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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Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC - On Tuesday, June 8, 2010, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) and Congressman Keith Ellison (MN-05) introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, H.Res.1426, requesting that the Rwandan government release Peter Erlinder from prison so he may immediately return to the United States. Congresswoman McCollum believes his release is important to ongoing positive U.S.-Rwandan relations.
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 Israel's raid on a flotilla that was delivering tons of humanitarian supplies for Gaza.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 24, the "Marine Corps Identity" bill. This bipartisan legislation would change the name of the Department of the Navy to the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Mr. Secretary, your testimony states that every $1 invested in the World Bank results in $26 worth of development assistance delivered. For that very reason I support the U.S. role in advancing the important development work of the World Bank.
Unfortunately, this subcommittee has recently heard misinformation and flat out distortions that undermine the important role the U.S. plays with the World Bank.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.Con.Res. 248, a resolution that would require the President to precipitously withdraw American troops from Afghanistan by December 31, 2010. While I welcome today's robust debate on such a critical issue, there can be no doubt that abandoning Afghanistan and the region in this moment is against America's national interests.
Dr. Shah, good morning and welcome.
Your vision is to restore USAID as the world's premier development agency. As a Member of this Subcommittee, I am committed to making that vision a reality.
I want to elevate and strengthen USAID, and ensure your agency has the authority and resources it needs to focus on long-term development rather than crisis response and contract management. This is an exciting moment for USAID and for global development.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in support of H.R. 2701, a bill to authorize appropriations for intelligence-related activities in fiscal year 2010. This bill strengthens the safety and security of every American family with targeted investments in our intelligence capabilities.
Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to join my colleagues today in recognizing the extraordinary American response to the earthquake that devastated Haiti on January 12, 2010. I am proud to support H.Res. 1048, H.Res. 1059, and H.Res. 1066. Each of these resolutions honors the courage and sacrifice of the Americans who rushed to aid the people of Haiti in their time of need.
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) made the following statement during the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs hearing on next year's International Affairs Budget. Transcript is as follows.
Madame Secretary...I want to applaud the nomination of a U.S. Ambassador to Syria. We must be engaged with that critical country.