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.
Information and resources on the Israeli Annexation Non-Recognition Act (H.R. 8050) can be found here.
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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.
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Minutes Before Vote, Republican Leadership Circulated Misinformation Bill Contained Abortion
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement, regarding the House of Representatives' failure to pass the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act (S. 987).
Every year in the world's poorest countries millions of girls are forced into marriage. These girls - as young as age 8, but often 13, 14, 15 years old - are sold by impoverished parents to settle debts or they are given away to become wives to men years or even decades older.
For a young girl - a child - being forced to marry an adult man can only be described as a life of slavery, child molestation, and servitude. This is not marriage. It is a violation of the most basic human rights of a child.
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
H.R. 2103 Provides Strategy for U.S. Government to Reduce World's Number of Child Brides
Today, 25,000 girls - some as young as ten years old - will be robbed of their future when they are forced to marry much older men. It isn't marriage when a ten year old girl is given to a forty year old man. That is sexual abuse.
The practice of child marriage is wrong and it must end. The United States must take a stand against child marriage.
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, honoring World AIDS Day. According to UNAIDS, over 33 million people worldwide lived with HIV in 2009. Although the medical community has made strides in curbing the effects of HIV/AIDS, the virus is still commonplace in the developing world and too many people still do not get adequate treatment.
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, regarding the passage of the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (H.R. 2378). This bill helps prevent unfair trade practices that hurt U.S. exports and push American jobs overseas. In 2009, the U.S. trade deficit was $500.9 billion; the trade deficit with China alone was $227 billion.