Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for Projects to Benefit Scott County
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured federal funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget for projects to benefit Scott County and surrounding areas. These projects will invest in public trails, workforce development, and mental health services. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Angie Craig (D-MN). “From building a trail in Prior Lake to investing in workforce development in Shakopee, we worked with local leaders to secure resources for important community initiatives,” said Klobuchar. “Once completed, these projects will improve career opportunities, mental health care, and public outdoor recreation for Scott County.” “Those closest to an issue have the best solutions, and these projects were developed and designed to fit the specific needs of Scott County,” said Smith. “From promoting economic development to supporting neighbors living with mental illness, these projects will help strengthen our communities.” Klobuchar and Smith have successfully secured: Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state. Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months. ###
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding for Substance Use Treatment Program in Hubbard and Beltrami Counties
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured $550,000 in funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget to implement the Stratis Health CIRCLE of Care program in Hubbard and Beltrami Counties. The project is a substance use treatment program aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality for those with opioid use disorder (OUD). “The opioid epidemic has been hurting communities across Minnesota for far too long,” said Klobuchar. “With this funding, Stratis Health will have resources to expand proven treatment programs to additional counties to bolster access to treatment for those who are living with substance use disorder.” “Supporting mental health and substance use disorder services is essential—mental health is health, and we need to make sure more people get the care they need,” said Smith. “This funding will help people in Hubbard and Beltrami access life-saving substance use treatment.” Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state. Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months. ###
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Elizabeth Warren Question FDA On Safety Inspections for Foreign Pharmaceuticals Entering the United States
WASHINGTON, D.C. [11/10/20]— U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inquiring about the agency’s quality and safety inspections for pharmaceuticals and drug products entering the United States. Under normal operating procedures, the FDA inspects manufacturing facilities and is responsible for maintaining the safety, effectiveness, quality, and security of drugs produced in the United States and abroad. However, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the FDA postponed all inspections of domestic and foreign drug manufacturing facilities in March. As of today, the FDA is only performing a fraction of
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on Restarting Keetac Mine
WASHINGTON, D.C. [11/5/20]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) released the following statement after U.S. Steel announced plans to restart Keetac mine and pellet plant in Keewatin. “The reopening of the Keetac mining facility is great news for the economic well-being of the families and communities of Minnesota’s Iron Range,” said Sen. Smith. “It will allow nearly 400 steelworkers to return to work and help get the Iron Range economy back on its feet. I’ve fought hard to stave off unfair steel imports and will continue to support a strong U.S. iron and steel industry because it provides good-paying jobs in Minnesota and keeps our nation secure.”
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Elizabeth Warren Call on Agencies to Provide “Complete, Transparent, and Timely National Reporting of COVID-19 Cases” in K-12 Schools
WASHINGTON, D.C. [10/30/2020]—U.S Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), are pressing the nation’s top health and education officials to issue detailed guidance so that the nation’s elementary and secondary schools can work with state and local officials to ensure complete, transparent and timely reporting of COVID-19 cases. In their letter to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, U.S Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, and Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield, the Senators also urged the agencies to study outbreaks in K-12 schools to understand the effectiveness of different mitigation strategies and to provide further guidance on reporting COVID-19 cases. “On October 20, Secretary of Education Betsy
Klobuchar, Smith Call on USDA to Reverse Decision to Decrease COVID-19 Relief for Dairy Farmers
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) joined Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and 11 other senators calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reverse its decision to unfairly exclude dairy farmers from receiving COVID-19 relief to cover losses related to meat production. While milk is the primary income for dairy farms, they often have diversified operations, including meat processing of retired milking cows. In the original Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), the USDA compensated dairy farmers and other livestock producers for losses related to meat produced from breeding animals. When
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