While President Donald Trump’s battle with Congress over funding for a border wall with Mexico is sucking up all the attention in the news lately, U.S. Sen. Amy Kolobuchar, D-Minn., has been quietly working on legislation that could boost the southwest Minnesota economy.

Klobuchar joined Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, in introducing the Promoting Rural Exports Act of 2019 last week. The bipartisan legislation would establish a Rural Export Center at the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) to provide support to rural businesses to help them export their products to new international markets.

“I’ve met the people doing business across Minnesota and seen how important exporting is to their success–businesses in rural areas shouldn’t be denied opportunities just because of their location,” Klobuchar said. “Our bipartisan Promoting Rural Exports Act will boost exports and advance innovation in our rural communities so they can continue to grow.”

Hoeven said the proposed legislation could help rural businesses overcome transportation and logistical challenges.

Klobuchar and Hoeven are on the right track with the Rural Exports Act of 2019. It could potentially be a big help for companies right here in southwest Minnesota like Action Manufacturing, tru Shrimp and other agriculture related companies.