Civil Rights & Justice
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) released the following statement in response to remarks made today by President Obama regarding reforms to the National Security Agency’s (NSA) surveillance practices:
Washington, DC – Fifty years ago today, President Lyndon B Johnson declared an “unconditional war on poverty in America” in his State of the Union address to Congress. In honor of this anniversary, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) issued the following statement:
Washington, DC – Today, Minnesota native Shezanne Cassim was released from prison in the United Arab Emirates and is returning home to Minnesota after serving nine months in prison for posting a comedy video on YouTube. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) has been in touch with the Cassim family and worked with the State Department towards a resolution to this case. The State Department informed her that Shezzane Cassim was en route to Minnesota on a flight this morning.
Congresswoman McCollum released the following statement:
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) issued the following statement regarding the imprisonment of Mr. Shezanne Cassim of Woodbury, MN in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for posting a spoof YouTube video. At a time when Dubai is hosting an international film festival and was recently awarded the Expo 2020 World Fair, the imprisonment of an American and his friends for posting a satirical video on-line exposes the UAE’s intellectual repression and disdain for free speech.
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Betty McCollum released the following statement on former South African President Nelson Mandela, who passed away today at age 95:
“With the death of Nelson Mandela the world has lost an icon for justice and a true freedom fighter. President Mandela’s courage, determination, and profound sacrifice inspired not only Africans, but a global generation committed to abolishing apartheid. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the people of South Africa for their loss which is truly a loss for the human race.”
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) released the following statement in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women:
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota (PPMNS) on the 85th anniversary of its founding.
In 1928, Minnesota's first clinic was established, providing women with access to reproductive care. Since then, additional clinics in Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota have opened ensuring women, men and their families have access to affordable, comprehensive care. Each year, more than 60,000 patients access a broad range of health services including preventative screenings, reproductive care, and routine exams.
[Remarks as prepared]
Good morning. It is my honor to be here today to support the “Change the Mascot” campaign. Let me thank Ray Halbritter of the Oneida Indian Nation for his leadership and the tremendous effort put forth by his community.