FEBRUARY 27, 2026

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

Team USA made us proud as Americans – especially our fellow Minnesotans who led the nation in spirit and in earning medals at this year’s games. They showed us all a shining example of what is possible through unity, hard work, and respect for others. Unfortunately, those who had the patience to listen to the president’s State of the Union address on Tuesday endured nearly two hours of rambling self-aggrandizement, lies, and division. When it comes to the reality of the state of our union, we choose to believe our eyes rather than the lies. Here in Minnesota, we have seen what happens when President Trump gets his way and a Republican majority in Congress goes along. Click here to read my full statement.

Congresswomen McCollum, Omar, Craig, and Morrison sat together during the State of the Union address 

Before the State of the Union address, I was joined by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Angie Craig for an interview on ABC News Live and a press conference to discuss Operation Metro Surge and the Trump administration's targeted attacks on Minnesotans. 

Congresswomen McCollum, Omar, and Craig spoke to Linsey Davis on ABC News Live on Tuesday before the State of the Union address.

Congresswomen McCollum, Omar, and Craig spoke about Operation Metro Surge and addressed President Trump's actions in Minnesota ahead of the State of the Union Address. 

Trump Administration Withholds an Additional $260 Million from Minnesota
Shortly after the speech, the administration announced that it is “pausing” an additional $260 million in federal Medicaid funding for Minnesota. More than $2 billion in Medicaid funding for Minnesota is now being withheld by the Trump administration. This isn’t about fighting fraud, this is about a bully trying to punish his perceived enemies. Now his gangster government is inflicting more pain. Minnesota seniors, veterans, children, and people with disabilities will pay the price.  

Once again, President Trump doesn’t let the facts get in the way of his actions. Minnesota leads the nation in health outcomes – with low costs and low federal reimbursements.  For months, Trump has targeted our state in an effort to divide us and destroy our way of life, but Minnesotans are responding by doing what we do best: Caring for our neighbors and working to rebuild. We will continue to use every tool available to push back on Donald Trump, Republicans, and their extreme policies as we fight to make life better for the American people. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. UPDATE

Meeting With Ramsey County Commissioners  

On Tuesday, I met with Ramsey County Commissioners Mary Jo McGuire, Rena Moran, Garrison McMurtney, and Tara Jebens-Singh and their staff to discuss issues facing Ramsey County. We discussed how the Trump/Republican “Big Beautiful Law” will force increases in local property taxes, because it shifts $19 million dollars and other burdens onto the county budget. We also discussed the trauma that has been inflicted on our community through Operation Metro Surge. In Ramsey County, over 7,000 students have shifted to online learning due to the fear and instability caused by ICE’s aggressive tactics. I look forward to working with our county commissioners to ensure that our children, families, and small businesses can recover from these assaults on our community by the Trump administration.

Congresswoman McCollum met with Ramsey County Commissioners on Tuesday.

Meeting With Washington County Commissioners  
On Tuesday, I also met with Washington County Commissioners Stan Karwoski and Bethany Cox and Deputy County Administrator Jan Lucke to discuss updates and priorities for the county. We talked about federal funding opportunities to support infrastructure and public safety improvements in the East Metro. We also discussed concerns about the SNAP administrative cost shift in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Law,” which Washington County estimates will cost the county $2.9 million and force an increase in property taxes. Additionally, we reviewed how Operation Metro Surge has disrupted the county’s ability to keep communities safe and ensure families can access schools, health care, and other essential services.

Congresswoman McCollum met with Washington County Commissioners on Tuesday.

Meeting With Minnesota Disabled American Veterans  
On Tuesday, I met with the leadership of the DAV Minnesota chapter, an organization that focuses on improving the quality of life for our veterans. DAV ensures that the benefits U.S. veterans have earned answering our nation’s call remain intact. U.S. veterans’ benefits are a sacred commitment from our government, and together we must ensure that commitment is honored. Thank you to all the veterans who are out in D.C. advocating on behalf of their brothers and sisters in arms. 

League of Conservation Voters Report Card

I am honored to receive a 100% on the annual League of Conservation Report Card. LCV's National Environmental Scorecard tracks the voting records of members of Congress on environmental, climate change, and democracy legislation and scores them on whether their votes protect people and the planet. As President Trump and Congressional Republicans attack the Boundary Waters and environmental protections, I am standing up for Minnesota’s values to defend our clean air and water and national treasures for today and for generations to come.

