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.
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Saint Paul, MN. — On Tuesday, June 11th, Congresswoman McCollum hosted Vietnam-era Army Veteran and Army Reservist Russell (Russ) Omdahl in her District Office for a military service medals presentation. Army Reserve Ambassador James A. Lundell, who is also a retired Colonel, presided over the ceremony and presented Mr. Omdahl with the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Reserve Component Achievement Medal. Congresswoman McCollum’s staff was instrumental in assisting Mr.
June 13th, 2013
Mr. Speaker,
For Immediate Release: June 14, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 / maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Mr. Speaker, I am deeply disappointed that I must rise in opposition to H.R. 1960, the FY14 Defense Authorization Act. America’s men and women in uniform deserve, and Congress must pass, legislation that provides them with the resources they need to preserve our national security. Unfortunately, this bill does not reflect the range of 21st-Century threats the United States must prepare for, nor does it reflect the urgent fiscal crisis this Congress must address. What this $638 billion defense bill does reflect, however, are misplaced priorities.
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, was denied a vote on an amendment to the fiscal year 2014 defense appropriations bill to end funding for the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) program that kills targets with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. Committee members, both Republicans and Democrats, refused to support a motion calling for a vote on the amendment, effectively protecting the CIA’s lethal program from congressional accountability.
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, is offering an amendment to the fiscal year 2014 defense appropriations bill to end funding for the Central Intelligence Agency’s (CIA) program that kills targets with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones.
For Immediate Release: May 27, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – As Americans across the nation commemorate Memorial Day, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement:
Washington D.C-- Yesterday’s devastating tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma is a national tragedy. The significant loss of life, young and old, is heartbreaking and we mourn with all of those who have lost loved ones. For the injured and the many families who have lost their homes, my prayers are with you.
McCollum Introduces Legislation to Form Special Committee to Address Military Sexual Assault
Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum today introduced legislation to establish a special U.S. House committee to conduct oversight, ensure accountability, and report on sexual assault and abuse in the U.S. military. Responding to the on-going and ever growing problem of sexual violence and abuse committed by members of the military, the “Special Committee on Sexual Assault and Abuse in the Armed Forces” would focus congressional attention on necessary reforms to the Department of Defense’s prevention, prosecution, and victims’ services efforts.