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.
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Mr. Speaker, reauthorization and reform of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is long overdue, and critical to our nation's future. Between 2007 and 2010, the Democratic House Majority repeatedly passed FAA reauthorization legislation – with my strong support – to modernize America's outdated air traffic control system, improve airline safety for the traveling public, and create jobs by improving our nation's infrastructure. After years of negotiation, the Senate passed a bipartisan reauthorization bill in February 2011 that meets these criteria.
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
St. Paul, MN—Putting the focus on patients instead of politics, the newly formed Minnesota Patient Advocacy Coalition held a press conference Friday, March 25th at the State Office Building to mark the one year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act.
The legislation on the floor today, a bill to defund National Pubic Radio, is another example of a Republican-Tea Party agenda which kills jobs and imposes an extremist right-wing ideological agenda on the American people. This bill and debate is about titillating right wing passions and silencing public broadcasting – nothing more. It is time for listeners of public radio, viewers of public television, and all citizens who value non-commercial broadcasting to make their voices heard or some valuable radio stations and important programming will disappear.
Please join Congresswoman McCollum's official Facebook page to stay informed on her activities in St. Paul and Washington, DC.
Mr. Speaker, over the past few weeks, hundreds of Minnesotans, as well as citizens from across the country, have contacted my office about the military's multi-million dollar taxpayer sponsorship of NASCAR race cars. Frankly, many of my constituents and citizens of all political persuasions - Democrats, Republicans, and Tea Party activists - are dumbfounded when race car drivers receive millions of dollars from the Department of Defense while the Speaker of the House of Representatives tells the American people our country is "broke."
Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1 - legislation introduced by the House Republican majority that would cut over $60 billion in essential funding to America's communities without making a significant impact on this year's federal deficit.
Mr. Chairman, my amendment ends tens of millions of taxpayer dollars from being wasted on the sponsorships of NASCAR race cars by the Department of Defense.
With trillion dollar deficits this amendment is where the rubber meets the road for my Republican-Tea Party colleagues who want to cut wasteful spending.
Defense Department waste is nothing new. Many Americans remember in the 1980s when the Pentagon was spending $400 for a hammer and $600 for a toilet seat.
Now we have the Army spending $7 million for a decal on a racing car. Talk about taxpayer sticker shock!
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
U.S. Army Spends $7 million on NASCAR and $5 million sponsoring drag racing in 2011; Air Force and National Guard Spend Millions More
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
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.