Congresswoman McCollum planting trees with Great River Greening 

Deadlines Approaching for Appropriations and Community Project Funding Requests

This week, Majority House Republicans announced deadlines for submissions for appropriations and Community Project Funding requests (CPFs). The deadline for all submissions to my office is MARCH 4TH at 11:59 PM. For more information, please go to my  website.  

MINNESOTA UPDATE

Minnesotans Win 13 Medals at Milano-Cortina Games
Like all Minnesotans, I am so proud of our state's athletes for putting on phenomenal performances and bringing home a nation-leading thirteen medals at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Here in the fourth district, three Olympic athletes — Jesse Diggins (10km freestyle cross-country skiing), Jake Guentzel (men's hockey), and Lee Stecklein (women's hockey) — will be bringing medals home to the East Metro. Congratulations to all Minnesotans who competed in the Milano-Cortina Games! 

Honoring a World War II Veteran’s 103rd Birthday
Thank you to Minnesota National Guard’s “Red Bull” 34th Infantry Division for celebrating a remarkable Minnesotan, World War II veteran Don Halverson, on his 103rd birthday. Mr. Halverson served with the 34th Infantry Division during World War II, deploying to Italy where he led soldiers through some of the most difficult combat conditions of the war. His courage, resilience, and dedication to his fellow service members represent the very best of the Greatest Generation.  Mr. Halverson shared words of wisdom that continue to inspire: to appreciate each day, to stay grounded in gratitude, and to never lose sight of the importance of service to others.

Don Halverson, a World War II veteran and member of the “Red Bull” 34th Infantry Division, celebrates his 103rd birthday with soldiers of the Minnesota National Guard in Arden Hills.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Free Tax Filing Assistance Sessions in Maplewood

Free tax assistance sessions are being held at the Maplewood Library and hosted by AARP on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. through April 14th. Call ahead to make an appointment. Preference will be given to seniors and those living on fixed incomes, more info here.

Eligible taxpayers can get help and file for free. For more information on filing federal tax returns, click here. For information about free tax preparation, click here. If you plan to use a tax professional to prepare and file your tax returns, the IRS encourages you to review tips for choosing a tax preparer. Be careful to avoid tax scams and people impersonating the IRS. Here are some tips to avoid scams.

Minnesota Heating Assistance
Struggling to pay your heating bill this winter? See if you qualify for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program. Homeowners and renters both qualify and are eligible based on household size and income. Applications must be received by May 31, 2026. For more information visit this link or call the Minnesota Department of Commerce at 800-657-3710.

Beware of Fraudulent “Social Security Statement” Emails that are not from Social Security
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is warning about a surge in government imposter scam emails falsely claiming to provide your Social Security Statement. The scam emails may use official-looking logos, colors, language, and formatting to appear authentic and deceive people into clicking links or downloading attachments. Once clicked, the links could install malware or lead victims to fake websites to steal their personal and financial information. To avoid this trap, don’t tap or click on a link in an unsolicited email, respond, or provide personal information. To access your Social Security account online, type in ssa.gov/myaccount  For more information on Social Security–related scams or to report suspected fraud, visit ssa.gov/scam.

Seeking Student Entries for Congressional Art Competition
The 2026 Congressional Art Competition is officially underway! I invite all high school students who live or attend school in the Fourth Congressional District to submit an entry. All entries will be displayed in the Atrium Gallery of the Schmidt Artist Lofts as part of the 2026 Spring Saint Paul Art Crawl, April 17-19, 2026. The winning entry from the Fourth District will be displayed as part of a national exhibit in the U.S. Capitol. Entries by the runners-up will be displayed in my congressional offices in Saint Paul and in Washington, D.C. For more details, visit my website.

Know your Rights
As you continue to protest peacefully, I wanted to share some valuable resources that Attorney General Ellison has put together. The Know Your Rights with ICE page provides information so that Minnesota organizations—like hospitals, shelters, and houses of worship—can continue to provide safe and welcoming environments for everyone they serve. You can also report incidents using the Federal Action Reporting Form. 

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

If you are impacted by the actions of the Trump Administration or Republicans' cuts to health care, food assistance, I want to hear about it. Please contact my office directly at (651) 224-9191 or click here to share your story. 

Your voice matters and empowers my vote in Congress.
I encourage you to share your stories with me.

Thank You
Thank you to the hundreds of new subscribers to my weekly newsletter! This update is designed to provide timely information about my work in Washington and Minnesota, and to provide resources that can be helpful to you. As always, please stay in touch: Voice your policy opinion, ask for help with a federal agency, or find all of my recent statements at mccollum.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Betty McCollum
Member of Congress