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.
Find information on H.R. 2590, the Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act, here.
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Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) responded to President Obama's address to the nation on the U.S. involvement in Libya.
Please join Congresswoman McCollum's official Facebook page to stay informed on her activities in St. Paul and Washington, DC.
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – As U.S. armed forces work with international partners to establish and enforce a no-fly zone in Libya, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement.
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
U.S. and Yemen Have National Security Interests in Defeating Al-Qaeda, Improving Life for Yemeni People
Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1 - legislation introduced by the House Republican majority that would cut over $60 billion in essential funding to America's communities without making a significant impact on this year's federal deficit.
I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 519, a bill that would prevent vital upgrades to security around the United Nations building and break America's promise to pay legally-mandated U.N. dues. This legislation does not - as my Republican colleagues claim - reduce the deficit. In fact, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office determined that "implementing H.R. 519 would have no effect on the federal budget." Unfortunately, H.R. 519 would undercut America's global leadership at a time when international cooperation is urgently needed to safeguard America's interests.
I firmly belief that we can fight terrorism and keep our communities safe without sacrificing the rights and liberties that generations of Americans have fought so hard to secure. H.R. 514 fails this critical test, and I will vote to oppose it.
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 in response to the ongoing civil unrest in Egypt, a long-time U.S. ally. Throughout the past week, Egyptian citizens have taken to the streets, demanding that President Hosni Mubarak step down from power after more than three decades of rule.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, service and sacrifice of General Vang Pao, who passed away yesterday evening in Clovis, California. General Vang Pao was a historic Hmong military leader who led his people against communist forces during a turbulent time in Laos from 1961 to 1975. In this country, General Vang Pao served as a civilian leader who continued to lead the Hmong-American community for nearly four decades.