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SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
Dear Fourth District Constituent,
The federal government will shut down in just four days unless Republicans in Congress work with Democrats to pass funding legislation that keeps the government open. Meanwhile, Americans are facing a health care crisis created by President Trump and Congressional Republicans. Republicans cut Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act by nearly a trillion dollars in H.R. 1, their Big Ugly Law, and failed to extend tax credits that 12,000 East Metro residents rely on to access affordable health care. But President Trump and Republicans won't even meet with Democrats to discuss a bipartisan plan to keep the government open and address this crisis. In fact, under orders from Trump, Republicans left town last week after passing their partisan government funding bill, which failed in the Senate. Democrats continue to advocate for a common-sense way forward that protects health care, limits costs, and keeps the government open for Americans. Now, President Trump is using federal employees as political pawns, threatening to illegally fire public servants with absolutely no justification. In response to this threat, I've joined my Congressional Democratic colleagues in co-sponsoring the Securing Assurance for Federal Employees (SAFE) Act, which would prohibit laying off federal employees during a shutdown. Next week, I will return to Washington, ready to negotiate a bipartisan government funding bill that protects health care access and restores tax credits that reduce healthcare costs, despite the fact that House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled the votes on Monday and Tuesday that could prevent a shutdown. I strongly urge Republicans to reconsider their refusal to come to the negotiating table with Democrats and work on passing a bill that serves the needs of all Americans.
Playwrights' Center Grand Opening in Saint Paul
Last Saturday, I attended the grand opening of the new home of the Playwrights' Center in Saint Paul. For over fifty years, the Playwrights' Center has provided a space for artists to learn, express, perform, and grow. This new home will not only serve as an investment in the potential of our artists but also serves to highlight the importance of arts and creativity during challenging times. I also want to thank State Rep. Kaohly Her and State Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega for their partnership in securing state funding that was leveraged with $4 million in federal funds I secured to support of the Playwrights' Center.
From left to right: State Representative Kaohly Her, Playwrights’ Center Executive Director Robert Chelimsky, Congresswoman McCollum, Kevin Filter (Dual Citizen Brewing Company), Bill Sands, Producing Artistic Director Nicole A. Watson, Ramsey County Commissioner Garrison McMurtrey, St. Paul Council Member Molly Coleman.
Mississippi Park Connection Big River Journey Day
On Monday, I had the pleasure of joining Mississippi Park Connection’s Big River Journey day with fourth grade students of Mahtomedi's O.H. Anderson Elementary School. The Mississippi River holds a special place in my heart and I was truly grateful for the opportunity to help spark curiosity in young minds, not only about the river’s natural beauty and rich history, but also about the important responsibility we all share in protecting it for the future.
Congresswoman McCollum addresses students during a visit to the Mississippi River.
MISCO Speakers Are Made in the USA… Right Here in Saint Paul!
On Tuesday, I visited the headquarters of MISCO Speakers in Saint Paul, which has been producing loudspeakers right here in Minnesota for over 75 years. The company is an industry leader in designing, testing, and manufacturing loudspeakers for virtually any application. If you have ever driven through a fast-food drive-thru, traveled by plane, train or bus, or even floated around the International Space Station, you’ve experienced MISCO’s loudspeakers. CEO Dan Digre provided a tour of his facility and spoke about his commitment to American manufacturing as we toured the facility. But he also made clear: Under President Trump's reckless tariff policies, manufacturing and exporting from the U.S. is becoming unsustainable. These tariffs are already driving up the cost of groceries, clothing, health care, and energy — costing an extra $2,040 each year for more than 280,000 families in Minnesota's 4th District. They’re also a threat to good U.S. manufacturing jobs.
Congresswoman McCollum tours MISCO’s factory floor with CEO Dan Digre and COO David Wilson
Meeting with Residents at Marvella Senior Living at the Highland Ridge
On Tuesday afternoon, I joined residents at Marvella Senior Living in Saint Paul for a town hall conversation about the devastating impact of Trump’s Big Ugly Law. It’s stripping health care from millions, driving up costs, and forcing hospitals to shut their doors. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid aren’t just programs, they’re promises. Promises to our seniors, our families, and the most vulnerable among us that in America, people who work hard and play by the rules can retire with dignity and security. You have my full commitment: I will keep fighting to protect these vital programs. I'll always stand with Minnesota’s seniors — and I'll never back down to Donald Trump.
