AUGUST 4, 2023

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

Congress passed the PACT Act last year to extend additional benefits to servicemembers who suffered toxic exposures while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

There is no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits, but if you file your claim or submit your intent to file by August 9, 2023, you may receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022. 

Learn more and start your application at va.gov/PACT, and find helpful information on navigating the PACT Act claims process here.

Building an Inclusive Workforce

I spoke this week at the STEMM Opportunity Alliance Workshop about the transformative federal investments in innovation and science made by Democrats last Congress with President Biden when we passed the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—and the importance of ensuring that all communities benefit from these advancements. 

Our workforce must include people from all backgrounds to keep America strong and competitive as we take on the big challenges of today and the future.

Neighborhood Office Hours

Having an issue with a federal agency?

This Tuesday, August 8, Fourth District residents can stop by Shoreview Library from 10am-noon to talk with my staff about how we may be able to help.

Check out all upcoming dates and learn more here.

Stay in Touch

I am now on Threads at @repbettymccollum (or click here to follow). You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter (“X”), and Instagram. If you know someone living in the Fourth District who wants to receive these periodic email updates, send them this link to sign up: mccollum.house.gov/contact/newsletter

And finally, a note on justice and the future of our democracy: This week former President Trump was arraigned on federal charges for trying to overturn the 2020 election results. January 6th was an unprecedented assault on our American democracy—a violent insurrection designed to prevent the peaceful transfer of power. It is important that in our society, the legal system holds people accountable for crimes committed, and that includes ex-presidents. No one is above the law.

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