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.
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For Immediate Release: May 17, 2012
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Ends sponsorships costing taxpayers $1 billion over the past decade
I rise in strong support of H.R. 4045. This bill will ensure that all service members returning from overseas—including the Minnesota National Guard’s ‘Red Bulls’— receive the full benefits they were promised.
Mr. Speaker, once again the U.S. House is acting on legislation, this time H.R. 4133, to restate what has been stated frequently in Congress, by President Obama, and by virtually every candidate running for federal office in the United States: that the U.S.
More than half of the women state legislators in Minnesota request a reduction in military spending in a letter presented to Congresswoman McCollum
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Rachel Wisch, Public Information Officer
Women’s Action for New Directions (WAND)
Phone: (781) 643-6740
Email: rwisch@wand.org
In March 2012, the Department of Defense announced that thousands of military men and women are still owed back pay for an extension of their service obligation under Stop Loss.
For Immediate Release: January 24, 2012
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – Tonight, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following response to President Obama's State of the Union address to Congress.
For Immediate Release: September 11, 2011
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Mr. Chairman, my amendment requires the Department of Defense to limit their spend on motorsports sponsorships for NASCAR, the National Hot Rod Association, the Indy Car Series, or AMA Super Bike Racing to no more than $20 million in Fiscal Year 2012.
With our nation is in a fiscal crisis I can't imagine anyone wanting to spend more than $20 million for taxpayer funded racing teams.
As Members of Congress we need to make choices with the American taxpayers' money.
Congress needs to set priorities that will reduce the deficit and grow our economy.
Mr. Chair, Section 9012 of this Defense Appropriations bill contains language authorizing the Pentagon – under the direction and control of the Secretary of Defense – to operate a Task Force for Business and Stability Operations in Afghanistan.
The bill appropriates $150 million to the Secretary of Defense to operate this business task force.
Our brave military men and women have been in Afghanistan for 10 long years confronting the Taliban, killing terrorists, and helping secure a better future for the Afghan people.