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October 23, 2026
Dear Fourth District Constituent,
While there is much unfinished business left to do in Washington, I’ve enjoyed being home in Minnesota and hearing from you. You’re exhausted by the constant chaos being driven by President Trump, which is designed to distract you from the fact that your wallets don’t just feel lighter; they are lighter. You’re also frustrated by the vaccine dis- and misinformation coming from Health and Human Services Sec. Kennedy as COVID and flu season hits and our state faces a growing measles outbreak. This week I heard directly from public health leaders about how we need to work together to push back on the chaos and advance access to life-saving vaccines.
We must work together so that Washington is working for you. As Trump and Congressional Republicans continue to double down on disastrous policies that make life cost more for Minnesota families, we have real numbers that show just how much more it’s costing you. Since Trump took office in 2025, the average household in Minnesota’s 4th district has paid an additional $5,000 for essentials, including gas, groceries, health care, and housing.
While you’re feeling economic pain, Trump is spending your tax dollars on wasteful vanity projects, including his gilded White House ballroom. Your running tab to date is $1.8 billion. How does any of this help you?
The chaos needs to stop, and you deserve to have a Congress that’s working for you. When I go back to Washington, D.C., I’ll keep demanding transparency and accountability through investigations and oversight hearings. I’ll keep working to pass legislation to bring down your cost of living and expand access to health care.
MINNESOTA UPDATE
Pushing Back Against the Trump Administration's Dangerous Changes to Federal Vaccine Policy
This week, I joined Minnesota public health leaders, experts in infectious disease, and health care professionals for a discussion focused on the life-saving power of vaccines. Immunization is one of the foundations of our public health system, and the facts are clear—vaccines are effective and safe. They save lives, prevent suffering, and even save taxpayers billions of dollars that would otherwise go to treating preventable diseases. Tragically, since President Trump took office, he and his appointed Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy have made alarming changes to federal vaccine policies that are causing real harm to Minnesotans. They have replaced immunization experts across the federal government with anti-vaccine activists, and they are spreading dangerous misinformation to undermine public trust in vaccinations. Their actions have caused confusion, fear, and distrust to spread among Minnesotans and across the nation. As a result, vaccination rates are declining, and now measles cases are surging to levels unseen in the U.S. for more than thirty-five years.
We have to work together to counter the Trump Administration’s misinformation, and to keep vaccines accessible, affordable, and delivered based on schedules recommended by the pediatricians, health researchers, and experts we trust to protect our children. I was honored to host a discussion on that work with leaders in our community, and I’ll continue the fight in Congress to bring back science-based decision-making to our federal vaccine recommendations and health policy.
Minnesota also offers two programs that provide certain vaccines at low or no cost to children and adults who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover vaccines. Learn more at Free or Low-Cost Shots for Children and Vaccination Clinics Serving Uninsured and Underinsured Adults.
 Congresswoman McCollum discusses vaccine policy changes with health leaders
President Trump's Policies Driving Record Levels of Need for Food Assistance in Minnesota
This week, it was reported that a record amount of food has been distributed to Minnesota food shelves. The spike in need for assistance is being driven by President Trump and Republicans’ Big Beautiful Bill, which slashed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for tens of thousands of Minnesotans, shifted costs to the state, and made it harder for working families, seniors, and veterans to access food benefits. Last week, I heard from hunger experts from the East Metro who described how the policies of President Trump and Congressional Republicans are failing Minnesota families and communities.
Celebrating the Launch of Center for Microgrid Research at the University of St. Thomas
On Wednesday, I joined University of St. Thomas leaders, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Minnesota National Guard to celebrate the opening of the University’s Center for Microgrid Research. Microgrids are localized power systems that can generate, distribute, and store energy independent from the normal power grid. This research center is advancing microgrid technology through cutting edge research and offering students hands-on education with the opportunity to work on real-world projects. The research conducted here will drive new solutions for environmentally sustainable, reliable microgrids that can help power communities. These systems are an essential tool in creating a resilient energy network that can overcome natural disasters, cyberattacks, and other unforeseen challenges that stress our normal power grid. Microgrids are a dual-use energy solution that can power both critical military infrastructure, as well as providing energy to vital civilian facilities such as hospitals and airports.
The University of St. Thomas competed for and won federal funding I secured for this critical research work through the Appropriations Committee. I’ll continue investing in technology that can make our energy grid more resilient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. It was also an incredible honor to receive the University of Saint Thomas’s 2026 Engineering Medallion!
 Congresswoman McCollum receives the University of Saint Thomas’s 2026 Engineering Medallion
Celebrating the Work of Human Rights Campaign to Protect LGBTQ+ Civil Rights
Last weekend I met with Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Kelley Robinson at their annual dinner in Minnesota. Human Rights Campaign is the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the United States working to ensure the rights of the LQGTQ+ are protected. We discussed how HRC is working hard to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. I will never stop working to ensure equality for all Minnesotans and Americans.
