Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on Idling of HibTac and Minorca Mines
Minnesota – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement regarding the idling of the HibTac and Minorca mines resulting in the layoffs of hundreds of employees: “The indefinite layoffs of approximately 530 Minnesota United Steelworkers who power the HibTac and Minorca mines, announced by Cleveland Cliffs today, is a punch in the gut to Minnesota and the Iron Range. These men and women produce over 75% of the iron ore used to make steel in this country, and they and their families are the lifeblood of the Range economy. For every steel mining job, 1.8 jobs are created in other sectors so these layoffs will affect everyone. “These mines produce the iron pellets used in American auto manufacturing, an industry that has been roiled by Donald Trump’s erratic and damaging trade wars and declining consumer confidence. I strongly support tariffs that are targeted to create a level playing field for American steel, but the across-the-board Trump tariffs are creating massive uncertainty, hurting US manufacturing, and hurting the U.S. economy. Today we can see how this will hurt Northern Minnesota and the Iron Rangers. “I spoke with United Steelworker leadership today and pledged to do everything in my power to support the Steelworkers, who will lose their wages and see dramatically higher health care costs as a result of these layoffs.”
Senator Tina Smith, Representatives Andrea Salinas, Becca Balint Demand RFK Jr. Rescind Harmful Comments on Mental Illness, Anti-Depression Medications
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) along with U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06) and Becca Balint (D-VT-AL) led their colleagues in a bicameral letter demanding RFK Jr. rescind his past statements further stigmatizing mental health treatment, including comments that SSRI use can be linked to school shootings and that SSRIs are more addictive than heroin. Both claims have zero scientific evidence behind them and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Prozac, Zoloft and Lexapro, are one of the leading treatments for depression and anxiety and are used by nearly 32 million Americans each year. “We write to express our deep concerns regarding the Make America Healthy Again Commission’s troubling characterization of mental and behavioral health medication and your recent comments promoting disproven and outright false theories about these important treatments. These statements further stigmatize the mental and behavioral health challenges that one in five Americans live with, and can have a chilling effect on Americans seeking scientifically sound, medically necessary, and appropriate care,” wrote the lawmakers. “A mental health illness is exactly as the name says, an illness. Similar to a physical health condition or illness, sometimes medication is necessary for treatment. For individuals with mental illness, it is no different. In addition to therapy, medications may be necessary and appropriate. For individuals living with moderate or severe depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or other conditions, medication can alleviate symptoms so they can function normally and have improved quality of life. We urge you to retract your harmful and false comments on mental illness and
Senator Smith’s Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Transparency for Those Looking to Purchase Popular Long-Term Savings Vehicles Passes Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) announced her bipartisan legislation with Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) to help provide transparency for consumers looking to purchase popular, long-term savings vehicles has passed the Senate. The bill would help ensure that investors considering purchasing Registered Index Linked Annuities (RILAs) get clear and direct information that promotes investor understanding. “It’s more important than ever for consumers to have clear and concise information about their investments,” said Smith. “This legislation would help consumers looking to purchase RILAs by providing clear information about their potential investments in terms that they are able to
Klobuchar, Smith Statements on Confirmation of Jerry Blackwell to be U.S. District Court Judge
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) issued the following statements after the Senate confirmed Jerry Blackwell to serve as a United States District Court Judge for the District of Minnesota. Blackwell has more than three decades of legal experience and was highly recommended by the judicial selection committee Senators Klobuchar and Smith convened to assist them in providing a recommendation to President Biden. “Jerry Blackwell is one of the most widely respected and accomplished members of the Minnesota legal community. With nearly 35 years of trial practice– including the successful prosecution of the murder of
Senator Smith, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill Giving Tribal Colleges and Universities a Stronger Voice in Education Policy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), along with U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jon Tester (D-Mon.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), introduced bipartisan legislation – the National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act – aimed at giving Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding and policymaking that impacts them. “Minnesota’s Tribal Colleges are important institutions that serve Native and non-Native students alike in some of the most impoverished and geographically isolated regions of the country,” said Smith. “These institutions deserve a seat at the table when federal agencies make decisions that impact
Klobuchar, Smith, Grassley Statements on Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Rename Federal Building in Minneapolis After Senator Paul Wellstone
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) released the statements below on the Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation to rename the Federal Building in Minneapolis the “Paul D. Wellstone Federal Building,” in honor of the legacy of the late Senator Paul Wellstone (D-MN). This year marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Senator Wellstone, his wife Sheila, his daughter Marcia, his staff members Tom Lapic, Mary McEvoy, and Will McLaughlin, and pilots Richard Conry and Michael Guess. “From his passionate advocacy for better mental health care to his leadership on civil
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