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SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
Dear Fourth District Constituent,
Republicans tell us they have a mandate. President Trump has told his party “don’t even bother” working with Democrats. Congressional Republicans used that go-it-alone approach to pass President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, and the American people are learning it’s really an ugly mess. Republicans made devastating health care cuts to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
On Friday morning, House Republicans passed their partisan funding bill with a vote of 217-212. I voted NO. However, Republicans later failed to pass the same bill in the Senate. We are now eleven days away from a federal government shutdown on September 30, but House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled votes for the rest of the month, increasing the likelihood of a shutdown.
Under orders from President Trump, Speaker Johnson refuses to work with Democrats. If House Republican leadership wants to play partisan games and go it alone again on federal funding, that’s their choice. But they should not expect my vote.
I applaud my Democratic Colleagues, House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member DeLauro and Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Murray for taking proactive action to tackle our government funding cliff. They introduced, in both the House and Senate, a commonsense government funding bill that adheres to the bipartisan negotiations that had already taken place, and addresses the health care funding crisis. .
Democrats want to prevent exploding costs for health insurance premiums if Affordable Care Act subsidies expire. Congressional Democrats and President Biden strengthened the Affordable Care Act by making health insurance more affordable and accessible for Americans for the past four years. Since the Big Ugly Law failed to include this provision, the enhanced and expanded premium tax credits for those who purchase insurance through the health insurance marketplace are expiring at the end of 2025. I am cosponsoring the Health Care Affordability Act (H.R. 247), which would permanently expand these tax credits, so that they would not expire at the end of the year.
We cannot follow Republicans on their quest to make everyday life more expensive for our constituents. We want to ensure the funding that Congress passes will actually be delivered to our communities, instead of being illegally withheld by the Trump Administration. President Trump and Russell Vought are misappropriating money allocated by Congress. We cannot give Trump another blank check to steal money from Americans. With the funding deadline approaching, I will stand strong to protect healthcare and defend Americans against illegal rescissions by the Trump administration.
WASHINGTON, D.C. UPDATE
Honoring Our Trust and Treaty Obligations
In recent weeks, I have worked with my colleagues in both the House and Senate on bills to reaffirm and recommit our government to our trust and treaty obligations to Indian Country. I joined House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.), U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) in introducing the Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act. Advance appropriations provide funding for the current Fiscal Year and one year in advance for critical public services. Moving federal programs that serve Tribal Nations—including BIA, BIE, and IHS—to the advance appropriations process will protect these agencies and Tribal governments from cash flow problems that regularly occur due to delays in the enactment of annual federal spending bills in time for the start of the new fiscal year.
Rep. McCollum met with Leach Lake Band of Ojibwe leaders, including Secretary/Treasurer Lenny Fineday and Councilman Steve White to discuss their priorities.
I was Happy to meet with leaders of two of Minnesota's tribal Nations throughout the week to discuss the priorities for Leach Lake and White Earth bands of Ojibwe. I will continue to work to support our neighbors in Indian Country.
 Congresswoman McCollum met with Chairman Fairbanks from the White Earth Tribal Nation about supporting our neighbors in Indian Country.
Meeting With Minnesota Transportation Advocates
On Wednesday, I joined members of the Minnesota at the Minnesota Transportation Alliance at their annual breakfast. We spoke about issues affecting the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill in Congress and the need to defend the investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. I was proud to support this law in 2021 because it delivered overdue funding for roads, bridges, transit, and water systems, helping to launch projects like the Gold Line is already delivering for our community. But these investments are now at risk. After taking office, President Trump froze infrastructure grants nationwide, tying up funding in new roadblocks and red tape and re-evaluating grants that were already approved. For Minnesota, seven grants totaling over $142 million were frozen, including a $25 million grant to reconstruct the crumbling Robert Street Viaduct. In May, I led the Minnesota Delegation in demanding the Trump administration unfreeze these grants. Thanks to our advocacy, the Trump Administration is starting to unlock these grants. I will keep using my role on the Appropriations Committee, and through the next surface transportation reauthorization to ensure our state gets the investments we are owed. Minnesota should not have to pay more while getting less, just because of partisan politics.  Rep. McCollum speaking at the Minnesota Transportation Alliance breakfast.
