Press Releases
-
Sen. Franken Fights to Keep Health Care Costs in Check for Minnesota Families
As Republican lawmakers gear up to gut the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with no realistic replacement plan—a move that would pull the rug out from 20 million Americans who gained health coverage through the ACA—Senator Al Franken is fighting for several legislative priorities of his that would help preserve and improve the law.
-
Sen. Franken’s Statement on U.S. Steel's Decision to Reopen Keetac Mine
Senator Al Franken released the following statement in response to U.S. Steel's announcement that it will reopen its Keetac taconite mine and processing facility—which closed in May 2015, leaving hundreds of miners out of work—in Keewatin, Minnesota.
-
Sen. Franken Releases Responses From Uber, Lyft on Discrimination against Customers
A month after pressing popular ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft to explain a recent study documenting driver discrimination against minority customers, Senator Al Franken released the companies' responses.
-
Sen. Franken Presses Uber to Upgrade Privacy Policy, Protect Users’ Sensitive Location Data
In response to Uber's latest iPhone app update—which significantly reduced users' ability to control the company's access to their location information—Senator Al Franken urged the popular ride-hailing company to upgrade its privacy policy to ensure that sensitive customer data is properly safeguarded.
-
Sens. Franken, Klobuchar Urge Trump to Uphold Promise to Bring Down Drug Prices
Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, along with 18 of their colleagues, urged President-elect Donald Trump and his Administration to uphold his promise to bring down the cost of prescription drugs for all Americans.
-
Sens. Franken, Klobuchar Fight to Support Students Defrauded by Globe University and Minnesota School of Business
With Globe University and Minnesota School of Business being cut off from federal education funding as a result of rampant fraud and misuse, Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar are calling for action to support students who were defrauded by the for-profit college group.
-
In Senate Speech, Sen. Franken Honors Veteran, Author, and Advocate Luis Montalvan
In a speech delivered on the Senate floor Friday night, Senator Al Franken honored Luis Montalvan, a veteran, author, and advocate who served in Iraq and inspired Sen. Franken's very first piece of legislation seven years ago.
-
Sen. Franken Leads Senate Resolution that Questions U.S. Nuclear Arsenal Modernization Plans
Senator Al Franken introduced a Senate resolution urging the President to ensure that the United States' nuclear arsenal modernization plans don't jeopardize critical national security priorities.
-
Sen. Franken Pushes Back against United Airlines’ New Plan to Charge Passengers for Overhead Baggage Space
With travelers and families already stretched thin by excessive airfare costs and baggage fees, Senator Al Franken said today that he has serious concerns with United Airlines' new plan to charge passengers for overhead baggage space.
-
A Dozen of Sen. Franken’s Health Care Priorities to Become Law after Passing as Part of Bipartisan Legislative Package
A large number of Senator Al Franken's priorities to improve health care in Minnesota and across the country will soon become law after passing in Congress as part of a sweeping bipartisan proposal.
-
Sen. Franken to Donald Trump: Don’t Break Campaign Promises to Protect Medicare and Medicaid
Senator Al Franken joined a group of his Senate Democratic colleagues in pressing President-Elect Donald Trump to quickly explain if he will protect Medicare and Medicaid—like he claimed he would during his campaign—or if he will support policies that gut these essential programs.
-
Sen. Franken’s Bipartisan Proposal to Improve Mental Health Services in Criminal Justice System Set to Become Law
Senator Al Franken's bipartisan proposal to bolster access to mental health services for people in the criminal justice system is set to become law after passing as part of a legislative package in Congress.
-
Sen. Franken: “Buy America” Iron and Steel Provision for Water Infrastructure Projects Must be Made Permanent
Senator Al Franken said he is disappointed that a job-creating provision to require the use of American-made iron and steel in major U.S. water infrastructure projects is on the chopping block next year instead of being made permanent.
-
Klobuchar, Franken, and Bipartisan Group of Senators Urge the International Trade Commission to Provide American Steel Plate Manufacturers Relief from Dumped and Subsidized Imports
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with a bipartisan group of senators, have urged the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) to provide American steel plate manufacturers relief from dumped and subsidized imports.
