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OCTOBER 3, 2025
Dear Fourth District Constituent,
House Democrats returned to Washington this week in hopes of engaging in good faith negotiations to keep the government open and allow Americans access to affordable health care – even though House Republicans cancelled votes that could have prevented a government shutdown.
 House Democrats showed up for work on Monday seeking to prevent a government shutdown, despite Republicans cancelling votes that had been previously scheduled. The Republican side of the chamber is empty.
Republicans control the entire federal government: The House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Presidency. President Trump and Congressional Republicans have told the American people they have a mandate that allows them to govern on their own without working with Democrats. Trump may claim he has a mandate, but it's the duty of each Member of Congress, both Democratic and Republican, to work with the President rather than working for the President. Congress is a co-equal branch of government that has a duty to hold the White House accountable.
Congressional Democrats worked to prevent a government shutdown, because shutdowns cut off federal services that Americans rely on and force federal employees such as those at the FAA and TSA to work without pay. What I want is for Minnesotans and all Americans to have an open and transparent government that works for them, have access to high-quality affordable healthcare, be able to have enough money for their groceries, and to live in safe communities. It is unfortunate that my Republican colleagues do not share those priorities. I have been in Washington since Sunday, working together with my Democratic colleagues doing all we can to prevent a shutdown. But without cooperation from President Trump and Republicans in the House and Senate we will not be able to end this shutdown.
REPUBLICAN GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
A Deep-Dive on Republicans' Government Funding Proposal
Speaker Johnson and Congressional Republicans say that their short-term funding bill is just a temporary continuation of a previous bipartisan funding bill. That's not true. When I voted no on Republicans' full-year government funding proposal known as a Continuing Resolution (CR) in March, I voted no because Republicans unconstitutionally withheld Congressionally-appropriated funds, fired public servants without cause, cut $13 billion from domestic priorities that the American people depend on such as healthcare, education, and veterans’ benefits, and made illegal cuts to research at American universities. I didn't support it then, and I don't support it now, either.
Republicans have said that Democrats are trying to provide free healthcare to undocumented immigrants. That's a lie. Under existing federal law, it's illegal to provide Medicaid or Medicare to those who are in the United States without documentation. What Democrats do support is the system we've had for decades, where patients can arrive at a hospital and receive emergency, life-saving care without first being asked to show their papers.
In the video below, I get into the details of Republicans' government funding bill and explain why Democrats refused to rubber stamp their cuts to health care, nutrition programs, and other government services that you rely on.
In her latest video, Congresswoman McCollum breaks down the discrepancies between Fiscal Year 2024 funding levels and Fiscal Year 2025 funding levels due to cuts from DOGE, rescissions made by President Trump, and other cuts made by OMB Director Russ Vought.
QUICK FAQs ON THE REPUBLICAN GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
Will I Still Receive My Social Security Checks?
Yes. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits. Local Social Security offices remain open, but with reduced services because of the government shutdown. As a reminder, if you need in-person help, you have to call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment before you visit a Social Security office. More information about the limited services available during the shutdown can be found at SSA’s website.
Will the IRS be Impacted?
The IRS will continue normal operations during a shutdown with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (for at least the first five days).
Will I Continue to Receive my Medicaid and Medicare Benefits?
Yes. Current beneficiaries will continue to receive their Medicare and Medicaid (Medical Assistance) benefits.
Will Student Loans and Pell Grants Continue?
Yes. The Department of Education will continue to disburse federal direct student loans and Pell Grants and process the FAFSA form. Student loan payments are still due.
How Will Other Federal Services be Impacted?
- The U.S. Postal Service is self-funded and will continue normal operations.
- Passport agencies are self-funded and will continue normal operations.
- Federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits, however processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed.
- Federal courts will continue to operate during a shutdown and courthouse doors will remain open to litigants throughout the duration of the shutdown.
- TSA employees are excepted or essential so they continue to operate as normal, including luggage screeners.
- FAA employees, including Air Traffic Controllers, are deemed essential so they will stay on the job to perform their duties and responsibilities.
- National parks remain open to travelers during government shutdown, but NPS employees have been furloughed 64% so travelers won’t see much of Park Rangers.
