Defense & National Security
Ensuring national security is one of the primary Constitutional responsibilities of Congress. In the 21st Century, America needs a flexible military that is able to confront emerging threats, such as terrorism, growing regional instability, the spread of nuclear weapons, and the emergence of cyber warfare.
As the Chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I support smart and strategic investments in our national defense that ensure our service members are the most skilled and the best trained and equipped fighting force in the world. I am also focused on improving military health care, ending military sexual assault, and supporting international military-to-military cooperation to prevent conflicts.
More on Defense & National Security
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine:
"One year on, Vladimir Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine has resulted in needless tragedy, loss of life, and countless war crimes," McCollum said. "Since the invasion, the world's democracies joined together in an unprecedented united front to defend the principles of freedom over authoritarianism, of self-determination over annexation, and human rights over the killing of innocents."
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) announced she has been named to serve on the Appropriations Committee in the 118th Congress:
"It is an honor to serve on the Appropriations Committee again this Congress," McCollum said. "I am ready to get back to work using this position to continue delivering for Minnesotans and for all Americans by making strategic investments in our nation's priorities. Alongside my fellow House Democrats, I'm focused on lowering costs, creating better-paying jobs, making our communities safer, and defending our freedoms.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Chair of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, praised House colleagues for passing the critical omnibus appropriations package to fund the federal government for fiscal year 2023. Having also passed the U.S. Senate, the bill now goes to President Biden's desk to be signed into law.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) traveled to South Korea and Japan this week in her role as Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense (HAC-D). She released the following statement today:
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, is in Finland and Norway this week to review U.S. and NATO defense posture and discuss allied security needs in Scandinavia as Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine continues:
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after President Biden's confirmation of the death of Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a U.S. strike:
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Chair of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement today:
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Congressman Gregory Meeks (NY-05), and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10) have introduced the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2022 (H.R.
The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2023 Defense bill. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, applauded its passage on a 32-26 vote. The legislation funds agencies and programs in the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community, including the Services, Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency.