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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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.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the capable and courageous men and women of the Minnesota Air National Guard on the 90th anniversary of its founding. The Minnesota Air National Guard holds the distinction of being the first in our nation Air Unit of the National Guard recognized by the United States government.
This amendment is simple: it cuts $124.8 million from the overall bill.
For all my colleagues who say they are committed to deficit reduction, this is your chance to prove it.
This amendment reduces government spending while protecting the Pentagon's national security mission by reducing the funding for military bands to the authorized level.
Currently, this bill and the Pentagon's budget includes a total of $324.8 million for 154 military bands and more than 5,000 full-time, professional military musicians.
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement regarding the recent House of Representatives' votes on U.S. military operations in Libya.
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