JUNE 12, 2026

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

You're paying more for gas, groceries, health care, utilities, and more because of President Trump’s policies – from his unconstitutional and reckless war of choice in Iran, to his illegal tariffs, to his Republican billionaire tax cut and spending bill. Inflation is the highest in three years – 4.2%. When asked by a reporter whether he's worried about rising inflation, President Trump said: "No, I love it. The numbers were great. I love the inflation."

I’ve heard loud and clear that YOU don’t love Trump’s inflation! Sadly Trump and Republicans in Congress refuse to help Americans burdened with surging costs.  Worse, this week they added billions to the national debt to fuel Trump’s cruelty, chaos, and corruption by passing a budget bill that gives away another $70 billion in deficit spending to ICE and Border Patrol, without any reforms to safeguard our constitutional rights. This is on top of the $140 billion they passed for ICE and Border Patrol in the Trump/Republican Big Beautiful Bill just last year.

For months, the Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge subjected our community to racial profiling on a mass scale, assaults on our streets, and kidnappings from homes. Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed on our streets by federal agents. As our nation celebrates America’s 250 years of freedom, you deserve much better from our federal government. You deserve to have your constitutional rights protected. Click here to read my full statement.

If you appreciate this newsletter, please share it with your family and friends. Follow my social media accounts: Twitter, Facebook, Threads, BlueSky, Instagram, and YouTube for regular updates on my work. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. UPDATE

Appropriations Committee Update 

Republicans Make Cuts to Health Care, Education, and Public Health in Funding Bill
The House Appropriations Committee held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. This bill provides funding to ensure our children are well educated, our families are healthy, and our workplaces are safe. Unfortunately, the Republican majority is doubling down on their damaging cuts to the services Americans rely on. This bill cuts funding to the Centers for Disease Control by $1 billion, reduces the Department of Education’s budget by a staggering $8 billion, and cancels $2 billion for operating ACA health insurance plans. I spoke multiple times during the markup to outline my opposition to these cuts, including the decision to shutter the CDC’s Firearm Injury and Mortality Prevention research program. Click here to watch my remarks on YouTube or click the preview below. 

Congresswoman McCollum highlights the importance of investments in gun violence prevention research and calls out her Republican colleagues for voting to remove the CDC's office that studies gun violence.

Republicans Fail to Rein in ICE & Border Patrol in Department of Homeland Security Funding Bill

Not only did House Republicans pass a budget bill including $70 billion in deficit spending for ICE and Border Patrol, they forced through a bill on a party-line vote in the Appropriations Committee to fund the Department of Homeland Security that fails to defend Americans' rights. Under the Republican bill, our communities remain unprotected from the dangerous and illegal activity of ICE and Border Patrol. Republicans go further by cutting offices that hold these agencies accountable to the public like the Inspector General and Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. Democratic Members offered an amendment to ensure oversight and accountability for ICE officers, but it was rejected by every single Republican on the Committee.

Republicans also rejected an amendment to put an end to DHS' mass surveillance of legal observers and peaceful protesters. Minnesotans were subjected to this illegal treatment during Operation Metro Surge, and I'm fighting to put it to an end.

Congresswoman McCollum highlights how federal immigration enforcement officers target, intimidate, harass, and threaten peaceful protestors who exercise their constitutional rights to record ICE and Border Patrol agents.

MINNESOTA UPDATE

FREE Admission to Minnesota State Parks this Weekend

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering free admission into state parks and state recreation areas on Saturday, June 13th, 2026. The next free park day will be on November 27th, 2026. To find a park near you and plan a trip visit here. Enjoy Minnesota's great outdoors!

STP Pride Honors the Ongoing Fight for Equality for All
STP Pride is happening this weekend at Dual Citizen Brewing Co., offering a day of community, celebration, and connection. This free, public event brings people together to recognize the ongoing fight for equality, embrace the diversity and strength of our LGBTQ+ community, and celebrate the joy of Pride. The celebration features a parade, DJs, outdoor games, local food truck vendors, live performances, and more. Click here for more info, and click here for more information on pride events happening this month. 

Celebrating Juneteenth This Week

As Juneteenth approaches next week, communities around the country and here at home are coming together to celebrate the long, difficult battle to end slavery in the United States and encourage our understanding of history to more effectively face the challenges of the future. The Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce is hosting their 8th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Roseville at Frank Rog Amphitheater on Saturday, June 13th, 2026 at 11AM - 3PM. For event details, performers, and exhibitors visit here. For more details on Juneteenth events around the Twin Cities throughout the next week, visit here. 

More Fun Summer Events Happening Next Weekend

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Pride with the whole family? Join Twin Cities Pride for Family Fun Day on Sunday, June 21 from 11 AM to 2 PM at Como Park East Pavilions Picnic Area in Saint Paul. This free, family-friendly event celebrates LGBTQ+ families and welcomes friends, allies, and community members of all ages. Enjoy a free community meal, hands-on crafts, games and activities for kids, and more. Bring the family and enjoy an afternoon of community celebration! More info here.

The Twin Cities Jazz Festival is on next Friday & Saturday, June 19th–20th in Saint Paul’s Lowertown. This free event transforms Mears Park and nearby venues into an open-air stage filled with live jazz performances, from local favorites to nationally-recognized artists. Bring your friends, grab a spot in the park, and enjoy two days of incredible music, free and open to the public. More info here.

Twin Cities to Host 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will take place June 20–26, 2026, at the University of Minnesota and Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The Games will bring together approximately 3,000 athletes from across the United States to compete, inspire, and showcase the power of inclusion through sport. This week-long event will feature 16 sports, including both traditional and unified competitions, where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities compete side by side.

You can support the Games by joining the official volunteer program, with opportunities ranging from athlete support and event operations to guest services, logistics, medical services, and venue management. Volunteers play a vital role in creating an inclusive and memorable experience for athletes, families, and fans. To learn more, volunteer, or follow the action, visit the official 2026 Special Olympics USA Games website.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Protect Yourself & Your Family from Ticks this Summer
As the weather heats up, the Minnesota Department of Health is reporting an increase in emergency department visits related to tick bites. Before you visit the great outdoors to go for a hike, make sure you're taking precautions to prevent tick bites — and make sure to check yourself for ticks afterward. For more information on how to protect yourself and your family this summer, visit MPR News.

New I-94 Closure and Continuing Long-term Highway Closure on Hwy 280

As you navigate your way to your activities this weekend, be aware that a section of Eastbound I-94 will be closed between I-35E and Hwy 10/61 as a part of the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s bridge rebuild project. The closure will begin on Friday, June 12 at 10 PM through Monday, June 15 by 5 AM. For more info on this project construction and detours visit MNDOT.

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.

Be a “Smart Traveler” if You Are Going Abroad

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 security threats, natural disasters, or civil unrest. Also, 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. Remember: Domestic travelers need a REAL ID-compliant document to enter screening checkpoints. 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
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