Press Releases
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Sen. Franken to Lyft: Explain Your Data Privacy Policies
Sen. Al Franken asked Lyft—a company that connects riders with drivers-for-hire using a GPS-based mobile app—to explain its data privacy policies and to ensure that consumers' sensitive geolocation information is protected.
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Sen. Franken Leads Effort to Press Other Nations to Contribute to Ebola Fight
Sen. Al Franken led a group of Senators in asking United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to press UN member nations to step up and do their part in the fight against the Ebola virus.
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Sen. Franken Presses Car Service Uber to Clarify its Data Privacy Policies
Sen. Al Franken pressed Uber—a popular car service company that uses a GPS-based smartphone application to connect passengers with drivers—to clarify its data collection practices. Click here to read more.
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Sen. Franken to Justice Department: Explain Collection of Americans Cellphone Data from Aircraft
Sen. Al Franken pressed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to explain recent reports that the agency is collecting Americans' sensitive cellphone data from aircraft.
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Sen. Franken: MnDOT Recommendation for Relocating Highway 53 is Major Step Toward Completing Project
U.S. Sen. Al Franken said that the Minnesota Department of Transportation's (MnDOT) recommendation for relocating a stretch of Highway 53 near Virginia is a major step toward getting the important project completed by spring of 2017.
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Sen. Frankens Statement on Keystone XL Pipeline Vote
Sen. Al Franken made the following statement after voting against circumventing the review process to build the Keystone XL pipeline project.
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Sen. Franken Saddened By Death of Former Minnesota Congressman Bill Frenzel
U.S. Sen. Al Franken released the following statement on the death of former Congressman Bill Frenzel, who represented Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District from 1971 to 1991.
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Klobuchar, Franken, Walz, Nolan Call for Investigation into Allegations of Misconduct at Hibbing VA Clinic
enators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representatives Tim Walz and Rick Nolan, called for the VA Office of Inspector General to investigate allegations of misconduct made by former employees at the Hibbing VA Community Based Out-patient Clinic (CBOC), which is run by Sterling Medical.
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Sen. Franken: Thousands of Minnesota Families Will Benefit from Bipartisan Measure to Improve Access to Quality Child Care
Sen. Al Franken said that thousands of Minnesota families will have better access to safe, quality child care after a bipartisan measure passed the Senate.
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Sen. Franken Lauds President Obamas Strong Net Neutrality Proposal
Click here to read Sen. Al Franken's statement after President Obama pressed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for stronger net neutrality rules.
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Sen. Frankens Praises New Minnesota Ebola Restrictions
Sen. Al Franken issued the following statement after Gov. Mark Dayton announced strengthened public health protocols for travelers coming to Minnesota from West Africa
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Sen. Franken Statement Marking the 12th Anniversary of The Tragic Deaths of Paul and Sheila Wellstone, Six others
Sen. Al Franken released the following statement marking the 12th anniversary of the tragic plane crash that took the lives of Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone, his wife Sheila, and six others close to them.
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Sen. Franken Pushes to Improve Native School Buildings
Sen. Al Franken pushed federal officials to improve the state of schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). Sen. Franken said that the poor condition of these school facilities in Minnesota is not beneficial to students' learning and academic achievement.
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After Push from Klobuchar and Franken, Administration Releases Over $100 Million in Critical Heating Assistance for Minnesota Seniors and Families
After a push from U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, the Administration today released over $100 million in critical heating assistance for Minnesota seniors and families.
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After Major Push From Klobuchar and Franken, International Trade Commission Votes to Impose Penalties on Mexican and Turkish Companies Dumping Steel in U.S.
After a major push from U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to impose penalties on Mexican and Turkish companies dumping steel into the U.S.
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Sen. Franken Extends His Push to Crack Down on Mobile Device Stalking Apps
Sen. Al Franken listens as Anoka County Sheriff's Detective Brian Hill discusses efforts to crack down on dangerous mobile device "stalking apps." Click here to read about how Sen. Franken has pushed to end stalking apps.
