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Dear Friend,
It’s been a busy and energizing couple of weeks in the district and in DC. From standing up to dangerous cuts to food assistance and education, to hosting our May town hall with state leaders, I’ve been working hard to ensure your voices are heard at every level of government. Here's a look at what I’ve been up to.
May Town Hall
In May, I was proud to host our monthly town hall at Brooklyn Center High School. I was joined by Senators Mary Kunesh and Susan Pha, and Representatives Sandra Feist, Cedrick Frazier, Mike Freiberg, Erin Koegel, Larry Kraft, and Samantha Vang. Hundreds of neighbors from across Minnesota’s 5th District came out to raise their voices about how recent executive orders and proposed conservative policies could be harmful to their way of living.
SNAP Press Conference
In their recently passed budget bill, Republicans in Congress proposed a staggering $300 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Last week, I stood alongside Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, local leaders, and anti-hunger advocates, and farmers to make it clear that these cuts would devastate families trying to put food on the table and harm the farmers and grocers who depend on SNAP to keep our local food economy strong. In Minnesota’s 5th District, tens of thousands of households rely on SNAP to survive. These are children, seniors, veterans, and working parents. Slashing this lifeline is economically short-sighted. I’ll keep working to protect and expand access to food for every Minnesotan.
Questioning Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon
 During a recent Education and Workforce hearing, I confronted Secretary Linda McMahon about this Administration’s education agenda. From quietly rescinding a $37 million fine against Grand Canyon University for misleading students, to eliminating the lawyers who implement the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), this Administration is abandoning students, especially those who need support the most.
I demanded answers on the growing backlog of Borrower Defense claims from defrauded students, questioned the Department’s failure to protect sensitive student aid data, and called out the gutting of disability protections under IDEA. Students deserve better. I will continue to hold this Administration accountable and fight for an equitable education system.
Standing with Workers at the LIFT Fund Confluence Conference
It was an honor to open this year’s Workers’ Confluence Conference with the LIFT Fund right here in Minneapolis. As Ranking Member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, I will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with workers. I’ve advocated to protect the rights, wages, and dignity of workers from corporations and weak federal working standards. Through executive orders Donald Trump has fired thousands of federal employees and rolled back workers protection standards set by OSHA. Minnesota has a proud tradition of labor organizing. Congress should keep pushing for a future where every worker has the freedom to organize and the right to a safe workplace.
Inaugural Youth Advisory Council
This year, we proudly launched Minnesota’s 5th District’s inaugural Youth Advisory Council. Over the past few months, 14 high school students from across the district have been hard at work identifying the most urgent issues facing our communities and crafting solution-driven proposals. It was my honor to meet with them, hear their ideas, and thank them for their dedication to public service. Their passion and vision give me great hope for the future of our district and our democracy.
If you are a high school student interested in participating in the Youth Advisory Council, visit https://omar.house.gov/yac for more information and to submit your application.
Deadline to apply: Friday, September 12th, 2025
Applicants will be notified of their selection in late September.
Congressional Record to Minnesota Spokesman Recorder CEO Tracey Williams-Dillard
It was a true honor to present Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO and Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, with a Congressional Record Statement recognizing her extraordinary contributions to journalism and the Black community. Ms. Williams-Dillard was recently inducted into the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s Half-Century Club, celebrating over 50 years of service in the newspaper industry. From working at her family’s paper at age eight to becoming its CEO and owner, she has remained a steadfast voice for Black storytelling.
American Red Cross Regional CEO Brice Johnson
It was a pleasure to sit down with Brice Johnson, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross, at my district office to discuss the great work they do to support Minnesotans during times of crisis. We talked about the urgent need for disaster relief resources, the importance of volunteerism, and how I can continue to support their humanitarian mission at the federal level. I’m grateful for the Red Cross’s commitment to showing up for our communities when it matters most.
June 17th Resource Fair
Join Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s District Office for a resource fair on June 17th. The Omar team helps hundreds of constituents navigate issues with federal agencies every year, including:
· Passports
· Immigration issues
· Tax issues
· Medicare and Medicaid
· Social Security
· Veterans’ Affairs issues
· The US Postal Service
If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency, please stop by our office in Suite 222 to review your situation and see if we can assist you. The resource fair is free and open to the public.
When: Tuesday, June 17th, 4pm to 6:30pm
Where: Sabathani Community Center
310 E 38th St Suite 222, Minneapolis, MN 55409
In Service,
Ilhan Omar
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