|
Dear Friend,
I hope you can join me for a town hall on February 20th to connect and discuss the issues facing our community. Recent actions by the Trump administration have raised concerns about his dedication to the constitution and the rule of law. I have received hundreds of calls and messages to my office and hope to provide updates on what I am doing to push back on unconstitutional attempts to eliminate and undermine our government institutions. This moment requires us to be engaged and connected. I will provide an update on what is happening, review the work I am doing, and answer your questions. Eventbrite registration is required.
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm-7:00 pm CT
Location: St. Louis Park
RSVP HERE
Speaking at the USAID 
Last week, I spoke out against the decision by Donald Trump and Elon Musk to diminish the U.S. Agency for International Development. This move is endangering Americans abroad and putting lives at risk around the world. For decades, USAID has helped communities recover from crises, combat disease, and address food insecurity. Its abrupt shutdown means that millions of people will be left without essential assistance. I will continue to push for the restoration of USAID’s vital programs. Closing USAID wouldn’t just hurt thousands abroad, it would have catastrophic impacts for workers across our country. In Minnesota, our state would lose millions of income for Midwest farm operations. Last year, USAID purchased $70 million in commodities from Minnesota vendors (Source). Trump’s attempt to dismantle USAID will hurt thousands of farmers who rely on funding of the agency to make ends meet. Watch my full remarks here.
Speaking at the Department of Treasury
I joined my Democratic colleagues at the U.S. Treasury building to demand that Elon Musk, an unelected billionaire, be barred from accessing Americans’ private and sensitive data. Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was briefly given control over federal payment systems, raising serious concerns about privacy, financial security, and the integrity of government services. In order to secure Americans’ data, I joined legislation introduced by Reps Haley Stevens and Sean Casten that would protect the nation’s payment system from interference by ensuring that anyone accessing the system has lawful authorization. House Democrats are fighting to protect the financial integrity of Social Security, Medicare, and other vital programs from political interference and corporate greed. I will continue to push for stronger protections against privatization and reckless overreach.
Minnesota Minute - Congratulating Minneapolis Restaurants
Congratulations to Spoon and Stable, Vinai, and Bûcheron on their nominations as semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards! I spoke on the House Floor to recognize these restaurants' talent and innovation in Minnesota’s culinary scene. Their hard work and creativity continue to make Minnesota a destination for food lovers everywhere! Watch my speech here.
Demanding answers at the Department of Education
Donald Trump confirmed his plan to the Department of Education, a move that would devastate public schools and education access for millions of students. The Department plays a vital role in funding K-12 education, enforcing civil rights protections, supporting students with disabilities, and providing resources for low-income schools through programs like Title I and IDEA. This is yet another alarming attempt to dismantle critical institutions that serve the American people. As a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, I went to the Department of Education to demand answers from department leadership about the power Elon Musk is unconstitutionally asserting over our federal government. I will continue fighting to protect our schools, our teachers, and our students. Watch my remarks here.
The Pentagon’s Bloated Budget
Senate Republicans are pushing a $150 billion increase in Pentagon spending, for an agency that has failed seven consecutive audits of its nearly $900 billion annual budget. I stood with my colleagues in rejecting this proposal and advocating for a budget that prioritizes human needs over defense contractor profits. Policies that invest in endless military spending while cutting food assistance, education, and consumer protections are harming the American people. Watch my remarks here.
End Polluter Handouts
This week, I joined Senator Markey to demand an end to billions in corporate handouts for the fossil fuel industry. Over the next decade, $170 billion of taxpayer money will be funneled into the pockets of oil and gas corporations. At a time when working families are struggling with housing, healthcare, and education costs, Republicans policies in Congress are protecting Big Oil’s profits while slashing life-saving programs for the people who need them most. I will keep fighting until every public dollar is spent helping people afford their lives and helping us address the existential crisis of climate change. Watch my remarks here.
Budget Committee Markup Hearing
Yesterday, during the Budget Committee mark-up, my colleagues and I railed against the Republican budget resolution that prioritizes billionaires over working class Americans. Their plan would cut essential programs like SNAP and Medicaid while increasing the Pentagon budget and giving tax cuts to billionaires and corporations is a blueprint for American decline.
I introduced two important amendments:
- First, I introduced an amendment to stop $230 billion in cuts to vital food assistance programs like SNAP and WIC.
- Second, I introduced an amendment to raise the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%, ensuring that tax benefits don’t go to foreign investors and multinational corporations at the expense of American workers.
Budgets reflect our values. Instead of making life harder for working people, Congress should be investing in programs that help families thrive. Watch my opening remarks here.
A Thank You To Senator Tina Smith
Senator Tina Smith announced yesterday that she will not be returning to the Senate. Tina has been a dear friend, mentor, and champion for Minnesotans in DC. From expanding access to affordable health care to protecting reproductive rights and standing up for farmers, Senator Smith has led with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Minnesota is better because of her leadership, and I am endlessly grateful for her partnership and friendship. Thank you, Senator Smith, for your years of service and dedication to our state!
In Service,
Ilhan Omar
|
