October 2, 2026

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

You saw it if you were watching the Vikings beat the Buccaneers last Sunday – President Trump using your tax dollars to run a campaign ad from 2024. Rather than doing anything to lower your rising bills, Trump is now making you pay for his own self-promotional propaganda. His war of choice in Iran and chaotic tariffs are increasing the price of gas, groceries, health care, housing, and much more. Republicans’ Big Beautiful Bill Act that Trump signed into law not only takes away health care and food assistance for millions of Americans to pay for permanent tax giveaways for millionaires and billionaires, but is also raising your property tax bill. Republican cuts and new rules for SNAP and health care are pushing added costs onto Minnesota counties, and cities, which are forcing them to seek record levy increases. 

Congress should be holding this out-of-control president accountable through investigations and oversight hearings. Congress should be passing legislation to bring down your cost of living and expand access to health care. Congress should be passing legislation to protect the American people by providing oversight of big tech companies and putting in place guardrails to ensure Artificial Intelligence works for Americans, not against them. 

The Republicans who control Congress have done none of this urgent work. It’s not because there isn’t enough time. Republicans have cancelled 20% of voting days this session and left town two weeks ago until after the November 3rd elections. While I’ve appreciated being in Minnesota this past week to hear from Como High School students and others, Congress needs to get to work for you in Washington!  

Congress Needs to Pass AI Guardrails to Protect the American People

President Trump and Congressional Republicans are failing to hold AI companies accountable for the risks posed by their products. Congress must pass common-sense guardrails to protect the health and safety of the public, ensuring that AI doesn’t harm our communities or institutions.     

Taxpayers Are Footing a Growing Bill for Trump’s Vanity Projects
The U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee Minority issued a report recently with calculations that find that President Trump’s vanity projects – including construction of the new White House ballroom and the no-bid contract to paint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, among others – are expected to cost more than $1.8 billion. The Committee created an Interactive Cost Calculator where you can explore how this $1.8 billion could instead be spent to lower costs and help the American people.

The $1,822, 761, 800 for Trump’s vanity projects could instead be used to cover:

• 853,400 People whose annual out-of-pocket ACA marketplace premiums could be restored following Trump and Congressional Republicans’ cuts
• 1.8 Million Families’ grocery bills
• 117,300 Head Start slots
• 29,600 Firefighter hires
• 429,000 Families getting their SNAP food assistance restored following Trump and Congressional Republicans’ cuts
• 209,300 People getting their Medicaid coverage restored following Trump and Congressional Republicans’ cuts
• 88,200 Veterans’ medical expenditures
• 4,000 New houses built
• 935,700 Peoples' rent for a month
• 12 Million Peoples’ electric bills for a month

WASHINGTON, D.C. UPDATE

Congress Must Defend Against President Trump's Illegal Cuts to Services Americans Depend On
Late last Friday, the Trump administration used an illegal budget ploy to target communities in Minnesota and across America that are already struggling with increased costs because of Trump’s policies. Read my statement here. The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office found that President Trump is breaking law when he cancelled these funds for better patients’ health care outcomes and housing support for Minnesotans. To be clear, this funding was passed by a bipartisan vote in Congress – legislation that he signed into law.   

Our Constitution, literally spells it out in Article 1 “All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress, which shall consist of  a Senate and the House of Representatives,” including the power to spend taxpayer dollars. In a cruel trick, the Trump administration waited until Speaker Johnson sent the U.S. House of Representatives home in order to attempt an end run around Congress. It is clear that Trump cannot be trusted to honor the Constitution and follow the law. Speaker Johnson must immediately bring back Congress to stop the administration’s meddling with American taxpayer funding. 

U.S. Forces Leave Iraq After More Than Two Decades 

On Wednesday, the last U.S. Armed Forces formally withdrew from Iraq. This marks the end of America’s military mission in Iraq. More than 23 years ago, America began the war in Iraq based on lies. In 2002, I was one of 133 members of the House of Representatives to vote against the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution. I stand by my vote. The Iraq War was a catastrophe that cost the lives of thousands of U.S. service members and well over 100,000 Iraqis. We continue to live with the consequences of this conflict throughout the Middle East. To every American who served in Iraq, our nation owes you a debt of gratitude, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation and those who returned with wounds both seen and unseen. Your families deserve our thanks and our support. We acknowledge and appreciate the many contributions of our international allies. Link to my full statement

Working to Keep Minnesotans Warm This Winter  

While Minnesota is enjoying the beautiful first few weeks of fall, we know that winter will soon be here, along with higher energy costs. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is a vital federal resource for that helps more than 130,000 Minnesotans to afford their energy bills. More than 75% of those LIHEAP households have a child under five, a disabled member, or a senior. Many of them are on fixed incomes and would have to cut back on food, medicine, or other necessities to afford energy bills without LIHEAP. Yet the Trump administration has repeatedly delayed home heating funding to states over the last two years, creating uncertainty and hardship for households that rely on this promise of assistance. That is why I signed a bipartisan letter with 113 Members of the House calling on Secretary Kennedy to ensure dedicated staff are in place to support the LIHEAP program and to take all necessary steps to ensure that LIHEAP funds are distributed to states as soon as possible and no later than November 1. Families should not be forced to go without heat or make heartbreaking sacrifices to afford it because of unnecessary delays.    

