Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Celebrate U.S. Trade Mission to Morocco
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) applauded that Minnesotan exporters are participating in a USDA agribusiness trade mission to Casablanca, Morocco, ending today. Morocco is the second-largest export market for U.S. agriculture in Africa. U.S. sales of farm and food products to the country topped $619 million last year. Representatives from the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, Lamex Foods of Bloomington, Merus LLC of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association of Mankato, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture are currently in Morocco to expand U.S. farm and food exports to their market and other West African markets. They are joined by representatives from nearly 50 U.S. agribusinesses and trade groups and 14 state departments of agriculture nationwide. “Minnesota’s participation in this trade mission to Morocco underscores our state’s commitment to expanding our agricultural exports and forging strong international partnerships,” said Klobuchar. “By connecting Minnesota agricultural producers with new buyers in Morocco and across West Africa, this mission will create opportunities to expand markets, strengthen our state’s economy, and support the farmers and businesses that keep Minnesota at the forefront of agriculture.” “Agricultural exports support farming in Minnesota and provide economic benefits to the state,” said Senator Smith. “This trade mission to Morocco is a great opportunity for Minnesota agribusinesses to cultivate new markets for their agriculture products.” Senator Smith, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has been a strong advocate for expanding agricultural market access globally. Earlier this year, she celebrated a USDA trade mission to Colombia, which Lamex Foods participated in. In April 2024, she
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 and Tina Smith Announce Funding to Address Health and Safety Hazards in Housing
WASHINGTON, [1.18.22] – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-Minnesota) announced new funding for programs that will allow Minneapolis and Hennepin County to eliminate housing-related hazards. Programs in Minneapolis and Hennepin County will receive $2 million each. “In Minnesota, we know how important it is to have a safe, warm place to sleep every night,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “This funding will help address health and safety hazards that are too frequently ignored, putting Minnesota families at risk. I’ll keep working to support these vital programs and ensure hazards are examined and repaired in a timely manner.” “Housing-related
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Susan Collins, Cory Booker, and Lisa Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Rebuild Public Health Workforce Amidst Shortages
WASHINGTON, [1.14.22] – Last night, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced bipartisan legislation to reinforce and expand our public health workforce amidst significant shortages. Their legislation, the Strengthening the Public Health Workforce Act, would help restore the public health workforce at the state, local, and Tribal level to support the COVID-19 response effort. These measures are particularly urgent given the current state of our public health sector; according to CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, there is a nationwide shortage of 80,000 public health professionals. This bill is endorsed by
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, John Kennedy Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Rural Small Businesses
WASHINGTON, [1.13.22] – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced bipartisan legislation that would help grow rural small businesses and their local economies. “Access to capital is essential to the economic health and growth of rural communities in Minnesota and across the country,” said Sen. Smith. “Rural small businesses often face disproportionate obstacles when trying to secure capital to develop and grow their businesses. This legislation would help rural small businesses overcome these hurdles and strengthen our rural economies.” “Louisiana’s small business owners create jobs and strengthen rural economies,” said Sen. Kennedy. “This bill takes a key
U.S. Senators Smith, Baldwin, Kaine Press Biden Administration to Ensure Easy Access to COVID-19 Rapid Tests
WASHINGTON, D.C. [01/07/22]—Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) led a letter urging the Biden Administration to ensure easy access to rapid COVID-19 tests for Americans across the country. In a letter Friday, the Senators pressed the Biden Administration to take needed steps to streamline access to at-home testing. The letter comes after the Biden Administration announced additional actions to combat COVID-19, including through rapid COVID-19 tests. “As you work to draft guidance to allow Americans with private health insurance to be reimbursed for rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests, we urge you to take steps to make
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