JUNE 26, 2026

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

Washington, D.C. continues to be trapped in President Trump's chaos, corruption, and cruelty. The Republican House majority once again failed to take any action to bring down the high prices you’re paying for gas, groceries, health care, and utilities. We know President Trump's unjustified actions in Iran have raised gas prices. Now he wants to shift the blame by directing the Department of Justice to investigate the oil companies for the costs you pay at the pump. Trump is also holding a bipartisan affordable housing bill hostage over his demands that Republicans pass a bill making it harder for you to vote. The president’s corruption even extends to the reflecting pool on the National Mall, where it was recently drained and painted Trump's favorite color blue on a no-bid contract by a former business partner of his. The president said it would cost $2 million, but in reality, the cost has exceeded $16 million. The reflecting pool is now full of algae and the paint is peeling. Rather than making our National Mall more beautiful for America’s 250th Anniversary, he's turned it into an eyesore. 

This ugly reality is a fitting metaphor for the president’s promise to "drain the swamp." In fact, he has literally created a swamp on the national mall while also leading the most corrupt administration in history.

Meanwhile, families are struggling to afford the basics while Trump is raking in billions as Republicans take away families’ health care and food assistance to pay for tax breaks for their billionaire donors. You deserve better. House Democrats are working to stop the corruption that’s driving up your costs.

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

Leading House Democratic Opposition to $1,072,210,299,000 Republican Defense Bill
The American people overwhelmingly oppose President Trump’s war with Iran. Republicans' new defense spending bill doubles down on the President’s war of choice by providing the Department of Defense with $1,072,210,299,000. This unprecedented sum comes at the cost of funding for our nation’s education, workforce training, and international diplomacy. Cutting funding for engineering, math, and science programs will hamstring our future national security workforce. Cuts to the Department of State will paralyze American diplomatic efforts at a time when threats to our nation are growing, not shrinking.

Instead, Republicans have prioritized support for an unnecessary National Guard mobilization in Washington, D.C. and funding a battleship that has not even been designed yet. Minnesotans sent me to Washington to stand against war, invest in diplomacy, and deliver lower costs for working families. That is what I intend to do, and I will oppose this legislation until we can find a bipartisan consensus on our funding priorities.

Visit my YouTube Channel or click the link below to watch my remarks, and visit my website to read my full statement. 

Congresswoman Betty McCollum delivers opening remarks on the FY 2027 Defense Appropriations Act.

Minnesota Congressional Delegation Contributes Images of Minnesota in 2026 for America 250 Time Capsule 
As Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation, I led my colleagues in submitting a collection of original images of Minnesota in 2026 for a Congressional Time Capsule in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary. The Minnesota collection includes photographs from across Minnesota’s eight Congressional Districts as well as accompanying letters from the delegation that explain their significance to their districts, state, and nation. The capsule was dedicated at Emancipation Hall on Wednesday and will be sealed in the U.S. Capitol Visitors’ Center to be opened on America’s 500th Anniversary on July 4, 2276. Click here to view a digital version of the Minnesota Delegation’s full submission and click here to read the delegation's full announcement. 

House Republicans Cancel Four Major Votes

Does the Washington update look a bit light this week? It's because the Republican majority in the House of Representatives blew up their own legislative agenda. Republicans originally planned to pass four terrible bills that I would have voted against.  These included two appropriations bills that cut funding for the Department of State, the Department of Energy, and important Army Corps infrastructure projects. Republicans also had a bill that would have slashed benefits for veterans and a bill that would have stopped credit card companies from tracking suspicious firearm sales. To be clear, I would have voted against all four of their bills, but if Republicans in Congress can’t even bring legislation to the floor then they just aren't doing their jobs. They have completely abandoned their responsibility to legislate and fund the government before the end of the fiscal year in August. 

