Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Celebrate U.S. Trade Mission to Morocco
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) applauded that Minnesotan exporters are participating in a USDA agribusiness trade mission to Casablanca, Morocco, ending today. Morocco is the second-largest export market for U.S. agriculture in Africa. U.S. sales of farm and food products to the country topped $619 million last year. Representatives from the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, Lamex Foods of Bloomington, Merus LLC of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association of Mankato, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture are currently in Morocco to expand U.S. farm and food exports to their market and other West African markets. They are joined by representatives from nearly 50 U.S. agribusinesses and trade groups and 14 state departments of agriculture nationwide. “Minnesota’s participation in this trade mission to Morocco underscores our state’s commitment to expanding our agricultural exports and forging strong international partnerships,” said Klobuchar. “By connecting Minnesota agricultural producers with new buyers in Morocco and across West Africa, this mission will create opportunities to expand markets, strengthen our state’s economy, and support the farmers and businesses that keep Minnesota at the forefront of agriculture.” “Agricultural exports support farming in Minnesota and provide economic benefits to the state,” said Senator Smith. “This trade mission to Morocco is a great opportunity for Minnesota agribusinesses to cultivate new markets for their agriculture products.” Senator Smith, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has been a strong advocate for expanding agricultural market access globally. Earlier this year, she celebrated a USDA trade mission to Colombia, which Lamex Foods participated in. In April 2024, she
U.S. Senators Smith, Daines Introduce Bill to Combat Drug Trafficking in Tribal Communities
WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) today announced the bipartisan Protection for Reservation Occupants Against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act to combat drug trafficking in tribal communities. The PROTECT Act would expand the Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) program to allow tribal nations to prosecute non-Native offenders for drug crimes and gun crimes in furtherance of STCJ covered crimes. The PROTECT Act would also allow tribal courts to execute warrants for electronic material to better combat drug traffickers and other criminals. “For years, Tribal leaders in Minnesota have raised the alarm that drug traffickers are exploiting complex legal jurisdiction on Tribal land, making Native communities some of the most harmed by the opioid and fentanyl epidemics,” said Senator Smith. “The PROTECT Act would help Tribes fight back against these drug traffickers. This proposal is bipartisan and common sense, and it respects and upholds Tribes’ inherent sovereignty and right to protect their people.” “As deadly drugs like fentanyl and opioids flow across our open southern border, states like Montana are bearing the burden. Drug traffickers continue to exploit our tribal communities, so I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to protect our Native American tribes and keep our communities safe, both in Montana and across the country,” said Senator Daines. “We thank Senator Smith for her continued commitment to law enforcement and Indian Country. Protecting our most vulnerable members is the fundamental goal of all governments. The PROTECT Act enhances tribal sovereignty and public safety and is an idea whose time has come. Minnesota Indian Country- and Indian Country throughout America is lucky to have a friend like
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Projects Benefiting the Twin Cities and Surrounding Areas
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding for local projects benefiting the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. These projects will help improve the region’s infrastructure, provide resources for law enforcement and other emergency responders, expand access to broadband, and increase workforce development opportunities. “This federal funding will have a real impact in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. From making infrastructure improvements to expanding access to broadband and workforce development programs, these projects will address key issues impacting Minnesotans on a daily basis. I am proud to have
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Projects Benefiting Rochester and Southeast Minnesota
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding for local projects benefiting Rochester and Southeast Minnesota. These projects will help improve the region’s infrastructure, provide resources for law enforcement and other emergency responders, expand access to broadband, and increase workforce development opportunities. “This federal funding will have a real impact for Rochester and Southeast Minnesota. From making infrastructure improvements to expanding access to broadband and workforce development programs, these projects will address key issues impacting Minnesotans on a daily basis. I am proud to have worked with leaders from
Smith Leads Bipartisan Push for Further Investments in Global COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/11/22]—This week, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) led a bipartisan group of Senators in urging Senate Leadership to support emergency supplemental resources for vaccine diplomacy, including support for State Department and USAID bilateral and multilateral efforts. In a letter Tuesday, Senator Smith and bipartisan group of eight Senators pressed Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to provide emergency supplemental aide for U.S. global vaccination efforts. The increased funding is needed to ensure that U.S. bilateral efforts are not halted short of the goal of supporting partner countries in rolling out immunizations. The
Sen. Smith’s Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Unacceptably High Maternal Mortality Passed Into Law
WASHINGTON [3.11.22] – Today, Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that her bipartisan bill to reduce America’s uniquely high maternal mortality rate has been passed into law as part of the omnibus bill. While pregnancy-related deaths are declining around the world, the United States stands out as the only industrialized country with an increasing maternal mortality rate. The problem is particularly acute in rural areas and communities of color, with Black and Native women more than two and a half times more likely to die from pregnancy–related complications. The Rural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services (MOMS) Act takes important steps
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