Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on Idling of HibTac and Minorca Mines
Minnesota – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement regarding the idling of the HibTac and Minorca mines resulting in the layoffs of hundreds of employees: “The indefinite layoffs of approximately 530 Minnesota United Steelworkers who power the HibTac and Minorca mines, announced by Cleveland Cliffs today, is a punch in the gut to Minnesota and the Iron Range. These men and women produce over 75% of the iron ore used to make steel in this country, and they and their families are the lifeblood of the Range economy. For every steel mining job, 1.8 jobs are created in other sectors so these layoffs will affect everyone. “These mines produce the iron pellets used in American auto manufacturing, an industry that has been roiled by Donald Trump’s erratic and damaging trade wars and declining consumer confidence. I strongly support tariffs that are targeted to create a level playing field for American steel, but the across-the-board Trump tariffs are creating massive uncertainty, hurting US manufacturing, and hurting the U.S. economy. Today we can see how this will hurt Northern Minnesota and the Iron Rangers. “I spoke with United Steelworker leadership today and pledged to do everything in my power to support the Steelworkers, who will lose their wages and see dramatically higher health care costs as a result of these layoffs.”
Senator Tina Smith, Representatives Andrea Salinas, Becca Balint Demand RFK Jr. Rescind Harmful Comments on Mental Illness, Anti-Depression Medications
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) along with U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06) and Becca Balint (D-VT-AL) led their colleagues in a bicameral letter demanding RFK Jr. rescind his past statements further stigmatizing mental health treatment, including comments that SSRI use can be linked to school shootings and that SSRIs are more addictive than heroin. Both claims have zero scientific evidence behind them and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Prozac, Zoloft and Lexapro, are one of the leading treatments for depression and anxiety and are used by nearly 32 million Americans each year. “We write to express our deep concerns regarding the Make America Healthy Again Commission’s troubling characterization of mental and behavioral health medication and your recent comments promoting disproven and outright false theories about these important treatments. These statements further stigmatize the mental and behavioral health challenges that one in five Americans live with, and can have a chilling effect on Americans seeking scientifically sound, medically necessary, and appropriate care,” wrote the lawmakers. “A mental health illness is exactly as the name says, an illness. Similar to a physical health condition or illness, sometimes medication is necessary for treatment. For individuals with mental illness, it is no different. In addition to therapy, medications may be necessary and appropriate. For individuals living with moderate or severe depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or other conditions, medication can alleviate symptoms so they can function normally and have improved quality of life. We urge you to retract your harmful and false comments on mental illness and
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Reconstruct Trunk Highway 19 in Northfield
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured over $25 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to improve Trunk Highway (TH) 19 in Northfield. The resources, provided through the USDOT’s Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program, will widen TH 19 from two lanes to three between Decker Ave and Union Pacific Railroad. Improvements will also include a new roundabout at Armstrong Rd, better pedestrian walkways and crossings, and a new snow fence at Decker Ave. “Rebuilding our infrastructure is critical for families, workers, and businesses,” said Klobuchar. “Highway 19 is an important route
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Improve Highway 5 in Carver County
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured $25 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to improve Highway 5. The resources, provided through USDOT’s Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program, will widen the roadway from two to four lanes between Chanhassen and Victoria. “Rebuilding our infrastructure is critical for families, workers, and businesses,” said Klobuchar. “Highway 5 is a key route in Carver County, but it does not adequately serve the growing population, leading to safety hazards and traffic jams. This infrastructure project will reduce traffic congestion, improve safety, and create good jobs.”
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
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