Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Press the Administration on Potential Closure of Paul Wellstone Federal Building in Minneapolis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) wrote a letter demanding answers about reported plans to close and sell the Paul Wellstone Federal Building in Minneapolis. This building provides key federal services, including housing assistance, worker protections, and passport processing. In a letter to General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Stephen Ehikian, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, National Labor Relations Board Chairman Marvin E. Kaplan, and Bureau of Consular Affairs Senior Official John Armstrong, the Senators warned that shutting it down would put these essential services at risk. “Abrupt closure of the Wellstone Building would put housing and worker protection services into immediate peril. Minnesotans rely on Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs to afford rent, access housing or prepare to become homeowners. These federal employees help deliver vital rental assistance, homelessness services, respond to housing discrimination, provide housing counseling and assist cities with community development,” wrote the Senators. The federal building was renamed after Paul Wellstone in 2022 through bipartisan legislation led by Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to honor the late Senator Paul Wellstone’s legacy of public service. Last year, both Senators celebrated the renaming of the building at a ceremony honoring Paul Wellstone and his lifelong dedication to Minnesotans. In the letter, they also raised concerns that GSA has not followed its own requirements for public engagement and proper planning before offloading federal property. They demanded transparency on whether the federal government intends to close the
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Press the Administration on Potential Closure Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building at Fort Snelling
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) wrote a letter demanding answers about a report that the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building at Fort Snelling may be closed and sold. This building houses essential services for veterans and military processing. In a letter to General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Stephen Ehikian, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, and Military Entrance Processing Command (MEPCOM) Commander Colonel Frankie Cochiaosue, the Senators warned that shutting it down could disrupt services for veterans and harm military readiness. “The services provided in the Whipple building are essential federal services. In particular, the closure of the Whipple Building would jeopardize veterans’ services for thousands of Minnesota veterans. Veterans’ access to disability and pension benefits, employment and housing counseling, and memorial benefits would all be impacted,” wrote the Senators. In the letter, they also raised concerns that GSA has not followed its own requirements for public engagement and proper planning before offloading federal property. They demanded transparency on whether the federal government intends to close the building and what steps, if any, are being taken to ensure uninterrupted access to services. You can access full text of the letter here.
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for Infrastructure Projects in Stearns County
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured federal funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget for road and wastewater infrastructure projects in Stearns County. The projects include road improvements in the cities of Sartell and Waite Park, and wastewater system upgrades in St. Cloud. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN). “From critical road improvements to upgrading a sewer system, these projects will bolster important infrastructure in Stearns County and surrounding areas,” said Klobuchar. “We worked with local leaders to secure these resources and move these projects
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Jerry Moran Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Save Rural Hospitals
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced bipartisan legislation to expand a lifeline for rural hospitals facing closure. The Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act would remove barriers for Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) and rural hospitals to convert to a Rural Emergency Hospital designation under Medicare. These changes would help rural hospitals facing closure to receive federal financial assistance to remain open and serving their communities through emergency stabilizing care and obstetric care, rather than closing and forcing community members to travel further distances for emergency care. In Minnesota, more than one-third of rural health care systems were in the red
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Chris Murphy Introduce Bill to Forgive Student Loan Debt for Beginning Farmers
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) reintroduced the Student Loan Forgiveness for Farmers and Ranchers Act, legislation to create a loan forgiveness program for beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as women, veteran, and minority farmers. Student loan debt is a major hurdle for beginning farmers, and this legislation would incentivize farmers to enter—and stay—in the agricultural industry, and strengthen opportunities to grow successful businesses. The average age of a farmer in the United States is 58 years old. Smith and Murphy’s legislation will reduce barriers for
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Lisa Murkowski Introduce Legislation to Improve Aging Services for American Indian Elders
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the Enhancing Native Elders’ Longevity, Dignity, Empowerment, and Respect (Native ELDER) Act that would improve federal programs and services focused on healthy aging and independence for Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian elders. The legislation was introduced in May during Older Americans Month, a time to recognize the important role and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian elders. “Honoring and caring for elders is foundational to Native American communities. Tribal elders in Minnesota and across the country have been clear about their needs,” said Senator Smith. “Enhanced support for caregivers, funding for home
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