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
Ranking Member McCollum Remarks, as prepared
During today’s House Appropriations subcommittee markup of the 2024 Defense funding bill, House Democrats highlighted how Republicans are failing to invest in the issues that matter most to our men and women in uniform. Instead of focusing on national security, the bill includes irrelevant, harmful policy riders that divide our nation.
House Appropriations Committee Republicans today released the draft 2024 Defense funding bill, which will be considered in subcommittee tomorrow. Instead of investing in our national security and the issues that matter most to our men and women in uniform, the bill includes irrelevant, harmful policy riders that divide our nation.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement today after the Environmental Protection Agency announced a new rule that would set the first-ever nationwide drinking water standard for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the "forever chemicals" that are dangerous to human health:
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: