November 6, 2026

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

Congratulations! Once again, Minnesota led the nation in voting! Thank you to all 2.84 million voters who showed up and participated in democracy. A special thank you goes to our election workers and volunteers who ensure our elections are safe and secure.

Minnesotans and Americans across the country showed up in historic numbers to send a clear mandate for a new Congress to stop President Trump's chaos, corruption, and destruction. Democrats won large majorities in the U.S. House and Senate because Americans are fed up with the Trump administration's illegal war of choice in Iran, reckless tariff taxes, and Big (not so) Beautiful Bill that have caused sky high prices on everything from gas, to health care, to groceries. Not only did Minnesotans repudiate President Trump and Republicans on the federal level, but Minnesotans also rejected rubber stamp Republicans in the Minnesota State House and Senate. Governor-elect Klobuchar will have strong majorities in the legislature to build on Governor Walz's successes, pass common-sense gun safety protections, and heal our communities following the devastation of Operation Metro Surge.  

You stood up for our democracy and our Constitution, and you’ve given Democrats tools we need to hold Trump and his administration accountable and stop his disastrous policies from doing further harm to Minnesota and our nation. When the new Congress begins in January, my fellow House Democrats and I plan quick action to help make life more affordable. We will overturn Trump’s tariff taxes and end his reckless war of choice in Iran. This will lower costs on groceries, gas, housing, and more. We will work to reverse Republicans’ cruel cuts to health care they made in their Big (not so) Beautiful Bill and bring back the health care premium tax cuts for working families. This will make health care more affordable. And we will hold crooks accountable by delivering justice for the American people and go after the Trump administration and anyone else who ripped them off.  

MINNESOTA UPDATE

Measles Cases Rise in MN After Trump Admin. Makes Dangerous Changes to Vaccine Policy
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious complications. Thankfully, we have an extremely safe, effective, and affordable solution to protect our families and communities: vaccines. Unfortunately, the rampant misinformation being spread about vaccinations from President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy has undermined public trust in the safety of these vital public health tools. It is resulting in declining rates of vaccination against measles and other serious diseases in Minnesota and across the nation. Minnesota kindergarteners currently have the third lowest measles vaccination rate in the nation, and we are now seeing a corresponding increase in measles cases to the highest number in 36 years. Just this week, an infant in Wisconsin died from measles. This preventable death is Wisconsin’s first fatal case of measles in 36 years. We have the tools to prevent this, but the Trump administration is dragging us back to a time when deaths from childhood illness were far too common.

There is no place for political games in our public health. That is why I hosted a roundtable last month focused on the life-saving power of vaccines and the need to rebuild trust in our health care system.

Congresswoman McCollum speaks with immunization leaders in Minnesota

New Report: Minnesotans Paid Devastating Costs for Trump Administration’s Operation Metro Surge
When the Trump administration sent lawless bands of masked federal agents into Minnesota during Operation Metro Surge, we all felt the devastating impact. The Minnesota Truth Commission, which was formed by Governor Walz to account for the damage, released its report early last week. The human and economic costs that we experienced during the invasion affected every segment of our lives, from our health care to our schools to our economy. Hundreds of millions of dollars were lost by businesses and workers. After months of cruelty and brutality, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents, we finally forced President Trump to end his invasion. We came together to protect our neighbors and push back peacefully against the federal invasion of our communities. Minnesota emerged stronger and more resilient as One Minnesota. Now we must hold the federal government accountable for the damage it inflicted on our community.

Remembering Melissa and Mark Hortman: The Hortman Memorial Highway
Almost a year and a half ago, Melissa and Mark Hortman were mercilessly assassinated in their own home. This tragedy still weighs heavy on the hearts of Minnesota. We remember their selfless dedication to public service, and we know that there is no place for political violence in our democracy. 

This week, the state of Minnesota unveiled the new name for Highway 610, the "Hortman Memorial Highway." This dedication is one small way that we can honor their enormous impact on our state. The Hortman Memorial Highway runs through the heart of Speaker Hortman's former district, and she was instrumental in securing funding for its construction. One name does not do justice to the Hortman's enduring legacy, but it is a fitting step to ensure the Hortman's are remembered by Minnesota for decades to come.  

WASHINGTON DC UPDATE

The Buck Stops with President Trump for his Illegal War in Iran
Americans delivered an unmistakable message on November 3rd: President Trump must end his illegal war in Iran. Trump started this war without Congressional approval or public support, and, the House of Representatives has voted to stop Trump’s unlawful war three times. The administration cannot articulate a clear justification for the war because there is none. This war was not a necessity; it was a personal choice. The President and his administration have left our servicemembers dangerously vulnerable, deceived the public about casualty numbers, killed Iranian civilians, and driven up costs for American families. For all of this, the buck stops with President Trump. Americans deserve answers and accountability. Americans deserve an end to this war.  

