NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. I voted no on this dangerous legislation, which would grant the Secretary of the Treasury the unilateral authority to suspend the tax-exempt status of any organization deemed “terrorist-supporting” without due process or evidence. U.S. law already prohibits nonprofits from providing material support to terrorists. 

I am deeply concerned about how this legislation could provide the incoming Trump administration with unchecked power to effectuate irreparable damage to any nonprofit that President Trump deems a threat to his own political agenda. This could be disastrous for nonprofits across the country, including those doing important work in the Fourth District.

Over the last two weeks, my office has received dozens of calls and emails from concerned constituents about the ramifications of this bill were it to become law. I have heard from religious organizations, reproductive rights advocates, educators, labor leaders, and many civil society groups about how this legislation poses a grave threat to nonprofits in Minnesota that provide services for those who need it most. Nationally, more than 120 civil society groups—including the ACLU, the American Federation of Teachers, the NAACP, and the League of Conservation Voters—signed a letter opposing this bill due to the potential for abuse.

Thank you to everyone who has shared concern—I value your feedback, especially on votes that are as important as this.

USS Congress Naval Ship
The original USS Congress, commissioned in 1794, was one of the original six frigates commissioned by the US Navy. This week, I had the honor of joining Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Representative Jen Kiggans (R-FL) as a co-sponsor of the new USS Congress Constellation-class guided-missile frigate. I thank Secretary of the Navy Del Toro for bringing together this bipartisan group of female legislators to sponsor this ship.

Congresswoman McCollum addresses attendees of the official sponsorship event for the USS Congress.

BBC Interview

On Tuesday, 1,000 days after Putin's full-scale invasion, I appeared on BBC World News America to discuss the state of the war in Ukraine. The situation in Ukraine is dire. The U.S., alongside our European and NATO allies, must continue to take action to thwart Russian escalation. My prayers are with the Ukrainian people and their struggle for freedom. If you’re interested in learning more about my perspective on President Biden’s decision to allow the Ukrainian Armed Forces to use long-range ATACMS missiles, you can read my statement on my website.

Kids For the BWCA
This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with young people from across the country who traveled to Washington in support of the Boundary Waters. Under President Biden, we made historic gains in protecting Minnesota’s pristine wilderness destinations. Now, we must do everything we can to maintain these protections while defending against the incoming Trump Administration’s forthcoming attempts to roll them back. I remain so encouraged by the young people who are stepping up to defend the BWCA. It was wonderful to speak with them about what Congress can do to protect our priceless wilderness in Minnesota.  

Congresswoman-elect Kelly Morrison (left) and Congresswoman McCollum (right) post with supporters of Kids for the Boundary Waters.

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