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Governor Dayton, Senator Klobuchar and Senator Franken Urge Federal Government to Include MSP Airport in Ebola Screenings
As additional Ebola screenings got underway at five international airports across the country over the weekend, Governor Mark Dayton, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, and U.S. Senator Al Franken are urging the federal government to include the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) in the enhanced screening effort.
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Klobuchar, Franken, Walz Joint Statement on VA Inspector Generals Investigation Into Death of Minnesota Veteran Jordan Buisman
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Representative Tim Walz today released the following joint statement in response to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General's investigation into allegations of falsified records surrounding the death of Minnesota veteran Jordan Buisman.
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Sen. Frankens Statement on Nobel Peace Prize Winners
Sen. Al Franken made the following statement after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Pakistan's Malala Yousafzai and India's Kailash Satyarthi.
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After Press from Sen. Franken, New Federal Action Announced to Improve Rail Service
U.S. Sen. Al Franken said that the federal Surface Transportation Board is taking new action to address the poor rail service that has plagued farmers, businesses, utilities, and communities in Minnesota. Click here to read more.
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Sen. Frankens Statement on Newly Released MNsure Rates
U.S. Sen. Al Franken made the following statement after the Minnesota Department of Commerce announced next year's rates for the MNsure health insurance marketplace. For the second year in a row, MNsure will offer the lowest average rates in the country.
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Minnesota Delegation: Disaster Loans Available for Small Businesses and Other Organizations Affected by Flooding in 49 Counties
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and U.S. Representatives Collin Peterson, Betty McCollum, John Kline, Michele Bachmann, Keith Ellison, Tim Walz, Erik Paulsen, and Rick Nolan announced that Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans are now available to small businesses and other organizations affected by flooding in 49 counties.
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Minnesota Delegation Requests Meeting With VA Secretary to Discuss Reports of Falsified Records at Minneapolis VA Health Care System
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Representatives Collin Peterson, Betty McCollum, John Kline, Michele Bachmann, Keith Ellison, Tim Walz, Erik Paulsen, and Rick Nolan requested a meeting with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald to discuss recent reports of falsified records at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.
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After Pressure from Sen. Franken, Federal Officials Take Action Against Dangerous Stalking Apps
After U.S. Sen. Al Franken pressed key federal officials to investigate and prosecute the makers of so-called "stalking apps," the Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken unprecedented legal action against the developer of mobile app StealthGenie. Click here to read more.
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Minnesota Lawmakers Announce More Than $17 Million to Support Job-Driven Training Programs at 14 Minnesota Community Colleges
U.S Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Representatives Collin Peterson, Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison, Tim Walz, and Rick Nolan today announced more than $17 million in grants to support job-driven training programs at 14 community colleges in Minnesota.
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Sen. Franken Presses for Investigation into MN Veterans Death
After KARE 11 reported on their investigation into the death of Jordan Buisman, a Minnesota veteran, waiting for care through Minnesota's Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) called on the VA Inspector General and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include this tragedy in their ongoing investigations of scheduling delays and possible manipulation of records at VA facilities.
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Sen. Franken Calls Death of MN Veteran Waiting for VA Care an Unacceptable Tragedy
Sen. Al Franken made the following statement after reports surfaced that Jordan Buisman, a Minnesota veteran, passed away while waiting for care through Minnesota's Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities.
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Sen. Frankens Statement on Vote to Train & Arm Syrian Rebels to Fight ISIL
Sen. Al Franken made the following statement after supporting a budget package that includes authorization for the U.S. military to train and arm Syrian rebels to fight the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
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Sen. Franken: New Federal Pilot Program To Help Stop Overseas Extremists From Recruiting Minnesotans
U.S. Sen. Al Franken said today that a new Department of Justice pilot project will add important resources to the Twin Cities' ongoing effort to stop extremists from recruiting young Americans to join overseas terrorist groups like the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
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At Key Hearing, Sen. Franken Continues Press for New Net Neutrality Rules
At a key Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. Sen. Al Franken laid out his case for keeping access to the Internet equal for consumers and businesses in Minnesota and across the country.
