NOVEMBER 21, 2025

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

The U.S. government is open once again. The House was also back in session this week after 54 days of an inexplicable, unscheduled recess in the midst of the Trump-Republican shutdown. After nearly a year of delay by Trump and House Republicans, House Democrats were successful in forcing a vote to release the Epstein files. The vote passed 427-1. However, a growing mountain of other unfinished business requires action by January 30th when temporary government funding expires. That’s just two months away. 

Congress still hasn’t acted to address the Republican health care and affordability crises. Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune promises to hold a vote on legislation to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that help Americans afford their health care. However, Speaker Johnson has repeatedly stated that he won't hold a vote on similar legislation in the House. 

Democrats are fighting back for Americans facing rising costs. This week, House Democrats introduced legislation to extend ACA tax credits for three years, and I'm joining my Democratic colleagues in calling on Speaker Johnson to hold a vote on this critical legislation. Congress must act on this legislation and much more to address the rising cost of living for Americans. 

Minnesotans are seeing their health care premiums soar and I’m hearing from constituents who are struggling to afford higher prices for everything from groceries, gas, and utilities. Our economy is flashing warning signs.  New reporting from the Minnesota Star Tribune finds that wages are failing to keep up with high prices and more Minnesotans are filing for bankruptcy. President Trump's tariffs are making the problem even worse — in Minnesota, the average family is paying an extra $719 since Trump took office due to the rising price of goods that are subject to Trump's import taxes, according to the Joint Economic Committee. 

Rather than working to make life more affordable for middle class Americans, according to a new bombshell report from The New York Times, Donald Trump’s Treasury Department and IRS are "giving breaks to giant private equity firms, crypto companies, foreign real estate investors, insurance providers, and a variety of multinational corporations." Trump’s efforts to heap more rewards on millionaires, billionaires, fossil fuel interests, and other large corporations will undoubtedly drive up the national debt and the economic pain will be felt by everyday Americans.

WASHINGTON, D.C. UPDATE

House and Senate Overwhelmingly Vote to Release Epstein Files
On Tuesday, I voted to release the Epstein Files. Before the vote, I posted a video where I shared my thoughts on the importance of this vote and the bizarre circumstances surrounding President Trump's cover-up of these documents. You can find the video on my YouTube channel or click below to watch. Click here to read my full statement.

Ahead of the vote to release the Epstein Files on Tuesday, Congresswoman McCollum shared her thoughts on the vote and Speaker Johnson's decision to delay the vote for over eight months. 

Meeting with Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski

On Monday, I welcomed Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski and his daughter Evelyn to my Washington, DC office.  Mayor Kozlowski participated in a mayors policy summit hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations focusing on the growing role of U.S. cities in global leadership on public health, tariffs, trade, and climate action.  I appreciated the opportunity to visit with Ted and Evelyn and hear updates from the city, including the upcoming 2026 World Snow Sculpting Championship that will be hosted by Stillwater January 13-19, 2026!

From left to right: Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, and Evelyn Kozlowski.

 

Minnesota to Host 2026 Special Olympics 

This coming June, thousands of athletes, coaches, and fans from all 50 states will unite in Minnesota for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games!

 

 

This week I had the pleasure of meeting with Special Olympics CEO Christy Sovereign who shared updates about on the preparations being made for the games and all the ways Minnesotans can get involved. Christy and I talked about how important the games are to the disability community, and how Special Olympics’ commitment to sports and inclusion transforms lives, communities, and the world. I am so proud of Minnesota’s place in the Special Olympics legacy, and I can’t wait to see the athletes compete! For more information on the games and how to get involved, you can visit the official Special Olympics USA Games website here.

 

Congresswoman McCollum with 2026 Special Olympics CEO Christy Sovereign.

 

 

MINNESOTA UPDATE

 

Honoring 250 Years of United States Marine Corps Excellence

Last Saturday, I had the honor of attending the official Minnesota ceremony celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps — a milestone that honors generations of service, dedication, and sacrifice in defense of our nation. On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank every Marine, veteran, and military family in Minnesota and across the country for their courage and commitment to serve our nation. Your service and devotion to duty embody the highest ideals of our nation and continue to strengthen the fabric of our democracy. Semper Fidelis!

 

Congresswoman McCollum, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, members of the Marine Corps, and Marine Veterans gathered to celebrate the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. 

 

Meeting with Consul-General of Japan

Last weekend I met with Japan’s Consul-General serving Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.  Consul-General Masashi Mizobuchi and I discussed the important trade, social, and familial ties between Japan and Minnesota. Minnesota shares 10 sister cities with Japan; Saint Paul serves as the sister city of Nagasaki. Along with these cultural exchanges, our trade with Japan varies from wheat exports, medicine, and semiconductors. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, be sure to visit the Consulate office to stay updated on custom rules and visas here.

 

Congresswoman McCollum and Consul-General of Japan Masashi Mizobuchi

 

 

NEWS YOU CAN USE

 

Constituent Service 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, November 25th at 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Woodbury City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Rd, Woodbury, MN 55125.

 

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.

 

Take the time to dive into what's covered. Plans may be more expensive and cover less.

Open enrollment through MNsure began 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.

Visiting Washington, DC? Here's What's Still Open
The White House visitors office announced they will offer White House holiday tours. Tours are available on an extremely limited basis. If you will be in Washington, DC for the holidays and would like to request one of these tours, please fill out this form immediately. We cannot guarantee that space will be available. 

You can also request tours of the Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and the FBI Visitor Center with the link above. My staff is always excited to take constituents around the Capitol and arrange for these other tours. 

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. 

I also want to hear about how you're dealing with the cost of living and affordability crisis. I want to hear from you about how you're dealing with housing costs, child care costs, the cost of food, and increases to your insurance and utilities bills. Your voice matters and I humbly ask you to share your story with me. Your voice empowers my vote in Congress. 

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