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 Chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I work to ensure that our service members are the most skilled and best trained and equipped fighting force in the world. 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.
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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.
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
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.
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.