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Klobuchar, Franken, Nolan Announce Over $5 Million to Improve Infrastructure at Chisholm-Hibbing Airport
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken along with Representative Rick Nolan today announced that the Department of Transportation has awarded the Chisholm-Hibbing Airport $5,050,521 for infrastructure improvements.
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Sen. Franken Disappointed That Bill to Help Minnesotans Reduce Student Loan Debt Blocked in Senate
Sen. Al Franken said he is disappointed that Senate Republicans blocked a bill to cut student loan debt for over half a million people in Minnesota and millions of Americans across the country.
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Sen. Franken Continues Fighting to Protect Minnesota Iron Ore and Steel Industry from Unfair Foreign Trade Practices
Sen. Al Franken continued his fight to protect Minnesota's iron ore and steel industry from unfair foreign trade practices, calling for the International Trade Commission (ITC) to take action to prevent the dumping and unfair subsidizing of rebar from Mexico and Turkey.
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Sen. Franken: Restore Critical Measures to Prevent Unfair Chinese Trade Practices
Continuing his efforts to protect key Minnesota industries and jobs, U.S. Sen. Al Franken has called on the U.S. Department of Commerce to renew measures that would end predatory trade practices by China.
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Sen. Franken Disappointed by Failure of Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United
Sen. Al Franken said he is disappointed by the Senate's failure to advance a key constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United, but vowed to continue doing everything possible to fix our nation's broken campaign finance system.
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Klobuchar, Franken Announce $10 Million for Highway 10 Improvements
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken today announced $10 million to upgrade infrastructure and improve safety at the Highway 10/Armstrong Boulevard (CSAH 83) intersection. The funding will be used to construct an interchange, build an overpass over railway tracks, widen the corridor, and construct a pedestrian walkway.
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Sen. Franken: MINNTAC Mine Expansion Close to Winning Federal Approval
Sen. Al Franken said today that the approval of a federal permit for the 483-acre MINNTAC mine expansion is close to being completed, which is great news for the company, its workers, and for the entire Iron Range economy.
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Sen. Franken Honors the 13th Anniversary of 9/11
U.S. Sen. Al Franken made the following statement to honor the 13th anniversary of the September 11th attacks
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Sen. Frankens Response to Presidents Speech on ISIL
Sen. Al Franken issued the following statement after the President's remarks on confronting the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
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For Fifth Year in a Row, Sen. Franken Honored as Champion for Minnesota Farmers, Ranchers, Rural Communities
U.S. Sen. Al Franken was recognized for his work championing America's family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities when the National Farmers Union presented him with its Golden Triangle Award for the fifth consecutive year.
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Sen. Franken Condemns Sexual Abuse of Somali Women by African Union Soldiers
Sen. Al Franken released the following statement in reaction to a human rights report that members of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have raped or sexually abused Somali women.
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On Senate Floor, Sen. Franken Continues Push for Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United
Sen. Al Franken took to the Senate floor to continue his call for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United.
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Sen. Franken Calls on Department of Justice to Address Terrorist Group ISILs Recruitment in Minnesota, Across Country
U.S. Sen. Al Franken has called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to address recruitment efforts here at home by the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the threat from Americans who may seek to reenter the country after fighting alongside ISIL in Syria.
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Klobuchar, Franken Announce More Than $6 Million Loan for Construction of Nursing Home in Pine Island
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken announced that USDA's Rural Development has awarded the Pine Haven Care Center in Pine Island a $6,120,000 loan to help construct an expansion of the nursing home and the remodel of the existing facility.
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Sen. Franken Makes Stop in St. Cloud on 21st Century Workforce Tour
U.S. Sen. Al Franken made a key stop in St. Cloud today to highlight his efforts to build a 21st century workforce and help fill more than 3 million jobs around the country that need workers with the right skills. Click here to read more.
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Sen. Franken Visits Minntac Mine, Presses for More Jobs on Iron Range
Sen. Al Franken joined company officials and steelworkers at the Minntac plant in Mountain Iron to discuss the company's plans to expand and create jobs on the Iron Range. Click here to read more about his visit.
