Civil Rights & Justice
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.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 100th anniversary of the Saint Paul Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and acknowledge their tremendous efforts to defend the ideals of justice and equality for all people. The origins of the Saint Paul NAACP are closely tied to those of the national organization, which is the oldest, largest and most recognized civil rights group in the country.
Congresswoman McCollum Tours Children’s Hospital
For Immediate Release: July 31, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
July 8, 2013
Ms. McCOLLUM: Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the families of the Rondo neighborhood in Saint Paul, Minnesota on the 30th anniversary of the Rondo Days festival. Rondo Days offers a remembrance of this historically African-American community that was dramatically altered by the construction of U.S. Interstate 94 in the mid-1960s. More importantly, Rondo Days is a celebration of the perseverance and tenacity of the modern Rondo community, which remains a vibrant, diverse and thriving neighborhood.
Washington D.C. — In a highly-anticipated announcement, the U.S. Supreme Court today released their decision on United States v. Windsor, a case which challenged the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). In a 5-4 decision written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, the Court held that “DOMA is unconstitutional as a deprivation of the equal liberty of the person that is protected by the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution.” Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) responded to the Supreme Court’s decision with an official statement:
Washington, DC – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has responded to a bipartisan group of Members of Congress who urged the commissioner to “…take a stand against the use of the word ‘redskin’ as the Washington franchise’s name” in a May 13th letter. Mr. Goodell’s letter (dated June 5) and supporting material attempts to justify the use of the racial slur and says “Redskins” has “a positive meaning.” The commissioner did acknowledge in his letter that “…the issues raised with respect to the Washington Redskins name are complex.”