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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Madam Speaker, across our country there are communities, businesses, and families that continue to struggle to escape an economic recession that has caused far reaching hardship and too much pain. Congress has a responsibility to ensure the economic security of the American people, as well as defend the national security of the nation. This appropriations bill does not adequately meet the needs of the American people and I will not vote to pass it.
I would like to thank my friend, Jim McGovern, for holding this hearing on child marriage. Congressman McGovern and the commission's co-chair, Congressman Frank Wolf, are both tireless champions for the rights and dignity of all people.
Of course, this commitment and determination to fight for human rights is in the tradition of Tom Lantos - a friend we all dearly miss - who I had the privilege to know and work with during my years on the International Relations Committee.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my fellow Minnesotans in celebrating Canada Day and to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Canadian Consulate General in Minneapolis that serves the Upper Midwest region of the United States.
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 a Rwandan High Court's decision to grant St. Paul resident Professor Peter Erlinder bail based on concerns for his health. He will be able to return to the United States once the required paperwork has been filed.
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.