Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Funding to Improve Water Systems in Renville County
WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/01/22] — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (Both D-Minn.), announced over $830,00 in federal funding to replace and improve water and sewage systems in the city of Olivia, Minnesota. The project will replace deteriorated storm drainage systems, hydrants, and water and sewer mains. “When we invest in wastewater infrastructure and storm drainage systems, we invest in the safety of our communities,” said Klobuchar. “These resources will enable key upgrades to Olivia’s outdated water treatment facilities and storm pipes, helping to protect the health and safety of families across the city.” “It may not be the flashiest project, but updating outdated water systems will make a real difference for those in and around Renville County,” said Smith. “I am proud of our work to secure infrastructure investments like this one and will continue working with local leaders across Minnesota to address infrastructure needs of all shapes and sizes.” The investment is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program. The sewer system in the city of Olivia was constructed in the 1930s and ninety percent of the system in line to be replaced is over 70 years old. The project will replace deteriorated water and sewer lines as well as storm drainage systems and hydrants. Over 2,500 Minnesotans in Renville County will benefit from these improvements.
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Leads Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing November as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. [11/30/22] – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) reintroduced a bipartisan resolution to designate November as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Their resolution highlights the importance of early detection of lung cancer to help save lives. It also recognizes the need for research to improve early diagnosis, screening and treatment. “We need to take every possible step to fight this terrible disease that kills far too many people in Minnesota and across the country each year,” said Sen. Smith. “Raising awareness about the importance of lung cancer screenings for eligible individuals can help detect the cancer earlier, and save lives. Former Minnesota U.S. Representative Rick Nolan and his daughter Katherine inspired me to introduce this resolution. Katherine, who courageously fought stage 4 lung cancer for five years before succumbing to the disease, was a fierce advocate for early detection and research and I’m proud to carry on her fight.” “As co-chair of the Congressional Lung Cancer Caucus, I am proud to stand with Sen. Smith and Rep. Auchincloss in the battle against lung cancer,” said Congressman Boyle. “In 2022, almost a quarter of a million Americans are estimated to be newly diagnosed with lung cancer. Raising awareness and increasing education around this disease is a critical step in making sure we are detecting lung cancer at an early stage. I will continue to fight on the floor of Congress and in my district for increased resources for research and education around lung cancer, and to support those affected
At the Urging of Smith, Klobuchar, U.S. Department of Agriculture Extends Enrollment Deadline for Margin Protection Program to Assist Dairy Farmers
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/20/2018]—U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the enrollment deadline for the improved Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) following a letter from the senators requesting the extension. The MPP provides dairy producers with more cost-effective protections from shifting milk and feed prices by paying them when the difference between the national all-milk price and the national average feed cost (margin) falls below a certain dollar amount set by the producer. The new enrollment deadline is June 22, 2018. “Our dairy farmers are the backbone of our economy, and we
Sen. Tina Smith Helps Introduce Bill to Improve Access to Mental Health Services for Students
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/21/2018]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.)—a member of the Senate Health Committee—helped introduce legislation in order to better address the increasing number of students with mental health concerns at colleges and universities across the country. The bill—known as the Higher Education Mental Health Commission Act—would create a national commission to study the mental health concerns that students face. This commission would includerepresentatives from higher education institutions, disability and student advocacy groups, students with mental health conditions, and family members of college students. “Facilitating open, honest conversations about mental health is an important first step toward eliminating the stigma that
Sen. Tina Smith Calls for Senate Health Committee Hearing on Negative Consequences of Family Separation on Children
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/21/2018]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) called on leaders of the Senate Health Committee—on which she serves—to hold a hearing in order to better understand the negative health effects of the Trump Administration’s disgraceful zero tolerance immigration policy on separated children and their families. “Although the administration has said that they will stop separating families, we must hold them to this promise and ensure that the more than 2,300 children who have already been separated are safely reunited with their families and receive the care they need as soon as possible,” wrote Sen. Smith in her letter to Chairman
Sens. Smith, Warren Press Secretary Azar for More Answers on Inadequate Plan to Reduce Drug Prices
WASHINGTON, D.C. [06/26/2018]—Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) pressed Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alexander Azar for more answers following their exchanges with him during a recent Senate Health Committee hearing. You can read a copy of the full list of questions Sens. Smith and Warren sent to Mr. Azar today here. Sens. Smith and Warren urge Secretary Azar to provide details about what President Trump meant when he said drug companies would voluntarily reduce prices, the number of meetings that administration officials have had with drug manufacturers to discuss voluntary reductions, and how the administration will
English