Congresswoman McCollum and Human Rights Campaign President, Kelley Robinson
Minnesotans Oppose Republican Push for Toxic Sulfide Ore Mining Near Boundary Waters
A recent poll conducted by the Star Tribune and KARE 11 found that 67% of Minnesotans oppose toxic sulfide ore copper mining near the Boundary Waters—with only 26% supporting a mine in this risky location. Contrary to this clear public opposition, President Trump and Congressional Republicans overturned protections on this watershed last spring. Now, President Trump is likely working with Twin Metals and their parent company Antofagasta, the Chilean-owned mining company, to ensure they get a sweetheart deal on leases to mine in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters. But I’m not going to let that stand. That's why I continue to champion my bill the Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act (H.R. 588). My legislation would permanently protect the headwaters of the Boundary Waters from highly hazardous sulfide-ore copper mining.
WASHINGTON DC UPDATE
The Trump Administration Abandons Ukraine by Throttling Starshield and Offering Sanctions Relief
Over the past week, President Trump and unelected, unaccountable billionaire Elon Musk have played a game of smoke-and-mirrors on who was responsible for limiting Ukraine's access to Starshield, which helps Ukraine defend against Russian missiles and drones. It turns out that the order came from Musk himself and the President knew. Compounding this ugly turn of events is reporting that Secretary of Defense Hegseth has not approved defensive missile interceptor transfers from our European allies to Ukraine. This administration is intent on crippling Ukraine’s defenses. Meanwhile, President Trump continues to cozy up to Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin, by offering sweetheart deals, like sanctions relief on buying Russian diesel. These events are deeply concerning, and the President, Secretary of Defense Hegseth, and Elon Musk owe the American people and Congress answers.
Pres. Trump’s DC Golf Course Renovations Defy Federal Judge and Remove Public Parkland
In 1897, Congress created East Potomac Park on an island south of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to be “forever held and used as a park for recreation and the pleasure of the people.” Yet, without permission, President Trump is redeveloping this public park into a ritzy, exclusive golf course. His plans would demolish beloved biking and running trails, chop down a historic grove of cherry trees, and the existing public golf course that sits on the site. Make no mistake, removing or diminishing East Potomac Park is illegal and the courts agree. But Trump once again believes he is above the law. In July, I joined my colleagues in demanding answers from Interior Secretary Burgum about the cost of this redevelopment on taxpayers, whether the cherry trees will be uprooted, and when the public will get a chance to weigh in.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
2026 Congressional App Challenge Deadline Monday, October 26th
My office is 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.
Medicare Open Enrollment Open Until December 7th
Medicare Open Enrollment began last Thursday and runs through December 7th, 2026. Plans change, as do health needs, so it is important for Medicare beneficiaries to compare their 2027 plan options. The Trump Administration ended a Medicare Part D program that provided more than $3 billion in premium relief to help make Part D medications affordable. More than a dozen Medicare Advantage plans from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, HealthPartners, Humana, Medica, and UnitedHealthcare are ending, so more than 320,000 Minnesotans enrolled in these plans need to find new coverage for next year. Visit Medicare.gov, call Minnesota Aging Pathways (formerly the Senior LinkAge Line) at 1-800-333-2433 or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for free assistance and Medicare support.
Free Flu and Covid-19 Shots for VA Healthcare Enrollees
If you’re enrolled in VA healthcare and have received care from a VA or in-network community provider within the past 24 months, you can receive a free flu and Covid-19 vaccination. Getting vaccinated protects you and your neighbors from potentially deadly diseases. It's important to keep our community safe from communicable disease, and the VA offers an affordable (free) and convenient way to do so. Read more about this program and find a location near you by visiting the VA website.
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.
Understanding What’s on Your Ballot: Minnesota Constitutional Amendment (Andrew)
On November 3rd, in addition to key offices at the local, state, and federal levels, Minnesotans will vote on a proposed amendment to our constitution. If passed, this amendment would increase funding to Minnesota’s school districts without increasing income or property taxes. Voters will have the following constitutional amendment ballot instructions and question on their ballot:
Failure to vote on a constitutional amendment will have the same effect as voting no on the amendment.
To vote for a proposed constitutional amendment, fill in the oval next to the word “Yes” on that question. To vote against a proposed constitutional amendment, fill in the oval next to the word “No” on that question.
Increasing funding to school districts
Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to increase the funding going to all school districts from the permanent school fund, which is a fund that supports school districts without raising individual income or property taxes, effective July 1, 2027?
Yes
No
To learn more about the amendment and other offices on your ballot, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website:
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.
Apply for a Spring Internship in My Office
An internship in my office provides young people with valuable experience as they prepare for their professional careers. Interns have the opportunity to work with and assist all members of the staff, including legislative, administrative, outreach, and communications duties. Internships are available in both the Washington D.C. and Saint Paul offices.
Applicants should be highly motivated and enthusiastic, as there are far more applicants than available positions. Minnesota ties are strongly preferred and should be noted in the first paragraph of your cover letter. Interns are paid a stipend. In addition, my office is happy to work with your college or university to arrange for course credit. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and available hours. Students interested in a Washington, D.C. internship should email MN04admin@mail.house.gov. For Saint Paul internships, please email MN04DOScheduler@mail.house.gov. The deadline to apply for a spring internship is November 15, 2026.
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
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