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Sen. Franken to FCC: Comcast-Time Warner Cable Deal Harms Competition and Consumers
Sen. Al Franken, a leading opponent of Comcast's proposed acquisition of Time Warner Cable, told the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that the deal would give Comcast too much market power and lead to fewer choices, higher prices, and even worse service for consumers in Minnesota and across the country.
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For First Time, Family of Late Brainerd WWII Veteran Views A 1944 Pentagon Portrait Painted to Honor His Heroism
With the help of Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), the family of a late Brainerd WWII Veteran and war hero saw a portrait painted in 1944 to honor his heroism. Click here to read more.
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After Push From Klobuchar, Franken, McCollum, Ellison and Paulsen, Administration Issues Disaster Declaration For Hennepin and Ramsey Counties
U.S Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Representatives, Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison, and Erik Paulsen announced that the Administration has extended its Major Disaster Declaration to include Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. In a letter last week, the lawmakers urged the President to expand the declaration to those counties, which sustained significant flood damage this summer. The letter followed Governor Mark Dayton's formal request for federal assistance to help these communities rebuild and recover.
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After Press from Sen. Franken, Key U.S. Trade Agency Decides Action Needed on Illegally Dumped Korean Steel
U.S. Sen. Al Franken said a finding today by the International Trade Commission opens the door for strong U.S. action against unfairly dumped South Korean steel that is harming U.S. steel producers, including Minnesota iron ore producers.
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Sens. Klobuchar and Franken Fight to Prevent Closure of Mail Processing Centers in Minnesota
Today, U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken urged key Senate appropriators to take action to prevent the closure of mail processing centers in Duluth, Bemidji, St. Cloud, and Mankato.
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Klobuchar, Franken, McCollum, Kline, Ellison, and Paulsen Push Administration to Issue Disaster Declaration for Additional Minnesota Communities Impacted by Devastating Flooding
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Representatives Betty McCollum, John Kline, Keith Ellison, and Erik Paulsen today pushed the Administration to provide federal assistance for additional Minnesota communities impacted by the devastating flooding that caused extensive damage across much of the state.
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Sen. Franken Announces 21st Century Workforce Tour to Highlight Job Creation, Energy Efficiency Efforts
Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken announced that he will be holding events throughout the state to highlight his efforts to build a 21st century workforce and help fill more than 3 million jobs around the country that need workers with the right skills.
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With Backing from Sen. Franken, Bill to Help Families Support Their Relatives Abroad Set to Become Law
U.S. Sen. Al Franken made the following statement in reaction to the Senate recently passing a bill that would help Somali- and Hmong-American families in Minnesota send money to support their loved ones. The bill will now head to the President's desk to become law.
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Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, Announce Waiver to Expedite Critical Propane Infrastructure Project
U.S Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Representative Collin Peterson announced today a waiver that will expedite a critical propane infrastructure project. This announcement comes after Klobuchar, Franken, and Peterson sent a letter to the Army Corp of Engineers to urge their immediate consideration and allow the project to move forward without unnecessary delay.
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Sen. Franken Lauds New Rules to Help Victims of Sexual Assault Get Their Day in Court
Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken praised new government rules—that expand on a 2009 law he authored—to ensure that victims of sexual assault or civil rights violations who work for a major government contractor are able to take their accuser to court instead of being forced into arbitration, a practice that often puts victims at a disadvantage.
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Minnesota Delegation: Administration Extends Disaster Declaration to 26 Additional Communities Impacted by Flooding
U.S Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Representatives Collin Peterson, John Kline, Michele Bachmann, Tim Walz, Erik Paulsen, and Rick Nolan announced today that the Administration has extended its Major Disaster Declaration to include 26 additional Minnesota communities impacted by devastating flooding this summer.
