Foreign Affairs
As the world’s most powerful country, the United States has a responsibility to aggressively pursue initiatives that alleviate poverty, promote democracy and human rights, improve lives, and stabilize communities in the developing world. Accounting for only one percent of the overall federal budget, America’s modest commitment to foreign assistance and diplomacy supports proven strategies like long-term development, post-conflict reconstruction, and humanitarian assistance.
In Congress, I have worked to advance a robust American leadership role in advancing international development, global health, and human rights. As the co-chair of the Global Health Caucus, I have championed legislation to improve maternal and child health, combat global hunger and make key investments in agricultural development, and to protect young girls in developing countries from early and forced marriages. I strongly support the funding needed to meet our global commitments, improve lives, and ensure stability around the world.
Information and resources on my bill, Promoting Human Rights for Palestinian Children Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act (H.R. 2407) can be found here.
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Each year, we take a moment on December 1 to recognize the millions of individuals worldwide living with HIV/AIDS and also remember the countless loved ones we have lost. Over the past 30 years, the World AIDS Community has come together to discover new treatments, promote prevention, and fight discrimination. While we have had remarkable successes, our work is not done and new goals lie within our reach.
October 11 was the first International Day of the Girl Child, which celebrates the advocacy for girls' rights and young women everywhere. On this day, we acknowledge the many advancements made to help fight against destructive gender inequalities.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.Res. 786. I join President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton and my colleagues in Congress in condemning these attacks in the strongest possible terms. The attacks on our embassies in Cairo, Egypt and Sana, Yemen and the violent assault on our consulate in Benghazi, Libya were shocking and unacceptable.
For Immediate Release: September 12, 2012
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
For Immediate Release: September 11, 2012
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) commemorated the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
For Immediate Release: August 16, 2012
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, offering condolences to the families of the seven American service members who were killed today in a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan. The helicopter was patrolling an area in the Kandahar province when it crashed.
Testimony submitted by Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-MN) for the 2012 National Democratic Committee Platform Committee
Good afternoon. Thank you for the opportunity to join you and for all of your work shaping our party’s 2012 platform. As a member of Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, I would like to welcome my fellow Democrats to our great state.
Sister of Mercy of the Americas
Hermanas de la Misericordia de las Americas
July 24, 2012
The Honorable Betty McCollum
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative McCollum,
As members of the Institute Leadership Team for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, we are writing to express our profound gratitude to you for sponsoring the House Resolution honoring Catholic Sisters’ contribution to the nation.
For Immediate Release: July 18, 2012
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Reps. McCollum, Schock Again Team Up to Stop Devastating Impact of Child Marriage
During the Vietnam War another “secret war” was taking place in Laos with thousands of Hmong fighters assisting the U.S. The Hmong who risked their lives for the freedom of their country and in the aid of the U.S. suffered tremendously as they served with great courage.