Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Bill to Combat Lyme Disease & Other Tick-Borne Diseases Heads to President’s Desk
Most recent data shows Minnesota recorded 3,551 cases in 2024 alone, a rate that has likely increased in recent years WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s (D-MN) bipartisan bill to expand research, testing and treatment for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases is expected to become law after successfully passing both chambers of Congress. The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act passed the U.S. Senate in August and passed the U.S. House of Representatives this week, heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “When this bill soon becomes law, it will save lives and help people battling Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases,” said Sen. Smith. “Minnesota is proud to have more than 10,000 lakes and thousands of rivers. Unfortunately, as we venture outdoors, the number of Lyme disease cases in the state—and states across the country—goes on the rise. This bill will step up regional efforts at researching, testing and treating Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. We must cut down on tick-borne illnesses for the sake of Americans’ health and well-being.” The bill, co-led by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), was named in honor of former Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC), who passed away on October 28, 2019, due to complications from the tick-borne Powassan virus. Over the past two decades, Minnesota has experienced a significant rise in tick-borne diseases. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, Lyme disease remains the state’s most reported tick-borne illness, with 3,551 probable cases reported in 2024. In the same year, Minnesota also
Sen. Tina Smith’s Statement on Agriculture Committee’s Second Partisan Markup of Long-Delayed Farm Bill
The partisan legislation forces Minnesotans to pay $140 million in administrative costs, fails to address SNAP cuts WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after the Senate Agriculture Committee failed to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill, instead choosing to pass a partisan version drafted by Republicans that will not gain enough support to pass the full Senate: “I said it before and I’ll say it again, patience is a virtue, it’s just not my virtue. I’m disappointed that, once again, Republicans have pursued a partisan path on the Senate Farm Bill; however, we’ll keep working to find a path forward. It’s crucial that we pass a bipartisan Farm Bill that meets the needs of farmers, ranchers and rural America, including year-round E15,” said Sen. Smith. “We have been clear for months that it is not possible to pass a Farm Bill that fails to delay the deep cuts to SNAP by at least two years. Minnesota counties simply can’t afford a $140 million tax increase to pay for these SNAP cost shifts,” she continued. “Amid shrinking markets, tariffs and skyrocketing costs for diesel and fertilizer, farmers need Congress to negotiate a comprehensive, bipartisan Farm Bill that stands a chance of becoming law.” Sen. Smith, along with her Democratic colleagues, were clear that they could not support a Farm Bill that did not delay the cost-shift of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by at least two years. Without this delay, counties would be forced to
Klobuchar, Smith Call on ICE to Allow Access to Legal Counsel
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) are calling on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to follow federal law and the Constitution by allowing people in detention to have access to legal counsel. Reports indicate that some of those detained, including at least one U.S. citizen, are being denied their constitutional right to access an attorney. “As you know the right to due process and the right to counsel are foundational constitutional guarantees enshrined in the Fifth and Sixth Amendments. ICE and all other federal law enforcement agencies are required to honor these constitutional rights, regardless of a
Klobuchar, Smith Urge DOJ to Reverse Decision and Allow Joint Investigation Into Fatal ICE Shooting
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) are pressing the U.S. Department of Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to coordinate with state and local law enforcement and allow for a joint investigation with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension into the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Klobuchar and Smith called for a thorough, objective, and impartial investigation, which requires full cooperation with state investigators and local authorities. “We write to express our serious concerns regarding reports that the Justice Department, including the Federal Bureau
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on ICE Killing of Minnesota Civilian
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after the killing of a Minnesota civilian at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis: “First, I want to express my deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, a mother, and a Twin Cities resident who was killed by ICE this morning. I can’t imagine the grief you are enduring. “Like so many Minnesotans, I am heartbroken and angry. It is incredibly scary when a United States citizen can be shot and killed in her car by federal law enforcement. And it is disgusting when
Sen. Tina Smith’s Statement on Governor Walz’s Decision Not to Seek Re-Election
ST. PAUL, MN – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after Governor Tim Walz announced he would not seek re-election in 2026. “Governor Walz’s decision to not seek re-election is what it looks like when leaders put the interests of the people before politics. Tim’s career has been defined by getting results for Minnesotans, doing the right thing, and always putting people first. In the face of an unprecedented and coordinated attack on Minnesota by President Trump and his administration, the Governor is once again doing the right thing. I’m grateful for Governor Walz’s service and
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