January 26, 2023

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

This week, I have been traveling overseas as part of a Congressional Delegation to Japan in order to advance our shared diplomatic, economic, and national security interests. Keeping this alliance strong is essential for the opportunities and challenges we face in this region. 

Honoring a Longtime Tribal Leader

I want to take a moment to honor Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin as she announced this week she will not seek reelection after many years of service. Her work advancing tribal self-governance, creating opportunities for Native women and youth, improving the tribe's infrastructure, and so much more will leave a lasting, positive legacy for the Band and across Indian Country. 

Melanie was among a group of women tribal leaders in Minnesota who were formative mentors for me, dating back to my time in the State House. I have often turned to Melanie for insight on tribal priorities, and how coordination between our governments can best serve our communities' needs. It has been an honor to work together in so many ways over the years--from preserving Native languages and upholding tribal sovereignty to successfully campaigning to Change the Name and abolish racist symbols from mainstream sports mascots. I am grateful for her leadership, her partnership, and her friendship.

Infrastructure Decade 

President Biden went Up North this week celebrating the $1 billion in federal funding heading to Minnesota and Wisconsin for the replacement of the Blatnik Bridge connecting our states. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Democrats passed last Congress is improving and fixing our roads and bridges, which supports our economy and keeps people safe. Proud to help deliver this investment! 

Taking Action to Improve Mail Delivery

I joined my colleagues in a bipartisan letter (find it here) to the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Postal Service to help uncover the underlying problems that are creating persistent mail delivery issues for Minnesota residents and businesses. 

This week, the OIG released its reports outlining the agency's findings and recommendations for the St. Paul Distribution Center. They also broadened the scope of their audit to ensure improvements extend to greater Minnesota. Americans rely on the mail for medications, bill payments, critical correspondence, and so much more. The USPS must find solutions to understaffing and other factors to ensure reliable mail delivery.  

Don't hesitate to reach out and voice your policy opinion or ask for help with a federal agency. You can find all of my recent statements and stay in touch at mccollum.house.gov.

As always, thank you for being an informed and engaged constituent. 

Sincerely,

Betty McCollum
Member of Congress