportation infrastructure in the Chippewa National Forest and the Superior National Forest has been significant,” said Klobuchar. “That’s why I fought for this funding to help rebuild and make sure people who live, work, and enjoy spending time in and around our National Forests can continue to do so safely.” “Minnesotans are still struggling in the aftermath of flooding across our state, and every level of government is needed for our communities to recover,” said Senator Smith. “I have made it a priority to get funding for our damaged infrastructure to help rebuild after the flooding, and these resources for the Forest Service will make a big difference for the Minnesotans who live, work and recreate in and around our National Forests.” The first grant was awarded to the U.S. Forest Service because of significant flooding that resulted in damage to the transportation infrastructure in the Chippewa National Forest and the Superior National Forest in Minnesota, the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin, and the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan. The second grant was awarded because of high temperature spikes as much as 26 degrees above normal in portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan that resulted in flood damage to the transportation infrastructure in the National Forests. The grants
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Introduces Legislation to End Veteran Homelessness Nationwide
Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chair of the Senate Housing Subcommittee, introduced the Housing for All Veterans Act, legislation that would help bring an effective end to veteran homelessness. Minnesota is on the cusp of ending veteran homelessness, and nationwide levels of homelessness among former service members have been cut in half in the fifteen years since the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched the first-ever strategic plan to prevent and end the scourge of veteran homelessness in America. This legislation would help get us the rest of the way there and prevent veteran homelessness going forward. “We promise our veterans that we will take care of them after their service to our nation. But every day that we have
U.S Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, Colleagues Press Postal Service for Details on How Facility Consolidation Could Impact On-Time Delivery of Mail-In Ballots
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) joined 17 of their colleagues in sending a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy requesting information about how the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) plans to ensure the timely delivery of mail-in ballots throughout the ongoing 2024 election cycle and beyond. The request comes in light of USPS facility consolidations initiated under DeJoy, which have been temporarily paused following outcry from people all across the country as well as Congressional leaders. Through this process, USPS has greenlit the downgrading of 56 of 59 selected postal facilities nationwide — including in
U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Representative Brad Finstad Announce Investment to Strengthen Southwest Minnesota Manufacturing
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representative Brand Finstad (R-MN01) announced a $1.6 million grant from the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Worthington, Minnesota to help address the growing demand for skilled workers in robotics, hydraulics, welding and machining training. The grant will go towards purchasing and outfitting a mobile mechatronics classroom and customized welding trailer to expand manufacturing workforce training at the college’s campuses in Lyon and Nobles counties. This EDA investment is expected to create and retain 250 jobs and generate $1 million in private investment, according to
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Peter Welch Introduce Bill to Increase Energy Efficiency Capabilities Across America
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), joined by her colleague Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), introduced legislation that would boost the use of cutting-edge technologies to increase energy efficiency capabilities across America. Studies have estimated that a national energy efficiency resource standard (EERS) would save consumers over $56 billion on their energy bills and could create 400,000 jobs. “Increasing our energy efficiency is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut back on the amount of energy we use overall,” said Sen. Smith. “This bill would save families money on energy costs and build upon the good work that states are already doing, including by leveraging the Inflation Reduction
English