|
JANUARY 9, 2026
Dear Fourth District Constituent.
I began this week joining Americans in solemn reflection on the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021 insurrection on the U.S. Capitol – attacks incited by President Trump to halt the peaceful transfer of power. We honor the heroic law enforcement officers who defended our democracy that day from Trump's chaos and division.
Sadly, here in Minnesota, we are now facing the shocking results of Trump’s latest efforts to divide and sow chaos. For weeks, Trump has directed ICE and DHS agents to racially profile and arrest people in their homes, their workplaces, and on our streets. We now have over 2,000 ICE agents in our state. This does nothing to make us safer.
My heart is with Renee Good's family and loved ones, and everyone who witnessed her brutal killing by a masked ICE agent. I have called on ICE to immediately cease and desist their actions in Minnesota to allow state and local law enforcement officials to restore order, prevent further violence, and conduct an independent and fully transparent investigation into this horrific shooting.
Congresswoman McCollum spoke to Jim Sciutto on CNN on Wednesday evening.
Minnesotans are justified in their anger. Minnesotans demand accountability and justice. We have a fundamental right to express our first amendment freedoms through peaceful protest. Together, we must stand stand united against Trump's attempts divide our community and throw us into chaos. We can show the world the best of Minnesota values – our compassion, our respect for the dignity of each of our neighbors, and our belief in justice for all.
Congresswoman McCollum was interviewed on BBC on Wednesday.
WASHINGTON, D.C. UPDATE
Trump Illegally Attacks Venezuela
On Saturday, President Trump launched what I believe to be an unlawful military operation against Venezuela with the purpose of capturing the leader of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro. I am thankful that no U.S. military personnel were killed or severely injured during the operation. But I strongly believe the actions taken by President Trump to be blatantly illegal because Congress has not authorized military action and Venezuela poses no imminent national security threat to the United States. In December, I voted in favor of two War Powers Resolutions that would have directed President Trump to remove the U.S. military from hostilities in the Caribbean and against Venezuela unless explicitly authorized by Congress. Congress must bring these resolutions up again for a vote in the House and the Senate and rein in this out-of-control President.
Democrats Prevail on Vote to Restore Affordable Care Act Tax Credits
On Thursday, House Democrats were joined by 17 Republicans in a vote to restore Affordable Care Act tax credits that help millions of Americans afford health care. This victory is an important step toward ensuring 20 million Americans, including over 80,000 Minnesotans, who rely on these tax credits won’t have to pay twice as much for their health care coverage. This fight isn’t over — Senate Republicans need to stop the political games and act right away to bring this legislation for a vote immediately.
Democrats Call on Republicans to Hold Trump Accountable for Pardoning Fraudsters
On Wednesday, the Republican Chair of the Minnesota House Fraud Committee testified before the U.S. House Oversight Committee. She’s admitted to withholding whistleblower info, refused to act on fraud prevention bills, and failed to offer any solutions. They must stop playing politics and join bipartisan efforts to fight fraud.
Congressman Robert Garcia, Democratic Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee, used his opening remarks to highlight how Donald Trump has pardoned multiple criminals convicted of health care fraud, and his administration is harming residents in Democratic states by withholding funding in response to these allegations. Click below to watch his full remarks.
House Approves Three Government Funding Bills
After many long months of negotiations and the longest government shutdown in history, the House voted this week to approve government funding through the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. This package of funding bills (H.R. 6938) referred to as a “minibus”, secures critical investments in public safety, public infrastructure, public lands, and public health. Among the many important things this minibus will accomplish is maintaining our federal trust and treaty responsibilities to our Native American brothers and sisters. It continues our support for education, health care, public safety, and human services to tribal nations, as well as preserving advanced appropriations of the Indian Health Service, which President Trump tried (unsuccessfully) to eliminate. While the bills don’t include the increased investments that I would prefer, I am glad that we were able to reach a bipartisan compromise that rejects most of the harmful cuts proposed by the Trump administration and keeps partisan culture war provisions out of our funding bills.
Saint Kate's Students Visit Washington, D.C.
On Thursday, I met with Students from St. Catherine University. As proud Katie myself, it is always great to meet with current students. Sara Rippi, a St. Kate's faculty member, and four students, Pa Chia Chang, Reka Suranyi, Rokia Doucoure, and Shauna Yang travelled out to Washington, DC for a Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) event. The students spent time in workshops doing resume building, meeting with other students, and expanding their professional networks.
 Congresswoman McCollum poses for a photo with (from left to right) Sara Rippie, St. Kate's Faculty, and students Pa Chia Chang, Reka Suranyi, Rokia Doucoure, and Shauna Yang from Saint Catherine's University at the U.S. Capitol.
MINNESOTA UPDATE
Thanking Governor Walz for his Outstanding Leadership
Earlier this week, I spoke with Governor Tim Walz and thanked him for his two decades of public service. Since our time serving together in Congress, Tim has been a dear friend and trusted colleague. It has been a privilege to work alongside him on behalf of all Minnesotans. He is making our state and country a stronger and better place to live and raise a family.
Congresswoman McCollum and Governor Walz photographed at the United States Capitol.
As governor, Tim Walz has successfully led our state through challenging times and has reminded us that we are One Minnesota by enacting historic reforms that have benefited all. Together with the legislature, Governor Walz ushered in a universal paid family and medical leave program, made the largest investment in our infrastructure in state history, adopted a universal free school meals program, protected Minnesotans’ reproductive freedom in the wake of the Dobbs decision, and signed a nation-leading climate law that will help our state reach 100% clean energy by 2040. Click here to read my full statement.
Inauguration of Saint Paul Mayor Kaohly Her
It was a privilege to witness history at the inauguration of Mayor Kaohly Her — the first woman and Hmong American to serve as mayor of Minnesota’s Capital City. I’m looking forward to continuing our work together to serve all Saint Paul residents and businesses.
From left to right: Congresswoman McCollum, newly sworn-in Saint Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, and U.S. Senator Klobuchar.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
MNsure Open Enrollment – Last Call!
Open enrollment through MNsure began November 1st and runs through January 15th, 2026. For coverage starting February 1, 2026, enroll by January 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.
USPS Postmark Update
The U.S. Postal Service has issued a clarification, effective December 24, 2025, about how postmark dates are determined. A postmark now reflects the date a piece of mail is processed at a USPS facility, which may be later than the day it is dropped off at a post office or collection box. While USPS describes this as a clarification of existing practice, it may affect people who rely on postmarks to meet deadlines. Constituents sending time-sensitive mail such as applications, payments, ballots, or legal documents are encouraged to mail items earlier than usual or consider options that provide proof of mailing or delivery.
Public Comment Period Open for I-94 Improvements
Now open until March 9th, MnDOT’s public comment period on Rethinking I-94 is a critical opportunity for community voices to help shape a more just future. I am proud to have secured federal funding to support the work of ReConnect Rondo, a community-led effort to reunite the Rondo neighborhood after decades of harm caused by the construction of I-94. Public participation is essential to ensure this re-imagining reconnects the neighborhood and supports housing, businesses, parks, cultural spaces, and long-term economic growth. Comments can be submitted through MN DOT’s project webpage, by mail, or at an upcoming in-person or virtual public meeting.
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
If you are impacted by Republicans' cuts to health care, food assistance, or other actions by the Trump administration and Congress, I want to hear about it. Please contact my office directly at (651) 224-9191 or click here to share your story.
If cuts to SNAP have left you or your family food insecure, click here for information on food shelves in the East Metro.
Your voice matters and empowers my vote in Congress.
I encourage you to share your stories with me.
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
|
