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. ###
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Calls on Trump Administration to End “Operation Metro Surge” in Twin Cities
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement: “I believe in protecting public safety and upholding the rule of law. ‘Operation Metro Surge’ is actively undermining both. There has been none of the necessary cooperation and trust between federal officials and local government, and zero transparency from the Trump Administration into ICE’s operations in the Twin Cities. Minnesotans are seeing their friends and neighbors, including U.S. citizens with no criminal records, abducted by masked agents, shoved to the ground, and sprayed with mace. The fear and violence that President Trump has unleashed on our home is destroying any sense
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Cosponsor Legislation Requiring Airlines to Reimburse Passengers for Delays, Rebooking Fees & Related Expenses After Trump Cancels Consumer Protections
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) helped introduce legislation to protect flyers by requiring airlines to provide cash compensation and free rebooking for passengers facing significant delays or cancellations caused by the airline. The bill comes just in time for the holiday season which is expected to see record numbers of travelers. Early estimates project a record 8.03 million travelers will take domestic flights this holiday season, a 2.3% increase compared to last year. This would mark the first time in history that number tops 8 million. “It’s simple: if your flight is canceled
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Access to Mental Health Clinics
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act, which would improve access to mental health services nationwide. This bill would make it easier for seniors on Medicare to get care at Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), specialized clinics that provide mental health and substance use services. The bill would also ensure that these specialized clinics can continue to provide quality care to patients by ensuring that they receive adequate reimbursements from Medicaid. “Everybody deserves access to mental health care, regardless of their zip code,” said Senator Tina Smith. “Certified Community Behavioral
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on President Trump’s Targeting of Somalis in Twin Cities
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement in response to reporting that President Trump is directing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to launch a raid targeting the Somali community in the Twin Cities: “When Donald Trump calls all Somalis ‘garbage’, he’s talking about the people who run your favorite deli in Minneapolis, the nurse who takes care of you at the hospital, the home health aide looking after your aging parent, the military veteran who served this country, your local and federal elected leaders, and hardworking patriotic American taxpayers who came to this country legally. “I
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