Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Steve Daines Re-Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Drug, Gun Crimes on Tribal Lands
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) announced the bipartisan Protection for Reservation Occupants Against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act to combat drug trafficking in Tribal communities. Drug traffickers exploit prosecutorial loopholes, including the fact that Tribal courts do not have jurisdiction over non-Native offenders who traffic illegal drugs, like fentanyl, on to Tribal lands. The PROTECT Act would address this problem by enabling Tribal Nations to exercise their inherent authority to prosecute non-Native offenders for drug crimes and gun crimes. The PROTECT Act also includes provisions for Tribal courts to execute warrants for electronic communications to better combat drug traffickers and other criminals. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) and Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.). “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. I hear directly from Tribal leaders about how their Tribal law enforcement routinely arrests the same people for selling drugs, drop them off with the county police, and have to arrest them again the next day. The Tribe can’t do anything about it,” 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.” “Under President Trump’s leadership, we’ve seen strong decisive action to secure the southern border and keep our communities safe. I’m proud to work alongside my bipartisan colleagues to
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Celebrate Grants to Repair Flood Damage Across Chippewa and Superior National Forests
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced two grants to the U.S. Forest Service to repair the transportation infrastructure in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan that was damaged due to significant flooding and high temperature spikes in the region. “Minnesotans are still dealing with the aftermath of severe flooding and extreme heat, and the damage to our transportation infrastructure in the Chippewa National Forest and the Superior National Forest has been significant,” said Klobuchar. “That’s why I fought for this funding to help rebuild and make sure people who live, work, and enjoy spending time in and around our National Forests can continue to do so safely.” “Minnesotans are still struggling in the aftermath of flooding across our state, and every level of government is needed for our communities to recover,” said Senator Smith. “I have made it a priority to get funding for our damaged infrastructure to help rebuild after the flooding, and these resources for the Forest Service will make a big difference for the Minnesotans who live, work and recreate in and around our National Forests.” The first grant was awarded to the U.S. Forest Service because of significant flooding that resulted in damage to the transportation infrastructure in the Chippewa National Forest and the Superior National Forest in Minnesota, the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin, and the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan. The second grant was awarded because of high temperature spikes as much as 26 degrees above normal in portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan that resulted in flood damage to the transportation infrastructure in the National Forests. The grants
Senator Smith Takes to Senate Floor to Share How Childcare Crisis is Hurting Minnesotans, Urge Action from Congress
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) joined a number of her colleagues, led by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), in speaking on the Senate floor about how the worsening childcare crisis is hurting families and local economies in every state—and stressing the need to address the crisis by acting on President Biden’s supplemental funding request to extend important stabilization funds. Joining Senators Smith and Murray were Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Ron Wyden, (D-OR), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). “Childcare is one of the top issues I hear about from Minnesotans. I hear from
Klobuchar, Smith Statements on Bipartisan Confirmation of Jeffrey Bryan to be U.S. District Court Judge
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Tina Smith (D-MN) issued the following statements after the Senate confirmed Jeffrey Bryan to serve as a United States District Court Judge for the District of Minnesota. Currently serving on the Minnesota Court of Appeals in Saint Paul, Judge Bryan was one of the candidates sent to President Biden by Klobuchar and Smith following the recommendation from a judicial selection committee. Judge Bryan will be the first Latino federal judge in Minnesota. “As a former federal prosecutor and a current appellate judge with over two
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Presses Postmaster Louis DeJoy for Answers on Mail Issues
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Tina Smith sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy pressing for answers regarding the Postal Service’s agreements with Amazon and the impact of those agreements on Minnesotans. For years, Minnesotans have experienced mail delays and inconsistency, and postal employees have faced difficult working conditions, made worse by a volume of Amazon deliveries that push the system to the brink. Millions of Minnesotans depend on the Postal Service to pay bills, receive prescriptions, and conduct other essential business. When service is unreliable, Minnesotans can face serious consequences – from late payment fees and social security checks
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Introduces Legislation to Help Child Care Providers Serve Nutritious Meals
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced legislation to help ease the financial stress on child care providers across the country. Providers such as family child care homes, child care centers, Head Start programs, and after-school programs provide meals to more than 4.2 million children each day with the support of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act would increase the reimbursement rates child care providers receive for these meals. Not only would this help ensure millions of children receive nutritious meals, it would also ease
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