NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

Congress is back in Washington, DC this week for the first time since September. We’re now in what’s known as the “lame duck” session, which is when Congress reconvenes after an election before the newly-elected Representatives begin their terms in office.

Significant unfinished business remains. Congress still hasn't completed fiscal year 2025 appropriations, which keep the government funded and open to serve our constituents. We still haven't passed a Farm Bill, which we are 14 months late on, nor have we approved a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes critical Department of Defense programs. These are the most pressing items, which need to be completed as soon as possible for the security of our nation, our economy, and our communities. But there's no assurance that the Republican House majority will even hold a vote on any of them. In the meantime, my colleagues and I — both old and new — are using this time to prepare for the ramifications of a second Trump presidency, and a Democratic minority in the upcoming 119th Congress.

Speaking of new colleagues: This week I had the pleasure of welcoming the newest member of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation, Congresswoman-elect Kelly Morrison, to Washington DC. Representative-elect Morrison’s expertise as a state legislator and as a pro-choice OB-GYN will be critical as we continue to defend abortion rights and women’s reproductive freedom against MAGA extremism.

Representative-elect Morrison will represent Minnesota’s Third Congressional District beginning in January, when Congressman Dean Philips completes his term in office. Representative-elect Morrison’s election marks the first time that our state has sent a majority-woman Congressional Delegation to represent us in Washington. During a meeting in my office, we had a conversation about how we plan to deliver for Minnesotans over the next two years. I’m looking forward to working together beginning in January!

Looking Ahead to the 119th Congress
As we begin the 119th Congress in January, Republicans will once again hold a very slim majority of seats in the House of Representatives. This is a repeat of the 118th Congress, during which the majority passed historically few bills, spent a month without a Speaker, and failed for two years in a row to complete the appropriations process for the fiscal year that started in September.

I hope, for the sake of the American people and for the well-being of our nation's economy, that we do not experience the same dysfunction in the 119th Congress that the Republicans created during the 118th. As always, I am committed to working across the aisle to advance common-sense legislation that benefits my constituents here in Minnesota.

Veterans Day Recap 
It was a privilege to attend the State of Minnesota Veterans Day Ceremony and to join with many veterans, their families and members of the community in honoring all our nation’s veterans. We honor them for their courage, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for our nation. We are grateful for all who have served and those who continue to serve.

Congresswoman McCollum addresses attendees at the 2024 State of Minnesota Veterans Day Program at the Minnesota National Guard Ben Franklin Readiness Center in Arden Hills.

As a Member of Congress and the daughter of a World War II veteran, I once again reaffirm my unyielding support for keeping the VA fully funded, for ensuring that our veterans receive the care they earned in a timely and more efficient manner, and for protecting the VA from those who seek to privatize it. 

Minnesota's First Electric Fire Truck
Saint Paul’s new electric fire engine, Engine 7, is now officially in service! Engine 7 will not only reduce emissions and fuel costs, but will also improve firefighter safety and maneuverability. This is an exciting step toward creating a cleaner and healthier future for our fire department and for our community. Congratulations to the Saint Paul Fire Department!

MNSure Open Enrollment 

MNsure is Minnesota's health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment for MNsure is currently underway, and will run through January 15^th, 2025. This is the annual opportunity for Minnesotans to compare options, change plans, or sign up for coverage.

Thanks to Congressional Democrats and the Biden-Harris Administration, Minnesotans who have coverage through MNsure can continue to save money on health insurance next year. Minnesotans who receive tax credits through MNsure will save an average of $6,700 on health insurance premiums next year because of enhanced federal subsidies that were part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Visit mnsure.org for more info, to compare plans, and get covered.

 

Medicare Open Enrollment is Underway
Medicare Open Enrollment is underway until December 7^th. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration and Congressional Democrats, enrollees will benefit from a new $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs and the opportunity to spread those expenses over a year. Visit Medicare.gov to learn more and compare plans.

 

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