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NOVEMBER 7, 2025
Dear Fourth District Constituent,
This week President Trump broke his own record for presiding over the longest federal government shutdown in the history of the United States – 38 days with no end in sight. Donald Trump refuses to negotiate with Democrats. Meanwhile, Speaker Johnson has shut down the House of Representatives for an unprecedented 49 days, rejecting demands from Democrats to reconvene Congress and hold votes since September 19th. Trump and Congressional Republicans are blocking extension of tax credits that help millions of Americans afford their health care, using hunger as a weapon, and restricting the ability of Americans to work and travel as they prolong their shutdown.
President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Mar A Lago celebration of opulence, a Gilded Age themed Halloween party.
Rather than negotiating with Democrats, last week Donald Trump left Washington to host a lavish “Great Gatsby” theme party at his Mar-a-Lago estate for his billionaire donors – inspired by the novel written by Saint Paul's very own F. Scott Fitzgerald. While Trump’s gilded gala was underway, his administration was doing everything it could to refuse to fully comply with Appropriations law and orders from two judges directing them to release food assistance for Americans. President Trump has chosen to weaponize hunger by threatening to withhold all food assistance for seniors, children, working families, veterans, and people with disabilities until the government reopens. There may be no more fitting quote to sum up what Trump and Republicans are doing than one from Fitzgerald’s classic novel:
“They smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.” The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This is not a fantasy or a game. This is about the lives of Americans and the wellbeing of our great nation. Democrats in Congress are fighting to help Americans afford their lives. While Trump and Republicans hand out tax breaks to millionaires, billionaires, and large corporations, Democrats are working to reopen the government to serve the American people, feed Americans, pay our hardworking federal workers, and fix the Republican health care crisis. It’s time to end the shutdown.
HONORING A HISTORIC CAREER
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has been an incredible leader for our country. Her steadfast integrity and character were core to making her one of most effective and influential House Speakers in U.S. history. Throughout her Speakership and since she stepped down from that role in 2022, she has continued to be a tremendous mentor, particularly for new women members.
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Congresswoman McCollum with Speaker Emerita Pelosi on the house floor.
As the first woman to be Speaker, her accomplishments on behalf of the American people were extraordinary and historic: She led the House in passing the Affordable Care Act, led the Democratic caucus through the COVID-19 pandemic and all its uncertainties, and spearheaded the passage of the largest infrastructure and climate change investments in our nation’s history, and so much more. It has been a privilege to have served together throughout the years on our shared priorities of expanding health care access, promoting human rights, and creating better, brighter futures for our children. Our friendship has grown, and she remains a close friend and trusted partner in this work.
I will always be grateful for Nancy’s constant reminder about what’s important, and how the votes we cast impact the people we serve, especially children. She has always kept their interests central to her decades of service. I offer my sincere thanks and congratulations to her and Paul, as well as their children and grandchildren. I look forward to continuing to work with her throughout the remainder of the 119th Congress.
MINNESOTA UPDATE
Hearing From Minnesota Food Shelves Addressing Hunger Crisis
On Monday, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Ramsey County Commissioner Rena Moran, and I met at Saint Paul’s Hallie Q. Brown Community Center food shelf to hear from Minnesotans about the impacts that a lapse in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food assistance would mean in the lives of Minnesotans who depend on it to put food on the table. Click below to view our discussion:
Congresswoman McCollum and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison hosted a SNAP nutrition benefits roundtable on Monday to highlight the importance of food assistance for Minnesotans amid attempts to slash the program entirely by the Trump Administration.
Hallie Q. Brown’s Director Benny Roberts, Catholic Charities’ Director of Food Access Stacy Lund, and SNAP recipient Matteo Halbesleben shared powerful testimony about the vital role SNAP plays for 440,000 Minnesota seniors, children, working parents, veterans and people with disabilities. These stories shined a light on Donald Trump’s unlawful decision to withhold funds for November SNAP payments and the harm it is causing real people in our communities. In the wealthiest nation in the history of the world, nobody should ever go hungry. Thank you to State Representative Samakab Hussein, Saint Paul City Councilmember Anika Bowie, and other community leaders who joined the discussion.
Voters Make their Voices Heard at the Ballot Box
I congratulate Saint Paul Mayor-elect Kaohly Her on an impressive victory on Tuesday. I look forward to working together on behalf of all Saint Paul residents. I thank Mayor Melvin Carter for his many years of public service. He has served Saint Paul honorably and deserves our gratitude. I also congratulate Senator-elect Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger on her decisive victory in the special election to represent Senate District 47. I look forward to continuing our work together to improve affordability and quality of life for the residents of Woodbury and Maplewood.
Americans sent a clear message on Tuesday night: They're fed up with a Republican government that's focused on rewarding millionaires, billionaires, and large corporations with permanent tax breaks, while middle class Americans see rising costs for food, rent, health care, and utilities. On the national level, I was proud to see my Democratic colleagues Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherill win landslide victories in their races for governor of Virginia and New Jersey.
WASHINGTON, D.C. UPDATE
Demanding that President Trump Follow the Law & Obey Court Orders
Our nation is the wealthiest in the history of the world, and no one here should go hungry. On Tuesday, I joined my Democratic colleagues for a press conference to highlight the importance of SNAP nutrition benefits for Americans. Watch my remarks below or visit my YouTube Channel to watch the full video.
Meeting with United Nations Assistant-Secretary-General Nicholas Koumjian
This week I met with Nicholas Koumjian, the United Nations Assistant-Secretary-General of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM). As co-chair of the Congressional Burma Caucus and the proud Representative for over 17,0000 Burmese and Karen refugees, it was great to meet with Mr. Koumjian and discuss the important work the IIMM is doing to document and investigate serious international crime in the region.
