JUNE 9, 2023

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

Last week, House Republicans were unable to get the votes to prevent a devastating default on our debt. House Democrats stepped in and saved our economy from their chaos and confusion. Extreme MAGA Republicans have taken over the House GOP, and their infighting led to another wasted week without doing any meaningful work for the American people.

With the Chaos Caucus fueling crisis, alongside the second indictment of former President Trump yesterday (this time on seven federal charges for his mishandling of classified documents), Republicans have lost credibility as a functioning political party. I remain committed to working with my fellow House Democrats and any reasonable Republicans who are left to put people over politics and get the necessary and hard work done that I was elected to do.

Protecting Water Quality

This week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers revoked the Section 404 permit for the PolyMet mine project in Northern Minnesota. Last year, I wrote to the Army Corps asking that they suspend this permit after an EPA recommendation made it clear the project as-is could not ensure that the Fond du Lac Band’s water quality and rights would be protected.

Clean water is absolutely essential for supporting public health, safety, and food sources for the Fond du Lac community. Any permitting process must respect sovereignty, and must engage in meaningful tribal consultation and comply with tribal water quality requirements.

Upcoming Neighborhood Office Hours

My staff are available at my Saint Paul office to provide assistance working with federal agencies—but you can also get help from staff at upcoming Neighborhood Office Hours at locations around the Fourth District!

This upcoming Tuesday, June 13, my staff will be available to help at Roseville Library from 10am-12pm.

Residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment ahead of time by calling (651) 224-9191. Learn more here. 

New Protections for Pregnant Workers

Did you know that a new national law called the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act goes into effect this month? I was proud to help pass this new law, which provides groundbreaking protections for pregnant, postpartum, and pumping workers, and gives you the right to get accommodations at work that will help you keep your job and protect your health. 

The law gives you the right to things like extra breaks, flexible scheduling to attend doctors appointments, time off to recover from childbirth, light duty, remote work, and more. Check out the Know Your Rights site to learn more.

Reminder: Passport Renewal Information

Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get a valid passport before you travel internationally! The State Department is facing an “unprecedented demand” for passports, with wait times up to 10-13 weeks.

Some countries also require your passport to be valid for a certain amount of time AFTER your trip. Find the country information page for where you’re traveling, and check out the “quick facts” section to see if this applies to your travel. 

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with your policy opinion or if you need help with a federal agency. Thank you for being an informed and engaged constituent.

Sincerely,

Betty McCollum
Member of Congress