DECEMBER 13^th, 2024

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

This week, the House of Representatives voted on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation which sets annual policy for the Department of Defense.
 
I was disappointed that I could not support the NDAA this year. Instead of working to reform a broken Pentagon acquisition system, the Armed Services Committee continues to set expectations for future defense spending without the responsibility to balance the dollars needed. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I have the duty to work with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to meet the increasingly unrealistic long-term spending commitments authorized in this legislation.
 
While It was good that some of the most abhorrent right-wing social policies were removed from this legislation, some remained. For example, this NDAA strips healthcare coverage for gender-affirming care for children of military families, signaling to service members with transgender children that their service is not valued. Many of these children are experiencing a mental health crisis and desperately need care. This new policy will be devastating for parents who are seeking care for a child with gender dysphoria at risk of suicide.

This NDAA also includes language I oppose that allows the transfer of certain state Air National Guard personnel to the Space Force. As the commanders-in-chief of their states’ National Guards, this provision is also opposed overwhelmingly by America’s Governors. This provision should have been removed before the legislation proceeded to a final vote.

Ultimately, this legislation does nothing to control our nation's unsustainable growth in defense spending. At some point, Congress must learn to say no. I will continue to vote in the interests of Minnesota's taxpayers, because it's Congress' sacred obligation to spend your tax dollars wisely.

 

Minnesota Staff Visits Washington

This week, I welcomed my Minnesota-based staff to Washington, DC for our annual staff retreat. Bringing together our entire staff team is an important tradition to ensure my office continues to deliver results for Minnesotans. During our time together, we discussed how our office can continue to work to support families, workers, and constituents across the East Metro. Among the highlights of our retreat was a work session in the Library of Congress.

 

Congresswoman McCollum and MN-04 staff of the 118th Congress pose for a photo on the steps of the United States Capitol. 

My staff and I are grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Minnesota's 4th district during the 119th Congress, and we look forward to making a difference in you and your family's lives.

European Christmas Market
The European Christmas Market in Lowertown Saint Paul is open for two more weekends! This outdoor holiday market features over 70 vendors offering unique food, drink, decor, and gifts. It's a great opportunity to spend some time celebrating the holidays with the family.
 
Market-goers flock to booths above Union Depot at the European Christmas Market in Saint Paul.

The market is open December 13-15 and December 20-22. The hours are Fridays: 11 am – 9 pm | Saturdays: 11 am – 9 pm | Sundays: 11 am – 6 pm. For more information, visit stpaulchristmasmarket.org.

 

MNsure Open Enrollment 
MNsure is Minnesota's health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment for MNsure is currently underway, and will run through January 15th, 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.

 

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