Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representatives Betty McCollum and Keith Ellison, today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded a grant of $1,100,550 to Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company to improve rail safety. The funds will be used to implement and test Positive Train Control systems.

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.”

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) called today for Speaker Paul Ryan and House Republican leaders to bring Congress back from recess to approve a bipartisan, Senate-passed Zika response bill that will help keep American families safe amid this public health emergency. The need for urgent action was underscored this week by reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Defense about the spread of the Zika virus in the United States and among American servicemembers.

WASHINGTON, DC –Following efforts from the Minnesota congressional delegation, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced it will grant nonstop service between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), the Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement after the House approved the FY2017 Interior-Environment appropriations bill on a 231-196 vote:

“I led Democrats opposing the Interior-Environment appropriations bill today because it fails to meet some of Congress’ most basic responsibilities: protecting the public health and safety of the American people and preserving our environment for future generations.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement ahead of Philando Castile’s funeral today. Congresswoman McCollum is unable to attend the funeral due to her responsibilities managing the FY2017 Interior-Environment appropriations bill on the House floor today.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) today applauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to award $200,000 in federal funds to the St. Paul Port Authority for brownfield restoration.

The EPA grant will help address lead and petroleum contamination on the 9.9-acre former streetcar and maintenance facility that is being transformed into the new home of Minnesota United FC. It is part of a national program of EPA grants for cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield sites.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) delivered the following remarks as general debate began on the FY2017 Interior-Environment appropriations bill:

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I would like to thank Chairman Calvert for the warm birthday wishes, and the Chairman and his staff for their open and collaborative approach. I would also like to thank the wonderful staff on the Democratic side who will be helping me this evening.