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Sen. Frankens Statement on Senate Passage of Bipartisan VA Reform Bill
Sen. Al Franken released the following statement after the Senate passed a bipartisan reform bill to help address several problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
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Sens. Franken, Portman, Baldwin Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Prevent Future Propane Shortages
Sens. Al Franken (D-Minn.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced bipartisan legislation to address the root causes of propane shortages like the one that hit families, farmers, and businesses across the Midwest and other parts of the country this past winter.
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Sens. Franken & Portman Introduce Bipartisan Fix to Help Homeless Students Access Affordable Housing
Sens. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) introduced a bipartisan bill to make sure that young people and veterans who have faced homelessness don't have to make the difficult choice between a place to call home and a good education.
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Sen. Franken Disappointed That Important Jobs Bill Blocked in Senate
Sen. Al Franken released the following statement after the Senate blocked an important bill that would bring jobs back to America and help our businesses compete in the global economy.
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Sens. Franken Delivers Speech on Transparency Provisions in USA Freedom Act
Sen. Al Franken gave the following speech as prepared for delivery on his bipartisan surveillance transparency provisions being included in the USA FREEDOM Act.
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Sens. Franken & Hellers Measures to Strengthen Surveillance Transparency Included in NSA Reform Bill
Sens. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) announced that their measures to increase transparency over government surveillance programs were included in the USA FREEDOM Act, click here to read more.
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Sen. Franken Fights for Congress to Raise Minimum Wage
On the fifth anniversary of the last federal minimum wage increase, U.S. Sen. Al Franken pressed Congress to give a raise to millions of workers across the country.
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Sen. Franken Leads Senate Meeting to Press White House on Keeping Renewable Fuel Standard & Biodiesel Industry Strong
Click here to read about Sen. Al Franken pressing a key White House official on the need to keep the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) strong to bolster investments in the biodiesel industry, spur job growth in our rural economies, and decrease the nation's dependence on foreign oil.
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New Report: Sen. Frankens Health Reform Measure Sent $330 Million in Insurance Refunds To Millions of Consumers in Minnesota, Across the Country
A health care reform measure authored by U.S. Sen. Al Franken required insurers to rebate $330 million dollars to consumers in Minnesota and across the country this year. Click here to read more.
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Sen. Frankens Statement on the Death of Saado Ali Warsame
Sen. Al Franken issued the following statement on the death of Saado Ali Warsame, a female member of Somalia's parliament who was killed in the capital city of Mogadishu.
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Sen. Franken Pressures Key Agency to Act on Illegally Dumped Korean Steel
Sen. Al Franken stood up for Minnesota's iron producers when he made his case to a key trade agency charged with investigating the damage caused by South Korea illegally dumping steel at unfair prices into American markets.
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Sen. Franken Attends White House Signing of Bipartisan Workforce Development Bill That He Helped Shape
Sen. Al Franken attended the White House bill signing of bipartisan workforce investment legislation that he helped shape and get passed through the Senate. Click here to read more.
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Sen. Franken Releases Responses from Apple and Samsung on Privacy Implications of Smartphone Fingerprint Technology
Sen. Al Franken-Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law-said that Apple and Samsung have adopted a range of positive security measures to protect the fingerprint data they collect on their smartphones, but he said that both companies should take further steps to prevent criminals from bypassing their fingerprint readers with a fake, copied fingerprint.
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Sen. Franken Disappointed after Hobby Lobby Legislative Fix Fails in Senate
Sen. Al Franken said he is disappointed that Senate Republicans blocked a vote on legislation to fix the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Burwell v. Hobby Lobby. The bill would have ensured that women in Minnesota and across the country can continue to receive contraceptive coverage through their employer-sponsored health insurance plan.
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Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, Walz Announce USDA Disaster Declaration for Rock and Adjacent Counties, Allowing Them to Be Considered for Emergency Assistance
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and U.S. Representatives Collin Peterson and Tim Walz today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a disaster declaration for Rock County and the adjacent counties of Murray, Nobles and Pipestone, allowing them to be considered for emergency assistance.
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Sen. Franken Files Net Neutrality Comments with FCC
Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on the critical need to keep access to the Internet equal for consumers in Minnesota and across the country. The FCC's proposal for new net neutrality rules, he said, would tilt the Internet's level-playing field by letting deep-pocketed corporations deliver their content on an Internet "fast lane."
