Homeland Security & Immigration

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) delivered remarks on national security at this morning’s House Democratic Caucus press conference with Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) and Vice Chairman Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.). Below are the Congresswoman’s remarks:

As the House of Representatives returned to Washington from the July 4 District Work Period, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) spoke on the House floor demanding House Speaker Paul Ryan allow votes on bipartisan, commonsense gun violence prevention bills:

Mr. Speaker,

Today I rise to demand action to prevent gun violence.

Every year more than 30,000 Americans die from gun violence.

The American Medical Association has identified this situation as a “public health crisis.”

There are two immediate, common sense solutions:

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-MN-04) vowed today to continue to demand action on gun violence prevention legislation as Democrats ended their historic 26-hour sit-in on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

"The American people are demanding action to keep their families and communities safe from gun violence,” Congresswoman McCollum said. “Unfortunately, House Republicans refuse to allow an up-or-down vote on bills that prevent suspected terrorists from buying guns and require background checks for all gun purchases.”

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) joined 175 House Democrats sitting-in on the House Floor today demanding action on gun violence.

Congresswoman McCollum joined the sit-in shortly after 1 p.m., following the conclusion of the House Appropriations Committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2017 Homeland Security appropriations bill. In the markup, Congresswoman McCollum spoke in strong support of the “No Fly, No Buy” amendment that prevents suspected terrorists from purchasing guns or explosives. It was defeated in committee.

The horrible, tragic Orlando massacre has once again resulted in scores of people killed and wounded by a terrorist with high-powered firearms. This time it was at an LGBT night club. But it has also been at a black church, a college campus, a community center, and an elementary school. Gun violence is also found every day on the streets of our cities, in homes in our suburbs, and in our small towns too. It is an epidemic that is ripping apart communities and killing thousands of Americans every year.

Following the early morning attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Congresswoman Betty McCollum released the following statement:

"The mass killing in Orlando early this morning is being called a 'terrorist incident' by law enforcement. With dozens of victims dead and scores wounded, it is clear that this attack is a vicious crime against innocent Americans, apparently targeting the LGBT community in particular.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum today announced that the Oakdale Fire Department has received a $215,048 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to purchase new protective equipment for the city’s firefighters.

“I am very pleased that the Oakdale Fire Department is receiving this federal funding to buy important safety equipment,” Congresswoman McCollum said. “Protecting our first responders must be a top priority. This grant will make it easier for Oakdale’s firefighters to do their job and keep our communities safe.”

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-D) issued the following statement in response to the terrorist attacks in Brussels today: