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NOVEMBER 14, 2025
Dear Fourth District Constituent,
Donald Trump and Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House. For 43 days, they chose to shut down government and refused to extend tax credits that help millions of Americans afford their health care. During the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, Trump chose to use hunger as a weapon against the American people by illegally withholding SNAP food assistance from 42 million Americans. I strongly opposed the Republican bill that was passed to re-open the government this week, because it does nothing to address the health care and hunger crises created by Republicans. It is a bad deal for Americans. In fact, the Republican bill cuts $15 billion more from SNAP, and fails to include any guardrails to prevent the Trump Administration from continuing their illegal and unconstitutional misuse of congressionally appropriated funds. Click below to hear my comments from the House floor on Wednesday’s debate:
Congresswoman McCollum delivered remarks on the House floor on Wednesday in opposition to Republicans' short-term government funding bill.
After Speaker Mike Johnson refused to negotiate a bipartisan solution – going as far as shutting down the House of Representatives for 54 days -- there is no reason to believe that House Republicans will now take action to reduce health care costs for the American people. He has said himself that he will not hold a vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits. The Republican failure to extend these tax credits will force millions of Americans to choose between feeding their families or taking their sick child to the doctor.
What I want is for Minnesotans and all Americans to have an open and transparent government that works for them, have access to quality affordable health care, be able to have enough money for their groceries, and to live in welcoming communities. It is unfortunate that President Trump and my Republican colleagues do not share those priorities.
Speaking to KARE-11 TV About Republicans’ Refusal to Extend Affordable Care Act Tax Credits
On Monday, I spoke to Danny Spewak of KARE-11 TV after Senate Republicans announced their temporary funding bill. Watch my full interview below:
Congresswoman McCollum was interview by Danny Spewak on KARE 11 to discuss Senate Republicans' government funding bill.
Hosting a Virtual Update on the Trump-Republican Shutdown and Health Care Crisis
On Thursday, I hosted a virtual town hall to discuss the end to the record-breaking Trump-Republican government shutdown and health care crisis. Thank you to the hundreds of constituents who sent in questions and joined the live stream. I discussed how we ended up here, with a government funded for only three months and the Republican health care crisis. You can watch the live stream here:
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Congresswoman McCollum talks to a constituent at a No Kings Rally. Click for video.
Long-Delayed Swearing-in of Representative Grijalva Advances Democratic Efforts to Force Release of Epstein Files
I'm thrilled to welcome my newest colleague to the House of Representatives, Adelita Grijalva
— but it shouldn't have taken 50 days for Speaker Johnson to seat a duly-elected Member of Congress. The people of Arizona have spoken, and now they finally have their voice in Congress.
Why did this take so long? It’s because Speaker Johnson knew that Rep. Grijalva would become the 218th person to sign a discharge petition, which forces Republicans to vote on the release of the Epstein files. What are Republicans covering up, and for who? We cannot have one set of laws for the American people and a different set of rules for the rich and famous, even if those people are President Trump and his millionaire and billionaire friends. Those who were engaged in Jeffrey Epstein’s disgusting crimes must be held accountable for their actions.
Congresswoman McCollum (right) and newly sworn in Congresswoman Grijalva (left).
MINNESOTA UPDATE
Attending Veterans Day Events in Minnesota
On Tuesday, I joined the Stillwater Veterans Memorial’s 21st Annual Veterans Day Ceremony, an inspiring event that celebrates St. Croix Valley area veterans from every branch of the military. The program featured patriotic music, the dedication of new memorial pavers, and a student essay reading titled “What Veterans Day Means to Me.” The Croix Chordsmen provided a stirring musical tribute throughout the ceremony.
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Large crowd gathered for Veterans Day at the Stillwater Veterans Memorial.
As we express our gratitude, we must also renew our commitment to supporting veterans and their families, especially by expanding employment opportunities for those transitioning to civilian life. I was honored to also visit PAR Systems in Shoreview for their Veterans Day celebration. A national leader in advanced manufacturing, PAR Systems stands out for its dedication to hiring veterans and recognizing the unique skills they bring from their military service. This commitment is a win-win for our communities, for Minnesota, and for our nation.
Meeting with Minnesota's Future Diplomats
This morning, I had the pleasure of meeting with Saint Paul’s Highland Park Senior High Model UN delegation and their teacher, Ms. Kari Rise, along with hundreds of other student delegates from across the metro area at the UNA-MN Model United Nations conference at Macalester College. Through Model UN, students gain a deeper understanding of global issues such as world health, famine and food insecurity, geopolitical developments, and economic growth. My thanks to Ms. Rise for the invitation and to these impressive young leaders for their thoughtful engagement in global affairs!
Congresswoman McCollum with students from Highland Park Senior High participating in Model UN.
Meeting with Ukrainian Families
This week, my office was visited by Ukrainian families settled across Minnesota and their advocates to discuss the ongoing war and difficulties faced with their TPS and Re-Parole Status. My staff led by Chief of Staff Josh Straka, District Director Katie Connolly, and Senior Aide Chao Lee met in the District Office in Saint Paul to discuss casework and ongoing related issues. If you are experiencing difficulty with a federal agency reach out to my office here.
Congresswoman McCollum’s staff with Ukrainian families and advocates.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Be Aware of Social Security Scams
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the Social Security Administration (SSA) is warning people to beware of email with the subject line: “Alert: Social Security Account Issues Detected,” with and attachment tiled: “SUSPENSION OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER DUE TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.”. This is a phishing scam. Do not call or open any links. Contact your local Social Security office to confirm. To file a scam report and learn more from SSA here.
Medicare and MNsure Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment is underway through December 7th, 2025. Plans change, as do health needs, so it is important for Medicare beneficiaries to compare their 2026 plan options. Visit Medicare.gov, call Minnesota Aging Pathways (formerly the Senior LinkAge Line) at 1-800-333-2433, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for free assistance.
Open enrollment through MNsure began November 1st and runs through January 15th, 2026. For coverage starting January 1, 2026, enroll by December 15th. Visit mnsure.org or call 651-539-2099 or 855-366-7873 to shop and compare health insurance plans for next year. As you sign up for a plan, prepare for sticker shock due to major cost increases caused by the Big Ugly Law. Look at plan options early so you can make the right decision for your health care needs. MNsure also provides free assistance and enrollment events across the state for anyone in need.
Apply for an Internship in My Office
An internship in my office provides young people with valuable experience as they prepare for their professional careers. Interns have the opportunity to work with and assist all members of the staff, including legislative, administrative, outreach, and communications duties. Internships are available in both the Washington D.C. and Saint Paul offices.
Applicants should be highly motivated and enthusiastic, as there are far more applicants than available positions. Minnesota ties are strongly preferred and should be noted in the first paragraph of your cover letter. Interns are paid a stipend. In addition, my office is happy to work with your college or university to arrange for course credit. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and available hours. Students interested in a Washington, D.C. internship should email [email protected]. For Saint Paul internships, please email [email protected]. Please NOTE: the deadline to apply for the Spring 2026 Internship is November 15, 2025 at Midnight.
Visiting Washington, DC? Here's What's Still Open (Harry Update)
The White House visitors office announced they will offer White House holiday tours. If you will be in Washington, DC for the holidays and would like to request one of these tours, please fill out this form here. Tours are available on an extremely limited basis.
All other tours are back to their regular schedule, and can be requested with the link above. My office is always happy to welcome constituents and give them tours of the Capitol.
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Thank you to everyone who's shared their health care story with me. If you are impacted by Republicans' cuts to health care or nutrition assistance, I want to hear about it. Please contact my office directly at (651) 224-9191 or click here to share your story.
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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