Congresswoman Betty McCollum Sworn in for 119th Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Dean of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation and Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after being sworn in to represent Minnesota’s Fourth District in the United States House of Representatives for the 119th Congress:

“It is a great honor to be sworn in today to continue serving the working families of Minnesota’s Fourth District during the 119th Congress. I’m grateful to residents of the East Metro for entrusting me to represent our shared values in Washington, and I look forward to getting to work delivering for the residents of our communities.

“My vote and my values remain focused on governing responsibly, defending our democracy, and protecting our rights and freedoms. While Donald Trump and Republicans will have full control of the federal government, I continue to seek opportunities to work across the aisle when possible and to push back against Republican extremism when necessary.

“Just as I have throughout my career in public service, I will put the interests of the North Star State first – because our communities deserve strong leadership rooted in the values we share as Minnesotans.”

Congresswoman McCollum noted that Democrats are focused on the priorities of American families while Republican infighting that engulfed the House of Representatives during the past two years again erupted in another fractious House Speaker election.
“It is unfortunate that the Republican chaos of the 118th Congress has carried into the 119th Congress. While Republicans were again forced to negotiate backroom deals between themselves to elect a Speaker, House Democrats are united and ready to get to work now to lower prices, reduce healthcare costs, improve housing affordability, and deliver economic relief to hardworking Americans.”