-
Sen. Franken: Bipartisan Bill Passed by Senate Aims to Increase Access to Health Care in Rural Communities
Senator Al Franken helped champion a Senate-passed bill that could expand how telemedicine technology is used in rural communities—including in Minnesota—where patients often lack adequate access to the specialty care doctors they need.
-
Following Effort from Klobuchar, Franken, Walz, and Ellison, Administration to Issue Individual Disaster Assistance for Minnesota Communities Impacted by Devastating Flooding
Following an effort from Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and Representatives Tim Walz and Keith Ellison, the Administration announced it will issue Individual Disaster Assistance for Minnesota communities impacted by devastating flooding in September.
-
Sen. Franken Fights to End Questionable Chinese Trade Restrictions on U.S. Pork and Poultry Products
With U.S.-Chinese trade and commerce talks underway right now in Washington, Senator Al Franken is publicly calling for an end to questionable trade restrictions by China on certain U.S. pork and poultry products.
-
Sen. Franken Urges Dept. of Justice to Protect Safety, First Amendment Rights of Dakota Access Pipeline Protestors
Senator Al Franken urged the Department of Justice to take action to protect the safety and First Amendment rights of Dakota Access Pipeline protestors following reports that law enforcement used water cannons for crowd control in sub-freezing temperatures.
-
In Speech, Sen. Franken Blasts President-Elect Donald Trump’s Appointment of White Nationalist Stephen Bannon as Chief White House Strategist
In a speech from the Senate floor today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken blasted President-Elect Donald Trump's decision to appoint white nationalist Stephen Bannon as chief strategist and senior counsel to the president, calling on both his colleagues in Congress and Donald Trump himself to strongly reject Mr. Bannon's hateful brand of politics.
-
Working for Rural Minnesota: Sen. Franken’s Bipartisan Bill Would Strengthen Health Care in Our Rural Communities
On National Rural Health Day, Sen. Al Franken announced a bipartisan proposal to support families and communities in Greater Minnesota by strengthening how rural hospitals and health providers deliver care to their patients.
-
Following Efforts from Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, Nolan, Department of Energy Approves Great Northern Transmission Line
Following efforts from Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representatives Collin Peterson Rick Nolan, the U.S. Department of Energy gave federal approval to Minnesota Power's Great Northern Transmission Line.
-
Sen. Franken’s Statement on President-elect Donald Trump’s Appointment of White Nationalist Steve Bannon as Chief White House Strategist
Click here to read Sen. Al Franken's statement on President-elect Donald Trump's decision to appoint Steve Bannon as Chief White House Strategist.
-
Medicare Expansion of Sen. Franken’s Diabetes Prevention Program Could Bring Better Health to Millions of Seniors, Significant Savings for Taxpayers
Senator Al Franken said that a critical program he championed to address the national epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes, which kills two Americans every five minutes, has officially expanded under Medicare and could cover new preventive care for millions of high-risk seniors.
-
Following Effort from Minnesota Congressional Delegation, Administration Issues Major Disaster Declaration for State of Minnesota
Following an effort from Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and Representatives Collin Peterson, John Kline, Betty McCollum, Tim Walz, Keith Ellison, and Tom Emmer, today the Administration issued a major disaster declaration for the State of Minnesota.
-
Sen. Franken Questions Uber and Lyft about Race and Gender Discrimination against Customers
Senator Al Franken pressed the popular ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft to explain recent reports of driver discrimination against minority and women customers.
-
Klobuchar, Franken, and Bipartisan Group of Senators Urge the Department of Defense to Restore National Guard Bonuses
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and a bipartisan group of senators, have urged the Department of Defense (DoD) to restore National Guard bonuses.
-
Minnesota Senators Announce Judicial Selection Committee for Vacancies on Federal District Court
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken announced the formation of a judicial selection committee to assist them in making recommendations to the President to fill two vacancies on Minnesota's federal district court.
-
Sen. Franken Raises Serious Doubts over Proposed AT&T-Time Warner Merger, Calls on Federal Regulators to Put Deal Under the Microscope
Senator Al Franken raised serious doubts over AT&T's proposal to acquire Time Warner for more than $85 billion, which he says could raise prices for consumers and potentially limit access to television content, and he called on federal regulators to heavily scrutinize the deal.
-
Sen. Franken’s Statement on AT&T’s Reported Proposal to Acquire Time Warner
Click here to read Senator Al Franken's statement on AT&T's reported proposal to acquire Time Warner for more than $80 billion.
