Appropriations & Budget

Crafting a federal budget that fosters economic opportunity, invests in the future, and upholds fiscal responsibility is one of Congress’ most important roles. As a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee, I work every day to bring a common sense, Minnesota perspective to our federal budget.
As the Chair of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I have prioritized protecting clean air and water, wild lands, and our nation’s natural and cultural legacy for future generations. As Vice Chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I work to ensure that our servicemen and women are the most skilled and best trained and equipped fighting force in the world.
More on Appropriations & Budget
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Republican Spending Plan Will Hurt Vulnerable Veterans
Washington, DC - Warning of deep cuts to critical community services, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) responded to the Congressional Republicans' proposed budget for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011. In their plan to reduce the federal budget deficit, House Republicans eliminate a unique $75 million program designed for helping thousands of America's veterans and their families.
GOP Budget Cuts Dominate Talks with Local Officials
Earlier this month, Congresswoman McCollum met with elected leaders from Ramsey County, Dakota County, and the St. Paul City Council to discuss the potential impact on Minnesota of proposed federal budget cuts proposed by House Republicans.
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
U.S. House Republicans Effort to Blindly Slash Funding Will Deny 170 Million Americans Access to Public Media
State of the Union - Congresswoman McCollum Responds
This week, President Obama delivered his annual State of the Union speech to the nation, where he laid out his vision for economy recovery and job creation. President Obama said in his remarks, "Maintaining our leadership in research and technology is crucial to America's success. But if we want to win the future - if we want innovation to produce jobs in America and not overseas - then we also have to win the race to educate our kids."
Mr. Speaker, with the passage of H.R. 359, House Republicans voted today to give corporations and other special interests even more power to influence America's elections. I strongly oppose this legislation and will continue working to restore transparency and balance to our country's broken campaign finance system.
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Congresswoman McCollum to Serve on Interior-Environment and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Subcommittees
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement on her appointment to two House Appropriations Subcommittees for the 112th Congress.
Madame Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the rules package proposed by the new Republican majority in the House.
The very first vote in the 112th Congress reveals the extent of the Republicans' fiscal hypocrisy. The new House rules create a huge loophole that allows Republicans to pass billions in additional tax cuts without finding savings elsewhere in the federal budget. These rules are a major step backward in our effort to solve the federal budget crisis. No Member who votes for this fiscally reckless rules package is serious about deficit reduction.
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Expansion Made Possible by Federal Health Care Reform Law with No Additional Cost to Minnesota
Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3082, a continuing resolution that would fund federal government operations on a temporary basis through March 4, 2011. Regrettably, one of the last votes of the 111th Congress has become the first vote of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
Congresswoman McCollum Rejects Tax Cut Compromise