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As Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, Congresswoman Betty McCollum delivered the following opening statement as the House Appropriations Committee began the markup of the FY2017 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill:

I would like to thank the Chairman and his staff for their open and collaborative approach.

This subcommittee has a challenging portfolio of issues and I commend the Chairman’s efforts to find solutions in another difficult budget year.

On Tuesday, during his historic visit to the Capitol, Congresswoman Betty McCollum met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

"It was an honor to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama yesterday during his visit to Congress. His life and work, especially his call for good stewardship of our planet, is an inspiration to all of us.

I am proud to represent Minnesota's vibrant Tibetan American community in Congress, which made this meeting even more important and special for me."

The horrible, tragic Orlando massacre has once again resulted in scores of people killed and wounded by a terrorist with high-powered firearms. This time it was at an LGBT night club. But it has also been at a black church, a college campus, a community center, and an elementary school. Gun violence is also found every day on the streets of our cities, in homes in our suburbs, and in our small towns too. It is an epidemic that is ripping apart communities and killing thousands of Americans every year.

Following the early morning attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Congresswoman Betty McCollum released the following statement:

"The mass killing in Orlando early this morning is being called a 'terrorist incident' by law enforcement. With dozens of victims dead and scores wounded, it is clear that this attack is a vicious crime against innocent Americans, apparently targeting the LGBT community in particular.

Today, a bipartisan group of 18 House members – led by Representatives Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Trent Franks (R-AZ) – wrote to Speaker Paul Ryan urging him to prioritize religious freedom in India during his meeting tomorrow with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially in light of ongoing violence and harassment against religious minorities, including Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and Sikhs.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum today submitted an amendment to the Legislative Branch appropriations bill to prohibit funding for the Select Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and Commerce and end House Republicans’ witch hunt against health care providers — including Planned Parenthood — and scientific researchers.

For Muslims, the holy month of Ramadan is a special time of year marked by fasting, prayer, and family. It is a time for spiritual renewal with God and for reflection on the teachings of Islam.

As Minnesotans — and Americans — we are fortunate to have a diverse, successful, and strong Muslim community. American Muslims are accomplished business leaders, celebrated sports heroes, dedicated public servants, and brave members of our Armed Forces.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum visited Afton on Wednesday, June 1, to tour local businesses and meet with elected officials.

“I am proud to represent the people of Afton in Congress and I enjoyed visiting their hometown to help kick off the summer season,” Congresswoman McCollum said. “Afton is fortunate to have many unique local businesses, and it was a pleasure to tour several and meet their owners. I also appreciated the opportunity to meet with Mayor Bend, Council Member Palmquist, and City Administrator Moorse.”