-
Klobuchar, Franken Announce $1.5 Million in Federal Funding for the Minnesota Apprenticeship Expansion Initiative
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken today announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the Minnesota Department of Labor a $1.5 million federal grant to fund the Minnesota Apprenticeship Expansion Initiative. The funds, provided through the ApprenticeshipUSA initiative, will be used to help meet the need for equitable, demand-driven career pathways in construction and other high-growth industries.
-
Sen. Franken’s Statement on New Effort by Dept. of Justice to Crack Down on Credit Rating Agencies
Senator Al Franken released the following statement after an announcement that the Department of Justice is preparing a new lawsuit to crack down on Moody's, one of the nation's three biggest credit rating agencies.
-
Following Efforts from Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, Walz, and Nolan, USDA Announces New Plan to Help Dairy Producers and Families in Need
Following efforts from Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representatives Collin Peterson, Tim Walz and Rick Nolan, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new plans to help dairy producers and families in need in 2017.
-
Sen. Franken Urges U.S. Climate Negotiators to Push for Significant Phase Down of Harmful Greenhouse Gas
Senator Al Franken and ten of his colleagues urged Secretary of State John Kerry and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy to take a strong position to rapidly phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in the upcoming negotiations at the 28th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Kigali, Rwanda.
-
Sens. Franken, Leahy, Wyden Press FCC to Address Alleged Problems with Local Law Enforcement's Use of "Stingray" Technology
Senators Al Franken, Patrick Leahy, Ron Wyden and nine other Senators pressed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler to address allegations that state and local law enforcement are using cell site simulators—portable surveillance devices that collect cell phone data by mimicking cell phone towers—that may disrupt ordinary consumers' cellular service, and may interfere with calls for emergency assistance.
-
Klobuchar, Franken, and Bipartisan Group of Senators Push Administration for Renewed Emphasis on Enforcement to Tackle Steel Overcapacity
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and a bipartisan group of senators, have pushed the Administration for renewed emphasis on enforcement to tackle steel overcapacity.
-
Klobuchar, Franken Urge the Department of Education to Protect Students Affected by Abrupt Closure of Regency Beauty Institute
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken have urged the Department of Education to protect students affected by the abrupt closure of Regency Beauty Institute.
-
Klobuchar, Franken Resolution Honoring Life of Jacob Wetterling and Advocacy of Wetterling Family Passes Senate
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken announced that the Senate resolution they introduced honoring the life of Jacob Wetterling and the advocacy of the Wetterling family on behalf of missing and exploited children has passed the Senate.
-
After Effort Led by Sen. Franken, Medicare & Medicaid Will Ban Long-Term Care Facilities from Using Unfair Arbitration Agreements
Sen. Al Franken said today that families and seniors in Minnesota and all across the country will no longer be subject to unfair arbitration agreements in nursing home contracts because the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have finally heeded his call to ban them.
-
Following Massive Data Breach Affecting Millions Of Customers, Sen. Franken Presses Yahoo! for Answers
Senator Al Franken called on Yahoo! to reveal how a massive data hack at their company may have gone unnoticed for two years.
-
Sens. Franken, Klobuchar Call on Education Department to Support Students Defrauded by Globe University and Minnesota School of Business
Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar are pressing the federal government to do its part to support students who were recruited under false pretense, misled about their transfer credits, and who weren't qualified for jobs in their fields of study after graduating.
-
Sen. Franken Presses to Keep Energy Costs Down for Minnesota Businesses, Families, Consumers, and Communities While Also Protecting Environment
Sen. Al Franken and 11 of his colleagues have called on the Department of Energy to put the brakes on new liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, a move that would help keep energy costs in check for Minnesota businesses, families, consumers, and communities, while at the same time addressing our country's environmental goals.
-
Sen. Franken: We Must Block Controversial Billion Dollar Sale of U.S. Weaponry to Saudi Arabia
Sen. Al Franken called on his colleagues in the Senate to block a $1.15 billion sale of U.S. weaponry to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose fighters have been blamed for the unjust killing of civilians in Yemen.