When the 120th Congress is sworn in on January 3, 2027, Democrats will hold a majority in the House. I will serve as the Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and I will not give the Department of Defense a blank check for President Trump’s war. I will hold hearings and I will ask the tough questions, which Republicans have failed to do since the beginning of this administration and this unlawful war. The administration must answer for its decision to hide casualties, they must answer for putting our servicemembers in unnecessary danger, and they must answer for the civilians killed in Iran. 

Trump Admin. ICE/CPB Wastes Taxpayer Money by Overpaying $420,000,000 for a MN Private Prison
Republicans in Congress gave the Trump administration a blank check for ICE/CPB to wage its violent and reckless immigration operations in our community. Not only have they used this money to terrorize our communities, but they've also wasted hundreds of millions on dubious purchases. Recently, the administration paid $495,000,000 of this taxpayer money to a giant private prison contractor to buy a long-empty 1600-cell prison in Appleton, Minnesota for use as an immigrant detention center. Just last year, the owners of this private prison offered it to the state of Minnesota for just $75 million dollars. Why, did DHS pay this exorbitant price tag? Americans deserve an answer. This is just one more example of President Trump spending enormous sums of money on needless projects while Americans struggle with the cost of living. There must be a full and open inquiry into this egregious waste of taxpayer dollars. I am working with my Congressional colleagues to formally call for an investigation. With our majority next year, we will expose and wipe out this abuse of taxpayer dollars. 

High Prices at the Pump Fuel Massive Profits for Fossil Fuel Industry
President Trump’s war of choice in Iran has caused 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, big oil companies are posting record profits on the backs of hard-working Americans. Big oil companies have earned more than $130 billion in profit since the Iran War began. As Americans face pain at the pump, high gas prices are pumping up the profits of President Trump's fossil fuel donors. 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. I’m ready to get back to Washinton D.C. to make Trump listen to the American people and Congress: it’s time to end his costly war of choice, so American families can afford their lives.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

November 11th Community Events for Veterans Day
On Wednesday, November 11th, communities across our nation will gather to honor our U.S. military veterans. This is a day to express our shared gratitude for the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of every person who has served our nation in uniform. There are several special events and ceremonies taking place throughout our district on Wednesday:

Mounds View Veterans Day Event
Breakfast: 9:00 AM at Mounds View Community Center (5394 Edgewood Dr, Mounds View, MN 55112)
Ceremony: 1:00 PM at Mounds View Tribute Park (2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112)

North Saint Paul Veterans Park Ceremony
Location: Veterans Park, 2480 Margaret St N, North Saint Paul, MN 55109
Time: 11:00 AM

Woodbury Veterans Day Ceremony
Location: Woodbury Veterans Memorial, 8301 Valley Creed Road, Woodbury, MN 55125
Time: 11:00 AM

Stillwater Veterans Day Memorial
Location: Stillwater Veterans Memorial, 138 Pine St W, Stillwater, MN 55082
Time: 11:30 AM

Mahtomedi Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 93 Mahtomedi Ave, Mahtomedi, MN 55115
Time: 5:00 PM

REAL ID Required for Holiday Travel
The holiday season is on the horizon, and that means many of us will be traveling to celebrate with family and friends. Before heading to the airport, it’s important to remember that since 2025, boarding a domestic flight requires Minnesotans 18 years or older to show one of the following: 

• Minnesota REAL ID driver's license or identification card;
• Minnesota Enhanced driver's license or identification card;
• A passport or passport card

To learn more about federally compliant identification, visit TSA's website. For information on how you can apply for a new license or ID, visit the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services website.

MNsure Open Enrollment Underway
Open enrollment for 2027 health coverage through MNsure is open and runs through January 15th, 2027. For coverage starting January 1, 2027, enroll by December 15th. Visit mnsure.org or call 651-539-2099 or 855-366-7873 to shop and compare health insurance plans for next year. As you sign up for a plan, prepare for another year of sticker shock due to major cost increases caused by the Republican budget law. Look at plan options early so you can make the right decision for your health care needs. MNsure also provides free enrollment assistance.

Resources to Help with Medicare Costs and Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment is underway 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. Minnesota Aging Pathways’ website also has useful tips to navigate Medicare Open Enrollment and has made a plan comparison tool available through November 25th that allows you to upload your information to a secure site and get a personalized Medicare Part D plan comparison. For those who need help with Medicare costs and are eligible, Medicare Savings Programs are available to help pay for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B and Extra Help is available to help pay for Medicare Part D.

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.

Last Chance: Apply for a Spring Internship in My Office by November 15
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