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
On Monday, Congresswoman Betty McCollum attended Memorial Day ceremonies hosted by the American Legion Post 39 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Arthur O. Haukland Post 1350 at Lakeview and Evergreen Cemeteries in North St. Paul, as well as the Sailors Lost at Sea Memorial ceremony hosted by the Keep Zimmer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1782 in White Bear Lake.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) voted against the Military Construction-VA appropriations bill today and released the following statement:
“Republican leadership today abused their power and violated their professed principle of regular order in order to defeat an important amendment that would have protected LGBT Americans from discrimination. The arm twisting that Republican leadership undertook to force members to change their votes has no place in the House of Representatives.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum today voted against H.R. 4909, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and released the following statement:
“Each year, the National Defense Authorization Act provides a framework for our armed forces in the fiscal year ahead. Crafting and considering this legislation is a serious matter, but House Republicans have instead chosen to intentionally violate last year’s Bipartisan Budget Act and abdicate this Congress’ solemn responsibility to sufficiently fund our troops.
ST. PAUL — At an event for family, educators, and area service academy representatives on May 5, Congresswoman Betty McCollum recognized 13 Fourth District residents who will attend U.S. Service Academies next fall.
Trey Lervick (Woodbury High School), Nadeen Lieberman (Laurel Springs School), Marco Pirozzoli (Mahtomedi High School), Joe Puglisi (Woodbury High School), Katie Scheibner (East Ridge High School), Matthew Schwartz (Mahtomedi High School), and Sarah Warner (North High School) will all attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-D) issued the following statement in response to the terrorist attacks in Brussels today:
Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota: Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016.
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) released the following statement in response to the announcement that members of the Minnesota National Guard Red Bull 34th Infantry Division Headquarters will be mobilized in the Spring of 2015 to provide command and control support for U.S. troops involved in Operation United Assistance supporting the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) response to the Ebola virus outbreak in Western Africa.