Klobuchar's Somalia Remittance Push

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar faces renewed criticism over her 2013 push to ease money transfers to Somalia as a Republican campaign PAC highlights fraud links in Minnesota.

“We have more to do, but we will continue to fight for you”

2017 Video Footage

Somali TV of Minnesota uploaded a video on February 27, 2017 where Klobuchar discussed reducing redundant regulations on Somalia remittances with then-U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison and then-U.S. Sen. Al Franken.

“We have more to do, but we will continue to fight for you”

Senate Remittance Legislation

Klobuchar co-sponsored the Senate companion to the Money Remittances Improvement Act of 2014 which President Obama signed into law on August 8, 2014.

Merchants Bank Stoppage

Merchants Bank of California stopped processing Somali remittances in February 2015 amid regulatory concerns about money laundering and terrorist financing.

Restore Sanity PAC Campaign

Restore Sanity PAC, supporting Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth for governor, criticizes Klobuchar's efforts to keep transfers moving and alleges fraud money flowed overseas.

Federal Fraud Cases

Federal authorities have scrutinized Minnesota money services businesses with Treasury issuing four investigation notices to Hennepin and Ramsey counties in January 2025.

Klobuchar Campaign Response

Klobuchar's campaign defended the remittance legislation's bipartisan backing with Republican co-sponsors Sean Duffy and Erik Paulsen and Tom Emmer's support for remittances.