-
Sens. Franken, Murray Lead Nearly 40 Senators in Call to Protect Women's Access to Contraceptive Coverage
Sens. Al Franken and Patty Murray led a group of nearly 40 Democratic Senators in calling on the Obama Administration to protect women's access to affordable birth control under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
-
Sen. Franken, USDA Announce Statewide "Rural Energy for America Program" Tour
Senator Al Franken announced that in preparation for debate over the next Farm Bill, his office has begun a statewide "Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Tour."
-
Sen. Franken: Build on the Affordable Care Act by Creating a Public Option in the Health Insurance Market
Senator Al Franken laid out the case for why we should build on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by creating a "public option," which would increase competition, accountability, and affordability in the health insurance market by allowing every American to purchase a publicly backed insurance plan.
-
Sen. Franken Helps Pass Job-Creating Water Infrastructure Bill that Benefits MN
Senator Al Franken said he pressed to pass a major water infrastructure bill in the Senate because it not only creates jobs, modernizes community water systems, and makes the nation's waterways more navigable, but it will also bolster investment in clean drinking water and in efforts to replace dangerous lead pipes.
-
After Urging from Sens. Franken, Brown, and Warren, Dept. of Housing and Urban Development Releases New Guidance to Protect Victims of Domestic Violence
Senator Al Franken applauded the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for releasing federal guidance on how local governments can make sure that their nuisance ordinances don't endanger survivors of domestic violence and other victims of crime.
-
Klobuchar, Franken Introduce Senate Resolution to Honor Life of Jacob Wetterling and Advocacy of Wetterling Family
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken have introduced a Senate resolution honoring the life of Jacob Wetterling and the advocacy of the Wetterling family on behalf of missing and exploited children.
-
Klobuchar, Franken, Nolan Announce Nearly $375,000 for Railroad Crossing Safety in Duluth
Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, along with Representative Rick Nolan, announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded $374,598 to the St. Louis and Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority for railroad crossing safety in Duluth.
-
Sen. Franken Releases Response from "Pokemon GO" App Maker Niantic About Privacy Concerns
After raising concerns over how Pokémon GO treats the digital privacy of its users, Senator Al Franken released a response from app maker Niantic.
-
Sen. Franken, Reps. McCollum, Nolan Help Break Ground at Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School Rebuild in Northern MN
Senate Indian Affairs Committee Member Al Franken, along with Congressional Native American Caucus Co-Chair Betty McCollum and Rep. Rick Nolan, took part in a ceremonial groundbreaking at the site of the future Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig High School on Leech Lake Indian Reservation, an event they said is the culmination of their years-long fight to replace what has been a dangerously dilapidated school.
-
Sens. Franken, Brown, and Warren Push to End Local Nuisance Ordinances that Endanger Domestic Violence Survivors
Sens. Al Franken, Sherrod Brown, and Elizabeth Warren—along with over 20 of their colleagues—urged the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for action to combat unfair and discriminatory nuisance ordinances that disproportionately affect survivors of domestic violence.
-
Klobuchar, Franken, Nolan Announce More Than $200,000 to Promote Job Opportunities, Self-Sufficiency for Public Housing Residents in Brainerd
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representative Rick Nolan, announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a grant of $201,884 to promote job opportunities and self-sufficiency for public housing residents in Brainerd.
-
Sen. Franken Calls Groundbreaking for United Taconite's "Project Mustang" Great News for Iron Range Workers and Communities
Sen. Al Franken said that today's groundbreaking for United Taconite's "Project Mustang"—a $65 million capital investment to produce a specialty taconite pellet as part of a long-term deal between Cliffs Natural Resources and steel maker ArcelorMittal—is great news for hundreds of workers and families on the Iron Range.
-
Klobuchar, Franken, Nolan Announce Nearly $60,000 to Prevent Untreated Stormwater Runoff in Duluth
Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representative Rick Nolan, today announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a grant of $58,000 to prevent untreated stormwater runoff in Duluth.
-
After Effort from Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, McCollum, Ellison, and Nolan, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Withdraw Proposal That Would Have Resulted in $40 Million Cut to Minnesota Hospitals
Following an effort from Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representatives Collin Peterson, Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison, and Rick Nolan, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that it has withdrawn a proposal that would have resulted in $40 million cut to Minnesota hospitals.
