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Congresswoman Betty McCollum

Representing the 4th District of Minnesota

Native Americans

Native American Issues

The federal government has a unique treaty and trust relationship with our 567 sovereign tribal nations. As part of this relationship, the federal government has the responsibility to provide health, education and law enforcement, among other services, for American Indians and Native Alaskans. While significant progress has been made, the federal government still has work to do to fully meet its obligations to Native people.

I serve as the co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Native American Caucus and as Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. In both roles, I work closely with tribal leaders and Native communities to ensure adequate funding for the Indian Health Service, Indian Education, Indian School Construction and Native American Housing Block Grants. Federal investments in health, education, economic development programs, and housing are vital to making Native American families and communities stronger.

last updated: April 20, 2017

More on Native Americans

McCollum Opening Statement at FY2019 Appropriations Hearing with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke

April 11, 2018 Press Release
"Mr. Secretary, your task is to protect, preserve, and use resources wisely for the benefit of the American people today, and for future generations. Right now, I don’t feel you are meeting your mission."

Omnibus Gives Tribal Nations Access to the Crime Victims Fund

March 22, 2018 Press Release
The bipartisan fiscal year 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which the U.S. House passed today, includes a provision that for the first time provides direct access for tribal governments to the Crime Victims Fund (CVF).

McCollum Statement on Passage of FY2018 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

March 22, 2018 Press Release
“The Omnibus Appropriations Act is a significant victory for Minnesotans and Americans."

McCollum Floor Remarks Supporting FY2018 Omnibus Appropriations Act

March 22, 2018 Press Release
"By investing in critical priorities like education, election integrity, housing, infrastructure, public safety, opioid abuse prevention and treatment, and veterans’ health care, this legislation keeps Minnesota and our entire country safe, strong, and moving forward."

McCollum Fact Sheet: FY2018 Interior-Environment Appropriations

March 22, 2018 Press Release
Today, Congress passed a $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2018. The bill provides $35.25 billion for functions under the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.

Testimony From Minnesotans on Fiscal Year 2019 Budget and Appropriations Priorities

March 9, 2018 Page
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, heard testimony from Minnesota community and nonprofit leaders about their budget and appropriations priorities at a public meeting in the Minnesota State Senate Office Building on Friday, March 9, 2018.

McCollum Statement on Reckless Trump Cuts to Interior and Environment Budgets

February 12, 2018 Press Release
“President Trump’s budget is emblematic of his Polluters First agenda: a devastating 24 percent cut to the Environmental Protection Agency that will make it impossible for the Agency to fulfill its mission to protect human health and our environment."

McCollum Statement on Trump-Republican Government Shutdown

January 20, 2018 Press Release
“President Donald Trump and the Republicans have total control of Washington, but have consistently refused to work with Democrats to fund the federal government or address a long list of urgent national priorities. As we reach the one-year anniversary of the Trump presidency, tonight's government shutdown demonstrates the real consequences of the chaos emanating from an incompetent White House and of Congressional Republicans’ complete failure to govern."

McCollum Floor Remarks Opposing GOP's Fourth Reckless Short-Term Spending Bill

January 18, 2018 Press Release
“The federal government’s fiscal year started October 1st of last year. But instead of fulfilling their responsibility to fund our government, President Trump and Republicans spent months working to pass their tax scam. Now, because they didn’t do their jobs, Republicans are asking us to vote to kick the can down the road again. That is no way to run a government."

McCollum Statement on President Trump’s Attack on National Monuments

December 4, 2017 Press Release
“President Donald Trump has put Native American sacred sites and some of our nation’s most iconic places in the crosshairs of corporations who want to drill and mine on America’s public lands. Once again, President Trump is putting extractive industries before the best interests of the American people."

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