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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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.
McCollum Amendment to FY14 Defense Appropriation Bill Prohibits Funds for CIA’s Lethal Drone Program
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep.
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.
May 7, 2013
Washington, DC – Today, the Pentagon released the FY2012 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, showing the number of sexual assaults in the military increased more than 30 percent since 2010. According to the report, an estimated 26,000 service members were victims of unwanted sexual contact in 2012. This release follows Sunday’s arrest for sexual battery of Air Force Lt. Col. Jeffrey Krusinski, Chief of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response unit.
Congresswoman McCollum: Boston’s Nightmare is Over
Last Friday evening, law enforcement captured Boston bombings suspect Dzhokar Tsarnaev. Early that morning, his brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, was killed during a shootout with police. Congresswoman McCollum immediately responded to the news.