senate Archives - Page 15 of 18

Minnesota Senate Introduces Bill to Raise Legal Age for Tobacco Purchases

The senate introduces a bill that would raise the legal age to buy tobacco to 21 in Minnesota

May 4, 2017

Site Staff,

MINNESOTA–Just two days after Edina made the change, the Minnesota Senate introduced a bill that raises the legal age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21. Members of the Minnesotans for a Smoke Free Generation coalition called it a win. “It’s really a huge victory,” said Jason McCoy, the tobacco prevention coordinator with Clay County Public Health. Edina is the first city…

Senator Franken Demands Answers on Russia from FBI Director Comey

The FBI is investigating the possibility of contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia

May 3, 2017

TJ Nelson,

WASHINGTON D.C. — The head of the FBI says Russia is still involved in American politics and Minnesota Senator Franken wants answers. During questioning by the Senate Judiciary Committee, FBI Director James Comey agreed that Russia provides safe haven for cyber criminals. The FBI is investigating the possibility of contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia. Comey also says Russia…

ND Senate Kills Gun Measure Endorsed by House

The House had overwhelmingly endorsed the bill earlier this month

April 20, 2017

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota Senate has killed a measure that would allow any elected official to carry a hidden firearm in a government building or at a public gathering. The House had overwhelmingly endorsed the bill earlier this month. Sen. Kelly Armstrong says Senate and House negotiators could not agree on some provisions in the bill. He…

From Farmers to Congress: Growers Talk 2018 Farm Bill with Area Politicians

Farmers meet with politicians to make suggestions for the 2018 Farm Bill

April 12, 2017

Site Staff,

FARGO, N.D. — It’s a bill which affects every farmer in the country. The congressional delegation in North Dakota wants to make sure they get it right. The 2018 Farm Bill, which is in the debate stage, acts as a federal safety net for farmers in the U.S. When something bad happens to farmlands, a little extra financial help can…

North Dakota House Gives “Do Pass” Recommendation on Medical Marijuana

A big sticking point is the ease in which marijuana could be smoked as medicine

April 3, 2017

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, N.D. — A North Dakota House committee has given a “do pass” recommendation on new rules governing the use of medical marijuana. The measure is expected to go to the full House on Tuesday. A big sticking point is the ease in which marijuana could be smoked as medicine. The bill passed by the Senate allows patients to smoke…

Sen. Hoeven Wants Quick Vote on President Trump’s Pick for Ag Secretary

Hoeven is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee

March 30, 2017

TJ Nelson,

WASHINGTON D.C. — The Senate Agriculture Committee has approved President Trump’s pick for agriculture secretary. In his confirmation hearing last week, former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue stressed that he has worked with Democrats in the past. He sought to reassure farm-state senators in both parties who are fearful about the impact of President Trump’s proposed deep cuts to farm programs….

Gov. Burgum Trying to Make Good on Giving Back His Salary

The governor will retain his state-paid health insurance

March 29, 2017

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, N.D. — Gov. Burgum has made some progress on his campaign pledge to give back his salary. Senate budget writers have accepted an amendment by Burgum that would pay him only $1 a year. The full Senate still must approve the change. The governor will retain his state-paid health insurance. Burgum has said he would forgo his $130,000…

Parents of Andrew Sadek Testify in Senate Committee Hearing

She told a Senate Committee that potential informants should be better informed of their legal options to understand the risks they may be taking

March 22, 2017

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, N.D. — Emotional testimony from the parents of Andrew Sadek in Bismarck. Tammy Sadek fought back tears as she talked about her 20-year-old son who had been recruited by police to become a drug informant after he was accused of selling marijuana. The NDSCS student went missing in May 2014 and was later found dead. Sadek believes her…

Sen. Heitkamp Questions Border Protection Officials on “Chronic Issues”

She says recent executive orders have not addressed staffing needs at the nation's ports of entry

March 22, 2017

TJ Nelson,

WASHINGTON D.C. — The focus turns to the 5,500-mile long northern border in the U.S. Senate. Senator Heidi Heitkamp questioned key border protection officials about what she called “chronic issues” faced at the 120 ports of entry. She says recent executive orders have not addressed staffing needs at the nation’s ports of entry. Heitkamp also shared a story of one…

North Dakota Lawmakers One Step Closer to “No Permit Carry and Conceal” Law

Gov. Burgum hasn't said whether he would support the bill

March 21, 2017

TJ Nelson,

BISMARCK, N.D. — Carry and conceal without a permit is closer to becoming law in North Dakota. The Senate has approved the measure by a vote of 34 to 13. The House last month passed the proposal that allows people 18 and older to forgo background checks and classes that are now required. Supporters say the bill promotes constitutional…