Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Significant Federal Infrastructure Funding for Bemidji Regional Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for the expansion of Bemidji Regional Airport’s Passenger Terminal. The grant provides $261,250 to expand the passenger terminal, which will address current concerns regarding security checkpoints and congestion throughout the terminal. The grant is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “Bemidji Regional Airport needs to expand its passenger terminal to operate safely and efficiently,” said Klobuchar. “This funding builds on the other federal grants we secured to improve the security checkpoint and extend the life of the runway so that the airport can continue to serve the area for years to come.” “I’m glad to see President Biden’s historic infrastructure package delivering once again for travelers in Minnesota. Our small and regional airports have been in desperate need of upgrades for too long, and this funding will go directly towards expanding the Bemidji Regional Airport’s Passenger Terminal, so travelers aren’t held up by unnecessarily long security lines and can focus on getting to their final destination,” said Senator Smith. This funding is from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In July 2022, Klobuchar and Smith announced that the FAA will award $95,000 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the Bemidji Regional Airport. The airport will use the money to reconfigure and expand the security checkpoint. In June 2023, Klobuchar visited the Bemidji Regional Airport to discuss a $6.5 million grant the Bemidji Regional Airport received through another Bipartisan Infrastructure
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Significant Federal Infrastructure Funding for Two Harbors Helgeson Municipal Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Two Harbors Helgeson Municipal Airport, which will contribute to the construction of a general aviation terminal. The grant provides $1,140,000 to fund the construction of their new terminal, replacing the existing 640 square foot terminal built in 1976. The grant is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Klobuchar and Smith supported. “This major grant is going to be a gamechanger for the airport,” said Klobuchar. “This new terminal will upgrade the travel experience at Two Harbors Helgeson Municipal Airport for passengers and bring more economic activity to the area.” “The terminal at TWM airport hasn’t been updated for over 40 years, and I’m glad to see the airport receive funding to begin construction on a brand-new terminal that will bring a safer, faster passenger experience. Thanks to President Biden’s historic infrastructure package, we are finally bringing our air travel infrastructure into the 21st century, so Minnesotans traveling can focus on the important thing – getting where they need to go,” said Senator Smith. This funding is from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. ###
Cassidy, Smith, Sullivan, Jones Introduce ‘Enhancing Preparedness Through Telehealth Act’
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Doug Jones (D-AL) today introduced legislation that directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to inventory telehealth programs across the country to learn how telehealth can be used more effectively in future health emergencies. “Telehealth has been instrumental in connecting patients and health care professionals during Covid-19. It saves lives, allows doctors to spend more time with patients, and allows access to care for those who normally could not access. This bill examines what’s worked across the country so we can more effectively respond to future health emergencies,” said
U.S. Senator Tina Smith in Senate Floor Speech: “Pass the Justice in Policing Act”
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/17/20]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) delivered her second in a series of Senate floor speeches focused on finding solutions to address systemic racism and much-needed changes in policing. In her remarks, Sen. Smith highlighted the need to pass the Justice in Policing Act. You can access video of Sen. Smith’s remarks here. “The Senate needs to act now to take up and pass the Justice in Policing Act. I joined my colleagues, Senators Booker and Harris, in introducing this bill last week, and I am grateful for their strong leadership towards creating a more fair and equitable justice system,” said Sen. Smith
Klobuchar, Smith Call For Permanent Expansion of Telehealth Provisions
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) joined U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) in a bipartisan group of 30 colleagues calling for the expansion of access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries made during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to be permanent. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by 11,718 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic. “Americans have benefited significantly from this expansion of telehealth and have come to rely on its availability,” the senators wrote. “Congress should expand access to telehealth services on a
In Senate Banking Committee Hearing, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell Agrees with U.S. Senator Tina Smith that Racial Inequities May Worsen If Congress Doesn’t Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/16/20]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) pressed Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on the long-lasting inequities that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated. She also emphasized the importance of long-term rental assistance as a way to prevent a full-blown housing and eviction crisis in Minnesota and across the country. Sen. Smith—who has held affordable housing listening sessions across Minnesota—told Powell that COVID-19 is not the great equalizer. She said that this crisis has hit working families the hardest, most of whom were already struggling to pay rent and maintain stable housing before the pandemic. Sen. Smith especially highlighted the disparate impact of COVID-19 on
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