Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Joins Bipartisan Letter Pressing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to Urgently Address Tribal Food Delivery Delays Nationwide
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) joined a bipartisan group of senators pushing the USDA to fix problems with Tribal federal food aid programs, which have caused widespread disruptions in food distribution to more than 100 Tribal organizations and some 50,000 people who rely on the program nationwide. The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) provides food to income-eligible households living on reservations, and to American Indian households residing in approved areas near reservations or in Oklahoma. Trust relationships between the federal government and Tribal Nations require the federal government to provide food security to Tribal members. Since April, Tribal FDPIR programs have experienced delayed or missing food deliveries, partial deliveries, and deliveries of expired products. Many families who receive FDPIR are now receiving less food or no food at all. The letter — signed by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Tina Smith (D-MN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) — pushed USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to swiftly and fully address the unfolding crisis. “In March 2024, USDA consolidated the food delivery contractors to one sole-source contractor, Paris Brothers, Inc. in Kansas City, MO. Since that change went into effect on April 1, 2024, participating Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) began to experience ‘[s]poradic deliveries, or incorrect orders and compromised best if used by dates.’ Participating households have not had consistent food deliveries for over four months. This is unacceptable,” the senators wrote. “We appreciate that USDA is hosting weekly calls with impacted
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Celebrates U.S. Trade Mission to Colombia
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) celebrated Lamex Food, Inc.’s participation in a trade mission to Bogota, Colombia, led by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand foreign market access for American agricultural products. The Bloomington, MN based food group is one of 23 businesses and organizations who joined the trip from August 13-15 with USDA Under Secretary Alexis M. Taylor to discuss policy and business partnerships that will boost American agricultural exports to Colombia. “Agricultural exports support farming in Minnesota and provide economic benefits to the state,” said Sen. Smith.“This trade mission is a great opportunity to expand market access for American goods in Colombia, and for Lamex Food to create new business partnerships overseas.” Senator Smith, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has been a strong advocate for expanding agricultural market access globally. Earlier this year, she supported a USDA trade mission to India focused on Indigenous food products. ###
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith Statement on Confirmation of Andy Luger as U.S. Attorney for Minnesota
WASHINGTON [03/24/2022]—Today. U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Andy Luger to serve as U.S. Attorney for Minnesota. “Andy Luger is exceptionally well-qualified to lead federal law enforcement efforts in Minnesota. I want to congratulate him on his confirmation to this important post,” said Sen. Smith. “I am confident that his experience, dedication to public service, and commitment to justice will help him lead the U.S. Attorney’s office in Minnesota with integrity.” Sen. Smith and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) formed a selection committee of legal experts and advisors in February 2021 to help vet
Senators Smith, Sanders Introduce Legislation to Address Major Staffing Crisis Across EMS Departments
WASHINGTON [3.23.22] – Today, Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation to address the major staffing crisis affecting Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Minnesota and across the country. “EMS and fire department calls have skyrocketed during the pandemic. Yet too often, these emergency services are understaffed and underfunded,” said Sen. Smith. “Everyone deserves a timely, fully-equipped response in times of crisis. I will continue working to get this bill across the finish line and ensure our first responders have the resources and staff they need to do their jobs.” “In too many communities across our country, ambulance
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding to Help Servicemembers and Veterans Pursue Education at Alexandria Technical and Community College
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured $1.1 million in federal funding to help military servicemembers and veterans pursue their education at Alexandria Technical & Community College. This funding will go towards launching a pilot platform for a Global Military Learning Network, which will award credits for military learning and occupational experiences, streamline military admissions processes, develop a secure military-friendly enrollment portal, eliminate the cost of remedial coursework, and increase the number of military graduates available to meet workforce needs. “This federal funding makes an important investment in our state’s veterans
Sen. Tina Smith Receives First Annual Climate Change-Maker Award
WASHINGTON [3.23.22] – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement after receiving and accepting the first annual “Climate Change-Maker” award for her leadership in pushing for urgent federal investments to address climate change, build a clean energy economy, and spur economic development. “If we continue business as usual, climate change will be an economic, environmental and public health disaster,” said Senator Smith. “Yet this crisis also presents enormous opportunities to grow our economy, improve public health, address environmental injustices, and pass on a livable planet to our children and grandchildren. A clean energy future is coming, the
English