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.) today co-sponsored the Protect the National Security Council from Political Interference Act, which would negate President Donald Trump’s memorandum appointing Stephen Bannon, chief White House strategist and former Breitbart Executive Editor, to the National Security Council Principals Committee. The bill also urges President Trump to ensure that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Director of National Intelligence have a standing invitation to attend all National Security Council Principals Committee meetings.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) joined House and Senate Democrats and a crowd of thousands on the steps of the Supreme Court on Monday night speaking out against President Donald Trump’s executive order banning refugees, discriminating against Muslim immigrants, and targeting Muslim Americans.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) today co-sponsored legislation to immediately end President Donald Trump’s discriminatory executive order banning refugees, discriminating against Muslim immigrants, and targeting Muslim Americans returning to the United States.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) met Thursday with leaders of the St. Paul-based Center for Victims of Torture to discuss their shared opposition to President Donald Trump’s proposals to reintroduce the use of torture by the United States government.
McCollum: Despite General's Strong Qualifications, Mattis Waiver Erodes Civilian Control of Military
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement on the nomination of -- and the waiver required for -- General James Mattis to serve as Secretary of Defense:
“I have profound respect for General James Mattis and his distinguished record of service to our nation. General Mattis is to be commended for his strong positions on important issues, such as reaffirming the U.S. commitment to our NATO allies, expressing support for our nuclear agreement with Iran, and —most importantly —rejecting the use of torture by the United States military.
The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence is considering President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of U.S. Representative Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) to serve as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement opposing the Pompeo nomination:
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor about her opposition to the FY2017 Continuing Resolution:
Mr. Speaker, once again this Congress has abandoned its responsibility to provide a full year appropriation. Months of hard work were thrown away, pushing important funding decisions down the road.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after the Washington Post reported that the Department of Defense discovered $125 billion in potential cost savings and then suppressed the disclosure of that information:
Congresswoman Betty McCollum today reminded young people in Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District that the deadline to submit applications for nomination to U.S. Service Academies is at the close of business on Monday, November 7.
"It is my honor to nominate some of our community's outstanding young people for admission to our nation's service academies," McCollum said. "Admission to these institutions offers the opportunity to serve our country and receive a world-class education. I encourage all interested students to apply by Monday."
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) delivered remarks on national security at this morning’s House Democratic Caucus press conference with Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) and Vice Chairman Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.). Below are the Congresswoman’s remarks: