Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on FAA Announcement of Reduced Air Traffic at MSP Airport as a Result of Government Shutdown
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement following an announcement by the Federal Aviation Administration that air traffic will be reduced by 10% across 40 ‘high-volume’ markets during government shutdown, including at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. On average, MSP Airport experiences 750 flights every day, with an estimated average of 60,000 daily departing passengers. “It’s long past time for President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson to act like grown-ups and sit down and talk to us about how to get out of this shutdown so we don’t see impacts like the ones at MSP. Minnesotans are working hard trying to figure out how to afford their lives, especially health insurance. I won’t vote for a bill that hurts Minnesotans and does nothing to make life more affordable,” said Senator Tina Smith. “The only path forward is through negotiating, so air traffic in the skies above Minnesota and the country can keep operating safely and at full capacity and our government can finally open up again.” Senator Smith is a cosponsor of the True Shutdown Fairness Act, to pay all federal workers during the government shutdown, including air traffic controllers. That measure has been blocked by Senate Republicans.
U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Colleagues Push Legislation to Pay All Federal Employees, Service Members, and Contractors During Shutdown
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) joined 24 colleagues to introduce the True Shutdown Fairness Act to pay all federal employees and the contractors supporting their work during the shutdown. The Senators’ legislation, the True Shutdown Fairness Act, would also prevent the Administration’s attempts at mass firings (Reductions in Force or RIFs) while the government is shutdown. The legislation was blocked from passage by Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI). “Our troops and federal workers shouldn’t be used as political pawns in this shutdown fight. They never signed up to have their paychecks used as leverage. They shouldn’t be punished because President Trump refuses to negotiate a deal with Congress to re-open our government and has refused to take any action to prevent massive health care cost increases for Minnesota families,” said Senator Smith. “This is a commonsense, straightforward bill that would take federal workers and troops out of the crosshairs of a shutdown fight without handing over more unchecked power to President Trump and his unelected lackey, Russell Vought.” The Senators’ legislation is endorsed by major labor unions that represent federal employees across the country, including: Background on the True Shutdown Fairness Act: The True Shutdown Fairness Act would immediately restart pay for all excepted and furloughed federal workers, servicemembers, and federal contractors during the current shutdown. The Senators’ legislation also includes a prohibition on Reductions In Force while the federal government is shut down. Federal employees are ensured retroactive pay after a shutdown ends due to the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act – legislation that was signed into law by President Trump in 2019. The legislation is cosponsored
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Urges Justice Department to Address the Use of AI in Wrongful Evictions
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chair of the Senate Housing Subcommittee, sent a letter to the Department of Justice urging them to address the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in eviction filings. The letter comes on the heels of a Minnesota lawsuit against a firm whose automated eviction filing system may have violated federal law by enabling them to file thousands of complaints without adequate investigation or accuracy controls, leading to wrongful evictions. Automated tools also allow corporate landlords to file serial evictions as a means of collecting rent, placing significant legal burdens on renters. Minnesota renters have
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Significant Biofuel and Clean Energy Expansion Projects Across Minnesota
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN), announced 71 farms and small businesses across Minnesota will receive federal funding to install clean energy technology and make energy efficiency improvements, in addition to 15 awards to build out the infrastructure businesses need to make domestic biofuels more accessible. These investments will lower Minnesota’s carbon emissions while saving consumers money on energy and gas. “Domestically produced biofuel and renewable power systems strengthen our energy independence, support our farmers, and boost rural economies,” said Senator Klobuchar. “These federal funds will also help families and businesses transition to
Klobuchar, Smith, Finstad Resolution to Recognize Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Woman and Men’s Basketball Team Passes Senate
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced their resolution celebrating the Minnesota State University, Mankato Women’s and Men’s basketball teams’ winning the 2024 NCAA Division II Basketball National Championships passed the Senate. U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN) led companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “One school, two national championships, and a chapter in the Minnesota sports history books,” said Klobuchar. “This resolution recognizes the hard work and incredible accomplishments of the Mankato Maverick Basketball teams during the 2024 season. Congratulations to the players, coaches, staff, administrators and fans on a great season!” “I am so proud to see both
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, and Rep. Michelle Fischbach Announce Grant for Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls
MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) and Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07) announced a grant from the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP) for the expansion of the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. The cemetery serves more than 59,000 Veterans and their eligible family members and the $1,368,100 grant will fund 1,080 columbarium vaults, update landscaping, and improve irrigation. “It’s on all of us to remember fallen service members and to honor their memories,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will go towards upgrading the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls so families can continue to have a peaceful and dignified place to
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