Meeting with Saint Paul College President
Congresswoman McCollum with Saint Paul College President Deidra Peaslee (left) and Vice President Austin Calhoun (right)
It was a true pleasure to sit down with Saint Paul College President Peaslee and VP Austin Calhoun to discuss the amazing resource that SPC is for their students and for our entire community. We discussed the opportunities created by the new Workforce Pell program, and how the campus, its classes, and the strategic partnerships forged throughout the city support the thousands of students furthering their educational and employment goals. And they host a mean chili cook-off every year that raises funds for the campus and is a delicious community event! Check out the Chef Jack Chili Bowl 2025.
Maintaining Relationships With Our European allies
Meeting With the Danish Ambassador to the U.S.
Rep. McCollum meets with Jesper Møller Sørensen, Danish ambassador to the US.
On Wednesday, I met with the Danish Ambassador to the United States Danish Jesper Møller Sørensen. It was great to reconnect with Mr. Sørensen about keeping our commitments to our allies, which is more important than ever. With the war in Ukraine raging, our NATO allies are vital to keeping the violence from spreading. I thank Denmark for their recent increase in miliary and political support for NATO. We also discussed the importance of the international business connections between Denmark and the United States. Our European trading partners are critical to a strong American economy.
Meeting with German Health Leaders
Congresswoman McCollum with Hermann Gröhe (right) and Roland Göhde(left)
It was a pleasure to meet again with Hermann Gröhe, a German politician who served as the Health Minister from 2013 to 2018. Mr. Gröhe grew up in Neuss, Germany, which is the sister city to Saint Paul. Mr. Gröhe and I are excited to continue working together on opportunities for transatlantic cooperation in global and U.S health policy.
MINNESOTA UPDATE
From left to right: Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom, Rep. Kelly Moller, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Ramsey County Commissioner Tara Jebens-Singh, Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson.
Last Saturday, I joined the City of Mounds View and its residents as they dedicated their new Tribute Park at the Mounds View City Hall. This park honors and memorializes our first responders, veterans, and service members, and Mounds View residents lost in the tornado of 1965, the 1986 pipeline explosion, and the collapse of the I-35W bridge in 2007. This park is a place for families, friends, and neighbors to remember and reflect, and it is a testament to the healing power of community.
Rep. McCollum visits with the founder and Executive Director of Youth Initiative Aviation Academy Mamie Lanford Singleton at Selby Ave. Jazzfest
On Saturday, I also joined our community in celebrating the 24th annual Selby Ave JazzFest — enjoying the music, food, and performances while supporting our local businesses. My office heard directly from community members and constituents, and offered a reminder that we are here to provide help with issues constituents may be facing with our federal agencies.
Health Care Listening Session Next week
Tune in to my livestreamed listening session on Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 at 11:00am featuring a panel of expert voices representing Minnesota’s diverse health care community. This session will provide critical updates on recent developments at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a law passed earlier this year with only Republican support. With an estimated 20,000 Minnesotans in the Fourth District at risk of losing health care coverage, including seniors, people with disabilities, children, and working parents, I am committed to making sure these stories can be told. The listening session will be livestreamed on my YouTube.
Absentee and Early Voting Begins for Nov 4th Elections
Elections are coming up locally and across the country. Minnesota historically ranks as one of the top states in the nation for voter turnout. Let’s continue our tradition of being dedicated participants in the democratic process and show up to vote this Fall. Early voting starts September 19th, including for Saint Paul Mayor, two State Senate seats, and school district special elections. The final day to vote is November 4th. Register to vote or check your voter registration here.
Addressing Postal Delays
Thank you for writing and calling my office to inform me about delays in the postal service. My office is aware of USPS issues in our area. Along with a coalition of Senators and Representatives in North Dakota and Minnesota, I have written to the Postmaster General to request the improvement of postal operations for our district. We have asked for consistent updates on progress made to increase staffing levels and better operational management. I appreciate your patience and thank you for making me aware of the extent of this problem. You can read that letter here.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Scam Alert
The Minnesota Department of Revenue is warning people to beware of scam text messages impersonating the department and asking for banking information to receive a refund. Read more here.
Constituent Services Office Hours
In addition to serving constituents Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM at my Saint Paul office, my staff hosts neighborhood office hours at a variety of locations across the Fourth District. Members of my staff will be available to meet with constituents seeking casework assistance on Tuesday, September 23rd at 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Stillwater City Hall, 216 4th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082
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 indefinitely because President Trump 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.
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.
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
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