July 2022: Protecting Reproductive Rights

Dear friends,

Today, the House voted to protect abortion access with the passage of two bills. The first bill codifies Roe v. Wade into law and the second would ensure women and pregnant people could cross state lines to obtain abortions legally. We have already seen the devastating repercussions of the Supreme Court decision that has stripped the fundamental right to make decisions about one’s own body. The passage of both bills in the House is just a start. We need to abolish the filibuster to get these bills to President Biden’s desk immediately and do everything we can to protect reproductive freedoms, including through a presidential emergency declaration to ensure continued access to medication abortion across the country. In Congress, I will continue to do all I can to ensure women and pregnant people are able to make their own healthcare decisions in Minnesota and beyond.

Voting NO on Exorbitant Defense Budget 

Yesterday, I voted ‘no’ on the National Defense Authorization Act that greenlit $800+ billion to the Pentagon budget. Despite its flaws, I will not stop working to bring our foreign policy more in line with the values of the Fifth District and our country. That’s why I’m pleased the final bill includes my amendment to help prevent civilian harm and human rights violations, by including them in annual reporting. You can read my full statement here. 

Protecting Our Communities from Gun Violence 

Mass shootings shouldn’t be normalized here in Minnesota or anywhere in the United States of America. Last month, the House passed the most significant gun safety legislation in over 30 years. This is an important first step to save lives and stop the gun violence epidemic that has plagued our communities for far too long. This legislation will support youth in crisis, improve school mental health resources, protect victims of domestic abuse, and support suicide prevention. While these measures will provide meaningful change, this is just a start. Our work to end gun violence continues. You can read my statement here. 

Announcements

Join Our Town Hall  

On August 4 at 6pm CT, our office will hold a town hall to update you on what’s happening in Congress. I look forward to answering your questions. You can register here.

Behind the Scenes of District Work Week 

Earlier this month, we had a district work period where we had a town hall, meetings with constituents, and hosted a constituent casework resource fair. In case you wanted to see our work behind the scenes, you can read more here.  

In service,

Ilhan Omar