Native Americans

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 Co-Chair Emeritus of the bipartisan Congressional Native American Caucus and as Chair 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.

More on Native Americans

McCollum Statement to Rules Committee Regarding H.R. 3354

September 6, 2017 Statements For the Record

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Ranking Member of the House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, testified before the House Rules Committee opposing the House Republican majority's closed process for the consideration of H.R. 3354, and particularly Division A, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018.

McCollum Leads Democrats Opposing House GOP’s Interior-Environment Appropriations Bill

July 18, 2017 Press Release

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Ranking Member of the House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, today led House Democrats opposing the fiscal year 2018 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill during the Appropriations Committee’s mark-up of the legislation. House Republicans advanced their bill on a 30-21 vote.

McCollum Opening Statement at Appropriations Committee Markup of FY2018 Interior-Environment Bill

July 18, 2017 Press Release

The activities funded under the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee keep our families safe from pollution, meet our commitments to Native Americans, conserve our natural resources, preserve our history, and foster the cultural life of our nation. These activities are critical, which is why I am deeply disappointed that the FY 2018 Chairman’s mark for this subcommittee proposes a cut of $824 million below the FY 2017 enacted level.This level is simply too low. It is a step backwards. A cut of this magnitude endangers our nation’s natural and cultural resources.

House Appropriations Committee Adopts McCollum-Cole Amendment on Tribal Justice Funding

July 13, 2017 Press Release

The House Appropriations Committee today adopted an amendment offered by Representatives Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) and Tom Cole (R-Okla.) that protects tribal nations across the country from a drastic cut to their criminal and civil justice funds.

McCollum Opening Statement at Subcommittee Markup of FY2018 Interior-Environment Appropriations Bill

July 12, 2017 Press Release

I am deeply disappointed that the FY 2018 Chairman’s mark for the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies subcommittee cuts funding by $824 million below the FY 2017 enacted level. This level is too low and is a step in the wrong direction. These cuts mean that the needs of many important programs vital to protecting our nation’s natural and cultural resources will not be met.

McCollum Leads Democrats at Interior Department Appropriations Hearing

June 8, 2017 Press Release

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) led Democrats opposing President Donald Trump's backwards budget at a House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee hearing with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.

McCollum Floor Remarks Supporting FY2017 Omnibus

May 3, 2017 Press Release

This final bipartisan agreement will protect our environment, meet our trust and treaty obligations to Native Americans, and safeguard our natural and cultural heritage. Sadly, the President’s 2018 budget would undo all this work, so we must stay vigilant.

McCollum Fact Sheet: FY2017 Interior-Environment Appropriations

May 1, 2017 Press Release

As lead Democrat on the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, my colleagues and I led the fight for our Democratic priorities in this critical bill. Because we stood strong for our values, this bill protects our environment, keeps our commitments to Native Americans, and safeguards our natural and cultural heritage.

McCollum Leads Bipartisan Letter Asking Trump To Exempt Programs for Native Americans From Hiring Freeze

February 8, 2017 Press Release

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus, led a bipartisan group of House members writing to President Donald Trump on Wednesday urging him to exempt the Indian Health Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other agencies that serve the needs of Native communities from his federal hiring freeze.

McCollum To Serve As Ranking Member of Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee for the 115th Congress

February 1, 2017 Press Release

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) was today approved by the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee to serve a second term as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies.