Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Falls International Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Falls International Airport located in International Falls, MN. for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $3,635,242 to reconstruct 19,400 square yards of the existing general aviation apron pavement, shift Taxiway C1 by 50 feet to bring the airport into conformity with current standards, and reconstruct 220 feet of Taxiway B1 pavement. “Falls International Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Northern Minnesota, Canada, and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Falls International Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards structural upgrades so it is safe and functional for travelers.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Duluth International Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Duluth International Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $9,478,180 to reconstruct 10,600 feet of Taxiway A. The pavement on Taxiway A has reached the end of its useful life and it no longer meets current FAA standards. The Duluth International Airport is undertaking a phased, multiyear project to reconstruct the taxiway. “Duluth International Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses across Northeast Minnesota,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates so that the airfield meets the needs of larger civilian aircraft and the 148th Fighter Wing, ensuring the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. Small and regional airports like Duluth International Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards repaving a taxiway so it is safe and functional for travelers.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Chris Van Hollen Introduce Legislation to Relieve Families from Private Student Loans Upon Death of Student
WASHINGTON, D.C. [8/3/21]—U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) introduced legislation to release cosigners of private student loan obligations in the event of a student borrower’s death. U.S. Representative Angie Craig (D- MN 2) authored this bill in the House, which passed as part of a comprehensive debt reform package on May 13. Right now, federal law only releases cosigners from private student loans for late students if their loans were made after November 20, 2018. Families who cosigned on their lost loved one’s private student loan prior to this date are currently provided no protection or relief under federal law—and find themselves at the mercy and discretion of individual private student loan
Smith, Klobuchar Announce Major Federal Investment in Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in Minnesota Rural Communities
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing more than $10 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in Cromwell, Russell, Cosmos, Murdock, Wood Lake, and Jeffers, Minnesota. The infrastructure improvements will be financed by the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to help eliminate outdated pipes and service lines to safeguard public health and safety in rural communities. “Safe drinking water and wastewater management is essential to public and environmental health,” Senator Smith said. “This investment will help six Minnesota communities make improvements to
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, John Thune Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Allow Emergency Haying During Severe Drought
WASHINGTON, D.C. [7/28/21]—With severe and worsening drought causing Upper Midwest cattle producers to run out of hay for their herds, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) introduced bipartisan legislation to allow future emergency haying on federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land. Right now, emergency haying on CRP land is not allowed until after the primary nesting season, which ends August 1 in Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. The Senators’ CRP Flexibility Act would give the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) the tools to allow emergency haying on CRP acres before August 1 when certain conditions are met and in consultation with the state conservation experts. U.S. Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN 2) and Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced a House companion bill. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Calls on Major League Baseball, Private Equity Firm to End Offshoring of Jobs to China, Reverse Closure of Minnesota Equipment Manufacturer
WASHINGTON, D.C. [7/24/21]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) today told Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred and the owner of the San Diego Padres that all Americans should be outraged by their plans to close a major employer in rural Caledonia, Minn. The closure is expected to eliminate approximately 80 jobs in the community, with many of them moving offshore to China. In a strongly worded letter Saturday, Sen. Smith demanded MLB and Siedler Equity Partners reverse their decision to close Miken Sports’ Caledonia manufacturing facility, a long-time employer that produces baseball helmets for the MLB and non-wood bats for other
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