-
Broad Coalition of Senate Democrats Call on Top Consumer Agency to Move Swiftly to Limit Unfair Arbitration Agreements in Everyday Financial Contracts
Today, a group of nearly 40 Democratic Senators—led by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, Sen. Al Franken, and Sens. Patrick Leahy and Sherrod Brown—called on one of the nation's top consumer advocacy agencies to quickly finalize an important proposal to limit the use of what is called "forced arbitration" in contracts that Americans sign when they need to take out an auto loan, sign up for a checking account, or pay for college.
-
Sen. Franken's Statement on Justice Department Move to Block Proposed Health Insurance Mergers
Sen. Al Franken issued a statement on the Department of Justice's (DOJ) move to block proposed health insurance mergers that could hurt consumers.
-
Sen. Franken Continues Push to Improve Health Care for Millions of Rural Americans
Sen. Al Franken introduced a legislative package to address several of the barriers that rural America faces when it comes to health care. The measures aim to address three keys areas: ensuring rural residents have access to the health services they need, helping rural health care providers recruit and retain skilled workers, and increasing the quality of care delivered in rural communities.
-
Sen. Franken Blasts Heritage Foundation for Climate Change Deception
In a speech delivered on the Senate floor, U.S. Sen. Al Franken took the Heritage Foundation to task for purposely misleading the American people regarding climate change at the call of their millionaire and billionaire donors.
-
Sen. Franken Presses Makers of "Pokemon GO" Smartphone App Over Privacy Concerns
Sen. Al Franken raised the alarm over potentially serious privacy concerns with "Pokémon GO," a new smartphone game that millions of users around the country have downloaded over the past week.
-
Dayton, Smith, Klobuchar, Franken, McCollum, Ellison Urge U.S. Department of Justice to Conduct Full and Thorough Investigation into Death of Philando Castile
Read the letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch urging the U.S. Department of Justice to conduct a full and thorough investigation into the death of Philando Castile.
-
Sen. Franken's Statement on Death of Philando Castile
Sen. Al Franken made the following statement in response to the death of Philando Castile:
-
Sen. Franken Leads Senate Effort in Pressing World Health Organization to Address Spread of Yellow Fever
In a letter to the World Health Organization (WHO), Sen. Al Franken led a group of senators in pressing the WHO to address the concerning spread of yellow fever.
-
Sen. Franken: Pentagons Plan to Lift Ban on Openly Transgender Servicemembers is a Historic Victory for LGBT Rights
Sen. Al Franken released the following statement after Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced that the Department of Defense will be ending an outdated policy that bars transgender men and women from serving openly in the military:
-
Sen. Franken Presses Veterans Committee to Help So-Called Atomic Cleanup Veterans Get The Health Care They Need
In testimony before the Senate Veterans Committee, Sen. Al Franken called on his colleagues to pass his bipartisan measure to bring important health care benefits to the so-called "Atomic Cleanup Veterans," who helped clean up nuclear testing sites in the Marshall Islands during the late 1970s.
-
Sen. Franken Calls Federal Plan to Crack Down on Tax Dodging Missed Opportunity to Improve Financial Transparency
Sen. Al Franken said that a newly released federal plan to gather financial data rom multi-national corporations that shelter profits overseas to avoid taxes doesn't do enough to increase the transparency and accountability of those companies.
-
Sen. Franken: Momentous Supreme Court Ruling Protects Womens Constitutional Right to Access Safe, Legal Abortion
Sen. Al Franken issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued an historic decision to strike down as unconstitutional a Texas law that placed medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion providers and shut down many of the state's clinics.
-
Sen. Franken: My Bipartisan Measure Will Help Give Foster Kids in Minnesota More Stability
Key federal agencies are helping states implement a bipartisan measure written by Sen. Al Franken that was passed into last year's law overhauling No Child Left Behind.
-
Sen. Franken: Supreme Court Deadlock in Important Immigration Case Underscores Need for Fully Functioning Court
Sen. Al Franken said that a split decision by the Supreme Court in U.S. v. Texas is a significant setback for millions of immigrants around the country who should be able to live with dignity and protect their families, adding that the ruling underscores why the Court must be fully staffed in order to function properly.
