Latest Releases
Statement from U.S. Senator Tina Smith After Voting Against Markwayne Mullin for Secretary of Homeland Security
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after voting against confirming U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to lead the Department of Homeland Security after the firing of Former Secretary Kristi Noem. “Tonight I voted against the confirmation of Senator Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security because I do not have confidence that Senator Mullin will change the Trump Administration’s reckless, dangerous and illegal immigration enforcement activity,” said Senator Smith. “Minnesota has paid a heavy price from Operation Metro Surge, and it will take us a long time to recover. Two of our citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, have been killed. Families have been broken apart, with parents and children still held in Texas detainment centers. There has been a massive economic cost; businesses have gone under and thousands have lost their wages. Donald Trump can install a new face at DHS, but nothing will change if Stephen Miller and Donald Trump are intent on continuing these dangerous ICE tactics.” ###
U.S. Senator Tina Smith on Release of Blatnik Bridge Replacement Funding
WASHINGTON, DC –Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after it was announced the U.S. Department of Transportation is releasing the funding necessary to begin construction to replace the Blatnik Bridge: “Any delay in the Blatnik Bridge replacement project would’ve been incredibly costly to Minnesota and Wisconsin, to the tune of millions of dollars,” said Senator Smith. “Releasing this funding now means this project can move forward on schedule – and Minnesota taxpayers won’t have to pay more for the same bridge. I’m grateful the Administration heeded our calls to release this money and I’m looking forward to seeing construction completed on time and within budget.” The announcement comes two weeks after Senator Smith joined Senators Klobuchar (D-MN) and Baldwin (D-WI) in pressing Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to give final approval and release the $1.05 billion grant. The Blatnik Bridge is a vital connection between Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, with over 33,000 vehicles passing through daily and 265,000 trucks transporting nearly $4 billion in goods annually. ###
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Eliminate Dangerous Rail Crossings in Northern Minnesota
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for rail infrastructure projects in Northern Minnesota. The Midway Road (CSAH 13) Railroad Crossing Elimination Planning and Development project has received $1.8 million to provide a long-term multimodal freight solution improving safety, reliability, and efficiency along the CN rail corridor and the Midway Road (CSAH 13) corridor, benefiting the entire region’s transportation network. The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Moorhead to Duluth Corridor Crossing Elimination and Improvement Study has received $800,000 to study crossings along a
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Announce Significant Federal Funding to Support Community Land Bridge Project in St. Paul’s Rondo Neighborhood
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded ReConnect Rondo $2 million in federal funding to support the completion of the steps needed to advance the Rondo Community Land Bridge Project. ReConnect Rondo is a community-based organization in St. Paul working on a restorative development project to create a land bridge over the interstate to support economic growth and provide space for affordable housing, small businesses, parks, and more. The Rondo neighborhood is a center of the Black community in St. Paul and lost more than 1,000 homes and businesses
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Announce Infrastructure Grants for Indian Country in Minnesota
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced two grants for Tribal communities in Minnesota to make several sections of highway safer and more accessible for travelers. “Rebuilding our infrastructure is critical for families, workers, and businesses everywhere–including in Tribal communities like Lower Sioux Indian Community and Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “These infrastructure projects will create good jobs, support new businesses, and make traveling safer for drivers and pedestrians.” “If we’re going to build an economy that works for everyone, then we need to prioritize investments in vital infrastructure, like highways, that connect people
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Announce Grants to Improve Rail Safety in Metro Area
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced grants to three cities in the Twin Cities Metro Area to make upgrades to rail-pathways that focus on improving the safety and mobility of travelers and goods. “Blocked rail crossings not only inconvenience drivers, but also delay emergency vehicles and threaten public safety,” said Klobuchar.“This federal investment will reduce traffic, boost efficiency and improve rail crossing safety. Investments in our infrastructure serve as a down payment on the long-term economic well-being of our state.” “Revitalizing our infrastructure is about more than just fixing railways or roads; it’s about
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