Nicholas Koumjian, the United Nations Assistant-Secretary-General of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) and Congresswoman McCollum.
The people of Myanmar (formerly knows as Burma) have endured unthinkable humanitarian crises from the ongoing civil war, and I believe that the United States and our international partners must do more to bring about peace.
Working with the University of Minnesota to Advance Public Health
Public health professionals from around the state visited my office to discuss the challenges they are facing to provide services to those in need. The organizations represented are not large, but they make a huge impact on the people they serve. They have spent decades getting to know their communities, building trust, and making a real difference in the health and wellbeing of the populations they serve.
Left to right: Chelsey Kirkland, Center for Public Health Systems; Laura Schulz, Manager of Operations, HACER; Congresswoman McCollum; Jonathon Leider, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Center for Public Health Systems; Robsan Tura, Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Health.
Unfortunately, due to President Trump and Republican’s all-out assault on public health, many of these tireless professionals have had their funding cut and their hands tied. During our meeting they made one thing clear: they are ready to continue the important work of keeping our communities healthy, they just need federal support. I am standing with my fellow Democrats to make sure vital public health funding is restored and that public health remains a top priority.
Meeting with M Health Fairview Emergency Medical Services Staff
I had the opportunity to meet a real-life star this week – Stacy Jensen of Isanti, who was nominated by her peers to receive the prestigious Minnesota Star of Life Award. Stacy is a Critical Care Paramedic at MHealth Fairview, and throughout her career, she has exemplified the highest standards of excellence in emergency medical services.
Congresswoman McCollum with Stacy Jensen Critical Care Paramedic with M Health Fairview EMS and Tom Dunn Deputy Chief of M Health Fairview EMS
In reaction to the high-stress environment of EMS, Stacy spearheaded a new peer support network within MHealth Fairview EMS. This program helps ensure essential outreach and support for her co-workers in need and has helped foster a culture of empathy and compassion. It was great getting to chat with Stacy and MHealth Fairview EMS Deputy Chief Tom Dunn, about how the program is working and other issues that are top of mind for EMS workers. Thank you for your essential work, Stacy!
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Veterans Day Around the East Metro
Next Tuesday, November 11th is Veterans Day. Our community will gather to honor all who have worn our nation’s uniform and the families who stand beside them. Ceremonies across the district will offer moments of reflection, gratitude, and connection as we recognize their service and sacrifice. We invite everyone to join in commemorating Veterans Day at one of several events happening throughout our district Tuesday:
Woodbury Veterans Day Ceremony
Location: Woodbury Veterans Memorial, 8301 Valley Creed Road, Woodbury, MN 55125
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Stillwater 21st Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
Location: Stillwater Veterans Memorial, 138 Pine St. Stillwater, MN 55082
Time: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
White Bear Lake Veterans Day Luminary Tribute
Location: Veterans Park, 4496 Lake Ave. South, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110
Time: 4:00 PM
Mahtomedi Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 93 Mahtomedi Ave, Mahtomedi, MN 55115
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Medicare and MNsure Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment is underway through December 7th, 2025. Plans change, as do health needs, so it is important for Medicare beneficiaries to compare their 2026 plan options. Visit Medicare.gov, call Minnesota Aging Pathways (formerly the Senior LinkAge Line) at 1-800-333-2433, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for free assistance.
Open enrollment through MNsure begins November 1st and runs through January 15th, 2026. For coverage starting January 1, 2026, enroll by December 15th. Visit mnsure.org or call 651-539-2099 or 855-366-7873 to shop and compare health insurance plans for next year. As you sign up for a plan, prepare for sticker shock due to major cost increases caused by the Big Ugly Law. Look at plan options early so you can make the right decision for your health care needs. MNsure also provides free assistance and enrollment events across the state for anyone in need.
Apply for an Internship in My Office
An internship in my office provides young people with valuable experience as they prepare for their professional careers. Interns have the opportunity to work with and assist all members of the staff, including legislative, administrative, outreach, and communications duties. Internships are available in both the Washington D.C. and Saint Paul offices.
Applicants should be highly motivated and enthusiastic, as there are far more applicants than available positions. Minnesota ties are strongly preferred and should be noted in the first paragraph of your cover letter. Interns are paid a stipend. In addition, my office is happy to work with your college or university to arrange for course credit. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and available hours. Additionally, please indicate any Minnesota ties. Students interested in a Washington, D.C. internship should email [email protected]. For Saint Paul internships, please email [email protected]. Please NOTE: the deadline to apply for the Spring 2026 Internship is November 15, 2025.
Woodbury Central Park Now Open!
After going through its first major upgrades since 2002 and adding nearly 24,000 square feet, improving the indoor parks’ accessibility, comfort, and amenities. Providing residents with a sanctuary with more green space and safer playground regardless of the weather. The park will be open during the following hours:
Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday – Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM – 5: 00 PM
More information on hours and pricing can be found here.
Visiting Washington, DC? Here's What's Still Open
Because of the Government Shutdown, the vast majority of the major DC tourist attractions remains closed, and will remain closed for the foreseeable future. This includes the Smithsonian Museums, the Library of Congress, tours of the US Capitol, the Supreme Court, and more. The White House is also currently closed for tours. This week, the White House visitors office announced there will offer White House holiday tours. If you will be in Washington, DC for the holidays and would like to request one of these tours, please fill out this form here. These will be available on an extremely limited basis.
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Thank you to everyone who's shared their health care story with me. If you are impacted by Republicans' cuts to health care or nutrition assistance, I want to hear about it. Please contact my office directly at (651) 224-9191 or click here to share your story.
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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