-
Sens. Franken, Sasse Introduce Bipartisan Measure to Hold China Accountable for Unfair Trade Practices; Restore Congressional Oversight
Sens. Al Franken and Ben Sasse introduced a new measure that would protect Congress's role to define China's economy as market-based or non-market-based so as to retain tools retain tools to protect workers and businesses in Minnesota, Nebraska, and across the country by helping to keep China's unscrupulous trade practices in check.
-
Sen. Franken: Senates Failure to Pass Commonsense Gun Violence Reforms is Deep Disservice to Families of Shooting Victims around Country
Sen. Al Franken released the following statement after the Senate failed to advance commonsense measures to address gun violence.
-
Franken, Klobuchar, Nolan Announce Over $1.2 Million to Support Rural Broadband in Morrison County
Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, along with Representative Rick Nolan, announced that the Upsala Cooperative Telephone Company in Morrison County will receive $1,204,000 in loans to help support its efforts to expand broadband service.
-
Sens. Franken, Casey Introduce Legislation to Help Families Afford High Cost of Diapers, Keep Children Healthy
Sens. Al Franken and Bob Casey introduced a new measure to help families across the country shoulder the steep cost of diapers for their infants and toddlers.
-
Franken, Klobuchar, Peterson Announce Nearly $700,000 for Safety Improvements at Warroad International Memorial Airport
Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, along with Representative Collin Peterson, announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded Warroad International Memorial Airport, also known as Swede Carlson Field, a grant of $684,228 for safety improvements.
-
New Proposal from Education Department Would Help Defrauded Student Loan Borrowers, Ban Forced Arbitration in College Enrollment Contracts
Sen. Al Franken said that a new proposal from the Department of Education would erase student loan debt for thousands of borrowers in Minnesota and across the country who were defrauded by for-profit colleges, and it would also help prevent similar cases in the future by ending the use of unfair mandatory arbitration agreements that force students to sign away their constitutional right to seek justice after being wronged.
-
Sen. Franken Releases Extensive Report Detailing Concerns with FBI Facial Recognition Program
Sen. Al Franken released a report he commissioned that details how the FBI should better ensure the privacy and accuracy of its use of facial recognition technology, which allows the FBI to access a vast network of databases that contain a staggering hundreds of millions of photos.
-
Sen. Franken: Court Decision Upholding Net Neutrality a Victory for Consumers, Innovators, Business
Sen. Al Franken released the following statement regarding the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit's opinion upholding the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) rule preserving net neutrality:
-
Sen. Frankens Statement on Shooting in Orlando
Sen. Al Franken released the following statement on the mass shooting in Orlando:
-
Sen. Franken Says EU Trade Ruling on U.S. Produced Ethanol is Big Victory for Minnesota Farmers, Rural Communities
Sen. Al Franken called a move by a top European Union (EU) court to strike down steep duties against U.S. produced ethanol a big victory for Minnesota farmers, biofuel producers, and rural communities.
-
Sen. Franken: United Taconite Will Reopen Two Months Ahead of Schedule, Bring Hundreds of Minnesotans Back to Work, Help Iron Range Communities
Today, Sen. Al Franken said that a long-term deal between Cliffs Natural Resources and steel maker ArcelorMittal will allow the company to reopen its United Taconite facilities in Eveleth and Forbes in August-two months earlier than expected-and will bring hundreds of Minnesotans back to work.
-
Sen. Franken Continues Pressing to Bring Healthcare, Education Support to Minnesota National Guard & Reserve Soldiers Who Served on Active Duty
As the Senate debates a largescale national defense bill, Sen. Al Franken has pressed to include an amendment he wrote that would bring hard-earned healthcare, education, and retirement benefits to National Guard and Reserve members in Minnesota and across the country who were called to serve on active duty.
-
Sens. Franken, Whitehouse Fight to Put Spotlight on Giant Multi-National Corporations That Dodge Taxes, Hide Profits Overseas
Sens. Al Franken and Sheldon Whitehouse have banded together to put the spotlight on giant multi-national corporations who use loopholes and other gimmicks to avoid taxes and shelter profits overseas.
-
Franken, Klobuchar, Nolan Announce New Funding to Help End Veteran Homelessness in Duluth
Today, Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, along with Representative Rick Nolan, announced new funding to help end veteran homeless in Minnesota.
