JULY 24, 2026

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

In the last week before Congress's August recess, Republicans again failed to take any action on the rising cost of living. Instead, they focused on providing an additional $67 billion in borrowed money for President Trump's war of choice in Iran. They are raising the national debt, which will be paid by future generations, to fund an unlawful war that Congress has still never authorized.

Republicans also forced a vote on a partisan stock trading ban that does nothing to stop the insider trading enriching members of Congress and officials from the executive branch. Worse, they buried parts of the SAVE America Act, legislation that would disenfranchise millions of voters, inside this sham bill. With a government funding deadline looming, Republicans decided to go it alone rather than working with Democrats to negotiate a bipartisan agreement to fully fund the government for the next fiscal year. Instead, Republicans jammed through a partisan stopgap funding bill just three days before recess. They're kicking the can down the road until after the November election instead of doing the hard work of passing bipartisan government funding that serves the needs of the American people. This partisan process is a reckless way to govern.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. UPDATE

Full Appropriations Committee Hearing on Continuing Resolutions

I participated in a full Appropriations Committee hearing on the impacts of Continuing Resolutions and government shutdowns on the federal budget process. One of the most important Constitutional functions Congress has is to fund the federal government on an annual basis. For decades, Congress has failed to do its job on time by funding the government before the end of the fiscal year. When that happens, the result is either a temporary shutdown of the federal government, as happened last year for 43 days, or Congress extends existing government funding levels for a short-term period.  That extension is known as a Continuing Resolution.

Congresswoman McCollum spoke in opposition to automatic continuing resolutions during a House Appropriations committee hearing on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, Continuing Resolutions (CRs) are a bad deal for the taxpayer. They leave the State of Minnesota, our local governments, and our schools in the difficult position of being unable to make long-term funding decisions since they cannot rely on the federal government as a partner in serving our communities. CRs are highly inefficient because they do not allow Congress to sunset old programs that should be ended. They also do not allow the government to invest in new technology, modernization initiatives, or even hire new personnel. The paralysis in our federal budget process must end, and the House Appropriations Committee is working to figure out solutions. Click the image above or click here to view my remarks in the hearing.

Questioning Forest Service Leaders on the Administration's Actions

As wildfires rage in Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Forest Service employees in Minnesota are doing the best they can with reduced staff. Due to President Trump and DOGE’s staff cuts, buyouts, and forced retirements, the Superior National Forest has lost 130 Forest Service employees—100 of these employees held wildland fire fighting qualifications.

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to question the Forest Service Assistant Chief on the administration’s proposed reorganization of the agency which would relocate the Forest Service headquarters to Salt Lake City and consolidate the agency’s research and development program. I shared my concerns with Assistant Chief French that the reorganization could jeopardize vital research happening in Minnesota, like the SPRUCE project which is recognized globally for its study of climate change. My colleagues and I questioned the Assistant Chief about staff relocations, cautioning that the action could result in the loss of more qualified civil servants at the agency—staff that are especially needed during wildfire season.

Congresswoman McCollum questioned Forest Service Assistant Chief Chris French.

Why I Voted Against the National Defense Authorization Act 

Our service members and their families deserve a bipartisan NDAA that respects everyone’s service to our nation and does not contain right-wing culture war policy provisions. Unfortunately, that is not the type of NDAA House Republicans advanced this week. In fact, Republicans are so desperate to pass the SAVE America Act — their bill that would make it more difficult for Americans to vote — that they attached it to this bill. If you're starting to notice a pattern of Republicans attaching the SAVE America Act to multiple major bills, you're not mistaken. This is not the way to legislate. This Republican NDAA also does nothing to rein in President Trump’s ongoing misuse of the military — chief among them, the president’s war of choice with Iran, which has never been authorized by Congress. I am also deeply concerned that this bill authorizes over a trillion dollars in funding for the Pentagon at a time when Republicans in Congress continue to make deep cuts to healthcare, education, nutrition assistance, and other programs that Americans depend on.

Congresswoman McCollum spoke in opposition to an amendment reauthorizing the Defense Production Act.

MINNESOTA UPDATE

Celebrating the Grand Opening of the Hamline-Midway Library

On Saturday, Saint Paul’s Midway neighborhood celebrated the grand opening of the new Hamline-Midway Library. Rebuilt on the same site as the original library, which served the community for nearly a century, the new library will continue to provide a welcoming space where people of all ages can gather, learn, and connect. Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this exciting new chapter to the Hamline-Midway community!

Congresswoman McCollum celebrated the grand opening of the new Hamline-Midway library last weekend.

Service Academy Virtual Information Briefing on August 13th
My office will host a virtual Service Academy Information Briefing on August 13 at 11 AM for students interested in pursuing an appointment to a U.S. Service Academy. The session will cover the nomination process, application timelines, and key details for prospective applicants. Students may RSVP directly to my Service Academy Coordinator at sterling.meriweather@mail.house.gov. More information, including nomination requirements, is available on the nominations page on my website.

Coming up in October: Congressional App Challenge

My office is excited to participate in the 2026 Congressional App Challenge! The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition in which middle and high school students in the Fourth District can create an application or "app" for desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, or other devices. The competition is meant to inspire students and spark their creativity and potentially explore what careers in the STEAM field look like.

Students of all coding skill levels are encouraged to participate. Eligible participants must attend a school in the Fourth District or live within the district. Learn more about the rules and important deadlines here. Students who plan to participate may register online, and must submit their final app to CongressionalAppChallenge.us by October 26th, 2026 at 12:00 pm ET.  Note: Apps created after October 30th, 2025 are eligible for entry to the 2026 App Challenge.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

This Saturday: Grand Opening of the Rondo African American Arts District 

Congratulations to the Rondo Community Land Trust on their ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the Rondo African American Arts District (RAAD) tomorrow, Saturday July 25 at 11 AM – 4 PM. The ceremony is open to the public and coincides during the first Annual Selby Arts and Culture Day, a festival celebrating local artists, Rondo culture, and community along the Selby corridor in Saint Paul. Offerings include a viewing of new art installations, food trucks, and live music. For more info and to learn more about this program visit here.

Protect Yourself From Dangerous Air Quality
As wildfires burn in the BWCA and throughout Canada, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is constantly updating hazardous air quality alerts across the state as conditions change. It’s important to monitor air quality alerts and limit your time outdoors. You can read more here. 

Summer Meal Programs Available for Children and Families

During the summer break, students and families facing food insecurity can utilize the Summer Food Service Program to help fill nutrition gaps. Sites are available to all children and teens age 18 and under, and no registration is required, making it easy for families to access nutritious meals and snacks throughout the summer. 

To find a summer meal site near you:

• Download the Free Meals for Kids app provided by Hunger Impact Partners to your phone or device. 
• Call the 211 Hotline. From a cell phone – Twin Cities Metro Area: 651-291-0211; Greater Minnesota: 1-800-543-7709; TTY: 651-291-8440.
• Call the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 1-888-711-1151, available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central Time.
• Text the USDA texting service: Text Summer Meals to 914-342-7744. Spanish speakers can text Verano to 914-342-7744.

Planning to Visit Washington, D.C.? Contact my Office.

If you're 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. 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. 

Continuing Long-Term Highway Closure on Hwy 280

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