Jan 26 enewsletter j

Dear Friend,

This year has been challenging to say the least. So many of our neighbors have felt the weight of rising costs, political chaos, and systems that too often fail the people they are meant to serve. And yet, through every hardship, I have seen the strength and generosity of our community shine through. As your representative, I have carried those stories with me into every vote, every hearing, and every fight in Washington. I pushed back against attacks on our democracy. I defended immigrant families, working people, and our most vulnerable.

I am endlessly grateful for the trust you place in me and inspired by the resilience of Minnesota’s 5th District. As we close out the year, I remain committed to fighting for opportunity for every single one of us.

Fighting for the Fifth Against Greedy Billionaires

Throughout the year, I stood with my colleagues to push back against Republican budget proposals that would slash Medicaid, cut SNAP, and gut essential services to benefit billionaires and big corporations. I also spoke out against reckless decisions that led to federal workers being fired and critical programs like USAID being undermined. I will always fight for an economy that works for working families in the Fifth District, not just the wealthiest few.

Fighting for the Fifth Against Cuts to Medicaid
More than 1.3 million Minnesotans rely on Medicaid, and Republicans policies are putting that care at risk. I hosted a roundtable at Hennepin Healthcare to sound the alarm on GOP proposals that would rip away life-saving care from children, seniors, people with disabilities, and families. Providers warned these cuts would mean longer wait times, staffing shortages, higher costs, and even hospital closures. I will keep fighting to protect Medicaid and ensure everyone can get the care they need.

Fighting for the Fifth Against Cuts to Social Security
I joined Minnesota seniors to speak out against Republican policy proposals that would gut Social Security, a program more than 1.1 million Minnesotans depend on to survive. These benefits help people afford housing, food, and life-saving medications. Social Security is not a bargaining chip, and I will continue fighting to protect it.

Fighting for the Fifth Against Cuts to SNAP
The Republican budget bill passed, leading to a $300 billion cut to SNAP, threatening food access for tens of thousands of families in Minnesota’s Fifth District. I traveled across the district to make clear that these cuts would hurt children, seniors, veterans, and working parents and damage our local food economy. No one should go hungry in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and I will keep fighting to protect and expand access to food.

In community with the Fifth

Opening of Wadaag Commons
A new housing development that will welcome the community and help combat homelessness in the Fifth was made possible by the $1.8 million in federal funding secured in partnership with Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Tina Smith, part of a larger $45 million public investment.

100 Years of Washburn High School
Honoring a century of academic excellence, service, and community at the 100-year anniversary of Washburn High School.

Silver Sneakers Cardio Class
An energizing fitness class and incredible initiative designed to help seniors stay active, healthy, and connected.

North Commons Park Groundbreaking
It was my honor to help secure a $2 million federal grant for the park's renovation, which will include a three-gym fieldhouse, new waterpark slides and more to provide a safe space for our community.

Affordable Housing for Veterans Ribbon Cutting
Celebrating the opening of Robin Hotel, a new 14-unit apartment building for veterans exiting homelessness, made possible in part by $750,000 in Community Project Funding I secured to help ensure our veterans have a safe place to call home.

Somali Networking Night
The Somali Networking Night was a great opportunity to build relationships with others and a sense of community among Somali residents of the 5th district.

Championing Bold Legislation

Neighbors Not Enemies Act
War Powers Resolution
Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act
Ending PUSHOUT Act
Global Police Brutality Resolution
The Protecting Our Protesters Act
The National Police Misuse of Force Investigation Board Act
Protecting Children Act
Syria Sanctions Relief Act

End Prescription Drug Ads Now Act
World Drowning Prevention Day Resolution
No Shame At School Act
Federal Worker Childcare Protection Act
Realizing Equitable & Sustainable Participation in Emerging Cannabis Trades (RESPECT) Resolution
The Empowering App-Based Workers Act

Remembering Those We’ve Lost

This year brought moments of deep heartbreak for our community. We lost two beautiful angels in the tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School, which also injured many others during what should have been a safe and sacred moment of prayer. Days after the attack, I led a moment of silence on the House floor and introduced a resolution to honor those we lost, stand with survivors, and recognize the first responders who showed extraordinary courage. We also lost former Minnesota Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, to a senseless act of political violence. As we remember them, I’m holding their families and loved ones close and continuing the work to end gun violence.

Looking AheadAs we head into the new year, I know the road ahead will not be easy. Donald Trump and Republicans have introduced policies that raise costs, rip away healthcare, attack immigrant families, and hollow out the programs millions of people rely on to survive. But I want you to know that I am ready for the fight. I will continue showing up, speaking out, and pushing back when our values and our rights are under attack.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy New Year. I look forward to continuing this work with you in the year ahead.

In Service,

Ilhan Omar