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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McCollum Supports Strict Limits on Military Action in Response to Syrian Use of Chemical Weapons
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN04) announced her support for draft legislation authored by Reps. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA) authorizing President Obama to conduct limited military action in response to the Syrian regime’s use of chemical weapons against civilians.
On the eve on Rosh Hashanah, the start of the Jewish New Year and start to the High Holy Days, Congresswoman McCollum wished the Jewish community worldwide a happy holiday:
St. Paul, MN – Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN04) issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s request for Congressional authorization for military action in response to the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
“Without final legislative language to consider it is impossible for me to commit at this time to support or oppose President Obama’s request for Congressional authorization for military action targeting the Syrian regime.”
For Immediate Release: August 29, 2013
Contact: Matthew Hilgart, (202) 579-4905; matthew.hilgart@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement in anticipation of the White House response to the use of chemical weapons against civilians by the Syrian regime.
For Immediate Release: August 19, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Top Ten of the GOP’s Worst Cuts in FY14 Interior, Environment Appropriations Bill
Washington— Last week, the Committee on House Administration approved the registration of the Congressional Western Sahara Caucus. The bipartisan caucus, co-chaired by Representatives Joseph R. Pitts (PA-16) and Betty McCollum (MN-04), was formed with the intent of highlighting the needs for self-determination and human rights monitoring for Western Sahara.
Washington, D.C. – Representatives Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and Betty McCollum (D-MN) today introduced the Conservation Reform Act of 2013 to streamline existing U.S. resources for international conservation priorities. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate earlier this year by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tom Udall (D-NM).
Mr. Speaker, last week The Hill published a column entitled “Don’t force an irresponsible vote on Iran sanctions.” The column started with the following two sentences: “The House of Representatives is under pressure to vote on a new Iran sanctions bill, H.R. 850, before members leave town for August recess. Scheduling such a vote would be irresponsible and highly counterproductive to U.S. strategy on Iran.”