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JANUARY 17, 2025
Dear Fourth District Constituent,
On Monday, we celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his work for racial equality, voting rights, economic opportunity, and justice for all. Dr. King committed his life to the pursuit of the beloved community—a better, fairer, more prosperous future shared by all.
Martin Luther King, Jr. leads the march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights (1965).
As our nation continues to grapple with our original sin of slavery, the dark legacy of Jim Crow, and the systemic racism that still permeates our society, we must all reflect on how each of us can help advance his legacy. I will be in the Twin Cities on Monday to attend events celebrating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and I encourage you to find your own way to honor his legacy as well.
President Biden's Final Address to the Nation from the Oval Office
This week, President Biden addressed the nation as he prepares to leave office ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Trump on Monday. Over the past four years, President Biden and Vice President Harris have made tremendous progress on behalf of the American people. They guided our nation out of the coronavirus pandemic, steered the economy away from a recession, brought back American manufacturing, began the process of fixing our crumbling infrastructure, cut the cost of prescription drugs, repaired our alliances abroad, and restored a sense of pride among Americans. While I'm disappointed that Donald Trump is returning to office, I remain incredibly proud of the work we've accomplished with the Biden-Harris Administration over the past four years. Minnesota is better off thanks to the leadership of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
President Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office for the final time as President on Wednesday.
During his farewell address, President Biden warned of the creeping influence of big tech and ultra-wealthy Americans who seek to establish oligarchy in our nation. I share President Biden's concern. Already, Donald Trump is stacking his administration with billionaire loyalists who will do his bidding in the Treasury Department, Commerce Department, Small Business Administration, the Pentagon, NASA, and the US embassy to the UK, just to name a few. As I have my whole career, I will fight for working people — not giant corporations and the wealthy.
The Peaceful Transition of Power
While we celebrate the life of Dr. King on Monday, President-elect Trump will be inaugurated on the same day. Every four years, our nation's Capitol opens its doors to welcome the start of a new administration or return of a President to their second term. While I do not celebrate the return of Donald Trump to the White House, I do celebrate our nation's return to one of our greatest traditions: the peaceful transfer of power. This sacred tradition was interrupted by just one man, and we must never allow it to happen again. As President Biden often says: You cannot love your nation only when you win.
Ceasefire in Gaza
On Wednesday afternoon, the Biden Administration announced that the government of Israel and terrorist organization Hamas agreed to a six-week ceasefire deal. This deal will pause Israel's bombing campaign in Gaza and includes the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. As of Friday afternoon, the ceasefire deal has passed the Israeli security council and is set to go into effect this Sunday.
After fifteen months of bloodshed and heartbreak, Palestinians and Israelis can finally breathe a sigh of relief. As we celebrate this breakthrough, it is important that all parties involved in the negotiations continue working towards a lasting regional ceasefire to avert further hostilities. In the coming weeks the United States, our international partners, and the United Nations must work to surge humanitarian aide into Gaza.
My heart is with the families of the hostages who have waited far too long for their loved ones to return home, and the people of Palestine, who have suffered catastrophic civilian loss of life and will return to their communities to find only destruction. As we work toward achieving lasting peace in the region, Palestinians must have the right to self-determination in Gaza and the West Bank, and Israel must be guaranteed by its neighbors to live in peace without threats to their security.
Working for Minnesotans on the House Appropriations Committee
On Thursday, I announced that I will continue to serve on the powerful House Appropriations Committee during the 119th Congress. This will be my third term as the top Democrat on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
Congresswoman McCollum during a hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, a subcommittee she will serve on as Ranking Member (top Democrat) during the 119th Congress.
As the Ranking Member on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I’m committed to maintaining and advancing the security of our great nation that also drives innovation that puts Americans to work. I will also serve as the second-ranking Democrat on the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. I will prioritize investments in Indian Country and protecting our clean air and water, our wilderness and public lands, and our nation's natural treasures.
Passport Renewal
If you plan to travel internationally this year, remember to check your passport expiration date. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is not valid for six months past your travel date. Learn about your destination’s entry requirements and how to apply or renew your passport by visiting the Department of State website.
IRS Filing Opens January 27th
The IRS announced Jan 27 th as the start of the 2025 tax filing season. Free file is now open! Visit the IRS website to see if you are eligible for other free preparation and filing options.
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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