Latest Releases
Senators Mullin, Smith Introduce the PRIME Meat Processing in Indian Country Act
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the Promoting Regulatory Independence, Mastery, and Expansion for Meat Processing in Indian Country Act, also known as the PRIME Meat Processing in Indian Country Act. This bill will support tribal meat processing operations by establishing self-governance authority for the inspection of tribal meat processing facilities. This authority would keep processing local and available and facilities running smoothly and safely. “Food sovereignty for our Tribal nations and businesses throughout Indian Country is critically important. The limitations of federal resources should not impact their growth,” said Senator Mullin. “Oklahoma is home to four of the twelve Tribal meat processing facilities in the United States. Given their operation in rural areas, these facilities are often booked for months, or even years in advance, leaving few processing options for Tribal producers. Common sense updates to current procedure will help Tribes expand production, capacity, and support a reliable food supply in their communities.” “Making Indigenous foods more accessible improves the health and economic well-being of Tribal communities,” said Senator Smith. “Though Tribal Nations in Minnesota have significantly grown their buffalo herds in recent years, it’s very difficult to access meat processing near Tribal lands. This bipartisan bill would support Tribal meat processing by authorizing Tribal inspectors to take on the responsibilities of federal inspectors. This is an efficient use of federal funds that recognizes Tribal governments’ rights to self-governance and self-determination.” “The InterTribal Buffalo Council, is a coalition of 89
Statement from U.S. Senator Tina Smith on Voting to Halt Military Actions in Iran
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after voting on a War Powers Resolution that stipulates any further United States participation in hostilities against Iran must be stopped unless they are explicitly authorized by Congress: “The Minnesota servicemembers stationed in the region and those stuck trying to find a way to evacuate are in my thoughts. Our prayers are with White Bear Lake’s Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor and her family, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. “We’ve been plunged into yet another dangerous, risky, and costly war in the Middle East with these strikes on Iran. The President has put tens of thousands of servicemembers and U.S. civilians in the region at risk. Every single American is less safe when we engage in open warfare with a terrorist regime like Iran. Nothing they told me in the classified briefing to Senators reassured me about their plan nor justified why this Administration decided to take such a serious risk. That is why I pushed the Senate to use our Constitutional power to put a halt on any further hostilities in Iran, and why I voted in favor of the War Powers Resolution. “The Iranian government is an evil terrorist regime, and I am in full support of the Iranian people’s fight for democracy. But when I talk to Minnesotans, a lot of people tell me this isn’t what they voted for. The President campaigned on ending wars, but now he’s started
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on the Federal Government Shutdown
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after Congressional Republicans and the White House refused to negotiate to lower health care costs for Americans, resulting in a federal government shutdown. “I’ll work with anyone who wants to work with me to bring down health care costs, but I won’t give Donald Trump a blank check and be bullied into voting for their partisan bill that will leave Minnesotans facing a near-doubling of their health insurance costs,” said Senator Smith. “Grocery bills are going up, utility bills are going up, and health care costs are
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Joins Colleagues in Introducing Major Bill to Reform, Expand Head Start and Early Learning for Working Families
WASHINGTON, D.C — As the Trump administration continues to attack early education opportunities like Head Start, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) joined her colleagues in working to expand early childhood education options and opportunities by introducing the Head Start for America’s Children Act. This bill would expand Head Start to ensure that more than 11 million young children from working class families can access high-quality early education and comprehensive services, while also ensuring Head Start educators earn the wages they deserve. “Access to childcare and early learning programs is essential – both for parents, to be able to go to
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Grant to Strengthen Workforce in Waseca County
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced an award for Waseca County to strengthen workforce training and development. The award will be used to develop a new manufacturing workforce training facility in Waseca, Minnesota. The new center will house classrooms, a mechatronics skills training area, and a computer numerical control (CNC) training area. The project will create 50 jobs and once completed, help increase the region’s capacity to create and grow new businesses in the manufacturing industry, in turn attracting private investment and strengthening the regional economy. “Skills training strengthens our local economies
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Announce Award to Improve Infrastructure in Polk County
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced an award for the city of Crookston to upgrade infrastructure in the city’s east side industrial park. The new infrastructure will include a roadway, water, and wastewater lines that will add 73 acres of developable lots to the industrial park. The project will create 75 jobs and once completed, provide the city with resources to spur their economic growth. “Improving infrastructure is essential for fostering community and economic growth,” said Klobuchar. “This new road and water and wastewater lines will increase the size of the industrial park
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