Congresswoman Betty McCollum's eNewsletter
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Tuesday, January 24 -- State of the Union
Next Tuesday night President Obama will deliver the annual State of the Union address to Congress and the American people. Congresswoman McCollum will be attending the speech and urges the president to challenge the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to end their ideological battles and find real solutions that will put America back to work. It is time for this "do nothing" Congress to get to work passing key legislation, like the American Jobs Act, that can put Americans back to work.
Congresswoman McCollum Adamantly Opposes the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
This week, Congresswoman McCollum joined the hundreds of constituents in strongly opposing the Stop Online Piracy Act (H.R. 3261) and its Senate counterpart the PROTECT IP Act (S. 968). H.R. 3261 attempts cracks down on Internet piracy, but the bill goes too far by mandating the U.S. Department of Justice to take legal action against websites that allegedly contain copyrighted content.
"I oppose SOPA because it threatens personal privacy, imposes unnecessary costs on Internet providers, and undermines open access to information on the web," said Congresswoman McCollum.
Energy Roundtable in St. Paul Aims to Boost Minnesota's Clean Energy Economy
The Pew Charitable Trusts and Congresswoman McCollum hosted a roundtable with Minnesota clean energy business leaders. Throughout her time in Congress, Congresswoman McCollum has worked to expand a clean energy economy in Minnesota, which will reduce dependence on foreign oil and create jobs.
"Supporting job growth and innovation in Minnesota's clean energy sector is a top priority for me," said Congresswoman McCollum. "Today's dialogue is an opportunity for leaders in business, government and the research community to increase our collaboration on a strategy to win the global clean energy race. Together, we can build a new energy economy in Minnesota that creates jobs, improves the environment and increases our energy independence."
McCollum Visits United Nations, Meets with U.N. Secretary General
Continuing her fight for rights of women everywhere, Congresswoman McCollum attended meetings at the United Nations in New York this week. While at U.N. Headquarters she met with U.N. officials, including Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. She discussed the importance of fighting global hunger around the world, eliminating child marriage, women's health, and her recent trip to Bangladesh.
"Forcing young girls into marriage only robs them of their health, education, well-being, and most importantly their childhood," said Congresswoman McCollum. "This barbaric practice must end permanently."
Saturday, March 10 is Passport Day
The State Department will acknowledge Saturday, March 10 as Passport Day. All Minnesotans are encouraged to stop by the Minneapolis Passport Agency so they can learn more about travel requirements for U.S. citizens or apply for a U.S. passport. No appointment is necessary. This is the only Saturday of the year that Minneapolis Passport Agency is open to the public.
Book March Capitol Tours
Minnesotans traveling to Washington, DC next month are encouraged to book their tours as soon as possible. Congresswoman McCollum's office accepts requests for tours of various landmarks in Washington, DC. Spring is an especially busy season so please book now!