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 Vice Chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I support smart and strategic investments in our national defense that ensure our servicemen and women 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 today after the release of a memo detailing a phone conversation between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy:
U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement today after the Trump administration announced a “modest” deployment of U.S. troops to Saudi Arabia following attacks on Saudi oil sites:
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement today on the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks:
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Chair of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee and Vice Chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement today after reports about President Trump’s intention to use tanks, fighter jets, and other U.S. military equipment in his Fourth of July “Salute to America” event:
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 2740, which consists of the FY2020 Labor-HHS-Education, Defense, State and Foreign Operations, and Energy and Water appropriations bills.
The four-bill minibus rejects President Trump’s harmful budget cuts and invests in hardworking families across the nation with provisions important to Minnesotans and the American people, including:
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) will give remarks at the christening of the 21st Littoral Combat Ship, the future U.S. Minneapolis – St. Paul. The ceremony will take place in Marinette, Wisconsin, on Saturday, June 15 at 10am CDT.
At a recent event for family, educators, and area service academy representatives, Congresswoman Betty McCollum recognized the Fourth District individuals who will attend U.S. Service Academies this fall.
Congresswoman McCollum nominated each of the Fourth District residents to their respective U.S. Service Academies. Each received and accepted an appointment to attend.
Eight individuals in total were recognized:
WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Vice Chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, today joined House Appropriations Democrats in voting to approve the FY 2020 Defense funding bill, which provides $690.2 billion in discretionary spending for the Department of Defense, including operations and maintenance, readiness activities, research and development, equipment modernization, and health and quality-of-life programs for our troops and military families.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) today joined House Appropriations Democrats in voting to approve the FY 2020 Military Construction-Veterans Affairs funding bill. The investments in this legislation ensures that our military has the facilities needed to meet current and emerging threats, veterans have access to the quality care and services they’ve earned, and families have access to clean and safe housing.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement regarding the release of the Mueller investigation report: