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June 28, 2024
Dear Fourth District Constituent,
 This week, I visited Kyiv as part of a bipartisan Congressional delegation to Ukraine. As the Ranking Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, it is my responsibility to conduct oversight on U.S. security assistance and
understand the military situation on the ground in Ukraine. In Kyiv, I had the honor of meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. I heard first hand how the U.S. assistance recently passed by
Congress is making a difference in helping
the Ukrainian people defend their country from Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion. President Zelenskyy also expressed the deep gratitude of the Ukrainian people for America’s assistance.
Ukraine is fighting for the democratic values that both our nations share. I hope we will keep the Ukrainian people and their fight for freedom in our thoughts.
Here at home as Americans gather for our own Independence Day celebrations on Thursday, recent decisions by the Supreme Court and actions by Republicans in Congress remind us that we cannot take our most basic freedoms for granted. Last week I led the fight against radical policy riders in this year’s Defense funding bill, which included a ban on U.S. service members traveling to seek necessary reproductive health care. Democrats are standing firm against extreme policies that Republicans are pushing to take away reproductive freedom, attack LGBTQ+ rights, and undercut the diversity that has always been America’s strength.
Extreme Trump v. United States Supreme Court Decision Sets a Dangerous Precedent
As the Supreme Court concluded its session for the year on Monday, six extreme conservative justices, including three nominated by former President Trump, broke with the U.S. Constitution and overturned 250 years of precedent to shield him and any future president from criminal prosecution for their actions. This ruling places a twice-impeached convicted felon above the law.
Americans rightly reacted with shock and outrage on January 6, 2021 when the former president directed an angry and violent mob to storm the U.S. Capitol to stop Congress from conducting its Constitutional duty to certify the results of the election.
Every American should understand the danger posed to our democracy by a radical Court that is determined to support the acts of the former president and his followers.
AT HOME IN MINNESOTA
 At a time when forces at home and around the world seek to divide us, Americans are united under our shared values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our nation’s strength has always been our people – our diversity, and our innovative spirit. As you all gather to celebrate with family and friends let us also reflect and recommit ourselves to ensuring that our cherished freedoms remain everlasting and continue to encompass us all equally.
While celebrating please remember to exercise caution and safety, see tips here.
A number of celebrations have been impacted due to flooding and extreme weather. You can find local Fourth of July celebrations from festivals to parades to fireworks in the metro area here.
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.
I wish everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July!
Sincerely,
Betty McCollum
Member of Congress
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