My Office Remains Open and Ready to Serve You
While my staff are still here to serve you, some constituent service requests may be delayed because executive branch employees will be furloughed and unavailable to assist. However, my office can still help guide you through issues with federal agencies. If you need assistance, please call my Saint Paul office at 651-224-9191 and my Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-6631. For more information on services available from my office, watch this short video:
WASHINGTON, D.C. UPDATE
Meeting with Leaders from Saint Paul's ReConnect Rondo
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of meeting with some of my neighbors and others who are working on ReConnect Rondo to discuss the Rondo Community Land Bridge project. In the 1950s and 1960s, the federal government ripped apart the vibrant Rondo community by the constructing I-94, destroying homes and businesses and causing economic downturn. The ReConnect Rondo project aims to construct a land bridge that would connect the community once again, as illustrated in the image below.
 A rendering from ReConnect Rondo demonstrates how Saint Paul could restore a key portion of the historic Rondo neighborhood by constructing a land bridge.
The monumental task of resuscitating the Rondo community took a step forward during the Biden Administration when ReConnect Rondo was awarded two grants totaling $4 million to fund planning, studies and analysis as part of an eventual master plan for the land bridge project. These grants were part of the Reconnecting Communities Program, authorized and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to redress historic inequities caused by the construction of our nation’s interstate highway system. As Congress debates reauthorizing surface transportation programs over the next year, projects like the Rondo land bridge will be front of mind for me.
 Congresswoman McCollum met with leaders from ReConnect Rondo on Tuesday, including Saint Paul City Councilmember Anika Bowie, Anthony Taylor, Jonathan Palmer, Marvin Anderson, Keith Baker, Dolkar Tenzin, B Passe, Lotita Davis Cater, Theresa McClenty, and Robert Harper.
Meeting with BWCA Leaders
Although I didn’t see many of my Republican Congressional colleagues in the halls of Congress this week, some Minnesota House Representatives were out in D.C. working hard to defend the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness!
Minnesota Rep. Alex Falconer (District 49A), Congresswoman McCollum, Minnesota Rep. Heather Keeler (District 4A; Yankton Sioux Tribe enrollee), and Minnesota Rep. Alicia Kozlowski (District 8B).
It was a pleasure to meet with Minnesota State Representatives Alex Falconer, Heather Keeler, and Alicia Kozlowski to discuss our coordinated efforts on federal ( H.R. 588) and state ( HF 309) legislation to permanently ban toxic sulfide ore mining in the headwaters that flow through the BWCA, Voyageurs National Park, and across international waters into Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park. We’re standing together against efforts to overturn the scientifically-based mineral withdrawal of the watershed. This is a vital source of clean, fresh water we must protect now and for our future.
MINNESOTA UPDATE
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, October 7th at 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Roseville City Hall in the Aspen Room, 2660 Civic Center Dr, Roseville, MN 55113.
Minnesota Department of Health Recommends Everyone 6 Months & Older get COVID Vaccine if They Choose
Now that it’s the beginning of October, it’s a good time to stay up to date on your vaccines to prevent respiratory viruses this fall and winter. This week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) endorsed COVID 2025-2026 vaccination recommendations from several national medical associations: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). More information about the recommendations can be found at COVID-19 Vaccine Access for Minnesotans.
The 2025-26 COVID vaccines are beginning to arrive at clinics and pharmacies across Minnesota, with supply expected to increase over the coming weeks. For those interested in getting COVID vaccines, MDH recommends the following:
- Call your clinic or pharmacy to confirm vaccine availability, especially for children as pediatric vaccine may take longer to arrive at clinics. Pharmacists can vaccinate children age 3 years and older.
- Call your insurance provider if you have questions about coverage.
- Minnesota operates two programs that provide certain vaccines at low or no cost to children and adults who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover the cost of vaccines. Learn more at Free or Low-Cost Shots for Children and Vaccination Clinics Serving Uninsured and Underinsured Adults.
- Ask your health care provider about other vaccines you or your family may need, such as flu or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccines. COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines.
National Fire Prevention Week
National Fire Prevention Week starts on Sunday, serving as a critical reminder on the importance of fire safety within our communities. This year the National Fire Protection Association is highlighting safety tips on Lithium-Ion batteries in all of our homes. See safety tips for families here. This is also an important reminder to test your smoke detectors to ensure they are working properly. You can also contact your city’s Fire Department to learn more about fire safety and potential family friendly events during this National Fire Prevention Week.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Visiting Washington, DC? Here's What's Still Open
My staff will continue work in both my Washington, DC and Saint Paul offices. I encourage you to still visit my Washington, DC office if you are in the Nation's Capitol in the near future. Please note that many things will be closed in Washington, D.C. during the government shutdown. This includes the Smithsonian Museums, which will close for the duration of the shutdown beginning on October 6th. The Capitol Visitor Center is closed and tours are on pause until the end of the government shutdown.
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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