Latest Releases
Senators Klobuchar, Smith, and Representative Craig Announce Deadline Extension for Enrollment in 2023 Dairy Margin Coverage Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/12/22] — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, and U.S. Representative Angie Craig (all D-MN) announced that the deadline for eligible farmers to enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage (SDMC) programs has been extended. Eligible producers will now have until January 31, 2023 to enroll in the program. These programs help dairy producers manage the volatility of milk and feed price disparities. “The Dairy Margin Coverage program helps provide Minnesota’s dairy farmers with important stability and risk management tools that benefit our rural communities,” said Klobuchar. “This extended sign-up period will allow additional time for dairy farmers to evaluate their eligibility and enroll. I encourage all dairy farmers to apply for the DMC program before January 31.” “During periods of price volatility, the Dairy Margin Coverage program is an important assurance for dairy farmers,” said Smith. “I encourage dairy farmers to take advantage of this extended sign-up period and enroll before the new January 31 deadline.” “Minnesota’s dairy farmers keep our state’s agricultural economy moving – and the Dairy Margin Coverage and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage programs are critical to ensuring our farmers have the resources they need to keep their operations running smoothly,” said Craig. “I’m pleased to see the deadline extended for these essential programs – and encourage all Second District dairy farmers to enroll today.” Producers interested in enrolling in the DMC and SDMC programs must certify with their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) that their operation commercially markets
Senators Smith, Warren Ask Key Regulators About Banking System’s Exposure to Crypto Risks after FTX Crash
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), members of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, sent letters to three key banking regulators raising concerns about the ties between the banking industry and crypto firms following FTX’s bankruptcy. The senators are asking each regulator, the Federal Reserve (Fed), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), how they assess the banking system’s exposure to crypto risks. “(I)t appears that crypto firms may have closer ties to the banking system than previously understood,” wrote the senators. “Banks’ relationships with crypto firms raise questions about the safety and soundness of our banking system and highlight potential loopholes that crypto firms may try to exploit to gain further access.” Earlier this month, FTX, once one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges valued at $32 billion, its sister company Alameda Research, and 130 affiliated companies declared bankruptcy, triggering a crisis in the crypto market – tanking crypto values and dragging other crypto firms down. The senators note that these companies were not deeply integrated into the traditional banking system, sparing millions of people from potential turmoil – though reports show that crypto firms may have closer ties to the banking system than previously known. Alameda, which reportedly funneled $10 billion from the FTX exchange and into its own coffers under a scheme coordinated by Sam Bankman-Fried and other FTX and Alameda executives, made an $11.5 million investment in Washington state-based
Sen. Tina Smith’s Statement on Extension of Humanitarian Protections For Somali Nationals
WASHINGTON [07/19/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security heeded the call and granted an extension of humanitarian protections for hundreds of Somali nationals who have taken refuge in our nation—including many in Minnesota—to escape civil war, human rights abuses and violence in their home country. “This is a relief for hundreds of people who would have been forced to leave this country—including many in Minnesota,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m glad the Department of Homeland Security heeded the call to extend humanitarian protections for Somalia for 18 months, and now it’s time to work on a long-term solution.”
Sen. Tina Smith: Farmers Shouldn’t Bear Burden of President Trump’s Tariff Increases
WASHINGTON [07/23/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) shared concerns with top officials in the Trump administration about the effects the President’s recent tariff increases will have on farmers in Minnesota and across the country. Sen. Smith believes that the United States must take action to address trading practices that threaten U.S. jobs. However, she believe such actions must be done in a thoughtful, strategic way. In a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Sen. Smith—a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee—called for the Trump Administration to provide clear answers to farmers, ranchers, and the
Sen. Tina Smith’s Provisions to Improve Career and Technical Training Pass Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C [07/24/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said today that several provisions she authored to improve career and technical education passed a key hurdle with Senate passage Monday night. The bill would expand opportunities for young people who are looking for high-skill jobs that don’t require a four-year college degree. The bill passed with bipartisan support in the Senate Monday night. “Every student should be able to get the skills necessary to prepare for their future and create opportunity—but that doesn’t mean everyone wants to or has to go to a four-year college,” said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Education Committee. “This bipartisan bill
Sen. Tina Smith Condemns Trump Administration’s Damaging Changes to Family Planning Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. [07/31/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) condemned a Trump Administration proposal that would make it harder for millions of women to access quality health care from providers they know and trust. Sen. Smith, along with 45 of her Senate colleagues, called on Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar to reverse course on the planned changes to the Title X family planning program and protect the care families need. “We are deeply concerned the Trump-Pence Administration’s proposed rule to update the Title X program includes a number of significant changes that run counter to Congress’s intent in establishing the
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