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Sen. Franken's Statement on Commerce Department Decision on Steel Dumping
Sen. Al Franken released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Commerce made a decision on South Korea illegally dumping steel into American markets.
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Sen. Franken Helps Move Forward Bill to Restore Consumers Right to Transfer Cell Phones to Other Carriers
Sen. Al Franken helped advance legislation that would restore consumers' right to easily transfer their cell phones to other wireless carriers. The legislation, which Sen. Franken cosponsored, cleared a key hurdle when he voted to pass it out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
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Sen. Franken Urges Federal Regulators to Take a Close Look at AT&T-DirecTV Deal
Sen. Al Franken urged key federal regulators to take a close look at AT&T's proposed acquisition of DirecTV and determine if the deal is in consumers' best interests.
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Sen. Franken Backs Legislative Fix to Protect Womens Health in Aftermath of Supreme Courts Hobby Lobby Decision
Sen. Al Franken has helped introduce a key legislative fix to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Burwell v. Hobby Lobby. The bill would ensure that women in Minnesota and across the country can continue to receive contraceptive care through their employer's health insurance plan.
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Sen. Franken to Postal Service: Dont Close Mail Processing Centers in Minnesota
Sen. Al Franken pressed the U.S Postal Service to reconsider its plan to close four mail processing centers throughout Minnesota.
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Sens. Franken, Heller Press White House to Support Stronger Surveillance Transparency Measures
As the debate surrounding surveillance reform heats up, U.S. Sens. Al Franken and Dean Heller pressed the White House today to publicly support stronger transparency measures over key government surveillance programs.
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Sen. Franken Backs Bipartisan Senate Bill to Boost Transparency over Government Surveillance Programs
Sen. Al Franken threw his support behind a bipartisan bill in the Senate that would bring several reforms to key government surveillance programs. The USA FREEDOM Act, expected to come up for debate in the Senate in the near future, includes transparency provisions modeled after Sens. Franken and Dean Heller's (R-Nev.) Surveillance Transparency Act of 2014.
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Sen. Franken: Supreme Court Decision Will Deny Women Preventive Health Care Services
Sen. Al Franken made the following statement in reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby.
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Sens. Franken, Heller Call New Obama Administration Report on Surveillance Programs Insufficient
Sens. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) called a new public report from the Obama Administration on surveillance programs insufficient, and said that while the report represents a small step towards greater transparency, their bipartisan Surveillance Transparency Act is still needed to give the American people the information they need to make up their own minds about the nation's surveillance programs.
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Sen. Franken Accompanies President Obama to Minneapolis Workforce Center Friday Morning
Sen. Al Franken accompanied President Obama to a North Minneapolis workforce development center today to help shine a spotlight on the importance of addressing the nation's "skills gap," which has left employers in Minnesota and across the country with millions of job openings they can't fill because they can't find employees with the right training.
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Sen. Franken Says Senate-Passed Workforce Development Bill Will Help Get Minnesotans Back to Work
With more than 3 million jobs in this country that could be filled if our workers had the right skills, Sen. Al Franken said that the comprehensive workforce investment bill passed in the Senate—which includes measures he fought for that are similar to legislation he has introduced—will get Minnesotans back to work and help businesses fill high-demand job openings all across the country.
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Sen. Franken in Hearing: We Must Examine if AT&T-DirecTV Deal is in Consumers Best Interest
In a hearing to examine AT&T's proposed acquisition of DirecTV, U.S. Sen. Al Franken raised concerns about the ongoing trend toward media consolidation in the telecom industry and said the deal needed careful scrutiny to determine if it's in the best interest of consumers.
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Sen. Franken Renews Push to Crack Down on Secret Spending in Elections
Sen. Al Franken and several of his colleagues reintroduced the DISCLOSE Act, a bill that would crack down on secret campaign contributions and ensure that Minnesotans know who is responsible for flooding the airwaves with ads.
