MAY 15, 2026

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

New economic data indicates that inflation has risen to 3.8%, the highest it's been in three years. All of us are paying more for our groceries, gas, prescriptions, and utility bills. The cost of everything is up, and it can all be traced back to President Trump's illegal war in Iran and tariffs. When President Trump was asked whether he was rethinking his war in Iran due to the negative impact it's having on economy, this is what he said:

"I don't think about Americans' financial situation."

— President Trump on Tuesday, May 12 (video)

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WASHINGTON, D.C. UPDATE

Appropriations Committee Updates

Subcommittee on Defense Hears Testimony From Pentagon Leaders 
On Iran War, Massive $1.5 Trillion Request

This week the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget request for the Department of Defense. I led House Democrats on the subcommittee in questioning Secretary Hegseth and General Caine on the Trump Administration’s outrageously high $1.5 trillion budget request for the Pentagon. Our nation cannot be secure without investments in critical health care, education, nutrition, and infrastructure. President Trump’s overall budget proposes deep cuts to all of those priorities in order to fund a runaway defense budget that he has failed to control, all while prices continue to rise for Americans as a result of his illegal war in Iran. I refuse to provide a blank check to the Pentagon and I will continue to demand a full accounting of the costs of President Trump’s unauthorized war in Iran.

Congresswoman McCollum led House Democrats in questioning Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine during a hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense on Tuesday.

Republicans Advance Partisan Funding Bill for Departments of Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies

This week the House Appropriations Committee debated funding for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, NASA, the National Science Foundation, and other agencies that contribute to our national security, economic security, and scientific advances. Republicans rejected multiple Democratic amendments, including an amendment I offered to ensure that state law enforcement have access to evidence and investigations when federal agents are involved. Minnesota’s law enforcement agencies were blocked from investigating crime scenes involving federal agents during Operation Metro Surge, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by DHS agents.  

Additionally, Republicans rejected a Democratic amendment to prohibit the federal government from persecuting Americans for exercising their First Amendment rights, which we witnessed throughout Operation Metro Surge.

Congresswoman McCollum defended Americans' first amendment rights to protest, record, and legally observe federal law enforcement officers in a speech on Wednesday. 

I voted no on the overall bill, because the Republican majority’s bill fails to meet the needs of our nation, including making damaging cuts of $1.8 billion to the National Science Foundation, that undermine research on everything from cancer and Alzheimer’s to cybersecurity. 

Meeting with Leaders from Andersen Windows & Doors

On Wednesday, I met with Chris Galvin, the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Andersen Corporation, headquartered in Bayport. Andersen employs 7,000 employees in the East Metro, and 15,000 people in North America. Andersen is committed to innovation to help consumers lower their energy bills, and keep their homes safe and affordable. I look forward to working with Andersen to keep and expand job opportunities in the East Metro!

Chris Galvin, Chairman & CEO; Congresswoman McCollum; Eliza Chlebeck, Vice President of Communications and Community; Jacob Carter, Senior Director of Government Relations.

MINNESOTA UPDATE: HONORING MINNESOTANS AT HOME & ABROAD

Paying Tribute to Saint Paul Police Officer Felicia Reilly During Police Week
Each May, law enforcement agencies and families from across the country visit Washington to honor officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This year, it was an honor to welcome the family of Saint Paul Police Officer Felicia Reilly and a delegation from the Saint Paul Police Department. During my meeting with them, they shared the passion, courage, and empathy that Officer Reilly brought to her 17 years of service. On March 24, 2010, Officer Reilly responded to a 911 call involving a domestic threat. During the response, she was violently assaulted and sustained severe head injuries. Although she was able to arrest the individual, she suffered a traumatic brain injury that led to serious lasting health complications, ultimately forcing her retirement. Officer Reilly passed away on March 1, 2025, as a result of those injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Congresswoman McCollum meets with Matt Reilly, Michael Capecchi, Theresa Paulson, and Matt Toronto. 

Honoring Minnesota's Service Members at the Annual Serving our Troops Dinner

Since 2004, Serving Our Troops has carried on a remarkable tradition of supporting military families and honoring those who serve our nation. This Saint Paul-based organization connects deployed service members with their families through a live feed while providing them with a Mancini's steak shipped to their stations and bases.

On Saturday, it was an honor to speak at Serving Our Troops’ Saint Paul to Djibouti event to address the families and loved ones of members of the Minnesota National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing, who are currently deployed in Djibouti.

This tradition says a great deal about who we are as a state and as a country, and it's an important reminder that Minnesotans stand with our service members and their families. I thank our service members, their families, and everyone involved in Serving Our Troops for their service to our citizen-soldiers.

Congresswoman McCollum honored Minnesota's service members at the annual Serving our Troops dinner on Saturday. 

Demanding Answers From the Trump Administration on the Boundary Waters

President Trump signed H.J. Res. 140 into law on April 27th, overturning the 2023 public land order that protected the headwaters of the Boundary Waters from toxic sulfide-ore mining. I’ve heard from thousands of you this year who are worried that the Trump administration will allow this pristine wilderness to be polluted. Last month, I raised your concerns directly to Interior Secretary Burgum and Forest Service Chief Schultz during two budget hearings in the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. It’s been almost a month, and I’ve received no reply to my questions. This week, I sent letters to Secretary of the Interior and the Forest Service Chief demanding answers for the Trump administration’s actions that threaten the Boundary Waters.

I will continue to use every tool I have to push back against efforts by the Trump administration and the Republican Majority in Congress to allow risky sulfide-ore copper mining within the Superior National Forest. I will also continue to fight for my legislation, the Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act (H.R. 588), to permanently protect the BWCA.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Weekend and Long-term Highway Closure Continue

Westbound I-94 will be closed between I-35E and Dale Street this weekend through Monday at 5 A.M. Eastbound I-94 will also be closed between I-35W and I-35E over the weekend. For detours & more info on the project visit here.

Highway 280 from I-94 to Hwy 36/I-35W is closed through late August for construction and maintenance work. Drivers should plan for detours and allow extra travel time, especially during peak hours, as traffic will be rerouted to nearby roads. For more information, visit MNDOT.

Important Information for U.S. Citizens Traveling Abroad

Before traveling internationally, the State Department strongly recommends that people sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates from the U.S. embassy on any security threats, potential natural disasters, or civil unrest. You can receive alerts for the duration of your choosing and unsubscribe at any time. It’s also important to check your destination’s entry requirements, including passport validation date and visa requirements. Many countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months beyond your travel dates.

As a reminder, to fly within the U.S., passengers need a REAL ID-compliant document to enter the screening checkpoint. More info here.

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

If you are impacted by the actions of the Trump Administration or Republicans’ policies, including cuts to health care and food assistance, I want to hear about it. Please contact my office directly at (651) 224-9191.

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