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
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) was informed this week that the National Guard Bureau is facing a $101 million budget shortfall as the September 30th end of the federal fiscal year approaches. The Minnesota National Guard will be forced to reduce personnel and training expenditures by $3.6 million to help solve this budget problem. All state and territorial Army National Guard units have also been asked to delay drills until the end of September.
Congresswoman McCollum issued the following statement in response:
Washington, DC – President Obama has authorized targeted military airstrikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to protect American officials in northern Iraq, as well as Kurds, Christians, and Yazidis, a religious minority under siege by ISIS. The President also authorized a humanitarian mission to airdrop food and water for the Yazidis, which began yesterday. This morning, the Pentagon announced that the U.S. Air Force had conducted limited military strikes against ISIS militants in northern Iraq.
Washington, DC – Yesterday, the National Guard announced that it would be ending its $32 million annual sponsorship of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr., as well as ending their $12 million contract with IndyCar driver Graham Rahal. In addition to NASCAR and IndyCar, the Pentagon’s professional sports marketing efforts have wasted more than $1 billion of taxpayer funds on professional fishing, motocross, World Wrestling Entertainment, and cage fighting since the program’s inception.
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-D) released the following statement regarding the agreement on Iran’s nuclear program that was reached over the weekend:
St. Paul, MN – Congresswoman McCollum released the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day, which falls on Monday, November 11. On Veterans Day she will be speaking at the State of Minnesota Veterans Day program in Inver Grove Heights.
For Immediate Release: September 11, 2013
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 on the twelfth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) issued the following statement following President Barack Obama’s address the Nation on the subject of the Syrian regimes use of chemical weapons against civilian population and the need for a U.S. response:
McCollum Supports Strict Limits on Military Action in Response to Syrian Use of Chemical Weapons
Good morning.
Mrs. Roughead, Secretary Mabus, Admiral Greenert, distinguished guests, and the entire crew of the USS Minnesota.
It is an honor and a pleasure to be with you on this special day. Today’s commissioning is a tribute to the bravery of our veterans as well as the proud service all those in the Navy & all branches of our military.
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN04), a member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, will travel on Saturday, September 7, 2013 to attend the commissioning ceremony for the U.S.S. Minnesota (SSN 783), a Virginia-class submarine, in Norfolk, VA. Joining Rep. McCollum at the ceremony will be the Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, Admiral Jonathan Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Senator Al Franken (D-MN), and other state and local officials from Minnesota.