Afton Photographer John Kaul Profiles “Defenders of Democracy” In DC Exhibit 

“They stood up when it came at a price.” Congratulations to Afton artist, photographer, and documentary filmmaker, John Kaul. This week, John opened his Washington, DC exhibit “Defenders of Democracy” opening at the DC Arts Center with 50 portraits highlighting those who took courageous stands for democracy. 

https://www.twincities.com/2026/09/25/john-kauls-defenders-of-democracy-exhibit/ 

MINNESOTA UPDATE

Hearing From Como Park Senior High Students
It was a pleasure to visit Como Park Senior High students in Mr. Erickson’s political science class. For 20 years, Mr. Erickson has been bringing his students to my office in Washington, DC, during their annual spring trip. This time, I got to come to his students. We discussed my work in Congress, the challenges of governing today, and issues including the environment, immigration, and education. Most of all, I enjoyed hearing directly from these bright young leaders about the issues that matter to them.   

Congresswoman McCollum with Mr. Erickson's Senior Class at Como Park Senior High

Minnesota Artist Wins Duck Stamp Contest for Fourth Time
Robert Hautman’s winning submission depicts a pair of long-tailed ducks sailing through the air a few yards above frigid waves.

Minnesota artist Robert Hautman was named the winner of the 2026-2027 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest this week by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. He previously won the 1997-1998, 2000-2001, and 2018-2019 contests.  Robert’s dedication to conservation and his skill with the paintbrush are both extraordinary and commendable. The Hautman family is both talented and prolific! Robert’s brother Joseph Hautman is another award-winning Minnesotan who won third place in the contest in 2012-13.  His winning stamp hangs in a place of honor in my Saint Paul office! 

Congresswoman McCollum displays Joseph Hautman’s 2012-13 Federal Duck Stamp in her Saint Paul Office.

National Day of Remembrance for Native American Boarding Schools
September 30th was the National Day of Remembrance for Native American boarding schools – a day to honor the resilience of Native people who endured this forced removal of their children, including the tragic loss of more than a thousand young lives. Over twenty federally led Native American boarding schools were located in Minnesota. We recognize our federal government’s role in the effort to terminate Native languages, cultures, land, and nations, and recommit to the work of reconciliation and healing.   

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Early Voting for Fall Elections is Underway

Minnesotans can cast their absentee ballots for the November general election. For more information visit here. Minnesota has long been a national leader in voter turnout, and we know that our elections are safe and secure. It is important to check your voter registration and make a plan to vote by Election Day Tuesday, November 3rd. 

New Tool for Preventing Scams From the Federal Trade Commission 

There are countless scams criminals attempt through texts, emails, calls, social media, and mail. Scams are often unexpected, urgent requests for you to pay or for your personal information. Here’s a tool from the Federal Trade Commission to prepare yourself when you may encounter scams – My Action Plan:  How I’ll Avoid a Scam.  You can download, print, and personalize your action plan. The worksheet includes advice on how to recognize a scam and space where you can list contact information for those whom you can reach out to about a scam – trusted friends and family members, as well as companies you do business with if you’re concerned there may be a problem with your account. To report a scam, go to the Federal Trade Commission.  

Good Luck to Twin Cities Marathon Runners This Weekend!
Gorgeous Minnesota weather is in the forecast for both runners and spectators of the Twin Cities Marathon this Sunday!  If you live along the route, get out and cheer on the runners!  Be prepared for roads closures across the Twin Cities and give yourself plenty of time for travel. For more information on road closures and the route, click here. 

Congressional App Challenge Accepting Entries
My office invites applications for 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. 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. 

Coming up in November: U.S. Service Academy Nominations 
My office is still accepting applications for nominations to the U.S. Service Academies for the Class of 2031 until Monday, November 2, 2026. Students interested in attending West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, or the Merchant Marine Academy must receive a congressional nomination to be considered. Students are encouraged to apply early and to also seek nominations from both U.S. Senators from Minnesota. Learn more and access the application 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