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Dear Friend,
This past month has been about listening to our community and fighting for issues that matter most. Minnesotans are facing real challenges like threats to Medicaid and Social Security and reckless policies that put lives at risk both here and abroad. I’ve been meeting with local leaders, healthcare providers, seniors and advocates to make sure we push back against these policies. I remain committed to using my voice to stand up for what is right. Read up on my updates here at home and in Washington.
March Town Hall
Over 500 neighbors packed our in-person town hall for an important conversation about the issues that matter most to our community. I was proud to share updates on my work in Washington and standing against the dangerous policies of this administration. But most importantly, I listened. Constituents raised their concerns about the economy, the attacks on our civil rights, and the urgent need for stronger protections for working people. I am deeply grateful to our local leaders who joined us, including Mayor Jacob Frey, State Representative Emma Greenman, Commissioner Marion Greene, Council Member Emily Koski, Council Member Linea Palmisano, and Washburn High School Principal Dr. Emily Lilja Palmer.
We also connected with 17,000 Minnesotans through a tele town hall, hearing directly from folks across our district about the challenges they’re facing and what they want to see from their leaders.
Speaking with Seniors at Walker Place
Many seniors across our district have shared concerns about rising prescription drug prices, rent, and grocery costs, all while Republicans in Washington are threatening Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. I spoke to the senior residents at Walker Place in Minneapolis to hear directly about the issues that matter most to them, like affordable healthcare and the cost of living on a fixed income. Since returning to office, the Trump administration has used executive orders to gut the Department of Veterans Affairs, making life harder for seniors across the country. I will continue fighting in Congress to protect Social Security, expand Medicare, and lower healthcare costs. If you or a loved one need help navigating benefits like Social Security, Medicare, or VA services, my office is here to help.
Ukrainian American Community Center
I was grateful to sit down with community leaders at the Ukrainian American Community Center in Minneapolis to reaffirm my support for Ukrainian refugees and for Ukraine as Putin’s unjust war of aggression continues. We cannot forget the human toll of this conflict. I stand with those who are fleeing violence and seeking refuge. Trump's decision to put innocent lives into limbo is cowardly and un-American. We must continue to support Ukraine and its people in their fight for freedom and sovereignty.
Honoring Commissioner Heather Edelson’s Service
It was my honor to present Hennepin County Commissioner Heather Edelson with a Congressional Record recognizing her six years of service in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Commissioner Edelson’s dedication to disability rights, senior rights, education, environmental issues, mental health, and public safety has made a lasting impact on our community. I’m grateful for her leadership and look forward to continuing our work together to build a stronger Minnesota!
Fighting to Protect Medicaid
1.3 million Minnesotans rely on Medicaid for their healthcare and now their coverage is at risk. I joined Rep. Kelly Morrison at Hennepin Healthcare for a press conference on the devastating impact of GOP-led efforts to gut Medicaid. These reckless cuts would strip life-saving care from families, seniors, people with disabilities, and children across Minnesota. We heard from Hennepin Healthcare leaders, providers, and advocates about the harm these cuts would inflict on patients, families, and communities. Some of them include longer wait times, staffing shortages, hospital closures, and increased costs. Congress must fight back against these dangerous proposals and ensure that every American can access the critical care they need.
Hosting a Roundtable on Importance of USAID
The Trump administration’s reckless dismantling of USAID is an attack on our nation’s leadership in humanitarian aid and global stability. From pausing foreign aid with an executive order to eliminating 5,200 of USAID’s 6,200 programs, Trump and Elon Musk are undermining America’s role in the world by harming vulnerable communities and weakening our diplomatic influence. I hosted a USAID roundtable with policy experts, aid workers, and advocates that was joined by Senator Amy Klobucchar via phone to discuss the devastating impact of these cuts and what we must do to stop them. The courts have ruled against Trump and Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), but this administration has disregarded this ruling. During this meeting I emphasized that USAID must be fully restored and Congress must hold this administration accountable
First hearing as Ranking Member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee
 This week, I led my first hearing as Ranking Member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee on the Fair Labor Standards Act. The Fair Labor Standards Act was created to protect workers from exploitation. DOGE has already fired critical staff from the Department of Labor, leaving millions of working families vulnerable. While Trump and his billionaire allies are gutting labor protections, Democrats are fighting back to protect workers from exploitation. Watch my opening remarks here.
Calling for Israeli arms embargo
I spoke at a press conference to address the heartbreaking and escalating violence in Gaza. Last week, Benjamin Netanyahu broke a ceasefire, unleashing more devastation on Palestinians while putting the lives of remaining hostages at risk. For weeks, food, water, and medical aid have been blocked from reaching those in desperate need. Over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the last 16 months. Netanyahu’s government has sabotaged hostage deals and continues its campaign of ethnic cleansing with the full backing of the United States. I will keep calling for a permanent ceasefire, an arms embargo, and an end to U.S. complicity in these war crimes. Watch my speech here.
In Service,
Ilhan Omar
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