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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Congresswoman Betty McCollum made the following comments on her Facebook page after Secretary of State John Kerry delivered an address on the state of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process:
"A two-state solution is only possible when there are partners who are willing to make the hard choices that advance peace. Right now, it appears that neither Israel nor the Palestinians are willing to make the sacrifices needed to resolve their longstanding conflict.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum made the following comments on her Facebook page after the United Nations Security Council voted 14-0, with the United States abstaining, to condemn the illegal expansion of Israeli settlements:
"Illegal Israeli settlement expansion is extinguishing the prospects for a two-state solution and the creation of a Palestinian state. I join the United Nations Security Council and all who seek peace in the Middle East in condemning the destructive and uncontrolled Israeli settlements.
In a post on Medium published Monday, December 12, 2016, Congresswoman Betty McCollum called for a strong, swift and sustained response to defend our democracy from Russian attacks:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Minnesota's vibrant Somali-American community and the many cultural, economic and social contributions members make to our state as they begin preparations to celebrate 2017 Somali Independence Day week next summer in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after President Obama announced $90 million in funding for the clean-up of unexploded American ordnance in Laos:
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) called Wednesday for the Government Accountability Office and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Inspector General to investigate the prominent non-governmental organization Planet Aid and affiliated groups following media reports that allege the groups’ may have misused taxpayer dollars.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) was the guest of honor and a featured speaker Monday night at a Washington reception celebrating the 49th anniversary of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“In the House of Representatives, I represent tens of thousands of Minnesotans -- Hmong, Lao, Burmese, Cambodian, Filipino, Thai and Vietnamese Americans -- who trace their ancestry to ASEAN countries,” Congresswoman McCollum said. “My constituents care deeply about the future of Southeast Asia -- and so do I.”
Twenty Members of Congress, led by U.S. Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN), wrote to President Obama today urging him to appoint a “Special Envoy for Palestinian Youth,” to engage diplomatically with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and human rights groups in the region to address serious human rights abuses against Palestinian children living under Israeli military occupation. (The full text of the letter is below; the signed letter and an accompanying fact sheet are attached.)
On Tuesday, during his historic visit to the Capitol, Congresswoman Betty McCollum met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
"It was an honor to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama yesterday during his visit to Congress. His life and work, especially his call for good stewardship of our planet, is an inspiration to all of us.
I am proud to represent Minnesota's vibrant Tibetan American community in Congress, which made this meeting even more important and special for me."
Today, a bipartisan group of 18 House members – led by Representatives Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Trent Franks (R-AZ) – wrote to Speaker Paul Ryan urging him to prioritize religious freedom in India during his meeting tomorrow with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially in light of ongoing violence and harassment against religious minorities, including Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and Sikhs.