AUGUST 29, 2025

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

 

I am heartbroken by the horrific gun violence that took place at Annunciation Catholic Church on Wednesday. As a mother and grandmother, the tragic shooting of young school children, teachers, staff, and parishioners while they gathered at mass to celebrate the new school year is a tragedy beyond comprehension. The Twin Cities and all of Minnesota grieve alongside the victims and their families. They deserve and have the full support of our community, our state, and our nation.

 

The immediate actions of adults, older children, law enforcement, EMTs, and medical personnel saved lives. I commend Governor Walz for acting swiftly and sending the State Patrol and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to respond to this horrific crime. 

President Trump and Congress have a duty to take action to end this epidemic of gun violence. We cannot once again wait for another tragedy before we enact common sense gun safety laws. Guns are the leading cause of death for American children. We cannot continue down this path.

 

 

I have voted over and over to ban assault weapons, impose background checks, and limit access to firearms, but Republicans in Congress and the gun lobby block and obstruct common sense gun safety provisions at every step. Furthermore, many Republican-controlled states are actually making it easier to obtain and carry firearms, even assault weapons, in public without a permit or training.

 

Since I was first elected to Congress, I've been speaking out about the need for Congress and the President to come together to act and pass common-sense gun safety laws, including in 2016 when I spoke on the floor of the U.S. House to demand action to reduce gun violence. Click below to watch my speech:

 

During a 2016 speech on the floor of the U.S. House, Congresswoman McCollum demands action to prevent gun violence.

 

Solutions to America's Gun Violence Epidemic

Our nation is facing an epidemic of gun violence and mass killings that are devastating families, ripping apart communities, and forcing all of us to question our own safety. The common denominator is guns and easy access to guns by individuals intent on committing acts of violence. 

 

We can enact common sense gun safety laws, if President Trump and Republicans in Congress would join Democrats in passing legislation. When Democrats controlled Congress from 2021-2023, I voted for the following legislation to prevent and reduce gun violence: 

• Protecting our Kids Act (H.R. 7910), a package of common sense gun violence prevention reforms.
• Bipartisan Background Checks Act (H.R. 8) to keep guns out of the hands of those who should not have them
• Enhanced Background Checks Act (H.R. 1446) to close the Charleston Loophole
• Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022 (H.R. 350) to authorize federal agencies to monitor, analyze, investigate, and prosecute domestic terrorism

In addition to voting for common-sense gun safety measures, Iast Congress I was a co-sponsor of 10 bills that would take drastic action to reduce gun deaths in the United States. 

• Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act of 2023 (H.R. 584): Requires federally-licensed dealers to confirm the identity of individuals who arrange to purchase ammunition over the internet by verifying a photo identification, as well as requiring ammunition vendors to report any sales of more than 1,000 rounds within 5 consecutive days to the U.S. Attorney General, if the person purchasing ammunition is not a licensed ammunition seller.
• Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2023 (H.R. 1361): Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to States, units of local government, and gun dealers to conduct gun buyback programs.
• Ethan's Law (H.R. 660): Requires safe storage of firearms to ensure that a child or others who cannot lawfully obtain a firearm from getting a hold of one and causing harm to themselves or others. Violation of this law results in a fine of $500 for each instance.
• Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2023 (H.R. 715): Establishes new background check requirements for firearm transfers between individuals without a license and requires that a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first conduct a background check on the buyer.
• Identifying Mass Shooters Act (H.R. 563): Requires the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to report to Congress on social media and online content patterns used by mass shooters as well as submit recommendations based on these findings.
• Federal Firearm Licensee Act (H.R. 1478): Establishes new requirements regarding the sale of firearms by federally licensed distributors. Requires federal firearms licensees (FFLs) to secure their business premises, conduct checks of their inventories, and comply with expanded reporting requirements and increased penalties for violations.
• Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023 (H.R. 2870): Adds bump stocks to the list of firearms subject to regulation under the National Firearms Act and Gun Control Act of 1968.
• Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act (H.R. 3962): Establishes the Advisory Council to Support Victims of Gun Violence, which must assess the needs of victims of gun violence and disseminate information about helpful resources.
• Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2023 (H.R. 3018): Establishes procedures and grants for the issue of federal extreme risk protection orders. Extreme risk protection order laws, or red flag laws, generally allow certain individuals (e.g., law enforcement officers or family members) to petition a court for a temporary order that prohibits an at-risk individual from purchasing and possessing firearms.
• Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act (H.R. 4965): directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish voluntary best practices for safe firearm storage solely for the purpose of public education. The DOJ must give at least 90 days public notice and afford an opportunity for a hearing before establishing such best practices.
• Raise the Age Act (H.R. 2870): Establishes new restrictions on the sale or transfer of certain semiautomatic firearms to individuals under 21 years of age (exemptions for full-time law enforcement officers and active duty members of the Armed Forces).