-
Sen. Franken: Cliffs Natural Resources Plan to Reopen United Taconite in October Will Bring Hundreds of Minnesotans Back to Work, Help Iron Range Communities
Sen. Al Franken issued the following statement after Cliffs Natural Resources announced a long-term agreement with steel maker ArcelorMittal that will allow the company to reopen its United Taconite facilities in Eveleth and Forbes in October and bring hundreds of Minnesotans back to work.
-
Franken, Klobuchar, and Walz Announce $142 Million National Institutes of Health Grant Awarded to the Mayo Clinics Biobank
After Efforts from Franken, Klobuchar and Walz, $142 Million National Institutes of Health Grant Awarded to the Mayo Clinic's Biobank
-
Franken, Klobuchar, Peterson, Nolan Announce USDA Grant Awarded to Boost Rural Economic Development in Minnesota
Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, along with Representatives Collin Peterson and Rick Nolan, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a grant to Minnesota's The Initiative Foundation.
-
Sen. Franken Releases Response from Oculus Rift on How It Collects and Shares Personal Information
After pressing Oculus to address privacy concerns about its virtual reality system, the Oculus Rift, Sen. Al Franken released the company's response.
-
Sen. Frankens Statement on the Proposed 2017 Renewable Fuel Standard Targets
Sen. Al Franken issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) targets for 2017.
-
Sen. Franken: New Bipartisan Bill Will Make Minnesota Workers and Employers More Competitive in Global Economy
Sen. Al Franken helped introduce bipartisan legislation to prepare Americans for good-paying, high-skill careers in industries like engineering, manufacturing, and information technology by creating and strengthening more registered apprenticeship programs.
-
Sen. Franken Applauds New Rule That Will Extend Overtime Pay to Millions of American Workers
Sen. Al Franken praised the Obama Administration for announcing a new rule that will bring much-needed overtime pay to millions of Americans who are working long, exhausting hours, but aren't being properly compensated.
-
Franken, Klobuchar, Nolan Announce Final Tariffs to Combat Steel Dumping
Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, along with Representative Rick Nolan, recently announced final tariffs to combat steel dumping.
-
Franken, Klobuchar Support Emergency Funding to Help Stem Spread of Zika Virus
U.S. Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar supported emergency funding to help stem the spread of the Zika virus in the United States.
-
After Pressure from Sens. Franken and Baldwin, Depts. of Education and Justice Release Guidelines to Protect Transgender Students
Sens. Al Franken and Tammy Baldwin applauded the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice for releasing comprehensive guidelines that will help protect transgender students.
-
Franken, Klobuchar, McCollum Announce Nearly $2.5 Million for Infrastructure Improvements at St. Paul Downtown Airport
Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, along with Representative Betty McCollum, today announced that the Department of Transportation has awarded $2,466,567 for infrastructure improvements at the St. Paul Downtown Airport (Holman Field).
-
For First Time Ever, Senate Approves Funding for Tribal Loan Program Championed by Sen. Franken
Sen. Al Franken said that-for the first time ever-the Senate has approved funding that he has long championed for a key tribal loan program. The funds, $9 million for 2017, would help create jobs, ensure access to reliable energy on tribal lands, and enable new energy infrastructure investments.
-
Franken, Klobuchar, Peterson, Walz, Nolan Announce New Funding for Miner Safety and Health Training in Minnesota
Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, along with Reps. Collin Peterson, Tim Walz, and Rick Nolan, announced new funding for miner safety and health training in Minnesota.
-
Rep. Tim Walz Wins Sen. Frankens 6th Annual Minnesota Congressional Delegation Hotdish Competition
Today, on the 158th anniversary of Minnesota becoming a state, the Minnesota Congressional Delegation came together for Sen. Al Franken's sixth annual hotdish competition.
-
Sens. Franken, Klobuchar Introduce Bill to Bring Hard-Earned VA and Military Benefits to Minnesota National Guard & Reserve Soldiers Who Served on Active Duty
Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar introduced new legislation to ensure that Minnesota National Guard and Reserve members who were called to serve on active duty can access their hard-earned health care, education, and retirement benefits.
-
Sens. Franken, Klobuchar, and Baldwin Introduce New Bill to Keep Unfair Chinese Trade Practices in Check, Protect American Workers
Sen. Al Franken, joined by Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tammy Baldwin , introduced a new measure that would protect workers and businesses in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and across the country by helping to keep China's unscrupulous trade practices in check.