Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Todd Young Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Trade Laws, Protect American Workers
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act, legislation to strengthen U.S. trade remedy laws to fight against unfair trade practices and protect American workers. The bill would improve the U.S. trade remedy system and respond to repeat offenders and serial cheaters, leveling the playing field for American workers. The bill also addresses China’s unfair trade practices, specifically its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which provides subsidies to China-based or China-operated companies doing business in countries outside of China. It would also update U.S. trade remedy laws to establish the new concept of “successive investigations,” which would improve the U.S. trade remedy system’s efforts to curb circumvention efforts from bad actors designed to undercut our domestic industries and increase market share. Fair trade policies help workers, businesses, and farmers in Minnesota earn better incomes. But when countries don’t abide by international trade rules and aren’t held accountable, our workers lose out on jobs. This bill would help combat those bad actors and allow Minnesota producers and workers to remain competitive. “For too long, foreign competitors like China have engaged in unfair trade practices that have undermined domestic industry and threatened our national security,” said Senator Smith.“This legislation provides more tools for the U.S. to stop illegal dumping and subsidies that have made it impossible for domestic producers and workers to compete. I’m glad to introduce the Leveling the Playing Field Act 2.0 with Senator Young to protect American workers like Minnesota’s Iron Rangers.” “Our bill
Smith, Klobuchar Demand Answers from Secretary of the Interior Regarding Mass Firing of National Park Employees
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) sent a letter to the Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, expressing deep concern about his decision to abruptly fire more than 2,000 employees at the Department of the Interior (DOI). Reporting indicates that these mass layoffs came at the behest of Elon Musk and his “Department of Government Efficiency” directive to fire probationary federal employees. The Senators highlighted the risks that these mass firings could have on the ability of the National Park Service (NPS) to maintain public safety and demanded transparency about the seemingly random criteria NPS used to determine who was fired. This letter comes on the heels of a Minnesota Star Tribune report that asserted the already short-staffed team at Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota is now facing devastating cuts to staff that could impact Park services for visitors. Further, just hours after the Senators’ letter, Republican Senators voted down a Smith- and Klobuchar-backed measure that would have allowed for the restoration of the terminated National Park Service employees. “Park Rangers keep us safe in some of Minnesota’s most wild and extreme areas, including Voyageurs National Park,” said Sen. Smith. “When your boat gets stranded on a remote lake, it’s the Park Rangers who come to your rescue. Elon Musk just indiscriminately fired Minnesotans who have devoted their careers to maintaining our treasured public lands for future generations and keeping parks open and safe for visitors. Musk doesn’t know the first thing about what Voyageurs National Park
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Marco Rubio, Rick Scott Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Loneliness Among Seniors
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Marco Rubio and Rick Scott (both R-Fla.) introduced the Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief (SENIOR) Act to combat loneliness among American seniors. In 2023, one in three adults aged 50-80 reported feeling isolated from others, including nearly 40 percent reporting they only have contact with people outside their home once per week. Social isolation and loneliness increase seniors’ risk for dementia by some 50 percent—and heart disease and stroke by about 30 percent. Loneliness is also associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide. “People say we can’t combat loneliness through legislation, but I think that’s a
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for Infrastructure and Public Safety Projects in Le Sueur 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 projects benefiting Le Sueur County. These projects will help support the Le Sueur County Broadband Initiative, the Le Sueur Water Treatment Facility, and the implementation of a Records Management System, Computer Aided Dispatch, and Jail Management Software Program in the Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office. Last month, Klobuchar met with Le Sueur County Sheriff Brett Mason and other county officials to discuss the technology upgrades for the Sheriff’s Office. “From expanding access to broadband to bolstering law
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for Willmar Air Medical Transportation Infrastructure
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured $1,500,000 in funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget for infrastructure improvements for Life Link III’s Willmar base. Life Link III is a hospital owned nonprofit organization representing 10 major health systems providing critical care and specialized air medical transportation. “In emergency situations, every second counts and air medical transportation networks are important resources for first responders to deliver quick assistance in hard-to-reach areas,” said Klobuchar. “With this funding, Life Link III will be able to make infrastructure improvements to its Willmar base to bolster its
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for New Child Care Center in Warroad
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured $322,000 in funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget for a new child care center in Warroad. This project will bring a high-quality, sustainable child care option to Northern Minnesota and will be built adjacent to the Warroad Senior Living Center, enabling intergenerational care. “For far too many parents, the struggle to find high-quality, affordable child care is a barrier to reentering the workforce. This project will address a key issue that impacts working families every day. With the federal grant we secured, Warroad
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