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FEBRUARY 7, 2025
Dear Fourth District Constituent,
This week, my offices—both in Minnesota and in Washington, D.C.—received thousands of phone calls and emails from Minnesotans reaching out to share their alarm over the illegal and unconstitutional actions of President Trump and Elon Musk. Please know that I am doing everything in my power to hold the administration accountable, and I will continue to fight against these unprecedented acts.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk Attempt to Subvert Democracy
Since day one of his presidency, Mr. Trump has defied our laws and the Constitution of the United States to attempt to ram through his radical MAGA agenda. This week, we learned he illegally allowed an unelected billionaire, Elon Musk, to fire career public servants and gain access to personal and confidential data of American citizens, as well as sensitive national security information. This is outrageous, and every American should be deeply concerned about Mr. Musk’s level of access to executive agencies. President Trump also issued executive orders that break federal law by freezing critical investments in our communities that were passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by the Biden administration. The City of Shoreview, for example, contacted my office this week to share how they will be negatively impacted by the federal funding freeze.
President Trump is weakening our national and economic security by throwing the federal government into complete chaos. He has abruptly closed the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), abandoning our international partners and upending the lives of our public servants deployed around the world. The closure of USAID could also deeply impact Minnesota farmers, who stand to lose up to $70 million per year in lost government contracts.
I am also outraged by the targeting of our federal law enforcement officials who arrested and prosecuted the violent rioters who assaulted police officers on January 6th, 2021 at the U.S. Capitol. The list of names provided to the President included more than 5,000 agents, comprising nearly 15% of FBI employees. Targeting these public servants only makes Americans less safe.
Republicans are Abandoning their Oversight Responsibility
Republicans have complete control of the legislative branch, yet the Republican majority in the House and Senate are failing to take any action, or even signal concern over the shocking, illegal actions being taken by the Trump administration. The U.S. Congress is a co-equal branch of government and has a duty and responsibility to uphold the Constitution and hold the President, the White House, and the entire executive branch accountable for their actions. It is appalling to watch Republicans in Congress abdicate their Article I responsibilities.
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As a Member of Congress, I swear an oath to defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic. My fellow Democrats and I are speaking out firmly and clearly to defend Americans. We need Republicans to join us.
Congress has extraordinary powers to hold the executive branch accountable, but our system of checks and balances only works when the majority party takes this responsibility seriously and chooses to exercise its power. Congress can hold oversight hearings, subpoena administration officials, conduct investigations, pass legislation, sue the administration, reject Presidential appointments, control the federal budget, override a Presidential veto, and so much more.
The House and Senate Republican majorities have done none of these things. If Democrats were in the majority, we would certainly take these actions, but the levers of power established in our Constitution cannot be controlled by individual Members of Congress or the minority party alone.
What I'm Doing to Stand up to the Trump Administration
On his first day in office, President Trump issued an Executive Order removing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). Late last week, I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump urging him to reverse course and rejoin the WHO.
On Wednesday, I joined over 100 of my Democratic colleagues in demanding that Secretary Rubio reverse the foreign aid funding freeze and reinstate all employees illegally placed on leave by Elon Musk.
That same day, I joined my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee in holding a press conference to discuss exactly what’s at stake if USAID is shut down. I used this opportunity to highlight the great work USAID has done that I’ve been able to see first hand on Congressional Delegation trips to Africa.
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In response to Trump’s reckless tariff threats on our allies, I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to Trump on Thursday urging him to permanently rescind his tariffs on Canadian goods which will hurt those in the Great Lakes region most if implemented.
On Thursday, my colleagues and I sent an oversight letter to Treasury Secretary Bessent objecting to Elon Musk being given access to the federal government’s payment system. The Trump administration must give us more information about why and how much information Musk and his associates have been given. I also joined my Democratic colleagues in introducing the Taxpayer Data Protection Act, which would stop people like Musk with conflicts of interest or without a security clearance from accessing the Treasury Department's payment system.
Additionally, I’ve signed on as a cosponsor of the Saving the Civil Service Act. The bill would ensure the federal civil service system cannot be attacked and manipulated by any President.
Black Entrepreneurs Day
On Monday, I heard from business owners about their issues and priorities during Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Minnesota State Capitol. Black business owners play a key role in creating jobs, helping our communities build wealth, and growing our economy. I'm proud to support their work.
 Congresswoman McCollum addresses Black business owners at the annual Black Entrepreneurs Day at the State Capitol.
Meeting with Minnesota College and University Leaders
We have some incredible colleges and universities here in the East Metro and across the state of Minnesota. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with leaders from Macalester College, the University of Saint Thomas, and Hamline University at my Washington, D.C. office.
Congresswoman McCollum meets with leaders from Macalester College, the University of Saint Thomas, and Hamline University in her Washington, D.C. office.
Passport Renewal
If you plan to travel internationally this year, remember to check your passport expiration date. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is not valid for six months past your travel date. Learn about your destination’s entry requirements and how to apply or renew your passport by visiting the Department of State website.
Neighborhood Office Hours
In addition to serving constituents Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, at my St. Paul office, my staff holds neighborhood office hours at a variety of locations across the Fourth District. The next neighborhood office hours will take place in Saint Paul on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 at the Highland Park Library in the first floor meeting room from 10:00 AM until noon.
If you need assistance with a federal agency, you can stop by or call my office to make an appointment. My staff and I are here to serve you, and we are happy to help you with any issues you may have that involve a federal agency. For more info, visit my website.
IRS Filing Opened January 27th
The IRS announced Jan 27 th as the start of the 2025 tax filing season. Free file is now open! Visit the IRS website to see if you are eligible for other free preparation and filing options.
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
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