These are just few steps that Congress and the President must take to make our communities safer. Americans want us to act. The time is now.

 

 

MINNESOTA UPDATE

 

The Great Minnesota Get Together

This week, I was able to spend some time at the Minnesota State fair complete with breakfast at the historic Hamline Church Dining Hall! It was lovely to gather with all Minnesotans during this difficult time for our state. As the State Fair wraps up this weekend, I hope you can visit if you haven't already (or sneak one more visit in if you have). 

Because of Minnesota’s rich agricultural heritage, I always enjoy a stop at the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) booth, to see the innovative work the University of Minnesota is doing to further Agricultural sciences right here in Saint Paul. I also had the chance to admire the seed art, especially the beautiful piece in memory of my friend Melissa Hortman created by State Representative Athena Hollins. 

 

Congresswoman McCollum at the State Fair (clockwise): With Rev. Heather Grantham at the Hamline Dining Hall, crop art of the late Melissa Hortman, at the CFANS Booth.

 

It was also fun to check out the award winning vegetables and other foods from accross the state. Congratulations to everyone who entered, and especially to those winners below from the East Metro!

 

Winning vegetables and strawberry wine from the East Metro. 

 

West Nile Virus Cases in Minnesota

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported that West Nile Virus cases are on the rise in Minnesota and is encouraging folks to take precautions. Two of the 20 people who have had the virus this year in our state have died.  The virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Most people who are bitten by infected mosquitoes experience either no symptoms or a mild flu-like illness. Less than 1% of those who are infected develop encephalitis or meningitis. Typically, symptoms appear within one to two weeks.

These tips from MDH can protect you and your loved ones from mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellents that are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency and contain up to 30% DEET.  
• Pre-treat clothing and gear with permethrin-based products.  
• Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.  
• Be extra cautious or avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, the peak feeding time for many mosquitoes, particularly from July through September.
• Keep mosquitoes out of your home by maintaining screens on windows and doors.

To learn more about West Nile Virus go to MDH’s West Nile Virus website.

 
Honoring America’s Workers on Labor Day
On Monday we celebrate Labor Day. It is a day to reflect and honor hard-working women and men, across Minnesota and across our country, who keep our nation strong, our economy growing, and are building a better future for the next generation of Americans.

This Labor Day is also a time to redouble our efforts to bring fairness to the workplace – so that women receive equal pay for equal work, livable wages, and paid sick leave for all workers.

Regrettably, Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are enacting a reckless economic agenda – from  tariffs that are increasing the cost of everything from groceries to clothing – to massive cuts to health care – which are only making it harder for Minnesota families to live the good life. Cutting benefits and raising the cost of living won’t make that any easier.   
 
Democrats know you deserve better – and that’s why we are fighting for working people’s right to dream again. 

Americans go to work every day to keep our country strong. Let’s celebrate and honor this work, but let’s always strive to make sure every American worker is well-trained, in a safe workplace, with access to health care, and are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Provide Your Comments About IRS Direct File
Last Congress, Democrats and President Biden passed legislation that allowed Americans to file their federal taxes for free.  In its first two years, Direct File delivered significant benefits to taxpayers across the country. During the program’s pilot phase in 2024, Direct File saved the average user $160 in return fees and hours of effort preparing their return. Unfortunately, the Trump administration has declared Direct File dead after receiving pressure from the tax preparation industry. With Direct File's future in limbo, IRS quietly announced a very short public comment period, only until September 5th, for Americans to share their opinions on direct file. That survey can be found here. 

Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge
You still have the chance to enter and submit an app to the 2025 Congressional App Challenge! Middle and high school students in the Fourth District with an interest for coding are encouraged to create and submit an app to solve a problem, or provide education or entertainment. Learn more about the rules and important deadlines here. 

My Washington, D.C. Office is Always Open to You and Your Family
If you are planning a trip out to our Nation's Capitol, remember you can request tours through my office. My staff can lead you on a tour of the U.S. Capitol, you can sign up for a self-guided tour of the Library of Congress, and you can request a lecture in the Supreme Court Chamber. Read more about tours here.
 
IMPORTANT NOTE: White House tours have been canceled for September. The White House had not previously told us why they are cancelled, but on Wednesday we learned why through new reporting from the Washington Post: President Trump is pausing tours because he wants to begin construction on his new $200 million ballroom as soon as possible.

Service Academy Nominations
My office is now accepting applications for nominations to the U.S. Service Academies for the Class of 2030. Students interested in attending West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, or the Merchant Marine Academy must receive a congressional nomination to be considered. The deadline to submit a completed application packet is Monday, November 3, 2025. Students are encouraged to apply early and to also seek nominations from both U.S. Senators from Minnesota. Learn more and access the application here.

Thank You
Thank you to the hundreds of new subscribers to my weekly newsletter! This update is designed to provide timely information about my work in Washington and Minnesota, and to provide resources that can be helpful to you. 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