SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

The House returned to Washington for a brief week of session before adjourning for Labor Day. I voted for a bipartisan continuing resolution to keep the federal government operating through December 11th, because Americans deserve certainty that the government services they rely on will be there for them. President Trump’s disastrous tariff wars with allies like Canada and his unlawful war in Iran are continuing to drive up costs for the American people. Sadly, Republicans chose to spend the rest of the week on partisan messaging bills while American families are paying the price for their failure to act to address the health care and rising cost of living crises they’ve created.

While millionaires and billionaires and corporations benefit from permanent tax giveaways in the Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act, millions of hardworking families are losing access to health care and food assistance to help pay for these massive tax breaks. My fellow Democrats and I are fighting to lower the cost of housing, groceries, and gas and deliver high-quality, affordable health care for every American. We’re fighting to hold the Trump administration accountable for its growing corruption, end Trump’s reckless war of choice in Iran, and stop the chaos and cruelty of the administration’s attacks on our communities through its immigration detention and deportation agenda. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. UPDATE

Pentagon Chaos Deepens as Secretary Hegseth Forces Out Army Secretary  
Secretary Hegseth’s chaotic mismanagement of the Pentagon continues to wreak havoc and jeopardize our national security. The forced departure of Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll this week leaves another major leadership void for the department as President Trump’s Iran war continues, and deployments in the region have been extended into 2027. The departure of Secretary Driscoll follows the sudden ouster of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and Gen. Christopher Donahue. The Pentagon needs stable, competent leadership focused on ending this unauthorized war. Instead, the department is consumed by infighting and inept leadership. Our service members, their families, and the American people deserve better.  

House Votes on Bill to Stifle Peaceful Dissent and Punish Students
On Thursday, I voted no on H.R. 4795, a Republican bill that would condition federal funding based on a university’s choices regarding investments, procurement, partnerships, and other activities with Israel and the West Bank. Peaceful dissent and the protesting of injustice are the right of all Americans guaranteed by the Constitution. It is called freedom of speech. H.R. 4795 would infringe on that right to free speech. Worse still, this bill won’t punish institutions for boycotting or divesting from Israel, it will punish the students who rely on federal loans and Pell Grants to afford a college education. Read my full statement here. 

USPS Defies Court Ruling Blocking Trump Attacks on Voting by Mail 
Less than two weeks before early voting begins in some states, the U.S. Postal Service issued a Final Rule, effective August 21, 2026, that imposes President Trump’s unconstitutional and unworkable executive order restricting mail-in ballots. USPS issued its rule, despite key parts of the plan being blocked by a temporary restraining order from a federal judge in Boston. The USPS rule would federalize voting by mail by putting itself in charge of who can vote by mail and requiring states to provide a citizens list to the USPS. Nearly one-third of Americans vote by mail and would face severe restrictions to voting in the upcoming midterm elections. 

This week, I joined an amicus brief with my House Democratic Colleagues in support of a lawsuit led by a coalition of State Attorneys General which challenges President Trump’s Executive Order and the USPS Final Rule. Additionally, Democratic leaders and party committees, and civil society partners like the ACLU, the NAACP, and LULAC support this lawsuit seeking emergency relief from the courts.  

Supporting Safety Regulation for Hemp Beverages  
This week, I joined Rep. Craig (D-MN) and Rep. Barr (R-KY) as a cosponsor of the bipartisan Lawful Hemp Protection Act. Unless Congress acts by December, a ban on hemp derived products containing more than 0.4 mg total THC per container will go into place.

The Lawful Hemp Protection Act establishes a federal framework for labeling, packaging, age restrictions, product standards, cannabinoid oversight, and domestic sourcing requirements, while preserving lawful hemp commerce and recognizing the importance of consumer access to compliant products. My constituents have made it clear that allowing a ban to go in effect would restrict consumer access to safe products and harm many Minnesota businesses that sell these products to the public. You can read more about the bill here.

Meeting With Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova
Moldova’s Ambassador Vlad Kulminski visited my office to discuss Russia’s ongoing illegal war in Ukraine, and how they can work with U.S. and NATO partners to strengthen democracy. Ambassador Kulminski shared his country’s commitment to protecting democratic values against Russian aggression, and his desire to fortify bonds between our nations.  

Congresswoman McCollum with Ambassador Vlad Kulminski (left), Republic of Moldova and Mr. Sergiu Cirimpei, Defense Attaché (right) 

MINNESOTA UPDATE

Local Farmers’ Markets Support Neighbors and Growers
Last week, I stopped by the MidCity Farmers Market to support local growers in our community. These family-friendly markets offer fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more from passionate local growers and vendors. Although the farmers’ market season is almost over, the East Metro still has a few locations during the winter.

There’s still time to stop by a farmers’ market near you. Each neighborhood market has its own schedule, location, and parking availability. Some markets may also partner with their city or a local community organization, so be sure to check the details and plan ahead before you visit Minnesota Grown Directory.

Congresswoman McCollum visits with Amy Gooder, owner of Rumble in the Kitchen at the MidCity Farmers Marker.

Prepare for Near Record Heat if You’re Headed to the Minnesota State Fair 
If you’re headed to the Great Minnesota Get-Together this weekend, be prepared for near-record heat. It's important to remember to stay hydrated and take breaks when you need them. It's easy to forget to take time to cool down when you're having fun at the fair. As the fair continues through Labor Day this Monday, September 7th, plan ahead and stay safe. And if you’re looking for tips on what to see, eat, and do, check out MPR’s comprehensive guide to the 2026 Minnesota State Fair here. 

Congresswoman McCollum visits with Members of the Minnesota National Guard at the Minnesota State Fair. 

NEWS YOU CAN USE

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 validity 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