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Dear Friend,
As wildfires continue to burn in Northern Minnesota and Canada, the Fifth District has seen extremely dangerous air quality. To learn more about the current conditions in your area, please click here and avoid spending time outside when unhealthy air quality is reported. In this heat, be sure to also drink plenty of water and check on your neighbors.
Right now, we are in a climate crisis. As natural disasters continue to increase, we must take bold, large-scale action to combat climate change and ensure everyone has access to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment. I’ll keep working in Congress to focus our federal investments in programs that will help build a healthier future for our children.
Urging the U.S. to Join the International Criminal Court
Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement on his intention to dismantle the International Criminal Court is reckless and dangerous. It undermines the rule of law, weakens global accountability, and turns America's back on the values we claim to champion. I introduced a resolution urging the United States to join the International Criminal Court and revoke sanctions and visa bans on ICC officials. If we truly believe in human rights and the rule of law, we should strengthen international justice—not undermine it.
Read more here.
Working to Restore SNAP Funding
Since Trump and Republicans made massive cuts to SNAP in the Big Ugly Bill, over 4 million Americans have lost access to the food assistance they need – including 1.5 million children. In the House Budget Committee, I introduced an amendment to the FY27 budget bill to reverse these SNAP cuts. Shamefully, Republicans shot it down.
Watch my remarks in committee here.
Voting to Block Funding for Israel
This week, I voted on an amendment to cut off aid to Israel. Our tax dollars should not be used to fund a genocide – we cannot continue to be complicit in Israel’s crimes against humanity. I joined the Congressional Progressive Caucus and over 100 Democrats in calling for an end to funding for Israel.
Meeting with the U.S. Africa Policy Working Group
Our U.S.-Africa Policy Working Group met to discuss democratic backsliding throughout the continent. Policy experts shared concerns about trends of African leaders circumventing or changing term limits, reducing political space, and repressing political opponents and freedom of expression. We discussed the role Congress has in demonstrating partnership with democratic allies and speaking out against human rights violations and restrictions on political freedom.
Hosting My July Town Hall
It was incredible to hear from our neighbors at my July Town Hall in Columbia Heights last week. A special thank you to Columbia Heights Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula, Hilltop Mayor Terry Wiggin, and Anoka County Commissioner Mandy Meisner for sharing local updates.
You can watch my town hall here.
Holding My Election Protection Informational Session
I hosted an informational session with MN State Rep. Emma Greenman and Groundwork Institute on how we can protect the right to vote in CD5. Together, we can ensure every eligible voter can cast their ballot and have it counted!
Honoring Our Veterans
It was my honor to gather our incredible veterans at the VFW in Richfield to recognize their service to our country. I'll never stop working to ensure our veterans are taken care of.
Expanding Affordable Housing
I joined the grand opening of Opportunity Crossing, a new affordable housing development and toured Avenues for Youth’s new shelter and housing facility for young adults in Minnesota. I was proud to support these projects at the federal level and I'll keep fighting to champion policies that invest in affordable housing for all!
Helping Kim Navigate Her VA Benefits
It was incredible to meet with Kim, an Air Force Veteran, who reached out to my office when she needed help getting a heart transplant approved through the VA. It was my honor to congratulate Kim on her successful surgery and thank her for her service in the military.
Taking a Tour of CornerHouse in Minneapolis
CornerHouse is an amazing organization working to provide a safe, child‑centered space for children and families impacted by abuse. I stopped by their Minneapolis facility to learn more about their work ensuring children, adolescents, and caregivers can access the protective services, mental health care, and support they need to stay safe.
Speaking with Residents at Rising Cedar Supportive Housing
I sat down with residents at Rising Cedar Supportive Housing to discuss ways we can expand access to community mental health and disability services and supportive housing programs in CD5.
Working to Boost the Housing Supply
It was great meeting with the National Association of Realtors to discuss the passage of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act and work ahead to expand affordability and increase access to homes for all.
Appointments Required for In-District Office Visits
From mid-July until mid-August, we will not be able to accept walk-in visits at our District Office due to the geo-thermal construction project happening in Sabathani Community Center.
If you need to meet with one of our staff members, please call: 612.333.1272 or email: [email protected].
Sincerely,
Ilhan Omar
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