MINNESOTA UPDATE

Welcoming 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Athletes to Saint Paul
Over the weekend, I had the honor of welcoming athletes, coaches, families, volunteers, and spectators from across the nation as they arrived for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. I want to take a moment to thank Textron for helping more than 3,000 athletes travel here from every corner of the country by organizing hundreds of Dove flights, the pilots, and the fuel – all provided free of charge to support the Games. I also want to give a big shoutout to the Metropolitan Airports Commission and the FAA for working together to safely land airplanes carrying Special Olympics athletes every three minutes at the Saint Paul Downtown Airport. This was a massive logistical undertaking, and it showcased what’s possible when partners come together with a shared commitment to inclusion, teamwork, and supporting these remarkable athletes.

Congresswoman McCollum greets Team Tennessee's members involved in the Youth Leadership Experience at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. From left to right: Andrew Kennedy, Athlete; Mason Tate, Unified Partner; Anna Cat Shepard, mentor; Brooke Montjoy, Support Staff.

Celebrating Juneteenth with Local Leaders and Community Members in Saint Paul's Historic Rondo Neighborhood
The Rondo community celebrated Juneteenth last Friday, honoring a history of perseverance in the fight for justice, equality, and opportunity. As communities in Minnesota and across the country mark the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth, we also reaffirm our commitment to fighting for equal rights to ensure freedom and justice is never delayed. Since taking office, President Trump and his administration have waged an unprecedented campaign against government services that address racial disparities, attacked health equity initiatives, and attempted to erase or diminish the contributions of Black Americans from our public institutions and historical narratives. We cannot move forward by erasing history. We can only make progress by learning from it. John Lewis, a civil rights leader and congressman, taught us that progress is never guaranteed and that democracy requires constant vigilance. To protect our democracy and the right to vote for all Americans, Congress must stand against efforts to roll back our freedoms and pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.

Congresswoman McCollum celebrates Juneteenth in Saint Paul's historic Rondo neighborhood in 2026. From left to right: Jonathan Palmer, Commissioner Moran, Congresswoman McCollum, Senator Klobuchar, Marvin Anderson, Councilmember Bowie, Keith Baker, Mr. Bowie.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

My Washington, D.C. Office is Always Open to You and Your Family
If you are planning a trip out to our Nation's Capital, remember you can request tours through my office. My staff can lead you on a tour of the U.S. Capitol, you can sign up for a self-guided tour of the Library of Congress, and you can request a lecture in the Supreme Court Chamber. Read more about tours here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: White House Tours Again Canceled Indefinitely
Unfortunately, Congressional offices have been informed that public White House tours are again unavailable.  At this time there is no further information available about when the White House will reopen to the public. 

Now Accepting Fall Intern Applications!
An internship in my office provides young people with valuable experience as they prepare for their professional careers. Interns have the opportunity to work with and assist all members of the staff, including legislative, administrative, outreach, and communications duties. Internships are available in both the Washington D.C. and Saint Paul offices.

Applicants should be highly motivated and enthusiastic, as there are far more applicants than available positions. Minnesota ties are strongly preferred and should be noted in the first paragraph of your cover letter. Interns are paid a stipend. In addition, my office is happy to work with your college or university to arrange for course credit. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and available hours. Additionally, please indicate any Minnesota ties. Students interested in a Washington, D.C. internship should email MN04admin@mail.house.gov. For Saint Paul internships, please email MN04DOScheduler@mail.house.gov. Please NOTE: the deadline to apply for the Fall 2026 Internship is July 15, 2026. 

Twin Cities Pride Festival is Tomorrow!

The 54th Annual Twin Cities Pride Festival is happening this weekend, and there’s so much to celebrate! This month, we honor the generations of LGBTQ+ Americans who bravely fought for freedom, respect, and equality, and celebrate the progress we've worked so hard to achieve together. Pride brings people from all walks of life together to celebrate the diversity and strength of our LGBTQ+ community and the joy of living as your true self. Happy Pride to all who are celebrating! For more information about this weekend’s festivities, click here.

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

Westbound I-94 is closed between I-694/I-494 and I-35E as a part of the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s bridge rebuild project. The closure will end on Monday, June 29 at 5AM. For detours and more info on the project visit here. Make sure to plan ahead and give yourself extra time to reach your destination and find parking — even if you're not getting on the highway! 

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