Congresswoman McCollum addresses residents of Marvella Senior Living at Highland Bridge during a town hall.
Hearing From Minnesota Advocates, Legislators, and Health Care Leaders About the Impact of President Trump’s and Congressional Republicans’ Health Policies
On Wednesday, I hosted a listening session with Minnesota advocates, legislators, and health care leaders at the State Capitol to collect testimony about the harmful impacts of President Trump's and Congressional Republicans' policies. During the listening session, we heard how recent policy changes made in H.R. 1, the Republicans’ Big Ugly Law will put 20,000 residents of the East Metro at risk of losing their health care, and will spike health insurance costs for everyone. Click here to watch the full listening session on YouTube.
Congresswoman McCollum (left), disability rights advocate Justin Smith (center), and State Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger.
I'm grateful to all of our distinguished panelists for joining this listening session and for providing testimony to keep Minnesotans informed: State Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, Health Finance and Policy Committee Member; Dr. Lisa Mattson, President-Elect of the Minnesota Medical Association; Bob Hume, Vice President of Policy and Communications for the Minnesota Hospital Association; Jonathan Watson, CEO of the Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers; John Connolly, State Medicaid Director from the Minnesota Department of Human Services; Libby Caulum, CEO of MNsure; Justin Smith, Disability Rights Advocate; and Joseph Steiger, Registered Nurse and member of the Minnesota Nurses Association.
University of Minnesota Launches National Security Research Institute
On Thursday, I joined the University of Minnesota and partners from academia and the private sector to celebrate the launch of the University's National Security Research Institute. This Institute will work to build partnerships with the private and public sectors to advance research and develop technologies that are critical to our national security – like advanced microelectronic manufacturing, cyber security solutions, and biotechnology. And much of the technology that the Institute will help develop will be dual use. That means it will have a benefit to both our national security, our economic security, and to Americans in their everyday lives. For example, advances in battlefield medicine are being made that will incorporate telemedicine with Artificial Intelligence. That is going to be critical to saving the lives of service members in the event of a conflict, but that technology will also help deliver medical care to Americans in rural parts of our state and nation. The Institute will also be critical to workforce development initiatives in the Twin Cities, helping to educate young Americans to do the national security jobs of today and tomorrow.
Niron Magnetics Breaks Ground on a Full-Scale Production Facility
On Friday, I attended the groundbreaking of Niron Magnetics’ full-scale production facility in Sartell, Minnesota. Niron Magnetics began as an innovative technology developed at the University of Minnesota. The company developed the first permanent magnets without rare earth minerals by leveraging funding support from Congress, the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, the State of Minnesota, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and many private partners. Permanent magnets are essential components of so many products that we use in our daily lives – including cell phones, laptops, and cars.
Congresswoman McCollum (center-left) and Governor Walz (center-right) join Niron officials in breaking ground at their new facility in Sartell, Minnesota.
Securing the supply chain of magnets here in the United States is incredibly important to our economic security, national security, and protecting our environment from dirty rare earth mining. Niron's ability to develop and manufacture permanent magnets free from rare earth elements is a major breakthrough that will create a more sustainable magnet supply chain right sourced here in Minnesota.
Forest Service International Programs Benefit Minnesota’s State Butterfly
For more than two decades, I have worked closely with the U.S. Forest Service Office of International Programs and Trade (IPT) to promote healthy and sustainable forest management around the world. IPT partners with numerous organizations, including Saint Paul-based Monarch Joint Venture, which has received more than $7.5 million in IPT funding to conserve Monarch butterflies and other pollinator habitats in the U.S. and abroad. I was honored to receive their Global Impact Award this week for my support in Congress to fund the important work IPT does here in the U.S. and in more than 90 countries. From preventing illegal logging and wildlife trafficking to promoting sustainable community development that benefits from conservation, it’s a privilege to support this work in the halls of Congress and to witness the impacts first hand around the world.
