Latest Releases
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
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce New Medicare-funded Residency Slots for Minnesota, Addressing Physician Workforce Shortage
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced additional medical residency slots in five Minnesota teaching hospitals. The slots were created in the 2022 budget law supported by both Senators. The law authorized funding 1,000 new residency slots across the country over a five-year period to combat the nation’s physician shortage by training new providers. 69 of Minnesota’s 87 counties are health professional shortage areas, and nearly 30% of Minnesota physicians are within retirement range. 200 additional slots are awarded funding every year, and these five Minnesota hospitals were selected for the most recent round: “Hospitals across Minnesota face a shortage of physicians, which is why I worked to secure this federal funding to invest in our state’s healthcare workforce. This funding means we can develop talent right here in Minnesota to better meet the needs of patients and to strengthen our healthcare system,” said Senator Klobuchar. “We need to train more physicians, simple as that. This is a good start. I’m glad we were able to secure funding for additional residencies at five hospitals in Minnesota this year,” said Senator Smith. “We pride ourselves on providing world class health care in our state, but that’s only possible thanks to the incredible physicians and physicians-in-training who work here. We need to support them, and part of that means making sure we are training enough doctors to handle patient demand without burning out our physicians. This funding gets us one step closer to making that a reality.” “This new funding
Sen. Smith Introduces Bill to Provide Financial Stability for College Students Faced with Unexpected Emergencies
WASHINGTON [3.11.22] – Yesterday, Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) reintroduced legislation to ensure college students are able to stay enrolled in school in the face of unexpected emergencies. For many students, paying for college requires carefully balancing student loan debts, jobs, and studies, which can be easily derailed by an unexpected costly event. The Emergency Grant Aid for College Students Act would provide financial stability for students struggling to manage a sudden death in the family, car repair, medical bill or any number of financial emergencies that too often force students to drop out of school. The bill is co-sponsored by
U.S. Sens. Smith, Durbin, King, Sinema, Rep. Neguse Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Help Make College Textbooks More Affordable
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/10/22]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senators Angus King (I-ME), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), along with U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), introduced bicameral legislation designed to help students manage costs by making high quality textbooks easily accessible to students, professors, and the public for free. The legislation, known as the Affordable College Textbook Act, would authorize a competitive grant program to support the creation of and expand the use of open college textbooks—textbooks that are available under an open license, allowing professors, students, researchers, and others to freely access the materials. Textbook costs are
Sen. Klobuchar and Sen. Smith Help Secure Major Grant for Rochester Bus Infrastructure Improvements
WASHINGTON, D.C. [03/10/22]—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) helped secure $4,339,344 in funding to improve Rochester bus stops by adding shelters and benches, and to build a new park and ride featuring a new bus passenger platform. The upgrades will enhance safety for riders, better accommodate transfers between buses and attract new riders. “Investing in public transit infrastructure reduces traffic and makes it easier for Minnesotans to get to school, work, and other destinations,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “This critical funding will expand public transit service and boost efficiency in one of Minnesota’s fastest growing cities. I’ll keep
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Federal Resources for Key Workforce, Infrastructure, and Public Safety Priorities for Minnesota
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Omnibus Appropriations bill, which funds the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year, includes major federal funding for local projects to strengthen communities in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Over $130 million will be designated for Minnesota projects, including efforts to improve the state’s infrastructure, increase access to workforce development programs, provide resources and training for law enforcement, and support affordable, quality healthcare. “This federal funding will make a real difference in Minnesota communities. From strengthening transportation, water, and broadband infrastructure to increasing
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