Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Mike Rounds, Tammy Baldwin Introduce Investments in Rural Transit Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Investments in Rural Transit Act, a bipartisan bill to help rural transit providers improve their services. Rural transit operators provide essential lifeline services to millions of Americans, getting them to work, school, grocery stores, medical appointments, and more. The Investments in Rural Transit Act would address key issues facing rural transit providers, including rising operating costs, complicated red tape, and difficulty procuring new vehicles. It would also support Tribal transit providers, who serve some of the most geographically isolated communities in the country. “High-quality, efficient public transit systems are important for Minnesotans who rely on them every day to get to the office, school, the doctor, and to make their lives work,” said Senator Smith. “This bipartisan legislation would support reliable public transit in rural communities where it’s a lifeline.” “For rural South Dakotans who do not own a vehicle, transit services are a lifeline to reach their jobs, medical appointments, grocery stores and other necessities,” said Rounds. “This legislation aims to support the operators who provide these essential services, so that they may continue to get our rural residents where they need to go.” “Whether you are in a big city or a rural part of our state, every Wisconsinite should have access to good public transit. Unfortunately, that is just not the case in too many places and limited transit options are a significant barrier for folks trying to get to work, the store, or the doctor,” said Senator Baldwin. “Our bipartisan legislation will invest in rural communities so
Baldwin, Klobuchar, Smith Demand Secretary Duffy Release Blatnik Bridge Project Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Tina Smith (D-MN) called on U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy to give final approval and release the $1.05 billion grant for the Blatnik Bridge replacement project so construction on the project can begin. The call comes as the Trump Administration has attempted to illegally cut funding for infrastructure projects as a tool for political retribution on other states and threatened to block the opening of a bridge between Michigan and Ontario last month. “The folks in Minnesota and Wisconsin who are planning the reconstruction of the Blatnik Bridge have dotted their I’s and crossed their T’s. Now, it’s time the President and Secretary Duffy give the final greenlight for this project to move forward so we can keep Wisconsinites safe and support the local economy,” said Senator Baldwin. “After over 60 years of connecting commuters and visitors to Minnesota, this funding for a replacement project will bolster safety and increase reliability of the Blatnik Bridge,” said Senator Klobuchar. “The U.S. Department of Transportation must release this grant so this incredibly important project can move forward without further delay and increased costs.” “Delays in replacing the Blatnik Bridge would be incredibly costly to Minnesota and Wisconsin,” said Senator Smith. “The administration should act swiftly to make sure this project moves forward on schedule and doesn’t cost Northland taxpayers more. Let’s get this done on time and within budget.” The Blatnik Bridge is a vital connection between Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, with over 33,000
Klobuchar, Smith, Fischbach, and Entire Minnesota Congressional Delegation’s Legislation to Rename Roseau Post Office in Honor of Floyd B. Olson Signed into Law
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07) announced their legislation to rename the Roseau Post Office after Floyd B. Olson, the Roseau Postmaster of 25 years, has been signed into law. Mr. Olson served in the Army from 1952 to 1954 and was an active member of the Roseau County Historical Society Board, Roseau County Fair Board, Rose Free Lutheran Church Board & Men’s Club, and the Postmaster’s Association. Mr. Olson passed away in 2017, after decades of service to his community and country. “Floyd B. Olson was the Roseau Postmaster for
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Secure Disaster Relief for Minnesota Farmers, Families, and Small Businesses
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN), ranking member and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced that an expected $2 billion in agriculture disaster relief and farmer aid will soon be made available for Minnesota producers, small businesses, and families impacted by extreme storms and flooding last year. After record water levels across the state wreaked havoc on producers, small businesses and homeowners, both Senators worked to make sure the needs of Minnesota were addressed in the Congress’s comprehensive disaster aid package, the American Relief Act, 2025,which was passed and signed into law at the
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for South Broadway Avenue in Rochester
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $2,500,000 for the South Broadway Avenue project planning in Rochester. The grant, provided through USDOT’s RAISE program, will support the study, design, and engineering of a Complete Street and pedestrian and bike overpass along the approximate half-mile corridor on South Broadway Avenue between 4th Street SE and 9th Street SE. “Broadway Avenue is the main north-south access to downtown Rochester and this federal support will improve the safety of this major corridor,” said Klobuchar. “By building an overpass, we will make
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Reconstruct Robert Street in St. Paul
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $25,000,000 for the Highway 3/Robert St. project planning in St. Paul. The grant, provided through USDOT’s RAISE program, will reconstruct approximately 1.5 miles of State Highway 3, including upgrading pedestrian crossings, improving sidewalks and trails, managing speed, expanding multimodal options, rehabilitating or replacing 100-year-old retaining walls/bridge, and improving transit access. “Robert Street is a critical route in St. Paul, used by drivers, bikers, and pedestrians,” said Klobuchar. “This federal support will make this highway safer and more efficient for all travelers.”
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