Introducing the Peace Corps Congressional Gold Medal Act
This week I introduced the Peace Corps Gold Medal Act (H.R. 5521), coinciding with the 64th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy signing of the Peace Corps Act. This bipartisan legislation, which is co-led by Congressman John H. Rutherford (R-FL), would bestow the highest civilian award given by the United States Congress to over 250,000 Americans who’ve volunteered for the Peace Corps since its inception. Peace Corps volunteers have proudly represented every corner of the United States in service to our national interests and global development. It is because of the stellar work and diplomatic excellence of Peace Corps volunteers that I have a proud legacy of hiring returned Peace Corps volunteers to serve the people of Minnesota's Fourth District. At a time when America's soft power is under question by our allies and adversaries alike, it is critical that we publicly honor the extraordinary contributions of our peace corps volunteers.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Stay Alert: More Weekend Road Construction Closures Coming for I-94 and I-35E
To the surprise of nobody, I-94 and I-35E construction is still slowing us down! MnDOT announced the following road construction will take place from 10 P.M. Friday, September 26 through 5 A.M. Monday, September 29:
- Westbound I-94 is closed between I-35E and John Ireland Blvd.
Detour: Northbound I-35E to westbound Hwy 36 to Hwy 280
- Southbound I-35E is closed between University Ave. and 10th St.
Detour: Eastbound I-94 to southbound Hwy 52 to westbound I-49.
For more information on highway closures, visit the MnDOT website.
Minnesota Department of Health Recommends Everyone 6 Months & Older get COVID Vaccine if They Choose
As we near the end of September, now is a good time to stay up to date on your vaccines to prevent respiratory viruses this fall and winter. This week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) endorsed COVID 2025-2026 vaccination recommendations from several national medical associations: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). More information about the recommendations can be found at COVID-19 Vaccine Access for Minnesotans.
The 2025-26 COVID vaccines are beginning to arrive at clinics and pharmacies across Minnesota, with supply expected to increase over the coming weeks. For those interested in getting COVID vaccines, MDH recommends:
- Calling your clinic or pharmacy to confirm vaccine availability, especially for children as pediatric vaccine may take longer to arrive at clinics. Pharmacists can vaccinate children age 3 years and older.
- Calling your insurance provider if you have questions about coverage.
- Minnesota operates two programs that provide certain vaccines at low or no cost to children and adults who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover the cost of vaccines. Learn more at Free or Low-Cost Shots for Children and Vaccination Clinics Serving Uninsured and Underinsured Adults.
- Asking your health care provider about other vaccines you or your family may need, such as flu or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccines. COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines.
My Washington, D.C. Office is Always Open to You and Your Family
If you are planning a trip out to our Nation's Capitol, remember you can request tours through my office. My staff can lead you on a tour of the U.S. Capitol, you can sign up for a self-guided tour of the Library of Congress, and you can request a lecture in the Supreme Court Chamber. Read more about tours here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: White House tours have been canceled indefinitely because President Trump wants to begin construction on his new $200 million ballroom as soon as possible.
Service Academy Nominations
My office is now accepting applications for nominations to the U.S. Service Academies for the Class of 2030. Students interested in attending West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, or the Merchant Marine Academy must receive a congressional nomination to be considered. The deadline to submit a completed application packet is Monday, November 3, 2025. Students are encouraged to apply early and to also seek nominations from both U.S. Senators from Minnesota. Learn more and access the application here.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge
You still have the chance to enter and submit an app to the 2025 Congressional App Challenge! Middle and high school students in the Fourth District with an interest for coding are encouraged to create and submit an app to solve a problem, or provide education or entertainment. Learn more about the rules and important deadlines here.
Thank You
Thank you to the hundreds of new subscribers to my weekly newsletter! This update is designed to provide timely information about my work in Washington and Minnesota, and to provide resources that can be helpful to you. As always, please stay in touch: Voice your policy opinion, ask for help with a federal agency, or find all of my recent statements at mccollum.house.gov.
Sincerely,
Betty McCollum
Member of Congress
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