October 9, 2026

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

While House Republicans have cancelled votes until mid-November, it has been good to have this opportunity to be in Minnesota to hear from you. I’m hearing you loud and clear: Congress needs to get to get back work in Washington to ensure that government works for you. My fellow Democrats and I are eager to get back and focus on helping Americans afford the rising cost of living, to hold the administration accountable, to build an economy that gives every family a fair chance to get ahead.

The rising costs of inflation that you’re facing are the result of President Trump’s chaotic and costly tariffs according to a recent paper from the New York Federal Reserve. In fact, the research shows that costs “would have fallen slightly” without the burden of his tariff wars.    

Along with Trump’s tariffs, his war of choice in Iran is causing the price of oil to skyrocket. Crushing fuel prices are disproportionately affecting the middle and working class, while Trump keeps telling you that your pain at the pump is “worth it.” Meanwhile, he’s raking in billions and Big Oil is posting record profits.  Last month, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported that the war against Iran is likely to drive up inflation early next year and could cost at least $2 billion a month as long as it continues.  Every Democrat in the House opposes the Iran War and we’ve been joined by a few brave Republicans on three recent resolutions to reign in his war powers.  Trump must listen to the American people and Congress: it’s time to end his pointless and costly war of choice.

MINNESOTA UPDATE

Visiting Minnesota Projects Funded Through Federal/Community Partnerships  
Each year, I have the opportunity to partner with communities in the East Metro through Community Project Funding. These federal investments in community projects, including libraries, drinking water infrastructure, and roads, are included in Appropriations bills that are passed by Congress each year. To read more about past Community Project Funding, click here. This week, my entire staff was in Minnesota as part of our annual office retreat, and we had the opportunity to visit several projects that have benefited from this partnership. 

My staff and I toured Saint Paul’s Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, which has been a crown jewel of the City of Saint Paul’s world renown public park system for more than 100 years. Despite being a Saint Paul park, between 70-80 percent of its annual visitors come from outside the city. However, costly operating and maintenance falls on city taxpayers. In 2022, city leaders approached my office requesting federal support to help address necessary improvements in its aging steam heating system. Through a $2.2 million Community Project Funding request, we were able to begin the conversion of this boiler with a hydro geothermal heat pump system that will improve energy efficiency and provide savings to Saint Paul taxpayers.

Congresswoman McCollum and staff listen to Ray Watson horticultural curator for the Como Conservatory discuss their work in the greenhouse

The University of Minnesota’s campus in Saint Paul hosts the official natural history museum and planetarium for our state: the Bell Museum! It is an amazing resource that was established by the Minnesota legislature more than 150 years ago, and reopened in its current location in 2018 with support from state bonding and federal Community Project Funding for design and exhibits. The museum hosts school field trips, summer camps, incredible research collections, planetarium shows, historic dioramas, and so much more for the benefit of our entire state.

Congresswoman McCollum with staff at the Bell Museum of Natural History

My staff and I also toured of the new Saint Paul home of the Playwrights' Center.  For over fifty years, the Playwrights' Center has provided a space for artists to learn, express, perform, and grow. This new home will not only serve as an investment in the potential of our artists but also serves to highlight the importance of arts and creativity during challenging times. I secured $4 million in 2023 from Community Project Funding. This investment was leveraged with state funds to revive an historic warehouse building to become the new Playwrights Center.  

Congresswoman McCollum with Barry Inman, Company & Operations Manager at the Playwrights' Center in Saint Paul

President Trump’s Latest October ‘Political Stunt’ Causes Confusion and Concern Among Minnesota Seniors
My office is being contacted by constituents who are alarmed and confused as a result of President Trump’s latest “political stunt,” to send $90 one-time payments to certain Medicare beneficiaries this month. Certain Medicare Part B beneficiaries whose monthly Medicare Part B premiums are $202.90 will receive these one-time automatic payments. However, more than two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries are ineligible from receiving these payments. Medicare beneficiaries who will not receive the payments include: individuals who have Medicare Advantage plans; people who have a Medicare Savings Program or are enrolled in Medicaid; and individuals who pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), most eligible beneficiaries will receive a direct deposit from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for $90 on or around October 8th. Some eligible beneficiaries will instead receive a paper check for $90 from the U.S. Department of the Treasury later in October with the message, “Medicare Improvement Fund Payment; $90 Payment to Offset October Premium.” Medicare Part B beneficiaries can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to check on their eligibility for the premium rebate. Starting on October 15th, Medicare Part B beneficiaries who want to check on the status of their $90 payment should call SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

Congress Must Investigate Why Trump Administration Overpaid for Long-Closed Private Minnesota Prison by Hundreds of Millions of Taxpayer Dollars
Last month, Department of Homeland Security announced a nearly $500 million deal to buy a defunct private prison in Appleton, Minnesota to use as an ICE detention facility.  A recent real estate estimate valued the long-shuttered facility at well under $100 million dollars. Why did DHS shell out half a billion dollars for this prison?  Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act included a massive $70 billion dollar fund to DHS without guardrails or accountability to the public. The private company that sold the facility to the government happen to be a Trump mega donors, and now they also have a lucrative contract to run the facility for the government. Congress must investigate this corruption that is costing American taxpayers. 


WASHINGTON DC UPDATE

Joining 190 Members of Congress in Condemning the Trump Administration’s Effort to Dismantle Head Start 
In Minnesota, Head Start improves short- and long-term developmental, educational, health, and family stability outcomes for 12,474 children from families living below the poverty line, those who are experiencing homelessness, or are in foster care. Rather than invest in the successful outcomes of Head Start, the Trump administration has proposed to remove 90% of the standards that ensure Head Start’s quality of care and the safety of children. This week I joined 189 other Members of Congress in demanding that the HHS withdraw this disastrous proposal now.

Speaking Out Against Secretary Hegseth’s Plans for a Public Execution
Yesterday, on the deck of the USS Lincoln, Secretary Hegseth announced his plans for a public execution by firing squad of Nidal Hasan, a convicted terrorist who murdered 13 people at Fort Hood. Secretary Hegseth’s fixation on conducting a public execution is disturbing and should be stopped. The Army has not conducted an execution by firing squad since World War II and the U.S. has not had a public execution since 1936. Nidal Hasan has been found guilty of his crimes and should be held accountable for them but turning a federal execution into a media spectacle is appalling and unbecoming of the U.S. military. 

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.  

Accepting Entries for 2026 Congressional App Challenge
My office is now accepting 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