August 7, 2026

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

Sixty-one years ago yesterday, August 6th 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law, ensuring that Black voters could exercise their right to vote. Just months earlier, civil rights leader John Lewis nearly died on the Edmund Pettus Bridge marching for these rights. Sadly, the right to vote that he and so many others fought hard to protect are now under constant attack from President Trump, the Supreme Court, Congress, and many state legislatures around the country.  


On March 7, 1965 John Lewis and hundreds of civil rights heroes peacefully marched in pursuit of their right to vote. Alabama police beat Lewis and others with clubs after they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, fracturing Lewis’ skull. He was later elected to Congress, serving 17 terms as the Representative of Georgia’s 5th District.  

Nearly every day, Trump threatens to block or veto any legislation unless his voter suppression bill is not attached to it. After the Supreme Court’s recent Louisiana v. Callais decision eviscerated the Voting Rights Act’s protections against discrimination, Trump directed Republican-controlled state legislatures across the country to immediately begin redrawing congressional districts to dilute the votes of minority communities.  

It was an honor to serve with Representative John Lewis in the U.S. House of Representatives. His life’s work is too important to leave undefended. That’s why my fellow Democrats and I are fighting to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to reinstate protections against race-based discrimination at the ballot box, expand automatic voter registration, and same day voter registration.

Unless Congress passes this law, this administration, the Supreme Court, and state legislatures around the country will continue to chip away at our right to vote. Next week, as Minnesotans head to the polls, we must remember – it’s up to each one of us to protect every American's fundamental right to vote. 

MINNESOTA UPDATE

Connecting With Neighbors on Night to Unite/National Night Out 

After four decades, National Night Out is still going strong. It is not surprising that an event focused on bringing communities together began right here in Minnesota. Neighbors, residents, and first responders have a great opportunity to come together, enjoy one another’s company, and strengthen relationships between law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and the communities they serve. 

Community members come together to share food on National Night Out

It was a pleasure to join neighbors on Norfolk Avenue as they brought food, treats, and cheer during their neighborhood block party and potluck. Later I visited a cookout at Keg House Commons, with neighbors and members of the Saint Paul Fire Department before wrapping up the evening at Martin Luther King Recreation Center. Young artists, community members extended a warm welcome and a fun time at the Saint Paul Get Down celebration. 

Congresswoman McCollum checks out the grill at Keg House Commons

Each of these gatherings were unique as our community is diverse in the Fourth District. It’s what makes our community a wonderful place to call home. Our communities are more welcoming, safer, and stronger when we come together, share space, and build connections. I want to give a big THANK YOU to everyone who makes this night so special--the neighbors, firefighters, city staff, police, and volunteers.  

Congresswoman McCollum with Captain Trevor Pugh, Adrian Cervantes, Hunter Lawrence, and Captain Bill Leier, members of Saint Paul Fire Department's Fire Station 6.

WASHINGTON, D.C. UPDATE

Supporting Ukrainians in the United States 

Minnesota is home to over 20,000 members of the Ukrainian diaspora. On Wednesday, a bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress sent a letter to the Trump administration urging the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine before the current designation expires on October 19, 2026. More than 250,000 Ukrainians have sought safety in the United States after fleeing Russia’s brutal full-scale invasion. These individuals have become valued members of our communities. Read the letter here. 

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Primary Election - Make Your Voice Heard by Having a Plan to Vote  
Primary Election Day is on Tuesday, August 11th voters across Minnesota can vote early in person at a designated polling location in your county. For a list of in person absentee voting locations, visit here.

Early voting hours over the weekend and on Monday, August 10th will vary based on your designated polling location. Ramsey County residents can view voting hours and locations by visiting here, for Washington county residents visit here.  For more information on elections, how to vote, and early voting for general elections, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website at mnvotes.gov.

August 13th U.S. Service Academies Virtual Information Briefing 
My office will host a virtual Service Academy Information Briefing on August 13 at 11 AM for students interested in pursuing an appointment to the U.S. Service Academies. 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.

Be Aware About the Quality of Our Air 
As wildfires continue to burn in the BWCA and throughout Canada it is important to stay aware and monitor the air. 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. These programs will begin to wrap up starting next week. Check the link below for exact closure dates. 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.

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. 

Highway 280 Closure Continues, State Fair Reopening on Track

Highway 280 from I-94 to Hwy 36/I-35W remains closed for construction and maintenance work. HWY 280 is on track to reopen by the start of the State Fair. MNDOT and the State Patrol advises drivers to obey all road closures, 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. 

Check Your Passport Expiration Date & 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