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.
More on Foreign Affairs
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.
WASHINGTON — This morning, Congresswoman Betty McCollum addressed a large delegation of the Minnesota Oromo community visiting Washington today to attend a briefing held by the United States House of Representative’s Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. In her address, Congresswoman McCollum reiterated her concern about human rights abuses against the Oromo people in Ethiopia.
Congresswoman McCollum delivered the following remarks:
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-D) issued the following statement in response to the terrorist attacks in Brussels today:
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-MN) released the following statement regarding the bill:
Washington, DC – On March 3rd, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint session of Congress, just weeks before the Israeli people vote in their national election. The Prime Minister was invited to address the joint session by Speaker John Boehner. The invitation was not shared with President Obama – in violation of the standard protocol for visits by foreign heads of state. The United States is joined by the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and China in ongoing nuclear talks with Iran which Prime Minister Netanyahu opposes.