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Sen. Franken Continues Push to Make College More Affordable with New Bill to Improve Higher Ed System
Sen. Al Franken introduced a new bill to bring real reform to the nation's higher education system by encouraging states to take action on college affordability in order to help students afford college and graduate in a timely manner.
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After Press from Sen. Franken, Key Oversight Board Takes Further Action to Help MN Shippers Affected by Poor Rail Service
Sen. Al Franken scored a second win in the fight to help address the poor rail service that has plagued farmers, businesses, and communities in Minnesota.
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In Key Senate Meeting, Sen. Franken Makes Case for Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United
At a high-profile Senate Judiciary Subcommittee meeting, U.S. Sen. Al Franken made the case for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United v. FEC and help fix our nation's broken campaign finance system.
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Sen. Frankens Statement on Keystone Pipeline Vote in Senate Energy Committee
Sen. Al Franken released the following statement after voting to oppose legislation that would have circumvented the approval process for the Keystone XL pipeline.
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Sen. Franken Helps Introduce Landmark Net Neutrality Legislation
Sen. Al Franken helped introduce a landmark piece of legislation to help keep access to the Internet equal for consumers in Minnesota and across the country.
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Sen. Franken Says Dramatic 40.6 Percent Drop in Number of Uninsured Minnesotans since September Great News for State
Sen. Al Franken said that the dramatic 40.6 percent drop in the number of uninsured Minnesotans since September is great news for the state and indicates that the health care reforms in the Affordable Care Act are continuing to pay big dividends. Click here to read more.
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Klobuchar Leads Meeting With Governor Dayton, Minnesota Lawmakers, and Interior Secretary to Press the Administration to Complete Lewis and Clark Water System
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today led a meeting with Governor Mark Dayton, Senator Al Franken, Representatives Collin Peterson and Tim Walz, and Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell to continue pressing the Administration to complete the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System (LCRWS). During the meeting, the lawmakers and Governor Dayton highlighted the need for the Administration to make good on its commitment and provide the funding necessary to connect Minnesota communities in need of water. Minnesota recently approved $22 million in state money to complete the first phase of the project, but additional funds are still needed to see the project through.
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Sen. Franken Says Senate-Passed Bill Will Expand Accountability for VA Officials, Bolster Health Care Options for Veterans
Sen. Al Franken praised the Senate passage of a bipartisan measure that will give veterans in Minnesota and across the country more non-VA health care options and address the systemic problems that have forced long waits for care at VA facilities. Click here to read more.
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Sen. Franken Disappointed That Bill to Help Minnesotans Refinance Student Loan Debt Blocked in Senate
Sen. Al Franken said he's disappointed by the Senate's failure to move forward with a bill to cut student loan debt for millions of students and families in Minnesota and across the country. Click here to read more.
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Ahead of Key Vote, Klobuchar and Franken Announce That More Than 560,000 Minnesotans Would Benefit From New Student Loan Refinancing Bill
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken today highlighted a new report showing that more than 560,000 Minnesotans would benefit from a student loan refinancing bill which Klobuchar and Franken cosponsored.
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Top Tech Group to Sen. Franken: Comcast-Time Warner Cable Deal Should be Blocked
After pressing one of the nation's top tech advocacy groups for its views on the massive Comcast-Time Warner Cable deal, Sen. Al Franken released the organization's response, which called regulators to block the deal.
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Sen. Franken Says VA Audit Results Raise Serious Issues; Presses to Find out More
Sen. Al Franken said the results of a new audit of the VA medical facilities raise some serious issues, and said that he's glad that the VA systems in Minneapolis and Rochester will undergo further scrutiny to determine the causes of veterans' wait times in those facilities.
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President Backs Sen. Franken's Call to Make Student Loan Payments More Affordable with Executive Action Today
Sen. Al Franken said today he's pleased that President Obama has responded to his call to expand a program to make student loans more affordable by issuing an executive order Monday that will cut student loan payments for up to an additional 5 million borrowers in Minnesota and across the country.
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Sen. Franken to White House: Engage Private Sector to Help Fix VA